Puma Mongolian Shoe BBQ: Design your own shoe

Dissatisfied with all the shoes you see in stores? Always wanted to design a shoe? Well, the brains at PUMA now bring you the Mongolian Shoe BBQ, a platform where you can cook up your own shoes and show off your design chops. And did I mention it is really fun? You can also browse the gallery of shoes designed by users just like you. I cooked up my own shoe, but I'm too shy to show it here. To compensate for that, I shall show you a strange little concoction I found at the Puma store.

Puma Bunkie Womens (Was: $40.00, Now: $28.00)

This sandal is what you would call, a "golf sandal" in every way. Puma infused traditional golf elements with sports sandals and "evolved" it into a very funky thing. And I can't say I hate it. It is very strange, I'd admit (and that is why I'm posting it here). But it is aesthetically pleasing and will certainly be unique. So what do you think?

By the way, You can save 20% w/ coupon code AF28 + free shipping on orders over $85 thru 11/30 at Puma.

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Pay Attention to colors

Attention Women's Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater $29.99

Attention Women's Kimono Wrap Sweater $29.99

Attention Women's Satin Bubble Party Dress $59.99

Attention Women's Modern Flutter Blouse $19.99

Oh Joy!!! Holiday seasons are best accentuated with merry colors. Don't believe me? Try wearing these colorful things from Attention and you are sure to get compliments at parties. When you get really basic items at amazing colors, you can really make your whole outfit and presence pop!

And what's more, you get to save 10% off almost everything when you buy online. On top of that, you can save an additional 10% on women's Attention apparel (online only). The bubble dress ends up to be only $48.59 after discount! When you spend $50 on Apparel and you also receive a $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card expires 11/30.

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What else is on the web?

Bag Snob tells us about Devi Kroell Sample Sale in New York (Nov 24/25th).
Couture Snob covets Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform T-Straps!!
Beauty Snob reviews the hCG injections for weight loss program.
Kristopher Dukes discusses Giuseppe Cone Heels, at 40% off.
FabSugar -- Rupert Sanderson Nemo Platform Pumps, which is hot!~
The Thoughtful Dresser talks about teenagers saving the economy.
The Shoe Goddess praises Bottega Veneta Platform Sandals.
Gilt Groupe thinks teaming up John Varvatos and Converse makes sense.

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Great sale on Gilt Groupe (ADAM and Helmut Lang)

(Left) ADAM Floral Print Silk Dress (Was: $375, Now: $128)
(Right) ADAM Belted Flounce Skirt (Was: $295, Now: $94)

Some of you will remember ADAM by its former name "Adam+Eve". Its designer, Adam Lippes, is an up-and-coming designer to watch out for. He launched his company in 2004 and was inducted in 2007 as a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Before that, he worked at Polo Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta.

(Left) ADAM Silk Pleated V Neck Dress (Was: $425, Now: $118)
(Right) ADAM Pleated Double Collar Jacket (Was: $595, Now: $168)

The silk pleated V neck dress (shown in freesia) is a stunning fashion piece with quality pleating. It is also available in marigold on Gilt Groupe (until Mon 11/24 noon EST). It is a great investment because the prints and the black-and-white trends are big in coming seasons. The double collar jacket is equally well-engineered and regal. It won't fit everyone's style, but I love the quality and had to post it.

(Left) ADAM Double Breasted Leather Jacket (Was: $795, Now: $218) (Right) ADAM Metallic Ballerina Skirt (Was: $275, Now: $78)

I love leather jackets, and I love pairing leather jackets up with cute dresses or skirts. Only last Friday, I got asked out for coffee by a stranger while shopping at the Grove in my pink Urban Outfitter dress and Versace leather jacket. Trust me, leather jackets are great investments and I've been dying for a brown leather jacket too. I posted the skirt because my mom once made me one very similar to it and I loved it to bits, wearing it to everything and everywhere.

If you missed this sale at Gilt, don't worry, you can shop ADAM at his site. Also, Helmut Lang goes on sale at Gilt Groupe at noon (EST) of Mon 11/24. If you love simple but refined fashion items with an interesting twist, you should certainly look to Helmut Lang. Even though the designer, Helmut Lang, himself has not been involved in the brand since 2005, the brand has been been producing minimalistic and deconstructivistic apparel since the 1980s and creative direction is now in good hands. That is, after Tokyo company, Link Theory, bought over the brand, they named Michael and Nicole Colovos, an American-New Zealand designer couple, who formerly had their own Los Angeles-based denim label Habitual, as creative directors for the new Helmut Lang.

