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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Circumpolar Shoe Fetish - Arctic Style and Function

Two days ago, I posted a roundup of warm boots for sale for those stuck in the blizzards.  Today, I bring you a few selections native to polar regions around the world.  The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto celebrates the style and function of footwear.  The following boots are from their collection:
 
This is a pair of boots from the Saami people of Finland.   Made of white reindeer hide, the curled up toes are a signature detail for Saami footwear.   This pair was made in Finland by Helena Naakkaalaajaarvi.  White reindeer is considered rare.  Boots like these, while cozy would also be worn for important ceremonies and weddings.

These boots are from the Russian Nanai people.  They were made and intricately appliquéd by Anna Michailovna Beldi of Sakhalin Island - which is just between Japan and mainland Russia.  The boots are lightweight and waterproof.  The soles are made of fish skin.


These Kamik boots from Injivik, Canada were made of furry seal skin.  Seal skin was used by the Inuit people for its warmth and waterproof quality.  The triangle motifs indicate that the footwear was made for a female wearer.  


It seems no matter how far up north you go, there is someone perfectly capable of keeping you toasty and stylish... Are we ready for an igloo runway show yet?
Photos from Bata Shoe Museum Blog
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Skater, Chocolates and a Designer Walk Into A Bar...


An unlikely combination....This was the most eclectic celebrity-turned-designer projects I have seen so far.  Figure skating champion and Dancing with the Stars favorite Evan Lycasek collaborated with confectioner Ferrero Rocher to design a gown to benefit charity.

The gold leather and tulle creation was inspired by the truffle's classic gold foil and fluted paper packaging.  The dress used rich brown velvet to symbolize the silky chocolate texture.

The skater did not have to work blind.  He worked with design mentor Vera Wang, a former figure skater before her iconic status as wedding gown designer.

The gown was auctioned off with items like autographed skates to fans this month.  The proceeds went to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  The organization's mission is to work with volunteers and families to build homes for those in need.  To volunteer your time or donate, follow through here.
Images via Ferrero Rocher
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Furry Boots Round-Up - Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Cougar...


Snowpocalypse, blitz-zard, and every other unfunny winter pun the media can come up with...It's time to forget the stilettos and don the warmest footwear you can.  If you are in a big city, you're probably trudging through rivers of slush.  Further out? Chopping through several feet of snow.  

I myself have been stranded in Canada for an extra few days until my re-booked flight comes through, and keeping warm with buttered rum and a cozy mate.

Keep those toes warm with boot finds around the web:

I think UGG as the first choice for cozy footwear.  The Cardy style is like a big cable sweater for your feet at $140.

Forever 21 has brown 'suedette' fuzzy boots with chunky rubber heels (if you miss the height) on the low end of the price spectrum at $ 35.80

Who knew Jimmy Choo made a practical boot?  If you must stick to your favorite designer, you can go with the fur lined suede boot for $1075 at Neiman Marcus.

Bulky and fuzzy not glam enough for you?  Tory Burch as beaded rabbit fur boots that make you feel like an accessorized lucky charm.

I am personally wearing Cougar's Ringo Star boots that have kept my feet amazingly warm.  Incredibly comfortable and I love the fur right under my knees for $180.
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Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Holidays from Ms. FABulous

To all of our readers, supporters and designers, thank you for a wonderful year.  May you have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Fashionable Aesthetics: Wearable Technology


Style...The Final Frontier... Parsons The New School for Design presented a book launch for assistant professor, Sabine Seymour's Functional Aesthetics, the sequel to her first book, Fashionable Technology.  This book highlights state-of-the-art fashion technology and reveals artistic examples focusing on the aesthetic and functional aspects.

There was an electronic paper workshop that celebrated the next wave of design merging textiles and technology. The series celebrated the launch of the Fashionable Technology Lab at Parsons, a research center that explores the intersection of design, technology, science and fashion.

