Nine West -Ivorie, Black

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, although I am not a fan of the cold, I am a fan of the footwear which accompanies the cooler weather; living in a sub-tropical climate, some summer sandals don't get the opportunity to be worn because of the intense heat and humidity.

So during the fall (and sometimes early spring), I take out my suede beauties and transition to the next season in style.  Suede sandals are an ideal piece to bridge the hot-to-cool (or cold-to-warm) seasons; with their open design paired with this warm, heavy fabric, one is suitably dressed from morning 'til night!


Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 359: Monday November 11th 2013
Designer: Nine West
Name: Ivorie
Color: Black
Style: Ankle Strap Platform Pump
Heel: 4.5 inches (11.43 cm)
Platform: 0.75 inches (1.91 cm)
Material: Luxe Suede Upper with over-sized buckle at ankle

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Dark Blue!

 

Fioni -Karina

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics...have you ever had a pair of shoes that you bought for a special occasion, and the occasion passed without having worn said shoe?  Well, this is the story of these red satin ankle wrap sandals.  I bought these beauties to match a red satin gown I had with similar 'jewel' ornamentation for an event which has long slipped my mind, but these beautiful shoes have sat in my beloved Shoe Arsenal for, I imagine, 10 or 12 years.

The gown is in storage, or perhaps I have already donated it, but these shoes, needed to be worn.  My only dilemma was with what would I wear them?  I thought long and hard, and had even considered buying something new, when I went shopping in my closet and pulled out the perfect floral sateen short suit.  The combination of the color red, satin upper and jewel embellishment proved to be the perfect complement to suit and a warm autumn day.

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 358:  Wednesday November 6th 2013
Designer: Fioni
Name: Karina
Style: Ankle Wrap Kitten Heel Sandal
Heel: 2.5 inches (6.35 cm)
Material:  Satin Upper with jewel decoration along vamp

 

Steve Madden -P-Suzii

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, these beauties that grace my feet today, I affectionately refer to as my 'Stand Up & Get Noticed Shoes'.  Every girl needs a head-turning-attention-grabbing-traffic-stopping pair of lust worthy heels that elevate your style, and these definitely fit the bill!

When looking for a pair of 'Stand Up & Get Noticed Shoes', my tips for you are simple:

Find a pair of shoes that you can walk in!  There is nothing un-sexier than a fabulous pair of heels on a person who is struggling to walk in them.  If you need to practice your strut, then do so, in increasingly higher heels, in the privacy of your own home.  Practice walking up and down stairs, on hard and soft surfaces, so that when you head out, you will have mastered your heels, not the other way around.

Get something fun and/or unique!  Everyone has boring, sensible shoes, so why not go for something that is different, calling attention to your gams or that late-season pedi?  These combo peep-toe-maryjane-platform-stilettos instantly turn up the Wow factor. and scream, 'Look at me!'


Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 357: Monday November 4th 2013
Designer: Steve Madden
Name: P-Suzii
Color: Black
Style: Platform Maryjane Peep-Toe Slingback Pump
Heel: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Platform: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
Material: Synthetic Patent Upper

To see how I styled these beautiful Maryjane Slingbacks 

and for my 1 Shirt Dress 5 Ways, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Natural Soul by Naturalizer -Kassandra, Red Pepper

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, if you are looking for a little color inspiration, then look no further than Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Fall 2013.   From ways to style their color of the year, to how-to incorporate this seasons hottest hues, taking a leaf out of Patnone's report is sure to colorize your world.

One of the 'it' colors for the fall is Samba (Red).  Used as a foundation with which to pair other jewel-tones, in conjunction with lighter tones to create a dramatic statement, or used singly as a stand alone piece, Samba red is sure to give a spirited, expressive and distinguished look.

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 356: Monday October 21st 2013
Designer: Natural Soul by Naturalizer
Name: Kassandra
Color: Red Pepper
Style: Slip-On Flats
Heel: 1.25 inches (3.18 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with contrast Moccasin stitching detail at toe and woven leather on vamp

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Black!

Kors, Michael Kors -Newton, Black

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, a fabulous dress calls for a fabulous pair of shoes, and these wedge beauties fit the bill perfectly!  With a sleek leather upper, and contrast stitching throughout the vamp, complemented with a stacked wooden heel and open-toe design, transitioning to fall has never been cooler or hotter!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 355: Sunday October 13th 2013
Designer: Kors by Michael Kors
Name: Newton
Color: Black Oiled Calf
Style: Open-Toe Wedge Pump
Heel: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
Platform: 1.0 inches (2.5 cm)
Material: Leather upper with leather lining

To see how I styled these beautiful Wedges and for other styling tips, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Natural!

Giuseppe Zanotti -E10334

Ciao a tutti!

Well, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics, here they are, the priciest shoes in my Shoe Arsenal!

 

While you take a few moments and experience intense emotions of lust and envy (it's all right, I experienced those things too, when I saw them...then I saw the price), I shall give you a few tips on how you too, can own a pair of high-end designer shoes, without the sticker shock!

Tip One: Save your Money!
Designer shoes, don't come cheap, especially the ones that are made in Italy and Brazil, handcrafted or made of premium materials. If you think of them as an investment piece, you'll see the value of dropping a few extra dollars in a well made pair of shoes that will last and that feel absolutely incredible on your feet.

Tip Two: Shop around!
I love a bargain, but a bargain isn't a bargain, when you find out you over spent on something you could have gotten cheaper. Look online and in stores, because although related by name to their brick and mortar counterparts, most eCommerce businesses are run by a separate entity, with different promotions and sales and sometimes even different merchandise. If you can stand playing the waiting game, then wait until the end of season sales. Sandals at the end of summer are less expensive than in the late winter or early spring, and boots are often at rock bottom prices during the warmer months. Styles generally take several seasons to cycle in and cycle out, so sandals you buy in August or September will be just as fashionable the following April.

Tip Three:  Join retailer's membership clubs (if they're free) and sign up for e-mails!
This is a favorite of mine, because had I not been a DSW Rewards Member, there would have been no way I would have gotten these $800 shoes for more than 90% off!  Yes, you read that correctly!  Many sites, like the aforementioned DSW.com, pays members to shop.  You receive points for items you buy, and when you reach a certain amount, they send you coupons for dollars off a future purchase.  Additionally, this site gives you periodic opportunities to double and even triple your points on a purchase.  You can get free shipping if you spend over $35, and you can use up to 3 coupons per shopping visit.  Wow!  How I scored these beauties for a fraction of their retail value (the sell out price on the Giuseppe Zanotti website was $398), was a Luxe810 sale DSW.com had in August.  These select high-end designer shoes were priced at $99 dollars (only for the weekend).  Combined with a couple of discount coupons, free shipping, and also purchased during a tax-free weekend, these designer shoes are now mine at only a fraction of the cost!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 354: Sunday October 6th 2013
Designer: Giuseppe Zanotti
Name: E10334
Style: Hooded-Thong Sandal
Material: Leopard-Print, pony hair upper, leather lining and sole with ankle strap and buckle

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals and for other styling tips, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Unlisted -Ritzy Night

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, every girl needs a pair of going out shoes (or several), and if you're like me, with a Shoe Arsenal filled with every conceivable style of black pump there is, then a beautiful alternative is one in a metallic hue.

Silver, gold, pewter or bronze, all considered to be a 'neutral color', you can't go wrong with a pair of stems in any of these shades.  Just remember to keep your metallics (shoes and accessories) in the same color family to keep your look polished!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 353:  Monday September 23rd 2013
Designer: Unlisted by Kenneth Cole
Name: Ritzy Night
Color: Light Silver
Style: Slide Sandal Pump
Heel: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)
Material: Satin Upper with rhinestone decorative buckles on vamp and ankle

To see how I styled these beautiful Slides, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

David Tate -Katey

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, a must have for any shoe aficionado, is a pair of neutral colored ballet flats; an easy, go-to shoe for any outing involving a great deal of walking, and pairing 'chic-ly' with everything from jeans to minis, you can't go wrong with these.

 

A word of caution when purchasing flats: look for a pair with a padded insole and preferably with arch support; feet can become quite tired while walking and these two factors will alleviate pain associated with a poor quality shoe.  Also, avoid shoes with elastic goring around the heel.  Although they may provide a better fitting shoe (i.e. they won't fall off), the close fitting, gathered elastic has a tendency to cut into your heel causing a great deal of discomfort and pain.

Baci a tutti!

