Ace ankles

I admit that referencing 'pre-fall' in May smacks somewhat of wishing one's life away, but hey, that's the dizzy pace of fashion for you. Grown-up-lady shoes with little-girl socks is a trend for Autumn/Winter 2011/12 (see DKNY for some of the more wearable versions). This is not a look that everyone can master: you need an unerring eye for detail, a fair dollop of chutzpah, and fabulous pins. But when done right, its as cool as footwear gets.   

  

This is why, when awaiting the lift the other morning, I was transfixed by Oksana O and her metallic and patent sky-blue-and-French-navy Pierre Hardy stack heels, paired with neat little taupe turn-down ankle socks.

Everything works with this look – the high block heels give it sexy authority, the contrast between bold strappy sandals and delicate neutral hose gives it a diffident, effortless chic. The kicker is that her Pierre Hardys are, as Oksana pointed out, from a couple of seasons back. Fashion forward with a retro twist? That's a head-turner, just like Oksana's ace ankle styling.