AUSTRALIA'S NEXT TOP SHOE?

Australia's Next Top Model tragics rejoice, I have shoe news for those who've been ogling the fabulous stilts appearing on the Top 20.

They are KeilanaSkye shoes and are anything but ordinary.

Candy Maaka-Stoten launched the label in 2009 believing there was a gap in the market when it came to contemporary, designer footwear with a comfortable yet modern aesthetic.

Her mantra: 'Because every woman deserves fabulous shoes' - love!

When designing each pair of KeilanaSkye shoes Maaka-Stoten assures special attention is given to the sole of each style, making sure it’s padded and lined with cushioning. Every stiletto and wedge features extra layers of cushioning under the ball of the foot acting as a shock absorber, creating a hidden platform approximately 2-3cm high. Comfortable and stylish? Interesting.

The 'She's Always Happy' collection for Spring Summer 2011-12 is all about versatility. Love that. Check it out here.


(Pictured: Starr black peep-toe lace up ankle boot $259.00)

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MBFF MYER FASHION LUNCH

The Fash-Pack are enjoying the tail end of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane at present and the MYER Fashion Lunch did not disappoint; viewing the hottest looks for Spring-Summer 11/12 by designers including Sass & Bide, Leona Edmiston, Jayson Brunsdon and Aurelio Costarella.

Housed in the Victoria Park Golf Club marquee, the super-long slick white catwalk was an impossing reminder that this event was very much a part of Queensland's premier fashion event.

The gorgeous Georgina Lewis presided over the day dishing out prizes and interviewing special guest - the Queen of Frock - Leona Edmiston. Her tips for Summer? A dress for breakfast, a dress for lunch and a dress for dinner, topped of with a glorious tan.

Sass & Bide made its MYER debut along with a host of special summer sandals. (From Top: DKNY grey wedge, Wayne by Wayne Cooper sand shoe, Kenji black platform sandal).

The food was pretty damn good, the goody bags chock-a-block and the company delightful (thanks to Loren from BMD).

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BLING ME

A touch of bling to start your Tuesday.

Christian Louboutin, Fifi leopard sequin pump in fuchsia ($1,495USD).
Dolce & Gabbana, Gold sequined and jeweled pumps ($1,745USD).

Not yet on Australian shores but making their debut in Las Vegas, USA. Love!




(Source/Image Credit: Vegas Magazine)

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LOUIS VUITTON FALL / WINTER 2012-11

Want to go behind the scenes of the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011-12 Campaign by Steven Meisel with insights from Marc Jacobs (below)?



Luxury, travel, puppies AND a high heel 'rain boot'... in red. Sign me up. Love!

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CHANEL FALL-WINTER 2011/12 PRE-COLLECTION

I've said it once and suspect I'll keep on saying it... Bless Karl Lagerfeld.

I'm loving the Chanel Fall Winter 2011/12 Pre-Collection.




Watch Karl Lagerfeld's short film, Evanescent Metamorphoses (above) or go straight to the to-die-for shoes in this glorious collection @ Chanel.

I adore these two-tone satin pumps with pearls and sequins. Love!

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CHAMPAGNE BUDGET?

Now this is how to shop. Bless the curators of all things luxury at Westfield Sydney's Level Three Luxury precinct.

The Champagne Cube by Pommery is located within the precinct for a limited time from Tuesday, 16 August to Sunday 21 August, serving Pommery bubbles with catering by Justin North's Becasse Restaurant.

The bar is welcoming all shoppers to join them.

Designed as a sleek minimalist cube, the pop-up champagne bar features Pommery's signature colours of silver, blue and white which complement the luxe marble and brushed stainless steel interiors of Westfield Sydney's luxury precinct designed by renowned Japanese interior design firm Wonderwall.

Champagne Pommery is one of the world's leading champagne houses and one of the great names in champagne history.

Get to Westfield Sydney. Stat!


(Image Credit: Sassi Sam)

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VERY VALENTINO

Be still my beating heart... Loving this glorious new season Valentino boot.

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SARAH FIGGINS: IT GIRL

I love rubbing shoulders with a little shoe royalty.

No new kid on the block, Sarah Figgins, of ShooBiz, Scooter, Mollini, Midas and Evelyn Miles fame (Oh how I miss Evelyn Miles...), continues to impress footwear fanatics with the European sophistication she has cultivated for the last two decades with her new online store, ShoeSales.com.au

Working with the same group of accomplished artisans, Sarah draws every sketch, selects every fabric and finalises each construction detail that produces all of her footwear, appealing to conservative, eclectic and adventurous personalities and tastes. Sarah is renowned for creating ultra-feminine pieces, layered with character and charisma; a distinguishing look that is carried through her entire range.

I spoke to Sarah and asked her the three questions I ask every self confessed Shoe Addict.


What makes you a dedicated shoe addict?

