The Victorian period falls under Queen Victoria’s reign in England, from 1837 to 1901, when fashion was characterized by big bell-shaped sleeved dresses with lots of lace and detailing, corsets, large hats and bonnets, and the occasional parasol. Now obviously we can’t walk around nowadays with enormous dresses and feather hats, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reinterpret the fashion of the day. To get a Neo-Victorian look, start with a flare pant in a solid, neutral color. Here we have the HABITUAL Harlow Flare in Grey, and pair it with a draping blouse to evoke the movement and continuity of a dress. Add some English flair with an oxford high heel, and bring in Victorian era detailing and color with vintage jewelry or earrings. We caution against taking it any more literal than that, unless it’s Halloween, or you happen to be Lady Gaga.

Pants: HABITUAL Harlow Flare in Grey
Earrings: 1928  Red Cranberry Vintage Drop Earrings
Top: Alexander McQueen Silk Pussy-bow Blouse
Belt: Barney’s Co-op Tapered Equestrian Belt
Shoes:  Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Lace-up Bootie (left),  ALDO ‘Horvath’ Oxford Wedge

While Vogue attributes this spring’s python trend to the Egyptian Cobra that recently escaped from the Bronx Zoo (In case you missed it, a parody Twitter account @BronxZoosCobra was the talk of the town, gaining over 240,000 followers and receiving offers for a stay at the Plaza Hotel and an endorsement deal with SKYY Vodka, among other things), this is actually the most recent iteration of a larger, ongoing animal leather and exotic skin trend. Python has found home this season on everything from YSL platforms to bags, and you can even get a python pedicure treatment.

Our own take on snake is the Audrey legging in the wash Black Mamba. This is a black treatment with plenty of shine and a leathery snakeskin detail. The name comes from an African snake called the Black Mamba, the fastest snake in the world and also one of the most venomous. We like to pair it with a simple black or white top and clean shoes to contrast the energy of the legging. Choose a bright polish on your next manicure to add a bit of color.

If you live in the LA area, you can find it exclusively at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza, Mission Viejo, Brea, or Thousand Oaks, or at Code C in West Hollywood. The style will ship to additional stores later this year.

We’re torn.  We really love this shoe, but only in the nude color. We wish it was never an “it” shoe. After looking at 188 images of celebrities in this YSL Tribute Platform Sandal, some of us are feeling a little nauseous. Hard to believe this “iconic” shoe has only been around since October 2007.  They keep producing it in every color imaginable.  Stop that!

Pros: You grow six inches instantly, legs feel a mile long. Surprisingly comfortable. Nude is the right color to freshen up your shoe collection this year. Looks amazing with the HABITUAL Audrey jean.

Cons: It was an “it” shoe.