Yesterday I stopped by a presentation for A La Disposition (I now want a coat with a bustle), I ducked into 2 events at store in SoHo, had dinner with my girlfriend and happened to see Dina, Yael and Tamar – otherwise known as the Magnes Sisters – towards the end of our meal.

Today I started off the day at a medioche presentation, met Kelly (a new favorite publicist of mine) at the Society of Illustrators to preview the new science fiction installation and have a quick bite in the cafe before heading out to meet LaQuan Smith and Telfar. Let me tell you guys – LaQuan Smith is awesome. He might have a lot to learn, but he’ll get there (and soon). I die for his neon dresses and sooo much more. (I’m also going to do a feature on him in the coming weeks for StyledOn, so you better start reading that as well!)

I watched Chanel Iman walk the runway for Rosa Cha (which was rather good, actually). I saw a few other things not worth mentioning. Unfortunately I missed the Cuz Love Killz show (a grafitti-inspired collection), which I really wanted to check out.

And then there was Fashion’s Night Out… and for me, it was all about Nicole Romano and the Plaza. Very successful event and I wore the sexiest little tuxedo shorts and one of her amazing tassel necklaces.

Tomorrow I have a crazy schedule: Alejandro Ingelmo (SHOES!!) | Yigal Azrouel | Copperwheat | Ideeen | Luca Luca | Nicole Miller | Costello Tagliapietra | Indashio | Persona Party with Amber Rose, Russel Simmons & Kanye West

I had better get a good night’s sleep because my toes are still numb and I can barely type. ‘night!!

I tried on quite a few pieces from the collection and as predicted, Alexander Wang’s Motorcycle Jacket was my fave. The material is much softer than I expected and all of the hardware looked good as well. The entire collection actually runs a bit small too – the Vena Cava dresses seem as if they have been graded for the petite customer. Nothing is over $88 and I have to admit that even the hats are pretty adorable.

Instead of reading this review, you should really go to your local store and shop the collection early before all of the sizes vanish for good – oh, everything is available online as well. Happy hunting!

A cruise show on a boardwalk snaking along the Venice Lido with the sun about to set, gentle waves rolling in, and a whisper of a breeze to make sinuous shapes flutter in movement…it couldn’t have been a more poetic or, given the times, more uniquely audacious Chanel moment. “I wanted to reinvent the mystique,” said Karl Lagerfeld, talking about locating the collection in one of Coco Chanel’s favorite summer haunts—she visited Venice for almost ten years beginning in 1919 and met Diaghilev here. But Lagerfeld might also have been speaking about reinstating the long-lost leisurely sensation of a fashion show as an exceptional one-off experience. The 350 guests reclining on sun beds in the famous white tented cabanas certainly felt privileged to be witnessing the extreme glamour of the designer’s learned-but-light invocation of an important part of Coco Chanel’s biography, one that was overlaid with passing allusions to Visconti, Fellini, the Venice carnival, and the city’s art treasures.

“Coco on the Lido,” as Lagerfeld called it, started with a tableau of figures in tricorne hats and cloaks—cover-ups for a play on girdles and bras as bathing suits. Next came Tatjana Patitz promenading in creamy lace as the picture-hatted Edwardian mother in Death in Venice, her sailor-suited son Tadzio and his two sisters in ingenue fan-pleated dresses trailing behind. From there, the sequence took off into matelot- and gondolier-inspired stripes, interpreted in long-line fine-knit cardigans and playful beachwear with funny red and white striped wedge booties. The references kept streaming out—a halterneck dress fashioned in plissé knit to suggest Fortuny, the deep Doge red and the golden lion motif of the city flag, shimmery sequins and glass embroidery made to imitate the light of Venice glancing off water.

But for all that, not to mention the silent-movie hair and makeup that strung it together, the show avoided too slavish a narrative. There were moments of silliness as well: The Chanel sunglasses recast as Venetian masquerade lorgnettes and the flashes of eroticism in the exposed corsetry spelled fun for the novelty-seeker. But the star pieces here were pure Chanel, un-themed save for their classic elegance: a long black column with a sexily tied narrow trailing scarf, a cream sequin-edged matching jacket and dress, and the unmistakable frothy silk blouses of the rue Cambon. In spite of all his extensive erudition on the art, culture, and personalities of the Venetian past, Lagerfeld concluded, “I don’t use it to make costume. I was actually more interested in the café society of the thirties and the life Chanel lived here, which is gone now.” True, but as guests wend their ways home after two days of roaming the museums, churches, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs of Venice, they’re returning with tales of a happening few would believe could really take place in 2009. - Sarah Mower for Style.com

All images from Style.com. See the complete collection here…

While cover headlines such as BEST Bargains, NEW Bags & Shoes, and Affordable Luxuries didn’t really deliver (not that I expected them to), I was simply swept off my feet by the Fashionable Life feature on Max & Lubov Azria’s gorgeous Los Angeles home.

