February 08, 2012
February 07, 2012
Capsule Collection
Celebrity designer Christian Louboutin's highly anticipated capsule collection is now available. Twenty shoes to celebrate twenty years of craftsmanship and artistry. And - it bears mentioning - six celebratory bags.
I am absolutely swooning over the illustrations - far more than the anniversary collection shoes themselves. There's no denying he is a force of nature too powerful to be stopped. Here's a man who knows how to absolutely seduce an audience. Not only would I gladly take a closet filled with his shoes, I'd love a few walls adorned with his illustrations as well. The question is... which is more closely regarded as art? The conceptual sketch or the real thing? You be the judge.
Steal a peek at more of this great artistry on Marie Claire.
January 30, 2012
The Big Two-Oh
Hard to comprehend that Christian Louboutin has been crafting his masterful creations for two decades. I say this largely because his brand has only been a household name for the better part of this decade. And yet, his creative genius has been focused on fine tuning the craftsmanship of shoes for twenty years. What an anniversary!
If the thought of $1000+ footwear makes you and your financial planner woozy, might I suggest the book that celebrates their design? It's the savvy girl's ticket to fabulously hot footwear while still keeping her Benjamins cool.
If, on the other hand, money is no object... I adore these croc-sequined peep-toe pumps that beguile me with their shmmery luster. By the way, I wear a size 6. ;)
For up to the moment Louboutin news, be sure to follow them on twitter. Always many in-store appearances and festive events happening around the globe.
January 12, 2012
Louboutin Looms Large over LA
You lucky Angelenos have all the fun. An 80 degree New Year's Day. Balmy, breezy climate. All the celeb watching one can tolerate. And of course, the huge mural of a Louboutin stiletto on Sunset.
I love that this massive (10 stories tall?) image of a stunning heel was created in collaboration with street artist Galo Make Canote on the side of an otherwise unsightly building. You LA dwellers certainly know how to welcome a fellow to town. That's right, the massive billboard was created to properly greet Mr. Louboutin to Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills on February 3. And, of course, to drum up press mentions just like this one. I'd say it's working.
Those of you who are going to the event, be sure to give Chris a big squeeze from me, okay?
January 10, 2012
So Hard to Choos
I own but one singular pair of ballet flats. They are a gorgeous pair of metallic snakeskin Revas, but I (not so) secretly loathe them. They remain in my closet rarely worn. I mean, doesn't the very phrase "dressed up" imply that one should be... elevated? So it's with great surprise that these hot pink ballet flats by (unlikely source) Jimmy Choo appeal to me.
The immediate draw is the noticeable improvement to the sole. I see traction there! In the Tory Burch flats you're afraid of stepping on the tiniest of crumbs for fear you'll feel it through the bottom of the shoe (how princess and the pea of me, right?). But these patent beauties have just enough verve to (maybe, almost, sort of) compensate for the lack of lift.
Between the gold-tipped bow tied at the toe to the dazzling little plaque at the heel, I'm reading "glamour meets all-day-walking comfort" from front to back. And just look at that gold interior? King Midas would be so proud.
Although I won't admit it often, a comfortable pair of flats is exactly what I'll need at High Point this year. Unfortunately I know myself well enough to admit that even if I get these, they'll sit in my bag in the hotel as I trounce around in heels. What can I say, habits like heels are hard to kick.
In the meantime I'll keep staring at these colorful little creations from Jimmy Choo, in all their Skittles-hued glory. Who knows... I might even be bold enough to brave the world in flats. Not likely... but maybe.
December 20, 2011
Venti Girl Holiday Gift Guide: The Deserving Diva
Don't let her hard charging attitude towards life (and reaping her due rewards) fool you. This fashion forward friend deserves to keep her feet warm in style as much as you do. Give her the gift of lavish leather and plush rabbit fur booties to keep her pedicured feet protected from the elements. The comfort that only a YSL shoe can deliver will only be outweighed by the savvy style choice you've made. A hidden front platform gives her even more vertical lift, so it's easier for her to look down upon those lacking her sartorial standards. Oh, and did I mention they are on sale?
December 14, 2011
Louboutin's Aswân Retreat
{Photograph by Ivan Terestchenko, as featured on ElleDecor.com}
When I think of the "greats" of the moment - true stars living among us today - I love believing that they live lives of leisure and grandeur. Seeing these unexpected shots of Christian Louboutin practicing yoga by an outdoor fireplace near the banks of the Nile certainly fits that bill.
