Updates?!

I'm On Strike!!!
;-)

...And Nine West Does Prada

Continuing in the fashion of similar shoes, while browsing Nine West one day, I noticed how a certain pair of shoes had elements similar to the Prada's Vernice Sfumata Pump that was seen on the runway with the footless kneehighs. $59.99 isn't too bad compared to $550.00. But hey, you be the judge.


Prada vs. Nine West



To purchase the Nine West Pair, visit HERE.
To purchase the Prada pair, visit the Saks Website HERE.
And while youre at it, get FREE SHIPPING on the Saks website when making a purchase of $150 or more until October 14th. Use promotion code SAKS5FS.

You Too Can Be As Cool As Beyonce

I don't watch TV often, let alone music videos, but when I seen Beyonce in her "Green Light" video - which is one of my favorite songs on the album - not too long ago parading about in these ballerina-esque shoes, I was intrigued. I also loved how Rihanna did real ballet shoes in her Umbrella video. But I just may have found a site to purchase the heeled version from! I would like to introduce to you Punitiveshoes.com. This website sells all sorts of shoes with abstract heels. The one that I found similar to Beyonce's pair was Lavina.


If the conversion price from US to Euro wasn't so high, I'd actually consider purchasing a pair. Although I used to take ballet as a young girl, I doubt that I could last long in these! But I just love the idea of something different. For those of you who are interested in purchasing this pair, you can do so HERE.

But here's a screen shot from the video to compare.
Beyonce - Green Light

(picture courtesy of cakeandice-cream.blogspot.com)

Dun Dun Dun...Steve Madden Does It Again

You know, I'm quite surprised that Christian Louboutin has not filed any lawsuits against Steve Madden as of yet. Granted every brand does platforms or similar shoes, I think the main problem is the fact that Steve Madden look-a-like shoes come out at the same time as the Louboutins.

They currently have these covetable knotted platforms...


that can be purchased HERE on the Neiman Marcus website.

Or you can get a similar pair at Steve Madden

HERE.

As I was browsing Style.com fashion parties, I spotted Dr. Lisa Airan in Rodarte and what appears to be red soled Louboutins.


And low and behold guess what white\black caged pumps you can purchase on Steve Madden...


I think they're classy looking shoes so if you want to purchase them, you can check them out on the Steve Madden website HERE.

I understand the idea of wanting to provide the consumer with a similar item for less but just maybe this copying issue has been going a bit too far lately. Then again, the saying goes "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".

Drop It When It's Hot...Pick It Up When It's Cold

WAAHHH!
I've been overwhelmed with other stuff that I haven't had time to blog about Spring Fashion! =/ There's shows still going on overseas...But soon come, I PROMISE. In the mean time, I just wanted to showcase some of my older sister's talent. *smooches* We all know the chilly weather will soon be upon us and with my short hair do, I needed something to cover up my wee lil' head. So my sister was nice enough to knit me a hat! Wearing a hat keeps your body heat in and it's been great for my bad hair days. LOL. I know you can get one at Urban Outfitters or something like that, but why not have an original one. ;-) If you would like to have a hat made for you, just drop me a message! I'm not too keen on showing myself but here's yours truly wearing the hat...

Say Whhaattt - Older Women Still Love Their Sneakers

Soooo, I recently got the opportunity to write an article for FemaleSneakerFiend (Hi Lori!). I interviewed several women 21 and older about their opinion on still collecting sneakers although they're considered "too grown" to do so. I myself collect sneakers but often get the notions from other people that I should move on to more womanly shoes, like heels and flats. Don't get me wrong, I love 4 inch heels just as much as any other young woman, but I love my Nikes as well! Check out what the ladies had to say in my article HERE!

NY Times Read: Fashion Designers Fighting Knockoff Fashions

As I was floating through the New York Times Fashion&Style section, I stumbled upon an interesting read. It appears that designers are fed up with clothing chains such as Forever 21 and Strawberry making inspired fashion based on their designs and are seeking to outlaw this. What makes this so interesting is the fact that I just recently blogged about designers copying "high end" fashion.

I am on the fence with this subject, still fighting myself on which side I agree with. I do not agree with copying a complete look as some "low end" retailers have done; I'm big on originality. Yes, we do get inspiration from others but blatantly copying the whole design is just wrong. But on the other hand, you get a look for less. You can have an upscale look without paying the price. Who doesn't love that?! Buying a complete designer look can cost you a few months of New York City's rent! We're all not made of money but we all want to look fashionable so I see the need for cheaper inspired clothing. But this just brings me back to the knock-off handbags you see on the street. You would never purchase a fake bag so why purchase a "fake" high end fashion design?

