Trick the Eye - Chanel Trompe L-oeil Tattoos

While I was not (and am still not) enamored with the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 clogs, I did fall in love with the overall aesthetic... especially the use of the temporary tattoos on the models.



They added an unexpected layer of frill, froth and girliness and I was a smitten kitten.

So when I found out they were releasing a limited edition set... well... you know those are some of my favorite words.

The kit comes with 55 tattoo components so you can "build your own" look.

To test them out I started off small with a pear bracelet and logo combination.

The tattos were fun and easy to apply and are still going strong, which was almost a week ago. They're a great way to add a layer or wear jewelry when you don't want to wear real jewelry because it might get damaged or lost. I can't wait to mix these in with other bracelets or necklaces.

The set is $75 and you can order them by calling the Chanel counter at Bergdorfs - 212 872 2779 or via the Chanel website.

How would you wear them?

Digging on the Gaga

I'm late to join the appreciating crowd but I am happy to finally be a part of the Lady Gaga fan club. As her popularity grows, I'm excited to see designers of all levels embracing the risk taking element that, to me, is her greatest appeal.

This is something I'm in the process of writing about over on Shoe Daydreams. I'm sick to death of designers and companies dumbing down their designs to try and get them to sell in the mass market. In this day and with these economic times, I don't want to spend my money on boring and safe. I want it to be worth my hard earned dollars.

So I was excited to see the Lady Gaga curated pieces in the Not Just a Label shop.

I had to pick up the last one of these awesome spike crown headbands by Savannah Wyatt...



Per the designer:

This piece is from my very first line of headpieces inspired by various things such as flappers, warriors and Jesus' crown of thorns. The pieces are individually handmade and include elastic, fringe, leather, metal and copper detailing.



I love the philosophy of the shop itself too:

“Fashion finds its freedom in the art of individuals; NOT JUST A LABEL is a place for those who find their way off the beaten track, allowing them to express themselves in a community where everything goes...break the mould, redefine the expected, re-colour the palette, inspire and be inspired.”

NOT JUST A LABEL is the leading global business directory for showcasing avant-garde fashion designers of today, nurturing the upcoming talents of tomorrow. It provides an outlet for talent to blossom; a place where visionaries meet collaborators dedicated to the creative spirit of fashion. The platform targets graduates and avant-garde fashion designers, providing a stage where collections are showcased online. Numerous designers have already been discovered by international press and recruited by renowned retailers and prestigious fashion houses via the NJAL website.

Through an unlimited global showroom, matching demand and supply with individuality, creativity, diversity and talent, NOT JUST A LABEL provides a free tool that can be used by designers to present themselves along with their collections. This is a unique way for industry participants and fashionistas alike to access the ideas of tomorrow’s designers.

A global showroom where trend scouts, tastemakers, stylists and retailers can source talent and ideas globally. NOT JUST A LABEL aims to be the source and the epicentre for the creative part of the industry. We see ourselves as oiling the cogs in the wheels of the fashion business.

As a unique network of like-minded individuals with a profound sense of trendsetting, NOT JUST A LABEL offers a rare opportunity to reach and interact with a global community of opinion makers. We offer a wide range of cooperation opportunities for companies, schools and media, both on our site and at related fashion events.

If you would like more information about NOT JUST A LABEL please contact us. Be part of it…be a black sheep yourself

Since I bought the last spiked headband, you can't get it but there are other pieces. I wish I could have bought these too. Like the aluminum eyepatch from "Paparazzi"...




And I love this swarovski-encrusted wrist guard from her Maxim shoot.

These, as I mentioned, were from the Lady Gaga group but they have a lot of other amazing clothes and accessories in the shop. I know where I will be keeping my eye out for new talent and unique pieces.

Cast Your Eyes Down

Way back in February, Queen Michelle posted about the fabulous Scottish leg wear label Bebaroque and introduced them with amazing images of the decadently embellished tights that they create.



They have wildly patterned, covered in sequins or even dimensional like these. In April she showed images of the fringed tights here (or just scroll down). It seems Queen Michelle was popping eyes and stirring up trouble with her tattoo patterned pair.



It always amazes me how surprised people get when you wear something other than boring old-fashioned sort-of-nude pantyhose (ick!) or solid black.

But how much more interesting are these patterned beauties? And apparently they're quite versatile too.



Now tights with a ton of metal circles running down your legs (front or back) are sure to get you some notice, but hey, that's why we're here. Right?



Personally I like the teal and silver as much as the black and gold.





And look at Miss Bubble modeling the hot pink with fringe. They're even more vibrant in her photos than the site shows.



I liked the so much, I got all of these - the black with teal, the teal with silver dots, the cream with black and the hot pink and fringe.

With these and my new Chanel two-tone tights, Fall is going to be a very colorful... and interesting time. Time to shake some folks up.

Botkier for Target

I'm not a huge bag person so I can't say I'm overly familiar with the Botkier brand. Maybe that helps to give me an objective opinion of the new designer pairing with Target.

But the pictures leading up to the launch of this line made me interested in seeing the real thing.

I like distressed leather especially in metallics. So I really wanted to see this hobo bag in particular.



Well, I was in Target yesterday and I did get to see them.

And, well, frankly they sucked. Big time. They looked like cheap vinyl which is, I guess, what they are.

I didn't see every style in the line but what I saw wasn't good.

Not recommended.