THE SIENA IN SAND SUEDE

It happens every year–that first really warm spring day finally arrives. You go into your closet to put on a pair of shorts. Then you look down to see your legs that have been happily hiding behind pants for months are dry and pale. But not to fear, all it takes is a little pampering to get shorts-ready for the season. 

We chose the Siena for this ensemble because it is such a forgiving silhouette. The extra height creates a leg-lengthening illusion, but the foot itself is only slightly angled, so it feels like a flat. The entire footbed is cushioned as well making this one of the most comfortable sandals we've ever debuted. Also, the sand color in particular has the effect of making your legs look tanner, don't ask us why. 

Some like to get their legs waxed once the warm weather hits, but if you prefer to shave, be sure to give your legs a thorough moisturizing afterwards as shaving plus weeks in the winter air can make skin very dry. We like this one from Malin + Goetz.

If your legs look more like that of a ghost's than your own, going to a spray-tanning salon or using some self-tanning cream can send Casper on his way. There are a few steps before just slathering it on. The first is to exfoliate your legs thoroughly to get an even application. Next be sure not to let the cream touch your hands so you don't end up with orange palms. We live the James Read tanning mitt because it easily solves this issue. 

For a finishing touch, we like this dry oil to give your legs a little sheen to accentuate curves and muscle definition. 

Of course, don't forget your feet and schedule a pedicure. We like this shade because it's more fun than a plain neutral but isn't too dark for spring, works on most skin tones, and gives a little pop of spring color. 

1. LANVIN grosgrain-trimmed straw hat
2. STELLA MCCARTNEY Eva silk crepe de chine blouse
3. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Striped cavas shorts
4. JAMES READ Tanning mitt
5. LEGOLOGY AIR LITE Sun-lite tinted leg cream
6. REVERENCE DE BASTIEN Celeste Leg Shimmer Dry Oil
7. ANYI LU The Siena
8. RMS BEAUTY Nail Polish - Honest
9. CHAN LUU Gold plated necklace

THE AGNES IN BLACK CALF 

We're thrilled many of our favorite bloggers have shown an interest in wearing the Agnes to NYFW, so we thought we'd theme our latest ANYI'S PICKS around what to wear to the biggest fashion event of the year. 

If you're going to Fashion Week, you likely work in fashion or have a serious interest in the business, so the act of just getting dressed for it shouldn't be that complicated. But the amount of pressure to look the part can make even the most seasoned fashionista a little apprehensive. 

The styling we've put together is classic but with some edge. It is for the woman who is there to see the shows over being seen. She is running from one to the next and is there for work, not leisure, though will definitely have plenty of fun. 

People come from all over the world to be in the Big Apple for NYFW, but unless they've actually spent time in New York in February they may not realize just how bitter cold the winter wind tunneling through the skyscrapers can be. So no matter what you decide to wear, dress warmly. We chose a wool shawl collar coat from Harris Wharf London that takes a modern approach to traditional tailoring with clean-lined cuts and raw edges. 

The fun part of a fairly conservative Fashion Week look is picking out a statement piece, in this case a blue metallic leather pouch. The blacks and neutrals provide the perfect backdrop for such a color and texture contrast. And don't forget work accessories like finding a well-designed notebook. 

Lastly, getting from one end of the city to the other to catch back to back shows can be a challenge. Wearing a timepiece will help get you there on time, and be more stylish than looking at your phone. And the distances will make you rethink your footwear. The Agnes will support you in a full sprint if necessary while hitting the perfect note of fashion and function. 

1. HARRIS WHARF LONDON Shawl-collar wool coat
2. BY MALENE BIRGER Olia washed silk-paneled stretch-crepe jumpsuit
3. CHLOE Square-frame acetate sunglasses
4. MIANSAI leather-bound journal
5. SHINOLA The Runwell 36mm
6. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Medium 31 Minute Metallic Leather Pouch
7. ANYI LU The Agnes

You know when you’re traveling, on a weekend in Rome for example, and you can only fit two pairs of shoes in your suitcase? Those shoes really have to work for you...they have to be incredibly comfortable because you're on your feet ALL day. They need to move with you, translate from day to night, and work equally well with your outfits both dressed up and down. And of course be chic, so that you feel great every time you put them on (and will turn the heads of the notoriously fashionable Italians.) They need to be shoes that will take you through the long afternoons exploring the endless bougainvillea-lined cobblestone alleyways of Trastevere, to the ancient steps of the Colosseum, to a romantic candlelit dinner on Piazza Navona.

We had this in mind when creating Spring/Summer ’16: what are the purely essential styles that you'd pack–the ones that make you feel fantastic and catch the eye of everyone in the room. Then we asked ourselves how can we make them even more comfortable and versatile using the construction and materials, by adding extra padding, lightweight Micro outsoles, soft Italian leathers and tricolor mixed materials and bright pops of color anchored by neutrals.

