Stuart Weitzman Does Platform Oxfords, Needle Heels For Fall/ Winter 2012

Stuart Weitzman is genetically incapable of disappointing me, but the man truly truly outdid himself with his Fall/ Winter 2012 collection. Here's what I fell in love with at the preview, and I'll save the best for first:

LOOK at this purple-to-teal gradiating iridescent, crystal-heeled carpet stunner. It's the human-sized manifestation of every Barbie shoe I ever wished were real.

Needle heel. NEEDLE, people. Lethal.

I know it's technically a platform wedge Chukka, but I'd like to think this brilliant Stuart Weitzman creation is a creeper on 'roids.

The oblong gold hardware on these pumps? Major major. Very pragmatic-pilgrim chic.

You won't get this red snakeskin-accented black leather bootie out of your head all week, so best of luck to you. 

Please note, you can see your reflection in this patent leather, mirror-heeled boot. If you're really flexible, you can check your teeth.

I don't believe in "it bags," but I firmly believe that this cool-toned Stuart Weitzman camera bag with a contrasting perforated black mesh strap is it.

Frye Studded Out EVERYTHING For Fall

Frye clearly set their stud guns to infinity for their Fall/ Winter 2012 collection, because everything is truly, unapologetically studded up. Motorcycle boots, ankle boots, sneakers, saddle bags, clutches. If it's leather, Frye studded it out with vigor. As if that hadn't sold me hard enough, their F/W collection is unabashedly distressed and duressed (which is a cool word I made up).

Freshly scrubbed Tory Burch types, fear not: Frye's got delicate, perfectly tailored classic riding boots done right. But if, like me, you've been described as "delicate" approximately zero times in your life, you'll probably fall hard for the gravel-road-meets-Gotham, rode-hard, knicked-and-kicked appeal of Frye's new collection.

One of my Frye favorites -- a knee-high boot that stretches to fit those of us with calves the size of jumbo grapefruits. (For some reason, I have calves like I'm a member of the Italian national soccer team. The men's team, unfortunately.)

Done. The greatest motorcycle boots ever created. I can die now.

Outfit Post/ GPOY: Current Elliott Leopard-Print Stiletto Jeans + Kurt Cobain Sweater

My Current Elliott leopard-print jeans arrived from Community Collection, and they're the absolute apogee of comfort. It's all I can do to keep from wearing them every day. And you know what? So what if I did? It's one of the joys of living in a relatively free country. Same pants every day? Not your problem! Stay noninterventionist about it. In the words of T.I. and Rihanna, live your life. But I digress.

Outfit:
+ Sweater: Dex: I've been looking for slouchy, '90s leaning (Kurt-ish RIP!) sweaters, and when I found this black and grey mesh sweater at ShopAddiction.com, I went in.
+ Jeans: Current Elliott
+ Boots: Marais
+ Necklace: Anthropologie (sold out)

T.I. - Live Your Life - Music - More Music Videos

Marais Studded Suede Chukkah Ankle Boots: All I Want For The Fifth Night Of Chanukkah

Well, we're just rolling through a week of everything I want for Chanukkah, with me posting my favorite stylish gift and you lovingly purchasing them for me! Because that's how it works!

So, for the fifth night of Chanukkah, I would most certainly like to unwrap Marais' winter-perfect black suede Chukkah heel boots... AVEC tiny little studs on the toe cap:

$160, Marais

These Rachel Comey lookalikes (haaaaaaaaay) would not only look but FEEL so right with my J. Crew khakis rolled up just so and a kinda-sorta tucked-in dress shirt or grey sweater. So MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN, CHANUKKAH! I'm a size 8.


+ Chanukkah Gift Guide Day 1: Charles Jourdan taupe heels from Ideeli! 
+ Chanukkah Gift Guide Day 2: Dr Martens black leather satchel!
+ Chanukkah Gift Guide Day 3: Banana Republic velvet sheath dress!
+ Chanukkah Gift Guide Day 4: Aritiza Black Silk Tunic!

These Zara Snakeskin Boots Are Wishing Me A Very Happy Chanukkah

$189, Zara

BREAKING ZARA-IS-DOING-EVERYTHING-RIGHT-related news: I didn't find these snakeskin and leather Zara boots. They found me. Happy Chanukkah!

Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday Sale + Enter To Win A MINI MAC

Rebecca Minkoff's having a Black Friday sale that doesn't even require you putting on pants. Which is great because mine don't fit anymore.

Friday, November 25 at 12am ET through Monday, November 28 at 11:59, free shipping for orders over $100.

