Lanvin Colorblock Satin Pump, $790 via Neiman Marcus

Maybe it’s the shiny, happy Fall 2011 campaign video influencing me, but I can’t help but feel cheerful about Lanvin. Alber Elbaz does some of the best work in the industry, as I’ve tried to convince all of you of in the past, and one hallmark of his very French work is very delicate, very subtle frayed edges.

I’m not sure if “frayed” would even be the right word – it seems too extreme. As with the Lanvin Colorblock Satin Pumps, the edges of the fabric are more “unfinished” than anything. That, combined with the neutral colorblock and reasonable heel, makes this pair the cure for the common office shoe.

Without a doubt, the edges will bother some people, and it’s fine if they do. Not every personal style will mesh with every brand aesthetic. But if you’re in to being coiffed but not stiff, nobody does it better than Alber. I’ve seen many photos of these shoes, and they’re incredibly sharp – graphic, bold, strong. But the unfinished touch is what makes it all work for me, not to mention it’s what makes the shoe so very Lanvin. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $790.