The Ultimate Fall/Winter 2013 Shoe & Bag Roundup

Well, we may never be treated to real wintery weather in the Kong but there is no reason that we can’t dress for it – after all, we have blustery air cons, freezing apartments and lack of central heating to contend with, right?!

So with this reasoning, I am proud to bring you the Fall/Winter 2013 Shoe & Bag roundup! I have hit the streets (and the web) in search of fab fall trends that need to be in your shoe wardrobe – some are styles that you may already know and love, others are updates to those items long worn, and others are totally new, totally inspiring creations to tantalize your tootsies! And because every good shoe deserves a luxe handbag, I have included a few options to drool over, as well as some priced so reasonably that there is no excuse not to purchase. So let’s take a look at what trends to wear for AW13!

BACK TO BASICS: BLACK & WHITE

Clockwise from top left: Roger Vivier, Roger Vivier, Roger Vivier, Michael Kors

It’s a trend that was never really out, but seems to be making a major statement again this fall. While these styles may be new, black and white are true classics so be sure to hold onto these for when they pop back around the fashion carousel in a few years’ time. My personal favourites for nailing this trend include the houndstooth boots and bag from Roger Vivier, and the mod checkerboard leather goods from Michael Kors.

Clockwise from top left: Zara, Bally, Pedder Red, Zara

Roger Vivier also shows us how to look like we’ve just been playing in the snow but without all that messy cleanup – say hello to these snow studded peeptoe booties! If you’re looking to rock the look for a little less loot, then stop by Zara and score these black and white hidden wedge cowboy boots or one of these striking bags.

SKIN & FUR

Clockwise from top left: Hogan, Bally, Jimmy Choo, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Robert Clergerie, SAMBAG

Another go-to that pops up year after year is the skin-is-in craze! You can go fierce or faux but either way, make sure you have one of these options in your closet! I’m lusting after the 3.1 Philip Lim mini Pashli handbag in this chartreuse shade; it’s perfect for making all that black I’m planning to wear this winter pop! Another option for adding both texture and colour to your fall duds is this fabulous teal Rabeanco tote.

Clockwise from top left: Rupert Sanderson, Zara, Rabeanco, Nine West, Zara

Leopard is fast becoming the king of the jungle and you can be just as wild with this bootie by Rupert Sanderson or Nine West heel. Maybe you want to show confidence and comfort? Then try these SAMBAG flats on for size. If you prefer to blend into the wildlife, then may I suggest this Bally clutch or these fabulously furry Robert Clergerie pumps? Now I think that may just be the right way to wear fur in humid Hong Kong!

BOLD COLOURS & COLOUR BLOCKING

Clockwise from top left: Nine West, Rupert Sanderson, Zara, Zara, Rupert Sanderson, Rupert Sanderson, SAMBAG

Animal prints are not the only way to roar in winter! Bright colours are another way to attract massive attention and nearly every brand gave this a go. My personal faves include the dandelion-hued satin pumps from Zara and the blue and purple colour-blocked ankle strap pumps from Rupert Sanderson.

Clockwise from top left: Superga, Michael Kors, Tod’s, Havaianas

This courageous cobalt bag from Michael Kors will surely stop people in their tracks, as will the bright pumps on offer at both Rupert Sanderson and Nine West! But if you prefer to go big in a low-heeled way then slip into some SAMBAG signature flats, printed Havaianas flip-flops or day-glo Superga sneakers. With just one look down, your spirits will be lifted!

METALLICS

Clockwise from top left: Roger Vivier, Marie France Van Damme, Steve Madden, Zara, Jimmy Choo, Steve Madden

“Shine bright like a diamond” – these aren’t just Rihanna’s words of wisdom, but actually a totally hot trend for fall! There were so many slick and shiny shoes out there this season that I felt that I had entered a jewellery store as opposed to a footwear one – these puppies could surely be on display in both (and some of the prices may just be the same too!). For the platinum of pumps, check out these Roger Vivier silver stunners but if you love the look but prefer to splash less cash for flash, then pick up either these Steve Madden t-strap pumps or the Zara tasselled loafers. Stash them all in this silver skinned tote by Marie France Van Damme, whose first shop in Hong Kong just opened in the ifc mall.

Clockwise from top left: Hogan, Charlotte Olympia, Ports 1961, Tod’s

Care to modernise Dorothy’s “There’s no place like home” heel tap? Then slip into Charlotte Olympia’s sapphire version! And speaking of the Wiz, these Ports 1961 slingbacks are perfect for the Emerald City!

EMBELLISHMENTS & CUT OUTS

Clockwise from top left: Alexander McQueen, Roger Vivier, Tod’s, Superga, Michael Kors, Alice + Olivia, Jimmy Choo

Be it studs, stones, or laser cut outs, shoes refuse to take the back seat this season! Tod’s encrusts entire bags with stones, fringe and beading while Michael Kors prefers to bedazzle the outer edge for simple chicness.