Everything about their home is stunning from the custom laser-cut chrome floral garlands hanging from the ceiling of one room, to the dramatic chandelier that cascades directly into a petrified-wood table. I wonder that maybe, just maybe, if I click my heels three times and repeat “There’s no place like Max & Lubov’s fabulous home” I might just end up there one day…

Anyway, the thing that is most extraordinary about their 60-room manse is perhaps the fabulous use of color – there are bright yellow walls, vibrant orange and red accents through out the home, and Max even has the fabulous Paul Smith rug that I’d die for in his office. Signature A accents also decorate the home, along with sunburst mirrors collected from around the world, which give the home its name: La Maison de Soleil. See below for a bit from the article written by Marshall Heyman and more images take by photographer Douglas Friedman:

The home’s aesthetic is part Jonathan Adler, part Philippe Starck. A huge orange horse stands in the living room, while giant replicas of an apple and mushrooms lead to the pool. The pool house has its own Turkish hamam, while three peaceful gardens — one Japanese, one English, one French — line the property.

“There’s a sense of humor about the place,” says Lubov, adding that she was inspired, in part, by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: “[Home] should be magical; it should be fairy tale.” Indeed, Max agrees. “I think I have the best house in the world,” he says.

I’ve always had a major soft spot for Vivienne Westwood‘s designs. So flattering, so powerful, so sexy. And now is the perfect time to begin or add to your wardrobe:

Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale
What: At Vivienne Westwood, draw raffle tix ($5-$1,000) before shopping the collection — now up to 70 percent off.
Why: Because if Carrie Bradshaw can wear Vivienne, so can we!
When: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Scatola Showroom, 544 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves., 6th flr. (a trek sure, but probably worth it)

Not only has she been hailed by WWD as an emerging designer to look out for, but Catherine is an American jewelry designer whose collections are inspired by her many travels abroad and fueled by her constant craving to create.

Made for everyday ornamentation, each Catherine Nicole style exudes an effortless insouciance with its delicate, yet bold statement of femininity. Responsibly cast with recycled metals, finished in sterling silver or with 14 karat gold fill, and featuring brilliant, multi-faceted crystals and gemstones, these pieces capture the imagination day and night – a testament to both their versatility and design.

Catherine Nicole was inspired at a young age by the ethnic dress of indigenous cultures and by the idea that stories could be told by what we wear. Throughout her travels to India, Africa, South America, Asia and the West Indies, Catherine Nicole’s natural interest in the adornment of ancient cultures contextualized itself – this, combined with her formal studies at the Parsons School of Design and natural intuition for color theory, provide the foundation for all of her striking pieces.

Catherine Nicole launched her namesake collection in 2007 shortly after returning Stateside from spending six years in Spain. Ever the traveler, she took her designs to the road and began selling to select boutiques discovered while touring cross-country with her fiancé in a vintage Airstream. The collection was met with immediate praise andpa attention from both the national buying community and media.

Now based out of Austin, Texas, Catherine Nicole is merging her love of design with environmental and social responsibility – 25% of all direct online sales go to charity, and she is incorporating a greater variety of non-precious metals into her designs and avoiding the use of non-renewable materials.

The new collection from Catherine Nicole embodies a lively, rock glam lifestyle. Each stone and style has been selected with special consideration on the interplay of light and movement. Using vintage Chanel chains, antique Tibetan pendants and Swarovski crystals, the new line is sure to ignite the spirit of each wearer.

See below for Catherine’s answers to my 21 questions and get to know the girl behind the fabulous jewelry:

1. You: Always aiming for the extraordinary
2. Your style: Pairing something tremendous with simplicity
3. How do you begin each day? Espresso, then straight to the studio by 8:00 am
4. How do you end each day? Curled up in bed with book or movie until I fall asleep…10 minutes later
5. Favorite Catherine Nicole piece? The Kayas. They’re totally different, they go with everything and somehow make life more Zen. They actually look really hot on men. I’m also love wearing the Scarlett’s, named after my lovely niece. They get a ton of attention and totally make any outfit you put them with. The necklace glams up any v-neck and the faceted crystal earrings attract light to your moving neck—very sexy.
6. What do you covet the most right now? Comfortable, sexy shoes. Also, would love to throw down on some lingerie from Elle McPherson’s line.
7. What are you most into: shoes, handbags, clothes, jewelry? Well, I am obviously most into jewelry, because you can show so much personality with it. I really really love belts, for the same reason, and for the fact that they can really flatter your silhouette. Also, summer dresses. I live in TX, so a good comfortable dress that I can wear in my studio, my garden, or meeting with stores is extremely valuable… especially when it doesn’t require the addition of a clingy slip or a beige strapless bra. (One feels much sexier with the knowledge that they aren’t hiding something horrible underneath.)
8. Latest obsession? Making soy wax candles and creating scents. I’ve gotten quite good, so look out for them in the Fall. Nail polish. It doesn’t last more than a day when you’re making jewelry- so you get quickly sick of always reapplying the same color and need to constantly know of new ones.
9. Favorite stores? There is a store here in Austin called Tesoros that carries goods from around the world. They don’t have very much fashion there, but the colors, textiles, and general feel of the store inspires me. When I’m inspired, I can create great outfits out of my own wardrobe. I love Calypso- it always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. When I was living in New York, I had a yearly tradition of buying something light and summery there right in the worst of winter. I also have a very favorite vintage store here in town, but I’ll never tell!
10. Favorite artists/designer? When it comes to fine art I like Rothko quite a lot. And Frank Hodgkinson, an incredible Australian artist. I love the product designers over at Benefit, the designers behind the Cinque Cento, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Christiane Celle… and countless little-known designers and artists that I meet at art fairs and markets everywhere.
11. Favorite ice cream flavor? Pumpkin, hands down. Unfortunately, it’s not available year round. I also think Californians have something there with green tea ice cream with fruit. Texas is definitely not that healthy.
12. Favorite writers/authors? Classics: they aren’t just for school. I love Kafka, Jane Austen, Dostoyevsky. Also love Tom Robbins, Pablo Neruda, and, let’s be honest, most books from Oprah’s book club are pretty great.
13. Last book you read? Pride and Prejudice. About to re-read Swann’s Way, because I only remember that I liked it.
14. What are you listening to? Right now- Bo Diddley. The Chess Masters album is great and has been playing for what seems like 2 hrs so far.
15. Drink of choice? Frozen mango margarita, served with a patio, friends, a side of guacamole and music. Also the homemade gingerale at the Noho Star in New York is outta this world. The one time some newbie slipped and told me what was in it, I completely forgot when I left (after 10 years of asking!)
16. Favorite restaurant/coffee shop/bar? Jules in the East Village on a night when they have live Cuban music. Ranch 616 here in Austin is a delicious and totally cowboy cool place (great spot for out of towners). The Blues Alley in Washington, DC is definitely one of the greatest places I have ever gone to see live Jazz and Blues…and I’ve been to quite a few.
17. Favorite sites? Abc.com and Nbc.com. My TV is strictly for movies and the Xbox, so I get my Lost/The Office fix online. Also love Etsy.com – so many creative people out there. You really can find anything on there.
18. Favorite blogs? Duh- this one. This is actually the only blog I even go to.
19. Best party you’ve ever been to? When I was 8 my parents had a big New Year’s Eve party. When my mother told us to get ready for bed, we ran upstairs to put on our nightgowns, then adorned ourselves in jewelry, mom’s make-up and jelly shoes. The adults were so drunk and thought it was so cute that they let us dance and party all night with them.
20. What’s your favorite thing in your closet? When it comes to little black dresses, mine has really proven the truth in the stereotype. It’s Betsy Johnson, and I bought it 9 years ago. It’s form fitting and has an angled hemline with lace at the bottom, so despite its LBD title, it’s not ordinary. There is nothing more useful in a closet than a safety dress, for when nothing else looks good, and a basic starter piece over which you can embellish 1000 different ways.
21. One thing people should know about you that they might not? I avoid dressing ‘up’ as much as possible. Because I have to dress up for work situations so much, I have a lot more fun with fashion by creating something cool and casual with different finds I’ve picked up here and there. Fashion, for me, does not always have to be fashionable. It’s very much about expression, and it’s usually a lot more creative to make something great out of clever finds than just throwing on a Gucci dress.

