Brands To Watch: Cobbler Union Shoes

Creating a bespoke-inspired, ready-to-wear footwear brand is something of a tall-order.Cobbler Union is the brand-name and creating footwear that truly pays homage to the skilled cobblers of old and today, plus offering guys luxury-quality shoes at half the price of their competitors is their game. As a bespoke-inspired brand, each collection is made in limited runs. Each shoe is hand-crafted by a small group of cobblers to make sure every detail is properly executed. 

The shoes are made in Spain, which is where one of the co-founders resides (the other is in Atlanta, Georgia). Being in such close proximity to where the shoes are produced, Cobbler Union has the ability to oversee the entire process. I was recently in Atlanta and had the opportunity to meet up with the Head of Marketing for Cobbler Union, Stephen Beehler. After hearing the way Stephen spoke about the shoes, the brand and the heritage of what the founders draw their inspiration, there was no way I couldn’t share the brand with everyone. Just from viewing the collection online (which is where they’re shoes are solid primarily) I’m honestly floored at the high level of craftmanship. I’ve put in my first order and the Guillaume II boots should be arriving soon– I’ll post a full run-down on next week. 

Without going into too many technical details, my favorite feature of many of their shoes is the Fiddleback Waist on the Sole (see middle pair of shoes in the picture above or clickhere). If you were looking about the best way to describe their shoes, think of each pair as art that you can wear on your feet. If you get the itch to flex your creative muscle, Cobbler Union offers Made-To-Order shoes too (you could create your own collections). Below are my three favorite pair, but, be sure to head to the Cobbler Union site to see the full collection. 

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Guillaume II

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Jean Pierre II

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The Chukka III

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Visit http://Cobbler-Union.com to check out the amazing collection and to learn moreabout this passionate brand. 

The Three Best Brown Boots of F/W 14′

This fall & winter seasons, it’s time to honor this year’s unsung footwear hero, the Brown Boot. You can always count on some of your favorite footwear brands to beef up their shoe game during the cold weather months and I’ve found three brands that released some quality boots. Cobbler Union, Jack Erwin and Johnston & Murphy are three footwear brands that should be applauded this year or at least given a small nod for giving brown boots some live this year. Below check out each boot styled with 3 different looks and see what catches your eye. 

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The Guillaume II Boot by Cobbler Union

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The Guillaume II Brown Leather Boots – Cobble Union (available online) || Brown Knit Cardigan – Onassis Clothing || Custom Chalk Stripe Waist Coat & Pants – Imparali Custom Tailors || Custom Cutaway Collar Shirt – Dragon Inside || Watch – Daniel Wellington || Silk Tie –  Frank & Oak

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The Guillaume II is hands down my favorite boot of 2014. Even though this shoe has the heritage of a dress boot, don’t be afraid to rock them with a tailored pair of jeans or cargo pants. Cut from antique brown leather, the patina of this boot is old world classic but the silhouette is sleek and modern. 

Style Tips

• Pair these boots with a tailored pant. With having a sleek silhouette, a wide pant leg would not flatter these beautiful shoes
• No brainer – shine them up
• Think outside the box when choosing your pants. From worn in dark wash denim jean to green cargo pants, pair them all with these boots
• Also, cuffed pants complement these boots the best

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The Karnes Captoe Boot by Johnston & Murphy

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 Karnes Cap Toe Boots – Johnston & Murphy || Philadelphia Made Ready-To-Wear Moss Green Blazer – Commonwealth Proper || Tweed Vest – J.Crew || Plaid Shirt- Frank & Oak || 521 Jeans – Levi’s || Felt Wool Hat- Forever 21

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When these boots were dropped on my doorstep, I immediately knew that Johnston & Murphy had created their best boot of all time. The Karnes captoe boot has all the details of a traditional work boot – lugged rubber sole, six-inch high collar and 9 eyelet laces. But, when you take a deeper look at the details like hand stained detailing, broguing and the wool collar — you realize that you’re wearing the incognito “dress” boot. You can call these a dress boot in a work boot’s shell.

