Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Lurking Lolita


Lolita has always been a controversial book, yet still a style inspiration (albeit a bit of a creepy one).

Most people are familiar with the movie versions but book covers from over the years and around the world are intriguing as well.  It's interesting to see how different cultures, times and social mores put a lens on the story.





They've collected over 150 covers from 33 countries spanning 54 years

Monday, August 30, 2010

Spontaneous Whimsy - Marc Jacobs on Ideeli

If you have a moment, hop on to Ideeli and nab some of the adorable whimsical designs up for grabs today.  I think these are the best examples of Marc Jacobs shoes - funny, tongue-in-cheek, and fun!  I have the stitched mouse flats myself but you would do well with any of these.




If you need an invite for Ideeli - here you go!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Tapestry Textures - Beyond Skin Trixie pump

Have I mentioned how pretty I think the shoes are from Beyond Skin? They have great shapes and great materials... and are animal friendly!

I personally am smitten by these brown tapestry Trixie pumps.


The bow is sweet. I think these would be pefect for my woodland Fall fantasy wardrobe.

Trixie pump - £151.00 from Beyond Skin

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Summer Skies

As the days grow shorter and the dark comes earlier, I'm excited for Fall but I'm still drawn to bright blues like summer skies. I think it's instinctual. Personally, I hate the heat but I love a bright sunny day that's around 72 degrees. Perfect convertible weather.

These blues just jumped out at me...


Christian Louboutin Simple Pump in Turquoise
$595 at Barneys


Gucci Peep-toe Signature Pump
$250 at DSW


Dolce Vita Apple Pump
$150 at Nordstroms


Mulberry Postman's Lock boots
$695 at Net-a-Porter


Jessica Simpson Evoni Pump
$90 at Nordstroms

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Under Wraps - Pedro Garcia Emelyn Pump

I am so ready for Fall. It's my favorite time of year. I can't wait for tights and tweed and blazers. This year I'm influenced by dark woods and moody fairy tales. My colors will be charcoal, navy, black, creme, olive, white, and dark brown with bursts of red, bronze and burgundy.

These Pedro Garcia "Emelyn" pumps would be perfect. I love the dark colors and the black bows.

I love the raw edges but I really want to know how well these Swarovski crystals glitter under the netting. A muted glitter perfect for the dusky light of Fall.

I am really ready for Summer to be over.

Pedro Garcia Emelyn pumps - $495 at Nordstroms

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A Little Bit of Danger

These are wicked, wicked, wicked... and I love them.

How can you not love that heel?

Or are they a little too Single White Female?



I'm not sure. Maybe they are, but I still luuuuuvvvvvv them!

Christian Louboutin Big Lips 120 grey suede pumps - $755 at Net-a-Porter

Monday, August 23, 2010

Featured Shoe: Stella McCartney Nude Kitten Heel

I'm still on the search for a great nude heel. I'm thinking patent but non-patent is fine too. Here is the latest contender - Stella McCartney's kitten heels.

I think they'll be great for walking and have an asymmetrical cut to the toebox (very similar to my favorite Louboutin Helumt, very feminine).








I was thinking a pump rather than a sling-back but these are pretty good. One to add to the list!

Stella McCartney nude patent kitten heel via Net-a-Porter - $645

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Links à la Mode: August 19th

Before you splurge for Fall, read a blog or two

Edited by: Marie Denee of "The Curvy Fashionista by Marie Denee" The Curvy Fashionista.


Last week, Links à la Mode fashioned a roundup of the latest fashion perspectives and trends for the anticipation of another highly anticipated Fall. With the "September" editions landing on our doorsteps and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week right around the corner, we brace our pocketbooks for the damage it is about to endure. Whether the latest developments in plus size fashion, a Brazilian blowout, or style inspirations, this week's links act as a guide of both inspiration and aspirations to Fall fashion. Before we delve into snatching up the latest "it" items from our secret wish (lust) list, below are a few must reads from the intuitive fashion bloggers who share their insights of what to expect from fashion, head to toe.

