Hasta La Ideas

One of my favorite designers, Melody Ehsani, has just dropped her latest shoe collection, now available at Karmaloop.com. The LA based designer has a knack for designing and creating eye-catching footwear. Web-exclusive to her own site and Karmaloop.com, Ehsani’s collection offers a fantastic line of shoes, featuring bold, flashy pieces that have caught the attention of many celebrities. Ehsani has just recently collaborated with fellow designer Richie Rich on a new collection, and has also partnered up with singer Keri Hilson, producing her merchandise for her tour with Lil Wayne. The designer has a strong belief in her inner power as woman, which has allowed her to challenge the status quo and conventional norms. Through her line, she pushes other daring women to overcome barriers and shed any weight of uncertainty about themselves. The Melody Ehsani customer believes in self-expression, independence, and women loving fashion for themselves because of the way it makes them feel. The collection yields nothing short of quality high-fashion products that are stunning, comfortable and affordable. Peep the ‘Love Stinks’ heel and the ‘Javier’ heel and join Ehsani in her fight to upset the equilibrium!

In honor of Earth Day 2009, 15% of all sales made on Wednesday, April 22 at LouisVuitton.com will be donated to The Climate Project (TCP) – Al Gore’s international non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of our growing climate crisis. “We are thrilled to collaborate with The Climate Project and promote environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day. Over the past few years Louis Vuitton has voluntarily made efforts to reduce the impact of its activities on the environment. In addition we are proud to be able to support The Climate Project in its inspiring quest to raise awareness of the climate crisis,” says Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton North America, pointing out that through the company’s Core Values program, they have made donations since 2007 to TCP on behalf of Catherine Deneuve, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, Keith Richards, Sofia and Francis Ford Coppola, and Sean Connery. So feel good about shopping on Earth Day and check out FashionTribes for more!

It seems like denim trends change about everyday- we had the skinny jean, then the boyfriend jean, and the distressed jean. The newest and latest trend is all of these rolled up into one: the destroyed skinny jean. Balmain and Diesel showed some covetable pairs in their spring runway show, but most of us can’t drop over $2,000 dollars for denim. But not to worry, other brands have come up some equally cool versions. Whether they’re ripped, patched, or bleached, they are certainly super hot for spring 09. Black and acid splashed pairs are great for day and even night when worn tight and glammed up with some heels. Citizens of Humanity makes an ultra sexy black pair with just a few rips for a more put-together look. Cropped capri style jeans are also getting the distressed treatment. Siwy makes a great bleached out pair and American Eagle’s light washed crop are spot on for the warm summer days. Wear them a little slouchier for a more casual look that resembles more of a boyfriend jean or tighter for a sultry retro feel. Just remember- a few little rips is rocker chic, too many rips will make you look like you’re heading to a Def Leppard concert in 1984… not chic! Take a look at my slideshow for my favorite ripped skinny jeans!
Photo credit: PR Photos

At first glance, shopping like a French woman doesn’t exactly seem like the most economically sensible thing to be doing right now. But give me a chance and hear me out. These days, we’ve been shopping based on the lowest price tags and highest discounts we can find. I admit I’ve purchased things that didn’t fit or wasn’t my style just because it was 75% off. Staring into a closet full of clothes I don’t care to wear, I’ve started taking tips from the French! The first thing to do is go shopping with a plan. Much like making a grocery list before you go to the supermarket, make a list of what you need before you go to the mall. That way, you won’t get sidetracked and go home with a bunch of clothes and accessories you don’t need. Another suggestion is to figure out the cost-per-wear for what you’re buying. A $500 high quality trench coat you wear three times a week for a year makes the cost per wear to be about $3. A trench coat made of a lesser quality may cost less at the beginning, but it could mean you have to buy a new one every few months. Also consider and assess every purchase you make. A neon dress may be an of the moment trend, but may not be something you want to wear 5 years down the line. Follow these rules and you’ll be surprised at how much you can get out of a few simple pieces of clothing. Here’s my list of essential items every French woman has in her closet, and you should too! Be sure to check out the slideshow to see where you can get the goods.

1. Don’t be afraid to spend the big bucks on well-fitting suit! You can wear the whole thing together at business meetings or just wear the jacket with jeans for a semi-casual night out.
2. Ballet flats is a stylish and comfortable shoe choice for low-key days.
3. A trench coat is utilitarian, but slap on some red lipstick and suddenly you’re a film noir star!

Tresor de Vintage is a premier vintage fashion boutique that is taking the fashion world by storm. Adored by fashionistas worldwide who love to stand out from the crowd, TDV specializes in offering one-of-a-kind finds from glamorous cocktail dresses to decadent cashmere coats. With a keen eye for craftsmanship and style, TDV is your fashion destination for custom and couture vintage clothing. The TDV collection concentrates on designs from the late 1920s to the early 1970s, and includes a stunning range of vintage handbags and accessories. Add a touch of glamour to your white tee and jeans with a handcrafted necklace from TDV or why not make a statement at your next big event in a curve hugging vintage sheath? You can rest assured knowing that your outfit is unique, charming and fabulous. Want to learn more about Tresor De Vintage? Click over to HauteMimi for the rest!