RED CARPET GLAM: SAG AWARDS 2011

The 17th annual SAG Awards took place last night at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and the GLITZ & GLAM was present and accounted for! Everyone fashionista worth her fashion stripes, has her best dressed/worst dressed list and of course, I am no different! I live for this red carpet fab! It breathes life into me like none other...

Mila Kunis looked gorgeous in a bold colorful, silk georgette Alexander McQueen dress. I love this look on her! Lea Michele looked stunning in a deep V-neck embellished gown by Oscar de la Renta. She is my ABSOLUTE favorite for the evening!!! Very simple dress but it says so much! January Jones looked like a goddess in her black and gold Carolina Herrera. She could have done something better with her hair but the dress is very flattering! Kim Kardashian came out the box swinging in a purple, one shoulder Marchesa gown! She sparkles in her Lorraine Schwartz jewels and the natural makeup makes seals her place on my best dressed list. Last but not least, Hilary Swank donned a peach Versace gown and the draping and embellishments looked stunning on her!

For the light, there is always darkness and for the good, there will always be the bad... especially in FASHION!!! Nicole Kidman wore a Nina Ricci black dress with lace cut outs and the dress alone was headed to a dark place and adding that floral necklace only served to seal its fate. Winona Rider wore a white Alberta Ferretti dress that looked like a recycled wedding dress! She looked uncomfortable all night and I have to be honest, looking at her in that dress made me uncomfortable, as well! Christine Hendricks is a total FASHION MISHAP in this L'Wren Scott dress. The silhouette is NOT flattering to her body. It looks like she is wearing a sequin robe! The eyeliner is too heavy. It looks like she took a black marker and just went to work! And the shoes... she broke my heart with those! No further comment. Jennifere Lawrence is new to the red carpet experience but she MUST do better next time! The hair.. the makeup.. the neon, fluorescent pink gown.. all signs point to "NO" Ms. Lawrence. Please try again. Last but not least, the last person on my worst dressed list is Angie Harmon in this pink Monique Lhullier gown. I don't hate the gown, itself, but I don't feel the look is appropriate. It's very youthful and would be better served on someone younger. Ms. Harmon, embrace your age and dress accordingly... please and thank you!

SEEN ON THE SCENE: LOUIS VUITTON

Whenever I blog about a shoe like this, I always deem it necessary to provide a disclaimer. My disclaimer is such: This is not a shoe for a novice! With that being said, Angela Simmons hit up MTV's Staying Alive foundation over in London, this past Friday night wearing this statement piece!

Ooeee la la.. It is a suede and patent leather platform heel by Louis Vuitton. The platform is almost 3" inches and the heel is measuring close to 6" inches. This shoe just never gets old to me but unfortunately it is. The politically correct part of me wants to say this shoe is a few seasons old but honestly, it's more than a few seasons old. It's more like a few years old! But hey.. we all have our favorites that we pull out from year to year. I have a pair of Michael Kors pumps that will never get old because I reinvent my MK pumps everytime I wear them and quite frankly, I plan to have them as long as they have me!

SATURDAY SAVINGS: THE LOOK FOR LESS!

Zoe Saldana made the rounds last week at the Sundance Film Festival, as did pretty much all of Hollywood. She embarked upon the Tide "Loads of Hope" event rocking some FABBBB patent leather riding boots. If this look is causing you a HAUTE attack right now, don't fret! It, too, can be yours!

Pull out your favorite piece of denim, pair it with a blazer that has a cascading lapel and top the look off with the KEMISTRE boot 'BROOKE' to complete the look. BROOKE is only $26 and all shipping is only $3.95!! Shop KEMISTRE now!

http://www.kemistre.net/

FABULOUS FRIDAY: PIERRE HARDY

PIERRE HARDY LASER CUT SLINGBACK - $998

Today our fabulous look is being brought to you by PIERRE HARDY. In the fashion industry, the season that sits between Fall/Winter and Spring is referred to as 'Resort'. With that being said, this is just the PERFECT resort shoe! You can do so many things with this slingback!

For a casual look: Try a boat neck, navy/white stripe shirt, white fit & flare pants, a matching genuine leather camel belt & handbag to match! 

For a couture look: Try it with a really fun, colorful printed dress but make sure the dress has some neutral colors or earth tones running through the print!