This season, we’ve added two new members to our elastic line. The Bianka and Dora join the Bella and Cristina. The Bianka is a fun and flirty cork heel that is just as wearable at a seaside cafe or a black tie event. It shows a lot of skin to add to its sex appeal, but the straps are placed strategically to firmly and comfortably hold you in place. The Dora is a wear-with-almost-anything pointed toe flat with an elastic strap that adds a bit of design interest as well as helping keep the foot secure. Both feature our new palette of coral and indigo denim to add a much awaited pop of spring color to your staple looks.

Another pair of new styles for spring are the more casual Alyssa and Siena. Alyssa comes off the heels of our first fashion sneaker the Lanna, only this time we took away the laces to make them even easier to take on and off. The Siena, like her sister-style Sara, is one of the most comfortable and flattering shoes you will ever try on. It adds a lot of height that give the illusion of a longer leg, but feels like a flat. And not just any flat–a flat that cushions every step. 

The most feminine addition this season is the Gemma, a lace or crochet pump with a mirrored triangular heel. It is modeled after the Gigi and Georgia, but with an even more gamine persona. This shoe is surprisingly one of the most versatile shoes in the collection, being equally suited to a summer dress or boyfriend jeans and a white T-shirt with statement necklace. It comes in black or ivory lace. We envision this shoe will see many a spring and summer wedding. 

To shop Spring/Summer 2016–click here

If you have any questions about the new collection, or anything else for that matter, please feel free to call us at (888)683-9704or drop us a line at retail@anyilu.com. We love talking shoes! This collection is one of our all time favorites and we hope you enjoy wearing them as much as we enjoyed making them for you!

THE GEMMA IN BLACK LACE 

New Year's Eve is the one night of the year when it seems everyone across the globe is celebrating at once. But that doesn't mean everyone celebrates the same way. No matter what kind of party you're going to ring in 2016, we've put together some ensembles to help inspire your look and paired them with some of our favorites from the new Resort Collection. 

This first look is all about fun. Black lace, feathers, metallic accents and whimsical details will bring out the party girl in anyone even before the champagne starts flowing. The Gemma in black lace is the perfect New Years Eve shoe as it can be worn all night long.

1. GUCCI Marina Chain 18-karat gold necklace
2. FLEUR DU MAL Leavers lace bunny ear headband
3. ALICE + OLIVIA Kiara crepe and feather-embellished organza mini dress
4. EDIE PARKER Flavia Cheers glittered acrylic box clutch
5. CHLOE Isalis gold-tone cuff
6. ANYI LU Gemma in black lace

THE DORA IN METALLIC STONE PITONE 

Some of the best New Year's parties are small intimate gatherings at the homes of friends. You can leave the ballgown at home, but that doesn't mean you can get dolled up in something festive. This look combines just the right amount of shimmer with a holiday color palette. The Dora in stone metallic pitone hits the perfect note for this type of occasion. The elastic creates an even more secure fit than just a basic flat, so you'll stay balanced no matter how strong the host makes the cocktails!

1. CAROLINA BUCCI Suparstellar All-Star 18-karat gold bracelet
2. GUCCI Striped pleated metallic knitted dress
3. ANYI LU Dora in metallic stone pitone
4. GUCCI Dionysus leather-appliqued coated canvas shoulder bag
5. LARSSON & JENNINGS Croc-effect leather and gold-plated watch

THE BELLA IN PEWTER STRETCH/LATTE CALF 

If you'll be at a formal gala when the ball drops, there's no need to start 2016 in stiff, uncomfortable ball gown attire. This look as all about beauty and movement with a draped stretch-jersey gown and the Bella in pewter stretch. The dual slits in the skirt give a hint of sexiness while showing off the shoes, and dark silver and crystal accessories off-set the pop of green. 

1. TOPSHOP UNIQUE D'Arblay Chubby animal-print shearling jacket
2. HALSTON HERITAGE Draped stretch-jersey gown
3. JENNIFER BEHR Ursa Major gunmetal-tone Swarovski crystal headband
4. ANYI LU Bella in pewter stretch/latte calf
5. DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Powerstone Minaudiere crystal-embellished clutch
6. BOTTEGA VENETA Oxidized sterling silver ring

THE ALYSSA IN BLUE LAZER CALF & THE BROCADE PRINT SCARF IN BLACK 

Since our factories are in Italy, we have to do a lot of flying overseas. On our travels we've learned a few tricks of the trade that can make all the difference between a luxurious flying experience and a nightmarish one.

The first is to travel light and unencumbered. If you can get away with just bringing a weekender bag, avoiding checking a bag can potentially save hours of time. Airports are not the place to try out your new stiletto heels. We've featured the Alyssa here because it's incredibly comfortable for running through terminals, slips on and off easily through check-in, and is ultra-light weight if packed.