Make sure to visit Catherine Nicole’s site and order a piece for yourself (maybe the Meredith Necklace shown above, to the right, $150) and one for your best friend.

A fresh, lively and sensual fragrance, Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger is made from a delicate balance of natural ingredient, which is exactly the sort of thing I’m looking for.

Notes of Oranger Fleurs Absolute, Tubereuse Absolute, Jasmin, Neroli and Serendoline all fuse together to create the freshest scent of the summer.

The new limited edition is inspired by Prada’s vintage floral patterns that use striking colors to construct eye-catching flower shapes – which is really what caught my attention to begin with: You see, I first fell in love with Prada during the fall of 2003 with the stunning collection partially inspired by the Peacock Revolutions of the 60s. The swirling pink and green print forced me to dig deep into my wallet and I haven’t been able to look away ever since.

Looking to add a bit of Prada into your life? The scent collection now is available at Neiman Marcus and starts at $74.

I can’t wait for the Alexander Wang motorcycle jacket (really love this one) and plan on wearing it with my ever-favorite Earnest Sewn Harlans, a longer, slightly loose tank, and a great pair of flats. The two dresses by Vena Cava featuring their signature print are also ones to try – I just hope that this year the collections are sized more correctly.

What do you think? Like this latest drop of designer duds for the Gap? Are you still into designer collaborations in general or are they starting to lose their luster?

The collection is set to hit stores on April 23rd and will be followed by more summer pieces for both men and women in mid-May – but after the 2 whole seconds I saw it on display, I’m now wondering if it might have hit early (although I really can’t image this is so).

The collection, which seems a melange of Williamson’s previous collections, is filled with gorgeous vivid colors, graphic prints, some studs, and of course, peacock feathers. “I wanted to create an urban collection with my brand’s typical patterns and forms. It has been fascinating to search through the archives and select the most iconic garments, and then recast them for H & M,” says Matthew Williamson. I say, “Here’s my debit card – let’s shop!”

I can’t wait to see the collection in full and think it might even warrant an actual visit during a lunch break one day this week. For more of a preview, check out images on nitro:licious

Traditionally, d’Orsay pumps have closed heel and toe and are cut down to the sole at the sides leaving the shank bare, thus creating an incredibly sexy silhouette that appeals to both men and women. Currently many opened toe styles with a closed heel and cutout sides are considered to be in the d’Orsay style as well.

At one time, pumps were popular footwear for men, however they were rather ill-fitting and tended to gape on the sides – that is of course until Alfred Guillaume Gabriel, the Count d’Orsay (1801–1852), decided that a pump with cut-down sides would fit more snugly, which it did. For more on Count d’Orsay, read below, which is a slightly edited version of what can be found on the ever-reliable Wikipedia…

The son of a distinguished general, Count d’Orsay was perhaps the last of the dandies. He joined the army and served as a bodyguard for Louis XVIII. He was considered exceptionally handsome man and became an accomplished painter, sculptor, and general man of fashion in the early- to mid-18th century.

d’Orsay was born in Paris, the second son of Albert Gaspard Grimaud, a Bonapartist general. His mother was Eleanore de Franquemont, an illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Württemberg and the Italian adventuress Anne Franchi, and his elder brother died in infancy.

In 1821 he entered the French army of the restored Bourbon monarchy (against his own Bonapartist tendencies), attending the lavish coronation of George IV of the United Kingdom in London that year (staying until 1822) and serving as a Garde du Corps of Louis XVIII. In 1822, while stationed at Valence on the Rhone, he formed an acquaintance with Charles Gardiner, 1st Earl of Blessington and Marguerite, Countess of Blessington, which quickly ripened into intimacy, and at the invitation of the earl he accompanied the party on their tour through Italy.

In the spring of 1823 he met Lord Byron at Genoa, and the published correspondence of the poet at this period contains numerous references to d’Orsay’s gifts and accomplishments, and to his peculiar relationship to the Blessington family. A diary which d’Orsay had kept during his visit to London in 1821–1822 was submitted to Byron’s inspection, and was much praised by him for the knowledge of men and manners and the keen faculty of observation it displayed.

On December 1, 1827, Count d’Orsay married Lady Harriet Gardiner, a girl of fifteen, the daughter of Lord Blessington by his previous wife. The union, if it rendered his connection with the Blessington family less ostensibly equivocal than before, was in other respects an unhappy one, and a legal separation took place in 1838, at which Lady Harriet paid over £100,000 to his creditors (though even this did not cover all his debts) in exchange for d’Orsay giving up all claims to the Blessington estate.