Elsewhere, the 'Gossip Girl' herself, Blake Lively, was spotted wearing this exact Pierre Hardy shoe while filming her hit show in New York. The dress is by Diane Von Furstenberg and Kim Kardashian was actually spotted wearing the same dress a few months ago. The print is busy but I love it!!! Oh and that uber HAUTE glazed python tote is by Nancy Gonzalez. Now, that's what I call a FIERCE handbag! Be inspired!!!!!

Happy Friday Fabs!

CELEB STYLE: ANGELA SIMMONS

Angela Simmons touched down in London this week and hit the ground running on her PR tour. She is there to promote her Pastry line and here are a few eclectic looks that she has been rocking. The girl definitely has her own look going but I can't hate. She's a beautiful young lady and the look works for her. I'm all about supporting anyone who is doing something positive! So be sure to check out her 'Pastry' line. 

If you're dying to steal her look, the heart shaped satin clutch comes with a cross body strap and is available at La Regale for only $54. That's a great steal!!

The Chanel boots are from last season so good luck getting your hands on a pair of those. They are SOLD OUT! They also happen to be the same boots that Beyonce rocked last spring at one of her impromptu concerts. Mmm.. Loves them!

BREAKING NEWS: EVERYTHING SHIPS FOR $3.95!!!

Indeed... you have read it correctly! In our ongoing committment to provide the ULTIMATE shopping experience... EVERYTHING in our store ships for $3.95. It doesn't matter if you order 2 pair of shoes... 10 pair... 1 pair and a purse.. it all ships for JUST $3.95! Shop online NOW! http://www.kemistre.net/

THE LUXE EDITION: VOGUE CELEBRATES GUCCI

 

Soooo... I have to be honest. I have a confession! I, sometimes, find myself hesitant to cover Gucci because I am thrust with images of Gucci Mane, the rapper. I often wonder why he couldn't have found another name. Is it really necessary to disparage the name of an iconic fashion brand?!? Nevertheless, Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is in full swing and last night, VOGUE PARIS threw a major bash to honor Gucci designer, Frida Giannini. It was held at Hotel de la Rouchefoucauld Doudeauville in Paris, France and the celeb power was definitely in the building! As with all fashion houses and their events, celebs come dressed head-to-toe to salute and celebrate the brand. This event, of course, was no different. So, check out some of your favorites celebs rocking their Gucci looks of the evening.

SHOE FAB: FERGIE ANNOUNCES FN SHOE STAR CONTEST

Who has what it takes to become the next big shoe designer?

Footwear News and Brown Shoe Co. are about to put six lucky Fashion Institute of Technology students to the test in the second season of FN Shoe Star. The winner will get a coveted associate designer position at Brown Shoe.

Today, pop superstar Fergie will officially launch the contest on FNshoestar.com in a special webisode that gives viewers a first look at the contest and part one of the grueling auditions process.

KICKING IT OFF
In late fall 2010, FN and Brown Shoe unveiled the contest to more than 50 students at New York’s FIT. Michael Atmore, editorial director of FN, told the crowd they had a big opportunity in front of them. “All of [last season’s] contestants are doing big things at top companies now,” Atmore said. “That’s what Shoe Star is about, fostering new talent and giving the opportunity to become a real star in the footwear industry.” Jay Schmidt, SVP and GM of image brands at Brown Shoe, unveiled the FN Shoe Star grand prize. Students in attendance were excited about the chance to score their first big job. FIT senior accessory design student Shannon Ramiza said the competition’s appeal was the opportunity to learn from seasoned footwear experts and potentially earn a design job. Working for Brown, she said, would be an ideal entry into shoe design.“There are a lot of opportunities to grow with such a big company.” 

LOOKING AHEAD
From 12 to six: FN and Brown Shoe will return to FIT in a few weeks to reveal the six contestants who made the cut. Tune in to FNshoestar.com to meet the group on Feb. 7.

The challenges: Five challenges will take place from February to May in New York. While the themes are still under wraps, contestants will be exposed to diverse aspects of the industry.

Brand buzz: A number of Brown’s brands will be represented in the challenges, including Sam Edelman, Naya, Fergie, Franco Sarto and Via Spiga.

The judges: Atmore will join a rotating cast of Brown Shoe judges and a star-studded lineup of guest judges.

Tune in: In addition to weekly webisodes going inside the competition, FNshoestar.com will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the contest. Three well-known footwear bloggers from Manolo’s Shoe Blog, Shoe Smitten and Designer Social will sound off regularly on a special page, while the students and judges will also contribute regular blog posts. The site will also feature weekly contests, quizzes and polls, as well as a few season-long challenges.

