Balenciaga Leather Sneakers.

Source: Balenciaga

Remember the Pierre Hardy Colorama sneakers that enthralled me with all their bright colors?

Well, I like the above Balenciaga more. The black outlines and the deeper shades of red, green, and blue give it a pop art look, as opposed to a hodgepodge of random colors reminiscent of the 80's that apparently no one wants back.

Were I a sneaker aficionado/collector, I wouldn't think two seconds before giving the boutique a call. (Or maybe Jeffrey carries it.)

Bluefly President's Day Sale.

Lambertson Truex Stanton tote - $159.99 (Retail $375)



Fendi patent leather palazzo belt - $227.99 (Retail $395)




Hermès goatskin ankle boots - $543.99 (Retail $945)

There's more, but I have a fever and don't feel like posting more.

Pierre Hardy Colorama Sneakers.

Source: Men.Style.com

These vibrant Pierre Hardy shoes will make even the most bitter curmudgeon smile inside. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if their mood-altering ability is even more effective than that of full-spectrum lighting.

Moreover, if you feel fat on a particular day, wear these. All eyes will be on your feet and not on your bloated abdomen.

Available at Barneys for $480.

Shoes Bag Sweaters - Ermenegildo Zegna, John Varvatos, Alexander McQueen, Prada Sport.

The sales aren't quite as steep yet, but I found a few items you might be interested in.

The dress sneaker will slowly oxidize over time, in case the color seems too light. I didn't like the carryall when I first saw it, but the rings are growing on me. Cashmere and mink sweater - if you have the money, why not indulge yourself? The crane embroidery around the V neck is symmetric, methodically placed, and not overdone - beautiful!

Ermenegildo Zegna dress sneaker - $221 (Reduced from $395)

Ermenegildo Zegna cashmere/mink sweater - $3034 (Reduced from $4495)

John Varvatos leather carryall - $801 (Reduced from $1195)

Alexander McQueen cashmere sweater - $686 (Reduced from $1225)



Will you partake in the Prada ombre patent leather trend this late in the game?

I think the fad is too transient and many others will agree, but there's one rule above all else: if you like it, buy it. Ultimately, you're putting down the dough for your own satisfaction, not others.

Prada Sport ombre patent leather sneaker - $369 (Reduced from $550)

All Photos: Bergdorf Goodman

Saks Online Sale.

It ends today, so don't dawdle.

Weather getting a little chilly, ain't it?



Ermenegildo Zegna nappa leather loafers - $237 (Reduced from $395)



Ermenegildo Zegna leather belt - $75 (Reduced from $125)



Versace long-sleeve shirt - $105 (Reduced from $175)



Versace wool/cashmere peacoat - $750 (Reduced from $1250)



Burberry duffle coat - $537 (Reduced from $895)



Etro wool coat - $897 (Reduced from $1495)

Prada Sport Croc Sneaker.

Source: Neiman Marcus

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Neiman Marcus, Prada came out with this "exclusive" croc-trimmed sneaker. I'm guessing there was some sort of approval process on Neiman Marcus' end to weed out unwanted designs and pieces.

Evidently this managed to eek by.

Croc and synthetic grey mesh? Are you kidding me? That's just a waste of a perfectly good crocodile, which may or may not have died humanely.

If the red rubber Prada stripe were made of croc as well, that would've been more "exclusive". Or better yet, just make the whole sneaker out of croc.

These Shoes > Your Shoes.

Source: Hint Magazine/Andrew Burmeister

Do these Raf Simons shoes not make you want to take ecstasy* and jump up and down to happy hardcore? (I know there are people out there who still listen to it. Perhaps unemployed people but people nonetheless.)



Source: Unknown (Balenciaga?)

Who did gawdy-fab better, Raf or Nicolas?


* Carrying Contraption does not condone illegal drugs.

Yoox Summer Sale.

Yoox, the leading online purveyor of discounted designer goods, is having a sale, and I picked out a few things that caught my eye (not all in a good way).

[Click picture if you want to buy or get more information]


Costume National Homme blazer ($240)
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Costume National Homme blazer ($264)
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Malo sandals ($89)
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Click To View More Bargains (Please wait until the entire page loads before clicking)

Gucci casual pants ($168)
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Balenciaga t-shirt ($78)
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Raf Simons t-shirt ($48)
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Loro Piana casual pants ($105)
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Gianfranco Ferre sneakers ($152)

Additional Louis Vuitton Fall 2007 Preview.

(I apologize to the RSS readers - this post has had several edits while I was trying to figure out the expandable post script.)

