Alexander McQueen 10 inch heels

As a woman who rarely wears heels above 2 1/2 inches, I find the 10-inch alien-inspired Alexander McQueen heels on Lady Gaga in her Bad Romance video truly astounding. Even more astounding is the fact that women are actually trying to buy these shoes. Check out the article on Grazia Fashion.

Wearing a pair of studded man-daggers on your feet would certainly garner attention.

What do you think? Alexander McQueen 10-inch stilettos: to die for or will kill you?

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from eblogfashion.blogspot.com.

Your Slip is Showing

One of my latest obsessions are these slips from Your Slip is Showing:




Wear them under your favorite little black dress or skirt. They come in long and short lengths so you can show off in miniskirts or in knee-length dresses. Funny how slips were once so old-fashioned!

Images lifted from www.yourslipisshowing.com.

Teatime!

Had I known of Portea at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, I SO would have stopped by for tea.


Nibble on edible versions of designer collections, (updated every six months), and sip tea from fine bone china designed by Paul Smith in collaboration with Thomas Goode of Mayfair.

"The tailor-made tea is served so that, whenever a guest takes a cake or savoury nibble, it is quickly replaced on the cake stand. Over and over, one can relive the excitement of a Louis Vuitton dress selling out and being re-issued, simply by stuffing one's face."

This is likely the only place where you can come close to some of these highfalutin fashion-world trends.

Yum!

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from www.iht.com.

N.E.E.T.

While browsing through the latest edition of N.E.E.T. magazine, I came across these fabulous finds:

The Illiyon dress from Leanimal by Leanne Marshall. Now that she's won Project Runway, I'll never be able to afford her gorgeous clothes!

A Silhouette Necklace by Early Jewelry. Kitchy-cute and kind of funky!

Chainmail jewelry by Crescent Maille.

Tough Lolita Hooks by Poison Apple. Sweet and sparkly in a dangerous sort of way. I love the little silver skulls and I'm obsessed with those little metal bows.

Vintage treasures by This Charming Girl. So fun to browse!

A Shimmer Dress at Candy Store Collective. If only I had a real job I might be able to afford some of these clothes!



...and there's plenty more where that came from!

~flutterbyblue

Images lifted from www.earlyjewelry.com, poisonapplenyc.etsy.com, and www.candystorecollective.com.

Fantasia

Who says fashion is boring?

Fantasia.

"Fantasia, by its strictest definition, is a musical term: describing free improvisation and contrast of musical treatments that seldom follow textbook rules. Appropriate then that the same word should be the title of Nick Knight's latest fashion film: a free-wheeling exploration of joyous, unbridled movement in model and clothing alike. Harness to this the riotous creativity of some of fashion's greatest names and you have a mesmerising, full-throttle trip around the most sensational sartorial propositions of the past ten years. Worked to their fullest extent by the dynamic duo of Lily Donaldson and Jourdan Dunn, the array of outfits on show are a fashion fantasy - in the very truest sense of the term."

~flutterbyblue

Images lifted from www.shoppingblog.com.

Imasu by Kelly Nishimoto

Check out REVOLVE for some fantastic clothes and other goods!

I particularly love this unique coat by Imasu:

"At the age of 19, Georgia-native Kelly Nishimoto was named one of the "Top Ten Designers to Watch" by the Miami Herald. Always one to use a variety of materials in her designs, Nishimoto has gone from styling with Reynolds Wrap to designing innovative corsets for celebs like Tori Spelling, Jenny McCarthy, and even Dave Navarro. The designer introduced her full collection of feminine pieces during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2006 and continues to bring originality and elegance to her line of womenswear each season."

Too bad I can only afford to window-browse...

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from www.revolveclothing.com.

Black Nail Polish: Fashion Forward?

What other beauty product can boast a history that includes Chinese royalty and Freddie Mercury? Simultaneously countercultural and aristocratic, black nail polish is making yet another comeback. Check out A Brief History of black nail polish: from ancient Chinese royalty to Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie.

Looking to find just the right shade of black?

If you like sparkles, try Dior Vernis - Black Sequins. Coat your nails with a celestial shimmer in black lacquer with silver flecks. This item is limited-edition so get it while it lasts.

Swing by a Sephora store or browse the website.

Enjoy!

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from sephora.com

Halloween Bash!

A Halloween Party at A Fanciful Twist...where anything goes...won't you join in the fun?

I'll be bringing sweet treats to share:

Chocolate skulls from Vosges.

Fig pumpkins and Halloween bugs from John and Kira's.

S'mores bites and candied orange peel from Recchiuti.
See you there!

~flutterbyblue

Images lifted from www.vosgeschocolate.com, www.johnandkiras.com, and www.recchiuti.com.

All that glitters...