 

Stella Notte

 

Day 352: Tuesday September 17th 2013

Designer: David Tate

Name: Katey

Color : Brown

Style: Flat Ballet Slipper

Material: Suede Upper with exotic snakeskin print and goring on sides

 

 

 

 

 

Lumiani -Ava

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, being vertically challenged, I look for new ways to 'appear' taller, and here is one of my favorite style tips: Wear High Heels with Shorts!  High Heels + Shorts = A lot of Leg

But you can't just wear any heel in order to maximize the length of your gams.  Anything with an ankle strap will disrupt the continuous flow from the hem of your shorts to your toes, and actually make you look shorter.  Look for a slide (remember, mules are their closed-toe cousins) with a wedge, which provides a great deal of stability when you walk.

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 351: Wednesday September 11th 2013
Designer: Lumiani
Name: Ava
Color:  Black

Style: Demi-Wedge Slide

Heel: 4.5 inches (11.43 cm)
Platform: 1 inch (2.54 cm)

Material: Suede Upper with suede lined foot bed and leather sole. Suede wrapped wedge and platform

To see how I styled these beautiful Slides, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Minnetonka -Belize

Ciao a tutti!

All right, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics...pair number 350!  And aren't they beautiful!  I first shoe-cased my Minnetonka knee high fringe boots last year; with their unique style and unmatched comfort, when I saw these beaded-fringe t-strap sandals, I had to get them, and have not been disappointed.

Both easy to wear and easy to style, these fringed beauties add a playful element to any ensemble, and when paired with a fringed bag, your style will be instantly elevated into Boho-chic-ness!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 350: Sunday September 8th 2013
Designer: Minnetonka
Name: Belize
Color: Brown
Style: Ankle- Cuff Back-Zip T-Strap Sandals
Material: Suede Upper with decorative top stitiching and weaving with beaded fringe details

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Sole-Less Shoes: Beaded Cowrie Shells

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, as I gear up for my 350th pair of shoes, I am taking time out to relax, enjoy the weather and put my feet in the sand, and what better way to do so than with a pair of Sole-Less Foot Thongs.  Unaccustomed to walking barefoot, I feel quite home in these (and on the beach).  Whether they are worn with a bikini or while combing the beach, these beauties are the perfect accent to your summertime, surf-side outing!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Wednesday September 4th 2013

Style: Sole-Less Foot Thong

To see how I styled these beautiful Foot Thongs, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Type Z -Virginia, Cognac

Ciao a tutti!

He we are again, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics, on the verge of welcoming another season, and if you are anything like me, the change in climate leaves you with the twice-a-year-dilemma: What do I wear when transitioning into...(in this case), autumn?  My recommendation is a open-toe shootie!

The marvelous hybrid of a shoe and bootie with the open-toe practicality of a sandal, is perfect on every level: the cool mornings are no match for the closed heel style of this shoe, while the warm afternoons are a breeze with the open front design.  In a leg-lengthening height, a shootie is sure to be a staple from now, to well into the fall!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 349:  Sunday August 1st 2013
Designer: Type Z
Name: Virginia
Color:  Cognac
Style: Peep-Toe Platform Wedge Shootie
Heel: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Platform: 1.38 inches (3.51 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with decorative straps with top stitching

 

To see how I styled these beautiful Shooties, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

 

 

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Nude!

Hush Puppies -Limon

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, whether they are quirky, clever or cute, I love a pair of shoes that are different...or at least, secretly so.  And these gladiator flats from Hush Puppies certainly fit the bill!  If you are like me and hate fidgeting with buckles, especially after the nails are done or once fully dressed, these cleverly designed beauties have two functional buckles, but as an added convenience, each buckle has a hook which can be used to open and close the shoe.  Brilliant!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Designer: Hush Puppies
Name: Limon
Color: Black
Style: T-Strap Gladiator Flat Sandal
Heel: 0.25 inches (0.64 cm)
Material: Suede Upper with dual adjustable buckles

To see how I styled these beautiful Gladiator Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Sole-Less Shoes, Beaded Black & White

Ciao a tutti!

As a self proclaimed Shoe-A-Holic, I relish the opportunity to wear a pair of shoes, but on the beach, these sole-less foot thongs are quite possibly the next best thing!  Both fun and flirty, the sand, sun and surf are a breeze in these sole-less beauties!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Sunday August 25th 2013

I have searched for these foot thongs for quite some time, and have had no luck finding them.  My suggestion if you are looking for a pair of these for the beach, would be to check online for Foot Thongs or to inquire at a local beach shop.  These (along with a cowrie pair) I received from a fellow Shoe-A-Holic! 

