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

Gilt: The American Fundraiser

Gilt is holding a fundraiser which ends on Sept 5th, 2010. The company partnered with Focus Features and is offering the costumes/props used in the filming of The American staring George Clooney.

100% of proceeds will go towards the American Red Cross International Response Fund. That's right...100% of the proceeds! The items are by no means cheap but its for an amazing cause and many of the pieces are one of kind and were worn by Clooney during filming. Here's a look at some of the pieces that are available online:

Suit:

Charcoal suit by Zegna - available in size 50 for $5,000

Shirt:

Light blue Bottega Del Sarto shirt available in size 15.75 ($500)

Pants:

Charcoal cotton chino pants by Zegna available in size 50 ($750)

Sweater:

Button up wool cardigan bu Peter Regan - item sold for $500

Shoes:

Brown suede Salvatore Ferragamo mocassins available in size 10 ($1,000)

Duffle:

Silverman Travel Bag that doubles as a backpack ($1,500)

Briefcase:

A hidden compartment briefcase - very cool. If i had $10,000 to burn this would be mine.

Overall a great way to combine philanthropy with fashion. They should do this with every movie! The American opens in theaters today - Sept 1/2010.

Go: American High Style Exhibit

Over the weekend I checked out The American High Style Exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition had over 85 looks on display that were previously long held in storage in addition to sketches and other accessories including hats, shoes and jewelry.

Works by the first generation of American women designers such as Bonnie Cashin, Elizabeth Hawes, and Claire McCardell are featured, as well as material created by Charles James, Norman Norell, Gilbert Adrian, and other important American designers. Also included are works by French designers who had an important influence on American women and fashion, such as Charles Frederick Worth, Elsa Schiaparelli, Jeanne Lanvin, Jeanne Paquin, Madeleine Vionnet, and Christian Dior.

Here are some photos of my fave looks that I snapped from my phone (I forgot my camera) so please excuse a few that are blurry as flash was not allowed.

It was really an inspiring experience to look at historical fashion up close and personal and it was also really educational for me. In fashion, truly this is proof that what goes around comes around.

If you thought Patricia Field's outfits in Sex and the City 2 were wild check out the pant suit number to the left complete with turban I think it would have looked right at home in the movie.

I wouldn't say no to wearing any of these shoes now! If you thought platform shoes like the infamous McQueen Armadillo's were crazy check this shoe out!

It's not just Vivianne Tam that has a Butterfly fascination.

I learned that I love love love Charles James and his amazing craftsmanship. Pure elegance and glamor existed in the 40s. How I wish there were occasions to wear such creations nowadays.

The Clover Dress is so lovely, I never thought I was one for a princess look but if I were to get married tomorrow, I would want it!

Apparently Cage Boots are not so new! Check out these evening boots by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Queen Victoria was a truly short stocky woman! Also, people have been dressing up their dogs for a truly long time.

Graphic looks and polka dots live on.

Men's wear hasn't changed that much so fortunately there were only a few looks but this one amused me because the name was embroidered John Doe! This is the original hat from Gone with the Wind made from drapes.

The exhibition is running from now until August 1, 2010. I would highly recommend checking out before it's over. It filled my head with dreams and my heart with joy so I hope it does the same for you.

Sales this Week Online & in NYC

Who: Built by Wendy
What: Over 75% off! $10, $20, $30, $40...the list goes to $70+
When: March 2-4, 2009
Where: Online

Who: Kenneth Cole Sample Sale
What: Shoes & Accessories for men and women. UPDATED price list:
All Footwear $40. ANY 3 PAIRS FOR $99.
Tees & Tanks $10, Shirts & Sweaters $20, Skirts & Pants $20, Dresses & Blazers $30, All Leather $50. Wallets & Wristlets $10, 2 for $15, Hats, Gloves, Scarves $10, 2 for $15
Handbags & Clutches $25 - $50. Laptop Cases & Mens Briefcases $15 - $90
When: 3/2–3/6; Monday -Thursday (10am–7pm), F (10am–6pm).
Where: 261 W. 36th St, nr. Seventh Ave., second fl. (212-947-8748).

Who: Plum Boutique and Pear Shoes
What: Clearing out shoe inventory — flats and sandals are $25, heels are $35, and boots are $50.
When: Ongoing.(212-529-1030); M–S (1–8), Su (1–7).
Where: 124 Ludlow St., nr. Rivington St. Select Styles Online.

Who: French Connection in Soho
What: Prices slashed up to 75% Off. Men's merino wool was $90, now $29.99. Men's tee's were $48, now $9.99. Women's Sweaters was $98 now $29.99
When: Now through Saturday 10am to 8pm
Where: 435 W Broadway (b/n Prince St & Spring St)

Who: Misorena
What: A $29.99 Clearance sale. Miss Sixty down coat was $359, now $29.99. Staerk leather moccasins was $200 now $29.99
When: Now through Sunday. M-F 9am-7pm, Sat & Sun 11am-7pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th & 29th St) 212.725.5400

Still ONGOING:
Who: Salvatore Ferragamo Sample Sale
What: Women’s & Men’s shoes, leather goods, ready-to-wear & accessories all up to 80% off! Now $89 for shoes, $109 for boots. Plus $10 off each pair of footwear if you buy 3 or more pairs.
When: Ongoing til Wednesday, March 4. Tues 9-6:30, Wed 9-5
Where:317 W 33rd Street (west of 8th Ave)

Upcoming Sales

Who:Intermix
What: A warehouse sale with up to 70% Off. Designer clothes, shoes, and accessories from labels like Stella McCartney, Chloe, and Elizabeth and James
When: Feb 26- March 1, 2009; Th (11–8), F, S (9–8), Su (10–6).
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St b/n 6th & 7th Ave

Who: J.Mendel at Patti Rose sale
What:Up to 85% off furs, gowns, cocktail dresses, sportswear, and accessories
When: 2/24–2/25; Tu (9–7), W (9–6).
Where: 124 E. 58th St., nr. Lexington Ave. (917-533-8251).

Who: Salvatore Ferragamo Sale
What: Up to 80% off,
Where: 317 West 33rd Street, at 8th Ave, 718.747.1656
When: Feb 28- March 4. Sun - Tues, 9am - 6:30pm; Wed, 9am - 5pm. Credit cards only.

Who: Nikka New York Showroom, Moving Sale
What: 80% Off on Women's clothing. Tops are $30 to $80, jackets are $90 (originally $350), and dresses are $40 to $125 (originally $150 to $300)
When: Now through Feb 28
Where: 214 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 907 (212-302-4284); W–S (11–7).