For anyone who follows Maryam's blog over the years and has kept an eye on the development and growth of Peacock Pavillions, you'll appreciate that this celebrity was not immune to the challenges of construction. “A thousand times I thought I was going out of my mind,” he jokes. Often, just finding materials was a challenge. And when they were on hand, it was often too hot to gain progress on his Egyptian home.
In the end, he took what was once a craftsman's workshop with earthen floors and walls and tranformed it into something simple, yet grand. He added an additional floor and a rooftop that affords him fabulous views of the desert below.
One has to wonder how those glorious sunsets and glimpses of the Nile will manifest themselves in future pairs of exotic, colorful shoes. See the full story at ElleDecor.com.
December 01, 2011
Venti Girl Holiday Gift Guide: The Shoe Lover
Ahhhh, one of the great collector's edition books of 2011. Don't have it yet? I suggest you tell the Mr that you'd really, really, really love to find this under the tree. What shoe lover, Choo lover, fashion lover or observer of popular culture doesn't swoon at the sight of this glistening limited edition, faux snakeskin-wrapped, hardcover coffee table book? Jimmy Choo XV is just as beautifully designed as the towering heels the brand is known for crafting. This is one book you'll be sure to view from cover to cover.
Why this is the gift that keeps on giving: 100% of the revenues from the sale of this book will be donated to the Jimmy Choo Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust that empowers women by helping them to lead healthier and safer lives.
{Men, take note: this is a gift best delivered with a pair of stunning Jimmy Choo stilettos wrapped beautifully in an adjacent box. Think of the book as the stocking stuffer.}
October 19, 2011
Shake Your Bootie
Is this not the most perfect bootie ever? The JC Alanis. Love that sleek little back zipper and perfect 4.3" heel. I do find the toes a bit pointy, but often you need to try them on with pants to see if they serve up that witchy-effect. But you have to admit, they are pretty from every angle.
October 09, 2011
Surely Shearling
Normally I'm unaffected by the wave of sherling trimmed accessories that come my way each fall. It's impractical and often difficult to pull off without looking like a lumberjack. Somehow the team at Dolce & Gabbana have offered a small dose of après ski appeal in their platform ankle boots. The wood heel & thick platform keep the suede from getting wet on slushy sidewalks. The shearling trim is kept to a minimum dose but placed well enough for maximum effect. The rubber grip bottoms assure sure footing on even the slickest of surfaces. Venti approved!
September 22, 2011
Ruby Red Slippers
These Louboutin ruby red sequin platforms will have you clicking your heels and hoping to be anywhere EXCEPT home. These beautiful creatures were meant to be admired, so do them justice and show them a night they'll surely remember.
July 16, 2011
Orange Crush
There are some colors I'll never tire of seeing. Tangerine orange is one of those delicious hues. I like mine in the shape of boxes, bikinis, beach blankets and bold dresses. Maybe you do too.
Featured: Autumn Herringbone Blanket @ Serena & Lily. 3.1 Phillip Lim Wrap Dress @ Net-a-Porter. Anchor & Chain Bikini @ Hermes.
July 12, 2011
Y, Oh, Y
It's over 100 degrees here all day even in the shade. So getting me excited about fall apparel is just not happening this month. But shoes? You can always interest me in forecasting for autumn when it comes to footwear. So far, YSL is hitting it out of the park for me. With just these three pair I'm fairly certain I could make it through the entire season with a smile on my face and a spring in my well-heeled step.
These beauties and more available at Saks.com.
May 11, 2011
My Happy Place
Mariah who? Witness the glory that is the private closet of 'Housewife' Lisa Vanderpump. Her home estate at 50 Beverly Park is beyond words. Her closet? Beyond amazing. She's stashing more Chanel into that space than my nearest boutique. Not that she's lacking square footage or assets. Lisa, your dressing space is currently my happy place. As I sit staring at my to-do list and tight schedule i'm dreaming of your baby pink lambskin 2.55, your lime green Birkin (bold choice) and the promise that lies within that shoe department, er... section. Kudos to you, sister. Kudos.
May 03, 2011
Venti Girl Gift Guide: Social Butterfly
You've got to hand it to her, she makes new friends faster than you can say "amigo." Give her something to dish about at the beach with these Miss Trish Splash sandals, complete with diamanté-embellished butterfly on top. They're sure to be fun conversation starters during her oceanfront walks...not that she's ever lacking in that department.