Style Tips

• If you’re pairing these boots with a suit, opt for a heavy weight fabric. Think flannel, tweed or worsted wool. The weight of the suit will complement the chunkier work boot
• For the casual Friday/Date Night look, pair these boots with dark wash blue or grey denim and your favorite blazer
• The Style Challenge: Find a pair of navy jogger chinos (or wool joggers) to rock them with (brands: Marine Layer, Publish Brand, Gap, New Standard Edition) 

My Top 10 Favorite Oscar Dresses…

So I’m not really an awards show person. I find them boring and too long and I generally don’t care. What I DO care about are the red carpets before the awards. And the red carpet of all red carpets? Well the Oscars of course! So here’s a little list of some of my favorite Oscar red carpet moments…

Last year’s red carpet was pretty awesome. I remember Lupita Nyong’o walking down in that BEAUTIFUL blue Prada dress and my jaw just dropped! That color! The way it moved… the headband! It was perfection. Her whole red carpet season was flawless in my opinion but this dress makes my top 10 for sure. Cinderella come to life.

Kate Hudson in Versase was another perfect look for me. Her hair, makeup and that body… YES. I especially love the bold shoulder and the little cape action. I’m a sucker for a back moment.

In 2011 came two more of my favorites, both in beautiful pastel hues and both stunning for different reasons.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy? Yes please. This dress got a lot of mixed opinions but I love everything about it. The pop of neon against the most perfect pinkish lilac and the intricacy of the beading detail make me swoon. That edgy sculpted shoulder juxtiposed against the pleated flowy fabric is that touch of badass that takes this dress to the next level.

Now Mila Kunis in Elie Saab is another story. Girly flirty sexy feminine perfection. Showing skin in such a sexy yet sophisticated way… I just love this dress. Romantic is an understatement.

In 2010 I LOVED another dress that got mixed reviews- Zoe Saldana in Givenchy. The ruffled purple ombre was UH-Mazing and that glittery top sent me to girly heaven! I loved it and was really surprised that lots of people hated it. Like, whaaaaa??

Ah, and Sandra Bullock in that perfect Marchesa number. She looked like a beautiful glittery Oscar. She looked like a goddess. And this was the year she won the Oscar for best actress and made a beautiful speech (ok sometimes I watch the speeches- I’m a sucker for a good cry) and then her disgusting cheater husband smiled at her lovingly while she thanked him. YUCK. …but I digress. She was stunning and I loved her in that moment.

ISABEL MARANT, DICTATOR OF FRENCH COOL, SAYS '80S FASHION IS BACK FOR FALL

A look from Isabel Marant's fall 2016 collection. Photo: Imaxtree

With all the attention the '90s have gotten from the fashion community for the past several seasons, we forgot how fun the '80s were. Having only spent about a year of that decade alive, I'm referring more to pop culture's depiction of it, and it appears that we're going to start dressing like that again soon based on Isabel Marant's fall 2016 collection (Lanvin went there too, as did a few other designers, though more subtly). As upbeat '80s hits played in the elegant Place Colette near the Palais-Royal, attendees forgot all about the gloomy weather outside. Marant seemed set on making this show a fun one.

The '80s can be a tricky inspiration point to execute, but Marant did it the right way — without much of the tackiness that's often associated with that era of fashion. Hair was teased just the right amount, and several models' bouncy curls had me rethinking my decision to straighten my own. Plus, the fact that this was a fall collection helped keep things classy: patent leather miniskirts and pants were tastefully paired with wool knits and/or oversized, ankle-length coats. Preppy sweaters were layered over button-downs and Victorian-style blouses. Animal prints were balanced out by somber grays and plaids. Ruffly, partly sheer, black silk dresses looked romantic and luxurious while evoking an '80s dance club vibe.

A few of the bolder pieces, like a long, bright red patent leather coat with a studded belt or a shiny, red, skintight satin jumpsuit with a gigantic bow on one shoulder, won't be for everyone, but there were plenty of wearable pieces with commercial appeal. I'm also willing to bet that even for those of us who can't afford Isabel Marant, her '80s influence will still find a way into our wardrobes in the coming year. The designer does have a way of knowing just how women want to dress, after all.

