dior

Imitation = Flattery? Dior Metal Pump vs Tildon Megan Pump

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

One of my favorite heel designs from Spring 2013 was the Dior metal strap pump.

I thought the heel was great, the colors were perfect for Spring and the use of the bold metal strap toughened up and modernized what could have been a bit simple and girly.

Yet it still keeps the feminine look that pairs well with the dresses and skirts of the season.

I guess that why I should not be surprised that there is already a knock-off in stores, specifically the Tildon Megan pump.  The lines are not nearly as good and the way the metal strap is done looks cheap. 

I didn’t buy the Diors, although I wish I could have, but I certainly would not consider the Tildon’s.  they took a beautiful, graceful design and dumbed it down to the point where it is pointless.

Sigh.

SD Review – Dior Color Awakening Lip Balm

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Dior’s Color Awakening Lipbalm may be the prettiest lip balm I’ve ever experienced. I’m totally smitten with it’s feminine presentation and just want to use it all the time because it’s so pretty. Luckily, the balm itself is actually pretty amazing as well.

Dior describes it as:
A made-to-measure lip balm that beautifies and durably enhances the lips’ natural color. A customized color result : thanks to its Color Reviver technology, Dior Addict Lip Glow reacts directly with the unique chemistry of each woman’s lips before releasing its color ingredient. Lips seem revived from within, amazingly fresh, full and radiant. In addition, its SPF10 formula enriched with wild mango and luffa cylindrica continuously protects and moisturizes. A universal balm for all lips.

I have to admit that it works. My lips are soft and rosy.  This isn’t a gloss but a soft balm that leaves you with a bit of sheen and a flush of pink.

I’ve always heard (although I didn’t put much credit in it) that wearing lipstick fades your lips over time.  I haven’t seen that but, even if it’s true, this does the opposite.  It leaves your lips worthy of a book heroine description. Who doesn’t want that?

Forbidden Fruit

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I am seriously in love with these shiny red and gold Dior Serpent heels.

And I really need them too, right?

OMG! Heel detail!

I know that red pumps with gold heels aren’t new. And actually I have a pair…

But the Dior ones are totally different and therefore justifiable, right?
Because:
1. They are round-toed while the Stuart Weitzman’s are pointy
2. They are Diors
3. They have a lot more detail
4. The heel is different
5. They aren’t in my closet
6. I love red shoes
7. They are new
8. They are available in my size
9. Their name is Serpent
10. They are fancy shmancy Diors
What do you think? Justifiable????
: )

Buying in Belk

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I was randomly in the mall yesterday and went into a department store I almost never go into… Belk. Belk, to me, is in the same tier Dillards, Macys, etc. Somewhere between JCPenny’s and Nordstroms. I almost never even go into these stores.

[REVISED: I received a comment (which you will see below) that I came off a bit harsh in describing the stores above so I revised my text a bit to what is there now. I wanted to clarify – I generally don’t go into any of these department stores because I don’t like the overall experience. It doesn’t have much to do with the price or the merchandise (although quality can vary which is why there are different stores) but generally I find them a pain. Personally, I like the shopping experience at Target 100x’s better than I do at any department store in the mall. Is is the lighting, the layout, the sales people? I don’t know. ]

As I walked around with my friends we noticed a few cute dresses and were looking at the brand. They were Kristin Davis. Charlotte York Goldenblatt of SATC fame. And she was everywhere in that store. They had clothes and purses and jewelry.

And shoes.

As I walked through the shoe department and saw her display, I wasn’t overly impressed by the styles of any of them. But one shoe did catch my eye, although not in a good way. The “Amber” Platform sandal.

Ummmmm…. remind you of anything?

Not only was this line not overly expressive of her style or the character’s style, but they are ripping off shoes identified with another character!

What’s going on here?

I’ll grant them that some of the dresses are kind of cute but this is just wrong!

