Top 5 Men’s Chukka Boots for Fall September 2nd, 2010 By

Men have great options when it comes to shoes that transition from work to weekend.  One of the fall trends in men’s footwear is the chukka boot.  Chukka boots are ankle-length boots with two or three pairs of eyelets for lacing.  It combines understated style and comfort.  The body of the shoe wraps just below the ankle to provide the solid support of a high top and the freedom of a slip-on.  Some boots also include an extra padded collar and durable double stitch construction.  Chukka boots are usually made of calfskin or suede, however, some designers have a more exotic version using materials such as crocodile.

John Varvatos Filmore Chukka Lace-up Boots, $369

John Varvatos Filmore Chukka Lace-up Boots

Frye Hudson Chukka Lace-up Casual Shoe, $168

Frye Hudson Chukka Men's Lace up casual Shoes

Polo Ralph Lauren Lander Chukka, $59.00

Polo Ralph Lauren Lander Chukka

Vane by Sebago Penny Keeper Chukka Boot, $150

Vane by Sebago Penny Keeper Chukka Boot

FRYE Men’s Alex Chukka Boot, $157.95

FRYE Men's Alex Chukka Boot

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How to Wear: Combat Boots March 30th, 2010 By

Combat boots aren’t just for the military anymore. The footwear trend emerged a couple years ago and won’t be retiring anytime soon. As a welcome alternative to sky-high stilettos (painful!) and ballet flats (boring!), combat boots instantly add edge to any outfit.  Here are four ways you can rock this trend:

1. Go grunge!
The grungy look so popular in the early ’90s is what combat boots were made for. Comb your closet (or find an excuse to go shopping) for a pair of acid wash jeans. Complete the look with a tank top and an oversized plaid shirt in a bold pattern, like this chic interpretation of a plaid button-down from Victoria’s Secret. Jeffrey Campbell’s allover studded combat boots give the outfit more of that messy, undone ’90s vibe!

Jeffrey Campbell All Stud Combat Boot, $275

Jeffrey Campbell All Stud Combat Boot, $275

2. Go trendy!
With a pair of combat boots like these Miss Me Lara Croft Boots, featuring metal hardware, buckles and straps, keep the rest of your ensemble simple for a very current look. Basic pieces, like a pair of slim black leggings and the perfect white V-neck tee, are ideal for these knee-high shoes. For a slightly dressier feel, throw on a blazer such as this Robert Rodriguez relaxed slit-back blazer in a deep blue shade.

Miss Me Lara Croft Combat Boots, $44.99

3. Go girly!
For all the girly-girls with an inner tomboy, combat boots offer the perfect counterbalance to your feminine dresses.  Try pairing your boots with  a cute floral frock- Nordstrom’s Frenchie dress is a great option – and and a cropped denim vest. The shoes offset the girliness of the outfit.

4. Go glam!
Who knew that combat boots could be glam? Envision Dr. Martens metallic gold combat boots paired with a black dress for a night out! Slip on a gown like BCBG Max Azria dress for a look that’s both sexy and casual. Accessorize with chunky gold jewelry like cuff bracelets or statement rings to finish off the outfit.

Dr. Martens Combat Boots, $79

 

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Get This Look: Jessica Szohr March 26th, 2010 By

Jessica_Szohr

Jessica Szohr (Janet Mayer/PR Photos)

At a recent Jill Stuart fashion show in New York City, Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr rocked an effortlessly sexy look, perfect for a hot date or a night out with the girls. She layered a trench coat over a white mini cutout dress, then finished off with two standout accessories – a black clutch and red hot peep-toe stilettos for a burst of color. With her side-swept bangs and smoky eye makeup, Jessica was the epitome of that last minute, thrown-together look so many women hope to achieve. It’s easier than you think to steal Jessica’s sassy style as long as you own a few key pieces from her wardrobe!

Jessica’s mini dress with sheer black cutouts is by designer Jill Stuart, but you can opt for a simpler and far more affordable one like this New York & Company frock. Its sleek silhouette and sweetheart neckline are flattering, while subtle metallic accents give it a boost of glamour.

New York & Company White Strapless Mini Dress

New York & Company White Strapless Mini Dress, $89.95

Banana Republic’s nylon trench ($130) is the perfect shade of brown – they call it root beer float! Like Jessica’s, this trench is classic and lightweight, ideal for layering over a dress at night or pairing with a more casual weekend outfit.

Banana Republic Nylon Trench

Banana Republic Nylon Trench, $130

Take a cue from Jess by pairing your outfit with a basic black clutch. This super affordable version by Converse ($16.99) features zippers, braided straps, and several compartments, combining function and fashion!

