Airport Style

I am travelling back to Los Angeles after a wonderful trip to New York City where I met many amazing fellow fashionista bloggers that I call my "BlogGals". ;)  I attended the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference and the Chictopia 10 Media Summit that had great presentations by people in the know.  I also the opportunity to put blogs to faces, soak up fashion during New York’s Fashion Week, and of course Fashion’s Night Out.  I’ll be doing that post shortly (gotta get all my notes, and more importantly, photos in order).

Ok, so of COURSE you know that I’m always looking at ladies’ fashions, especially their shoes as they travel.  And in doing so, I found this lovely woman in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport sporting these fab wedges by Chinese Laundry.  They are the ‘Foxy Wedge’ and she got them a few years ago at a mid-west department store called Bon-Ton.  She explained to me that its like a Macy’s equivalent (sorry Ms. MidWesters, this is unchartered territory for me, but no judgement! ;) ).  She told me that that she adored these wedges, and clearly, they are very comfortable.  She said she loved the stability that wedges gave her with the height of a heel.  Its like she sat in one of my sermons. ;)  These great peep toe wedges are both suede and regular leather that make them very versatile to wear with professional work wear or with jeans and perfect for travelling. 

I searched for these online in hopes of finding them still on sale somewhere and only found a size 9 on Ebay.  This doesn’t mean they are not out there because I’m sitting in the Samsung T-Mobile Lounge doing a quick search in the middle of the Fort Worth Airport. You may have better luck with time, and actually shopping in stores.  ;)  Have a Happy Monday my Shoe-lovers!

What Would Project Runway Shoe? Episode 7: Resort Wear but No Vacation

This week I have left the not-so-summery weather of LA and travelled to New York where I am soaking up every stitch of fashion imaginable in New York’s Fashion Week.  I was so fortunate to attend yesterday’s IFB’s conference at the Hudson Hotel and met some of my fellow Blog-Gals in all their fabulosity.  Today, I’m going to venture to Central Park and look for more of the fabulous Blog-Gals at the Style Renegade.  Tonight is the uber-fab Fashion’s Night Out where I’ll be going to as many events as traffic will allow me. :)  My associate will be covering the events at the Beverly Center and anywhere else traffic will let him get to as well so we’ll be toasting you from Coast to Coast tonight!  I hope that you have made plans and itineraries you’re your gals to be out on Fashion’s Night Out enjoying the chilled Champers and free gifts!  Sunday, I’m going to attending the Chictopia Media Summit hoping to get to meet anyone else I haven’t yet. :) So thanks for bearing with me in these “drought” blog moments, as I’m heels deep into putting great stuff together for you next week!

Ok, so this post is a little idea I came up with out of my love for Project Runway.  It’s a weekly Friday post that I've titled 'What Would Project Runway Shoe?" (#WWPRS) where I suggest a shoe to go with the winning look of the week.  In last night’s challenge, the designers had to create resort wear.  Spoiler Alert!!  Stop reading if you want to wait to watch last night's episode first. ;)

We had the “queen” of resort wear himself (and judge) Mr. Michael Kors be the second Tim Gunn giving the designers advice and tips on how to improve their designs with some of the most pithy comments in the workroom we’ve seen all season.  A surprising congratulations to Ms. April who also finally gave us a smile!  See the design here: Project Runway on LifetimeTV.  Mondo’s Forever21 meets Candyland bathing suit was rather inappropriate but his attitude was certainly not.  He won me over with his wonderful acknowledgment of his being a “bitch” to Michael C.  Maybe I missed something while grabbing snacks from the kitchen this season but I still don’t understand why all the designers hate Michael C.  In any event, Mondo seemed to agree with me too and they kissed and had a love-fest on the runway (even though Mondo’s design was not). To me, this made Mondo my honorary winner.  The other shocker was having to say adios to our little flaming moth, Casanova.  I don’t think his design was so bad that he should have been sent home.  To me, Ivy’s stinky-butt attitude should have sent her home.  But that’s what keeps us watching! ;)

Looking at April’s design, I really liked the top part of the dress.  It has a really interesting neckline which inspired my pairing of these very practical 'Air Pastine Gladiator's that are Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan.  Even the name of the sandal goes with the feel of the top, very airy.  And come to think of it, strangely, I get some similiarities between April and Maria… maybe its just me.  Anywho, this sandal is a great compliment to April’s design because of the lines of the straps.  I have to say that I adore the shiny gun metal with the black elements of the sandal that really give you that lightness of resort wear even though it’s a mostly black and dark look.  It gives you just enough glimmer to give more interest to the outfit.  Plus, we get the bonus of Nike Air technology in this Maria Sharapova designed Cole Haan sandal.  I think that the flat sandal makes the overall look much more wearable and practical.  Right now, they're even on sale on Piperlime.com for $99.99, reduced from their regular $158 price.

