Imitation = Flattery? SJP Angelica and Maddalena Pumps vs Manolo Blahnik "Something Blue" Hangisi

To say I'm utterly disgusted and disappointed would be putting it mildly.

When I saw that the SJP collection was coming to Bloomingdale's, I thought I would go by and see how the collection, which I've reviewed previously, was expanding.  I figured I would see some pretty yet boring pieces along the lines of the initial styles.  I was not expecting to see something shocking.

But I was absolutely floored to see that SJP had utterly ripped off possibly the most iconic shoe from all of Sex and the City - the Manolo Blahnik "Something Blue" Hangisi pump.

Here is the Angelica from the new SJP Collection at Bloomingdales (The similar 'Maddalena' style is at Nordstrom's and has a pointier toe.) -

And here is the Hangisi. The shoe which is essentially the emotional touchstone of Carrie and Big's resolution in the movie.  The shoe he proposes to her with. The shoe bought for her wedding, abandoned and then worn for the simple ceremony they ultimately had. A shoe created just for this movie by Mr. Blahnik.

In some articles the leveraging of the style is more blatant. Heck in the Bloomingdale's item description, they even include a reference to "something blue". I know the Blahnik team is involved in the SJP Collection, which makes it even more disappointing. Why not use her line as an opportunity to do something new and delightful.  It can't be the price point because these heels are over $500 (ironically, that is what they said the MB's were in the movie. Now they're over $900), not exactly a bargain.

So am I being too harsh? Are they different enough? Or are they leveraging a little too heavily on the SATC/Carrie magic and not creating any magic of their own?

Read more in the Imitation = Flattery series.

Semi Formal Sequins

So I'm attending a wedding in mid-November and feel like I have nothing to wear (of course!) so I'm on the hunt for the perfect dress.

 As this is an early evening, Autumn, semi-formal wedding I don't want to wear short and sleeveless. Plus that's just not my comfort zone anyways. But I want something interesting and in a good color.

 I'm thinking this sequin stripe dress from ASOS may be the perfect dress.

I like the mix of colors and the relaxed shape paired with the shiny sequins.

I'm thinking I'd wear my burgundy patent Via Spiga Refer loafer heels with it.

These are really gorgeous shoes and I think the color will be a perfect match. The good thing is that if it's too cold I can wear burgundy tights for a tonal look. Not sure what clutch I'd wear with it but I'm thinking a black stone one that I have.

 Of course, I'm still shopping around....

Wedding Bell Shoes

I've been speaking with a lovely bride-to-be about what to splurge on for her wedding.

Besides the event items - for us it was good drinks, food and a live band - there are the items for you the bride.

Back when I got married, I had actually never thought I would get married, so I didn't have a ton of ideas or preferences.  I was probably so un-opinionated that I was annoying to my vendors.  The dress I got was okay, I did my own make-up, I should have gone with a different hairstyle.

And I didn't really get very special shoes.

If I were to do it again, or if we were to do a vow renewal, I would have more of a theme to tie the day together, I'd wear a completely different style of dress and I'd probably get a really bright pair of shoes.

I love the idea of a fluffy white dress with a pop of colorful shoes.  The green ones above are great but I love the traditional "blue" shades too.  These beauties are all from BHLDN. 

I also think a pair of glittery heels would be fun too, especially in a great color.  Miu Miu, does the best, of course.

If we had to plan a wedding re-do right now, I'd find a 1950s dress and pair it with my silver Miu Miu pumps and sparkle down the aisle. 

Maybe I do need a vow renewal!

Beholden Unto You

I always love discovering a new place to buy dreamy decadent shoes.  Somehow, probably through an image on Pinterest, I made my way to BHLDN (aka Beholden), a lovely bridal store based in PA, with stores in Chicago and Houston.

 If the pictures I've seen of the stores and of the products are anything to go by, this is a magical lush experience.   If you were not giddy about planning a wedding before, you will be once you see everything they offer.

Their "about" page spells out their philosophy as:

Our roots are with Anthropologie, so a passion for experience and creating one-of-a-kind moments runs deep. But our offering speaks more to the not-so-everyday occasions—ours is a voice that celebrates a woman’s most anticipated milestones. And one that gives tradition a twist.

We want, more than anything, to help a woman create an event that reflects her own unique perspective… to a tee. We want to give a bride that edit she’s been searching for—with heirloom-quality wedding gowns, artisanal hair adornments, footwear, and lingerie. And we want happy bridesmaids—in mix-and-match frocks with rich hues and unexpected details.

But it goes beyond the dress. Our goal, and the reason we drape, fold, bustle, and stitch, is to start a conversation with our customer—to build a resource where she can come to find inspiration and to share with those closest to her, as well as our broader coterie. BHLDN’s story is unfolding; and we’ll look to our customer for cues and guidance going forward.

There are no checkboxes. No fill-in-the-blanks. On the contrary, we think a moment should be as layered and dimensional as the woman standing within it.

How lovely.

While I'm far from my wedding planning days, I am still interested in pretty headpieces, gloves and, of course, beautiful shoes.

And, oh, do they have beautiful shoes.  Most are in shades of cream and white but a large number of them are picking up on the trend of injecting a surprise pop of color with a shoe in blue, green or even gold.

I had to get a few pairs.  They were too pretty to pass up.

The first pair were the Stratosphere Mary Janes from Chie Mihara.  I think they will be adorable with dresses but imagine having glittery stars on your feet as you walked down an aisle or twirled on the dance floor.

I was enraptured by the color of these saffron slingbacks from Something Bleu.  I love satin heels and these seem to glow.  I love the playful yet elegant bow too.  I'm going to pair these up with cobalt and brown and maybe even pink.

And I couldn't pass up these d'Orsay peep-toes made with vintage polka-dot fabric and gem-encrusted bows.  Limited edition pumps from Bettye Muller?  Yes please and thank you.

I'm not planning my wedding (maybe I need a vow renewal!) but wearing these heels is sure to make it feel like a special day.  I may have to go back to find some equally pretty accessories and see what new styles they discover next.

Full Circle

I don't have a huge commentary to add about the gorgeous and glorious wedding.  I'm just a bit sentimental because I remember the "first" wedding.

I'm no royal-watcher or that obsessed with their lives but these two do seem very sweet and in love. I have to admit that I teared up a bit at their secret smiles and side glances. And of course their kisses.

Loved the dress, loved the uniform and, of course, I loved the hats.

Congratulations to Kate and Will both!

Borrow some money, Get something blue

I haven't seen the movie yet and so I can't speak to all the specific details, but even I know what's the deal with this shoe from the SATC movie.

Here's a much prettier way to get a piece of the movie (better than the Eiffel Tower bag if you ask me) if that's your motivation. I'm guessing that this will become an iconic shoe just like the Sedarabys and the Campari Mary Janes.



They are gorgeous, and in one of my favorite colors.



I wouldn't have turned these down as a wedding gift! Although, the hubby's done his share of finding gorgeous blue shoes. So no complaining allowed from me.



The (soon to be iconic, if they aren't already) Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pumps are on pre-order now at Neiman Marcus & Bergdorfs.

Let the races begin!

UPDATE: New Pricing!