The Geometric Shoe: Pierre Hardy

This shoe is amazing. As you can tell by this here blog, I'm really into geometric things. This shoe reminds me of Mondrian, which is also why I love it so much. Even though it's a very weird shoe, it still manages to look very ladylike and classic.

Perfect.

The Perfect Pair of Black Pumps

Every girl needs to have a pair of black pumps in her closet. Somehow my closet was lacking a pair*. Inspired by my new-found obsession for all things fancy and ladylike, and with the excuse of my sweet new job; I decided to go on a search. My first stop was Nine West; all their regular pumps were too slutty or old lady-ish, and I was looking for something young and cool. (Although they did have a cool pair of cool patent leather wedges with a nice rounded toe, that I ended up buying just in case I couldn't find what I was looking for. They were returned later that evening). After Nine West I headed to Bergdorf Goodman to attend to some business. While I was there, I decided to check out their shoe selection. On the second floor, where all the main brands are, there were many great pairs of black pumps. But none of them really embodied the characteristics of my dream shoe! (And the ones that did were way, way, way beyond my price range). I went up to the fifth floor (aka the young stuff), to see their selection. I knew that there was a promising pair from Marc by Marc Jacobs that I wanted to try out. At the 5th floor, I found many contenders for my dream shoe. I went around examining each one (and discarding them for reasons such as too high, too cheap, too slutty, etc) and eventually settled on trying on 4 pairs (and a fabulous pair of Repetto patent leater lace-ups that they still don't have in my size). I tried on the aforementioned Marc pumps, as well as a peeptoe version with a smaller heel. Also a pair of Theory peeptoes, and another pair of super sexy Jill Stuart pumps.

I tried on the Jill Stuart pair first, and while they were really beautiful and sexy, the heel was too skinny for everyday walking/standing around all day, so they were disqualified. The Theory ones were in the running until I realized that perhaps their shoes were too wide for me, as my foot was slipping out of the peephole. Well, also because what I really wanted was a classic pair of pumps, not the younger-peephole version. It was down to the two Marc pairs. The pumps were gorgeous. Beautiful slightly cone shaped heel, patent leather covered heel and a perfect not too round/not too pointy toe. The lower heel with the peeptoe was cute, but I wasn't looking for cute. So the pumps won. And not only are they super hot, but they're also quite comfortable even if they're 4" (which I swear they don't feel like at all).

So get to it ladies, and if you already have the perfect pair of black pumps, they come in other colors too!

*I have owned pairs of black pumps that I've left behind during my moves. The first was a pair of patent leather pointed mary janes with a spiky heel. They always made me feel like a woman. My most recent pair from Gap was discarded because they were poorly made and killed my feet in 4 different places.

Awesome Shoes

When I saw these shoes on the eluxury catalog the other day, I immediately fell in love. They remind me of those mannequins from drawing class. God, they're so cool.

In case anyone's wondering, I wear a size 38.
Thanks.

Paris Fall 07: Christian Dior

Of course this collection was absolutely genius. It took all the best elements from the couture collection and made them slightly more approachable. Galliano is and always will be the master craftsman of fantastic clothes.

This feels like such a glamorous old-school dress. I love how it feels work appropriate but it's a cocktail dress (and that's a compliment). The construction is fantastic and although dresses with asymmetrical sleeves can look trashy, this is absolutely exquisite.

Beautiful color. And it's very ornate while still retaining an air of simplicity.

Again he uses that absolutely beautiful green color into a very sexy suit. The skirt is flirty and sexy (clearly not intended for all work environments). He also utilizes the origami detail that he developed for the couture collection.

This is a toned-down version of the fantasy dress he created for the couture collection. I loved that one, and I love this one (although I do believe than in this case, over the top hits the spot).

Below are two images from his couture collection that specifically served as inspirations for the looks I've highlighted.

On a separate note, his ready to wear collection for his own label, was absolutely amazing. I seriously couldn't pick a favorite and really, you have to see the entire collection to get the whole effect. This was a fashion show like the ones I remember from when I was young, full of fantasy, strange characters and amazing clothes. Click on the pic below for the style.com review.

