Oh Suri...

Note to Suri Cruise:

Apparently you liked something when you were shopping in the Barney's shoe department with your mom. The look on your face is priceless in this pic. Congrats on winning our 'Most Fashionable Celebrity Offspring' poll. You definitely deserve it and we will all enjoy watching your style evolve. Also, don't you worry, the shoes at Barney's will fit you soon enough.

Note to Readers:

Thank you for voting in the poll. I think this picture is classic, and it shows that the girl definitely has an interest in fashion. A girl after my own heart.

Nicely Done

Photo from justjared

Note to Taylor Swift:

Wow.  Have you been keeping up on Fashion Noted since I wrote this post about you? Because it looks like you took the advice I gave to Gwyneth Paltrow after her Grammy appearance.  This look is everything I wanted Gwyneth's to be, and you made it your own.  You accessorized your Kaufman Franco dress with bare legs and a smashing pair of Louboutins. Your hair and makeup are flawless, and basically you look fantastic. I bet that Jonas Brother is kicking himself right about now.

Note to Readers:

This is an excellent example of how to wear a "busy" dress. A busy dress is one with a bold print, a lot of color, or like in the above photo is encrusted with rhinestones, or something along these lines. If the dress has a lot going on, it is wise to take it easy on the accessories. Imagine if Taylor wore this dress with strappy shoes that tied up around her calves, a big statement necklace, chandelier earrings, and a bevy of bangles on each wrist.  It would be a whole lot of look. When your dress has a lot going on, think simple with the rest of your look.  You only need to make one statement at a time, otherwise your items start to compete for attention.

A Model's Nightmare

Photo from Getty Images

Note to Runway Models:

Yesterday, two of you fell on the runway at the Herve Leger by Max Azria show during fashion week in New York.  I feel your pain.  Ok, not literally, but falling in high heels in embarrassing enough in real life, let alone on the runway during fashion week. The best way to recover from a runway stumble is to get back up and continue walking as if nothing happened.  Do not start laughing at yourself or crying... until you are backstage.  

Don't beat yourself up about the tumbles, in September of 2008 at the Prada show two of the models fell on the runway, one reportedly toppled a couple of times during her strut (photo below).  She even had audience members assisting her in getting back on her high-heeled feet.  One of the hands helping her up is reportedly the hand of the Sartorialist. (Scroll 1/4 of the way down on the link to read his account of the show)

Note to Readers:

Wearing and walking in heels is sometimes as difficult as it is painful.  Here are a few tips to keep you standing upright, and to keep you from becoming "fashion roadkill" a la Carrie Bradshaw-- consider the length of time you will be wearing the shoes for and how long your will be actually standing vs. sitting.  For example, I wear some of my highest and most painful heels to events where I know I need to look fabulous, but I will be sitting for the majority time, like a dinner, play, etc.  If I am going to an event where I will be on my feet walking or standing talking to people, I ditch the stilettos and go for something with a wedge, platform or a more substantial heel.  This allows me to circulate the event comfortably and confidently.

Also, if you are debuting a new pair of shoes, be careful the soles are usually slippery.  I recommend walking around outside on the sidewalk for a few minutes to scuff up the soles to give you a little better traction.  Another option to keep you from slipping on your couture-clad behind is to spray the bottom of the soles with hairspray.

Another tip is to scrunch up your toes when you are walking to keep the shoes on your feet, but this is a last attempt, and is not a permanent fix.  Make sure you try out your shoes and make sure you are comfortable walking in them before you wear them out.  Also, remember when your pair shoes with hosiery, it can change how they stay on your foot so make sure you are comfortable walking in the combo.

I hope this helps.

Shoe Shopping in Louisville

Note to Readers:
On my recent jaunt to Kentucky, I went to a local shoe store and I had no idea what Louisville had in store for me. I will say, I saw some beautiful shoes, including an amazing pair of Christian Lacroix heels that I was lusting after, but their price tag exceeded my budget. Instead of dwelling on the shoes I would not be able to take home with me, I decided to focus on the shoes that you couldn't pay me to take home. I love visiting new places and new shops and this trip was no different! So ladies and gentlemen, I give you my favorite shoes in Louisville!

Note to Glittery Cowboy Boots:
I have never seen anything like you. I don't know how well you are constructed, or if the wearer would leave traces of glitter with each step. I do know that you are definitely head turners, and you would probably be the most sparkly pair of boots at any local line dancing bar. I also know I would not wear you, unless it was for some kind of costume.


Note to Artsy Clogs:
While I do give you credit for having a Vermeer masterpiece painted on you, I still would not wear you. If I am going to do any kind of homage to Vermeer, I would probably just wear pearl earrings, not wear clogs with The Girl With the Pearl Earring painted on them.


Note to Silver Wedges:
You just crack me up. The athletic sole looks like it could belong on a pair of Chuck Taylor's, but it is on the bottom of these peep-toed wedges. I guess the wearer can take comfort in knowing they are getting both athletic shoes and dancing shoes all in one.


Note to Polka Dot Uber-Platforms:
Words can't describe the wonder of you. Actually wonder is a good word for you, because you look like you could be found in some psychedelic Alice in Wonderland collection. I don't know who can actually wear you, because when I put you on I was taller than the shoe racks. Yes, I am 5'9", but these make me look like I could see eye-to-eye with Shaq.



Note to Louisville:
This post is not to represent everything you have going on in your fashion scene. It is just a small part of what I saw on my visit, that I felt was worth sharing. Thanks for showing me a good time.

Fancy Flats

Note to Readers:
I love wearing heels, they dress up an outfit, make legs look leaner, and they can be the epitome of being feminine and sophisticated. That being said, they also are not the most comfortable option in footwear. Now, I am one of the first people to admit that sometimes personal comfort needs to be sacrificed for fashion. I am also quick to admit that part of looking good and confident is being comfortable in what you are wearing. Flats have saved my feet and my outfit more times than I can count. I am always on the look out for unique looking flats that can be worn with a cute outfit, without looking matronly or frumpy.

Note to Gold Flats (on the right):
You were a surprise find at the Kenneth Cole store. I was in the store shopping for my mom, and I found you- it has been love ever since. Every time I wear you, people compliment me, and ask me where you came from. I politely oblige and tell them, but so far I have not seen anyone else with you. I think we were meant to be.

Note to Cream Flats (on the left):
I am so glad that my friend Amie bought you. You were bought at the Gaspard Yurkievich showroom in Paris, so you have come a long way. She was on the fence about buying you, but now every time she wears you out she says she can't imagine the remorse she would have if she let you get away.