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Shoes

Shoes of Prey's Jodie Fox on Trends, Brides, and Why Her Company Is "About You"

The Shoes of Prey philosophy is pretty simple: every woman deserves to have the perfect pair of shoes, whether she prefers a lower heel, likes a pointier toe, or needs a bigger or in-between size.

The Shoes of Prey philosophy is pretty simple: every woman deserves to have the perfect pair of shoes, whether she prefers a lower heel, likes a pointier toe, or needs a bigger or in-between size. Since launching the design-your-own-shoe company in 2009, founder Jodie Fox has brought her footwear problem-solving skills to the masses. The designer has opened four global offices, created two runway collections for Jonathan Simkhai, and built custom shoes for Rihanna, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elle Macpherson, and Kate Middleton. Jodie popped by our POPSUGAR offices in San Francisco recently to show us how Shoes of Prey works — and not only did we get a personal online tour through the shoe-designing process, but we also picked Jodie's brain about her design beginnings, celebrity style icons, and her own shoe collection.

POPSUGAR: How did you get your start, and where did the idea for Shoes of Prey come from?
Jodie Fox: I come from a long line of Sicilian women who always loved shoe shopping and being around beautiful leather goods — I definitely developed the same taste! I went to law school, became a lawyer, and was never able to find shoes that I liked, let alone ones that worked well with the suits I had to wear every day. I then began learning about leather and shoe construction and decided to delve into my creative desires. For my business partners and me, it doesn't matter that we didn't start out as cobblers. It matters that we're solving a problem. This is about you; every woman should have the perfect shoe.

PS: What are your favorite upcoming shoe trends?
JF: I love anything sculptural — anything that goes "beyond the foot" and looks like a piece of art. Also, brogues and oxfords are the new ballet flat. If you don't have a pair of oxfords, you're in trouble.

Find out Jodie's ultimate style crush, shoe tips for brides, and more when you keep reading.

Celebrity Style

60 Seconds With Brad Goreski: Fashion Week, Celeb Clients, and Great Reality TV

As Old Navy's official "style attendant," the ever-dapper Mr. Brad Goreski was on hand at the label's Spring styling event to do what he does best: give guests a lesson in putting together outfits with a little of that signature brand of Brad Goreski flair.

As Old Navy's official "style attendant," the ever-dapper Mr. Brad Goreski was on hand at the label's Spring styling event to do what he does best: give guests a lesson in putting together outfits with a little of that signature brand of Brad Goreski flair. Between styling sessions and cocktails, we caught up with the very busy stylist and Bravo TV star to talk Fashion Week, the new season of It's a Brad Brad World, and celebrity clients like Stacy Keibler, Jessica Alba, and Rashida Jones.

POPSUGAR: What did you think of the Fall shows?
Brad Goreski: I've never been to London Fashion Week before. It was nice because it was like the shows started maximum 15 minutes late, and there wasn't all of the stuff happening. Everyone just got to the venue, sat down, and watched the shows. It was awesome. Christopher Kane blew my mind, Peter Pilotto blew my mind. I got to see Tom Ford. It was just fun to see these worker bees doing really, really interesting, new, fresh work.

PS: Did you have a favorite?
BG: Christopher Kane just blew my mind. From the first look — I think he did 60 looks — I went backstage and saw the workmanship up close. It was unreal. To be so young and to have all those superfresh ideas is very inspiring.

PS: Do you have a client you'd love to see wearing it?
BG: Jessica [Alba] loves Christopher Kane, Rashida [Jones] loves Christopher Kane. They're probably his biggest fans.

Read on for Brad's favorite reality-show moments, and what we can expect from the new season of his show.

lookbooks

Ruby Aldridge Faces Off For Madewell's Latest Spring Installment

Here to help you kick-start your warm-weather wardrobe is Madewell's new Spring catalog stories.

