Retail Therapy

Coveting from the Backseat: Christian Louboutin Madame Mouse Patent Pumps

by The Backseat Stylers | April 17th, 2013

I’m a girly girl at heart, with a closet full of bow-embellished clothes and shoes to prove it, so I always have a hard time resisting any sartorial item with a whimsical touch. The latest object of my desire is a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps that don’t look anything like a Christian Louboutin design, at least not of late. There are no spikes, no studs, not even a platform. What it does feature is…a pair of Minnie Mouse ears.

The ‘Madame Mouse’ patent pump is incredibly chic, and an adorable twist on a classic style. They would make a fabulous addition to my footwear rotation, right next to my Charlotte Olympia kitty pumps. These lovely spring shoes retail for $845 over on christianlouboutin.com.

xx, S

Image Credit: Browns Fashion


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Closet Confessions

A Peek in the Backseat: Christian Louboutin C’est Moi Ankle Booties

by The Backseat Stylers | January 8th, 2013

What’s this? A new blog series! We’ve dubbed it ‘A Peek in the Backseat’ and, well, it’s exactly that: a look at some of our closet favourites and how they got there. First up? How about a little red-soled goodness from Christian Louboutin, one of my earliest designer shoe acquisitions.

Introducing my beloved “C’est Moi” booties, purchased back in 2008 from saks.com. They may seem a tad under-designed compared to Mr. Louboutin’s more recent offerings, but their simplicity is what I loved most about them. Three geniusly placed buttons on an otherwise plain black bootie made for one very chic fall shoe indeed. It was my very first pair of ankle booties, in fact, and I’ve been addicted to them ever since.

These babies sadly haven’t seen the light of day in a few years, but writing this post has rekindled my love for them. They deserve to be taken out for a spin, wouldn’t you say?

xx, S


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Fashion News

A Sneak Peek at the Christian Louboutin Exhibition Coming To Toronto’s Design Exchange in Summer 2013

by The Backseat Stylers | December 18th, 2012

Christian Louboutin celebrated the anniversary of his 20th year in the designer footwear business with his first ever retrospective exhibition at London’s Design Museum earlier this year. I was rather disappointed that I wasn’t able to hop over to the other side of the pond to experience the exhibit first hand; that is, until the Design Exchange (DX) made the unexpected and utterly delightful announcement last month that the museum would be bringing that very exhibition to Toronto. The exhibit, which drew record crowds during its run in London, will be at the DX from June 21 to September 15, 2013.

Donna Loveday, the exhibition’s curator, explains the concept behind it:

The exhibition celebrates Louboutin’s career to date and showcases twenty years of designs and inspiration, revealing the artistry and theatricality of his shoe design – from stilettos to lace-up boots, studded sneakers and bejewelled pumps. Louboutin’s shoes are the epitome of style, glamour, femininity, elegance and craftsmanship.

 A strong narrative informs the exhibition and addresses the following key questions,
 who is Christian Louboutin?
 What was his route to shoe design?
 What are the inspirations and influences that have informed his work over 20 years?
 What is his design process?

The exhibition will present a carefully chosen selection of shoes from collections spanning twenty years. Alongside the shoes will be more personal mementos from Christian’s archive including photographs of his early years growing up in Paris, early sketches and shoe designs. The exhibition has had unique access to Christian Louboutin’s personal archive. A dramatic exhibition environment will present Louboutin’s artistic personality and creative approach. It will examine the many sources of his creativity, shoes inspired by performance and the showgirl; entertainment; transparency; travel and architecture.

The exhibition will also focus on the handcrafted shoe, one-off designs which incorporate highly innovative ideas, forms and materials. There will be a special section dedicated to the shoes designed for Fetish, an exhibition at the Gallerie Du Passage, Paris, in 2007, which was a unique collaboration of photography between Louboutin and acclaimed film maker David Lynch. At the core of the exhibition will be a unique exploration of Louboutin’s design process, taking the visitor through every stage of the design journey, revealing how a shoe is constructed, from the initial drawing and first prototype through to production in the factory.