I’m wondering if Ivy get’s a Tim Gunn attitude check next week or if Mondo and Michael C. make a lovechild.  The designs keep coming with controversy and I’ve got my ticket for a front and center seat.  Hope you join me. ;)

I wish you a Happy Fashion’s Night Out (#FNO) where ever you are and that you share your best shoe finds (and other shopping finds) with me! ;)

Subway Style

I had noticed these pretty fuschia flats from afar on more than one occasion in my subway stop.  Unfortunately, the timing of the train kept me from getting to know them better until last week.  In my belated one-to-one encounter, I learned that these are not just your basic flat.  Bloch makes these, the company that makes all of the classic ballerina shoes.  I remember being lost in a literal gaze as the gal explained this to me and whispered, “genius” to her.  The genius is because you have a company that has perfected ballerina shoes making walking flats.  Talk about maximizing all the technology for maximum comfort!

Bloch has been making ballerina shoes for ages and clearly know their craft.  She said that they are hard to find around town but was lucky to spot them in a local shop in Los Feliz here in Los Angeles.  In researching more stores online, I’ve found them available at Prima Ballerinas.  The downside is that they have only one store in the US, in New York.  They also have one in London.  The upside is that they can ship from the New York store to your neck of the woods.  

They run a little pricey retailing for $150 to about $175 depending on which style you decide to get.  However, these will be worth the investment.  They come in every color of the rainbow and a variety of adorable styles that fulfill you're inner ballerina's dream come true.  Your feet will do a happy dance every day you wear these.  At the end of a marathon long day of chasing after kiddies, doing months of errands in a day and keeping up with a full time job, you’re going to congratulate yourself on investing in your tootsies.  With it being Labor Day and all, its a great time to take advantage of all the sales too! :)

Pretty Ballerinas also sells those great foldable flats in a pouch and vacuum-sealed flats for those days that you can’t take another step in heels.  They’re perfect to store in your tote, car’s glove compartment or your desk drawer at work.

        

What You Need In Your Shoe Closet.

Guest Blog today on ebates.com

What You Need In Your Shoe Closet.

Happy Labor Day Weekend Shopping!

What Would Project Runway Shoe? Episode 6: The Bridesmaid Dress Challenge aka Designer-zillas

If you’re new to my blog, well, first of all, WELCOME and Hello!   Secondly, I came up with a weekly Friday post that I've titled 'What Would Project Runway Shoe?" (#WWPRS) where I suggest a shoe to go with the winning look of the week.  Episode 6, ‘You Can Totally Wear That Again’, is the challenge where the designers have to repurpose real women’s past bridesmaids dresses into something they would actually wear again AND are runway worthy.  Spoiler Alert!!  Stop reading if you want to wait to watch last night's episode first. ;)

Wow, wow, wow. The claws are not holding back this week. And while the challenge was about bridesmaids dresses, it was the designers that were the designer-zillas attacking Michael C. all throughout the challenge.  A well deserved congratulations to Michael C for his micro-mini dress look.  See the design here: (http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/season-8/designer-portfolios).  Mondo’s pink mod-esque dress was also really a deserving top contender.  I think if he changes how he styles his great designs, sans Pebbles/Snooki hairdo’s, he may win one very soon.  Sadly, we had to say farewell to our darling Peach and while I will miss her sweet Southern demeanor, I’m not gonna miss her goiter ruffle designs. ;)

Michael C. paired the winning look with a classic black pump.  I do agree that you need to keep the shoe “clean” because you have a lot going on with dress, albeit micro-mini.  However, since all the judges commented that the skirt was so short, even though Cynthia Rowley said it was done in a way that made it look tasteful, choosing pumps emphasized that more.  I’m not saying it looks bad, but you can balance that with a different choice. With a micro-mini, you’re not looking for demur if you know what I mean.  But you also don’t to look like Hookerville’s newest resident. ;)  

My pick for the dress is the hottest trend that started last winter, an over-the-knee (#OTK) boot by Report called the ‘Kenly’.  Part of me was drawn to it simply because of the name referencing of Project Runway’s past seasons’ designer!  BUT, it truly does compliment the dress well.  It’s very simple in terms of design.  The silhouette has very clean lines that don’t distract the eye from the details of the dress.  The boot has a 4 ½” heel with a concealed 1” platform.  Adding that height with the length/height of the thigh high boot, you still get that elongating leg effect that micro-mini’s are intended to do…but you won’t be as cold! ;)  Clearly, you’re still looking sexy but not trashy.