April 29, 2011
Venti Girl Gift Guide: The Duchess
For the woman who radiates regal composure and ease like the newly crowned Duchess, nothing else will do. The nude patent Biance 140mm Louboutins usher in a new era of royal glamour.
April 28, 2011
Venti Girl Gift Guide: Va-Va-Voom
There's an unddeniable charge a girl gets from a new pair of shoes. These Giuseppe Zanotti (faux) Snakeskin peeptoe platform pumps will take her to a new level - literally and figuratively. Fellas: please book a cozy table for two at a hot & happening restaurant with this gift, as she'll need somewhere to wear these gorgeous shoes immediately. Yes, you'll need to actually shoe shop AND pull a few strings to get dinner reservations. Trust me, she's worth it.
April 19, 2011
Chase away the Blahs...
Apparently Saks didn't carry Manolo Blahnik until.... just now. Regardless, they are making a huge fuss over it right now. Pop over and see them, then show them some love on facebook for your chance to win some of these pretty, pretty shoes.
April 10, 2011
Show Me Your Dallas, Sandra Evans
As if sensing my need for a leisurely morning with a good friend, Sandra Evans stepped up the plate this Friday with my pitch perfect morning. For those of you just tuning in, I've been exploring Dallas through the eyes of locals. These are girls I've met over the years through blogging, twitter and facebook. In most cases, however, this is our first opportunity to meet in person. Since we relocated I've been building up my army of girlfriends one outing at a time. While the elevator pitch is to see the city and the sights, the real goal is and has always been to have a little fun shopping as only two girls can. For me it's the best way to bond and - if I'm really being honest - my favorite way to spend a day.
What began as an adventure quickly turned into a crazed schedule. I was even interviewed Wednesday by the Dallas Morning News for the endeavor. Seems I'm tapping into a common curiosity among those new to the area as well as those born and bred in the area. In just a few short weeks my days went from laid back to fully packed.
Sandra must have been reading my mind, as her only agenda for us on Friday was to stroll through my favorite shopping center, Highland Park Village. For those not in the know, this is a historic shopping center is a national landmark. Highland Park is Dallas's answer to Beverly Hills. Both were designed by architect Wilbur David Cook. The unique Mediterranean Spanish-style shopping center is a blissful mix of high-end & mid-range shopping with a laid-back vibe that only an outdoor shopping center can deliver. Sandwiched between Chanel and Hermès is a Tom Thumb grocery store and an independent movie theater. For all of the luxury (and there is plenty) the canopy of trees overhead and slow bustle of happy people milling about always has a calming effect on me.
We kicked it off at Starbucks where we spent no time jumping right into conversation about ... well, everything. Sandra is every bit as talented and stylish in person as you'd expect. Not only does she teach graphic design, she also co-owns Small Envelope with Cesar Aragón. They specialize in absolutely gorgeous invitations. She even brought along a sampling of the goods to show me. Incredible work, from a fiercely talented designer.
The more you chat with Sandra the more you realize what a rockstar you have in your midst. Between keeping professional photographer husband Mark happy and teaching her students the tools of the trade she is a panelist at Big Thought, a nonbprofit focused on giving children the opportunities they need in life. Like most of my friends, she's in constant motion, but somehow manages to carve out time for her girls - gotta love that.
But wait... on to the shopping! We didn't make it far on Friday. We spent way too long at Anthropologie noting a dress I'd seen on Tori Spelling this past week and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the adorable gifts and books for kids. After plundering the sale racks like pros (and coming up empty handed, natch) we headed back out into the plaza for some quick shoe shopping. A quick dash into Tory Burch and a swing past Harry Winston and Hermès we'd already run out of time.
Sandra, next time we're hitting the other side of the plaza and scheduling time for lunch as well. See you soon, doll, and thank you for showing me your Dallas!
March 07, 2011
Spectator Sport
It might be different where you live, but these early spring days here in the south require carfeul wardrobe planning. Windy & overcast mornings that give every indication of a rainy day suddenly become blissfully sunny and warm by noon. It's easy to look at your weather app and think you're safe in a short sleeved tee. But don't be fooled, mother nature packs a punch with a fierce wind and falling temps late in the day. If you're not careful you'll be wishing you'd grabbed a jacket before heading out the door.
Dressing the part is a balancing act. Layering is always the key, and there area areas where you can let a little spring shine through. Lighter colors and playful wedges usually do the trick for me. My daytime weekend wardrobe of late consists of skinny jeans, peeptoe wedges and a cardigan tossed on over a fitted top. Mid-day I can enjoy the warmth of the sun, but once that wind kicks up I can be just as warm as I am stylish.
Weather like this begs for a trench coat, and I love that classic look. But it's nice to mix it up now and then with an imaginative sweater like the one above. The weave is too loose to wear over a printed top, so a simple cream fitted tee or tank is the solution. The YSL peeptoe wedges are great during the day and will look even better in summer paired with navy shorts. Love their subtle nod to spectator pump in the piped detailing.
The best part of spring is the opportunity to dine outside. I've been jumping at the opportunity to dine on the patio everywhere I go. My on-the-go solution (as always) is that extra pair of shoes and a smaller clutch tucked away. Here, I'd swap out those chubby wedges for these elegant Elizabeth & James crocodile-effect heels. Pure perfection.
{Lovely items & images above all courtesy of Net-a-Porter}
February 03, 2011
Venti Girl Gift Guide: Valentine's Day
Wondering what your favorite Venti girl dreams of for Valentine's Day? Here are a smattering of ideas to get your creativity going. If you look closely you'll discover something at every price point. Keep your lashes lifted for the next installment.
1. Louis Vuitton Leopard Print Scarf; 2. Jimmy Choo Parfum; 3. Lanvin Illustrated Dress Notebook; 4. Christian Louboutin Snakeskin 120s; 5. Diamond Rope Edge Ring; 6. Burberry Trench 7. Valentino Floral-appliqué satin clutch
December 20, 2010
Venti Girl Gift Guide: The Alpha Female
She doesn't just enter a room, she changes the very energy of the space simply by entering. It's women like her for whom the Louboutin Misfit sandals were imagined. Six inches of aggressive black leather and suede with a 1.5" platform. Yes, these shoes are the perfect match for this force of nature we call the Alpha female. Opinionated and strong, she isn't everyone's cup of tea. Lest you think her bold persona makes her cold and heartless, the ruffled fronts and flirty tassles of these gorgeous shoes remind you that she's all woman. And as she walks away, leaving the meek in her dust, she flashes glimpses at those coveted red soles. These aren't so much shoes, but a statement about the woman herself. She's fearless, fabulous and ready to conquer the world - one glamorous step at a time.
October 29, 2010
STilts
Drool over these towering Mavela Peep Toe Pumps. Wear with caution, ladies.
June 04, 2010
Red Hot
June 03, 2010
A Very Special Tribute
Every once in a while I come across a shoe that possesses so many ideal qualities it can only be described as perfection. These (almost completely sold out!) YSL Nude Tribute sandals are my idea of the quintessential shoe. Sexy, stylish and perfectly designed. Avid fans swear by the comfort of the design. Those of us needing the extra height (me, me, me!) love how the platform - and especially this nude shade - elongate the leg to near Gisele proportions. So long as the platform is en vogue, you might be able to call this shoe 'classic' (please, dear Shoe Gods... grant us permission to don the platform for many years to come). At least that's what I tell myself when I'm drooling at it and it's eqally jawdropping price tag.
I'll share a little secret... it's my birthday today (yay!) and I'd rather have this pretty little pair of shoes than any other sweet confection in the world! YSL sales are everywhere, so if you see this beauty (or her equally fabulous black sister), give me a shout! And yes, I'm serious about that. I'm looking everywhere for this baby.
But my real special tribute today is to you, dear readers. That's right, gorgeous... YOU! Thank you for another year of amazing comments, heartfelt emails and growing friendships. Blogging, tweeting and facebooking have enriched my life in ways I never expected, and I look forward to what the future holds for all of us. If you're willing to jump in head first and ride the waves being onlline is a terrific experience. My Venti wish for 2010? To meet as many of my online friends (ahem... that would be you) as possible and deepen my connections with all the rest.
Wouldn't it be great if we could just get together for a bit of shoe shopping and lunch at Neiman's? Maybe start the day with a power yoga class and pedicures to prepare us for the onslaught of strappy designer sandals - that ust happen to be on sale? *sigh* To me, that's a perfect day. Here's to you, stylish friends. Here's to you! Mmmmmmwah!
XOXO,
Franki
Authored by designer Franki Durbin.
Your stylish guide for living a glamorous, adventurous life.
Get in touch | About me
Your stylish guide for living a glamorous, adventurous life.
Get in touch | About me
