The Hotness!! What A Bargain! Rockstud Pumps.....

Valentino Rockstud Pump (single strap) $945US

 I must admit that I do like the Valentino Rockstud T-Strap pumps that have been the "it" shoe for most of the year. But with the prices ranging from $600 to over $1,500, depending on the style, put it well out of my price range.
Then, after reading blog after blog of Fashionistas lamenting and finally breaking down and charging a shoe they probably won't be caught dead in next year,  I decided looked for a more affordable alternative.

Valentino Rockstud Pump (triple strap) $945.00US

Enter Sole Society Shoes. A fabulous club-based website specializing in affordable, on trend shoes and accessories.  I discovered them while image searching a photo of the Valentino's hoping to find a similar style.  Yatzee!!

Take a look at the Anneke Pump! At a price of $59.95US, I can buy all three colors if I wanted for waaaay less than one pair of the Valentino's!

And if flats are your thing, they have the Izzi Pump priced at $49.95US available for comfort AND style!


So when you find yourself subconsciously trying to convince yourself that the more costly pair is so worth it and you will "wear them forever" and "they will never go out of style".

I urge you to remember the same thing was said about these. LOL!

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Leopard Coats

Leopard print never goes out of style and can add a dose of chic uniqueness to any look when done correctly.  A key point is to keep your leopard to a minimum. You don't want to look like a Times Square hooker from the 80s. LOL!  The pricing on this look can also range from the reasonable to the rediculous.
I added two outerwear pieces in leopard to my wardrobe recently.  One for now and one for when the weather gets warmer. 

I found this cute, extremely soft and very well made and faux fur bolero at Forever21 on sale after Christmas for $20.00.  It fits really well and will look great with skinny jeans and a t-shirt or dressed up with my black leather skirt and a black sweater.

I also found this reasonably-priced leopard trench at Nordstroms, which will look awesome once the weather turns warmer over my red dress or all black.  It comes in petite sizes!




Don't forget your red lips to really set off this look!
My favorite?

Nars lip pencil in Dragon Girl for a long lasting wear topped by Yves Saint Laurent's Golden Gloss - 17 Golden Cherry.

The Hotness!! Black Leather Skinny Pants

L'Agence's stretch cotton-backed black leather leggings with metallic sheen are the hotness and in my book a must have wardrobe staple.  Balance the slim shape with a loose-fit top and skyscraper heels for a fashion-forward finish.  Since I'm not about to pay $1,030 for some leggings...Ebay to the rescue!!  LOL!

Or...................................

Black Leatherette Skinny Pants on Ebay  for $39.99 US

Even Posh agrees..they are the HOTNESS!

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Suede Platform Pumps - Just Like Prada's

ALDO Segura - Women Platform Pumps
You can never go wrong with a pair of killer pumps! They instantly make your look more stylish and fashionable. Featuring a towering square heel that's compensated with a bold platform, squared at the front. Also with open toe and low-cut profile. Available in size 5B-11B, multiple colors and fast shipping!!



OR..............................

This stunning peep toe platform from Prada is the epitome of sophistication and luxurious style.  1" platform, 4½" suede wrapped heel.  Leather sole with Prada metal logo. Retail $650.00!! Now on sale here in sizes 6 & 6.5 for 199.95..only in Purple.

I have the Aldo version in blue suede!! I will rock them with skinny jeans, all black, all grey...and whatever in between!!  They fit great, are comfortable and look just like their $650 dollar version.  What more could you ask for!!

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Aeropostle Fur-Trimmed Hoodie!

When I saw this cute casual hoodie on the lovely Donna of Soul Pretty's website and she cued her readers in on the big sale and printable coupons for Aeropostle, I had to give her a shout out and say thanks again! 
I got this hoodie AND a pair of cute jeans together for a total cost of $50.  The hoodie is warm and comfortable, looks extremely cute on and is perfect for "dashing through the mall" in search of holiday bagains.  Definitely take a look at the stylish Soul Pretty's site!  I love her eye and she give great ideas for fashion and interior!!

The Hotness!! Virtual Worlds, 3D design and Fashion!

A link to an article I was where I was one of the interviewees of The Art Institute.  The article explores how digital media, virtual worlds, 3D design and fashion intersect and how the new genres will affect how fashion is designed and marketed!  http://insite.artinstitutes.edu/web-20-creating-a-digital-revolution-for-fashion-15618.aspx#
Below is the video of my F/W 2008 fashion show featuring the clothing line I designed and made myself using the virtual world of Second Life. Great fun! Check out some of my other work on my virtual worlds/digital art website, Digital Image.


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The Hotness!! ALDO Mickolick - Women Peep-toe Pumps

I bought these black booties from Aldo with the intention of sporting them with everything from skinny jeans to my leather mini with my stripy tights.  They are surprisingly comfortable for 4 inch heels!  I wore them on Thanksgiving and got many compliments and inquiries. :-).  It was thought they were far more pricey than they were, so I consider them a great bargain and a great addition to my Winter wardrobe!  For those of you who want a dash of color, they come in Fuschia, Electric Blue suede and in the black in suede, as well.

The Hotness!! Large 80's Style Ghetto Blaster Weekend Bag

This bag definitely bought a smile to my face when I saw it and is cute and whimsical yet somehow chic and hip.  I'm sure it garners stares and compliments of appreciation from old and new skool alike.  It immediately put my in mind of the movies of that mid 80s time period and the horribly acted yet dance inspiring movies like "Breakin" and "Beat Street."  Now that 80s fashion is making a come back (including the dreaded and dreadful stirrup pant, LOL!)  It would be the perfect finishing touch to your look!  And now for your enjoyment, my favorite 80s dance scene. :-)

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Leopard Print Tote...

