Polished in Plaid

When summer comes to a close and the first brisk gusts of wind swirl through the towering New York City skyscrapers, we wrap ourselves in fleece blankets, sip spiced cider by the fireplace and delight in the splendor of the upcoming holiday season. At this time of year, fashion enthusiasts often become inspired by nature’s vibrant autumn palette.  Along with Jewel-toned cashmere and pumpkin hued embellishments, we commonly gravitate towards brightly colored plaid accessories. While the festive grid-like design is most often seen on flannel pajamas, plush throw blankets and other festive home décor, this season we’re really seeing plaid rule the runway like never before. New York City’s most fashionable are stepping out with swoon-worthy tartan-themed accessories and chic plaid footwear that will have NYC women sashaying all throughout autumn and winter. From sky high boots to chic flats, everyone can partake in this here-to-stay trend. Below are my most highly coveted plaid shoes of the season.

Chiara Ferragni Pointy Toe Flat – Nordstrom Rack

Chiara Ferragni

This Chiara Ferragni Italian-made loafer is a classic shoe with an air of luxe eccentricity. The playful twist on a traditional fabric and sleek silhouette is both unexpected and masterfully executed. Thanks to the remarkably impressive acquisitions of Nordstrom Rack, these $420 flats can be yours for only $289. Sold!

Jeffrey Campbell “Lilith” Boot – Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Lilith block heel boot

Leave it to avantgarde shoe designer, Jeffrey Campbell, to put the perfect feminine spin on the traditional combat boot. Punk meets plaid in this edgy patchwork boot that screams rocker-chic! Jewel-toned plaid swatches and silver-tone studded accents present a striking contrast to the thick lug sole and chunky block heel.

Jeffrey Campbell “Siren” Bootie – Nordstrom

jeffrey campbell siren

The “Siren” booties are made from strechy neoprine upper and instantly mold around your feet like a sock. For my friends who often complain about finding comfortable boots – you’re welcome. These are also available in 4 other color variations, including solid black and camouflage.

Karl Lagerfeld “Nara” Plaid Ballet Flats – Lord & Taylor

Karl Lagerfeld Nara jeweled flat

Karl Lagerfeld can do no wrong! An homage to Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi flat, the “Nara” ballerina’s classic silhouette is both sophisticated and timeless.  Adorned with an opulent jeweled embellishment, this shoe can transform skinny jeans and a sweater into quite an elegant ensemble.

Mr & Mrs Italy Plaid Mule – LuisaViaRoma

Mr and Mrs Smith 

Move over Gucci “Princetown” mules, there’s a new fur-lined slipper in town. Mr & Mrs Italy, most well-known for their luxurious outerwear (and incorrect usage of punctuation), is the mastermind behind these decadent plaid mules. Crafted from virgin wool (taken from a lamb’s first very first shearing) and lined with mink fur, these slippers are fit for royalty.  Regal gold chain embellishment and dramatic pointed toe set this slide apart from others of its kind.

Tommy Hilfiger “Tonny” Plaid High Top Boots – Lord & Taylor

Tommy Hilfiger Tonny

These boots by Tommy Hilfiger are far from your ordinary hiking boots. For ladies looking to experiment with fashion trends without fully committing, this practical boot is the answer to your prayers. Crafted from cozy flannel plaid and lined with faux shearling, these boots will be sure to keep your tootsies warm all winter long.

Sorel “Major” Moto Boots – Saks Fifth Avenue

Sorel Major Leather & Suede Moto Boots

Sorel is most well-known for their expertly-crafted and waterproof cold weather footwear, but this season their design team has really upped and ante with their “Major” boot.  Fashion meets function, the biker-inspired boots lined with red/black plaid add instant style cred to any look and are insulated enough to wear throughout this winter’s deep freeze. With rugged leather upper, these boots will power through the slush on city streets this winter and beyond.

