Tuesday Shoesday-Pointed Pumps

/ 1. Zara / 2. Asos / 3. NastyGal / 4. Valentino /

I used to avoid pointed shoes of any sort. Regardless of if they were flats, heels, sandals, or boots, they always seemed either too severe or mature for my taste. Over the past season or so, I have realized that I couldn't have been more wrong. Sure, there are always the styles that stay true to the look I had been avoiding, but lately, pointed toe shoes are the style that has been growing in my wardrobe. After all, I purchased three (!) pairs this summer. The Valentino 'Rockstud' is on my ultimate dream wish-list, and the luxe green pair above (4.) is unique and anything but severe and mature. Otherwise, the collage above is a compilation of four fairly affordable pointed pumps from around the web that I found inspiring for various qualities. Oddly, they all have a sort of fall and autumn feel to them. I guess my subconscious is craving fall just as much as I am.

What are your thoughts on pointed pumps? What about pointed shoes in general?

A to Z: Haute Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

While many boutiques and brands refer to themselves and their products as 'couture', actual classification of couture garments and fashion houses is much more in-depth than fashion lovers may assume. Typically, haute couture is made-to-measure and of the finest materials by the most skilled seamstresses and tailors. In order for fashion houses to be honored with the title of haute couture, it must first be inspected by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris in Paris, France. Some fashion houses that currently hold the title of haute couture are Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Eli Saab, Valentino etc. Here are some of my personal favorites.

Valentino Fall 2012 Couture 

Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

All photos from Style.com