Friday, March 28, 2008

Well, That Was Easy

So I guess all it really takes to find a cute gladiator sandal is a quick trip over lunch to Circle Center Mall. Leave it to Nine West to interpret the gladiator in a totally wearable, comfortable style. Yet hip.

Just a little over a tenth the price of the Prada version, and I've got a lovely little modified gladiator to take me through spring and summer. Granted, it's not in that sublime gray color, but it's still cool.

I also noted that Nine West has a pretty spot on of the Gucci Sevigny sandal. I'm including photos of both at right...you tell me, is the Gucci version really worth $500 more than the Nine West? I know there's something to be said for owning the original, but really...

Be & D Trunk Show Coming Up at French Pharmacie

Mark your calendars - on April 8, there will be a trunk show at French Pharmacie of Be & D handbags. I believe the trunk show happens from 3 - 8 p.m.

In addition to fabulous handbags and the apparently infamous "Be" of Be & D (I understand that he's quite charming and hilarious), there will be some spa specials happening. As I've reported, French Pharmacie is opening a day spa on the second floor and this event will be an opportunity to highlight that. There will be free polish changes, facials and even Botox injections (although those, for obvious reasons, aren't free...but let's all remember the things you WANT to pay full price for - sushi and surgery). Don't worry, a plastic surgeon (Stacy Kosene's cousin) will be there giving the Botox injections, and he's apparently a master.

So check it out! And be sure to call ahead for appointments/availability if you'd like to partake of any of the spa specials going on that evening.

See you there!

Going Ga Ga for Gladiators

I'm totally getting suckered into the gladiator sandal trend for spring. I know, I know - gladiators have come and gone over the years, and to be honest, I've never been much of a fan of them. First off, I don't wear a lot of flats, and I've also never been huge on the going up the ankle thing. I just think that can be a tough look to pull off, particularly if - God forbid - you have a bit of a cankle.

But this year somehow the gladiator thing seems different. Maybe it's because more designers are doing a modified gladiator, even with a heel in some cases.

Of course, the one I love happens to be Prada's version, and costs nearly 600 bucks. A lot for what will likely be a relatively fleeting trend...so I'll be on the hunt for some sort of reasonable knock off (Steve Madden, where are you when I need you?). I know it won't come in this lovely shade of grey, but oh well...

Et tu, Aldo? Please?

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Why I Love Indy

Fashionistas have it easy here in Indy. I know, I know - we occasionally have to deal with some indignities like H&M not thinking we're cool enough to get the Roberto Cavalli stuff, but on the otherhand, we don't have fight kicking and screaming for the latest and greatest collections when they hit mass retailers. Well, the GO stuff selling out at Target on day one notwithstanding.

Anyway, in search of a wine rack I headed to KatC last night. Yes, I found said wine rack at Crate & Barrel, but that's another story that's not at all interesting. What is interesting is that I took a quick peek in the Gap and what did I find - the new shoe collection designed by Pierre Hardy. "Collection" might be overstating it a bit, as there were only two styles - both available in two different colors - but the KatC Gap had plenty of sizes left in everything. Apparently the shoes arrived last week.

I just read about this partnership between Pierre Hardy and the Gap - although there is no indication on the box or the signage that it's Pierre Hardy who's done the designing. I find this curious as he's such a big star in shoe land, but maybe there were some legal trademark issues or something. Anyway, it doesn't matter. The point is, they're cute, and they're a chance to put a little Pierre Hardy magic on your feet for under $100 - which is great since you'd pretty much have to add a zero to that number to enjoy some mainline Pierre Hardys. And if you lived in Chicago or New York, you'd be SOL by now on these, since I'm sure they sold out on the first day. Online on www.gap.com, sizes are extremely limited. So if you want them, get over to the KatC Gap. And be aware - they run large. I'm normally a 7, but the 6 1/2s fit me. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Prada "Trembled Blossoms"

Ok, so I couldn't get the image of the Prada wallpaper to post correctly, so I'm hoping this video works. This is Prada's "Trembled Blossoms" animation, and I find it mesmerizing. I know I'm gushing over Prada lately, but I truly believe that Miuccia is just lightyears ahead of most other humans in terms of creativity. Lightyears.

Here's the link to the YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcHJamFZcGc

The Fairy Obsession Grows

As my longtime readers know, there's probably nothing right now that I'm more obsessed with than the whole Prada fairy thing. The bag...the ads...the clothes - I just think they are brilliant.

In an effort to bring some fairydom into my own life, I'm embarking on a new - and perhaps overly ambitious - project. I really would like to paint a fairy mural in my bathroom. Step one is complete - I was able to locate a great image from the web site of James Jean, the illustrator who collaborated with Miuccia on the fairy print.

Hopefully James won't sue me if I somehow create a reasonable facsimile of this on the wall of my bathroom. I'm thinking I can project this image onto the wall, trace it out and paint it in. Sounds simple, no?

Or maybe I can just hire a student from Herron Art School to do it for me...

P.S. - Sorry, I tried to post a picture of the Prada image and it wouldn't work. You can check it out at www.jamesjean.com; it's called Prada I.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Jovovich-Hawk Hits the Target

I made it to Target yesterday to check out the Jovovich-Hawk collection, the latest "GO Designers" to hit the racks. All-in-all, I liked it much better than the last couple of GO collections. I think the dresses are the strongest part of the line, and despite the inexpensive prices (dresses top out at $39.99), the fabrics seem nicer than some of the previous GO designer collections. But maybe that's because it's easier to do summer on the cheap...

You'd better hurry if, like me, you're a Nora Target shopper. The collection debuted just yesterday, and as of yesterday afternoon sizes were already starting to get a little picked over. I can't wait until that new Target opens at Glendale. In the meantime, your best bet might be to hit a SuperTarget in Carmel, or order online. Be warned that you might have to go up a size if you want the dresses to be long enough. And the little blue linen gauchos fit funny, so I'd avoid those unless you have very narrow hips.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been alerted that French Pharmacie will be expanding beyond just offering manicures and pedicures and will be launching a day spa on April 1. I'm told that the decor will be very dark and sexy - no doubt it will be fabulous knowing Stacy's taste. Book your appointments now!

Finally, an early warning on this Friday's First Friday event at the Harrison Center, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. The theme is "Road Trip," and it looks to be a typically fun Harrison Center with lots of performances and interesting stuff going on. This is one of the quarterly artist open house events, as well, which are always my favorite. Sadly, I can't attend as I'll be out of town, but I highly recommend checking it out.