Molto Grazie, Zia!

 

 

 

 

To see how I styled these beautiful Foot Thongs, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Nine West -Emmo, Medium Orange

Ciao a tutti!

Okay, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics, a must have for your summer footwear is a bright pair of sandals!  And the brighter the better!  Brightly colored sandals have been trending for quite some time now, and even neon-fluorescent shades have popped up again, paying homage to '80's fashion, but a carefully chosen shade in a bold color can elevate your ensemble!

 

For a pulled-together look, try matching your sandals to your belt; not only will a belt in a similar color define your waist, but the addition of color at the mid-line visually unifies your ensemble!

 

Baci a tutti!

 

Stella Notte

 

Designer: Nine West
Name: Emmo
Color: Medium Orange
Style: T-Strap Platform Wedge Sandal
Heel: 3.75 inches (9.53 cm)
Platform: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
Material: Calfskin upper with interwoven strappy design

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

MIA -Zeus, Pewter

Ciao a tutti!

Confession time, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics...as I near the farthest corners of my Shoe Arsenal and survey the 30 or so remaining pairs of shoes (and some boots), I have come to the realization that I have worn very few of my dressier shoes over these last few years.

So, while I come up with ways to best style the beauties I have yet to wear, I shall continue to wear some of my favorites and pass along some shoe advice or tips that you, my fellow Shoe-A-Holics will find useful.

A must for any Shoe Arsenal is a metallic sandal.  Bronze, gold or pewter, like these, are considered a style essential because metallics are the new neutral.  Capable of styling with any and everything, a metallic sandal is an indispensable piece of footwear you'll be sure to wear season after season.

 

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Designer: MIA
Name: Zeus
Color: Pewter
Style: Flat Gladiator Thong Sandal
Material: Leather Upper with side buckle detailing

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

Flashback Friday: MIA -Jacqilyn

Ciao a tutti!

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, a summertime staple in my Shoe Arsenal is a wedge.  This elevated beauty is a sturdy-style-stepper, even for the most novice heel wearer. To avoid the 'clunckiness' which can be associated with this type of heel, look for a pair with a sculptured mid-sole, stacked wedge or top-stitching detailing along the sole. 

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Friday August 16th 2013

Designer: MIA

Name: Jacqilyn

Color: Navy

Style: Platform Wedge with Ankle Strap

Heel: 5.25 inches (13.34 cm)
Platform: 1.75 inches (4.45 cm)

Material: Leather Upper with contrast top-stitching, stacked wedge and platform

 

 

 

 

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

 

 

Just as beautiful the second time around, click here to see the first time I showcased these beauties!

Steve Madden -Faraa

Ciao a tutti!

 

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, if you are looking for a go-to shoe that goes with any and everything, then what you are looking for is a neutral pump.  If you are like me, and are sometimes left in a quandary as to which shoes you should pair with which outfit, the neutral pump eliminates all the guess work, giving you piece of mind with every step you take!



 

 

Baci a tutti!

 

Stella Notte

 

 Day 348: Tuesday August 13th 2013
 Designer: Steve Madden
 Name: P-Faraa
 Color: Taupe
 Style: Platform Peep-Toe Pump
 Heel: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
 Platform: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm)
 Material: Synthetic Patent Upper

  

To see how I styled these beautiful Pumps, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

 

Naughty Monkey -Whipped Me Around, Black

 

Ciao a tutti!

 

My fellow Shoe-A-Holics, one of fashion's enduring trends is animal print; snakeskin, leopard, zebra and even giraffe have been reinvented so many times, season after season, that they are considered the 'new neutral'.

A Shoe Arsenal staple, an animal print shoe is a must have, and is sure to be a go-to favorite year after year!

Baci a tutti!

Stella Notte

Day 347:  Sunday August 11th 2013
Designer: Naughty Monkey
Name: Whipped Me Around
Color: Black
Style: Platform Sandal
Heel: 4.25 inches (10.8 cm)
Platform: 0.5 inches (1.27 cm)
Material: Leather Upper with studded hardware accents and straps

To see how I styled these beautiful Sandals, follow the link below to:

La Stella Notte's Style (chic that's easy as 1, 2, 3)

 

 

Beautiful in any color; click here to see these beauties in Purple!