FabSugar

On Our Radar: Women Choose Shoes Over Bags

FabSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Can it be? Have shoes replaced bags as the hottest fashion item? If so, I'm not complaining. I have a growing collection of bags, but as of late, I've become quite bored of the options out there. But the Spring shoe department, which houses such rarities as this MIu Miu Cutout Harlequin Bootie ($890), is a whole different story.

It seems the trend of naming bags after models and celebrities is now being used on footwear. Giambattista Valli has created a Victoria shoe in honor of Mrs. Beckham, while Calvin Klein made a Suri shoe, named after Tom Cruise's daughter. Also, unusual designs and materials used on bags is now being used on footwear. If that's not proof enough, department store Harvey Nichols has reported a 15 percent rise in shoe sales this season and a higher demand for runway heels. Adversely, a recent survey has forecast an 18 percent drop in handbag sales. It's also being predicted that women will soon spend more money on expensive shoes than bags. Do you buy it?

To see some of the aforementioned shoes, read more

View 7 Photos ›

(L-R: Giambattista Valli's Victoria shoe as modeled by the muse herself; Calvin Klein's Suri flat; Christian Louboutin; Vanessa Seward; Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti; Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta)

Bauer-Griffin

Look of the Day: Jumping For Jodhpurs

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:22 -0800

Mkoesnadi is jumping for jodhpurs! Inspired by Balenciaga's epic Fall '07 collection, she pieced together a smashing, ethnic-inspired ensemble. Her jodhpurs aren't overly baggy and I like how the hot pink socks add a vibrant touch. A print scarf, vibrant bangles, and red bag complete her exotic 'fit.

Here's what she has on:

Blazer: Forever 21
Pants: Miss Sixty
Scarf: Topshop
Shoes: Kenneth Cole
Socks: Muee
Bag: Nine West
Bracelets: Vintage and Forever 21

Congrats to mkoesnadi!

Everyone else, join the Look of the Day group, then submit your looks. I might feature you on FabSugar!

Look of the Day: Pretty Paisley Prints

FabSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:50:22 -0700

Mkoesnadi is jungle chic in pretty paisley prints. She's mastered the casual vibe of a blazer thrown over a femme little dress. And she's got mad styling skills - she cinches the whole thing with a belt and doesn't skimp on stellar accessories, from her gladiators to her luxe tote.

Here's what she has on:

Blazer: Wishdrobe
Dress: BCBG MaxAzria
Necklace: Forever 21
Bangles: Armani Exchange
Bag: Prada
Shoes: Far East Plaza (Singapore)

Congrats Mkoesnadi!

Everyone else, join the Look of the Day group, then submit your looks. I might feature you on FabSugar!

Awesome Accessories in the FabSugar Community

FabSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:00:22 -0700

If there's one thing you are all obsessed with in the FabSugar Community it's accessories. Mainly, handbags. Let's take a look at all the groups dedicated to the Hermes, Louis Vuittons, and Chanels in the world of fashion. Check out all the groups you can join and explore, and please - start some new ones! Here's geeksugar's helpful guide to creating in case you need some clarification.

What's in Your Bag?: Here's the place for fashion voyeurism; see what other gals carry around in their pretty purses - fun!

I Absolutely Love My . . .: This is a group I started where you can snap pictures and share stories about your most loved items.

Ooh! Cute Purses!: Find a bag your lusting over and just have to share your excitement? Bookmark your bag finds here.

Handbag Mania: It is what it sounds - see and share bags here, and inform others of the wonderful and wacky designs you can get out there on the vast Internet.

Shoes, honey.: Let's get this group going again. This group is basically about posting or announcing and sharing your love for shoes!

The Bag Addicts: Would you ever buy a Birkin? Ask questions and share bag obsessions here.

