designer accessories — thefashionatetraveller.com

D Squared spine heel shoes – ZOMG shoe lust

December 16, 2010 by trashtastika

I don’t usually buy designer shoes…mainly Japanese brand Yosuke from Marui One, as well as Wittner, Jeffrey Campbell, Demonia/Pleaser etc.

But sometimes you just think…MAN! Those are spectacular! And though the Alexander McQueen lobster claw shoes are probably more spectacular, so was the price. When I saw that Luisaviaroma was having a sale, with up to 50% off, I decided it was time to pop my designer shoe cherry.

I did think about it for a day or so…but when I got a Christmas bonus at work, the “be sensible” angel sitting on my left shoulder got drowned out by the “be FABULOUS!” angel sitting on my right.

On December 9 I placed my order. The shoes arrived yesterday – Dec 15th. From lust to satisfaction in less than one week!

Oh the excitement of opening a new box…

Inside the shoes were wrapped in tissue paper, tied with a beautful ribbon.

Gently I took them out of the box…and started taking photos of them, as you do!!

The complexity of the heel is just astonishing.

And finally I had to try them on – with leopard print stockings for added oomph.

They are, in fact, a little snug, due to the fact that I have wide feet (read:bunions), so perhaps a size 39 might have been good. But I think a little leather stretcher applied to the front section should do it, as it’s the width, not the length that is the problem.

I do prefer the boot and strappy shoe versions, truth be told, but they weren’t available, and I’m glad to acquire a pair of such iconic shoes. While they are no doubt, one of the very few designer shoes I’ll ever buy (unless my addiction starts now), and a grand extravagance, I will definitely be wearing them out. I already wear platform shoes, and these are same height as some platform boots I already own. Given my penchant for gothic and alternative clubs, these will fit into my wardrobe beautifully and will be worn, not put on a shelf like special china in your nana’s house. For that reason, despite the price, I do not regret buying these.

Dsquared2 is the label of Canadian twin brothers, Dean and Dan Caten, and has stores in Milan, Monte Carlo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Capri, Kiev, Cannes and Greece. Check the Dsquared2 website for more of their couture clothing and footwear.

I have to say I recommend Luisaviaroma based on this experience…and there’s still a sale on, so maybe you can let your “be fabulous” angel/demon loose too 🙂

Mini trend: Corset belts

December 13, 2010 by trashtastika

I LOVE corsets, and often wear them when I go to alternative and goth clubs. The outside ones, I mean, not the foundation garment kind. There’s just something about the way they make your tummy disappear, slendify your waist, bustify your cleavage…

However, sometimes they just seem a little too over the top for some events – but I’ve noticed a trend in some fashion magazines that I think can bridge the gap.

The Corset Belt

Right now it’s too hot in Australia to contemplate…but let’s face it, we’re all tracking future trends and sometimes wishing it was autumn so we could wear some groovy fur or leather jackets and whatnot.

Here’s a few designer styles of corset belt to get you thinking.

Sass and Bide’s wide belt, Burberry or Alexander McQueen’s buckled belts:

Kiki de Montparnasse with it’s fabulously woven construction and metal busk, the ASOS knockoff, or Roland Mouret’s caged lattice belt:

Azzedine Alaia – punched, serrated, in ponyhair – every one’s a winner

Alexander Wang – there’s a version in fabric and one in leather:

But my main inspiration for this post is Haider Ackermann, whose Fall/Winter 2011 collection show featuring futuristic draped leather was amazing. This one is available for $185 from The Corner.

He takes the corset belt to another level with the zippered belts that can be unzipped to fall in assymetric shapes. I’ve seen these in Harpers Bazaar Aust and think we’ll be seeing a lot more come Winter time.

The Fall/Winter 2011 show had such a beautifully dark aesthetic, with leather draped, zippered, belted (and Marilyn Manson soundtrack) – I just had to include it here: