---Preview sketch of one of the shoes designed by Joss!---

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a preview of the Nine West Vintage America Fall 2010 Collection. The highlight of the event was Joss Stone, who has designed two shoes for the collection. Joss participated in an intimate Q&A session with a handful of us bloggers; it was an incredible treat to listen to her talk about the inspiration behind her designs and her thoughts on the relationship between music and fashion. Fred Allard, the Creative Director of Nine West, sat with Joss and it was obvious to me that he had a real understanding of why fans (like me!) love Joss’ style. I think they were really able to infuse her bohemian tastes into the designs. More specifically, Joss’ love of flowers (and flower tattoos!) were a big inspiration for the boots. I enjoyed hearing her talk about her ink – Joss said that she got her first tattoo of flowers on her foot when she was 16 and she figures she’ll never really regret it because she’ll always love flowers. I feel the same way about my tree tattoo so that was a really cool moment!

Joss and Fred. Photos courtesy of Nine West.

After the Q&A, we all got a chance to see the collection up close and to chat with Joss individually. And friends, I have to confess, I suddenly became start struck! [note: I handled meeting Barack Obama wayyyy better] The woman is gorgeous! Not to mention, I’ve been a huge fan of her music since high school. And man is she tall! But she was quite sweet – seriously!! – and didn’t seemed phased by my strange behavior.  While I was talking with her, some of her earlier music was playing in the background and she paused to comment to me about it  – saying that her voice has changed a lot since then and so she hates listening to her “baby voice”. I’m pretty sure I gushed some more and said something crazy like “OhmygahIwiiiiishIhadavoicelikeyours.Iloveyousomuch!”. Just Kidding? But actually, yeah that happened. And then I think I gave Wendy Brandes much the same treatment when I introduced myself to her – but I’m really just a huge fan of her wit! Sigh.

The collection will be in stores by the end of August but you can join me in pre-ordering in July using the website www.ninewest.com/vintageamerica. Joss will also be recording a song to accompany the collection and that should be available around that time as well!

A look at the Nine West Vintage America Collection (*these weren’t designed by Joss):

One of Joss’ favorites.

The collection also features some really cool accessories – I loved the texture of this bag.

My favorite shoe from the collection!

I also have my eye on that bag!

I am so excited for this collaboration because Isabel Toledo is one of my favorite designers. She describes the collection as being “pure Toledo — playful, bold and strong”. She also adds that the heels were designed to be comfortable as she has a love for walking. I’m always in the market for a good walking heel. Can’t wait until September!

I really love these boat shoes from Sperry. At $58, they’re pretty decently priced but I can’t help but wonder what the DIY possibilities are here. After all, the shoes are just canvas. I recently bought a pair of white canvas shoes from Urban Outfitters for $5 and while I love the idea of white slip-ons, they’re highly impractical in a grimy city like NYC. I immediately thought they would be perfect for tie dying but I was a little concerned about the logistics since you know… you can’t actually twist and tie the shoes. Enter Martha Stewart and Proenza Schouler:

I can’t wait to try this method of “tie dying” on all kinds of things!

My sister gifted me with a pair of Dr. Martens during Christmas of 1997. I’ll admit that I didn’t quite know what to do with them. They were heavy tough looking shoes – nothing like what the other kids in my sixth grade class were wearing at the time.  I complained about their weight at first but continued to wear them because I trusted that my sister, 12 years older and obviously much wiser [ie cooler], knew what she was talking about. I definitely got made fun of but I learned to love those shoes. Their weight eventually started to make me feel powerful. I knew that if I kicked something, I would leave a mark. And as an angsty adolecent, I thought a lot about kicking things. The pair of Dr. Martens that my sister bought me 10+ years ago still fit and when I wear them, I feel incredibe. I really do. I feel like a powerful woman who is ready and capable of kicking serious ass.

Who takes the lead when designing Balenciaga’s footwear? WHO?

Is it Nicolas Ghesquière? I need to know who to address my love letter to!

PRO-Keds + NYC = !!

Pause at 1:38.

Word up to one of my favorite places to eat – Royal Indian (93 1st ave @ 6th street/the spot downstairs!). Best ambiance in the city. When the weather is warm ask to sit in the tent out back. Then thank me.

Pale green! Rich eggplant! The perfect shade of suede gray! Orange! White!

The contrast provided by the leather piping and the laces = swoon. I’m in love.

Available at JayKos. Photos via Hypebeast.

* I reserve the right to consider the Derby to be the cousin of the Oxford and will include it in the Chronicles as I see fit.