SHOE ADDICT

MY WEEK IN SHOES

2012-01-31T21:01:00.010+10:00

That is all.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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FIVE FINGERS AT THE GLOBES

2012-01-18T21:35:00.006+10:00

The annual award ceremonies really do bring out the best and worst fashion don't they?

Something about having to glam-up for the world's media makes some nominees shoe crazy, and not necessarily in a good way.

No matter whether the gown dazzles you can usually make up some ground in the latest collection Manolos, Christian Louboutins or Jimmy Choo heels.

Loving Best Actress nominee Viola Davis's choice of Jimmy Choo Louisa platform sandals but cannot for the life of me work out what The Descendants star Shailene Woodley was thinking?

After the 69th annual Golden Globe awards ceremony, the actress ditched her Marchesa dress and Tabitha Simmons shoes for an entirely different ensemble to attend the In Style / Warner Bros. After Party.

A little more comfy - check, a flowing black gown - check, a pair of Vibram "Five Finger" shoes - what the?

Comfort over style is one thing but this is an epic fail!

Comments?

(Image Credit: Getty)
@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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HEAD OVER HEELS FOR SHOE CLUBS

2012-01-01T16:16:00.005+10:00

The concept isn't a new one but we're used to seeing it with books or wine. It seems the model has taken a fascinating turn with women's Shoe of the Month clubs hotting it up in the USA.

They all work the same way. You start by responding to a short survey, which purportedly allows the club's style maestros to identify your likes and style. Then, at the beginning of each month, you are presented with a selection of shoes designed to your taste from which to pick in your inbox. Choose a pair and they are sent post-haste with free shipping (only in the US). If nothing takes your fancy you are given a small window at the start of each month to decline to participate that month.

From the bargain-basement, no-frills eShoeClub (which offers a remarkable two pairs for $29.95) to the Kim Kardashian co-founded Shoedazzle and the other equally as large Just Fabulous (offering one pair a month for $39.95) to Sole Society Inc. (offering shoes at $49.95 a month) to the highest price tag of the Rachel Bilson backed ShoeMint (coming in at a much higher price point of $79.98).

All of these clubs make similar claims to being on-trend and fashion-forward and all create custom shoes, not shoes you can buy in stores. Most have some kind of celebrity endorsement and claim to have professional style consultants that match designs to the taste of their customers.

The advantage to the online store is obvious, a locked-in database and projected sales. And this market isn't a puny one, according to the Los Angeles Times, Just Fabulous has four million members and Sole Society half a million. Shoedazzle, co founded by reality TV heavyweight Kim Kardashian, has $60 million in investors. JustFabulous projects sales of 2.5 to 3 million pair next year. That's a whole lot of shoes!

While I applaud the merits of shoe clubs I do like to touch feel and experience the thrill of the chase so I'm not sure it's for me. Call me old fashioned.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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DION BOASTS 3,000 PAIRS OF SHOES

2011-12-19T13:47:00.004+10:00

Say what you will about Celine Dion but I have to tip my trilby to the woman, who has confessed she owns about 3,000 pairs of shoes.

The 43-year-old singer has told the Daily Telegraph she is obsessed with footwear and has admitted to being unable to resist adding to her collection, but she doesn't feel guilty because it's her only real vice.

“If you have, let's say, 600 pairs of shoes, you're considered a freak? I have about 3,000 pairs. Look, some people do drugs, and I buy shoes,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

The ever glamorous singer is not gloating too freely though and says she feels very lucky to be able to buy expensive shoes and other luxuries and admits the spending power she now has and the lavish Florida estate she lives at with her husband Rene Angelil and their children - 10-year-old son Rene-Charles and 13-month-old twins Eddy and Nelson – is very different to the house she was raised in.

"My fans bought me my house. They bought my records … I'm very fortunate, and people have bought my albums year after year, and they come to see the shows, and it's expensive, and they still come," she added.

This is precisely why I don't count my shoes. Bless her.

(Image Credit: wmagazine.com)

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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IT'S A WRAP - BABES GET SPANISH

2011-12-01T18:30:00.003+10:00

This knees-up has earned its place as the most celebrated end-of-year corporate event and the 2011 installment did not disappoint, with several hundred members of Brisbane’s premier networking organisation Babes in Business hosting clients and colleagues at a stylish long Spanish lunch.

Want more? Go to Brisbane Time's Plus One for the full piece and social pics.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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PEARLS, POLO & VEUVE CLICQUOT

2011-11-14T17:49:00.011+10:00

Brisbane Time's Plus One social blogger Tracey Gillinder sips Champagne and stiletto-stomps divots at Brisbane's most elegant polo party the Paspaley Polo in the City.

For the full social skinny on the day go to Brisbane Times Plus One.

Here are a few extra fun shots of the day's frivolity. Loving the Clicquot gumboots. Love!

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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CHOO CRUISE 2012

2011-11-07T21:01:00.010+10:00

In the illustrious words of Rachel Zoe... I die.

Behold, the Jimmy Choo Cruise Collection 2012.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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ICONIC CHOO PUTS BEST STEM FORWARD

2011-10-19T20:18:00.010+10:00

"I wanted to create a modern capsule collection inspired by memorable styles from our history that represented milestone moments for the brand and embody the DNA of our house style.

These modern interpretations of classic designs represent the iconic glamour of Jimmy Choo today." Tamara Mellon, OBE Founder and Chief Creative Officer

To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the iconic Jimmy Choo brand, the luxury label has released a coffee table book entitled, JIMMY CHOO XV and launched a fabulous capsule collection titled 'Icons'.

The book is available for early release exclusively in Jimmy Choo stores worldwide as of the 26th October 2011 with a deluxe edition featuring a snakeskin print embossed slipcase (of course) and will be in good bookstores worldwide from February 2012.

With a foreword by fashion journalist Colin McDowell and introduction by Tamara Mellon, JIMMY CHOO XV chronicles the 15 most significant shoes from the company’s archives through captivating imagery shot by photographers such as Mario Testino and Terry Richardson, editorial from the world’s top fashion magazines, paparazzi shots from the red carpet, design studio sketches and behind the scenes photography.

The company will donate one hundred percent of its revenues from the sale of the book to the Jimmy Choo Foundation, a charitable trust.

If procuring part of the collection for your feet will break the bank right now, consider ordering the book in the interim. Love!

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Icons photo shoot:

Want more? Go to Jimmy Choo.

@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!

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BURBERRY'S 'TWEETWALK' S/S 2012

2011-10-02T08:18:00.009+10:00

Over 1,500 guests converged on London's Hyde Park for the Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2012 show last week including; Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Sienna Miller and Sir Ben Kingsley.

If you still haven't received the memo telling you Burberry's fresh young look is hotter than hell right now, then they'll happily come to you via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and You Tube.

In a fashion first, Burberry partnered with Twitter to create a live 'Tweetwalk' show premiering the Spring Summer 2012 collection with instant backstage Twitpics of each model live, before they hit the runway.

Burberry just reinvented PR fashion forward. Now back to the shoes...

Love!

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GUCCI MUESO OPENS IN FLORENCE

2011-09-30T08:46:00.006+10:00

Piazza Signoria in Florence, Italy, is one of my favourite places in the world and now it has another fabulous draw card, the Gucci Museo.

In celebration of the luxury brand's 90th Anniversary, the fashion House opened the Gucci Mueso inside the medieval Palazzo della Mercanzia. (Watch the making of Gucci Mueso below).

Starlets, A-List Florentines and fashionistas turned out in droves for Wednesday night's opening. Spied strutting the red carpet were Camille Belle, Frida Giannini, Charlotte Casiraghi , and Abby Cornish.

The museum houses an exhibit from the rich history of the Gucci archives as well as a contemporary art installation by the Pinault Foundation.

The first floor plays host to installations such as: flora world, handbags, evening, precious, and contemporary art space. The second floor is logomania, lifestyle, and sport and the ground floor sees a Gucci icon store, bookshop, café, and gift shop.

Patrizio di Marco, Gucci's President and CEO, said, "We have decided to give life to something very dynamic and engaging. Visitors to the GUCCI MUSEO will not have the impression of a nostalgic celebration, instead our aim has been to create a destination experience where people can appreciate and enjoy our history, but at the same time understand how innovative and alive Gucci is today. The GUCCI MUSEO is also a tribute to our hometown," according to a Fibre2Fashion article.

Gucci is a luxury institution and one of the most renowned fashion houses in Italy, with Guccio Gucci opening his first leather goods and small luggage store in 1921. The son of an Italian merchant, Guccio Gucci wanted to blend the inspirations he acquired from both London, while working at the Savory Hotel, and from life in Italy, utilizing the classic sensibility of Italian craftsmanship.

Makes sense to me. Molto bella.

For more on the Gucci Museo click here.

(Pictures from bottom: Aldo Gucci in front of the original Florence store, Top; inside the exhibit.)

See the making of the Gucci Mueso...

Love!

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NEW SEASON KILLER HEELS

2011-09-28T08:20:00.006+10:00

The pin heel. Loved and coveted but oh so deadly.

At 12cm this isn't the tallest heel we've seen in recent seasons but it is as 'killer' as they come.

With thanks to Christian Louboutin, Versace and Zanotti for their latest collections of pin-heeled leather pumps. Worn with everything from skinny jeans to floor length gowns these offerings will bring instant sophistication.

Warning: Wear at your own risk.

Love!

From Bottom Left (anticlockwise): Christian Louboutin Big Dorcet 120 suede pumps, Versace Pin-heeled nappa leather ankle boots, Christian Louboutin Big Stack 120 leather pumps, Giuseppe Zanotti Crystal-embellished satin ankle boots.

All available at Net-A-Porter

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VERSACE WOMEN'S SPRING SUMMER 2012

2011-09-27T07:50:00.004+10:00

Missed Versace's super high take on the perspex platform? We welcome them back in Versace's 2012 Spring Summer Collection.

For 2012 Spring Summer season, the Versace Siren arrives in the city in the middle of the hot, hot summer, bringing with her a new beat...

Watch the fashion show from yesterday in Milan.

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TREND ALERT - TAKE A HIKE

2011-09-19T07:24:00.008+10:00

The hottest trend to come out of Fall Winter 2011-12? The sky-high hikers boot.

A pretty damn stylish 24 hour footwear solution. Loving these spins (from bottom): Alaia - lace-up calf hair platform boots, Chloé - leather platform ankle boots and Dolce & Gabbana - plaid and leather utility style boots.

All available @ Net-A-Porter.

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RACHEL ZOE BANANAS FOR SHOES

2011-09-13T21:11:00.004+10:00

She's successfully conquered celebrity styling and reality TV, now Rachel Zoe is taking on what some might say is a predictable (but fabulous) new role - fashion designer.