Now I can finally stop lamenting having missed Louboutin’s visit to the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto back in 2005. Instead, I’ll be counting down the days until the retrospective exhibition opens at the DX next summer. In the meantime, check out the trailer by London’s Design Museum and over 40 images from the exhibition’s run there below. And you may as well start debating which pair of red-soled beauties to don for the occasion, too.

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Retail Therapy

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: 18 Covet-Worthy Gift Ideas for the Fashion Set

by The Backseat Stylers | November 27th, 2012

As I ran around a largely deserted mall on December 24th last year, I vowed to myself – for at least the fifth year in a row – that I would never leave the task of gift buying to the very last minute ever again. Next year, I promised myself, I’ll be one of those extremely prepared folks who get to brag about having finished their holiday shopping weeks – months even – in advance.

Well, it seems the moment of truth has come, and while I have exactly zero presents purchased to date, I do have a stellar gift guide prepared with a whopping 18 incredible items for only the most fashionable females on your list. Now, all you and I have to do is print out this blog post, get to the nearest computer or mall, and get shopping like the proactive, stylish elves we are. Good luck!

1. Nicholas Kirkwood Floral-Embroidered Sandals ($1,695), Holt Renfrew

Kirkwood’s metallic floral-embroidered mesh sandals are nothing short of perfection. Sealed with a bow, this exquisite shoe is perfect for soirées this holiday season and year round.

2. Banana Republic ‘Breanna’ Bow Flat ($120), bananarepublic.ca

We all need a break from heels now and then. Banana Republic’s bow-embellished, pointy-toe flats are so chic that even the most devoted of stiletto fans won’t be able to resist them.

3. Christian Louboutin ‘Decollette’ 554 Pumps (US$625), neimanmarcus.com

A surefire way to a shoe addict’s heart? Christian Louboutin, obviously. Whether it’ll be her very first pair or her 50th, these black patent leather stiletto pumps with those signature contrast red soles will become footwear rotation regulars.

4. Jason Wu Lace-Trimmed Cape ($3,305), The Room at The Bay

As far as outerwear is concerned, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than Look 21 from Jason Wu’s Fall 2012 ready-to-wear runway show. With its lace overlay and of-the-moment oxblood shade, it’s the perfect cape for the superwoman in your life.

5. LINE Knitwear ‘Uptown’ Knit & Leather Jacket ($550), Holt Renfrew

Wrap the edgy LINE Knitwear ‘Uptown’ in a box and put some fierceness under the Christmas tree. This black leather jacket with knitted panels will keep its new owner toasty warm and looking über-chic.

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim ‘Pashli’ Satchel (US$895), saksfifthavenue.com

Every woman needs a chic everyday carry-all, and Phillip Lim has created a fabulous option in his ‘Pashli’ satchel. Marrying fashion and function, the street style favourite is available in a range of sumptuous colours to complement any wardrobe

7. Tiffany & Co. Coin Purse ($85), tiffany.ca

The mere sight of that unmistakable shade of Tiffany blue will put a smile on any girl’s face. Slip a Tiffany & Co. bauble into this lovely patent leather coin purse for an extra special gift.

8. ela Editor Pouch ($188), thecode.ca

Whether she’s a fashion editor or merely one in her daydreams for now, she can look the part with ela’s edgy Editor Pouch. The studded clutch is available in several colours, but silver mirror is our favourite by far.

9. MAKE UP FOR EVER Backstage Collector Bag ($359), sephora.com

Featuring 28 of MAKE UP FOR EVER’s most popular products, this Sephora.com exclusive is both the perfect face paint introduction for a neophyte and a makeup lover’s dream come true.

10. Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura Eye & Cheek Palette ($85), Holt Renfrew

Lagerfeld fans will love his latest collaboration with Shu Uemura, which includes lipsticks, fun faux eyelashes, a mini brush set and more. Our pick is the eye & cheek palette in smoky velvet or prestigious bordeaux, featuring the Kaiser’s whimsical muse for the collection, Mon Shu Girl, on the compact.

11. Nixon ‘Kensington’ Leather Watch ($150), nixon.com

Timepieces are always great holiday gift ideas — what better way to count down the clock on New Year’s Eve? — and this classic leather watch by Nixon is no exception. The no frills design makes it a handsome, versatile option that will go with any outfit.

12. FALLON for eBay Stud Charm Bracelet (USD$88), ebay.com

FALLON designer Dana Lorenz churns out to-die-for statement jewelry like nobody’s business. Her holiday capsule collection for eBay is the perfect opportunity to add some edge to any arm party.

13. Lauren Elan ‘Abagail’ Choker Necklace ($195), laurenelan.com

Toronto accessories designer Lauren Elan mixes Swarovski pearls, chains, crystals and rhinestones to create a stunning statement necklace that serves up a whole lot of bling for your buck.

14. Tibi Penguin-Intarsia Sweater (US$375), net-a-porter.com

Who says a holiday knit has to be tacky? Tibi’s exclusive penguin sweater for Net-a-porter is anything but. Whether she wears it casually or edges it up, this is one adorable piece the lucky recipient will be wearing non-stop this winter.

15. MOON Apparel Lace Dress ($89), moonapparel.ca

The MOON Apparel crochet lace dress is a go-to for me, and this season the Canadian brand has recreated the popular piece in eye-catching turquoise. It’s a very ladylike and versatile design that is sure to become a closet favourite.

16. Smythe Herringbone Equestrian Jacket ($595), eluxe.ca

No one designs jackets quite like Smythe’s Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe (just ask Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge!). Their classic equestrian blazer is a wardrobe essential that will be worn for years to come.

17. “The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited” by Karl Lagerfeld & Carine Roitfeld ($102.50), chapters.indigo.ca

This beautiful coffee table book is a fantastic present for any fashion lover. Pair it with a classic black tweed jacket by the design house and that Chanel devotee on your list will be over the moon.

18. Neiman Marcus x Target x CFDA Holiday Collection Ornaments by Jason Wu (US$49.99 for 3), neimanmarcus.com

For the gal pal with the most stylish of Christmas trees, these limited edition ball ornaments and their lace-print trim are both festive and fashionable. Available starting December 1.

xx, S


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Retail Therapy

Coveting from the Backseat: Christian Louboutin ‘Volpi Poppi’ d’Orsay Pump

by The Backseat Stylers | June 21st, 2012

Another week, another shoe obsession. While I’m still on the hunt for the gorgeous Guccis I posted about last week, another pair has crept back into my footwear-related daydreams over the last few days. Christian Louboutin’s ‘Volpi Poppi’ d’Orsay pumps stopped me dead in my tracks when I spied them at Holt Renfrew a few months ago and then again when I spotted them on this lovely party-goer at The Room’s Rodarte event recently. The more I see them, the more I’m convinced I just can’t live without them.

The Volpi Poppi pumps are currently available at Neiman Marcus (regular price of $995) and at Holt Renfrew (on sale). It might just be time for me to take the plunge…

xx, S

Image Credit: Zimbio


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Fashion News

Christian Louboutin to Launch Beauty Line in 2013

by The Backseat Stylers | May 11th, 2012

Christian Louboutin is celebrating his brand’s 20th anniversary with a bang. Because a retrospective exhibition isn’t enough, the luxury footwear designer has plans to launch a new beauty line next year, WWD reports. The company has entered into a joint venture with Batallure Beauty LLC to expand into as yet to be revealed beauty categories. How mysterious.

The luxury line, which will be distributed globally, will “mirror the quality of the shoes, of the bags, of all the DNA of the brand,” said Louboutin. Still, the move is rather unexpected for a shoemaker, but the designer explains that both his platform pumps and tubes of mascara will have the same aim. “Beauty products also have to do with empowering women,” he said. “That’s very much the job of the shoes I’m designing.”

The first Christian Louboutin Beauté products are expected to launch in late 2013. By then, you might just be able to get your hands on some Louboutin red lipstick and nail polish to match the soles of your favourite shoes.

xx, S

Image via Bloomberg


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Fashion News

Christian Louboutin Exhibition Launches Today at Design Museum in London

by The Backseat Stylers | May 1st, 2012

Christian Louboutin celebrated his brand’s 20th anniversary today with the launch of his first ever retrospective exhibition at London’s Design Museum. Though the shoe designer and I haven’t seen eye to eye on his footwear designs over the last few years, there’s no denying that he’s changed the face of shoe design over the last 20 years of his career and created countless to-die-for pairs of red-soled heels during that time (many of which are sitting pretty in my closet). The exhibition runs May 1 to July 9, and I’m dying to see it.