After the death of Lord Blessington, which occurred in 1829, the widowed countess returned to England, accompanied by d’Orsay, and her home, first at Seamore Place, then at Gore House, soon became a resort of the fashionable literary and artistic society of London, which found an equal attraction in host and in hostess. The count’s charming manner, brilliant wit, and artistic faculty were accompanied by benevolent moral qualities, which endeared him to all his associates. His skill as a painter and sculptor was shown in numerous portraits and statuettes representing his friends, which were marked by great vigour and truthfulness, if wanting in the finish that can only be reached by persistent discipline.

It was at Gore House that d’Orsay met Benjamin Disraeli and Edward Bulwer-Lytton, themselves young men of fashion who dabbled in the arts. D’Orsay and Disraeli were good friends in the 1830s–to the point that Disraeli asked d’Orsay to be his second, when it appeared that Disraeli would fight a duel with Morgan O’Connell, the son of Irish agitator Daniel O’Connell. D’Orsay declined, on the grounds of being a foreigner, and Disraeli went with Henry Baillie, a mutual friend. The character of Count Alcibiades de Mirabel in Disraeli’s novel Henrietta Temple was modeled on d’Orsay, to whom the book was dedicated.

Count d’Orsay had been from his youth a zealous Bonapartist, and one of the most frequent guests at Gore House was Prince Louis Napoleon. In 1849 the count went bankrupt, and the establishment at Gore House being broken up, he went to Paris. Lady Blessington sold almost all her possessions and followed him there, but died a few weeks after her arrival, leaving him heartbroken. He endeavoured to provide for himself by painting portraits. He was deep in the counsels of the prince president (who had also returned to Paris from exile, and been elected president the year before d’Orsay arrived), but relations between them were less cordial after Louis’s 1851 coup d’état (in which he became Emperor Napoleon III), of which the count had expressed his strong disapproval.

Reluctant to entrust d’Orsay with any affairs of state, Napoleon III finally offered him the position of director of the Beaux-Arts. Within a few months of the appointment, however, D’Orsay contracted a spinal infection, of which he died on 4 August 1852 in the house of his sister Ida, duchesse de Gramont, at Chambourcy, just a few days after his appointment had been officially announced. He had designed a pyramidal grey stone tomb for Lady Blessington at Chambourcy, and he too was buried in it, with Napoleon III among the mourners at the funeral.

Why? Oh, you know…barneys.com, net-a-porter.com, etc. See below for a few things that I’m currently lusting after…

I know that spring is just around the corner, but I can’t help but lust after these ridiculously sexy d’orsay patent leather boots by Maison Martin Margiela

I’m a fan of Jil Sander in general, but sort of fell off my couch when I saw these online just now

I’ve lusted after these forever…oh Balenciaga, why do you have to cost soo much?

Ohhh. So lovely. Lanvin just kills me. Love this bag.

Again, something I’ve loved for a while – Made Her Think‘s spike bracelet, now on sale at Funkly Lala

How could you not want Carrie Bradshaw’s Vivienne Westwood wedding gown?

I don’t know how far the drop is on this Erickson Beamon necklace, but I love it. So perfect for the summer – just throw it on with a simple white tank and there you go!

I’ve been dying to spend some time on a beautiful beach, rolling around in the warm sand, which may explain this itsy bitsy teeny weeny black scalloped Chloe bikini…

One day I swear that I’ll own a pair of earrings from Renee Lewis. Lastest lust? These fabulous emerald pair.

I’ve been in love with Lanvin‘s spring collection since if debuted on the runway back in September ’08, and after seeing this top in Zoe last weekend, I’m officially obsessed

Of course I’m lusting after so much more, but now it is time for bed.
More to come later…Xx

With a background rich in style, business and design—Angelle has worked in luxury product placement, while LaFave has honed her talents in graphic and knitwear design, working as an art director and self-employed designer—each woman offers a unique and varied background which helps to guide their direction. While Angelle appeals to the high-end sophisticate with a penchant for pumps and pearls, LaFave draws from her artistic roots, setting a new pace in fashion. When mixed and melded, the outcome is Omelle, or (ähm’ elle), a new voice and vision within the luxury footwear industry
…and I like it!!