On Monday (12th) she presented her Spring Summer 2011-12 collection during New York Fashion Week and is moving at her usual 100km per hour pace on her footwear and accessories venture.

Labeling her Super-Mum doesn't even begin to do her justice, with season four of her hit reality show 'The Rachel Zoe Project' about to hit US screens and motherly duties with her six-month-old son Skyler, this is a woman with serious time management skills.

Zoe's collection with LF USA debuted with a bang, already taken on in majors like Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

'Not everyone wants to tower on a 7-inch heel like me,' admitted Zoe to WWD. 'There's something in the collection for everybody. I want everybody to find their shoe.'

Bless her.

(Image Credit: rachelzoe.com)

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BRISBANE TIMES - PLUS ONE - GOES LIVE

2011-09-12T22:34:00.003+10:00

Want a little more sass?

Introducing Fairfax's BrisbaneTimes.com.au new social sass, Plus One.

Running the gamut from glitterati to grunge, Plus One invites you along to the top events, revelries and celebrations in Brisbane. It’s social coverage with a twist.

This is your insider's guide to Brisbane's best openings, events and parties.

Go there. Stat!

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STEPHANE KELIAN S/S 2011-12 COLLECTION

2011-09-12T07:44:00.007+10:00

Stephane Kelian is known for his design expertise and craftsmanship. Touches of hand-made finishes and plaited leather define Kelian as the 'sculptor shoemaker.'

The Spring Summer 2011-12 collection is edgy and fresh but elegantly designed.

Loving the Anita, available in black and beige. Available at Cosmopolitan Shoes.

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SJP LAUNCHES COLLECTION WITH MANOLO BLAHNIK

2011-09-12T07:12:00.002+10:00

Sarah Jessica Parker launches a shoe collection with Manolo Blahnik for Fashion's Night Out, while Vanessa Hudgens and Daniel Radcliffe also attend events in New York.

Love!

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CHOO'S FLOWER POWER

2011-09-05T08:28:00.007+10:00

Jimmy Choo's Flower Collection of summer essentials - just hitting shoetiques now!

Love.

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GUCCI & FIAT'S LOVE CHILD

2011-09-03T16:18:00.008+10:00

I have a confession to make... I love cars. Clearly I love my shoes but I do love cars. Not just any common-garden-variety car, beautiful, elegant prestige cars. So when I hear Fiat has teamed with Gucci, I'm all over it.

In a year that sees the celebration of 150 years of Italian unification and on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Gucci brand, Fiat and the Florence-based luxury label present the "500 by Gucci."

The car is the result of intensive creative collaboration between Stile Fiat and Gucci, a co-design project where the work by the Italian designer label is devised to enhance the distinguishing traits of the iconic Fiat 500.

Consequently, "500 by Gucci" represents the perfect blend of two stylistic approaches which, each in its respective field, have made Italian style so famous and influential all over the world, focusing as ever on attention to detail, the ongoing pursuit of quality materials, in the spirit of a simple yet refined elegance.

The new car features exteriors in two colours, Black or White, both enhanced by the exclusive paint with glass beads which make it 'shine like a gem.' The same colour combination can be found on the key cover, which gives customers their first distinguishing sign of the "500 by Gucci".

Designed by Gucci's creative director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Fiat's design office, the convertible version of this limited edition car is sleek, sporty and made for summer adventures. Beginning in August / September, the 500C by Gucci will hit the road in a mult-city tour of Europe's most charming locations. The first stop will be Saint Tropez (August 19 - 27) followed by Berlin (September 8 - 14), Barcelona (September 25 - October 2), London (October 16 - 23) and Geneva (October 23 - 30). A special Italian road show kicks off in Forte dei Marmi (August 22 - 28). From there it travels to Rome (September 4 - 11), Florence (September 19 - 26) and finally Milan (October 8 - 16).

Sign me up - love!

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KARDASHIAN'S 3 PAIRS OF WEDDING SHOES

2011-09-01T21:11:00.005+10:00

Kim Kardashian is certainly known for her sky-high heels and her wedding day was no exception.

The bride tied the knot with her 6 foot 9 groom Kris Humphries on August 20 in Montecito, California wearing a gorgeous strapless ivory Vera Wang gown and teetering Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumps.

Zanotti designed three different pairs of wedding day shoes for Kardashian to go with each of her custom-made Vera Wang gowns (yes, you read correctly..).

"The first pair went with the princess dress that I wore during the wedding ceremony. They are closed-toe off-white satin with the crystal heel. I needed the height and wanted a sturdy heel because I was so afraid I was going to trip walking down the aisle! LOL," she posted on her website along with a pic of the shoes on the 29th of August.

"For my mermaid gown I wore the peep toe white heels with the amazing beads on them," she continued. "And then thirdly, I wore the simple satin sling back peep toes with my simple satin old Hollywood gown."

Ah to be a Kardashian.

(Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin / KimKardashian.Celebuzz.com)

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AUSTRALIA'S NEXT TOP SHOE?

2011-08-29T20:25:00.004+10:00

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

2011-08-25T20:58:00.007+10:00

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

2011-08-23T07:09:00.009+10:00

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

2011-08-22T21:13:00.007+10:00

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

2011-08-21T12:27:00.008+10:00

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?

2011-08-17T11:05:00.007+10:00

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

2011-08-17T10:37:00.005+10:00

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

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SARAH FIGGINS: IT GIRL

2011-08-11T20:48:00.006+10:00

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

2011-08-09T19:58:00.003+10:00

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

2011-08-08T20:27:00.006+10:00

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

2011-08-07T08:12:00.010+10:00

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

2011-08-03T22:30:00.007+10:00

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

2011-08-02T21:52:00.006+10:00

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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CHOO PRAISE IS A SHOE-IN

2011-07-27T21:49:00.003+10:00

An ice-breaker, the opener or a pickup line; regardless of the terminology used the introductory line has always been a source of mystery and intrigue. Love them or hate them, it is guaranteed you have uttered or heard one.

Those who have delivered a line with a shoe observation will know it is undoubtedly a surefire way to get a woman’s attention and if executed with charismatic poise, it’s powerful stuff.

Having been on the receiving end of some pickup tsunamis, I am wondering if the shoe opener is given equitable gravity by the male population.

“Those shoes look so good, they’re about to turn up missing”. What kind of man says something like that? I wasn’t sure if he was about to roll me for them or if he was suggesting I let him try them on? Quite clearly this sounded far better in his head than it did when it was verbalized.

Women find a strong, confident (clearly heterosexual) man who can open with the line ‘love the Louboutins’ significantly impressive. While the glossy red sole is typically a dead giveaway, it takes a skilled eye to decipher a Louboutin from its mimics and even if he gets it wrong he’s made the effort, the shoe bond is made and the suitor is instantaneously at the forefront of his competitors.

Do men not understand that a woman will dress from the feet up without a second thought and be so delighted with their outfit of choice that it can dictate how their entire evening will materialize? How a woman feels when she dresses and the type of evening she plans on having can from time to time, be illustrated by her shoe of choice. The average girl is not going to slide on a pair of red satin stilettos to go home early, solo.

Men of the world listen up, a woman’s shoe can tell you far more than you give it credit for. If her shoe de jour isn’t a result of her emotions it most certainly can guide them.

To verify this declaration take a woman wearing flats, pop her into a pair of sassy strappy sandals and watch that walk become a strut before your very eyes. If she’s wearing ballet flats to meet you for drinks, she’s telling you she is comfortable, girly and cute. If she turns up wearing a slick pair of patent platform peeps that dwarf most of whom are six feet tall, she seeking calculated domination and most certainly means business.

So we are clear this doesn’t apply to all women, just shoe gals. It takes a shoe enthusiast to understand the power of the Choo. If you are dealing with a shoe gal the number one rule to live by is; compliment the shoes, even if you don’t know your Hush Puppies from your Manolos, shoe praise will always be well received.

In the name of research, I embark on an excursion to a local bar. Popping on a delectable pair of patent platform Jimmy Choos a grey knit dress and a trench, I head off to the crowded establishment. Not wanting to make it too easy for them, my selection is a beige and black patent sandal. My shoes say groomed and confident with a dash of sexy.

I am with a girlfriend so I am not flying solo on this mission which means to make an approach can be more treacherous, but I am determined to deploy the strong from the weak.

First cab off the rank is a slightly graying forty-five year old gent who announces (within the first two minutes I might add) that he has more money than God. When I question where he had the occasion to glance at God’s P&L, he gives me a look that accuses me of having a smart mouth, surveys the length of my body and says, ‘hot shoes’. In an attempt to reconcile his financial broadcast, I contemplate whether or not he has decided I like nice shoes and quite clearly am out seeking someone to buy them for me? In a gesture of peace, I offer to buy him a drink in our next round and am met with a venomous ‘Jeez, a woman with shoes like that, that wants to buy a drink for a bloke… that’s a first’. Handing him another Corona, we politely disembark from angry man and abscond to seek a more secure conversationalist.

The second contestant is groovy guy. A well put together guy in his mid thirties who opens with ‘So you’re obviously not from here’. Puzzled at his erroneous observation I enquire as to why he would make such a précis? ‘Women who live here just don’t dress like that’, he tells me. Clearly he’s never met any of my friends.

Moving on to a new corner of the bar we are approached by Captain Smooth. Captain Smooth is thirty-one, attractive and fit, in a not-too-over-the-top way. One beam from his immaculately whitened teeth and it’s clear he is well rehearsed in such circumstances. He opens with, ‘You’re killing me with those shoes.’

Impressive. Really impressive. I envisage that countless women have been awed by Captain Smooth and I imagine that I am but another impending conquest. I would have been far more impressed had an associate attempting to get some wing-man action not informed me a mere five minutes earlier that Captain Smooth was in fact getting married next Friday. See, what wing-man desires is the knowledge that Captain Smooth already has. The Choo compliment is a shoe-in.

So as not to confuse things, it is important to note that one can go too far with the shoe compliment and transition into creepy. Any peculiar admission about a foot fetish you may have is really, well, disturbing. Most women don’t want to know (under any circumstance) what you would do to her feet should she not be standing in the bar she is currently standing in. This is not smooth; it is disconcerting and is more likely to have a woman reaching into her handbag for a can of mace than her business card.

I have had the unfortunate occasion to appreciate what happens when foot fetishist meets shoe addict and it is all kinds of wrong.

As a treat, I am intermittently contacted by men who have read my columns and gleefully bound onto my website to further their research. Once on and faced with the gift of my contact form an insatiable desire to correspond and tell me all their dirty little foot fetish secrets apparently overwhelms them.

