charlotte olympia Archives - Red Soled Momma

MOMMA LOVES… fabulous footwear

As the hottest new shoes for the next season are becoming available I have to do my fabulous footwear post which is a long time favorite of mine… The Carrie Bradshaw in me is completely drawn to the most fantastical, aspirational wild and crazy pieces that look more suitable to a museum than the street. Thanks to innovative designers such as Sophia Webster and Charlotte Olympia we can sometimes take the dive and invest in these wearable works of art. They’re fun, they’re whimsical and they’re what I call water cooler shoes. True fabulous footwear never goes unnoticed, they make men, women and children stop and comment. They can be crazy expensive and simply be aspirational but they’re too fun not to take about, so check out my favorite latest and greatest fabulous footwear for the upcoming season!

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $1735

Aquazzura sandals $895

Sophia Webster shoes $550

Zara pumps $119

Charlotte Olympia sandals $1295

LAMB sandals $345

Jeffrey Campbell shoes $160

Express sandals $79.90

Dolce & Gabbana sandals $1395

Christian Louboutin pumps $795

Kate Spade cat pumps $350

Steve Madden sandals $129.95

Nicholas Kirkwood pumps $1595

Sophia Webster shoes $580

Alice & Olivia pumps $360

Topshop sandals $80

MOMMA LOVES… whimsical shoes

This is from a fairytale accessories photo shoot I style years ago with photographer Karin Catt.. There’s nothing like whimsical shoes to inspire, delight and captivate the little girl in all of us.

I love doing this post, and I’ve done a few in the past, but whimsical shoes are some of my favorite things. The whole idea of fashion as art has always resonated with me and I am constantly amazed by the innovative thinking behind some of the magnificent footwear out there. Incredible designers from Sophia Webster to Charlotte Olympia are breaking the accessories mold and putting out the most incredible whimsical shoes you could ever dream up. Yes, they can be insanely expensive and achingly impractical but they’re water cooler pieces – they’re talking points, outfit changers and sometimes, just something to fanatsize about. All of that said, these whimsical shoes are too fabulous to not get their moment in the sun. Too fantastical to not know about. So check out some of my favorite whimsical shoes because it’s good to want things.

Charlotte Olympia sandals $1295

Sophia Webster sandals $620

Miss KG sandals $158.42

Valentino pumps $1195

Moschino Cheap and Chic sandals $545

Schutz shoes $126

Fendi shoes $950

Kate Spade shoes $328

Steve Madden sandals $129.95

Giuseppe Zanotti shoes $1595

Sophia Webster shoes $560

Topshop shoes$90

Christian Louboutin shoes $845

Stuart Weitzman sandals $535

Jeffrey Campbell shoes $130

MOMMA WANTS… fantasy footwear

I’m a girl who loves shoes, so fantasy footwear is always on my radar. I’ve done these posts a couple of times now because I just never tire of fabulous shoes! These aren’t your practical shoes, they’re hardly even functional – fantasy footwear are water cooler shoes. Shoes that may strangers stop you in the street to talk about them, gawk, even take pictures (believe me, it’s happened). Fantasy footwear can be astronomically expensive and entirely impractical – they are often closer to art that a simple accessory. In fact, they may only get worn a handful of times a year but when you do, you get your money’s worth. These aren’t shoes that make the outfit, fantasy footwear IS the outfit. And even if we never take the dive and buy a pair of these crazy kicks – it’s still fun to see them and it’s always good to want things. Check out some of the latest fantasy footwear that’s caught my eye and gotten my heart racing!

Gianvito Rossi shoes $955

Christian Louboutin pumps $745

Sophia Webster pumps $395

Asos sandals $73.52

Fendi sandals $1450

Bottega Venetta shoes $970

Miu Miu pistol print pumps $675

Schutz sandals $240

Topshop sandals $95

Isabel Marant booties $1485

Charlotte Olympia shoes $1025

Prada wedges $990

Sophia Webster shoes $745

Jeffrey Campbell sandals $122

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals - fantasy footwear

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $1295

Chrissie Morris pumps $985

Alexander Wang sandals $625

Topshop sandals $95

Valentino pumps $1395

Rupert Sanderson pumps $875

Diane von Furstenberg pumps $398

Steve Madden booties $167

MOMMA LOVES… mixed media shoes

My beloved Christian Louboutin mixed media shoes – they’ve got a bit of everything I crave!

