Recently in Fashion News Category

For the past few years or so, we have quietly been watching the small, London based Behnaz Kanani grow and grow. Now, word is that the label is readying to launch her luxury brand in the U.S. this coming Spring 2009. The collection will consist of 27 styles of peep-toe heels, hand-carved wedges and curved-heel stilettos.

We love her use of different materials such as calf, alligator and lizard skins with ultra-skyscraper heel heights..truly a uniqueness that will find a nice home here in the States. Retail prices will range from $1,300 to $1500, with exotic styles commanding as much as $4,000.

If you can't wait until the Spring and happen to be visiting London, stop by Harvey Nichols and pick-up a pair of these Roya's.

41 Days until the Sex and The City Movie Premier...we can't stand the wait! If you want an easy way to keep track on the weeks remaining or have the trailers and videos at your fingertips, click the "grab" button above. You can easily add the "widget" to your Google, Yahoo, Facebook, and MySpace pages or add as an event to your calendar.

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There are so many fashion blogs, and so little consensus around which are the most influential or the most interesting. A successful blog is more personal than an online shopping center or another style magazine it reflects the character, taste, style and quirks of its creator. What follows is a sampling of sites that offer a pointed take that goes beyond what to buy and where to buy it.

Fashion Is Spinach (fashionisspinach.com) is authored by Ms. Spinach, aka Betsy Lowther, a freelance writer and editor. Her witty, photo-filled site featuring idiosyncratic clothing and design obsessions (a recent post sang the praises of Marshmallow Fluff packaging) was selected by Chanel in 2007 as one of the most influential fashion blogs in the world.

The Sartorialist (thesartorialist.blogspot.com) stalks New York City's well-dressed. Each day he posts photos of people seen on the street who simply incarnate elegance. His real name is Scott Schulman, and he's a onetime showroom owner previously employed by Valentino. His popular site attracts a mix of insiders and know- nothings, and the comments are as fun as the photos are envy- inducing.

Daddy Likey (daddylikey.blogspot.com) was started in 2006 by the irrepressible 'Winona' and doles out sage advice on such dilemmas as which outer layer might be safely paired with a long, sleeveless dress or which warm boots might serve as Ugg alternatives. 'I felt like fashion blogs were going the way of fashion magazines and selling women short,' she wrote in a recent entry. 'So I decided to start my own.'

I Am Fashion (iamfashion.blogspot.com) is the creation of two contributors, 'Barneys Girl,' who pegs herself as a 'Ditzaholic based in Chicago,' and 'Harrods Girl,' a self-described 'fashionholic based in London during school term and in Hong Kong other times.' Their goal: to translate runway and celebrity trends for a more youthful audience."

(Via Dailyme.com.)

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We stumbled across this handy set of Snakeskin buying tips in the latest Lucky Magazine. Needless to say, it has changed how buy and care for our lovely exotics.

1. As far as aesthetics go, designer Anya Hindmarch says, "The size of the scales should match the size of the product." Since shoes don't have a lot of surface area, pick smaller-size scale patterns instead of the large ones for the prettiest graphic effect.
2. "The type of tanning chemicals used makes a huge difference," says designer Devi Kroell: Chemical dyes can stiffen the skin; vegetable dyes will leave it more supple. And in general, the darker the dye, the harder it is on the snakeskin, so natural or light-hued skins will last the longest.
3. Once you get them home, use clear furniture polish to gently moisturize your shoes at least once a month.

Photo courtesy of Downtowngal Shoes.

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If you have been keeping-up with us lately, you know we are anxiously anticipating the new Sex and the City Movie due out this Summer (85 days, but who is counting...). By all accounts, it looks to be a nice follow-up to the series we so dearly loved. We found this trailer via YouTube and were happy to see the usual cast of characters present.

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As we covered last week, Cork, Fishet, and Feathers have made their way into this year's Spring Shoe Collections. As if that wasn't enough, designers have focused on the much neglected heel by adding exotic detailing with museum like amenities. We were a little taken back by this focus as (in seasons past) most of the embellishments and details have usually been found on the top of the shoe.