Links à la Mode: August 19th

  • All Tumble Down- Focusing on style "best practices"; what we do well instead of what we don't
  • Amanda Lee- 6 Great Ways to Repurpose Your Clothing

  • Beyond Fabric- Tips on size and fit for menswear

  • Chic Steals- Street Style the New Determinate of Cool? The Evolution of the Girl Next Door as Style Icon

  • Dramatis Personae- Style on the Run Guest Post: Fall Lust List

  • Fashion Cents- wants to make sure you don't break any vows. Get 3 tips on what to wear to a wedding this season

  • Fashion Pulse Daily- Dana Lorenz, designer of Fenton Fallon Jewelry, oversees a blogger DIY jewelry session in her Lower East Side Boutique
  • Fete a Fete- Review of Givenchy's new Blooming Fall 2010 makeup collection

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: How Does the Coach Poppy Project Benefit Bloggers?

  • Just B- B Deceived: Handbags in disguise

  • Lovely and Lavish- Fall 2010 RTW: the Worst Accessories!

  • Manda Bear- Sally Hansen Limited Edition Xtreme Wear Nail Polishes - Reviews, Swatches and a Giveaway

  • Mrs. Bossa Does the Do- Autumn's a-comin', and brings with it our perennial love of heritage chic - dig out your sequins and tweed, ladies...

  • RetroChick- 5 ways to update your wardrobe for next to nothing

  • Return to Sender- A fabulous interview with fat acceptance advocate, and author of FAT!So?, Marilyn Wann and her view on "fashion."

  • Shoe Day Dreams- Skin Secrets - maintenance is key over the long-haul.

  • Style Eyes Fashion- Fashion bloggers and consumerism - how fashion bloggers are discouraging consumerism and encouraging sustainable style

  • Style Wax Poetic - 10 to die for shoes All Under $100.

  • The Curvy Fashionista- Plus size indie label, Jibri gives the Curvy.Confident.Chic Fashionistas a tease with her Fall 2010 collection

  • The Coveted- Blown away by the Brazilian Blowout

  • Watch this Place- Dark, but don't let it be dreary... how to wear Autumn's dark colors without looking drab.

Wearing Wings

I'm a bit smitten with the idea of wearing wings on my feet like Hermes.


For casual - Jeremy Scott for Adidas marbled sneakers.




For everything else - Alexander McQueen winged ankle boots

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Featured Shoe: Isabel Toledo Pom Pom flat

I like to get inexpensive flats for keeping in my office or for walking around city streets when know they might get a bit beat up. But I also want them to be classic and cute, because I know I may need to grab them in a hurry and pair them up with a random outfit.

I usually prefer a metallic color or black and these pom pom flats from the Isabel Toledo for Payless collection fit the bill perfectly.







Cute. Simple. Fun. And only $35! Grab them while you can.


UPDATE - Fashion's Night Out Events with Payless.

Payless will be having a big Fashion’s Night Out event in NYC.  You can hop on board one of Payless’ Fashion Rides – free grey line double decker buses – and head to the Lexington Avenue store (between 57th and 58th streets) on Friday, September 10 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm with all four Payless Guest Designers: Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Patricia Field and Isabel Toledo on hand, who will be available for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity

WHERE: Payless ShoeSource, 716 Lexington Ave. at 58th Street

Payless is also selling an exclusive limited-edition Fashion's Night Out Totes for $10 in more than 40 stores throughout the city, while supplies last, beginning Sept. 10 with $5 per tote sold donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.

A limited quantity of totes pre-signed by all four Payless Guest Designers will also be available at the Lexington store only Sept. 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Bubblegum Plastic - Packing Prints


I'm new to the love of Liberty of London, the purveyors of all things printed, floral and lovely.

But they have totally targeted my weakness... luggage. And not just luggage, but small little cases covered with sweet, sweet floral prints.


I have way too many suitcases and mini-travel cases. I really do not need this but, they are very hard to resist!

Liberty of London Print suitcases - £60.00

Monday, August 16, 2010

Links à la Mode: August 12th

Fast Forward to Fall
Edited by: Florrie Clarke of Intrinsically Florrie.

The trends for the coming months were dictated back on the catwalks in February, but now as September draws closer it's time to get our teeth into them and have a good hard think about those all important autumn buys. Particularly seeing as while I type this the weather is strongly urging me towards a winter wardrobe.