On the tame end of the spectrum was the thirty-nine year old man who read my column in Melbourne and emailed me to ask if I could send him a picture of my own foot in the pair of strappy gold bejeweled Jimmy Choos I was referring to herewith. To validate his request, he attached the scanned hardcopy version of the column in the publication, presumably in the event I forgot which specimens I was referring to?

Higher on the Richter scale was the twenty-five year old male who posted me a ten page diatribe outlining his shoe and foot loves, why he loves them and HOW he loves them… And yes, in this instance, ‘how’ is being used as a noun.

Not smooth. Not sexy. Just plain creepy.

A well executed shoe remark should have a touch of sexy or a dollop of humour. Don’t attempt to get too witty and distort the delivery, because what sounded first-rate internally may not come out as you anticipate and your good intentions may get lost in translation. There is a fine line between a woman throwing her head back with laughter and a woman tilting her head back to look for security.

Having scanned numerous male chat rooms and forums on the topic I can unquestionably advise not to carry out your research here. It is in these places I discovered such gems as; ‘Nice shoes, wanna screw?’ And ‘Nice shoes, but they’d look better on my floor’. Your buddies may find these comical but there is every chance serving this up to any self respecting woman may get you slapped.

The best place for you to pursue a line of investigation is with your female friends. Ask them for their thoughts and go from there. I can tell you emphatically that the shoe accolade is worth its weight in gold.

So Gentlemen, if you haven’t tried it give it a shot, what do you have to lose?

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KATE'S LOVELY CHOO'S

2011-07-26T20:27:00.006+10:00

Loving how well Kate Middleton...pardon me... Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is doing in the style stakes.

Here she is, stepping out today in LOVELY from Jimmy Choo's CHOO 24:7 collection, at the launch of the Royal wedding dress exhibition at Buckingham Palace.

Buck Palace is exhibiting all things nuptial; tiara, flowers, heels, diamond acorn earrings and a replica cake all as part of its annual Summer Opening.

Ahead of its launch tomorrow the exhibit is causing quite the sensation with the latest figures for advanced sales indicating they are up 107% on last year with 125,751 tickets snapped up already.

Also loving Choo's LOVELY, even more fabulous in black. Check them out.

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BECKHAM WEARS HEART ON HIS SHOES

2011-07-26T06:48:00.005+10:00

David Beckham has taken to the ground for LA Galaxy’s World Football Challenge match against English premiere league side Manchester City, wearing customized gold boots.

The boots featured the names of all four of his children, his initials, and the American and English flags.

Just last week, Beckham wore a set of pink shoes in honor of the birth of his daughter, Harper Seven. Of course he did.

Want more Beckham? Click here.

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THE MAKING OF GUCCI PRE FALL CAMPAIGN

2011-07-25T21:52:00.003+10:00

The Making of Gucci Pre-Fall 2011 advertising campaign, featuring Lenz Von Johnston and Sigrid Agren.

It's hard not to love this collection. Love!

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KARDASHIAN & ODOM'S SHOE LOVE

2011-07-23T12:28:00.006+10:00

You wanted more celebrity shoe-robes and this one will knock your pumps off - inside Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odam's walk-in.

Kardashian tells ELLE Magazine, “I love all of my shoes! It is a must to have them color coordinated, and to be able to see each and every one of them. I know exactly where each one lives and I can tell if one has even been moved! It definitely helps to put one shoe facing front, and the other to the back. It saves space, but it is also nice to be able to see the back-side of the shoe. I am an organization freak!”

“My hubby [Odom] is such a sneaker king….and I am a stiletto queen! He always wants to see me in sneakers, but I believe I can do anything in heels. When Louboutin came out with these bling-bling sneakers (center) I had to grab them—they are so fab! When he said he wanted me to wear sneakers, I don’t think this is what he meant. They are over the top but super comfy and blingy!”

The couple that shoe shops together - stays together. Love!

(Image Credit: ELLE / The Coveteur)

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EPISODE 4 - BABES TV

2011-07-23T12:05:00.009+10:00

Not a Babes in Business member? Go to the website to find out more.

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'WHO NEEDS PRINCE CHARMING?' VIP BOOK LAUNCH

2011-07-21T22:32:00.004+10:00

After inspiring women everywhere with her first two books 'I Hate Cinderella' and 'You Are My Future', Amanda Cole has done it all again for the third time.

In her latest offering, 'Who Needs Prince Charming? Fabulous girls’ tips on life, love and getting what you want', Amanda has collaborated with some of Australia’s most-loved women, with the VIP Launch Party held in Sydney last night.

Featuring accomplished and admired ladies such as Bianca Dye, Dr Cindy Pan, Bessie Bardot, Camilla Franks, Kathryn Eisman, Jacinta Tynan, Melinda Hutchings and Lyndsey Rodrigues – there’s a story for every woman to identify and connect with.

As Brisbane's only addition to this inspiring 35 strong ensemble, I was humbled and delighted to be included in the finish product that is 'Who Needs Prince Charming?'

This girl's go-to book encourages readers to search for their passion and direction and offers tools, positive reinforcement and resources to find their own way.

Available through leading book retailers and online. RRP $34.95.

Want a copy? Click here.

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ONE HOT TUNISIAN

2011-07-19T16:58:00.006+10:00

I've said it once, I'll say it again: Azzedine Alaïa is one hot Tunisian (designer).

Opening his first Parisian atelier in the '70s, using the experience he gained from working at Dior and Thierry Mugler, he became a hit with Hollywood's elite and in 1980 launched his own ready-to-wear collection. He was instantly crowned the 'King of Cling' - his second-skin dresses helped define the era's style aesthetic.

This man gives good ankle boot. Love!

Buy online @ Net-A-Porter.

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INTRODUCING: MELINDA HUTCHINGS

2011-07-18T20:47:00.005+10:00

In the lead up to this Wednesday's release of Who Needs Prince Charming? I'll be introducing you to some of my co-contributors; giving you a taste of what these incredible women have to share.

Following a successful career in marketing, Melinda made the bold decision to move on from her corporate role and focus on becoming a writer and speaker in order to use her knowledge and personal experience to help young people believe in themselves.

Having lost her teenage years to anorexia, she is passionate about promoting positive body image as well as empowering young people to trust the voice that speaks from their heart to create a happy and fulfilling future.

She has written three books about eating disorders, including the recently published Why Can’t I Look the Way I Want? Overcoming Eating Issues, which have helped thousands of people understand the dynamics of eating disorders from early warning signs through to the recovery process.

A high profile role model and mentor, Melinda was a Finalist in Cosmopolitan's ‘Fun Fearless Female 2009’ awards in the category ‘Inspirational Role Model’.

Her fourth book It Will Get Better; Finding Your Way Through Teen Issues was recently published by Allen & Unwin and aims to help teenagers find their way through the maze of emotions and challenges facing them today as well as providing a deeper level of awareness for parents and carers.

Melinda is Ambassador for Life Changing Experiences Foundation. An experienced speaker, she has presented at several conferences and forums, including Generation Next during 2010, and has also been profiled extensively in the media in Australia and in the USA.

As well as being a lover of shoes and a girl I am delighted to call my friend, she is a member of the International Coach Federation, the Australian Society of Authors and the NSW Writers Centre.

You can read Melinda's amazing story in Who Needs Prince Charming? in bookstores from July 21st. For those requiring instant gratification, go to her website.

To order a pre release copy of Who Needs Prince Charming? click here.

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INTRODUCING: KATHRYN EISMAN

2011-07-16T08:46:00.003+10:00

In the lead up to next Wednesday's release of Who Needs Prince Charming? I'll be introducing you to some of my co-contributors, to give you a taste of what these amazing women have to share.

From U.S. Presidents to Hollywood Royalty to Pop Culture Icons such as George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bono and Borat — Kathryn has interviewed the biggest names of our time.

Introducing: Kathryn Eisman - Award-Winning television personality, NBC-journalist and popular magazine columnist. She is also the author of two international bestselling books, "HOW TO TELL A MAN BY HIS SHOES" and "HOW TO TELL A WOMAN BY HER HANDBAG".

Published in 15 countries and ten languages, Kathryn is the youngest Australian author to be awarded a coveted three-book-deal.

Kathryn has served as the “Face” of ARENA TV on Foxtel (branded as Australia’s Bravo Channel). Each weeknight Kathryn hosted, wrote and produced their flagship daily entertainment program Xclusive. She and her team quickly established Xclusive as one of the top rating shows on the channel.

Kathryn is an ambassador for SISTER2sister, a life changing organization that mentors ‘at risk’ teenage girls and an Earth Hour Ambassador, working to encourage the reduction of carbon emissions.

Journalistic integrity and professionalism coupled with quick-wit and natural warmth are Kathryn’s trademarks. She quickly established herself as a dependable, well-rounded reporter, covering issues such as: Social Welfare Reforms and Equal Opportunity in the Workforce, fashion (providing the station’s complete NY Fashion Week coverage, film (Tribeca and New York Film Festival) as well as in-depth human interest stories (Young Heroes of NYC and ‘We Beat the Street’ program).

She is a popular on–air lifestyle expert for VH1 and other MTV productions including their weekly pop culture wrap-up show Best Week Ever and The Fab Life series. Her ability to think on her feet has made her a popular guest on MSNBC’S LIVE debate shows discussing everything from ‘Media Wars’ (Donald Trump V’s Martha Stewart) to ‘Royal Fashion’.

For some shoe advice, Kathryn says, "As the author of How to tell a man by his Shoes and How to Tell a Woman by her Handbag I’ve researched the powerful link between the clothes we wear and the message they send out to the world. But did you know that wearing the perfect pair of shoes might just be the a step in the right direction to attracting the love of your life? Don’t laugh, there’s a reason they call it “sole-mates!”

Kathryn has recently moved to West Hollywood, California, where she is completing her first screenplay and leisurely considering the pros and cons of getting a personal trainer.

Go to Kathryn's official website. To buy a pre release copy of Who Needs Prince Charming? click here.

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BABES TV - EPISODE 4 - COMING SOON!

2011-07-15T16:07:00.005+10:00

Filmed at Brisbane's gorgeous Portside Wharf, this episode of Babes TV is shaping up to be a great one.

The Babes in Business gals take you to Paris, the city of light, with some recommendations on how to live like a local in this most magnificent City.

Want to learn how to be a barista in your very own home? Babes TV brings you a master class with Queensland Coffee Machine Sales, and we look back at the highlights of our second Treasury Wine Estates Miss Behaving event at Freestyle West End.