Paris Fall 07: Nina Ricci

My Olivier is back!
And oh, how I missed him.

Olivier Theyskens is the newly appointed designer for Nina Ricci. Before this job, he had been designing for Rochas, to great critical acclaim (and I believe the sales were't disappointing), in any case Procter & Gamble bought Nina Ricci (I don't know why), and then proceeded to fire him immediately. Which is fucking bullshit (pardon my French). Anywho, so he's back this season with his first collection and it was so wonderful and undeniably him, except a different side. He was still the same romantic he was before, but this time it's for a younger audience and a more "everyday-wear" kind of feel. Before I saw his stuff and wished I could be mature enough or have a fancy affair to go to so I could wear his dresses, now, it feels incredibly accessible without losing any of its charm.

This jacket is fantastic! The "swirl" is a recurring theme in the collection and I love it because it makes me think of movement. Modern women always have places to go and these clothes are ready for it!. But seriously, I love the jacket and the skinny grey jeans and everything. I'd wear this exactly as shown here.

This sweater rules my life with an iron fist. I have never seen something that looked so cozy yet totally avant-garde. God I want this so bad!

The ultimate goddess dress, perfect for a wedding at the beach....or the moon.

This dress rules. The color palette blows my mind, the neon yellow-green color is so unexpected and not at all supposed to look delicate but it just does. Absolute dream.

Another dream gown. Oh, I just can't handle it. It's beautiful, yes, but when you start thinking about the fact that it's actually fabric (maybe chiffon?) that's been pleated/draped/manipulated to look like this, then you gotta give it up for the man.

I'm speechless.
I love this too much.

This show made me so happy.
I hope it does the same for you,

FUN FACT: Up until recently my aim screename was theyskensgrl. HAHA. SHUTUP.

Paris Fall 07: Hussein Chalayan

Ah, Hussein Chalayan. One of my absolute favorite designers ever. In the past, his shows were really more like art shows and the models wore his body sculptures, but for a few seasons now, he's managed to beautifully combine concept and wearability. His Spring collection was an absolute hit and I wish only the best of everything for him. I'd love to sit down with him and have dinner and poke his brain. The concept of the collection was the changing environment and he worked with ways to protect oneself from it.

I love the shape and the fabric combination. Even though they're not going to be trendy anymore, I've fallen in love with trapeze dresses.

The perfect solution for unexpected spring showers. Don't wear a hoodie, wear this dress!

Superbly cute little dresses. Superhero glowing helmet optional.

More beautiful spring dresses. I love their mix and match aesthetic. Just throw on and go.

I believe this dress opened and closed the show. The dress, with LED technology, played a movie made up of pixelated views of the world from Google Earth.

His stuff looks even better in action, here are links to see video of the collection:
Fall 07 Part 1
Fall 07 Part 2
And in case you missed his amazingly genius Spring 07 collection...
Spring 07 Part 1
Spring 07 Part 2
Now click click and get inspired!

Paris Fall 07: Louis Vuitton

What a beautiful collection! I knew Marc wouldn't let me down this season; I mean his namesake collection was eeehh-alrrriite, his Marc by Marc was more of the same (or could it be that I've outgrown it? OMG a Mature Laia? Insane!), but this collection was full of color and life and awesomeness. He titled the collection "Girl with a Monogram Handbag" a reference to Vermeer's Painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" which was also a movie starring Scarlett Johanssen (currently grazing the pages of magazines everywhere as the face of their Spring advertising campaign. See hoes everything's connected?), which means that he took colors from his paintings and other details from Dutch traditions and styles.

I love the colors in this look and the contrast between the different fabrics and materials (yes, I know I say that a lot, but it's the thing that I like so deal with it). It's very spring-like and sophisticated (I guess this is supposed to be fall, so that may not be a good thing?) The skirt is one of my favorite parts of it.

Super Luxe. I love the easy-glamour of this look. That skirt has my name all over it.