Found! Jenna Dewan's Silky Shirtdress

FabSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:22 -0700

As of late, newlywed Jenna Dewan has been spotted making the rounds at Hollywood parties looking extremely cute. Last night, she joined Katie Cassidy, at the Judith Leiber boutique opening party on Rodeo Drive. Check out her saucy shirtdress - Fab. This shape has been done over a million times, but the silky textile gives it a whole new attitude.

Interested? Jenna's dress is the Mike & Chris Chauncey Shirtdress ($126, originally $360). Her light khaki is color sold out, but the steel-gray hue is just as nice - and on sale! BTW, if there's any top, dress, shoe, or bag you're dying to identify, join our In Search Of . . . community group, and we'll help you find that coveted item!

Fall Glimpse: Heavenly Handbags

FabSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Shoe fix fixed. Time to grab on to one of Fall's heavenly handbags. Boy oh boy, are there some delectable lovelies. This quirky Chanel gets top honors. Its clear compartment style is over-the-top - I'll take the white bag in the middle and the Chanel iPod! The baby pink surroundings are little slices of heaven. See what's in the lineup from the likes of Derek Lam, Chloe, Dior, Jill Stuart, Alexander Wang, and many, many more.

View Slideshow ›

Match the Handbag Designer to the Hot Creation!

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:00:22 -0700

Even though everyone says shoes are the new It bag, I still got love for my hobos, clutches, and purses. Over the years, I've developed a fine eye for identifying handbag designs. Certain brands stick to their trademark while others use their favorite embellishments over and over again. Have you fine-tuned your senses? Take my quiz to see if you can match the hot handbag designer to the hot creation!

Question 1 of 8

Do you know who designed this dark and decadent clutch?

Look of the Day: Layering Maven

FabSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:50:22 -0700

I call stefaniarocks a layering maven. You know why? Because, in order to make her black top day-appropriate, she layered it over a white ribbed tank. When night falls, she can remove the tank and play it sexy. Sounds like a smart plan.

Here's what she has on:
Tank: Zara Black
Top: Zara
Leggings: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Coolway
Bag: Gucci

Congrats to stefaniarocks!

Everyone else, submit your looks and I might feature you on FabSugar!

Come Fab Finding With Me: Cover Me Up

FabSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:00:08 -0700

There's all this talk of bikinis, great, but what about cover-ups? I think it's just as important to look good on your walk to the beach as it is to look hot in the water. So, let's scour the web for the chicest cover-ups out there - tunics, sarongs, shorts, etc. Once you've chosen your favorite, build an entire beach-chic ensemble around it with jewels, bags, and so on.

I'll start you off with these Stella McCartney Gold Metallic Sandals ($155, originally $255) because they have luxury written all over them.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Fab Cover Ups.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

Banana Republic
Bluefly
eLuxury
J.Crew
Jildor Shoes
Live Natty
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Pink Mascara

Good News Bears

FabSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:30:22 -0700

Finally, some good news. If you have a subscription to WWD, you probably wake up every day to another company reporting negative profits. After months and months, it's quite the downer. True, rock-hard luxury companies like Louis Vuitton are keeping afloat, but how is everyone else doing? WWD surveyed top designers and retail executives, and the outlook was overly optimistic. If you need a pick-me-up or just want to be enlightened, check out my favorite quotes from the article.

Michael Kors: “The good news is in this crazy, terrible economy, I think people’s taste is getting better. They have to think about what they buy and they’re getting a more discerning eye because of it. There are no more shoes you can’t walk in, bags you can’t carry, dresses you can’t sit in. All of that’s finished. It’s like the beginning of Gone With the Wind, ‘This is about a time long, long ago.’ The handbag that’s so heavy I can’t lift it, the shoe I can’t get out of a car in, the dress I have to lean in - those are memories from a time that’s gone with the wind."

Karl Lagerfeld: "You have to have something very quality and fashion at the same time, and the names are the guarantee of all that. That’s why big names are important. That’s why it might be more difficult for smaller companies. Also, Chanel is beautifully run as a company. There are no debts. There’s no healthier business than Chanel."