Nevertheless, you must also think about the fact that you may be sacrificing quality for a cheaper price. Yes, Christian Louboutin shoes will run you HUNDREDS of dollars compared to the decent price of Steve Madden's $149.95. BUT, with Louboutin you know you're getting a shoe made of the finest quality. I recently watched a TLC show profiling his brand and I learned something very interesting...he technically (hired a team of specialists) designed the heel placement so that a woman can walk comfortably in them for hours on end, that her legs are elongated AND so that the derrière is nice & high like it should be. Now that's what you pay HUNDREDS for; doesn't it seem worthwhile? Then again, you get more wears out of classic handbag and shoes so you would seek out and purchase the "high end" ones; clothing constantly changes with the season so consumers may not want to invest so much money into something that may be "out of style" soon.

I can go back & forth forever on the topic but you can read the article and make your own decision HERE.

Today Is THE Day!

Yes, New York Fashion Week has arrived.
Today until next week, we will get a head start look of what's going to be the must wear items for Spring\Summer 2008. While we're preparing to layer up in pants, sweaters, gloves, scarfs, and hats, we'll be oogling over the leggy items the designers are sure to display.
More highlight posts to come as the models strut down the the runway.
*I secretly cant wait to see pics of Chanel Iman. She looks like she was born to model!*

Balenciaga For Less? No Way!

YES WAY! Well, not really. Remember earlier this year we saw Mary-Kate Olsen teetering around LA in those Balenciaga Booties? I loved them at first sight, but not the price tag, of course. But thanks to Sam Edelman (some of you may be familiar with his designs, he's quite new to me though), we have a cheaper copy of the Balenciaga boots. Oh Goody! I don't know about you ladies, but I'm not into direct rip offs of other designers. Have a lil' respect and originality. I know you’ve all seen the Steve Madden white booties that are an exact rip off of Christian Louboutin. That's like walking around with a knock-off bag...we don't do that! But you can be the judge of if the shoes have any resemblance below. I also included some older pictures of Mary-Kate wearing them. If you want to purchase the Sam Edelman pair, you can check them out HERE on the Vickys site. Hurry up, theres currently a 20% discount as well!

Balenciaga VS. Sam Edelman

Balenciaga&MK Pictures courtesy of: http://daddylikey.blogspot.com/2007/01/let-us-begin-with-balenciaga-boot-and_08.html

Rihanna Upgraded!

The one stylist that has been doing the damn thing lately is Rihanna's. Her recent transformation with short hair cuts and fashionable blog-worthy clothes has been an upgrade in my book. I was recently sent this picture of her in the Purple LV Millionaire Glasses that I should be wearing! (Go back a few posts to see what I had to say about them). I'm not too sure about the big 80's gold rope chain but others have been doing it so why not. It gives the outfit more edge than a dainty necklace. I think she's looking pretty chic. Oh yeah, that Deep Purple nail polish she's rocking will be big this fall. They're currently on my nails as I type!

New Women's Blazer by Nike

Okay, okay. I must confess something to you guys. Although I love looking glam and high fashion, I love being casual too. Hence why I am posting about sneakers. Being a "collector" of sneakers, I feel the need to keep other women up to date on current releases just in case something catches their eye. I happen to adore blazers because they go so well with jeans, esp. skinnies. This pair is all black canvas with light pink accents. So those of you afraid of sneakers being masculine, this just may be the pair for you. Below I provided a picture with black laces and an alternate view with pink laces. To get more pictures and details of the shoes, check out Kix and the City HERE.
If you're in NYC, you can try locating these at Alife Rivington Club or your other other local urban shoe stores that carry blazers.






First picture courtesy of: www.kixandthecity.com
Second picture courtesy of: Diamondd on FSF

eLUXURY, Net-a-porter, and Shop Bop Fall Shopping updates

@ eLUXURY
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NEW FALL ARRIVALS!
On all orders with code AUG7*

SHOP NEW FALL ARRIVALS
All your favorites from the runway collections of Fendi, Marc Jacobs Collection, Dior,
Thakoon, Emilio Pucci, and more.

To receive FREE SHIPPING for the next 5 days only, simply enter promotion code AUG7
at checkout.*

Visit eLUXURY to make a purchase.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Offer is valid until Monday, August 13 at 11:59 PM PST. Offer applies on standard (ground) shipping to a single address only.



