I’m still a big fan of oilslick-look patent leather.  Yes, it’s definitely a departure from the standard patent, but I love the unique finish and how it changes under the light.
Gucci has been making some lovely purses with oilslick patent lately, of course – featuring their signature horse bit:

The medium shoulder bag features a permanent handle and removable & adjustable shoulder strap.

The medium tote is perfect if you want a simpler bag, but don’t need a shoulder strap.
images: Neiman Marcus

Okay, so the phrase “elegant simplicity” isn’t neccessarily the first one that comes to mind when you mention the name Alexander McQueen, the UK’s bad boy designer.
But check out the sleek lines and clean design of these flat patent leather sandals:

If the black is a little too austere, check out the fun hot pink version:

The sandals are accented with a narrow metal band, engraved with “Alexander McQueen”, running down the front of the instep.
images: Zappos Couture

I have to say, I love the yellow accessories that are on the market these days – they’re so cheerful!
This particular purse is the “Lux T – Jordana” by Tory Burch:

It’s made from embossed patent leather and accented with metal logo cutouts and vegetable tanned leather.
image: Nordstrom

When I first heard that Paris Hilton was designing shoes, I shuddered… and then completely forgot about.  Until I was browsing through Zappos and came across these charming patent leather “Chino” flats:

They’re wearable…
And pretty…
And not the hooker shoe monstrosity I was expecting!  Now, not all the shoes in the collection thrill me, but I was amazed that most are actually wearable.
Are there snowball fights breaking out somewhere warm today?
image: Zappos

I love browsing through the new season previews on Yoox – this time, it’s my favorite picks from the upcoming Fall & Winter handbag & purse collection

Nappa & patent leather purse from Dries Van Noten.
 
Printed red cloth bag from Armani.

Patent leather chain-strap purse from Maliparmi.
 
Leather, plastic & technical fabric tote from Ipa-Nima.
 
Perforated leather purse with flowers from Braccialini
Yummy, yummy, yummy
images: Yoox

A person could argue that no woman over the ago of, oh – say 10 years, should wear shoes with faces…
But these patent leather mouse shoes from Marc Jacobs are just too adorable to not mention:

Cute, no?
Suitable for wearing to sit in a cafe and sip coffee or browse through your favorite bookstore… just avoid teasing cats in them!
image: eLuxury

And speaking of more great deals (it’s been that kind of morning   Piperlime has just cut prices on a ton of their hot sellers during their Sweet Deals event – so you can snag some great deals at 20% off!
Some of my favorite picks are:

The Lilly Pulitzer “Color In Bloom” flat.

The jeweled “Gabrielle” sandal by Hollywould.

And last, but not least – the unique & pretty “Paradise” wedge from Anne Klein.
Happy shopping
all images: Piperlime  

It’s Earth Day today – now, I’m one of those people who think that we should be more Earth-friendly every day… but it’s still a good day to focus on products that are better for our environment
Let’s start off with the “Baldaci” shoe from Timberland:

It’s got an organic cotton upper and lining made using 70% recycled fibers.
image source: Timberland
This totebag combines two Earth-friendly things – first of all, carrying a totebag means you don’t need to use plastic bags.  This “Shelogical” totebag is also created with organic cotton (did you know that cotton is one of the most …read more

I love this orange patent peep-toe by Irregular Choice:

image source: Zappos
But the name doesn’t thrill me…
Who the heck came up with name “Lick Me” for that lovely spring-time flat?  Shoe fetishists?

Must… resist… drooling… on.. keyboard….

Purple patent leather, be still my heart!
The new “Francine” handbag from Coach.
image source: Coach