shopbop shoptalk

Extreme Kicks: Fall’s Best Shoes

Alexander Wang Anya Choked Pumps, Donna Karan Flex Wood Bottom Sandals, Dolce Vita Marley Booties, 7 For All Mankind Parker Quilted Moto Booties, Report Signature Dante Ruffle Zipper Sandals, Elizabeth and James Valley Soft Cuff Booties.

The buzz surrounding spring shoes has been focused on footwear’s comfortable duo, kitten heels (here) and clogs (here), but looking at the others that marched down the runways, we have not yet seen the end of the extreme heel. (See Pipeline’s rundown, or just click through the Alexander McQueen runway shots. Wowza.)

From Modern Vintage to Juicy Couture, brands continue to pile on the drama, a sensation that has us casting podiatric warnings aside year after year and embracing heels that help us tower a little (or a lot) taller than what nature gave us. This fall, footwear takes on sculptural heights, with works of art that have the ability to elevate (both literally and figuratively) any outfit into avant-garde brilliance.

Take Donna Karan’s wooden-platform sandals. With tights and a long-sleeve mini-dress, the look is extremely haute. Pair 7 For All Mankind’s moto booties with tie-dye jeans and a slouchy tee, or Elizabeth and James’s slouchy booties with leather leggings and an oversized button-down, and you’ve got city cool with an edge.

So embrace those Report Signature thigh-high boots, those Balmain boots with the obsession-worthy zippers, those Alexander Wang choked pumps. After all, what is footwear if it can’t be fabulous?

--Amie
Shopbop

Currently Obsessing Over Blue Suede Shoes

Take a little stroll through our shoes, and among the brown, black, and grey boots and pumps in luxe leather and supple suede, you’ll find a few colorful offerings in purple, red, and, my current obsession, blue. I started a love affair with navy last fall when I picked up a pair of Moschino Cheap and Chic dark blue choked kiltie pumps, a liking that transitioned to navy dresses and tees, and this season, came full circle, though in a slightly softer rendition.

Specifically, I’m drawn to blue suede—not the Elvis variety, but these styles have me thinking The King was onto something. From Marc by Marc Jacobs ankle boots to the Sergio Rossi classic pumps (pictured) I’ve been flirting with for weeks, blue shoes add a new dimension to my always neutral wardrobe. Paired with a black dress and textured tights, they’re arty cool, and with my cardi-tee-jeans uniform, they’re intrigue in a sea of ordinary.

If my closet could take the influx of footwear, I’d add these blue suede styles to my wardrobe as well:

* Boutique 9 - Dorie Wrap Slouch Boots
* Camilla Skovgaard - Open Toe Booties with Lug Sole
* Rock & Republic - Celina Platform Pumps
* Sigerson Morrison - Double Knot Flats
* Stuart Weitzman - Keen Platform Boots

As it is, I’ll have to settle for one pair—I’m off to drop the Sergio Rossis in my cart.

--Amie
Shopbop

New at Shopbop: Rag & Bone Shoes

Just as Alexander Wang’s new shoe collection caused widespread hyperventilation in the fashion blogosphere, Rag & Bone is getting lots of love for distilling the timeless, built-to-last sensibility of its much-loved clothing into a line of shoes. And just as Wang’s heavily buckled, lace-up boots and booties perfectly complement his aggressive dresses, Rag & Bone shoes are tailor-made for the brand’s die-hard fans: picture rugged moto boots or preppy-gone-bad felt-and-leather boots with a polished blazer, or riding boots with an equestrian-inspired jacket.

Still not enough Rag & Bone? They’ll be introducing sunglasses in spring ’10 (if you can’t wait until they land at Shopbop, get a sneak peek here), inspired by Italian frames of the ’60s and ’70s and named after defunct motorcycle companies. Best of all, they’re made with Rag & Bone’s signature construction, so you’re far less likely to find them in pieces at the bottom of your handbag.

--Tonya

5 Reasons UGGs are Still Cool

The cold weather is upon us (okay, not fully, but it’s looming), and with it comes that comforting act of bundling up. And even better, with it comes the resurgence of UGG boots on many a fashionable foot. But are the Australian kicks still cool? Here are five reasons you can answer that question with a “yes.”
	1. Cozy never goes out of style. If you’re going to brave the frigid cold, you should allow yourself some semblance of comfort. Plush sheepskin takes care of that.
	2. André Leon Talley wears UGGs. It’s true. The Vogue editor at large was recently quoted saying he wears the fluffy boots at home. Seal of approval from fashion’s Bible? We’ll take it.
	3. Surfers are doing it. And surfers are cool, right? Yes or no to that question, the real answer is UGGs are versatile. They can be worn in the warmth or the cold.
	4. They’re so much more than the Classic Tall. The old favorite is great, but the brand’s offerings have branched out. The Classic Cardy is as cozy as your favorite blanket, and the Dakota Moccasins make road trips (or just bopping around at home listening to free streaming music) all the more satisfying.
	5. Because you like them. It’s as simple as that. Some things just transcend trends.
--Amie Shopbop

They've Got Staying Power + How to Clean Your UGGs

Last winter, I read more than one blog post posing the same question: are people really still wearing UGG boots? The answer, from London to L.A., was yes, they are. Why? Because the sheepskin boots have become a staple in many a winter (and for you surfers out there, beach) wardrobe.