@Net-A-Porter
Are you ready for Fall?! If not, get stocked up on Fall's 241 Essential Pieces according to Net-A-Porter HERE. A few of my picks include this simple but sexy Zan Posen Dress - jewel tones are still in for fall - and this Camel Michael Kors Jacket thats dying to be accompanied by long gloves. Camel made quite a splash on the runway; being a neutral color, it complements others. Also, the rocker glam studded black Burberry Sandals although they're not available for sale yet on the site. The website even suggests Cobalt Blue as an eye catching color, just as I stated earlier. Derek Lam has a gorgeous Cobalt Blue sleeveless button front dress that will hopefully be available to purchase on the website soon. That is a must have.



@Shop Bop
We're being reminded that Fall is sneaking up on us with their jacket promotion. Your outwear is a very important choice than can change the look of your outfit so choose wisely. I always say invest in a trench such as this one from Theory. But look below for Shop Bop picks and check out HERE for the website's available selections. While you're there, check out the summer sale for up to 70% off.

Support THIS!

If you don't support these people yet, do so now...because I said so.

1. V Magazine (Sister publication to Visionaire)



I stopped by the lovely office of Visionaire\V magazine yesterday and let me just say it's a great space. White walls filled with art, tons of reference books, and collectible toys. The staff was nice enough to give me several issues to look over (HII Jill & Julie Anne!). The size of the magazine and the large red V - which reminds me of the V for Victory mini series - let's you know this isn't the average fashion magazine. If you want a magazine that's different from the norm and you don't have the current issue, pick it up! My favorite features are the creative photos of "Foot Fetish" and the cover story "Before & After" which shows that everything documented in magazines are not fake. You have to start off with real beauty. Plus it features one of my favorite models, the undeniably beautiful Doutzen Kroes. You can check out some of the content of the current issue HERE. For the gents, check out VMan.

2. The Pearl Mag



"TO BE PEARL MEANS
You have class & style.
You take care of yourself.
You know how to dress to attract positive attention.

You strive for higher education. You're less naive and more worldly.
You want to learn more and explore all the world has to offer.
You're an Urban Sophisticate - you know when and where to keep it real ("hood") and when to let your sophistication shine through.
Your friends are not embarrassed to take you places.
You're sexy."

I love showing a fellow sister some love - HII Gabrielle! If you feel as if the above description applies to you, then you should be reading the Pearl Mag. Named after her late grandmother, Gabrielle has just launched the Pearl Magazine website. Besides writing for her on blog, she writes for Honey Mag as well. Get the current rundown on fashion, music, relationships, and more. Support her and check out all the goodness HERE.

3.TEAM FACELIFT



During one my random occurrences of watching MTV, I was introduced to this new group called Team Facelift. When Fonda freestyled in one of the commercials saying "But women, they love me like fashion, right", I was hooked. Say hello to the New Age Beastie Boys - well, in my opinion. Their fashion sense...its a bit out there. But that's what we love over here - individuality. They're not afraid to take risks. I'm noting the afro haired member Fat Jew must have an extensive eyewear collection which I'm admiring. And talk about self-confidence. He just may be my favorite member. Their music...witty, nasty, RAW as can be and can actually be classified as hip-hop unlike all that other garbage on the airwaves today. Their aim is to "basically to do to rap what Elton John did to being gay". And I love it. With such hits as "I Wanna Have Your Baby" and "Dipping Chicken", how could you not dig it?! One of my favorite lines from No Love is "I know slobs with no jobs/they have a credit card debt/they owe at Burberry still" because it's so HILARIOUS.
You can learn more about the group and listen to their music on their website HERE and their MySpace HERE. And if you're hooked like I am, watch some live performances over on MTV HERE.

4. Strawberry Milkshakes In A Snowstorm
This a blog created by a fellow high school buddy as mine, Steven, who happens to be journalism student as well. His blog title alone should have you interested! If you need a sneaker or music fix, this is the site to go to. Or you can follow him along his path into journalism during his internship. I know I will. Check out his blog HERE.



Now run to those websites and get some knowledge...because I said so!

You Gotta Love Miuccia.

YAY, Spring fashion shows are almost here but Fall is the season we're preparing for. Flipping through my magazines and seeing the Prada ads with the footless knee high tights (which are pretty genius), made me remember the headbands that she had her models parade down the runway in.
Last season it was the turban, which was exquisite in my opinion. But am I really supposed to walk around the city with that metal headgear?
How about to a business meeting? Church maybe? It'll be a great conversation piece.
Nevertheless, it’s the impracticality of it that reminds you that fashion is art which is why deep down I love it.