Lab director Sabine Seymour, "We live in a world that is extraordinarily dependent upon technology, and it is up to designers to harness the power of technology to create functional, aesthetically pleasing work." Her research focuses on functional aesthetics in fashion, media, and technology. "Through this series, we will illuminate the current landscape of projects that utilize technology in innovative ways."

High-tech garment engineering, merged with high fashion is really becoming a movement.  Project Runway's Diana Eng produced  runway shows of inflatable wedding gowns, shimmering LED dresses and collapsable origami jackets made a splash at Makerfaire and Eyebeam gallery. Makerfaire also had other inventors with illuminated accessories and functional style.

Mainstream retailers like Uniqlo heavily promoted their HeatTech fabric from Japanese technology.  It is a lightweight fabric that supposedly generates heat when worn.

Is it possible that the future muses of fashion could be Einstein and Tesla?  Can we as designers blur the line between bad-ass stylist and mad-scientist? Hack away!
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Costumes of Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark – Rise and Fall

 

I had originally planned on posting a review of the Broadway show.  I am a big fan of U2’s music and Julie Taymor’s theatrical productions. 

Most of the show did not disappoint.  The sets, the staging were visually brilliant in many scenes…The rotating NYC skyscrapers that allowed you to view the city from different angles.  The impressively simple weaving scene of the Arachne character was striking.  There was a surprisingly effective, witty/burlesque scene of multi-legged, corseted Arachne chorus with a shoe fetish.  The costume designs were by Eiko Ishioka, the Oscar-winning designer behind the looks of Dracula and Cirque du Soleil. 

Unfortunately, seven minutes before the show ended, at the climax of the production, Spiderman fell off the ledge and dropped 30 feet into the pit. A cable was left dangling off the side, like it should have been connected to something, but was not.  

There was a scream.  A voice yelled "Someone call 911!".  Then there was silence.  A minute later, the stage was still dark.  Then there was an announcement that the show would be delayed.  A second announcement came a few minutes later, that the performance would not continue.  The lights came up.

The shocked audience slowly exited the theater.  Everyone was concerned for the actor, many stayed to catch a glimpse of Spiderman to see if he was okay.  He was carried out to the ambulance still in costume.  

My prayers are with the performer for a speedy recovery.

Update: The actor's name was Christopher Tierney.  He was born in Spain, raised in New Hampshire and trained in Houston.  
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Japan Fashion Now Exhibit at the Museum at FIT

Inspiration from the East?  Avant-garde or Super-sweet?  Gothic? Anime?  What do you think of when you think of Japanese fashion?  The current exhibit at the Museum of FIT investigates the tipping point of Japan as a fashion heavyweight in the 1980's to current streetwear influences.  Edgy designers like Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto bridged philosophy and art with functional clothing.  

There is a gallery of a futuristic Tokyo and a range of styles representing subcultures of Forest Girl, Kawaii, Gothic Lolitas and Cosplay.

The exhibit runs until January 8, 2011 and is located at 27th street and 7th avenue in NYC.
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Monday, December 20, 2010

Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown Designer

Forget Project Runway, this is the fiercest fashion designer competition in years...Who will be the chosen designer for the most anticipated Royal wedding in decades?

Why so much global interest?  Kate Middleton is attractive, has a distinct style and was one of us...(Fashion industry professional).  We know she has a more educated sense of fashion than the average socialite, so whatever her choice is, it will be one not made lightly.

It was speculated that Ms. Middleton would choose British Royal favorite, Bruce Oldfield.  However, with her background and democratic taste, she could surprise everyone... Women's Wear Daily just ran a great spread of International designers and their interpretation of what Kate should wear. 

I'm posting my favorite sketches just because I love fashion illustration...

The Red Carpet ringers:  Vera Wang, Monique Lhuiller, Badgley Mischka...

The New Guard:  Doori Chung, Chris Benz, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu...

The Italians: Alberta Feretti, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni...

The Couturiers:  Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Nina Ricci...

Sketches via WWD



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Friday, December 17, 2010

Starring Theia Brides & Designer Giveaway!

