Shoe Shopping Cont.....

Alright, ok, so I'm not finished shoe shopping and like 80% of American Women I probably won't ever be. You can go along though. A friend of mine was teasing me about shoes and I told him women's shoes was to women like video games (Madden in particular) and cars are to men. It's just part of who we are. Anyway, I saw this neat little high heeled sandal at Guess. It reminds me of the flat leather sandals made like this. All the designers are doing this sort of gladiator themed shoes this season. It's called "Eulia." They bill it as their twist on the strappy sandal, with Bold leather cross-strap detail. And it has a double harness buckle at the ankle. It seriously reminds me of the "Ines Biker Leather Sandal" by Jimmy Choo. Both shoes are available at Nordstrom's. This white sandal is called "Leanna." It's enamel offers a soft and glamorous look. It's got a strappy sandal T-Strap with an adjustable harness buckle at the ankle. Enamel rings in a "I heart Guess" motif. Kinda reminds of the Badgley Mischka sandal by the name of "Isabetta." Finally we have Guess's blue "Empower" sandal. Open toe with a stacked bow accent. Strappy sandal detail at ankle. Adjustable harness and a covered platform. Kinda like Moschino's "Cheap and Chic Ruched Toe Sandal." So for every shoe their is a comparable shoe, always at different prices and slightly different styles.

"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."
- unknown

Lovin Life, truthis

Interesting Mosaic's

Mosaics are often beautiful and commentary. This image of Steve Jobs doesn't hold any moving messages about society, it could serve a function. The entire image is made of up Apple products, so the finished portrait could function as one big Apple ad campaign. It features everything from computers to the iPhone. To spare you some squinting, yes, it does also include the MacBook Air. The entire image is made of up Apple products, so the finished portrait could function as one big Apple ad campaign. It features everything from computers to the iPhone. To spare you some squinting, yes, it does also include the MacBook Air. It also has other new gadgets like the iPod nano pink. “Credit must go to Deanna Lowe @ Fortune magazine and the photographer of the original photo in which this mosaic is based,” it says below the Flickr image which also says the image was “Made with Synthetik Studio Artist, Adobe Photoshop and Apple QuickTime Pro with custom developed scripts and techniques.” It is becoming a trend using all types of products to create a mosaic. Used metro tickets, pieces of scrap or what ever inspire people to assemble an artistic object. This next mosaic is striking. I have never seen something so brilliant and breathtakingly sensitive that words fail me. 4,000 small photographs of the US soldiers fallen in Iraq, arranged into a portrait of their good-time-having “Commander-in-Chief” and his potential successor were pieced together to create this work of art. As I said, mere words fail me and are not needed. Therefore I solely refer to the words of the creator of this mosaic, Nico Pitney of Huffington Post. “In remembrance of the 4,000 brave men and women who sacrificed everything for us—and the two men who would continue this great tragedy, despite the cost to our soldiers, our military, and our nation,” said Pitney. Click here to see the full (very large) image and gape at the 4,000 faces in silence. When you have downloaded the large image, click to zoom in. It is staggering. Simply staggering (Note: Since some photos of fallen U.S. soldiers are unavailable, there are duplicates.) In case you're interested, you can visit Mosaically on line and have them create your own mosaic.

"When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly."--- Edward Teller

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Fashion Meets Art in Nordstrom Spring 2008 Ads

For their Spring 2008 Ads, Nordstrom has teamed up with artist Ruben Toledo who painted 20-by-30 foot walls to serve as a backdrop for the models which were shot by fashion photographer Ruven Afanador. Toledo even painted ON the models for the campaign. The result is an artistic and stylish eye-candy. “It’s one thing to say that fashion and art go together and to show it by putting a model in an art gallery. We knew we didn’t want to do that and we knew Ruben’s artwork needed to be more than just a backdrop. Instead, what Ruben and Ruven came up with truly fused art and photography. The art became the environment–transcending the very idea of a backdrop. The result truly exceeded our expectations.” said Linda Finn, executive vice president of marketing at Nordstrom." I think it's a winner too!