Here to help you kick-start your warm-weather wardrobe is Madewell's new Spring catalog stories. The latest installment features Ruby Aldridge working it in the brand's latest wares. This season, Madewell's all about mixing stripes with florals, lace with denim, and cute tees with silky skirts — all with a sportif twist. With pastel baseball caps, skateboards, and backpacks serving as accessories, it's clearly looking like a casual cool season to come. Click on to see the latest from Madewell, plus covet-worthy denim (highlighting its namesake line, its Rivet & Thread heritage capsule collection, and ultraluxe handmade pieces from Chimala) from the first catalog installment.

fab exclusive

Camilla Belle Talks Red Carpet Drama, Styling the Basics, and More

With an eye for fashion that's made her one of our favorite Young Hollywood style setters, it's only fitting that we'd find Camilla Belle stepping out for Cotton's 24 Hour Runway Show in Miami this past weekend.

With an eye for fashion that's made her one of our favorite Young Hollywood style setters, it's only fitting that we'd find Camilla Belle stepping out for Cotton's 24 Hour Runway Show in Miami this past weekend. Before the catwalk, we caught up with the actress, whose off-duty brand of street style manages to be just as chic as her red-carpet wares, to find out just how she preps for the glamour of, say, the Met Gala, and her tricks for styling up your basic cotton t-shirt. Read on for all the details from the gorgeous Camilla Belle — straight from Miami.


Above: Camilla Belle showed off two looks in Miami for the Cotton 24 Hour Runway festivities.

POPSUGAR: When you're reaching for something like a regular white cotton t-shirt, how do you put your stamp on it and style it your way?
Camilla Belle: That's when everyone's personality comes into play, and for me, I'm a fan of jewelry and I collect jewelry whenever I travel. I just got back from Brazil and I came back with quite a few new pieces and trinkets to add to my wardrobe, and that's something I like to play around with and to have fun with.

PS: On the opposite end of the spectrum, we love watching you on the red carpet in these amazing, high-drama gowns. Is there one moment that stands out in your mind as your absolute favorite red carpet moment?
CB: One of them is probably the first year I went to the Met Gala and I wore Jean Paul Gaultier Couture. The dress was so dramatic and the event was so beautiful, and so many amazing people that I respect were walking on the red carpet — and Cate Blanchett was right next to me. It was so over the top in so many different ways — the dress included — and I'll never forget that. The dress will always be something really special. Another one that pops into my mind is also the Met Gala, last year. I wore Ralph Lauren, and that dress was very different from any look I had worn before, and also just the whole look — the makeup and the hair. It was all very much put together in a certain way, and I think that's the moment that will always pop out as well.

Keep reading for Camilla's red-carpet dressing strategy, favorite essentials, best fashion advice, and more.

Accessories

Exclusive: Jerome C. Rousseau Debuts Clutches, Talks Dream Customer

If you haven't already, it may be a good idea to commit the name Jerome C.

If you haven't already, it may be a good idea to commit the name Jerome C. Rousseau to memory. The LA-based designer, who's most well known for his exquisite shoe designs (loyalists include Julianne Hough, Carrie Underwood, and Holland Roden), has added another accessory specialty to his résumé: clutches. The painstaking detail paid to his heels has been visibly extended to his sleek capsule of evening-geared accessories. All you have to do is look to the white python gold-framed clutch — a piece that balances opulence and exotic texture — or turn to the all-out glamour of the crystal-covered ribbon-clad version (pictured here) to understand just why Hollywood's leading ladies deem Rousseau a go-to source for undeniably gorgeous fashion statements. Click on for an exclusive look at Jerome C. Rousseau's foray into clutches, as well as soundbites straight from the designer.

lookbooks

Marissa Webb Dishes on Her Debut Spring '13 Collection

As the former J.Crew VP of womenswear design, it's safe to say Marissa Webb has a black belt in creating irresistibly chic and effortlessly cool pieces for the everyday woman.

As the former J.Crew VP of womenswear design, it's safe to say Marissa Webb has a black belt in creating irresistibly chic and effortlessly cool pieces for the everyday woman. Last year, the designer branched out on her own to create her very own namesake line launching in Spring '13. Her debut collection features modern, streamlined silhouettes highlighting tailored blazers, fun sequined tops, zipper-embellished trousers, and a lot of leather. The latter features a range of refreshing silhouettes like Bermuda shorts and a leather skirt and tulle that's nothing short of channeling Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Meanwhile, a smattering of silk bow blouses and peplum details add a ladylike tilt to her cool-cum-classic collection. We spoke to Marissa about the inspiration behind her debut namesake collection, who she wants to see wearing it, and her favorite piece(s). Read below to see what she has to say, then click on to see her Spring '13 lookbook.

