The Style Journal: Sam Edelman’s Vancouver Bootie

Making the Military Trend Your Own

—April Francis of The Haute Closet

I am not one to shy away from super high heels. Brian Atwood’s original six-inch Maniacs are one of my basics. Given my penchant for high heels, I get more than my fair share of “How do you wear those?!” I always smile because I adore wearing heels.

I took the Vancouver by Sam Edelman out for a test run to see how they could amp up my wardrobe’s military flair one sunny, 80-degree Sunday. In the first look, I went with a gorgeous pair of Japanese-made L.G.B. camouflage leggings from Ikram. Awesomely, these didn’t break the bank and since I’ve worn them over and over again this season, their cost per wear (CPW) is at about $3 (and we’ve got months to go). Add in this season’s de rigueur super flirty circle skirt (ours by A.L.C.), an army green Alexander Wang tank and a super cozy cape from Hejfina. Covering just about every of-the-moment trend in one outfit without looking like a victim gives you a good look for going to a movie, drinks or dinner with girlfriends.

Quartermastering the Look: Ladies Night Out with Vancouver

Cadet Prep: Date Night with Vancouver

The second look brought out our inner West Point prep. When you’re going military, the easiest way to femme it up is by adding flirty colors. We got ours courtesy of Antipast knee socks from Robin Richman, a silk blouse from L’Agence and a sweet pink Chanel bag. I’m sure you’ve got most of these pieces in your closet so call up your favorite shorts, grab your boyfriend blazer, add some fun hosiery, rock these boots and boom—a fun, multi-textured look for fall. We would definitely wear this look on a date.

For the last wardrobe change I went for a comfy, everyday look. Pairing T by Alexander Wang sweatpants with a military-inspired chevron sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs, I could work in this look all day and be happy about it. (Did I mention how comfortable these boots are?) And the bag, a little vintage beauty picked up from LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, is a force to be reckoned with. 

Reveille Revelry: Breakfast at Lori's with Vancouver

Verdict: these puppies are gorgeous in their neutral grey-green suede, grabbing tons of looks and compliments. Not to mention they are fantastically comfortable: I wore them for a full day of driving (stick-shift VW), Haute Closet-ing and city walking—all without the slightest bit of discomfort. These shoes rule.

The trick to super high heels is the height of the platform and how strapped in the tops of your feet are. The platform on these puppies is about two inches (making the stiletto that much shorter) with a great-for-winter-slush rubber tread sole. And not only can you tighten the laces for a snug fit, you can slip out quickly with Edelman’s super heavy-duty zipper on the inside of each foot. Translation: feels like heaven, makes you a blissful six inches taller.

The other half of the trick: you have a lot of clothes in your closet. I didn’t buy any of these pieces for the shoot. I just added the shoes and built looks around them with what I already had. When you add any new piece to your wardrobe, it’s worthwhile to play in your closet and try out new combinations.

Lastly, smart shoppers, at $212, these boots are a bargain and just as beautiful as the Chloe, Elizabeth and James and Rag & Bone versions that are out on all the shelves right now, for half the price.

Work the Sam Edelman Vancouver into your own wardrobe so that you are on top of the military trend but interpret that trend according to your own style.

P.S.: Notice that I’m wearing the same belt with each outfit? It’s amazing how a new accessory like these boots can breathe fresh life into things that have been languishing in your closet, unloved, for months. Also, I usually wear an 8.5; I sized down to an 8 in these, and still have plenty of room for cozy winter socks!

Accessorize This: Exotic Prints, OTK Socks and Fur.

Our Interview with Lori's Accessories Buyer.

We are so excited to take a small step away from our shoe addiction to feed our other craving: handbags and accessories. I am chatting with Nicole, accessories buyer for Lori's Shoes. If you love Lori's selection of handbags, jewelry, legwear, and scarves, Nicole is the woman that makes it happen. Here is what she had to say about our fall line-up in handbags and accessories.

Lori's: What's coming this fall?
Nicole:  There are a lot of trends happening this fall, but the exotic look – snake, crocodile, fur, leopard – is one of my favorite trends for the fall. Guess it's the animal deep down in me, screaming for release through Lori's accessory buys. [laughing]

La Regale 2546

Lori's:  What are great wardrobe pieces to pair with the exotic look?
Nicole:  Well, if we speak about the leopard, it is important to use it sparingly. If you have a leopard purse, for instance, like the new Sandra Roberts clutch – a calf hair with a leopard print – you could pair it with a basic, tight-fitting, black dress and pumps.
 
Lori's:  So your exotic accessory should be your key piece. Downplay everything else and let that piece be your 'Wow' factor.
Nicole:  If we are speaking specifically about the exotic prints, yes.

Lori's:  Besides exotic prints, what is another favorite trend?
Nicole:  Fur is probably the strongest trend for fall. We will see it on handbags, shoes, clothing and accessories. Lori's is going to have several different fur handbags from Sondra Roberts and some amazing ones from High Fashion. They have that Marc Jacobs and Chanel look and feel. I just love it.

This cross-body from High Fashion (below) has  Mongolian lamb in ivory, brown trim and a boho feel. Also, I can't forget snake and crocodile. They hearken back to the structured looks we presented earlier in our Accessories fall report.

High Fashion Fur handbag

Lori's: That sounds lovely.
Nicole:  In accessories we are excited to carry fur ear muffs, hats, scarves and even fur mittens. It is going to be a furry year (laughing).

Lori's: I heard, although it is not a handbag, that we have fur boot covers. What are they exactly?
Nicole:  Basically, they are fur leg warmers. You put them over the shaft of your boot to make a totally different look. You can also wear them as leg warmers with a high heel pump, covering the heel of the shoe and create a very high fashion '80s look.

Lori's:  Very Madonna.
Nicole:  Exactly. They are a fantastic way to take a great pair of boots to another level.

Lori's:  So, as we transition into a new season, what can people continue from their summer wardrobe and transition into fall?
Nicole:  Well, obviously fur won't work [laughing]. I would say gray tones and taupe tones. They are already in and work well year-round.

Lori's:  Like the Christopher Kon Croc satchel I love.
Nicole:  Yes. A handbag like that has that classic look, in a neutral tone such as gray and is just a great everyday bag.  It hits everything – structure, color  and transitions into Fall nicely. We're going to see the bags get smaller this coming season. For the last couple of years you had to have a big bag; there were no other options. But this year you will see smaller options coming available. We are getting some nice snake clutches soon.

Lori's:  So, what is your least favorite summer trend?  You know the one where you said, "Hated it."
Nicole:  Patent! I am very much over it already. [both laughing]

Lori's:  What other amazing trends should we look for this fall?
Nicole:  The legwear is amazing this fall. Leggings, tights, over-the-knee socks with color blocking. So many different looks to create using the same shoes and clothes. Just by adding a piece of legwear you can give your outfit a totally different look. We are still going to see chunky, open-toe shoes this fall, but the outfit will transition with socks and tights.

Interview conducted by Shazza with Lori's Shoes.