 

SPLURGE or SAVE With Chloe’s Hottest Spring Shoe Trends

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with fancy footwear. In fact, one glance at my closet leaves most people wondering whether I even wear the same pair twice.  A sale, you say? I’ll be at the store when it opens, credit card in hand while borderline foaming at the mouth. Ohhh Christian, Giuseppe, and Manolo, why must you taunt me with your irresistible eye candy? In an ideal world, retail therapy would be covered by health insurance, but who can afford to indulge in designer footwear while keeping up with ever-changing fashion trends?  Fortunately, for those of us rendered penniless from last season’s splurges, fast-fashion brands are skillfully mirroring designer footwear to provide us with access to high-end designs at a fraction of the cost. Chloe (which also happens to be my daughter’s name) is one of my favorite designers for everyday casual footwear. Apparently many other shoe designers have gotten the memo, as the French luxury fashion house’s designs are some of today’s most replicated styles.  As it turns out, imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.

Chloe “Lauren” Scallop Espadrille Flat

Nordstrom espadrille
Chloe “Lauren” espadrille, $495 at Nordstrom

Take the Chloe “Lauren” suede espadrilles (above), for instance. These warm-weather flats are equal parts feminine and playful and the scalloped edges provide a whimsical update to the traditional espadrille silhouette. At $495, these beauties are inaccessible for most. So what’s a girl to do?

Crown
Crown Vintage “Bahamas” Espadrille Flats, $49 at DSW

Enter the Crown Vintage “Bahamas” flat.  Like the Chloe espadrille, these are made from luscious suede and feature feminine scalloped detailing that differentiate it from most others of its kind. Best part – these shoes are available for only $49 at DSW. Buy them here before they sell out.

The Chloe “Isa” Espadrille Wedge Sandal

Chloe ISa
The Chloe “Isa” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $625 at Mytheresa

It was truly love at first sight when I came across the Chloe “Isa” wedge while shopping at Nordstrom. I loved everything about it – the jute-wrapped wedge heel, the satin-finished gold-tone hardware, the oh-so subtle peep-toe, and the buttery-soft suede that cradled my foot ever so gently. After wiping the drool from my chin, I put these on my Spring wishlist and moved onto Bloomingdales. And that’s when I spotted “Adalyn,” Marc Fisher’s homage to the pricier Chloe wedge. Upon first glance these shoes look almost identical and only upon close inspection can one notice the discreet differences. For only $160, the Marc Fisher wedges are an affordable alternative with the same designer look.

Adalyn
Marc Fisher “Adalyn” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $160 at Bloomingdales 

It just so happens that Steve Madden has also jumped on the bandwagon with the release of his “Jaylen” espadrille wedge sandal, currently selling for only $60 at DSW.  Who could argue with that price?

steve madden
Steve Madden “Jaylen” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $60 at DSW

The epitome of elegance and grace, the ballet flat is a classic shoe that will never go out of style. With its year-round wearability and versatility to match almost any ensemble, the ballet flat is undeniably one of the most important pieces in a woman’s closet. As a proud collector of Chanel ballerinas, you could say that I have elevated standards for purchasing flats. At first I was skeptical about the Chloe “Lauren” ballet flat and thought the scalloped trim may irritate the backs of my heels, but oh my, are these shoes comfortable! Priced at a whopping $495 at Neiman Marcus, these ballerinas are an investment piece. It can be hard to justify spending a small fortune on ballet flats, even if you painstakingly care for your shoes as I do.

The Chloe “Lauren” Scalloped Leather Ballerina Flat, $495 at Neiman Marcus

Chloe ballet
The Chloe “Lauren” Scalloped Leather Ballerina Flat, $495 at Neiman Marcus

Leave it to French Sole NY to introduce their “Jigsaw” ballet flat, a ballerina that bears a striking resemblance to the pricier Chloe shoe. Available at Zappos for only $200, these are a steal! But it gets better – the French Sole scalloped flats are actually featured on Gilt.com for a limited time for only $155. Sizes are extremely limited so get yours here before they’re gone!

French sole
The French Sole NY “Jigsaw” Ballerina, $200 at Zappos

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