Fit For a Princess: Designs for Kate Middleton's Wedding Shoes



Manolo Blahnik

Not sure if it's just me, but I'm pretty excited for the royal wedding in April. I pretty much like any wedding and one on this kind of grand scale is all kinds of fun. Plus, I'm mostly just interested to see who Kate Middleton wears on her wedding day (at one point I heard that Victoria Beckham was designing the dress and, while unlikely, I happen to think it's also all kinds of awesome). Hopefully Kate hadn't picked John Galliano as the designer--and I'm crossing my fingers there will be more than one costume change.

Giuseppe Zanotti

While we wait to find out just who is designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress five great shoe designers have offered up their ideas to WWD of their version fit-for-a-princess footwear. Which one is your fave?

Manolo Blahnik created a pump decorated with sea pearls and lilies of the valley fashioned out of organza. According to Blahnik the shoe "represents springtime and everything fresh and new, which is what Kate Middleton is all about.” While I like the whimsy of this shoe it may be a bit too matchy-matchy if Kate has lilies of the valley in her bouquet.

René Caovilla

Not surprisingly Giuseppe Zanotti went for the drama with a black satin strappy number showcasing a large sapphire circled by diamonds (clearly a shout out to Kate's engagement ring). For a little edge the shoe designer went for a metal-tipped heel and I think he achieved his objective of a shoe that was both modern and sophisticated.

Cesare Casadei

René Caovilla dreamed of an "elegant, sexy and precious" shoe that "suggests a magical atmosphere.” While his sandal, covered in marabou feathers and multi-coloured gems, may be a bit OTT for the Windsors I'm a fan of the jewelled strap and heel.

Cesare Casadei's designed a shoe made for dancing and I'm a fan of the hint of pink he's added to the elegant shape of his design, which is embroidered and dripping with crystals.

Georgina Goodman

Romanticism and history inspired Georgina Goodman's pump, made of Welsh lace and decorated with Scottish seed pearls. “I wanted to create something special with an intrinsic emotional value; something old and at the same time mirroring Kate’s fresh modernity," Goodman explains of her design. "I have aimed for a balance between history and femininity fitting the occasion; a kind of luxury recycling.” I think the design is beautiful, but it almost looks like it would fall apart--not ideal on a high traffic day. The pearl-inspired heel is beautiful but looks precarious.

You can also check out the new Royal Wedding Website (admittedly, it's not very exciting at the moment). Which design do you think would suit Kate?



I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway.

Swarovski Sorels

I loved these Sorel boots when I saw them at Holt's.

Warm and practical, they're given a touch of

fashionable whimsy with Swarovski crystals at

the lace rivets (kind of hard to see here).

Too bad they didn't have my size.

What are you wearing on your feet this winter?

Paris Hilton unveils her Paris Hilton's Spring 2011 Shoe Collection

Paris Hilton unveils her Paris Hilton's Spring 2011 Shoe Collection presented by Antebi Footwear

My Wish List

I wouldn't mind finding any of these items under my tree this year.  Some items are more realistic than others, but a girl can dream, right?

Holiday by Sogni e Sorrisi featuring Yves Saint Laurent bags

What's on your list this year?



Alla Prossima

Holiday Sparkle

Its such a blah day here so I figured we could do with some bling.  Here are some ideas to add a little extra sparkle (and sequins) to your look this holiday season.

Holiday Sequins by Sogni e Sorrisi featuring Dorothy Perkins

Holidays Sequins 2 by Sogni e Sorrisi featuring Juicy Couture accessories

Alla Prossima

Gossip Girl Tuesdays

I have to admit that I love, love, love Gossip Girl. This show doesn't just entertain me, but it is stylish escapism at its best. I tune in to see the clothes, furniture, etc. almost as much as I do for the storylines. While the show is remarkably different from the books (yes, I have read them all and before there was even a TV show), I adore it.

On yesterday's episode "The Debarted," Chuck was dealing with the anniverary of his father's death and pushing Blair away in the process. I'm not ashamed to say that I'm a crier (not so much with real life stuff, but always where movies, TV shows and, yes, commercials are concerned), and there were more than a few tears during that Blair-Chuck hospital scene at the end.

I loved it when Blair said to Chuck, "I don't think you ran away because you couldn't handle death. I think it's because you couldn't handle feelings. You're not like that anymore. You're strong. You carry people. You carry me. You're becoming a man in a way that your father never was."

