Fall shoes are in! Yes, it's the middle of August and still 90 degrees outside, but it's time to plan your fashionable transition into fall. The only thing to do: get yourself into some statement shoes to update your end of summer wardrobe and lead your look for fall. Now, which ones to choose? Our PR superstar Maria Bui takes the challenge, enlisting the expert eye of Refinery 29's Kristian Laliberte.
Kristian, what do you like to see on a gal?
KL: I think it's really important to be genuine. I hate when a girl looks like she's trying too hard or piling on several trends with no clear direction - you can really tell when someone's thought out their outfit, but is still comfortable with their style. I love, love, love a polished gal - dewy makeup, sharp tailoring, gleaming hair. Chic.
Maria, what is important to your look this fall?
MB: Number one priority: Heels that dash. I run around the city all day meeting with editors so I need shoes to impress, but also that are comfy enough to get me from point A to point B ten minutes ago.
KL: I love the silhouette of this outfit. Maria has a whole Marilyn Monroe thing going on! The Zuri cheetah haircalf pumps are so classic, but also fashion-forward.
MB: Definitely not for the demure; the Zuri stilettos are head turners without being too loud - a fine line in fashion.
KL: Even though this look is on-point for the August heat, the leather top means it will work well into September - I think a somewhat oversized blazer would make it even more sophisticated if you get chilly.
KL: These Natane stilettos slay me. They are just so friggin' sexy. I'm really liking what Maria is doing here - yes, it's a bit dressy for work, but for an important meeting with her edgier clients, it's fashion as an adjective.
MB: This outfit has hidden surprises everywhere, with the peekaboo back of the blouse, leather panels on the pants, and lace-up detailing on the Natane. I'm a sucker for cheeky little numbers like this.
KL: We're indulging in some inter-office gossip. Seriously though, don't those shoes look like they can get you into trouble? The best possible kind, obviously.
MB: Little does Kristian know: I'm terrible at keeping secrets.
KL: Maria's got the whole city-dweller-who-hikes-on-weekends thing going on. I love how she mixes the light-colored skinnies (and cuffed 'em up) with LR's Maudie bootie, and throws on a sporty-ish, oversize raglan tee on top. Adding the heavy necklace feminizes the look.
MB: If you were wondering, yes I did attend a wilderness camp, and yes, I can build a mean fire to prove it.
KL: Those boots are definitely going to be a best-seller. Remember the Monolo Blahnik Timberland moment? This is the grown-up, much cooler step-sister.
MB: The khaki canvas and leather combo make the Maudie so street chic. These shoes were so made for strutting.
KL: I like that this is so day, but can also be so night. Maria can amplify her makeup, turn the bag into a clutch, and voilà, she's ready to dance, dance, dance at Madame Wong's - ice cream cone optional.
MB: Sky-high Estrella paired with high-waisted shorts give the illusion of legs for days, which all 5 foot 2 and 3/4 inches of me appreciates.
KL: We were joking about my chicken legs - so Maria deserved a little ice cream on her chin.
MB: Kristian's chicken legs are so sexy.
Kristian, what tips are you bringing to your own wardrobe this fall?
KL: I just moved to a pretty small studio with not a ton of closet space, so I am really trying to buy strategically. For work I go out pretty regularly, so it's also good to buy items that can transition from day to night so I don't need to go back to my apartment.
Maria, how did Kristian's advice help?
MB: Kristian is always three steps ahead of every trend, and he can rework any outfit to make it anew. He plays the whole "look like you're trying without looking like you're trying" game so well.