This week's links both look to winter and bask in the remaining sun. We look at a fashion interpretation of the current oil spill disaster (intelligent or tasteless?), are inspired by gorgeous fashion illustrations and a chain bag DIY, debate the history of the 'prep' look and think about how all our choices determine our body shape.

Links à la Mode: August 16th

  • a la modest: High-waisted jeans (a.k.a. mom jeans) are back in vogue!

  • Beautifully Invisible: Steven Meisel's Water & Oil: Social Commentary or Tasteless Fashion?

  • Beyond Fabric: On men bags

  • Dramatis Personae: Gilda Su announce Revasseur & Pre-Fall 2011 Lookbook.
  • Embracing Style: How to make your own chain bag!

  • Fete a Fete: Review of Guerlain's new 68 Champs-Elysees fall 2010 makeup collection:

  • For Those About To Shop: Katharine Hamnett is the mother of eco-fashion and believes consumers have the power to change the world

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: Can you Kickstart a New Career With Crowdfunding?

  • Intrinsically Florrie: Dream dress and dream shoes- the fairytale look

  • Kyoto Maiko: You Can't Buy "Prep," But You Can Own It...

  • Miss Jones & Me: Roll into the Wild Woolly West: A focus on Fall transition pieces because the temperature can't drop soon enough!

  • My Closet in Sketches: A hand drawn interpretation of the magic of white jeans (from the Gap men's department, to boot!).

  • Vogue Gone Rogue: tuscan vineyards and teal rompers. A lighthearted outfit post inspired by Tuscan countryside and wine.

  • Rags to Reverie: Sarah Mower's Fashion Illustrations for Vogue China and Vogue Nippon

  • Retro Chick: A very modern vintage manicure

  • Shoe Daydreams: Where do you draw the line with knocks-offs... what about when a blogger favorite retailer is doing it?

  • Shoeper Woman: Why does no one dress up any more?

  • Style Eyes: How to jump right out of a style rut - some ideas on how to look and feel great

  • Stylin' Girl: Kristen McMenamy. Collages & trivia about a timeless fashion icon!

  • The Demoiselles: What would you sacrifice for a more "fashion-friendly" body?

  • The Simply Luxorious Life: A dream of a shopping list for the fall fashions - staples that will enhance any woman's wardrobe.




Skin Secrets

Poochie Close-up 3am, February 2010

I’m a long range planner. I have goals for ten years out. And I was thinking about how my skin would age back in high school. I'm not as OCD as it sounds, I hope. Part of that is because I grew up in Miami, FL but have exceedingly fair and sensitive skin. I had to be careful of it. And because of that and learning from a few things I’ve read, I think I’ve aged pretty well so far. I get a lot of surprised reactions when I say my age.

I’m 38 by the way.

So what have I learned and what regimen do I follow? How you age does have some genetic factors to it, but a lot of it is under your control. Start incorporating these tips now and I think you will go a long way to looking healthy and full of energy.

1. Wash your make-up off every night. No matter what kind of make-up you are using, it’s best to wash it off before you go to sleep. No matter how late I’ve been out or even if I was a bit tipsy, I’ve always washed my face. Mascara, which I love, is especially bad to leave on. It can cause your eyelashes to break and I’m very protective and vain about my lashes.

2. I wash my face with a mild soap, Cetaphil bars, and then tone with Thayer’s Rose Water Witch Hazel. Thayer’s has several versions of witch hazel but this is my favorite. It’s also great to refresh your skin in the morning or other times throughout the day. It’s not drying at all.

3. Always moisturize. I use an eye serum and face lotion or serum morning and night. I’ve never been fussy about the brand. As long as my skin reacted okay with it and it didn’t feel too goopy or smell weird, I used it. Freebies are a good way to test this out.

4. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck, chest and hands. These areas have delicate skin and age as well.

5. Avoid the sun! Yes, use sunscreen too, but frankly just stay out of the sun as much as you can, especially the 10am-3pm time period. Tanning is not your friend. And especially don’t use tanning beds; they are even worse than being outside. Invest in pretty parasols and bronzer. And make sure to get a full body check at your annual check-ups.

