Maya Cut Sling in Jade-wrapped leather, wood stack heel
Maya Woven Peep...Vintage & Fresh
FIFTH AVENUE, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Engineer
We always get very jazzed for a Frye preview---and its collection of footwear, carry-alls and accessories that embody crafty Americana at its finest...and one of the few kickers we can wear without, ever, a break-in period.
Besides a hallelujah for that, we always look forward to a chat with Michael Petry, Design Director of this company that was around to conjure up the 19th century design of Calvary Boots.
Since Frye's rugged/soft panache as it were--- is so recognizable---we wondered about the line in terms of keeping up with the trends, We feel, for Frye...it doesn't really matter in a way.
"If it fits into the Frye style," Petry noted...as the Engineer and Harness series for men and women are...
"We weren't far from the trends to begin with."
Frye reviews are seriously picture laden...but with 1600 skus (or there about) "Frye is so all encompassing we have it (trend) covered anyway...
We concur...and as always, with these fresh Spring 2011 looks that we saw ( and a re-visit with a few 2010 best-sellers)....ha ha ha okay what didn't we want...we wanted it all...
Frye "bumps out" best sellers, introduces new heels, tones and details to key silhouettes...
And smartly, is opening their own store down in NYC's Soho (ETA August 2011)...so eyeballs can scan, fingers can feel, and feet can try on the massive FRYE assortment in person.
HIGHLIGHTS:
And like that ole' Phish song..."Bouncing Round The Room..." in the order we saw this collection...
First Up:
Laser cut details, lightweight slouchy and structured hand bags and satchels are matched up with signature shoes and boots.,,in buttery Vachetta Italian leather ---and with a multi-silver Metallic finish.
Watercolor Hobo
Artisanal and handwoven, peekaboo and flip flop style sandals with springy rubber soles...like the Amerlie, with the fab back zip...are fav style of ours.
Metal hardware details will hand ammered grommets...Melissa boots, short and ling.
Hand detailed tassels of this flexible Bucket Bag---that is a shoulder strap hauler---or a cross body.
The hand woven workmanship of the above Buffalo leather boots = amazing (Shirley in Spring colors).
Frye also has special "Crunch" leather finishes---where the wet leather is washed and crunched, literally.
And we love how we can just pull on the kickers--- (Taylor, Leslie boost and the popular Billy).
We think these Buffalo leather Celia's---are serious multi-tasking boots that will be top sellers.
Can be worn over the knee...scrunched, or folded down...and can be wrap strapped.
The Engineer Boot ---is a standout...of Goodyear Welt construction, and available now.
FYI_Stitch-out construction and hand dipped in the dye so even the stitches are dyed. (Veronica Slouch)
This Bailey Chukka in feminine shades...a nod to mens styles...love the leather sole.
The above Reed Runners, lifestyle sneakers par excellence that sells very well in Europe---are made of leather and nylon---and for Spring 2011...come in new colors grey/lilac/mustard.
The Campus group with boots characterized by the box toe ...are meticulously made too...(Goodyear Welt)...and clearly transition beyond the college years.
Shorter Campus classics---including the Campus Zip...with a mid heel.
We can see ourselves trolling across Campus in all sorts of weather with these grippy heels.
A new style, with a round toe, raised heel and lug sole--- in a "Banana" or gray color...is over the knee too. (Sabrina)
Flats sell well everywhere...Frye's smooth leather Reagan and Campus Driving Flats are nearly weightless.
This Carson Oxford ---new for Fall...and with an added lace-up---has a hand hammered sole...something we see in very pricey cobbling collections.
There is always room in our closets for more haulers...like this Bucket style and Campus Cross Body
The hand hammered detail on the heels of the Tamara Buckle make this shoe so special...
This clog like, multi-band uppers of the Savannah Slide with side grommets---easy to wear and we like the heel.
This lightweight Campus Tote is an all around bag that we could throw our life into. With special interior pockets to deflect the search for our pdas.
Clever...the Wendy Lace Moc-out of soft suede...
The Qunicy Boat Shoe---with a padded insole that defines what flexibility truly means.
Emma ---is hand woven ...and check it out---the weave pattern changes---it gets tighter the closer to the sole.
What elevate theses Alessia Artisanal flip flops to the category of elegant...the harness ring...and the colors available for Spring 2011---thirteen in all including the metallics..gold, gold rose and silver. With really protective soles too...and as versatile as those rubber ones.
Maddie Messenger styles...with hand woven details and the Convertible Clutch. Frye gets the need for sassy lining and multiple interior compartments...so practical. We would always keep this stocked up---and toss in what ever hauler we happen to be carrying around for the day. So easy.
Hand woven Laurel Flower T straps...
Cut-outs, hand stitched soles are a Frye signature touch. Simply senuous profile.
Summer boots ---the Amelia Grommet Short ---in canvas/leather...with an antique sole.
