Shoeflyer | Shoes, Trends & Reviews » Celebrities

And who designs your shoes?

Richard — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:00:59 +0000

Apparently, Mike Dirnt, the bass player for Green Day, is also a shoe designer. No, I’m not joking, and yes, it’s all right to laugh (I did). Though, I suppose it’s not that surprising given the fact that countless celebrities regularly try their hand at fashion and style — everyone from legendary athletes like Michael Jordan to cutting-edge pop stars like Kanye West and now, I guess we can add Mike Dirnt to the list. According to Shoes4Souls, an international charity that provides free shoes to people in need, Dirnt (with some from MacBeth Footwear) has created a shoe called “45 RPM” from which any royalties he receives as a result of shoe sales will go directly to the charity.

Now, while I think broadening your horizons by trying new things can be a good thing, personally, I’m also about sticking to what you’re good at. Green Day is a great band, but Green Day as shoe designers? Well…I guess we’ll find out.

Thankfully, if there’s one thing I know, it’s here at Shoefly the brands we carry are great at designing fabulous shoes. With designers like Sam Edelman, Joy Chen, Camper, Biviel, Kelsi Dagger (and more!), it’s hard to go wrong. So if you’re looking for an aggressive shoe with a rock n’ roll feel, give a look at the shoes pictured below. And if you’re concerned about supporting a worthy cause, buy a pair of shoes you’ll actually like, and then just donate to a charity of your choice.

1. Eagan by No Mess.

2. Saxon by Ryan Rowe.

3. Campbell by Ryan Rowe.

4. Jingle by Penguin.

Don’t like any of these? Find exactly what you want at Shoefly!

Gladiator Sandals for Hayden Panettiere

Richard — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:38:40 +0000

We knew gladiator sandals would be hot this summer, but Hayden Panettiere is making them sizzle. The Heroes star was recently seen wearing a pair of black gladiators during a guest appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show where she was promoting her new movie, “I Love You, Beth Copper.” Her (seriously) little black dress may have contributed (slightly) to her overall appearance, but we all know it’s the shoes that complete the package. If you’re looking to perfectly compliment a little black dress of your own, Shoefly has all the answers.

Complete your look – try these gladiators on for size:

Ginger by Sam Edelman. These gladiator sandals speak the language of convenience with a zipper along their back. No messing with straps and buckles — it’s the look without the hassle.

Alandra by Report. Like the gladiators above, these sandals by Report also zip up the back for ease-of-use. The beautiful beads set down the middle give the shoes an extra dash of color.

Wakiko by Faryl Robin. These gladiator sandals have it all — edge, glamour, and comfort.

Vyper by Report. The gold and silver lining the straps make this gladiator bold, luxurious, and hip.

How to Emulate Sarah Palin’s Shoe Style

Colleen — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:00:24 +0000

Is Sarah Palin’s resignation a sign that she’ll run for the presidency in 2012, or does she just need a break from the media circus that is the Republican party these days? There’s no way to know right now, but either way, we’re likely to see less of the Alaskan spitfire for a few months. As a shoe fetishist, I have to say that I’m going to miss her. Even if her fashion overhaul was funded by her party, I approve of her taste in shoes. Sarah’s shoe choices mirror her personality– she likes to be polished and powerfully in control.

As Ms. Palin steps out of the spotlight (and perhaps moves backstage to produce her next big political number), I have a few style tips for those who would like to emulate her shoe style:

If you possibly can, wear heels. Ms. Palin maintains a flirty feminine style, even when debating the “big boys.”
Red=power. You like power, right? Then don some red heels. No one can deny the power of a pair of red stilettos. (As more women run for president, I’m sure that such maxims will appear in Political Science textbooks alongside patterns regarding male height and victory.)
Peep-toe heels with buckles and other adornments are a good idea– as long as your French manicure is spot-on.
If you can’t wear red pumps, select black pumps.
Look for skinny, pencil-thick heels, rounded toes, and significant height. (Those Miss Alaska runway walks sure prepared Sarah well for her political appearances. Say what you will about her preparation otherwise, but you must admit that the woman knows how to walk in a pair of heels– which is definitely a skill in and of itself.)

