Spring in my Step

While I'm very excited and pining for the Prada and Miu Miu spring shoes, I'm a bit smitten by the playful polka-dots of their Resort sandals. The whole collection is great.  I'd love to have matching shorts and color coded neck puff as well.

The blue heels are available at Bergdorf Goodman for $495

The red heels are available at Saks for $495

Net-a-Porter has a nice selection from this collection as well - from scarves to skirts

Le Sigh - Stella McCartney Spring Anemone Dress

I don't often sigh over a dres, but I so wish I had this Stella McCartney dress in my closet.

It's unique with an Old Master feel to the print.  A simple shift but so stunning. I guess I'll just has to visit it in my dreams.

Stella McCartney Anemone-Print Silk Dress - $1595 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Imitation = Flattery?

While I was on Twitter today I received an update from Lucky (@LuckyMagazine) talking about their online store and how the items were "curated by their editors". So I thought I would take a peek at what they had out there.

I opened the site and saw this and was immediately shocked. Why? See that sparkly bejeweled sandal...



Here's a closer look...




Yes, it is a total knock-off (rip-off!) by BCBG of the Miu Miu Capretto sandal from the Resort 2007/2008 line. I even wrote about them... and ordered them (but I ended up returning them. Sad face.)

I know these are a few seasons back and the price difference is significant but I'm surprised that a major fashion publication is knowingly promoting these shoes that are obvious and less well executed lifts from Miu Miu's designs. Is it possible that they didn't notice it? Or did Dillards (where these sandals are being sold) just buy space on the Lucky site and this over-rode the whole authenticity of the "curated" statement.

Which would be worse to you - lying, ignorance, theft? I'd love your thoughts.

Not Fair

I was going to say: If life were fair, I would have these, but that sounds awfully selfish.

Instead, I'll say: I want these. Give them to me NOW!

This is why I love Resort shoes. Yes, that is the most delicate lilace suede.

Le Sigh!



And these, like a cascade of frangipani blossoms dancing around your feet. They have them in black too, but how could you resist the pink?




Mnsr. Louboutin, I applaud you.

Both at Bergdorf Goodman.

Lavender Suede Platform Slingbacks here

Petal Sandals here

Paillettes Please

While the styles that come out for the Fall collections are usually my favorites, I have a special fondness for Resort. And continuing with my love of the great work coming out of Prada & Miu Miu, I have to say some of their Resort pieces are just stunning.

No doubt much of this adoration is due to the materials they are using to such great effect... especially paillettes.

Now I know paillettes are just sequins by a fancier name, but I'm still a sucker. Not that I'm not entranced when they're called plain old sequins. I guess there is a bit of the magpie in me (right now I am currently trying to resist sequined Chuck Taylors and a sequined hoodie... Must. Hold. Out.)

I love these peep-toe heels from Prada. A lot.



The shape is amazing, especially the heel and the color, a warm bronze-y degradé taupe would glow.



I love that the size of the paillettes change from the larger ones on the body of the shoe to the petite ones on the heel. And the overlapping discs look almost like snakeskin.




Green and charcoal together is a great combination and they look amazing on this clutch, also from Prada. Its a good size so, not only could you wear it for evening but I think it would be an unexpected element during the day. That might be hard to pull off but I like to wear my fancy stuff all the time and not just wait for going out or a "special occasion"



But right now I am totally smitten with these platform peep-toes from Miu Miu. I mean look at them, they're a-dor-a-ble! I love them! The colors are amazing. I saw another version of these from the collection and the variation in the size of the sequins is done so well, so artistically. They are just very smart and special.

I have to own up to being a bit "sold" by the feeling conjured by the word "paillettes". Of course the material is magical with their shiny candy colors. The style of the shoes and bag are not that unique but I've always liked a classic shape done in unique ways.

Eeeewwww!!!

I can understand that sometimes it is hard for designers to continually keep coming up with ideas, especially with the need for multiple collections throughout the year and increasing competitive pressure.

Resort collections, while an opportunity to break out and have fun with bright colors and playful designs can be a challenge. It's hard to go from just launching a Fall/Winter collection and not yet in the next year's Spring/Summer pieces.

And while I love Resort, I would much rather do without a shoe that looks like it is a hold over from the previous year that got left out in the wet and got all moldy!



Ombre on the main body of the shoe or on fabric can be spectacular. when done on a chunky cork wedge, it just looks like some sort of water seepage or bad dye job problem.



The resemblance is uncanny!



Worse yet, it can look like a full on mold-ridden bio hazard!



Eeeewww!



Grab the bleach!

P.S. If you like these, they are the Yves Saint Laurent Getty Patent T-strap Sandal at Saks - $690!

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.

It's beginning to look a lot like... Springtime

Miu Miu and Prada are already tempting me with their Resort heels and sandals. There are a number of gorgeous strappy and delicately shaded numbers there, but these are a few of my favorites. I think more than any other designer, I am most impressed with the shoes from these lines. They are helping to push the boundaries of silhouettes and embellishments unlike any other designer. Just as Louboutioun "found" a new way to draw the eye, so too is Miuccia Prada.

And the Resort shoes are just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come.


Miu Miu Capretto T-strap Sandal


Miu Miu Raso Shine Open-toe Slide


Miu Miu Raso Shine Ballet Flat - 3 colors


Prada Nappa Delave Flower Sandal - 2 colors


Prada Raso Satin Slide

It's such a dilemma too. Do you grab some of these (alas, I was already too late on the Miu Miu Raso Slides) or do you hold out for even more amazing pieces?

Congratulations are in Order!

Mnsr. Manolo is a genius, as we all know and worth of much admiration and accolades for the beautiful shoes he creates. I love them because they fit me like a dream due to their amazing architecture and are simply stunning. Here are a few of my personal favorites (some already in the collection and some soon to be joining it)

Satin Camouflage Sedaraby:



Resort '07 Oro Sequin Pump:



The Urban Myth Black Patent Mary Janes:



Now Mnsr. Manolo has been given a new honor (per Vogue):



He has been worshipped by the glitterati for his unashamedly beautiful designs for years and now Manolo Blahnik has received the ultimate accolade: being made an honorary CBE, or Commander of the British Empire.

The Spanish-born, London-based shoe designer has received the award "in recognition of his status as one of the most successful and influential designers of our time".

Culture Secretary James Purnell, who presented the honour, commented: "Manolo Blahnik is one of only a handful of designers whose name is synonymous with their product. His avant garde designs mixed with timeless classics ensure that women all over the world are desperate to get their hands on a pair of Manolos. By basing his business in London, Mr Blahnik has played a huge part in enhancing the reputation of the capital as a leading fashion industry centre."

And Manolo himself couldn't be more thrilled with his new title. "It is the greatest privilege to have been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to receive such an honour for my small contribution to the fashion industry in Britain," the modest designer said. "I'll always be proud and grateful for it."

Love him! In honor of this momentous occasion, I'm wearing a stunning pair of his creation - see the Ensemble du Jour for a peak!

Black and White

I have previously expressed my love for contrasting heels, especially for one of my favorite shoe buys this year - my YSL Tribute slingbacks. They are so elegant but with a touch of the unexpected in the white heel element.



And they aren't trashy looking like the more popular platform ankle-strap version below. Ugh! It's amazing what a few details can make.



Now I have a new love that I want to make room for in my wardrobe of black and white heels - these lovely white pumps with black heels by Gucci from their resort collection (Loving Resort this year!)



I know white shoes can be challenging, but Gawd, I love them!