Return Of The Jellies, Part Deux

We heard inklings of this last year. Those candy-like shoes with the candy-like name are back (again) and this time designers are really getting it. Unlike the lattice designs we saw last year, these sandals make the kid-friendly coloring work by pairing it with sophisticated shapes, like Old Navy’s thong with chain detail (left, was $12.50, now $10), Kate Spade’s simple slide with a big bauble at the top (center, $60), and this simple green pair with a chic espadrille wedge (right, $29.25).

I keep thinking about all the possibilities for these comfortable slides: beach and poolside, of course. But perhaps they could also make my too-often-black daytime wardrobe a bit more whimsical. Or stand in for flip-flops on the walk to work. The more I look at them, the more I’m smitten.

Then there’s Kenneth Cole’s version ($25), which is something like a gladiator sandal rendered in clear plastic. We could laud it as an affordable path to uber-trendy feet (Gladiator sandals! And jellies! In one!), but really they just look like the jellies you wore when you were five.

Which pair would you wear? Or do you think jellies are best left in the sandbox? Post a comment and weigh in.

Goodness Gracious Gladiators!  A Spin on the Traditional Gladiator Sandal

I wasn't quite sure what to think about this trend when it first came into the public eye with Ashley Olsen's Chanel knee-highs last summer. But it was kind of like a pug dog - so ugly it's cute. Then came Mary Kate in her spartan-style heels by Azzadine Alaia. It brings one thought to my mind: If I wore something really ugly AND had a twin, I would ask her to wear something similar and just as ugly and then everyone would think I started a cool new trend! 

I'm not sure I'd take it as far the Olsens, Natalia Vodianova, and Jennifer Connelly in the Balenciaga gladiators that look like they'd draw blood, or the Givenchy gladiators that look a bit S&M. Not only do all these styles look uncomfortably restrictive, but can you imagine the tan lines you'd get from an hour in the sun? You're asking for leper legs on top of the stares you'd get in public from the shoes themselves.

It was starting to seem that the only wearable gladiator sandal we real humans (aka: not models, actresses, or fashion icons) were going to get were flats. But thank goodness for ready-to-wear and knock-offs. Comfort met sanity somewhere in between those Balenciaga blood-suckers and the traditional flats and we got gladiator-inspired heels that stop comfortably at your ankle.

The Linea Paolo Brittany Gladiator Sandal ($140) is a modern take on the gladiator sandal with contrasting snake-print fabric on the heel and down the center. The Carlos by Carlos Santana Magnum Sandal ($100) has a cushioned foot bed for extra comfort (and a 4 ¼ inch heel). The gorgeous graphite colored Guess gladiators ($114) are lightly padded, have a 1/2 inch front platform, and 3 3/4 inch wrapped heel.

The Stuart Weitzman Zoom Platform ($299). has an all-over patent leather upper on a cork base with an adjustable buckle closure. The Guess Eulia Pump ($110) has double ankle straps with metallic buckles detail and a hidden platform. The Luna Rosa by Pazzo Jailhouse Sandal ($100) is made of crackled metallic leather and shaped into a sky-high platform sandal with a thick T-strap.

The L.A.M.B. Gina Metallic Gladiator is made of snake-embossed leather with a sky-rocketing 5 inch heel for $325. The brown Calvin Klein Ness Sandal ($110) has an adjustable buckle at the ankle strap and threaded detailing on the straps. The fascinatingly futuristic gladiators from Alexander McQueen ($900) are sure to keep your feet safe with all these buckles - and they'd better come with a security system for this price.

For more chic styles, check out our Spring Shoe Guide. 

The Whole Geek Chic Thing Is Back Again - And Glasses Are Now Cool

According to the Wall Street Journal, wearing glasses is cool again. Now, if I were one who had to wear them full-time I would be somewhat offended by this latest fad. Last I checked, wasn't visual impairment a disability? So therefore, isn't wearing glasses when you don't need them a tad bit mocking? And if not mocking, perhaps just plain silly? I can't help but anticipate a conversation between friends:

Friend: Oh, I didn't know you wore glasses.

Glasses Wearing Fashion Victim: Oh, I don't. Well, I do. But I don't. It's complicated. I don't want to talk about it.

Friend: Uh. Okay.  

Hmm. It is confusing. For all of us. But if the style bug has already bitten and you're eager to partake in the latest trend, here are a few fashions you might want to check out. You can order online with either single lenses or as frames only and bring them to your local LensCrafters where they will fit you will clear lenses (and try not to laugh). 

Trend Alert: Peter Pan Slippers Make You Look Like A Disney Character

I'm really not sure what to even call this trend—so I named it after Peter Pan because it reminds me of the shoes that most male characters wear in Disney movies (minus the curled toe). I saw a girl wearing this style the other day, made from perforated leather. And then yesterday I spotted these Marc Jacobs Metallic Suede Ankle Booties ($695) over at Barney's—I just feel a trend coming on.

I thought ballet flats were flimsy and had absolutely no arch support until I tried on a pair of Peter Pans. They weren't my cup of tea. This type of shoe is so lacking in sole that I could almost feel the floor while I was walking around—plus they made me look like an elf. But if you can pull them off, I'd suggest purchasing a pair of insoles from Dr. Scholl's to give yourself a little extra cushioning. (Or click here for some other ways to keep your feet pain-free.)

