Famed shoe maker Christian Louboutin has launched their own champagne in partnership with champagne maker Piper Heidsieck. To commemorate this, they have released a limited edition gift box containing a bottle of champagne and a glass shoe designed by Christian Louboutin. It will be exclusively available through Colette starting October 26th.
Not only is what we are now calling "Gargoyle Toe" becoming rampant on the streets (as evidenced almost daily on Jak & Jil) but more and more on the runways as well.
I understand that there are a lot of last minute changes in what models are wearing what but with the ever-increasing importance and focus on the accessories showcased as they walk down the runway, I find it hard to believe that this is not distracting.
Then there are those designers who understand the importance of the fit and the shoes to the collection. The Prada and MiuMiu shows are my favorites because they pay attention to and even celebrate these details.
But sadly, I have to say I was not a fan of the latest Prada shoes presented. After being enthralled for the past few seasons I was more disturbed by the shoes and what was done to the model's toenails.
At first I thought there was just some issues with several of the model's nails but then I saw they were clear overlays and intentional!
Perhaps I not getting it but I've never liked the overly long nail look on hands or feet. I don't even think a French Pedicure look is good because it is meant to imitate longer nails. So this I just don't get.
While I understand this is part of the fantasy and style of the show, do you feel it enhances the design and overall collection?
I was surprised when I was doing my outfit post the other day that the shoes I referenced were not anywhere to be found on Polyvore or the web.
They're so cute, I can't imagine why they are so "secret"!
I got these "Bella Brown" Louboutins in May after falling in love with their color, snub toes and pink ribbons. They're like less costume-y ballerina shoes.
One of my favorite details is how ribbon wraps up the back of the heel too.
Now I will be the #1 search for Bella Brown Louboutins on the web. I got these in person at Saks but haven't seen them for sale anywhere else.
I wonder if I'm the only one who has these types of conversations with themselves.
I always vow to pre-plan my outfit the night before but invariably I don't. I really should because for a simple outfit like the one below, I have a crazy discussion with myself while I'm brushing my teeth 2 minutes before I'm supposed to leave the house.
It goes something like this:
"Damn, I'm tired"
"I'm feeling kind of grey today"
"Well, yeah, it is grey out... and rainy."
"Okay, let's use grey eyeshadow."
"Crap, what the heck am I going to wear today"
"Ooohh look! That silver ring from 12 years ago. Let's wear that on a necklace with the charm from a purse I don't have any more."
... lets add a big clunky sock to it too. That way we can cash in on the "over the knee" trend while maximizing the opportunities for behind the knee sweat.
Awesome!
Should I even tell you where to get these??? Ugh (ha!), I guess so. Here, fine. Just don't tell me if you buy them.
As we've seen, the designer & mass merchandiser collaborations have been kind of sucking lately. Which is really disappointing because there is great opportunity to do cute design at a mass-retail level.
And we know it's doable. The Mizrahi collection did it well for a number of years at Target. Heck, Merona and Mossimo have done well there for ages too. I've bought tons of clothes and shoes from there.
But it's really changed lately. Either they've had to cut back on design & quality due to economic conditions or they really don't think we'll notice.
Well, people are noticing. I'm sure that's why they've changed the whole Go International program. Of course, it becomes a vicious cycle - we don't buy it, they cheapen it up to cut costs, so we don't buy it, etc.
Luckily there is one collaboration that seems to at least be making an effort and that I still think is doing a good job - Lela Rose for Payless.
I often get the snob label placed on me, especially when it comes to shoes. That I only like or buy expensive stuff. And frankly, that's not true at all. I totally judge each shoe individually. If I like (or don't like) the looks of a shoe, I don't care who makes it. And I have to say, most of the time, I'm a fan of this line.
And the Spring 2010 collection seems like it will have several pieces that I will want to get. My favorite is this style called Bently in a really pretty citrine fabric and twist bow.
The other colors are really pretty too... fuchsia, stone, taupe...
I really hope they keep the height they were shown in. Payless does tend to "tone down" the designs between runway and store and I really wish they wouldn't.
I also really like the casual and sort of preppy wedge sandal Ashland which comes in cute combos like the black and white gingham with green accents, the cross-hatched circles with taupe and the modern geometric pattern with black.