I don’t own any OTK boots… yet.  I’m still looking for the right one for me. ;) BUT, these are available on Piperlime (http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=49962&vid=1&pid=821523&scid=821523002) for only $99, which is a major deal.  

Next week's episode looks like it won't disappoint bringing us more drama.  I hope the drama spurs more great designs too!

Have a fantastic (and safe) Labor Day weekend!  I’m heading east to New York Fashion Week next week and all the festivities it brings, including Fashion’s Night Out (#FNO).  Hope to see you there! 

Sofftember

Its that time of year where the days of summer are fading like the light of the sun in the cool evening breeze (and if you’re in LA, you only got about a week of real heat this summer).  We have to open our doors to Fall and all the fun it brings, including the new Fall fashions. In looking for some great Fall finds, I have been very impressed with the major attention that has been recently paid to the styling of the Sofft collection.  They have really up’ed the style factor making my venture to find comfortable stylish shoes find a Mecca.  These delicious ‘Fiorella’ dark purple suede pumps by Sofft made me melt in them when I tried them on at the Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale.  I fell in love with the vintage modern Anthropologie-like vibe they give off.

The craftsmanship in these shoes is really top notch.  The padding inside is made with a 100% leather covering which is a major bonus for our sometimes “sweaty feet” moments.  The stitching on the sole alone is so well done, it looks like my own Grandmother or Auntie sewed them (and that’s some serious quality!).  The leather flower is so well done that the suede petals are so soft and light, they feel and move like real petals.  The heel is 3 ¼” high but it doesn’t “look” very high due to its cute little spool-like style.  Actually, it almost looks like a kitten heel.  And as far as comfort, they really got this one nailed!  They have a rubber sole that feels like you're wearing a sneaker giving you that major traction and added shock absorption.  They are suede so some maintenance is required, a little scotch-guard spray before you wear them.  I usually just spray them before doing my makeup and hair so that they’re ready when I’m running late out the door. ;)

In terms of price, they retail for $105.95 at Sofft (http://www.sofftshoe.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=3491).  BUT remember, its Labor Day weekend Eve, which means Labor Day SALES!  And in a quick Google search, these sweet little ones are available in just about every one of your favorite online sites (ShoeMall.com, Shoes.com, Macy’s, Nordstroms, OnlineShoes.com, QVC.com, PlanetShoes.com… should I continue?).  They come in three suedes, the dark purple, a beautiful grey, and black.  And, should you be suede-averse, they have a regular black leather option too.  So, yes, it’s looking like a good Sofftember to me. ;)

Hello! My Name is Fabulous

Well, I may not be crashing a ladies lunch for charity a la Carrie and Samantha in Attack of the Five Foot Ten Woman in Season 3 of Sex and The City but these Aldo ‘Darracott’ peep toe mary jane platform wedges make me say “Hello! My name is Fabulous.”  The second my eyes met these ‘Darracott’ beauties, my mind had a flash attack of how many outfits and directions I could go with these.  (http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/shoes/wedges/80924990-darracott/97) 

These are not "over the top" fabulous but rather understated fabulous.  These are that ‘go-to’ shoe that you put on when you don’t want to get dressed BUT you HAVE to look like you wanted to get dressed.  These are the shoes you put on when you’re doing that weekend matinee with the gals.  These are the shoes that you dress up for work and take you to after work activities effortlessly.  These are the shoes that match every outfit in your closet, even the paisley moment you had when you were slightly high from overshopping.

The sleek silhouette of the shoe is what makes it so versatile and timeless.  The mary jane peep make it sweet and innocent, while the platform heights you reach in them make them simultaneously sexy.  It’s an all in one shoe!  Can you feel my love for this shoe??  Now, I know you might be cringing at the height of the platform heel but fret not my lovelies.  There’s a good 1 ¼” – 1 ½” of platform base that is part of the illusion.  The actual height of the heel your foot would carry is about 3”, so not so crazy.  And Aldo shoes has really been working on perfecting the cushioning that they put in all of their heels to make them very comfy.  I may have had to use a band-aid or two for ankle blisters on occasion but I’ve never had ball of my foot burns from any of my Aldos.

And quickly, a word about Aldo’s endearing eco-consciousness.  I’ve mentioned in previous Aldo posts how they have moved away from using shopping bags.  They have engineered a cottony rope that threads through the side of the shoebox and lid, making a sweet little handle.  This eliminates the need for using shopping bags and makes your shopping habits greener! ;)  So, for $90, you’re also going to be saying, Hello! My name is Fabulous. ;)