The second thing to prepare for is fluctuating temperatures. Airplanes are notorious for having issues with heating and cooling control so wear layers. We've included the Brocade Print scarf with faux chinchilla here because it is oversized and incredibly cozy to act as a blanket for the journey and an extra warm scarf once you get to your final destination. 

Lastly, how well you come prepared to battle the recycled air of the cabin will make or break a long flight. The air in the cabin has extremely low humidity, which can take a huge toll on skin and lips. Do not use a facial mist as this can cause further drying. Drink lots of water, use lip balm and apply a rich moisturizer with SPF protection. It may seem odd to worry about SPF indoors, but the UV rays when you're at 30,000 feet are stronger than on the ground even through an airplane window. 

1. EVERLANE Twill weekender bag
2. ANYI LU Alyssa in blue lazer calf
3. ANYI LU Brocade print scarf in black and ivory
4. BOTTEGA VENETA Intrecciato leather sleep mask 
5. SKIN & TONIC Naked Lip Balm
6. RENEE ROULEAU Hawaiian Nourishing Cream
7. KATE SPADE Cedar stree confetti dot passport holder

You could call 2015 the year of the dress as this past season has seen some of the most dynamic and (thankfully wearable) trends we've seen in a long time. Now that the holiday season is upon us, rather than go for the same old sequin stand-by, why not try out one of these new trends to ring in the new year? We've paired each of these looks with either the Camille or the Angel from our Signature Collection–the first line of truly comfortable high heels. And to celebrate kicking off the Holiday (Party) Season, we're offering $25 off a pair of Signature heels with the code: PARTY25

Look 1–Caped dress

You can't go down the street in any city without seeing a woman in a cape these days, and we're excited this romantic accessory seems here to stay. A great way to make a statement at your holiday party is to wear a dress that incorporates a cape, the simpler the style the better. Here we paired the look with a statement necklace and the Camille. The shine of the gold and the patent leather offsets the bold red chiffon. 

Look 2–Shirt dress

An ultra-modern and incredibly comfortable holiday party option is to try the shirt dress trend. For this look, we paired a silk shirt dress with a long fringe necklace (fringe being another huge trend) and the Angel pump. The sexy silhouette of the Angel gives a feminine twist to this menswear inspired ensemble.

Look 3–Midi length

The midi length dress may be one of the most welcome new trends of this year. We love how it can be worn by almost anyone and harkens back to a time when women got dressed up to go to the grocery store. For a holiday party, this length is perfect if the event doesn't call for a gown but not your beaded mini skirt either. We love how this look is both modern and classic all at once. Here we paired a midi dress that plays with demure and sexy elements with the Camille, which does the same. 

Look 4– Flared mini

If you've got great legs and want to show them off, but don't want to wear something tight, try the flared mini trend. It's an incredibly flattering and fun style. We chose a version with black lace over a neutral base, a great twist on the little black dress, and paired the flirty Camille to add to the long leg effect.

We're loving the belted scarf–one of the most popular trends of the season–and with the launch of our new scarves as the debut products of our accessory line ANYI LU Lifestyle, we thought we’d show you how to wear this effortless look.

When choosing a belt, pick one with a medium to thin width, thicker belts will overwhelm this style, and cinch at the natural waist, not too low or too high. Don’t be afraid of layers. And make sure the scarf is not much longer than the hemline of your coat shirt or dress.  

Look 1–Worn as a shawl

A great alternative to a sweater is to belt a scarf loosely around your shoulders like a shawl. Featuring the Python Print Scarf in multi-colors and the Zayra boot. 

Look 2–Inside a coat

Wearing a belt around your scarf inside your coat or jacket adds a more polished touch to your fall or winter style. Featuring the Python Print Scarf in multi-colors and the Resse boot.

Look 3–Outside a coat

Belting a scarf on the outside of your jacket tightens up your whole look and transforms your old coats into something new. Featuring the Brocade and Chinchilla Scarf in black and the Callie boot.

Look 4–With a long shirt

Keep warm inside at home or at work by belting a scarf with a long shirt. It’s incredibly elegant and practical. Featuring the Python Print Scarf in green and taupe and the Zayra boot.

Look 5–With a dress

It’s fun to belt a scarf with a short dress and boots, it completes the look without other accessories or a jacket. Featuring the Brocade and Chinchilla Scarf in black and the Amber boot. 

THE ADRIAN IN BLACK NAPPA LEATHER

Equally suited to dresses or denim, the Adrian is an incredibly versatile biker boot and is so lightweight you need to hold it in your hands or try it on to believe it. The motorcycle boot style adds edge to your looks while the quilted detailing gives an air of luxury to make even the simplest outfit, like jeans and a plain cashmere sweater, look polished. As the winter season approaches and temperatures drop, try pairing with a leggings and a belted scarf or a cape as seen here for a dramatic yet effortless look. 