Here are some more photos from the gracious Chuvaness.

[Click for larger photos]



Even people who normally are not fond of Louis Vuitton can't deny they like the trunks. In fact, I have never heard anyone, in person or online, call the trunks ugly. If I happen to have $250,000 lying around (ha!), I'm going to build a Louis Vuitton ziggurat. I wonder if I can get it special ordered to have the leather trim inscribed with cuneiform.



I'm ambivalent about the floral lapel pins, but the bracelet and necklace are simple and sweet. The wallet is pretty nice, too.

Click To Read More

Croc shoes. Need I say more?



Cranberry is a nice color for a leather bag. I wonder why I don't have any.



A Louis Vuitton pétanque set. Personally, I'd have more fun playing marbles, and at 5 cents per marble, it'd be much, much cheaper.



Orange patent leather shoes. I admit I like them. There, you can make fun of me later on.



Not a huge fan of the bag, but I like the colorful geometric tie. (You can find a cheaper version at a Prada outlet.) Did Louis Vuitton come out with bowling shoes? I suddenly feel like bowling.

Taking Advantage Of Sales: Father's Day Gift Guide.

Unlike around Mother's Day when sales aren't as prevalent, Father's Day stress is ameliorated financially by the myriad of sales. Below is a short list of gift-worthy markdowns.
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Source: Saks

You might consider this a gag gift, but he might actually like these Paul Smith checkered socks...in which case you'll regret giving them to him when he wears them with khaki shorts. Available at Saks for $21 (reduced from $30).
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Source: Neiman Marcus

Technically marketed as travel slippers, he can still wear these around the house. Don't let Fido wrap his mouth around these though - it's suede. The pouch can be monogrammed for a reason that escapes me. Available at Neiman Marcus for $55 (reduced from $95).
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Source: Neiman Marcus

Every man needs a decent toiletry case - after hectic days of travel, you want simple tasks like shaving and brushing teeth to be as organized as possible. Leather isn't ideal because really, do you want to clean toothpaste and shaving cream off it? With the Gucci parana, it's easy to wipe off. Available at Neiman Marcus for $177 (reduced from $295).
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Source: Eluxury

For the unconventional dad who's not afraid to blend Alexander McQueen/Puma with retro. Made with washed leather upper, indulgence with a bit of casual luxury never hurt anyone. The three straps give the petrified spine respite from the dreaded bend-over-and-tie-the-laces backpain. Available at Eluxury for $235 (reduced from $330).
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Source: Eluxury

It's easy to individualize an outfit with a silk neck scarf. Solid color isn't what you expect from Roberto Cavalli, and you probably shouldn't expect this scarf to engender a fashion revival for your dad. Still, it's an accessory that might come in handy...at some point...hopefully. Available at Eluxury for $129 (reduced from $215).
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Source: Aloha Rag

Proceed at your own risk and help him channel his inner Christina Aguilera with this leopard-print Martin Margiela belt. Available at Aloha Rag for $237 (reduced from $395).
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Source: Yoox

A keyring is a last resort, but at least you didn't forget to get a gift. This Malo accessory is leather, if that allays at all the fact that you clearly didn't look hard enough for a thoughtful gift. Available at Yoox for $45 (reduced from $64).

Shoe Disaster: Fendi Sneaker.

Source: Bluefly

I can't imagine anyone walking around in this. But then again, I thought Britney would be back to her old self by now, so who knows how accurate my assessment is in anything. The problem with the Fendi monogram isn't necessarily the monogram itself. Rather, it's the unregulated plastering of the logo in every possible square inch that ultimately brings down the appeal of the product. Would it have been so terrible to monogram just the middle band and leave the rest of the shoe in peace? Poor shoe, it wants to be like other normal shoes and not get stared at, but it can't because it's like a token black person forced to stand awkwardly next to Hilary at a press conference.

Available at Bluefly for $280.

Remember?

Can you believe this is what Marc Jacobs used to look like? He lost the mop-top, got contacts, hit the gym, and came out looking twenty times better.



A whole new meaning to the word "carpetbagger". Limited edition or not, that bag was just foul.



The gold Dior Homme boots that caused a sensation among the emosexuals.



My sophomore year dorm room.

Ugly Dolce & Gabbana Shoe.

Source: Saks

I think the title says it all.

I'd have more to say, except I'm hungover again, and it hurts my brain to look at the piece of sh*t.

All I remember is breaking a glass for no apparent reason. Oh, and the guy carrying a Gucci purse. Yes, a purse, not a man bag.