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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Wear or Beware? Emmy Awards Edition: Rita Wilson's Prada Heels

Twinkle Twinkle... 


Fashion folks have been lamenting the lackluster looks on the Emmys red carpet since the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards aired Sunday night. Yes, the girls looked great, in most cases, but there were few real stand-outs (as was mentioned in the Shoes N Booze Red Carpet Recap). If that's the case, then shouldn't we applaud those who dared to take style risks (playing Devil's advocate, here). Rita Wilson's look, straight from Prada's Spring 2010 runway, was a twinkling, be-crystaled dress and matching shoes. Granted, the shoes call to mind that Cosby Show episode where Claire Huxtable injured her foot and had to create a stylish shoe to compliment her look for the night. Still, what are your thoughts? They ARE Prada, and they incorporate this summer's lucite trend. Haute couture, or hot mess? Weigh in!

PS. Here's a clip from that Cosby Shoe Episode:



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Monday, August 30, 2010

Red Carpet Recap: 62nd PrimeTime Emmy Awards Red Carpet


The Small Screen's Big Night

Emmys fashion tends to be more low key than what we see at other major awards shows. It was no surprise, then, that the red looks for this year's Annual Prime Time Emmy Awards were generally luke warm. Granted, there were definitely a few brow-raisers (Ahem, Heidi Klum's up-to-there Marchesa mini, Clare Danes' Armani Prive sparkler and January Jones' blue Atelier Versace gown). However, most stars seemed to play it pretty safe. Nonetheless, our focus was on the shoes.

January Jones' love-it-or-hate-it moment was complicated by a lackluster shoe choice. While the Mad Men actress' black Miu Miu platform pumps are great on their own, they did nothing for her look.

 












Anna Paquin opted for a warrior princess look in a black Alexander McQueen gown with a gold beaded neckline. The True Blood star's choice was a bit mature for her youthful looks, and her black patent Yves Saint Laurent Tribute pumps also failed to add anything of merit to the ensemble. 

 












Keri Russell's Jimmy Choo Lance sandals were a great accent to her easy, breezy accordion-pleated Vintage Scherrer dress from Decades. I do wonder, though, if this well-put-together look was a tad too laid back for an evening awards show.















The high split and strapless neckline on Rutina Wesley's Douglas Hannant brush stroke-printed gown accented her ultra-toned arms and legs. Good look trying to score the True Blood actress' Christian Louboutin Fortuna platforms. They seem to be no longer available at most places.















Supermodel and Project Runway matron, Heidi Klum was one haute mama in her beaded Marchesa mini, and her sparkly spiked Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps. 

 












More after the Jump

Friday, August 27, 2010

Shoe News: The Debut of Shoes TV


All Shoes All the Time



"Who are you wearing?" It's one of the most ubiquitous questions on red carpets everywhere. However, unfortunately for the shoe obsessed, the answers to that inquiry are often limited to the dresses and jewels. That's one of the things new channel Shoes.TV will correct. Launched by MyShoes.com (the folks who tipped us off to affordable ways to score styles similar to the ones from Sex and the City), Shoes.TV is the first online TV channel dedicated solely (pun intended) to women's shoes. From celebrity and designer interviews (see the Vanessa Williams clip above) to new shoe launches, red carpet coverage and tips, Shoes.TV aims to serve up as much shoe news as viewers can handle. I wonder if we can figure out a way to get some Shoes N Booze content up there... hmmmm...

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Much Ado about Shoes: FFANY part 2 Hilton Hotel and Nine West


Tales of a Trade Show

Earlier this month, I attended the FFANY New York Shoe Expo at New York's Flatotel, Hilton New York Hotel and various member showrooms (see my faves from the Flatotel here). In addition to swooning over the shoe offerings for S/S 2011, I had the opportunity to chat with representative from various brands (which means the inside scoop on where to buy the shoes, and maybe future giveaways, so stay tuned). Here are the shoes that made me squeal at the Hilton and the Nine West showroom:

You may remember the buzz surrounding Q by Pasquale's Glass Q Shoe. For S/S 2011, they're offering a new line of more accessible, more mainstream shoes with Murano glass accents and beautifully painted soles. I love the fact that there's a thin, clear rubber layer under the footbed that allows you to marvel at the artistic painting without scratching it when you walk. I'm hoping the Shoe Fairy delivers one or all three of these (I wasn't allowed to take photos the day of, but my contacts have emailed me images since then): 


























Elizabeth Brady's designs straddled the line between conservative chic and trendy touches with their ruffles, platforms and not-quite-neon pops of color. The retail prices will be really reasonable, too! These three swept me off my feet:




Enigma, a brand known for celeb-worthy styles at super-low prices, will keep things fun for Summer 2011, but I was more caught up in their offerings for Fall 2010. Strippertastic Platforms, sky-high heels, bright booties? I'm sold!
























Nine West's Spring/ Summer 2011 lineup will be a brightly colored and sometimes sparkly nod to Marylin Monroe, Grease and other iconic Americana.