Theia is a relatively new collection by Carmen Marc Valvo and Badgley Mischka veteran Don O'Neill.  The glamorous silhouettes and elegant details have already claimed Carrie Underwood, Emmy Rossum and Taylor Swift  as fans.  

Getting married?  The bridal gowns are simply divine.  Need a fabulous holiday gift?  (The incredibly handsome) Don is giving away one of his illustrated silk scarves.  It's easy...all you have to do is name your favorite holiday gift on their Facebook page... 

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Fab Sales Alert: Alexander Wang, Y-3, Marc Jacobs

In NYC:


Alexander Wang
Uber-hipster Downtown threads beloved by models, celebs, and editors.  Pre-Fall 10 and Fall 10 RTW, Handbags, Footwear and Men’s and Women’s T by Alexander Wang. Discounts are up to 80% off!  
WhenDecember 16th - 18th, 10am-7pm, December 19th, 10am - 2pm
Where: 
93 Mercer St., NY, NY
Y-3 and AdidasActive and stylish?  Grab sporty designer essentials for those New Year's resolutions in the making. When: December 16, 9am - 7 pmWhere: 610 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Zang ToiFor the Ladies Who Lunch with elegance and character...The holiday super-sale.When: December 16th - 18th, 11 am - 8 pm  (Wine will be served!)Where: 30 West 57th street, 7th floor
In Los Angeles: 


Undrest by the SeaSwimwear for that New Year's getaway and escape from cold weatherWhen: December 17th, 9 am - 4 PMWhere: 833 Spring Street, Suite 301
Echo Park50% - 70% off Mens and Womens' merchandiseWhen: December 17th and 18th, Noon - 7 PMWhere: 1154 Glendale Blvd
Online:


Marc By Marc JacobsTrendy Downtown handbags by fashion's most coveted designer When: Friday, December 17th, 2010,  Noon (EST)Where:  Shop Online here.
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Atelier Swarovski Celebration

It was a night that sparkled.  The prosecco, the crystals and all of the gorgeous bling at Midtown's Willow Club.  Harper’s Bazaar accessory editor Avril Graham hosted the evening featuring Atelier Swarovski’s holiday lineup.  

It was a diverse range of accessory pieces created with up and coming designers as well as legends.  Glittering stilettos from Stuart Weitzman, snake-like jewels from Karl Lagerfeld.  Stephen Webster had a rock n’ roll inspired collection for men with jewels with edgy, animal jaw settings.  

My favorite pieces included the “Eclipse” necklace from Kirt Holmes.  It consisted of intertwined crystals with grosgrain ribbon woven through.  A spectacular statement piece came from Baby Phat veteran Jerome Lamaar with his first jewelry collection, “Compleated”. 

The signature souvenir of the event was a Swarovski encrusted limited edition issue of this month’s Harper’s Bazaar with Katy Perry on the cover.  

I am a big fan of crystal accessories.  Anyone looking for my list to Santa only has to look at the pictures above.  


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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

FAB Exclusive: Elle Fanning on Fashion, Vintage and Shopping

The star of Sofia Coppola's new film "Somewhere", Elle Fanning was stunning in a Rodarte Dress.  She graced the red carpet like a pro.  The dress was crafted from embossed suede panels over gold brocade.  She wore towering sculpted gold heels on her feet.  On her wrist were delicate bracelets given to her from her co-stars.
The actress plays the complex daughter of playboy Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) in a moving, emotional film.  Ms. Fanning gave the Ms. FAB Mariana Leung the rundown on vintage clothes shopping and getting big sis Dakota's fashion approval.

MsFAB: Do you have a favorite designer now? 

Elle Fanning: Rodarte is just amazing right now.  They made this [dress] for me which is incredible.  I love them so much. I also love vintage. I lot of things I wear don’t have a specific designer. I go to the vintage stores and shop around.  I like the 1950’s. 

MsFAB: Are there certain types of pieces you like?

Elle Fanning: The real clothes, like dresses with organza fabric.  I like mixing boots with it.  I have also gotten into the 70’s as well so like everything is high-waisted that I am obsessed with.  Bell bottoms, 

MsFAB: Do you have a favorite red carpet outfit of all time so far?

