Fall 2012 Trends: Metal Plated Shoes

I know winter has barely begun, but as I was perusing GQ's 100 Best Pairs from Fashion Week,  I noticed quite a few pairs featuring metal for Fall 2012. Classic silhouettes paired with chunkier hardware accents provide for an edgier take on modern footwear.

From Costume National, to Louis Vuitton, to Salvatore Ferragamo, to YSL - there were plenty of options which were showcased down the runways.

 Costume National

 Salvatore Ferragamo

 Louis Vuitton

YSL

(images courtesy of GQ)

But to be fair, it looks like everyone took a page from Balenciaga and Louboutin - who actually introduced this in their Fall 2011 collections.

Louboutin metal capped wingtips (image courtesty of luxuryculture.com)

Balenciaga Fall 2011

Trends: Naturally Navajo

One of the trends that I noticed pop up during the Pre-Fall 2010 collections was in interest in the patterns, textures and colors of the Navajo Native American people. It may be subtle, like the fabric at Derek Lam and Matthew Williamson that is reminiscent of Navajo weaving & rugs. It could be playful and graphic like at Louis Vuitton or it could be almost literal like at Nicole Miller. The look seems to led itself to being paired with texture whether it be fur, fringe or feathers. One thing is clear, Navajo is hot so be on the lookout!

You can get the look now with these adorable earrings on Etsy by Beadlady 61.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Obsessed with wacky accessories and novelty items, I've been wanting a pair of bunny ears for awhile. No, not Playboy style. I talking about the bunny ears à la Louis Vuitton's fall 2009 show.
The headband at the top is from Topshop, but they unfortunately sold out. I hesitated to buy them because they were $36 for something kind of ridiculous, and now they're gone.

I've done a bit of searching for other options under $50, and the only ones I've come across are these velvet ones from Asos. At $17, they're affordable, but they look too much like cat ears for my liking and I'd prefer something lighter like a satin or lace.
So now I guess the question becomes "To DIY or not to DIY?" Perhaps Erin and I can craft up a little something. If we do, we promise to post a tutorial.

Chanel at Costco, Really

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg via Getty Images

Thanks to Twitter and stylelist.com I learned two things today. One, there's a Costco in Manhattan. I only knew about the one in Long Island City, Queens. Two, you can buy designer bags from the same warehouse superstore where people buy toilet paper in bulk.

Would you buy a Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags from Costco?

Remembering an Icon: Michael Jackson

Can't believe that Michael Jackson is no longer with us, he passed away today of a reported Cardiac Arrest at the young age of 50. What remains now is his undying influence on music, pop culture and fashion.

He was always ahead of the game, influencing an entire generation during the 80s and continuing to inspire designers and shows including the sequin gloves at Louis Vuitton and the crystalized jackets that sparked Balmainia. In fact, he was even seen spotted wearing Balmain in his final days. Though I'm saddened by the loss, I can't help but reminisce over his incredible impact on style.

Looking back over the years, here are just a handful of looks he's helped inspire:

Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 vrs MJ's Iconic Glove

Balmain's Spring 2009 Military inspired Jacket, MJ's many military jackets

Alexandre Herchcovitch's Joy shoes for Melissa, MJ's Moonwalking Loafers & Sequin Socks

Buckle Boots at Balmain Fall 2009, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2008, MJ's Buckled Legs

Red Leather and Zippers at Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Fall 2009. MJ's Red Leather Beat It Jacket

Countless celebs including Justin Timberlake can be seen sporting Fedora's these days, MJ has been sporting them since the 80s

Who can forget MJ's eyewear of choice? The aviators, a now classic.

RIP Michael (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)