red-lacqured sole

Booti-licious

by cecylia on December 9, 2009

Recently as I was organising the photos from my ‘sweet accessories’ folder to group like items together, and I was caught by surprise as I saw that most of the shoes I am coveting right now are ankle boots. It’s summer in Melbourne but European fashion is a season a head, hence the most delicious boots right now are super hot. I wanted to share with you these gorgeous booties, let me which pair is your favourite.

Christian Louboutin never puts a foot wrong. These red -lacquered metallic magenta space-age booties are super sleek. I love the quilting details and the little zips! The unusual colour will certainly attract a lot of attention from envious on-lookers.

christian louboutin sigourbey 100 ankle boots

These stunning Chloe booties are fit for a queen. I can just see them on Marie Antoinette, played by Kirsten Dunst, of course. How very Renaissance! Do you remember all the macaroons in that beautiful Sophia Coppola movie? I love the triple embellished bow detailing. Why have 1 bow when you can have 3? These sophisticated Mary-Janes (yes I know, technically these are not ankle boots) look gorgeous on foot and on the shelf. These are a piece of art.

chloe bow embellished suede pumps

Ok, these Oscar de la Renta lace booties are pretty neat too. I can see Daphne Guinness in them =) They’re extremely ladylike but these are a modern take on prim. I would definitely wear these with jeans to give these feminine heels an edge.

oscar de la renta lace cutout boot

I had to include another pair of Chloe booties. I don’t usually like purple but these shoes are just divine. I love the laser-cut panel and the mock-alligator skin feel of them. They are so interesting to look at, from every angle, and I can guarantee that compliments will not stop coming when you have these beauties on.

chloe paneled shoe boots

Brian Atwood used to design for Versace, before he realised he was onto something good, and launched his solo career. These butter-soft ankle boots will last seasons after seasons and match every outfit. They are not too dressy but still have that luxurious look. Must-have for winter! I love the ruched detail, the bow strings and the ‘hooded’ ankle area.

brian atwood miri leather ankle boots

How does Christian Louboutin come up with so many ingenious designs? These are not quite lacy but the geometric pattern is very unique. The sheerness of these booties is both sexy and demure. Just add some red nail polish and off you go!

christian louboutin paola 100 ankle boots

Now these Camilla Skovgaard bi-colour cutout boots are made for walking. I love the versatility of these shoes- they are both glamorous and have abundant street cred. The rubber soles make these a joy to walk around all day in and the extra grip give you more confidence when you need to run from the paparazzi. Thanks to the colours chosen, these boots go with everything.

camilla skovgaard bi-colr cutout boots

I found this boot from Nordstrom. I simply adore the buckles and the leather straps and the peep-toe details. These are edgy and comfortable and if I set foot in them, they would be glued to my soles. Great shoes to toughen up a flowing dress.

nordstrom bootie

I think we’ve all been hit by the Alexander Wang wave. He is the darling of high-end street fashion right now and every piece he designs is a must/lust-have. Check out this backpack vest with multiple gold zips and pockets and the buckled ankle boots! I am a softie for zip detailing and you can wear this vest over everything. you probably won’t even need a handbag if you have this vest, there are enough pockets for your phone, keys, lip gloss, ipod, gum, spare change, credit cards and even snacks.

alexander wang leather goods

Jane Aldridge’s mom wears a vest similar to this, see here. I have to admit, I do love Alexader Wang. The truth is out!

So which pair is your favourite?

http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_48.png
Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

Totally Addicted To Shoes

by cecylia on July 30, 2009

My July Shoe Lust-Have List- complied from the beautifully photographed pictures from Net A Porter.

charlotte olympia greta linen platform

How gorgeous are these grey and red polka-dotted linen Charlotte Olympia ‘Greta’ pumps? Charlotte is a London-based Luxury Accessories Designer. You can check out her complete collection on www.charlotteolympia.com. These cute pumps would soften a leather-clad look or compliment a garden-lunch-look. Either way, they will elongate legs, provide height and attract envious looks from passers-by.

chloe leaf platform pumps

These snake-skin and suede bootie heels are from Chloe. They are in my favourite colour. You can wear these with absolutely anything- jeans, skirts, dresses, shorts, in pretty much any shade. That’s the beauty of grey. I especially adore the palisading leaves curving around the back of the shoes. Simply stunning.

christian louboutin galaxy pass 100 sandals

These Louboutins have got to be The Party Shoe of the season, named ‘Galaxy Pass 100 Sandals’.’ They are very Art Deco and are ultra stylish. I would not just save them for a ball gown for a black tie event, pull these beauties out and pair them with your favourite skinny jeans or grab your shortest mini since these heels are going to help your legs go on forever! These mirrored sandals belong on the mantle piece.

christian louboutin short ina 120 suede ankle sandals

Another adorable pair of Christian Louboutins in blue suede. Great ankle tassel detailing, they would be so flattering on. I can imagine Rachel Zoe recommending these to her size 0 clients.lanvin cone heel pumps

Ahhh, Lanvin, divine. What’s not to love? The gold cone heel, the black patent leather and the grey embossed upper are such a wonderful combination for the lady with sophisticated style. These heels will never date and will add an ounce of luxury to any outfit. Just do not get stepped on!

lanvin satin ankle strap pump

These Lanvin satin ankle strap pumps are kind of ‘Minnie Mouse going to a Disney Disco party’ shoes. I am showing this view so we can appreciate the intricate detailing around the back. These are so feminine and romantic. I love the pink satin upper, the black ankle bows and the jewelled-studded heels. They take my breath away. You rock, Alber Elbaz.