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8 Bags Giveaway!~

To Win: Adriana Castro Classic Tote in red (not shown in color)
and Adriana Castro Modish Clutch in unbleach (shown).

Purse Blog/The Purse Forum is having three new giveaways:

3 Elliott Lucca Bags (until Dec 9th)

3 Hayden-Harnett Bags (until Dec 3rd)

$4,500 worth of Adriana Castro Bags (until Nov 30th)

Make sure to join them, especially the Adriana Castro one, because she has amazing exotic bags!~

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Crystal Snake Cuff by Roberto Cavalli $350.00

Shhh...there is a Private Sale at Vivre right now, so you can save 30% off through Sunday November 23rd, 11:59pm EST. Use promotion code PRIVSALE08 at checkout to get the discount. I am particularly enamored by this crystal snake cuff by Roberto Cavalli. "A faceted amethyst-hued crystal stone crowns an ornate silver-plated brass and zinc snake as it curls around your wrist." My mom and dad are both born in the year of the snake and fortune tellers have told them that if they had a third snake in the family, they would become very prosperous. So I thought, in addition to trying to find girlfriends for my brothers that are born in the year of the snake, I could in the meantime try to introduce more snake-like elements into my life? Well, at the very least, this snake cuff is majestic and mysterious. And what can I say? I love purple.

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Last Day to save 40% off LL Cool J at Sears

LL Cool J Crown Crest Hoodie (Was: $60.00, Now: $30.00)

LL Cool J Heritage" Print Tee (Was: $28.00, Now: $16.80)

LL Cool J Crest Printed Henley (Was: $38.00, Now: $22.80)

LL Cool J Thermal Henley Top with Skull Print (Was: $38.00, Now: $22.80)

Here's another collaboration among many these days. Sears partnered with rapper/actor LL Cool J (who has 10 platinum albums and two Grammy Awards) to produce an apparel clothing line that hit retail outlets September of this year. The clothing line includes apparel for juniors, kids, and young men, and it is planned for increased distribution for the holidays. Well, the holiday season is upon us, and Sears have started to execute its plans by giving a 40% off sale for the entire LL Cool J clothing line through November 21st.

The truth is, Sears is a struggling retailer that has been put under more pressure in the current economic slowdown crisis. With the collaboration, they hope to reach multicultural shoppers, especially African Americans. Honestly, I'm not sure how these printed t-shirts and tops will fare among the African-Americans, but I can totally see chibi wearing the hoodie and the thermal henley top. He had only recently bought something similar from American Eagles too. There are also jeans and girls' clothing to check out. So make good use of the last day to get 40% off these clothings by LL Cool J! Free Shipping over $75 on all mailable orders 11/17-11/25

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Colorful Michael Kors

(Clockwise from Top Left) Bronze Metallic, Silver Metallic, Black Patent, Magenta Patent, Turquoise Patent, and Orange Patent Tote all $198.00

Here's a very basic tote but in colorful colors from Michael by Michael Kors, in case you are in the mood for colorful basic totes. With dimensions at 13 3/10"H x 16"W x 3 1/2"D, you can pretty much stuff everything in the totes, including your laptop. I myself am coveting the gold tote~. If you find the MICHAEL by Michael Kors tote too plain, there is another colorful alternative at a much higher price.

MICHAEL KORS Turquoise Skorpios Shopper $1,295.00

The Skorpios Shopper is ~6.5 times more expensive than the MICHAEL by Michael Kors tote. The braided leather shoulder straps provides a 9" drop so that it's very easy for you to carry this tote by Michael Kors. It also has two very cute side drawstring pockets. Comparatively, the Skorpios Shopper's dimensions are 14'H x 13"W x 6 1/2" D. So which would you chose?

UPDATE:
Michael Kors Skorpios Shopper in grey color is being sold at 50% off at The Grove in LA. It comes up to just under $600!!! They had two in stock when I went there on Friday, Nov 21. It's an amazing deal~, the bag is comfortable to carry and grey is such a versatile color!

For those of you who are unaware, Michael Kors is the more expensive runway brand and MICHAEL by Michael Kors is the more affordable sibling (KORS by Michael Kors is the mid-tier line). The designer, Michael Kors, is the judge on project runway. He started his original line in 1981 and the two lower-end lines in 2004.

