WTF? What the Footwear?????

YOU be the judge.  I’m at a loss for words on this footwear creation from Irregular Choice.

Naya Shoes … Good For You And For The Earth

Naya was born from the belief that shoes should be beautiful on your feet, soft on your step and gentle on the environment. Because you should never have to choose between what looks good, what feels good and what is good for you and for the earth.

Naya means renewal and this inspires and guides us in everything we do to create shoes that:

Renew your spirit with expressive, feminine style
Renew your body with exceptionally soft comfort
Renew the earth with environmentally-thoughtful designs
You will wear Naya because they are beautiful, and you will love them because they are good for your body, spirit and the earth.

The perfect blend of relaxed style and natural beauty.  Stitching accents add texture and interest to casual looks.   Effortless and chic.

Beautiful and rich, hand-burnished leathers compliment bold prints and neutral palettes.  Woven straps add visual interest to simple style.  Versatile and natural.

To learn more about Naya Shoes, visit their web site at NayaShoes.com.  Shop Naya Shoes at 

Alexander McQueen Engraved Platform Wedge “ONLY” $2,900!

From our friends at shoeblog.com … thank you!  We HAD to share this one!

Hmm. Most of you shoe fanatics out there have seen this exorbitantly expensive, whimsically fierce McQueen wedge on the runways of Spring 2011.

It was $3495 last time we brought news of it to you on ShoeBlog. Now it’s a bit lower, at $2909. Not a huge change, but $600 less is good!

The boot, meanwhile, is now $2097.50.

I’d rather have the white ones with butterflies, but I would take any of the above if I could afford them!

WTF? Design Shoes Embellished With Boars Hair??

What The …. Footwear???  Boars hair … really? Someone sold ice to an Eskimo at this designer shoe factory!   And bonus, it comes in black too!   My guess is we will NOT see these on the red carpet anytime soon.  But hey, if you have $850 to burn, they are all yours!

Jimmy Choo Halley Leather and Suede Platform Sandals

Did you hear that collective sign from shuzsociety when we laid eyes on the Jimmy Choo “Halley” leather and suede platform sandals?  As featured in the ad campaign, this leather and suede platform lifted up on a 145mm heel … uhhh, yes, that’s 5.7″!! … introduces a new sense of volume.  At a volume level that says “take me home with you” …. the shoes, that is.

$1,495 available at JimmyChoo.com

Kenneth Cole’s Exclusive 925 Technology Provide All-day Comfort

High heel lovers are constantly in search of comfortable, fashionable footwear that can be worn ALL day … as in “9am to 5pm” and beyond!  Obviously this was the creative objective behind Kenneth Cole’s new “925″ women’s footwear collection.   ABC News recently put the Kenneth Cole 925 heels through a side-by-side foot test in New York’s Central Park. See for yourself …

Kenneth Cole’s exclusive 925 technology combines memory foam cushioning with flax-filled arch support for excellent all-day comfort, which can be found in a range of styles and heel heights.  At these prices, you can afford several styles!

$169.95  available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

$129.95  available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

$294.95  available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

$194.95 available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

$174.95  available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

$194.95 available at Nordstrom.com
BUY NOW

To view the entire collection of Kenneth Cole footwear, please visit their web site at kennethcole.com.

Top Boots For Your Guilt-free Holiday Wish List!

The holiday season is in full swing: Christmas lights all a twinkle, Jingle Bells playing on repeat, and pretty packages tucked snuggly beneath the tree.  However, if your household is like most others out there celebrating Christmas, those expertly wrapped gifts are most likely for your spouse, children, or other loved ones.  All too often do the men in our lives wait until the very last minute to purchase that perfect present. Lucky for you though, because we’ve got the ultimate gift guide for  all you shoe lovers out there.

To stay in tune with the season, we’ve selected the very best boots that money can buy.  Yes, some of them are a little pricey, but we’ve also included a budget calculator for each boot so you can help justify that purchase, whether it’s a gift request made to your loved ones, or perhaps a little Christmas present you buy for yourself (we all deserve something special this time of year, don’t we?).  So go ahead, pick out that perfect pair you just can’t live with out, because boots are a gift that keep on giving.

*The budget calculator will include the versatility and trend durability of each boot, based on a scale of 1-10. The average wear per week and months per year will also be thrown into the equation which in turn will yield the cost per wear of the boot.  Because what’s easier to wrap your head around, a pair of boots that cost $1,200 to own or a pair that costs $5.25 to wear?  I’m guessing you went with the latter.