RIHANNA AND MANOLO BLAHNIK COLLABORATED ON A LIMITED-EDITION CAPSULE COLLECTION

Manolo Blahnik and Rihanna. Photo: Dennis Leupold/Manolo Blahnik

Rihanna is adding another exciting project to her busy fashion plate. Less than a month after the singer and influential style star presented her first ready-to-wear collection in collaboration with Puma at New York Fashion Week, she and footwear legend Manolo Blahnik have announced a new joint project. Together they have designed a limited-edition capsule collection of six pairs of BadGalRiri approved shoes, priced from $895 to $3995. 

As if demand for anything designed by Rihanna isn't high enough already (her Puma creepers sold out fast in September and the February releases are also proving popular), this capsule will only be available at three Manolo Blahnik stores —London, New York and Hong Kong — starting on May 5 in limited quantities. Now that's serious exclusivity. 

The shoes are sexy in a signature Blahnik way with tall, thin stiletto heels and pointed toes. But Rihanna and the designer focused on denim as their core material, embellished by sequins and embroidery inspired by the singer's hand tattoos. And for fans of the singer's loud, statement-making style, she's delivered the truly outrageous "9 to 5" thigh-high stiletto boot complete with... a sparkly garter attachment? "Those boots are dangerous," Rihanna told British Vogue. "If you're trying to get back home to your bed, don't wear them boots! You will get kidnapped in those boots, those boots are trouble." You heard it here first, people. You have been warned.

CFDA RELEASES ITS (SLIGHTLY OBVIOUS) STUDY RESULTS ON THE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FORMAT

Ralph Lauren fall 2016 during New York Fashion Week: The Shows. Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images

After announcing its aim to reevaluate the format of New York Fashion Week back in December, the CFDA released its study results with Boston Consulting Group on Thursday morning. Over the course of six weeks, the two organizations conducted nearly 50 formal interviews with industry insiders — mostly designers, but also retailers, members of the press, influencers and corporations who are regularly involved in the fashion space.

While the study expanded in depth on the conversation that's already surrounding the traditional twice-yearly format, the CFDA hasn't exactly come up with a solid solution, but rather a clear call for change. Their results highlight the industry's main challenges, or "recurring ideas," such as in-season relevancy, newness perceived by consumers and creative burnout among designers.

CFDA study. Photo: Screengrab

The study also provides a few potential models for designers, both young and established, to choose from, such as intimate presentations four to six months before the collection's deliveries; biannual, in-season activations geared towards consumers; or offering capsule collections available immediately after a traditional runway show. Other alternative solutions, include merging men's and women's collections; merging main and pre-season collections; or adopting the timing of the pre-collection calendar (December and June).

Another challenge that the CFDA addresses in the study is the industry's favor towards shifting delivery dates later to better match with the seasons. (Perhaps the poor sales on last year's inventory of winter coats was a red flag.) The association's "strong call for action" involves a targeted dialogue specifically between brands and retailers.

CFDA study. Photo: Screengrab

Although the ideas and models addressed by the CFDA aren't entirely new and have been practiced by designers — and have been covered by many outlets (including Fashionista) in the past — it's good that the association has carried out a more formal approach to these issues and is offering its designers options and the resources to carry out those decisions. A concluding statement in the study says, "Ultimately, it is up to the brands to decide what works best for them, and the CFDA will support designers as they experiment and define what is right for their collections."

Judging from the myriad of formats that designers adopted this past New York Fashion Week — from Rebecca Minkoff's consumer-facing runway show to "see now, buy now" capsule collections by Michael Kors and Proenza Schouler, among others — experimentation is already underway and will surely continue. According to the CFDA's study, they want to "alleviate the pressure for designers and brands to conform to a singular model." So it's only a matter of time for these brands, and New York Fashion Week as a whole, to figure out what will actually stick.

