POINTY SHOES

First off, doesn't this make you yearn for Fall? A chilly day, out for a stroll in the city, in Autumn colors... and Louis Vuitton shoes. These marvelous bow-toe flats are cropping up again this year.

(Natalie Vodianova photographed by Peter Lindbergh for Vogue)

Gorgeous flat ironed bows from Vuitton 2010.

And for Talbots 2011 - my, my! Doesn't this look familiar?

It's a charming collection (if a wee bit LV inspired), and I love this pump in stingray.

Here's a 2010 velvet and satin flat with Swarovski-studded heels. 

Compare to the Talbots Fall 2011 stingray pair. 

And a little more creativity with leopard bows.

The collection ranges from $139 - $169. Not bad!

/All images, Talbots/

WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Tweed is in your future this fall...

Happy Friday!

/Images/ companies as attributed/

STUFFISM IS IN

(A few of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos' nearly 3,000 pairs of shoes. She would have had to change shoes three times a day for two and a half years to wear them all - but American celebrities are giving her a run for her money.)

Today I have a column out on American's obsession with stuff. I didn't bother to ask if we ARE obsessed with stuff (this very blog is proof positive), but it remains to be seen if we can buy happiness too. Is it OK to have copious amounts of stuff, as long as you take care of it, use it, or derive happiness from it? How much is too much? 

Below, a few clebrities lead the pack in conspicuous consumption, posing next to their shoe trophies.

Mariah Carey

Christina Aguilera

Miley Cyrus

Nicky Hilton

50 Cent

Images: Marcos: manilagateway.com. Christina Aguilera: home-design-network.ning.com. Mariah Carey: pumpsicle.com. Miley Cyrus: decorpad.com. Nicky Hilton: fashionolic.blogspot.com. 50 Cent: celebrity-shoes.com

BOW TOE

Apparently, I'm still dealing with my obsession with "Magnificent Obsession," the highly unlikely August Vogue story where Natalia can't stand Ewan McGregor, for reasons which remain unclear, and runs off (or, just to de-class the joint a bit "r-u-n-n  o-f-t" as they say in O Brother, Where Art Thou). Anyway, it's the shoes. There's a pair of divine black flats with bows so large they almost conceal the fact that they're on a foot.

The shoes are Louis Vuitton's Beauty Pump in black velvet, with a Swarovski crystal covered heel. I won't tell you how much they cost, just in case you have a heart condition.

They're also featured in the "opening credits" of this story, peeking demurely out of the grass. (Note: do not wear shoes like these in grass. Or outside.)

More LV bounty; other versions of the Beauty Pump, and open-toe bow options from the Monica line. Charming, no?

Images, Vogue, Louis Vuitton.

SUMMER BUGS

Here's the latest style buzz! Not to bug you, but I spot something wonderful. In fact, I love these flats so much they may be winging their way into my closet - and my heart - soon. Won't I look like a lady?

Kate Spade Izzie Flats, from katespade.com.

STYLISH IN STRAW

Karl Lagerfeld had the right idea last season, bringing straw to spring, trotting out models amid hay piles. But not all of us want wheat in our hair and hayseeds on our skirts. A few touches will do. Here are my favorite shoes and bags from some much more down market retailers!

TORY BURCH

J. CREW

TALBOTS

DEAR ANN TAYLOR: LET'S BE FRIENDS

All images, Ann Taylor.com. Pencil, pencils.com.

FAVORITE FIND FRIDAYS

Two shopping "scores" this week:  yesterday, I blogged about the recent Target shoe collaboration, Miss Trish of Capri. THEN, I swung by Target, and ended up with these sassy wedges from their other latest collaboration, Cynthia Vincent for Target. Fantastic stuff. I loved the tan 'n gold (see pathetically grainy phone photo below), and they come in black and yellow too. Did I mention they're only $29.99?

Next up, vintage Vera scarves. I posted this picture last week of a framed Vera scarf, an example of a great way to decorate with scarves around your home. 

Second shopping score:  when I was out vintage shopping this week, I came across not one, but two vintage Veras! A steal at $9 for 2! I haven't decided how to use them yet, but I have options. Frame or wear?  

What about you? Any great finds this week? Do share!

Target ad image. Cynthia Vincent for Target.

SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE: FLIP-FLOPS

I used to be all about heels - the higher the better. Platforms, wedges, stilettos. I wore them on the METRO for crying out loud. But then, one day, I fell off my skyscrapers, plunged through the clouds to earth, and discovered:  there are some FABULOUS flats out there. (Also, falling off of really high heels hurts.) My feet are ever so grateful. But does that mean my fashion is flat too? Not so. Here are some of my favorite flip-flop finds, from Old Navy to Chanel. Go forth and favor your feet.

Lilly Pulitzer Online Store, $88 - $138

Tory Burch Online Store, $45 - 65

Target, $24.99

Chanel Online. See local retailer for prices.

Old Navy Store, $1.99 - $19.55.

J.Crew Online, $24.50 - $59.50.

Saks Fifth Avenue, $39 - $59.

Vinyard Vines Online, $35.

P.S. With apologies, "Ask Sanity Fair" will continue next week - I've had a crazy week, but I'll be back on the job for May!

All images, as attributed above.

SALVE, SALVATORE!

Salvatore Ferragamo heels are among my most beloved shoes - they are always refined, often subtle, and much more comfortable than they look. But these beautiful shots from the Spring 2010 campaign beckon us to don a beautiful lifestyle, and not simply a shoe. With pleasure, Ferragamo.

Images: Ferragamo.

Boots and Bayous

Ah, Monday. It's already over, and I'm behind! I've just returned from a trip - in the last five days I've been in four States, two Louisiana plantation homes, and one fabulous French Quarter restaurant. More on gorgeous Southern architecture and food tomorrow! And, I'm the honored recipient of two different blog awards (humble thanks to Averill of Odi et Amo and Sarah Klassen of Haute Design!); I'll have more on that this week. In the meantime: I owe you a post!

So I'll leave you with this: boots. Boots? I've just spent days in steaming bayous and Gulf Coast breezes, and I'm thinking about boots. Call it fall spirit, or the efficacy of advertising (every other ad is for pumpkinspice lattes, pumpkin colored corduroys, or actual pumpkins...). These darling boots are from Chadwicks, for an even more darling price of $119. And the green and coffee pair would look great with those pumpkin cords.

Image, Chadwicks.com

Glorious Kate Spade

Glorious Kate! Sequined bows, bubble jewelry, zebra jackets, and pink tweed. Scroll for a little Monday morning joie de vivre. I dare you to be down!

Twinkle toes!

All images, Kate Spade.