To read what Marc Jacobs, Rachel Roy, Givenchy's CEO, and more are happy about, read more

Marc Jacobs: “The weather is beautiful. I’m in love. I’m engaged to be married. I’m working on building a new home, and working in the studio with Steven Meisel and Madonna on the next [Louis Vuitton] campaign. Then, I have two days of shooting with Juergen [Teller]. The Met is [tonight], which I’m excited about. I’m receiving a FiFi Award. Then, we receive the International CFDA award for Louis Vuitton. So, I kind of have really great stuff on a daily basis. I can’t find anything to be unhappy about at the moment."

Fabrizio Malverdi, CEO, Givenchy: “I’m just back from the Middle East. I went to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai, and it’s good to see that the atmosphere is not as depressing as in other countries. The energy is really positive. For Givenchy, we are opening new stores with the new concept we introduced a year ago [in Paris on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré]. The reaction to this new concept is really good, and we have an existing partner that wants to open stores based on it. Europe and Russia are suffering a lot, but in general, Givenchy’s women’s prêt-à-porter is going well. The sell-throughs are good. And if the customer has fun buying it, that’s the real success. We have to inject a bit of life, a bit of fun, and a bit of coolness in the market. That’s the reason why people are still buying.”

Stefano Gabbana: “First of all, we feel hypercreative, reactive, excited, and stimulated. Strangely enough, given the times, we feel good and feel the urge to experiment. I think this crisis has bought back many core values, and fashion has achieved a more human and traditional aspect, which we appreciate. Many superfluous elements have been wiped away and it’s OK if people buy less because they have too much of everything. It’s useless to have too much of everything. It’s like sitting down to a five-course meal when a plate of pasta will do just fine. This reevaluation to me is good news.”

Dries van Noten: “We just won the Fashion Institute of Technology’s 2009 Couture Council Award For Artistry of Fashion. I’m very proud of that. We opened the store in Tokyo at the end of March. It was a decision that was made at the end of October, so it’s not something most people think, ‘Oh, it was made before the crisis started.’ It’s still totally the right moment to do something like that, because it’s unexpected. Why not at this moment? It’s difficult maybe for a lot of people, but still, life continues. Shopping and buying fashion and fashion itself, are just parts of life."

Phillip Lim: “Good news - my plants in my garden are happy and about to bloom. My dog Oliver has recently learned to lay down - on command. I am more inspired, and my focus is clearer then ever! Life is good, as it’s really the simple things that I have come back to. It’s been a reawakening."

Karen Katz, president and chief executive officer, Neiman Marcus Stores: “The customer is still engaged. When we present her with the right trends, she is responding. For our storewide focus on a color, we settled on the color pink. Our customers are feminine. Pink has been perfect for her; she has definitely embraced pink. She’s also been buying anything with a feminine detail.

Diane von Furstenberg: “I think there was too much of everything, and I feel like the whole industry had to take a laxative. We just had too much s-t, and therefore there’s a cleansing thing that happens. All of a sudden it’s not so much about marketing as it is about product. We kept on saying, ‘Oh, it will sell, you know, it doesn’t matter,’ and now we’re not like that anymore. Now we’re just being much more careful."

Simon Doonan, creative director, Barneys New York: “Having been through a number of depressed periods, most notably the '70s, I find a lot of explosive creativity comes out of these periods. The punk movement in England came out of the terrible, terrible economic depression that hit England in the early '70s. A creative rage can come out of [hard times], which is an immensely productive thing and has a huge impact on fashion design and marketing.

Rachel Roy: “The good news is having the opportunity to create the secondary line [Rachel Rachel Roy] for this younger customer. It gets my mind off of designer woes and all the hardships of getting your designer clothes into specialty stores and department stores right now. It’s a fun project - it’s younger, it’s fun, it’s a bit edgy, and certain things could be a bit naughty that I can’t do in designer."

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