Reinterpretations

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

If you have any familiarity or love for Sex and The City, you probably were aware of this shoe from the movie. It was everywhere last fall and is still selling online.

And if you saw the movie, you couldn’t help but see it because Patricia Field had it in every other scene it seemed like.

Pat likes to bring the SATC style to the masses by selling similar pieces in her store (arglye thigh-highs, check!, giant flower pin, check!, floaty dresses and half-gloves, check!) but she is also doing this with her line for Payless it seems.

I was on looking to see if there were any cute rainboots and stumbled upon this:

This can’t be anything but a dumbed down version of the Dior sandal. Yes, I know we can’t all shell out almost $800 bucks for the original. And I can’t say this is some one interpreting a trend or even aware of the trend. We KNOW Pat is aware of this shoe. I hope she got some sort of approval becauase this is just doing a bad rip-off.

And it doesn’t need to be this way, even if it is made for payless. I call it a dumbed down version because the color is bad, the heel is unecessarily thick, the platform is just too chunky.

Maybe these are the things she had to do to keep from getting sued but Dior but I still think it is close enough for that.
Personally, I think they should just not have bothered. These took away all of the design elements that made the original a tough but sexy sandal (although not a style I could pull off well) and made it tacky.

What are your thoughts?

Fall Favorites: Focus on Heels

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

A few days ago we looked at the “Rich Details” being seen in the Fall introductions just hitting stores. One of the next (or actually continuing) trends is focusing on the heel area to make an impact.

These Dior heels not only have mirrored insets but they also have the chunky loafer styling which is also popular this year. They also come in a few other colors, not just the tobacco leather.

As typical for Maison Martin Margiela, these nail pumps have a bit of the surreal and unusual about them. I’m not sure how comfortable these are but they’re sure to get some double-takes when you are wearing them.

These Oscar de la Renta patent pumps intrigue me because I like how the tweed pattern is achieved not as fabric but a pattern in the patent leather. They also mixed it with tortoiseshell patent accents. But it is the heel that caught my eye. The heel cap reminds me of the Miu Miu Vernice Pop and Spazzolato heels.

Miu Miu and Prada were busy again this year… and leading the trends. These Miu Miu Lightning Bolt booties bridge the 1980s touch points with modern techniques. I think they look more like something that would come from Ashley Dearborn than Miu Miu.

This is more the Miu Miu I’m thinking of for this season – sequins and sculpted heels. It’s as if they took the waves and fans from the main body of the shoe last year and moved them into the heel.

And, of course, Prada. Not that their embellishments were limited to just the heel, but this suede sandal in particular was be-ruffled in purple and brown and the focal point for the design. I actually had this on pre-order but ended up dropping this in favor of a Chanel pair. But wouldn’t these be pretty with some dark grey tights?

And my favorite of the bunch are actually these Stella McCartney heels with the metal “armor”. I know. It’s so hit and miss with Stella but I think she does best when she sticks to fabric versus other materials. These would be great with a cocktail dress. I like how they add a tough element but in a classy way.

Do you have a preference?

More to come!

Patterns and Scale – Dior Spring Couture 2008

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I wish that I had more time to immerse myself in all of the runway shows, especially Couture, because they level of fantasy and excess are best displayed there. And while I hope that more of that attention to detail will translate over to real life, I know that much of it can only live well when it is just “a dream”.

In Galliano’s Spring 2008 show for Dior, I was just swept away but what he presented. I loved the use of over-scaled patterns and silhouettes. You could see the very open and fresh-faced 60’s mod influences, especially in the jewelry but you also see the intrigue and glamour (influenced by a favorite of mine – the Madame X Sargent painting) in the make-up (made especially sultry in the non-organic embellishments), and the nods to Klimt in much of the pieces’ embellishments.

It was interesting that the tempered the excess of the clothes with a simple wardrobe of shoes. Yes, they, in and of themselves, are excessive but in using the same style (only varied in color and material) he kept the focus firmly on the clothes and helped to ground the variety of shapes, patterns and textures.

