Ensemble du Jour

This was the outfit I was going to wear last Saturday but it was too rainy to risk it with my new shoes.



I even debated wearing plaid tights (a much smaller plaid) but thought that might look a bit crazy... at least for my office.

It was still chilly out but not too bad.

Cardigan: Field of Flowers from Anthropologie

Cardi: Target

Skirt: JCrew

Tights: ???

Shoes: Chanel Fall 2008 via Ebay

I think I need to get a detail shot of this cardian because it has some great elements. Big carved buttons that are actually snaps and ribbon cut ends to the heathered grey trim. I've had this for about 5+ years now. That is one of the good things about the pieces from Anthropologie. They're so unique yet classic. Sadly they are typically pricey too unless you get them marked down on sale, which is what I usually wait for.

Another Fall

I may not be always be lucky, but I am patient, especially when it comes to shoes I fall in love with. And, with enough time, I think the luck can be made to happen.

Last year I fell for these Chanel black and white spat boots cleverly photographed on Claudia in Central Park.



Nice legs, but look at those boots!



Had to have them... couldn't find them. But then, on one of my rare visits to eBay, there they were! My size (or close enough). Way priced off retail. And all for meeeeeee........!!!!



For their first foray out, I paired them with black tights and a chunky, comfy sweater dress.



Those are snaps going up the outside.



To continue the whimsy, I added my black and white and red Alice's White Rabbit necklace from Paraphernalia.



Needless to say, I need to avoid eBay now for another 6 months. It's just too tempting and dangerous for me. But Miss WendyB will be pleased to know that I did snipe!

Fall Favorites: Over the Top

Oh yes, there are still MORE Fall Favorites mined from the tons and tons of photos out there. I know where already looking at Spring but Fall is barely here. Of course, half of these might be going on sale soon!

Click here to check out all the past Fall Favorites posts. These are all

I don't know if I've done a post with out at least one Miu Miu or Prada heel and this is no exception. The next three are all Miu Mius.

I believe these sculpted heels were inspired by shells but they remind me of the armor from the Coppola Dracula movie.

Just me? Okay... moving on...



These have a very 1970's loafer shape with a Wes Wilson style.



Similar shape but the colors and sequins make it seem more Art Deco than funkadelic.



And, of course the iconic Prada shoe for the season with the wings. I love the evolution from the wings in the Miu Miu collection to this year. Has anyone seen these in real life? Just curious.




A veritable bouquet from Roger Vivier... but do these seem more Spring than Fall? But they might lovely with the winter florals and grey tights.



But if we're going over the top then, let's go big. I love the leafy Chloe styles. Love love love them. The booties are available on Net-a-Porter but I haven't seen these. That may be a good thing but they are gorgeous.



Lately I've been wanting more and more feather embellishments and these are just stunning. I just love the creamy buff color. Go Givenchy!



And these Donna Karan's look like a crazy Etsy project... but in a good way. I love the tonal colors, the fluffiness, the raw edges. I would wear these and people would stare thinking I was out of my darn mind. But who cares. I love them.



I have to admit, I haven't seen many of these available. I know the stores and desingers have to play it a bit safer than many of these are, but what do you think? Would you like to see more crazy? A bit riskier? Sick of the safe?

Fall Favorites: Luxe Layers

As you can tell from the previous Fall Favorites posts, I'm into excessive, embellished and decadent shoes from this season's offerings. We talked about:

- Rich Details

- A Focus on Heels

- Peek-a-boo Cut-outs

Of course, I think you can tell throughout that I like my shoes classically shaped but, how do we say... a bit over the top. This round is a bit different. More about the variety of materials. Still luxurious but in keeping with the clean silhouettes of the Fall/Winter season.

I know the silver pump version of these Balenciaga patent mirrored Escarpins bootie received more attention in the media but I like how the frosted material and the peach tone warms up the futuristic design.