Here are a few Shoefly selections that I believe the formal governor of Alaska would approve of.

5262-1 by Dolce Vita

Power 5259 by Charles David

Ronda by DELMAN

Happy Independence Day to all Shoefly mavericks!

Top photo via FashionTribes.com.

The Height of Fashion Then and Now: Chopines

Colleen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:00:56 +0000

The current craze for big, brash shoes is making waves in the fashion world. With the advent of five-or six-inch heels decorated with everything from pearls to pistols, the shoe has come back into its proper role as the “it” accessory. The demand for deliciously outlandish shoes is even overpowering the economic crisis, as shoe sales, especially for gladiator shoes, are strong. Still, this trend only represents the new wave of a larger ocean of towering, extravagant shoes. Shoe history is merely repeating itself; impossibly tall, unusual shoes have enchanted divas for centuries.

As a lifelong shoe fetishist, I’m fascinated to learn how high heels and platforms have appeared throughout history. As Gioia Dilberto writes for the Huffington Post, sky-high shoes are a “style throwback to the 17th century and Louis XIV.” Dilberto explains,

The Sun King started wearing high heels as a way to show off his long, curvy legs, sparking a craving at Versailles for similar footwear. The King’s shoes sometimes soared to five inches and were often decorated with miniature battle scenes. He particularly loved red heels, which became a symbol of his power, and he forbade anyone but the highest nobles to wear them.

If he were around today, I’m betting Louis would be as gaga for over-the-top footwear as today’s celebrities are. As the red carpets of recent awards ceremonies have shown, celebrities are clamoring for higher and higher heels. Designers are being very obliging–Christian Leboutin will soon release an eight-inch heel, for instance. One of the most sought-after “it” shoes is Louis Vitton’s Spicy (shown at right), which has been selling out across the country, despite an astronomical price: from $1,300 to $3,000. Only those with gobs of money to throw around can afford these tribal lovelies, which could be part of their attraction.

Then again, extreme shoes have always been a sign of wealth. In Venice in the Quatrocento (the 1400s), Venetian Courtesans were probably the only ones in town who could afford chopines, which represented the literal and metaphorical height of footwear fashion at the time–some extant examples are twenty inches high! (Take that, Mr. Leboutin.) Originally used as an overshoe to protect the wearer from street mud, chopines soon rose to meet the fashion demands of the divas of the day. Even then, heel height seemed intertwined with economics– the higher your shoe, the higher your rank. (Some things never change–heel height often rises with economic woes, as women attempt to outgrow their money woes.)

Incredibly, some enthusiasts are still building chopines today. Using blocks of poplar wood, leather, and a nice tight shoemaker’s stitch, Francis Classe built the eye-popping pair of chopines shown above. Just like the celebrities who we see sporting super-high heels today, Mr. Classe says that “the extra tall chopines would really only have been worn by ladies of great means; any kind of economic downturns probably wouldn’t have impacted [them] all that much.”

The celebrities may be able to afford to drop two of my mortgage payments on a pair of shoes, but I’ll opt for more reasonable Shoefly prices instead. I prefer wedges to heels, especially when I know I’ll be up and down all day. Apepazza’s Naida fits the bill nicely. The ruby faux crocodile accent and fun lines make it my favorite “accent shoe” of the summer.

Top photo used with permission from Francis Classe. To learn more about how to build chopines, visit Mr. Classe’s site. Photo of Vitton’s Spicy shoe via LuxuryLaunches.com.