1. FENDI Leather-trimmed wool-blend boucle cape
2. EQUIPMENT Sloane cashmere sweater
3. FENDI Crepe mini skirt
4. THE ROW Round-frame acetate and metal sunglasses
5. EUGENIA KIM Honey wide-brim rabbit-felt hat
6. DOLCE & GABBANA Cutout embroidered leather gloves
7. PHILLIP LIM Soleil small textured-leather bucket bag
8. ANYI LU Adrian in black nappa

We've had another successful shoot for the upcoming Resort '15 and Spring '16 seasons. Once again shooting at the gorgeous bayside studio of our photographer Holly Stewart, we had a lovely though busy day. Luba Vitti looked stunning everything from sky high heels to comfy slip-on sneakers.  Dawn Sutti created a fresh spring look that we all wanted to copy afterwards. We were all ladies once again including 3 year old Scarlett and 12 month old baby Delphine! Thank you to everyone who was there!

Sign up for our mailing list to find out when the new Fall '15 and Signature lines come out: click here!

(Flowing dresses are from Reformation)

You don't have to be a punk rocker, a goth, or, well, a biker to wear biker boots anymore. They've become a wardrobe staple and one of the easiest to wear boot styles. They go with just about everything, are extremely comfortable, and simply pull on without laces or zippers. The fuller volume and medium height creates a very flattering silhouette and the style conveys an effortless, confident look with a bit of edge. 

Look 1: Jeans

A few years ago when bootcut jeans were still in vogue, biker boots were overlooked. But when skinny jeans came into style, they became mainstream. This look layers a faux fur vest over a leather jacket to combine hard and soft elements plus grey skinny jeans that elongate the leg. (shirt from Everlane, jacket from Joie, vest from direct from Italian factory, bag direct from Italian factory, and sunglasses from Ralph Lauren.)

Look 2: Dress

Biker boots may be a key element to a tough girl look, but they work equally as well contrasted with feminine pieces like a dress.Don't be afraid to play with proportion and pair a mid-calf boot with a dress of any hemline - this season, above knee and midi hemlines look especially modern paired with a mid-calf boot. This look plays off contrasts with a very classic, flirty dress and tough elements like the boots and angular statement jewelry.  (dress from & Other Stories, necklace from MadeWell, aviator sunglasses from RayBan).

Look 3: Leggings

Leggings could not be more comfortable but they often look too casual or unflattering. Biker boots dress them up just enough and balance proportions. (leggings from Vince, sweater vest from Loft, bag from Italian Factory, sunglasses from RayBan).

Shop the Callie here. 

Most everyone knows the best shoes are made in Italy. The highest quality shoes proudly announce it on their soles and boxes (including us). But what’s it all about? Can’t a shoe company just set up shop anywhere?

The main reason we chose Italy to make our new Signature Collection (and every other shoe we make) is the people. Making handcrafted leather shoes is truly an art form and one that has been refined and passed down from one generation of Italian families to the next. The techniques are highly specialized and labor intensive making them difficult to duplicate elsewhere.

While most shoes are made by machine in large factories using glues and synthetic materials, the small percentage from Italy are made using only the finest materials and are crafted by hand. First, the leather is carefully selected for each shoe from world-renowned Italian tanneries. It is then hand cut and stretched on a last (called a forma in Italian) for days, and then sewn together, never glued.

The factories we use are small factories in Tuscany that have been owned by the same families for generations. While we say the Signature pumps have been ten years in the making, they’re actually the culmination of over a hundred years of Italian shoemaking.

To really feel the difference “Made in Italy” makes, why not try on a pair?

To try on the Camille, click here.

To try on the Angel, click here.

(The Angel, and soon the Camille will also be available at Nordstrom and select retailers)

CALLIE IN BLACK TUMBLED CALF

The biker boot came onto the scene a few years ago about the time when skinny jeans became popular, and this relatively new silhouette (to the fashion scene) isn't going anywhere–mainly due to the fact that they are ridiculously flattering to the leg due to their volume and point at which they hit the calf. The Callie is a very classic example of this kind of boot and will add a bit of edge to any look, plus is extremely comfortable and easy to slip on. Pair them with a soft feminine dress to contrast with the toughness of the boot or, as seen here, pair with skinny jeans and an oversize jacket to play with volume contrast. 

1. ISABEL MARANT Gold-plated horn hoop earrings
2. ANYI LU Callie in black tumbled calf
3. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Luna leather bucket bag
4. GIVENCHY Studded belt in black textured-leather
5. JENNIFER MEYER 18-karat gold diamond cuff
6. RAG & BONE The Skinny mid-rise jeans
7. ISABEL MARANT Hatfield striped merino wool-blend sweater
8. SAINT LAURENT Hooded cotton-twill parka