As the Manolo has said before, we are passing the zenith of this style of shoe. Especially when, you see a high-concept shoe on a couture runway concurrent with equally outlandish styles available for anyone to buy. Not just high-end, although they are there, but modified to a mass-market level.

Here are some examples all available now:

Guiseppe Zanotti at Piperlime – $750

Kors Michael Kors at Saks – $230

Nine West Taildrop – $79

Check out more of the show and detail shots on Style.com

Photo montage – Catwalk Queen & Shiny Style

Not for Shrinking Violets

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

So, as to be expected, the shoes coming on the scene for the next season are airy and colorful. Vibrant shoes with streamlined styles that let the color take center stage. They aren’t overly embellished or precious. And definitely not pastels!

Here’s a collage sample of the gorgeousness (Click to enlarge):

Photo Key:

1 & 2. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Rubino – Saks – $740
3. Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platform Sandals in Saffron – Saks – $740
4 & 5. Dior Suede Slingbacks – Saks – $660
6. Elie Tahari Ashton Patent Ballet Flats in Laguna – Saks – $195 (also in mandarin)

7. Gucci Grease High Heel Platform Sandal – Saks – $595 (Do you think it is named after the movie?)
8. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow – $148 (other colors available)
9. JCrew Cameron Printed Espadrilles in Flame Dots – $148 (other colors available)
10. Gucci Swing High Heel Pump – Saks – $575 (also in black)
11. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Blue – Neiman Marcus – $675
12. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Python Sandal in Pink – Neiman Marcus – $675

13. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Burnished Yellow – $128 (other patterns available)
14. JCrew City Printed Ballet Flats in Flame Tiles – $128 (other patterns available)
15. JCrew Vachetta Wedges in Dark Poppy – $160 (also in driftwood)
16. Louboutin Foil Rings Slide – Neiman Marcus – $720
17 & 18. Louboutin Trescobaldi Gisa Sandals – Saks – $720

19. Manolo Blahnik Criss Cross Slingback in Yellow – Neiman Marcus – $585 (also in black)
20. Dolce & Gabbana Suede Pump in Fuchsia – Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus – $550 (also in black)
21. Miu Miu Open- Slingback Pump in Dark Turquoise – Barneys – $395
22 & 23. Jimmy Choo Once Patent Sandals in Pepper – Saks – $595 (also in taupe)
24. Ralph Lauren Satin Sandals with Flower – Saks – $425

25. Prada Camoscio Deco Suede Platform Sandal – Saks – $650
26 & 27. Jimmy Choo Patent Sandals in Fuchsia -Saks – $585 (also in black)
28 & 29. Louboutin Passmule Sandal – Saks – $620 (also in grey)
30. JCrew Cameron Suede Espadrilles in Burnished Yellow – $145 (also in fresh tangerine and black)

31 & 32. Louboutin Joli Noeud 957 Satin Slides in Fuchsia – Saks – $550 (also in black)
33 & 34. Louboutin Comme Ca Gisa Wedges – Saks – $735
35 & 36. Louboutin Noeudette Gisa Sandal in Pink – Saks – $740 (also in black – I think this will be THE hot shoe of the summer.)

So lots of pink with some very sunny yellow. Perfect for chasing away winter doldrums. This is just a small sample – check out the full listing of bright beauties at these stores –

Saks Fifth Avenue – Bright Shoes – Premier Designer

Saks Fifth Avenue – Bright Shoes – Designer

Neiman Marcus – Bright & Cheerful Shoes

Tailored for Spring/Summer 2008

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

This is such a schizophrenic time of year when looking at shoes. It’s the middle of winter, but you’re seeing early Spring and Resort sandals and peep-toes, leftovers from Fall going on sale and it’s all rainy and crummy outside so you feel like you can’t wear anything but boots and wellies.

Plus, you’re broke from all that darn holiday shopping and spending on others.

