K’s Spring/Summer 2012 Ode to Shoes
As the winter frost recedes to make way for the brighter days of spring, or, in St. Louis’s case, as the nigh-absence of winter makes way for 80 degree weather in the month of March, us lady folk must come to terms with a startling realization: it is time to put away the heavy boots, and allow out tootsies to once again embrace the ever-adorable shoes of spring and summer! I consulted the color overlords to see exactly which shades are in this season (I’m looking at you, Pantone), and have collected a few winners for you right here. In the wise words of Kelly, let’s get some shoes.
Cockatoo (light blue)
Lady Gaga indeed called it last fall: this rather demure color of light blue is taking the consumer markets by storm at the moment. Some great choices include the Qupid Cut-Out Wedges (via UrbanOg), the Cooperative Leather Lace Up Skimmer (via UO), the Pastel Palette Pumps (via Ruche), and the Hey There Leather Heels by Seychelles (via Ruche).
Solar Power (mustard yellow)
Warning: walking away from someone whilst wearing these shoes is likely to result in them spontaneously belting out, “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone.” Tant pis! Check out the adorable Chelsea Crew Cut Out Flat (via LuLu’s), the Shop Till You Lemon Drop Flat (via ModCloth), the Marais Meriwether Yellow Wedges (via Ruche), and the Audrey Brooke Wedges (via DSW).
Starfish (muted beige)
As simple as this color is, you will do anything but fade into the background if you wear one of these shoes: Jeffrey Campbell’s Benched Cut Out Platform (via Need Supply Co.), the Safari Sandal by About Arianne (via Need Supply Co.), Braided Thong Sandal (from Forever 21) and the Bamboo T-Strap Wedges (via UrbanOg).
Tangerine Tango
This color is the last to be described as it is also the big color for Fall fashion (as if you needed another excuse to indulge in these shoes now!) Check out the Cheap Monday Netted Skimmer (via UO), the Jamison Boot by Dolce Vita, Love Loafer in Tangerine (via Ruche) and the Coral Mary Jane (via Ruche).
Stay classy, my friends.
NYFW Review, cont’d: WTFs and FTWs
Hey all, Karina here. I recently posted on the most prominent trends of NYFW. Of course, every fashion week is not without it’s WTF moments, and this NYFW is certainly not exempt. From furry gorilla arms to garments with so much leather it would make even the bronze bovines on Wall Street shudder in fear, some fashions left us wanting.
For less, that is. Much less. Here is a Lowlight reel…
1) Jeremy Scott. I’m pretty sure a rainbow vomited somewhere above his design pad and resulted in this collection… On the other hand, I’m pretty sure Nicki Minaj would have a love affair with these. 
2) Fur taken too far. For every time the fur trend was pulled off well, there were another five times that had us wondering whether the Bronx Zoo had some missing creatures. Given that these models are size 0, there were an alarming number of Chewbacca wannabes and Gorilla arms walking down the runways… questionable choices, couturiers. Questionable indeed.
3) Marc Jacobs. I’m all for being inspired by the arts, and Lord knows I’m no stranger to period costume… but you might have an issue when every one of your models look like an extra from Les Miserables.
Finally, you have those instances when WTF is, in fact, a FTW. Case in point? Ralph Lauren’s bizarre Playboy-esque outfits are as baller as they are relatively unconventional. This is WTF done right. Love it!
Karina’s NYFW Retrospective
Whew! Finally made it past the valley of boredom and through the land of drudgery that is midterm season to arrive at Spring Break… aka time to go back and check out what I missed of the whirlwind fashion weeks while I was too busy wilting in the library (le sigh).
I’ll attack this retrospective chronologically, hitting up New York Fashion Week first (this happened light years ago, Feb 8-16th, many apologies for the delay on this sartorial update). Delayed or non, lookout for the following trends for FW2012:
Statement Collars. Prim with an edge is back with a vengeance for another season… *excitement*
Ornate Gold. No silver for us, darlings, this season it’s time to go for the gold.
Leather. Speaking of edgy…
Fur accents. Call the Bronx Zoo, there are furry creatures abounding everywhere this fashion week.
And finally, some dresses. If you know me, you know I do not shy away from OTT as often as might be wise. …what? … No, there is most certainly not a legitimate concern that I might one day drown in my own collection of ruffled items, what are you talking about… so I am all about these gorgeous gowns.
Now I just need an occasion to wear them and a bank to rob in order to afford them. Shouldn’t be too difficult, right?
PS I wouldn’t want to send you to the stores without a thorough checklist…Other trends worth hitting up your radar: tweed, watercolor, whimsical patterns, blanket sweaters, hats,slouchy neck scarves, and 70’s style gear. As for colors, look out for rich blues, yellow, pinks and oranges against a muted black or neutral silhouette.
