Eeeeewwww!!!!

Is it just me or does a woven raffia shoe still look cheap even if it's Dolce & Gabbana and over $500???

What do you think?

Dolce & Gabbana - $545 at Neiman Marcus

Macarons on my Mind

Over on Bubblegum Plastic I was talking about the new Laduree charms which got me to thinking about macarons which got me daydreaming about the gorgeous colors and flavors....



...which led me to all the gorgeous Spring and Resort pumps on Neiman Marcus. Sigh!



These are (from left to right) Sergio Rossi, Louboutin, Manolo and Dior.

But my favorites are these Dolce and Gabbanas that I talked about back in October.



They're available now on NM's site. Since I can't get them, I may just have to see if I can get some actual macarons shipped to me!

Delicate Tendrils

I know we are as far opposite the ideal time for wearing these Dolce & Gabbana heels as possible but I simply adore them, regardless.

I love everything about them - from the blush pink suede to the grosgrain ribbon, the adorable round toe and smart silver heel - every element is just as if this shoe was made for me.

These are shoes I would coo over and stand and stare at in the mirror for ages.

I'd buy them now, tuck them away in their cocoon-like box and wait until the blossoms of spring to then them out in all their glory.

Imitation = Flattery?

Not all that long ago, I wrote about these really classic and very well made brown oxfords that I had bought from Nine West. They're really well made and a classic pair of shoes that will be great forever but are totally on trend right now.



Little did I know how "on trend" the are. I am seeing vintage-y brown oxfords all over the place, especially coming from the designer offerings. I just saw these two pairs in the last few days and was surprised how similar all three looked.

This pair from Rupert Sanderson is on Net-a-Porter now. Very similar color and shape. A bit more added detail with the tassel ends to the laces and the wingtip detailing. The heal is a bit more delicate too. But not far off at all.

And at $950, about ten times more expensive.



These Dolce & Gabbanas are what caught my eye when I first got the latest Barney's catalog. They too are only slightly more detailed than the Nine West pair but are going for $795. I can't find these on the Barney's site, but they do have them at Neiman Marcus for the same price.



I think all three are gorgeous shoes. And I really like the extra detailing of the designer shoe... maybe not 10 times more but... I still like it.

Of course, I'm very happy with my pair and, now that the crisp weather is here, I'll be pairing these up will all sorts of cozy and bright tights as well as some great plaid and tweed skirts.

I love Fall!

More Marimekko.... or Not?

So I got an email today from Neiman Marcus promoting what new from the European Designers. And it stopped me dead in my tracks because her is another Marimekko patterned item.

Or is it?



According to further research, the Manolo heels are a part of an official pairing between the two design houses (Thank goodness! I was worried this was not official. I knew our Manolo wouldn't be up to no good.)

But, apparently these Dolce and Gabbana pieces are NOT.



What the heck is going on here? It's not like this is a subtle, barely recognizable pattern that could be any floral print, this is an iconic design that's been around for 40 years. Did someone really think they could "get away with it"? There is no way to claim ignorance about the similarities.

I love the dress. It's adorable. But I'm completely shocked that D&G would create this and that Neiman Marcus/Bergdorfs would sanction selling it.



It's not like I'm buying D&G every day but I'm definetly not going to be purchasing from them now.

More links:

Official Marimekko and Manolo press release

More on the Manolo Blahnik S/S 2008 inspiration

D&G Poppy Print Dress at Neiman Marcus

D&G Poppy Print Bustier at Neiman Marcus


Related links - knock-offs:

Miu Miu knocks off Louboutin

Steve Madden and Target

Chloe and Nine West

Target and French Sole

Steve Madden and Miu Miu