Unleash Your Animal

In recent weeks I don't know what has come over me - but I love wearing animal print! I guess you can say I'm stepping out on my wild side.

For the longest time I was on a mission for the perfect animal print shoe. As you might know my shoe collection is forever growing and I felt that as a true shoe-ista I needed to add a print to my family. Casually shopping one weekend these heels hit me in the face as if I was on an African safari tour and was pounced by a puma. These suede 5 inch pumps from Aldo were immediately welcomed into my home with open arms and I couldn't be any happier.   

At a recent baby shower (to which I was a guest) I decided to jazz things up a bit. I wore a green busty dress I got in Las Vegas, a bedazzled leopard bracelet and my perfect matching leopard heels.

Too increase my collection: last week I received my first purchase from my new online addiction ModCloth! 

After briefly browsing, I spotted these two items and knew they had to be mine.

I was over the moon when I saw that these round-toe peacock shoes were available in size 5! Because of my petite feet I rarely get shoes I initially spot. They are 2.5 inches with a rubber sole which makes them incredibly comfy. I've worn them two days in a row now and my feet do not feel any pain at all...A+ in my books.

This next purchase was an unnecessary must have - a sequined owl purse. 

One word: Amazing.

With the new Fall lines coming out be sure to hear much more from me. Till then, feel free to send any pics of your fancy footwear and don't forget to seduce me with your shoes ;)

It's an Art

The first thing someone will say when you mention a designers name is, "why are they so damn expensive?!"

 For most people, you are paying for the name. You give your Visa card a mini stroke just so everyone around you knows your bag is a Marc Jacobs, or that scarf is Hermes.

But for me, along with the name you are paying for the quality. Yes, one pair of Brian Atwood sandals can cost you around $996.27 (before tax) and with that money you can buy 10 pairs from any other store, but with Atwood, Louboutin or Choo you are paying for quality, not quantity.

Not that i'm downgrading the quality of shoe chains, because i'm definitely not...since for the time being that is all I can afford in my early 20s. But i'm sure that the shoes I own were not made like this below.

This is the making of a men's Louis Vuitton shoe in Fiesso d'Artico's workshops.

Take special note of the hardwork and intricacy of each step.

So the next time someone criticizes you for wanting high end footwear, just have them watch this video. And remind them that you deserve nothing but ultimate best.

Don't forget!

 No matter what type, style, or label is on your feet. Always seduce with your shoes ;).

I wanna dance. And love. And dance, again.

I know it has been a few weeks since I’ve posted so figured I’d do a quick post before the long weekend.

Life has been booming!

Starting a new job – aerial training – dance rehearsals - shows – injuries – and all other fun in between, I haven’t had a spare moment to breathe. But I’m not complaining… I love to be busy!

Working a day job definitely limits the freedom to enjoy patio lunches or spur the moment beach trips, so I make life interesting with my work wardrobe. Every day I get a new compliment whether it’s on my shoes, pants or jewelry. Just because I’m working behind a desk all day doesn’t mean I can’t be the brightest person in the office.

My new summer colour is definitely highlighter pink.

From shoes, bags, pants, knapsack (yes I’m aware I’m out of school) at least one item on me a day is highlighter pink. I think my best friend described my style this year as being stuck in the 80s. But in my defense, since I was born at the tail end of the decade, I’m embracing the spirit of the 80s now.

My favourite items this season definitely has to be my highlighter pink and purple pants from Mendocino. They’re a great colour and extremely comfy. And the best part about them is you can go wild with your other wardrobe pieces to go THAT over the edge. Or play it cool and calm with solid pieces. Either way it’s bold and beautiful. And you know my favourite saying, “Go big or go home”!

I’ve paired my pink pants with my Miss Sixty lightening shoes that I bought in Florence Italy. The shoes also incorporate highlighter green and yellow. Yes if you saw me this day sunglasses were required.

With the purple pants I kept it simple with a purple floral top and white spikes from Nine West. In case you were wondering – I also wore a purple cardigan and painted my nails purple that day. OCD much?

I also obsessed other this bag for months that I had to buy it. American Apparel had this knapsack that I couldn’t get out of my head. So long story short – it’s mine. And I know that deep down, you all want it too.

Have any fun summer pieces you want to share? Tweet me @Gabby_DB!



SALE!

