ALEJANDRO INGELMO (New York)

Are you drawn to vertigo-inducing heels that exude geometric and erotic beauty? Then the mind-blowing designs of Alejandro Ingelmo are definitely worth taking a closer look at. But be warned: Ingelmo’s creations are not for the faint of heart. Stunningly provocative in an almost (dare we say) “brutal” sort of way, this man’s shoes will, simply put, give you a serious shoegasm. The towering height, the gladiator aspect, the (ahem) S&M vibe will likely also have all the men in your lives standing upright ;-)
All these shoes boast a heel that measures approximately 140mm/5.5 inches, with a 40mm/1.5mm platform.

• ALEJANDRO INGELMO “SOPHIA” BLACK PONY PUMPS (RRP US$595 or €481)
Check out red carpet events in LA or NYC and you're likely to spot these spectacular pumps on some of the familiar fashionistas. With a super-high heel, a chunky hidden platform, and an almond toe, the ultra-hot silhouette projects couture quality. Leather linings and footbed keep you cool and dry no matter what the day or night event may bring.


• ALEJANDRO INGELMO “THRILLER” CRISS CROSS ANKLE BOOTS (RRP US$642 or €642)
So stupendous, they completely overwhelm our hearts in common love for Alejandro Ingelmo the Shoe Lord and his appearing. This Thriller is a killer.


• ALEJANDRO INGELMO “CECE” LACE-UP WEDGES (RRP US$795 or £775)
Faux lace-up styling and buckle detail on this leather platform wedge boots give you a look no one will soon forget!
Craft a downtown-cool ensemble by pairing this hottie with printed leggings and a sleek tunic.


ALEJANDRO INGELMO
Alejandro Ingelmo's great-grandfather Calzados was a cobbler in Salamanca, Spain before the family immigrated to Cuba. In 1918, the family established the Ingelmo brand, which became Cuba's foremost purveyor of prestigious men’s footwear. Following the Cuban Revolution, the family moved again, to Miami, where Ingelmo grew up. When Ingelmo relocated to NYC (to study at Parsons School of Design), his family actually disowned him for about a year, because they felt that he was a traitor (for leaving the clan and Miami). By now though, having shocked and rocked the haute monde world with his exceptional work, we’re going to hazard a guess that Ingelmo has probably pretty much redeemed himself in his family’s eyes :-)

TORY BURCH Leather Electronic Tablet Case

From the queen of affordable luxury Tory Burch comes this electronic tablet cover. Sleek, stylish, and a hint of sophistication; this calf leather case is the perfect gift for that special someone, or maybe you might even treat yourself, as a sleek and stylish accessory to keep your iPad or Kindle safe :-)

ALLSAINTS SPITALFIELDS (London) Hi-Top Sneakers

Known for its laid-back, relaxed and rugged aesthetic, British label AllSaints Spitalfields showcases its enviable house style with these eternally cool pre-dirtied, hi-top sneakers. The perfect way to achieve a hip grungy look while staying clean!

3.1 PHILLIP LIM Jacquard Silk Dresses

Chinoiserie accent evokes a delicate sort of femininity, perfect for an evening of cocktails and sartorial delights. Featuring an artful cross-neckline and a peek-a-boo cutout back respectively, these jacquard silk dresses -from 3.1 Phillip Lim’s latest resort collection- make pretty yet highly original and individualistic cocktail dresses.

• 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Cross Collar Long Sleeve Dress (RRP US$525)
Make an impact coming or going! With a long cardigan and leather pumps, you can wear this to the office during the day -- just remove the topper after work, add sexy heels, redder lipstick, and you’re ready to party :-)


• 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Dress with Open-Back (RRP US$475)
Unexpected slits at shoulders, a cutout back, and frayed fringe at the hem and cuffs bring a new edge to this soft and demure look. Add a jacket and a set of prim pearls to change the look and you can even use this dress for more serious undertakings.

BELLE BY SIGERSON MORRISON Flat Strappy Espadrille Sandal

On your day off, give your feet a rest in these Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals, which combine the Grecian good looks of a gladiator with the folkloric appeal of an espadrille. Made of nappa leather and raffia, these strappy flats are comfortable yet no less lovelier than the four-inch stunners in your closet, and will effortlessly complement your floral dress or a tank-and-shorts ensemble as you go strolling in town.
(RRP US$240)
BELLE BY SIGERSON MORRISON
Luxury footwear company Sigerson Morrison was born in the early 90s when American student Kari Sigerson met her British classmate Miranda Morrison in a shoe design class at the FIT in NYC. Driven by a common aesthetic and an unstoppable vision, the two have gone on to inspire a cult following of chic fans across the globe. In 2004, the company launched Belle by Sigerson Morrison (named after Kari’s daughter Eva Belle), a sister line of “edgier shoes” with “comfier prices”, which promptly won the Footwear News Achievement Award for Launch of the Year.

