These Bordello Whimsey 115 Boots (presently on sale at Shoebuy.com) are an impressive replica of the high button boot style which was common in the 18th century. The vintage button boot is simply a tall boot that has about 10 or so straps that fasten on the side with buttons. They also usually have the “Louis” heel, which is a design that curves in the middle and flares out at the bottom. The purpose of the strappy style is simply to show the wearer’s stockings and based on this description, the Bordello Whimsey 115 Boots could very well be mistaken for the real thing.

Of course it’s easier to compare things when you can actually see them and I was lucky enough to find an actual vintage pair of high button boots on 1860-1960.com:

Button boots circa 1880

Now you see how closely Bordello modeled their boots after the 18th-century boot? They even got the ribbon on the base of the toes perfectly.

Bordello advertises their Whimsey 115 Boots as whimsical fantasy footwear but I think these can be worn as part of a regular outfit. If you like the strappy boot trend that’s hot right now but would rather not look like a mere fad follower, then these Whimsey 115 Boots could just be the pair to do that. These are boots that are actually modern AND vintage at the same time – a very rare combination in fashion.

The beauty with living in LA during winter is that you still get the sun without the heat. Of course it doesn’t snow but at least you can dress in light winter clothes. Just like Rachel Bilson here, spotted shopping for fruits and vegetables early this February, garbed in sweater and scarf, paired with jeans, T-strap flats, and sunglasses. Now, only in LA will you find people wearing such an ensemble (and perhaps also in Vegas).

(photos care of Just Jared)

Rachel Bilson spotted shopping for fruits and vegetables

Rachel definitely looks dressed down in the pictures, but still looking pretty. You know… the kind who looks good even without make-up. Now as for the shoes, THOSE I love.

They look so comfy. And the cut is quite unique. You will rarely find a pair of T-strap flats that only cover the front and heel of the foot. Most T-strap flats available in the market look like ballet flats with T-straps on them.

I tried looking for a similar pair but couldn’t find one. If you come across a style such as hers, please let know.

On another note, I came across these cute T-strap flats from Kenneth Cole, Sigerson Morrison, and Charlotte Ronson. Not the same cut, but these are quite slim and flat – very feminine and easy to wear. Plus, all three are on discount!

Charlotte Ronson PA7062 T-strap Flats, on sale for US$94 at Zappos.com

Sigerson Morrison 9517 T-strap Flats, on sale for US$274 at Zappos.com (black color only; gold color at full price)

Kenneth Cole NY Strawberry Hill Flat, on sale for US$88 at Heels.com

Last January 25, Kristen Stewart was spotted arriving in LA straight from her Sundance session with the Runaways cast. She was dressed in her usual laid back casual attire paired with some classic sneakers.

Kristen Stewart arriving in LA straight from her Sundance stint with the Runaways cast

If I am not mistaken (and I’m pretty sure of it), the black sneakers on Kristen are a pair of Adidas Originals Samba.

Adidas Originals Samba in Black/White/Gum, US$55

The Adidas Originals Samba shoes go way back to the 70’s. The Samba used to be called the Samba 1900, and it was an iconic pair worn by a lot of footballers. The design has not changed much, but additional colors are being offered in the market.

The Samba has a wide fan base simply because it is comfortable and it looks stylish. It is also slim enough for ladies to wear. Bulky rubber shoes or sneakers tend to look too masculine.

You can tell Kristen is loving her pair. She wore the same ones while she was at the Sundance. Such a classic can actually match with other outfits. A short skirt, short shorts, or a mini-dress will go well with these shoes the same way a pair of T-shirt and jeans would.

If you’re not into the classic black, don’t fret because Adidas offers this shoe style in a multitude of colors such as the folllowing:

Other colors of the Adidas Originals Samba

Top: True Blue/White, Light Sand/White, White/Black

Bottom: Orange/Blue Bird, Black Collegiate Red, Espresso/Dark Sand

The usual frills, bows, and embroidery were conspicuously absent in Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2010 Couture Collection. Instead, Mabille gave us a lot of construction, geometry, and spliced together color blocks:

Alexis Mabille Spring 2010 Couture Collection

Although some of the looks still had a few ribbons, sashes, and lace details, these looks with straight and clean lines were the real scene stealers. The combination of the color-blocked hairstyles, the dresses, and shoes make a strong statement and it really does look like Mabille conducted surgery on the fabric to come up with this collection.

Now the question here is: would you wear color-blocked hair, a dress, and shoes all together at the same time? Can you pull it off? Perhaps the dress and the shoes together some people can still get away with, but the hair…

Color blocking isn’t new. It’s been done numerous times in past decades. However, no other image quite captures the boldness of this design better than the famous Yves Saint Laurent “Mondrian” day dress:

As designer Yves Saint Laurent created this day dress in 1965, he made history as well. The 60s simple shift dress together with Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s 1930 Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow painting produced such an iconic dress that it became much admired and very much imitated even to this day.

Check out these fresh new footwear takes on color blocking, all new styles inspired by the 60s trend:

Dereon Skilled Pump

Donald J Pliner Caly

Marc by Marc Jacobs 674912

A round toe pump is nothing new and there really isn’t anything groundbreaking in its design. It’s basically an open shoe with or without a heel – and that’s it.

But there’s something about these vintage-inspired Franco Sarto Arch round toe pumps that’s got us looking a lot longer than we should have:

Franco Sarto Arch round toe pumps

Deceptively plain-looking, this is actually one very exquisitely designed shoe.

First off, that toe is rounded to the right degree. It’s not pointy (some round toes still look pointy, we don’t know why) and the toecap  is lifted so it doesn’t make the feet look short and stubby. The toe to heel transition is perfectly arched, and that sensible stacked square heel with the slight curve balances out its towering 2 3/4-inch height.

The divine cuoio leather, the buckles, and the contrast stitching are really just bonuses, although the gold hardware really sets off the color on these brown Franco Sarto Arch pumps (silver is used for the black version).

Oh and did we mention that the soles are rubber? The upper part of the shoe may be vintage inspired, but that grippy rubber sole will let it keep up with a modern woman’s busy schedule:

Franco Sarto Arch sole view

We imagine light, frilly dresses and boho skirts with these shoes, but wear them with a structured knee-length dress or a blazer and skirt ensemble to make them work-appropriate.

The black Franco Sarto Arch round toe pumps are $88.95, but these brown ones are 30% off! Get them for $75.00 at Zappos.com.