From the Author: Spring 2011 Fashion Week Favorites

It is that time again... Fashion Week in Paris! My favorite collections by FAR are Valentino & Lanvin. Some of the trends I see trickling down to consumer level boutiques are sheer skirts/tops/dresses, lots of gorgeous lace, bright colors & eastern style floral prints. My favorite piece that I've seen this week is the AMAZING belted red Lanvin dress...put that at H&M for $200 and I'll be camping out in line a week early to snatch  one :)

Enjoy! And tell me your favorite trends.

Lanvin Spring 2011

Christian Dior 2011 

Derek Lam Spring 2011

Lanvin Spring 2011 

Lanvin Spring 2011

Lanvin Spring 2011 

Derek Lam Spring 2011

Derek Lam Spring 2011

Derek Lam Spring 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011

Erdem Spring 2011

Etro 

Louis Vuitton Spring 2011

Louis Vuitton Spring 2011

Valentino Spring 2011

Valentino Spring 2011

Valentino Spring 2011 

Images by Elle.com

The Stylist: Designer DIY

Left to Right: Lanvin, Lanvin for H&M, Stuart Weitzman, Dolce&Gabbana, Valentino

So I'm always amazed when I see great DIY fashion projects. Though I haven't actually tackled anything amazing yet...I plan to! And I've been keeping a log of gorgeous designer shoes that anyone with a hot glue gun and a little creative talent could create. These shoes are all designer, but I bet that they would be quite easy to imitate, with a pair of plain heels from Target or Charlotte Rouse & a short trip to Michael's art store! What do you think? Would you or have you made "designer DIY" shoes?

Chic Steals: Designer-Looking Shoes

Though we all like to pretend like we can work regular adult jobs and still afford to buy dozens of designer shoes, just like Carrie of SATC...it is unrealistic. Valentino, Manolo, Prada, Lanvin and other designer shoes can run you upwards of $600 for one pair! So for Christmas this year, don't splurge your way into debt...just buy a pair like the ones above. These shoes look expensive & chic, yet you will be shocked by how low the prices are!

Can you guess how much these shoes are? No cheating! Post your guesses below, then click on the links :)

Pink Platform Pumps
Blue Platform Pumps
Black Lace Platformed Oxfords
Red Jeweled Heel Pump

If I Was a Rich Girl: Valentino Studded T-Strap

This season, if you have been keeping an eye on high fashion trends in Paris, Milan & Barcelona, you already know this season's "it" shoe: The Valentino Studded T-Strap. The shoe comes in a high heel, a kitten heel & a flat - and will run you about $800. I could always opt out of paying bills this month, and instead, buy this gorgeous shoe...

I searched the internet for copy-cat versions of this fierce shoe, but couldn't find anything worthy of posting. If anyone can find a knockoff of this shoe, please post it in the comments or email me chiccurve@gmail.com :)

If I Was A Rich Girl: Prints & Nudes

Want to take a guess as to how much all of these things would cost together? About $5,200. So if you have got that kind of cash, I recommend you snatch up these amazing pieces fast! Otherwise, join me as I dream of Alexander McQueen sweater dresses & over-the-knee bowed Valentino boots...*sigh*...

1. Alexander McQueen Printed Dress, $1,398
2. Antipodium Hail Mary Guilty Pleasures Print Dress, $582
3. Moschino Cheap & Chic Yellow Sheath Dress, $575
4. Theory Arena Abstract Print Dress, $325
5. Sergio Rossi Python Pumps, $630.00
6. Cynthia Vincent Chase Wedge, $295
7. Valentino Over the Knee Leather Boot with Bow, $1,595