But now is the time to get in there and pre-order any of the shoes you are in love with for Spring and Summer or, guaranteed, there will be slim pickings in a few months. I’ve already received two of my favorites – the Prada Spuntate flower heels and the Miu Miu Capretto jeweled sandal (both of which are freakin‘ amazing!) – because if those were to have run out before I got them I would be seriously heartbroken.

In looking through all of the new arrivals quietly drifting into stores I’ve seen a lot of color – bold blues, pinks, corals, reds and yellows – which I think I will save for another post. But another thing I’ve seen a lot are some strong tailored looks. Not tailored as in menswear, which we saw in the Fall of this year, but more like classic 40’s influences as well as some safari elements mixed in through the use of colors and materials.

Of what I’ve seen out there, here are some of the ones that rise to the top for me. In somewhat of an alphabetical order with front and back views as available. (click on the text to visit their page):

Dior Jeweled Python Slingback – $1450 – Neiman Marcus



I love exotics and the shape on this is great. Plus the jeweled element adds a contrast.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Open Toe Slingbacks – $492 – Saks

I love tan and red together and this sculpted heel just puts it over the edge.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Trim Spectator Pumps – $595 – Saks

This may be my favorite of the bunch. Guiseppe Zanotti is fast becoming one of my top designers. I love the classy stacked heel and the red patent at the back.

Gucci Sissi High Heel Peep-toe– $550 – Neiman Marcus

A very classy peep-toe and I love a well done white heel. Also available in black.

Jimmy Choo Eliza Patent Sandals – $585 – Saks

Just throwing in a little uber-glamour there. Kind of like a palette cleanser. What a heel! This comes in red with a black heel but I think the black with green is much sexier. Back to the show…

Jimmy Choo Erica Nappa Pumps – $660 – Saks

That to me is a real power shoe, perfect with a structured suit but still seasonally appropriate. I love that clay/taupe color too.

Louboutin Moyen Empire Cork Slingback – $735 – Saks

Very sexy, yes, but still sort of tough looking too. It has a very hot weather vibe to me.

Louboutin Quadrillette Leather Sling backs – $620 – Saks



These look eminently wearable all summer long. A great height, a great color and breezy. Perfect with work clothes or linen pants.

Louboutin Xatrinxia Platform Sandal – $425 – Saks

These are some serious statement shoes and, I think, sort of a departure for Louboutin. But they check all the right boxes for a tough, tailored safari-summer-ish look. I’m not sure if I would get them but I think in the right environment they would be amazing. They have to be accessorized with a icy drink that has an umbrella. And can you believe the “low” starting price for a Louboutin? Maybe because they are so different.

Manolo Pointed Toe Suede Slingback – $815 – Neiman Marcus

These have to me by second favorite. They are so lady-like and perfect. Of course they are totally pricey but they are suede and have lizard trim, so I guess that explains it. You could invest in these and wear them forever. They are very reminiscent of a pair of Ralph Lauren slingbacks I have from about 10 years ago. I still wear them.

Manolo Leather Kati Crisscross Pump – $666 – Neiman Marcus

I’m sure there will be events and nights out during the warmer months. These gold heels are tough enough for jeans but would be gleaming paired with black.

MARC by Marc Jacob Color-block d’Orsay Sandal – $395 – Neiman Marcus

These would be perfect with a linen shirt-dress in either a tan or dark brown then pair it with wood bangles and a large bag that incorporates the rusty orange. I’ll bet you could walk all day in those.

Stuart Weitzman Gator Printed Slingback – $285 – Neiman Marcus

Yeah, I’m a sucker for an alligator/croc print especially when it is as classy as this. If you can’t find a pair as good as my vintage ones, these are a good way to go. Get the brown and the black and you’ll always have something to wear.

Tod’s 85 Pump – $465 – Saks

Clay and white patent with restrained but luxe looking embellishments. What’s not to love. This would be great with a tennis looking outfit all in classic white. Dress your guy in white bucks and your good to go.

Enjoy!