Wittner inspired by Alexander Wang Anais Tassel Loafer AW 2011

When I stepped into Wittner today, I gasped. There in front of me was a shoe that said "hello, I have arrived".

It was an inspired shoe, but beautifully inspired. And I dont say that often!

The inspiration was the darling Alexander Wang, a 30 yr old Taiwanese  American designer who dropped out of the Parsons School of Design but whose designs are now stocked by the likes of Browns, Barneys, Bergdorfs, Neimans and the list goes on.     

His label embodies casually cool downtown mens inspired style, drawing inspiration from the nineties, French chic, and rock grunge—always finished off with a slouchy, rolled-out-of-bed edge. He also has a diffusion line, T by Alexander Wang and a line of footwear which usually produces towering platforms.

Did I hear someone say footwear?

Wittner certainly did......

Firstly, lets go back a few steps and check out a Wang loafer....

Oh, my - silver & metallic pink....its called Anais Tassel Pump & its gorg!

Look at the cute toes.....who would have thought a loafer would have cute toes....sigh....

For those of us with a slightly conservative 

streak, try the black version.

And then I died when I saw this metallic burgendy version. Outstanding combination of modern and traditional.

There were around $460 AU on various sites like net-a-porter and shopbob, but given they are AW 2011, most have sold out by now. I'd suggest ebay if you really must have them.

The Wang Tassel loafer has been used as inspiration by a few designers - 

Elizabeth & James  - "Stela"

This brand is the younger label for the Olsen twins, named after their sister and brother. 

It was $370 on shopbop. I think its a bit of a wannabe, frankly.

Here is the ASOS version.....not thrilled with this poor cousin.....

The Jeffrey Campbell "Zealous" wedge - similar feel but not the same.....

And the one you have been waiting for - the Australian Wittner version - Blaide.....ta da!!!!

Its $160, leather uppers, non leather sole and they have done a great job IMO. 

The heel is a 10 cm black heel & the inner sole is padded.

They call the silver colour, silver foil (how cool).

Available online.

 

I am a very fussy shopper but this has my seal of approval. Do you like it?

Plus size LBD option

Kate Husdon is heavily pregnant (ie: plus size) and she is due in a few weeks.
This is how she appeared as a recent Chanel benefit in Malibu.
Totally breathtaking, yet totally simple & not costing a gazillion dollars.
Its easy to re-create this look - we show you the formula here.



Why does this look work?

Lets break it down...

* Nude pumps (leg lengthening)

* Black dress (forever slimming - & feel free to substitute navy, chocolate, bottle green, maroon, charcoal depending on your complextion)

* A little bit of leg to amp up the volume a touch - but even if the front split was sewn down further, it would have been OK as the fabric is light & floaty

* Arms showing, but again, a little more coverage would be fine if that's what you prefer, or a black wrap over the shoulders (in fact it looks like she is carrying a wrap). You could even have a trench with this evening look simply because its so simple.

* Simple clutch toning in with shoes (in harmony, not "matchy matchy")

* I can bet any amount of money, the foundation garments are top notch in terms of fit & she has worn them before & knows they work. No last minute shopping trips to buy invisible knickers or shapewear.....

* Simple, simple, simple - less is more. You could even add a necklace or bracelet & it would be classy.

* Confidence - ahhh, makes all the difference

FYI - the dress is Elizabeth & James (the Olsen twins younger more inexpensive line) - its the new Fall 2011 line. I am sure it'll be silk and would cost in the vicinity of $400-$500.
Amortise that over 5 years, 4 times per year - $20/wear & you'll feel fabulous

Alternatively - get a get a good quality polyester (yes, they do exist) from Lincraft ($5-$8/mt), hire a dressmaker (who can pattern make) & have it made for around $300. Amortise that to $15 per wear. A bargain!

A silk version would cost more but is anyone (but me) going to know that its not silk? Absolutely not!

Need dressmaker referral? Just ask me!