FASHION RECAP: THE OSCAR EDITION

One of Hollywood's biggest nights took place at the Kodak Theatre this past evening. The 83rd Academy Awards brought out the ELITE members of Hollywood, as they payed homage to themselves and celebrated their peers. Let me just first say, the show was rather mundane and by mundane I mean boring. Is it just me or did the show seem unbearably long? If it weren't for the red carpet fab.. I'm pretty certain that I would have divorced award shows long ago..

Nevertheless, the stars came out in all of their GLITZ and GLAM for Hollywood's most celebrated night yet somehow.. I found myself underwhelmed by the dresses that entered the red carpet. Of course, I have my faves. I think Mila Kunis looked breath-taking in her Elie Saab gown. Halle Berry was also radiant in her Marchesa gown.. I don't care what anyone says about Halle, what relationship problems she may have had, how crazy people try to suggest that she is.. she NEVER disappoints on the red carpet! She always.. always.. looks flawless!

I'm going to do something different with this fashion recap... It's a new year! Let's do a new thing! Instead of highlighting my best dressed choices because I truly didn't have much to work with... I'm going to highlight the biggest trends of the night. Be sure to comment and let me know which OSCAR trend you love the most!

RED HOT GOWNS

SPARKLING NUDES

COLUMN GOWNS

Last but not least, I am so excited about Jennifer Hudson and her weight-loss. She looks absolutely AMAZING and I am so proud of her. HOWEVER... I'm really disappointed to see her in this tangerine Versace gown. Who fit this dress for her? I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and say this dress was draped on a fit model and not actually Jen, herself. Or maybe this dress was a last minute pull.. Yes! Yes! That has to be it because CLEARLY it is not fitting her in the bust area. I can say with reasonable certainty that the empire seam should have been raised or either her stylist should have taped her boobs to accomodate the design of the dress. That hair was also ATROCIOUS! Sorry Jen.. you're much to fab for this! The sweep up-do.. with the pompadour-esque height.. with the long 'Shirley Temple' ponytail that goes down her back? Ummm... would it be appropriate to ask: Where they do that at? Oh wait.. here in Hollywood! *shakes head* #FashionFail

FABULOUS FRIDAY: NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

When Friday comes along.. ohhh how our FABULOUSITY peaks! We are always advocates of keeping it HAUTE so today we are heating things up with Mr. Kirkwood! You know how we roll.. nothing less than fab, nothing more than flawless!

This 5" inch stiletto ooozes sexiness with its novelty, razor edge sole and gold snakeskin circled details! Slip into this.. Slip into sexy!

Happy Friday Fabs!

HAUTE TRENDS: ORANGE! ORANGE! ORANGE!

It's always important to know what's happening in apparel because it goes hand-in-hand with what's happening in shoes! For Spring, ORANGE is slated to be the next big thing! ORANGE IS THE 'IT' COLOR! It will be dominant in tops, bottoms, clutches, lipstick AND shoes!

However, I caution you... don't go overboard! Wearing orange head-to-toe is never a good thing. Matter of fact, I just checked my fashion handbook and it's also noted as UNACCEPTABLE! As the old adage says: too much of anything is never a good thing! Instead, tone down the orange with neutrals. 

For many of you, adding orange to your wardrobe is something new! You may be nervous or unaware of how to pull it off. So, here are a helpful few tips to make sure you keep it utterly FAB!

1. Pick vibrant shades of mango for olive to dark skin. If you're a little pale, opt for more muted orange shades.
2. Wearing plaids can breaks up the brightness of orange.
3. Shiny and Metallic hardware can punch up a basic orange sandal.
4. Melon colored hues of orange helps to tone down its severity.
5. Sunglasses are a great way to add orange to your outfit without going overboard!

SEEN ON THE SCENE: WALTER STEIGER

This past All Star weekend, Nicki Minaj performed at the NBA Player's Association Gala at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live wearing a pair of Walter Steiger platform pumps.

As you may very well know, I'm all about details! To me, it's the details of a shoe--subtle and sometimes not so subtle--that really makes a shoe interesting! I love the heel of the 'Muse' pump and this look has been pretty dominant on Steiger's most recent styles. Of course, if you want originality, you have to pay for it! So plan on splurging if you're thinking about adding this shoe to your collection. 

SOLE HOT OR SOLE NOT: CAMILLA SKOVGAARD

This 'Camilla Skovgaard' tassle boot is one of the HAUTEST pieces from her Fall 2010 Collection. It seems that she is quickly making the razor sole her signature but I tend to think she may have to fight Nicholas Kirkwood for that namesake. Lol.

Nevertheless, the ankle boot is soft leather with a snakeskin embossed heel with tassels that disguise the stiletto. The heel measures in around 4 - 1/2" inches and it can all be yours for the tender price of.... $565.

Share your thoughts. Sole hot or sole not?