On which celebrity she would like to see wearing her new collection: "I have to admit I have a serious girl crush on Cate Blanchett. I honestly think she could pull off a burlap sac. I would be beyond thrilled to see her in a Marissa Webb item."

On the kind of woman she envisioned while designing her collection: "The woman I have in mind is confident, unique, and has a really great sense of her own personal style. I admire a strong, independent woman that also has a sense of humor about herself."

On the one piece from her collection she thinks every woman should own: "I think there's an item for everyone in this first collection. There are a number of leather styles that I personally love, like the Murphy leather tutu skirt. This item embodies both the soft and hard, the contrast that the Marissa Webb label is about. There are also many items that feel a bit more 'classic' that I think works well into any wardrobe."

Source: Marissa Webb

Holiday Fashion

J.Crew's Tom Mora on Holiday Dressing, Party Pants, and Playing With Color

When it comes to styling up a polished yet playful party look, nobody does it quite like J.Crew — and with invitations coming in left and right, we thought it necessary to tap into the brand's signature quirky-cool aesthetic for the season ahead.

When it comes to styling up a polished yet playful party look, nobody does it quite like J.Crew — and with invitations coming in left and right, we thought it necessary to tap into the brand's signature quirky-cool aesthetic for the season ahead. We chatted with Tom Mora, J.Crew's head of women's design, to hear about the latest collection and get his expert tips on holiday party dressing — and boy, did we get a wealth of inspiration. Tom gave us his advice on taking a look from work to play, his favorite cocktail dress alternatives, and even gave us the inside scoop on the gifts that make creative director Jenna Lyons smile. See what he had to say below.

FabSugar: A lot of us end up going to holiday events straight from work — what are your tips for making an office look party-ready?
Tom Mora: There are a couple things that I think are easy fixes: throwing on a statement necklace or pair of earrings does an incredible job of making an outfit feel really special. In the same vein, we have really gorgeous suede pumps in the most exquisite colors, and it's really fun to walk into a party in a more muted black or gray outfit and then have people look down and see a bright shoe! I also think a really great lipstick color — a really red or poppy-colored lip — looks amazing and is an easy switch-up.

There are a million parties to go to all season, and we tend to get into our somber, dark clothes — but there's lots of color out there, and it's a great opportunity to experiment with brighter tones and mix and match them with hues like seafoam green, icy lilac, and citrus. Don't shy away from colors that you think don't work on you — those rules were made to be broken!

For more of Tom's tips, and to see chic style inspiration from J.Crew's Holiday 2012 lookbook, just keep reading.

Fashion

Get to Know Jamie Haller — the Woman Behind Cool-Girl Label NSF

If you know NSF, then you know this: the label's a go-to for easy knits, polished but not overly complicated separates, and a cool, tomboy aesthetic.

If you know NSF, then you know this: the label's a go-to for easy knits, polished but not overly complicated separates, and a cool, tomboy aesthetic. Its evolution from menswear brand to a women's line with an independent SoCal spirit that draws closely on its menswear roots is now a mission that creative director Jamie Haller will confidently expand. With more than 10 years of experience as a designer in LA, plus a memorable run at the helm of Ever, a brand she relaunched as an instant success (with a major celebrity following) in 2008, Jamie has big plans for taking NSF into even more awesome territory. For starters, she's expanded the collection's base of knits to include a selection of soft, drapy sportswear, Italian leather finishes, and Japanese hand-processed denim — and it's only been about a year since Jamie took the reins. Keep reading to learn more about the very talented Miss Haller and just why we're crushing on the creative director and her very cool-girl collection.

