Monday, December 27, 2010

USA KICK FANS IN A FRENZY




Ok, they're not designer runway stilts but they're causing quite a frenzy in the US.

The release of the Cool Grey Jordans were the cause of a pretty huge commotion when they were launched to the general public on Thursday as the pursuit to acquire the exclusive sneakers got ugly.

Reports from NBA Dallas say police were forced to use pepper spray to subdue an unruly crowd of around 500 people outside the Town East Mall.

To put it into some form of perspective for you , these were the sneakers that Michael Jordan himself wore in his final NBA game, and were released for just one day in March of 2001 for $125USD. Their new release bumped the cost up to $175USD, and they have been going for as high as $500USD on eBay.

To a keen heel aficionado this no doubt sounds a little kooky but to those who read my blog and are die hard sneaker collectors (yes, still bamboozled you read my blog), this is a big deal. Apparently the Cool Greys are the Holy Grail and clearly worth fighting for.


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Friday, December 24, 2010

THROWING CUSTOM MADE ARMANI SHOES IS GAGA

Bless Lady Gaga once again for this little gem.

At the end of her rescheduled show in Paris this week Lady Gaga flung, what could be considered as dangerous objects, at her fans.

The custom stilts were made for Gaga by Giorgio Armani but she wanted to show her crowd 'some love' - so she threw her shoes. As you do.

‘Mr Armani is probably going to kill me,’ she told thousands of fans. ‘But in the dance community, it is a tradition, when someone kicks arse to give them your shoes. You are the most kick-arse fans in the whole world!’

Watch it here.




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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

FESTIVE READS FOR SHOE ADDICTS



Here are some last minute gift suggestions for the Shoe Addict in your life if the budget is a little tight this year.

Why not pick her up a little festive read?




Here are my top picks:


Jimmy Choo Story: Power, Profits And The Pursuit Of The Perfect Shoe

The Towering World of Jimmy Choo examines the world's seemingly insatiable appetite for luxury goods by telling the behind-the-scenes tale of one of the most talked-about brands of our age. Jimmy Choo was a London shoemaker with clients including Princess Diana when Tamara Yeardye, a London society girl, convinced him to launch a factory-produced luxury shoe line. Twelve years later, Jimmy Choo is a household name, and Tamara still presides over what is now one of the most successful luxury brands in the world.


Manolo's New Shoes

The follow up companion to the bestselling Manolo Blahnik Drawings, this book presents a brand new collection of Manolo's celebrated shoe designs. The book is organized thematically to express Manolo Blahnik's vision. A glorious pictorial feast that will double as a coffee table book.


The Blood Countess

The first novel in bestselling author Tara Moss exciting new Pandora English series - is True Blood meets The Devil Wears Prada in high-fashion fantasy New York. Moss brings her trademark macabre and lifelong love of the paranormal to the fashion world, with a twist...

Aged 19 and fresh from small town Gretchenville, Pandora English arrives in New York City to live with her mysterious Great Aunt Celia. Pandora is going to make it big as a writer... or so she thinks. When Pandora lands a job at a glossy women's magazine that happens to share her name, her first assignment is covering the exciting A-List launch of BloodofYouth, the latest miracle beauty product to take America by storm. Supermodel Athanasia, the face of BloodofYouth, is drop-dead gorgeous, but Pandora senses something else too. Something sinister... It seems there may be a secret ingredient in BloodofYouth, and when Pandora discovers what it is, there'll be hell to pay... Funny, sexy, fashionable and just a tiny bit terrifying.

Enjoy!

To purchase all three books online go to Angus & Robertson or hit your nearest good bookstore.


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Monday, December 13, 2010

'TIS THE SEASON
















'Tis the season and I’m not talking festive people, I’m talking lists.

You know, the end of calendar year wrap where newspapers, magazines and television programs like to compile lists of everything from ‘The Best of 2010’ to ‘The Worst of’. Most fashionable, most stylish, worst break-ups and greatest moments; just to name a few.

There is nothing like a list to spark some hot debate. At least, that’s what I like to call it. Lashings of criticism and ridicule from the masses just don’t have the same high spirited ring to them.

It seems we are obsessed with lists. Not just the compellation of them and the content that goes into them, once they’ve been published we love to tear them and those who appear in them completely and utterly to shreds.