The Design Museum presents iconic French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, celebrating a career which has pushed the boundaries of high fashion shoe design. This exhibition celebrates Louboutin’s career showcasing twenty years of designs and inspiration, revealing the artistry and theatricality of his shoe design from stilettos to lace-up boots, studded sneakers and bejewelled pumps. Be taken on a magical journey of style, glamour, power, femininity and elegance.

At the core of the exhibition is a unique exploration of Louboutin’s design process, taking the visitor through every stage of the design journey, revealing how a shoe is constructed, from the initial drawing and first prototype through to production in the factory.

I’ve always regretted missing Louboutin’s visit to the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto back in 2005, and now here’s my chance to finally make up for it. It’s just a quick jaunt over the pond, right? Find out more about the exhibition at designmuseum.org.

xx, S

Images via kfoxtv, Telegraph, Toronto Star


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Street Style

Stylin’ from the Backseat: A Girl’s Girl

by The Backseat Stylers | October 11th, 2011

I said the other day that I was going to be breaking out the flouncy skirts again – silly, self-imposed age limitations be damned – and I meant it! Just to show how much, I fished my beloved Erin Fetherston skirt out of the depths of my closet and went on a skipping and dancing spree. Because how could I not, with my flounciest skirt and best crimson heels on? There may or may not have been some leaping action, too, but since I have yet to perfect the model jump you see in Vogue all the time, those photos shall remain un-posted.

3.1 Phillip Lim top / Erin Fetherston skirt / Hue tights / Christian Louboutin shoes / MAKE UP FOR EVER make-up

xx, S


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Street Style

Stylin’ from the Backseat: Over The Moon

by The Backseat Stylers | September 28th, 2011

Everyone and their mother owns this MOON navy lace frock, or the skirt from the same collection, but I don’t care. I adore it; it reminds me of the gorgeous (but out of my snack bracket) Erdem dress Jessica Stam wore to cover FLARE’s September issue, and is a very reasonably-priced second prize. In fact, it’s already earned its spot in my wardrobe rotation, having served me well at two weddings so far.

This past weekend was wedding #2, and I chose to keep my ensemble on the minimalist side. I belted the dress, threw on my trusty Louboutins and grabbed my new Y-Mail clutch (first outing!). The next time this frock comes out to play, however, it’s going to be more edgy than ladylike, I promise. I’m envisioning a biker jacket, fierce boots and maybe even some fresh tattoos. Or maybe not. Stay tuned!

The dress is sold exclusively at The Bay, and is available online for $89. How would you style it?

MOON lace dress / Christian Louboutin shoes / YSL clutch / Club Monaco belt / MAKE UP FOR EVER make-up

xx, S


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Street Style

Stylin’ from the Backseat: One Plus One

by The Backseat Stylers | July 19th, 2011

I have a confession to make. See, I could tell you that I came up with the idea to pair this simple ivory silk tank top with this lovely black lace skirt, and you would all believe me. Except that it’s not true; I didn’t do it. Tara Jarmon did. The Canadian born, Paris-based designer has a knack for creating chic, feminine pieces like this combo dress, and I’ve been a big fan of her eponymous line ever since I discovered it at The White Space at the Bay.

The rest of the ensemble, I’m happy to report, was my doing. It all could have gone quite granny on me, but I balanced out the rather ladylike dress and Chanel accessories with some edge via my beloved FALLON cuff and Louboutin stripper heels. Perfect beach outfit, non? I kid, of course. I wore this ensemble to attend the wedding ceremony of a very lovely couple, E & D. One plus one, just like a combo dress.

Tara Jarmon dress / Chanel pearls / FALLON cuff (last seen here) / Chanel bag / Christian Louboutin shoes / MAKE UP FOR EVER make-up

xx, S

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