Love! Episode 4, coming soon thanks to Livewire Productions.

Missed Episode 3? Watch it here.

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SJP IN SHOE REVOLT

2011-07-14T06:57:00.006+10:00

Sarah Jessica Parker has donated a pair of autographed bejewelled cowboy boots to shoe revolt, an organization dedicated to eradicating commercial sex trafficking in the United States.

SJP has been in the industry since she was a young girl and her iconic role in HBO's Sex & the City has transformed her from an actress to a role model for women everywhere. An undeniable shoe-a-holic, she is clearly a socially responsible celebrity and has previously donated three pairs of her treasured shoes to the mission against commercial sex trafficking through Shoe Revolt and has featured in advertisements that focus on the awareness and danger of human trafficking.

Awwwe, we love SJP.

Want to know more? Click here.

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BLOGGING TO THE TOP

2011-07-13T06:32:00.004+10:00

I just love interesting people. When those interesting people are smart, strong professional women who just happen to be juggling pretty cool careers with Mummyhood, I love it even more.

Meet Sunshine Coast based Nikki Parkinson; award winning blogger (yes, there is such a thing), stylist, freelance writer, social media expert, shoe lover, wife and mother.

A print media journalist in her previous life, Nikki was born and bred in Maryborough, having spent much of her formative years in the country (also having lived in Gympie and Goondiwindi) she is now firmly planted on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

When she took the leap out of full-time employment at The Sunshine Coast Daily and into the world of styling, she had planned to use work in public relations to compliment her styling work - her true passion.

Nikki tells Ali Grant @ Profile Magazine, "If I didn't have access to so many real women I certainly wouldn't be an expert [in the blogging world]." Three years on there is no doubt that she is just that, winning the Best Australian Blog 2011 competition run by the Sydney Writers Centre as well as a stack of other accolades and media appearances.

I absolutely adore Profile Magazine, if you haven't read it get onto it immediately. It is one of the best locally produced magazines I have read (and I've read a lot).

Love!

Read Nikki's article in Profile or check out her awards and fab blog.

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BEST AUTUMN WINTER COUTURE SHOES

2011-07-12T06:47:00.009+10:00

A quick selection of the very best shoes at the Autumn Winter couture shows.

Clockwise from bottom right: Chanel knee-hi boots, Valentino nude pumps, Worth ballerina heels and glorious Dior wedges.

Love!

(Image Credit: Courtesy of Delphine Achard, Giovanni Giannoni & Dominique Maitre)

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KATE MOSS'S SWEAR-OVSKI GIFT

2011-07-11T08:07:00.004+10:00

It was never likely that Kate Moss would receive a toaster, bath towels or canteen of silver cutlery as a wedding gift but guests at her nuptials to rocker Jamie Hince last weekend excelled themselves, according to the UK's Daily Mail, by giving her a pair of bright red, snakeskin shoes inscribed with four-letter words on their soles.

One carried the phrase ‘F*** me’ spelled out in Swarovski crystals, while the other was emblazoned with ‘F*** you’.

The customised Seventies-style Margaux platforms, from celebrity shoe-maker Terry de Havilland, are said to have delighted the 37-year-old bride when she was presented with them at the three-day reception held in her £2million Cotswolds farmhouse.

The Daily Mail says; A source close to the model, who has an eight-year-old daughter, Lila Grace, said: ‘The shoes were commissioned by Kate’s friends as a surprise. They knew she was a great fan of Terry’s shoes but they wanted to give her something different for her wedding.

Right. Interesting.

(Image Credit: Daily Mail)

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WESTFIELD SYDNEY, MEET MY FRIENDS; PRADA & MIU MIU

2011-07-09T21:10:00.010+10:00

I would like to begin with a disclaimer that goes something along the lines of not needing another reason to adore the still relatively new Westfield Sydney, but eloquence has given way to excitement.

As the highly anticipated stage two launch of Fashionista Heaven (aka Westfield Sydney) is rolling into its crescendo... heeeeeeello Prada and Miu Miu flagship boutiques. Opening on July 15th, they join the esteemed company of Gucci, Bottega Venetta, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Fustenberg, Escada, Versace, Ferragamo, Zara, Ermenegildo Zegna, Christensen Copenhagen and Hugo Boss.

Westfield’s $1.2 billion development first opened in October 2010 with 130 fashion and food speciality retailers, and on completion will house over 280 retailers on both sides of Pitt St Mall, including many first to market and flagship stores - luxury brands that have never been in Australia - a suite of premium food retailers and dining outlets, and a five star concierge services suite. I've been in a few Global shopping destinations and let me tell you, this is up there.

Need a little more to love? Go to Westfield Sydney's website and you can search by shoe style. How many heels can one chose from on the site at present? 630. Thank you. Case closed. Loving you even more now Westfield Sydney!

Want the heel porn? Click here.

ACTUAL DISCLAIMER: This blogger was not bribed or coerced into sprouting adoring opinions about Westfield Sydney. Seriously.

(Image: Prada Fall Winter 2011-2012)

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WALK THE LINE WITH JIMMY CHOO, GENTS.

2011-07-07T23:16:00.004+10:00

Loving this short film ‘Walking the Line’, created to celebrate the launch of the debut Jimmy Choo Men’s Collection for Autumn/Winter 11

To walk the new Men's Collection click here.

Gents, get to Jimmy Choo. Stat. Love!

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LIGHT ME UP MR LAGERFELD

2011-07-07T22:23:00.007+10:00

Bless Karl Lagerfeld. Who else could get away with scheduling a fashion show for 10pm mid-week?

According to New York Magazine, "at that hour, everyone is supposed to be out at a party in celebration of the launch of a postage stamp or ice cream bar or whatever else the industry has decided needs to be celebrated that evening."

Regardless, last night, every fabulous person you can think of (Anna Wintour, Andr! Leon Talley, Diane Kruger and Alexa Chung to name a few...) went to the Grand Palais at 10pm to see the Fall Winter 2011 Chanel Couture Show.

I love the OTT Mr Lagerfeld — who has hosted previous Broadway worthy shows that include an iceberg, a barn, and a volcano — turned the Palais into the Place Vendôme, replacing the Napoleon Bonaparte statue with one of Coco Chanel.

The pièce de résistance? Just as Lagerfeld took his walk through the elaborate setting reveling in yet another great success, the boots adorning the models in the show lit up. Bravo.

Love!

(Image Credit: NY Mag/Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

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VERY VERSACE

2011-07-03T20:32:00.007+10:00

Oh I love a good Italian. Heel that is.

Want them? Pop into the Boutique next time you're on the Gold Coast.

Love!

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NINE WEST'S VINCE CAMUTO - FORTUNE TELLING

2011-07-01T06:52:00.007+10:00

It's always a thrill when one of the more serious business publication's I love gives the inside-skinny on a topic I adore.

Fortune Magazine talks to Vince Camuto and tells how he went from shoe clerk to legend of the fashion footwear industry.

Camuto says, "My father was an artisan who died when I was 2, so I was always self-supporting and helping my mom. I grew up in Manhattan, and after high school I became a service manager at I. Miller, a fashionable store that sold women's footwear and accessories in the early '60s. Later, when I started selling in the store, all the ladies whom I'd met in the service area wanted to buy from me. They were starlets, professional models, and wealthy women.

I started sketching shoes in my early twenties, and I met Ted Poland, founder of Sudbury Shoe Co., who became my mentor. I was hired as a fashion merchandiser in Miami for National Shoe, then took over a Sudbury factory that wasn't doing well. I designed, produced, and sold the collection, and the factory went into the black. Then I became president of the import division for Beck Industries, a footwear retailer."

In the '70s he met Jerome Fisher, who was also a contractor for Sumitomo, and they started their own company marketing themselves as having Japanese financing, Italian design, and Brazilian manufacturing.

1979 saw them move to 9 West 57th Street and deliberating over a name for their new label. "I looked out the window, saw the number 9, and said, "Let's call ourselves Nine West," he says.

Adding, "We wanted to give women shoes with great style while keeping prices low. We became a hot brand, opened retail stores, and owned the entry-level customer. Ten years later we repositioned the brand to attract a higher-level customer."

It seems the mission is complete and growing, in 2010 they took in $2.5 billion at retail across all brands and categories.

Do yourself a favour and read the full Fortune article.

(Image Credit: Adam Krause / Fortune Magazine)

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BEYONCE GIVES 25 SHOES FOR 25 YEARS

2011-06-28T07:45:00.007+10:00

It's no secret that R&B singing sensation Beyonce Knowles loves her shoes but how many of us would love a sister that procured us our age in shoes for our birthday?

According to the New York Post that's exactly what Beyonce did, splashing out on 25 pairs of designer shoes for her sister's 25th birthday.

The 'Run The World (Girls)' songstress arranged for the huge haul of luxury shoes to be collected from department stores Saks and Bergdorf in New York and delivered to her younger sibling Solange on her special day last Friday (24th June 2011).

Knowles, 29, is known for her generosity towards her loved ones, last year she treated her rap star husband Jay-Z to a $2 million Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport car - the world's fastest road vehicle - for his 41st birthday on December 4.

Adoption anyone?

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BURBERRY CRUISE 2012

2011-06-28T07:34:00.004+10:00

Burberry Cruise Collection 2012.

Young and fresh. Love!

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DID SOMEBODY SAY SHOE SALE?

2011-06-27T07:22:00.004+10:00

If you've spent the weekend visiting pop-up sales you may think Monday is your day of rest. Not so, online designer forum Net-A-Porter is on sale.

I'm loving these Valentino studded leather and rope wedge sandals. With a heel that measures approximately 140mm and 1 inch platform, these studded forest-green leather and rope wedges are an edgy take on the classic summer sandal. Let them take center stage by teaming them with a barely-there palette.

Love! Were £370.21 / Now £259.15

Go to Net-A-Porter.

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ICE LOVES COCO - COCO LOVES SHOES

2011-06-26T18:38:00.005+10:00

I am the first to admit that I am an E! reality show tragic and cannot wait for their latest offering 'Ice Loves Coco.'

How does one even begin to explain Coco? She’s married to rapper and Law & Order: SVU star Ice-T and she has one seriously out there backside. Her Twitter account is not for the faint hearted but is one of the most hilarious and fascinating accounts I follow.

Coco is also a self-professed shoe addict who only wears heels. Even to the gym. Having posted pictures of herself lifting weights in lucite platforms (bless her little cotton socks). There is no questioning her commitment to shoes given the evidence above (posted on her Twitter account). The best part? Coco says that’s only one wall of her collection.

In the debut season of Ice Loves Coco, the over-the-top platinum blond is seen recording a dance number called Shoe Freak.

