Eye Candy: Dior Glam Ankle Boots

Sexy. Lace up. Patent leather. Ow! The Dior Glam Ankle Boots is itself defined...glam-er-ous! Features inlcude an open toe with a 4 3/4" covered heel with a 1" platform. I try to curb my desire for sweets, but the rich ruby hue of them are delicious eye candy and I can't help but want to indulge.





Dior Glam Ankle Boots $790.00 / Saks Fifth Avenue

Comment and let us know what you think of the Dior Glam Ankle Boots.

Gadget Glam: Gareth Pugh for InCase iPhone/iPod Touch Shell & Gareth Pugh for InCase Laptop Sleeve

The BFF and I had this very conversation last night. It's nearly impossible to find fashionable rolling laptop bags. They just don't exist. They're all super masculine and come in - you guessed it- either black or brown. Pardon me while I take a snooze.

I'm a girl that likes stuff, okay, a girl that likes a lot stuff. I'm a moderate tech head so why wouldn't I want my laptop to have a girly sleeve or my iTouch to have a fancy shmancy case. The good news is that we're now in luck, sort of (I'll get to that in a minute). InCase has joined forces with British fashion designer Gareth Pugh, Paris boutique Coletteand and edgy fashion biannual AnOther Magazine.

The collection includes a limited edition laptop sleeve and iPhone case with an abstract, geometric motif. Both items can be ordered online through AnOther Magazine's site, and will also soon be available for purchase stateside at Opening Ceremony in New York and LA. Let me warn you...they're expensive, but I they are pretty stylish.

Both items will be available in October, but you can pre-order now.



Gareth Pugh for InCase iPhone/iTouch Shell $77.00 / AnOther



Gareth Pugh for InCase Laptop Sleeve $110.00 / AnOther

The Copycats: Giuseppe Zanotti Banded Buckle Sandals & Guess Designa Sandals

Is you're one of those girls that just has to have the "real" thing, then go right ahead. I won't stop you or debate you. Grab the Giuseppe Zanotti Banded Buckle Sandals. They're suede and feature studs, rings and three side buckles. The 4 1/4" brushed stilettos have a zip closure behind heel.



Giuseppe Zanotti Banded Buckle Sandals $898.00 / Shopbop

However, before you pull out that card, look at what we have here. The Guess Designa Sandals where featured a few weeks ago. Now this is what I mean by design-inspired. I' not mad at this look at all.



Guess Designa Sandals $110.00 / Guess

Eeny, meeny, miny mo...which would you choose?

On Park Avenue: Alloy Park Avenue Boots

I'm always on the look out for a recession friendly pair of shoes. That task alone is harder than you think. With the economy the way it is, its nothing for designers to still throw out $900 and upward shoes. I found these Park Avenue Boots while over at Alloy. The buckle around the ankle of the boot reminds me so much of the Christian Louboutin Babel Boot with the Buckle but those boots are so nice that the comparison stops there. On the flip side these Park Avenue Boots are a great grab for the price.

The Park Avenue Boot has a side inside zipper with a 4 1/2" patent heel and a 1" platform. You can purchase the Park Avenue Boot in brown or black distressed man made leather.





Alloy Park Avenue Boots $49.90 / Alloy

8 Ways To Be Eco-Friendly Chic

With the whole going green movement, it's become cool to be environmentally conscious. Not that it hasn't always been a good thing, but over the last few years, buying hybrids over gas guzzlers has become the thing to do. Recycling and conserving have become a part of pretty much everyone's vocabulary. There are several designers, like Stella McCartney, Beyond Skin and Matt & Nat who always come to mind when I think about eco-friendly collections.

There are countless ways to help save the environment and look great while doing it. I've rounded up a few that were standouts for me.

The extra-extra bag is made from reclaimed newspaper and is laminated for durability. Available in one-of-a-kind newsprint, it has 13" drop length vinyl shoulder straps.



News City Tote $56.00 / EcoXoXo.com

The Safety Net Square is made from re-purposed construction site netting.



Safety Net Square $62.00 / EcoXoXo.com

Made of reclaimed tootsie pop wrappers with the exterior Captain Tootsie Comics. It also features a detachable reclaimed leather wrist strap and has a zip closure.



Captain Tootsie Roll $45.00 / EcoXoXo.com

The Matt & Nat Zed Satchel is made from 100% recycled materials, including 23 recycled bottles, with 100% recycled khaki faux suede lining. It features 2 compartments with top zipper closure and two hand held straps. Interior includes zip pocket, cell phone and PDA pockets. It also comes with detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.



Matt & Nat Zed Satchel $235.00 / Matt & Nat

This is a beautifully handmade 4" vegan shoe.