SPRING TREND 2011: WOVEN TEXTURE

Ready or not.. Spring will be here before you know it! Therefore, it's important to know what's on TREND and what's NOT. Over the next few weeks, I will dedicate a few posts to keeping you "in the know" of what trends will dominate Spring!

THE TREND: WOVEN TEXTURE!! For Spring, you will find TONS of braiding and woven patterns. From peep toes to wedges.. from flats to clogs back to stilettos, the look is present.  I think it's really neat to see how each designer interprets a trend but I can assure you, there is something to meet your taste level! Check out the pics below for a visual aide of looks we LOVE!

MARK & JAMES - $265

MICHAEL KORS - $140

RALPH LAUREN - $750

STEVEN - $170

STUART WEITZMAN - $345

SEEN ON THE SCENE: ESTELLE

'American Boy' singer, Estelle, showed up to Avalon in Hollywood rocking her twinkle toe status in blue Christian Louboutin pumps. Mmm.. Loves them! I guess Dorothy isn't the only one who has glitter slippers. Estelle, along with Usher, Letoya Luckett and many others, were there to celebrate the launch of Belvedere Vodka's newest product, Belvedere Red. Looking great Estelle! If you keep working it like this.. you'll find your American boy in no time!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

GIVE LOVE. GIVE SEXY. GIVE SHOES

If you are following this blog, that means only one thing: YOU ARE A SHOE LOVER! Don't fret.. so are we!! And since your love is our love, we invite you to celebrate V-day by enjoying $5.00 off your next purchase!

Promo code: LOVE

Offer Expires: 2/28/11

GRAMMY FAB: ESSENCE SALUTES WOMEN IN MUSIC

Last night, here in L.A., ESSENCE honored the young eclectic talent at their second annual "Black Women in Music" event during Grammy Week at L.A.'s Playhouse Hollywood. It was hosted by Diddy and the celeb star power was in the building. Tocara sported her Mui Mui peep-toe pumps on the black carpet.. Letoya Luckett and Leona Lewis both rocked a pair of Brian Atwood platform pumps and Erica Hubbard opted for Christian Louboutin..

FABULOUS FRIDAY: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

'CHANGE OF GUARD' - $1,665

This Friday, your dose of fabulousity is being catered by none other... CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN!! If you know anything about me, you know that Louboutin is one of my fave shoe designers! I HEART Louboutin! He sits in my top 3 circle...

Nevertheless, this 'Valentine Day' friendly shoe is Louboutin's 'Change of Guard' platform. It, of course, is no stranger to celebs. I saw Kim Kardashian rocking the black version not too long ago and Nicki Minaj wore the mint green version at VH1's 'SALUTE THE TROOPS'. This peep-toe platform is an update to last season's best seller, MISFIT; it has a 6" inch heel so you better make sure you're a trained diva if your gonna rock these! You also better make sure you're prepared to SPLURGE because this shoe is $1,665. Then again, you can't put a price on love!

Happy Friday Fabs!

KIM KARDASHIAN

NICKI MINAJ

STAR STYLE: RETRO GLAM SUNGLASSES

Cat-eye shades are a HOT trend and as amazing as this may sound... they're actually flattering to most face shapes and sizes. Whether you're going for a chic look or a casual look, they'll get the job done! So, prowl around town in these specs and everyone will spot you for the fashionista that you are!

EVENT FAB: BRIAN ATWOOD CELEBRATES

"Sexy is in the DNA of the brand," said shoe designer, Brian Atwood, at The Lion in West Village last night. He was celebrating the launch of his gently priced 'B' by Brian Atwood line. "But it was important to pay attention to the little details that make it feel luxurious, too. I made it a point to have some of the work and materials done in Italy." True to his word, there's a racy feel to the designs; platform suede booties sport swingy fringe and sky-high sandals lash across the ankle like bondage straps. 'B' by Brian Atwood is his new lower-priced collection of uber HAUTE zipper detail heels and fringed booties with prices that start at $100. The shoes will be available starting in mid-August.

Here are a few flicks from the party...

Marjorie Gubelman & Rachel Roy

Rose McGowan

Sara Armenta & Alexandra Richards

HANDBAG LUXE: BADGLEY MISCHKA

Okay.. Okay.. Okay.. so do you LOVE this bag or do you LOVE this bag? Please notice that I am ONLY giving you one option! This bag is so amazingly luxe! I love the details! I love the design! I mean really.. what is there not to love? I can hear my inner rapper screaming: Yo! Yo! Yo! This bag is the TRUTH!!! Not to worry fabs.. I'll be sticking to my day job! #Fashion

This Badgely Mischka top handle satchel has a strappy leather trim and a rustic canvas that lends itself to contrasting neutral shades. Most notably, it is an UPDATE to the satchel bag and features a twist-lock at the flap closure. The shoulder strap drop is 17" - 22". It is available in 4 colors: Army, Black, Cognac (pictured above) and Pearl Metallic. The price for this little one is $348. Mmm.. that's really not a bad price for a Mischka satchel. Let's be frank.. it IS an imported bag! Not to mention, I'm beginning to think that I'm a sucker for chain detail and brass hardware on ANY bag! #DontJudgeMe

Here are a few pics of the other colors that are available! If you love it, like I love it.. then follow me to Nordstrom's. It is available online and in store!

