Le Sigh - Miu Miu Velvet Bow Victorian Pump

I'm smitten with this modern take on Victorian style by Miu Miu.

This calls for a slightly bustled skirt in charcoal grey or a dark plaid with a jaunty hat, as I aspire Irene Adler style.

Miu Miu Velvet Bow Victorian Pump - Neiman Marcus - $750

Measuring Up

I like what you've done here, Mr. Louboutin.  Pretty clever.  Most women don't mind having a measuring tape near their feet.

Christian Louboutin "Police" Measuring Tape Sandals - at Neiman Marcus - $795

Eeeewwww!!!! Prada Winter Camo Boot

Prada, the people that buy camo winter rubber-soled boots are not your target audience. Please see People of Walmart to better understand these consumers.

Then fire whatever designer or marketing person who told you this style was right for your brand.

Prada camo boots at Neiman Marcus - $495 (!!!)

Le Sigh - Brian Atwood Patent Spectator Pumps

Here's a sexy take on the menswear spectator wingtip - Brian Atwoods gorgeous bi-color peep-toe pump with pinked and perforated backstay.

Simple. Elegant. Sex-ay!

Available at Neiman Marcus - $695... Le Sigh!

I have a problem

And the problem is that I cannot own all of these adorable glittery Louboutins.

Sometimes the Resort collections are just the perfect mix of sparkle and color and I want them all.

Look at this color? What a gorgeous turquoise. How can you not be happy looking at that?



Personally, though, I prefer the pumps to the peep-toes. I wish they came in the turquoise too because then I couldn't resist. But I pink (aka "fuxia") glittery tall tall tall pumps? Yes, please!



The gold-nudes ones are pretty amazing too.

Must restrain myself!

All three available at Neiman Marcus:

- Turquoise - $725

- Nude or Fuxia - $595

SUCCESS!!!!

After trying for weeks and weeks to get some answers regarding the fur trim used on these boots (refresher: they were listed as ocelot but then the MB rep said they were rabbit), I saw yesterday that the Humane Society was also focusing their attention on the questionable fur used.



Well, finally there have been updates and progress! Per the AP:

Neiman Marcus: mistake led to 'ocelot' descriptor
(AP) – 14 hours ago

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus says an editing mistake led to some women's boots being described on Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman Web sites as trimmed with the fur of an endangered species.

Neiman Marcus spokeswoman Ginger Reeder says the Dallas-based company is looking into the matter. The Humane Society of the U.S. on Wednesday said it was asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate.

The Humane Society says fur from an ocelot, a wild cat with tawny fur and black spots, would be illegal to sell under the Endangered Species Act.

Reeder says Neiman has pulled the boots off the market pending an investigation. She says it appears the trim actually is goat hide dyed with an ocelot print.

The Humane Society's Pierre Grzybowski says they still would like the FTC to investigate.

The FTC did not immediately return a call for comment Wednesday.

I am sooo happy to hear there is going to be an investigation into these boots. It proves that there are shady practices going on, especially in the fur industry. Basically, you can never be sure where and what kind of fur is being used, because even high-end products and retailers are not going to disclose that information. In this instance it may be goat skins but most of the time it's cats, dogs and rabbits. And because of how most products in the fashion world (even those labeled as Made in Italy or where ever - a whole other post... just read Deluxe) are made in China, if you are buying something with fur you are supporting horrific abuses.

Every year, millions of individual animals, including more than 2 million cats and hundreds of thousands of dogs, are killed for their fur in China. Some are strays, and countless others are companions who once shared homes with people who loved and cared for them before the animals were rounded up—often with metal tongs around their necks—and tossed, screaming, into a crate.

China is one of the world's largest fur suppliers, and more than 95 percent of the country's finished garments are exported—with many ending up in North America. And as we now know, Chinese companies have been known to deliberately mislabel cat and dog fur as "Asian jackal," "rabbit," or "raccoon" to fool consumers. Every fur-trimmed collar or other fur item from China, regardless of the kind of animal slaughtered to manufacture it, is the product of cruelty on a truly massive scale.

As I've said before. I detest fur. Plus, how can you ever wear something that came from sweet babies like my Tulip and Petal...



If you are buying fur you are taking animals like my baby Petal here and having them killed for something completely unnecessary and, in the case of these boots, ugly as hell.



Make contributions to the Humane Society, PETA, Compassion over Killing or World Society for the Protection of Animals to help stop these abuses.

Not taking NO for an answer

I love shoes with glitter, but amazingly, I don't own many glittery shoes! Ever since "The One That Got Away", I've been a bit traumatized, especially about red glitter heels.

But then I opened an email from Neiman Marcus and saw these:



Louboutin platform peep-toes in deep glittery red. Oh My!

They are truly delicious and I am a sucker for a red heel but then... then I saw this:

Deep marine blue glitter. More unusual than red and I've already proven that I adore blue heels. So this... this may be more irresistible than the red.

There was just one problem. While I got the email on Monday about these being a part of the Fall Pre-order (not shipping until at least July!) there were NO MORE blues in my size.

Now these are full priced Louboutins. They sold out on these in 12 hours?

Well, yes they did... because they ONLY ORDERED A SINGLE PAIR in that size! Yes, for the entire US website shoppers (maybe even anywhere NeimanMarcus.com ships, worldwide?) they only had a single pair in 35.5.

Are ya kidding me? Isn't that totally ridiculous?

At this point I was a little incensed so I decided I needed to speak to the buyers about this. After calling around the corporate office I got a hold of the online buyer and she confirmed that, yes, this is typical. No wonder my size sells out so fast! And worse, this shoe was only for online... would not be in stores... so I was probably totally out of luck.

GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I have to have these darn shoes. It's the principle of the thing, right?

Anyway, I have this buyer trying to order me a pair. If she does good I will let you know. If not, I will be very very cranky and I'm sure you'll hear all about it.

Neiman Marcus... will you come through??? And, P.S. start stocking more in the "fringe" sizes. I'm sure there is more than one of us out there!

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!

Eeeewwww!!!

Oh Stella, Stella, Stella

I want so much to like you. I like your whole philosophy and the fact that you haven't sat around on your butt sponging off your famous dad.

And after hearing how you bantered with Kathy Griffin I can't help but love you a little bit.



But seriously. If you keep abusing our relationship in this way, I'm going to think you have no respect for our relationship.

Do you secretly hate me? Or is this cry for help?

What explanation could there be for these???





They're bad my dear, just so terribly bad.

And polyester? Couldn't you get a nice cotton or something? Do they even allow polyester into Italy? Isn't there some kind of quarantine at the border?

Blue for You

UPDATE - If you are interested in getting the Something Blue Manolo Blahniks, they are on pre-sale at the Bergdorfs site for $895 (and fixed on the Neiman Marcus site too - they were previously listed for $945, weird huh?).

I'm not sure what's going on with the pricing changes but I would go for the order asap. And take a screen grab too.



If you don't live in the state of New York, Bergdorfs is the better way to go. There is free shipping and you won't have to pay sales tax.

Just an FYI!


UPDATED AGAIN on 6-28-08 - Now they're both at $945! What the hell is going on here?

Ready to Tango

Even though Style-Spy beat me to the punch with her post on these, I just had to give a huge shout-out to Mnsr. Louboutin for these amazing red satin Passementerie peep-toe pumps.



I mean, Hot Damn! These are expensive, yes, but they are the true meaning of an investment heel. You could wear these forever and you will be assured that no matter what event you go to, you will have the best pair of shoes in the room (unless I'm there, of course).

These could be worn with a ball gown, a cocktail dress or jeans and a blazer. Or if you ever need to jet off for a night of dancing you will be ready to go.

If anyone wants to a.) buy these for me, just let me know. Size 35.5, or b.) get me these and then take me out for dinner and dancing, just send me an email!

: )

Pink Diamonds

I've seen more and more harlequin pattern since this post. And not surprisingly here is another great example from Miu Miu.


I'm not a huge fan of booties, but I just adrore these. And the fact that they heels are all bejeweled makes them even better.



Le Sigh!

An Extra Bonus

If you have any plans to get some new Manolos any time soon, head over to Neiman Marcus.

With a $650 purchase you get a sketchbook filled with Manolo design drawings.

Details:
RECEIVE THIS FREE SKETCH BOOK* WITH ANY $650 MANOLO BLAHNIK PURCHASE.

This book features some of Manolo Blahnik's favorite sketches.

*To receive your gift, the value of your order of regular-price items must total $650 before shipping & tax. One gift per order, per customer, while supplies last. Does not apply to previous purchases, sale items, bridal registry items, or store locations. Cannot be combined with any other discount offer. Offer expires 3/31/08 at 5 PM CT.




Not that you need any added incentive when there are shoes as lovely as these available!

I love that color green! These satin sandals are conveniently priced at $765.

Eeeewwww!!!

This is the kind of shoe that drives me crazy. At first I see it and am all like, "Ohhh, Pretty! Pink! Satin! Crystals! Bows!"

Lovely excess!

Then I look at it for another half a second and realize there are a few too many straps. And is that Velcro???? WTF?!?


It's a full-on Monet!

Damn tricksy Christian Lacroix.

Lacroix Satin Jeweled Pump- $775 at Neiman Marcus

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

Are Marimekko and Manolo a Match Made in Heaven?

So not only will there be a Marimekko/H&M pairing this year...



but it looks like someone else may be trying to get in on the action, whether intentionally or not...



I see the resemblance Mnsr. Manolo. Your Tarkan sandals are quite lively and bright.



Are they an homage? Inquiring minds want to know.

UPDATE: This is an official pairing. There are other styles in the line as well, so check them out!

Not for Shrinking Violets

So, as to be expected, the shoes coming on the scene for the next season are airy and colorful. Vibrant shoes with streamlined styles that let the color take center stage. They aren't overly embellished or precious. And definitely not pastels!

Here's a collage sample of the gorgeousness (Click to enlarge):

Photo Key:

1 & 2. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Rubino - Saks - $740
3. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Saffron - Saks - $740
4 & 5. Dior Suede Slingbacks - Saks - $660
6. Elie Tahari Ashton Patent Ballet Flats in Laguna - Saks - $195 (also in mandarin)

7. Gucci Grease High Heel Platform Sandal - Saks - $595 (Do you think it is named after the movie?)
8. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $148 (other colors available)
9. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Flame Dots - $148 (other colors available)
10. Gucci Swing High Heel Pump - Saks - $575 (also in black)
11. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Blue - Neiman Marcus - $675
12. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Pink - Neiman Marcus - $675

13. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Burnished Yellow - $128 (other patterns available)
14. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Flame Tiles - $128 (other patterns available)
15. JCrew Vachetta Wedges in Dark Poppy - $160 (also in driftwood)
16. Louboutin Foil Rings Slide - Neiman Marcus - $720
17 & 18. Louboutin Trescobaldi Gisa Sandals - Saks - $720

19. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Slingback in Yellow - Neiman Marcus - $585 (also in black)
20. Dolce & Gabbana Suede Pump in Fuchsia - Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus - $550 (also in black)
21. Miu Miu Open- Slingback Pump in Dark Turquoise - Barneys - $395
22 & 23. Jimmy Choo Once Patent Sandals in Pepper - Saks - $595 (also in taupe)
24. Ralph Lauren Satin Sandals with Flower - Saks - $425

25. Prada Camoscio Deco Suede Platform Sandal - Saks - $650
26 & 27. Jimmy Choo Patent Sandals in Fuchsia -Saks - $585 (also in black)
28 & 29. Louboutin Passmule Sandal - Saks - $620 (also in grey)
30. JCrew Cameron Suede Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow - $145 (also in fresh tangerine and black)

31 & 32. Louboutin Joli Noeud 957 Satin Slides in Fuchsia - Saks - $550 (also in black)
33 & 34. Louboutin Comme Ca Gisa Wedges - Saks - $735
35 & 36. Louboutin Noeudette Gisa Sandal in Pink - Saks - $740 (also in black - I think this will be THE hot shoe of the summer.)


So lots of pink with some very sunny yellow. Perfect for chasing away winter doldrums. This is just a small sample - check out the full listing of bright beauties at these stores -

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Premier Designer

Saks Fifth Avenue - Bright Shoes - Designer

Neiman Marcus - Bright & Cheerful Shoes

Eeeewwww!!! Part Deux

So as a follow-up to the horror-show that were the YSL "mold" platforms, I present you with the YSL "blood-bath" bag -



I could maybe give this the benefit of the doubt and say that it would be rather striking against a monochromatic outfit but then again.... Nah!

YSL Raspail bag - $995 at Neiman Marcus

UPDATE: Bagsnob also featured this monstrosity. Check them out too.

Back in Flower

A few days ago I posted about all of the lovely Resort shoes from Miu Miu and Prada and how swoon-worthy they are. But my favorites are the flower heels. And I love the coral version of the Prada Nappa Delave sandal but I was less enamored of the Prada Raso Satin Slide because I didn't like the main shoe part. In spite of it having the more vibrant heel.

But look at these lovelies....



Gorgeous satin peep-toe in the front.



Stunning flower heel in the back.

Spuntate Raso Chic Pump at Neiman Marcus.

Aaaannnd... We're back!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!!!

We were in Chicago hangin' with family so I didn't get to post much. Since we were going to the craziest airport in the US, I fully anticipated delays and lost luggage and general mayhem. We had booked our tickets with this in mind, so we were leaving early Wednesday morning and coming home on Saturday, rather than pushing our luck on Sunday.


Photo source: Geoff Diamond

Leaving our small airport for our direct flight to Chi-town was uneventful. We did have a two hour delay because the flight crew got in late the night before but that ended up working out for the best. To get to our airport is easy so we got some extra sleep and packing time, which was needed. We were checking bags, which I was loathe to do since I always think my bag is going to get lost especially since it was a new suitcase, but when we got to our airport there were no big lines for security.

I love our airport.

On Friday, the husband and I somehow decided it would be a good idea to take the train downtown and go shopping. I love to shop (obviously) and I love that they have stores I don't have in town but shopping on a crazy shopping day, and with another person, is not conducive to an enjoyable shopping experience.

Needless to say, I didn't really buy much. Although I did see some items in person that I had been longing for as well as a few items that I had not seen online. Plus I saw a ton of girls wearing great flat boots and now I want some even more!

First stop was Neiman Marcus (of course) and then Water Tower Place.


Photo source: Fickr - Caribb

At Neiman Marcus we made a quick round through the floors and spent a few moments in the shoe department. I actually didn't see anything I wanted (or didn't already have or have on order) so, while somewhat sad, I did not leave frustrated. I actually was the most tempted in the purse department. They had the YSL Mombasa sequin hobo there and it was just a pretty in person.

But I didn't leave Neimans empty handed. I did get the new Jo Malone perfume - White Jasmine and Mint. We tried a few of them as well, but both of us kept coming back to this one. It's very pretty and not overly sweet or spicy. I'm wearing it today and it smells yummy.



In Water Tower Place (a madhouse!), we went to Sephora and I got a bunch of things I had been holding off on. I got tempted by their new catalog of over-the-top looks. Even though I don't know where I could go wearing this much make-up, I still love it.



I got Benefit's BADgal Lash mascara in BADgal Blue...



... Too Faced's Sparkler Glamour Gloss in Pink Bling (super sparkly)...



... and Too Faced's Kitty Glitter in Pussy Galore (I know!) and more.



When I got home, I realized I have three things of pink glitter, so I guess I need to go around with glitter all over my mouth for the rest of the year.



Smooch!

But the big bargain find of the day was my Nine West clutch. When I saw this back in August, I loved it then, but when I went to go get it, it was no where to be found!

I've been looking around for it ever since then, to no avail.

We went into a Nine West on Michigan Avenue - nothing. Then, in Water Tower Place we were by the Nine West and decided to pop in on the off chance. There was one sitting on a shelf behind the register and I asked if I could take a look at it. It was still cute and so I opened it up to take a look at the inside at the price tag.

Originally this was priced at $120. When I saw it before it was $80. The price tag read $19.99.

Shut up!

So we asked the sales person to verify the price. She gave it a quick scan and said, no, the price was wrong.... it's actually $9.99!

Whoo Hoo!

Anyhow, the next day it was on to home and, even though it wasn't bad weather or overly crazy at lovely O'hare, United still managed to transfer us onto three different planes and make us almost 5 hours late.

Photo source: Flickr disgruntled

Thank goodness that ordeal is over.

If that wasn't exhausting enough, I came home and decided to do the big "Seasonal Switch" - go through all my clothes and shoes, move stuff, purge stuff and reorganize everything.

I have way too much stuff, but at least it's neat.