Shoes.Of.The.Day: Buckles

This installment of my Shoes.Of.The.Day segment is based on the countless hours of research I do every season in the name of fashion. While looking through all the pictures of shoes I had saved on my laptop, I realized most of them had buckles adorned to them, either multiple ones or just the simple lonely one on a pair of boot. No matter what, this realization made me push further into the research stage. And this led me to conclude that buckles were in fact a big 'detail' trend for Fall.2011, especially in the footwear industry.

Buckles can be viewed as trivial and overlooked by consumers but in fact, they are detail-oriented pieces that add significant purpose and value to a design. This being said, there are many different varieties of buckles, in different shapes and forms, with different qualities. Of course, this adds, determines and justifies price tags of an item. Designers use them wisely as variables in their creations. 

Below are my Shoes.Of.The.Day with buckles as a prominent detail. They are both from Alexander McQueen, which I have to admit, is my designer of the moment.

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Alexander.McQueen.Fall.2011)

Who: Alexander McQueen 
What: Buckled suede boot
Why: How gorgeous are these boots ladies? The color, a rich Cobalt Blue, which is a strong Fall.2011 color by the way, is beautiful. The detailing, so McQueen, is interesting with the turned-over flap and appealing forms of the panels. The blocked heel is perfectly proportioned to the rest of the design elements. And finally, the fastening tabs with the gold buckles add the final touch. Swoon Ladies, Swoon!

How Much: $1,225 Us (@net-a-porter.com)

-Mens.Shoes.Of.The.Day

(Alexander.McQueen.Fall.2011)

Who: Alexander McQueen 
What: Leather triple buckle boot
Why: Everything about this boot is amazing. Love the triple buckled flap. Love the gold metal tips at the round cap toe and heel. Love the thick stitching. Love the leather sole. Love the right height of the ankle boot. All these fine design and detail elements that are subtle yet oh so cool and modern. I love love love and want them so bad!!!

How Much: $955 Us (@barneys.com)

And finally, since there was way too many options out there, I have assembled some of my favorites in the below video. Enjoy!

Which ones are your favorites?

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: barneys.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, saksfifthavenue.com, nordstrom.com, luisaviaroma.com, mrporter.com, net-a-porter.com)

 

Shoes.Of.The.Day: Cognac

Rich cognac colors are everywhere these past few seasons in the footwear industry and are even replacing browns and blacks for many occasions, at least in my wardrobe options. The same can be said in the handbag and accessories department. And it's easy to understand why; Cognacs are easy to match with other colors. They mix very well with dark browns, grays, pinks, neutrals as well as most of the blue hues out there (especially Navy). The richer the color, the better. And of course, the better quality leather, the better the color will be.

As you will probably notice when shopping for your Fall.2011 wardrobe, the choice for rich Cognac colored shoes is pretty wide. Here are therefore my cognac favorites out there.

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Kurt.Geiger.Fall.2011)

Who: Kurt Geiger
What: 'Frida' Leather ankle booties
Why: These ankle booties are just stunning. The leather is soft and ultra luxurious. The rich deep cognac color is fantastic. The detailing is also superb; the metal stiletto is right on in the right antique brass color, the thick stitching, and platform complete a well designed shoe. To be worn on any occasion, ladies, you can swoon!
How Much: $470 Cdn (@kurtgeiger.com)

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Kurt.Geiger.Fall.2011)

Who: Kurt Geiger
What: 'Golden Child' leather fringed loafers
Why: Loafers are types of shoes I wear a lot, so keeping my interest is something extremely important and these Geiger shoes do that and more! I love the brogue detailing, the fringing, which isn't over-the-top, the wooded sole and most importantly, the rich Cognac color. And as a last detail, the contrast dark brown tassel to complete the look. What can I say, I want them.
How Much: $375 Cdn (@kurtgeiger.com)

Are Cognac colors part of your wardrobe? If not, will they be from now on?

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: kurtgeiger.com)