Features

Fashion Forward #3

Shoes
There’s only 40 days left, you gotta make sure summer ’06 goes out with a bang. Since urban shoe designers have been trying to keep up with the mainstream fashion big boys in all aspects, I’ve decided to focus on what hot shoes/sandals they’ve got going on for this summer season, and show you a lil’ preview for the fall season. Get them while their hot (and in ur size!)

Akademiks

They have conquered men’s wear and have the women’s wear on lock (and Keyshia Cole as their first spokesperson); the next realm to master – the shoes! Their first foray into this arena has been a splash.

Fort Green Sandal - $95
Akademiks most popular seller, this very simple 3.5” wedge sandal that reps one of my favorite places in Bklyn, Ft. Greene. One very cute feature of this sandal is the “A” (for Akademiks) in the acrylic wedge part.
Available in Black, White, Teal and Khaki Green. Where to buy: call 1-866-MyShoes for details

Cuban Link Sandal - $85
Classy and trendy at the same time, this 3.5” ankle wrap sandal will ensure you will be noticed (so make sure those toes are on point!). Attractive gold “A” accents trim the center piece. Be ladylike or a vamp – these shoes make the move either way.
Available in Black and Rose. Where to buy: call 1-866-MyShoes for details.

X Diamond in Bronze - $75
I can recall at least two very expensive shoe designers that this shoe resembles. Luckily for you, you don’t have to pay $500 for one pair of shoes. This cute mule will serve you for the rest of the summer, and has longevity in its design that it can completely be worn next year.
Available in Bronze. Where to buy: Call 1-866-MyShoes for details.

Side Bet Low - $45
This classic sneaker will never go out of style, and its unique touches (denim, an afro’d woman) make it a low maintenance shoe with high style appeal. The price makes it darn near impossible not to pick up. Available Fall 2006.

Baby Phat

Kimora, as we all know, has some FLY ASS shoes in her own closet. She’s made it a point to bring the shoe game to the masses with innovative design and great packaging. She even has photos of the Baby Phat shoe in the front of the box so you can easily identify them in the closet and dust bags for the shoe – just like the really pricey counterparts.

Paola #2
High heeled shoes that show off the pedicure and make a statement are my preference. These 4’ stompers will work down a runway, at a club, or on a date (ok depends on the date). The lizard trim makes a statement, the rose enamel jeweled accent adds drama and the gold heel adds the exclamation point! Available in Pink or Beige. Where to buy: shoes.com

Petra 2 - $89
I don’t know about you, but I personally can’t stand Birkenstocks. Even though they are comfy, they are aesthetically unpleasant. This fly version takes the comfy favorite to new heights– literally (a 4’ heel is no joke) with a hard-to-resist design. The buckle is adjustable, the footbed and heel are extra padded, and the bling’y accents are perfect to take to the nail salon and not mess up the fresh pedicure. Do not attempt to wear these shoes if your toes aren’t up to par. There is no place for your bunions or corns to hide!
Available in Orange or Brown only. Where to buy: zappos.com

J.Lo

The shoe line from Ms. Jennifer Lopez has made definitive strides forward in design and execution (August issue of Shop Magazine features Luscious on the cover!), proof that urban fashion has broadened its scope and is fashion current:

Luscious - $119
The covered platform heel is VERY in and VERY big for the fall. Make your legs look 20 miles long and pick these sexy shoes in Black, beige, or show stoppin’ RED. Available at zappos.com

Erika - $99
The Erika (available in Coral, Beige, Turquiose and Black) is a perfect feminine shoe that has longevity in the closet. This peep toe shoe will never go out of style and can be worn with a skirt to service or slacks to work. Available at zappos.com

More fashion coming soon!

Arlene Shadesnyc

Arlene is a fashion stylist, event planner, and advertising executive. Contact her at shadesnyc@yahoo.com for all your editorial, advertising, and album packaging needs.

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By Arlene Shadesnyc on 8/16/2006[read on] [7 comments]