Stylish with Substance

Some blogs' "of the days" must meet when truly influential - and today's dress of the day from The Fashion Police, by Red Valentino - is oozing with genius design, so here it is for this Wednesday.

More RED Valentino...

What is clearly so cunning is the bow continues from the knot, cascading like ribbon tails down the frock over the left leg, with an equally clever slit that's still demure due to smart tailoring.

Adding fit is the bust seaming that also appears as though it flows into the knot. So gorgeous, with just that subtle touch of sexy.

It's near absolute perfection, and relatively affordable for it's luxeness, at $508.

This is a new feature I'm vowing to keep up with, and yes, daily. Sometimes it might be designer dujour as well, and today's designer can pretty much fit the bill...

Usually I'm also going to focus on design details over just plain cute products, but today I've been bitten by a little bird...

I'm going totally nuttily lustful over these pumps by Miu Miu: it's not so much the sparrow (or sparrow vs. cat print, also popular), it's more the girly/retro/cute/kitsch feel that is boosted by nearly any print, but moreso by the kooky animals. Though yes, I do fancy a bird over a cat, at least in this case.

These shoes are so popular, and so sold out, that my hopes for scoring them sooo cheap are actually pipe dreams - but maybe I couldn't learn to walk in what feels like a 4.5 inch heel (atop a 1 inch platform). They're seriously high, but they've got me all drunk over them! (Why is that always the way? High heel, high price, high want.)

A girl can dream ... a crazy dream with little birdies. ;-)

P.S. Don't fail to notice our giveaway!

*Update: I forgot I wanted to post a runway shot:

[caption id="attachment_2936" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="On the runway"][/caption]

Like Garanimals for adults, but more literal.

It's not news that Christian Louboutin is the king of shoes, having dethroned the fabulous Manolo Blahnik both fashionably and in future film (Sex & the City II). Word even has it that Louboutin heels are more comfortable than Manolos. I know I find that intriguing (it's even more alluring than the siren red sole).

Christian Louboutin precociously balances his art.

The shining peep-toes from the picture with Christian

So of course it's not surprising that Christian Louboutin is at the top of the official covetable top footwear designers list 3 years running (they also beat those Jimmy Choos), so perhaps if I just posted a news clip from the 19th (I'm so behind) claiming this info alone it would be a snore, but instead of a news piece, I found an interview filled with complimentary poetry. In this case the kind words don't fall flat more than flatter. Sorry to say the journalist's descriptions are better than the Frenchman's quips, which all ring of ego (or possibly that's the French talking). Perhaps he's earned some attitude. The author's vision of Christian's own is so Vogue-and-Renta-dress---worthy "pure poetry" ... about the very designs of those red-hot-soled lust pieces.

Hadley Freeman on Louboutin heels,

Where Manolo Blahnik shoes are either plain or quirky, and Jimmy Choos have the distinct sheen of Eurotrash to them, Christian Louboutin shoes say one simple word: sex. Everything about them – from their disco styles, to the aggressive thrust of the shoe's curvature, to the almost pornographic red sole, flashing observers from behind as the lady walks away – shouts sex.

I couldn't have said it better myself, and I can't until I fully experience the pleasure. And actually this description is even more important than the occasional discovery of well-penned fashion commentary; it reminds us, and more importantly informs the nay-sayers and label-whore-name-callers, of the beautiful designing that lies behind this footwear royalty. It's not just the red sole, arguably a signature detail for wealthy-wannabes' and shoeaholics' eyes, but there is so much in actual design. Even when subtle, the curvaceousness alone is almost enough to set these shoes on the top shelf of luxury.

Today's quintissential Louboutin shoe.

But also needed are the heels with height ... check! Yet Louboutin's collections are actually versatile. We have the recognizable aspect, the genius flattery, but then we have something for every woman most women. From stilettos to chunkier heels, from platforms to flats, and everything in between. We have arrived. Louboutin is not just IT, but it. I know you want the goods! All shoes depicted here can be found either on The Outnet or on ShopStyle.

I was just a tad or almost late to receive word of this video ... ;-) And then my computer & I were both too under the weather to write. It's been a bad week, but the shopping is better!

It's different for an actress or musician to claim to be a designer than it is for a stylist to turn designer, so even though we all know Rachel Zoe best from fame and her relatively new reality show, she's A-OK or even better (than OK) as a fashion designer. A stylist getting a reality show, even if good, is a bit of an "ugh"-inducer, but that's another story (and I just don't like reality programming anyway).

(And now, shop your TV! - err, monitor.)

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To highlight that Zoe can design, I'm showcasing my favorite item from the video: I so want this necklace! In a word, unique; which is what "design" should be - or must be by definition, IMHO (in my haughty opinion).

I only wish it were reversible for a low-back dress.

Rachel Zoe at QVC is for sale now on QVC. See it on the "dot com".

Before you read this piece of beauty-equality fabulosity, note it comes from the blogger from Already Pretty. It's not just esteem-boosting and not just pretty, but beautiful writing!