Ever since I was little I've been obsessed with sparkly things. As the euphoria of Elmer's glue and glitter faded, it was rapidly replaced with a tendency towards sparkly eye shadows. Imagine my excitement when Bare Escentuals came out with the limited edition Extreme Glimmers line. I saw it first on the Sephora website and went to check it out in person. Were these amazing flakes of color really as shimmery as they look online?

Absolutely.

And then some. With each swipe of the teeny brush that comes with the kit, one gains an increasingly metallic shimmer that is truly unparalleled. Surprisingly the large sparkly flakes do not irritate the eyes and are thin and delicate enough to lay on with the same smooth application of the other Bare Escentuals eye shadows. These would be perfect for a glam version of an 80's prom queen Halloween costume or for the upcoming holidays.

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from www.Sephora.com

Uggs

Can't help it, but I do like Ugg boots. When the weather is cold and yucky out, it feels really nice to slip into a pair of soft and fluffy sheep skin lined boots. They are so light it feels like you are wearing slippers! I'll be the first to admit, the classic Uggs are pretty ugg-ly. However, the Ugg brand has come up with a couple of styles that are not too hideous.

I am particularly obsessed about this pair:


If only I wasn't stuck on a graduate student budget!

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from zappos.com

Cowboy boots

Obsessed with the notion of getting a pair of cowboy boots, but not entirely sure this is the fashion direction I should take (see blog entry on spats), I decided to peruse the web and see just how fashion (un)savy I might be. A google search led to this hilarious article, "What (and what not) to wear with cowboy boots." Says this fashion expert:

"You just don't wear an ordinary skirt or dress with cowboy boots unless you are wearing your cowboy boots to milk the cow...If you square dance or line dance there are special outfits to wear with your cowboy boots. The square dance outfit is a ruffled and tiered square dance skirt with a peasant type blouse or western style blouse."

As I don't own any long suede skirts or fringed jackets, I might follow advice from eHow.com instead:

1) Invest in a good quality pair of cowboy boots, since you will likely have these for a long time. Look for a neutral color, such as black, brown or camel.

2) Consider opting for special details such as contrast stitching or hand tooling.

3) Wear cowboy boots with jeans and a long cardigan or tunic. This look can go just about anywhere you do on the weekends or after work.

4) Slip cowboy boots on over skinny jeans and a dress. This is a look some of the celebrities have been seen in lately and is a very clean, modern style. Realize that the skinny jeans can look almost like tights if they are fitted enough.

5) Try cowboy boots with a cocktail dress and dark tights to add a casual and unexpected vibe.

6) Step into cowboy boots beneath nicer wide leg pants. The narrow point of the toe will give you a long, sleek line.

7) Consider wearing cowboy boots with a mini skirt and layer tanks. This is a sexy, confident style for a night on the town that won’t look like you are trying too hard.

8) Remember that you don’t have to dress like a cowgirl to wear cowboy boots. These can be a nice addition to modern, conservative and trendy pieces.

Another website strongly recommended not going "cowboy themed." Unless you want to end up looking like Daisy Dukes, that seems like sound advice to me.

~flutterbyblue

Image lifted from zappos.com

Design Shimmer: German ceramics

Design Shimmer always finds the most unique glamor-vintage images of household items and modern Norwegian style furniture. Looking for a shabby chic inspiration for your apartment? Look no further! I am especially enamored by a particularly fabulous "bouquet" chair by Tokujin Yoshioka.

In terms of housewares, here's one German artist who caught my eye:

Kuehn Keramik produces some gorgeous, funky ceramic pieces with vintage prints. Pieces have been featured in Vanity Fair Germany and Italy. I love the vintage stamped prints and quirky words. The napkin rings are especially fun and unique. Check it out and find a unique bowl or mug to call your own!

~flutterbyblue




Images lifted from design-shimmer.blogspot.com

Brooks Brothers

While I admit to having little insight into the style savy of the fashion elite, when it comes to men's clothing, Brooks Brother's has gone too far:

A cape is NEVER ACCEPTABLE on a man, unless it is Halloween or a Jane Austen movie.

In a noble effort to draw in a younger, hipper crowd (perhaps the older generation isn't buying enough overpriced stodgy clothes?) the new high-end collection, Black Fleece, by Thom Browne was introduced in true blue blood fashion. The ankle-baring gray flannel suits and cropped jackets are novel concepts for the old world Brooks Brothers brand.

I'll admit, the dapper look still has it's appeal. With the popularity of Gossip Girl on the rise, it would not surprise me if the preppy-Upper-East-side look really takes hold. I actually wouldn't mind seeing a little more of this old school style with a modern twist.

Find out just how much Brooks Brothers paid for the trendy Thom Browne Collection on the Wall Street Journal

...and about that $2,500 men's cape...