Step up your style this spring – buy Omelle here:
omelle.com/shop
25Park.com
shopbop.com

The Magnes Sisters – Dina, Tamar, and Yael – are an incredibly lovely group of designing sisters who are inspired by each other and thrive on the energy of New York City. While each sister has a talent all her own (Dina with clothing, Tamar with graphic design, and Yael with jewelry), when they come together the outcome (i.e. the handbag collection) is fantastic.

What is really so unique about the designing trio is their built-in system of checks & balances – if one sister wants to design something really trendy, the others inquire as to practicality – which means that every detail is up for debate…which ultimately benefits you and I! Each bag features multiple ways to wear with different strap options and also the perfect amount of pockets (and ones that fit both your metro card and iPhone perfectly). I have the gallery in black and white that I haven’t stopped wearing since I first put it on. It really is the perfect city bag and is even roomy enough for my 17″ MacBook Pro and an extra pair of heels – but what is really nice about it is that even though it offers a lot of space, it isn’t bulky at all and is extremely comfortable to wear.

Forever a Sex and the City fan, I must admit that I was initially drawn to the collection by the Mr. Big bag (I mean, who doesn’t want a Mr. Big of their very own?!), but have to say that I am now a Magnes Sisters’ Gallery girl.
Shop their entire collection online here…

The shoes (a pair of Nikes) were customized by artist Logan Real and I immediately whipped out my iPhone to snap a picture. Lucky for me, word got back to Real that I was interested in his designs and he reached out right away and answered all of the questions I had for him..

Real was initially inspired to start painting on shoes three years ago, while still in college. “I actually came to a point in life where I didn’t know what my purpose was. I wanted meaning,” says Real. “I started painting and it was a great feeling.”

He painted on canvas and also clothing because he always loved fashion. “All my friends loved what I was doing so I decided one day to paint on a pair of shoes, and people loved it,” Real says. “At that time, my skills weren’t developed and the quality of product wasn’t what it is now, but I knew with patience and dedication, I could take this to the next level.”

So, what sort of paint do you use?

“I use an acrylic based leather paint. It’s specifically for leather goods. Water proof and crack proof. Someone can’t buy it in an average art store. Special order.”

How did your stained glass motif come about?

“I was having breakfast one morning and there was a coffee table built in a stained glass motif. I thought it would look great on a pair of shoes,” explains Real.

Logan Real’s goal is to become a brand name, a house-hold name – not nationally, but internationally. A luxury brand, he says. “I thought that the stained glass motif represented me very well. It was open-minded, diverse, consistent, elegant, and detailed. My signature look has grown so much since the day I begun working on it. It started out as simple triangles. Now, it’s becoming extremely detailed and structured. I’m growing as an artist and that’s the most exciting part about my work – the consistent urge of growth!” Click below to continue reading and for more images…

What is your favorite piece that you’ve done?

“I would have to say one of my first couple of pairs of shoes I designed. When I was in college, I ended up designing a pair of shoes for the Prince of Saudi Arabia. His best friend actually contacted me to do the piece and it was the first piece I actually used my now-signature design on. It was also the first time I realized I could take my work to the next level.”

What is you favorite kind of shoe to work on?

“I don’t have a specific shoe. If anything, I loved to design on unique shoes. Limited shoes, nothing everyone is wearing. High quality leather! A surface that allows my paint to pop off with color! Shoes aren’t my passion per say, design in my passion. I love leather goods, so luggage, wallets, hand-bags, this is what I love. Shoes are only the beginning of what I have to offer.”

Well, Mr. Real, shoes may not be your primary passion, but they are mine! What are your personal favorite shoes to wear?

“Sneakers: vans or converse. For dress shoes, Ferragamo or Brooks Brothers.”

Would you ever paint on a pair of pumps?

“Yes, I’m very excited to design on pumps.” (Ed. Note: Thank God!) “Before I left Miami, I actually designed a pair, but left them. The goal is to become a luxury brand, so I want to design on everything. I want to become a mix of a modern day Louis Vuitton/Brooks Brothers.”

So say I want you to customize a pair of shoe – would I buy the shoes first and then send them to you to customize? What is the process? Also, can you give the price range for a custom pair of shoes?

“Yes, I usually have my clients send me the shoes. I’m a custom paint shop right now, so it’s easiest for me if the client sends me product.