  • On the NSF girl: "Relaxed, casual, and cool are words that best describe the NSF girl. She is free spirited, easygoing, [and] timeless, but with a forward sensibility. Our customer wants to be both laid back and yet look pulled together, to be styled, and yet understated."
  • On what inspires the collection: "Everything. I try not to be too rigid about how the collection comes together. It is a very organic process. I look at a lot of different fabrics, silhouette inspirations, vintage. I go flea market hunting, we scour our own closets for old favorites, and I borrow from the boys. We sit around and daydream about good ideas and what we would be really excited to design or wear. Sometimes something as simple as a distressed old tee can be really inspirational. Pulling the collection together is an evolution. I trust that sometimes what we do at the last minute is often the best thing in the line."

Read on for Jamie's fashion icons, Fall dressing tips, and a look at our favorite NSF Fall pieces.

fashion news

Duro Olowu Dishes on His JCPenney Line, Loves "Funky Granny," and More

Does the name Duro Olowu sound familiar to you?

Does the name Duro Olowu sound familiar to you? While we were first turned onto the London-based Nigerian designer when Michelle Obama was spotted in his brightly colored wares last Summer, we promise you — come March 1 — you will be singing the praises of Duro Olowu, too. And here's why. Olowu has teamed up with JCPenney to put forth a massive, albeit very impressive, lineup that includes his signature mix of prints on everything from long flowy maxi dresses and silky blouse-and-trouser sets, to hard-shell luggage and bold dish sets (if you dare). To see it is to believe it, and soon enough, we'll be able to share the full collaboration with you. Until then, think faded brocade textures, statement jewelry (he even enlisted Iris Apfel to help with this one!), bags that are just as functional as they are fashionable, and, oh yeah, everything is priced under $100. Yes, there's some waiting involved here, but in the meantime get to know Olowu a little better below.

From left: the designer (at middle) with his models and a look from his Spring '13 collection

On what this collaboration is all about: Everything I did with this is new, so it's not a "greatest hits" collection. I wanted to create looks that were based on my ideas of American classics, all with a global flair. I think America already has a tradition of classics — the perfect pants, the perfect trench coat — and I wanted to give it that extra oomph. I don't want people to think 'oh, he just took all the things that sold well for him over the years and put it here,' because I didn't. This is all new, they should become the new classics.

On why he's drawn to bold prints: I'm always looking at textiles from all over the world because I think people travel a lot in their minds. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to go somewhere and see them [the textiles] in person. If I can bring it into your home, that would be great.

What is "funky granny?" Keep reading.

fashion news

All Prabal Gurung Wants For the Holidays Is "Love"

We're going to go out on a limb here and say that the Prabal Gurung for Target collection — slated to launch Feb.

We're going to go out on a limb here and say that the Prabal Gurung for Target collection — slated to launch Feb. 10 — is one of our favorite designer collaborations come to life yet. Yesterday, we got our first in-person look at the collection, and while we can guarantee you'll want a piece, we had to promise not to take any photos (translation: our lips are sealed). On the bright side? Instead of Instagramming up a storm, we caught up with the designer himself. Gurung was on hand to speak candidly about this exciting new partnership, dish on what it was like to veer strongly (and if we might add, he nailed it) into the accessories category, and what he's giving and getting this holiday season. Hint: he's got love on the brain. Want to know Gurung a little better? Right this way.

On the piece he loves most: It's really difficult to pick just one piece. For me, the essence of every look is to make my friends, the girls that I know, and the girls that I don't know feel beautiful. That's the idea behind it all, and for girls to feel and look their best possible. I'll say — in the most abstract way — that any piece that makes you feel great is the piece I love most in that moment.

On how a collaboration line is different: From a design perspective, there wasn't much of a difference between doing a collaboration line and working on my own line. I always approach designing from [the angle of] what makes a girl feel beautiful. Yes, the volume [of a collaboration line] is bigger, so from a logistics standpoint, it's a bit different. But the way I design is very similar.

On his (very cool) lineup of accessories for Target: I wanted this girl to have a head-to-toe look without looking too matchy-matchy. She should look very put together. With the accessories — shoes and handbags — you feel like you've got the complete wardrobe.

On holiday giving . . . and getting: I always give one thing — love — and I want love back. That's it.