While visiting Compass, we checked in with Bass, who was showing a collection co-designed with New-York-based designer Rachel Antonoff, whose use of Bass saddle shoes in a runway presentation last year led to the collaboration. The saddle shoe theme anchors the offerings, which include low and mid-heel lace ups, plus a combat boot. On the flip, see a peek of Autumn 2011, which includes a velvet saddle shoe!

Vans rep Maria sent me images of these oxford shoes, aka the Sophie, and I was immediately smitten. I’ve been less-than-crazy about the menwear-inspired oxford trend, but the saddle shoe pattern combined with the wedge heel softens  the masculine edge of the design and transforms them into a shoe that’s ultra-charming and meets my girly-girl minimum requirements.

If you aren’t a fiend for white shoes like I am, there are a couple more solid-colored styles after the flip, including one featuring the famous Vans’ check. Looks for these to retail Spring 2010.