And the winner is...

Men with great style! For the first Bizoux Bizoux poll, 80% of you want me to feature men with great style from my visit in Ottawa. Best task ever? I will scout out these men over the next week... photograph them... and find out what exactly they are wearing! Great style in Ottawa can be tough to find at times, so you boys better bring it! I'm excited.

PS- Sorry for the lack of posts lately! Holiday season is getting hectic. I will stop slacking... promise.

Christian Louboutin's Spring 2011 Collection Release!

What girl in their right mind wouldn't adore a pair of those classic red-soled Louboutin heels? Today is the release of Louboutin's Spring 2011 collection, and needless to say, there are some shoes to die for. My mind always thinks the higher the better... but I wanted to include a variety of heel heights for everyone this time. So many girls I know never wear heels (I know, they're nuts), so there are definitely some great flats and kitten heels for you nutters.
Of course, all of these you can find (with the rest of the collection) on Christian Louboutin's US Website:
http://us.christianlouboutin.com/

"Elisabeth"- Fuchsia Suede
US $775
Heel height: 4.7"

"Ecotrash"- Natural Cork
US $1,095
Heel height: 5.9"

"Rollerboy Spikes"- Beige Suede (Men's)
US $1,195

"Pigalle Spikes"- Navy Denim
US $975
Heel height: 4.7"







"Brandaplato"- Champagne Satin/ Fishnet/ Leather
US $1,125
Heel height: 5.5"








"Lucifer Bow"- Black Leather

US $995
Heel height: 5"









"Miss America"- Polkadot Leather

US $775
Heel height: 6"







"Bibi"- Taupe Osterich Legs
US $1,565
Heel height: 5.5"








"Maggie"- Black Leather/ Suede
US $895
Heel height: 5.5"







"Atalanta"- Cognac Leather
US $795
Heel height: 3.5"







"Fiere"- Jade Suede
US $795
Heel height: 2"







"Ballerina flat"- Black and Grey Leather
US $595

"Corta Mia Flat"- Silver, Suede and Leather
US $695

Show-off Shoes for the Holidays!

     New Years? Christmas parties? Hanukah? Kwanzaa? The holidays are just around the corner, and I bet you are freaking out about what to wear! Well, luckily for you, I had the incredibly arduous task of staring at gorgeous shoes all day to find the perfect ones for you. It was hard to narrow it down, but there are lots of gems here (15 to be exact!). There is quite a price range between all the shoes, so I'm positive you can find something to suit you and your budget! At the very least, we can admire some beautiful pumps. 

Jimmy Choo

"Zafira"- Soft suede sandal with Swarovski crystals in "nude" (available in pewter).

$1,932 (converted from 1,450 Euros)

Heel height: 5.7"

This gorgeous strappy peep-toe sandal with Swarovski crystals will demand attention at the party.

http://www.jimmychoo.com/sandals/zafira/invt/015zafirasue/

"Cosmic"- Glitter fabric shoe in "bronze". 

$699 (converted from 525 Euros)

Heel height: 4.8"

This sparkling rounded toe platform with reflective base is a classic look for any party. 

http://www.jimmychoo.com/shoes/cosmic/invt/103cosmicgfa/

"Marine"- Nappa sandal with Swarovski crystal discs in "black". 

$1,859 (converted from 1,395 Euros)

Heel height: 4.3"

This black leather strappy sandal with leather ankle straps and crystal discs portrays true elegance. 

http://www.jimmychoo.com/sandals/marine-/invt/015marinenap/

Alexander McQueen

"Grinling Gibbons Gold-heeled Show Boot"

$2,339 (on sale from $3,895)

Heel height: 5.9"

This work of art from Alexander McQueen (inspired by Grinling Gibbons) has a mixture of crocodile skin and suede atop an extremely well detailed gold and black floral base accented with gold buckles. Myyy favourite. Too bad it's sold out- not like I could afford it!

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Womenswear/spring-summer-10/Shoes/Boots/P-GRINLING-GIBBONS-GOLD-HEELED-SHOW-BOOT.aspx

Christian Louboutin

"Bridget's Back"- Silver spiked bootie (available in black and gold).

$3,985

Heel Height: 5.5"

This spiky gem is pretty hard to find, but the style is amazing.

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/#/total_madness

"Toundra Booty"- Suede and Coyote Fur in "Taupe" (available in black).
$2,095
Heel height: 5.5"
I have been advocating fur this season and these strappy fur booties will go great with some elegant tights and a little black dress.
http://us.christianlouboutin.com/toundra-booty-fur-14644.html

"Pigalili"- Studded and Glittered in "Silver".
$3,545
Heel height: 4.7"
These edgy studded heels shine and are such a glamourous style piece for the winter holidays.
http://us.christianlouboutin.com/shoes/pigalili-120mm-14408.html

Steve Madden

"Faame"- Champagne Satin (available in black)
$109.95
Heel height: 5.5"
This three-tier peep toe with bow accents and satin exterior is classic and elegant and its neutral colour will make a great addition to a delightful cocktail dress.
http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=53016&np=127_282-397_459

