CHIC AWARENESS: TRACY REESE GIVES BACK

Designer, Tracy Reese teamed up with Fashion Fights Cancer to offer shoppers a last minute opportunity to give the gift of hope for the holidays.

Reese designed a colorful canvas bag with bright floral blossoms that is perfect for any fashionista! 100% of the proceeds from the $40 limited edition tote will go directly to FFC. The plan for the money is just as fabulous as the bag itself. The non-profit organization will use the funds raised to create fashion and design-oriented therapeutic programs for cancer patients, as well as, a therapeutic center in New York City. Programs for the participants include sewing, beading, knitting, pattern making, garment construction and clothing design classes.

And in celebration of the project, Reese hosted a make-your-own tote bag session for cancer patients and survivors at her NYC showroom.

Kudos to Tracy Reese!

BLUE CRUSH: VERSACE SPRING 2012 AD

The cold weather is really just starting to emerge on the scene and yet.. here lies Spring 2012 ads. Wait.. can I just enjoy my boots, sweaters and scarves without being forced to focus on Spring looks and Summer trends.. *deep sigh* Mmmm.. I guess not.

Welp.. Versace has released it's Spring 2012 ad. If you follow us on FB and Twitter, you know that I've shared a few of the other campaigns but this is the first that I have chosen to feature on our blog. This campaign was photographed in the California desert by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The ad is bright, striped and screams Versace. It features supermodel, Gisele, who is looker uber hot to be a mommy of two! Can I look like that after I give birth? #JustSayin

In looking at the campaign, it is reasonable to conclude that Versace will be all about circle studs and gold hardware for Spring. This influence will be displayed on handbags, shoes and apparel. The shoes are still looking very structured in its design detail.. which is just a carryover from last season. What are your thoughts on the campaign? Are you excited about the Versace looks?

GET THE LOOK: BEYONCE

In today's edition of GET THE LOOK.. we are featuring mommy-to-be, Beyonce! She was spotted leaving a NYC nail salon in blue crocodile Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps and carrying a Burberry Tonal Raffia Bowling Bag.

Burberry has always had nice pieces in their collection but they are really killing the game right now! I, for one, have never been a Burberry stan.. but as of late, I've found myself stalking a few of their pieces. I can truly see an evolution of the brand. While I have a great appreciation for Burberry, whenever I have wondered into their stores, I've always felt like their collection was for the "older" customer. Older as in I'll pass on a purchase for me and cop something for my mom instead. Lol.

Nevertheless, this drool-worthy 'Raffia' bowling bag is priced at $1,395. That's actually not a bad price and doesn't deter my love one bit! This one is getting filed in must-have!

SOLE STRUCK: SENSO

So, of course, being the shoeaholic that I am.. I am always searching for something innovative within a shoe! I came across this wedge by Senso and nearly lost my mind! Owwwww... this shoe is giving me everything all at once! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..

This is from the Senso Fall 2011 collection and it is called 'DELIJIAH'. The platform is about 5" inches and the platform is 2" inches. It also comes in a pink leopard print. It feels very Betsey Johnson-esque to me.. I'm all about wearing statement shoes but I usually err on the side of caution. That is to say, I don't go crae-crae with it but I'm actually feeling the pink leopard. What are your thoughts?

FABULOUS FRIDAY: ALEXANDER McQUEEN

Happy Friday my lovelies!

Today, I am sprinkling you with a shoe that is dripping swagguuuu. This 5.5" inch wedge from Alexander McQueen is from his Fall 2011 collection. It features a silver metal wedge and is referred to as the 'Armour Wedge'. When it hit the market it was accompanied by a price that read $4,245. Ouch! However, it is now on sale for $2,549. Mmmmm.. and suddenly a $2k shoe seems like a bargain. Never thought I'd see the day..

If you have a few pennies to spare, you can purchase this shoe by clicking here.