Totally crazy but fun and wonderful. Might be practical when flying somewhere, no need to bring a pillow! (Although if you can afford this, you probably fly first class where the seats become beds and you get sundaes for dessert; or you know, you have a private plane.)

I'm not a big fan of the fuzzy sweater but this look is very very cool. The skirt is fantastic and the look is simple and elegant. Just put it on and go!

Oh, as soon as I saw this I let out a sigh. It's so gorgeous. The colors, the shape, everthing. It's a little messy but utterly fabulous.

Paris Fall 07: Alexander McQueen

Mr. McQueen, Genius.
The style.com review wasn't very friendly, but I thought this collection was absolutely amazing and classic McQueen. The shapes, the contrast in colors, the tightly tailored waists, everything was just the way that it should be. There were also many wearable pieces (not that I chose those to be included here though, haha).

Somehow this feels like the most gothic look ever, yet it's done completely in white. It's such a simple dress but with amazing architectural qualities.

Even though it looks like she's wrapped a rug or a plate around her, I still love this. Actually, maybe that's why I love it. Gold and blue are always a great combination.

Oh. My. God. To be a queen and wear this. (I swear there was no pun intended). The blood-red color is amazing. The contrast in the Hard outer shell and the fluffy(?) underdress is amazing. This is SO tough and almost violent, but I just love it.

Beautifully hypnotic beaded dress. Somehow I imagine Cate Blanchett would LOVE this dress.

Hello Beautiful!

Paris Fall 07: Vivienne Westwood

This was a really awesome collection. I don't remember seeing Westwood's shows on style.com before, but that doesn't really matter. It was really cool and pretty and full of her unique savoir faire.

Fashionable medieval undergarments!
I don't think this would work in real life (could people please stop wearing leggings as pants? If the top doen't come to at least 1 inch under your ass then you need to wear a skirt or shorts or something. I'm tired of seeing jiggly ass fat while I'm on the subway), anywho, it wouldn't work in real life just as presented there, but its made up of awesome little pieces.

Working woman glamour. That coat is absolutely fantastic, I'm especially in love with the color. The dress under it is smart and deconstructed and just a little gem. I love that it's so real-life friendly. You don't need to work at an advertising agency or a fashion magazine to pull this off. It's real life-real woman compatible. Which is pure Vivienne, no?

It wouldn't be Westwood if it wasn't a little punk.
Disheveled galmour and sparkle with some old sweater that was lying on the couch and you threw it on before you left for that fancy cocktail party. Heads will turn and everyone will be jealous they don't have the guts to wear this. If worn by any celebrity it would end up on a worst-dressed list, but that's just because normies have no vision of the future.

Doesn't she look MARVELOUS in this photograph?
And apart from how good she looks, this picture is just great. The colors are fabulous and that backdrop looks great.

Paris Fall 07 VIII

1. Elie Saab:

Just a pretty little cocktail dress (with pockets!).

2. Colette Dinnigan:

This was a nice collection. Just nice, literally. Nothing to wow me but nothing to make me vomit either. I love this silver trenchcoat. It's flashy but matte enough to be worn everyday.

3. Vionnet:


Sophia Kokosalaki is in charge of reviving the house of Vionnet, which is virtually unknown to anyone that didn't take a fashion history class. She is definitely the perfect person to take on the job, as her designs have always had a way with draping and pleating and manipulating fabric. She has made a beautiful collection that does not rely on retro glamour or vintage rehashing. It's subtle, quiet and utterly fabulous. The trenchcoat is fantastic. I think it's leather, but it really doesn't matter. The a-line is quiet and ladylike, yet it does not make it saccharine sweet. The second outfit is marvelous. It's soo disheveled yet perfectly put together. I love the mix of fabrics and color, like she just threw all those things on haphazardly and ended up looking amazing. I'm excited to see what Kokosalaki will do in the future.

