a girl and her shoes

christian louboutin glitter prive pumps

christian louboutin

my love affair with stilettos

There are some things in life that just can't be explained... like my life-long obsession with footwear. I love all types of design as long as it is inspired, and generally speaking, I am as impressed (or offended) by the motif on my paper plate at a barbecue as I am a set of Limoges china. But when it comes to footwear, I am a particularly picky princess: I judge a designer by his ability to make wearable shoes (there is physics involved believe it or not), and a girl by her ability to walk on a 5-inch platform... although occasionally a slight teeter is the fault of the shoe and not the neophyte wearing it (when the casualty is me of course).

Personally, I am a fan of pumps, slingbacks, and sandals. I don't really fall for the trends. If it's sky-high, I'll wear it. If it fits my style, I want it. And if it's glitter-dusted, I need it (see Bar Fly & Glitter Bug). Last winter, I nearly died when I first spied Christian Louboutin's magnificent glitter pumps on display at Neiman Marcus. For a girl who collects all things that sparkle, they appeared to be a gift from the Heavens... the baddest sparkle shoes ever made, the ultimate in frivolous flair, a creation of one of my all-time favorite French men... a shoe so perfectly "me" and yet so obviously unattainable for a starving artist. So I started planning and discovered that if I survived on nothing but Cup-o-Noodles for 3 months and eliminated all social activity costs (drinks, cab fare, etc.) I might be able to afford them. Needless to say, my plan did not last long. I got hungry for something besides freeze-dried noodles in broth before becoming a scary skeleton, and I owned up to the fact that I am both a bar fly and a glitter bug and hoped for a miracle.

When I first started printing, I used abstract drawings of my pretty babies to make turpentine prints. These days my art has absolutely nothing to do with sky-high stilettos, but the most decadent designs are still a great source of inspiration... and cover my walls. Here are some of my favorite fall designs of all shapes and sizes... I'd love and wear them all from the YSL Tribute pumps that memorialize a fashion idol to the funky Union Jack booties that are oh-so rock n' roll.

classic = ultimate investment pieces

a fantastic tribute to the great late designer...

yves saint laurent tribute pumps, $660 ysl

so satin chic...

christian louboutin satin platform sandals, $865 net-a-porter

perfect peeptoes...

alexander mcqueen stamped leather pumps, net-a-porter

better than neapolitan ice cream... (fall trend)

giuseppe zanotti multicolored pump, $595 eluxury

embellished = awe-inspiring yet appropriate flair

painterly pumps from dries...

dries van noten printed pump, $652 barneys new york (store)

so very french shoe boots... (fall trend)

christian louboutin c'est moi bootie, $825 net-a-porter

studded stilettos that show you mean business...

giuseppe zanotti mirror embellished ankle boot, $995 net-a-porter

channeling the east...

christian louboutin, $1095 bergdorf goodman/neiman marcus (store)

heart-stopping = irreverent, outstanding, & undeniable luxury

london calling...

alexander mcqueen union jack ankle boots, $1250 net-a-porter

if only i was rihanna... 

pierre hardy shoe, $1320 pierre hardy

fairly fantastic from the vault of ysl... 

yves saint laurent leather folies sandal, $995 ysl

completely breathless...

robert vivier haute couture sandal, robert vivier paris

bringing preppy back

midnight rider...

alice & olivia wool blazer, $400 

and black satin skinny pants, $264

saks.com

city school kids & upper east side charms

The runways (and soon the streets of Manhattan) resemble a prep school fire drill. Tailored blazers, riding  boots, horizontal stripes, and (gasp!) pearls are helping bring classic conservative back in style from New York to London. Edgy dressers fear not... for once, preppy is not synonymous with candy-colored prints that resemble a Nantucket flotation device. This is not your grandma Betty's conservative, and designers don't expect you to wear frumpy shoulder pads or boxy suits. The new look is a freshly modern take on tradition -- sort of Audrey Hepburn meets Balenciaga -- featuring soft, tailored elegance with a touch of attitude (not too unlike the modern woman).

classic cocktail...

nanette lepore black merino wool dress, $230

saks.com

black and tan...

