Christian Dior Fall 2010

John Galliano continued his equestrian, libertine theme in Christian Dior’s show today.  There was lots of leather, lots of chiffon.  There was some criticism that there isn’t a real distinction between the John Galliano line and Christian Dior line.    Overall, there were a handful of pieces that I liked.  The boots were thigh high and ankle length, one being a pair of lace boots that were lovely but we have seen lovely lace boots before.  The platforms and heels seem quite high.  Have a look.

The outfit:

The lace boot:

Is Karlie Kloss the cutest thing ever?

The short version:

My favorite boot from this line.  The accent trimming on the platform and sole sort of reminds me of Proenza Schouler and Prada from last year.

I wonder if this look is just a pair of boots covered with leg warmers.  Well, that is what we called them in the 80′s.   I don’t know what they are called today.

John Galliano made his appearance dressed in costume.  Complete with spurs.  Ya gotta love him.  He has quite a flair for the dramatic.

Saks Designer Sale – Prices Up to 40% off

Hey all – Saks is having an ‘up to 40% off’ designer brands sale.

So, if you are in the market for a Christmas shopping splurge, now’s your chance.

This is just a sampling, there are pages of shoes on sale…I’m betting most of them, especially the selection of Louboutins, won’t last:

Top Row:

Christian Louboutin Ruched Ankle Boots $674.99 $965

Christian Louboutin Paolo Lace Boots $807.99 $1155

Christian Louboutin Metallic Open-Toe Booties $835.99 $1195

Row #2:

Christian Louboutin Lace-up Granny Boots $835.99 $1195

Maison Martin Margiela Demi Wedge Ankle Boots $485.99 $695

Brian Atwood Suede Platform Ankle Boots $520.99 $745

Row #3:

Givenchy Fur-Front Ankle Boots $804.99 $1150

Givenchy Wide Ankle Boot $905.99 $1295

Valentino Drape Open-Toe Ankle Boots $541.99 $775

Row #4:

Giuseppi Zanotti Zipper Ankle Boots $681.99 $975

Dolce and Gabbana Cutout Booties $384.99 $550

Dior Persia Ankle Boots $727.99 $1040

Designer Shoe Deja Vu: Dior Knock-offs

How many of you remember the Dior/Galliano chain-link-and-leather, caged, ankle boots from last year?

Let me refresh your memory:

Well, for those of you who are looking for a (relatively) affordable alternative, Pelle Moda has once again positioned themselves as the ‘designer inspired alternative’ with this boot:

Pelle Moda ‘Karena’ in brown or black; $196.19-217.99 at Heels.com, endless.com, & Shoebungalow

(This was in the hotel boutique when I stayed in Las Vegas last month. Yes, I tried it on. Yes it is an eye-catcher. Yes, I did leave without making a purchase)

Much like the Prada-inspired Pelle Moda shoes that I showed you previously, these are near-knock-offs; with just enough details that are different from the original to keep these from being a 100% faithful copy.

Which do you prefer, the original or the copy?

I actually find that I prefer the copy; the heel is less fussy and allows the chain-link upper to take center stage.

What about you?

Christian Dior Fall 2009 Couture Paris

No one does couture like Christian Dior.  He set his show in the Dior Headquarters on Avenue Montaigne.  This line was presented very much like the clothes were traditionally presented to press and clients in the 40′s and 50′s.     The clothes were reminiscent of 40s and 50s styles only with bright, sophistocated color. 

The difference was that the models were “half” dressed.

I would imagine real world clients will combine tops and skirts from these different outfits for real world wear.  I can’t wait to see how Charleze Theron wears this look on the Red Carpet.

Here are close ups of the shoes.    Note the sparkly hose. 

The embelishments,  make me think of old  girdle connectors.   I can’t tell you how many times I watched my mother squeeze into her girdle and hook her stockings with those little dealies.  

My favorite pair is below.

I love the hand work detail of couture.

Saks Friends and Family Sale – Save 25% off

It’s springtime! To celebrate, Saks’ is offering a Spring Friends and Family Event.  The savings are pretty wonderful – receive 25% off all Saks’ merchandise, 20% off jewelry, 15% off cosmetics and fragrance. To receive the discount, use code SFAFAM9 at checkout and stack with code FAMSHIP9 to get free shipping with $200 purchase, too. Offer valid 4.14.09–4.19.09.

Now, there are a ton of brand exclusions,including Chanel, Balenciaga, Prada, Louboutin, Gucci, Alaia, YSL, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino, McQueen, just to name a few, okay a ton of the brands.   However, there is still enough brands that still quality for the discount so you can stock up on cosmetics, those Reva flats you’ve wanted for the past few seasons, or even these Dior sandals (yup, Dior handbags were excluded, but not the shoes)!

Dior Extreme Rock Mesh Sandal – originally $880; using F&F it’s $660. If the name sounds familiar, these are the cousin of the Dior Extreme sandals we saw on SJP during the SATC movie, just with a totally different upper.

Dior Riviera Sandals – originally $880; using F&F it’s $592