Shoe Fiend: Christian Louboutin Fall 2008

These are some brand new, Christian Louboutin styles for Fall 2008 that I am lusting after. Louboutin... rent.... Louboutin... or 2 months rent? Although, after working in several aspects of the shoe industry, I can say that these shoes are worth the price, because of the workmanship and quality of the materials. Yet, I like a roof over my head, thanks. Therefore, we need to stay on the lookout for similar styles, girlies!

Christian Louboutin Patent Leather Ankle Wrap Peep Toe, $795

What can I say? This is just a damn sexy shoe. The ankle wrap is one of my favorite details on a shoe. It makes your legs look longer and draws the eye upward. Also, that tiny nuance makes you look sexy no matter what you are wearing. It is an absolute must in your shoe wardrobe!

Christian Louboutin, Armadillo Pleated Leather Bootie, $1,155

Booties are still hot for Fall 2008. This bootie in particular stands out from the crowd because of its rich texture. This shoe would be great with some textured tights and a great jewel-toned mini-dress.

Now, there is no need to run out and buy shoes you can't afford (if you can't pay for it cash, then you can't afford it)! Plenty of brands such as Guess, Report, Nine West and BCBG Girls make similar styles with a way more affordable price tag.

Get the Look: Halle Berry's Casual Fab

Halle Berry is known as one of the most beautiful women in the entire world. However, have you seen how she carries herself on a day to day basis (it's not a bad thing)?

She is the epitome of glamorous simplicity. She wears next to no makeup (or does a masterful job at tricking us into believing that she really looks like that) and dresses in simple garments, such as day dresses, breezy tops and comfy trousers and plain sandals.

Despite her simplicity, she is still renowned for her style and elegance. She should be an example to us all, in a world full of people who swear that they must be extra jazzy at all times in order to look good (i.e. Mariah, Kimora, et al). Sometimes, less is more.

The other day, Halle was spotted shopping in Los Angeles wearing a casual fab ensemble. I swear, she looked like a glamour queen in the most casual of attire! You can just sense her confidence shining through.



I put together a Halle-inspired look that is PERFECT for the hottest months of summer! I think that we should take a page out of her fabulous book because there is no reason why a woman who just had a baby is walking around looking better than us! We need to step our game up. Here's how!

This Halle-inspired look features extremely affordable clothing. With an Old Navy top, Wet Seal pants and Urban Outfitters & Forever 21 accessories, you may be able to afford to splurge on some lovely Tom Ford sunglasses!

This look is simple, so your makeup should be as well. Perfect your complexion with Bare Minerals foundation and add a slick of Rosebud Salve to moisturize your lips to achieve ultimate glamorous simplicity!

Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami 2008

On Friday, July 18, 2008, South Beach witnessed one of the first star-studded events during the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim - the Shay Todd 2009 Swim Collection Fashion Show, held at the luxurious Setai Hotel.

It was one of the most humid and steamy nights I have ever experienced in my 21 years in Miami. If I was wearing my glasses, they would have fogged up! However, the Miami heat was extremely appropriate for the blazing hot swimwear that was strutted down the pool-turned-runway.

This event was my first time backstage or anywhere near a real fashion show (I'm not counting college fashion shows). There was that little board that celebs take pics in front of and everything (check out my pic below)!

I was sooo excited, but had to tone it down to keep up appearances and try to blend in as a fashionista who was accustomed to such glamorous events. This was an extremely hard task because it seemed like the glamourous life, which I previously only lived vicariously through The Fabulous Life and America's Next Top Model, was unveiled before my very eyes. I was on a keen alert for things to report back to you!

Shay Todd is an up-and-coming swimwear designer who has shown her work on several runway shows, the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue and several other publications. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan and more are fans of her sexy, modern designs.

I got to work with Shay and see her amazing designs up close. Her swimwear and cover-ups are not for the shy and probably not meant for swimming! They are perfect for lounging and looking fab by the pool. It screams Miami. Everything I saw was perfect for the glamourous side of SOBE.

Backstage at the show was a crowded and hectic scene! I stood there like a sponge, taking in everything that was going on, trying to pick up some exclusive backstage info.

Ridiculously tall models, publicists, event staff, hairstylists, Smashbox makeup artists and dressers milled around making final preparations for the event. Cameras from Entertainment show, Extra, were there interviewing the designer herself.