The stylish and spacious large Kristen tote from Dooney and Bourke™ for $225.00?



OR........

Vicky Giraffe Print Faux Leather Satchel Bag Handbag Purse for $18.99 + Free Shipping???

I have the Vicky version and believe me I get asked all the time is it the D & B bag because it looks that good.  I really was not expecting much when I ordered it and was surprised at the quality I got for the price.  If animal prints and roomy bags are your thing, it's definitely a bargain.  Better yet, Christmas is coming!! At this price you can get one for all the ladies on your list!  LOL!

DIY & The Hotness! ! Project Runway!! Episode One

I know I'm not the only one who was loving Ms. Fenty's Prada fur-trimmed sweater dress, but cannot and will not pay the $2,220.00US price tag attached to it!  I'm making (or having made for me, I should say) my OWN version for around $200.00US to wear on my birthday this month.

My first task was to find a suitable sweater dress  at a reasonable price and after a bit of searching I ended up at White House/Black Market.  I wanted long sleeves on my version, and I love the bell shaped sleeve shape.  Plus this sweater dress is a comfortable silk blend and has only 10% wool which means no itcy and a nice fit to it. 

Sometime back while search on-line for some suitable crystal buttons in an attempt to replace the one a local dry cleaners ruined on my Marc Jacobs sweater ( along with my cashmere Juicy hoodie)  *side eye from H E L L to them...you know who you are* I found 3 inch wide, fox fur sold "by-the-yard" on M & J Trimming and bookmarked it knowing some day I would have the desire to have this sewn on SOMETHING..LOL!  Lo and behold, my foresight was not in vain!  I selected the snowtop version/color...white fox subtly tipped in black for contrast and blend with the black dress.

I'll be turning heads paired with some short boots or maybe classic pumps and patterned black stockings. (won't forget my ear rocks and lipgloss ala' Ms. Fenty)

The Hotness! Gold Beaded Twisted Cuff

I was lucky enough to pick this up at Macy's for $12.00! Gotta love Macy's and the extra off at the register!  The design of it is so interesting and it has the feel of a pricey piece from Morrocco or India. This flexible cuff is made up of metal beads on wire strands. Sections of five strands are braided to enhance the texture. I like to wear it facing the other direction. Like this ...

The Hotness! Emily Ryan's Shop

One of the things I love about Etsy.com is the fantastic little fashion design shops it has.  One of my favorites is Emily Ryan, who designs and even makes custom items (you send her your bust, waist and hips measurements for this dress) for her patrons.  On my wish list for this month is one of Emily's best sellers, her Cowl Necked Pocket Tunic.

It has the wonderful elements of casual and couture at the same time, and it can be dressed up or dressed down.  Pair it with funky tights, leggins, a wide belt, anything animal print and you are chicness personified!

The Hotness!! Victoria's Secret Marled Sweater Dress

I really liked the styling of this cute sweater dress and since my office runs on the colder side, it seemed like a good choice to rotate in.  I got it a couple of weeks back and have yet to wear it.  One reason is it is considerably lower cut on me than on the model, showing lotta cleavage...so no can do for the office. LOL!  It also is a little on the itchy side, so a slip underneath is also a must.  Overall though, it's pretty cute and I will sport with my knee-high brown boots and a retro 70's type necklace. It's on sale now, so if you want to pick up you can find it here!

The Hotness!! Kate Spade Purple Multi-Colored Faux Fur Clutch

This is one of the reasons I love those little thrift shops that dot the streets of non-descript towns in NJ.  I was at an appointment in one of these little towns and next door to where I went was a rough and tumble looking everything in it thrift shop.  I always will pop in and take a quick dash through in case there might be a VanGogh or a real diamond heirloom mistaken for a fake lurking about somewhere.  Not so lucky that day, but I did find this really cute authentic Kate Spade soft fur clutch.  It clearly had never been used, so perhaps someone received as a gift and didn't like it or had buyers remorse. I snapped it up and although it's not a typical "day" bag, it definitely will go nice with dinner out or weekend outing.

The Hotness! New Aquisition! - Black Faux Fur Vest

Esty.com has struck again!  Or I should say I have struck Esty.com again..LOL!  They have hit upon the perfect marketing formula for shopping addicts like myself. :-).  They send a "spotlight" email of 10-15 items in a nice little newsletter type format to entice you to go and look at the shops.  Brilliant!! Another vest from this shop was in the hightlights newsletter, but when clicked over, I discovered someone with quicker click capabilities had beat me to it! The next item on the list was this one and at $30.00 was a steal so I snatched it up! I noticed the seller, who runs a quaint vintage on-line shop on Etsy.com, has a blog as well so I clicked over and gave it a read.  I am already putting together the outfits to wear with this fantastic Fall/Winter find! 
You can visit the vintage shop I purchased it at here.  MyVintageSecret.  Since it is a vintage shop, the inventory is constantly changing, which is one of the things I love about these types of places!  Enjoy!

I Will Be TALLLLL!!!!

Well, maybe not...LOL! At barely 5 ft, I've never been one to rock the extreme heels. But when I saw these Steve Madden peep-toe purple suede 4 inch boots - available in a size 5 no less, I jumped on it quick!

They are very cute, well made, and on sale which makes them a great addition to the Fall closet.

I will wear them with skinny jeans and skirts with some funky tights. So far I have just worn them around the house, but they are TALL! Don't think I'll be wearing these out shopping or doing long walks or anything..:-)...but even if I lose feeling in my feet...I will be stylin!!