Extreme platforms are not going anywhere this season (see Stella and Marni) and this Versace pump is right there. What I liked best about it is the color. I love how the lighter blue would play against black or brown. It's still dusky so it works but it's light enough to do a contrast. Plus you could wear it into the spring. I've become very fond of the mixing of the seasons for shoes with the use of tights. It's fun and practical.




These Alexandra Neel boots are just divine. I love love love the rich colors, the shape and the three button-y straps. Between these and the Chanel black and white booties, I don't know which I want more. These also have an almost steampunk vibe to them too.



Anna Sui has taken the oxford shape and created something ethereal. They seem heavily influenced by last season's Prada/Miu Miu collections but it's very fresh for this year. I think it's the unique mix of metallic leather and the oil slick patent. Such a contrast but both are so gorgeous. I would wear these with everything.



This is a complete understatement: I want these Manolo Blahnik booties. The color combination is amazing. Buttery leather and that heel shape... geez! I really need to get on the ball and try and track these down. They're very equestrian (almost jockey-influenced) but so urban too.



And, last but not least, my favorites - the two toned Chanel Carousel mary janes. And, oh yes, I got them. They're awaiting their debut and I am just ga-ga over them. They're luscious.



These are the kinds of shoes that totally speak to me. And they're the perfect investment-type shoes. The shapes are simple but the style is amazing. And sure to be noticed whenever you wear them... now or 10 years from now.

Fall Favorites: Peek-a-Boo Cutouts

More on the Fall 2008 Favorites coming your way!

Before we looked at the rich details and the focus on heels that are trending in the Fall shoes, but another element I saw a lot of and really liked were the artistic use of cut-outs in the shoe designs.

The petal cut-outs on these Brian Atwood pumps give a simple shape an ethereal air. They're very classic and classy but with a fresh feel. These would be great with a suit now and a sundress in the Spring. I love the neutral color too.



Continuing my love of blue satin shoes, these Bruno Frisoni sling-backs are exceedingly eye-catching. The dark teal color is amazing and the design is bold and graphic. I would wear a severe black dress with these to let them steal the show. But could you imagine these with a dark hot pink outfit? Yowza!



Louboutin is the king of showy, sexy heel and these are no exception. The design is very much in line with other shoes from his previous collections but I like how the silver platforms get a lot of focus from how the straps on the two area are formed. Your feet would catch and reflect the light as you walked. I think these are the same shape as my all black ones (sans platform) from NYC. If they are, these are unbelievably comfortable.



There are a ton of shoes with open designs going into Fall. As more people pair tights with strappy heels we'll continue to see varying degrees of this style year round. I'm sure this will be welcome, especially in the warmer climates too!

Fall Favorites: Focus on Heels

A few days ago we looked at the "Rich Details" being seen in the Fall introductions just hitting stores. One of the next (or actually continuing) trends is focusing on the heel area to make an impact.

These Dior heels not only have mirrored insets but they also have the chunky loafer styling which is also popular this year. They also come in a few other colors, not just the tobacco leather.



As typical for Maison Martin Margiela, these nail pumps have a bit of the surreal and unusual about them. I'm not sure how comfortable these are but they're sure to get some double-takes when you are wearing them.



These Oscar de la Renta patent pumps intrigue me because I like how the tweed pattern is achieved not as fabric but a pattern in the patent leather. They also mixed it with tortoiseshell patent accents. But it is the heel that caught my eye. The heel cap reminds me of the Miu Miu Vernice Pop and Spazzolato heels.



Miu Miu and Prada were busy again this year... and leading the trends. These Miu Miu Lightning Bolt booties bridge the 1980s touch points with modern techniques. I think they look more like something that would come from Ashley Dearborn than Miu Miu.



This is more the Miu Miu I'm thinking of for this season - sequins and sculpted heels. It's as if they took the waves and fans from the main body of the shoe last year and moved them into the heel.



