shoes to love and shoes to hate v.2..

Following suit with a blog post I did a few months ago, it's time to revisit the good old shoes I hate & shoes I love list. As I mentioned, I do love a good shoe or two, hence the reason why I have compiled a list of my top favourite shoes of the mo' as well as spews of the mo'. You may notice that some designers feature in both the lust and loathe sections, which prove that you can't always trust a designer (par Balmain & Rodarte). Feel free to object my opinion on whether a shoe should be lusted for or loathed. Enjoy!

Lust-for Numero 1: Christian Louboutin Bang Bang Ankle Boot's
These aren't called Bang Bang boot's for no reason! I am completely lusting for this style of ankle boots right now. As Rachel Zoe would say "I die!". The elastic side reminds me of the old RM Williams boots, but in a completely new chic manner. Perfect for the upcoming Melbourne winter.

Lust-for Numero Two: Sergio Rossi Monochrome Platforms
I love the simplicity of these Sergio Rossi beauties! They remind me of 'My Fair Lady'. There has never been a more effective hue than black & white. These would be perfect for a city stroll or even better, paired with opaque tights for a winter night out.

Lust-for Numero Three: Fendi Bow Platforms

Another pair of simplistic shoes that would look stunning on absolutely anyone. These HIGH heels (capital H-I-G-H) would suit absolutely any outfit. Perfect to wear from work to after-work drinks.

Lust-for Numero Four: Christian Louboutin Salamanca Wedges

Although Summer is practically over, these wedges would have been perfect for strolling along the promenade. I love the way the rope offset's the black patent leather. Delicious!

Lust-have Numero Five: Miu Miu Black & Gold Pumps

Another pair of classic heels. The gold & black satin's suit perfectly, these heels would be suited to your usual work to after five event.

Look away now if you dislike ugly shoes. Let us begin the count-down!

Spew-shoe Five: Chloe Ziggy Zaggy 80's Heels
Now I know the 80's are coming back in a big way with the latest collections, but these Chloe heel's are just wrong. A scalloped edge does not do wonders for the leg's! What's that American saying, you can't wear white shoes before/after Labour Day (or something along those lines)? What about we all don't wear these shoes 365 days of the year.

Spew-shoe Four: Miu Miu Blue Tacky Tack Tack's
Cork a no no! These Miu Miu platforms, despite the hefty price tag, look uber cheap. So cheap, it makes Supre look like couture. Oh Miu Miu, you were doing so well with the gold and black pumps (lust-have #5), why did you have to ruin it with these ghastly stilts. Tisk Tisk!

Spew-shoe Three: Chloe Chunky Platforms (Messy)
The funny thing is, the upper front of the heel is not too bad. The lovely leather lattice works a treat, but once you take a look behind. POW! Your hit by an ugly bout of 'chunky-itis'! If only the heel was elongated and refined, it would have been on the other side of this countdown.

Spew-shoe Two: Marni Pink & Brown Jesus Wedges

I have little say on behalf of these shoes. Three words. Jesus on acid.

Spew-shoe One: Segio Rossi Techni-coloured Nightmare Boot's


Introducing the ugliest shoe in the count down. There's just way too much going on with these Sergio Rossi boot's from a hyper-coloured hell. How many eel's (which I presume is the leather of choice) were killed to make such an ugly creation. R.I.P. To the Eel's that died in vain.

Image Credit's: Net-A-Porter

march russian vogue cover..

Natasha Poly looks stunning on the March 2009 Vogue Russia. Peach and black has never looked so soft and quaint. I love the head band, you can get a cheaper (yet undersized) version at Diva for about $10.

favourite model of the moment..

Anna Selezneva. Stunning bone structure, turquoise like eyes and fair blonde hair. She's the Russian baby doll who everyone wants to be (well I do). I can't wait for the moment she stalks the catwalk. In the meantime, here are some of Anna's best images:



Image Credit: Models.com, Style.com

miss missoni..

As the spotlight moves from London to Milan, one particular collection stood out. Angela Missoni presented a stunning array of Winter goodies. I have been a major fan of Missoni for the past 4 or so years, but this collection really takes the pastel, wool-encrusted cake. Sasha pulled her usual 'Russian-fieress' face. Might I add, it really is a suprise that no model tripped over those elongated scarves.
Here are my favourite looks of a collection that really was to die for.

Image Credits: Style.com

sewing to do list..

Yigal Azrouel's AW09 collection at NY Fashion Week equates to a simple WOW. Each garment was impeccably displayed with my favourite design techniques: gathering and drapery. It was also lovely to see Iekeliene Stange's new blonde tresses, which makes her look like a alien-esque character!
Purchasing a few of Azrouel's design's are not on the card's for me right now, so in the mean time I will have to sew up by own Yigal inspired dresses. Here are two item's that hit the spot for me.

Image credit: Fashionologie

i heart black..

rock n roll chic..

brand new colony..

This set is inspired by the song "Brand new colony" by The Postal Service. I decided to keep to a Miu Miu theme and selected items that are reminiscent of a 50s Roman Holiday.

Some of the lyrics to match are:

"I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite

Albums back as you're lying there drifting off to sleep."

"I'll be the platform shoes and undo what heredity's done to you."

"I'll be your winter coat buttoned and zipped straight to the throat

With the collar up so you won't catch a cold"

possibly the centre of the universe..

The famed 2.55 classic flap handbag. Top of my wish list.

brand maniupulation against the mind..