Beyond Skin Opal Pumps $205.00 / Beyond Skin


The Japanese-designed jeans are made of 98% organic cotton (2% spandex).



Good Society Slim Leg Jeans $106.00 / Greenloop

The extra long Nixxi Leggins are primarily made of bamboo but included organic cotton and spandex.



Nixxi Leggings $58.00 / Greenloop

The sweetheart neckline Popomomo Charcoal Denim 'Date with Ned' Dress is made of 55% hemp and 45% recycled polyester denim.



Popomomo Charcoal Denim 'Date with Ned' Dress $141.00 / Greenloop


Check out these sites for eco-friendly fashion

Alternative Apparel
Edun Online
Nation Ltd.
Vickery
Ananas Collection

Window Shopper: Jessica Simpson Boots

I started out on the good foot this morning...pun intended. After listening to my sisters and all their rave about TJ Maxx and all they found and the deals they caught I decided to slide on thru. Now I cant begin to describe to you my dislike of places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. But it never fails that when I see someone with some really cute sweater or jeans they can always say one of the two. So I head on over to the Maxx and made a bee line for the shoe department. I left out with more than I went in for lets just say that.

My first pair of shoes were these Jessica Simpson Boots. Forgive me for not knowing the name, but honey, they are to die for. They have about a 4.5" heel with my fav almond toe and the other great part is the sole tread. I live for a tread soled boot with a lovely heel. I live for them so much I purchased these babies in both the tan AND black. The tan boot is suede material and the black boot comes in a leather material. They both are a pull on boot with an elastic detail on both sides. My suggestion is to visit your local TJ Maxx to see what kind of deals you can snatch up...go on...what are you waiting for?









Jessica Simpson Boots / $110 (reg.) $66 (sale) TJ Maxx

Fashion Bits: Sonia Rykiel To Design Lingerie For H&M

Just in time for the holidays! Get ready to snuggle up by the fireplace or slip under the covers in new lingerie this season. H&M is picking up the pace of its designer collaborations. Yesterday, French designer Sonia Rykiel announced that she would create a lingerie collection for the holidays. Based on her lavish, dramatic collections, this is definitely something to be excited about ladies!



About the Designer

In May 1968, Sonia Rykiel founded her label and opened her first boutique on the Rue de Grenelle, on the Left Bank in Paris. She had been dreaming up knitwear for the boutique LAURA since 1962, and in unraveling her own desires she would transform the pullover sweater into her signature.

Anointed the fashion world's "Queen of knitwear" by Women’s Wear Daily in 1970, she invented in quick succession inside-out stitching, no-hem, and "unlined" pieces that reflected a brand new philosophy: la démode, or "un-fashion". By abolishing total-look diktats in favor of a wardrobe adapted to a woman’s individual personality, she created a unique style that is recognized the world over, whose key words are black, stripes, lace, strass (rhinestones) and sweaters with written messages.

Sonia Rykiel nourishes her fashions with her other passions. She is also an author, artist, actress and gastronome.

I Want That: Ananas Collection Mila Bag

In my search for eco-friendly designs I uncovered the Ananas Collection Mila Bag . Can I side track for a minute so we may talk about the whole environmentally conscious, healthy eating thing? Why does healthy food cost so much? Why are we forced to pay more for just about everything that is recycled? Why does going mean spending more green? These are questions I ask myself every time I'm deciding between organic and regular stuff. But I digress.

Ananas Collection is complete with lots of earth-friendly pieces. In this case, the Ananas Collection Mila Bag was handmade in New York so I guess I can't completely gripe about the cost - I guess. The hardware is made of natural wood and the leather is as smooth as butter - and not the generic stuff either. We're talking room temperature "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" smooth.



Ananas Collection Mila Bag $550.00 / Ananas Collection

Comment and let us know what you think of the bag.

Shoe Repair 101: Tap That

I wore a pair of my favorite black pumps the other day to work for probably the 50th time. I lump them with my faves because they're super comfortable, the heel only measures 3" and I can pretty much run in them if I wanted to. *thinking* Who'd actually want to run in heels, but you get the idea. So, last night I noticed the taps on the heels were almost completely worn away. Now, I know it wouldn't hurt to shed a few pounds (the holidays are approaching after all) so that may have something to do with it. However, should they have worn down so quickly? It's not like I wear them everyday. I haven't been tap dancing in them or anything. It's not like I've been dragged out of some club for rowdiness. Does anyone else have this issue? I'll probably take them to a shoe repair place over the weekend because I refuse to let them go. Not because I spent a fortune on them, but because I like them and I'm not ready to let go just yet.

These are not, I repeat, are not my shoes. I snagged this picture from the net for dramatic affect. I pity the woman they belong to because she's got to walk with some horrid limp, pressing all weight on her left foot and basically dragging the right boot behind. I can't help but picture Eddie Munster. How dreadful!



Comment and let us know what you do to keep your favorite shoes intact.

Internet Action: Roberto Cavalli Online Store

Finally, you will be able to get the dramatic and timeless pieces from the legendary Italian designer Roberto Cavalli via the internet. I know, you are probably saying, "we already can", but starting at the end of November you will be able to go to the source at RobertoCavalli.com. With the launch of his online store, you will be able to shop from his Fall 2009 collection. You will be able to shop for men's and women's wear, watches, eyewear, underwear and even items for your pets.

Now you will be able to get these flattering pieces faster than you would if you waited for your favorite department store to get their shipment. Or, you will get items that your favorite store may not carry. This is going to be great.

Also, to welcome you to Roberto Cavalli's online store, the first 500 clients will receive a Cavalli designed bag in the house's signature print. If that doesn't make you want to shop, then I don't know what will.

Check these and other pieces from the rocker chic inspired Roberto Cavalli Fall 2009 Collection.

Zig Zag Zoom: Charlotte Olympia Ziggy Leather Ankle Boots

The Charlotte Olympia Ziggy Leather Ankle Boots are for women who exude confidence. I say that because you have to be super confident to walk in the soaring heels. The black leather ankle boots have a ridged patent heel that measures 5 1/2" with a 1" gold-tone floating platform. They have a suede leather upper, a tassel zip-fastening back, red-trimmed sole and signature gold-tone spider-web stamp underneath.





Charlotte Olympia Ziggy Leather Ankle Boots $995.00 / Net-A-Porter

Number Please: Donna Karan 894936 Women's Sandal

The love affair that I have for Donna Karan is serious when it comes to fashion. She made black my color of choice. If I had to blame someone for my abyss of a closet, it would be Donna Karan. I love, love, her style. Which is casual but very modern and edgy. Check out Donna Karan 894936 Women's Sandal and you will see why.

You'll enjoy the Donna Karan 894936 Women's Sandal's sleek design. Features include, croc print, triangle cutouts and the zipper in the center. Also, a side buckle on the ankle strap with studs on the 1 1/4" platform and a 4 3/4" croc print heel. And available in black, claret and my personal favorite charcoal.

Let me know what you think of Donna Karan 894936 Women's Sandal.





Donna Karan 894936 Women's Sandal $589.95/ Endless

Candy Apple Red: Juicy Couture Samantha Pump

Ok so I told you I started out on the good foot today at TJ Maxx. I also did my spontaneous splurge of the day on these gorgeous candy apple red Juicy Couture Samantha Pumps. My eyes were fixated on this bright red pump with the round toe. I was kind of taken back by the Samantha Pump's chunky heel, but I have to step outside the stiletto box sometime, besides these shoes are for the office so it makes it okay in my opinion. I love the bright red of the Samantha Pump the heel measures in at about 4" and it has a lovely gold sole with the Juicy Couture logo on the bottom. As you can see these are pictures directly from my blackberry so the quality may not be as good. And I couldn't take as many pics as I wanted because people start to think you up to funny business when you snapping pics of shoes. Maybe you are sending them to your local booster so they know which ones to pick up for you when they get there...*giggle* I'm just saying!? Do you like my new shoes? Let me know. I'm on a winter wardrobe mission so there will definitely be more to come.




Juicy Couture Samantha Pump / $282(reg.) $159 (sale)
TJ Maxx

Bag Lady: Guess by Marciano Joni Dome Satchel

I've been eyeing this bag for a few days now. Actually, I've been scouring the net, specifically checking out Endless and Amazon in hopes of finding it a little less expensive. Believe me, it works. I got the Jessica Simpson Mixed Media Tote for $89.00 with free shipping via Amazon.

I would get a lot of use out of the Guess by Marciano Joni Dome Satchel. It's faux python with a hint of shine is the trendy side of glam. I think it was designed especially for me. It's dual handles, gold-tone hardware and rounded shape are for the perfect blend of modern and vintage. It also comes with a protective storage bag which is a nice bonus. For now, I'm going to resist the urge to buy it...well, at least for another few weeks. As it's brand new, it may take other vendors a few weeks to get it. Until then, I'll visit the Guess by Marciano Joni Dome Satchel daily by way of the web.