PEARL METALLIC

BLACK

ARMY

SHOE FAB: JIMMY CHOO + DYNAMO CAMP

Jimmy Choo is delighted to showcase the winning design of the Dynamo Camp Project.  The idea for the collaboration was to create the design for a limited edition pair of shoes fusing the identity and design expertise of the famous lifestyle accessory brand with the amazing creativity of the children at The Dynamo Camp.

The charity is a non-profit organization and the first summer camp in Italy to be structured specifically for children with serious or chronic illnesses who are currently in therapy or in post-hospitalization convalescence. Dynamo Camp helps improve the children’s functioning abilities, facilitates their independence, and remedies the psychosocial effects of illness offering them newfound strength and courage to cope with their illness.

100% of the profit from the sale of the limited edition shoes directly benefitting the charity.

The renowned Italian illustrator, Beppe Giacobbe, worked with the children to create and paint their shoe by telling them a story about a very special shoe brand that offer the most beautiful shoes in the world for the stars of stage and screen. The excited children created 14 different imaginative designs of which one was selected and has been produced for sale as a special limited edition which will be available to purchase at Milan, Rome and online at www.jimmychoo.com.

SEEN ON THE SCENE: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Newly single, Eva Longoria, was spotted at Cafe Was over in West Hollywood looking au natural. She was sporting a Coach handbag and some Giuseppe Zanotti open toe sandals. This is a really great casual chic look but these boots aren't cheap! They are accompanied by a hefty little price tag of $750! If that's in your price range then go with it! They are available on Endless.com. If you can't afford the Guiseppe's, you can still make the look your own! Get creative and Be inspired!

FABULOUS FRIDAY: ALEJANDRO INGELMO

This shoe is so amazingly SEXY! It just screamsssss my name! KRYSTAL! KRYSTAL! Is it just me or can you hear it too? In its purest and most basic form, this is my kinda shoe.. clean finishes, sophisticated details and a svelte stiletto heel! The ponyhair that rests across the vamp of the shoe is sending me into overdrive! Oh yes.. this shoe is CERTIFIABLE!

Alejandro Ingelmo has been on the scene for a few years but to many, he is still a relative unknown. However, his talent is undeniable. He debuted his first collection in '06 and comes from a long family of shoemakers. In all of his creativity, he uses necessary luxury materials such as snakeskin and metallic leather and mixes them with his technical shoe knowledge gained from his time at Parsons. The end result is usually a shoe masterpiece! If you are ever in New York, you have to stop by his store in Soho.

Happy Friday Fabs! 

FASHION TIDBITS: MANOLO BLAHNIK SPRING 2011

If you know anything about Sex & the City then I'm quite certain that you are familiar with the name 'Manolo Blahnik'. We can never forget the blue, satin shoes with the massive embellished buckle that were featured in the first movie edition of Sex & the City! *deep sigh* Even if you've never seen SITC, you'd have to be living under a rock to be unfamiliar with the name. Essentially, he is to shoes what sand is to a beach! You think of one and it's impossible not think of the other.

Blahnik's Spring 2011 collection will be arriving in stores soon but before it does, we have a few pictures of what you can expect to see. On several occasions, Blahnik has expressed his disdain and aversion to platforms. However, that doesn't keep him from developing a jaw dropping collection! The colors are bold.. NEON BRIGHTS!! Then again.. that's what it is all about for Spring! Enjoy!  

BAG NEWS: HERMES SUES THURSDAY FRIDAY!!

THIS JUST IN: Hermes don't play when it comes to their intellectual property!

The 'Thursday Friday' bag pictured above has sent the big wigs at Hermes into an absolute rage! The luxury brand is suing 'Thursday Friday' for selling canvas bags with the image of their iconic Birkin bag printed on them. The canvas tote is only $35. In my personal opinion, I thought it was a cute little idea. I'm guessing many others feel the same way because the bag is sold out. It won't be available again until March. However, with these legal issues pending, I'm sure Hermes has pushed for a cease and desist order. So, with that being said, don't hold your breathe!

SOLE HOT OR SOLE NOT: CHRISTIAN DIOR

These colorful, tribal-esque pumps are from Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2011 collection. This collection consists of BOLD statement pieces and you really need to know what you're doing, in order to pull this shoe off successfully! At first glance, a few of the pieces may appear a little scary! You have bright colors... on top of pattern... that's placed on top of texture... and then it's all topped off with feathers. Oh my! Nevertheless, I can see where Dior was going with the concept and I do believe, they arrived there safely! Albeit, their is a lot happening, it works! It is a piece of art that is worn on the foot! I'm voting SOLE HOT!

Share your thoughts. How do you feel about Dior Summer/Spring 2011. Sole hot or Sole not?