Lace Up Boot

These military meets savvy boots include a lace up shaft, golden hardware and buckled straps.  Suede upper with zip closure on inner ankle.  6-inch covered heel and 1.5-inch hidden platform.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,400

Versatility Factor:  6 (style can be worn with jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year: 7

Trend Durability:  3 years

Cost Per Wear:  $5.56

Over the Knee Boot

Both suitably bohemian and sophisticated, these sky high boots add a flirty nod to the corset with their cinched, lace-up back.  Medium brown leather with an approximate 23.5-inch shaft height and 4.75-inch wooden heel.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,290

Versatility Factor:  8 (style can be worn with short, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year:  6

Trend Durability:  5 years

Cost Per Wear: $3.59

Buckled Up Boot

Add edge to your ensemble with these futuristic booties.  Black ankle boot with stitch detail and a side zip closure.  3.75-inch shaft height with 4.5-inch stacked heel and .75-inch hidden platform.  Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,495  - $1,045.99 on sale

Versatility Factor: 10 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses or slacks)

Average Wear Per Week:  2

Average Months Per Year: 9

Trend Durability:  7+ years (Bonus: these are from Alexander McQueen’s last collection before his untimely death, meaning the value of these boots will only increase over the years. Think vintage McQueen.)

Cost Per Wear:  $2.08

Riding Boots

Classic riding boots to be worn with effortless ease, these boots are sure to never go out of style.  Light brown leather pull-on boots with rounded toe and brass “C” buckle.  16-inch shaft height with 1-inch heel.  Available at Barney’s New York.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,195

Versatility Factor: 8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  3

Average Months Per Year:  7

Trend Durability:  6 years

Cost Per Wear:  $2.38

Biker Boot

Add a little tough-luxe to any look, from denim to frilly or body conscious dresses, with these biker boots.  Distressed black leather with rabbit fur lining and 1-inch heel.  Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1.050

Versatility Factor:  8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts or dresses)

Average Wear Per Week:  4

Average Months Per Year:  5

Trend Durability:  4 years

Cost Per Wear:  $3.29

Fur Boot

Don’t let the cold weather deter you from wearing anything but the cutest boots.  You’ll be the most stylish snow bunny on the mountain in these Prada fur boots.  Dark brown genuine sheepskin upper and lining with lace-up front and lug sole.  4.9-inch heel and 1.1-inch platform with stud detail.  Available at Neiman Marcus.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,350

Versatility Factor: 8 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, and dresses)

Average Wear Per Week: 3

Average Months Per Year: 4

Trend Durability:  3 years

Cost Per Wear:  $9.38

Wedge Boot

These classic structured boots include a curvaceous wedge bottom for added modernity.  Suede black pull-on boots with 14.5-inch shaft height. 4.74-inch covered heel and .5-inch hidden platform.  Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Budget Calculator:

Retail:  $1,100  - $769.99 on sale

Versatility Factor:  10 (style can be worn with shorts, jeans, skirts, dresses or slacks)

Average Wear Per Week:  2

Average Months Per Year:  6

Trend Durability:  4 years

Cost Per Wear:  $4.02

Check out the many, many more boot styles available on shuzsociety.com!

Koolaburra Introduces New Line of Sheepskin Boots

Premium and luxury sheepskin footwear brand Koolaburra recently announced the launch of its newest innovation The Modern Classic boot style. The Modern Classic incorporates the best features of existing styles while updating the functionality, fit, performance and look of the classic sheepskin boot. Koolaburra’s Modern Classic not only redefines the omnipresent classic style; more importantly, it incorporates features found in athletic footwear, addressing the negative impacts that the more common sheepskin boot can have on one’s feet and posture. In effect, the Modern Classic is a sheepskin boot that provides the luxury of a sheepskin boot without damaging one’s health and posture.

Each new style sports a sleek and feminine silhouette and accentuating curves while providing a snug fit thanks to an inner zipper. But the real innovation takes shape between the foot and the sidewalk: a tri-density athletic construction consisting of a 100% rubber outsole for added traction and durability, an EVA mid-sole, and a removable, anatomically molded EVA foot bed for arch support, stability and comfort.

“A proper update of the classic sheepskin boot has been long overdue on many levels and our approach to this challenge was simple,” observes Kris Zacharias, Chief Product Officer of Koolaburra. “Without departing too far from our heritage we wanted to create a fresh and sleek Modern Classic sheepskin boot inspired by our coastal environs and culture while improving upon the comfort and durability—all with a Koolaburra twist. Thanks to a tighter fit, ergonomic insole and traction tread sole, the Modern Classic is intended to be worn for extended periods of time. We expect the Modern Classic to be a cornerstone of the Koolaburra line and represent the evolution of sheepskin boots for a new generation.“

Three styles make up the introductory offering: the short style Cassidy and tall style Marissa keep the look simple and accessible to a broad consumer audience, while the fashion forward Micah takes the short shape and adds a front-foot lacing system to form a snug fit. All three styles incorporate 100% Grade-A Australian twinface sheepskin and are offered in the traditional basic colors as well as metallic and patent treatments.

