How To: Wear & Care for Patent Leather

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Orla Kiely Patent Leather Bag
$325.00 (was $452-- save 28%!)
Available at: edressme.com

Patent leather has always been eye catching to me because of its obvious shine and formal look. Although patent leather can look cheap, the key is to wear it with other small accessories. It looks good when you can find dainty patent leather shoes and pair them with a matching belt and purse.

Besides wearing patent leather correctly, the next dilemma seems to be how to take care of it. The best way to maintain the shine on patent leather is to clean it with a damp cloth, using a mild soap. I recommend cleaning the item after using it to keep it from getting marked or scuffed up. To get out scuff marks it’s best to use a professional patent leather cleaner that can be purchased at the store. Also, shoe/handbag repair stores usually have the best products to remove bad scuff marks.

I found three beautiful patent leather items that would look great together without looking tasteless and overwhelming. All three items would look great as an accent to one another or as part of an outfit.

Tory Burch "Miller" Thong
$195.00
Available at: nordstrom.com

The first item is a unique patent leather purse by Orla Kiely. She’s known for her bold color combinations, and this is a perfect handbag to show off her expertise! This handbag is a two toned blue color with white. I love the colors she chose-- they flow so smoothly. I think the style of the handbag is lovely because it looks so classy, and at the same time it is a very spacious bag. The Tonal Patent Leather Vintage Bag by Orla Kiely is on sale for $325-- great for a timeless handbag.

Next on my patent leather list are some rockin’ Tory Burch white patent leather ‘Miller’ logo shoes. These thongs are so hot, and they would great along with the Orla Kiely handbag. Not only would they look nice with a maxi dress, short dress or some shorts, but they are also one of the few sandals that are night time appropriate. Trust me, it’s soothing to know that you don’t have to feel uncomfortable wearing sandals at a dinner party. There’s nothing like feeling confident and comfy in some sexy flats.

Lastly, there is the fun white patent Lauren by Ralph Lauren belt that will go with the purse and the Tory Burch thongs, or solo to show the shine off! This is a polished, sassy looking belt that compliments most wardrobes. Go on and be the shiny diva of the night, combine all three items or flaunt them individually as an unforgettably sexy accent piece.
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Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.

TREND: Glossy Grey Patent Shoes

Boutique Nordstrom "Mayne" Boot$139.95
Free Shipping through 10/31/07
Available at: Nordstrom.com

I think it starts when we are still in primary school. That feeling that the fall season means a whole new wardrobe. The other three seasons don't have the same pull. They don't create the same desire to completely re-do your entire closet. The fall fashion rush is incomparable and I'm still reveling in all of the fabulous new trends. I can't decide which one to indulge in first.

In the lead for first fall fashion purchase is a pair of glossy grey patent shoes. Actually, I was going to write about "glossy grey pumps," but then I met Mayne. The new "Mayne" Boot from Boutique Nordstrom (left) is a gorgeous grey patent confection topped with a couple sweet straps and a little ladylike button. Love at first site. These boots will be chic peeking out from your favorite denim or funky paired with opaque tights and a thick skirt.

Now, that's not to say that I'm not still adoring grey patent pumps. I've found a few fabulous pair that will all do quite nicely:

Rampage "Mystic" Pump
$50.00
Free Shipping
Available at: Piperlime.com

The Rampage "Mystic" will give your footwear wardrobe a grey patent infusion without breaking the bank.

Nine West "Decors2" Pump$79.00
Available at: Macys.com

The platform and pretty bow of the Nine West "Decors2" give it a retro, '40s-ish flair.

Stuart Weitzman "Sashay" Pump
$285.00
Free Shipping
Available at: Zappos.com

Ready to invest in a grey patent shoe that will be fabulous for seasons to come? The Stuart Weitzman "Sashay" pairs this season's grey patent with next season's ombre for a fashion-forward pump that's to die for.

Linea Paolo "Landon" Oxford$129.95
Free Shipping through 10/31/07
Available at: Nordstrom.com

Want to go out on a fashion limb? The Linea Paolo Oxford looks like it bounced straight off the catwalk and into the store.

Via Spiga "Parata" Flats$79.99 (was $180-- save 55%!)
Available at: SmartBargains.com

The high heel adverse need not skip out on the grey patent trend. These Via Spiga flats are a comfy way to indulge in the trend.

Click on any photo to link directly to where you can purchase that pair of glossy grey patent shoes online. Want the best fall trends delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to Stiletto Jungle and get free updates by e-mail or RSS.

Related Stories:
>> Coupon Code: Extra 20% Off Sale Prices at Shoes.com
>> ONLINE DEAL: Cozy Chic Rubber Wedge Boots Up to 50% Off
>> Browse more grey patent shoes online via Shopzilla.com

FOUND: Classy Patent Platforms for Day

I have been in love with the fun new patent leather platform shoes since I spotted an amazing pair from Christian Louboutin in Vogue last season. They were high, but with a sizable platform for comfort, and made from the most delicious, of-the-moment black patent leather. I had to have them. The problem: $600 for one pair of shoes is not in my budget. I searched high and low for a suitable replacement pair that wouldn't take half my paycheck, but the "under $150" versions looked more like they should be prancing around a pole in Vegas, not peeking out from under my Ernest Sewn jeans. Thankfully, this season the more budget-conscious labels have come through with classy versions of the patent leather platform that are daytime appropriate and won't break the bank. Hooray!

This pair from the fledgling Jessica Simpson brand (top left) sports three trends in one-- patent, platform, and cork-- for a very modern look that would work just as well with your favorite pair of jeans or a sleek pencil skirt. It is available in several colors, including goes-with-anything black and feisty red, on Amazon.com, but I'm crazy about the fresh look of white for daytime. The summery peep-toe from Steven by Steve Madden (right), also available in red and black patent as well as regular leather versions, has a more refined stacked heel that makes it appropriate for a creative office environment.