We may be feeling the breezes of an approaching Autumn, but I'm shoely looking forward to Spring 2011 now.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Shoe News: Piperlime Pops Up in New York for Fashion Week


They're Zoe Stylish
Image via RachelZoe.com

Shoemongers everywhere know Piperlime.com as a prime online destination for the hottest shoe styles and brands. An inventory of on-trend shoes at a variety of price points, coupled with style picks by celebrity stylist and fashion editor, Rachel Zoe makes the site worth its weight in soles. Those in New York for Fashion Week this September will have the pleasure of actually shopping at a brick and mortar Piperlime store. From September 9, 2010 through October 3, shoppers will have access to not only exclusive styles from some of their favorite brands (think Marc by Marc Jacobs, Frye, Cynthia Vincent, etc.), but also to professional tips on how to wear them. In addition, there will be a style loft in the store, where customers can participate in daily style challenges. To celebrate the opening of the location (93 Mercer St.) and Fashion's Night Out, the store will be open late on September 10. Attendees that night will be able to meet Rachel Zoe and the cast of Project Runway.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Much Ado About Shoes: FFANY Spring 2010 Faves from the Flatotel


Looking Ahead
Last week, retailers and press swarmed the Hilton New York Hotel, Flatotel and various shoe showrooms for FFANY's New York Shoe Expo.  Most brands were showing Spring/ Summer 2011, but some had a few pairs left for Autumn/ Winter 2010. Most shoe lovers anxiously await Fashion Week each season, but I get just as excited about the Shoe Expo. It provides an opportunity to meet some of the designers, connect with smaller, lesser known brands and touch/ try the shoes. My friend, Jewell (the Fashion Socialite) and I had a great time. I'll be posting interviews and pairing some of the shoes I saw with cocktails once they're available for purchase. However, I thought you'd like a tidbit of what made me swoon in the meantime. 

B by Aperire's Fall offerings, with their walk-all-day heel heights, bright colors and playful designs, are a great way to fight the cool-season blahs. These are on to-buy list (and available now for $230- $250 retail):

B by Aperire Biggie
B by Aperire Blow














B by Aperire Bio
Killah, another brand characterized by its whimsy and affordability is serving up lace, chiffon and other girly details in electrifying hues. Here's are my faves for next Spring:










Australian brand, I Love Billy, will be doing a line of floral canvas, heels, flats and oxfords next spring. This pair of darling platforms caught my eye. Get this, they'll retail for $100 or less!


(More after the jump)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Free Shoes for YOU! Sergio Rossi's Black Lace Up Bootie Giveaway


Fall Into Seduction with Sergio Rossi
Sergio Rossi, through the "Fall into Seduction" giveaway is treating one lucky shoe lover to a free pair of these sultry lace up booties from the prefall collection and other awesome prizes. All you have to do is click the image, and follow the directions on the official sweepstakes page. The winner will be selected randomly on or around September 6th. Good luck!

Free Shoes for YOU! Diba Giveaway Reader Poll


It's in the Bag

Readers have selected which carry-on bag they'd choose for a first meeting with their beau's family. Their tastes vary, but I'm sure yours do too. Now it's time for you to weigh in! Which one is your favorite? Put your vote in the comments section, and the person whose choice gets the most votes will win a free pair of silver Diba "Back Down" wedge sandals (pictured below). Here are pictures of their choices, along with their comments.The winner will be selected on Friday, so I hope the entrants spread the word!



Barbara: "My must-have carry on bag would be this Floto Imports Positano Grande Leather Duffel with a drop-down bottom for, what else, shoes & sundries)- a classic bag that would last through many adventures."


Lauryn M: "Black, sleek, Victorinox luggage sends the right message every time. AND it wont get dirty...you know the airlines could care less about your luggage...so this Victorinox Werks Travler is for me."









Chocl8fashnista:  I'd rock them! Because the shoe is so outlandish, the rest of the ensemble needs to be simple, Skinny denim, white tank, asymmetrical shoulder padded blazer (or simple black blazer), minimal accessories and the shoe should take center stage. I wear (and get away with, i think) weird things, so theses shoes suit me. xoxo I'd pair them with the carry on pieces from this Rockland Set in Black Dots. I need to make a statement!



Lauren:  Picture this... Silver wedge heels, dark washed skinny jeans, silver chain belt, grey off-the-shoulder silk top with some chunky purple bangles. To top off this funky yet sophisticated look, I would sport the Titan Luggage 360 Four Diamond Edition 22" USA Carry-On, with it's diamond-pattern exterior it's sure to get heads turning!





MJ: I would pick this luxe Siamond Cappuccini Leather Carry-On. My mind boggles at the idea of a guy even knowing what shoes I was wearing when meeting his family, let alone picking them out for me! But I love those wedges, and I'd wear them with dark grey jeans and a taupe top, probably drapey and possibly ruched. Big silver earrings, too. Or a chunky silver statement necklace, of course.


Vittoria: Without a doubt, i'd tote the carry-on pieces from this Pierre Cardin Signature Series set. It looks like a long-lost Louis Vuitton pattern! I'd be turning heads left and right...everyone would think a celebrity was strutting past with those statement shoes, a hot boyfriend, and that great luggage set!