Y'all, some of these bags and shoes are around half off. No joke.

After the jump, check out a few of my favorites from the Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday sale, and enter to win a Mini MAC:

Was $295, now $160, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $295, now $165, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $195, now $100, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $395, now $200, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $295, now $140, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Enter to win a Mini MAC. 30 people with excellent luck will win!

Enter by November 30. Winners will be randomly selected December 4.

Dr. Martens Get SUPER Sparkly With Swarovski Elements

Don't be mad, but I'm kinda not mad at the new Dr. Martens Swarovski Elements collaboration. Patent leather Doc festooned with jumbo opalescent crystals feels like a couple "Toddlers & Tiaras" contestants and a few runners-up from "RuPaul's Drag Race" met up for arts and crafts in 1994. I mean that in the kindest, most enviable way.

They're priced between $215 - $655, and you can get these on your feet starting in December.

More Sparkly Shoes That Aren't MiuMiu

More ways to own sparkly shoes that aren't $8900 or whatever patrons of Miu Miu's glitter booties are willing and able to spend/ go in debt for. Urban Outfitters' glitter booties are festive and are less than $100, so you can put that eight grand toward a partial down payment on a house in some parts of the US... or on just a kitchen cabinet to fold yourself in half and sleep in if you live in New York.

$69, Deena & Ozzy, Urbanoutfitters.com

 

$69, Kimchi Blue, Urbanoutfitters.com
 

The glitter platform is holiday-ready, but the pretty peach upper is super spring. See? A shoe for all seasons!

Cougar Boots Will NEVER EVER EVER Get Your Feet Wet EVER

 

$180, Cougarboots.com

I say this because the folks at Canadian boot company Cougar Boots kindly sent me a pair of their snow boots, and these things are LEGIT. But if these boots weren't the best damn thing (yes, I quoted Avril -- so what?? I'm celebrating Canada, okay?), I would not be sitting here singing typing their praises. After going through about four crappy, inferior pairs of snow boots last year, I wore Cougar's Ringo Star (HEE!) snow boots all winter, trudging through Brooklyn's most obscene, grotesque snow piles. (Snow in New York is beautiful for approximately 14 seconds until it turns into frozen sculptures of sludge, garbage, and dog waste the color of the bottom of a used ash tray.) Not so much as the tippy-tip of the toe of my sock got wet, and zero percent cold got inside. Ever. They're engineered to withstand something like 1 billion degrees below zero. Okay, that's dramatic, but, like a Thermos, they magically keep everything hot and toasty. And they're deceptively light-weight. I'd wear these boots to bed if that weren't a bad idea.



Anyway, Cougar's Ringo Star boots come up about to the knee, so they're perfect for when you've got some serious snow banks to contend with. This year I tried out the Marla ankle boot, which is a very very cute brown lined hiking boot with a reasonable heel. I always kinda eye-rolled girls who wear heels in the snow, but I'm kind of a convert due to two factors: 1.) comfort; 2.) cuteness. I've actually taken to wearing these just because it's cold out since they look so cute and lady-rugged with skinny jeans.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going outside to track down the mail-carrying individual to see if my Gap military parka is finally here, because you know it's look tight with these boots. (Yes, the jacket's considerably overpriced, but my sister got it for me with her 60% off coupon -- HOLLAR BACK AT THAT!) 

 $168, Gap

Okay, in summation, you should consider no other snow boots than Cougar. And if you do, and your feet get all soggy and wet when it snows, don't say I didn't warn you.

Rodarte for Opening Ceremony's Shoes Will Make Need A Fainting Couch

Puffy! Hold me down, baby!

$530, Rodarte x Opening Ceremony, Openingceremony.us

$610, Rodarte x Opening Ceremony, Openingceremony.us

I can't. I just CANNOT. Rodarte For Opening Ceremony's booties are just THAT intense. This is why we still need fainting couches at the READY! They're makin' me high. Toni Braxton-style. And those glitter booties? Now that I've come to terms with the fact that I'll probably just never own a pair of Miu Miu glitter booties, I'm quite happy to see that there are other options out there for glitter footwear enthusiasts such as myself. Oh, and hat tip to Racked.com's 28 best shoe stores in New York City story, where I first spotted these Rodarte glitter booties and to Eye4Style, who sent me Lefanciulle's guide to making your OWN glitter ankle boots. Something tells me my attempt to DIY my own may come out looking more like a kindergartener's trace-your-hand turkey art project, but it's worth a try.

