Not Too Crazy: Miu Miu Platform Pumps

It seems designers got together and said, “What crazy things can we slap on shoes for these crazy ladies to buy at these utterly crazy prices? How about some flying buttresses, or some gargoyles? How about some knickknacks and doodads?” And I’ve been hating all of them. I just didn’t get it.

Until I saw these Miu Miu Platform Pumps.

Now I understand. I’ve seen the light; Miu Miu’s most delicious shade of berry with a sculpted resin heel that will translate into real life. Not too high, not too pointy, not too crazy. Just lovely.

$550, Saks Fifth Avenue

Philosophy ‘Amazing Grace’ Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel

I’ve always heard people mention the wonderful Philosophy products, but I’d never tried them first-hand. Just recently, I began using the perfumed Philosophy Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel. I am now wondering why I waited so long to try this. This really is amazing! And I’m not the only one that thinks so. This product was selected as one of Oprah’s favorite things in 2005.

Not only does this silky liquid triple as a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, but it leaves your body (and your mood) feeling great! The scent is unique, feminine and very subtle. You will catch a hint of it throughout the day and it is very uplifting. It is very moisturizing, and does not create a lot of suds. You can feel it soaking into your skin as you wash with it. Perhaps the best thing about Amazing Grace is that it is enhanced with natural milk proteins, so even the driest, most sensitive skin and hair will be soft and silky.

The fact that Amazing Grace is a multi-tasker makes it a great item to bring with you on your travels. It’ll also free up some space in your bathroom, as you won’t need separate shampoos and body wash. A great way to enhance the delightful scent is to layer it with other Amazing Grace products, like the Amazing Grace firming body emulsion, or the spray fragrance.

$22, Sephora.com

Haute Trend: Maxi Dresses

Forget the mini hemlines of the past. Maxi dresses are haute right now. These floor length day dresses are an essential for every woman. Choose from strapless, halter or tank-top varieties. Fabrics range from jersey, to organic satin, to cotton. And it doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall. For those blessed with long legs, the maxi dress is easy and breezy paired with flats – gladiator sandals also add a nice touch. For more petite gals, maximize the length and kick up the height a notch with wedges heels or stilettos. Either way, the maxi dress is a must-have piece to transition from summer to fall.

Shop the maxi dress:

Gypsy 05 Organic Long Dress in Black, $99, Pink Mascara; Colorblock Maxi Dress, $29.99, Charlotte Russe; Elizabeth and James Moonbeam Long Dress, $250, Saks Fifth Avenue

Larsen Gray Pocket Evening Dress, $370, Shopbop; T-Bags Printed jersey dress, $265, Net-a-Porter; Molly Dress in Citrus, $119.99, WeWe Clothing

YAZ Pill Pack Design Contest

Is your birth control in need of a makeover? YAZ, the combination birth control pill, is offering you the chance to make over its birth control case. The contest was launched by Nina Garcia (Project Runway, Elle Magazine), Step Up Women’s Network and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, to give aspiring designers the chance to re-design this accessory.

“The design challenge we’re posing is a fashion transformation unlike any other,” said Garcia. “We’re taking an iconic accessory, the birth control case, and asking aspiring designers to take a shot at redesigning it into a chic, more sophisticated carrying case that they could slip into their purses.”

Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2008. The winner will receive $10,000 to enroll in design classes or to purchase design software and materials. The winner will be announced on or before the start of Spring 2009 Fashion Week in the Fall.

For more information, please visit Pill Pack Makeover or the contest page at Glam.com.

Haute Topic: Classically Haute

Basic pieces for the classic woman:
1. Christina Ribel Lillehammer Long-Sleeved Tee, $75

2. Louis Vuitton Best-Sellers at eLUXURY.com: The Speedy 30, $620

3. Diamond Earrings: Platinum Diamond Earrings (1/2 ctw.), $900

4. NARS The Multiple Maldives, $36.50

5. Apple iBook, starting at $1,099

6. Frye - Dorado Riding (Dark Brown) - Women’s, $461.95

7. Women: Original low rise khakis - new camel , $49.50

Write & Intern for What’s Haute!

Love to write? Are you a self-starter? Then we want you! You can write about a variety of topics including fashion, beauty, celebrities, runway, beauty, lifestyle - whatever you want. The benefits: work from home; lots of perks and room for growth; impressive ‘job’ title; incredible exposure, excellent on a resume and lots of fun. No pay, but it’s fun, prestigious and includes great perks. Inquire within. Writing / journalism experience necessary.

Lokah’s The Ivy Ceiling CD Launch Party

Much of life in New York City is spent waiting. Waiting for the train, waiting for a table, or waiting in some sort of line. Last night was no different. Even though I was on the guest list for Lokah’s The Ivy Ceiling CD Launch Party, I had to wait. And wait. And wait! But once inside, it was well worth it.

Held at the ultra-chic Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club, guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and champagne, while mingling and listening to the laid-back sounds of Lokah. VIP’s included everyone from Russell Simmons and Sting, (and moi), and of course, the guests of honor. Lokah is the collective creation of two artists– Sri Michael Shlofmitz and Uma Nanda Saraswati. The duo’s debut release, The Ivy Ceiling, fuses Indian Kirtan with modern music, resulting in smooth yet heavily textured beats and sounds. The album features the vocals of Sting on the track, “Ma Durga”, and a spoken word introduction by Russell Simmons. Also on the album are Roderick and Anisa Romero of the Seattle based underground band, Sky Cries Mary, are featured on backing vocals.

For sample tracks of The Ivy Ceiling, or to learn more about Lokah, visit LokahMusic.com and to purchase The Ivy Ceiling click here.

Wireimage/Mark Von Holden

Christian Siriano’s Fierce Fashion at Bluefly

Project Runway fanatic, are you? Well now you can rock the wares (or ‘wears’) Read more

Haute Trend: Yellow, Black & White Fashion

What’s black, white and yellow all over? Spring and summer Read more

Pedro Garcia ‘Patrice’ Satin Sandals

My alter ego, Francesca The Tango Dancer, is packing these as we speak.

She’s leaving tonight for her trip to Buenos Aires with Pedro Garcia.

A slingback pump that will hold steady on the cobblestone streets by day. A sexy t-strap for the
mysterious dancehalls she’ll be skulking by night. She abides by no rules except one:

Always look sexy.

$468, My Theresa

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