"Fifi"- Pink Fabric (available in black)
$99.95
Heel height: 5.5"
This ballerina inspired soft pink peep toe with crinoline-like fabric that bunches through the middle of the upper reminds me of a tutu! So adorable.
http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=53017&np=DirectSearch&sp=FIFI

"Cammyy"- Black leather
$83.95 (On sale!)
Heel height: 5"
This simple black platform has an edge on all other with its large ankle strap accented with a leather bow!
http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=51716&np=DirectSearch&sp=CAMMYY

"Caryssag"-Multi-coloured glitter (available in black and off-white)
$129.95
Heel height: 5"
This glittered stiletto is a great colour as it is not common, and the style is very similar to the Jimmy Choo glitter pump, but at a much more reasonable cost!
http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=51508&np=DirectSearch&sp=CARYSSAG

Karen Millen

"Placed Sequin Court"
$316 (converted from 199 Pounds)
Heel height: 3.9"
This round-toe stiletto adorned with various types and colours of sequins is sure to catch the sparkle in someone's eye! I know, I'm lame, don't judge.
http://www.karenmillen.com/Placed-sequin-court/Footwear/karenmillen/fcp-product/903000055330

"Necklace Artwork Peep" (available in black)
$215 (converted from 135 Pounds)
Heel height: 3.9"
This off-white stain heel with an artistic jewelled side accented with pleated and ruffled satin puts a regular peep-toe on another level of cute!
http://www.karenmillen.com///karenmillen/fcp-product/903000055352#GBP

ALDO

"Spaziano"

$80

Heel height: 5.75"

This gorgeous platform fitted in vintage-inspired floral textile and accented with a tiny ankle strap is a unique and wallet-friendly option to spice up your shoe collection!

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/trends/galactic/women/81421914-spaziano/92

                  Dolce Vita

"Tavi"- Suede jewelled heels

$170

Heel height: 3.5"

Dolce Vita's fit is so comfortable, these suede sequin and jewelled heels will only go unnoticed when you're wondering why you feel no pain!

http://www.dolcevita.com/Tavi-Jeweled-Suede-Heels/PAOIICENFCOKEPIO/product

Smart Design Mart 2010

                                                

Let me preface this by saying I am a Smart Design Mart newb. A new friend of mine introduced me to it, and I am so glad she did. Essentially, Smart Design Mart is a gathering of designers and vendors (mostly local) in a large space that is sectioned off for each designer to create their own unique mini boutique-like space. There is a large variety of vintage vendors, jewellery designers, clothing designers, furniture and decor designers, artists, bath and beauty product vendors, and the list goes on...
Many of the vendors and designers I spoke with don't have their own boutiques, but rather only sell online or have some of their items featured in various boutiques. So Smart Design Mart enables them to showcase all of their stuff in a very personalized and informative fashion. Some of the jewellery, garments, and accessories we were eyeing were so original. You can definitely leave this place with a number of unique pieces- and fortunately it comes around about 3 times a year!
Unfortunately, we didn't use our time wisely enough so I only got around to seeing about a third of what there was to offer. Here are some of the pieces I really loved...



"Caesar Pony" from Emily Birnbaum had some of the best vintage jewellery that I've seen in a while (pictured on left). Very good condition, very authentic looking (not just some home-made earrings from the 80's!), and very beautiful. Not only that, but she had some great furs, beautiful garments from different decades, and I loved her bags. If you love vintage, check her out on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/caesarpony

"La La Yeah" Leather was another favourite of mine. She had various leather shoulder accents like these (in photo left and right) in different designs. These go for about $50. Well worth it if you ask me. She also has a variety of edgy leather jewellery with different studs, geometrics, cut-outs, etc. Look her up! www.lalayeah.com

"Deborah Adams" is another great designer that was showcasing her   recycled leather bags and other various accessories. Her bags were gorgeous, soft, and well priced at only about $120! They came in a variety of colours, with antique gold chain straps, and an overlapping fold with a fringe tassel accent. I had to pick up one of her fringe leather-collared chokers. Unfortunately this photo doesn't do it justice (I apologize my blackberry is my only camera at the moment). They come at only $20! Unfortunately she doesn't have a working website yet, but you can contact her at deborahadamsdesign@yahoo.ca

Here are a few other designers/ vintage vendors I checked out but didn't get a chance to photograph myself (photos used from their websites):

"Norwegian Wood" had some gorgeous, original, and great quality jewellery and clothing. The black fringe bodysuit on the left and the strips of fabric shrug on the right are some stand-out pieces.  They have so many different pieces, do yourself a favour and check them out at............. www.norwegianwoodonline.com

"Seven days of vintage" is a pop-up vintage store that hosts 7-day sales changing locations frequently. They also had great furs, clothing and accessories. Keep your eyes on these girls!

http://sevendaysofvintage.blogspot.com/

"Rose and Ruby", love love love! This lovely jewellery designer re-surfaces and re-constructs vintage pieces that she can also re-create with a similar design. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind art, so get your hands on something original that will set you apart from the rest!

http://roseandruby.tumblr.com/

"La Raffinerie" is another designer makes her jewellery out of vintage and are limited editions. Tassels, fringe, spikes, oh my! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaRaffinerie

This is only a taste! I urge you to go check out more of Smart Design Mart! There are maaaany more pictures and more information on their website: http://smartdesignmart.blogspot.com/

-Bizoux Bizoux

Maybe the greatest thing since sliced bread... ?