If you hate skinny jeans and prefer bootcuts because they balance you out, wear 'em and screw the trend-hounds. If you want to wear foofy vintage dresses every single day because you feel fabulously feminine in them, do it and screw the buzzwreckers. If you think your collarbone is the sexiest thing ever created, wear scoop necks and boat necks and square necks and never ever don a collarbone-masking scarf, and screw the naysayers. Whatever you dislike, avoid it. Whatever makes you feel delighted to be alive, wear it.

And here are some of the bloggers' style shots from AP's piece. Their individual links below.

Casual Converse Chic! It can be done. Yay. I was thinking so with this style of sneaker's non-bulk, so I bought a cute inexpensive version - but I'll show you those shoes later! (They're in the mail.)

Be sure to read the entire, lovely, post on Already Pretty.

Women's blogs in the photos, respectively: Yammering Muse, Jeremy & Kathleen, Eek!

View my picks for best dressed, or at least my honest favorites, from Oscars 2010. Below, vote on your favorite from mine in our poll.

Most Fearless Fashionista

[caption id="attachment_2320" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture"][/caption]

Zoe Saldana went perhaps to extremes (or nuttiness?) in the name of fashion and I love it! Perhaps she was inspired by the beautiful world, Pandora, in Avatar ... for the gown looks like violet flowers blooming!

Er, well, there could be other takes. The train from behind does look like a Muppet hand.

Fiercest Fashionista

[caption id="attachment_2315" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Jennifer Lopez in Armani Privé - click to view large"][/caption]

Jennifer Lopez always stands out on the red carpet, and at least now she's dressing like a beautiful woman, not just a pop tart. Not too trendy being not too ruffley, this gown instead is just over-the-top fashion, for any year - and I love it.

However, in a still photo it does sort of look like there's 1-and-a-half J. Los. :-

Best Overall Designer of Oscars 2010: Versace

+ sexiest & most flattering ruffle dresses
but also safest bets.

[caption id="attachment_2313" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Elizabeth Banks in Versace - click to view large"][/caption]

Elizabeth Banks, I think, here turns from funny girl to pretty woman. Donatella Versace's tailoring here is so flattering. It's way more than just another ruffle gown.

The color in this picture is bad, so I must tell you---no, it's not denim!

[caption id="attachment_2314" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Demi Moore in Atelier Versace"][/caption]

Demi Moore was actually somewhat overshadowed by this Versace. The handiwork on the bodice is just amazingly intricate. Truly harder to tell on a monitor, but it's the criss-cross fabric in its random way - swoon.

Yet I don't really love the flower. It would be better if the ruffles were (more) obviously flowing from it or if it were less flower-like and flat.

Best Au Courant Newcomer

[caption id="attachment_2317" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Vera Farmiga in Marchesa"][/caption]

Vera Farmiga wore my overall favorite of this year's event. When I saw her interviewed on the red carpet, I exclaimed, "now Marchesa's a one of my favorite designers!" (Or something a little less well-structured.) The gown is lmost-safe yet so close to what other fashion pundits have hated recently - well I do not hate at all. The only thing I don't love is that there seems to be a ruffle layer missing toward the bottom. Humph.

Honorable Mention

A Fashionista's Fashionista
OR Oscar's Very Own Designer

[caption id="attachment_2318" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Sandy Powell, costume designer"][/caption]

Sandy Powell even won an Oscar for design, costume design. The dress and its colors aren't my style but I love, love, love her use of chic accessories.

[polldaddy poll=2809598]

Photos from TMZ and WWD.

And now view and vote for the worst.

In a buzz-causing move, Proenza Schouler is feeding on that epidemic affliction still feverishly "haute" today in despite economic changes: the desire for instant gratification. Bagistas and fashionistas who crave the newest and hautest may be unable to resist the retail tactic PS implemented today---for just one day. A bag from their upcoming Fall line went on sale immediately after that fashion show closed, and will remain on sale for 24 hours.

However read the plain print on the listing pages: "Ships July 30th". Sure it's no secret, but is it even any real deal?

Also note this timed offer is no auction, and the purse sells at, of course, full retail for $1,850.

The style's a bit like a classic school satchel but with modern hardware. Cute, sure - but IT-covetable? We say, not without carrying it next week!

For those who are interested regardless, customers have two seen-on-the-runway choices in the "PS11 Small": black or "saddle" brown. Check them out at proenzaschouler.com.

What do you think: genius, evil genius, or dumb move?

Catch all the Autumn/Winter 2010 bags in the Proenza Schouler video after the jump.

[caption id="attachment_1702" align="alignnone" width="390" caption="Courtesy of Glamour"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1703" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Courtesy of Style.com"][/caption]

Rihanna from the red carpet of last night's American Music Awards. Looking over the top in a feminine flower "punched" gown from Marchesa. We love it, but do you think it's sew-haute or so overdone?

View this Spring 2010 shot from the runway of Marchesa (if this helps you decide).

Vote in the poll, if you can't pick a choice, please comment!

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*Via Work Chic* What (not?) to Wear to Work

Do Not:

[caption id="attachment_1686" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Holiday Sweaters - ALWAYS Do Not"][/caption]

Do!:

Fashionista Sweaters for the Holidays by DesignerElla featuring Miss Selfridge

Now ... someone tell my Aunt. Thank you. ;-)

See the similar post: The Holiday Sweater is reproducing! (gem sweaters)