One theory is that designers felt the rest of the shoe was neglected because this season--the most innovative designs have been found on the heels. Case in point: (pic ref #1)The detailed heel on these Dior Metallic Calfskin Platform Slingbacks is literally a work of art.

An ideal pick for spring is the Prada Floral Heeled Peep Toe (pic ref #2). The charming flower heel is such a wonderful touch and really makes this otherwise simple pump something special.

And last, but not least, we love these Miu Miu Satin T-Strap Jeweled Sandals (pic ref #3). The metallic heel is adorned with stones that have a distinct Art Deco feel.

These new embellished heels probably aren't the best choice for a long stroll in the park, but they are certain to be a prized addition to your collection. They're also proof that a fashionable exit, with the back of your heel flashing as you leave, is just as important as a grand entrance.

(Via Neiman Marcus.)

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For those wanting the ultimate in Midwest Couture, check out Josephine on North Wells Street in the heart of Chicago's "Old Town". From fabulous Chloe to Stella McCartney, the little shop is truly a gem for the high-end designer shoe shopper. We were impressed with the wide selection of new styles and the variety of sizes available. Most shoes are priced in-line with other retail shops and similar boutiques..but we loved, loved, loved the "Last Call" section with last year's closeouts at 40-60 percent off!

If you are in Chicago, you must stop by, or check out their online store here.

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Before Sex and the City, few shoppers knew Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks were luxury shoes.

Amy Hale was one of them.

Now, she says Jimmy Choo is as familiar as the popular and reasonably priced Nine West shoe brand.

'I probably would have never picked up a Jimmy Choo before the show,' said Hale, a systems analyst at HP and a die-hard Sex and the City fan.

Like many viewers, Hale watched the show for its outrageous fashions as much as for its story line. So with Lipstick Jungle, the new series by Sex and the City creator and best-selling author Candace Bushnell, Hale is eager to see how much fashion will play a part of the show.

Lipstick Jungle, which debuts tonight on NBC, chronicles the lives of three high-powered New York women. Brooke Shields plays movie executive, wife and mother Wendy Healy; Kim Raver is Nico Reilly, an unhappily married fashion magazine executive; and Lindsay Price is the free-spirited and single fashion designer Victory Ford.

While the clothes on Sex and the City were playful and ripe for parties, Lipstick Jungle's fashions are chic and sophisticated -- suited for working women.

'The fashion is definitely a part of the show,' said Bushnell on a conference call with Shields. 'We tried to keep the clothes real and elegant. They are about cut and shape and are the type of fashions that women who have careers wear.'

Shields concurred. 'It's undeniably a high-fashion show, ...read more

(By: JOY SEWING, Houston Chronicle.)

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There are so many fashion blogs, and so little consensus around which are the most influential or the most interesting. A successful blog is more personal than an online shopping center or another style magazine it reflects the character, taste, style and quirks of its creator. What follows is a sampling of sites that offer a pointed take that goes beyond what to buy and where to buy it.

Fashion Is Spinach (fashionisspinach.com) is authored by Ms. Spinach, aka Betsy Lowther, a freelance writer and editor. Her witty, photo-filled site featuring idiosyncratic clothing and design obsessions (a recent post sang the praises of Marshmallow Fluff packaging) was selected by Chanel in 2007 as one of the most influential fashion blogs in the world.

The Sartorialist (thesartorialist.blogspot.com) stalks New York City's well-dressed. Each day he posts photos of people seen on the street who simply incarnate elegance. His real name is Scott Schulman, and he's a onetime showroom owner previously employed by Valentino. His popular site attracts a mix of insiders and know- nothings, and the comments are as fun as the photos are envy- inducing.

Daddy Likey (daddylikey.blogspot.com) was started in 2006 by the irrepressible 'Winona' and doles out sage advice on such dilemmas as which outer layer might be safely paired with a long, sleeveless dress or which warm boots might serve as Ugg alternatives. 'I felt like fashion blogs were going the way of fashion magazines and selling women short,' she wrote in a recent entry. 'So I decided to start my own.'

