Nine West Shoes

It seems like designers everywhere are teaming with retailers to create budget-friendly, fashion-forward designs, from Target’s Go International Collection to H&M’s collaborations with, among a long line of other designers, Lanvin and Sonia Rykiel. And Nine West has jumped on the bandwagon too, with its Shoelaborations™ series, which features collaborations with emerging designers for original collections.

The first of these designers is French-born, New York-based Sophie Theallet. Her collection, featured above, features feminine details and design influence from France and America. You’ll find fun platform espadrille heels with bows and buckles, lovely striped fabrics in pink and brown, and smart structured straw bags, very appropriate for spring and summer. At $99, the Tinna heel espadrille sandal is definitely a steal.

British designer Giles Deacon was chosen for the fall 2011 collection to mix Nine West shoes up a bit – in opposition to Theallet’s sweet and girly predilections, Nine West creative director Fred Allard described Giles’s aesthetic “futuristic, modern and exciting.”

A live unveiling of the collection was hosted earlier this week at exclusive New York club Le Bain at the Standard, according to Fashionista.com. The line – which includes, shoes, bags and jewelry – centers on Deacon’s own Monsters Inc -cute character “Eek,” whose image you can find in the designer’s main line. The designer keeps on-trend with buckled ankle boots and wide-strapped platform wedges, and salmon and blue brighten up the predominantly black collection of heels, flats and totes.

Theallet’s French-inspired shoes are available for pre-order already, and keep your eyes peeled this fall for Deacon’s collection.

-Kim

Summer is just about to start and that means it’s time to bring out the summer shoes! Lightweight and airy, these shoes shout fun and are great to bring a bit of color and flair into your daily wardrobe. Whether you’re a guy or gal, finding a great pair of summer shoes is essential for the well-dressed individual. Here are a few ideas to bring your summer wardrobe up another level.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a soft shoe with a canvas upper and a sole made of rope or soft rubber. These are one of the most comfortable shoes to wear on hot summer days, and are great for places like the beach. Get a pair in a pattern or bright color to bring out your summer style.

Wedges

This one is for the ladies, unless you guys like wedges too… in which case, whatever. Wedges are a little like a combination of high heels and espadrilles. They have a tall heel which is made of reinforced straw, which gives it a chunkier look than a typical heel. It is more casual, while still emphasizing the legs, so it can be another great choice for a woman who wants to try off a smart casual outfit. Nine West shoes have a great selection of wedges at good prices.

Plimsolls

A white canvas plimsoll is the classic summer shoe. These lightweight shoes are great for everyday use, and are popular everywhere, as an all-purpose casual shoe. If white isn’t your style, try other bright colors like red or blue.

Sandals

Sandals are always a classic option when it comes to summer shoes. These open-toed alternatives come in a variety of styles and materials, which makes the possible selections broad. Many prefer leather or canvas, due to their lightweight breathability, although synthetic materials are also used often.

Flip-flops

Flip-flops are great shoes for being on the beach or simply shuffling around the house. Although it may be tempting, don’t skimp when you pick up a pair of flip-flops. Get them in leather in order to ensure they don’t fall apart after a few months. Leather also has the bonus of being easy to clean and being breathable to help keep your feet cool.