geren ford black cap-sleeve top, $267

marquis & camus collar with cameo, $200

marie claire

highland clans & a coat of arms

While Paris and New York appeared to be inundated with black, London and Milan gave a nod to the Queen with inordinate amounts of tartan, plaid, and check complimented by faux coat-of-arms and jewels becoming of Elizabeth herself... Vivienne Westwood showcased anglomania with red houndstooth minis, floral silks, and brass-buttoned coats... Alexander McQueen embodied the trend with outrageously regal gowns that harkened back to the days of Anne Boleyn, accented with elaborate headpieces and fine borrowed vintage jewels... and Italian designers Domineco Dolce & Stefano Gabbana's fall D&G collection showcased an array of traditional Scottish tartans layered with checks, plaids, and argyle vests...

The result? An endless selection of cross-Atlantic preppy wear that oozes sophistication of days past...

british power prints...

vivienne westwood red label fall rtw 2008

style.com

ode to the queen...

alexander mcqueen fall rtw 2008

style.com

plaid to toe...

d&g dolce & gabbana fall rtw 2008

style.com

a daring pair...

d&g dolce & gabbana navy plaid coat, $1690

rebecca taylor black pants, $275

marie clare

Experiencing sensory overload? No problem. I'll help. Take a cue from Kate Moss and pair a basic black blazer with slick skinny jeans, tall boots, and great accessories like an eye-popping clutch or an oh-so-popular charm bracelet from your favorite fashion house... Combine a slinky shift with black tights and a pair of sweet ankle boots for a night on the town... dress up a pair of leggings (left over from that awful moo-moo tunic trend) with riding boots, a pretty feminine blouse, and an oversized leather bag...

geometric pillow, shades of light 

eliza mcallister silhouette plate, $65 jayson home & garden

pearl and rhinestone studs, topshop

jasper conran teacup, wedgewood

long fabienne high-heel boots, $398 jcrew

calvin klein horizontal stripe dress

hermes printed silk scarf

crest cuff, $74 shoptwigs

gucci lace-up ankle boots

superfine skinny jeans, $260 net-a-porter

chanel charm bracelet, bag borrow or steal

marc by marc jacobs fan bracelet, $98 nordstrom

kate moss for topshop boyfriend blazer, £55.00 topshop

betsey johnson drop earrings, betsey johnson

alexander mcqueen union jack clutch, net-a-porter

ralph lauren alligator clutch

 

stripe military blazer, £30 topshop

d&g dolce & gabbana wonder corduroy jeans, net-a-porter

ralph lauren home "mayfair stripe" fabric

world food programme feed bag, $60 amazon.com

louis vuitton monogram vernis alma, $2080 eluxury

sherburne sofa, $6540 ralph lauren home

hunter wellington boots, jcrew

mcq skinny leg jeans, net-a-porter

vivienne westwood black petite jacket

lela rose ruffle neck blouse

ralph lauren home tweed fabric

silk rose brooch, topshop

carolina amato leather gloves, eluxury

frye "paige" tall riding boots, $348 nordstrom

burberry "brit gold" perfume

Last but not least, industrious artsy types who'd "die" for a Balenciaga crested blazer but can barely afford bread can create their own perfect (and personalized) look by adding one of these fabulous bullion crest appliques to their favorite clothing item... now that's just fabulous!

bullion crests, $9-25

m&j trim

PHEW! I'm exhausted...

plum perfect in 2008

the color purple

Doesn't it look delicious? Almost as enticing as Eve's apple... I've been a bit of a rebel lately myself, evading my blogging responsibilities and instead opting for pedicures on the Georgia coast. Who wouldn't choose a good sugar-scrub by the ocean over hours at the computer? My pampering wasn't entirely in vain, as my polish color inspired me to write about one of the latest fall trends... the color purple.

oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008

michael kors fall rtw 2008

matthew williamson fall rtw 2008

style.com

Plums, eggplants, grapes, and violets turned up all over the fall 2008 runways from Paris to New York... which is good news for all. Rich shades of purple tend to be very forgiving and universal -- that is, they are easily complemented by most neutrals and they do not favor a particular complexion -- making them ideal for blondes and brunettes alike in Oscar de la Renta's fall ready-to-wear collection, which featured shades of royal purple, plum, and deep fushia intermixed with light browns, dark greys, and wine-colored suede boots. American designer Michael Kors opted for feminine shades of violet paired with soft camel-colored sweaters, furs, and accessories and elegant nude pumps. The look exudes soft sophistication and the models looked as cuddly as cashmere teddy bears... but beware! violets and light purples can wash-out certain complexions, particularly in the paler months. Last but not least, quirky British designer Matthew Williamson brought a touch of Indian flair, mixing rich fushias from Mumbai with modern tartans from Edinburgh.

black cherry chutney

louvre me or louvre me not

parlez-vous opi?

And, of course, the trend extends far beyond the realm of slick catwalks accessible only to global fashionistas. Nail polish is an excellent way to find your perfect purple (or to be fashion forward without a huge investment). OPI has added several stellar shades for the fall: Black Cherry Chutney is deliciously a dark black-red that evokes the vivid landscape of the East... Louvre me or louvre me not is a bold purple that screams royal glamour (and would look divine paired with black)... while the smoky-violet Parlez-vous opi? has a sensuous 'come hither' quality that compliments just about any style...

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...

rebecca taylor ruffle sleeve top, $225 net-a-porter

rab labs agate picture frame, $45 vivre

diamond pattern dome paperweight, iomoi

kim seybert "wood bead" placemat, $60 vivre

chanel purple cross bracelet, bag borrow or steal

catherine malandrino deep v-neck sweater dress, net-a-porter

kim seybert "jewel cuff" napkin ring, $115 vivre

lauren merkin sequin "classic clutch," $228 searle nyc

betsey johnson "wells" pump, nordstrom

thomas paul "goldfinch" silk twill pillow, thomas paul

marc by marc jacobs "geo gems" print skirt, $187 net-a-porter

an american designer in beijing

Lots of attention is being paid to American athletes this week... their triumphs, their failures, and their outfits. Legendary American sportswear designer Ralph Lauren was commissioned to create Team USA's look for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and who knew fashion could be so controversial? The preppy patriotic ensembles have received high praise by some and high criticism by others.

Here's a glance at the athletes at the opening ceremony (in case you missed it)...

high praise:

Team USA looked pretty great on TV, and the U.S. Olympic committee appears to be quite satisfied with their dapper threads...

Norm Bellingham, the U.S. Olympic Committee's chief operating officer said, "Ralph Lauren was a 'perfect fit' for us, as, not only do they present a timeless and quintessentially American look, but they also have a great understanding of the importance of this moment in presenting these American ambassadors on a world stage in a manner that is appropriately dignified."

high criticism:

The Polo pony is an offensively large marketing ploy by Lauren during an economic recession...

Jeff Koopersmith, international political consultant, said, "Lauren - a most likely his son David - celebrated not the spirit of athletic competition but themselves and their brand, morphing our athletes into unpaid billboards for the "Polo" pony and rider that has helped bring Laurens great - and well deserved - riches."

triumphant or tragic?

I think the outfits were a triumph. Team USA looked like a force to be reckoned with in their sharp blazers. The Polo pony did not distract me from the spirit of the Olympic Games, Mr. Koopersmith, your negativity did.

beyond bangles

accessories & beyond braided cuff

accessories & beyond

I've already admitted my obsession with accessories, bangles in particular... so it's no surprise that I'm wild about these fun bracelets from Accessories & Beyond. They have a fabulous modern-vintage feel about them... lots of pretty colored leather, shiny metallic, and retro-fabulous charms.

And while I don't like to think of myself as high-maintenance, I'm kinda a prima donna when it comes to beachwear (I might be the only person in the world who'd wear a Pucci mini to a pool party)... the new elastic bangles are perfect for the summer girl on the go -- they're water-resistant so you can look effortlessly stylish while sipping mojitos in the cabana and splashing around in the pool.

