Shoes

We didn’t make it to 9am Saks Fifth Avenue Sexy Shoes breakfast on Monday (we were hoping for a lunch…), but we did browse through the online version of the limited-edition Sexy Shoes magazine and looked at all the 25 finalists, which are on view at the “10022-SHOE” boutique in New York and at 11 other Saks locations nationwide. The “competing” shoes were selected by the editors of Footwear News and the winning shoes and the runners-up will be announced at the end of October, based on the number of votes each finalist receives.

You too can vote for your favorite sexy shoe from a broad range of shoe designs that includes a Christian Louboutin leopard pony hair and gold embossed leather sandal, a Sergio Rossi dusk suede pump with blossom detail, and a Christian Dior leather lace-up bootie with grommet embellishment. Vote for free at http://www.wwd.com/sexyshoes and you could win a $10,000 Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree or a $1,500 Saks Fifth Avenue Gift Card.

Also, if you decide to buy something, don’t forget to take advantage of the SPEND$OME GET$SOME program, which allows you to earn as much as $450. Yes, some restrictions do apply, so make sure that the brand you are interested in is not on the “fine print list.”

The program takes place online between September 26 – 29, and online and in stores between September 30 and October 1. To earn the Saks Gift Card, just enter code SEP2011 at checkout.

Vote, shop and have fun!

Image credit: WWD.com

Animal-kingdom-inspired clothing has clawed its way back into fashion this fall, according to the Wall Street Journal’s weekend lifestyle section, Off Duty.

In the article titled “The Call of the Wild,” reporter Lesley M. M. Blume takes readers through couture’s kitties—including Givenchy’s satin black dresses with cat faces and Marc Jacobs’ blazers and skirts with prowling, iridescent jungle cats —to more domestic designs including Topshop Unique’s collection, which includes an variety of Dalmatian-spotted coats, dresses and stoles.

Even shoe designer Christian Louboutin crafted his own homage to the jungle this fall — an amusing stiletto that turns its wearer’s foot into a furry cat paw. “There is something sweet about the foot of a feline—charming and not so serious,” he says.

And if you can’t find the occasion to wear this season’s animal inspired look, try it on your eyes. The article also includes a step-by-step guide to “Taming the Cat Eye.”

I was once told that high heels were invented by a man because they make a woman’s walk and shape more alluring, i.e. when you step into a high heel it automatically changes your posture: breasts out, bum up, and they make your hips sway just so.

The truth is (although there is some debate on the matter) that high heels go as far back as the Egyptians in 3500 BC for ceremonial purposes. In ancient Greece actors wore different heights of high heels (called Buskins) to depict different class levels and or importance of characters. In Ancient Rome prostitution was legal, and one of the ways female courtesans were readily identified was by their high heels.

Since the early 1900s, high-heel design has run the gamut of styles. Today high heels are a fashion staple. I personally love high heels and have found that the key to a good high heel is their last, a comfortable last can make a high heel wearable for hours. Some of the designers whom I love and often make the comfortable heels depending on the last are: Jimmy Choo, Ysl, Louboutin & Costume National. I also have found that inexpensive high heels can also be comfortable as long as their last is the right shape. If you have a pair of shoes that are really comfortable take a look at their last and when shopping aim for high heels that have a similar shape. A platform generally makes for a slightly more comfortable heel because of the weight distribution.

My biggest peeve that I see way too often when it comes to high heels is woman teetering along in high heels whom don’t know how to walk in them! This looks terrible and completely counters the allure of the high heel and they just look awkward and completely un-sexy. Plus learning to walk correctly in high heels is important for the health of your body. High heels as most of us know are not easy on the feet, knees or back for that matter. Learning to use your core and walking with correct posture wont fix this but will definitely help counter some of the negative effects. So ladies if you don’t know how to walk in high heels properly I suggest you either learn how or reach for those flats.

How high is too high? Well if you can’t walk in them then they are too high! The trick to walking in high heels is to use your core to hold your posture and to let your hips naturally sway as you walk. If you get a new pair of heels and your not confident walking in them yet, please do yourself a favor and practice walking in them in your house before you set foot out that door. Once you have that walk down then by all means hit the streets a-strutting!

By:
Trinity Rose
www.illume.me

For the past few seasons we have embraced dark and edgy trends. Opting for deep colors, hardcore embellishments like studs and spikes and 80’s glam rock styles. Well, this season that’s all about to change as the fashion tides are moving to a more feminine and soft look. We want you to enjoy being a girl and embrace your feminine side so we put together a few ideas to help you get this look.

Stick To A Feminine Color Palette Feminine colors include pastels, neutrals and of course the cliche, pink. Look for pale shades of your favorite color and stay away from anything too dark. Neutrals like tan, beige and ivory will be your friend and can be paired with any pastel shades like pistachio, Tiffany blue and soft pinks. Try a shade you never wore before, it may surprise you!

Chiffon Dresses Chiffon is the fabric of the seasons (and seasons to come) the flowy, feminine fabric is being used by designers from everything form mini dresses to skirts. A beautiful strapless chiffon dress will look stunning at night with an undo and chandelier earrings while a chiffon skirt can be paired with a white t-shirt and statement necklace which makes for the perfect weekend look. Editor’s Pick: Silk Chiffon Dress By Ivy And Aster

Add A Ribbon Belt An easy way to add a feminine touch to your blouse or dress is to tie a satin ribbon belt around your waist. Ribbon belts are beautiful and come in every color imaginable and some even have embellishments making it extra glamourous. You can find ribbon belts pretty much everywhere but you can probably find the best deals at wedding dress stores, they tend to have the prettiest ribbon belts which are priced just right or even on sale. Editor’s Pick: The Evita Belt By Jenny Yoo

Crystal Headbands Crystal headbands are becoming more and more and popular and they’re not just for little girls anymore. Accessories designers are making grown up versions of this childhood favorite using decadent Swarvoski crystals, ostrich feathers and high quality beads. You can wear a headband no matter what hair style you have. If you like this trend but not are too keen on headbands you can try crystal barrettes which you can just clip on. Editor’s Pick: Ice Crystal Headband by Jennifer Behr

Dainty Costume Jewelry Dainty costume jewelry can be found everywhere from high street stores to luxury department stores. Look for necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that feature pearls, ribbons, flowers, charms and other girly details. The best way to wear them is to just pile them on one on top of the other. When choosing jewelry choose a metal that you wear the most for instance if you wear mostly silver jewelry and most of your handbags have silver hardware opt for silver plated costume jewelry. Editor’s Pick: Oscar De La Renta Pearl and Crystal Embellished Necklace

Millissa Mathai