Fashionista’s are you ready for this. I hope you’re sitting down…. Net-a-Porter is having an up to 70% off Sale! This site carries all the latest luxurious and high fashion pieces from some the biggest fashion houses in the world. Everything from skirts, blazers, dresses, bikini’s, purses and my fav SHOES are on sale.

I quickly browsed the shoes this morning and was on cloud nine. You’ll find discount pieces from:

Alexander McQueen

Lanvin

Proenza Schouler

Yves Saint Laurent

Jimmy Choo

Stella McCartney

Dolce & Gabbana …and many many more!

Oscar de la Renta
Dakota brushed-leather wedge sandals
Was $1,050
Now $735  30% OFF

Bally
Oasis perforated leather brogues
Was $850
Now $255  70% OFF

Valentino
Crystal-embellished suede and mesh pumps
Was $1,045
Now $418  60% OFF

Check out the website here and you can also follow them on Twitter @NETAPORTER

Also, don't forget to follow me on Twitter for my daily shoe updates @Gabby_DB



British Invasion

This weeks post I'm showing you shoes from across the pond. 

My good friend Mel is currently being a brainiac over in England becoming a lawyer at the University of Leicester.

Along with her book smarts, this girl seriously has a passion for fashion! I'm pretty sure our shoe obsession is what originally brought us together and I'm so very thankful it did :)

Thanks to the technology of Smartphones, she recently went on a shopping spree after she completed her first year of law school (Yay congrats again!) and found these British beauties.

 She sent me a picture of her shoes at the store and I instantly LOVED them. These pumps are 5inchs, completely covered in sequins and in the pattern of the Union Jack. I know amazing right! Ladies, think Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls circa 1997.

In Mels words, "They were the last pair :) and now they're all mine". 

She bought them from a store called QUIRK in Leicester City Centre. They were 65 pounds, approxiamately $100.95CAN, which is average for a decent pair of heels. However, because sequins I find are very sensitive on shoes, it's best to wear them out for dinner/drinks or some place not so strenuous on your feet. Afterall, if you're going to seduce with your shoes, you want your shoes to be in an open setting for everyone to see them! If you wear them out to a club, the only thing they're going to be exposed to is alcohol. *Note: avoid wearing suede heels for the same reason*        

You can follow Melissa on Twitter for all her fashion and law school updates @honey_bee65 

Thanks for sharing Mel! And welcome home!! :)

OH EM GEE

That was my reaction to this article, along with a slu of Italian profanities my Nonna used to say when she was really mad.

http://www.thestar.com/living/fashion/article/1183168--ugg-unveils-cosy-wedding-shoes-collection

In case you don’t have time to read the entire article here’s the gist of it:

UGG Australia has unveiled its new “I DO” wedding collection. For those who don’t know what UGGs are, they’re boots; basically outdoor wearable slippers. I admit I own a few pairs because they are super comfy and perfect for those brisk Fall days.  But for a bride on her wedding day?! No way, josé! (Michelle Tanner Full House, circa 1990).

UGG has “glammed” up their traditional cozy boot by adding white and pink sparkles BUT that’s not all! The Bailey I Do! Boot is ceremony ready with a Swarovski crystal button surrounded by satin. *sigh*

Girls dream about their weddings basically from birth. And if they say they haven’t, then they’re lying. Everyone has seen Cinderella and everyone wants Prince Charming to show up at their house holding a glass slipper…. Not a furry boot.

Call me old fashioned, but a bride on her wedding day is supposed to be a princess, whatever her idea of princess is. And as much as it’s a union between two people who love each other… let’s call it as it is. The first thing guests want to see is what the bride is wearing. Everyone wants to be in awe of this beautiful princess for the day, entering a lifetime of happiness with her Prince Charming.

And I’m sorry but boots just don’t say princess, they scream hideous.

If the wedding was in the winter, on a ski hill in Alberta, MAYBE the boot would be acceptable for after the ceremony. But that’s still a huge maybe. Wedding season is generally between May – September, so if a bride decides she wants to wear boots in 30 degree weather, then girl needs to see a doctor asap.

I think this is just a money grab from UGG, trying to sell the “comfort” factor to brides. Between the numerous wedding reality tv shows and the buzz over celebrity weddings these days, UGG is trying to be part of wedding mania. Each year the wedding industry makes millions of dollars between the venue, decor, food, entertainment and clothing. So it makes sense that UGG Australia wants to get a piece of the wedding pie. But as most women know, beauty is pain. If your feet hurt, don’t worry, you still look gorgeous!

