Why they're hot: I know I'm in the minority on this one, but overall I'm not all that impressed by the 8-piece Giles Deacon collaboration with mall staple shoe store Nine West. I had hoped for a collection that more closely mirrored the Giles Deacon Fall 2011 RTW collection -- all buttery black leather, ostrich feathers and a hefty dose of drama. Instead, the collab is primarily influenced by the Spring 2011 RTW show, which was a cartoonish confection liberally sprinkled with Deacon's cartoon mouse character Eek. So be it.
A very notable exception to the otherwise so-so nature of the line are the Bernadette Flats, which do bring to mind that outstanding Fall 2011 collection. These pointy-toe flats are made from black pony hair (aka calf hair), with a black leather buckle detail placed diagonally across the toe. The buckle has a subtle bright orange highlight along the sides of the strap. These flats are the only items in the collection made in pony hair, which is a shame because that material adds just enough drama to make these shoes stand out.
What to wear them with: I'd pair these flats with a pair of straight-leg black trousers for work. The pony hair and tiny bit of orange detailing will add a luxe edge to your workday basic pants. To really show off the shoe, try them with Fall's must-have cropped trouser or use them to snazz up your weekend boyfriend jeans. To create a dramatic flair, I'd add these flats to a below-the-knee slinky knit pencil skirt. It's not a hard and fast fashion no-no, but I'm personally not fond of flats with skirts that are knee length or shorter -- there's just something about that combo that doesn't sit well with me. Just saying.
→ Buy the Giles Deacon for Nine West Bernadette Flats, $99.00, at ninewest.com.