Koolaburra’s Modern Classic is sold in more than 350 department and specialty stores for Fall 2010 for MSRP $198 – $265.00US. The collection will be launched at existing Koolaburra key retailers and it will expand to include traditional classic sheepskin boot-style retailers, as well as www.Koolaburra.com. Replacement in-soles, recommended every six months to prolong the life of the boot, will be available in Fall 2010 for $25.00 at www.Koolaburrra.com. Look for new styles of Modern Classics throughout the 2010-2011 season.

shuzsociety designer spotlight ~ Koolaburra

Designer Shoes: Alaïa Laser-cut Calf Hair Platform Pumps

These gorgeous pumps are an exquisite work of art!  Transform new-season ensembles with luxurious footwear like Alaïa’s off-white suede platform pumps with a cutout calf hair overlay. Accent the luxurious lace-like quality of this style by wearing them with a sophisticated light-gray palette.

Off-white suede pumps with cutout calf hair overlay with a heel that measures approximately 150mm/ 6 inches with a 40mm/ 1.5 inch concealed platform. Alaïa pumps have a pointed toe, a zip-fastening at side with designer-stamped leather and gunmetal zip-pull and come in a signature buckle-fastening brown box.

Alaïa Laser-cut Calf Hair Platform Pumps – $2,375 … yes, you read correctly!!   Consider the fact that you’re acquiring a piece of art.  Display them prominently on a shelf in your home, in between those special times you choose to wear them, of course.

Available at Net-a-Porter.com.  You may even “add to your wishlist” … then drop some hints for your birthday or the holidays!

Fall into Fashionable Footwear

The fall 2010 season officially kicked into gear September 22, well over a month ago, but for those of us living in the South, we have been roaming the streets in flip flops and sandals as that notorious Indian Summer has had its grip on us, refusing to give in. That is until this week.  Fall weather has finally arrived- I even broke out the Uggs last night! (Oh, how I’ve missed you!)

The introduction of cold weather is always somewhat exciting. Long stowed away sweaters and jackets are suddenly brought out of the dark, instantly refreshing your wardrobe.  Beloved boots are dusted off and whispered sweet nothings (everyone does that right?) of how much you have missed them.

Besides the basic fall weather staples, each new season always brings about hot new trends that every fashionable woman is expected to add into her wardrobe.  Sometimes those trends (hello harem pants!) aren’t for everyone and end up claiming more than a few fashion victims.  However, when it comes to shoes, new trends are often easy to pull off.  A stylish new shoe can add that extra “oomph” to an outfit- that old dress suddenly looks brand spankin’ new.

Luckily, this season has introduced some of the freshest new footwear trends to be seen in awhile. They’re not all just necessarily recycled trends returning for their second or third appearance on that well known cyclical fashion wave.  Nope, this season there are many new ideas: lace, military, cut-outs, velvet.  So spice up your wardrobe this fall and try out a trend or two (or three or four). Your tired wardrobe will thank you later.

Velvet

Look regal this season in purple velvet.  These peep toe platform sandals would look rich with black tights and the perfect LBD.

Concealed Nike Air Technology.  4.25-inch heel and 1.25-inch platform.  Available in Aubergine Velvet.

Retail:  $198  $139.99. Available at: Piperlime.com

Leopard

Oh so stylish, and ultra feminine.  These calf hair leopard D’Orsay heels feature a pointed toe with contrasting suede stiletto heels and buckled ankle straps.

Leather sole.  5-inch heel and 1-inch hidden platform.  Available in Leopard.

Retail:  $325. Available at: Shopbop.com

Military

One of the season’s hottest trends, wear these military inspired boots with another hot fall trend, the ankle skimming skirt.

Soft suede upper with aged buckle and elastic loop detail; side zip entry.  4.25-inch heel and .5-inch platform.  Available in Black, Dark Blue Suede, Dark Grey Suede, and Dark Red.

Retail:  $138.95. Available at: Endless.com

Cutouts

These luxurious leather booties have just the right amount of 70’s charm.  Complete the look with a boho inspired frock.

Supple leather upper with organically styled cutouts; tasseled back zipper closure.  .5-inch heel.  Available in Tan and Black.

Retail:  $225  $123.75.  Available at:  Endless.com

Lace

With such pretty lace detail and a stiletto heel, instantly turn any look into that of “femme fatale.”

Open toe heel featuring suede trim.  5-inch heel and 1-inch hidden platform.  Available in Black.

Retail:  $130. Available at:  Shopbop.com

Western

These boots weren’t made for the rodeo.  These western style boots have moto-inspired details guaranteed to give you an edge.

Leather upper with metal harness and studded detail.  8.5-inch shaft height and 1.5-inch heel.  Available in Dark Brown.

Retail:  $224.95  $137.59. Available at:  Endless.com

Shop for these shoes and many more fashionable fall footwear at shuzsociety.tv!

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