On the Increasing Malleability of Price Thresholds, and Also, These Fendi Pumps

Recently, I found myself chatting with a friend about the increasing malleability of price thresholds, meaning the absolute cap you've self-imposed when buying a category of fashion. My thresholds do differ from category to category (panties are no classic Burberry trench, you see), but across the board, it's been a slippery slope since I was a lowly FIT student and wouldn't spend more than $100 on a pair of shoes.

In short, the moment you cross a previously perceived price ceiling, it's all downhill, cherry's popped, it no longer feels out-of-the-question to spend, say, $1,295 on the Fendi Layered Pyramid Stud Heel Pump seen above (price ceiling in question being $1,000+ pre-tax).

Now, don't get me wrong, even I will own up to the fact that these are a splurge by the truest definition. After all, no woman in the world needs a pair of $1,295 shoes, and in particular, a pair that resembles, vaguely, a dinosaur comprised of Legos.

But love is love, you guys, and sometimes, love is impractical.

Any price thresholds you'll own up to, particularly in the category of footwear?

New York Fashion Week Beauty: Odile Gilbert for Kérastase Paris at The Row

Stylist extraordinaire Odile Gilbert for Kérastase Paris created a gorgeously elegant twisted up-do for today's presentation of The Row's Spring 2013 collection. “I think this is about the [designers’] identity,” Gilbert told WWD, “it’s cool hair — but always a bit under control.”

To get the look:

• Prep damp hair with Ciment Thermique and Mousse Volumactive
• Rough dry hair, wrapping strands around fingers as you go
• Divide hair into two sections behind each ear
• Twist each section in a backwards direction and then begin twisting and pinning them together
• Tie the twists with an elastic, tucking the ends underneath the style and pinning into place
• Fluff up the texture at the top of the head with fingers and lightly spray with Double Force Hairspray for hold

New York Fashion Week: Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet

Shown at Center 548 in the Gallery District last night, designer Stacey Bendet's Spring 2013 collection for alice + olivia was inspired by the uplifting American optimism of the late 1950's. An assortment of ready to wear, gowns (always a standout!), shoes and a debut handbag collection were illustrated through bold silhouettes and color, with smart styling and a flirtatious flair.

The alice + olivia handbag collection will launch in Spring '13 with three styles - the classic "Olivia" bag in exotic skins, the "D" for the woman on the go, and the everyday "SEE."

New York Fashion Week Beauty: Estée Lauder for Derek Lam

For the sixth consecutive season, Estée Lauder sponsored the beauty look (makeup & nails) at the Derek Lam Spring 2013 runway show yesterday at St. John’s Center in New York City.

Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux led a team of 15 makeup artists to create the stunning look on 30 models (including Joan Smalls and Liu Wen, both faces for the EL brand) – while famed manicurist Jin Soon Choi and her team polished their nails with NEW Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in So Vain (launching March 2013).

“The look is very feminine, very elegant and very discreet. Glistening aqua shades, see-through subtle color and shimmer that reveal little by little. Derek is not a show off. If you take time to discover his clothes close-up – you are wowed,” said Pecheux, who used Estée Lauder makeup to complement Derek Lam's beautiful collection of approachable silhouettes, complex textures and irreverent color mixes.

Photos: Courtesy of Estée Lauder

Liu Wen

Tom Pecheux working on Liu Wen

Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls and Liu Wen

New York Fashion Week Beauty: TRESemmé for Rebecca Minkoff

Yesterday, TRESemmé Lead Stylist Jeanie Syfu created sophisticated and effortless textured waves for Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2013 show.

Overall Look: The look was beachy waves with polished ends. Hair had a matte texture and sleek ends to create a style that was casual, yet glamorous to complement the 80’s feel of the collection.

How-To Steps:

• Start by applying TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Finishing Spray and TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse throughout the hair and power dry with fingers for texture
• Smooth out ends with a Mason Pearson brush
• Take random sections of hair and using a 1” barrel curling iron, create curls through the mid-lengths, making sure to leave the ends out
• Use the flat iron to straighten ends and give the beachy texture a polished finish
• Spray lightly with TRESemmé Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo for a matte look
• Create a middle part with a comb and finish with a dime size amount of TRESemmé Smooth & Silky Anti-Frizz Secret Crème to fingertips, raking through the hair from roots to ends