0 Top Ten Shoes / Footwear Designs of the Decade

As we bid a fond (or not so fond) farewell to the Noughties, I wanted to add my Top Ten most influential shoe / footwear designers and/or style of the decade.  Remember when shoes became the new handbag?

The shoes on this list are not necessarily the best but they were all influential for better or worse.  My pick for number one most influential?  Its a tie between Christian Louboutin, the red sole is more easily identified than the red bullseye... and the 2006 Balenciaga Harness boot, the "shoe" heard round the world that drove and still drives bloggers crazy and launched a thousand knockoffs. I'm looking at you Sam Edelman :)

0 Interview Editorial - Giovanna Battaglia

The caption reads - "I see it, I want it, and I wear it without thinking about it too much. If I can't find the piece that's gratifying right away, I go through my wardrobe like a miner in search of the right gem." - Giovanna Battaglia

This scan is from the December 2009 - January 2010 issue of Interview, the editorial is titled Project Front Row. Lovesy the white lace Dolce and Gabbanna dress styled with the Supra Fifre OTK boots by Christian Louboutin. (the shoot was styled by Karla Martinez)

Photo Credit: tFS

0 Volcanic - Christpher Kane via Opening Ceremony

I just wanted to announce that I am rather fond of this Christopher Kane Volcano dress that is newly available at Opening Ceremony.

That is all.

Photo Credit: openingceremony.com

0 Top Ten Handbags of the Decade

These are the most influential hanbag styles of the Noughties, defined by me (of course). As we know the It bag days have fallen by the wayside but we can't forget the sheer madness that ensued with the waitlists, and the obsessive collecting for some of these purses.  The IT Bag phenomenon spawned The Purse Forum  / tPF for godsake, my favorite place to unwind.

10. Rebecca Minkoff – Morning After I must include the Morning After bag. A young brand that came out of nowhere to create an amazing line of bags that fast became a favorite of young Hollywood, from Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan to realities like Lauren Conrad.


9. Goyard St. Louis - Now you may be saying hold on there, how did Goyard make it on the list? How could I leave it off, when I see a well respected and admired logo laden status bag fall into favor with the likes of celebrities and heiresses I think it deserves to make the list. For many Goyard was a "what is this?" now it is a "I want this".

8. Gucci Horsebit Hobo - This one pains me to some extent because Gucci, much like Jessica Simpson has lost its footing in some way as it has been a looooong time since I saw a Gucci bag I had to have.

7. Chloe Paddington - The decade was all about hardware and slouchy leather and few other bags personified this combination better than the Chloe Paddington. I ebayed mine a few years ago and I seriously long for it some days.

6. Louis Vuitton Speedy - This falls into the category of handbags that are classic, approachable and affordable. Bags went to the crook of the arm and this doctor bag was the perfect fit. Don't forget the Murakami, Cerises, Sprouse. Mine had the perfect patina. You can have the monogram forever and it will only run you about $600. *le sigh*

5. THE Hermes Birkin - This bag is the classic statement bag and has been around for decades but thanks to Sex and the City, Jay Z, and Oprah's Aha moment this bag and brand became a household name. Why so low on the list, let’s face it, this bag is a little out of reach for most.

4. YSL Muse - Yves St. Laurent has no trouble kicking out an iconic bag every few seasons but the Muse was by far the hit of the decade for this venerable fashion house.

3. Fendi Spy - Where do I begin? The bubbly leather, the hidden compartments, this bag was truly groundbreaking and finds itself teetering from the crook of my arm once in a while till this day.

2. Chanel Quilted Jumbo - This bag goes along with the resurgence of vintage that was everywhere during the past decade, a classic shape with "in your face" dimensions and logo. I go to this bag almost daily.

1. Balenciaga Motorcyle - You had to have one of these and a lot of you still do, this was a fave of Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and Nicole Richie (to name a few) and is still a staple in model off duty style.

What say you?  Did I get it right, Did I leave anything off?

0 Bagworthy - Mulberry anoints Alexa Chung

Mulberry has named it's new bag a hybrid of the bayswater for Alexa Chung. The colors are the primary draw here, it will be available in an ink/blue, yellow mustard, traditional oak, and leopard! The leather has always been superb this is the infusion of youthful exuberance may be just what I needed to move me from admirer to consumer.

Alexa has made no secret of her love for the brand and while many of us on this side of the pond have known about the brand, the new line should send it main stream very quickly.

Photo Credits: mulberry.com bagsnob.com

0 Olivia Palermo - Grazia Scans

Enjoy these scans from Grazia - Olivia Palermo spills on her beauty regimin and THAT HAIR.

Photo Credit: Scans tFS

0 Grazia's Shoot w/ Olivia Palermo

Grazia's shoot w/ Olivia Palermo
Credit : Grazia Daily

0 Topshop - Ashish and Saunders collab 2010

For this very reason I keep my eye on the fashion section of the Telegraph.

Everyone is anxious to say goodbye to 2009 but there are some trends I'm holding on to and apparently I'm not in the minority. Studs, chic sweats, exposed midriffs and treated denim.

