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There is a bevy of fashionistas out there, each making the world a posher place one shoe at a time. Here at Shoes Bags & Blogs, we hope to make our mark in the land of "Vogue" and bring fashion rookies, seasoned clotheshorses and dedicated followers of haute couture just a few more stylish suggestions, fashion news, tips and tidbits. Stay tuned...

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Shoulder Pad Alert: Joan Collins to Launch a Fashion Line

"Dynasty" star Joan Collins wants to launch a fashion line geared toward more mature women.

The 78-year-old actress tells British TV host Paul O'Grady that the collection would be for women over 40.

"I design a lot of my own clothes and I think for women of my age, over 40, there's very few things that you can wear.

"Everything's either too girlie, or it's too mumsy/granny, so I think I have some very good ideas," she added.

We've always admired Joan's eye for style and hope to see a lot of "Dynasty"-inspired fashions with shoulder pads, leopard prints, feathers, fur and fabulous hats.

Here we've compiled a few of our favorite Alexis Carrington looks:

Every gal needs a wide-brimmed hat, complete with netting!
A bit of fur adds the right amount of luxury.
Lions, tigers, zebras, oh my! Joan wears them all!
No power suit is complete with a little extra padding in the shoulders.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Universal Music Taps Tommy Hilfiger to Create 'Rock 'N' Roll-Inspired Clothing'

Who is more rock 'n' roll than Tommy Hilfiger?! Tommy did famously get into a brawl with GNR frontman Axl Rose -- and won!

Now, the designer has inked a deal with Universal Music Group, home to such musical superstars as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and the Black Eyed Peas, through the label's Bravado business unit. 

Hilfiger will develop artist-branded merchandise and create a line of "rock 'n' roll-inspired clothing for high-end boutiques and department stores," reports the LA Times

"Music's not dead," said Tom Bennett, chief executive of New York-based Bravado. "There's an awful lot of people who are still very keen on music. It goes back to Elvis or the Beatles. People wanted to own a piece of them, be it a doll or a T-shirt. But with our stuff, you can't download a T-shirt, you can't download a doll."

The move is a smart one for Universal, as CD sales have been on a rapid decline for some time now. With Tommy at its side, the label will likely profit from its merchandising endeavors. Let's just hope there's more to the collection than Bieber T's and baseball caps. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Louboutin vs. YSL: Red Sole Showdown

Luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent has taken a shot at iconic shoemaker Christian Louboutin following Louboutin's recent copyright infringement suit against the brand.

As previously reported, Louboutin claimed YSL copied his signature red soles for a new collection and is seeking over $1 million in damages. Christian registered the red outer sole with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office back in 1997, but YSL isn't moved by the allegations.

In fact, YSL says Louboutin should have known better than to claim the "exclusive use of the red sole."

In court papers, YSL states: "As an industry leader who has devoted his entire professional life to women's footwear, Mr Louboutin either knew or should have known about some or all of the dozens of footwear models that rendered his sworn statement false."

"Red outsoles are a commonly used ornamental design feature in footwear, dating as far back as the red shoes worn by King Louis XIV in the 1600s and the ruby red shoes that carried Dorothy home in 'The Wizard of Oz'," the rebuttal continues.

Patents, infringement and outsoles, oh my! What would Dorothy say?

Monday, May 23, 2011

Lady Gaga's Ode to McQueen

Great news for fashionistas, music lovers and "little monsters" everywhere! Fashion icon Lady Gaga has penned a track dedicated to the late, great Alexander McQueen.

The song, titled "Fashion of His Love," is from the singer's new album, "Born This Way," out today (May 23).

Gaga revealed the news in a chat with fans on Twitter, confirming "'Fashion of His Love' is about Alexander MCQueen." The designer tragically committed suicide last year. 

Lady G added that she wants her fans to select the next single from the record, tweeting "I want monsters to choose the fourth single."

Click here to get your copy of "Born This Way" and tell us what you think of the new tunes!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Nicole Richie's Great Shoe Aspirations

We love stylish star Nicole Richie and her designer collections, House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate, so we couldn't wait when her new shoe collection debuted at Nordstrom's this week!

The designer, who was at Fashion Island in Newport Beach yesterday (May 19) promoting the collection, tells People.com she wanted the shoes to be "comfortable as well as stylish."

"My main goal for this particular collection - and for all the footwear that I design - is I want the shoes to look great but be comfortable at the same time," says Nicole.

"I'm a girl and I love shoes. Who doesn't want to make exactly what you want?"

The former reality star also plans to create a line of handbags.

"It's important for me to give each one its own identity and really focus on what I want the specific collection to mean."

