Collection Critique: ALDO Velvet Slippers For Fall 2012

ALDO Shoes has released their fall line-up and aside from the normal pointed dress shoe and mid-wingtip boot, they have been playing around with texture. ALDO first introduced their "velvet concept" last fall with a hard bottom sole which I loved. Great reviews that led to the shoe being sold out within the first few months. They re-released its mates for this fall in other colors and patterns. However, they left out a key component... the hard bottom sole. Although I don't extremely dislike the newly released shoes, I'm not in love. To me softer soles on a richer material just lessen the quality of the overall look. 

I see where they were going, but don't meet me half way-- go all they way. ALDO does such a great job in recreating top designer shoes at affordable price points, but for me they missed the mark with this collection. 

ODEKIRK leopard slipper 

Take this leopard slipper for instance. For only $60, it's a STEAL. However, the components are just simple and give off no WOW factor. Had they lost the trademarked ALDO tag, gone with a more defined material like pony-hair (not brushed over velvet) and put a nice hard sole on it, I could easily see them pricing them at $230.00 and they would be flying off the shelves. Again, its makeup isn't horrible, but the shoe has the potential to be so much better! Aside from my thoughts, if your feeling it... GET IT! Affordable and decent leopard shoes are hard to find these days. 

For more finds on leopard slippers, check out my post: 
Men's Leopard Loafers: Get them before they become EXTINCT 

SPROULL skull studded slipper 

In person, the iridescent studding detail on this shoe looks amazing, but again it would be perfect with a firmer sole with small heel for support. I don't want a casual slipper, that's what loafers are for-- I want sleek! 

I believe the causal shoes listed before are fine the way they are because the stitching and elastic band imply that it's design is perfect for a comfortable slip on. 

DIEDERICH crimson 

DIEDERICH navy

DIEDERICH black

Check out ALDO's first velvet slipper release in my past post:
DSquared Shoes Look For Less: Red Carpet Savvy, compare it to this new collection and let me know your thoughts. 

This hasn't turned me off from ALDO, they still have GREAT products! 

Men's Leopard Loafers: Get them before they become EXTINCT

We all know popular power house Christian Louboutin is the one stop shop for leopard loafers. However, it just frustrates me that top shoe designers like Steve Madden can make awesome, affordable leopard slippers (studs and all) for women (pictured above), but when it comes to men's shoes they fall short. Do WE not seek the same jenesequa when it comes to OUR fancy statement shoes? Can a man get a pony hair leopard loafer please (lol) *raises hand*? Now that I've gotten this rant of my chest that has been building for years with Steve, I decided to do my research and find some designers that were in tune with the times and also felt the need for men's leopard loafers.


Giacomorelli

I have been eyeing these for a few months now. One word comes to mind: PERFECTION. This is an awesome pair of half leopard, half stud slippers from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection of Italian brand, Giacomorelli.  These bad boys will run you $576 and surprisingly two years after their release, they are still available. Find the look here via ShopStyle.com. 

Talk about options... these kicks come in nude, royal blue, red

.......aaannnddd Olive and gray! (Round of Applause). Annnnddd.. to WOW you even more the Italian designer Giacomorelli is only 25. 


Yves Saint Laurent 

Here is a sleek dark brown patent leopard print Loafer from Yves Saint Laurent that embodies richness and luxury. It entails a dark brown and black leopard print all over, leather upper, round toe, and concludes with a leather heel. This shiny pair of sleek shoes will run you $750. Check them out here via Ssense. 

These driving loafers adorned in leopard print pony haircalf exude luxury and with a $850 price tag, we can see why. Featured on these loafers is a braided detail at the tongue with antique gold tone rivet details. The black blanket stitch at the toe makes for a moccasin style and really compliments the leopard print. Check them out via Ssense.

Check man of style Scott Disick out wearing a pair of YSL Babylone Leopard Moccasins that retail at $570 (great price). These driving moccasins feature Leopard-printed calfskin with tassels and a rubber sole. If you keep up with the Kardashians then you would know that Scott does a good job putting together outfits that look effortless, which to me is the #1 rule in style.

Jimmy Choo 

Adding to its already comprehensive men’s collection, Jimmy Choo presents another Sloan Slip-On for the audacious gentleman from its Spring Summer 2012 collection. The shoe features a leopard print upper made of 100% pony hair. and retails for $1,350. 

These loafers also come in gray carrying a black colorway. The sleek, low-profile design is outfitted with an all-over print, white contrast stitching and black outsoles. These Choo's are ticketed at $909.


A Look For Less
If you are looking for something that won't break your bank, try these sleek shoe selections below.

A LOOK FOR LESS to the YSL Babylone Moccasin, try this leopard casual diving loafer via Ebay for $47.40 (a steal).

A LOOK FOR LESS to the red Giacomorelli slipper via Ebay for ($150). 

A LOOK FOR LESS to the nude Giacomorelli slipper via Ebay for ($150). 

A LOOK FOR LESS to the Jimmy Choo Slippers via Ebay for $264.60


Now that your shoe game has been upgraded, get a pair of leopard loafers before they become extinct! It's a perfect transitional shoe as we are approaching the fall. 


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