Buy It: studded shoes
Maybe it's the fact that I used to live in the East Village, but I love studs. Specifically, the faceted rock-and-roll kind of studs that punks wear on wide leather bands around their necks, wrists, and/or waists. I have a studded Giles & Brother bracelet that I totally dig, as well as a studded Maria Bonita Extra belt that just automatically makes every outfit I wear look that much cooler. Or maybe it's Carrie's studded belt from Sex & the City that I can't get off the brain. Regardless, lately I've noticed that shoes are getting in on the studded action; we can thank Burberry for starting the trend with this to-die-for shoe at right. If this (sold-out) style is a bit too punk-rock for you, however, here are two of my favorite alternatives.

I've written about my love of Loeffler Randall shoes before, but the Eppy pumps reaffirm it all for me. They're all ladylike, with a peep toe and slingback, but the studs make them just edgy enough. As an added bonus, you can take 25% off this (and all Loeffler Randall shoes) at Cheryl Shops fave Barefoot Tess when you enter code LOE25 at checkout through Tuesday.


If the Eppy's three-figure price tag is still a bit daunting to you, my under-$100 recommendation is the Jeffrey Campbell Athena sandals. True, they're a trendier gladiator style, but they look like something Kate Moss would wear, so that makes them A-Ok in my book. And: not bad for a mere $65.