Every now and then, Tamara Mellon reminds us that she has a real knack for the absurd when she feels like applying herself. The Jimmy Choo Kevan Sandals are definitely head turners, for better or for worse, which is why they’re the subject of this week’s Fil in the Blank.

Personally, I think these shoes are good fun, but you may disagree. Read More…

Thakoon Printed Leather Ankle Booties, $1055 via Net-a-Porter

I’ve been wanting to write about the Thakoon Printed Leather Ankle Booties for a couple of days now, but I haven’t really been able to find an angle. Finally, it dawned on me that my problem stemmed from the fact that I don’t have any idea whether or not the average shoe customer is interested in something with such a bold print. Read More…

Images via WWD.com

Other than one errant shoe collection that I didn’t quite love, Reed Krakoff has done an exceptional job finding an appealing vision for his young eponymous brand and sticking to it. Reed Krakoff Spring 2012 and its combination of sharp lines and a modern color scheme stands to be his best work yet. (We’re pretty excited about the bags, too. Read More…

Christian Louboutin New Simple Botta 120 Boots, $1395 via Net-a-Porter

I’ve always said that when it comes to design, sometimes doing the simple things is more difficult than tackling the complicated. When we’re talking about a shoe or boot variety that’s supposed to be a closet staple, not only is differentiating yourself from the crowd of competitors difficult, but so is sticking within the bounds of what customers want and expect from a shoe that will clock major mileage. Read More…

Images via Vogue.com

As I’m sure most of you are aware by now, I’ve more or less given up on Jimmy Choo as a brand. It seems like just a few short years ago that I loved Tamara Mellon’s shoes and bags, but lately, I couldn’t be less impressed. Except, wait…Jimmy Choo Spring 2012 is actually sort of redeemable?

It’s not great, mind you, but it largely lacks the inexplicable missteps that have characterized Choo’s recent collections. Read More…

Surface to Air Leigh Platform Pumps, $510 via Net-a-Porter

I’m a total sucker for a heel cutout. Many designers use hollow heels anyway to help cut down on the weight of a shoe with a significant heel or platform, and in a lot of those instances, the shoe would simply be better off if they let the hollowness show.

The Surface to Air Leigh Leather Platform Pumps illustrate this principle perfect. Read More…

Images via Vogue.com

Now that the frenzied rush of all of the Fashion Weeks are over, we can go back and hit a few of the collections that we meant to mention along the way. Bottega Veneta is one such collection that got pushed to the side in the endless onslaught of runway images, but I really wish I had posted it sooner – these shoes are good. Read More…

Images via Vogue.com

Nothing brings me more joy than getting to write a positive post about a new collection from a brand that’s had some trouble finding its voice in the recent past. Chloe has had its issues since Phoebe Philo left for greener pastures (and eventually Celine), but based on Chloe Spring 2012, I’m optimistic that Clare Waight Keller can right the ship. Read More…