Sneakerboots Trends For 2016

If you’re uninitiated or have some kind of blindness to compound words (an affliction that must make 2016 a truly hellish time to be alive), a ‘sneakerboot’ is a hardwearing variant of the trainer aimed at the divergent audiences of svelte fashion bloggers and blokes who climb hills to Instagram photos of all this bloody wood that they’ve just chopped.

2016 – with its, thanks to climate change, unpredictable weather situations – might just be when this heretofore contentious footwear style comes into its own.

Nike’s new double-black Air Max 90 sneakerboot is the street classic on steroids. Beefed up beyond compare, it’s the discerning Roadman’s Big Weekend In The Countryside shoe and we’re all for that, along with the rest of Nike’s muscular All Conditions Gear (ACG) range.

The sneakerboots from outside Oregon’s favourite superpower are a little hit and miss, although adidas’ Tubular Boot (strictly for fair-weather boot fans owing to a soft suede construction) and the impenetrably cool Yeezy 750 certainly do their best.

CONVERSE TEKOA

NIKE AIR MAX 90 SNEAKERBOOT

Scarves for Men | Street Style Trend Inspiration

Scarves have been considered the most intriguing trend ever. Why? Because when you think about it, it’s literally just a simple rectangular piece of fabric. That being said however, this revolutionary accessory has been redeveloped over the years, with scarves evolving into a fashion statement rather than an economic tool to warm us up during the winter months. We now have so many styles of scarves that they can be used to complement any outfit in any kind of weather. Depending on the brand, scarves can either be cheap or extremely expensive, despite all of them serving the same purpose.

Large Scarves

These kind of chunky scarves are the perfect fashion accessories for winter. Due to their sheer thickness, it’s an obvious fact that you cannot tie these bad boys with the normal loop method, so it’s time to experiment. We recommend simply draping them over your shoulders or throwing one end behind you, that way it still highlights your fashion ensemble as a whole rather than detracting from it because everyone is staring at its enormous size. While large scarves are generally used in darker colours, that doesn’t mean you can’t play around with the brighter ones, especially if you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your wardrobe.

Statement Patterned Scarves

If you feel like something is missing with your outfit, a scarf is always a great addition to consider. That being said, if you already are wearing printed clothes, then perhaps a plain scarf would be a better choice. But if your clothes are all in one solid colour, then patterned scarves is the way to go.

There are a plethora of patterns to choose from including checks, cross hatch, striped – whatever style of scarf you think of, it has most likely already been produced. As a result, patterned scarves are ideal for any season. You can team them up with anything from denim jackets to sweaters, and coats. And if runways have taught us anything, it has shown us that scarves look absolutely astounding with blazers, transforming an entire outfit from being formal to being downright sophisticated and sexy.

Runway Trend 2016 | Blooms For Men | Floral Prints

Floral prints are a timeless trend and were once reserved exclusively for feminine tastes. However that is all starting to change, with the trend making a seamless transition to men’s fashion. Floral prints are now fast becoming a bestselling style, with major labels such as Topman and Zara producing them in vast abundance.

It’s a general fact that fashion can be a touchy subject for some men. Many never take the avant-garde approach when it comes to fashion, with the majority of us preferring to stay within our comfort zones and dress subtly (blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt anyone?). But a unique characteristic that we love about floral prints is that it challenges the male status quo and encourages men to extend beyond their comfort zones. It’s different to say the least – it makes you stand out, and helps you to reinvent your sense of style by providing a fresh new perspective on fashion.

From vibrant blazers to collections filled with bright bloomy colours, floral prints are a definite trend this season. It seems that every high end brand has jumped on the bandwagon, especially the likes of Prada, Saint Laurent and our personal favourite 3.1 Phillip Lim, who stood out from the crowd by creating full floral outfits.

If you look closely every floral style follows a light and dark colour contrast, with the flowers purposely popping out from dark hues of the clothing. Considering how the style diverges from the male norm, it seems that this distinctive trend isn’t going to be ending anytime soon, demanding full attention as it takes the entire world by storm.