You may be wondering what are mixed media shoes? Mixed media shoes basically combine fabrication – so pvc with leather, metal with suede and so forth. The mixing of these fabrics creates for a more interesting, richer more awe inspiring accessory. You may have noticed how much more artistic and creative shoes have been getting and it’s all thanks to the genius designers who are breaking new grounds with their designs by opting for unexpected material combinations. Mixed media shoes are futuristic, referential and for women like me, who obsess over the latest and greatest accessories, they are heaven sent. When I wore my Sophia Webster butterfly shoes out the other day, I literally got stopped every few minutes by people asking about them, commenting and even taking pictures – there is absolutely no doubt that great accessories can make the outfit and greatness keeps getting more inventive with these combined fabrications… Check out some of my favorite new mixed media shoes to get your hearts racing! (I know a bit dramatic).

Christian Louboutin shoes $1045

Sophia Webster pumps $645

Diane von Furstenberg sandals $398

Asos shoes $104.80

River Island shoes $85.74

Valentino shoes $1395

Manolo Blahnik pumps $925

LK Bennett sandals $345

Zara sandals $59.90

Charlotte Olympia pumps $925

Chrissie Morris shoes $561 (were $935)

See by Chloe sandals - mixed media shoes

See by Chloe sandals $345

Shoe Cult heels $78

Jimmy Choo sandals $1595

Gianvito Rossi pumps $770

Rachel Zoe wedges $325

Topshop sandals $110

Asos shoes $76.22

Pierre Hardy shoes $865

Giuseppe Zanotti sling backs $315.16

Aldo shoes $120

MOMMA NEEDS… a clutch for evening

My beloved Alexander McQueen skull clutch – on the clutch!

I’ve always felt that an evening clutch was not really a necessity. We don’t use it every day and it doesn’t it all that much. That said, every now and then I would find that I had a wedding to attend or a fancier dinner to go to and I just didn’t have the right bag. I had fallen in love with this Alexander McQueen clutch years ago and could not justify such a crazy purchase for something I would get such little use out of… Well, after a couple of years and many moments when I wished I had the bag I finally took the plunge. The truth is, we do need an evening clutch. We may only wear it a handful of times a year but if you buy something you love that can withstand the test of time – you can wear it for years and years, furthermore there are so many incredible clutches that are really inexpensive. Also, now that I have the bag I am using it so much more than I ever thought I would. Why carry a huge day bag on an evening out with friends or a romantic dinner with the hubby when I have my beautiful petit clutch? All I need for the evening is my phone, some cash, credit card, ID, keys and perhaps a lipstick or powder… PS – I have to say, whenever I’m attending a wedding, I also throw in some safety pins and double sided tape – it takes up no room and I’m amazed at how often a frazzled bridesmaid will find my table and ask: “you’re a stylist, right? the bride is having a fashion emergency in the bathroom!” My husband may not thrilled that he now has to carry his own wallet and phone but I’m happy to give my poor shoulder the night off! The key to finding the perfect clutch is to consider your personal needs and likes. If you want to be practical go for something metallic (gold or silver), black or sparkly that can go with pretty much everything everything. If you want something a bit more special go for a pop of color or something a bit quirkier or edgier that’s not particularly practical but certainly makes a statement (I find that my Alexander McQueen bag is so crazy it actually makes me want to find reasons to carry it). Check out some of my favorite clutches that will come in on the clutch for all your evening accessory needs!

Christian Louboutin patent bag $995

Kotur clutch $595

Diane von Furstenberg clutch $195

Vince Camuto bag $88.98

Aldo bag $65.85

Alexander McQueen knuckle box bag $2295

Saint Laurent tassel clutch $1350

Edie Parker bag $995

Clare V. foldover clutch $210

Natasha Couture minaudière $78

Charlotte Olympia bag $1295

One by Vlieger & Vandam bag $350

Diane von Fursternberg envelope bag $192.50

Asos fringed bag $60.20

Valentino rockstud clutch $1545

Saint Laurent bag $1090

Primary clutch $350

Zara neoprene minaudière $59.50

Jimmy Choo clutch $1195

Fendi bag $850

Kotur bag $395

Kate Spade bag $229.60

Mango bag $112.87

Sondra Roberts bag $88

Some properly quirky bags that I can’t help but love!

Charlotte Olympia clutch $2595

Olympia Le-Tan embroidered clutch $2010

Edie Parker cassette box bag (glows in the dark) $1295

Kate Spade box clutch $328

Diane von Fursternberg bag $241.50

MOMMA LOVES… embellished accessories

My beloved new Sophia Webster butterfly shoes…

And how cute are various Converse animal theme sneakers for our little ones… Start the shoe obsessions young!

Embellished accessories are those bags and shoes that aren’t just form and aren’t just function they are next level. They are closer to art than they are to simple accessories. They are adorned, decorated and whimsical. I am always a sucker for embellished accessories because I know I will love them forever. They’re not classic, but they don’t need to be. They are special enough to withstand the test of time. My most recent purchase are the Sophia Webster butterfly shoes – I know I’lll only wear them a handful of times this year but I also know I’ll wear them for the next 10 + years because they are just so unique. Embellished accessories are beaded, bejeweled, or just plain sculptural. They’re conversation pieces and they are the outfit. Whether spiked for a bit of an edge, glittery for a bit of sparkle or just plain out of this world there are so many options from the highest heels to the perfect summer sandal and carry all tote to evening clutch (and even some great whimsical footwear for the little ones) to tick all of your boxes! Check out some of my favorite embellished accessories to get your hearts and imaginations racing….

First, some amazing embellished shoes:

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals $1295

Alexandre Birman sandals $595

Zara ballet flats $99.90

Jimmy Choo sandals $1495

Musa sandals $430

Asos platforms $82.78

Charlotte Olympia pumps $945

Giuseppe Zanotti flat sandals $670

Kate Spade sandal $350

Forever 21 sandals $29.80

Charlotte Olympia heels $1195

Sophia Webster sandals $570 (these are my beloved butterfly shoes – I bought them the moment they came out and they were all sold out moments later – I will let you know when I see them come in again! I am obsessed).

Sophia Webster silver butterfly sandal $550

Sophia Webster black butterfly sandals $550

Sophia Webster flat sandals $395 (the flats are insane too!)

Aldo shoes $80

Christian Louboutin pumps $1395

Valentino sandal $295

Forever 21 heels $22.99

Giuseppe Zanotti tribal sandals $1995

B Brian Atwood sandals $375

H&M sandals $49.95

Some incredible embellished bag:

Valentino bag $3395

Rebecca Minkoff bag $395

River Island bag $56.44

Prada bag $3500

Milly satchel $465

Aldo bag $26.24

Fendi baguette bag $3750

Free People hobo bag $308

River Island bag $75.26

Jimmy Choo bag $2895

Rebecca Minkoff hobo bag $495

Zara bag $99.90

Miu Miu bag $1250 (comes in various colors)

Tory Burch tote $995

Asos shoulder bag $48.92

And embellished accessories (well shoes) for our little ones:

Mini Melissa mary janes $50

Converse shark sneaker $32

Stuart Weitzman infant hi-tops $35

Armani Junior hightops $175

Converse hightops $41.95

Emu giraffe boots $88.95

Gap sandals $12.95

Havaianas flip flops $17

Sketchers sparkle light up sneakers $46.95

Converse car sneakers $28.99

Natural Steps sandal $14.99

Peter Rabbit infant booties $7.99

Ash sandals $165

Venettini loafers $89

Old Navy sneakers $16.94

Nike sneakers $41.99

MOMMA WANTS… fabulous shoes

That’s right, my birthday is just a week away and as a consolation prize (a prize to console me about getting a year older) I’m hoping for some fabulous shoes to lift my spirits! Its not every day I turn 27 (wink wink – I’d also like to lose a decade for my birthday) and it’s good to want things – so I wanted to share with you some of the fabulous shoes that are new, fresh, and might one day be mine… These are the aspirational shoes – the, are these shoes or are they art? shoes. These are the fabulous shoes that people will be talking about around the water cooler tomorrow (well, if you work at Conde Nast anyway). Yes they’re insanely expensive and beyond impractical, but these are collectors items, these are show stoppers, these are the type of shoes that made me fall in love with fashion… Check out some of the amazingly fabulous shoes that would make Carrie Bradshaw sweat (and your kids might think they’re pretty cool too)!

Brian Atwood puzzle shoes $1795

Valentino pumps $945

Charlotte Olympis pumps $1195

Christian Louboutin pumps $1075

Nicholas Kirkwood shoes $810

Sophia Webster “killer” heels $530

Giuseppe Zanotti heels $1875

Gucci sandal $650

Saint Laurent pumps $1095

I had to throw in a few more of the Charlotte Olympia’s because she is really having so much fun with her designs – and again, your kids would get a proper kick out of these shoes. From candy to ice cream to mermaids to everything under the sea, Charlotte Olympia isn’t just referential she’s created some fabulous shoes that unapologetically go there. They’re crazy and e and special and shoe lovers can’t help but be amazed…

Charlotte Olympia shoes $945

Charlotte Olympia pumps $995

Charlotte Olympia starfish sandal $895

Charlotte Olympia heart pumps $1450

Charlotte Olympia licorice platforms $1295

Charlotte Olympia pumps $945

MOMMA NEEDS… metallic accessories for the holiday season and beyond!

Gold, silver, bronze and fabulous! Metallic accessories are a huge trend in every market and a fantastic investment for not only the holiday seasons but beyond! Yes, metallic bags and shoes are great for cocktail parties and formal events but a lot of these gold and silver accessories can be dressed down for the office, dinner with friends or date night. Truth be told, some of these bags and shoes can be worn casually in the day even for a quick trip to the supermarket! They never go out of style because these metallic hues will always be the necessary neutral for all formal attire so you’ll get plenty of life out of them! Here are some of my top pics:

Sergio Rossi wedges $1195

Asos shoes $56.06

Alexander Mcqueen bag $1895

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag $220

sophia webster shoe bootie metallic saks

Sophia Webster shoe-bootie $695

Aldo shoes $100

Botkier bag $295

Kotur clutch $650

Zara ballet flats $69.90

Zara wedge sneakers $89.90

Milly bag $225

H&M clutch $24.95

Zara boot $99.90

Giuseppe Zanottie shoe bootie $1450

Oasis metallic bag $37.38

Aldo clutch $34.98

H&M shoes $39.95

Topshop heels $170

Sophie Hulme clutch $430

Diane Von Furstenburg clutch $265

Gianvito Rossi shoes $1610

Jimmy Choo heels $750

Zara clutch $79.90

Stella McCartney bag $1765

Manolo Blahnik shoes $725

Asos shoes $74.75

Jimmy Choo clutch $995

New Look bag $23.12

Zara shoe $99.90

Charlotte Olympia heels $895

Kurt Geiger boots $231.37

Annabel Ingall tote $465

MOMMA LOVES… the most fabulous shoes

This is for all my fellow shoe addicts out here. This isn’t about practical footwear – this is about fantasy, whimsy and imagination. These are the shoes that made me stop in my tracks and fall in love. These are not necessarily the shoes you buy, they’re the ones you dream about… and every now and then when you can’t stop dreaming they end up in your closet. That’s okay. I always say, its good to want things. Its not the worst thing in the world to find a pair of shoes inspiring, intoxicating and to occasionally make a guilty purchase. These are conversation starters… They are inspired, divine, expensive and far closer to art than just an accessory. These are the shoes that Carrie Bradshaw would be coveting this very moment. For your footwear fantasies…