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tippy Tumbles News: Runway Models All Fall Down

Models walked a very slippery slope at a recent runway show organized by Naomi Campbell in Cannes, France. The event dubbed Fashion for Relief was held to benefit victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Watch below.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Miu Miu's New Muse: Hailee Steinfeld

Move over Katie Holmes and Kirsten Dunst, there's a new Miu Miu muse in town!

"True Grit" star Hailee Steinfeld has been selected as the new face of the luxury fashion house.

The 14-year-old actress will appear in the label's 2011 fall/winter advertising campaign.

Other celebrities to grace a Miu Miu spread include Holmes, Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lindsay Lohan, Selma Blair and Evan Rachel Wood.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Is Sarah jessica Parker Plotting a Fashion Reality Show?

Rumor has it "Sex and the City" superstar Sarah Jessica Parker and Ryan Seacrest are teaming up for a new reality fashion TV show.

A source tells the National Enquirer: "Ryan's psyched about it. He said it's a new and fresh concept. He thinks she's the perfect fit for the show...Sarah has talked about doing a TV show revolving around the fashion world for years. She loved appearing on 'Project Runway' so it's a natural fit."

Only time will tell if this rumor becomes well, a reality show! We sure hope so. 

Friday, May 13, 2011

Survey Says! 35 Is the Magic Number for Minis

Over 35 and wearing a mini? Well, you may want to rethink your skirt length!

According to a recent survey conducted by British company Diet Chef, 35 is the cutoff age for wearing those short short minis. 

Over 2,000 women participated in the poll and found that 47 is the maximum age for wearing a bikini, 61 for a swimsuit altogether, 51 for stilettos and ponytails, and 45 for Uggs! Too old for Uggs?

But we agree with Allure's editor-in-chief Linda Wells, "The message really should not be you can't wear these things after a certain age. The message is take a look at yourself and wear them with confidence if you feel good about it."

What do you think about the magic mini number?




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Hat Attack: Princess Bea's Headgear Goes to Auction

Princess Beatrice made a pretty spectacular "fashion don't" when she appeared at the Royal Wedding wearing this octopus-style Philip Treacy hat.

Now, the famous headgear is going up for auction on eBay. The funds raised will go to UNICEF and Children in Crisis. At least it's in support of a good cause!

About the Princess' choice in attire, designer Treacy tells HollywoodLife.com, "Gorgeous and beautiful can be open to interpretation...I thought they looked gorgeous and beautiful. But no one is crying if anyone didn't."

No one is crying but many are laughing. The hat was considered so hideous, it acquired its own Facebook page titled "Princess Beatrice's ridiculous Royal Wedding hat," which has amassed over 85,000 followers.

Happy bidding!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Karl Lagerfeld's Directing Debut

Lagerfeld with his muse Blake Lively looking lovely at the Met Gala.
Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld has stepped into the world of film, with first effort, "The Tale of a Fairy."

The 25-minute flick, written and directed by Lagerfeld, is a homage to his very VIP customers.

He tells the Associated Press, "In the movie, they wear dresses from the (annual Chanel Cruise) collection, so it's kind of a narrative around the kind of women who buy these clothes."

The majority of "The Tale of a Fairy" was shot in black and white film at a mansion along the French Riviera.

"Fairy" premiered at Chanel's 2011-2012 Cruise show yesterday (May 9) but fashionistas everywhere can watch the film online here

Monday, May 9, 2011

Copy Pippa's Royal Wedding Look!

Finally a bridesmaid look we want to copy!

Turns out the Duchess of Cambridge's royal wedding gown isn't the only look stealing dressmakers and dress buyers' hearts.

Britain's Daily Mail reports, "Several companies are responding to demand from several brides-to-be, keen to channel 27-year-old Pippa's look for their own big day."

One such company is Faviana, which is producing copies of both Kate and her sister's headline-grabbing gowns.

The fashion house is working tirelessly to get dresses in stores as early as June. Faviana designs can be found at David's Bridal and Nordstrom's.

It's been reported that Pippa's dress will sell for $320 while Kate's will cost $1,800.

Which replica would you like to own? Take our poll!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Bring On the Big Hats: It's Derby Day!

The 137th annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is underway!

Whether you like to bet on the horses or not, it's always a great excuse to bust out your most outrageous headgear! (Think Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.)

Here are a couple of our favorite celebrity looks of years past!


Rebecca Romijn, Jessica Simpson and Brooke Shields get in the Kentucky Spirit.
Follow us @shoesbagsblogs and send twitpics of your most fabulous Derby-inspired look!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Video: Lady Gaga Debuts 'Judas'

Fashion icon Lady Gaga releases the music video for her controversial single, "Judas." Watch the edited version here complete with a troupe of motorcycle-riding apostles. The uncut seven-minute video will premiere tonight on E! at 7pm PST.