Converse One Star Foldover Clutch

Converse One Star Foldover Clutch, $16.99

Finally, Jessica’s look just isn’t complete without those stilettos! A pair of lipstick-red heels, like these flirty Nine West peep toe platforms ($49.47), offer the perfect finishing touch.

Nine West Women's Liatris Peep Toe Platform

Nine West Liatris Peep Toe Platform, $49.47

 

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Shoe Cravings: Mega-High Heels March 2nd, 2010 By

Who doesn’t love mega-high heels? They may not be as comfortable or easy to walk in (and most of us aren’t as graceful as Heidi Klum), but you’ll definitely look and feel sexy in these seriously hot shoes.

All over the runways, mega-high heels are stealing the show. We’re seeing metallics, snakeskin, neutrals, see-through, animal prints and feather-trimmed. From pumps to sandals, peep toe boots, to my favorite – the hidden platform, the higher the better. Wear these killer heels with a sophisticated suit, pencil skirt or cocktail dress, and you’ll turn heads all over town. Here are a few pair of really special mega-high heels:

1. Casadei Double Platform Pump, $675 at National Jean Company

Casadei_pump

Casadei Double Platform Pump

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Stuart Weitzman “Airforce” Studded High Heel Sandals, $425 at Bloomingdale’s

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Stuart Weitzman "Airforce" Studded High Heel Sandals

3. Christian Louboutin Strappy Platform Bootie, $995.00 at Neiman Marcus

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Christian Louboutin Strappy Platform Bootie

4. Jessica Simpson Taneala Pumps, $89.00 at Jessica Simpson Collection

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Jessica Simpson Taneala Pumps

5. Jimmy Choo ‘Clue’ Glitter Slingback Pump, $650.00 at Nordstrom

heel4

Jimmy Choo 'Clue' Glitter Slingback Pump

6. Kors Michael Kors Flora Pump, Tiger, $260.00 at Neiman Marcus

Kors Michael Kors Flora Pump, Tiger

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seaofshoes’ Jane Aldridge gives us her beso January 26th, 2010 By

Jelly Garcia dress and sequin tube top from Mango

Jelly Garcia Dress and Sequin Tube Top from Mango

I’ve been an avid reader of Vanity Fair for years. And, while I haven’t quite adjusted to the absence of the beloved Dominick Dunne, the magazine rarely disappoints. The February 2010 issue, featuring photos of Tiger Woods by Annie Leibovitz, was no exception. In it, Jane Aldridge was featured as a Bright Young Thing for the work she’s done with her incredibly influential blog, seaofshoes.com.

We reached out to her to get a read on her current crushes. Herewith is Jane Aldridge’s “be so”.

What are your favorite jeans?
I like Madewell’s no stretch matchstick jeans. They have a nice high rise and a beautiful wash.

What’s your “go-to” pair of shoes for around town?
You can’t beat Dries van Noten shoes for beauty and comfort. I switch between a pair of pair of buckled leather slingbacks and a pair of yellow patent sneaker wedges at the moment.

Whose bag(s) are you carrying right now?
Currently I’m carrying a gigantic Burberry bucket bag that is pieced together with little gold rings. It was a great deal at an outlet store. It weighs about ten pounds on it’s own.

And your scent of choice?
I love Serge Lutens fragrances; they are very heavy and old-fashioned. I wear Serge Noire.

What stores are you drawn into?
Here in Dallas, I go to many thrift stores. I go to Barneys to buy shoes; American Apparel for underwear and shirts.

What color is your new black?
I like pale shades of grey green. It’s hard to come by in clothing.

What’s your favorite LBD (little black dress)?
An 80s puffy sleeved princess-waist dress that I got in Austin.

iPhone or Blackberry?
iPhone.

Ray-Ban Aviators or Wayfarers?
Aviators.

What’s was your New Year’s resolution?
To take good care of myself and people I love, and make more money.

And, of course, what’s your be so?
“be so friendly.”

We couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the interview; email or text us when you’re in town!

Chanel ponyhair herringbone boots, F21 tights and Zara Lamb Fur Vest

Chanel Ponyhair Herringbone Boots, F21 Tights and Zara Lamb Fur Vest

Animal jewelry outfit #2....the fox and the horses.

Animal Jewelry Outfit #2....The Fox and the Horses

 

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Shoe Cravings: Steve Madden January 7th, 2010 By

Steve Madden is one of my favorite shoe brands.  You’ll find trendy styles of boots, flats, pumps and sandals — all at ultra-affordable prices.