In the preview, Coco lists off the names of shoe designers like Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Alexander McQueen before repeating the chorus, "I'm a shoe freak."

Can hardly wait. For more, visit Coco's World.

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ARE YOU 'IN' FOR ZEGNA?

2011-06-25T10:18:00.004+10:00

I grow more in love with this stunning Men's design house every day.

This week in Milan Ermenegildo Zegna launched the digital experience, “Zegna in_STORE”, an immersive 3D digital portal where visitors can enjoy a real life spatial and visual shopping experience.

For the first time fashion connects with Hollywood visual effects, revolutionary website design and video games: it is a cooperation of 4 industries working together to create a revolutionary concept of online shopping, an innovative shopping environment where technological invention is the support structure to storytelling.

Designed by James Lima, (of Avatar fame) who also directed the Ermenegildo Zegna “LIVE-D” Fall/Winter 2011 fashion show, “Zegna in_STORE” offers a completely new way to shop online.

Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by model and actress Milla Jovovich, who explains the easy functionality of the site. A launch film shows the architectural context of the floating building which offers several floors for customers to navigate. Directional control arrows allow shoppers to travel throughout the store as though they are walking. Like a real store, everything is for sale.

Like all good, socially responsible corporate giants, “Zegna in_STORE” will also support the charity Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), an organization where Milla Jovovich sits on the Advisory Board.

“Our passion for technology and innovation,” comments Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, “has always been the signature of our brand. In the first 100 years of our history we established the industrial platform and built our global retail network. Now we are in a new century and it is all about brand building and the digital frontier: thanks to the new technologies it is now possible to offer a unique online experience that matches the one we strive to ensure to our customers entering all our stores. With “Zegna in_STORE” we are at the forefront as an immersive and interactive brand and with this launch we are proud to celebrate our leading position in the digital world”.

Love! For more info go to Zegna.

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A NEW RESPECT FOR ARETHA

2011-06-24T10:22:00.003+10:00

I have a whole new respect for singing legend Aretha Franklin.

The Queen of soul is recovery after falling over a Jimmy Choo spiked heel in a hotel room and breaking her toe.

Apparently 69-year-old Franklin did not obtain medical treatment initially, but after the pain persisted she made the dash to Community North Hospital in Indianapolis a few days later, where she learned from an X-ray that she had a fracture.

"It hurt like heck for a minute, but seemed to subside,” Franklin said in a statement. I'm so grateful it wasn't my right piano peddle foot, I have a gig on July 27 at the Jones Beach Theatre in New York!"

Now the woman who gave us all a lot more R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is heavily strapped up but finding humour in her injury.

She joked: "How am I supposed to match my new Marc Jacobs gown with this wooden blue hospital shoe?"

The dangers of a killer heel.

(Image Credit: Splash / Daily Mail)

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CHANGE YOUR LOOK, NOT YOUR SOLE

2011-06-14T21:19:00.009+10:00

I love a good, strong girl-power story, especially when it involves shoes.

Meet 26 year old Lindsay Phillips. This energetic and inspiration entrepreneur came up with a simple (yet brilliant) shoe innovation that is now a 30 million dollar a year concern.

The founding force behind Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats and SwitchFlops used her high school art project - ceramic thongs - as her muse. Delighted in the market’s response, Lindsay began designing functional thongs with colourful straps, each adorned by a unique button. The concept evolved when she realized that by using hook-and-loop fasteners she could create one shoe with many straps. This simple innovation was the birth of SwitchFlops and she applied for a patent on her idea before she graduated high school.

Her new range of Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats are now available right here in Australia in 100 stores across the country - with a vast array of interchangeable snap designs including; flowers, buttons and sparkly snaps for a touch of bling, there's something for everyone. The super cute ballet flats are designed to save you money without compromising style.

I asked Lindsay the questions I like to ask all shoe addicts:

WHAT MAKES YOU A SHOE ADDICT?

In my mind shoes are an accessory and one can never have too many accessories. It's nice having a lot of options when it comes to shoes. They can really make or break an outfit.

YOUR FAVOURITE PAIR AND WHY?

My Tan Jordi's with the Sandra snap (see thong & starfish snap above). I love them because they go with everything!

YOUR SHOE PHILISOPHY?

"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."

Now for the exciting news. We have a pair of new Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats to GIVE AWAY! To enter go to the Shoe Addict Facebook Page and ‘Suggest’ it to as many friends as you can. The competition closes at midnight next Tuesday 21st June (Australian Time). To verify your suggestions simply reply to the Competition Announcement Message and let me know how many ‘likes’ you achieved and their names. We’ll verify the winner @ Shoe Addict HQ and announce the lucky recipient next Wednesday 22nd June 2011.

Go forth and ‘Suggest’ people and you could be, as Lindsay likes to say, "Changing your look, not your sole."

Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats will be available exclusively @ Terry White Chemists. Click here for more info.

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WALK-IN ENVY - KIM CATTRALL

2011-06-11T07:53:00.004+10:00

A six square metre "sanctuary with sunlight," concealed with White Lucite, silver-framed doors is how the Sex & the City actress houses her shoe collection.

The walk-in has double-hung racks and endless shelves of shoes and purses. She says the purpose built wardrobe she's created a sort of isthmus between bedroom and bath. "I never had a space like this," she tells InStyle, of the shoe shelves loosely arranged by heel (high or low) or toe (open or closed). "I used to have one tiny rack I shared with my ex, so I used to put my shoes all over the house. They were displayed like art."

(Image Credit: InStyle)

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WALK-IN ENVY - MARIAH CAREY

2011-06-08T06:56:00.005+10:00

While I'm not the biggest fan of Mariah Carey's music I am damn sure the biggest fan of her walk-in. Major walk-in envy people.

"I have about 1,000 pairs of shoes. But lots are in storage," says the Grammy award winning singer.

Carey keeps her OTT menagerie of stilettos, wedges and boots uncluttered and artfully on display in her massive Manhattan apartment. With the help of renowned N.Y.C. decorator Mario Buatta, she designed the gold-leaf and bleached-wood floor in the purpose-built shoe closet.

"Like Louis Vuitton luggage," she says, "it will only look better over time."

I now have something to admire her for. Sigh.

(Image Credit: InStyle)

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WEARABLE STILT SCULPTURES

2011-06-07T06:53:00.007+10:00

Freelance shoe designer Kobi Levi's creations truly are a work of art.

Collaborating with both Israeli and International companies, he is currently working on his women's shoe line in Tel-Aviv, Israel and has designed commercial footwear in Italy, China and Brazil.

To see Levi's creations makes you wonder how it's possible to teeter on heels inspired by chopsticks, toucans or cartoon characters but the Israeli designer says they're intended to be worn and have been by no other than Lady Gaga, who wore a pair of his shoes in the music video for 'Born this Way.'

Levi says, "In my artistic footwear design the shoe is my canvas. The trigger to create a new piece comes when an idea, a concept and/or an image comes to mind. The combination of the image and footwear creates a new hybrid and the design/concept comes to life. The piece is a wearable sculpture. It is "alive" with/out the foot/body. Most of the inspirations are out of the "shoe-world", and give the footwear an extreme transformation. The result is usually humoristic with a unique point of view about footwear. Another aspect of the creation is the realization. All the pieces are hand-made in my studio. The challenging technical development is the key to bring the design to life in the best way."

Love! To learn more about Kobi Levi visit his blog.

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GIRLY GAP LOVE

2011-06-03T13:16:00.004+10:00

Had to share these little girly Gap treats I procured for little Miss 7.

The middle shoes are raffia wedges people. For girls. Only $14.99. The cute little Jelly sandals on either side one in orange and one in navy, were only $11 each.

Love! I heart Gap @ Ala Moana. If you're heading over to Hawaii soon jump onto their Facebook page and 'like' them, they have 4th July sales starting anytime from now through to Independence Day Weekend.

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MIU MIU SHOCKER

2011-06-03T12:53:00.004+10:00

Well... If you ever wanted to play out any kind of childhood fairytale in true life Miu Miu has you covered.

I can live with the sequinned, glitter gold peep platforms (despite the fact they are a little Christian Louboutin 3 seasons ago) but oh dear Lord what the heck is with these numbers? The heel of the shoe even looks like something you'd find on a tap dancing shoe.

There are so few words. Epic fail!

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THE MARATHON THAT IS WAIKELE

2011-05-25T23:20:00.005+10:00

By popular demand ,and to celebrate my jetting off to the land of Aloha tomorrow, here's my inside skinny on outlet shopping in Hawaii... Enjoy!

SE has well and truly set in. It begins with a short sharp burst of pain rejecting the notion of baring the weight of yet another gleefully overfilled designer bag and ends in a constant thudding ache. I’m fairly certain in other parts of the world this affliction goes under the guise of RSI and I suspect Repetitive Strain Injury seems way more substantial and far less frivolous but the reality is; I have Shoppers Elbow.

We are on Day Three of our Hawaiian procurement and today is serious. This is the endurance event of the shopping week, the other Hawaiian Marathon if you will?

Having done the Waikele junket many times I am pleased to hear of the new shuttle service being provided by Chelsea Premium Outlets for only $5 each way. It has always baffled me that hordes of tourists visit this gargantuan assemblage of great quality outlets annually only to pay a premium getting there in the first place. In years gone by I have traveled there by the Trolley (an outdoor tram like bus, that takes 40 minutes to get there and stops a maddening number of times along the way) for $25 p/p each way, by limo (expensive but fun) at approx $100 return and by hire car (handy for frequent trips to the boot with loot but off-putting to arrive back to scars of screwdriver intrusion in the door locks) approx $50 for the day + insurance and replacement ‘gas.’

Post missing the shuttle out to Waikele because the Concierge gave us the wrong bus stop location (convinced it was his fault and not mine), we negotiate with Warren, a good humoured Japanese American that we learn on our trip out has eight cars in his fleet that he either runs as limos or taxis pending available work. We negotiated him down to $45 from the usual $60 taxi rate and travel in the comfort of an LTD. Warren enlightens us on many historical tales throughout the brisk 25 minute journey and we take his card with the intention of negotiating a trip to the Northshore later in the week.

The pieces of advice that will be most valuable to you upon reaching Waikele are:

• Book the shuttle back the minute you arrive for the trip home. You may need to bring the time forward or push it back but at least you have a booking.
• If you can avoid it, don’t go to the Outlets on a Saturday or Sunday. Monday is a great day to go because new stock is unpacked to replenish what went over the weekend.
• Get your hands on a coupon book from the Information Booth before you part with any cash. Extra discounts won’t always apply but it’s worth asking for an additional 25% off!

