DONALD J. PLINER (New York) Leather Platform Sandals

The indispensable flip-flop you love is totally grown up and ready for days in the city or nights out. This classic Donald J. Pliner sandal boasts a perfected leather footbed construction that contours to the foot to provide the ultimate in comfort. The wide upper strap and thong offer a secure fit, while the platform sole is of an ideal mid-height (1-1/4 inches in front, 2 inches in the heel).

Slip into this attractive shoe and get ready to flirt. ;-)

(RRP US$198)

DONALD J. PLINER

Since its creation in 1989, New York-based Donald J. Pliner has been reputed for footwear that combines fashion and function. Working closely with his wife, Lisa, who also serves as the brand’s creative director, founder Pliner works tirelessly to ensure that each shoe offers not only high style, but also quality and comfort. After more than three decades in production, Pliner is still known to personally design each style of shoe himself, checking for high standards in fit and wearability. The Donald J Pliner motto is to ‘live the luxury of comfortable fashion.’

HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 (by Nicole Richie) Platform Heels

Since its 2008 debut, House of Harlow 1960, the brain child of Nicole Richie, has received rave reviews, a tremendous following, and also won Ms Richie the 2010 “Entrepreneur of the Year” (Glamour Women of the Year) Award.

 

This season, House of Harlow 1960’s heels are crafted in endlessly versatile designs and finished in luxe textures and palettes. Wear them with everything -- sorbet-sweet dresses, colour-blocked shifts, sharp tailoring, or high-waisted shorts-- for a look that’s destined for the front row.

• House of Harlow 1960 ‘Nadya’ (RRP US$295)
Chic and alluring, these gorgeous peep-toe sandals are all the rage thanks to the exotic fish-skin finish. The sexy slingback design and sky-high heel make them extra covetable.

 

• House of Harlow 1960 ‘Laina’ (RRP US$295)

Nail the season’s aquatic trend in these achingly stylish peep-toe platforms with a blue-green snakeskin finish. The T-strap vamp lends a femme fatale feel.

GEE WAWA (USA) 'Flatform' Shoe

California-based shoe label Gee WaWa hits the sweet spot with this kid suede ‘flatform’ at a very wearable height.
While the shape of the shoe simulates a vintage Prada platform from the 1940s, the vibrant colour-blocking is inspired by Art Deco furniture from the same period.
The contour of the shoe is designed to rock forward, giving it a comfortable motion.
The footbed, meanwhile, is nice and cushy - thanks to a fully cushioned and leather-wrapped insole.
And finally, the rounded toe box, ankle strap (for secure wear), d'Orsay sides, and hand-stiched leather sole finish this playful yet stylish look you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.


The totally charming silhouette works a million different ways.


GEE WAWA
Pronounced just like Chihuahua, the dog, Gee WaWa shoes have a handmade, artisan quality that puts the brand on the shoe map. Made of top-shelf materials like vegetable-dyed leathers, calf suedes, and distressed leathers, Gee WaWa shoes promulgate a distinctive Bohemian-edgy identity that is inspired by the casual lifestyles of Northern California and the North West. The collection’s high-quality craftsmanship is especially apparent in their padded soles, which keep styles from being uncomfortable.

HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 (by Nicole Richie) Peep-Toe Heels

Named after her daughter (Harlow Winter Kate Madden), House of Harlow 1960 is a labour of love for LA starlet -and 2010 Glamour Awards Entrepreneur of the Year- Nicole Richie.
A smart and tight roundup of '60s and '70s era vintage Bohemian with modern styling for a look that's contemporary, "pleasantly surprised" seems to be the most popular phrase from the critics about this line -- which is to say, it is a must-have collection for any fashionista!

• House of Harlow 1960 "Nell" Peep-Toe Pumps (RRP US$240)
A fear of heights is worth conquering for the sake of road-testing this peep-toe from House of Harlow 1960. Slide these beauties on with a midi-length dress or skinny jeans to demonstrate your fab fashion sense!


• House of Harlow 1960 "Nita" Lazer-Cut Platform Peep-Toe Sandals (RRP US$240)
You’ll adore the sprinkling of little cutouts that pours over the front of this peep-toe form. Sure to leave onlookers, and your beau, smitten!


P.S. Go here to see Nicole Richie talk passionately about her collections as she styles America’s Next Top Model winner Nicole Fox for her Spring look book shoot.

DOLCE VITA 'Adra' Studded Peep-toe Platform Heels

Living La Dolce Vita -- Life is meant to be lived... as fashionably as possible! So give your prim pumps a rest and take to the town in these risqué 'Adra' peep-toe studded platforms by Dolce Vita.
Contrast pyramid and round studs aside, these babies will induce height in a totally walkable way. By how much, you ask? How about 5 whole inches!
(RRP US$240)

Platform Heels
Platform heels are first said to have been used in ancient Greece to increase the height of important characters in the Greek theatre. Their popularity rose significantly in 70s and 80s, especially among musicians (remember David Bowie and KISS?). In the late 90s, the sensational UK girlband Spice Girls brought platform heels into mainstream fashion as they frequently performed in these shoes. Catching onto the trend, women (and men!) began to go for these footwear statement in a big way. Platform shoes are of particular advantage for women who love to wear high heels but find it hard to balance in thin-soled, spikey stilettos.

ABOUT DOLCE VITA
La Dolce Vita, in Italian, apparently means the good, sweet life, or the easy, laid-back life. Since its 2001 launch, U.S. label Dolce Vita has showcased chic footwear and clothing lines inspired by those very ideals. Young, restless and glamourous, the brand’s head designers are literally their own muse. Their needs and wants reflect those of their buying public. One of them, the charismatic and multi-talented Ivy Kirzhner, also happens to be a photographer, performer, music artist, and the lead of Aikostar, one of the key Filipino-American fronted bands in NYC. How cute is Kirzhner when she reportedly said this about her occupation (as a shoe designer): “Being Filipino-American, the Imelda-ness flowing through my veins has got a lot to do with it!”

Dolce Vita designers: (L to R) Jillian Shatken, Amy Amato, Ivy Kirzhner.


Dolce Vita footwear has proven to be a big hit with celebs.


Watch the Dolce Vita Fall 2010 preview at FashionWeek LA:-