Designer Focus - Michelle Chang Jewelry

 I was very excited to see one of my favorite Etsy shops featured on Fab.com the other day.

I've been a fan of Michelle Chang's jewelry for a while now and had been planning on making a purchase but this gave me added incentive.  There were a few pieces on Fab that I had not seen in her store so I made sure to add them to my cart right away.

What I love about her pieces are the delicate details combined with the soft finishes.  Each piece has a warmth and humor that is so engaging.  

The piece that first got me interested in her work was this whimsical (you know I can't resist that!) snake ring.  As a fan of snakes (they're much maligned and misunderstood), I was instantly smitten with his playful expression.

This ring also has a lovely brass version holding an amethyst.

I actually purchased the silver snake ring directly from Michelle's Etsy store but I did nab two pieces via Fab. First was the fox necklace in sterling with diamond eyes.  She has this without stones, as a ring and earrings as well.

Two snakes are better than one, right?  I also nabbed the brass "holding is tail" (very ouroboros, no?) snake with ruby eyes.

Working with Michelle through Etsy has been a pleasure so far.  I love that she'll adjust sizes and stones to suit your preferences.  I've had nothing but great experiences with the artists on Etsy and I can't wait to wear my new pieces.

Ladylike and Luxe - Manolo Blahnik Bipunta cap-toe pump

Seriously drooling over here. Scheming about how can I get my hands on all three.

 Manolo Blahnik Bipunta - $645 at Barney's.

Sleek, Sassy and Schoolgirl for Fall

My Fall 2012 Inspiration/To Buy board is filling up rapidly.

It's shaping up to be filled with witty embellishments, sassy patterns and fabrics, whimsical materials and a definite schoolgirl vibe.

I've already got the perfect loafer to pair with tights and skirts.

The YSL black and gold plated loafers are going to add that bit of edge to so many of my fall outfits.

Now... on to everything else on my list....

Le Sigh - Christian Louboutin Unbout Illusion Pump in Neon Yellow

I hate when there is a "one that got away"...

I'm very sad I didn't get a pair of these Christian Louboutin Un Bout (or Unbout) Pump, especially in the neon yellow.

*sad face*

Picking Polka-Dots - Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama Collection

The fashion world is buzzing over the collaboration between Louis Vuitton & artist Yayoi Kusama.

And rightly so.

Yayoi's use of organic shapes and rigid dots are infusing the often times staid LV pieces with a playful spirit.  I appreciate that LV has allowed it's branding to take a bit of a backseat and is only represented with LV-initial brocade fabric and signature shapes.

It's a great pairing because there is just the right amount of fission between the two.

I love nearly every piece in the extensive collection - which includes clothes, outerwear, collars, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses and handbags - there is one huge thing that jumps out at me the most.

This whole collection is a knock-off dream.

These pieces are simple and classic, differentiated only by the association with Yayoi and subtle LV materials.  

I fully anticipate seeing a HUGE number of look-a-likes come out in the next few months.  From bow adorned heels to dotty-fabric sandals.

I hope that will not be the case.  Yayoi is a remarkable artist who deserves to be respected for her career, not have her work, even that used in a collaboration, stolen for a quick profit.

Kate Spade is Killing It

What a lovely way to start a Monday!

I was flitting through Pinterest when these lovely rose gold glitter loafers from Kate Spade jumped out at me.

I'm loving this Cora loafer in all three colors, but especially the rose gold and gold...

I already have 3 sequined ballet flats in these exact same colors, would it be bad to get the glitter versions as well?

Kate Spade Cora loafers - $225

Ensemble du Jour - 7-19-12

Yeah! I took an outfit shot.

 Boo! I had to over-expose the crap out if it so you can actually see it. I swear, my house is a cave.

This is a simple v-neck jersey dress from Target from a year or two ago.  It's very flowy and comfortable and good for summer.  I love the length and the way it swirls around when I walk.  But the neckline goes a bit low for work.

So I just did a small mod with a vintage scarf.  Tied in a knot and worn necklace style around the neckline it breaks up the black and provides just enough coverage.

I was in a pink mood so I paired this with my BCBG Max Azria Caldrea mary janes.

This vintage scarf is a great size and the pattern is a fun asian garden motif.

And that's my tip of the day!

Pre-Fall Passionate - with JCrew

Earlier in the year, I was excited to read that Manolo Blahnik was pairing with JCrew to do the shoes for Fall 2012.  Two of my favorite brands!

While that pairing has fallen by the wayside, the shoes arriving now for Pre-Fall, are working to fulfill against the pretty heels shown at their Fall presentation.  There are a number of polished pumps and interestingly patterned t-straps. I'd love to add a whole slew of them to my shopping cart!

And I'm still hopeful that many of the shoes I most coveted will actually be made because they are accessorizing the wonderful ensembles available for pre-order in the Lookbook.

Not only do a want the shoes, but I have to admit, I'm in serious swoon for almost everything featured.  

These are my favorites:

I love the tweed from head-to-toe look here -

The spectator tasseled heel above is great but I also love the loafer!

I'm ready to dive right in but am biding my time.  What do they have in store for the full Fall collection?!?

Historic Perspective

One of my favorite parts of visiting the Met Museum, is to look at the portraits as well as the examples of historical apparel. However, even the museum can't keep everything out on display all the time and we can't go to the museum every day, sadly.

Lucky for us they have shared their pieces on line, and subject matter expert Manolo the ShoeBlogger, has created a lovely Pinterest board dedicated to shoes from throughout history sourced from all over the web.

And it's filled with surprising gems like these metallic thigh-hi can-can (or red light district???) boots from the turn of the century!

Make sure to view these historic gems and see if you can spot how the past is influencing the present.