Elle Fanning: I have so many different things, so they’re all tied right now.

MsFAB: Was there a certain outfit that Dakota really loved of yours that you might want to fight over?

Elle Fanning: Well, we have never really fought over an outfit before…yet.  She is older than me so she can wear other stuff that I can’t.  She’s loved all the outfits.  She’s not here in New York right now, so I sent her a picture of the dress and she approved, so that’s good! 

MsFAB: Do you usually get each other’s approval on outfits before an event?

Elle Fanning: Yeah sure!  She’s my big sister, so I definitely want her support!  With all the movies, she comes to visit me on set and everything.  She’s proud of me and I’m proud of her.

MsFAB: Where are you shopping for Christmas?

Elle Fanning: I’m looking for a lot of ornaments right.  I have a tradition where I give each of my family members an ornament every Christmas, so I’m on the lookout for any of those.

MsFAB: Do you have a favorite place to shop for ornaments?

Elle Fanning:  We look at all the different malls that have the trees set up.  Whenever we see those, we just say let’s go and scout around

MsFAB: Where do you shop for yourself for clothing?

Elle Fanning: There’s a place called Playclothes in L.A. which is a vintage store which recently moved farther away from my house which was sort of a bummer.  I went for a trip to find it and it’s a lot bigger now, so it can hold more 70’s and 50’s clothes now !

MsFAB: That's awesome, thank you Elle! 
Photos by Mariana L. and Ritika W.

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Sofia Coppola's Fashionable Premiere for Somewhere

 
It's a movie about a Hollywood playboy surprised with an extended visit from his daughter at the glamorous Chateau Marmont.  It's no surprise lots of style was on hand for the NYC premiere of Sofia Coppola's new movie "Somewhere".

The director was clad in an understated sequined knit vest from Louis Vuitton.  Molly Shannon wore Diane Von Furstenburg.  Stars Elle Fanning wore an embossed suede and gold Rodarte dress.  Parker Posey wore a pleated chiffon blouse.  Multi-tasker James Franco arrived in collegiate-chic.

Do male movie stars care as much about their red carpet style as their female counterparts?  The film's star Stephen Dorff described his outfit, "This is made by Tom Ford. He has been so gracious to make all my suits for the premieres, starting with Venice.  He made me a beautiful tuxedo.  You work with Sofia, you get all these fancy clothes!"


Indeed, Ms. Coppola's down-to-earth personality certainly doesn't keep her from having uber-chic friends. Fashion designer Anna Sui attended the premiere, while designer Marc Jacobs showed up for the after-party in Comme des garcons.  
Photos by Ritika Wahal
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Monday, December 13, 2010

Miss America and the Bottomless Closet

Just when I was getting a bit to jaded with the gift shopping and one too many fashion events with the same crowds, I was unexpectedly surprised and positively energized  from an event co-hosted by LookBooks for the Bottomless Closet organization.

The svelte Miss America - Caressa Cameron, the perpetual blonde Richie Rich and the charming Derek Warburton were also there to imbibe cocktails and check out the racks of colorful Joseph Ribkoff clothing line which  sponsored the event.  It turns out  Miss America wears Joseph Ribkoff - often as the brand's ambassdor. Ribkoff She told us the clothes from the line were " travel ready, not very heavy and the pieces were comfortable" which would be key points for a Miss America I presume.

Derek Warburton,fashion personality behind Derek Loves Shopping, helped coordinate the fashion show with bloggers turned stylists for the night and surprised us when he told us that he was homeless once. He joined Bottomless Closet over two years ago to with a program called Makeover Mondays which is "about being inclusive, not exclusive".

There was, of course, the catwalk and radiant models who were styled by bloggers for the event in  the Joseph Ribkoff clothes. The models were truly terrific and roused real cheers and applause from the audience as they paraded down the catwalk for us in their new outfits. 