I Am Fashion (iamfashion.blogspot.com) is the creation of two contributors, 'Barneys Girl,' who pegs herself as a 'Ditzaholic based in Chicago,' and 'Harrods Girl,' a self-described 'fashionholic based in London during school term and in Hong Kong other times.' Their goal: to translate runway and celebrity trends for a more youthful audience."

(Via Dailyme.com.)

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Watch out Sex and the City fans, the upcoming movie has found a place at New York Fashion Week, among the tents at Bryant Park. Title sponsors, Mercedes-Benz, are offering fashion week visitors the chance to immerse themselves in one of the most anticipated films of this year…

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(Via All Women's Talk.)

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As women we all love shoes. You may not be a Carrie, from Sex in the City, shoe fanatic but wearing the right shoes can make you feel dainty and feminine or powerful and diva like. The only problem with most shoes today is the comfort level. It seems like shoe fashion designers do not believe that we can be trendy and comfortable at the same time.

Well, we may not be able to change the designers but there is a simple thing that you can do to feel more comfortable - wear the right socks or stockings.

Hue socks have come up with several designs that you can use with even your most upscale foot wear.

I like their peek a boo liner which allows you to have a sheer layer of protection on your feet even if you are wearing open toe shoes. And the hue tip toe is great if you are wearing a shoe that is closed in front but open in the back.

Yes we all want to look good but you also have to protect your feet. I mean what is the point in wearing sexy shoes on a date if you are afraid to take them off because your feet are bearing the marks of fashion? Sorry but bunions are not beautiful.

This is a quick, inexpensive way of being able to wear the shoes that you love without having to take two tylenol and a foot bath as soon as you get home.

(Via stillagirl.com.)

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With so many trends on the horizon for spring, it’s lucky for you that you can either jump on the gladiator sandal bandwagon or forgo it altogether. You’ve certainly got options. We’ve heard mixed emotions from you fashionistas out there, and it’s a love, hate relationship. I for one happen to like the new twist on an old Roman look, but have seen a fair share of styles not worthy of a second glance. The first time these strappy creations came into existence was ages ago. Today they’ve evolved into silhouettes such as flats, heels of varying heights, and wedges in all shapes and sizes. Designs are as intricate as they are simple, and plentiful too. Some are bejeweled and metallic, while others are patent or plain. To read the full story on Running With Heals, click here.

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Over the years, iVillage has changed a bit forcing us to drift in-and-out, but they just released a new site that is of interest to all shoe junkies alike. Check out Steals & Deals for expert shopping tips and irresistible insider bargains brought to you by the iVillage Beauty & Style team.

Tune-in daily for buzz-worthy buys that offer the best bang for your buck.

Happy shopping!

(Via FashionJunkie.com.)

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Ever wondered who's going to be the next Christian Louboutin or Manolo Blahnik? Who's shoes will we covet in a few year's time? Well, Footwear News and Nine West are about to find out, with the first ever “Shoe Star” contest whereby students will compete in a series of challenges that will culminate in the naming of the next rising star in shoe design. The winner will receive a coveted spot on the Nine West Design Team, which includes a one year full-time job at the company as an assistant designer, as well as a feature story in the footwear industry’s leading publication, FN.

The first of six challenges will be the Sketch Challenge on February 6th. Each contestant will submit sketches of one evening shoe, one sandal OR flat, one fantasy/wild card shoe, one sneaker, one boot and an essay describing the inspiration for the design. The Guest Celebrity Judge for this challenge will be famed footwear designer Giuseppe Zanotti. To find out more about the contestants, visit Footwear News for more information.

(Via All Women's Talk.)

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While the buzz of filming The Sex and the City movie has ended, Sarah Jessica Parker takes time out to shoot a few upcoming print ads for the movie. See more of the photo shoot at Page 6.

By the way, stay tuned to Shoeflair as we will be giving free passes to the movie!