Shu Umera to Close U.S. Operations

L’Oréal USA reported on Monday that it will close all U.S. operations of Shu Uemura Cosmetics. (And of course, this comes just as I recently became addicted to their Essence Absolue Protective Oil). In 2000, L’Oréal took a 35 percent stake in Shu Uemura and went on to acquire a controlling interest in the company in 2003. In addition to Shu Uemura, the Luxury Division of L’Oreal USA Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Kiehl’s brands, as well as a number of fragrance licenses, including Viktor & Rolf and Diesel. “We love the brand, but it is a very small part of our portfolio,” Carol Hamilton, President of L’Oreal USA’s Luxury Division told WWD of Shu Uemura. “It’s a simple decision after a very complex analysis: we have a very large portfolio, and we want to focus on growing the brands which have a larger presence in the U.S. market.”

Currently Shu Umera is available at various locations including Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom and four freestanding Shu Uemura boutiques. L’Oreal is now working on an exit strategy for the brand in the U.S. Market, but don’t worry, followers of the line will still be able to purchase the products online at shuuemura.com.

Petite Picks from Miss Selfridges

If you're 5'3 and under you already know that clothes fit better when you shop in the petites section. The problem is that not all retailers have a petite section which can make keeping up on the latest trends a major dilemma. But don't worry. Miss Selfridges has an entire petite section with everything you need for spring. 

This beautiful dress has a sweetheart neckline and an embellished collar. The back has a silver exposed zipper that makes a fabulous finishing touch. This dress is perfect for date night.

Or how about this blush pink sleeveless dress with contrast black lace trim? So perfect for a day of shopping in the city. (Preferably at Harrods of course). 

Or you could skip the girly theme altogether with this adorable striped sweater dress adorned with ice cream cones. 

And who can forget the shoes? There's something for everyone this season from embellished flats to peep toe booties.

And don't forget the accessories! Rosebud studs and vintage floral bows are oh-so-cute for spring!

Liberty of London + Manolo Blahnik

Liberty of London is everywhere these days. Partnering with M.A.C. Cosmetics, putting out special collections for Target and now collaborating with Manolo Blahnik. The London-based department store has commissioned Blahnik to create a “World of Manolo” in-store boutique which will open in September and remain in place for three months.  The collection of items for “World of Manolo” will feature scarves, candles, shoehorns, Wellington Boots and notebooks that incorporate Liberty of London prints. The countdown to September begins!

The Book I Want Right Now

My idea of the perfect dream house includes at least once room with floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with art, fashion and beauty books. One of the fashion books I’d keep in stock is 100 Years of Fashion Illustration by Cally Blackman. The book contains 400 illustrations compiled over the last century and includes an overview of the development of fashion from some of the great fashion illustrators of all time.

Click here to see my list of must-have fashion books!

My Random Obsession: Shticks

I love little hand held signs that say what's on your mind when you are too tired, lazy or annoyed to speak the truth. At work I have one that says "FAIL" on one side and "That's What She Said" on the other.  Those two phrases come in handy more often than one might think. My co-workers and I use these signs all day when the moment is right and it provides hours of entertainment to say the least. That's why when a special someone gave me a set of Shticks for work I was instantly obsessed with abusing them. With phrases like "I quit", "This Sucks", "Wrap it Up", "You're Fired" and "Get to Work" there's a sign for every occasion. 

Lol. The warning on the box says "Shticks are a fun way to communicate only when conditions and situations permit. (I beg to differ because I think these signs are ALWAYS appropriate). The warning goes on to say: Do not use while operating a motor vehicle.

Alexander McQueen : All About The Shoes

If there’s one thing designer Alexander McQueen will be remembered for besides his fashion collections, it’s his shoes. Most notably, the Armadillo shoe, which McQueen says was inspired by “visions of a ballerina standing on pointe”. The 12-inch heels persuaded several seasoned models including Sasha Pivovarova and Natasha Poly to decline participation in McQueen’s runway show. Each pair of Armadillo shoes reportedly took 5 days to build. My vote is that we put these shoes on a pedestal and put them in a beautiful museum somewhere. They are truly works of art.

How about this boot with the major metal hardware from the Spring 2010 RTW show? Those heels could do some serious damage to my hardwood floors….

This white shoe looks like it was made out of skeleton bones with the spine wrapped around the heel. While this shoe might not be for everyone, I can definitely see why this shoe would appeal to a fashion risk taker. I like this shoe best in black. 

I love these playful pumps from Fall 2009! The ruffle effect is interesting and provocative and the ankle strap was right on trend for the season.

This platform shoe almost appears to be melting into the floor. It’s quite an optical illusion and provides the wearer with some serious height. The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland would have loved these shoes…

One of my personal favorites from McQueen came from the Spring 2009 RTW collection which featured a basic pump with toe imprints. Check out the white stitch detail.

For those that prefer something a little bit more over the top, I suggest these embellished boots with the Lucite heel (also from Spring 09). The peep toe detail is so hot!

I love these slate gray lace up pumps from the Spring ‘08 RTW show. They’re futuristic and yet completely “now”.  I'm a sucker for hardware on shoes so I'm loving the silver eyelets and skinny heels. 

Inspired by the Japanese Geisha, these shoes are more like stilts than stilettos and yet still designed to provide the wearer with optimum balance through the design. I’m not sure the ankle ties would be enough to keep these massive shoes on my feet for a night out- but they are beautiful to look at none the less.

Flowers were in full bloom at the Spring 07 RTW show as depicted in these beautiful heels. I’d love these for a wedding or a garden party….the hopeless romantic in me is completely drawn to these shoes.

These gladiator style boots from Spring 2006 remind me of Wonder Woman. I love how they seem to slither up the model’s leg but I find myself wondering what kind of tan lines you would end up with if you wore these in the sunshine for too long.