Can I Kick It In Neon Boots? Yes I Can

UPDATE: They're $115 at Solestruck!  OH HLRS, JUST SAVED YOU 10 DOLLARS!

FashionBinge's newest contributor Rory (HE'S A BOY! YAY FOR COOL GUY FASHION!) just posted an all-neon story (if you know him that's as surprising as someone losing a tooth at a hockey game), and he KILT ME DEAD with these neon yellow Poland boots by Ego And Greed (makers of those intensified leopard print flatforms I posted about.)

$125, Ego & Greed, Karmaloop.com

Can I kick it? Yes you can! Bust it, Tribe:


A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It by jekyllah

RORY SEZ: Too Much Leopard Print Is Just Enough

Hey new friends! Me, Rory, here. The main reason why Tamar and I are friends is because of Rory, her cat... the OTHER reason is because of our mutual love of leopard print. I know you just met me and stuff, but let's get right into it. When it comes to leopard print (for men or women), too much is just enough.

I feel like right now is my time... I feel like the moment is now... I feel blessed that almost every fashion house has delivered leopard print in one form or another since the winter of 2009, I'm talking everyone from bougie brands like Givenchy to street brands like Crooks & Castles to store brands like Zara &Topman. It's like everywhere you look, and I am NOT complaining.

Some people say leopard is trashy... I say, fuck you. Right now some of my top mens' leopard print picks are:

These Joyrich drop crotch pants are a must have. Like Tamar, I totally have issues with drop crotch. I was blessed with no ass and when I wear drop crotch it looks like I'm carrying a load in my pants. However with THESE... I'm willing to overlook that. It could be a load of CASH for all you know, ok? My pants are leopard. Let's focus.

This little leopard print bow-tie from Patricia Field is like the perfect way to subtly add leopard to your look. It's not gonna hit your coworkers over the head unless you're pairing it with a leopard dress shirt, in which case they won't even see it. This bow-tie is EVERYTHING... and at $12.00, why are you still reading this?

Another subtle way to add some RAWR to your look is in the shades. These Hoss sunglasses from Von Zipper deliver. My favorite part is the gold band on the side to make them extra tacky, and for that I am grateful.

Another Joyrich gem is this leopard studded fanny pack. It's EVERYTHING. If you're going to be ballsy enough to rock a fanny pack (or "belt bag" as the classy folk at Gucci call it)... you might as well go balls to the wall and rock one that's leopard AND studded. AM I RIGHT?!

$290, DrMartens

Last but certainly not least my pick for leopard footwear comes from our friends across the pond at Dr. Martens. NOT ONLY are they leopard print, but they're ITALIAN HAIR LEOPARD PRINT. Hopefully it's not hair from the cast of the "Jersey Shore" or something. Anywho... these could be worn with pants or shorts because really, they're like the Reese's of footwear -- there's no wrong way to wear them. Their price point is a little high, but the way I justify shit like this to my therapist is to just say that you can't put a price on happiness, and they can't question that.

I'd also like to just throw this out there for any (straight) men who are uncomfortable with my selections... get chu one of these on your arm and you'll be good to go.

Um, These Are The Bowie-est Boots I've Ever Seen In My Life

($163, Jeffrey Campbell, Modcloth.com)

I mean...

Just when you didn't realize you needed silver glitter wedge booties, you realize you only didn't realize you needed them because you didn't realize they existed. See what I mean here? And FINALLY they do. And you don't have to get them by renting a time machine and hoping to land in David Bowie's shoe trunk somewhere in the '70s ,between The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Diamond Dogs. Or... if you were born after 1990, one of the many tractor-trailers that transports Lady Gaga's footwear on tour. Sigh. Kids today. They'll never know. They'll. Never. Know! Will they?? WILL they?? They won't. They won't know.

+ Where Gaga got it...

Blue Boots Are The New Black Boots

The other morning on the train to work, I had a little epiphany. No, not that the train smelled like piss -- oh, believe me though, it certainly did. I realized that this spring, or whenever I can finally stop wearing my winter boots every day like I have for the past financial quarter or whatever, I'm going to be investing in a pair of blue boots and wear them where and when I'd usually wear black boots. It's all about getting the blue right, though. I'm thinking navy, but then I saw these Jeffrey Cambpell "Lita" boots. True blue.

($155, Jeffrey Campbell, Bonadrag.com)

These Boots Are Made For Spendin'

($690, maisonmartinmargiela.com)

I've deemed these cut-out silver-heeled Maison Martin Margiela leather boots worthy of my $690! Congrats! 