Take our poll and let us know what you think of the trend in the comments section…  

Bargain Find: Candy Colored Clutches For Under $150

Looking for a little pop of color? I sure am. After a long winter of dressing in mostly black, (I'm a New Yorker, it's what we do) I'm looking to add a bit life to my otherwise drab wardrobe. When I got dressed this morning I had to choose between a black tee, black pullover sweater, and a black button-down polo. The inside of my closet looks like the black sea.So nothing sounds better to me than a candy colored-colored clutch to brighten up my day. These great grabs are all under $150.

The Jessica Simpson Pacha Clutch has a silver decorative buckle and gingham interior lining. Comes in green apple, lemon yellow, and pink lollipop for just $68. The Lacoste Classic Clutch has the cute little alligator and is made of textured PVC for just $51. The Hobo International Quilted Patent Leather clutch has great glossy shine and a quilted envelope flap. Comes in blue, yellow, and orange for $138.

Color plus shine gives this great patent leather clutch some serious style. Get your Alfani Gloss Garda Clutch for just $78. It comes in pink, yellow, green, black, and white. Banana Republic's 100% leather snake-embossed clutch comes in blue, red, or purple for $89. Perforations create a graphic pattern in this sleek Patent Leather Clutch from Lodis for $142.

Lodis Accessories makes this croc checkbook clutch in genuine patent leather. Get yours in ochre or fuschia for just $122. This adorable Sigrid Olsen Calista Crinkled Patent Leather Convertible Clutch Bag can be held as a clutch or converted into a small tote. Just $128. The slim and sleek Hinge Wallet from Urban Outfitters has metal trim and clasp opening for just $20. 

Check out last week's Nine Flame Colored Bags for Under $125.

Toeless Socks: Too Trendy For The Office?

I've picked up on an interesting little trend lately: toeless socks worn with strappy wedge sandals. I guess it's just not warm enough to go bare-legged, but the city gals are dying to shed their tights and show off that first-of-the-season pedicure—a clever way of transitioning that school girlish knee-sock-and-stacked-heel-pump look from fall into the warmer weather. 

I am a fan of the trend—I think it looks cute for a Saturday window shopping stroll—but I would skip this look at the office; it's a little too casual. I've seen a few girls sporting this open toe style with their work attire and something about it irks me a bit—too many little piggies on the loose in an office environment seems unprofessional to me. 

We want to know how you feel about the trend: Will you be purshasing these shimmer-y, striped, legwarmer-ish socks by Free People, or do you believe socks should only belong with closed toe shoes? Is it a workweek look or weekend-only wear? Let loose in our comments section below.

Don't forget to check out some of the other latest trends we've spotted, and our Guide to Spring Fashion.

Why Wasn’t I Going Nude Before? Neutral Colored Shoes For Spring

Nude shoes are all the rave this spring - and they're flying off the shelves. Here are the best of what is still available online:

This peep-toe pump from Calvin Klein is the epitome of feminine. These chic Calvins are flying off the shelves in store and running out of stock online as well. Get yours quick for $98. These Pedro Garcia sandals ($425) will please you city girls the most. They're understated yet fierce at the same time. The Pura Lopez work-appropriate peep-toe pump ($310) in off-white and cream has a suede-edged trim and hidden platform.

The Miu Miu nude patent wingtip heel ($357) is perfect for the office, and will match anything from black to a bold spring color. Now this is just crazy – but architectural shoes are everywhere this coming season. Get these retro-modern Giuseppe Zanotti carved-out platform sandals for a whopping $750. The L.A.M.B Daizy Pump ($295) comes in cream patent leather with a woven two-tone trim and golden buckle on the platformed toe. Not quite nude, but they'll match anything.

This BCBG Max Azria Daja Pump ($210) will please even the most strict corporate environment office. It has a simple rounded toe and comes in this classic nude-pink shade. The Nadia Slingback ($360) has a metallic shine that adds a little bit of sex appeal. The Pura Lopez M354 Sandal also runs a gal $360, but with its stacked heels, floating platform toe, and gladiator look – these fashion forward sandals pay for themselves.

Trend Alert: You Can’t Help But Be Happy When Dressed In Bright Colors

Of all the spring 08 trends, I’m most excited that the designers en masse have gone cuckoo for color. After a dreary (and seemingly endless) winter, I’m drooling at the prospect of a lively, fresh spring wardrobe. I’m also ready to throw my black DKNY wool trench into the fireplace. Any day now…

The great thing about the bright color trend is its versatility – you can go nuts with color, or just add a few accent pieces to your warm weather wardrobe and liven up your look that way. Of course, the simplest route to a bright, colorful outfit is by way of a single color dress - then you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching. And since dresses are sooo in for spring, you get two trends for the price of one. 

Colorful frocks to put a spring in your, er, spring:

 
The Accordion Dress by Mischen ($850) – This sophisticated number embraces my next favorite trend – the return of the 50’s silhouette.

 
If you’ve been bitten by the hippy-chic bug (not to be confused with boho blues), this whimsical yellow Twinke by Wenlan dress is a steal at $79, and will look super cute with a pair of gladiator sandals. 

The intense pink color and tiny jewel embellishments on this Andrea dress ($209) make it an asset to any personal spring collection.

And be sure to check out our Guide to Spring Fashion Trends. 

More colorful dresses: