Nude heels
Certain pieces become classics once they have proved themselves time and again, season to season, in an array of situations. The LBD (Little Black Dress) is the best known of these, the white shirt another favourite. Add to the list the NPP—or Nude Patent Pump. For the past five years or so, this particular piece of footwear has proved its usefulness and longevity, and it is here to stay as an integral part of a functional wardrobe. Celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian,Eva Longoria and Dannii Minogue have proven their appeal on everything from lunch dates to red carpets.
Their appeal is simple: they go with everything, they make your legs look longer and they are immune to passing trends. You just know that those fierce, studded and strapped booties are going to look alarmingly wrong in a couple of years (or even months), but the NPP will always be welcome. Look for simple, closed-toe patent pumps in a height to suit (you know how high you can go), possibly with a platform sole. The secret is to find them in a shade of nude as close as possible to your natural skin tone. That is how they lengthen legs, as there is no obvious cut-off between your legs and shoes. And these are to be worn with bare legs—no tights here. Christian Louboutin always has an NPP in his collections, and Miu Miu also has one hidden amongst its glitter heels this season. You’ll also find them at more affordable price points, including those from Milu and Zomp (which has a striking cutaway at the side). New to the field is Zizi by Florsheim, the new women’s collection by the heritage brand. Their Heidi pump (left, $199.95) hits the spot.
Pretty in Pink
Jeweller Jan Logan has been supporting the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC), now amalgamated with Cancer Australia, for some years in a variety of ways. This year, for the first time, Logan has created a small collection of pieces to directly raise funds for NBOCC. The Pretty in Pink Campaign Collection features beautiful pink semi-precious stones including pink morganite, rose quartz and tourmaline. The collection includes drop earrings, multi-stone bracelets, dress rings and limited-edition bespoke pieces. The 9ct rose quartz and rose gold Gatsby ring (left, $965) features a new style of band for Logan, in which the light passes through the patterned metal to further capture the light of the stone. The pieces are in store and online at janlogan.com from September 8 until October 31; 10 per cent of sales revenue goes to the NBOCC.
Publishing push
The publishing industry is putting its weight behind retail this month in the hope of getting people in store and shopping up a storm in this glum financial period. ACP magazines were first off the mark, launching 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty last week. British It girl Alexa Chung was flown in especially for the occasion, and even hit the decks for an hour with a fun selection of 1960s pop and Kylie Minogue—nice touch for the home crowd. There are events across the country for the whole month of September, and you can find out more at www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.com.au.
And this Thursday, Sydneysiders can head into the CBD for Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. The event, launched in New York a few years ago to help boost the fashion economy, has since gone global, and will see Sydney designers and retailers hosting special events, giveaways and great shopping deals on the night. The city will come alive to the sound of cash registers chiming, if all goes to plan. Diane Von Furstenberg (left, in her design) has designed the commemorative tee, available for purchase at the DVF store at Westfield for $25 (it has already sold out on Vogue’s website, so get your skates on). For more information, go to www.vogue.com.au. Happy shopping!