Prada Headgear Spring '07 vs. Fall '07

Spring 07 picture courtesy of: http://niralimagazine.com/category/daily/
Fall 07 picture courtesy of: http://butterfly-black.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html

Kanye West = Fashion Designer?

"So go ahead, go nuts, go apesh!t
'specially in my Pastelle, and my Bape sh!t
Act like you can't tell who made this"
-Kanye West "Stronger"

As reported in the August Harper's Bazaar magazine, it has been confirmed that Kanye's fashion line will be called "Pastelle". It's been in the works for the past three years and has been described as colorful. Many of us admire his sense of style so I am curious as to how it will turn out. Hopefully it will be something distinctive from what we see for male fashion today. Dabbling in high end as well streetwear only leaves us wondering which direction his line will go. I'd love to see if he can come up with something for us girlies as well.

WWD Headlines: Aug Week 1

Women's Wear Daily (abbreviated WWD) is the daily sister publication to the W Magazine. It is probably read by everyone in the fashion industry. It is THE source for your need to know information regarding everything fashion. I signed up for the newsletters, although I really should get the newpaper subscription. (&you should too!) I'll try to post and discuss the headlines that I found interesting throughout the week.

Nordstrom Previews Metro Boston Store
Friday, August 03, 2007
By Katherine Bowers
"NATICK, Mass. — Nordstrom's first Boston-area store, which opens Sept. 7 in the Natick Collection mall, plays to the luxury retailer's strengths: shoes and service."
So, for those of you in the Boston area, you might want to look out for that. Nordstrom is actually one of my favorite stores to go shoe shopping and I can only imagine what the new store will have to offer the consumers. As a pre-teen, I stayed in Boston for a summer. I didn't find anything to exciting in the area I was located. Never discovered the mall, only a lil' strip mall up the street. To my memory, I dont remember anything worthwile in that city. I just remember my dreadful experience of getting hit by a car and the driver NOT stopping . But it's nice to see Bean Town get a new premier store. Time to go back do some research for other great places to shop out there....

McCartney Lingerie Line Set for Spring
Monday, July 30, 2007
By Samantha Conti
"LONDON — Stella McCartney is about to indulge one of her great passions. The designer will launch her first lingerie collection for spring 2008, under a license with intimate apparel company Bendon, WWD has learned."
Stella's clothing line is one that I adore. What makes her even more amazing in my eyes is the fact that she's against using animals for her clothing line. I for one cannot stand real fur. Although I'm a big Vicky's girl, I look forward to seeing what lingerie pieces she puts out this Spring. I can see quite a few delicate sets in there. And I know you guys remember those high-waisted jeans from Ciara's "Promise" video because I sure wanted them - those were indeed Stella McCartney.

( but the shoes were D&G)

Gap Inc. Taps Glenn Murphy to Be CEO
Published: Friday, July 27, 2007
By David Moin with contributions by Jeanine Poggi
"Gap Inc. headed north for its new chairman and chief executive, tapping Glenn Murphy, a Canadian with strong retail turnaround skills but no fashion experience."
You know, I am bit worried about this decision. I know GAP has not been doing too well with sales but hiring someone with no fashion experience is risky. To be honest I don't know when's the last time I went to a GAP. When's the last time YOU went shopping there? The nearest one in my mall recently closed down; I'm assuming due to lack of sales. I wish the company a positive turn around with the new CEO. Let's just hope they don't change the commerical forumlas. They're always something to remember.

Posen Signs Fragrance Deal
Friday, July 27, 2007
By Pete Born
"NEW YORK — Zac Posen, one of the rising stars of American fashion, has ended the suspense and stepped into the fragrance ring by signing a licensing deal with Selective Beauty. "

Another designer scent for you guys to look forward to.

Prada to Sell Azzedine Alaïa Back to Namesake, Founder
Friday, July 27, 2007
By Amanda Kaiser
"MILAN — Prada SpA said Friday that it has inked a deal to sell 100 percent of Azzedine Alaïa Sas back to the namesake founder for an undisclosed price."

Now, this is some interesting news. If you were to ask any celebrity what is one of their all time favorite classic line, I think Azzedine Alaïa would be on quite a few lists. The brand is known for it's body-conscious clothing, emphasizing what it is to be a woman. When describing the infamous little black Azzedine Alaïa dress that she wore on the Johnny Carson show in Harper’s Bazaar September 2006 issue, Rita Wilson described it as love. “With his big, strong stitches, he would caress me, hold me, tell me I was gorgeous every time I sashayed into a room.” After having the company purchased by Prada in 2000, It must be nice to have the company back.

