Style Guide: Cinza Araia

New (to me) designer. I love, and think I may need, these boots. Too bad she currently only has shops in Tokyo and Milan. Below is her mission for her 2012 collection. Keep an eye on this one and view more here.

"Continues the research on shapes, volumes and designs

through the overlapping of different and outdated materials. 

Innovative techniques liven up elaborate and suggestive creations, 

even when street-styles and male looks inspired.

The color palette rarely moves away from the rigor of black, 

although it embrace deep shades ranging from brown to grey. 

The collection spirit remains the expression of the fantastic game of decomposition and composition, 

aimed to the representation of a dreamy woman, almost an alien one."

Object of Desire: Grey Flannel Vans

I love grey. It's a color that transcends all seasons, always looks effortless and is just plain cool. I'm not much into grunge, and I put Vans in that category, but I love these! I couldn't help it. I'd pair these with white jeans, obviously! Shop here. 

*image via nicekicks

Watch This: Quoddy Workshop

Some of the most amazing (and my favorite) men's shoes are handmade in a small workshop in Lewiston, Maine. Watch the video below on how Quoddy's are carefully built by these skilled craftsman. Watching how these shoes are made make them that much more special. Shop Quoddy here.

Object of Desire: Theysken's Theory Pump

These shoes are ridiculous. The gradation from patent leather to fabric is awesome, and I love the ankle strap. If I only had somewhere to wear 6" heels. Shop here before they're completely sold out. 

Rockassins by Furni

Moccasins are pretty cool. Especially when they're turned into loafers! These handmade-in-Montreal loafers are refreshingly different than the run of the mill Topsiders that I'm so bored of seeing. Try something new, eh? Shop here. 

The Boot of the Season

The perfect flat, black leather, knee-length boot. It's the one thing I look for every fall and can never seem to find exactly what I'm looking for. Well, I found them! Loeffler Randall's Dana Ankle-Tie Flat Boot is everything I need to get me through the fall and winter. And since it's always sunny in L.A., I can wear they all the time. I really love that they're a little bit taller in the front so they go over your knee a bit. Shop here! 

Nike's Vintage Waffle Racer

Loving these vintage Nike Waffle Racer trainers selling at J.Crew right now. I'm a sucker for super low tops. Shop here. 

*images via j.crew

Style Guide: One Fall Day

Today's overcast weather inspired me. I miss those falls days in New York walking around the Village where it's warm enough to not wear a jacket, and you feel free enough to roam around anywhere and everywhere. This outfit is perfect for that! Or, if you don't live in New York anymore like me, wear it everywhere else.

Thierry Lasly Lively Sunglasses, shop here.

ACNE Romantic Felt Wool Skirt, shop here.

James Perse Cotton Jersey Top, shop here.

Chloe Marion Suede Ballerina Flats, shop here. 

Gucci Loafers

Style in LA is so different than New York fashion. I doubt I'd see anyone I know out here wearing these loafers, but they're a (banker) staple back home. And I like them.

Gucci revamps their staple loafer with a green and red web insert. Buy them at Mr. Porter, which seems to be more and more the online shop for stylish menswear.

*image via mr. porter

Repetto

Loving this fantastic video by the Parisian shoe brand, Repetto. A behind the scenes look into the depth and detail that went into this window installation. I love when retailers enrich consumer experiences, and this effort sets the bar quite high. Shop their lust-worthy styles here.

Soludos

Soludos shoes are inspired by the classic jute soled espadrilles sold in markets and on the beaches of the Mediterranean. Available in 15 colors, they're a good alternative to your grungy TOMS. I love the white with navy and red stripe! Shop here.

Hello Zalo

Loving these Italian, handmade loafers by Zalo. Shop Need Supply here.

Object of Desire: Repetto for James Perse

I saw these flats in James Perse a couple of weeks ago, but of course they didn't have my size. They come in three great neutral colors perfect with rolled up jeans or a cute shift dress with tights. Shop here.

Men's Mocs

Moccasin's are the loafer's cooler, laid back cousin. Check out the styles above for spring! I love the bright suedes.

1. Minnetonka Camp Moc, $50, moccasinhouse.com 2. Quoddy Camp Moccasins, $230, jcrew.com 3. Black Fringed Moccasins, $325, apc.fr 4. Air Grant Camp Moc, $138, colehaan.com 5. Tied My Colors Driving Shoe, $495, tods.com

*image via wsj

Generic Man Shoes

Inspired by men's footwear, this line of women's shoes look great with a skinny cropped pant or rolled up jeans. Shop both lines here.

Spring 2011 Lookbook: 3.1 Phillip Lim

It happens every season. 3.1 Phillip Lim never disappoints as my favorite designer. The Spring 2011 collection is no exception, especially the shoes.

*images via rdujour

Cult Classics: K. Jacques Sandals

The sandals of summer, from K. Jacques. I've loved these since college and they're still in style. Classic chic. View the whole collection here, or purchase at Shopbop.

Earth Naturals

LD Tuttle for VPL Strap Boot

They'll take you from January to July in skinny jeans or a sundress. Perfect for this crazy L.A. weather!

A Year's Supply of Toothbrushes

Four environmentally conscious bamboo handles marked with reminders to change your brush every three months. How cute!

L.L Bean Fisherman's Sweater

From their boy's shop. Whether it's Brooks Brothers, GAP, or L.L. Bean, I seem to always find my preppy classics in the boy's section. Classic styles, in the right size.

Trending Now: Booties

I'm on the hunt for booties like these. I feel like I never wear heels anymore now that I'm living in L.A. If I found those booties shown on top, I don't think I'd ever take them off!

*images via the sartorialist

Converse in SoHo, New York

How rad is this American 'flag' at the new Converse shop in New York? I was checking out my very talented friend's blog, deshëco, and came across this newly designed store (it's Converse's second retail shop worldwide).

The real game changer with the store is their sneaker printers. After deciding on a pair of kicks, consumers can scroll through thousands of designs on iPads set-up throughout the shop. Your new kicks are printed right there on site, all while you wait. Cool, innovative retail experiences get me every time.

Be sure to check out Rob Dalton's blog, deshëco, here.

*all images via deshëco