My modus operandi is hit the store you think you will buy the most from first, that way if you don’t get the items you thought you would there you don’t have to backtrack to other stores later. In my case it is True Religion. I’m not sure how many others in Australia are converts of True Religion but oh dear. These jeans live up to their namesake. You can expect to pay around $350 upwards pending style and embellishments in Australia. At the Outlet store, from $79.00. Happily snapping up 4 pairs next is Armani Exchange where we get a great assortment of summer tops and some cute jackets, along with some nice smart casual tops for the fellas.

These two stores saw us with a decent collection within the first hour. Michael Kors is always a pleasure and the price of handbags from small clutches to large over-the-shoulder numbers is unbelievable. Small clutches and handbags from $69 to large totes starting at $119, not to mention the additional 25% off you receive for spending $200. Not hard to spend a pretty penny in here, but remember these items are bulky and will have to fit in your suitcase or carry-on.

If you’re smart and can sweet talk the girls behind the counter they may allow you to leave those purchases plus your first two store purchases with them for a few hours.

This frees you up to go absolutely rampant in Saks 5th Avenue, which once you see the vast array on offer – you will. Rows and rows of shoes from Manolos, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Coach, Juicy Couture and Stuart Weitzman. Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo were on average $250USD with Coach and Juicy Couture from around $70USD. Mens Hugo Boss and Boss shoes from a crazy $130USD, where you will pay approximately $550 in Boss Stores in Australia when not on sale. Sunglasses are another big winner at Saks with labels like; Fendi, Gucci, Dior and Prada from around $60USD.

With the full knowledge there is no way we can carry what is still sitting at Michael Kors as well as what we have just bought, we slink past the store and have a swift browse in Coach before entering Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren is one of those stores at the Outlets that you just never know what you’re going to get; as such you need to be open minded about it. Some years when I visit the guys hit the jackpot, others it’s the girls. This year, thank goodness, it’s the gal’s year.

Polo team polo shirts and shirt dresses from a ridiculous $27USD, a gorgeous Ralph Lauren Black Label satin wrap around ruffle dress shirt for $39USD and loads of little kid’s cutes dresses, polos and skirts. The entire family was clothed with this visit; 19 items for $524USD. Insane stuff!

Beginning to notice our somnolent state we formulate the plan for the last hour and execute it with exactitude.

Struggling to carry the bags we’ve reflexively obtained we disembark at Michael Kors to bring together the entire days haul. Whether out of embarrassment or pure necessity I am unsure, we consolidate, triple bag and discard any superfluous packaging. Still drawing attention from passersby as we make our way to the shuttle and that’s when the SE strikes its final malicious blow. Over the shoulder the bags go!

As we trudge onto the shuttle with 14 Japanese tourists who seem to be afraid they will miss out despite allocated seating, we realize the shuttle out and a car back would have been a good deal smarter.

Arriving back at the Hotel we lumber to the room with great effort. We unpack the bare minimum and head out for a well deserved dinner and a drink.

Limping into the Sunset Bar the barman smiles courteously and shows us to our table, “so you did the marathon?”

Oh yes, we certainly did.

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LOUBOUTIN'S 16CM LADY DAF

2011-05-21T12:52:00.009+10:00

If you're one who has not yet snapped up a pair on Net-A-Porter, allow me to introduce you to the new shoe of the moment... Christian Louboutin's Lady Daf.

Never one to let pregnancy get in the way of fashion, these are the very heels every media outlet in the country and beyond, hammered super-pregnant Victoria Beckham for wearing to the recent Royal Wedding.

The skyscraper heeled mary jane stilt boast a 16cm heel, a platform sole of 5cm and is the hottest shoe to hit stores this season with several US shoetique's reporting to have sold out.

Several esteemed heel aficionados have slipped into them joining Beckham; with Beyonce, Coleen Rooney, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Emma Roberts (daughter of Eric and niece to Julia) joining the ranks.

It’s not just the high heel that claims these are not for the faint hearted, they have a starting price of $1,100 for calf leather - beige or black - as well as black python leather, which will set you back way more than the starting price.

I have no doubt the biggest challenge will be actually nabbing a pair and not the exorbitant price tag.

Did someone say Wait List?

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COMPLETELY GAGA

2011-05-17T20:57:00.003+10:00

In the event you missed it, we had another Gaga moment last week, showcased this time on "American Idol."

Forget Madonna's controversial 'gun' heels, Lady Gaga was donning a pair of boots complete with, ummm, transparent falic symbols for heels.

Brings a whole new meaning to the term 'stripper heels.'

Bless producers for camouflaging her phallic stilts with and 'Idol' logo.

According to The Huffington Post Gaga's latest style moment are made by Void of Course and you can pick up a pair for around $4,500USD.

Think I'll pass.

(Image from Void of Course)

CHOO ME WITH PRE FALL 2011

2011-05-14T09:51:00.008+10:00

Jimmy Choo's Pre Fall 2011 collection is bringing a little luxury into our walk-in, with refined silhouettes and statement pieces injecting a colour palette from soft romantic tones to rich bold hues.

Launching for Pre Fall 2011, Jimmy Choo 'Spirit' is the definitive assortment of cool, collectable and casual footwear that captures the sexy and luxurious spirit of Jimmy Choo for more relaxed occasions.

The debut collection includes updates of the brands most iconic casual styles such as; the Biker, a wider and more varied selection of trainers, slippers, espadrilles, clogs and ballet flats, and introduces jellies, moccasins and driving shoes.

"Your life should be accessorized by unexpected luxuries - my Pre Fall 2011 Collection brings glamour to all aspects of your wardrobe," says Tamara Mellon.

Love!

View the entire Jimmy Choo Pre Fall 2011 Collection.

BOOT ACTION - GUCCI STYLE

2011-05-12T21:09:00.000+10:00

It's official. I'm in love.

Gucci has been such a favourite of mine over the years but damn... this season, they've out done themselves.

These boots are made for more than walking.

Love!

Strut to your closest Gucci Boutique or view the Collection online.

From top: Akerman fringe ankle and knee high boot, 'handmade' high heel open-toe boot with woven leather, Inga ankle bootie.

GET YOUR ZEGNA ON

2011-05-10T19:53:00.007+10:00

Gents (& the ladies advising the boy-folk) , if you are not all over the super-cool Zegna Blog authored by Z Zegna's creative director Alessandro Sartori, you need to get your Zegna on. Stat!

While it's not updated with too much regularity, it has some great design inspiration insights, behind the scenes images and direct interaction with the creative director himself.

Sartori says, "This is one of the reasons why I’ve decided to start a blog, letting readers know more about my work, inspirations and my life."

Want to get a little Zegna closer to home? I'm loving these men's loafers. For Australian stockist call 1300 493 462.

Love!

PIPPA MIDDLETON'S WEDDING SHOES

2011-05-05T19:46:00.003+10:00

Most women around the globe are in awe of Pippa Middleton right about now.

No doubt a fashion rising star, we watched last week's royal wedding and gasped at her line up of stunning ensembles.

Looking every bit the royal sister-in-law in her reception gown of choice, the custom emerald green Temperley dress with the crystal embellishment matching her shoes, InStyle.com has the scoop that Pippa wore the “Lynn” silver leather sandal with diamante detailing by London footwear designer Aruna Seth.

“We were truly honored to see Pippa wearing our gorgeous Lynn silver sandals on the Royal Wedding day, a great choice to match her beautiful Temperley dress,” Seth told InStyle exclusively.

“Pippa looked truly stunning and was the most perfect bridesmaid for Kate. We hope she chooses more shoes from Aruna Seth as she becomes even more of a global style icon.”

InStyle goes on to report that the designer sent ten pairs of shoes to Pippa before the wedding. The shoes Pippa chose, shown, are available online at ArunaSeth.com for approximately $810 (AUD converted from British pounds).

Love!

(Image Credit: Instyle / Getty)

11 PAIRS YOU'LL NEVER WEAR

2011-05-03T22:15:00.005+10:00

Research out of the UK suggests that almost every woman has a collection of shoes that she will never wear.

It found that while the average British woman owns 20 pairs (seriously?), 11 of those pairs will remain shielded in her walk-in waiting for the right occasion to wear them, that never seems comes.

Despite leaving more than half of their collection to gather dust, most women will continue to fuel their shoe addiction, splashing out on an additional eight new pairs a year. (Again... seriously?)

It's no surprise that nearly a third of the 3,000 woman surveyed admitted purchasing shoes that were the wrong size, just because they liked them.

According to the study by Co-operative Insurance, the average spend on a pair of shoes is 36 pounds, so eight pairs a year would cost 288 pounds. (I wish that was my annual spend on shoes...)

"It's staggering to think about how much the average woman's shoe collection could be worth," the Daily Mail quoted Lee Mooney, head of home insurance at the Co-operative, as saying.

"Whereas a few decades ago shoes may have been considered an indulgent purchase, it's now the norm to spend a considerable amount of money on them every year," Mooney added.

Jeez, if Lee Mooney had interview some of the shoe aficionados I know, they may have blown his mind!

(Image Credit: Getty)

2011 LOGIES SHOES - HIT & MISS

2011-05-02T10:36:00.004+10:00

For the 2011 Logies shoe wrap.

Here's how to rock the blue shoe; Erin McNaught in this streamlined sassy white Carla Zampatti gown with a gorgeous pair of strappy turquoise sandals. A little reminiscent of Jenn Hawkins 2010 Logies number, but I'm loving Erin's ensemble.

Special guest and musical ring in Katy Perry does all the wrong things with a blue shoe. Wrong.

Also loving Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke mixing it up on the red carpet. Great mini's and I'm loving both the nude pump and red suede ankle boots. Love!

CHANEL RUMOUR CONFIRMED FOR QLD

2011-04-30T13:12:00.006+10:00

I'm delighted to report that the rumour is now confirmed; Brisbane (Queensland) will have it's first stand-alone Chanel Boutique by October this year.

The luxury French label will swing open it's first Queensland doors in QueensPlaza in Brisbane's CBD, the fifth Chanel Boutique to open in Australia.

"All of the stores will be stocking the same collections which are release concurrently globally by Chanel after the collections are launched in Paris," a Chanel rep said yesterday.

Thinking this gold Chanel ankle boot would suit a Queensland winter perfectly. Love!

Want to keep up with the latest from Chanel? Follow them on Facebook.

ROYAL SHOE WRAP

2011-04-30T10:04:00.007+10:00

In the tradition of British designers being selected for royal wedding gowns; Kate looked stunning in British label Alexander McQueen.

The official royal wedding blog reports she worked closely with McQueen head designer Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.