“The price range all varies. My signature design, stain glass motif, is the most expensive because it aquires the most labor hours. Most people don’t know, but my signature design is COMPLETELY FREE-HAND DESIGNED. No stencils, no tap, no nothing. It’s HIGH QUALITY work and that’s my vision for my brand. Price range is anywhere from $300 and up. It all depends what I’m designing and how big the surface is. Shoes, wallets, belts, luggage, you name it.

“For logos, fonts, or more themed designs (which are stencilled) prices start around $150. I consider myself like the orange county choppers of the sneaker industry. I’m a mini manufacturer basically. You want your favorite sports team logo on a shoe, a loved ones name, your sons favorite action hero, I can make it all happen.

“I found a way to express myself and it’s an amazing feeling to wake up and know I’m passionate about my life/work,” says Real. “I hope that everyone finds a way to express themselves in some form or another.”

To see more of Logan Real, visit his site at LoganReal.com and then send him a pair of new Miu Miu’s for him to work his magic on.

While I’m obsessed with the idea of have a pair of heels customized, his work on belts, blackberry cases, watchbands, and briefcases is exquisite – definitely worth checking out. I think Logan Real might just have what it takes to really go all of the way, so get him while you can.

Prada is out!
Marni is out!!
Bottega is out!!!
Jil Sander is out!!!!
Miu Miu and more, still to come…

Stay tuned to ThoseExtra4Inches.com as I’ll be listing my top looks of the season, just as I did for Spring ’09, as well as a trend report or some sort of condensed version of one. Have any of you been watching the shows? Have a favorite already??

Now that all that is out of the way, on to the fashion! There were a lot of white/ivory/shimmery gowns, a few pinky/purple ones (yes, you Natalie Portman in your Rodarte and Alicia Keys in Versace), and of course some refreshing shades of blue (Freida Pinto in John Galliano and Reese Witherspoon).

Penelope Cruz looked like a princess in her vintage Balmain, while Anne Hathaway absolutely dazzled in a sequined Armani Privé number; Sarah Jessica Parker‘s Dior Couture gown wasn’t as good as some of what she wore during the last season of SATC, but sparkled nonetheless – her hair and make-up, however, was less than spectacular, but when you’ve got that much cleavage, I guess it really doesn’t matter; Marissa Tomei‘s Versace origami-inspired gown was definitely a cut above the rest; and of course Angelina Jolie looked fabulous in her Elie Saab gown and 65-karat Colombian emerald ring and 115-karat emerald earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, while poor Jennifer Aniston looked completely out of her element despite wearing Valentino Haute Couture and Bulgari diamonds. Click below for a few ladies that looked lovely, and be sure to visit Yahoo’s coverage of the 81st Annual Academy Awards for more images.

Did you watch the awards? What did you think? Boring? Exciting? Predictable? Who gets your vote for best dressed of the night?

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain

Kate Winslet in Atelier Yves Saint Laurent

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

Marissa Tomei in Versace

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and her stunning Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings

Yesterday, while on a mad quest for new boots/yet another pair of Uggs for Grace, I saw these beauties in Miu Miu. I don’t know why Miu Miu’s patent leather is so much glossier than everyone else’s, but it is and I absolutely love it.

Even though I already own a gorgeous pair of Valentino pink satin sandals with big bows, Swarovski crystals and feathers, I’m now dying for these!
After all, a girl can never have too many shoes.

This season, designer Laura Poretzky was inspired by Les Incroyables, a fashion subculture of post-revolutionary French society in the 1790s, which translated into a darker, more sultry collection than we’ve seen in a while from her. The mood on the runway was further enhanced by a haunting soundtrack provided by a string trio. There was no logo on the back wall, no props, no fancy lights - just gorgeous girls sauntering slowly down the runway.

Poretzky’s LBD never disappoint and neither do her tightly tailored jackets or her tulip skirts complete with their perfect layering petals. Each piece looked beautiful, and this time the models walked at such a slow pace that you could actually appreciate the work that went into it all.

When I hugged Laura backstage, my eyes welled up with tears because I was truly proud of her and Abaeté in general. Even though this is going to continue to be a hard year for most of us, I can really see things going well for Abaeté’s Fall ’09 collection. See the full collection at Style.com and shop her latest collection for Payless here.

First of all – New York Fashion Week begun last week Thursday. First show for me? Rebecca Minkoff on Thursday evening.

Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2009 Collection presentation took place in an intimate space at MILK studios and featured both her RTW and popular handbag line. I stayed for about 30 minutes chatted with the girls from InStyle and left right as the adorable Agyness Deyn walked in (sporting a bright purple tutu no less).