The Shoes of the MTV Music Awards

Colleen — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:04:34 +0000

Judging from the shoe selections at this year’s MTV Music Awards, you’d think the year’s top film was Gladiator. Of course, these gladiators were a little less practical than the shoes worn in the Russell Crowe film. A veritable milky way of starlets opted for ankle-binding dominatrix-style gladiators, some with tiny stiletto heels. If you ask me, too many toes were sticking out over the edges of those Amazon-lady shoes. I’ll leave it to others to evaluate who pulled off the ubiquitous gladiator trend–here are a few MTV Music Awards Fashion Kudos you won’t see anywhere else.

Combat Captain: The boots on Cam Gigandet were too much. And I still want more, somehow.

Best Tan-semble: (Tan + Ensemble, get it?): Miley Cyrus chose the classy route.

Crafty Fox: Vanessa Hudgens opted for crafty beaded shoes to go with her flowing golden gown. (Shown at top.) These shoes just peak out from under her gown, catching the eye without overwhelming her outfit.

Sharp Shooter: Cameron Diaz is still getting love from the cameras because her sense of style is still sharp. Her blue shooties were irresistible.

Sizzling Short Skirt Shimmer: Although Sandra Bullock proved she still knows how to wear a short skirt with killer heels, the overall Sizzling Short Skirt Shimmer Winner was Sienna Miller, who perfectly matched a backless mermaid-green short skirt with eye-catching silver peek-a-boo pumps.

Okay, I admit it. I can’t resist commenting on the plethora of gladiators. My favorite gladiator incarnation appeared on the feet of Whitney Port. She gets my vote because her gladiators are glam-punky, and they don’t make her feet look huge.

As you prepare for this summer’s soirees, aim for balance. Don’t get shoes that make the rest of you look tiny in comparison. For long, leggy ladies with slim ankles, I recommend AU13843 by Audley, shown at right. The cut-out heel is unique enough to garner extra party attention, but sturdy enough to keep you comfortable all evening. Those of us with thicker ankles and calves should wear this shoe with caution– make sure the wide straps don’t make your feet and legs look wider.

Top photo from theinsider.com.

Michelle Obama Dons Sporty-Chic Sneaks to Volunteer

Colleen — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:33:53 +0000

Michelle Obama’s unique, down-to-earth yet fabulous approach to fashion has shoe lovers around the world drooling. Last week, she stepped out in a pair of sweet Lanvin sneakers similar to the one shown at right. (Ms. Obama’s pair, which she wore while volunteering at a food bank in Washington, DC, were grey with a pink toe and slightly less extravagant laces.) While the fashion critics are raving, others have voiced criticism regarding the appropriateness of wearing such expensive shoes to a charity event (a pair of sneaks from the French designer Lanvin usually run over $500). Regardless of how you feel about celebrities and conspicuous wealth, you have to admit that Ms. O is lookin’ good these days. She’s spawned sites dedicated to following the First Lady’s fashion, including The Cut from the New York Times and Mrs. O, a blog.

I love the idea of dressy sneakers. In some ways, they represent the relaxed Northwest lifestyle: comfortable, put-together, and light-hearted. For your shopping enjoyment, here are a few Sporty-Chic sneaks from the Shoefly collection:

Zeus by Diesel

Maia by Tsubo

Peu Senda by Camper

Mary Janes for the Comfy Fashionista

Colleen — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:00:05 +0000

According to iVillage’s Shoe-Style Personality Quiz, I’m a secret diva. My results read, “You’re a loafer girl all the way, but that doesn’t mean you don’t know how to have fun… You may look innocent, but there is a fashion diva inside you dying to come out.” And here I thought my diva-nity was obvious. No matter, I’ll just take results as one more sign that I should buy a new pair of Mary Janes, one of my all-time favorite styles.

My favorite Mary Janes combine little-girl-on-her-way-to-Sunday-School-innocence with a rebellious grown up attitude. (If you don’t believe those conflicting characteristics can exist in one pair of shoes, just listen to Fergie’s “My Mary Janes.”) Biviel’s BV1992s are a perfect example of this attitude. On days when I just want to be comfy, though, I go for Denhams by Palladium, shown above. For me, these shoes epitomize the casual, sexy, self-accepting vibe of my favorite ladies of the great Northwest.

Carrie: Can I have your shoes and maintain my budget?

Colleen — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:17:10 +0000

Her writing gig and seemingly unlimited credit allowed Carrie Bradshaw to spend $40,000 on shoes, but I must limit my shoe habit to my bank account. As much as I adore seeing my own feet outfitted in strappy Monolos, I also hate seeing my savings dwindle while my credit card bills rise. Is there a happy compromise? Is it possible to satisfy such intense shoe cravings while controlling spending?

Why yes, it is. The economic meltdown has many people saving money by visiting cobblers. Retro second-hand stores are also back in vogue– after all, you never can tell what vintage heel is lurking around the next rack. Still, sometimes a girl just needs new shoes.

Fortunately, shopping at Shoefly satisfies my shoe addiction while soothing my pocketbook. Instead of spending $400 on a pair of shoes like Carrie, I can spend a fourth as much and look and feel adorable. As an example, check out Pink Studio’s Bradshaws at top. These lovely, lighthearted pumps convey all of their namesake’s posh vitality– and at a fraction of her typical expense.

Michelle Obama Chooses Black Flats & Kitten Heels for Europe

Colleen — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:48:28 +0000

At times, Michelle Obama’s fashion choices threatened to outshine the political purpose behind the Obamas’ recent diplomatic trip across Europe. If you’ve been as pleasantly distracted by Ms. Obama’s fashion faceoff against the world’s post powerful divas as I have, you’ve probably noticed her sleek, subtle, comfortable footwear. I’m not alone in rejoicing that the First Lady is both fashionable and real.

Ms. Obama always looks elegant and comfortable, a rare combination. I adore how she chooses pieces that express her personality. I also admire her penchant for reusing pieces in different outfits– she’s certainly a smart packer.

Shoe-wise, she’s dedicated to flats. Although her exact height isn’t widely know, Ms. Obama is at least 5′9″, making flats a natural choice. Personally, I love kitten heels and flats for their comfort factor. Although heels look great on nearly every woman, I cringe when I see ladies stumbling over their own skyscraper heels. I love fashion, but I’m not about to hinder movement to meet designers’ demands.

Shoefly is introducing a flurry of new flats this spring, including the Biviel BV1992 shown above. This exceptional “flat” offers a 2″ wedge with the same comfort and stability you’d expect from any flat. I love the simple sling back design and slightly punky touches, such as the silver-toned ridges on the strap. This could be my new all-occasions black shoe. Check out our flats section for more divinely comfortable designer shoes.

Fergie Unleases New Line of Gladiator Pumps & Sandals

Colleen — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:20:47 +0000

The lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas feels your recession shoe-aholic pain. She knows her fans can’t afford to run out and buy an expensive new product just because it bares her name. So, she made sure her new line of gladiator style sandals and pumps are affordable– or at least more affordable than the shoe lines of competing pop star shoe-sellers like Gwen Stefani. Fergie’s shoes, available at Nordstrom, are priced online between $90 and $130, while Stefani’s soles can run over $300. Despite her international stardom, Fergie seems eager to price her footwear for the masses. She recently said, “I would feel really irresponsible right now to have a line that was completely out of my fans’ price range.”

And I have to say that I like Fergie’s shoes even more than her singing. Although her choice of all gladiator style sandals and pumps is pretty safe from a marketing perspective, Fergie’s shoes are cute. They’ll last through the gladiator craze thanks to their interesting details, like a cork wedge splashed with playful kindergarten colors in the Zully, my favorite. I also love the eggplant tone of Fergie’s Maxim pump. All in all, Fergie’s shoes are worth considering– and not just because they have her name on them.