ACCESSORY REPORT: BURBERRY SPRING 2012

Well.. we've finally made it to Wednesday. Since it's humpday... I figured that we should start our decline with a sneak peek of the lovely bags and clutches from Burberry's Spring 2012 line. I am soooo in love with the clutches. They are giving me EVERYTHING!!

I'm actually loving the tote's, as well.. but is it just me or does this collection seem rather fall-ish.. The only piece that looks semi-Spring is the 1st clutch. Nevertheless, they are great pieces.. they'll compliment any ensemble in your closet. They'll be landing in your local Sak's stores soon.

GIFT GUIDE: JIMMY CHOO CUP HOLDER

Yes! Yes! You read the title correctly.. Jimmy Choo has released its own brand of coffee sleeves. Say huh? Say what? Oh yes.. for a mere $125, you too can be the owner of a fabulous leather, skin print cup holder. Anyone running out to grab one in hopes of accessorizing their daily Starbuck's drink?

I heard someone say this would be a great stocking stuffer but for the life of me, I just can't see myself spending $125 on a stocking stuffer. In my world, that is a gift.. that is wrapped, taped and topped with a bow! 

Nevertheless, they are available on Net-A-Porter if you want to grab one or two!

SOLE HOT OR SOLE NOT: CAMILLA SKOVGAARD

Happy Monday Shoeholics!

I'm definitely on one this morning.. On cloud 9, that is. Lol. My mom has been here for a few days and I am just feeling so good.. so great! We did our usual girls routine.. shopping-girl talk-shopping-dining-shopping.. you know, the usual!

Nevertheless, I came across this super haute shoe from Camilla Skovgaard's Spring 2012 collection.. I love the bi-color basketweave.. I have a very strong sensation that KEMISTRE will have this similar concept happening for our Spring collection.. Hehe.. Also, I want to point out the tassel detail attached to the zip closure of the shoe.. this is going to be a big trend for 2012! Prepare to see tassels on shoes, handbags and clothing, as well.

But enough about all of that.. you tell me! Sole hot or Sole not?

FABULOUS FRIDAY: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Whew! Somebody grab me a pen and paper so that I can put these on my Christmas list with a big red heart and then low-key pass the list to my honey.. Haha.. Men always ask what do women want? The answer is simple: SHOES!!!

This Giuseppe Zanotti wedge is serving up some MAJOR swagguuuu. It has a 6" heel and a platform that measures slightly under 2". The regular price is $1,450 but it is currently on sale for $730 at Endless. Oh yes.. Friday just got a little bit better.. I loves me a good sale!

Happy Friday Fabs!

SNEAK PEEK: KURT GEIGER SPRING 2012

Kurt Geiger’s sneak peek into their Spring/Summer collection is radiant with color! So many beautiful shoes in such a confined space.. it should be a crime! Geiger's collection is certainly more about statement-making designs, bright neon-colors, tall platforms, and gold plated heels. The collection is mixed with a refined edgy undertone, paisley-esque prints and stunning platforms.

"Everything but the dress transforms for spring with a kaleidoscope of Dolly Mixture shades whilst accents of scarlet and neon giva pace to pretty pastels.  Soft but not always sweet, the collection has a refined edgy-undertone" says Creative Director, Rebecca Farrar-Hockley.

Here are a few pieces of the collection:

FASHION FIX: INSTANT SLIMMING TOTE

For those of you who packed on the pounds during Thanksgiving, fret no more... Today, I present you with an early Christmas gift.. We'll call it the INSTANT SLIMMER tote! You can thank me later! Lol.

This graphic-illusion tote from Mollaspace emphasizes how an exceptional design can take an accessory to the next level. Is this a cute idea or what? Am I the only person thinking that? I can't be. It's available in pink (as pictured), black (as pictured), kiwi green, blue and white. It's priced at $45.. *blank stare* 

Umm.. I like this tote but I don't know if you are getting the most bang for your buck... Don't get me wrong, I'm known to splurge. I've spent hundreds of thousands on shoes and bags but by all accounts, this is a CANVAS tote.. Not leather.. not pony hair... not ostrich.. not snakeskin.. It's canvas. *scratches head* AND on top of that, it's only 1 screen.. A basic screen.. not a foil screen.. not a glitter screen.. no embroidered sequins.. no studs.. no heat transfer stones.. Nothing. Lol. However, I can't deny the cuteness that is this bag! If it goes on sale, I'd definitely cop it.. but at its current retail price, I'll admire it from afar..

