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)

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Fab Site: Azzaro-Couture.com

FabSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:08 -0800

There are websites for shopping and there are websites for fantasy. This month I'm on a shopping freeze, and when I feel the urge to shop online, I'll opt to peruse the most extravagant of websites. If the prices are too over-the-top, I won't be tempted to shop. I'm adding azzaro-couture.com to my list.The Paris fashion house, which you may recognize from gorgeous gowns on the red carpet, has gone online. Admire Azzaro ready to wear, accessories, and fragrances, and learn about the house's history and designer Vanessa Seward. If you're not on a shopping freeze (lucky), you can buy directly from the e-commerce boutique.