Red, White & Black

Loubette Clutch; $1,395 Net-a-Porter

Christian Louboutin. The very name itself causes every woman to orgasm, each and every one lusting rather passionately after a pair of those lipstick-red soled heels. The brand evokes everything glamorous, luxurious, and of course, expensive. But what to give to own a pair of those gorgeous heels or boots – that is the question on every woman’s minds. On my mind too of course – I do plan to save for a pair of those wondrous suede booties or a pair of the classic pumps (it is too difficult of a decision to decide!).

Like every design house, Louboutin expanded to bags; some of which were quite horrific or perhaps alien/armadillo like, much like this one here. This Loubette, snow-leopard printed clutch, however, is quite the opposite. It’s glamorous, a bit edgy, completely adorable, and just so Louboutin! Perhaps it was the leopard print that reeled me in; I do have a thing for anything in such a print. Whereas this specific animal print has the potential to look tacky on bags, it only adds to the beauty of the clutch! The shape of the clutch is so classic and very lady-like; these pleats here (unlike the first) are truly sophisticated. The thick, slightly antiquated chain adds a bit of an edgy quality to the bag. My favorite part? The clasp. Of course Louboutin added the iconic patent pumps, red soles and all. It’s addition is arguable; bagsnob ladies say it’s a bit tacky or too much, but I must admit, I love it. The shoes just make it a bit more playful, less serious, and kitschy.

As for other obsessions of the time-being, following this theme of black & white… I’m in love with anything embellished with crystals at the moment, thanks to Balmain’s SS ’09 Collection. This Giuseppe Zanotti Booties (net-a-porter) definitely are a work of art, in its architecture, silhouette, and embellishment. The patent leather is simply beautiful; the added mirror mosaic pieces and crystals in brown, yellow, and blue add a bit more dimension and geometric quality to the otherwise smooth shoe – it also serves as a pop of color. But it is too beautiful to wear…I personally would be so afraid to scuff the patent beauty or would fear losing a precious crystal and display it behind a glass beauty, just for admirational purposes. The occasional ooh-ing & ahh-ing. No touching, please.

I love them. Yes, their grungy look seems a bit sloppy at times (perhaps that is an understatement). Nonetheless, they will be a style icon no matter what (although I had once doubted this potential). Haters must admit though, that the Olsens are the only girls who can pull off the tackiest vintage dresses and still manage to look chic. Who else could wear a black cape and still look fabulous?