Alright, I love hats, and as far as beach hats go, this is my favorite! I love this picture because I found this hat in Westhampton and this was on sale and well it just seemed to get me all happy! It was a great find! Great sun protection and it feels great on. With summer approaching quickly and an urge to lay in the sand and listen to the waves, I just happened to spot these beautiful J Renee Sandals yesterday and thought it would be nice to share along with some pieces summer white pieces I have been lusting over.
I have recently become inspired by a shoe designer in Spain by the name of Francis Moleon. He not only holds years of experience in shoe design but is extremely passionate and dedicated to his craft. While having led the design department for various international companies including Kenzo Paris, he has now decided to take on the endeavor of presenting his first collection of shoes as well as handbags as creative director of his own brand.
After seeing glimpses of his production process and previews of various designs to be included in his first collection, I decided to ask him a few questions to gain insight into his history as a designer and cultural influences which have been significant in his journey as a shoe maker and designer. I will soon follow this interview up with a personal review featuring my favorite designs.
Fedoras might ignite nostalgia of men with charisma and confidence to the likes of handsome Humphrey Boghart wearing Borsalino in Casablanca or even Mad Men's Don Draper circa 1965, but the term fedora actually came to recognition when worn by the female character of Princess Fedora in an 1882 play written by Victorien Sordou. A reminder of how trends evolve from one decade to the next and films can influence or represent those changes in cultural style. With fedoras, as opposed to other hats, I feel women can wear the same styles as men to add that element of character when we choose.
Whether worn as a statement piece with a lace dress or denim and a blazer with a white T-Shirt, a fedora can be alluring and playful while still elegant. Personally it makes me feel a little more adventurous and free spirited.
Above I am wearing a Christysburgundy fedora with a Gerard Darrel blouse. I like the way this style is slightly different from the more classic Stetson. A modern version of the fedora in luscious burgundy. Further below is the vintage black felt Stetson which I have shown before paired with my favorite DVF lace dressand Claudia Ciuti pumps.
Shoes might be a woman's weakness but hats and most particularly fedoras can become one of your most coveted accessories. I will say though that while it it can be tempting to have fedoras in various fabrics and colors for winter or summer, you really do not need too many. A classic black felt fedora will withstand generations if cared for. Wearing fedoras seems to put a smile on my face and open up the conversation.
Not wearing white shoes before Memorial Day Weekend or after Labor Day is very much in the past. (I can not help but think of Kathleen Turner's reaction to white shoes in "Serial Mom"! She found those white shoes to be quite offensive) Well, that was just a movie and rules are meant to be broken!
While there is an element of confidence needed and wearing white might seem a bit bold, it provides a bright element while a still somewhat a softer touch than wearing red or royal blue. Maybe wearing white in Spring or whenever we choose is a modern trend, but it is a classic neutral that can be worn all year round if done well. I honestly think it is a great choice to wear with a pair of dark skinny jeans and a black blazer or that LBD and a vintage white clutch.
There are many designers that are including more than a few white shoes in their collections this spring from Saint Laurent to Prada and Gianvito Rossi. One of my favorite selections for spring, are those by Jean Michel Cazabat. The Calypso heel above is not only flattering and feminine but comfortable in soft leather. (I have a wider foot, and these fit well!) I do feel these are best for late Spring into summer but they make you anticipate warmer days and nights. Sexy but subtle and versatile.
The Jean Michel Cazabat Eternity zip pumps below are a little bit edgier with gold zipper hardware but still crisp and incredibly chic. These certainly parlay his love rock n roll sense. This is a fabulous way to wear a white pump from spring to summer to add a more adventurous element to your wardrobe. I put these heels on and was glowing! One of those euphoric shoe moments.
The recent resurgence of the pointy toe pump, whether a moderate 2 inch heel or higher represents a return to the power heel and femininity with a bold sophistication. I look forward to wearing white soles soon and hope you are inspired to experiment with the while sole that suits you as well!
I must say these Valentino pumps are surely on my wish list. I saw these before Christmas and have not been able to stop thinking of them. I did not capture a photo of the gold heel but the ivory leather is a timeless and classic alternative to a bright white shoe that will pair well with almost anything.
I was delighted to attend designer, Ivy Kirzhner's AW13 footwear presentation at the AFA Gallery last week. It was a pleasure to meet Ivy as she radiated a positive energy and was glad to answer any questions about materials and her design process.
Ivy Kirzhner's second collection inspired by the Wild Wild West with a "deco western theme" displayed her artistic designs with an exotic and bold feel whilst glamorous aesthetic. Inspired by her eclectic view and influences from around the world, her shoes seem to take you on an adventure. With hand-beaded artwork to laser engineered print effects and architectural designs using 18K gold plated hardware, she is not afraid to take chances and knows how to combine materials to create shoes that allude to a story or remind you of an environment from the far east to the deserts of the south! While i believe all shoes constructed with attention to detail and an appreciation for quality are works of art, her shoes are unique inspirational pieces setting forth a different perspective on shoes that can be worn on the modern woman with various personalities and approaches to style.
Below is a selection of photos of her shoes I captured that evening. These also contain shoes from her SS13 collection.
I embarked on an experiment of sorts and captured some fabulous soles spotted on other enthusiastic fashion lovers at Lincoln Center this past Monday. While we all have our own style, Fashion Week surely provides an atmosphere for everyone to exhibit their chosen style of the moment and unique approach to fashion often by means of bold colors or accessories that make them stand out from the crowd.
I must say that everyone was excited to show off their attire and a delight to speak with. Whether wearing vibrant neon pumps, or handsome monk straps to fierce OTK black boots, each photo represented individuals who simply caught my attention with a positive energy. Also, I think they all looked fabulous in their shoes and wore them with pride!