~flutterbyblue

SPATS...for ladies?

My latest obsession has been with these gorgeous, custom made spats by Bonzie. I had no idea whether or not one would actually wear such a thing in public, but I felt the combination of funky vintage lace and fabric would make me bold enough to give it a go.

Although spats were originally designed as a men's shoe accessory worn in the late 19th and early 20th Century (think French infantry) and are currently still seen on marching band members (*gag*!) there is something high fashion elegant about these odd, seemingly frivolous bits of clothing. The spats sit over high heeled shoes and can fasten up the back. I think they are a unique way to spruce up a simple sheath dress or a solid colored skirt.

But what do I know?

Check out blog entries by Chic&Charming, fashion nation, and the shoe blog.

Ridiculous?

Yes...

...but if Serena van der Woodsen can pull them off and Chanel or Miu Miu can make them, then maybe my fashion tendencies aren't so far-fetched. At least that's what I'll tell myself once I get myself a pair custom made. ;)

~flutterbyblue

Images lifted from bonzie.etsy.com, fashionation.wordpress.com and www.possothespat.com

Spotted: gossip girl style

Spotted: C and A with former college roommies having brunch at Maxie's in Canton, C decked out in laundry day clothes and A in glorified loungewear. They all looked fabulous, obviously.

Can't afford to dress like Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl? Why not fake it for less? And be sure to check out the 10 gossip girl style essentials.

#9: shoulder bones that could cut glass.

Well, maybe some things you just can't fake. You know I love you.

xoxo FLUTTERBYBLUE
Image from wikipedia.org

HORRENDOUS!!!

When leggings came back into style some years ago, I merely rolled my eyes. After all, such a fashion faux pas could not POSSIBLY make a serious comeback for long. Leggings, along with tapered jeans with zippers, were throwback items from the 80's that (I repeat) could not POSSIBLY make a serious comeback.

It is now Spring of 2008 and the leggings have not exited the fashion realm. I wrote a blog entry in which I featured a particularly grievous item, a pair of shiny bright blue footless tights from American Apparel.

I actually LIKE American Apparel. Their t-shirt fabric is comfortable and supposedly sweatshop free. They treat their employees well and feature said employees on their online catalog. That's all well and good. It does not, however, explain this:

Aptly named, "Vegas," these high-waisted leggings (that's right, I said HIGH-WAISTED leggings) are made with matrix foil nylon spandex. The photo does not do the hologram effect justice. And for a mere $45, these babies can be yours.

All I can figure is that the model wearing these reflective leggings didn't oppose to having her photo taken because it would only be shown from the (high) waist down. To be honest, I can't quite figure out how one would wear such an item. If one is obscene enough to buy a pair, then one really ought to showcase them at full exposure, perhaps pairing with reflective sunglasses and a matching halter top (if there exists such an item!)

Well, my fashion commentary has about reached it's end. If hologram leggings are not your style, then I leave you with these:

Opaque two color Pantyhose.

For the inner Jester in you...

~flutterbyblue
Images lifted from http://store.americanapparel.net
Jester image lifted from www.buycostumes.com

Eating my own words

Previously I had posted a rather damning comment regarding the fedora phenomenon:

"Cute on some hipsters, gangsters and the occasional supermodel. On the everyday person, they just make it look like you are trying too hard to be cool."

This weekend, I learned to eat my words. We were in NYC for a wedding and stopped by a place called Tillman's for a drink and a quick bite. Filled with dapper bartenders, clubby U-booth alcoves and hip wall art, this spot oozed of Coltrane and Harlem reinvented. We were served by a gorgeously classy girl wearing...a fedora! And man, did she pull it off. She called me "the lady" and brought me a perfectly constructed Old-Fashioned, which I sipped with a gourmet chèvre and roasted tomato sandwich, along with a side of scrumptious black eyed peas and handmade spicy potato chips. Sundays this bar features live jazz, and I bet late in the evenings it's one fun spot to drink some classy cocktails while people watching. I highly recommend either activity.

In any event, I will now jealously think about how damn good that fedora looked on our waitress, in a totally hip (without being hipster) kind of way. And believe me, she wasn't trying hard to be cool. She just was.

~flutterbyblue

Tillman's
165W 26th Street
New York City

A mammoth shoe faux pas

I have never been a fan of the croc phenomenon. You see these ugly, rubbery, garishly colored eyesores just about everywhere you turn. I can understand why the nurses and doctors wear them around - whatever is the most comfortable! But anyone else: there is no excuse.