The models were all Bottomless Closet clients and I had a chance to speak to several of the ladies to find out about the program. 

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Fashion Blogger Shoutout - Holiday Shopping with Heart

It's time for Sunday shout-outs... This week's collection has a lot of holiday shopping themes and gifting for a cause.:

  • 55th Street: A new take on Street Style through my eyes
  • Analogue Chic: Drama with my mama: being my mom’s personal stylist.
  • Any Second Now: Remembering the fashion of 1980′s Duran Duran and how it inspired a fashion pictorial that includes giant Rubik’s Cubes. Gotta love the 80′s!
  • ashley4emergy: Tea Party and Vintage Fashion Exhibit with Socialite Ms. Lana Turner!
  • Awakened Aesthetic: Six Impossible Things…by BirdQueen Designs.
  • Big Girls Browse: Dressember begins – a different dress every day for the whole of December
  • Broke & Beautiful: Jeffrey Campbell goes pink…but for what cause?
  • de la pen: Balenciaga: The Spanish Master by Hamish Bowles
  • For Those About to Shop: Callous comments can be life-threatening
  • Haute World: Not your average designer collaboration: Fashion giants show their charitable side by creating dolls for UNICEF
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: Tips for Holiday Gift Guides & Giveaways
  • Intrinsically Florrie: On DIY customising my own unique rings
  • lowefactor: Ever notice why pre-fall collections get lost in the holiday shopping press shuffle?
  • Lust Love Lose: An easy guide to applying red lipstick that will last all day.
  • Mrs Bossa: Blogs with Soul: Mrs Bossa raises a glass to the talent of the blogging community
  • Oranges and Apples: Interview and GIVEAWAY with photographer and jewelry designer Marie Bee of the Blue Balloon
  • Pocket Rocket Fashion: Debating with fashion photographer Diana Thompson the problems of plus fashion brands using models smaller than their range to promote them.
  • Searching for Style: Fashion 101: Why Luxury is Expensive. The making of an Hermès bag.
  • STREET STYLE: PICS BY POLKA DOT: One woman’s journey to get credit for a piece Spanish Elle did using her photographs without her knowledge, or consent. A cautionary tale!
  • The Coveted: Winter Vacation Tory Burch Resort 2011
  • two for the clothes: Our second “Freaky Friday” post, in which her outfit for him turns out badly.
  • The Fashion Pawn: What a business card can do for you
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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Pratt + Paper & Ralph Pucci Exhibit

paper fashion

Remember the paper dresses of the 1960's? Originally a marketing tool by Scott Paper company in 1966, it sparked a surprising trend that inspired many other manufacturers, including Andy Warhol.

The Pratt Institute opened a new exhibit in collaboration with Ralph Pucci this week.  50 design students were tasked to create a textural study to dress female mannequins.  24 pieces were chosen for the exhibit.  Judges included fashion designer Anna Sui, Bergdorf Goodman's Linda Fargo, interior designer Vicente Wolf and others.

 The exhibition will be open to the public on December 8, 9, and 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The exhibit takes place at Pucci's Gallery 9 showroom at 44 West 18th Street, on the 9th floor.
Photos by Geoffry Gertz
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Tommy Hilfiger Holiday Shopping Party

Do you remember the big striped polo knits, the baggy, low-hanging jeans that Tommy was known for in the 1990's?  Get ready for a spruced up, glammed up new Tommy.  

Tommy Hilfiger's Madison Avenue boutique hosted shopping party last week to make holiday gift giving as festive as possible.  Sequins, cashmere and fur made appearances to lend some luxury to the season.  Vintage handbags revamped with updated hardware and handles were displayed.  Crushed velvet evening pumps with grosgrain ribbon details finished off grown up outfits.

How do you get people to enjoy gift-shopping?  Ply them with ginger cocktails and champagne.  Have them nibble on prosciutto wrapped pears and reward them with oodles of gift wrapping...  I wish more boutiques would take note.
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Rodarte Costumes for Black Swan

Black Swan, the dark, ballet thriller by Darren Aronofsky opened Friday.  In fashion, all of the buzz has been going to the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte.  They designed seven of the edgy, Goth-chic costumes for the stylish movie.  The theme of "duality" played out on stage and off.  