Brought to the United States in 1978 by Brian Smith, UGG’s Classic Tall and Classic Short styles are modeled after the same sheepskin boots worn and adored by Australian beach bums. The boots were a hit on the West Coast, and eventually made their way east, where they were appreciated for their cozy warmth in the north’s brutal winters.

More than 30 years later, the brand has branched out from their classics to include a full range of styles, including UGG slippers (the Coquette is among the most popular), driving moccasins, fashion boots, and the most recent addition, the Classic Cardy, a knit take on the brand’s iconic silhouettes.

How to Clean UGG Boots
It’s an oft-asked question, and one that needs answering: how does one go about cleaning UGGs? I consulted the back of the brand’s Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner bottle, and after getting past the no-brainer warnings (“DO NOT use a washing machine.” No kidding.), I discovered the process is pretty simple.

Here’s the low-down:

Step 1: Get yourself a bottle of UGG cleaner.
Step 2: Grab your dirty, worn UGGs, and get them a little wet with some clean, cold water.
Step 3: Dilute the cleaner using a 1 part water/1 part cleaner ratio (that’s half water/half cleaner for the math challenged among us).
Step 4: Apply your diluted potion to a wet sponge (not directly to your boots—you’ll end up with a big-ol’ cleaner spot), and very gently scrub the area clean.
Step 5: Rinse in clean, cold water, then lightly stuff the boots with paper and let them dry naturally and slowly.
Step 6: When the boots are dry, brush them very lightly with a soft-bristled brush.

Before Step 1 (when you first buy the boots) and after Step 6, you may want to treat them with UGG spray, to minimize the number of times you have to repeat steps 1 through 6.

--Amie
Shopbop

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
We’ve been spending a lot of Shoptalk space focusing on fall fashion in the last few weeks (witness exhibits A, B, and C) and with good reason: the best and brightest of the season have already started to arrive, and personally, it’s taken every ounce of restraint I have not to show up to the office in cashmere sweaters, over-the-knee boots, and leather jackets in the middle of July. But as exhibit A so beautifully illustrates, the fall pieces that are easy to work into your wardrobe right now come in the form of footwear. Today, I’ve found a pair that’s classy, another that’s a little sassy, and a third that’s altogether fancy.
	A marriage of sophistication and innovation: I’m a Sergio Rossi girl through and through, and heels like these are the reason why. Sergio Rossi - Betty Pumps with Suede Piping
	I’m convinced there’s nothing quite as sexy as a towering peep-toe pump, and this pair amps up the glam factor with exotic croc embossing. Stuart Weitzman - Femina Open Toe Pumps
	Suede knee-high boots are a must-have, but leave it to Marc to elevate them to fetish-worthy status. These will take center stage when paired with a sleek sheath. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Ruffle Back Knee High Boots
Let go of your seasonal restrictions and start embracing fall fashion today, in What’s New. --Amie

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
I’m an accessories junkie. During my sojourn in France, I learned to appreciate the pashmina and have since accumulated an impressive collection of scarves; I have more shoes than will fit in my closet’s shoe rack; I’ve collected a lovely lineup of sunglasses that perch in their cases on top of one of my bookshelves; and I have jewelry scattered about every table, desk, dresser, and counter in my apartment (the pieces never seem to make it into my jewelry box). And yet, I still want more. (I blame our designer dresses sale, where I picked up a couple new frocks just begging for pieces to accent them.)
	I’ve wanted one of everything in Elizabeth and James’s collection since it arrived at shopbop, and now that they’re making shoes, my wish list just got longer. This pair is go-anywhere perfection. Elizabeth and James - Edge Huarache Sandals
	One of those jewelry pieces that will add instant glam to any ensemble. I’ll throw these on when I feel the need to add a little luxe to my look. Bing Bang - Joan of Arc Earrings
	I’ve been trying to work yellow into my wardrobe for ages, and these may just be the perfect statement-making style to do it. Ray-Ban - Wayfarer Sunglasses
Add to your accessories collection with finds from What’s New. --Amie