In Love with Leopard

When I saw this shot of two very stylish friends it made me think of how hot leopard court shoes can be!

And this print is popping up almost everywhere on the shoe scenes for next winter. I think it would be quite commercial on a flat pump with a cute red or cerise bow trim. If you aren't really feeling too strongly for it, why not try it in linings and sock overlays as a bit of added detail to your shoes?

So just thought I'd do a quick post as a nod to lovely leopard.......

An all-over leopard bootie for the fashion brave

Kurt Geiger Audrina peeptoe courts

Steve Madden leopard pointy court

Manolo Blahnik leopard maryjanes

Window of the Guiseppe Zanotti store in Paris taken recently by Jane Aldridge of Sea of Shoes 

Snapshot of the Kurt Geiger Winter 2011 LookBook with a leopard court shoe on the front page

Candy Colours

With Summer now well on the way, stores are starting to stock up on high summer gear. I have been noticing the prevalence of candy colours in Footwear - not quite primary brights and not quite pretty pastels, but more mid tone colours. And they are really looking fresh and strong.

Then in reading the Instyle site this week, could not help but notice a few celebs sporting these colours in their looks too:

Gwyneth Paltow

Anna Kendrick

Diane Kruger

Kate Bosworth

Australian Footwear retailer, Wittner, has done some nice looking styles in these colours - some great inspiration for us.

Vantrice by Wittner

Nala by Wittner

Cobra by Wittner

My set of colour inspiration boards for Summer 2011 does include a new brights palette. Am really feeling for some of these colours, especially in the more casual & leisure executions. Below are some styles from my last trip to China.

Buckles are Best

Buckles as trims on footwear are popping up on almost every street-wear report or shoe 'lovin blog I read these days. From the very heavy right the way through to the lighter and sexier versions - there is no doubt that buckles are a big trend for footwear!

Totally hot summer wedge style with thicker straps and heavier buckles.

Slim sexy strappy buckles on a mary-jane inspired platform style as seen on the street in Paris.

Gorgeous Giuseppe Zanotti  sandals worn by blogger Jane Aldrige of Sea of Shoes.

Camel and Oatmeal as seen at Donna Karan

In my Summer Q1 presentation last week I spoke about the new foundation colour palette of Camel and Oatmeal. The very strong nudes and naturals of the past few seasons now are evolving into the light linen like oatmeals. Tans are lightening up and becoming more camel in nature. The start of this palette I think was evident in the Celine Fall Winter collection, and now many designers have used the palette for their Spring Summer looks.

Probably my favorite execution of this colour scheme was Donna Karan's show. The pure simplicity and almost iridescence of the garments and fabrics are so feminine and ethereal.

And the footwear too followed the same look at feel. From gorgeous 70's style basket weave platform sandals to the very easy to wear natural flats. Note the new rope tying styling elements, the linen as upper fabrics and the colours of course!

Shoe Update in Grazia

Was taking a look at the magazines in Fashion Office and found some fantastic shoe inspiration in the latest issue of the British Grazia. Enjoy!