Crocs now come in a variety of styles, from strapless slip-ons to suede-like mary janes. The latest style, the mammoth, has a soft synthetic fur lining that is removable and washable for easy care. These crocks come with false holes on the sides a, "nod to crocs' original designs." There are still plenty of ventilation holes to accommodate the jibbitz™ brand charms. Perhaps more functional, and certainly warm and fuzzy, these are still crocs no matter how you sugar coat it. I just can't bring myself to ever buy a pair (unless the yeti look comes into fashion.)

Hmmm, I wonder if they wouldn't go well with Miuccia Prada’s latest collection of men’s wear for winter 2008? A sort of dichotomy of function without style paired with style without function...

~flutterbyblue
Image from amazon.com

Top 10 fashion "must-haves" of 2007

So here is where I provide my unsolicited opinion on the Top 10 fashion "must-haves" of 2007 according to Time:

#1. The Tent Dress
This 1960's throwback appeared all over the place, from H&M to Neiman Marcus. Even American Apparel came out with a version. It's not that I have anything against the tent dress (other than the blah-name), but I probably wouldn't buy one for myself.

#2. White Sunglasses
Not too fond of these. White can look cheap and gets dirty easily. Maybe if one had a really expensive pair and happened to be walking down a really nice red carpet, it might be acceptable. I'd much rather have a pair of Ed Hardy sunnies!

#3. High-Waisted Jeans
Have to admit, another blogger already said it all. See Strictly Fabulous Style! I do have to say, these have the potential to look REALLY unflattering. It's not that I think everyone should wear the low-slung crack-baring style of jean, but the high-waist on the wrong body type can also be a true fashion disaster. Plus I figure if high-waisted jeans can make Mischa Barton look sort of dumpy, it doesn't bode well for the rest of us.

#4. Day Clutch
I do love clutches...of the elegant evening variety. During the day when I care about function and practicality I prefer to reduce my risk of losing my keys, cell phone and wallet, not increase it. Why would one carry around something that could very easily be left on the bus or train? Maybe I just lack the skills of a lady, but I imagine it would be very difficult to juggle the travel mug, umbrella AND a large day clutch while trying to fumble with my keys or I.D. badge. Furthermore, winter is the time of large, icy puddles. Imagine dropping that brand new day clutch into a particularly slushy pothole...

#5. Ankle Boots
I like ankle boots. I would never wear them often enough to justify the purchase, but they are quite trendy and lady-like. Alternatively, they can look very hip and rocker-chic. Either way, if you can pull it off, definitely do!

#6. Vests
I nearly bought a tuxedo version at H&M but it sold out before I could make up my mind. In restrospect I'm glad I didn't spring for the vest as it seems like the sort of trend that will be very short-lived...(and there are better fashion options out there anyhow!)

#7. Fedoras
Cute on some hipsters, gangsters and the occasional supermodel. On the everyday person, they just make it look like you are trying too hard to be cool.

#8. Bright Tights
omg. (See Chic&Charming entry on American Apparel.)

#9. Red Lipstick
#10. Cocktail Rings
Ok, FINALLY two things I would actually wear! I love red lipstick. Or rather, I love red lipgloss (never been much of a lipstick kind of girl. Red is bold, glam and a very worthy 2007 "must-have" in my opinion! Cocktail rings are also fabulous for a fun night out.

Images from www.dressaday.com, www.time.com, shop.nordstrom.com and americanapparel.net

~flutterbyblue

Things I will never buy...

...but it doesn't hurt to look!

Item #1: A white feather headband with freshwater pearls custom made by Renée Rivera.

Reasons not to buy one:
1. It is ridiculously expensive.
2. I would never wear it.
3. I have nowhere to store it.

...but it's so pretty!

Item #2: a $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae.

Made with "5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla and covered in 23K edible gold leaf, the sundae is drizzled with the world's most expensive chocolate, Amedei Porceleana, and covered with chunks of rare Chuao chocolate, which is from cocoa beans harvested by the Caribbean Sea on Venezuela's coast. The masterpiece is suffused with exotic candied fruits from Paris, gold dragets, truffles and Marzipan Cherries. It is topped with a tiny glass bowl of Grand Passion Caviar, an exclusive dessert caviar, made of salt-free American Golden caviar, known for its sparkling golden color. It's sweetened and infused with fresh passion fruit, orange and Armagnac. The sundae is served in a baccarat Harcourt crystal goblet with an 18K gold spoon to partake in the indulgence served with a petite mother of pearl spoon and topped with a gilded sugar flower by Ron Ben-Israel."

Reasons not to buy one:
1. It is ridiculously expensive.
2. Once you eat it, there's nothing left.
3. $1,000 could feed a lot of starving children in Africa for WEEKS.

...but it's so decadent!

Item #3: A villa in Tuscany.

Reasons not to buy one:
1. I am not a millionaire.

...sigh.

Images from www.reneerivera.com, www.dailyolive.com, and www.tuscandream.com