tabitha simmons

One of the first things we spotted when Beyoncé shared snaps of her and Jay-Z's recent anniversary trip to Cuba was her smashing Tabitha Simmons striped espadrille sneakers ($395). Against the backdrop of her black blazer and leather pants, they stood out in the best way. Even if you're not jet-setting to exotic locales like Bey, you can still get her look locally. Work her exact Simmons espadrilles into your Summer wardrobe with everything from dresses to denim cutoffs. We also love the idea of sporting them with other bold patterns for a mixed-prints styling. Ready to treat your feet? Score Beyoncé's shoes, then be sure to shop other celebrity must-have items while you're at it.

The winner and runners-up of the 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund have created capsule collections for J.Crew that will launch later this month.

The Elder Statesman's Greg Chait — who won this year's prize — Tabitha Simmons, and Jennifer Meyer have all created limited-edition products for the retailer, which will be available on J.Crew's website starting May 22. But on May 8, shoppers who can't wait that long will be able to sign up for access to shop the collaborations one day early.

J.Crew's collaborations with winners of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund are becoming a bit of a tradition. Last year, the brand played host to capsules from Joseph Altuzarra, Pamela Love, and Creatures of the Wind. In 2011, it sold exclusive wares from Prabal Gurung, Eddie Borgo, and Billy Reid.

Stay tuned for more details and pictures from this year's trio of capsule collections.

Above, Chait, Simmons, and Meyer. Photo courtesy of J.Crew

Miranda Kerr strutted her long limbs on the streets of NYC wearing sheer black tights with black leather minishorts. Up top the model sported a green Acne sweater ($306) and a black double-breasted Givenchy coat, then finished off her nighttime look with her black Givenchy bag and these Tabitha Simmons lace-up studded booties ($1,249). Next time you hit the town, mimic Miranda by pairing black sheer tights with your black leather shorts, then finishing off with a green sweater and a cozy black coat.

Miranda Kerr swapped yesterday's polished pairing for an edgier ensemble while toting her son, Flynn, around NYC. The model layered a quilted Balenciaga leather jacket over a black top and Nobody skinny jeans, then slipped on a pair of badass Tabitha Simmons lace-up leather ankle boots for extra sass. The gorgeous mom completed her street style with a pair of Flint shades, a few dainty rings, and a floral Prada tote for a touch of feminine flair. If you love Miranda's latest NYC look as much as we do, shop similar pieces below.

The list of finalists who will compete for the 2012 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has been released, and the 13 up-and-coming designers on it include Wes Gordon, Tabitha Simmons, and Suno's Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty. The contestants will start proving their mettle at the end of July, when they will present their collections to a panel of judges. Other challenges will include creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for Tiffany & Co. and presenting a show in Los Angeles. The work is worth it: last year's winner Joseph Altuzarra took home a prize of $300,000, while runners-up Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind's Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters were given $100,000. Winners of the competition are also appointed talented mentors — Diane von Furstenberg, David Neville, and Marcus Wainwright have worked with winners in the past. This year's winner and runners-up will be announced in November. Below, a look at which designers are in the running.

• Andrea Lieberman — A.L.C.
• Greg Armas — Assembly New York
• Sofia Sizzi — Giulietta
• Justin Salguero, Daniel Silberman, and Alina Silberman — Illesteva
• Jennifer Fisher — Jennifer Fisher Jewelry
• Jennifer Meyer Maguire — Jennifer Meyer
• Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty — Suno
• Tabitha Simmons — Tabitha Simmons
• Greg Chait — The Elder Statesman
• Wes Gordon — Wes Gordon

Photo: Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty attend the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards dinner.