The Christian Louboutin Clou Noeud shoe. Barneys can get them in black and in my size, and can ship them overnight...

I am supposed to be on holiday but I have had such an emotional shoe experience, it was essential that I share it with you, in hopes that someone will talk some sense into me, and reassure me that NOT buying the shoes is the best decision.

I am on holiday and my mother and I went shopping in the mall in Scottsdale yesterday.  No need to talk about the joys of an Anthropologie or a J Crew, I am sure you will all share the sadness I suffer that these stores do not exist in Vancouver. I went into Barneys to look at the shoe department. There were some amazing shoes in the sale. I decided to try on three pairs (a Proenza Schouler, a Balenciaga, and a Christian Louboutin.) But then…THE shoes caught my eye.

On the new season Christian Louboutin rack, there was a pair of pink shoes. The closest thing I had ever seen to the amazing Rodarte shoes Louboutin did a few seasons back, the ones that I have mentioned several times. If there was one pair of shoes in the world that I felt I needed, that would make my collection complete, it would have been those. And there I was, face to face with a similar pair. Not as many studs, and with a bow, and in a skin tone pink. But nevertheless, studded, and VERY high.

The guy looking at them told me “hands off” because he was buying them for the women in his life.  But I didn’t want them. I said, do you have these in black? The sales guy, the wonderful Niles, told me “they are coming in black very soon.” So I asked to try them on, and whether they would ship. He said yes.

While he got the pink pair in my size (to try on, just to check the size. And by the way, those were already taken, on hold for someone.) I started to formulate my plan. I would have them shipped to my friend in Seattle, to avoid the duty. She could bring them up to Vancouver on her next visit. My husband would be a bit surprised, but he would get over it. They were the missing link in my shoe life. But the price tag was well into the four digits, in fact, only a two hundred dollars short of the price tag I paid for the flights AND the four nights in a five star hotel in Scottsdale for my mother and I.

He brought the pink ones over. They were HIGH. But fabulous. They fit, and made my legs look like a million dollars. I told him to call me when he found a black pair in my size. Then we hit the rest of the mall. And then the emotional roller coaster began.

First, I was adamant that they were THE shoes, and I had to have them. My mother couldn’t argue with me, she was still suffering of shock over the price tag.  I went through an hour of confidence. They WOULD be mine. Then I texted my husband. “If it is your dream shoe, I guess you have to have it.” He is so nice. But he hadn’t seen the price.

Two hours later after shoe sighting, I called my husband. My husband is the best person in the world to talk me out of buying a pair of shoes. How does he do it? He says, “well, if you have to have them, get them.” The guilt associated with that comment, and the fact that he won’t tell me not to buy the shoes, is enough to talk me out of it straight away. I feel terrible. I mean, why should I have those shoes, when he doesn’t even have a smartphone?

We chatted for a few minutes. Then he started to sound doubtful. “It is a lot of money.” By then, the guilt had kicked in. I had to say no.

Of course now my holiday has been consumed by the shoes. I prayed to god that Niles from Barney’s wouldn’t call me. I had indicated that if there was a pair in the USA on Monday, they could have them shipped to my hotel room before I leave on Wednesday. And now I was living in fear of having to make the decision. If he coulnd’t find them, then I couldn’t have them, and there was no decision to make.

Meanwhile, my husband texted me and said, “It’s not a good idea.” How could I go against his wishes, when he has NEVER said no to a pair of shoes before? The D&G shoes: “They are really nice, honey.” The five pairs of Finsk shoes (bought on the same day): “well, you are helping a young designer.” The YSL and Dries double whammy: “It is true you haven’t bought shoes in ages.”

So it was settled, I had to say no. And now, it was the waiting game. Please god, Niles, don’t call me and tell me that you can overnight the shoes to me. Don’t make me have to say no.

I got back to the hotel room this morning after my morning swim, and there was a message on the phone. I checked it, a nervous wreck. It was the hotel PR, arranging to meet me this afternoon. Thank god. Then over lunch, my cell phone rang. I missed the call. It was Barneys. He said he could get the shoes. My heart sank.

But my husband had spoken. And I couldn’t go against his wishes, since he has always been reasonable. And do I really need those shoes? Really? No. Of course I don’t need another pair of shoes for the rest of my life. But I can buy three pairs of beautiful shoes for the price of those Louboutins. And I can buy my husband an iphone. And I can buy a new set of frames. And there are tons of great shoes out there, that cost less than a holiday and are still luxury and fabulous.

