Ready for Ready-To-Wear

My favorite shoe designer, Miss Henrietta "Hetty Rose" is bringing her custom-crafted bespoke shoes to a wider audience by launching her ready-to-wear line.

Hetty has made a name for herself by creating beautiful designs and pairing them with unique vintage kimono fabrics sourced from Japan and antique jewels and embellishments.

I have been lucky enough to purchase several of her pieces - the Ella mary jane, the Love platforms and the Amalie pump - all crafted with the most amazing fabrics ever.

And while Hetty is continuing to create and craft her bespoke lines, she has not created ready-to-wear shoes that have the same adorable style and gorgeous fabrics.   The line is made up of 5 of the top favorite styles and they are all still made using vintage kimono fabrics.  They are manufactured in a small family-run factory in London and will be available in UK sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7 with prices starting from £180.

Yuki 

Haruka 

Mika 

Kiki

You can see all of the styles and detailed images here.

Pre-ordering is starting now for deliveries in October/November so make sure to drop her an email to get the process going and reserve your pair today!

Ensemble du Jour - 9-20-10

This is pretty typical work outfit: Merona cardigan, black cami and black and white houndstooth skirt - all from Target. 

I have a ton of basic clothes from Target.  But since I'm not shopping there while they continue to support politicians who advocate against human rights, I'm going to have to branch out to other options... and cut back, which I need to do anyways.

The shoes are "Jessica" by Lilibee.  I've had these for a while and I like that they are a neat little spin on the typical black patent mary jane. Details like the stacked wood inset on the heel, the large shiny buckles and the fun oversized cord stitching.

My work outfits can vary quite a bit based on my mood (and what's new in my closet) - from a tulle skirt to triple-laced-up knee-high boots, but this straight-forward look is almost a uniform... and helps be get out of the house when I'm running late.

Eeeeewwww!!!!

Bad Ralph Lauren!  Very bad!

When you see the words "Authentic cowboy boot-inspired detailing" and it's not a cowboy boot, then it's time to put down the crayons.

It's not bad enough that they tortured and killed the lizards to make shoes, they made tacky hideous shoes too.

Smart-alec-y-ness aside, the exotics trade is truly horrendous. What follows is a very powerful and distressing video about the exotics trade and the way these animals are captured, tortured and used - often skinned alive.

I do admit I have some items, mostly vintage that have snakeskin and lizardskin (I think, they may be stamped), bought before I made the connection between the animals I loved and the ones killed for a mere accessory. 

All of these injustices are wrong. From using animals for food and entertainment to the seal and whale hunts to the animals used for their skins and wool.  But I find the fur and exotic trades some of the worst along the scale of abject cruelty... because they are so unnecessary. 

Fur, snakeskin, lizard, eel and stingray.  The use of their skins is for nothing more than show.  Some could argue that the leather made from cows' hides are needed because of their durability etc., but you can't argue that about these others.  The delicate nature of their skins mean they are abused even more so than the cows, pigs, goats, kids and calves that are more commonly used for our shoes, gloves and purses.  And the purchasing of products made with them can be easily avoided altogether.

So what does it say that they continue to be killed... when there is no good reason other than sheer vanity? 

Bubblegum Plastic: Review - Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick #22 Paris

I am not a huge make-up person.  I don't wear a lot and I'm not good with experimentation or pushing the boundaries on color.  I just don't have the face for it.  So I typically go for pretty colors and simple looks.  I love mascara and a good lipstick and gloss.  I have recently started trying out the L'oreal Studio Secrets primer, maybe dot on some Prescriptives custom base (which I've been using for 15+ years) and a dusting of translucent powder.

I don't spend a lot on eyeshadow or powder, etc., but I do like to splurge a bit on lipstick.  And my favorite is Chanel.

As you can see, I have quite a few.  The big problem is that I tend to fall in love with a shade and then find out it was a seasonal limited color and have to try and find replacements. Then I hoard the little amount I have left, doling it out only on special occasions. 

The most recent color I fell for was the Chanel Rouge Coco #22 "Paris".  

I saw this vibrant, almost fuchsia, pink on Sandra Bullock at the Oscars this year and had to track down that pink.

There was quite a run on the color but I eventually got my tube.. and it is bright!

Check out the cute commercial with Vanessa Paradis

The range comes in colors from browns to pinks to corals perfect for the looks seen in the Spring 2011 shows.  I may go and check out the brownish-pink "Mademoiselle" and just got the coraly-red #58 "Audace" (to be reviewed soon).