From wikipedia:
Michael Kors was awarded the Elle/Cadillac Fashion Award for Excellence in 1995. In addition, he has won two CFDA awards, the most prestigious award in the fashion industry. In 1999, he received the CFDA award for womenswear designer of the year and in 2003, he received the CFDA award for menswear designer of the year.

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Key to youth and beauty: Crabtree & Evelyn outlet items on sale!

I nag like a mother, I know. But sometimes men can be so stubborn. I keep telling chibi to moisturize his skin, and yet his feet are cracked and his hands rough. It feels manly, but definitely not well-groomed.

Heed my advice, moisturize yourself! Especially during the winter months, the air is exceptionally dry. Even if you are in a hotter place, you've got to moisturize yourself or your outer skin becomes dry and the underlying layers go out of whack and excrete excessive amounts of oil, which is trapped under the dry (and dead) skin.

You can shop the Online Outlet at Crabtree & Evelyn today for up to 50% off new outlet items, while there are also a number of items are at 75% off!!

Overnight Eye Rejuvenator (Was: $28.00, Now $7.00)

Many people forget to moisturize the areas that needs moisture the most. For example, the skin on the elbow and knee areas do not secret oil themselves so they will be even dryer than the rest of your body. Also, the skin around your eye has smaller pores than the rest of your skin so the molecules in your face lotion might be too big and thus, would not be absorbed the skin in that area. This 0.5 fl oz eye rejuvenator is 75% off its original price and makes for a great gift that helps nourish, firm, and smooth the delicate skin around the eyes. It softens fine lines and helps fade under eye shadows and dark circles.

Avocado Oil Body Lotion (Was: $24.00, Now: $18.00)

This value-size lotion (16.9 fl oz) contains both sweet almond oil and cold-pressed avocado oil, so that it is rich in protein, oil minerals and vitamins A and B. It smells nice, is moisturizing, and absorbed easily. Great for everyday use on normal to dry skin!

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And the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award Winner is...Alexander Wang!!

Alexander Wang Resort 2009 Silk Dress (Turquoise) $630

Whoever wins the CFDA(Council of Fashion Designers of America)/Vogue Fashion Fund Award receives a cash award and a year of business mentorship to help encourage and enable emerging designers to pursue their design plans.

This year (the fifth year), Alexander Wang took the winning prize of $200,000. Runner-ups, Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava and Albertus Q. Swanepoel, both get $50,000. Out of 102 applications, ten finalists are picked. Last year, ROGAN (Rogan Gregory) won and 3.1 Phillip Lim and Philip Crangi Jewelry came up as runner-ups. Among the ten finalists this year, I wanted John Patrick of Organic to win for ecological reasons, but I have no complaints now that Alexander Wang won. After all, Alexander Wang does have more innovative designs.

You'll find lots of press coverage on Alexander Wang, so I won't cover it all here. Just know that he is very young (24) and very prolific. He has a new shoe and t-shirt line, and he is partnering with cosmetic giant Shu Uemura. I saw a rack of his clothes (and dresses!) at Barneys and I was surprised by how much I liked his clothes. His clothes are simple, hip, different, and full of personality. If you live in New York, do take note of the Alexander Wang Sample Sale (Dec. 11-13), details at Couture Snob. Otherwise, check out ShopStyle for more of his apparel online.

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Clutches and Totes with personality under $500!

Remember my post about Kooba bags on sale at Bergdorf Goodman? Apparently, their prices are mostly, if not all, matched on Neiman Marcus's sale, also 40% off. And Neiman Marcus has more selection of bags on sale. I am sure there will be deeper discounts later on in the season, but the bags I covet might be gone by then. I couldn't help myself so I picked out a few that I like here.

Lauren Merkin Louise Woven Leather Clutch
(Was: $395.00, Now: $277.00)

First up, Bottega is still the best at making woven bags, but here we have Lauren Merkin's Louise Woven Leather Clutch in beautiful Grey and Eggplant! I've been loving Lauren Merkin's clutches for a while now, and this is BY FAR the most delectable one I've seen from them!!! And it is ON SALE!!! I love both colors. The grey is a little bit green to my eyes, but it's still stunning nonetheless. What to do? What to do?

Kooba Callie Leather Tote (Was: $645.00, Now: $452.00)

To continue professing my love for Kooba, here's a tote that has enough personality to make any girl distinct!! My friend, Claire De Lune, has been looking for rectangular tote for everyday use, and I am definitely recommending this one in grass (green) color. It's big, sturdy, and so very unique! And I really just love the green because it reminds me of jade and tropical forests~ ^_^ ahhh, the smell of grass~~~.

