Isabel Marant “Poppy” on a budget

If you don’t recognise these shoes, you must have been living in a parallel Universe where neither fashionista nor Isabel Marant ever set their foot… And if any of those abovementioned name do make your heart skip a beat, then you would definitely want to continue reading.

The thing about Isabel Marant designs is that, whether you want it or not, they get under your skin and penetrate brain cells as soon as you see the looks on a runway. Isabel Marant is like a fashion equivalent to sweets(or whatever food delight you find most irresistible) – she knows how to give you the strongest craving for something you cannot have in large quantities, if at all…

 

Although I would not exactly consider myself an Isabel Marant aficionado (Vanessa Bruno is more me in case you are interested), there are designs that even I remember vividly…

Take her “Poppy”, for example. They were everywhere. I loved the red version and my desire to have a pair of red pumps was likely caused by the memory. However, since I am pretty calm towards Isabel Marant I didn’t find it essential to rush out, credit card at the ready, to get the shoes.

Imagine my delight when I found a much more affordable version of “Poppy” pumps – identical and in the most gorgeous (and perfect) shade of red.

So let me demonstrate…

This is a pair of “Poppies”…

And this is a pair of “Eliza’s”…

If you can’t spot the difference and absolutely love to have a pair, “Elisa” pumps can be yours for less than £40/$60. Impressed? So was I. And yes, I did place an order. Follow the link to buy them on-line.

Photo source: Isabel Marant campaign Fall 2010, style.com

Currently loving

… a touch of the Oriental as was seeing on the catwalk during Spring/Summer 2013 season for it is mysterious, beautiful and faithfully timeless. The richness of textures and deep shades and the graphic shapes can appear to anyone who loves art deco, too.

The Aperlai Geisha shoes caught my eye because of the burgundy velvet and the pointe-shaped toe (similar to Dior’s Fall 2012 collection), and as I clicked, I saw the sculptural gold flecked heel that was simply mesmerising, especially when you look at it from the back.

Just beautiful.

Available at Avenue 32

Old song, new shoes

So the story is pretty much like an old song – “I love shoes, la-la-la… and all that jazz”. I sing it every once in a while and whenever I find something special the lyrics take up my blog space. Because I just have to share.

I got these Billy platforms a few days ago. Couldn’t help it – it was love at first sight and the inner girly girl demanded an immediate purchase. Truth to be told, I was shopping for a parka or some kind of warm hooded jacket for my autumnal and often rainy walks with pupster, but then I saw the shoes and the rest was done on autopilot. No jacket, but no regrets either.

Just like all Kurt Geiger/Carvela shoes, these are very comfortable and walking-friendly. The tan leather and those perforated details make the sandals look a lot more expensive than what you pay for them. Oh, and they have sweet gold stars on their soles – such a nice finishing touch.

If you like them, the shoes are still available on the website in most sizes and in either tan or red.

Win Acne Pistol boots

I don’t think I need to explain why these boots are a constant sell-out and owned by everyone who loves walking in style. Even if you don’t wear them yourself, you would have seen them or heard or them or would think of buying a pair at some point.

Now you can have them. As a gift.

Bernard Boutique, a destination known for their collection of modern classics, has recently launched a competition offering a pair of black Acne Pistol Short boots as a prize. For your chance to win the fab pair, follow this link, “like” Bernard Boutique on Facebook and enter your details.

The competition will close at 9pm on Friday 7 September 2012 and the winner will be contacted via email on Monday 10 September 2012.

Good luck!

Photo source: fashionising.com

Proenza Schouler

One cannot remain indifferent to Proenza Schouler footwear because every pair is gorgeous, edgy, but without being too over the top rock chic, incredibly well-made and very, VERY comfortable. There are a few designs from the past and present I would love to own. I would also very much like to have this pair, but unfortunately for me, they aren’t available in my size anymore.