Accessories & Beyond opened in 1997, bringing Italian bracelets to the United States and quickly became the ultimate destination for what's hot and new in fashion jewelry. The tradition of excellence from foreign locales continues, as Accessories & Beyond offers works by talented designers from Brazil, Italy, and France.

accessories & beyond elastic ink, $62 

shopbop

horst p. horst, a mainbocher corset, and a material girl

Horst Torso, George Hoyningen-Huene, Paris, 1931

artnet.com

 horst p. horst (1906-1999)

Horst Paul Albert Bohrmann is probably the most famous Vogue photographer of all time. Born in Germany, Horst had an early eye for avante-garde art which blossomed further when he met Baltic nobleman, established Vogue photographer, and future lover George Hoyningen-Heune (credited with the gorgeous portrait above). Horst partnered with Vogue in 1931 and became an instant success, photographing portraits of celebrities and winning the favor of famed French designer Coco Chanel. His legal name was changed to Horst P. Horst when he was granted American citizenship in 1943. He continued to contribute to Vogue and House & Garden until his death. His iconic photographs continue to inspire artists and designers alike.

madonna & the mainbocher corset

One of Horst's most famous images is The Mainbocher Corset photographed in the Paris Vogue studio in 1939. The photograph features the intricate work of American couture designer Mainbocher (1891-1976) whose haute couture gowns were favored by Wallis Simpson, Dutchess of Windsor and Gloria Vanderbilt. The photographer's fame and prestige reached its pinnacle when pop-diva Madonna recreated the enchanting and erotic image in her video homage to fashion, "Vogue" (1990). When you're loved by Madge, you're loved by all...

The Mainbocher Corset, Paris, 1939

horst p. horst

still shot from madonna's famous "vogue" music video (4:25/4:52)

link to music video

selected inspirations...

Fur, pearls and diamonds, 1940

horst p. horst

Jean Patchett in long fur cape

horst p. horst

Gene Tierney, 1940

horst p. horst

Ginger Rogers, 1936

horst p. horst

dame viv, i love you

dame commander of england, queen of draping.

I am an absolute fool for Sex in the City.  Don't even try to play the trivia game with me, because I could hold my own in a room full of Stanford Blatch's and Anthony Marentino's.  I made my first movie theatre debut since Tom Cruise's War of the Worlds just to see Carrie Bradshaw throw her hands together and squeal with delight... and, of course that glorious Vivienne Westwood gown...

It was bigger and better than I could've imagined -- let's just say Carrie Bradshaw wasn't the only one who "eeked!" when that dress arrived in her mailbox.  My greatest objections to modern fashion are that so many designers don't know how to drape fabric worth a darn, or they are creators of "concept clothes" that are innovative in design but do little to flatter anything more than a coat hanger.  Westwood is neither.  She worked as a seamstress for ten years before designing, and her clothes are all about playing with femininity.  

Westwood gained first recognition in the 1970's when Malcom McLaren, future manager of The Sex Pistols, opened Let It Rock (later called SEX) on King's Road selling records, Teddy Boy clothes, bondage gear, and Westwood's original and outlandish designs.  She is said to have given punk rock its visual style.

image courtesy of V&A museum

Following the success of SEX, Westwood began designing lines of clothing inspired by music, film, and history.  Her most famous designs--the Mini Crini, bustle skirts, and 12-inch platform shoes--are derived from the designer's understanding of fashion history, particularly during the Victorian age.  Her designs are both playful and elegant, always sexy and never ordinary.  It's no wonder Carrie Bradshaw loves them so!  Here's a little peek at Carrie's best moments in Vivienne Westwood.

Her first day of work at Vogue: "I'm drunk... at Vogue."

Hesitantly announcing the Aiden engagement to Samantha over drinks.  

Running into Berger's friends at BED after receiving "the post-it"

Being upstaged by Mr. Winkles the dog at her L.A. book signing

images from hbo.com

The best part?  The quirky designer known for donning horns and  blue eye-liner in lieu of eyebrows (and, oh, forgetting to wear her knickers in front of the Queen) apparently only survived the first 10 minutes of the film's opening, and allegedly found the fashion "dull."  Oh, viv... if you keep creating masterpieces I guess I'll forgive you.