I find this color to be very intense going on out of the tube.  It's soft and moisturizing but not overly creamy.  This color has a real shine to it.  It's not shimmery at all. 

When I combine this with my bright red hair it's kind of a contrast, so I like to blot it.  You still get quite a good pink but not so in your face.  I can stop there if I want to keep a matte look but I usually layer this with a darker toned lipstick or top with a slightly more coral gloss.

 

Blotted only

This time I topped the Paris with the Chanel Glossimer #197 "Gazelle", which is a shimmery peach.

With "Gazelle" Glossimer

I luvvvv the Glossimers too! My favorite is #15 "Spark".

 

 I find it challenging to buy make-up, especially lipstick.  The tube never gives you a real look at the color or the feel or the application.  They need to sell more mini-tubes like perfume samples so you could wear it a time or two before you commit.

I've received a few samples of products including toners, lotions and nail polish, as well as a few new make-up items I've bought.  I plan on doing more reviews so keep an eye out for the Bubblegum Plastic banner.

Fashion Week - Stacy Lomman: New York Precious Metals Collection Spring 2011

I think it's only fitting that I finally start posting my Fashion Week coverage (I know! I know!) with Stacy Lomman's show - the Precious Metals collection. 

Stacy bootstrapped her way to creating this collection by using Kickstarter.  Wendy Brandes has been keeping track of the full story but suffice it to say, Stacy had a great level of interest and support.  Not just from friends and family but from many bloggers as well.  And a whole group of us showed up to see the show and applaud her success.

The show was wonderful, professional and inspirational.  The models were great and the venue was perfect for getting a close look at the attention to detail Stacy put into each piece.  These are some of my favorite shots from the collection which was inspired by 1960s Paco Rabanne and 1940s glamour.  (Check out all the shots in my FW Set on Flickr)

  

 

                   

Here's Ms Wendy doing her blogging thing... probably trying to get a better snap of her Cleopatra earrings that were featured in the show.

Afterwards we all mixed and mingled... and gushed over the work, of course!

I did get a chance to corner the lady of the hour to ask about her inspiration and her next collection, because with a response like this, you know there has to be one!

Stacy has already been featured on:

• 
  
  Life
• 
  
  Huffington Post 
• 
  
  WWD -  ( and pg 26 in print copy)
• 
  
  Look Online Daily Fashion Report
• 
  
  WireImage

I can't wait to see what happens next.  Congratulations, Stacy!

3 Second Fashion Show - 9-23-2010

Finally time for another 3 Second Fashion Show.  I have been remiss, I know. But really it was because I was afraid of all of the bugs!  I got mauled this summer and I can't stand going out for even 3 seconds!

Lots of black in today's outfit but there are glints here and there.  The lace cardigan is from the Benhaz Sarafpour for Target and the skirt is Target as well.  The tights are from Kushyfoot and the shoes are the Isabel Toledo for Payless oxfords.

I actually had someone tell me the shoes are cute and ugly at the same time.   What do you think???  I don't have a lot of yellow so I liked having a bit of brightness from the sole.  I wanted to pair them with black today but how fun will these be with bright solid tights? I think I have a pair in that same bright yellow color. 

Those will be next!

Rock me.... Amadeus

Okay, I couldn't resist with the title.  But you have to forgive me, I've been a bit delirious all day from being sick.  Basically I worked but now I'm watching Amadeus and discovering scences I've never seen before.  Here are a few of my favorites.








Can you imagine some of today's designers living in this time and the work they would do?  Louboutin.  Manolo. Galliano.  Amazing.

I especially like the red and white number in the first clip at 3:05.

What's your favorite?

Lucky UK - Manolo Blahnik at Liberty

Manolo Blahnik and Liberty

I have to admit that I am green with jealousy, that I do no have access to this collection.  I can think of little else that would be as swoon-worthy and the reality of it is almost too much.  

Manolo Blahnik has paired up with Liberty to create an exclusive line of scarves, bags, pillows, candles, accessories, fabrics and more.  He has even created a line of shoes using some of the classic fabrics. 

Some of the collection you can buy online but the shoes are only available in stores.  GAH!

I am loving this collection but even more amazing is the full range of styles from Manolo Blahnik that the store carries.   I had no idea!

The worst part is... THEY DON'T SHIP!  Why is that?  I can't understand why a store or company would not want to help me spend my money.  LET ME SPEND MY MONEY WITH YOU!!!

Anyways, if you are in the UK, you lucky dog, pop round and scoop some up for yourself!  Just don't tell me about it or I will die of envy.

 

PS. Thank you, MilkGlassHeart for alerting me to this collaboration!