4. Sophia Kokosalaki:



Kokosalaki is the master of beautifully pleated dresses. That's not all she does, of course, but it's her absolutely standout skill at her own label (she's also designing for the newly revived house of Vionnet). She's always designs very feminine clothes for very strong women and this collection was no exception. The first look is totally motorcycle chic, but softer. I love the way the skirt is constructed and if I had that awesome leather jacket I'd be the happiest camper ever. The dress is one of her trademark pleated dresses. I love the delicious raspberry color and the way the tiny tiny pleats change direction to almost create a pattern. What I also think is wonderful about her, is that even though this is a very complex dress to create, when worn seems so unfussy and chic that no accessories are needed. Just a wonderful pair of shoes and a great attitude. I chose the last outfit because I really love the contrast between the slate grey and the silver. It's such a great little number for a cocktail party. A little strange, yes, but mostly glamorous.

Paris Fall 07 VII

1. Lanvin:



Alber Elbaz is definitely shaping up to be one of the best designers. His clothes are always subtly avant-garde and severely sexy without being vulgar. This collection was beautiful, stunning silhouettes, incredible details and a brilliant color palette. The purple colors were just absolute stunning. I think the Prismacolor pencil would be Mulberry (which is in my Top 5 colors; with Process Red being the first). Anyways, I loved the shape and the delicate voluminous sleeves. I also loved the fuschia shoes. They make the dress young and cool. He also made this dresses with minimal seams that just wrapped and pleated in a beautiful way. You can see a bit of that in the second image when you look at the model wearing the red dress. I really love dresses that are simple in the front and full of drama in the back. This is a quiet drama, but it commands attention nonetheless. The other detail that I really love, and it's something he uses a lot, is the exposed metal zipper. I loved how severe yet ladylike it is. Perfect for the office yet totally devilish for night.
These are the clothes for the sophisticated grownup I want to be!

2. Miu Miu:



According to the style.com review, this show was totally concept driven and the message that Miuccia Prada was trying to deliver had something to do with how women today cut and fill their body up with stuff to fulfill the modern beauty standard. I'm not going to wax poetic about that because I wasn't there to see all the details that she saw and the liner notes of the shows and stuff. I mean, it totally makes sense so I really urge you to go read it over on style.com. Messages aside, this was a bold and bright collection full of amazing volume and texture. The rubberized leathers were awesome and I was very keen on the tucking of the shirt inside the hosiery elastic (when I was a ballerina, I would wear my tights and my leotard and then Id wear black tights over it and fold over the elastic waistband over my skirt. Yes, there are trends in the ballet world too). It was a little bit retro, but in a cute Mary Tyler Moore-Girl-Moving-to-the-Big-City kinda thing. I really loved it.

Paris Fall 07 VI

1. Chloe:



So they finally named a new designer for Chloe. I was very surprised at the fact that they picked a boy. Paolo Melim Andersson is following in the footsteps of Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo, and I think this collection was a great step forward. I believe the Chloe creative team did two collections by themselves after Philo left, and they were mostly variations on her wildly popular and influential last collection. This collection signaled a new direction, but I definitely think it kept the youthful spirit that characterizes the brand. The shoes are still chunky and the clothes still quirky and cute. I loved the first look because of the print. Even though it's a very girly flower print, upon first look it just seems like polka-dots gone askew. The second one is more in tune with offerings from previous seasons, but I thought it was a good combination of old and new. The sweater is quite lovely. I'll admit that the third look was kind of out of place. But I thought it was too cool to dwell on such a small detail. I loved the contrast in colors, patterns and materials. Plus, I really dig those booties.

2. Dries Van Noten:



This is another one of the labels that I wish I could wear. I always imagine it as the clothes worn by the most eccentric and fabulous of the nerds. I loved the styling with the loose socks and the oxford shoes (which I've been trying to find for a while). I love the oversize/simplified paisley print. It's bold and simple. The coat is just the right amounts of cute but interesting. The funnel neck and pocket make it perfect. The third look I call "desert explorer". The color palette is wonderful and I love the pairing of the girly chiffon dress with the chocolate brown skinny leather pants. The coat is sexy in that way that girls like to put on their boyfriends' shirts and jackets. Very carefree. The color makes the luxurious quality of it look more like an everyday item.