Shoe of the Week: Chelsea Crew Nova

September 8th, 2010
Queen of Pop Katy Perry swept over the Today Show this past week and made an impression with her lively performance of her hit song “California Gurls.” But what attracted most of the attention was her original ensemble — from the streaks of pink hair in her high pony tail to her bubble-gum pink stone covered body suit and all the way down to her hot pink shoes. To complete her electric pink get-up, Katy chose the Nova sandal from Chelsea Crew.
Katy Perry in the Chelsea Crew Nova sandals

Katy Perry in the Chelsea Crew Nova Sandals (coolspotters.com, amygrindhouse.com, starpulse.com)

The Nova sandal was a great choice for Katy for its vibrant, fuchsia color and its comfort. The heel height and width of this Chelsea Crew sandal allows the shoe to be just as comfortable as it is stylish. Naturally, Katy needs shoes that let are comfortable enough for her to rock out and put on the awe-striking performances that she so often does. The Nova sandals are comfortable, trendy, come in an an eye-popping color, and have an air of vintage style. The Chelsea Crew Nova sandals may seem like they could only be a Teenage Dream, but they could be any girl’s perfect shoe!
Chelsea Crew Nova sandal

Chelsea Crew Nova sandal

Shoe of the Week: Doc Martens

September 3rd, 2010

In the same way that all things 80′s and 90′s have returned to high fashion for the past few seasons, it’s no surprise that Dr. Martens (or ‘Doc’ Martens) have in turn come back to grace the runways this season. Doc Martens were once the ultimate accessories, a fashion statement that was thought to never come back again — much like leg warmers, shoulder pads, leggings, high-waisted jeans and big bows. But the “never-again” trends of the 80′s and 90′s have defied protest and returned with a roar — and in the form of Doc Martens.

Doc Martens’ style is inspired by military and hardware, two themes that have been consistently spotted this season on runways and in magazines.

Doc Martens in Teen Vogue, May 2010

Doc Martens have hit it big amongst young Hollywood celebrities, and have been spotted on stars like Dakota Fanning and Emma Roberts.

Dakota Fanning in Doc Martens

Doc Martens are made of materials that provide durability and comfort. The boots accent any outfit; they come in an wide array of colors and can spice up a girlie outfit or be casual when paired with a big sweater and jeans. And for those girlie-girls out there who still want in on this fabulous 80s revamp, Doc Martens come in the classic boot but with different floral prints and metallic textures. Whether we could anticipate a resurge in past decades’ styles or not, one thing’s for sure: we couldn’t bring back the 80′s without a classic shoe that turns gives any outfit a fashionable edge.

Emma Roberts goes chic with Doc Martens

Looking for the right pair of Doc Martens for you? Check out a chic new pair of Johari Lace-Up Boots or a classic pair of 1B99 Mid-Calf Boots in patent leather!

Johari Lace-Up Boot - Black

Johari Lace-Up Boot - Black

1B99 Mid-Calf Boot - Black Patent Leather

1B99 Mid-Calf Boot - Black Patent Leather

Miss Universe Struts to Victory in Nina Shoes

August 31st, 2010

Last week, Jimena Navarrete of Guadalajara, Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2010.  The 22-year old stunner flashed her signature killer smile as she accepted the crown from Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009.  The Mexican beauty wowed the judges during the swimsuit and evening wear competitions, in no small part because of her gorgeous Nina shoes.

Nina was the Official Footwear Sponsor of the Miss Universe 2010 pageant, and all the contestants wore the Nina Tuesday metallic platform sandal during the opening dance number and the swimsuit portion.  Jimena surely caught the judges’ eyes in her sexy lavender swimsuit and perfectly on-trend Nina platforms.  Gorgeous!

Image courtesy ninashoes.typepad.com

You can even check our this short video clip of Jimena rocking out her Nina shoes for the win!

Video courtesy ninashoes.typepad.com

If you think that the new Miss Universe looks as sexy as we think she does in her hot Nina shoes, you might want to check out some of the Nina heels that DNAFootwear has available.  Nina makes all kinds of gorgeous, dressy heels that really make a woman feel glamourous and sexy.  Check out some of our editors’ faves!

Shoe of the Week: Steve Madden Intycing Boots

August 26th, 2010

Finding the perfect boot is no easy feat. With fall around the corner, the pressure is on. All things desired in a boot don’t usually go together, which puts shoe lovers getting ready for winter in a predicament; trendy stylish boots are usually uncomfortable, and comfortable boots are usually too flat and unflattering. There’s length, too; knee-high look can be overwhelming, while the lower boots can look dated.