We could have walked out with these Victorian style, Julia Grommet Lace Boots...that we can wear cuff down or up, with an inside zipper for easy on off style.
For our gal pals who worship Antwerp's fashion house Jil Sander...and wear pantsuits to work...no nonsense chic...chunky heels, punch out details in a menswear style Maggie Perf Wingtip shoe--- strictly for the women. Nice antique soles--- cause we all cross out legs with that part of our footwear---always on display.
The Amelie X Stitch T is a top pick with the Frye sales staff...in nine colors----
(More bags
Wedge heels---this multi-strap upper Corrina Stitch has an eye-catching, frankly, awesome-- wood sole with wrapped leather.
Natural materials---like rope/raffia mixed with leather --- always spell out summer for us. (Alex Wedge---with a stitched upper that's a take on a boat shoe, with back tab pull-on)
More accessories...luggage tags, make-up bags,
Julie Fisherman is a gal's way to wear the classic style that reminds us of jaunts to villages dotting the Mediterranean Sea.
Need height---not with the peep toe Kara Trapunto Slide---wrap leather straps makes this style a-OK for day to night life if one only buys one pair for Spring.
Carlie Huarache Ankle ---update the comfy, laid back 60's classic---in eight colors...
Feminine...the Laurel Ring Ankle...light and true to Frye's DNA but as chic as anything we have seen on the Riviera.
Sky high sandals- platforms ---the metal grommet details set this apart...and make it work...(Fran Wood T)
Softie Saddle Bags ---a seventies shape that gets a this century treatment...front flaps and knotted leather ties for gathered closures...in washed Buffalo leather.
Cork is not a material that readily comes to mind when we think "FRYE" ---here--- (Braylin Artisanal T Strap and Braided 2 Piece)--- weighs practically nothing...and supportively molds to feet when worn.
The Deborah has been in the collections for several seasons---of Goodyear Welt construction, Deco studding, and in soft suede of leather...FYI Made in Spain.
The stitch detail is terrific---traditional---forever style. (Fran X Stitch)
High Fashion leather clogs---still in style this upcoming season (Natasha Clog)...
We know females that only wear flats---and interesting, they are our shortest colleagues/friends. the Carson Ballets are in new colors---Taupe and Cloud.
Vulcanized rubber sole flat....Kira Slip On.
A Frye take on the Chuck Taylor Classic high top...in leather, of course.
The Studded Deborah---in flats...and a terrific hand bag.
Lifestyle Sneakers...dangling.
MEN's
Boots and more boots---with crepe soles, Goodyear Welt construction, and stitch outs---in a lighter palette for Spring,
Weston Drivers
Bailey Chukkas in suede
Love this handsome take on a hiking boot (Bailey Hiker) with a pop in color for the laces.
The Oxford lightens up for the summer.
Lifestyle sneakers in leather..."worn in not worn out---below the Justin Mid Lace---handsome enough for a day cubicle or a nightclub.
The Sully Boat in Spring tones...with that cut-out sole.
Chukkas...every guy we can think of wears a version of this desert shoe.
Maya Woven Peep...Vintage & Fresh
FIFTH AVENUE, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
We always get very jazzed for a Frye preview---and its collection of footwear, carry-alls and accessories that embody crafty Americana at its finest...and one of the few kickers we can wear without, ever, a break-in period.
Besides a hallelujah for that, we always look forward to a chat with Michael Petry, Design Director of this company that was around to conjure up the 19th century design of Calvary Boots.
Since Frye's rugged/soft panache as it were--- is so recognizable---we wondered about the line in terms of keeping up with the trends, We feel, for Frye...it doesn't really matter in a way.
"If it fits into the Frye style," Petry noted...as the Engineer and Harness series for men and women are...
"We weren't far from the trends to begin with."
Frye reviews are seriously picture laden...but with 1600 skus (or there about) "Frye is so all encompassing we have it (trend) covered anyway...
We concur...and as always, with these fresh Spring 2011 looks that we saw ( and a re-visit with a few 2010 best-sellers)....ha ha ha okay what didn't we want...we wanted it all...
Frye "bumps out" best sellers, introduces new heels, tones and details to key silhouettes...
And smartly, is opening their own store down in NYC's Soho (ETA August 2011)...so eyeballs can scan, fingers can feel, and feet can try on the massive FRYE assortment in person.
HIGHLIGHTS:
And like that ole' Phish song..."Bouncing Round The Room..." in the order we saw this collection...
First Up:
Laser cut details, lightweight slouchy and structured hand bags and satchels are matched up with signature shoes and boots.,,in buttery Vachetta Italian leather ---and with a multi-silver Metallic finish.
Watercolor Hobo
Hand detailed tassels of this flexible Bucket Bag---that is a shoulder strap hauler---or a cross body.
Frye also has special "Crunch" leather finishes---where the wet leather is washed and crunched, literally.
And we love how we can just pull on the kickers--- (Taylor, Leslie boost and the popular Billy).