Guess by Marciano Joni Dome Satchel $185.00 / Marciano

Design In Mind: Win $1000 In Lesa Wallace's Design Your Own Bag Contest

How many times have you seen a bag and thought, "If only the strap...", "I'd buy if if it were in...". Lesa Wallace is giving you a chance to design your ideal bag, win $1000 and have your design featured in the upcoming Lesa Wallace Handbag Collection if chosen. How sweet is that!



Enter the Contest

I Am A New Fan: Devi Kroell Fantomas Boots

Ladies, I am getting ready to cheat on my favorite designers with someone else. I know, it's not right, but if I have a need for something new. I have a want for excitement. If I see something that I want, then I must go for it. I recently fell in love with these Devi Kroell Fantomas Boots and I think it is worth it. The shaft is made of calf leather and remainder is python. It has a 6" platform heel. OMG. It is young, flirty and very modern. I can have more than one designer in my bed of shoes, can't I? I think Devi Kroell is the one.

Tell me what you think.



Devi Kroell Fantomas Boots $1,890 / Devi Kroell

It's Not The Abyss: Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010 RTW Collection

As you all know, I live for the color black. Everything in my closet is black. Or as my friend affectionately calls my closet, "the abyss." I did vow to branch out and take a look at the color wheel. I have found a compromise and it is neutral. I have to give thanks to the Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010 RTW Collection that showed during London's Fashion Week.

This collection is something I can live with. Burberry showed us monochromatic color from head to toe. They gave us texture by the way of draping, using tulle; and the looks of folding and twisting of fabrics. It looks like that literally draped the fabric on each model and sent them down the runway. I truly love it.





They draped everything from their dresses, shirts, skirts and even their coats. The detailing on the shoulders were amazing. The color palette ranged from neutral to pastels and even metallic. It definitely made me look at Burberry Prorsum differently. I think this collection is fresh, new and with this collection, they may have targeted a younger audience.











Check out these and other pieces from the Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010 Collection and let me know what you think. You know, my closet will no longer be called the abyss. Thanks Burberry!

Runway Ready: Victoria's Secret Announces Fashion Show Model Search

Aspiring models, are you ready for the runway? Now's your chance to show everyone that you've got what it takes. Earn a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the runway during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS.

Open Call Dates
New York - October 3
Miami - October 10
Los Angeles - October 17
Chicago - October 24



Click here for complete details

Fashion Bits: Gap Co-founder Don Fisher Dies

Donald G. Fisher, who with his wife Doris founded Gap Inc. and revolutionized global specialty store retailing, died Sunday at his home in San Francisco after a long battle with cancer. He was 81.

Don and Doris founded and then transformed a single store in San Francisco stocked with Levi’s, records and tapes into a thriving, nearly $15 billion global business with more than 134,000 employees, more than 3,100 stores and a permanent place in pop cultural history. He’s been credited with inventing the specialty retail category.

In 1995, Fisher stepped down as Gap's chief executive officer, and in 2004, he stepped down as chairman of the board. He continued to serve as Chairman Emeritus until his death.

Read Don's Full Biography

Fashion Bits: Footwear Lines In the Future For B. Makowsky & Kathy Van Zeeland

Husband-and-wife designers B. Makowsky and Kathy Van Zeeland are making the move into footwear with a team of industry veterans, including former Nine West executive Noel Hord and Via Spiga founding designer Paolo Batacchi.

The B. Makowsky footwear line will launch Spring 2010 while Kathy Van Zeeland's is expected to follow for Fall. Priced between $89 and $129, the 35-style B. Makowsky collection of leather flats, sandals, heels and booties is being targeted to retailers already carrying the handbags, including Macy’s, Dillard's, Nordstrom and Zappos.com. B. Makowsky footwear is expected to be sold in about 400 doors across the U.S. and Canada.

The Kathy Van Zeeland shoe line, meanwhile, is expected to retail for $69 to $89.

I see this duo is all about aggressively grabbing market share in everything from jewelry to footwear. Nice!



Kan Van Zeeland

Check out this clip of Bruce Makowsky as he discusses Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and working along his wife.

I See The Light: Jessica Simpson Light Boot

These new Jessica Simpson Light Boots are fierce in every aspect. The grainy leather boot features a strap and o-ring around the ankle for a rugged charm. But its the flirty peep toe and 4.5" heel that takes the Jessica Simpson Light Boot over the top in sexiness. The Jessica Simpson Light Boot hardware is metallic and the boot is a pull on style with straps on the side. The Light Boot comes in a black, rugged brown or dust color. I'm more partial to the rugged brown or dust over the black. Jessica Simpson is stepping it up in the shoe department. She normally would be on the hit or miss list, lately she has been hit after hit. Do you like the Light Boot?







Jessica Simpson Light Boot $137.95 / Zappos