Okay, so you wore 4-inch heels out to the bar, and it's been about 4 hours of dancing with your girlfriends.If we do the math, 4 hours multiplied by 4 inches equals maybe these shoes were seriously a bad idea. Yeah, sure, you looked hot for the first 3 hours, but painfully limping everywhere when the fourth hour rolls around is definitely not a good look for you. Trust me. So instead of being that girl walking barefoot because another step in those painful shoes feels like it could be the death of you, wouldn't it be great if you had a pair of flats folded away in your purse? 

Yeah, it's real. I read about these little miracles a while ago and thought they were genius. Nobody brings a huge bag to the bar to carry their extra pair of shoes in, but you can fold these little gems away in your little clutch! They come in various styles and colours, and they're super cheap (around $20-$40!). I realize this isn't informing you of the latest and greatest designers, boutiques, styles, etc., but you're welcome for saving your feet. Here are a few of the brands that carry the fold-able flats:

http://www.tootsiefootsie.co.uk/index.php?cPath=24_36&osCsid=7201fd9adc13375fcdaac70d34665a34

www.cityslips.com

http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/forher.jsp

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- Bizoux Bizoux

Top Ten Must-Have Jacket Styles

So it's getting pretty cold outside, and everyone is pulling out their jackets to keep warm.
Let's save everyone from the eyesores of the frumpy, dreadfully boring Columbia jackets and show the world you can be warm and still stay fashionable. Of course, accessorize freely with cute scarves, gloves, and hats, but start off with these beauties:

Brand: Amandla (No website found)

This pastel rose coat with elizabethan puffed sleeves to the elbow- and fitted toward the wrist- is a beautiful stand-out piece for the fall/ winter. The cinched waist and ruffling of the overlapped fabric at the rear is extremely feminine and chic. Not to mention the gorgeous floral accent on the chest outlined with gold is very flirtatious. Brighten up winter with this fresh coat.

Brand: Ida Sjöstedt  http://www.idasjostedt.com/

Fur has made its comeback and it's time to use its warming attributes to the fullest this winter! Don't worry animal lovers, faux-fur does the tick too. Don't hesitate to add some great fur mittens, or even a hat! The elaborate fur collar, cinched waist, and a-line skirt give a very flattering shape.  The contrasting bold buttons are a nice touch, too!

Brand: Karen Millen http://www.karenmillen.com/

So, I kind of love Karen Millen's jackets. Her cuts and styles are so flattering and up-to-date. This military-style jacket I especially love because of its double-breasted buttons shaped in a "V", which accentuates a small waist. The peter-pan collar fits right in with the military style (which I am obsessed with right now). A beautiful every-day coat.

Brand: Karen Millen http://www.karenmillen.com/
This gorgeous tweed double-breasted jacket is my favourite by far. The gradation from the grey to black is beautiful. It builds on your basic trench. The notched black collar draws attention to the face, and the black belt draws attention to the tiniest part of the waist. Love love love!!!








Brand: Miss Sixty http://www.misssixty.com
Bold colours in the winter are a grand gesture to draw attention without doing anything at all. This lovely peacoat with ballooned wrists actually detaches at the waist for double use! Wear it at full length, or cropped- that collar will shield you from the wind either way!

Brand: Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk/

This is a great loosely fit jacket with buttons adjoined across the chest. The neutral colours are fitting for winter. I like this style especially for the body conscious. It hides lots of imperfections with its straight lines. The long vertical lines created in the front by pleating elongates the torso, as well.

Brand:  Noir&Blanc http://www.noiretblanc.se/
Noir&Blanc is such an innovative company with edgy designs. This black coat with two lines of studs vertically flanking each other, a cinched waist and added material to accentuate the shoulders make this a great find! 

Brand: Ivana Helsinki http://www.ivanahelsinki.com/ 
This poncho-style coat is very chic. It drapes over the body very nicely. Ponchos are wonderful this season... along with many loose garments like sweaters, cardigans, vests, etc. Pair this with some wool leggings and some great over-the-knee boots and you're set.    






Brand: S'nob http://www.snobdesign.com/
This poncho-style camel coloured coat is another of my favourites. I love the bat-winged sleeves and the exaggerated pointed wing collar. The tie at the waist ensures you show off your shape and don't get lost in all the fabric. This is definitely a must-have.

                                            Brand: Shock   http://www.shock.se/

Spice up any standard trench with a great print! When wearing animal print, try to stick to one article instead of various items at one time. You don't want to end up looking like a forty-year-old has-been wearing too much print, hair over-dyed and smoking cigarettes. Scary.