For the third year in a row Steve Madden premiers the Intyce boot. A continued success, this boot solves all the issues faced when looking for boots. Its low wedge provides comfort, since it is only one inch high, and has a slimming quality that flatters one’s body by giving it that slight lift. With a shaft height that is not particularly high or low, this boot is perfect for women of all heights and shapes, and accommodates nearly any outfit from dresses with tights to cute jeans. In terms of style, the Intyce boot is simple yet incredibly trendy, featuring a equestrian feel as well as edgy hardware buckles. Its return to the Steve Madden fall/winter repertoire is not the only testament to these boot’s perfection and popularity; the fact that celebrities like Jessica Biel, Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes love to sport them attests to the fact as well. And just in case there is any doubt about this ‘intycing’ boot by Steve Madden, its price tag is sure to convince – at only $129.99, these boots bring high fashion style at an everyday price. All in all, while “the perfect boot” is no easy title to obtain, the Steve Madden Intyce is definitely in the lead to win it!

Steven Madden's Intyce Boot

Steven Madden's Intyce Boot

Hot New Trend Alert: Square Toe Pumps

August 26th, 2010

The late fashion designer Alexander McQueen was known for always throwing in something unexpected.  So we should hardly be surprised that he sent models down the runway with something new and different on their feet.  McQueen played off of the closed-toe, platform stiletto high heel that has been so popular lately, but squared off the toe, sometimes emphasizing the area with a contrasting color.

This trend is oh-so-sexy and absolutely perfect for a cocktail party.  Not surprisingly, in-style celebs have jumped on this trend and have been gobbling up the Alexander McQueen pumps.  Christina Aguilera, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler and Victoria Beckham all love the square toe pump and have rocked a pair at red-carpet events.  

The Alexander McQueen pumps that Victoria Beckham is wearing retail for $710.  But you can take advantage of this super-sexy trend for a much more reasonable price.  Gwen Stefani‘s L.A.M.B. shoe line has a few square toe creations of its own.  They are right on trend, but they’ll leave some cash left in your wallet.

We L.O.V.E. this L.A.M.B. bowling shoe-inspired square toe pump.  The button detailing is so cute for this fall, and the contrasting camel and black colors really set off the sassy square toe.

Another favorite are these gold-studded L.A.M.B. pumps.  These sky-high, square-toe platforms manage to incorporate all the latest trends.  Wear them with a skinny jeans for maximum wow factor!

This Summer’s Most Surprising Celebrity Trend: Granny Sandals

August 22nd, 2010

Summer tends to be the time when surprising and unexpected trends reveal themselves.  Think back to Crocs and Birkenstocks–both summer blockbusters that you probably won’t call cute and sexy.  You can’t deny it–there’s something about summer that encourages even the most devoted fashionista to trade in pinching straps and toe-mashing stilettos for something that will keep them comfy in the heat.

This summer, first prize for unlikely shoe trend most definitely goes to Fatelli-Worishofer “granny sandals.”  Until now, these shoes have been sported almost exclusively by nurses and women over 60.  Now, they are being spotted on the feet of young, hip women, in fashion-savvy locales like Downtown NYC.

Even celebrities think this trend is too comfortable to pass up.  Recently, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michelle Williams were spotted sporting this so-dorky-it’s-cool trend.  Check it out!

Image courtesy nydailynews.com

The reason for Fatelli-Worshifer’s granny sandals’ success, the NY Daily News explains, they are unbelievably comfortable: They are “meant to ease the pain of bunions (you know, those less-than-sexy bones that jut out the sides of your feet after years of tootsie abuse), while a shock-absorbing sole lessens the impact of walking”. To add to their comfort  these come in two different styles, a slip and a sling-back, and have a great color selections including green, red, blue, yellow in different shades, and metallics. (In fact, with all the new styles and cute colors, we think that Fatelli-Worshiffer has really started to up these “ugly” sandals’ cute factors!)

While extremely comfortable and now trendy, the Fatelli-Worshiffer sandals do have one catch: they are extremely difficult to find in the United States. Until now, the only way to find this obscure German brand was in random boutiques catering to specific customers.  But today, DNA footwear provides a wide selection of the hottest Fatelli-Worishofer styles of this–bizarre–sandal season!

Shoe of the Week: Mariana Sam Low-Heel Sandal on Taylor Swift

August 17th, 2010

Taylor Swift is indisputably America’s Sweetheart as the “It” girl who is taking over Hollywood. Taylor is famous for her fabulous country-pop songs, a-list boyfriends, “good girl” image, and most importantly her unique sense of style. Taylor can be spotted in anything from flirty flower dresses, to cowboy boots, and vintage apparel always flawlessly put together. Somehow, Taylor manages to look fresh, unique, trendy and age appropriate all at once.  In a time when fashion is all about edge – wild platforms, hardware details, harsh leathers – Taylor is the celebrity to take lessons from in how to look cute and chic in a soft, feminine way.

One of Taylor’s favorite shoes is the Sam sandal by Mariana. This sandal is pure vintage heaven, with the retro t-strap, low (yet pronounced) heel, and covered toe. Taylor pairs it with a flowery dress or ruffled skirt, enhancing these sandal’s natural feminine quality. Taylor’s feminine sense of style makes her stand out from her Hollywood colleagues and incorporates old school beauty with trendy style. The retro vibe of the Mariana Sam sandal adds a level of edginess to the simplest outfit for feminine-chic girls like Taylor.

