GET YOUR SAUCY MINX ON

Love it when another fashion forward stunner materializes out of Queensland. The Über stylish Sascha of bronz’d tanning & nails launched Minx nails in Brisbane’s new hot spot Laruche last night.

Minx’ed celebs include; Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Christina Augilera, Pink, Blake Lively, Kate Beckinsale, Victoria Beckham, Keyshia Cole & Lady Gaga to name but a few.

A new nail fashion made of flexible film, that is applied with heat & pressure & does not require drying time. Love! It's not a polish, & is available in metallics, patterns & graphics that haven't been available before. On average, Minx lasts from 4 to 8 days on the fingers, & up to 4 weeks on the toes.

Spotted in US Vogue, New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week for the Gareth Pugh Spring/Summer 2010 collection, Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection at Paris Fashion Week & featuring in Jimmy Choo’s advertising for Jimmy Choo for H&M – do you need more reasons to get your Minx on?

Love, love, love the metallics – are you a saucy Minx?

For more go to the bronz’d blog.

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PUFF! IT'S LINDSAY LOHAN

Where does one start with the train wreck that is Lindsay Lohan?

Yes, you hear correctly people, Lindsay Lohan was spotted leaving a friends house in Los Angeles on Saturday with a substantial amount of unidentified white powder shooting out of what look to be YSL patent leather pumps.

In some angles it appeared there was smoke billowing out of her feet but upon closer inspection, her shoes & ankles are enveloped in it.

She claims the substance is powder for athletes foot but oh dear, do we need that much Linds? Huge fashion don’t!

(Image Credit: Pacific Coast News)

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A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY

Another fashion house goes a little bit country.

Like Chanel's hay-bale affair Ralph Lauren, synonymous with stylish equine, has its Spring 2010 Collection hitting stores.

The new-look RL website features great details of each item, breaks down runway looks, allows you to shop online & even takes you behind the scenes of this Collection & the new Fall 2010 Runway show.

A hint of country & equine is coming through Dior, Chanel & Ralph Lauren’s current collections – so get your country on!

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BUONGIORNO VERSACE

Delightful to see that the outrageously over-the-top excess we've come to expect from Versace is still alive & well.

The Fall Winter 2010-11 collection is overflowing with platforms & Versace’s take on the peep-toe boot.

In the wake of CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris's announcement in October last year that Versace would rationalize globally in response to a downturn in sales, due to the GFC, the enthusiastic reaction to Donatella Versace’s newest collection by media & buyers alike is encouraging.

Versace Fall Winter 2010-11 – love!

To watch the runway show go to Versace. To get yourself some peep-boot action, go to Net-A-Porter.

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SEX & THE CITY 2 SECRETS

The wardrobe of SATC continues to be closely watched by commentators & let's face it, we love it. Fashion in this series & big screen productions is definitely part of its draw.

The good folk at Us Weekly have put together a little dossier of slides telling us exactly what these ensembles & shoes would cost if we were to procure them.

Love it, check it out @ Us Weekly online.

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ARCHITECTURAL BALENCIAGA

Paris fashion house Balenciaga’s latest collection of footwear takes quite the architectural turn, mixing block heels with a collage of materials.

Designed by Pierre Hardy to mimic the high-tech materials of Nicolas Ghesquiere's ready to wear collection, the shoes are made from a collage of materials that includes; leather, wood, plastic, metal & a sprinkling of newer high-tech materials.

Another designer touting classic designs like the loafer & the brogue, with a contemporary reinvention of square heels, the platform is created by plastic moulds constructed underneath the shoe.

Gloriously over-the-top. Love!

(Image Credit: Style.com)

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MEN’S HOTTEST TRENDS FOR 2010

Thankfully we’re done with anything remotely gladiator for the boys – halleluiah! As much as we love the men, we know the pedi is not always high on their list of priorities.

Enter this season’s new guard, a modern take on some styles of old. We’re seeing updated versions of favourites like desert boots, oxfords, Chuck Taylors, boat shoes & moccasins.

With slick, contemporary styling & in some cases, a categorically outside-the-box working over, each is looking more polished than its predecessor.

According to Gregg Andrews, fashion director at Nordstrom; "It's about traditionalism, but it's about looking a little bit more pulled together and refined. And being comfortable. Men aren't going to sacrifice comfort for style. That's the great thing about the suedes, the boat shoes, the deck shoes, they're all extremely comfortable -- very lightweight, easy to wear."

So there you have it gents – no excuses for not looking 2010 dapper!

(Quote source: Chicago Sun Times)

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CLOG ME WITH THEM

Special thanks to Chanel for single-handedly staging a clog come back.

Ever since Lagerfeld’s minions strutted down their hay-laden runway in Paris Spring Summer 2010 collections, a never ending barrage of Scandinavian inspired footwear has come from every angle.