Spotted them on TheOutnet last week and was about to press the “add to the basket” button when realised my size is the only one that actually got sold out. Such a shame as was already picturing myself walking around in these lace-up booties paired with jeans, romantic summer dress, structured summer coat or very long floaty skirt and then transitioning into autumn with added chunky cardigan, trench or blazer…

Oh, and they are 70% off retail. Available here.

Weekend sign off

Want to know what’s been bothering me for the last few days? Hair-do’s. We have been invited to a wedding and sorting my hair is proving to be much more complicated than deciding on an outfit. The outfit was sorted in 5 minutes. I am wearing Dvf’s Taffy from Spring 2006 collection, my flower t-bar sandals from 2004 or something like that and a clutch given to me by a special friend. The idea of a hair-do was a simple bun sort of like Lily Bass (or the photo above), very simple-classic-classy style that would compliment the shape of the dress better than long waves. The problem is that my hair, being all natural, untreated, silky and plentiful (not complaining here), doesn’t seem to hold anything, including the bun or hair pins. Highly frustrating, I tell you (here I really am complaining a little). Oh, and I really REALLY do not like using a few liters of hair products on my mane either.

So right now I have another 24 hours to practise that do or go for a ponytail. I will report back next week. Maybe even get a chance to shoot myself – the outfit, hair, make-up and all. As a preview – these are the shoes I picked for the big day.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Vogue UK June 2011, personal

Wedge of glory

Wedges, wedges, glorious, wonderful wedges. They come to the rescue to every girl whenever she is tired of tippy-toeing in her stilettos or feeling too down-to-earth in her classy trusted ballerinas. Wedges are a chic-saving option that makes us extra 6-inch taller and slims down our legs (and the figure in general, lets be honest).

Do you remember your very first pair? Mine were nude leather sandal wedges that got me through several summers. I was 19, slowly switching from the mid-high heels to the sky-scraper options (typical of any Russian girl, a habit that comes with a territory) and a wedge shoe was absolutely perfect for feeling comfortable when walking for miles, but high enough to raise my petite self up for the world to notice. I remember wearing those wedges with a tank-top-style full-skirt cream summer dress made of wrinkled fabric decorated with a pattern of tiny brown and tan roses. Ah, I felt so pretty and my legs looked so long.

Do you wear wedges? Here are some of my favourite choices because a girl cannot have enough of them. Wedges are one of the timeless buys, especially if you go for the espadrille style with ribbons that wrap around your ankles in such a sexy playful way. Canvas are the most perfect choice for summer heat, while leather will be appropriate both for spring and summer as well as autumn when worn with ribbed tights or socks.

Click to buy: 1. Guiseppe Zanotti Colourblock leather wedge sandals (£468) (or have a loot at this gorgeous pair for less than £40), 2. Castaner Suede espadrille platform wedges (£215), 3. Chloe Stripe raffia wedges (£575), 4. Sergio Rossi Sunflower cork wedges (£306), 5. Tory Burch Linley espadrilles (£158), 6. Rupert Sanderson Nissa high wedges (£544), 7. Pierre Hardy Canvas stripe wedge shoes (£405), 8. Burberry Prorsum Woven leather wedges (£950), 9. Mango Wood wedge sandals (£50) exclusively on-line, 10. Charlotte Olympia Melody raffia wedges (£920)

Photo source: Elle France 2011, personal

Currently loving

…this See by Chloe colour block wedges… How can you not love them? Velvety suede leather and pastel colours make it the most delicious yummy tempting piece of summer footwear.

Available here and here. Pretty much sold out everywhere else, which isn’t surprising me at all.

Missoni for Converse

I admit, it took me a while to get my first pair of Converse, but once me and my new trainers had a walk I was converted. Needless to say, I was excited to hear that Converse teamed up with Missoni for the fifth time to give an iconic zigzag look to Chuck Taylors, one of the Converse legends. The green and cream (officially known as tan) shoes in woven fabric that sparkles thank to silver and gold metallic threads are designed specifically for women. The boys can treat themselves to a navy pair.  I am loving the tan version that would look perfect with jeans or wide off-white linen trousers and also fit a pastel trend brief seamlessly. What do you think?

