myretroperspective

"Le Rituel" Box Set: The Ultimate Glass Slipper Combo Red haute sole shoe-maker Christian Louboutin revisits a famous ritual from the 1880’s that’s "symbolic of European living with no limits in mind—to sip out of a woman’s stiletto!" Louboutin created a pump with a very high glass heel accompanied by a bottle of Piper Heidsieck’s exclusive bubbly. The ultimate glass slipper is available in a limited edition Heidsieck x Christian Louboutin Le Rituel Box Set. Available through Parisian boutique, Collette for € 350.00 VAT included. Cheers! Louby and Laduree: A Tasty and Fashionable Pair ooOOhh la la! Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin and French bakery Laduree team up for a sweet treat! When I’m in Paris, I make it a point to visit my fave haute spot right on the Champs Elysees. It’s a must-stop for dessert and tea tasting… using your pinky curl. But when I heard about this decadent fashion fix, I was thrilled! Louby designed three gift boxes displaying his exc...

I remember my first visit to the Christian Louboutin boutique in Paris. The year was 2007 and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the shoe of all shoes. My friend Carole, who lives in Paris and loves all things fashionable, and I ventured to the original flagship store in the Passage Vero-Dodat area. As I made my way to the small French storefront, I remember rounding each corner with girly anticipation that I would soon be surrounded by a sea of red soles. Upon entering this magical little shop, my eyes dazzled at the display of shoes surrounding me. I was greeted with a friendly “bonjour” by the shop keeper. I responded in kind and began browsing the selection. I must have tried on 20 pair of Loubous and yet each one reminded me of a work of art inspired by the ultimate jewelry collection. Each shoe is handmade with at least 10 pairs of hands leaving no sparkling crystal unturned. Every red haute sole is cut piece by piece and hand sewn to perfection. “The creative process is like bei...

Project Runway Canada contestant Shernett Swaby opens a boutique in Chicago at 1933 North Damen. Swaby moved to the windy city from Toronto and a few months later her namesake was born giving the trendy Bucktown area a taste of “runway reality.” The Swaby Store has an elegant yet romantic feel offering a great backdrop for her innovative creations inspired by the starlets of the past turned modern day film sirens. Delicate lace, ruffles and sumptuous silk blouses are staples in her collection. You’ll also find tailored pants and blazers. But the attention is very much in the details. Cocktail dresses and evening gowns are made just for you since Swaby sews each garment by hand in a backroom studio. Couture pieces can set you back about $5,000. But you can find selections starting at just $700. And if that’s still too much try the model 29 line of affordably priced items for $29. And don’t forget to pick up her a signature Swaby bag for the city girl on the go! Find out about monthly sh...

Going green means more than just recycling old newspapers and water bottles to keep our planet clean. It’s also about organic beauty and wellness practices for better health. In my search for eco-friendly products designed to cleanse and nourish my skin, I discovered Soul Purpose, a wonderful line of nature-based body, beauty and lifestyle products created by Nadine Thompson, former co-founder of Warm Spirit. Thompson has a unique knack for creating product lines that offer amazing health benefits. Her bath gels and body lotions contain a mix of ingredients with cancer-fighting antioxidants found in berries like the Amazon’s Acai, blended with red wine, green tea, and Oregan grape to moisturize and soften the skin. Gospel recording artists Mary Mary and Grammy Award-winner John Legend are also singing the praises of Soul Purpose. So I decided to try the bath and shower gel. As the seasons begin to change, it always brings about a change in my skincare regimen. This time of year, my ski...

In a world where fashion trends reign supreme, 38-year-old French designer, Kate Mack prefers exclusivity. She describes her collection as “feminine and elegant with a funky edge blending modern appeal with classic romanticism.” Many of her avant-garde designs are reminiscent of the Victorian era, but they are nothing short of fierce. “I try to define the femme fatal, the glamorous and sexy woman and her different moods, desires and needs,” explains Mack. Her signature cowl-neck sweaters, A-line coats and hooded gowns in sensual, colorful fabrics and three-dimensional concepts expose her deepest thoughts. “I create what I feel. I don’t draw any of my designs; they are the fruits of visualization.” Although Mack, a woman of French-West Indian heritage, says she doesn’t follow fashion trends, everything seems to inspire her. “The language of fabric, pop culture and women on the street dictate what I do—they are the starting points for everything,” she says. “I love fashion, it’s a fabul...