Tory Burch Mick Clutch
(Was: $495.00, Now: $347.00)

I told my friend, A.S., that I am against Tory Burch because they tended to plaster their logo blatantly across a lot of their insufferable totes. However, when they refrain from the loud logo action, Tory Burch does come out with decent bags. This may be a little bland for some people, but I like it. The art deco look of the clutch feels both edgy and elegant. This is definitely a day-to-night bag, though you probably can't carry anything more than essentials in it.

Kooba Penelope Clutch
(Was: $295.00, Now: $207.00)

I truly can't help it. This pink clutch is soooo cute. Of course I would prefer a Fendi mini Baguette or Chanel 2.55, but this Penelope Clutch is actually affordable!!! Ok, it is small, so the clutch is more like a great party bag or for making an appearance somewhere. Hey, but you can use it as your purse inside your day bag and grab it on short trips out of your car! The pink on this clutch is soooo cute that I am re-considering my friend, A.S.'s coveted tote buy at Coach (the Leather Juliene $458).

Cole Hann Genevieve Box Tote
(Was: $395.00, Now: $277.00)

Cole Hann comes up with safe but good-looking choices in bag designs. Classic and nothing too original. However, I decided to post this one here because it's under $300, a nice estate blue, and has an optical illusion thing going on with its weaving, which adds interest to the eyes and make it special. It reminds me of the Illusion tote by Bottega but without the ugly circles (sorry, my beloved BV).

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Juicy Couture Personalizable Monogram Gifts Smart Move for Christmas

Personalized Hoodie & Track Pants $108 & $98

Personalized Day Dreamer Tote $245

Personalized Track Jacket & Pants $138 & $128

Seeing that Thanksgiving and Christmas is soon to be upon us, Juicy Couture is making an extremely smart move in providing "exclusive" personalizable gifts on Neiman Marcus. It really is an old and very simple tactic to make your gift a tad bit more special. You can add an initial to both men's and women's track suits, and for the day dreamer tote, you can add a line of words where the "Go Wildcat" is at with a limit of 12 character/spaces. Thus, an ordinary tracksuit or bag is made just for the gift receiver, making Juicy Couture's Monogram gifts that much more desirable for the holiday season.

In my opinion, Juicy Couture is and always has been overpriced and sewing an initial or some words onto their products does not make it less overpriced, but it does make me think that I should learn to create monograms with chibi's new sewing machine. And if I run out of time, maybe I will consider Juicy Couture.

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Designer names under $50 at Target

Isaac Mizrahi for Target

(Left) Double-Breasted Dress- Ebony $47.99
(Right) Taffeta Couture Dress - Ebony $39.99

If you don't already know, Target collaborates with designers every year to produce affordable items for sale. This is old news, but this year we have Isaac Mizrahi and Anya Hindmarch designing for Target.

Isaac Mizrahi's name should be familiar to you as he has made numerous appearances onscreen and his clothes have been worn by the likes of Marisa Tomei and Hilary Clinton. He has won 4 CDFA awards and does everything from men's wear, women's wear, shoes, home fabrics, bridal wear, and costumes for theater. Target sells dresses and shoes that he has designed, and this will be the last year as he has been appointed the creative director of Liz Claiborne. I only picked out the black dresses because I'm in a black sort of mood after being colorful for too many days. As for Anya Hindmarch, she is a great bag designer who cares about the environment (she is responsible for the "I'm not a plastic bag" trend), and I absolutely love her new disco clutch (on her website). Again, I only posted two of her black bags from Target. Until January 31st, you can also get free shipping when you spend $50 at Women's at Target.

Anya Hindmarch for Target
(Left) Tote Bag - Black/Chocolate/Gold $49.99
(Right) Small Python Hobo Bag - Black $34.99

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Oh My God, SHOES!!!

You don't have to break your bank to look hot in heels. Haa, I don't care how cheesy that sounded because I am truly excited about this Report Signature Fuschia Newbury Heel ($179.99) at Heels.com. This is one of those great online sites where you don't have to worry about your purchase not fitting your feet, because you get Free Shipping and Free Returns on every order! I love the color fuschia and the big straps on this heel. The front straps wraps around the hidden 1 inch platform, which is bound to make you look that much taller. Of course, it does have an impossibly high heel (4.75 inches), so not everyone will be able to walk in these. Killer heels are used to stun people in special occasions, so you won't have to walk in them everyday anyway!


