Haute or Not: DIY Louboutins

These crystal-studded ‘Daffodile’ platforms by Christian Louboutin are $6395.

Want the look of Louboutins but can’t afford the steep pricetag?  The Telegraph UK reports that across the pond, lovers of the red sole are buying look alikes and (gasp!) painting the soles scarlet.  From the piece:

Peter Rooney, manager at the Homebase store in Acton, London, said sales of the paint have “rocketed.”

He said: “Many people tend to look at magazines to get the right paint colour for walls and furniture, but we’ve noticed significant numbers of girls colour-matching tester pots to pictures of designer shoes in fashion magazines.

“They have also asked staff for tips on how to paint on leather or rubber.”

Homebase senior paint buyer Richard Johnson, said: “Clearly paint is meant for decorating walls rather than shoes, so we are amazed at this new trend that has hit our stores.”

Irene Rubaum-Keller, a blogger for TheBlush.com, owns genuine Louboutins and considers them worth the splurge (or worth theThe shoes have a 6 1/2 inch heel and a 2 1/2 inch platform. time spent searching on eBay),  but admits to doing the same using red nail polish.  As she notes (and as I have always thought interesting), unless the wearer has red rubber soles placed on the shoes, the color is going to wear off fairly soon.  In the end, your faux designer footwear may fool onlookers but you won’t fool yourself.  I say save your money and splurge on the real thing.

What do you think, readers?  Is stopping in Home Depot or Lowe’s for red paint and touching up a pair of non-Louboutins something you’d do in the name of fashion?

Image via Net-a-Porter

Haute or Not? Rachel Roy debuts HSN line

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Designer Rachel Roy is launching label RACHEL ROY with HSN, featuring her signature minimalist-chic separates and dresses as well as bold jewelry, bright handbags and killer shoes. The line has on-trend pices including handkerchief hems and ikat-print, and even includes her take on the nude pump; “Kaylee” comes in patent leather with a pyramid detail on the heels ($75, special event pricing).

We’re also loving the “Miranda” dress in papaya or indigo with wrap bodice ($88, special event pricing); it’s easy to wear and accessorize and has pockets! Other standouts include the signature statement necklace and cocktail ring in gold with bright enamel accents (specially priced at $55 and $30, respectively). Bargainistas will note that HSN offers a flexible payment plan which allows shoppers to break out payments in two or three increments, perfect for savvy shoppers on a budget!

Images via HSN

Sneak Peek at ‘Steel Magnolias’ Remake

SCDD reported a few months ago that the classic tearjerker was being remade for Lifetime with an all-black cast; now here’s your chance to see the trailer. 

Click on the image above to view the new cast’s roles, and click HERE to view the trailer.

Ummm…yeah…I’m going to withold my comments until the full-length movie is released.

Your thoughts?

Images via wegotkidz.com

Best and Worst Dressed at the 2012 BET Awards

You knew it was coming.

Best dressed goes to Taraji P. Henson in bright turquoise, Rocsi Diaz  in a nude bedazzled number (and that “new boo” glow from toting around with Eddie Murphy), Selita Ebanks giving us FASHION in an embellished short dress with black overlay (it’s a risk but me likey!) and Tamia Hill in a classy and understated black evening gown.  Good to see her back on the scene. I also loved Elle Varner’s entire ensemble and two snaps: Mariah Carey is looking every inch the diva.  WORK!

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Worst dressed? Whew! Tyga in that leather t-shirt (no sir!), Porscha Coleman’s thirsty sartorial salute to Latoya Jackson, Kenya Moore’s pageant look (those days are over, boo), and Lala Anthony’s homage to I Dream of Jeannie. Was a wardrobe change not in the budget for her?  Regina King and Tatiana Ali, I expected a lot more from you.  Boom Kat (Laurieann Gibson) has officially gone to the dark side. 2 Chainz is taking over for Bootsy Collins, and Rick Ross just looks ridic.  Chante Moore, your tribute to Donna Summer was on point but must you look like a cougar on the prowl? You might want to check with Tamia’s stylist.  And take Nicki Minaj with you.

I’m done.  Y’all can look for pics of Kimye and Blue Ivy’s parents elsewhere.

Jennifer Hudson for QVC

JHud is releasing a new line of womenswear for QVC this September. The 14 piece collection looks like comfortable knit separates and casual wear.

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“I feel like I represent every woman. I’ve been on both sides of the fence. I’ve been a big girl and now whatever this is, the average size, whatever you want to call it. But I wanted the clothes to be where any girl could wear it — no matter what size you are — and you could feel comfortable in it.” – Jennifer Hudson to WWD

Yes, but will you wear it? It’s not quite the “House of Dead Wrong”  but I’ll pass!

Part novelty item, part nostalgia piece, this Native Union Pop Phone handset is both the strangest and coolest phone accessory I’ve ever seen.  

From Nordstrom: “inspired by the iconic 1950s Bakelite-style telephone, this handset plugs directly into most phones and computers to facilitate chatting via Skype, Facetime, Google Talk and other web-based communicators. The handset is fitted with a high-quality speaker and microphone along with noise-reduction technology. It has a 3.5 mm jack to accomodate iPhones and most smartphones, eliminates over 99% over absorbed phone radiation and is made of plastic.”

Handsets come in a variety of primary colors in the $29-35 range, and the featured goldtastic model is in the $50-$60 range.  Want to try it but don’t have an iPhone? Check Native Union for adapter options.

Available via Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom

Who Wore What Where: 2012 Costume Institute Gala

Chiffon! Feathers!  Silk taffeta! Peplum! DRAMA! Yes, the Costume Institute  Gala was held last night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.   The Costume Institute celebrates and curates “five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress, regional costumes, and accessories for men, women, and children, from the fifteenth century to the present.”  Last night’s theme “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” brought out the best (and worst) in some of us.