Let's look back to 1996 when Azzedine Alaïa created a clutch and compact for Louis Vuitton's 100th Anniversary of using Monogram Canvas.

(pictures courtesy of an old eBay auction)

Welcome Back Azzedine.

Are You A Millionaire?!

Did YOU get the call making you a Millionaire?

I sure didn't.

I wasn't on the list.

The waiting list for the New Limited Edition Louis Vuitton x Marc Jacobs x Pharrell Williams Millionaire Sunglasses that is. I received this following picture from a friend and realized I missed the chance to purchase a pair.

This past week, Louis Vuitton released the Millionaires again. This time in Black, Purple, and Teal. Retail was $1,050US + Tax.

Here's a close up of the teal beauties provided by a fellow member of tPF.

If anyone truly cares about me and loves me, they will get me the purple pair ASAP. I'll appreciate that gesture. You'll get a hug and a shoutout on the blog. Doesn't that sound sooo rewarding?

A.A. Gone Wrong

Randomly flipping through blogs, I stumbled across a picture of the singer Mya. (I think I found it on Black Style Central!) I'm not too sure when the picture was taken but she looked nothing like how she appeared in the now defunct Vibe Vixen (you sisters should have supported that magazine).

NOW, this a prime example of what not to wear. I LOVE American Apparel just as much as the next girl. Well, maybe more. But this is plain wrong. Not to mention she's wearing a pair of Reebox 54.11s that the rest of the world can't seem to leave alone. I won't deny it, I'll only wear the yellow pair. But can we please find a new stylist for her? Hell, maybe even Rihanna's stylist since she did such a great job with her "bad girl" transformation. Anywho, if you want to look like Mya, here's what to buy:

1. A wavy weave\wig (If you need it)

2. Pink 25th Anniversary Reebok Freestyles

3. A pair of light washed denim jeans cut into shorts (DON'T front like you never did it as a teen)

4. A white tube top

5. A long black sleeve shirt cut to make fingerless gloves

6. A.A Lame Leggings in Silver

7. A. A. Nylon Tricot
Suspender Swimsuit in Purple

I just hope my readers can pull it off better without looking like a hot mess!

AND for the record, Me In Lame Leggings > Her.

B-)

We still love you Mya.

Fall 2007 Official Color

Fall is almost upon us which I'm not too happy about. I live in shorts shorts and dresses. But there's no avoiding it so I'll give the rundown of What To Wear this Fall here and there.

I'm going to say the official color for the Fall season is COBALT BLUE. It's everywhere now! The color was shown in Valentino's, Derek Lam's, and Michael Kors' shows. It's such a rich & gorgeous blue that works well on everyone. So just make sure you make a Cobalt Blue purchase before the season arrives.

I actually just picked up a pair of Cobalt Blue (dbluesa according to the site) Nine West flats that I'm in love with. Rich satin texture, comfortable AND affordable.

The all over pleating is a simple but pretty detail of the shoe. I see them being an everyday wear for me. You ladies should definitely go out and purchase a pair. They also come in black, gold, fushia, golden yellow and a shimmery black. To purchase a pair, go HERE.

I'll suggest more items in the official Fall color as I stumble upon them.

DAISY: The Marc Jacobs New Fragrance

The new Marc Jacob Fragrance "Daisy" has recently released. Sadly, I don't have any codes to provide you readers with access to the website for giveaways, etc. But, Bloomingdales seems to have the fragrance available to purchase. Here's the info I received in an email.

Go to HERE to purchase it from the Bloomies website.

Better LATE than NEVER.

Received a few emails for sales going on till TOMORROW Aug. 5th.

So get some last minute discounts.

Better late than never!

Vickys is running this promotion till Aug 7th. Add a qualifying Body by Victoria® Bra and a qualifying VS Cotton™ Panty in white (092), black (093), ivory (011), buff (367), whisper pink (393), miami tan (016), heather grey (072) or spray blue (AY8) to your shopping bag. Enter offer code VSBBV at checkout. Bra and Panty prices will be adjusted after offer code is applied.

AND,

free shipping on orders over $100 as well till Aug 5th at Steve Madden!

BONJOUR!

Welcome Welcome to our blog.

1. We're stylish.
2. We love to talk.
3. We love to write.

So here it is.

OH.

Don't Be Mad Because We're Styling On You.

;-)