"You must lose everything in order to gain anything." Mohammad Qureshi Mohammad Qureshi

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Bag Me Up Like Donatella

I love to travel and have a lot of fun in doing so, but yet I still have yet to find some luggage that I am just in love with. Then of course, I was painted envy green when I saw Donatella's luggage when she came into town last week to launch her Versace Men's lines at Barney's New York. I remember the time when I used to see pictures of her with bright pink luggage traveling from Paris to Milan and everywhere in between. Now her chosen shade has switched to purple. When speaking with the New York times Donatella said "it became tired... like black did," referring to her once favored pink Versace Luggage. Ms. Versace ushered in with roughly a dozen purple suitcases - one bag each for dresses, shoes and accessories- "All these people, they have a designer handbag, and I think: 'So what? You have Eastpak luggage.' Why should it get stolen." She said, while sipping tea in her grand suite at the Waldorf-Astoria.

I couldn't agree more, no person wants something that everyone else has. If you have an eye for something it would be the unique thing in the room. But I believe that Donatella is trying to say, if you go all out on your Gucci handbag, you should do the same for the luggage that you travel with. So ditch the nylon and polyester luggage for a brand new set of well made luxurious Italian leather bags. You'll love yourself for it and I think Donatella would too. I think instead of purple, I'll opt for a nice royal blue or sky blue. Oh and about that trim on your new luggage, “Don’t call it beige...” Ms. Versace says, call it “Blond.”


**Image courtesy of NYTimes.com

Neiman Marcus RELAUNCHES Their Web Log Business

Neiman Marcus has relaunched their NM Insite blog. They decided to toss their hat into the web log {blog} business last year in late August. They relaunched the site late last week called NM Insite. The blog is dedicated to bringing it's readers the latest fashion news from around the world and within the legendary chain. {But if you noticed it's another way for the store to do shameless promotions} It focuses on clothing, up-and-coming fashion designers, legacy designers, home decorating, latest trends.

Categories Include:
As Seen In
Ask the Expert
Click Quick
Designer Q&A
Designer Zodiac
Eye Spy Great Buys
Fashion History
Fashion News
Fashion Quotes
From the Runway
Holiday Memories Contest
How To
NM Kids
NM's 100th Anniversary
Style Wrap-Up
This Day in Fashion History
Top Seller
Top Trends
Two of a Kind
We Asked, You Said
When & Wear With Ken Downing

Maybe you can go here and find something interesting. For instance what Tory Burch's favorite frozen treat is or the what next month's hot trend will be. Go to the site, see if you want to give it a try and come back, let us know what you think.

Can We Even Call Them Shoes?

Can we even call this Italian Designers shoes, shoes? Clearly they are works of Art. I probably can go on and on about these shoes because there are all so beautiful. This is perhaps one of Italy's best kept secrets. There are currently no US point of sales. All is not lost though, there is contact information listed on their website. Their Spring 2008 collection left me in awe. No doubt some of you will recognize their name right away and associate them with having a good product. The name Baldinini has been synonymous with quality shoes and designer bags for almost a century. Today, Baldinini S.p.A., through the direction and creative genius of Gimmi Baldinini, has become a leading Italian company, reaping significant success in an increasing number of international markets. Single-brand Baldinini stores are a perfect window into Italian Style in the world. The company’s collections - the refined and perfectly wrought expression of a complex and elegant style - arise out of expert craftsmanship and an exceptional artistic flair. In the unmistakable creations of Gimmi Baldinini, a hallmark of Italian fashion where art and design blend seamlessly to grow to be “dreams to wear”. They have lines that include fragrances, bags, eye wear, boots and jewelry. And get this their hand bag line is called "G-Bag." The shoes are what took my breath away. This kind of artistry is the kind that I gladly lay down my US Legal Tender for. You Have Got To See Them!

"Trust your heart to make the pathway, and everything will follow."
Dimitra Dimitra

Lovin Life, truthis

It's An Epidemic

Come on now, we have all thought it about at least one person in our lives. Personally, Diddy could not have said or sold it any better. I only wish that I would have made the t-shirts about ten years ago when I really used that word a lot. {got @#$% it} He's currently selling his new media hype on his Sean John website and in his store and the officially trademarked term shirt retails for about $30. The term came from an episode of Making The Band 4 in which Diddy harshly criticizes one of his proteges named Robert. You can view the episode at MTV.com on Overdrive or below:

WTF!?!? Of The Day: Vogue, When Fashion Meets Race Debate

I know all of you fashionista's are clenching tight to your new April issue of Vogue, but there is much a-do about the coveted magazine. Vogue's April issue is the annual "Shape" issue, in which it covers all different body types and how to accentuate what you have. But there are a lot of people who don't feel that having LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen featured on the cover in the manner that they are a good thing. In fact some people even feel that the cover pose {him baring his teeth in a grimace while clinching her waist} is somewhat c'est raciste. Nevermind the fact that James is one of three men {FIRST black male} to ever grace the cover of the magazine in it's 115 year history. Yet, still the infamous cover was discussed on Good Morning America, ABC's morning talk show "The View," AOL's Black Voices blog Casually Obsessed and ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill has expresses her deepest outrage {pure horsepuckey} about the recent cover of Vogue in her article on the ESPN website.

"Now, maybe the point was to show the contrast between brawn and beauty, masculinity versus femininity, strength versus grace," Hill lamented. "But Vogue's quest to highlight the differences between superstar athletes and supermodels only successfully reinforces the animalistic stereotypes frequently associated with black athletes. A black athlete being reduced to a savage is, sadly, nothing new. But this cover gave you the double-bonus of having LeBron and Gisele strike poses that others in the blogosphere have noted draw a striking resemblance to the racially charged image of King Kong enveloping his very fair-skinned lady love interest."

Annie Leibovitz is no stranger to taking thought evoking, radical pictures. However, I don't feel that to associate King Kong with LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen with Fay Wray was the comparison that she was going for. Everyone should take a moment to take a step back and realize that the cover is meant to celebrate various body types and shapes, not racism at America's core. My prescription: Everyone, {especially those that have taken this negatively} Get a reality check.

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci has created a unique roll-on application Pucci Vivara eau de parfum. Known for his eye-catching collections in patterns of every color (stylishly) imaginable, Emilio Pucci was known in the fashion industry as the "Prince of Prints." Launched in 1966, the original Vivara became an instant sensation. It was inspired by Pucci's Vivara Print, which appeared on clothing and accessories during the height of his career in the 60's. Since then it has been updated with a modern interpretation. In 2007, celebrating the brand's 60th year anniversary, the house of Pucci commemorated the landmark occasion by reviving an old favorite, Vivara. Named after an island near Capri, Vivara is an ode to the Mediterranean, a world that embodies both natural charm and sophisticated glamour. It is interesting to note that it was the streamlined ski suit that made Emilio Pucci famous. This Emilo Pucci fragrance rolls on to your skin to leave a noticeably sweet aroma on your body. It’s the ideal travel fragrance. You shouldn't have to worry about carrying it in your handbag either. The roll-on scent is ideal for those in-between touch ups when you don’t want to infest the air around you with your sweet floral signature scent. The designer tube alone wows with its recognizable Pucci Pattern in gorgeous pastel hues perfect for Spring, 2008. Vivara Eau de Parfum, Body Mousse, and Perfumed Body Cream are available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and other fine stores. And if you want to get into the Vivara spirit all the way these Vivara sunglasses are available (in different colors) at Nordstrom.

"It is noble to be good; it is still nobler to teach others to be good-and less trouble."---Mark Twain

Lovin Life, truthis

Cargo Pants

Every year it seems as though a lot of the design houses do their version of the "Cargo Pant" specifically for their spring collections. Since I could use a pair or two this year I decided to see what's out there. Just "Cargo Pants" right? It can't be that many different versions of them?---Can it? Giacomo "Gimmo" Etro's version of the cargo pant (pictured left) is sort of dressed down. It has a black jacket with red trim and a flowered shirt. Am I missing something here? I would have like to seen them paired with the jacket (pictured below) by Etro. Then the flowered top trimmed in black under the jacket. It works for me. I like their choice of sandal too. A note, Etro started his textile house in 1968, producing superb fabrics in intricate prints borrowed from the world's palates. After making a splash with its paisley-printed clothing in the 80's, the company expanded into full-on designer ready-to-wear in the 90's. Etro now covers sectors from home furnishings to fragrance and accessories. Kean Etro handles menswear. His sister, Veronica, designs the women's collection. Their floral prints are beautiful. The "Etro's" did cargo's right, we'll just have to keep an eye on them for future pieces.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

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