The thing is, Minkoff just has an eye for design and simply knows what cool girls want. Her collection on Thursday had a definite LES/Williamsburg feel to it, but the finish and fit were much more refined and sophisticated.

I suppose that it should come as no great surprise that the talented handbag designer’s leather pieces were show presentation stealers. Gorgeous lines, great details and just the perfect fit made me want practically every piece - especially the snug shearling jacket and the leather leggings.

Another style I could use in my closet? The stunning purple dress with zipper edging running along the plunging back and pleated fan detail. Gorgeous, fun, and now a new obsession of mine. Click below for more images from the presentation and be sure to grab yourself one of Rebecca’s fabulous neon-piped ‘morning after bags’ this season.

Wait just a second…Erickson Beamon created a collection for Target?! How did I miss this?!

Anyway, back in the days of my first and only fashion internship, I spent hour upon hour identifying, writing up, checking back, re-labeling and assisting with the merchandising of Erickson Beamon jewelry at Showroom Seven/Seventh House PR. Twisted Sister and Chain Reaction were two of the groups I can still remember and I now own several EB brooches (yes, I’m just like Michelle Obama) and I think perhaps a bracelet.

Erickson Beamon is known for taking things over-the-top – way over the top. Think mounds of pearls, cascading crystals, bling bling bling as far as the eye can see. Definitely fun to wear on a wild night out!

The collection will be available online at Target.com beginning February 15th, but is apparently out in some stores already!

Want the “real” stuff? Shop the Seventh House Showroom Sample Sale now through Friday, Feb 20th from 10am-7pm (excluding Sundays) at 263 11th Avenue, 3rd floor, between 27th & 28th Streets. EB will be available as wholesale costs or less, as will Orla Kiely, Issa, Charlotte Ronson, and more!

That’s right – the master shoe designer has collaborated with world renowned embroiderer, Jean-Francois Lesage of the House of Lesage on a very limited-edition shoe collection of just 36 pairs inspired by the over-the-top opulence of Marie Antoinette. Each pair is stamped with a limited-edition number and comes in a specially created box along with a book illustrating the collaboration process - ooh la la!

The collection debuts on February 23rd in LA at the South Coast Plaza boutique and will arrive at New York’s Madison Avenue boutique on February 26th.

Can’t quite afford $6,295? See all of the slightly more affordable new Louboutins that have just arrived at Barneys – my new faves include the Mount Street and the Rolando Python Pump in Aqua.

Yes, Michelle Obama wore a red and black dress by Narciso Rodriguez the day her husband won the presidential election. She’s worn Thakoon. She’s embellished her dresses with Erickson Beamon brooches. She wore a dress from White House | Black Market when she appeared on The View. She’s even worn leggings and owns a belt by Azzedine Alaïa. She also wears color.

And OMG, she wore a beaded lemongrass-colored Isabel Toledo frock the day of the inauguration and a pretty, prom-ish one-shoulder gown by Jason Wu for the inaugural balls. So, after all of that, Michelle Obama is fashion’s new savior – and of course she’ll be gracing the March 2009 cover of Vogue.

The thing is: Michelle is to the fashion industry what Barack is to the entire nation, and perhaps the world – she’s a symbol of hope; a symbol of change; a symbol away from the good ol’ boys – a step in a new direction.

About five years ago I decided to pour my heart and soul into the fashion industry even though it pays nothing and most people don’t respect it (or the people who work in it) at all. I have always believed that fashion holds tremendous power – that designers are artists in their own right, that publicists are creative individuals, that fashion assistants are some of the most passionate people I have ever met – that it is as powerful visually as it is in countless other ways. A dress is a dress, sure, but some dresses are much more than that.

While I do not believe that one person alone can save an entire nation, or even a single industry, I do believe that a single person can inspire infectious hope in others. So let Michelle Obama’s fashion choices inspire you not only to simply go out and buy green gloves from JCrew, but to forge ahead in a brand (ha ha) new direction.

That’s right. Christian Lacroix is selling his beautiful seventeeth- century apartment in fashion’s favorite Parisian neighborhood, Le Marais, for $2.6 million, reports Fashionology. Actually, the designer will be staying in the neighborhood so you theoretically could wear Lacroix, live Lacroix, and even be his neighbor. Say goodbye to Mister Rogers.

The listing gives us a look inside, which is lovely, eclectic, and exactly what I’d love to live it, just like his clothes. Le sigh…