The 3 Best Shoes I Bought This Year

This was a pretty good year for the economy, for iPad owners, and for me, because I bought some puhretty sweet shoes. Here are three of the best pairs of shoes I purchased this year. (In case you were wondering.)

1.) Ce Ce Chin Sloan Black Lace Pump

The kind people at Shoeaficionado.com, which is like Gilt Groupe but strictly for shoes, sent me a gift certificate for a free pair, and I got these Ce Ce Chin -- she's the designer behind 80%20 -- black lace overlay pumps with a beaded heel inspired by vintage perfume bottles.

Here's a better image of the heel's detail:

I wear them with black skinny jeans or my black Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress.

2.)  Matiko Leila Studded Loafers

($119.50, Matiko, Solestruck.com)

I got these Matiko studded loafers back in July at Solestruck, which has a really excellent collection of boutique brands at affordable prices. They're obviously um, "inspired" by Christian Louboutins. I love them, but within just a few months, some of the studs fell off, and by this point the heels are starting to get small holes in them, though mainly because I guess I walk like somewhat of a total freak. They're deep within the winter of their lives, but for $100, they were well worth it. 

 

3.) Haus Of Price Seashell Booties

($245, Haus Of Price, StantonJames.com)

Yes, indeed I did spend over $100 on black booties covered in seashells. I got these Haus Of Price handmade booties from StantonJames, which I WISH had a location in New York, by the way, and they are absolutely my everything. When I unboxed them, it was like unboxing a thrill, and not even my husband's "were those an arts and crafts project made by residents of a nursing home" inquest was enough to dissuade my instant love. They're SUPER comfortable, and my only complaint is that some of the shells got crushed, but that's the price you pay for wearing shoes covered in real shells. It's a risk worth taking. Anyway, my Haus Of Price booties mean the world to me, they are my everything. Essentially, they're the bootie version of my favorite Toni Braxton song.

Urban Outfitters MADE Me Buy These Black Boots! + PROMO CODES!

DAMN, you Urban Outfitters. You led me right back into temptation again, didn't you? Knowing full well that I'm nearly powerless to you. Especially when you dangle a promo code in front of my nose.

While shopping for THIS awesome gift for my husband (I don't wanna post it directly because he reads this from time to time), I kinda had to get myself a reward of some sort for finding him such an AWESOME present.  Enter, these black leather hiking boots!

($88, Ecote, UrbanOutfitters.com)

I love the wooden stacked heel and the metal D-rings. Hopefully they'll deliver in the cuteness category once I receive them.

($39.99, Cooperative, UrbanOutfitters.com)

I also fully support these really sweet Sherpa-lined Cooperative black boots with a stacked heel. They're on sale!

AND promo code "HEREYOUGO" saves you $25 on $100 and more. GET IT!

Why Buy: Cougar Snow Boots

($200, CougarBoots.com)

Welcome back to Why Buy, people! Why Buy is where we try something awesome and tell you why you should buy it. Today's thing you should DEFINITELY buy is a pair of Cougar Boots. (Disclosure: I was sent a pair to review by the kindly people at Matchstick).

Okay, you know that sigh of relief you either think in your head or actually audibly emit when you collapse into a comfy couch (Side note: Is there ANYTHING better than a comfy couch to come home to? Well, besides a comfy bed. But the comfy couch is your first stop before a comfy bed. You really need both. As usual, it appears I have digressed greatly)? Well that is EXACTLY what happened, both literally and figuratively, when I stepped into my new pair of Cougar Ringo Star boots when I unboxed them.

I got my Ringo Star boots in black, and they're nylon (with suede trim) and lined with what must be heaven-sent baby lamb's wool but is actually synthetic fur that just FEELS like baby lamb's wool. These things are like wearing a warm blanket. Oh, and since they're Canadian, they're built to withstand serious chill, severe weather, and they say "house," it sounds like "moose." (Just joking on that last part, but I WISH these boots talked.)

More selling points! They lace all the way up to just below my knee, and you can fold them down so they make this great faux-fur cuff effect. And they're quietly rugged (like a fancy lumberjack), and I'd even go so far as to say that you could wear them as "cute boots" and not just snow boots. Or both! Julie Christie as Lara in "Dr. Zhivago" would've worn these as they would've matched her babushka perfectly. Sigh... Russia.

Cougar also makes tons of rain boots, like these Regal rain boots, which are a cool take on motorcycle boots:

... as well as this particularly intriguing, though not necessarily Russian, pair I also like.

($124, Cougar Boots, Zappos.com)