55 Secret Street

Patent Pending

   

Patent leather is one of the hot trends for fall and, not that I generally care about trends (I tend to favor classics) but every now and then one will capture my imagination.

My taste in patent leather tends to run rather ne plus ultra.  Here are a few shoes and bags that caught my eye.   

Opener Christian Louboutin Rolande Patent Slingbacks (pre-order, available from November 2007 to January 2008) $710.

 

Bruno Frisoni Patent Platform Pumps $825.  Guiseppe Zanotti Buckled Patent Pump $595.

 

Alexander McQueen Classic Knee Length Boots $1,190.  Roberto Cavalli Quilted Patent Tote $1,790.  Stella McCartney Patent Effect Messenger Bag $995.  Jimmy Choo Chile Knee High Boots $1,190. 

Fendi Crossword Patent Platform Sandal $605.    Fendi Crossword Patent Bag $2,205. 

Brian Atwood Patent Platform Pump $525. Burberry Mini Manor Satchel $1,395.

 

  Versace Runway Patent Mule $915.  Jimmy Choo Carlotta Clutch $1,495.

High-Minded Heels

Beautiful, right?

I was immediately smitten when I saw these gorgeous limited edition ribbon sandals by Hollywould.  And smitten turned to love when I discovered that they were limited edition Darfur Ribbon Sandals and 50% of the $345 price will go directly to Designers for Darfur until September 2007.   Designers for Darfur helps the  Save Darfur Coalition and if  there was ever a worthwhile waiting list for a fashion item, this is it. 

Email shop@hollywould.com (subject: "Shoes for Darfur") to get on the list for your pair and tell a friend!

Ne Plus Ultra: Wek1933

Inspired by her father's briefcase (and his birth year), the stunning supermodel Alek Wek created her line of luxury travel and handbags, Wek1933 in 2001.  The beautifully crafted bags feature top quality brass hardware and fixtures that are designed for beauty and endurance.

Of course, Alek has long been known for being more than just a pretty face.  Her charitable and humanitarian work is extensive.  It includes serving on the US Committe for Refugees and inaugurating the Bracelet for Life campaign with Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), which raises awareness about the malnutrition caused by civil war and famine in Alek's native Sudan.  She also creates one-of-a-kind bags for charities like the ones she made for a recent Dance Theater of Harlem benefit and The Accessories Council and Henri Bendel to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence..

Now that's what I call beauty.

Medium Doctor Bag in Brown Pebble $872.00.  Medium Gingham Travel Bag in Brown Gingham $528.00.   Medium Leather Tote in Cognac $748.00.  Small Woven Leather Tote in Chocolate Weave $836.00.

Jersey Girl

I've been trying to think of a clever way to incorporate this gorgeous gown I have been drooling over for the longest time and I finally give up.   It's just going to have to be okay to display something fabulous for the sake of fabulousness!

A little backstory for you:  I once got very lucky in Bergdorf Goodman.   Very lucky.  I bought a simple, yet elegant charcoal jersey gown for $100.  The original price was $800, so I was just beside myself and I still get tickled just thinking about it.  It was one of my greatest (sale) hits! 

So when I look at this simple, yet elegant jersey tie gown by Vera Wang that could go anywhere (a gala opening, a black tie wedding) I think about my gown.  The original price was $595 and now it's marked down to $446. 

How low will it go?  I'll let you know.

Vera Wang Lavender Label Jersey Tie Gown via Bergdorf Goodman $446.00.

Misamu For You

 

The lovely folks at Misamu, Ireland's first online fashion boutique, are offering a special 15% discount on all non-sale items for readers of 55 Secret Street from anywhere in the world.  The prices are in euros and on the ne plus ultra side (I'll let you use your own currency converter),  but I'm sure you'll find it well worth it. 

The code is '55 Secret Street' and the discount is good until the end of March.  Happy Shopping!

Nanette Lepore Drop Anchor Jacket in Cherry, 470 EUR.  Nanette Lepore Regatta Jacket in Navy/White, 411 EUR.   Velvet Nikita Vest White Top, 57 EUR.  Velvet Pari Wrap in Slate, 97 EUR. 

Velvet Demetria Drape Dress in Black, 212 EUR.

Ella Moss Abbey Dress in Java, 200 EUR. 

Ella Moss Corsica Crochet Dress in Navy, 222 EUR.

Nanette Lepore Lighthouse Dress, 506 EUR.