STEFANEL (Milan) Printed Dress

Now that the birds are singing, flowers are blooming, you need a pretty piece to wear while you bask in the arrival of Spring. Featuring a soft watercolour-effect print depicted in splashes of sky-blue, purple and white, this charming frock from Stefanel Milan is just the thing to welcome the new season in. The dress drapes beautifully over your body, with a ribbon which can be wrapped around to give a more fitted look. Add flirty espadrilles, a floppy sunhat, and a basket-weave purse for a look as fresh and lovely as a tropical breeze!
(RRP £170.00)
STEFANEL
The history of Italian label Stefanel began in 1959, when a small factory producing knitwear was opened in a small town Ponte di Piave. Today Stefanel Milan is not only a hugely popular contemporary brand in Italy (with over 600 stores in the country alone), it is also represented internationally in more than 700 locations. Stefanel also churns out gorgeous campaigns --fronted first by Gisele Bündchen (six seasons) and later Daria Werbowy (three seasons now), all photographed by Mario Testino-- that embody the company’s great taste.

As part of a complete rebranding effort that started a while ago, Stefanel sought out London firm Sybarite (who also does the vibrant ID of Marni stores) to create a modern and sexy new shop concept that's won much appreciation. See more here.

CAMILLA SKOVGAARD (Denmark/London) Wedge Saw-Ankle Booties - Nude

Goes great with every outfit in every shades and surprisingly walkable, Camilla Skovgaard’s fabulous 4" -wedge-heel-and-1"-hidden-platform in nude is here!
What these babies do that other colours do not is elongate and make it look as if your legs go on for miles. So what are you waiting for, let's get naked!
(RRP US$550)

NEW ARRIVALS - 25 March (Friday)

We're getting footloose this week with plenty of NEW footwear labels and designs (that are fundamentally as phenomenal as last week's super full moon)!

New arrivals in women’s shoes include Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Alexander Wang, and Alejandro Ingelmo - by the same-named Cuban-born, New York-based design star who makes KNOCKOUT stilettos sandals and booties that ooze red-hot glamour in every detail.

For the guys, we have new footgear from AllSaints Spitalfields, Converse, Palladium, Timberland Boot Company, and Native Shoes.

ALSO EXCITINGLY NEW: Alexander Wang dress, Vera Bradley bags (wonderful bags made of floral-patterned fabric that recall hand-dyed batik prints), super-sexy Sass and Bide stretch-denim skinny jeans for women, and indigo/black denim (AllSaints Spitalfields, John Varvatos Bowery, Topman) and slim-fit chinos and cropped pants (Dickies) for men.

These and more are now available to view, try on, discuss and purchase at wondermomo and Whoop!. Hurry - before the good stuff is snapped up :-)

Another New Brand Alert! NATIVE SHOES

NATIVE SHOES
We know what you're thinking! These shoes, from the Vancouver company Native Canada Footwear Ltd., look like “Crocs for a New Generation!”, hehe, and yes, you'd be right, except these are 10x sleeker!
Rubbery “remakes” of classic silhouettes favoured by brands like Converse, Vans, and even Timberland, the 100% EVA (aka Ethylene-vinyl acetate - yes, similar to Crocs) Native Shoes are not only cool (in a kitsch sort of way) and extremely light, they’re also anti-microbial and odor-resistant. Perforations in the shoes further add to the signature style and keep your feet cool and dry. Easy as pie to slip on, and perfect to stroll the beach or the boulevards. Anything you would wear flip-flops with would certainly look better with a pair of pleasantly-coloured Native on your feet. If we may be so bold, Crocs’ world domination may just have to wait ;-)

New Brand Alert! VERA BRADLEY Bags (USA)

Once upon a style time, Vera Bradley handbags were the corny quilted accessories carried by little old American ladies way south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Today, Vera Bradley is an in-demand carrywear collection that sells at 41 Vera Bradley stores and over 1,000,000 (all those zeros makes that 1 million, in case you missed it) other retail locations worldwide.
Indeed, the Vera Bradley success story is the epitome of the American Dream: Two longtime friends (Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller) started small, named the brand after one of their mothers, and made it big through hard work, passion and a loyal fanbase.
Pretty, soft, comfy and functional, Vera Bradley bags are easy to love. First, the styles appeal to all generations -- it’s not uncommon to see daughter/mother/grandmother trios toting Vera Bradley bags (too cute for words). Secondly, the prices are reasonable and affordable, that it is hard to resist owning one of these handbags. And then there’s the print. Feminine and delightful, in colours that make even the dreariest day seem sunny - seriously, how can anyone hate those happy floral/botanical/paisley prints? It would be like hating Care Bears! (No one hates Care Bears.)

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR VERA BRADLEY BAG
1. When you first purchase your Vera Bradley bag, you may spray it with protective Scotchgard (to stop it from getting dirty in the first place).
2. Vera Bradley bags are made from 100% cotton, which makes them washable.
3. Note that solid bases should be removed from some models prior to washing. This only applies to bases that move; ones sewn in can be washed safely.
4. Turn the bag inside out, and wash it on a gentle cycle using cold water and a very mild detergent. Alternatively, the bag may be washed in just cold water and vinegar, which helps to restore colours.
5. Air-dry flat, then spray with Scotchgard again if you wish.
6. Vera Bradley does not recommend the use of Woolite, since it is not recommended for cotton fabrics.