Enter the Ashish for Topshop and Jonathan Saunders for Topshop collection hitting stores and the web in January. Enough said.

0 Inspiration Courtesy of Zana Bayne

Not so new news, but well its a new blog. I'm still dreaming of ways to incorporate these harnesses into my wardrobe without showing up looking like I'm going to a rihanna or gaga fan club meeting. Where there's a will there's a way.

Photo Credit / Available at Zana Bayne http://zanabayne.com/

0 Kill City Leather Jacket - Get in my closet!

Umm Yumm Kill City has this amusing drapey stone washed leather jacket. It is one word. Perfection.

Photo Credit / Available at Alter http://alterbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-leather-jackets-from-kill-city.html

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0 Carrie On! Sex and the City 2 Trailer

The Sex and the City 2 trailer is out. Can't wait to see it 5/28/10 but huh?

I can't imagine what is going on here. I'll just wait and see, I hate spoilers so I will avoid them for the next 6 months.

Carrie On!

courtesy : new line cinema / via huffington post

0 This is Madness

How did I miss this news?!?

I adore this Akiko Ogawame Boot and apparently so does Jeffrey Campbell

Introducing... Madness

You like?

Photo Credits: Jak and Jil and Solestruck

0 Working on my Fitness

Some thoughts on fitness:

1. There's nothing wrong with maintaining a positive body image at any size but if you need to lose weight, get healthy or improve your diet, do it.
2. Don't use "I'm comfortable in my own skin" as an excuse.
3. Liking how you look "sans clothing" is more valuable than anything you can ever buy.
4. Busy? Running late for the gym? Keyword is "running". Go anyway. 30 minutes trumps 0 any day.
5. Get off the treadmill and elliptical and work with some weights. You won't bulk up. Don't be stupid. You won't. Shut up.
6. If the machine looks complicated or weird, its probably good for you.
7. If you need surgery, from plastic surgery to gastric bypass to jump start your goals, do it.
8. Kettlebells and push-ups, my favorite at home workout solution.
9. At the gym? Don't skip the assisted pull ups and dips.
10. Crunches no, captains chair yes.

Disclaimer- I'm no expert, I just play one on the interwebz.

0 Maurie and Eve

Kind of Balenciaga, a little Sam Edelman Zoe, a whole lot of harness and heel.

The Maurie & Eve Motorcycle Boot has a 1.5 inch platform with 3.5 inch heel and detachable harness. Available for pre-order at http://www.shoprobertson.com/ for $288

Photo Credit: Shop Robertson

0 Andre Leon Talley - ANTM

Its entirely official! Via The Cut, Andre Leon Talley is going to be the 4th judge for cycle 14 of america's next top model.

GTFOH! I'm in. Lately its been a famine of beauty as Leon would say. Here's hoping he can lend some legitimacy to the show.

Photo Credit: tFS

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0 Jeffrey Campbell -karmaloop.com

Jeffrey Campbell has been busy. I like. Carry Boot $200 has a very distinct rodarte f/w 2009 feel with the strap accent.

In the mood for Marant? Try the slouchy Third Boot with chain detail, only $146.

http://www.karmaloop.com/

You're welcome.

0 Soopa Etsy Seller Yokoo

http://www.yokoo.etsy.com/

Very cool infinity style scarf (appropriately named a soopascarf), creative "necklace", and the most amazing minnie bow from etsy seller yokoo. Irresistible. Perfect for braving the cold winter nights here in Chicago while avoiding looking frumpy.

0 Who's Teamo are you on?

fashionista.com is the little birdie on this one. Or perhaps the canary in the coal mine depending on your stance on our ever increasing celeb obsessed culture.

I think I'd wear one. What do you think? The sketches are extraordinarily well done and as graphic t-shirts go this is tops. Kate Moss and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Teamo tee shirts are available at http://www.bonadrag.com/

0 Marc Clark Bow Tie

These little baubles are causing quite a stir. Its a useful little accessory and I love when pop culture trends are also affordable, because really who needs to spend a couple hundred dollars on a brooch right? These re imagined bow ties from Marc Clark retail for $50-$60 and are favored by Estelle, Rihanna, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, etc.

Weeks ago Chris Brown's bow tie was a trending topic for days on twitter. Do you suppose Rihanna's mc bowtie could be a wink and a nod to that? #imjustsaying

Check out http://www.marcclark.com/ for more alternatives from the designer.

0 Chain of Fools - Shoulder Chains

The Zara December Lookbook is out! Its drool worthy. Before I drift off to sleep each night I thank the economical fashion Gods we have 3 Zara stores in the Chicago area: Michigan Ave., State Street, and Old Orchard.

Wait, I'm burying the lead. The big news here is they included Shoulder Chains! Yes, Please and Thank You! I am going to snatch it up immediately.

0 Knuckle Rings

Yes sir. I love chunky finger fashion and knuckle rings are ace. Go check out fashionology's store. She's got multiple versions available.

http://www.fashionology.nl/Webwinkel-Category-162811/RINGS.html

0 Launching - Styleite

One of my favorite news and opinion sites and favorites on twitter @mediaite Mediate is launching a style site Styleite. It will cover runway and street style and will eventually include ecommerce.