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Who brought the fabulosity? Hands down, our vote goes to Blue Ivy’s baby mama in a gasp-inducing sheer, beaded and feather-festooned Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. Yes, it’s a risk and it’s over the top and her rear is almost exposed, but this is Beyonce and this is the MET Gala.  Go glam or sit home, folks.  The gown is such a major fashion moment with its embellishment and ombre feathered train that we’re overjoyed the current World’s Most Beautiful Woman kept her hair and makeup subdued. Another showstopper? Florence Welch’s tiered Alexander McQueen WERQ!

Other hits? Rihanna’s crocodile-embossed gown was gorgeous.  I’m also loving the serene and understated soon-to-be Mrs. Justin Timberlake in blush and lime-beaded Prada, and coordinating couple Mr. and Mrs. Tom Brady (Gisele also wore Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci).  Note the dapper evening and footwear Tom’s rocking, gentlemen.

Disappointments? Scarlett Johansson’s Dolce & Gabbana fit and flare and “undone” hair bothered me, and so did Leighton Meester’s tulle tragedy (really, Marchesa?) and Diane Kruger’s purple people eater look.  Le sigh.  And Kristen Stewart (in Balenciaga) looks like she dropped in on her way to Studio 54.  The dual Little House on the Prairie disasters worn by SJP (SHOCKER!) and Mirror, Mirror ingenue Lily Collins are both by Valentino Haute Couture.  Kirsten Dunst and Alicia Keys opted to come straight from the set of Working Girl (I kid, I kid. But really…these are not good looks).   And Coco Rocha…WHY?! I don’t care if your pantsuit did belong to Liz Taylor; it’s a definite “no ma’am.”

See more photos HERE and HERE.

Images via MTV and People

Who Wore What Where: White House Correspondents Dinner

Okay, fab ones: we have several hits and one fashion travesty from this weekend’s festivities.

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WINNERS:  Kate Hudson looks like she walked off the set of Valley of the Dolls in  floorlength navy sequins and bun, Viola Davis rocks a  fabulous red one shoulder gown and a glowing Reese Witherspoon is a Grecian goddess in draped black with a pop of color at her ears.   First Lady Michelle Obama wears a lovely hyper-floral print strapless gown; wallpaper-inspired prints are very important for Spring style.  And Kerry Washington (star of ABC’s new hit show Scandal) kills it in a simple peach caftan-esque gown with snakeskin clutch  (love the simple hair and matching pout).  Adding a snakeskin-print accessory is a great way to mix it up for evening and step away from the usual metallic or rhinestone shoe or bag.

But did Alicia Keys realize which party she was attending? I don’t understand her outfit at all for this occasion; your thoughts?

And finally: Kim K. managed to show up somewhere with her new “boo” attached at the hip. *Eye roll*

See more photos via The Daily Beast and YB&F

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Pink Ladies

Tyra channels Marilyn at the recent Time Inc. 100 Gala  Or is it just me? Minus the bodacious butt bow and gloves, of course.

I think I like Marilyn’s haute pink version better.

And speaking of  thinking pink…what do you think of Lauren Conrad’s fuchsia ponytail? I kinda love it!   Check out the lovely deeper shade with ombré effect on Ashanti (and how Nelly coordinated!).  The hues each lady chose flatter their complexions, and their makeup is flawless! There’s a major difference between what these ladies are working and the clown colors others are rocking (names are withheld to protect the guilty!).  Note how complementary shades are used to pull off such a risky look, and also note: these ladies are in the entertainment and fashion/beauty industries.  A more subtle use of hair color is highly recommended for those of us in more conventional occupations.

Images via AP, Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic (by way of People) and YB&F

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Ask Alexis: Should I Try Spanx?

Q:  I have a fashion question if you have time to answer it. What do you know about women’s body shapers? What would be the most effective in your opinion? I am familiar with Spanx. Wondered if you had a suggestion as well. – B.D., Florida

A:  I swear by Spanx…I don’t wear them often, but they are great.  In fact I used to avoid them, but back in the day women wore girdles from their teenage years onward.  Shapewear can make clothes fit better, and sometimes they make you more conscious of your posture, which means you’ll stand and walk upright/better.  And I’m not going to lie, they have helped me comfortably get into a dress when I was a pound or two off from getting into something.  They smooth your silhouette, squeezing you in and giving your form a “tighter” shape, if that makes sense.   Some fabrics show lumps and bumps or pudginess/bloat at the tummy, thighs and rear and Spanx eliminate that without the dreaded “VPL”.  I recommend the kind that resemble biking shorts, or the kind that look like a minidress with a bra at the top;  they are very effective.  Other options include Assets (also by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx) and Victoria’s Secret; you can even find shapewear at your local department store, Target or Wal-Mart.  If you DO try them, be sure they fit comfortably; DON’T buy them too small thinking that will help.  The shaper will pinch, cut off your circulation or worse – start to roll up on you.  You should be able to breathe in them.  Also, I DO recommend that men wear shapewear (also known as  “compression undergarments”), if they need it!

Sign up to receive a chance at a $500 “Shaping Spree”  from Spanx by clicking HERE.  And guess who else is a fan of Spanx?

Fun Fact:  Spanx CEO Sara Blakely started Spanx  in Atlanta with $5000 seed money. According to Forbes:  “Blakely owns 100% of the private company, has zero debt, has never taken outside investment and hasn’t spent a nickel on advertising. At 41 she’s the youngest woman to join this year’s World’s Billionaires list without help from a husband or an inheritance.”

Image via Spanx

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