The much speculated on wedding shoes were hand-made by the team at Alexander McQueen and were made of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

The UK's Daily Mail slammed Victoria Beckham for "Her very high shoes, custom-made by Christian Louboutin and costing well over £1,000, were surely as hazardous to her unborn fourth child as smoking 20 Capstan Full Strength." Ouch. Don't even start me on heels and pregnant women. Please!

Nude was certainly high on the pick list with loads of guests opting for the patent leather variety.

Finally, congratulations to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, for stepping out in a pair of Jimmy Choos. They may have been the most boring pair of Choos I've ever laid eyes on but hey, it could have been so much worse.

(Images: Getty + AP)

RALPH LAUREN SPRING SUMMER 2011

2011-04-28T19:47:00.010+10:00

Ralph Lauren is just one of those labels I adore; especially the Summer Summer Collections.

Timeless and sophisticated elegance are always delivered in double doses of casual Chic.

Spring Summer 2011 is no exception with accents of leather, suede, platinum, ruffles, fringing and embroidery cleverly morphed into a glamorous American Western collection - the epitome of modern style.

Lauren's signature feminine glamour is a surefire winner. Love!

To view the entire collection go to Ralph Lauren or shop now @ Net A Porter

A LITTLE GLAMOUR-CATION

2011-04-28T06:55:00.007+10:00

This super-long weekend we opted to check out of our usually glamorous life and get back to basics.

We’d been working our butts off in preparation for an overseas trip at the end of May and after a lot of long working days and nights (and what seemed like a never-ending stream of parties and events) we thought it best to split our long weekend in two; spending some time relaxing at home and the other half at my parent’s gloriously quiet and serene seaside escape.

What I loved most about this long weekend was allowing Chic to take a back seat and just enjoy the simple things in life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating throwing in the towel and living like some kind of surfing hippy, I am merely a new found believer in having a glamour-cation.

For the record, there was no abandonment of style. It is true that I may have worn a pair of Louis Vuitton wedges and matching fedora to the Power Boat Club, I did say ‘basics’ not outmoded.

Hilariously the most unbelievable thing I could have reported doing this weekend was fishing. Granted, I’m not fisher-folk and don’t see myself becoming passionately embraced in the past-time but my darling man wanted to revive his love of fishing so I indulged him.

A picture of my engaging is such a past-time uploaded onto Facebook attracted riotous feedback from friends, with the most entertaining being ‘Who are you?’

The answer my friends is, the same person I was last week, just having a little glamour-cation, something I’m now an activist for a little more than before. In the infamous words of Oprah Winfrey, “I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes.”

Enough reflection, I have a dinner party to prepare for back in my reality.

HOW TO PICK A SHOE

2011-04-27T21:19:00.004+10:00

by Manolo Blahnik

A good heel picks you. Don't follow trends - follow yourself, you have to stand tall and proud. Always go with your first choice, your gut reaction. This is what your soul says. You have to pick something that will make you look even more exciting, and feel even more adventurous than you did before.

My shoes are not fashion - they are moods and moments that want to come out and play. Every shoe must excite me, which is why I see every pair, every last, so if it doesn't delight me, it doesn't go through. I spend most of my time in the factory; working. Don't let yourself get distracted by fashion; if you did you would have to change your wardrobe every four months and where's the sense in that? It would make you a style schizophrenic. Be original, look at vintage but do not copy for the sake of copying, have some of your own ideas. Right now, good lord, every day, everywhere I look I am blown away by something inspiring. I always have had an incredible appetite for luxury, and Russia. At the moment I am so excited by Russia, and have just been to Moscow. I had never been, apart from in books, through Tolstoy and the Three Sisters. I say always go to the source always travel to find your inspiration, that's what all the great artists and romantics do.

I was always making shoes... even when it was subconscious. I know that sounds like a cliché but it's true, even the lizards and dogs in the garden didn't escape when I was a child - I would take the Cadbury's chocolate bonbon wrappers and make them little shoes. I was always twisting and shaping forms for the feet. I suppose the moment I really knew shoes were my destiny was when I moved to London. Of course there is the fairy tale about how I went to New York and met Mrs. Vreeland, you know all of that, but it was when I hit London that I think I decided in my heart I would make a go of this.

I think you must always show some toe cleavage. Toe cleavage is very important as it gives sexuality to the shoe. But careful you only show the first two cracks, you don't want to give too much away, you're not that type of girl... As for the heel, honey, it's got to be high. The transformation is INSTANT. It's a coup de théatrè. The height of a heel should depend on how dangerous you are feeling. High high high higher, I say! I am into comfort now: wear nothing less than 90mm. For me, the ultimate shoe would be a wonderful high court, in Spanish Red patent. Something dangerous and provocative.

When you have heels you only need to pack two black dresses, and fill the cases with twenty pairs of shoes. Let the heels do the talking, and you'll be ready for anything.

I hope my shoes are comfortable. I have been working with craftsmen who have been studying traditions that go back for two hundred or so year and after all the time I have been doing it I have learnt a few tricks, too. I don't wear them myself, I am not so into cross-men-dressing - no that is not for me - but I like to work on each creation so it is as comfortable as can be. My shoes are for dancing, for living, for moving; you can't wear things that make you feel crippled, get them off! I don't think you have to be perfect when you are walking in your heels, there is something charming about it being chaotic and precarious. I remember when I first noticed the blonde with big eyes, who I later came to know was Camilla [Morton]. I loved the way she walked in heels. I loved it when she tumbled and wobbled and tried to climb up ladders and over the bad streets in her heels. But now she is quite good, she doesn't really wobble so. She has character, and I think that is what you have to aim for. You can't just be a conveyor belt, you have to be individual.

Now, I am going all bourgeois: crocodile, luxury, expensive. But still the girls and even the granddaughters come - can you imagine? So cute, I love that the little children want to wear my shoes, as I love what I do, I don't change, and I don't look back and neither should you. Be fearless and always put your best foot forward.

Hard to argue with an icon. Go forth people!

ZARA MAKES ITS OZ ENTRANCE

2011-04-20T07:18:00.006+10:00

Yesterday Australia's first ZARA store swung open its doors to the public inside Sydney's Westfield, Pitt Street Mall and it did not disappoint.

My gal Sassi Sam tells me the Zara store is three floors, street level is Women’s, downstairs, baby and children and upstairs Men’s.

The store is 1400 square metres of retail space, with six display windows. The Sydney ZARA store also showcases Zara’s updated store image giving it a more streamlined and elegant look for a better shopping experience.

Australia is the 78th country ZARA has launched into, there will be two drops per week of new pieces, Tuesdays and Thursdays, ZARA are very conscious of not having mass market access to their ranges. Orders are sent to head office twice a week and leave the distribution centre within eight hours and arrive in store within 48 hours - incredible.

Anyone that has ever indulged in a little ZARA overseas will know the price point is amazing and the Oz pricing is no different. A must have camel coat for the season is just $219, a covetable beige trench coat, $119 and there’s on-trend shoes galore with black embellished heels @ $169.

If you haven't indulged in a little ZARA, best you get down there. Stat!

See the full store images @ Sassi Sam.

SPARE £140,000 FOR NEW STILETTOS?

2011-04-18T20:24:00.006+10:00

As supportive as I am with lavish spending on extravagant footwear I'm not sure even I could justify these.

British jewelry designer Christopher Michael Shellis has created a £140,000 pair of solid gold and diamond heels which are reportedly the most expensive shoes ever made.

"The aim of this was to create a unique form of jewellery which you can wear on your feet. It's a bit like if you found these on an archaeological dig in thousands of years time they would be regarded as a treasure—a treasure of the feet," explained Shellis in an interview with the UK's The Telegraph.

I don't suspect we'll see these specimens strutting around in Oz too soon but I'm sure they're perfect for someone attending the Royal Wedding?

KHLOE'S COLOUR COORDINATED SHOE ROBE

2011-04-17T17:16:00.010+10:00

Apparently reality TV glamourzon Khloe Kardashian colour coordinates her huge collection of designer shoes (above) because that makes it easier to find the pair she wants. Of course it does.

"I love all of my shoes! It is a must to have them colour coordinated, and to be able to see each and every one of them. It makes getting dressed in the morning much easier," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Kardashian as saying.

"I know exactly where each one is placed and I can tell if one has even been moved. It definitely helps to put one shoe facing front, and the other to the back. It saves space, but it is also nice to be able to see the back-side of the shoe. I am an organisation freak!," she added.

So there you go people. Colour coordinate away.

(Image Credit: ELLE)

RED SOLE CATFIGHT ALERT

2011-04-13T17:34:00.012+10:00

Here we go again.

Christian Louboutin is not at all happy with a fellow stilt peddler slicking some red on their soles.

While Louboutin seems to be in a constant state of battle with lesser brands mimicking his patented red soles, this time the fight is in the big league.

Apparently there is no room in the market for a second brand of shoes with red coloured soles and this time it is rival YSL.

Louboutin claim they were awarded an official trademark for the red sole in 2008 and have fiercely protected it since.

YSL have declined to comment on the case; although fashion insiders agree that the YSL shoes are part of a range where the soles are merely matching the colour of the upper, rather than various coloured shoes each with a red sole.

Make up your own mind. I don't mind YSL's matching red version.

LOVING YSL FOR MEN

2011-04-09T15:36:00.004+10:00

While they may not suit all gents I am loving YSL's latest Men's shoe offering.

The iconic Jonny boot's had a makeover with leopard print calfskin and side elastic gores for added flexibility and comfort, a stitched leather sole and the classic 2 1/2 inch heel.

For those who love their kicks the mid top sneaker in white with black and grey trim features the Yves Saint Laurent signature and rubber sole.

Never fear the classics's like the Jailast Moccasin are still there. Why not walk on the wild side?

Love! View the entire collection here.

CAN I GET THEM IN ALL COLOURS?

2011-04-06T22:07:00.005+10:00

While we may all feel like slamming down the Amex and requesting one in every colour (and let's face it, a few of us have done that at some point...) the gorgeous Starr has immortalized the sentiment so you can relive that wonder right from the comfort of your own home.

The super-talented Queensland based artist is currently exhibiting @ Sydney's Traffic Jam Galleries in the Urban Passion exhibit.

Starr says; "This show will feature some of my fetish / obsession series - yes the white nudes series with shoes. Ok so my Urban Passion is shoes but what girl doesn't have the same passion for unique foot wear? We all heart shoes."

Love her work.

For more information go to her Facebook page or her Blog.

BIKER WELLIES

2011-04-05T07:34:00.007+10:00

Anyone that's been reading my Blog for a while will know I love wellies. Seriously love.