loeffler randal neve ankle boots

I love unique shoes and these Ioffer Randal ‘Neve’ ankle boots will catch anyone’s eye. They are in butter-soft beige leather- very flattering for any skin tone. Round toes shoes are so comfortable and chic. I just love the laser-cut mesh detailing. The mutiple erforations really give these shoes an edgy, urban  look. A nice tan would be all that is required to compliment these booties.

http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_48.png
Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

SHOEvenirs from Hong Kong

by cecylia on June 11, 2009

Be prepared. I am about to show you 3 spectacular souvenirs that gave our credit card a heavy workout in Hong Kong last year. I admit. I splurged. But not as much as I would have if I bought my Chloe, YSL and Repetto shoes at full price. I was very lucky on my 3 day trip to HK to end up on the very top (13th) floor of the Times Square Building – the Times Square Bazaar – for the Pedder Warehouse sale. My inside sources told me that there had been designer shoe, bag and clothing (eg, Salvatore Ferragamo)  sales there in the past. We were on the top floor, but the prices were rock bottom! I was totally unaware of the unparalleled shopping experience I was about to encounter.

Wait for it…There were shoes (the hippest labels from to Givenchy to Giuseppe Zanotti) from every fabulous designer you could dream of, arranged in size order, at up to 80% off RRP. YES 80% OFF! Where else could you get them at that price? They also had a deal – the more items you bought, the more discount you received. Did I forget to mention that there were Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Marni and so many other designer bags also on sale?

Pedder Warehouse Sale in Hong Kong

High-end bargain hunting

Yes, I drooled, many times.  Yes, I managed to still give style advice to other ladies while carrying out my own shoe triage. And yes, my heart skipped a beat each time I saw a pair that I adored, in my size, ready to be tried on by me. When I put on the graffiti-design Louboutin flats with the signature red-lacqured soles, I felt like Cinderella eagerly trying on her glass slipper. Time did stop for a few hours while my Gingko-biloba-deficient brain tried to act as a calculator, working out currency conversion rates as well as discount schemes. I looked at my husband lovingly with a dozen pairs of lust-haves (which I claimed to be must-haves), and he had a look that told me he wished that we had lost our credit card.

It was one of the most difficult selection processes I’ve had to carry out: I had to narrow down my purchases to 3- the 3 I would definitely wear, the 3 that flattered me and the 3 that would stand the test of time…So I chose the pair with the greatest saving, the pair that I’ve yearned for a while, and the pair that my hubbie chose.  See if you can match which pair is which =)   All three pairs of shoes have leather upper, leather lining and leather soles.  Try saying that really fast.

Repetto ballet flats: the best ballet flats on the market. Exquiste craftsmanship, luxury inside-out. Repetto is the epitome of French chic.

img_2646

img_2650

img_2648

 

Next are some grey/black leather YSL pumps featuring patent leather tips and wooden cylindrical heels.  I’ve worn them once and they were so comfortable that I could run in them.  When I was trying these on, I also helped a stylish lady next to me buy a pair of the same shoes in half a size up.  The two-tone shoes are a classic, and the wood-grain heels are a surprising and modernising feature.  Grey is my favourite colour!

img_2654

 

img_2655

 

And the lucky third pair- my red peep-toe Mary-Jane Chloes in buttery soft leather. They are an architectural piece also featuring wooden heels in a sumptuous colour. Thanks to their great heights I feel like a model in them.   

img_2652

img_2651

 

img_2668

 

 

img_2656

Have you guessed which pair is which? Which one did I buy because my husband liked them, which one did I buy because they were the best value and which pair did I buy because I’ve always been a fan?

Now guess which pair is taller.  (HINT: not the ballet flats)

 

 

 

 

img_2660

It’s a tough one!  

These three pairs of shoes are what all real shoes should be like – the absolute best quality, craftsmanship and style – that’s why they became my treasured SHOEvenirs from Hong Kong. 

http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_48.png
Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!

Have you heard of Nicholas Kirkwood?

by cecylia on May 30, 2009

Ladies, I’m sure you all know Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin, but have you heard of a young shoe legend by the name of Nicholas Kirkwood? Do yourself a favour and read the linked article about him so you are not missing out on one of the most important things in life- glamorous shoes.

Manolo is a Spanish-Czech who has collected more awards than you can shake an over-rated SJP’s stiletto at. As for Jimmy Choo, people only know Tamara Mellon because the Malaysian sold 50% of his business and went to design couture shoes in the dark. The French designer Christian Louboutin, who has patented his red-lacquered soles, used to sneak out  during school when he was 12, to watch show-girls dance.  Don’t get me wrong, these 3 are the pioneers of fine footwear of the 20th century. But Nicholas Kirkwood the Brit, he is something else.

“My heels are like modern architecture as opposed to Baroque – there is no pointless decoration,” says Kirkwood.

nicholas-kirkwood-lizard-pump

Kirkwood’s preferred audience are ‘women with presence and intellect.’

nicholas-kirkwood-calfskin-n-satin-shoe

‘Shoes’, according to Manolo, ‘ help transform a woman.’ And with Kirkwood’s shoes, she becomes a superwoman.

http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/digg_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/reddit_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/stumbleupon_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/delicious_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/furl_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/newsvine_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/technorati_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/google_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/facebook_48.png http://cecylia.com/wp-content/plugins/sociofluid/images/twitter_48.png
Further reductions in our International sale. Enjoy up to 70% off NET-A-PORTER.COM THE OUTNET.COM!