Photo source: converse.com

Outfit inspiration: London fashion week

Moving swiftly to London now and celebrating the start of the fashion week with a new outfit. Unlike the previous one, this look is a mix of high street and high end designers because that’s very British to me. “The local” high street is known for beautiful pieces and accessories, so it would be a shame not to use any.

On a P.S. kind of note. A couple of days ago yours truly bumped into a group of models rushing to their castings. Frankly, have never seen so many gorgeous girls at once. How designers manage to choose just a few? It’s seems like a very difficult task.

Felt-panelled wool dress & woven wool coat, both by Nicole Farhi, beaded bib necklace by Jaeger, Aviator Beatty platform sandals by Burberry London, Romeo quilted chain shoulder bag by Reiss, Fleur Oriental EDP by Miller Harris, lipstick in Sonnet by Illamasqua, nail varnish in La Moss by Butter London.

Photo source: lightstalkers.org

Outfit inspiration: NY fashion week

Unfortunately for the excited lil’ me, I am not one of those people who get to attend fashion weeks. Nevertheless the excitement is there and I want to celebrate the start of each one with an outfit.

Today lets overdose on all-American New York fashion worthy ensemble created by yours truly with clothes, accessories and beauty products from some the most influential US designers and companies.

I so wish I could wear it right now…

Mohair-blend coat, Tibi, dress, Proenza Schouler, shearling sandals, Halston, bag, Reed Krakoff, sunglasses, Ray Ban, cuff, F21, lipstick, Estee Lauder, perfume, Tocca.

Photo source: time.com

Currently loving

…these gorgeous nude platform bow sandals I just saw in New In at KurtGeiger.com The shape and bows remind of me Miu Miu shoes – so playful, feminine and flirty. Available pastel nude or blue, these beauties are something I’d love to have in my wardrobe very much.

All that glitters

For some, it’s a trend, for others – a necessity, but whatever your reasons are, a little bit of glitter really does add a special flirty touch to an outfit and can even change the way you get through your day. Since Miu Miu sparkling beauties hit the catwalk, glitter and sequins became almost an obsession. I guess, every girl has a bit of a princess and a bit of a magpie in her, so I’ve come up with a long list of treats from make-up and perfume to clothes, shoes and accessories.

Personally, I feel that one doesn’t need to spend an annual wardrobe budget on something that sparkles unless, of course, this is something you want and will wear regularly. For the rest of us it’s safer and sensible to stick with an accessory, less expensive top or dress or just a nail polish just for a special touch that will carry us through a season or two and go with everything we’ve already got in our wardrobes.

1. Anya Hindmarch glitter envelope clutch via matchesfashion.com

2. Black sequin mask via accessorize.com

3. Sequin stripe dippy hem jumper via Lipsy

4. Marc Jacobs square glitter sunglasses via matchesfashion.com

5. DKNY burgundy & red sequin dress

6.  Black glitter shift dress via OASIS Sale

7. YSL Opium exclusively for Crystal Christmas at harrods.com

8. Marc by Marc Jacobs gold glitter ballerina flats

9. MANGO plum sequin dress

10. Miu Miu glitter belt via mytheresa.com

11. Juicy couture glitter smart phone case via bloomingdales.com

12. Gold glitter lips clutch via harrods.com

13. Laura Mercier sequin eye colour in Tiger’s eyes

14. DKNY sequin embelished silk dress via The Outnet

15. Paul & Joe Chatoie sequined mini shorts via The Outnet

16. Dune Bizzy D glitter wedge shoes

17. Donna Karan Bronze All Over sequin top

18. Butter London Rosie Lee glitter polish via Zuneta

19. Kravitz glitter Eva sole shoes via topshop.com

20. Glitter belt strap bracelets via topshop.com

21. Fountain sparkle court shoe in rose gold via reissonline.com

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar September 1995

Makes me smile every time

Every time I look at these shoes, I smile… So here we have it. Looks like Marc Jacobs got inspired by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent cherry shoes from 2003 and then TopShop merged the two for their own masterpiece. Is it just me or we are witnessing a case of desperation mixed with lack of creativity here?