For Prince Siegfried's character, the designers were inspired by mechanical birds.  The costume is vividly detailed with floral embroidered cheesecloth and distressed velvet.  Odette's costume is a constructed pancake shaped tutu.  It was embellished with white angora wool to emulate branches growing up the skirt.  

This may be the first film for Kate and Laura Mulleavy, but the designers have previously found horror and ballet to be muses for their collection.  

Update 1/31/11: While the Mulleavy sisters received many accolades for the fashionable look of this film, one hard-working designer has been left out of the spotlight.  In an interview for film style blog Clothes on Film, Award-winning costume designer Amy Westcott noted that while Rodarte may have been responsible for seven looks, there were many other costumes that were created by herself and Zack Brown.  

Ms. Westcott also clarified the difference between a fashion designer's role and her own position.  A fashion designer may conceptualize looks for the screen.  However, a true film costumer researches every tone and color on film, wear-tests each costume and is on set every day to ensure the comfort of the actors.
Amy Westcott Sketch

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Monday, December 6, 2010

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Broadway Costumes

"A cock, in a frock, on a rock."  Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was one of my favorite movies of the 1990's.  It's coming to Broadway after a fabulous run in Toronto.  I LOVED the show.  It was as over the top (and more) as you would want it to be.  What I found surprising is that it managed to be touching as well.  The songs are familiar tunes from the movie as well as beloved 80's and 90's pop songs.

The most spectacular part of the show?  COSTUMES.  That should be no surprise...The original film won the Academy award hands down for Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel.  The costume designer got to be bigger, bolder with more sequins.“In the film, we had a budget of US$20,000, so the costumes were all made with chicken wire and duct tape,” Chappel says.
Ms. FAB took a trip backstage to check out some of the costumes up close...Miles and miles of features, towers of wigs, mesh, platforms, pailettes, glitter...

Swarovski crystal had a hand in making the more than 60 costumes sparkle with stones.  Not to be missed... The gigantic shoe/throne that is encrusted with 2500 jewels. Chappel explained that on film, there is a two-dimensional quality that can flatten the effect of costume details.  A cup sequin may be more effect than a diamond.  On stage, it's the opposite, which is why Swarovski truly dazzles.  
Backstage photos by Clara Leung, sketches by Tim Chappel, show photo courtesy of Mirvish Productions
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Friday, December 3, 2010

ShoeFete Vegan Shoe Party!






 A few weeks ago, I made a pilgrimage to one of my favorite shrines, Bergdorf Goodman.  After I had gone through the entire Men’s Store, I made my way across the street to the main store.  Inevitably, I found myself in the shoe department drooling over the latest Chanels, Louboutins, Choos and Manolos.  I have no practical purpose for them, so it isn’t a question of buying them.  For me, it is more like going to a gallery and appreciating a fine piece of art.  I guess I have a bit of Carrie Bradshaw in my DNA.
Imagine if you could shop for shoes in your own home or in the home of a friend in a relaxed party setting?  You could try them on, get feed back from friends, sip a nice glass of wine and just play!  Well, if you live in Southern California you can do just that with ShoeFete.  Created by mother daughter team Caryn and Ali Shaye, ShoeFete brings the shoes to you through shoe parties. Shoefete offers a line of super trendy shoes and purses at amazing prices.  These shoes and bags are not only sexy, but they are Vegan!!  As a connoisseur of fine shoes, all I can say is that these are top notch.

You can host a shoe party in your home or business and they will bring the shoes and purses to you.  The host automatically gets a pair of shoes of her choice and the more her guests spend, the more free shoes she gets.  Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

If you are lucky enough to live in Southern California, check out ShoeFete and become a host!  And, while I won’t buy the shoes for obvious reasons, invite me too so I can appreciate the artistry of the shoes over a glass of wine. ;-)

-Reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel
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