So to upcoming brides please stray from the overpriced slippers at your wedding.  I know you already got the guy, but you can still Seduce Him with your Shoes ;)

Sparkle Shoes

 

Last weekend while shopping with my best friend I purchased what may possibly be the best pair of flats i've ever owned. TOMS. And to top it off SQUINED TOMS! I was instantly in fashion footware heaven. Since then I have worn them non-stop (except at the office when my heels take over) and my feet have not hurt or sweat or anything! Not even a first day blister. Amazing eh? I feel like im the last one to hop on the TOMS train, but I just had to rant and rave about them!

 

For those who don't know, TOMS is also a brand on a mission. They created the One for One movement. Here's alittle background on the movement:

 

"In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers."

 

It's stories like this that really pull at the heart strings and makes you appreciate the little things in life.

 

To learn more about the movement check out http://www.toms.ca/our-movement or follow TOMS on Twitter @TOMS. The website allows you to also get involved with the cause, share the TOMS story or host your own sole party. 

Everyone can get involved with the cause. All it takes is buying a pair of shoes.

 

The Higher the Heels the Closer to God

I have to admit, the title of my post was taken by the tv show GCB. The line originally went, "The higher the hair the closer to God". But it was so fitting for this weeks post I had to use it.

This post is dedicated to the wedge shoe and to be honest, i'm not a huge fan of them. Never found it was as sexy and sleek as a spike heel. But alas, there are some shoes I couldn't resist.

What I do like about a wedge is you can dress it up or dress it down. With the right pair of pants it's a great office shoe or for Friday nights on the town.

Because it was the May long weekend, I'm keeping this post short and sweet. It was a fun and busy weekend but now i'm wiped. Anyways enjoy the pics of my wedge's!

 * Burberry

 *Guess







*Jessica Simpson

 

Backstage pass

Because I was a performing last weekend at ANTMLive! I scored an all access pass backstage. For an average girl it was fantastic, but for a fashion lover it was heaven!!! I got to drool and document all the clothes, accessories, hair and make-up products.

The makeup used for the models and dancers was called KRYOLAN and was from the U.K. I had never heard of this product since for performances I normally use MAC cosmetics, so I was excited to try it out.The brightness of the shadows and blushes were amazing and the foundations and concealers were extremely light on the skin. Considering we had touchups done 2-3 times a day my skin was able to breathe. Which was nice for a change

This was my make-up artist Gemma (@glhorne)

 who was brilliant!

My words cannot give justice to all the amazing jewelry and accessories. So take a look at my pics and you can decide the adjectives for them. These were pieces the ANTM models and Sutherland models wore throughout the show.

I will say this, bib and rustic necklaces were super popular from not only the runway show but from vendors at the convention as well. I purchased a necklace, ring and earrings all which were handcrafted. Each piece is unique and represents me in some way. Corny I know, but Gaga quote again- I was born this way.

Now onto the hair. Schwarzkopf did a FANTASTIC show with the models and dancers hair. The products were soo nice and the stylists were pro! These are looks of the models who opened the runway show.

 

I couldn't tell which was my favourite. But it was definitely a tie between the 'Rapunzel' and Horizontal hair.

Now to the best part of the weekend...the dancers!

The dancers, choreographer, assistants and artistic director all did a fantastic job and I am so proud to have been part of this amazing team. 

Leon Blackwood went above and beyond with the choreography and Nikki Johnson definitely kept us sane throughout this whole process. Thank you!

Our set had hip hop, contemporary, pointe, popping and contortion incorporated and it's safe to say we were a huge hit!

Definitely a highlight of the weekend was when I got to perform down the runway (and walk the catwalk) with the ANTM models intertwining their walk around my bending! 

Thank you Lexx Everett and Laura Kirkpatrick for making each show fun and different!

Weekend Round Up

Hello Readers!

Sorry for the delay in posts this week, but life has been CRAZY! 

But don't fret, this week I'll be posting multiple times for ya ;)

This weekend you might have known (especially if you have me on twitter) that it was ANTMLive!