The Zephyr cross-strap sandal is cute too, especially the delicate ankle straps.
I like the citrine pattern again but also the solids in the fuchsia and navy.
There are a few other styles that are cute too, including a multi-strap wedge and a elegant heeled sandal, so check them out here.
I'm really looking forward to trying them on. The styles will be available in February per the site.
I love color and wear everything from bright blue to lavender to bright pink all the time but I also have a great love for wearing all black. It just lets the graphic nature of certain pieces stand out in a way they just would not when mixed with more colorful options.
Yesterday, with my Aldo shoes and and black lace stockings was an all black day and I did it again today. It's funny how some of the best outfits just sort of happen on their own. All I was thinking about was wearing my new Camilla Skovgaard Chastity heels, that had just arrived, and something comfortable and warm because the weather here was rainy and nasty.
I pulled out a this black jersey dress from Target that I love so much I have 2 of and my Forever21 sequin hoodie. Black sequins!
For some reason, these pieces must have worked really well together because I was getting compliments left and right. Maybe it was the all black, the shiny sequins and the cut of the neckline all together.
Guess I'll be wearing that combo again.
Of course the totally fierce (Yeah, I said it. Probably one of the very rare times you'll hear me use the word) heels helped too.
These shoes are amazing. Unusual. Edgy. Comfortable and well made. Why have I not bought this brand before?!?
Picture overload, I know!
So I'm a total Camilla fan now and know whose shoes I will be targeting to add more of to my closet!
If you like these, I got them at Saks, but I've also see them at Shopbop too.
Today I was sweet in my blue and white dress, Pretty Good Things deer headband, F21 studded belt and Nine West heeled oxfords (Hey! Those shoes have the same stud detail, imagine!)
These rings are so awesome. Silver, large and shiny! You will get your point across with these.
And since I'm feeling sort of ass-kickish, I'm going to wear my new Aldo platform heels.
I had ordered these because I liked the look of the turned up toe detail. I didn't realize how TALL these suckers are. We are talking a good 6 inches tall. They are cah-razy!
So, I'm going to wear them with some very noticeable black lace tights or maybe my new tattoo tights. Not sure but we're going for intimidation here. Subtlety be dammed!
If I don't break my ankle by the end of the day, I'll be surprised but I will also try to make sure to take pics of these babies in action along with my foul-mouthed jewelry.
On Sunday I went to Target to see if any of the Anna Sui "Gossip Girl" were in stock at my local place. I had looked at everything that was online but the creme lace dress wasn't in stock anymore so I thought I would give it a shot. I had put a bunch of the dresses in my shopping cart but thought it would be best to check them out in person if they wred there.
Well, there were a number of pieces in my local store... not that you would know it. There wasn't much in the way of signage. I flipped through the 3 racks of dresses and shirts and frankly, wasn't all that impressed.
Check it out.
I really don't "get" some of the pieces. And a lot of it seemed very poorly/cheaply made. I know we are at Target here folks, but compared to some of the earlier Go International pieces, the quality is down and the prices are way up.
The feather sequin dress fit really weird. The bottom belled out but was a bit tight up top. The sequins were very uncomfortable and the v-neck was very low cut.
The herringbone dress was okay but a bit stiff and not that flattering to me.
The silk dress was flattering and the pattern and fabric were okay. But I didn't really think it was worth $60 and as it was very lightweight, being silk, I didn't think I would wear it much during the Fall and Winter, which is what I am lookin for.
I did like the houndstooth jacquard dress the best. It's much more purple than it shows in the picture online. It also seems to be the best made. I considered it but at $70, I'm going to wait a while and see if I can get this on sale later. I just didn't want spend the money right now.
Overall the line did not impress me. I didn't like the shirts at all, especially the tulle tied one or the stupid acronym one. WTF was that about?
The most interesting thing are the billboard totes. I think I may end up getting one of these. They're cool and graphic and colorful.
I continue to be disappointed with these collaborations. These are great designers that should really be bringing a unique element and a high quality to a mass merchandiser but in the end they are horrible.
Is it Target doing it or is it the designers dumbing things down so much thinking that the mass retail audience won't appreciate their real work. I don't know. All I do know is that I won't really be buying any.
