First, two pairs of shoes that are NOT this week’s contenders. First, a pair I don’t even think count as shoes, but rather ankle bracelets with attached heels.

(Source: World of Wonder, via Jezebel)

And those gladiator “boots” are even worse. They look like the result of some crazy Dr. Moreau-style genetic engineering for sci-fi geeks who want hot space-alien biker chicks.

And yet, these shoes by Annejet Kosters of Amsterdam — thankfully, filed under “experiment” — are at least treading new ground, so to speak. Whereas Christian Louboutin is clearly into recycling. …

Because the “Orniron” bootie for fall 2008, at left, looks like merely a minor retread of the Louboutin bootie from fall 2007, at right. Only the price has jumped from $760 to $1,155. Boo(tie), Christian!

And now for this week’s true contender … I don’t know if it’s 12 months of exposure or what, but the bootie doesn’t bother me as much as it did last year. And when I was browsing through the Saks website — the store at Biltmore Fashion Park just added a “whole new ZIP code” for its collection of shoes, including Valentino — some of the dozens of pairs even looked cute to me.

Speaking of Valentino, that’s who created these “Mena” ankle booties. Is it sad when I can say they’re selling for “last year’s low, low price” of $795?

I have to admit: I like them in the admittedly highly impractical beige color, but not so much in black. And yet I wonder: what would you wear those beige booties with? (Beige booties. Beige booties. Beige booties.) My first thought is maybe like a red suit, but that’s pretty risky territory because if it’s the wrong red you’re in trouble. A vivid teal or grape minidress? That seems kind of ’80s in a bad way.

So, I am torn. Are those beige booties hot, or not? Cast your vote in the interactive poll below; if you don’t see the choice that matches your opinion, go ahead and add a phrase!

ammit

And since the Valentino shoes are part of Saks’ new expanded luxury shoe collection, it makes sense this week’s price should be luxurious, too: A hefty 21-ounce jar of Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub by Jo Malone London. It smells delicious and rich, and if I were greedier I’d keep it for myself. But instead, I will pick one winner from the readers who post a comment in the “Leave a Reply” section below by Saturday, Sept. 20. Good luck! UPDATE: Congratulations to Michael, whose comment was chosen as the winner.
ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/9/08 (happy birthday,Mom!)
The suit(!): Pure new wool two-piece by Michael Michael Kors (Marshalls)
The shirt: Stretch cotton button-up by DKNY (Marshalls, same day. I also got a striped blue shirt and print tie that go, too.)
The shoes: Snakeskin loafers by Taxto (Last Chance)
The scent: Jardin du Néroli by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier
Listening to: “Here Goes Something” by Nada Surf

sammit

Posted in: Shoe Hot Or Not? |

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