The Wellington gets a contemporary makeover for Spring Summer 2011 with Burberry's buckle-detailed black biker wellie boots.

Make a splash with skinny jeans for our Australian Autumn / Winter season.

Love!

PUT ON YOUR RED SHOES

2011-04-05T07:12:00.004+10:00

According to UK's Vogue, the female cabin crew @ Virgin Atlantic will today be sporting new red shoes instead of their usual black ones.

Apparently the change was prompted by the success of a television advertising campaign in the UK which sees stewardesses wearing their uniform with red shoes.

"We have listened to our staff's comments and we have been working very hard to develop a pair of patent leather red shoes that will reflect the glamour of our iconic uniform," Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic Airways, said. "I am very pleased to see the launch of the new shoe on a day when we launch our new shiny Airbus A330 at Manchester Airport. I am sure the new red shoe will add even more glamour to our female uniformed staff worldwide."

The shoes themselves come in two styles - the three-inch Dorothy and the two-inch Dotty. They are made in red patent leather to complement the uniform, designed ten years ago by John Rocha, and are supplied in a yellow brick box. It seems the shoes are just the beginning of a uniform overhaul.

WEDGE LOVE

2011-04-03T11:40:00.003+10:00

New YSL Spring Summer 2011.

Pretty heavy artillery in the back there. Love!

LADY GOES GAGA OVER RED SHOES

2011-03-30T19:02:00.004+10:00

Another day, another crazy Lady Gaga story.

Apparently Gaga has received Judy Garland's original ruby red slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' movie for her 25th birthday this week.

The singer has revealed the gift meant the world to her because she lost out to playing the role of Dorothy to a high school bully when she was younger and the generous gift showed her how far she had come since then.

She explained: 'Little did they know that I have a real background with these shoes.

'I will never forget it because I wanted to be Dorothy so bad. I was in 8th grade and she was a senior. I definitely deserved to get it, but I didn't get it. I remember she would speak in the dressing room while she was getting ready, I was one of the people in the chorus, the worst role.

'On behalf of myself and all of those bullied around the world, now these f**king ruby slippers are mine.'

Gaga shared her emotional birthday present story with fans in Los Angeles yesterday, where she took the stage for a show at the Staples Centre.

She told them: 'When you don't feel like Dorothy today, maybe you feel like someone on the chorus or the Scarecrow or maybe you feel like the Tin Man or the Wicked Witch - -just know you will have opportunities in your real life to change things and maybe someone, somebody will hand you a pair of ruby slippers.'

Reportedly her other birthday presents included a custom-made sex doll and diamonds. Of course they did.

(Source: MSN)

DIVA'S WARDROBE

2011-03-28T07:44:00.006+10:00

Bless Natalie D'Alessandro & her Diva's Wardrobe concept.

Yesterday more than 15 fashion A-listers collaborated to sell items that were gently worn, never worn or used in photo-shoots, including some very fabulous shoes.

The Diva's Wardrobe one-day-only event offered exclusive access to more than 3,000 designer items from the wardrobes of top fashion-insiders with prices starting from just $5.

Brisbane's most fashionable stylists, boutique owners, and fashion agents upturned their wardrobes & produced one of the best 'jumble' sales I have ever seen.

If you didn't get there, jump on over to Fashionista Events & pop yourself on the mailing list to ensure you don't miss out again. Ever!

I HEART YSL - SPRING SUMMER 2011

2011-03-20T16:11:00.006+10:00

Seems YSL can do so little wrong these last few collections.

Adore the new Spring Summer Collection - look at these glorious shoes, what's not to love?

Check out the full range here. Hitting Oz Shoetiques soon.

AVERAGE WOMAN OWNS 17 PAIRS OF SHOES

2011-03-19T18:56:00.003+10:00

According to Colorado's Nine News the average women owns 17 pairs of shoes.

I'm sorry, what?

Apparently a survey by Consumer Reports Shop Smart shows the average woman owns 17 pairs of shoes, but only wears three pairs regularly.

The Report says that women have a high threshold for pain where fashion is concerned: three out of five say if the shoes look good then they will cope with the pain. Is that not a given?

Now here's the killer... The poll also says women buy three new pairs of shoes a year, spending an average of $49 on each pair.

Right. Clearly no woman I know has been interview in this study.

Watch the vision here.

BABES TV - EPISODE 3

2011-03-16T19:14:00.002+10:00

In this edition, we visit the beautiful Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat the perfect getaway for every babe!

We look back on our first Treasury Wine Estates Miss Behaving event at Libertine and catch up with Tania Daly from Graystone Studio in the first of our ‘New Member Profile’ segments. Hosted by Tracey Gillinder on location at Southbank Parklands which are now open for business following the floods.

In each episode we’ll be keeping you up to date with key business issues, and connecting you to the best places to eat, drink, travel and shop.

Produced by Livewire Productions

HOOFING IT FOR CHARITY

2011-03-15T06:57:00.005+10:00

I do love a good strange-but-true shoe tale...

Commissioned by betting company Betfair to celebrate 100 years of the the Cheltenham Festival; these shoes are made in the style of real horses' feet and legs, complete with genuine horse hair and go on sale at the festival, starting this Tuesday (in Chelthenham - Gloucestershire, England).

The horseshoes are being sold for £1,300 a pair, with all proceeds going to charity.

Each shoe is made using an imitation carbon-fibre hoof and up to 5,000 individual horse hairs stitched into a knee-length (55cm) or ankle-length (25cm) design.

One word people. Eeeeew!

THE SHOES OF PARIS FASHION WEEK

2011-03-13T09:58:00.007+10:00

Leave it to The New Yorker Magazine to sum up Paris Fashion Week's amazing stable of glorious shoes with this:

"And the greatest thing about the footwear may be that it wasn't all dangerous, sky-high styles that even professional models fall down in. Some of them were still dangerous-looking, and a lot of them were reasonably dangerous-looking, but plenty weren't even that high, and a good number were flats. A popular look was come-fuck-me heels, spectacularly emphasized at Louis Vuitton, but also seen at shows like Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Nina Ricci."

Damn I love The New Yorker. To see the full article & slideshow click here.

Top: Boots @ Dior
Bottom: Balenciaga

(Image Credit: The New Yorker)

VUITTON FALL-WINTER 2011

2011-03-12T18:01:00.012+10:00

Bless Louis Vuitton's Creative Director Marc Jacobs.

Yesterday’s Fall-Winter 2011 Show was quite possibly his best to date for the brand.

Who else could pull off having Vuitton go dominatrix meets schoolgirl.

The shoes ooze sex in this collection and boots are plentiful. Leather, fabric and rubber round off a stunning mix. Only Jacobs could put rubber on an LV runway and make it work. Genius. Love!

In case you need more convincing, watch the full show here.

INTRODUCING THE PRINCE CHARMING CONTRIBUTORS...

2011-03-08T21:35:00.009+10:00

Fabulous girls tips on life, love and getting what you want.

Very excited to announce the inspiring women who are part of the soon to be released Who Needs Prince Charming?!

You wanted to know who else has contributed?
Here's the list of amazing women:

+ Bianca Dye
+ Camilla Franks (pictured)
+ Kathryn Eisman (pictured)
+ Bessie Bardot
+ Cath Cox
+ Samantha Brett
+ Moi Moi Fine Jewellery
+ Bree Amer
+ Jessica Brown
+ Maude Garrett
+ Tiffany Farrington
+ Lyndsey Rodrigues
+ Juliet Potter
+ Molly Contogeorge
+ Kelly Doust
+ Carolin Dahlman
+ Tracey Gillinder
+ Jackie Maxted
+ Carina Brezeanu
+ Dr Cindy Pan
+ Charmaine Bingwa
+ Kate Fox
+ Talita Schramm
+ Elena Antoniou
+ Melinda Hutchings
+ Amanda George
+ Jacinta Tynan
+ Jess Pace
+ Susan Taylor and
+ Michelle Hampton
+ Cameron-Jane Thomas
+ Emma Markezic
+ Jess Beston

Want to know more about the ladies? Click here.

Launching in May 2011. Super excited!

DESIGNER HEELS TO $100K BIRTHDAY BASH

2011-03-08T06:42:00.003+10:00

I'm all for training up the little ones to appreciate their shoes but Suri Cruise is something else.

Using her own credit card to buy designer heels..? Little too much when the preschooler will only be celebrating her fifth birthday next month.

Woman's Day reports this issue that a source close to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes confirms the proud parents are in the early stages of planning a lavish party spending an astonishing $100,000 to ensure it’s an unforgettable occasion.

Right. Ok then.

To read the full article click here.

SHOES FIT FOR A PRINCESS

2011-03-02T06:35:00.003+10:00

Nothing like having a few famed celebrity shoe designers like Manolo Blahnik and Cesare Casadei jossle over visions for your Big Day.

Kate Middleton's wedding dress may remain a closely guarded secret, but five designers have revealed possible shoe concepts as Wedding Day contenders.

From gems and lace to silk and feathers, each has created a fantasy shoe with the future Princess in mind.

"I wanted her shoes to match the classic and sophisticated elements of her [engagement] ring, but with a younger, modern edge," Guisseppe Zanotti (a favourite of Beyoncé and Katy Perry) tells Footwear News. "Jewelry for the feet is my DNA, so designing for a princess comes very naturally."

Casadei, who counts Kate Hudson among his fans, likened Middleton to "a 2011 Audrey Hepburn." He created "a waterfall of stones dancing down the foot. I can see Kate dancing all night in this 'new tango' heel."

Blahnik opted for sea pearls and organza lilies of the valley, a flower often found in the bouquets of British society brides. His shoe "represents springtime and everything fresh and new, which is what Kate Middleton is all about," he says.

Shoe addicts and Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out.

(Image Credit: Footwear News)

BRIGHT COLOURS + NUDE SHOES @ OSCARS

2011-03-01T06:39:00.008+10:00

As always the 83rd annual Academy Awards were the awards season's fashion exclamation mark this year.

My shoe favs were:

Best Supporting Actress nominee and the baby of the red carpet, Hailee Steinfeld. Accessorizing her one-of-a-kind Marchesa dress with shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Glorious Aussie Nicole Kidman, the Best Actress nominee's choice was a Dior Haute Couture gown finished off with orange Pierre Hardy heels. Love this look and do it myself often. Orange shoes - Love!

Despite much criticism to the contrary I adore uber svelte Jennifer Hudson's Versace tangerine gown paired with purple satin Versace peeps. Purple is her favourite colour. The tangerine / purple combination wasn't loved by everyone but hey - she looks amazing!

Want more? Go to Harpers Bazaar's Red Carpet pics.