Since it is technically winter (even though I'm in LA), I thought I would include this Diba Laila Cuffed Boot (now $149.99 from $164.99), which is in my favorite color of the season, GREY!!! The heel here is chunky and very sensible (only 2.5 inches). Also, the boot has ruched sides, cuff with grommet detail and a leather bow at the back. It is details like this that really tickle my fancy. Plus, I really like the practicality of this boot.

Now, I left the best for last: You can Save $15 off any order over $125 at Heels.com with code HEELQ4AFF from 10/1/08 - 12/31/08. So go check out Heels.com with brand names like L.A.M.B., Marc by Marc Jacob, BCBGirls, and Paris Hilton.

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Ali Ro Fall'08 is Mod

Ali Ro wool side button mini skirt

(Was: $220, Now: $84)
previously at Gilt Groupe

This skirt is so cute at Gilt Groupe that I decided to check out Ali Ro's Fall '08 collection. There were prints, bandage dresses, mod jackets, and high waisted pants. Very European mod.

(Left) Double-breasted Wool Reefer Jacket $550
(Right) Classic Rock Neck Mini $275

(Left) Mustard Silk Blouse $172.50, Herringbone Wool Trouser $275.
(Right) Violet Wool Felt Coatdress $313.
(Left) Anorak Jacket $495
(Right) Color-Block Dress $200

Ali Ro is sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstorm, Lord & Taylor, and many other online stores. Compared to its previous seasons, Ali Ro's Fall '08 collection was a lot more muted, neutral, and monochromic. For me, that means it has become more sophisticated. But really, Ali Ro has only just started, and I would really like to see what bodies of work it would come out with in the future.

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William Rast makes butt looks nice?

Denim brands are popping up everywhere and a number of those brands are produced by pop artists like Kate Moss, J.Lo, Hilary Duff, Nelly Jay-Z, and so on. Among the top 10 celebrity denim brands, you'll see that William Rast is #10 on Denimology. Designed by Justin Timberlake and his best friend/business partner, Trace Ayala, the line hit the market on November 2005 and can be found at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Lisa Kline, Blue Genes, Harvey Nichols, and other major boutiques around the globe.

It's a popular brand, that's for sure. I personally think Justin and Trace did a good job because their jeans look great on themselves as well as on the butt of this model girl in the pictures. Her bottom looks so round and supple, I think all Taiwanese girls should try this brand on because they are painfully flat-bottomed a lot of the times. At Hautelook for now.

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Cool Kooba: BG Sale (Up to 40% off)

Hope Metallic Clutch (Was: $345, Now: $242)

Josephine Clutch (Was: $385, Now: $270)

Natasha Tote (Was: $495, Now: $347)

Roni Soft Leather Shoulder Bag (Was: $595, Now: $417)

Talia Leather Shoulder Bag (Was: $625, Now: $438)

Bergdorf Goodman is having a sale up to 40% off right now. Of course, you can wait for US Thanksgiving to see if they have deeper discounts. But it sure doesn't hurt to look now~! Kooba has really awesome bags at affordable prices, and my favorite is the Hope Metallic clutch for its great metallic color and chic, unusual design. Which one is your favorite?

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Le Chateau, proudly Canadian

For those of you that do not know Le Chateau, it is a Canadian store selling clubbing/evening clothings as well as everyday chic fashion at relatively cheap prices. Like H&M and Forever21, you wouldn't expect the quality of items from Le Chateau to be enduring, but it would serve its purpose as an inexpensive fashion fix. I have been shopping at Le Chateau in Vancouver since 1997 and I am really quite impressed how the selection there has grown more sophisticated over the years. That's not to say that you can't find skanky clothings there anymore, but there are great finds such as the clutch I bought back in September.

The clutch was around $35 and extremely roomy inside. It was easy to carry around, easy to open, and I absolutely love the purple. There is a zippered compartment and two pockets for my cell phone and lip gloss. The ruffles are extremely subdued, which I thought was awesome. Anyway, that is all in the past, if you look into the collection at Le Chateau this season, you will find some awesome bag finds, and some obvious rip-offs of big brand name bags (e.g., Gucci Hysteria bag).

Satin Clutch with Half Bow $35.00

Satin Clutch with Bow $29.95

More pictures after the jump

Ruched Saddle Bag $89.95 CAD
(rip off Miu Miu Matelasse Coffer Bag)

Peep-Toe Shoe with Jeweled Back Bow $99.95

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