Steve Madden Comodo

Steve Madden Comodo

Check out the Comodo shoe, a sleek pump featured in suede and patent styles.  Try the patent Blush version with skirts to lengthen legs or one of the sexy suede styles with jeans or dress pants.  I love the dark gray.

Steve Madden Merriee

Steve Madden Merriee

The Merriee is a peep-toe cage bootie that is sure to wow in bright blue suede.  These shoes will pull together a simple little black dress, black tights and statement jewelry.  Rock them in warmer weather with leggings or jeggings and a tunic.

Steve Madden Alyra

Steve Madden Alyra

A big part of why I adore Steve Madden is the selection of flats.  They understand that you don’t need to wear ugly boring shoes just because you don’t want to walk around in three inch heels all day.  Off-beat colors, embellishments and patterns make their flats interesting and cool. Case in point, the studded Alyra shoe: purple suede and studs peeking out from under dark rinse jeans or with a leather miniskirt will keep you looking sexy, without stressing out your feet.

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3 Ways to Pull a Simple Black Dress Together December 18th, 2009 By

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

How do you make a simple black dress look fresh and on trend?  It’s all about the accessories.  A plain black dress is a blank canvas that you can accessorize to fit any trend.  There is a reason that the little black dress is an essential.  It’s timeless.

How should you accessorize right now?

Here are 3 ways:

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

An amazing pair of shoes.  Very bright, embellished shoes need to be paired with something simple and dark-colored that won’t compete with them.  An LBD is the perfect companion for a pair of purple or red boots and black tights.  These Balmain boots are the perfect example.  With shoes this hot, you can get away with a simpler dress.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

A fabulous belt.  There are so many different kinds of belts available, and each can give your dress a very different look. Go with a skinny belt for a romantic, understated look.  Try a bright color or animal print for a little more impact.  To really emphasize your waist, wear a wide belt, like this studded belt from Michael Kors.

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Jewelry.  A statement necklace and/or bracelets will work better with a simple dress than something that is over-embellished.  A necklace like this Kenneth Jay Lane one can be paired with some plain silver bangles. A bib necklace like this one from The Limited should be worn without other jewelry.  You can also choose to pair some long earrings with bracelets.  We like the gold leaf earrings, above, from Chan Luu.  They’d be the perfect boho-chic companion to a skinny gold belt.

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What Judy Greer Wants November 24th, 2009 By

Judy Greer at 27 Dresses Premiere

Judy Greer at 27 Dresses Premiere

Our friends from Celebrity Owned, Hollywood’s go-to ebay consignor, introduced us to Judy Greer, who starred in 27 Dresses, was cast in the hit TV show Arrested Development, and who, appropriately enough, appeared in the film What Women Want. We had a chance to chat with Ms. Greer; herewith is what she wants.

What’s your favorite pair of jeans right now?

Cropped J Brand Cotton Twill Jeans in Mulberry with zippers on the bottom.

What’s your go-to pair of shoes for around town?

Repetto Ballet Flats (I have them in black and red).

What bag(s) are you carrying right now?

I still love my black Balenciaga. I carry it every day.

What gloss are you wearing right now?

I’m wearing buxom glosses by bareMinerals (I rotate colors).

And your scent of choice?

Agent Provocateur.

What stores do you find yourself drawn into?

Always Target, but I also love Creatures of Comfort, Madewell, Steven Alan and APC.

What nail polish color are you loving?

Bordeaux by Essie.

What color is your new black?

Red.

What’s your favorite LBD?

I bought it a few years ago; it’s by a label called “Falls” and it’s got a gather skirt and fitted top. It’s so girly and cute (well, I think it’s cute).

What’s on the top of your holiday wish list?

A puppy. –Might we recommend a pocket beagle?

Judy, now we’d like to know which of the two you prefer?

Bikram or Vinyasa Yoga?

Bikram all the way; I’m addicted. –Guess what? So, are we. Let’s meet for a class.

iPhone or Blackberry?

Blackberry.

Leather bomber jacket or leather motorcycle jacket?

Neither. Cargo Jacket; I love pockets.

Ray Ban Aviators or Wayfarers?

I have Ray Ban Wayfarers, but I want Aviators. So, both? –We couldn’t agree more. In fact, we have both.

Lastly, we’d like to know: What’s your beso? My beso is: “be so compassionate”

be so grateful.

Well Judy, we’re grateful for your time. We look forward to watching in you in some of your upcoming films; Love and Other Drugs sounds interesting and has a great cast!

