All too often, there is a lack of attention given to our selection of footwear. This obvious laziness subsequently obliterates the polished look we had intended with our attire. The solution to this problem is simple: get serious about footwear!
If there are two things not to go cheap on, it is footwear and accessories. Why? Because you can be dressed in simple, well-made, generic clothing and?with some added higher-end accessories?look like a million bucks. Additionally, well-made shoes last much longer. After reviewing shoes at numerous presentations, I've created my ultimate footwear list for this autumn/winter season. Remember, first-rate footwear is essential, but comes at a price.
Footwear Man
Today's shoe fashions present the modern man with innumerable options. Man is on the go, practical, professional, and confident. He should demand high quality and style from his footwear. He can certainly enjoy his comfy New Balance 991s, but he should never sacrifice his sophisticated edge by over-wearing them, especially in more proper settings. Unfortunately, this model concerns many Bowdoin males in their daily shoe choices. Yes, we are students, but since when did that entail the plebian and gruesome daily routine of rolling out of bed, putting on practice sweats, and scrumming shoes for class? We all have days when we are too hung-over and tired to give a hoot, or when the crappy weather gives us little to care for except staying dry and warm, but, I ask you, where is the pride? Is it honestly that easy to score at Bowdoin while looking so sloppy? Apparently so.
Footwear Woman
I'm not shy in asserting that I always favor a woman in expensive four-inch heels. But, admittedly, heels are not always practical or probably comfortable. In defense of my fellow man, some ignorant women selfishly complain that they are the only ones subjected to uncomfortable shoes, but they haven't suffered through a new pair of high-end, dress shoes all day. Thankfully, more "comfortable" alternatives exist; I strongly support nice clogs, moccasins, ballet flats, and sneaks as wise choices.
Must have styles:
The loafer, also known as the Gunnison or driving moccasin, is a versatile beauty. They are slickly sharp, cozy, and empower swift movement. I would also strongly argue that every man should have a pair of ankle boots either in dark brown, grey, or black. The lace-up boot proved to be the hot revival on most runways this year. For ladies, booties, peep-toe heels, riding boots, and sandal wedges ring my bell. If there is a new color in footwear to consider, it's gray, hands down! I also love patent leather and metallic footwear, shoes with buckles, and wing tips. Electric or metallic-colored heel-parts and animal print add eccentric to your chic. Patent leather is durable and has a taste of swanky attitude that, honestly, everyone at Bowdoin could use. All of these elements add a high level of elegance, with a smudge of intricacy?fabulous for a fun look. A stern reminder though: there is little sense is owning nice shoes if you don't have complementing dress socks. White sport socks should be reserved only for active times.
Investments:
John Lobb: For over 150 years, these highly exclusive foot-pieces have been painstakingly handcrafted in England using traditional yet innovative methods, using the finest materials. Now acquired by Hèrmes, these heirlooms are the footwear to have, ideal for those selling their souls to the world of i-banking. ($600-$4,000 for made-to-measure).Visit www.johnlobb.com
Christian Louboutin: My preference any day to the over-celebrated Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik labels, Louboutin's lacquered red soled shoes (a signature) emulate his impressive Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent background. Each piece combines influences of the Parisian nightlife, an exotique femme fatale, and sex. The best of the best! ($600-$1,400). Visit www.christianlouboutin.fr.
Other brands to check out: Church's, Pierre Hardy.
Rock Star/Dominating Diva:
Isn't it reassuring that men these days can embrace their inner glamorous, elegant, and unruly being? For those bold enough to be fabulous, I highly recommend Milano-based designer Cesare Paciotti. He luxuriously blends classy old-world-construction with emotional sex symbol. At his presentation in Milano I noted that studs, buckles, silver, patent and exotic leathers, as well as the label's dagger insignia, accentuated this. ($250-$900). Visit www.cesarepaciotti.it.
Yves Saint Laurent: Stefano Pilati presents a daring and sensual assortment of boots, heels, wedges, and flats, ideal for that cosmopolitan Good Girl gone bad ($340-$995). Visit www.ysl.com.
Dress shoes/Heels:
Cole Haan: My personal staple for any footwear, Cole Haan combines aristocratic edge with modern Nike-Air technology. Their heels are just shy of extraordinary and the boots for men and women might make you drool. There is an extensive collection for the hipster, CEO, lounger, or jet setter. Products are well-crafted and refined. ($85-$1,200) Check out the downstairs outlet in Freeport for deep discounts up to 75 percent?no excuses! Visit www.colehaan.com.
Bruno Magli: Men who desire subtle Italian flare, superior quality, and hand-made comfort, should move this Bolognese shoe czar to the top of their lists. Bruno Magli is an icon, not a label. An excellent women's collection as well features formal heels and flats ($275-$2,000 for made to measure). Visit www.brunomagli.it.
BCBG Max Azria: The heels adored by most young women, in my opinion. Max Azria's label says it all?Bon Chic Bon Genre: superb style for superb women ($198-$270). Visit www.bcbg.com.
Other brands to check out include Rockport, Calvin Klein, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, and L.L. Bean.
Stylish comfort:
Puma has intelligently relied on a variety of accomplished designers such as Alexander McQueen to keep its footwear and sneakers progressively posh. Options here are diverse, fun, and reliable ($75-$200). Visit www.puma.com
Dirk Bikkembergs: Last year's Milano show proved the designer's desire to stay true to his soccer inspiration. His Bikkembergs label provides men and women with an active look, without forfeiting good design. The more expensive, men's-only, Sport Couture line, took its influence from the 30 styles of Porches that lined the runway. Hot. ($200-$500). Visit www.bikkembergs.it.
Bally: Another label that deserves more applause, this Swiss company carries an extensive line of world-class footwear for men and women. It does best with loafers, moccasins, and boat shoes. Shades hover around red, brown, grey, black, and white, while smooth lines and swanky designs promote a delicate elegance with incredible service. ($175-$450). Visit www.bally.com.
Alternative Play:
Excellent Alternatives: Being a vegan, I thought it would only make sense to recommend a high-quality label that specifically caters to a socially-conscious crowd. The answer here is John Fluevog. The Canadian designer has an assortment of stylish and quirky boots, heels, shoes, and sandals for men and women, with a vast selection of vegan or sustainable footwear. ($70-$400). Visit www.fluevog.com.
In conclusion, I present my "Footwear in Five:"
1. For dress shoes, light browns are always for the country, whereas blacks, grays, and dark browns are very metropolitan.
2. It's okay to wear a black belt with very dark brown shoes.
3. Frequent shoe care and caps on heels are essential for ensuring footwear longevity.
4. Buying high-end shoes online can save you big! Zappos.com, netaporter.com, and eluxury.com are great places to start. Endless.com also pays you five dollars for overnight shipping. However, many labels have online sales, which can save you up to 50 percent!
5. Owning a pair of dressier sandals is pertinent for warmer weather. And put away flip-flops and sandals by late October, folks.