After watching 'Lagerfeld Confidential', a documentary by Rodolphe Marconi, I felt quite inspired by the powerhouse that is Chanel. In my opinion they have the most intensely successful marketing that beats any other fashion house. So much so, that people believe it does not exist!

laurent tribute..

a russian kind of feeling..

8 books j'adore..

I'm not an avid book reader, but once I get into a decent book (usually fashion or history related) I just can't put it down!
Here are my top 8 books in no particular order (because it would be too hard to rank them)!

#1 Maggie Alderson - Cents and Sensibility
'Prada Wedges' + 'Lanvin dress' + 'Cote d'Azur' = I'm in for sure! A great read for fashion, romance and journalism lovers, be prepared to cry your eyes out at the end.

#2 Holly Hill - Sugarbabe
An Australian story of a woman selling her services i.e. her company, drink making skills and love making to wealthy Sydney-siders. Be prepared to rethink your thoughts about 'escort's'. Tres good!

#3 Arthur Golden - Memoirs of a Geisha
Watch after you see the film, purely as the film will help develop and compliment your imagination, while the book will go into more detail than the film could ever offer.

#4 Antonia Fraser - Marie Antoinette
The book that inspired Sophia Coppola's film. I studied the French Revolution a few years before reading this book and I must say I took a real liking to Marie Antointette even though the French detested her. Great for history buff's, but don't expect the visuals of the movie to be translated in words (it's not a feast for the eyes, it's pure facts!).

#5 Ian Serraillier - The Silver Sword
My Grandpere was in a similar situation in WWII in Poland, so this book has sentimental value. A lovely story that makes you value everything you have in life, including your chickens!

#6 Zadie Smith - On Beauty
WOW. This is a seriously, devastatingly good book (juxtaposition anyone?). Beautiful cover (which drew me towards it) but an even better plot. MUST READ NOW PEOPLE!

#7 Lauren Weisberger - The Devil Wears Prada
I read this book prior to the film and I still believe that the book absolutely kicks the films buttoi. Yes I like looking at Chloe boots and Chanel threads on film, but the book still wins in my eyes.

#8 Leo Tolstoy - Anna Karenina
I am still reading this book and must say it seems to go on forever! I admit it is a little slow at first, but I'm uber into the Russian names. Oh Vronky!

So get down to your local bookstore (not Borders, Dymocks or any other big company) and help out a small-business with your dollars.

deborah harry..

Maybe I've been reading one too many fashion magazines lately, but it seems they are always preaching to find your "style icon" and copy as you please. I always found this hard to do, as I love so many aspects of many people irrespective of sex, race or religion. So if I had to pick my style icon (and this is a based completely on what I feel of the moment), it would have to be Deborah Harry, or as the world knows her: Blondie (which is actually the bands name). Here are some images of Sophie Dahl channelling DH in UK Vogue 2007, splendid!



So what would the modern day Debbie Harry (70s era) wear. Well firstly she wouldn't think too heavily every morning when getting dressed. Anything she would put on would be effortless and exude self-confident chic. But because we all love pretty pictures, where are some DH wardrobe necessaries:

Starting out with the classic turtle-shell Rayban wayfarers, essential to any tribute to 80s pop rock (£84) teamed with a simplistic symmetric black and gold Burberry bangle (£323).

Every DH wannabe needs a decent jacket while waiting to get into a gig. Again a Burberry metallic bronze knit cardigan (£379) and a Phillip Lim 3.1 fabulous red leather jacket (£591). Oh so hip!

For both winter and summer: high-waisted, button detailed, slightly flared Couture Couture pants (£319) and a tiny pair of 18th Amendment high-waisted denim shorts (118p).

Keeping in the tradition of DH's love of animal prints, a Tibi zebra dominated mini-dress (£174) and a flowing, classic Roberto Cavalli kaftan (£502).

Lastly, my favourite: shoes and bags. Back to Burberry again with these metallic Barbarella platforms (£409) and for winter a mid-length pair of Thomas Wylde boots that scream domination (£783). Don't forget your clutch, a Roberto Cavalli ethnic inspired embellished clutch (£1068).

Now what makeup/hair is required? In my opinion forget the uber-red lips and just keep with the smoky black eyes as seen at Gucci Spring 2008. You can't go wrong!

Pale baby pink lips, matte complexion, uber-smoky eyes, lashings of mascara and soft blonde waves.

Chuck it all together and you have Anja Rubik and Maria-Carlo Boscono who are chanelling DH's look effortlessly!

Credits:
Gucci Spring 2008
Net-a-porter
UK Vogue

RAFW designer spotlight - part two..

Rosemount Australian Fashion week has come to a close and frankly I'm suprised how much media interest there was during the week. Bryanboy was there, Fashion Week Daily was there and so were the numerous buyers that make it all possible. i.e. CASHING. Here are my final looks du jour, enjoy:

First of the ranks is Michelle Jank. I simply adored her use of roping with material slashing and dashing. There was a certain whimsical airiness in the way that she used birds alongside the hems and necklines of dresses. Just splendid!

Second in line is the label Ruby Smallbone. I simply adore the laid back, relaxed, black&white chic look that this label offers. It would be simple to just walk instore and buy a piece that will transform your entire wardrobe, I.E. those amazing pants and fabric endowed shoes!

Lastly, was my favourite designer from the entire week: Thurley. Helen O'Connor cited her grandma's trip to Russia as her main inspiration, which are evident in the beautiful lace's and white to grey hues. This was possibly the only collection that I wanted to get down to my nearest boutique, and buy up big!

Until next year..

Credit: Vogue Australia