J Brand Skinny Jeans

J Brand Skinny Jeans

Balenciaga Handbag

Balenciaga Handbag

Repetto Ballet Flats

Repetto Ballet Flats

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Get This Look: Leighton Meester’s Louis Vuitton Arm Candy November 23rd, 2009 By

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester spotted at Paris Fashion Week with the Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt Bag  as her arm candy. The classic day bag shape, reminiscent of  the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy Tote, combined with ultra-soft, casual suede is a great accessory for the Manhattan Queen Bee’s casual-chic look.  Leighton’s floral print dress and platform sandals pictured here are all LV.  We can’t all strut LV from head to toe, but can come close with this look for less.

Get This Look (for less!) at beso:

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

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What’s New: Love [of Shoes] is a Burch November 19th, 2009 By

I have a problem, and I’m woman enough to admit it. I love shoes.

Oh, Tory Burch, what are you doing to me?! Patent and spunky AND a wedge heel? I have to buy groceries, you know!

My addiction isn’t my fault. If designers like Tory Burch would stop making such deliciously divine shoes, I’d stop buying them! That makes sense, right?

So check out these and all the other stuff that’s new this week at beso. Just be warned…especially if you have to, you know, pay rent this month or something.

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International Shoppers Rejoice November 5th, 2009 By

Not long ago, we discovered LilShoppa.com from a tweet on what they thought were the hottest Prada motorcycle boots, which they discovered on beso.  We took some time to sit down with Michelle, the founder of LilShoppa.com, to learn about their unique service for international shoppers.  LilShoppa.com is a personal shopping and mail forwarding service for international customers who want to make online purchases from retailers that don’t ship internationally or don’t accept international credit cards.

Using the service is very straightforward: international shoppers can either place their orders themselves and have the merchandise shipped to LilShoppa’s U.S. address, or they can have LilShoppa.com place an order for them.  They charge 15% of the merchandise costs plus shipping.

Lil'Shoppa Personal Mail Forwarding

When we asked Michelle where she got the idea for this service, and we learned that it’s the classic case of her having identified an unmet market need.  Michelle shared that, after moving to the States from Australia, many of her friends and family members would ask her to make purchases on their behalves at U.S. stores and websites and then have her mail them the goods. The draw for these shoppers was that they now had “access” to the U.S. market.  The benefit went beyond overcoming the international shipping limitations; in many cases, the goods they had Michelle forward to them cost considerably more in their home country.

Michelle soon realized that this was a service she could offer to a broader market of international shoppers, which she brings to them through her website.  Through word-of-mouth and press, LilShoppa.com now serves hundreds of customers each month in countries all over the world.  Buyers from Australia, the U.K., Singapore, Malaysia, Romania, and Greece rely on LilShoppa.com for access to high-end products from premium brands likes Christian Dior, YSL, Christian Louboutin, Gucci and more.

Recently, she shipped a Christian Dior Babe Python Frame handbag to a very satisfied customer in Malaysia.

Christian Dior Python Babe Frame Handbag

Christian Dior Python Babe Frame Handbag

A customer from Australia is now cherishing her Yves Saint Laurent Evening clutch that they would otherwise be without were it not for LilShoppa.  And, she says that buyers in Japan love their Christian Louboutin shoes.

Christian Louboutin Mini Peep Toe Pump

Christian Louboutin Mini Peep Toe Pump

So, international shoppers rejoice: the abundance of U.S. retail shopping options is no further away than your Swarovski mouse.

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Red Wing Boots – Suddenly They’re Everywhere November 3rd, 2009 By

It seems that ever since J.Crew featured them in their Fall ’09 catalog, Red Wing boots seem to be popping up everywhere.  Most recently, they appeared in the November 2009 issue of GQ’s Wear It Now column.

GQ acknowledges that Red Wing is “enjoying a long-overdue revival,” and that “no other label has done more to make work boots cool again.”  We couldn’t agree more.

The Red Wing Classic Work Boot

The Red Wing Classic Work Boot

J.Crew’s collection of Red Wings even includes an exclusive for a “carefully distressed” Red Wing boot (the same one featured in GQ). For about a hundred bucks more, you can have a unique pair “individually hand-burnished so they arrive gently worn in and distressed, as if you’d had them for years.”

J.Crew's Distressed Red Wing Boot

J.Crew Distressed Red Wing Boot

When stores as disparate as Sears and Orvis are carrying the same brand of shoes as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, you know the label has reached some sort of cross-over that could have only originated from the street or urban fashion scene.

We like them with  dark rinse jeans, preferably classic Levi’s 501s.

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