FABULOUS FRIDAY: KEMISTRE BOUTIQUE

Today we are highlighting OURSELVES for Fabulous Friday! Yep, that's right! KEMISTRE BOUTIQUE is committed to giving you THE HIGH END LOOK WITHOUT THE HIGH END PRICE!! Does it get any better than that? I think not! Check out some of our NEW arrivals...

  

Candy has arrived JUST IN TIME for Valentine's Day! This peep toe bootie has zipper accents and snap details. With gunmetal hardware and a black platform sole, this shoe is certain to scream RED HOT! The heel height is 5" inches and is available NOW for only $28. To purchase 'Candy', please visit www.kemistre.net or click here: http://t.co/tbGklNu.

GISELLE - $32

Giselle is a double platform pump with a 5 ½" heel height. The upper material is black patent pleather with gold strapping that accents the shoe! The sole is synthetic and this shoe will go great with jeans, slacks and dresses. To purchase 'Giselle', please visit http://www.kemistre.net/ or click here: http://t.co/DVUTHjZ.

MEGAN - $30

Megan is a shoe that stands at ATTENTION with a 4" inch heel! This lace up ankle boot is completed with a FAB winter trend.. a knit foldover cuff! Megan has 2 great things going: #1: Camel is one of the HOTTEST colors right now!! #2: Foldover cuff boots has been named by magazines, fashion editors and stylist, alike, as the one of the biggest Fall/Winter 2010 trends. Megan is available for only $30! To purchase 'Megan', please visit http://www.kemistre.net/ or click here:  http://t.co/Zu16TiK.

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NOTE: We are a boutique and we only have a limited number of each shoe that we keep in stock. Once they are gone.. they are gone! So order NOW because we don't accept backorders! All orders will ship with 24-48 hours.

Happy Friday Fabs!

SOLE HOT OR SOLE NOT: GEORGINA GOODMAN

GEORGINA GOODMAN 'Dawson'

Georgina has adopted this hot little number into her assortment and let me just say, in my world.. it is SOLE HOT!!! It is a statuesque peep-toe pump, which features a parabolic pebble platform. It has black brushstroke-inspired stripes that cover the shoe and the heel height measures in at 5" inches.

Oh.. how my LBD calls for this shoe! Yes, it does! It does! Valentine's Day is next month so if ever in doubt, please let the spirit guide you to Georgina Goodman.

Share your thoughts. Sole Hot? Sole Not?

SHOE NEWS: DSW launches 'Miss America' line

DSW and The Miss America Organization have entered into a new long-term partnership. Under the agreement, DSW will be the lead sponsor for the broadcast of the 2011 Miss America Pageant on ABC in January. DSW is the official provider of shoes for the Miss America pageant and a national sponsor for The Miss America Organization. The two companies have been working together to develop a unique brand of footwear, which will be a first for The Miss America Organization and it made its debut today.

Let me just first say, this line does not seem very unique to me. It's rather.. how do you sayyy? Mediocre. Mundane. It's not that special. The collection seems rather simple for a brand/pageant that is all about glitz and glam. Don't get me wrong, they have some cute pieces here and there but its just not what you would expect from the Miss America brand. In reviewing the collection, I have noticed that they only have 2 price points: $49.95 & $59.95. This says to me that they have designed the footwear into price points instead of designing a unique brand of footwear, as they endeavored. Nevertheless, I'll let you be the judge. Check out a few pics below and let me know what you think...

EDEN - $59.95

GRETCHEN - $59.95

ILENE - $49.95

LAUREL - $49.95

GLAM SLAM: AWARD WINNING STYLE ~BET HONORS//CRITIC CHOICE AWARDS//GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS~

On Saturday in Washington, DC, BET Honors was held at Warner Theater and the star power was in full effect. Surprisingly there were a lot of fashion WINNERS! However, only my top three are pictured. Gabrielle Union, who hosted the event, glammed up the red carpet in a Rachel Roy gown from her Spring 2011 collection. Iman was absolutely RADIANT in her custom J. Mendel gown. She is so regal and stunning!! I absolutely love her!! Rachel Roy also looked fab! Never seen her look better!

This past friday night, The Critic Choice awards were held over at the Hollywood Palladium. Kim Kardashian sparkled in a Vera Wang gown with Arunashi earrings and a Bavna bangle. There are so many long gowns during award season! It's to be expected! This is the time.. this is the place! However, that makes my job of identifying the trending shoe designers at each award show increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, Eva Mendez showed some leg and donned nude Brian Atwood pumps with a black lace Valentino Haute couture mini. Oeee la la.. Indeed the phrase for Mrs. Vasquez-Anthony as she hosted the pre-show in this uber glamorous gown!

The biggest show of award season, thus far, took place last night in Beverly Hills. The Golden Globe Awards brought out the who's who of Hollywood and the stars' glam factor was FIERCE! Jennifer Lopez oozed glam in this Zuhair Murad gown and cape. She also sported a pair of Christian Louboutin heels with her gown. I'll be honest, when I first saw this look I had my reservations. I'm not sure of many people who could pull off this look but J. Lo definitely registers as FAB on my barometer! Halle Berry hit the red carpet in a Nina Ricci corseted dress with Harry Winston jewels. Kudos to Halle for always showing her peers/colleagues how FAB should be done! Shaun Robinson also looked stunning! Loved this one shoulder metallic gown.

FABULOUS FRIDAY: FRANCESCO SACCO

1162 Chained On $750

1168 BeJeweled $795

1054 Electric Blue $750

So, I normally only highlight one shoe for my Fabulous Friday post but I simply couldn't resist showing you THREE uber HAUTE pairs of stiletto's from Francesco Sacco. Sacco is relatively unkown to many people but this is DEFINITELY one designer that you should not be sleeping on! His shoes are sexy, bold and MAJOR statement pieces!

I just want to go on record as having said: They do everything for me that I need them to do! There is a major love affair happening! When I walk into a room, all the GUYS & DOLLS stand and salute! On second thought, maybe that was in my dreams but the shoes definitely get MUCHO MUCHO attention! :o)

Happy Friday Fabs!

SEASON MUST HAVE: COLORFUL SCARF

When you think bright, bold, multi colors--your fashion guide usually channels a la Spring/Summer. However, colorful scarves are the season MUST HAVE! Hear me loud and clear: Colorful scarves have crossed seasonal lines!! They're not just for Spring and Summer anymore!

Yes, it's winter and it's cold but that doesn't mean you can't have color in your wardrobe!!! I know.. I know.. winter brings the darker colors from your closet but this is the perfect time to splash some color around your neck! No matter where your budget falls, there are colorful scarves EVERYWHERE! From Neiman Marcus to Forever 21, there is something to your liking! And remember: The brighter, the better! Pink! Aqua! Lilac! Orange! GET COLORFUL!!

Oh and if you are loving Zoe's boots the way that I am.. they are from Tory Burch's latest Fall collection! How fab? Mmm.. Loves them!

SHOE SAVVY: GOLDEN GLOBE PRE-PARTIES

Awards season is in full swing here in Los Angeles. This weekend the Golden Globe Awards will take place at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.. which will be followed by the SAG Awards, the Grammys and Academys, to name a few. The Golden Globe pre-parties kicked off this past Saturday and there is an event happening every night this week. To be honest, I just can't keep up with them all! Nevertheless, here are a few pictures of your favorite celebs from the pre-parties, wearing some of your favorite shoe designers! Enjoy!

GLAM GUIDE: JENNIFER HUDSON

Jennifer Hudson is looking FAB these days--that much is undeniable! She showed up to the 9th annual GEM Awards sporting the new Louboutin 'Lady Peep' slingbacks from his Resort 2011 collection. Love them! The heel checks in slightly under 6" and the platform is 1 - 1/4". They are available in stores and online at Neiman Marcus for $895.

As an added bonus, I am adding a few more pictures of Louboutin's slingbacks from Resort 2011. They are all fun, full of color and mixed patterns!

ECOTRASH SLINGBACK

MISS AMERICA SLINGBACK

LADY PEEP MULTI COLOR SLINGBACK

GLITTERED SLINGBACK

FASHION TRAX: GUCCI SPRING/SUMMER 2011

Gucci has released their new ad campaign for Spring/Summer 2011 and it is rich with color and complete with glamour! The campaign features models Karmen Pedaru, Joan Smalls, Hailey Clauson and Nikola Jovanovic. It was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, better known to the fashion world as Mert & Marcus.

In typical Gucci style, the campaign is bright and colorful. The sharp posing of models also looks great and I think this type of modeling is quickly becoming synonymous with Gucci. Off top, I can tell that fringe, braiding and leather strapping will play a key role in the shoes and handbags for this collection. Nevertheless, the campaign definitely gives shoenista's and fashion lovers, alike, something to look forward to!