Can be worn over the knee...scrunched, or folded down...and can be wrap strapped.
The Engineer Boot ---is a standout...of Goodyear Welt construction, and available now.
FYI_Stitch-out construction and hand dipped in the dye so even the stitches are dyed. (Veronica Slouch)
The above Reed Runners, lifestyle sneakers par excellence that sells very well in Europe---are made of leather and nylon---and for Spring 2011...come in new colors grey/lilac/mustard.
The Campus group with boots characterized by the box toe ...are meticulously made too...(Goodyear Welt)...and clearly transition beyond the college years.
We can see ourselves trolling across Campus in all sorts of weather with these grippy heels.
A new style, with a round toe, raised heel and lug sole--- in a "Banana" or gray color...is over the knee too. (Sabrina)
Flats sell well everywhere...Frye's smooth leather Reagan and Campus Driving Flats are nearly weightless.
This Carson Oxford ---new for Fall...and with an added lace-up---has a hand hammered sole...something we see in very pricey cobbling collections.
There is always room in our closets for more haulers...like this Bucket style and Campus Cross Body
This clog like, multi-band uppers of the Savannah Slide with side grommets---easy to wear and we like the heel.
Clever...the Wendy Lace Moc-out of soft suede...
The Qunicy Boat Shoe---with a padded insole that defines what flexibility truly means.
Emma ---is hand woven ...and check it out---the weave pattern changes---it gets tighter the closer to the sole.
What elevate theses Alessia Artisanal flip flops to the category of elegant...the harness ring...and the colors available for Spring 2011---thirteen in all including the metallics..gold, gold rose and silver. With really protective soles too...and as versatile as those rubber ones.
Maddie Messenger styles...with hand woven details and the Convertible Clutch. Frye gets the need for sassy lining and multiple interior compartments...so practical. We would always keep this stocked up---and toss in what ever hauler we happen to be carrying around for the day. So easy.
Hand woven Laurel Flower T straps...
Cut-outs, hand stitched soles are a Frye signature touch. Simply senuous profile.
We could have walked out with these Victorian style, Julia Grommet Lace Boots...that we can wear cuff down or up, with an inside zipper for easy on off style.
For our gal pals who worship Antwerp's fashion house Jil Sander...and wear pantsuits to work...no nonsense chic...chunky heels, punch out details in a menswear style Maggie Perf Wingtip shoe--- strictly for the women. Nice antique soles--- cause we all cross out legs with that part of our footwear---always on display.
The Amelie X Stitch T is a top pick with the Frye sales staff...in nine colors----
(More bags
Wedge heels---this multi-strap upper Corrina Stitch has an eye-catching, frankly, awesome-- wood sole with wrapped leather.
Natural materials---like rope/raffia mixed with leather --- always spell out summer for us. (Alex Wedge---with a stitched upper that's a take on a boat shoe, with back tab pull-on)
New for Frye---are belts...the heavily studded Deborah in grey is a wonderful way to start a new tradition.
More accessories...luggage tags, make-up bags,
Julie Fisherman is a gal's way to wear the classic style that reminds us of jaunts to villages dotting the Mediterranean Sea.
Need height---not with the peep toe Kara Trapunto Slide---wrap leather straps makes this style a-OK for day to night life if one only buys one pair for Spring.
Carlie Huarache Ankle ---update the comfy, laid back 60's classic---in eight colors...
Feminine...the Laurel Ring Ankle...light and true to Frye's DNA but as chic as anything we have seen on the Riviera.
Sky high sandals- platforms ---the metal grommet details set this apart...and make it work...(Fran Wood T)
Softie Saddle Bags ---a seventies shape that gets a this century treatment...front flaps and knotted leather ties for gathered closures...in washed Buffalo leather.
Cork is not a material that readily comes to mind when we think "FRYE" ---here--- (Braylin Artisanal T Strap and Braided 2 Piece)--- weighs practically nothing...and supportively molds to feet when worn.
The Deborah has been in the collections for several seasons---of Goodyear Welt construction, Deco studding, and in soft suede of leather...FYI Made in Spain.
The stitch detail is terrific---traditional---forever style. (Fran X Stitch)
High Fashion leather clogs---still in style this upcoming season (Natasha Clog)...
We know females that only wear flats---and interesting, they are our shortest colleagues/friends. the Carson Ballets are in new colors---Taupe and Cloud.
A Frye take on the Chuck Taylor Classic high top...in leather, of course.
The Studded Deborah---in flats...and a terrific hand bag.
MEN's
Boots and more boots---with crepe soles, Goodyear Welt construction, and stitch outs---in a lighter palette for Spring,
Weston Drivers
Bailey Chukkas in suede
Michael Petry---In Frye kickers, button down, denim and a blazer---a uniform to live on, 365.
INFO: Including deliveries of the above styles that start ---mid Winter 2011...and on...