While Chanel’s adaptation is by no means your emblematic dowdy wooden clog; they are chunky, leather embellished sky-high heels, a true contemporary take possibly classifying them as modern killer heels in tan, pearl, white & black, they are still in essence, clogs.

In addition to Chanel, Jimmy Choo has a clog specimen as does Cole Hann. Given Steve Madden, Jeffrey Campbell & even Ugg are in on the Clog action, expect plenty more to follow.

With celebs like Ashley Olsen & Alexa Chung already spotted in them, they’re the next trend to watch.

At this point – not screamin’ sexy. They say never say never so I shall wait & see where the mood takes me.

(Image Credit: Style.com)

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KILLER HEELS, LOUBOUTIN & THE QUEEN

King of the stiletto, Christian Louboutin is one of the most famous shoe designers in the world & it seems officially, the most prestigious, according to independent ratings company Luxury Institute, which touts Christian Louboutin the most desirable shoe brand in the world for the past three years.

The man credited for bringing the stiletto back has just flown home to the UK from Dubai where he is about to open his 20th boutique & has another 13 planned for this year.

Throughout an interview with The Guardian he discusses never desiring to be part of the fashion world, "I never was interested in being part of the fashion world—I just wanted to design shoes. I didn't even know Vogue existed when I was growing up. Vogue, what is that?"

Having pretty much adorned most celebrities like; Madonna, Carla Bruni, Christina Aguilera, Kate Bosworth, Victoria Beckham & Lady Gaga, he revealed the one he truly desired as a customer – ‘The Queen of England’.

Sky-high heels are not synonymous with comfort but luxury labels are usually expected to offer more of it. For Louboutin it seems comfort isn’t his main concern. "It is important because a woman doesn't look good if she's not comfortable. But I wouldn't take it as a compliment if someone looked at one of my shoes and said, 'Oh, that looks like a comfortable shoe'. There is a heel that is too high to walk in, certainly. But who cares? You don't have to walk in high heels."
Ah, the glorious impracticality of it all.

Finally, he addressed talk ruminating around the Barbie doll’s that carry his name. It is true, he asked for her ankles to be skinnier. He explained, "The ankle was a bit straight and there's nothing more pretty than a very curved ankle. So I said to them, the one thing that could really give her perfection is to give a curve to her ankle. It's not like she's going to suffer for it."

(Source: The Guardian / Photograph: Denis Rouvre)

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HAUGHTY VALENTINO

Loved the Valentino Spring 2010 ready-to-wear runway collection? Particularly these stunning pumps in black & ivory with organic coral-shaped lace embellishments? You’re in luck, they’ve just hit stores.

That is if you can afford the asking price…

Now available in Valentino Boutiques & American Department Store Neiman Marcus, these stunning specimens retail for $4,700USD + shipping if you so desire, to order them online.

Ouch!

No fear, some chain store will be ‘inspired’ by them & you’ll pick those up for a fraction of the price.

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ORTHOTIC HEELS ON THE RED CARPET

From corsets to foot-binding, women have been suffering in the name of fashion for centuries.

Thanks to Beverly Hills-based footwear line Dana Davis, high-heel lovers can breathe a sigh of relief. Now in its third season & selling strong locally at Nordstrom in Los Angeles & online, the label features Chic styles with invisible comfort technology such as customized arch supports & strategic cushioning. Imagine heels that may actually be good for you?

With designs including embellished flat sandals, driving moccasins and the 41/2-inch platform heels she introduced for spring-summer 2010, Dana Davis just might be the brand to make a comfort shoe go mainstream in the fashion world. "These aren't two-hour shoes, they are eight- to 10-hour shoes," says Davis, 41, who resides in Brentwood with her Jack Russell terrier, Spike. "You can wear them to an event and still walk home."

Although companies such as Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole have comfort lines, Davis' is the first to feature built-in orthotics (developed with patent-pending technology) in a high-fashion shoe, particularly heels. Her styles, priced at approx $275USD to $450USD, are designed so that you can also easily put in your own orthotic if needed. "Previously, there was no dress shoe you could put an orthotic into, so this is a big step," says podiatric surgeon Dr. Robert K. Lee, who says his patients like to wear high-fashion shoes but can develop foot problems as a result.

It's no surprise that Dana Davis shoes have ended up on the red carpet. Penelope Cruz, Sarah McLachlan, Carrie Ann Inaba & Anne Hathaway (who wore a pair when she danced across the stage with Hugh Jackman at 2009's Oscars) are all fans of the shoes. This year Vivica A. Fox wore them to this year's Academy Awards.

For more information check out Dana Davis online.

(Source & Image Credit: LA Times)

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BLOGGERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

It seems Bloggers are definitely the new black.

As part of Sportsgirl’s new In the Spotlight campaign they are shining the spotlight on emerging creative talent & invited their favourite bloggers to inspire their latest windows.