I really enjoy their perspective especially their media watchdog approach. (http://mediaite.com/) Looking forward to getting both my fashion and news fix in one place. From Dan Abrams of all people, who knew?

Photo Credit: mediaite.com

0 Carrie On - Sara Jessica Parker

The May 2010 Sex and the City movie poster is out. What do you think? Its not what I expected but I love "Carrie On"

SJP looks fantastic as usual. I must admit I'm a bit excited about the sequel. Or maybe in this case its a prequel.

0 Your High-ness (how cute are these boots?)

I was able to score the zara suede thigh high boots on the second release. I was majorly disappointed when they flew off the shelves in the fall. I'll demonstrate how to wear them. Now, all is right in the world...at least my small, shallowly obsessive world. Kidding.

0 She's Got To Go To Work Sometime

"My girl, she's got to go to work sometime" - Alexander Wang on his pre-fall 2010 collection. What a novel approach. Designing clothes one can actually wear. My ideal work attire. This is the vision I have for myself when I shop for clothes to wear to the office. Its difficult when you're not in a creative field but this aesthetic straddles the line so effectively. Chic, minimalist, borderline androgynous. Kudos to Liu Wen for WERQING 100% of the looks. I adored Wang's Spring 2010 collection but this collection is giving me life!

0 September Issue BONUS Footage

The documentary we all love to love is coming to DVD soon. It will be released in the US on February 23. The best part is it features over 90 minutes of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes photos & commentary from the director RJ Cutler.

If you haven't seen this movie... Well you're probably not reading this blog. But if by chance you stumbled upon this post, you must see this film. A Famine of Beauty! The incomparable Grace Coddington and the surprisingly sympathetic Anna "Nuclear" Wintour. I laughed a lot, and found the office dynamic fascinating. There is nothing better to watch talented career driven women in all their glory.

0 Roberta Freymann

I have style ADD. If you suffer from it as well you know exactly what I'm referring to. I was lusting after a proper bib necklace this past spring. Never quite found the right one. Either the color wasn't rich enough or it wasn't embellished enough. With a statement necklace its go big or go home.

Eventually I shifted my attention to more urgent matters, namely shoes. My accessory collection pushed to the recesses of my mind until occasionally I spot one on the street or on a blog.

I discovered Roberta Freymann through Olivia Palermo so reality television isn't completely useless. Now if I can only remember to get one or something similar. Its the ideal way to instantly transition from day to evening, casual to cocktail. I'm feeling it's right for winter.

0 Imitation - Flattery or Fauxny?

If you followed my first blog http://entirelyofficial.typepad.com/ you know that if I come across an inspired version of a luxury product I pass it along. I've purchased wang inspired, lusted after acne inspired. Believe me, I don't judge. But seeing these Christian Louboutin Nitoinimoi Bandage inspired ankle boots in Forever 21 it made me wonder... Where do I draw the line?

I draw it at Louboutin. I own authentic from B.R. (before recession) and so I've grown to love the man and the brand. Its iconic. Not to be messed with. I'm going to put this in my "fauxny" file. Along with anything Chanel (double c's / quilt and chain) or Louis Vuitton (brown canvas) inspired, and imitation crab meat.  Just don't.

0 Rodarte for Target

Eagerly anticipating the Rodarte for Target diffusion line. I just came off the unbelievable high of scoring the Jimmy Choo for H&M leather leggings and now this. Some complain about the quality of these lines but I just enjoy getting my hands on a little piece of genius. Plus there is something a little quaint about it right?

Photos of the collection have been slowly trickling out. Drip drip, Chinese water torture pace. Pictured below are two jewels. I predict these will be the "must haves" at least of what I've managed to preview thus far.

Adore the tongue and cheek look of the sequin skeletal rib cage dress. I will probably shorten it a bit and wear it with tights and edgy wedges. The nude dress is simply perfection. I'll toss a jean jacket or black blazer over that one with a fierce pair booties to contrast with the uber feminine feel of that dress.

Consider yourself warned that there will not be a ton of stock since retailers have been cutting orders lately to reduce inventory.

Photo Credit: tFS

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About me...

In my mind, this quote sums up the state of my life right now. I was thinking, it might ring true for some of you. It is really funny when you think about it. As though the recession is a place you go. But the statement, albeit naive actually causes me to look at things as they are and find the bright side. Sure I am a woefully underpaid and underemployed for an MBA. Sure I am not able to maintain the lifestyle to which I had become accostomed B.R that's (before recession) but when all else fails, I can travel to that magical place the recession and I can always find a great hat. Or shoes or a bag, you know where I'm going with this.

I started this new blog in leiu of the Entirely Official blog because I am in an entirely different place right now. Every once in a while a hope to share with you some style: fashion, beauty, travel, events, etc.

This is how I see this blog working out: I will share with you the trends that are current and forecast the new ones. I will show you how to make them work for the office, leisure, and at any age. I will show you some alternatives that will help you translate fashion week to work week.