Celebrities who inadvertently end up in Who magazines sexiest people of 2010 are subject to endless amounts of condemnation and not just from our living room whilst pouring over the latest issue with our girlfriends, but by members of the general public and paparazzi who not only see it as their right to bring these people down, they enjoy it.

How many times have we seen a buff young maven appear in a Top 100 only to find pictures of her cellulite surface the following week? The paps know this is a money shot and the public, secretly or not so secretly, love it.

A little closer to home newspapers like to publish most stylish and best dressed based stories that introduce the readers to a collection of people they may not know in our cities in a bid to showcase our State. While these lists are seen by some as inspirational they are looked down upon by others as some kind of back-slapping exercise to be loathed.

As someone who was fortunate enough (yes, that’s my take on it) to be nominated by peers and members of my community and then placed on some of these lists in our fair State, I was stunned to read the opinions of complete strangers as a result of the list’s publication.

While I fear it may sound as though I am defending myself (and in a way I probably am) I am astounded at what goes on behind the scenes. For those seemingly normal people that read and possibly enjoy such lists you may find this surprising.

A few years ago there was a list published of the Best Dressed variety and as with such articles there was a panel of judges that were asked to rank numerous nominees into the final list. Upon the glossy and extensive publication of this list, of which I was included, avalanches of opinion descend in all forms. Not only did those involved in the assembly of this list have an onslaught of denigration thrown at them, so did those that were in it.

Please don’t feel I am having a ‘boo-hoo poor me moment,’ I am completely ok with members of the public being able to publish their comments and feelings on any matter - these types of articles included. What flabbergasts me is the direct emails and phone calls that also seem to follow as part of this right to opinion.

Yes, you read correctly, there are those that think it is not enough to publish their comments online where this article appears, they need to take their grievance one step further. They write direct emails or make a phone call, often abusive and not identifying themselves, to a judge or a person included in such a list. Honestly.

There seems to be some general misconceptions that money equals style or the ability to dress well. I don’t know about you but I know plenty of instances where this is most certainly not the case. The other interesting fallacy is that those appearing in these lists are shallow human beings distinctly lacking in personality.

So who are these ignorant, ill-informed opinionistas? Clearly a list can make people crazy. Why, one might ask? Is it jealousy or feelings of inadequacy? I wonder how those people would behave if they were in fact nominated to be part of such a list? Would they decline the invitation?

For every one of these not very nice people I am sure there is an entire host of people who feels differently. The problem is they don’t feel it necessary to devote their time to sharing how they feel about such topics and before any conclusions are jumped to, they aren’t all women.

One could even say this behaviour describes a certain ‘social phenomenon, in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticised because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers.’

Interesting. Apologies to anyone I may have offended by airing your grievances to the world on behalf of all of those whom have appeared in such articles. Oh? That’s right… you already did that all by yourself!

Give the journalists who spend endless hours putting these articles together a break and just see them as the piece of entertainment they are intended to be. If you feel that strongly about someone in particular being included do something politely and proactively about it. Who doesn’t want to see some fresh faces mixed with those that never seem to disappoint us with their style?

I am pleased to agree with the late but fabulous Alexander McQueen on the subject of style; “I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern - wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passe. It's a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.”


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Sunday, December 12, 2010

DIOR TURNS VEGAN FOR PORTMAN


You have to admire a gal who sticks to her core values at any cost.

Nothing says 'fashion clout' like an iconic label asking you to represent them, then remaking its fashion animal-friendly just so you can wear it.

While fervent about her new role as the face of Miss Cherie for Dior 2011, Natalie Portman has revealed the fashion house re-makes its accessories for the strictly vegan actress.

The actress who was quoted last year saying "Jonathan Safran Foer's book Eating Animals changed me from a twenty-year vegetarian to a vegan activist." She then wrote a lengthy and impassioned justification of her veganism and refused to wear leather and animal derived products.

Often seen in Stella McCartney's vegan styles, in her press appearances for the film The Black Swan, Portman has alternated between McCartney accessories, and bespoke versions of shoes from the Dior main line range.

She told WWD.com: “One of the things that’s been so nice is that Dior made all of the shoes for me with no animals and no leather or anything, because I don’t wear any leather...They re-made all my shoes so I can wear Dior shoes without taking lives.”


(Image Credit: Getty)

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

SIMPSON'S BILLION A SHOE IN
















Have you ever mocked Jessica Simpson? You aren't alone, there are plenty who laugh at Simpson but it seems she's about to have the last laugh, all the way to the bank.