Sportsgirl collaborated with influential Melbourne bloggers Fashion Hayley & Kat George to bring their blogs to life by window art interpretation.

Fashion Hayley (top) inspired the Chapel Street with a Harajuku theme & Kat George's (above) love of ballet, shoes, & David Bowie inspired the new Chadstone window.

Sydneysiders keep an eye out for Uber stylish Sydney blogger 4th & Bleeker - set to inspire a new Bondi window installation soon.

Blogs are here to stay, if you don't read a group of favourites regularly you are missing out on some very entertaining reading.

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HOTTEST BOOTS FOR 2010

When it comes to boots this season we have loads of options.

Shoe Addict frequently gets requests asking for opinions on what’s hot & where to get it, so due to popular demand, here are this season’s pick of boots for 2010.

Peep-toe boots, ankle boots, thigh-high & knee-high boots are all hot, & no matter what you're heel preference or endurance capacity is, there's something for everyone.

Here are some of the hottest trends to look for & where to get them:

I am loving peep-toe boots, given I did flat equine & ultra high dominatrix last Winter (not to say I don’t plan on adopting both again in addition), I plan on jumping into peeps this season - & besides, if they’re hot enough for French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld front row at Paris Fashion Week, I’m all over them! Love Giuseppe Zanotti’s canvas ankle boot (Net-A-Porter), Alexander McQueen’s fold-over canvas boot (Net-A-Porter) & Jimmy Choo’s cut-out ankle boot (Jimmy Choo).

Ankle boots are hot again this season with some fresh takes on last season’s specimens. For a cute take on the classic brogue these Minx Hoochie Mama boots are fun (Izabel). On my wish list are the Chloe’s super stylish Muttone ankle boots (Jean Brown) & for a choice that’s easier on the budget, go for Sportsgirl’s Rennie Wedge boot (not pictured) in Camel.

Thigh-high & knee-high options this season are abundantly available in killer heels or flats. For a little Pirate Chic opt for Chloe’s black leather flat knee fold over boots (Jean Brown) or my favourite’s this season to date, Vivienne Westwood’s Pirate boots (Net-A-Porter).

Great thigh-high & knee-high all-rounders are Wittner’s V Vivienne over-the-knee flats & their Vada over-the-knee heels (not pictured) – check them out, great buys!

My picks are Tilly Rose’s gorgeous casual Chic flat knee-high boot in light tan (High Heels) & YSL’s easy boot in black (Jean Brown).

That’s a wrap ladies, hope this answers all of your questions!

(All boots pictured from top to bottom as mentioned)

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ARMANI STILL CLOSED FOR BUSINESS

Emperor of elegant shoes & couture, Giorgio Armani was due to open his first hotel in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa today & rumour has it, the project will be delayed by more than a month.

Residing in 10 floors of the world’s tallest building, the luxury hotel is now scheduled to open on April 22, said people close to the project, who declined to be identified because there hasn’t been an official announcement. Neither Armani’s company nor Emaar Properties PJSC, the building’s developer & manager, would confirm that the opening won’t take place today.

The troubled skyscraper was opened in January 2010, more than 12mths late complete with light, water & firework displays. Within a month, the observation deck on the 124th floor was shut after a high-speed elevator stalled, stranding visitors inside & still remains closed. Armani Hotel’s last public statement, on Jan. 4, said the 160-room hotel would open today.

Bloomberg reports: “Emaar isn’t in a hurry to open this hotel,” said Majed Azzam, an analyst at Al-Futtaim HC Securities in Dubai. “They want to make sure everything is working properly because the Armani brand is on the line here.”

Emaar’s managing director, Ahmed Al Matrooshi, declined to comment on the delay when contacted by telephone, and e-mailed questions to the company’s public relations firm weren’t answered. A spokeswoman for Milan-based Giorgio Armani SpA, who asked not to be named, also declined to comment.

Designed by Armani himself, the hotel will include eight restaurants, a spa & a lounge, in addition to chocolate & flower shops.

(Source & Image Credit: Bloomberg)

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AUSTRALIA GOES GAGA

When I first set eyes on Alexander McQueen's mammoth hoof stilettos I did pose the question – who the heck would wear them? Answer: Lady Gaga.

In her latest video, the eccentric singer sports the super-high hoof heels, marking the first time these crazy creations have been donned by a celeb.

24yr old drag-queenesque Gaga has landed in Oz kicking off her Australian tour in Sydney last night.

With numerous costume changes, rumours that one of her props has its own plane, & a two-&-a-half hour set – revelers were not disappointed at Sydney’s Entertainment Centre last night.







To celebrate the arrival of Lady Gaga in Australia here are just a few of her extreme shoe moments!

(Image Credits: Getty, NY Daily)

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