Nevertheless, if you deem this tote a MUST HAVE, it can be yours by clicking here. Oh and while you're there, pick me one up in pink.. Heyyyyy, it ain't tricking if you got it! Haha..

Enjoy your Monday lovelies! :o)

RETAIL THERAPY: VERSACE FOR H&M (ROUND 2)

I can proudly say that I was one of the fortunate souls that was able to get a few pieces of the Versace for H&M pieces. However, for those of you who were left standing in the cold, empty handed.. Word has it that Donatella Versace enjoyed working with H&M so much the first time around that she’s designed a pre-spring collection that will go on sale early next year. And this time, there’ll be no pesky lines or shoving involved.

Women’s Wear Daily reports that Versace’s second capsule collection for H&M will go on sale online Jan. 19 in countries where the Swedish retailer sells things online. So far that includes Sweden (obviously), the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. What about the United States, you ask? H&M has promised the USA a fully functioning e-commerce site some time around the end of 2011 or the beginning of 2012.

FASHION EXCHANGE: MICHAEL KORS GOES PUBLIC

Wanna own a piece of Michael Kors? Well soon you can! The fashion brand is set for an initial public offering, which means its shares will finally be publicly traded — and it expects that when they hit the market, they’ll go for between $17 and $19.

According to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission Friday, the company will issue nearly 48 million shares at that price, which brings the total value of the company into the neighborhood north of $3.5 billion. (In August, Kors sold a 20 percent equity stake to a group of investors including designer Tommy Hilfiger for $500 million, which valued the company at $2.5 billion.)

Once the shares have been offered, the company will be traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KORS. Everything else about the way Kors (the company and the man) operates is branded to a tee — why shouldn’t their ticker symbol be the same?

FABULOUS FRIDAY: SAM EDELMAN

Happy Friday Fabs!!!

Today, I am sharing a pair of shoes from my very own closet as your FAB FRIDAY treat.. I picked up these lovelies at Nordy's.. (Nordstroms as some of you may call it) and I always get so much attention when they are on my feet. Wooo hoooo... Mission Accomplished! Lol.

This Sam Edelman ankle bootie is dyed calf-skin with animal print front panels, buckle detail, contrasting black suede platform and zip fastening on side. The heel is almost 5" inches and has a 1" inch platform. These boots serve up everything that should be served during the fall... bootie + stiletto + animal print = FLAWLESS FALL PERFECTION!

GIFT GUIDE: FOR SHOE LOVERS

 

Is it really Dec 1st? It can't be.. There's no way! Hmmm... I'm afraid it is. This means several things.. #1: The year is coming to an end. *deep sigh* #2: You have to start thinking about what you want for Christmas because your boo has already begin to inquire. #3: You have to figure out what gifts you will be buying for others..

Whether you are on the receiving end or the giving end.. I am here to help! What better gift can you give a shoe lover other than shoes? While at it, why not 365 pairs of shoes? In the form of a calendar, that is. I think there is a big misconception that you have to break the bank to make Christmas special but that is soooo untrue! The greatest gifts that I have ever received are gifts that required some thought.. It required the person to really have an understanding of who I am as a person and the things that really make my heart smile.

The 365 Days of Shoes - 2012 calender is available on Amazon for only $29.96! Say whaaaaat? Someone please tell my honey to add this to my Christmas Wish List. There is nothing better than waking up to shoes every morning.. blogging on my laptop and looking up at shoes.. being on a conference call and looking up at shoes.. *sigh* They give me sooo much life! #iLive

FALL MUST HAVE: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Well... well.. well.. now what do we have here?