Clockwise from top left: Oroton, Zara, Rupert Sanderson, Rupert Sanderson

Meanwhile, on the bag front, Oroton dazzles with a textured top to its streamlined white satchel – how perfectly would it pair with these jazzed up Zara flats?! But what I really want are these barbed wire beauts by Rupert Sanderson! I can’t seem to get over the subtle danger they imply!

WHIMSY

All Charlotte Olympia

Why so serious? Sometimes you just need a good laugh, or at least a cheeky snicker – and it’s easy to bring a smile to your face when you look down and see Charlotte Olympia shoes! Don a demure kitten, a stacked cheerleader (geddit… it’s a stacked platform… get your minds out the gutter!) or a silver screen filmstrip and take the day in your stride!

Clockwise from top left: Charlotte Olympia, Rupert Sanderson, Sophia Webster, Tod’s, Alice + Olivia

If you are feeling a bit peckish, then maybe you are craving this sushi clutch by Rupert Sanderson? Something sweeter? How about pumps with an ankle strap inspired by a candy necklace! Reminiscent of candy dots, I also bring you a range of polka dots from Sophia Webster, Tod’s and Alice & Olivia – enjoy!

CLASSICS

Clockwise from top left: Lancel, SAMBAG, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bally

With all this over-the-top talk, it is easy to miss the basics – which is why every woman should have a range of classics in her wardrobe. The best part is that you can pick up these simple pieces in any price point desired. For basic pumps, Rupert Sanderson offers a smorgasbord of selection, as do Nine West and Zara, while Bally boasts a few sultry suede varieties too. For classic flats, SAMBAG should do the trick.

Clockwise from left: Rupert Sanderson, Nine West, No.21, Nine West

Every woman also needs a classic black carry-all in a decent size to simply grab and go. Need help picking one? How about the Lancel L’Opera bag or the 3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder satchel?

BOYFRIEND

Clockwise from top left: Zara, Tod’s, Robert Clergerie, Ports 1961

Sometimes the boys just get something so right that we have to borrow from them… and then perfect it a bit more! This season, we are pinching their tried and true loafers and presenting a host of new options – from flat, to platform, to pump and slingback styles! SAMBAG also takes another traditional style and makes it a bit sexier with the suede Oxford.

Clockwise from left: Tod’s, SAMBAG, UGG, Stubbs & Wootton, Roger Vivier

But the style that really seems to please both the ladies and the lads are these smoking loafers available from Roger Vivier, Stubbs and Wootton and even UGG! Back off mister! These are only for the sisters!

MOTO BOOTS

Clockwise from top left: Bally, SAMBAG, SAMBAG, Robert Clergerie

Big black leather boots never go out of style and this season, large-and-in-charge versions are here in full force! Rock these with skinny jeans or thick black tights with the dress of your choosing – no matter what you pick, you are sure to be taken seriously!

Clockwise from top left: Bally, Zara, Alice + Olivia, Nine West

Wear the sky high quilted Nine West ones with the matching Alice + Oliva bag for a chic moto look or the chunky stud wrapped pair for when you need to be a bit tougher. Sling this Bally backpack over your shoulders and hop on your hog! Eat my dust, spring styles!

LACE UP BOOTIES

Clockwise from left: Jimmy Choo, Alice + Olivia, Bally, Nine West, Nine West, Roger Vivier

For a more ladylike approach to the aforementioned styles, then step right this way. Who knew a set of shoestrings could be so sexy? This is the shoe equivalent of the corset and so much more comfy! If you’re feeling too straight-laced, then these Jimmy Choo tall boots will surely bring out your inner Dita Von Teese! But remember, although a shoe can’t give you confidence or power, it can showcase whatever you are feeling within – so feel free to express yourself… whatever that self may be!

You have now been shown the hottest shoes for fall! Hopefully, you have found something here that you love and want, or maybe you see a style here that has been buried in your wardrobe for years and needs to be resurrected (ahem… high heeled loafer… hello 1995!). So go forth and accessorize, my lovely lady! The world is your runway and it needs to be traversed!

All brands, stockists and locations in Hong Kong:

Ports 1961  3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
2905 1961 

Alice + Olivia  Shop 3078B, Level 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
2234 7253  www.aliceandolivia.com

– Bally: See all stores in HK here
– Charlotte Olympia: Available at On Pedder at Joyce or at their seasonal store in The Landmark
– Havaianas: See all stores in HK here
– Hogan: See all stores in HK here
– Jimmy Choo: See all stores in HK here
– Lancel: See all stores in HK here

– Michael Kors: See all stores in HK here
– Nine West: See all stores in HK here

– Rabeanco: See all stores in HK here
– Robert Clergerie: Available at Lane Crawford in IFC Mall and Canton Road
– Roger Vivier: See all stores in HK here

– Sophia Webster: Available at Joyce
– Steve Madden: See all stores in HK here
– Stubbs & Wootton: Available at Lane Crawford at IFC Mall, Canton Road & Times Square
– Superga: See all stockists in HK here
– Tod’s: See all stores in HK here

– Zara: See all stores in HK here

In-store photos by Sabrina Sikora Photography