You carry me - Awwww!  And the poor boy's face! I think it was the best episode of the season.




Of course, I haven't even mentioned the Serena-Tripp dramarama. I have to say that I am loving Nate more and more lately. Hopefully Serena realizes the man you want is the one who sleeps by your hospital bed, not the one who leaves you bleeding by the side of the road. I know these things are not always clear when it comes to affairs of the heart but, really, the girl needs to wise up.

And now we're left with so many questions...Is it the end for Rufus and Lily? Was that really Chuck's mom at the cemetery? Oh, how I love this show.  Anyone else love it as much as I do?  Thoughts on the episode?

And what about Blair's Valentino bag? Sigh. The shoes aren't bad either.

Still from Gossip Girl Insider

Dan to Vanessa ("Treasure of Serena Madre"):  "Come on, Cece's

heart pumps secrets and gin - it's not your mom's fault."

Alla Prossima

Holiday Getaway Essentials

For those of us lucky enough to be hitting the beach this holiday season I’ve put together some great basics to simplify the packing and the suitcase lugging.  I've included both high end and more reasonable options (for those of us without unlimited bank accounts!)

This versatile Donna Karan dress is perfect for throwing in a suitcase. Not only is the jersey fabric ideal for travelling, but the dress lends itself to countless looks – from strapless to halter to asymmetrical and beyond – so with a little bit of accessorizing it can be an outfit option for several different nights.  This dress from Victoria's Secret provides the same look and versatility for less.

For an evening look the dress can be worn halter-style and paired with glittery sandals (Christian Louboutin, Aldo) and a bright hued or equally glam clutch (Mulberry, Aldo).

Or for somthing more casual why not go strapless with a pair of gladiator sandals and a great necklace?  These Sigerson Morrison sandals are another great find that allows for two distinctive looks as the top is detachable morphing the shoe from fierce full-height gladiator to more basic flat.  A less pricy option is the Macek gladiator flat from Aldo.

Maybe paired with a YSL charm necklace or something more budget friendly but equally eye catching from Aldo?



 


Or perhaps something golden to match your new tan? (Kenneth Jay Lane, Aldo)

Another good vacation option is a fun maxi-dress that can easily be worn with the gladiator flats.  Tibi makes a gorgeous silk-chiffon asymmetrical version, while Victoria's Secret offers something similar that is a little easier on the wallet.

Always in search of items that can do double duty so as to take up less prescious suitcase space, I love a great flirty mini that can be both cute outfit and bathing suit cover up.  Tibi's silk kaftan in electric turquoise is a great choice as is Victoria's Secret's lace-trimmed jersey dress.

A beach tote (Tory Burch, LL Bean), flip flops (whether they be limited edition Jimmy Choos or tried and true Havaianas), and white jeans (J Brand, Delia's) are all on my vacation must-have list.

Throw in some sunglasses, a few tanks and cute tops, shorts and some sunscreen, a couple of bikinis, a good beach read and your iPod and you're set.  Bon voyage!


Alla Prossima

Dressed to the "Nines"

One of the most anticipated movies of the holiday season has debuted in London and while I'd like to see the movie I was frankly more interested in what the stars were wearing. 

I think Kate Hudson looked fresh and cute--per usual--and I liked the dramatic bodice of her white Atelier Versace gown. 

Penelope is beautiful.  Great hair, great make-up and I love her ruby-and-diamond ring.  Her blue Ralph Lauren dress looks great on her, but it feels like something we've seen before.  Regardless the girl has the requisite star wattage.

Nicole looks great but not nearly as glam as her co-stars, although her outfit feels more...stylish somehow, even if its a little schoolgirl at the same time.  The shoes?  Love.  They're Alaïa, I believe, and absolutely gorgeous.

Photos Getty Images

Alla Prossima

Now Every Woman is Wonder Woman

Reebok has a hip new shoe. Officially licensed Wonder Woman high tops. Called the Reebok Freestyle they pull from the Wonder Woman outfit and color scheme. But unlike the cheap kids shows with a plastic image of a superhero strapped to the sides, these lack the gaudy cheap look. Designed by Reebok, you know you are wearing something quality.

I can see working city women on break now in their fine dresses bouncing about town. Bound to be a hit with fun loving women everywhere.

Want to know more about Reebok and shoes check out our article How Shoe Brands Got Their Names.