6. Drink lots of water. Water, water, water. Tea is good too.

7. Avoid coffee and alcohol. Coffee is very dehydrating. So is alcohol. And soda too. Especially if you are on a plane. Get the water. Skip the pricey drinks.

8. Don’t smoke. Not only can you get lung, throat, lip and tongue cancer, it’s a bitch on your face.

9. Never eat junky fast food like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, BK, Taco Bell, etc. Not only is this food devoid of nutrition, it also suppresses your immune system. Frankly, where your body is concerned: Garbage in, Garbage out. And that garbage is going to land right on your face. There are a ton of quick options out there that are delicious and healthy.

10. Eat vegan or raw. I haven’t been sick in years because I don’t eat meat, dairy, eggs or much processed food at all. But I do feel great, have great skin and never get an upset stomach. Nowadays its an easy switch. Great for you, the animals and the environment.

11. Exercise in moderation. It’s important to exercise but don’t get obsessive about it. There are even studies that show people have increased the amount of sag on their faces because of the high-stress repetitive impact that is generated in exercises like running. Better to walk or swim (although be careful of the drying chlorine!)

12. Don’t make yourself get too thin. Women’s bodies need to have some fat on them to be healthy. You know how celebrities are injecting fat into their face (duck face look). Yeah, that’s because they starve themselves thin their whole lives and then as your skin naturally loses fat their face looks hollow.

13. Don’t do unnecessary plastic surgery. That is all. It never works out. Just my opinion.

14. Use a humidifier if you live in a dry area or have the heater on in the winter. I also like to add essential oils to mine, which is a cool mist humidifier. The room smells great and I breathe easier at night. I even have a travel sized one for my office and hotel rooms and keep a mister in my purse all year round. I take hydration seriously.

15. Take care of your teeth. Nothing is as aging and painful as dental problems. Avoiding coffee and smoking will lesson the amount of staining. Get regular cleanings – maintenance is cheaper than pricey dental work down the road. Floss whenever you can. Use an electric toothbrush so you don’t scrub your gums away. Mine is a $20 model that I had to get after I was told I was, you guessed it, scrubbing my gums away. But I've never had a cavity!

16. Don’t pick at your face. Just back away from the magnifying mirror.

17. If you can, do yoga and meditation. I’ve read that 50% or more of the aches and pains people associate with aging is because they just don’t stretch. Also, sit on the floor at least once a day. The reason many people in the US can’t sit on the floor and then get up is because we all sit on these cushy couches and chairs all the time.

18. Sleep.

19. Try not to stress out. Enjoy the moment.

20. Be happy and fun-loving and your happy, youthful outlook on life will shine through.

There you go! My top 20 tips. What are your tips to looking great and staying healthy?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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 (!!!)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Imitation = Flattery? Miu Miu and ShoesOne

I know, I know. It's probably getting old with these knock-off/rip-off features. I guess, I just can't get over the sheer audacity of some of these companies. Imagine how draining it must be for the actual designers. They toil over inspiration and to be innovative only to have another company come along a short while later and basically copy every answer off of their test.

Case in point: The Miu Miu crystal-embellished swallow mary janes.


I was crying over these. I literally called multiple stores in the US, the UK, Paris and Italy. NOTHING! They were all sold out. I don't think they even got them here in the US, which just kills me. I mean, these were the shoes of the season for me.


In the end, I got the navy kitty mary janes, which I love and have worn a ton. But when I saw these shoes pictured in the images below, I have to admit, I was tempted for a second. I mean, they are really recreating the design and they are selling them on ebay for $55 (on Filthy Magic for $200, yikes!)

I saw them first on Flithy Magic and thought it was just a blatent rip-off. But then I found the same ones on eBay and on that page they are pairing up their product shots with actual Miu Miu runway images and ads.

I think that is crossing the line.

I know how tempting these are. I'm even struggling with it myself but at the end of the day, can I live with giving my $55 to a rip-off artist? And if I knowingly go into that transaction, what does that say about me? If I "really want them" should I just buy them? And what would I answer, everytime someone asks about them. Does any of that matter?

I'm not going to get them and I actually reported the eBay ones for infringement (mostly because of the ads used in the listing) but it's an interesting discussion worth having.

What would you do and why? How would you answer people everytime they ask you if they are "real Miu Mius" ?