The Texan, who rose to stardom singing pop-country music and displaying her life on reality TV with ex-hubby Nick Lachey, first dipped her toe into the fashion water in 2005.

A preacher’s daughter who used her celebrity to endorse a line of fashion including shoes, sunglasses, swimwear and scent, brought in $750 million this year in retail sales across all of her 22 lines according to Forbes. The line is set to expand to include sportswear in 2011 and the move is estimated to ring in a cool billion.

Not a bad year's work.


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Thursday, December 09, 2010

BABES COLUMN: CONTROL FREAK IN THE HOUSE


Read Tracey's latest column @ Babes in Business.


I have a question. I realize it’s rhetorical but I feel the need to share my bewilderment.

Why do attractive, confident, intelligent and financially independent women end up in relationships with men that want to control them?

There is no doubt in my mind this is another of the world’s great mysteries. I certainly am not engaging in any kind of man-bashing or degradation of any female who wakes up one day and finds herself in this situation, I’ve done it myself. Twice!

At a recent fashion event of the ‘ladies who lunch’ variety I was engaged in a round table conversation with an assemblage of near strangers when the topic turned to shoes, as it so often does in my presence. After debriefing on the current clog trend the banter turned to sexy sandals and the all encompassing love affair those at the table had with them when one participant broadcast her husband didn’t ‘allow her to wear sexy sandals.’

I’m sorry, what? Did someone just slap me into the 50’s and pop me next to June Cleaver?

I have so many questions I’m not quite sure where to start. How does one identify a pair of sandals that are too sexy? Too much toe cleavage?

More >>


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Wednesday, December 08, 2010

READING LIST: ATLANTIS HOME


I read so many amazing Blogs from all over the world and while I have featured many of our wonderful home-grown Australian Bloggers I wanted to share an off-shore taste with you.

I love Atlantis Home, it juxtaposes both of my loves; interior design and fashion.

Judy Aldridge is the fashion and interior decorating blogger behind Atlantis Home, living in Trophy Club, Texas, with her daughters Carol and Jane Aldridge. She recently attended the Chictopia 10 Social Influence Summit as a guest speaker.

She began her career as a model, while living in Tokyo for two years during the 80's and then returned to Dallas and pursued fashion design.

During the late 1980s she owned a store called Chiaroscuro, in the hip Deep Ellum area of Dallas. The store opened in 1987 and was complete with a forties Coca-Cola vending machine and a multi-colored floor with gold stars.

Judy first delved into fashion designing with her eco friendly label Atlantis Underground which was created in Dallas during the 90s and closed in 1992. Judy has recently revived her label under the name of Atlantis Dry.

Her Blog is a great indulgence with an abundance of Chic fashion and home.

Love!

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Tuesday, December 07, 2010

ALL HAIL HERMES



Oh dear, all hail Hermes.

Thank you for joining what is being touted as 'Brisbane's luxury row' and elegantly thrusting open your doors (in Elio Moda's previous home) in Edward Street.

Fashionably, this speaks volumes for Queensland's thirst for luxury goods and Hermes is in good company with the newly opened Richards & Richards next door, Watches of Switzerland and BOSS across the road.

Edward Street is certainly earning its reputation as a destination for the high-end fashionista with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co also taking up residence there.

The Brisbane Times reported Lord Mayor Campbell Newman as quick to point out the “new world city” symbolism of the boutique; it continued the global-standard gentrification of the Edward Street “fashion precinct”.

Famed for its Ãœber-expensive Birkin bags and $550 silk scarves, the French fashion house - founded in 1837 as a horse harness business, counts this boutique as the fifth for Hermes in Australia and the second in Queensland after the long-established boutique in the Gold Coast's Marina Mirage.

Reports from New York overnight have the French luxury products firm setting up a private holding company that will own more than half of its shares. The move will allow the descendants of Thierry Hermes, to sell their shares without seeing them scooped up by LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault.

The founding family owns more than 73% of Hermes and is seeking to protect the brand from a takeover. In September, Arnault - whose firm owns labels including Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Christian Dior - shocked Hermes when he disclosed he had bought 17.1% of the company and signalled he might enlarge his stake further.

While rumours in fashion industry circles have been circulating for months about Gucci's intended Brisbane assault, this has not yet been confirmed.

Want to get yourself a little Hermes shoe fix? This pair of casual sandals will cost you $670, online or in store.