I called Niles and told him I had to pass. He was very kind and laughed when I explained to him that the husband had said no. But I know the shoes are still available. And theoretically, I still have 24 hours to decide . I could still have them shipped from Chicago tomorrow, to arrive at the hotel before we leave Wednesday afternoon. But they are not worth it, right?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit took place last night. You would think that in this day and age, there would be someone, at least ONE person, who was actually wearing something dramatically interesting on the red carpet, rather than boring evening wear. (I am not a big fan of evening wear, its the most overrated fashion product.) I am not saying there wasn’t anything nice on the red carpet, there was, but it’s all the same repetive, boring tat.

I Love…

Anne Hathaway's fairytale Valentino dress. Yes, she looks a bit psychotic in this photo, and possibly too thin, but if you are going to wear a puffy, strapless, shiny evening dress, this is the way to do it.

Bee Shaffer in this Balenciaga dress. It is classic and flattering. But who the hell is Bee Shaffer? Has she done anything other than BE Anna Wintour's daughter?

Blake Lively in Marchesa. I was a bit torn on this one, but she looks great tanned with her hair slicked back, and she can get away with crazy dresses like this.

Carey Mulligan in Miu Miu. She always looks good, and it is really nice to see a young actress dressing appropriately young.

Chloe Sevigny in Proenza Schouler. It's a bit stuffy, and a bit weird, but at least she is making a statement that is not just "boring evening gown."

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein. Fantastic, beautiful, and she is the best dressed of the evening.

January Jones in Yves Saint Laurent. OK, her hair and makeup look weird, and why is she standing like a robot? But at least the dress is beautiful

Jessica Alba in Sophie Theallet for Gap. I don't understand how this is very Sophie Theallet, or Gap, but it is a beautiful evening gown.

Jessica Biel in Ralph Lauren. Another classic one that looks good.

Oprah Winfrey in Oscar de la Renta. Only Oprah and her bust can get away with this OTT dress.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston. I am not a fan of SJP, but she looks naturally beautiful in this dress, with her lovely tan and the flower in her hair.

I Loathe…

Andre Leon Talley and Whoopi Goldberg. This is just bad, and are those women's shoes he is wearing?

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture. This looks a bit trashy, but also too "mature" (in this case, "mature" is a bad word.)

Coco Rocha in Zac Posen. A hideous gown, and as a model, shouldn't she know how to pose nicely for the camera?

Donatella Versace in Versace. Predictable. Wouldn't it be amazing one day if she wore Prada?

Emma Roberts in Burberry. The slit is WAY too high.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen in Alexander Wang. Even though she is back in shape, it just seems a bit trashy that she is wearing this tight, fringed dress.

Karolina Kurkova in Altuzarra. An apron dress gone wrong.

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte for Gap. How is this Rodarte, or Gap? And it makes her look 20 years older.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel. Gosh, it's Chanel does goth, really badly.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Louis Vuitton. Meringue dresses are evil unless you are acting in The Wedding Singer.

All images from Coutorture.

I don’t like Rodarte (GASP!) Yes, it is true. I have tried to understand what they are doing, but I don’t. If I spend $4000 on an evening dress, I want it to look amazing and beautifully made, not like a bunch of fabric and rags tied together. But I respect what they do, and can appreciate that their work is very interesting. (Please note that my feelings towards Rodarte have nothing to do with my feelings towards their shoes, which are AMAZING.)

I Love…

the beautiful print on the skirt of this dress, with contrasts nciely the lightness of the top.

this dress. If it was $200. And it was summer. And I wore it with cowboy boots.

this as a wedding dress. Not for me, but a beautiful alternative for someone who doesn't want a fluffy meringue with a train that they will regret wearing the minute they see their wedding photos.

I Loathe…

yet another outfit that deliberately makes the wearer look larger than they are. That is not the point of layering!

this outfit. I love the sweater part, but is it attached to the bottom. And what is the printed bandage wrapped around the hips? And the weird cuffs? Confusing...

any dress that looks like leftover bit of random fabric wrapped around the body and ankles.

Images from Style.com.

Here is Part 2 of my summary of the last decade. Click here for Part 1.

New Blood in the fashion industry and on the catwalks. Images from Style.com

Christophe Decarnin for Balmain.

Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta.

Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum.

New designer Gareth Pugh.

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy.

Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

New designer Marios Schwab.

New designers Rodarte.

New designer Giambattista Valli.

Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent.

New designer Zac Posen.

Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga.

And I am not forgetting Jonathon Saunders, Proenza Schouler,  Alexander Wang, Philip Lim, Richard Nicoll, and many others (including revivals of Halston and Ossie Clark.) In fact, when I was researching this post, I realised that in Fall 2002, Style.com showed 114 designers’ catwalk collection on their website. For Fall 2009 the number was up to 262.

A New Retail Perspective resulted in an shopping evolution, or revolution.

Dover Street Market in London.

Dover Street Market, considered one of the “best” stores in the world, opened on London’s Dover Street. Curated by Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garcons, the store continues to innovate.

Primark’s first central London location had people queuing over an hour to buy £1 tights and £3 t-shirts. Dubbed “Primani”, the store continues to attract crowds and has not felt the recession as badly as most high street retailers.

A new retailing concept: The Pop-Up Store. A temporary retail space, opened for a short period of time, sometimes with a limited edition product. This one is a pop up for Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garcons for a collection of handbags.

Net A Porter changed the way consumers shop for luxury online.

ASOS (As Seen On Screen) started as a site selling copies of celebrities outfits, but as turned into one of the largest, most-successful multi-brand online retailers.

Gilt Groupe is one of the many discount luxury retailers thriving in the recession.

American Apparel sold basics tees with a new angle: using sleazy and sometimes pornographic images to sell a product made in the US in factories where workers had holiday and sick pay.

A Decade to be Forgotten. How many of these fashion trends do you look back on and smile, or cringe? (in no particular order…)

Kate Moss wearing gladiator sandals, first seen at Balenciaga.

Luxury denim, aka the $300 pair of jeans. These ones from Rock and Republic.

Lingerie becomes fashionable again, thanks to brands like Agent Provocateur.

I remember when there were one hour lineups outside the Birkenstock store.

Bling: a trend I definitely did not embrace.

Nu Rave. The worst trend of the 00s. What were they thinking? This look by Cassette Playa.

The IT bag: Chloe Paddington anyone?

and we certainly cant forget the Motorcycle bag by Balenciaga.

The new IT bag: The IT shoe. From top to bottom: Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin. I think we have Sex and the City to thank for this.

On second thought, Crocs were definitely the worst trends of the 00s, with Nu Rave coming in a close second.

Not wearing pants. A Lady Gaga phenomenon, lets hope this one doesn’t last. Image source.

Leggings. These ones by American Apparel.

Boho, Hippie, Hobo, whatever. A look that kept on giving. Sienna Miller image from Dave Hogan/Getty Images.

Skinny jeans helped us to discover the muffin top. These ones by Topshop.

Maybe it was a decade of really bad shoes…. But unfortunately we still haven’t seen the end of the Ugg boot.

Wellington boots by Hunter. Remember when there were for farmers, not festivals?

If anyone had told me that a company would make millions buy selling velour jogging suits, I would have never believed them. Nauseating.

The Birth of the Recessionista and the credit crunch will probably be one of the defining events of the last decade, even though it took place at the end. The losers were the big luxury brands that didn’t have a strong brand identity, hedgefund managers, department stores, anyone selling cars or furniture, and the millions who ended up unemployed and homeless. The winners were the discount retailers, online retailers, anyone selling an education, and MacDonalds.

Susie Bubble as a Recessionista.

Catch Part 3 of 3 “Remembering the Noughties” posts tomorrow!

All images from the brand’s or person’s website, except all catwalk images from style.com, unless otherwise noted.

My friend Michaela pointed out to me recently that everyone has just sort of been ignoring the fact that we are about to enter a new decade. Well, I wouldn’t say it has been ignored, but I agree we aren’t really making a very big deal of it. Maybe we had millenium overload ten years ago, but no one can deny that a lot has happened since 2000.

I have been working on this post for a while, looking through other websites’ and newspapers’ “summaries of the decade” and trying to think what I felt was really important from the last ten years. I have combined it all under a few categories, and I am probably forgetting loads of important things, but here I go. Also, I don’t agree with Time Magazine, who has called the 00s “The Decade from Hell”, I prefer just using the term The Noughties. Nought means zero in British English. Maybe we can call it The Decade Nought to be Forgotten? Ok, that sounds cheesy. Lets just call it The Noughties.

It is a very long post, so I have broken it down into 3 parts. Here is Part 1. Enjoy!