Still looks a little too Madonna to us but...what do you think?


Demi Moore's Fashion Steal

We're used to seeing Demi Moore dressed in the very best designer gowns on the red carpet, but at the A&E Upfront in New York City, the ageless actress was sporting more affordable attire.

Here, Demi rocks a pair of $35 trousers from H&M. Bright colored pants are all the rage this season so hurry to your local H&M store while supplies last!

Now, that Mrs. Kutcher has strutted her stuff on the red carpet, they're sure to be a sell out.

What do you think of Demi's look?

Love it or hate it?


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Lanvin to Create a Line for the Kiddies

Calling all parents! The fabulous fashion house of Lanvin, spearheaded by designer Alber Elbaz, will launch a line for girls between the ages of four and ten in November.

The collection will feature 25 pieces, including dresses, t-shirts and coats as part of Lanvin's spring/summer 2012 outing.

Lanvin will also debut a junior's collection around the same time, following its recent success with H&M, which brought luxury to the main street. Pricing information is yet to be revealed.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Booed at the Met

Oopsies! Seems A-list couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé skipped the line of media interviews and headed directly into the Met Gala, much to the chagrin of awaiting members of the press. Click here to watch!

Met Gala 2011: Best and Worst Dressed

The annual Met Gala always brings out the best in fashion but now and then there are a few fashion faux pas. Check out the biggest hits and a couple of misses of the night!

The good...
Anna Wintour wears Chanel every year.
The gown is perfection but should she have worn McQueen?
Karl Lagerfeld and Blake Lively dressed in Chanel of course!
The dynamic duo get our vote for Best Dressed. 
Diane Kruger wows in Jason Wu.
Salma Hayek honors the man of the night -- Alexander McQueen.
Madonna is magnificent in Stella McCartney.
The bad...

We're not sure if Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr
are attending the Met Gala or running off to get married in Vegas.
Hollywood clearly caught Royal Wedding Fever as Fergie also donned
a bridal-inspired construction. The Marchesa gown just seemed out of place.
Even though spring is in the air, we just can't get past
the giant flower on Sofia Vergara's Carolina Herrera gown.
Michelle Williams' Miu Miu dress is adorable and matches her personal style
but we were hoping for something more formal. Keep the dress away from Sofia's!
The ugly...
We love Andre Leon Talley and that he's never shy when
selecting outrageous attire. However, this "graduation gown"
 look is almost too predictable for the former "Vogue" editor-at-large.
Christina Hendricks disappointed with this sad
Carolina Herrera frock. It's our vote for Worst Dressed because
there was so much potential for the gorgeous "Mad Men" actress to wow us.
Serena Williams is another bridezilla who overdoses on feathers.
Tell us your votes for Best and Worst Dressed of the Night.


Monday, May 2, 2011

The Met Ball Is Tonight!

The annual Met Gala is finally upon us. Fashion's biggest night takes place this eve (May 2) in New York City and includes a very special homage to the House of McQueen -- 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.' We wonder if Princess Catherine's royal wedding dress will be on display!


Stay tuned for pics of celebrities, socialites and the fashion elite arriving on the red carpet!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sneak Peek at 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty'

We were thrilled when Kate Middleton stepped out of that Rolls-Royce Phantom VI wearing Alexander McQueen and can't wait for the Costume Institute's tribute to the man who built the groundbreaking fashion house.

"Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty"will open to the public this coming Wednesday (May 4) at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing over 100 pieces from the gifted designer's career, which began in 1992 and concluded much too early in 2010. Take a sneak peek here and view the full collection curated by Andrew Bolton at the Met. Exhibit information below.





Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
May 4, 2011–July 31, 2011
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, 2nd floor


Organized by the Costume Institute, Mets will celebrate the late Alexander McQueen’s extraordinary contribution to fashion. From his postgraduate collection of 1992 to his final runway presentation which took place after his death in February 2010, Mr. McQueen challenged and expanded the understanding of fashion beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics, and identity. His iconic designs constitute the work of an artist whose medium of expression was fashion. Approximately one hundred examples will be on view, including signature designs such as the bumster trouser, the kimono jacket, and the Origami frock coat, as well as pieces reflecting the exaggerated silhouettes of the 1860s, 1880s, 1890s, and 1950s that he crafted into contemporary silhouettes transmitting romantic narratives. Technical ingenuity imbued his designs with an innovative sensibility that kept him at fashion’s vanguard.