I can't express to you how amazingly wonderful this weekend was! The dancers, singers, models, fashion designers, makeup artists and hair stylists were all fantastic. Like any big event, there were definitely some highs and lows, but overall I couldn't be happier with the event.

If you were at the convention you could obviously see that Sam Edelman was featured. The Lorissa pump was EVERYWHERE! During the Schwarzkopf runway show every other model was in the Lorissa, whether it was blue, black, pink or leopard. Camille McDonald from ANTM All-Stars even strut her stuff down the runway in a hot red pair. If the models weren't in the Lorissa they were in baby pink Novato with gold highlights. This light pink shoe sported a tiny peep toe. The models looked great in them!

When I had free time to check out the event I definitely stopped by the Sam Edelman booth.

                     

                                     

 

My best friend Annie came to watch me dance and fell in love with the black Lorissas. After much debating and my encouragement, she bought the shoes. A+ decision in my books.

 

Over a year ago I bought the Lorissa the week it came out. Unfortunately, due to my extreme petite feet I had to return the size 5.5 shoe because even with a thick insole they didn't fit :(. I'm a firm believer in fate and it was clearly not meant to be. So I encourage others to embrace the sexy spikes!

If you were at ANTMLive and have any great pics or stories please share!

Hello shoe lovers and happy Friday!

Sorry for the post delay this week but I have been working on exciting things which I can’t wait to share!

For those who don’t know, I am a dancer and have been for 21 years. Although shoes are my passion, dance is my LIFE and always has been. A day without dance is like a day without breathing; It’s impossible.

 Exciting enough my two passions are coming together in May!

 Next weekend is America’sNext Top Model Live! 

The ultimate fashion and shopping event of year is happening from May 4 – 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. 

Myself and 9 other dancers brought together by T.D.O.T. The Dancers of Toronto will be performing at the Schwarzkopf Professional Main Stage Show choreographed by the fantastic Leon Blackwood. 

You can learn more about the performers here.

Also, I just found out that a former Rye-high friend of mine will be speaking at the convention! 

Kendall Donaldson (who btw inspired me to blog) will be speaking at the event next Friday on behalf of French Connection. She is part of the blogging panel and will be speaking on the Style Stage. Be sure to hear her speak at 7:30pm!

Along with performances and speakers there will be a runway show. So don't worry I will definitely be taking notes of the fashion and the shoes ;). 

So if you’re in Toronto be sure to check out this great fashion filled weekend!

Manolo Mania

For those who aren't in my close circle of friends you might not know that I am obsessed with Manolo Blahnik. The man, the shoes, everything. And because of my elephant memory I can tell you exactly when the passion began. 

I was in grade 10 and watching a Sex and the City marathon. It was season 3 episode 47: What Goes Around Comes Around. While Carrie was devastated over the latest 'Big" fiasco she gets mugged and the robber takes her bag or 'bagette', jewelry and Manolo Blahniks. While this would be horrifying for any woman, the hilariousness of this scene is Carrie begging the robber not to take her Manolo strappy sandals

she got at a sample sale. Check out the link below. Excellent comedic timing HBO, excellent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl73_Agg7YY

Not knowing what Manolos were I Googled them and it was instantly love. I find that his shoes are so wildly different and creative. I feel they are art for your feet rather than an ordinary shoe. My absolute favourite pair is the blue Hangisi Jewel Satin Pumps. I kind of have a strange ritual but when I go shopping at Sherway Gardens (basically the only mall I shop at) I always visit these shoes at Holt Renfrew. Yes I know I'm odd and I have now exposed my quirks publicly, but whatever, in Lady Gaga's words - I was born this way. It's just a constant reminder to myself that one day I will own these blue satin beauties (that are $981.95 before tax). 

Now for the actual reason for my post today. At my university graduation last year my mom (who's the best of the best) gave me probably the sweetest gift. It was a Manolo Blahnik shoe made by TOUS that she found in New York City. TOUS is a jewelry store that has been around since 1920 and they have a line: 

Manolo Blahnik for TOUS

High Heels Go Higher

They are miniatures of M.B's Mary Jane shoe. They come in gold-plated sterling silver and sterling silver pendants. My hilarious mom said she would always buy me my first pair of Manolos and now it was up to me - an adult - to buy a real pair. 

                                          

This was the day of my graduation. Although it's hard to see but I'm wearing my Manolo TOUS necklace. 

Thanks mom :)