I do believe that Christian Louboutin has done it again and this time he called her 'Lola Montes'. Before I even go in on this shoe, I have to ask for a moment of silence. ***silence permeates the air***  Ok, back to my commentary.. just wanted to pay a little respect to the royalty, Lola Montes, as she has made an appearance upon my blog! Lol.

No matter what your personal taste is.. you simply CANNOT deny the hauteness that is.. I love the teardrop shaped suede & mesh mix that runs up the spine of the boot! It has an invisible zip closure along the back and has an accompanying price tag of $1,030. *scratches head* That's actually not a bad price considering this is a boot and Louboutin has pumps that cost significantly more! Can someone say: MUST HAVE!!!

They also come in a few other colors...

HOLIDAY GLAM: JEFFREY CAMPBELL

The holidays are here so that means that you should be breaking out the sequins, glitter and sparkle! *snaps fingers* For all of you platform, thick heel loving shoenistas.. allow me to introduce you to "Lita" by Jeffrey Campbell! These shoes ooze style.. they ooze glam.. They are such a STATEMENT PIECE and anyone who knows me, knows that my closet is full of shoes that make a statement! Oooooookay! Besides, why should Dorothy be the only who rocks a pair of shoes that sparkle, thus making a statement? Where is it written that only people headed to see the Wizard can click their heels.. Move over Dorothy.. move over, I say!

'Lita' boasts a dynamic 5.5" heel with a 2" platform.. Perhaps I should mention this is not a shoe for amatuers. It is available in red, black, and gold but the confetti silver is my fave! These beauts come with a bargain price tag of $160. *deep sigh* That's like music to my ears... Jeffrey Campbell always gives you more bang for your buck! Oh how I love thee.. If you are dying to pair these with your holiday ensemble, don't fret... you can cop a pair here. I hear they are going pretty fast so you better move on them quickly!

Have a great day my lovelies!!

LOOKS WE LOVE: HEADBANDS

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Wear your hair up! Wear your hair down! However you wear it.. be sure to ACCESSORIZE! Headbands have many different looks and they are taking over! They come in suede string, chains, jute rope, leather braided, diamonds, feathers and jeweled. With so many options, there has to be a style to your liking!

Headbands are every where. No matter what your budget is, they are available to you. I came across this super cute chain braided, snake print headband in Nordstroms a few days ago. [See below] Ok wait for it.. waittttt for it... It's only $38! Can you believe it? This is a total bargain price in my book. Dare I say.. the look for less. It comes in 4 different colors and I bought all 4! #DontJudgeMe

To make this headband yours, simply click here. If you are looking for something a little cheaper, I would recommend stopping by your local beauty supply. I'm always amazed at all of the things sold in the beauty supply! I ran into a beauty supply over on La Brea the other day to grab some hair gloss spray and they had headbands for only $3.99 so it's a great alternative for all of you chica's on a tight budget!

RED HAUTE ALERT: UNITED NUDE

Fall and Winter ushers boots/booties into our lives, making them relevant, yet again.. I tend to wait eagerly wondering what the business is going to be season to season.. Every now and then a designer decides to produce a shoe that will give any shoenista a HAUTE ATTACK at first glance. Welp.. United Nude has done just that with their Iris van Herpen United Nude Crystalization LIMITED EDITION booties. Owwwwww!! These things are the bomb.com! Someone call 9-1-1 because I am having problems breathing!

The Iris van Herpen X United Nude product is a glamorous ankle bootie with smooth round lines and golden leather detailing on the front and back of the shoe, with three-dimensional characteristics. Transparency, reflections and movements create the effect of visual estrangement. The construction of the shoe is so complicated and precise that each pair is 100% hand-made with the highest grade Italian calf Nappa available. They are available for $995 and available exclusively at United Nude.

They are also available in a few other colors:

BISQUE

BROWN

TAN

OFF WHITE