       

Marc by Marc Jacobs Cherry sandals VS TopShop Lillie Sandals

Photo source: Yves Saint Laurent Give Gauche Campaign Spring 2003, stylebop, topshop.com

Manolo Blahnik’s fashion fairytale and GIVEAWAY

On 21 November a second Camilla Morton’s book, Manolo Blahnik's the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairytale, was finally available. Of course, I had to order it not only because I’ve already got the first fairy tale, but because I simply wanted to own this very special and beautifully illustrated edition – it felt like living a magical moment all over again, going on an exciting journey with Manolo Blahnik, see his memories come alive and learning about yet another amazing person who made a huge impact on fashion history.

Now, the confession part: I bought two books. One – for me to keep, and the other one – to give one of you as a pre-Christmas present. If you like the sound of it, all you have to do is to leave a relevant comment under this post and be a follower of Fashioned by Love via Google FriendConnect (button on the bottom of this page) or Facebook.

The giveaway is open worldwide. The winner will be announced on 6 December 2011. Good luck!

Photo source: Manolo Blahnik's the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairytale

Currently loving

These Méchante of London suede and snakeskin sandals because they can be the surprise element of any classic outfit and will also look beautiful with blue jeans… I want them badly, if I’m totally honest.

Cesare Paciotti

These are my babies. Aren’t they gorgeous? The sculptural heel reminds me of Rivendell and elven jewellery. The one-step-before-they-tern-fetish shape of the booties is so undeniably sensual and chic and the red soles covered in printed lace pattern make every step unforgettable (if one chooses to follow me). Should I also mention that walking in these booties are like dancing on air – so comfortable I feel like waltzing. I’m slightly obsessed over them, which probably shows…

Photo source: personal

Step into new season: the ankle boot

It was that very photo of Lanvin Fall 2011 collection that made me crave a pair of black ankle boots. Because they are seriously beautiful. And sexy. And go with everything from jeans to evening dresses. And I don’t have any. The latter was seriously damaging for my sensitive stylish self.

Once the initial rush of feelings faded into calmness, I spent an appropriate amount of time searching for my ideal match. I needed those few weeks to come in terms with my new love for black because I’ve always favoured tan over any other colour when it came to shoes and accessories, so it was almost like a change of religion. There were other colour options, of course, but black was the one calling my name.

I began with TheOutnet and Kurt Geiger as they seemed to have the best selection of stylish and reasonably priced footwear. At the end, though, I saw THEM and suddenly everything became organic and natural – the newly found Paciottis (accompanied by a much-welcomed discount), the fit, the look and the ease of communication between the booties and the rest of my wardrobe. This was one of a few, but much needed, additions to greet and meet Autumn 2011. And here are a few inspiration from the catwalk and a shopping list to get you off on the right foot.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Alexander McQueen

Balmain

Christian Dior

Derek Lam

Dries Van Noten

Giambattista Valli

Haider Ackermann

Lanvin

Mary Katrantzou

Click to buy: 1. Mea Shadow Malu laser-cut leather boots, £110 (originally £220), 2. Diane von Furstenberg Ruched suede ankle boots, £110 (originally £315), 3. Alexander Wang Tasha bandage leather boots, £234.50 (originally £670), 4. Alexander Wang Jacqueline leather platform ankle boots, £203 (originally £580), 5. Christian Louboutin Figurina 140 ankle boot, £895, 6. Stuart Weitzman Bracelet leather platform ankle boots, £210 (originally £420), 7. Alaia Suede platform ankle boots, £959, 8. KG Walter Suede platform laced boots, £190, 9. Charlotte Olympia Satin knot Emilia platform ankle boots, £745

Photo source: elle.com, style.com