Before I could walk or talk I would clap my hands with glee as my Mum's stiletto heels would teeter across our tiled floor. At kinder I would draw simple stick figures, but impressed everyone with the fabulous attention I would take to the stick figure's heels. I took a part-time job at 15 years of age; to 'solely' afford the beautiful Italian Beltrami shoes I found in Midas. I then worked at Evelyn Miles designer boutique whilst I was at university, just so I could touch and smell the designer creations, and so I could afford more shoes! My enchanted shoe addiction reached dizzy heights when the glass slipper was fitted to my foot and I married into the Figgins (3rd generation shoe) family. I am confessed addict! And stand tall, in my 5inch heels!


Your favourite pair & why?

I have a new favourite with every collection I build. But if my walk in robes were on fire - I would dash and grab my 5inch stiletto, Brain Atwood boots. Paneled in zebra, tiger and ocelot pony with choc brown suede fringing. The boot that unleashes 'look at me' power and literally purrs.


Your shoe philosophy?

My collections express femininity, a fastidious attention to detail and a design quality that appeals to confident women - my philosophy being "give a girl the right pair of shoes an she can conquer the world".

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JUICY GENIUS

Being a gal with a proclivity for all things biker (fashion speaking - plus I ride a Vespa which justifies the purchase of them...), I am loving these super chic Juicy Couture Carlton Convertible biker boots.

Available in supple black or cognac leather, this riding boot is pure genius. Newly released for the US Fall season, you can buy them online for $375USD.

The smart folk at Juicy have taken everything we love about a riding boot and given it the ability to be worn as a knee high AND an ankle boot. Makes ample financial sense to me - 2 in 1. Love!

Visit Juicy Couture. Stat.

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iPHONE USERS GIVE UP SEX & SHOES

If the results of a recent national survey commissioned by TeleNav in the US are to be believed, Americans are willing to give up some of life's greatest pleasures in order to hang on to their mobile phones.

We've all been there... Ever left your iPhone at home for the day and felt utterly naked as a result? What if you left it in a Bar only to return minutes later to find it's not there? Nightmare of epic proportions.

iPhone users can't help but be reliant, the device provides social interaction, diversions and all manner of direction but would you gleefully give up shoes and sex for your phone?

The survey found 40% of iPhone users would rather go shoeless for a week than give up their beloved smartphone. Hold the phone... I don't think so!

And the question of sex? One-third of survey respondents would be more willing to give up sex for a week than their phones.

Where did they get these 'respondents?' I love my iPhone but seriously? Who are these people?

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VERSACE'S EPIC FALL WINTER 2011-12

Behold Versace's Fall Winter 2011 - 2012 collection.

"Versace's epic past collides with its lustrous future in a titanic impact that makes the earth rumble and the skies fire up. The Ready-To-Wear Fall/Winter 2011-12 campaign embodies innate elements of the Maison that once again erupt in this powerful collection."

Saskia de Braun fronts Versace's new Fall Winter ready-to-wear campaign with word from the official Versace camp saying, "her strong intense look, her short dark hair and imposing presence give this campaign its true rocker spirit."

Love! Looks like peep-toe boots are here to stay for next Winter, stock up when sale time hits.

Go to the Official Versace Facebook page for daily updates.

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ARCHITECTURE MEETS SHOES

I love it when architecture and shoes meet.

Architect turned designer Rem D Koolhaas's (nephew of the great architect Rem Koolhaas) Amsterdam born shoetique United Nude has opened its first store in the UK.

The shoetique's interior fitout is hitting the press-waves as much as the stilts themselves.

The largest of their ten stores globally, each space is completely unlit with exception of a unique wall of light, incorporating an automated LED light system showcasing each shoe in its own exclusive light box.

Koolhaas says, "inspiration comes from the theatre, where you are traditionally enrobed in darkness with the spotlight only on the main event". He calls the concept, "Dark Shop, a kind of non-architecture, where the black space looks endless and where the is only light where you need it".

The label was co-founded with Galahad Clark (of Clark’s shoes fame). Love!

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ROYAL GUESTS GO NUDE

Apparently the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall last weekend had quite a few guests going nude.

According to Marie Claire UK a significant number of gals were wearing nude heels. A nude theme perhaps? Or just coincidence that everyone seemed to be wearing them.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, teamed a gold brocade Jane Troughton coat with nude L.K. Bennett heels, while princesses Beatrice and Eugenie both wore similar pump styles, clearly playing the cautionary fashion card.

The old guard even got in on the action with the Mother of the bride, Princess Anne, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall all going nude.

Olympic gold medallist Amy Wiliams, Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly, and TV presenters Kirsty Gallacher, Natalie Pinkham and Alice Plunkett - were all nude notables.

It's unanimous, time to go nude people. Love!


(Image Credit: Marie Claire UK / Rex Features)

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