The Hong Kong de Chanel Collection is that perfect gift for the about-town gal – especially the one who dreams of those sultry nights out in Hong Kong. What I love about the colors in this collection are the metallic hues that are inspired by the city lights of HK. You can’t go wrong with Chanel, right?
Buy the collection here.
Like with a fair number of brand new trends, I cocked a wary eyebrow when I first saw the platform clogs — yes, straight out of the ’70s, bona fide clogs, with the domed nail heads and everything — at the Chanel spring 2010 show.
Chanel clogs, spring 2010.
But, I have to say, fast forward several months and now i think there’s something appealing about the clog and other “ugly” shoes. After all, after seasons and seasons of giant, chunky, sculpturally impossible to wear platform heels, we all did a double take when we saw Marc Jacobs sending his models down the runway in — gasp! — kitten heels!
Lakshmi Menon in Banana Republic spring 2010.
Tao Okamoto in Banana Republic spring 2010.
But as everything in fashion, our eyes adjusted and now not only kitten heels, but maxi skirts, slides and mules are suddenly looking mighty appealing once again.
Take the simple clog-like slide. It works as office wear quite nicely, as seen on Indian model Lakshmi Menon and Japanese model Tao Okamoto at Banana Republic‘s spring show. Zara showed a dark brown woven version and a pointed toe mule in its spring collection, which works just as well with a simple linen shirt dress as cut-off shorts.
But the beauty of the clog, the wedge and the slide is that while you still get the height when wearing a short, flirty romper or mini, the clunkiness and heft “grounds” an otherwise flitty, flowy look, preventing it from looking too done up. A look from Zara’s summer look book shows a perfect example:
A look from Zara's summer collection.
Chanel Iman in Banana Republic, spring 2010.
Zara tasseled clogs.
Indeed, spring’s clog works with so many different looks and styles, virtually anyone can pull it off. The tasseled clogs Zara included in its spring/summer collection — with the oversized pleated panel, perfectly preppy tassels, cognac leather and chunky wood platform heel — is the perfect blend of the preppy shoe and a clog.
And I love the orthopedic-inspired clog wedge, with it’s Dr. Scholls-esque straps and chunky platform.
Zara wedge clogs.
Undoubtedly, I can go on and on about my theoretical love for the clog and its ilk, but it wasn’t until I actually tried on a pair that I discovered Karl Lagerfeld’s genius for myself.
Chanel clogs, spring 2010.
No, I wasn’t able to get my hands on the wait-listed, coveted Chanel clog. But I did get a pretty good second best.
Alice + Olivia for Payless clog.
Not only is the Alice + Olivia for Payless “Hampton” studded clog super comfortable and so wearable, but for $40, I don’t think it gets any better. This is the shoe I’m living in all summer.
That is, until fall comes rollin’ around. I’m gonna have to dig up those ’90s kitten heels …
More clogs, wedges and slides after the jump. Continue Reading »
Feelin’ blah? Give your pale winter face a boost with washes of glossy bronze and gold. It all started with the glossy lids seen on Chanel’s resort runway models.
Liu Wen in Chanel, Resort 2009.