And, of course, Prada. Not that their embellishments were limited to just the heel, but this suede sandal in particular was be-ruffled in purple and brown and the focal point for the design. I actually had this on pre-order but ended up dropping this in favor of a Chanel pair. But wouldn't these be pretty with some dark grey tights?



And my favorite of the bunch are actually these Stella McCartney heels with the metal "armor". I know. It's so hit and miss with Stella but I think she does best when she sticks to fabric versus other materials. These would be great with a cocktail dress. I like how they add a tough element but in a classy way.



Do you have a preference?

More to come!

Fall Favorites: Rich Details

A few weeks ago I went through something like 700 images and, of course found a ton of amazing pieces that I just fell in love with. There's far too many to put in one post so I'm going to have to group them and space them out.

The first group are what I'm calling the "Rich Details" group.

Obviously embellishments of all sorts are being integrated into the design of all levels of fashion and almost every garment type being made. I think this is why we are seeing a comeback of items like hats, fascinators and gloves. There is a desire for rich, interesting details and unique elegance.

The most obvious is the use of lace by Prada. I love the colors of the clothing pieces, especially the orange but I love the creamy lace on their bags.



There are ruffles, ruffles everywhere I look. Bruno Frisoni did an amazing job incorporating satin ruffles into modern designed shoes. I love the contrast of modern and old world in these Bruno Frisoni Mesh Peep-toe Ruffle pumps.



The banding design of the ruffle-edged straps on this Bruno Frisoni taffeta sandal reminds me of the collars from Marie
Antoinette. More blue to love.



I think this sandal is so unusual. You'd have to have an equally rich yet somewhat restrained dress to go with these. The straps are so different. Of course I'd want to wear them all the time. What about some skinny black jeans or latex leggings?



I just love how a wide ankle tie can call attention to a small ankle. I find it very sexy. Bruno Frisoni is continuing to do it right with this sandal.



These Valentino booties are sugary sweet but the suede is totally sumptuous and which I think helps to toughen them up just the smallest bit. I'm sure they were meant to be paired with a couture gown but they need far more time out and about than that. Maybe placed on my desk?

I'd wear these with jeans cropped just above them and then a big poofy-sleeved top with a loopy tie or a long coat.



These last two are more restrained but the material they are made with seems so textured.

I love the wool tweed of these Manolo Blahnik pumps. And the coral leather and white accents make them perfect for transitioning into fall while still keeping a bit of the late summer sparkle.



I like when Stella McCartney sticks with satins and velvet. Her stuff still seems a bit over-priced but at least she gets great colors. I can't get over all the blues. And I can't seem to resist them.

These look like total party shoes to me. They would have been great for the Costume Institute Superhero gala.



There are more selects to follow. One thing they all have in common is that they certainly are not plain. But my theory is, if you are going to spend the money, you should get something that stands out. Something that will make people stop, look and admire.

Wish Upon A Tsar

I've been falling more and more in love with Alexander McQueen's runway shows. Along with Lacroix and Galliano, he appeals to my excessive embellished soul. When I was looking at his Fall show I felt that he was channeling the rich looks of traditional Russian folk dress and the decadence of the court of the Tsars.

The tooled leather tall boots would be perfect under heavy wool ankle legth skirts.

The rich reds and golds of this Legend bag seem pulled from Ivanov's painting of the Tsar's procession.

There's no mistaking the Fabergé influence in McQueen's Empire clutch.

Not that I'm a big fan of fur but this leather, velvet, fur and ebroidery embellished Fable bag looks as if it was pulled from a portrait of Catherine the Great.

I love these heels drenched with soutache trimwork. They look like they were pulled straight from the headdresses and folk dress.

Most people experience love, without noticing that there is anything remarkable about it.

Doctor Zhivago

I will be the first to say that I am no expert in Russian history or cultural influences. These are solely my perceptions.

Would that even a fraction of these details make it into a pairing at Target.