I'm a sucker for reptile skin so when I saw these shoes from the Spring 08 RTW show I died and went to heaven. I would wear these shoes with a dress, or denim, or even a business suit if I had such an occasion. And hello multiple colorways! 

We will miss your creative designs and playful spirit Alexander McQueen. 

1970-2010

Runners: Rent your Adidas in Tokyo

Adidas opened a new concept store in Toyko last month called Adidas Runbase. The store will stock Adidas clothing and shoes for running and serve as a home base for runners all over the city. Customers will literally be able to find everything they need to go for a run including running clothes and shoes for rent, plus showers and locker rooms to clean up afterwards. Business hours will be from 7am-10pm making it ideal for customers to stop by before or after work to rent equipment for a quick jog. According to Women's Wear Daily, staff at the store will be able to help customers design their own pair of customized performance running shoes, which are tailored to the exact size and shape of each individual foot. Specialists also will hold running-themed workshops, clinics and events at least once a week.

Rapport Handbags Unveils Spring Collection

Handbag designers Michele and Wesley create custom, one-of-a kind bags that are functional, unique, and reflect the style of the Twin Cities for their line Rapport. Every bag is constructed by hand using the highest quality materials, right in the heart of Minneapolis.

For spring I am loving this turquoise suede clutch with screen printed cherry blossoms and hand painted details.

If you prefer something a little more fun, how about this adorable HARLOW bag featuring a chic leather ruffle, rare white crocodile with turquoise leather accents.

Feathers are a major spring trend and I'm a sucker for hot pink- so this may be the perfect bag for me! Hot pink suede with layers of leather and feather accents along the front flap can only mean one thing: LADIES NIGHT OUT!

If you prefer something a bit more subdued how about the COCO bag? Featuring metallic leather with black leather pleats along the right side and a silk interior liner this bag is seriously sophisticated. 

Click here to view the full collection and shop online.

A Dress for Every Occasion

There's a perfect dress for every occasion and this season there are so many to choose from! Here's my list of must-have dresses and their corresponding occasion.

Afternoon Wedding

This Laila Azhar sateen dress with a ruffle trim is perfect for an afternoon wedding. It's fun but formal enough to wear on a special occasion. It's 40% off right now on Bluefly.com. My favorite feature about this dress (besides the hidden size pocket zipper) is the dual side angled pockets.

Charity Event

This Nicole Miller dress is perfect because it's a stand-alone piece that you can dress up or down with the accessories you choose. If I was feeling flirty I might pair this sateen dress with some hot pink pumps.

First Date

Coral is the color of the season and anyone can pull of this easy to wear jersey dress by BCBG Max Azria. I'd suggest this dress on a first date because it's seductive and yet still leaves a little something to the imagination.

Sunday Brunch

This cotton tiered ruffle dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs is charming with it's floral print and layers of ruffles, plus it would make a great choice for Sunday brunch with friends.

Girls Night Out

This French Connection dress has "Let's Party" written all over it. The electric blue color paired with the stretch cotton is makes this dress a MUST for a night on the town. Cheers!

Happy Hour

This grey cheetah pleated chiffon dress is great for Happy Hour drinks after a long day. The skirt has a 6-button detail and the sleeves make it conservative enough to take seriously regardless of the venue you choose.

Sunday Market

Seattle has fabulous neighborhood markets that pop-up in the spring and summertime and this linen dress with embroidery by KAS is perfect for just such an occasion. I'd wear this dress with some leather strappy sandals and some beachy waves in my hair.

Yacht Party

If you're fortunate enough to have friends with money, chances are your summer plans might include a leisurely weekend on a yacht. In that case, dress for style and comfort with this green stretch jersey knit dress. It works as a swimsuit coverup or as your outfit for the day depending on how you decide to wear it.

Weekday Fashion Event

I always opt for styles that can be dressed up or down for weekday fashion events which is probably why I love this Ali Ro crewneck dress. I imagine this dress being paired with strappy black heels and a black clutch.

Meeting with Clients

Whenever you meet with clients (or potential clients) it's important to put your best foot forward both verbally and physically. This dress is creative and says "I know what I'm talking about" without being too dressy or casual.

Weekend Shopping

I would totally wear this side tie dress for running my weekend errands and shopping. The lightweight cotton voile would be perfect for a hot summer day and the embellished inset at the chest makes this dress look anything but ordinary.

All dresses shown are available from Bluefly.com and most start at 30% off.

My Favorite Fall '10 Accessories

If there's one thing I'll always spend money on, it's accessories. Fall 2010 brings us a plethora of options when it comes to updating your look through shoes and handbags. Here's a look at some of my favorite items. 

This Burberry bag has it all. Beautiful leather paired with edgy gold hardware. 

This Dolce & Gabbana bag is perfect for fall.  The coin purse, reptile skin detail and gold hardware makes this bag one of my faves from the Fall '10 RTW shows.

The ankle strap trend is still popular for Fall and Fendi has made it's update by doing a satin pump with a zipper and a button closure. 

There are 2 things I love about this Louis Vuitton pump: the reptile skin and the bow detail. The chunky heel is a bit exaggerated for me but truth be told will make these shoes MUCH easier to walk in. 

These Miu Miu shoes are so unique and ornate. I'm not sure what I'd pair these with to create an outfit but I'm sure there are some risk taking fashionistas out there who can fill me in.

This Valentino bag is SO yummy! I am loving the chocolate patent leather and bow detail. 

Speaking of Valentino how about these amazing stappy heels with pyramid studs? Edgy and sweet at the same time.

To make a statement on a night out you need these YSL platform pumps. They are so much fun and yet demand a certain amount of seriousness to pull off.