Charles & Marie

New York City socialite Tory Burch made her ascension to fashion icon in 2004 when she launched her eponymous clothing label, which spans caftans, tunics and sequined cardigans. Although her designs have pervaded the mainstream, we still adore her concepts (much of her inspiration is drawn from interior designer David Hicks, as well as the bright colors and ethnic prints of her parents’ vintage wardrobes). This season she rocks the croc print, using it to spruce up these patent leather Leigh booties. Slip on the generously stacked heels when you desire a rock n’ roll swagger.

We call it The Shoe. The one you turn to for funky, casual occasions. Oakland-based Twenty Two’s Dahlia flats make even the simplest ensemble come to life with Crayola-bright color. Designed to be the go-to shoe on days when you don’t know what to wear, or have the faintest clue what the day will bring, these transition from a casual stroll on a leafy suburban promenade to a romantic dinner under the big city lights.

We generally shy away from mainstream stores, but it looks like Nine West’s Cedargrove ankle bootie, cut in one of fall’s hottest trends, is a relatively affordable way to look oh-so-chic and cop the edgy style of cult-favorite Costume National. With neutral palette, ruched leather and sturdy build, this patent platform-stiletto hybrid does faintly look the part of one of Ennio Capasa’s designs, no?

As some of you know, Twenty Two shoes are incredibly stylish, sturdy and splurge-worthy: Each shoe begins as a sketch in the designers’ in-store studio loft (in Oakland, California) and is brought to life by craftsman in Italy. This Holly sandal is like cotton candy, crafted from pink suede and so comfy you’ll feel like you’re walking on the type of whipped, sugary fluff you can only get at a summer carnival. Metallic leather lining is an oh-so-sweet touch.

Walk on the wild side with a metallic platform. These platinum stunners have a ridiculously stacked, yet sturdy heel. The look channels Vanessa Kensington—surely you remember actress Elizabeth Hurley in Austin Powers? Polished gold metal links and push-stud closures on the ankle strap are a nice touch—just a few of the many tough girl accents from creator Gwen Stefani.

Costume National, so named for a vintage tome featuring traditional uniforms, is best known for its palpable rock and roll spirit, and yet the label’s shoes are rather tame. Cork wedges and slingbacks with wooden heels channel the 1970s, while designer Ennio Capasa’s kitten heel and pumps with peep toes are evocative of Betty Boop (albeit a more conservative version). Don them on the boardwalk or in the boardroom.

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Marie, our grand dame of high fashion, will be spending much of her time in the French Riviera this season, and she insists these gladiator-style Butterfly Ankle Wrap Sandals capture the mood of this sexy locale. The Sigerson Morrison designs are available at LaGarconne.com, a site that embraces the luxe but low key spirit of style icons such as Francoise Hardy and Jean Seberg with pieces from select European designers.

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Give your shoe wardrobe an international makeover: Designer Anne Valerie Hash has introduced heels that look like the Eiffel tower. Since the kitsch factor is low, fashionable filles are wearing them with pride. At $715, they’re so well made you can probably take on the first few flights of steps on your way up the famed Paris monument. Not that you would, but it’s nice to know you could.

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Courtney Crawford grew up in a household with five women, and apparently their love of shoes was contagious. In the Spring of 2006, he launched his debut collection of footwear and has since collaborated with fashion houses like Missoni. It’s difficult to pick one shoe that’s prettier than the rest, but oh how we love the architectural details of his patent leather peep toe. It’s fun to wear with a black jersey knit dress. Accent your assets with red (think lips and nails).

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