The combo of leopard-print and calf hair is making for the shoes of the season. Laser-cuts of eyelet and leafy teardrops on a peep-toed, sling-backed, stacked heel by Christian Louboutin has all the makings of a shoe that makes my heart jump. Just when you think no designer can do anything else with the ever-boundary-pushing animal print, or when Giuseppe has got the monopoly on the look, along come these fabulously intricate cutouts to cause a major stir.
And major these are. Wear them now if you can’t wait (I know I don’t want to!) with a white dress, all lace and embroidery; wear them later with fall’s stronger silhouettes, whether it’s a wiggly pencil skirt or a rockin’ pair of leather pants; wear them into cooler weather with a fur-trimmed collar and black tights. Leopard booties with feminine cutouts like these, and a down-to-toe center slit, make for a shoe that is savagely delicate. For $1,495. Black leather version at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,495.
Pair with: Whether you style these booties professional or bad-girl – or professional bad girl – a hearty cuff will accessorize accordingly. Kelly Wearstler’s pyrite-embellished brass cuff is a rugged stone in a smooth setting. On Net-a-Porter for $395.
These are Exquisite; thanks to Christian Louboutin for a job well done.