Love!

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Monday, December 06, 2010

SALE ME JEAN




Right. If you haven't got your running stilettos on may I suggest you best be off to do so.

Jean Brown's mid-season sale is on NOW. Now ladies. With up to 60% off and some of these treasures there for the taking (from $238AUD), I suggest you be quick.

To browse the sale look book click here or get down to Emporium pronto!

From top: Christian Louboutin ambertina glitter in multi, Stuart Weitzman lattice satin heels in cream and Miu Miu studded t bar heel in black.

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Sunday, December 05, 2010

NOTHING MORE LIVELY THAN 40 PAIRS OF LOUBOUTINS.


Loving Blake Lively's work. The fashion savvy Gossip Girl star has picked up an astonishing 40 pairs of shoes at NYC's Christian Louboutin sample sale.

There is no doubt this fashionista has exquisite taste and her strong preference for the Louboutin brand is definitely no secret, given the man himself has even named a pair of shoes after her.

According to StyleBistro it seems she has recently participated in an invitation-only, super-exclusive Christian Louboutin sample sale that took place in New York City and walked home with no less than 40 pairs of shoes.

The prices were lower than usual so Ms Lively took advantage of the heavy discounts and paid only $9,000USD for her purchases after trying on signature shoes for approximately 4 hours.

Since a pair of flats has a starting price of $150 while heels were sold for about $225 most of us would agree she got some pretty good deals. Makes my 16 pair rampage in Hawaii look like child's play.

For more go to StyleBistro.

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Saturday, December 04, 2010

A TASTE OF EUROPE @ RICHARDS & RICHARDS



Bless the gorgeous James Richards and his family for this new and delightfully European influenced men’s emporium in Brisbane’s CBD.

While Richards & Richards unveiled its $2 million, two level store in late September on Brisbane City’s Elizabeth Street I had yet to make my way there until last week. Love! If you haven't been there yet, go. Immediately if not sooner.

Featuring exclusive designer brands and accessories as well as a premium cafe and wine bar I could have happily spent the afternoon there, which I suspect is exactly what the Richards boys would like you to do.

Anyone who has spent time in the delectable boutiques of Europe will adore this store and if you haven't had that pleasure then this comes a very close second.

Nestled alongside an esteemed neighbour in Hermes, the Richards & Richards emporium is the brainchild of fifth generation retail merchant James Richards and father Joe Richards along with brothers Joshua and Joachim.

Comprising 400sqm, the emporium exclusively stocks French, Italian and Turkish labels including Borelli, True Grace and Zu Elements to name a few and is home to knowledgeable, trained stylists who are complemented by an onsite tailor.

“The Richards & Richards experience is like no other in Brisbane. Men of all ages and sizes can shop for leisure and formal wear, accessories, gifts, cologne, swimwear and more, or they can simply come to experience the R&R Cafe Bar, which is the first of its kind in the city,” says James Richards.

Brisbane Marketing CEO John Aitken said the arrival of both Richards & Richards and Hermes demonstrates a deep confidence in Brisbane’s retail market and will capture the attention of locals and visitors alike.

“The concept behind Richards & Richards is unique and sophisticated; it is unlike any other in Brisbane. It will enhance the international shopping experience in Brisbane’s CBD, cementing the city’s standing as Australia’s new world city,” Mr Aitken said.

James adds that Richards & Richards will offer a complete experience, and he expects it will earn its reputation as Brisbane’s number one destination for premium fashion and accessories as well as great food, wine and coffee.

You know what? I think he's right.

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Thursday, December 02, 2010

ARE VACU-SHOES THE NEW SHAPE-UPS?















Ok, so now I have seen it all...

Thought Reebok had it covered with toning sneakers? Think again my friends. If running a vacuum cleaner around the house is just too much of a chore to contemplate get yourself a pair of Foki shoes - a concept that lets you shoe-ver your house instead.

Foki is a vacuum cleaner concept developed by designer Adika Titut Triyugo. Each shoe is a rechargeable rubber-lined plastic spring-cleaning slipper and there are two rotary cleaners in each shoe that pick up dust and bacteria. Simply slip on the Foki and either run round your house vacu-shoe style or wear them as you do the rest of the cleaning.

While not even remotely attractive they do have an LED display on the top showing how much dust and grime you've picked up, as well as battery status.

What will 'they' think of next?

Read more @ Crave UK

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