As the fashion show was about to begin, it was very hectic. Final touches were done to hair and makeup and we all helped the models get into their first looks. They rocked long ponytail extensions and glamorous bronze makeup, courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics. As the music began to pulse, the show began. It went by very quickly. It was probably only 20-30 minutes long, but it was worth the wait. I'm sure the audience was wowed by the utter fabulousness of the clothing.

After the show, all kinds of people ran backstage to congratulate Shay. I spotted several celebs, including Richie Rich (of design duo Heatherette), Kristin Cavallari (from Laguna Beach) and Meagan Goode.

Overall, it was a great time! I hope I can go to some more events! Fashion shows are amazing and I can see why they are frequented by celebs! Even the gift bags are awesome. I got one filled with Nivea and Smashbox products! 

Since this is the collection for next Resort & Cruise season, I got the heads up on swimwear trends for 2009!

• Cut-outs still rule for one-pieces
• Swimwear with grown-up ruffles are in
• Bikinis with lots of hardware are also in
• Get away from plain beach bags, and look for one that is embellished and glamorous
• Look for cover-ups in sheer, gauzy cotton material with cute details
• Simple rules! - Plain colors such as green, lavender, white and black are classics that are coming back
• Go for big, gold accessories!

Fall 2008 Outerwear

In the dead heat of summer, I'm sure that the ABSOLUTE last thing on your mind is a sweater. However, it pays to start looking for your Fall wardrobe now. For one, you will save money buying off-season clothing (those always-in-style coats and jackets) in outlet stores. Also, you will be able to spot the hottest pieces before everyone is already wearing them IF you start looking now.

There is nothing I hate more than when I have been eye-ing a piece that I think is unique, only to find that a few months later everyone and their MOM (literally) is wearing it! I know you can relate. However, shopping ahead of season, YOU can be recognized as the trendsetter that you are. Read more for some hot looks to hop on that will keep you warm in the winter (when it comes).

1. The classic coat REMIXED



Diane Von Furstenburg Fall 2008 RTW



Milly (Nordstrom)

Coffee Shop, on sale now for $64.90 at Nordstrom for their Anniversary Sale

A nice coat can really jazz up anything that you wear. You could wear a garbage bag, but if you had on a fab coat, I bet you'd probably look like you were trying to make a statement rather than just looking crazy. Well, maybe not quite, but coats definitely up your style points. The classic coat remixed for 2008 has a spin - texture. Textured and patterned coats automatically give you a richer look.


2. Bomber Jackets

Bebe, $259




















Hotkiss, $44.90 at Nordstrom

Bomber jackets are awesome because they give you an automatic edge when you wear them. They keep you warm, but also give you a bad-ass, Angelina Jolie in Wanted persona, even if only for a couple of days!


3. Not Your Grandma's Sweaters



















Kensie, $64.90 at Nordstrom

L.A.M.B., $245 at Nordstrom





















Jack BB Dakota, $35.90 at Nordstrom

I don't know about you, but I have a mild obsession with sweaters in all styles and colors. The latest sweaters are not the typical sweaters or cardigans that you're used to wearing. The new silhouette is one that is longer, patterned or chunky. You can wear a different style for every different mood you're in!

Take these looks and use them as inspiration the next time you go to the mall. Look out for these new styles and silhouettes because they are guaranteed fire for the upcoming fall season! Happy trendsetting!

Miami Eclectic

This is a very young & sexy look, which I call "Miami Eclectic." It features a multi-colored Diane von Furstenburg mini-dress with vibrant, citrus hues, along with brown gladiator-inspired Guess heels. The accessories are muted for the most part because the dress speaks for itself. However, I chose turquoise earrings because I think they would look divine against a bronze tan and the bright colors in the dress. This outfit is definitely not for the shy (unless you're trying to break out of your shell!). I imagine that this would be perfect for a day of shopping on South Beach, which turns into a steamy night out on the town.

For makeup, I suggest a look that is as simple as possible because anything bright on the face could make you look clownish! I like the Smashbox summer collection because it has beautiful sheer shades which complement the ensemble. I picked the Limited Edition Oasis Shadow/Liner Quad ($30) and the Desert Chic Lip Enhancing Gloss ($18), both available at Sephora.

Click on the photo for more details and links to purchase the items!