Shoes.Of.The.Day

The 1st Shoes.Of.The.Day segment of the year will focus on details. Shoes, handbags and accessories have become extremely important categories for a brand, as they provide a big part of the revenues. Therefore, to stay relevant and fresh, designers won’t settle for the simple-less-is-more motto. Details such as the use of bows, tassels, fringes, pins, hardware, zippers, fabrics, textures, design lines etc. are predominant in all of the catwalks these past few seasons, and the trend does not seem to slow down for spring 2011 as tassels and fringes, for instance, were everywhere. In future blog entries, I will explore furthermore the hot trends for Spring 2011.

But for now, here are my Shoes.Of.The.Day selection for Ladies and Men.

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Emilio.Pucci.Spring.2011)

Who: Emilio Pucci
What: Suede open-toe ankle boots
Why: Fringe, check. Tassels, check. Studs, check. Wooden heel, check. All of the hottest trends for Spring 2011 seem to be incorporated into one pair of shoe, and yet, it seems to work pretty well with this ultra-cool pair of boots. The color is amazing, the mix of suede and leather is just right and all the excess in the detail department give this Pucci ankle boot a 70's feel, which was yet another highlighted trend for Spring 2011. Less is more? Not in this instance. Swoon worthy.
How Much: $1150 Us (@net-a-porter.com)

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Gucci.Spring.2011)

Who: Gucci
What: Leather Drivers
Why: I am not a big fan of the more commercial-logo-crazy side of Gucci. But when they do the understated minimal with no apparent logo, Gucci is right-on. Like this gorgeous pair of driver shoes for men. The use of different texture and material, in this instance mesh, patent leather and pebble leather, work very well together. Also, the added boat-shoe like laces and back leather tab as well as the signature Gucci web are all details that add so much to this style. Love it, want them...I started saving, no worries!
How Much: $435 Us (@saksfifthavenue.com)

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: net-a-porter.com/saksfifthavenue.com)

Views.From.My.Closet

Fashion and clothes are supposed to be fun and easy and a testament of your own self. Therefore, with this new year comes a new segment to my blog. Views.From.My.Closet will be posts about items that make me smile, think, laugh and reflect from my closet (and/or stores) that I own, want or like; clothes, shoes, accessories, etc...

They say that the clothes you wear are reflections of your own personality. If this is true, you will probably discover sooner or later, that I have the case of multiple personalities as at times, I do not take myself too seriously fashion wise. It portrays me well as I do not have a defined look or style. For example, a goth will never be preppy and a preppy will never be Gothic. My closet, on the other hand, is a sea of many different styles and looks. Items that I love will be shown, pieces that have a meaning, an emotion or a story to them will be shared. Hope you like it.

Without further ado, drum rolls please...

The first piece from my closet is actually why I named my blog The.Shoe.Freak. Its not a particular or singular piece but more of a summary: my collection of shoes.

Take a look at the pictures below for a small glimpse of my collection:

Why: I thought it was fitting for me to show my shoe collection as my first segment since you've probably noticed by now, I love shoes. Yes, a man that loves shoes, not uncommon really these days. I know plenty of guys who buy shoes like it was peanuts. My own siblings have more shoes than me so it seems. Its a stereotype that is really non-existent in today's society as fashion for men as evolved drastically. Also, the modern-urban male is really into looking good and sharp, therefore follows and is into fashion and clothes, care products and what not.

As previously mentioned in an earlier post, I believe that shoes complete a look. If you have the wrong pair of shoes on, than it will make a good ensemble look bad, even if styled properly. Shoes are extremely important.

A lot of people buy many pair of shoes every season because they treat them poorly, abuse and use them very quickly, or have a certain walk that ruins them; my brother is all of that at once. However, I'm not. My shoes can last very long as I take care of them pretty well, have a light step and never wear them 2 or 3 days in a row. This is partly due to the amount of shoes I own, therefore I enjoy changing, matching and rotating.

Please do not ask me how many pairs I have as I have stopped counting (yes, that bad). From sneakers to boots, flip-flops to sandals, casual to proper, summer to winter, black to colorful, I probably have it all and many of each.

However, I give away many pairs every year to charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army; my way of contributing in this world I suppose.

Something as trivial as shoes make me happy, it doesn't take much! I'm a catch! ;)

Please share your own thoughts, your own stories and/or own pieces from your closet that make you smile.

'Till the next segment!

-The.Shoe.Freak

Happy.New.Year

To All...

Have a wonderful 2011 filled with happiness, love, health and prosperity.

As for me, Ill try to make this blog venture of mine more and more of a priority, hoping to bring new relevance, new ideas and new commitment to it.

Happy.New.Year!