The Politics of the Stars and Stripes really took over the world stage in the past ten years. First, the Americans had the disastrous Bush era, whose ignorance, terrible international relations, and poor leadership led to the US being the most hated country in the world. That pissed some people off so much that they flew planes into the World Trade Centre towers, which led to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and very long line ups to get through security in airports. Things started to look up at the end of the decade, when Barack Obama was elected the first African American president of the United States. He hasn’t been around long enough for us to feel the effect of his good deeds, but it definitely brought hope to the world, and has calmed down their enemies… a little. And his wife is the best dressed first lady ever…she deserves mega kudos for showing off her arms, supporting young American designers, and wearing affordable clothing.

Yay!

These images from are from The Cut’s Michelle Obama Lookbook, they have been documenting all of her outfits. Definitely worth a look.

A Shift of Power took place in the fashion industry, as we saw established designers disappear, famous retirements, celebrities taking over the industry, and revived brands making headlines.

Valentino retires, and so we say goodbye to the man known for red dresses, animal prints, and perma tan.

Emanuel Ungaro also retired in 2004, which resulted in turmoil in the house for several years, leading up the current disastrous state which sees Lindsay Lohan as Artistic Director. The above images are from her first collection for the house, which was bought by only two stores.

Things are not looking good for Christian Lacroix, who has had to suspend his Haute Couture and Pret-a-porter because of financial difficulties.

The Ferre brand is also unstable, since the death of the founder, Gianfranco Ferre, in 2007. Image source.

And some very old brands have been reinvented…

Alber Elbaz is now the Creative Director behind Lanvin.

Nicolas Ghesquière is the Creative Director for Balenciaga.

and Christophe Decarnin is the Creative Director for Balmain.

Luxury Made Accessible by the high street retailers collaborating with big names. Owning a piece by Karl was no longer unattainable, as long as you were willing to wait in a line up.

H&M were the pioneers of the designer high street collaboration.

H&M designer collaborations. Clockwise from top left: Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Matthew Williamson, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garcons, Jimmy Choo, and Roberto Cavalli.

Christopher Kane for Topshop, the famous crocodile print.

Target launched collections with McQ Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui and Rodarte (shown above.)

New Media changed the way we consumed news and information. Time Magazine summed it up in 2006 when they named “You” as person of the year. Web 2.0 changed the way we consumed the web, making users the new contributors. Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, and Myspace changed the way we searched, researched, communicated and socialized.

The computer screen was a mirror...

This image of bloggers Bryanboy and Tommy Ton (from Jak & Jil Blog) sitting front row at the Dolce and Gabanna Spring Summer 2010 show with Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, Suzy Menkes and other big player fashion journalists showed that blogging was being taken seriously in the fashion industry.

Scoot Schulman’s street style blog, The Sartorialist, is known for his well-chosen photographs of men and women of all ages on the streets of the world’s fashion capitals.

Websites like Vogue’s Style.com has allowed us to view fashion catwalk images hours after the runway show itself, changing the way we consume fashion. Years ago, fashionistas would wait until the magazines published the new season’s collections, usually months after the show itself. Now we see the shows immediately after they happen, and hear about them on Twitter as they are happening.

Catch Part 2 of 3 “Remembering the Noughties” posts tomorrow!

All images from the brand’s or person’s website, except all catwalk images from style.com, unless otherwise noted.

It was announced last week that the Rodarte boots from the Autumn Winter 2009/2010 collection (designed by Nicholas Kirkwood) will only be available in Dover Street Market in London. I toyed wit the idea of calling to se if they had any left in my size, not that I can really afford them (they cost £2250) but they are so bloody fantastic it might just be worth it. In the end, I didn’t call, knowing full well that they were probably sold out before they even arrived in store.

But it does make me think…I find it a bit strange that Rodarte designs pretty nice dresses, but their shoes are AMAZING. It seems there is a major discrepancy between quality of shoe design and quality of dress design. No offence to the Mulleavy sisters, who are great designers, but their shoes are from another planet, a very rock’n'roll planet at that.

Rodarte AW09/10 boots designed by Nicholas Kirkwood (image from www.dazeddigital.com)

In fact, my dream shoes are a pair of the Louboutin spike stilettos from their Spring Summer 2009 collection, and I’ll take a pair of the matching gloves too.

Rodarte Shoes SS09 designer By Christian Louboutin (image from www.harpersbazaar.com)

Rodarte Shoes SS09 designer By Christian Louboutin (image from www.harpersbazaar.com)

The Rodarte Gloves (image from www.hintmag.com)