The Brass Age

I'm lusting over the beautiful organic brass jewelry pieces from Suzannah  Wainhouse.

This Brooklyn painter come jewelry designer finds inspiration in nature-from land and sea.  Now to decide which one to obtain first.
Photos courtesy of SuzannahWainhouse.com

The Sandal Boot

For those of us who would live in our boots if the temperature outside never changed, there are sandal boots.  The silhouette is a huge trend this season and can be found in all price ranges. Below are some of my faves:

Photos courtesy of WGSN.com and JeffreyCampbellshoes.com

Color Explosion

I'm married to my black, grey and olive green hues but even I can do with a pop of color now and again.  Accessories are the easiest to add a new hue to your palette without feeling too much like someone else.

If you love shoes, this season the trend is bright, pastel or even floral, but never dull.

Okay, nude isn't exactly part of the rainbow, but it's still a break from the usual black or grey shoe.

Photos courtesy WGSN.com

Lost Civilizations

Love these shoes by Canadian footwear designer Anastasia Radevich.  They fit in perfectly with all my new favorite modern primitive jewelry pieces.

This clever designer started out designing for Aldo before moving onto Alexander McQueen and Nicholas Kirkwood.  Her designs are truly works of art.

Photos courtesy of Anastasiaradevich.com

Modern Primitive

The Italian luxury shoe line Sergio Rossi also does jewelry from time to time.
This piece, part of the Fall 2012 collection, begs to be worn with a leather bustier and thigh high boots accompanied with a gold spear.

Of course, it would look just as great with a tank top. Thigh high boots optional.

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Alain Quilici

Wanted to share a few photos from Premiere Classe Tuileres Paris. Loving the sculptural and blade heels from Alain Quilici. And that Oxblood is one of the hottest colors for Fall 2012.

Photos courtesy of Fashion Snoops

Dress For a Better World

Ever wonder if what you wear dictates your mood?  A book entitled "The Gentlemen of Bacongo" explores this idea through photographs of Sapes (French slang for dressing with class)in Brazzaville.

From Selvedge magazine-
 
After the war in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 1998-1999, things were still hostile until a group of men began to exhibit the look and attitude of elegance in their dress and consequently in their behavior.  They are described in The Gentlemen of Bacongo ~ The Importance of Being Elegant, a new book about the S.A.P.E.  To quote Baudoin Mouanda, one of the photographers in the book, " The Sape is an art and real gentlemen have to know the concept of gentleness and good manners related to the inherent moral code of the individual".  He explains how dressing elegantly is being used to give society hope and to return to civility and good will.  The group teaches others what it means to look and act elegantly, believing "It is more significant to know the rules of elegance than to have a Dior or Versace outfit and not know how to dress"-

Making an effort to dress better has my vote!