Spring/Summer 2013: Shoe Faves!

If memory serves, I have already copped to my shoe obsession, which means there is little need to provide a legitimate explanation for this particular post. Like many fashion-minded women, I enjoy spending a little time browsing the collections from my favorite designers each season. And while I pay attention to everything from dresses to accessories, I'm particularly partial to the shoes. Now, there are several shoe trends that are must-haves for the spring, but that's another post. What you're about to see here is sheer, unadulterated, unapologetic shoe-p0rn. Below, I've assembled a choice collection of the latest offerings by a few of my favorite labels. These shoes are, for the most part, completely impractical, hideously expensive and absolutely beautiful. I'll tell you a little about each grouping, assuming you're still reading instead of just staring...and drooling on your keyboard.

 

These shoes, from Christian Louboutin, are both fabulous and fun. The bright colors are perfect for spring, while the (fairly) moderate heel-heights make these some of the most wearable shoes in this post. What I love best about these shoes is how playful they look. High fashion usually takes itself very seriously, so it's great to see a designer bringing levity to his work. After all, sometimes a girl wants to look more flirty than fiece.

Guh. Nicholas Kirkwood could probably be filling galleries in Manhattan and London with expensive sculptures, but I'm glad he's creating shoes that look like high art instead. While his is the newest label on my list, Kirkwood's architectural designs are as innovative as they are beautiful, and I think his line will only become more distinctive as time goes on. Eventually, his artful creations may be as recognizable as Louboutin's red-lacquered soles.

The late Alexander McQueen was known for creating daring, dramatic clothes, and the lastest collection from his design house certainly lives up to that reputation. Everything about these shoes is bold, from the contrasting colors, to the exaggerated curves and lines, to the sky-scraper heights. Despite the drama, these shoes do have some versatility that an adventerous (and well-heeled) fashionista could take advantage of.

 

What shoe list would be complete without Jimmy Choo? The main shoe here is aptly called "Taste" and while I've seen it in black on several celebs, I think this tangerine version is perfect for the spring. This final grouping has a little something for everyone, whether you're a bit more convservative in your fashion choices or a total wild child. I, of course, love them all.

This is just a small selection of the SS2013 shoes I will likely style-stalk -- the official process of obsessively tracking a shoe until you find it at a price you can live with. So, tell me, what are your newest shoe favorites? Email the thegatheredlady@gmail.com, and if we love it, we'll share it!