Mariana Sam sandal

Top Trend for Fall/Winter 2010: Over the Knee Boots

August 12th, 2010

We saw this trend start last winter, but this season, it’s really taking off: OTK (Over the knee) boots are dangerously sexy for the cool season this year.  There’s no denying it: this trend is a traffic-stopper.  Over the knee boots just scream strength, power, and sexiness.  Maybe that’s why so many celebrities are wearing this trend.

Image credit collegefashion.com

Here, Blake Lively, Kate Moss, a Givenchy model, and Lindsay Lohan sport a variety of OTK boot styles.  These celebs look so fab in their OTK styles, but can you pull off the trend too?  There’s no denying that the OTK boot is a particularly tough style to rock.  Done right, you look long, lean and sexy.  Done wrong, you can look short and dumpy, or worse, trashy.

A stilleto heel can make OTK boots verge over the line from sexy to Vegas showgirl, so we love the chunky heel of Kate Moss’ boots and the flat style of the others.  These understated heels (or non-heels, as it were) keep the OTK boots on the classy, modern side.  Sexier materials like patent leather jive better with a flat heel.  Rule to remember: OTK boots are sexy enough on their own.  Keep it understated.

On waif-like models, OTK boots only serve to make legs look miles high.  But what if you a pair home and out of the box, only to discover that you don’t look as tall and thin as the Givenchy model above?  No fear.  Just make sure to dress to emphasize a long and lean silhouette.  OTK boots bisect your figure at the thigh, so make sure not to break up your length any further.  Wear monochromatic colors and avoid a cinched-in waist.  Instead, go for thigh-skimming vests or minidresses.  Add interest with texture.

With a little care, you can rock the over the knee boot trend just as well as the models and celebs.  Check out some of our favorite OTK boots for fall and winter below:

Shoe of the Week: Koolaburra Sandals

August 10th, 2010

Koolaburra sandals have been making the rounds in Hollywood and are all the rage amongst the hottest celebrities. Previous to this summer’s big breakthrough, Koolaburra was one of the typical luxury sheepskin boot companies comparable to UGG or Australia Luxe – but ever since their ingenious idea, they have become Tinsletown’s number one brand of footwear.

Koolaburra’s genius: to make shoes suitable for summer, like thong sandals, with the same sheepskin material that make boots comfortable to wear! Koolaburra sandals like the Kythira and the Venus feature a suede upper, fringe, and sheepskin lining over an open-toe design. These sandals are based on a Bohemian look and earthy tones yet can still be worn in the summer, making them the perfect shoe to pair with a cute jean shorts like Los Angeles socialite Kristen Cavallari wears, or with an airy patterned skirt like all-star actress Kate Hudson does.

Kristin Cavallari in Koolaburra sandals

Kristin Cavallari in Koolaburra sandals (photo: coolspotters.com)

Kate Hudson in Koolaburra sandals

Kate Hudson in Koolaburra sandals (photo: coolspotters.com)

The Koolaburra sandals bring shoe lovers the best of both worlds: the comfort and luxury of sheepskin, and the casual look of an open-toe sandal – all with a chic Bohemian flavor. Comfort, practicality and style all meet in these trendy sandals from Koolaburra.

Check out what we have in stock at DNAFootwear.com for Koolaburra sandals:

Koolaburra Venus Fringe Flat Sandal

Koolaburra Venus Fringe Flat Sandal in Black

Kythira Fringe Flat Sandal in Black

Koolaburra Kythira Fringe Flat Sandal in Black

Kythira Fringe Flat Sandal

Koolaburra Kythira Fringe Flat Sandal in Chestnut

Mischa Barton Wears Sam Edelman Fringe Boots

August 4th, 2010

Image courtesy fabcrush.com

It may be hot outside, but make no mistake: in shoe stores everywhere, it’s the beginning of boot season.  Now is the time to decide which drool-worthy boot styles you want to go for in the upcoming fall.  Two trends that we’ve seen over and over again so far this year are embellishments (bows, buckles, zippers, etc.) and a bohemian flair (suede, earth tones, beading, and so forth).  Mischa Barton brings together both of these trends with her slouchy fringe boots, shown above.

We love these Sam Edelman boots for so many reasons.  Besides hitting all the latest trends at once, they are wearable, comfy, and just super cute.  Although we love how Mischa paired them with a suede skirt for a super-boho look, we think they’d also look great with tons of different fall styles, from trendy like leggings (yes, they’re still in) or classics like big, comfy sweaters.  They also get points for being over the knee, another big trend from this season.

Mischa is wearing the Sam Edelman Uri Knee High Fringe Boot in Tan/Camel.  It’s also available in dark brown (pictured below) and at a sale price of $69.99, it’s an insanely affordable way to be superstar-trendy.

If you’re looking for something a little less wild, you might try the Sam Edelman Utah boot, which is just like the Uri boot except it stops mid-calf, making it a little easier to wear.  This book is available in the camel/tan color that Mischa sports, and also a fun purple (below).