-The.Shoe.Freak

Shoes.Of.The.Day: Christian.Louboutin.Edition

Today's Shoes.Of.The.Day segment is dedicated to the new reference for shoes in today's fashion conscious society: Christian Louboutin. When the idolized and beloved Carrie Bradshaw trumps her Manolo's for the new Louboutin's, its hard to argue with his now iconic status. The french designer has created an empire with sky-high heels, fairly simple yet constructed designs, over-the-top detailing and the recognizable-from-a-mile-away now-famous red sole. Every star and starlet has worn a pair and every woman I know has lusted or wants to own a Christian Louboutin pair of shoe. Here's are few reasons why...

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Christian.Louboutin.Spring.2011: $895/$775/$975.all.in.Us.$)

(Christian.Louboutin.Spring.2011: $1665/$1095/$995.all.in.Us.$)

And, yes guys, the designer started catering to the men clientele. However, for now, the collection for men is pretty small, pricey, extremely out there and loud and the products are more statement-like shoes than anything else. The collection will eventually evolve into a fuller, broader collection as well. See below some examples of the collection for us guys...

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Christian.Louboutin.Spring.2011.&.Fall.2010: $1195/$625/$2495.all.in.Us.$)

For more information on Christian Louboutin, visit his website @ Christianlouboutin.com.

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: Christianlouboutin.com)

Shoes.Of.The.Day

-Ladies.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Alexander.Wang.Spring.2011)

Who: Alexander Wang
What: Peep-toe leather boots with 3 straps.
Why: Everything works here; from the lizard effect on the leather to the leather rib and Velcro straps making this pair modern, edgy and fun. The "it" designer can do no wrong so far. This is how we make a style statement! Yes ladies, you can swoon.
How Much: $685 Cnd (@ net-a-porter)

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Zara.Fall.Winter.2010)

Who: Zara
What: Buckskin leather ankle boots.
Why: Love everything about these boots. The color is stunning, the ankle strap adds a bit of toughness and the rounded pointy toe is right on point. Perfect with a nice pair of straight leg (or tapered) jeans on a night out. Hot boot, at a very low price. WANT!!! Its just sad that they will get ruined by our crazy Montreal winter.
How Much: $129 Cnd

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: net-a-porter.com/zara.com)

Shoes.Of.The.Day

Today's edition of Shoes.Of.The.Day will feature the "classic" staple shoe for each sex; the pump for the ladies and the classic lace-up for the guys. A lot of people are too content on following the fashion rules and never think outside of the box. However, "Classic" does not have to be boring and one-dimensional. There are many great options out there for everyone who are looking for a fresh new twist on the classics. Here are my suggestions.

-Ladies.Shoe.Of.The.Day:

(Charlotte.Olympia.Fall.Winter.2010)

Who: Charlotte Olympia
What: Leather platform pumps with back ruffled detail.
Why: Stunning work of precised design execution with the right details, shape and perfect amount of femininity. How to make a classic pump into something beautiful. Definitely Swoon material.
How Much: $840 Us (@net-a-porter.com)

-Men.Shoes.Of.The.Day:

(Ted.Baker.Fall.Winter.2010)

Who: Ted Baker
What: Leather classic brogue style shoe with high shine finish.
Why: Again, another stunning work of precised design execution with the right details and the perfect pointed toe shape (not too pointy, more rounded). The low profile heel in a different color makes this classic lace-up multi-functional as it can be worn with a suit for a more proper look or paired down with jeans for a night out. Love it!
How Much: $150 Us (@asos.com)

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: net-a-porter.com/asos.com)

Winter.Fashion.For.Men: Boots

Unfortunately for us, (well at least for me) its that time of the year again; the time where our city streets are invaded by mother nature's wrath. Yes, tons and tons of winter white snow falling on us, making most of our lives miserable (hey, even the die-hard winter lovers hate the slushy, icy streets of Montreal in winter). Therefore it is time to bring out the artillery; chunky scarves, knitted gloves and beanies, big warm coats and our dreaded stocky winter boots.

But in today's fashion, designers think of us poor style-conscious lovers who dread walking a mile in ugly footwear. Therefore, today's selection of winter boots are both practical and stylish. No more reason for those hideous snow boots of the past.

Here are some of my top Men's winter footwear must haves.

-Men.Boots.To.Have:

(Pajar.$185cdn)
(Ralph.Lauren.$350us/Tretorn.$140us/Sorel.$500us)

High quality, waterproof boots that are resistant to the grueling winters are not cheap but merit the price. You'll be happy wearing them next time you’re shoveling your driveway or walking a slippery Montreal sidewalk.

-The.Shoe.Freak

(source: pajar.com/ralphlauren.com/store.tretorn.com/sorel.com)