I Can't Stand the RAIN! [Burberry Prorsum]

Often, I stress over what shoes to wear when the weatherman reports that the day will be encumbered by a never-ending torrential downpour. Needless to say I had a very stressful season. Luckily LL Bean saved my life and inspired a preppy yet messy motif that I channeled on rainy days. Then I got to thinking if this is such a predicament for me then imagine what ladies must go through. I mean, the options range from the infamous Ugg to any old rubber rain boot, neither of which is glamorous enough for me to issue a frumpy pass. Fortunately the good folks at Burberry anticipated this dilemma and prepared two extraordinarily practical yet flattering and dramatic shoes. Hopefully you won't need them much longer.

The former was a favorite of Amber Rose this season. I'd recommend pairing with black leggings and dark, rich floral prints. Now go forth and pump.

Run Through Your Town, I Shut It Down [Balmain]

The good folks at Balmain present a coat fit for a soldier. If you didn't know, the world of fashion is a war zone. 

Up HIGH, down low [Alexander Wang]

And the award for Spring 2010's "IT" shoe goes to Alexander Wang for these double lace up and zipper open-toe booties available as flats and heels. They're selling out everywhere so if you want them, I'd recommend you cop yesterday. They've been spotted on the likes of June Ambrose and they're named after model Freja Beha Erichsen. These shoes were so over used in magazine editorials that editors had to ban stylists from using it in shoots. 

$595

Shark in the WATER [Chanel Fall 2010]

The good folks at Chanel have surely been living in their own world and for the Fall 2010 collection Karl and the gang were in rare form. In the midst of a global recession and luxury labels closing shop (R.I.P. Phi), Karl Lagerfeld thought it appropriate to import an authentic iceberg from Scandinavia and have it hand carved by 35 ice sculptors and plant it in Paris' Grand Palais hotel (see above). And on top of that, what does he send down the melting runway? Enough fur to decimate the worlds entire beaver, fox, and mink population (see below). Luckily, for mammals everywhere, Karl opted for faux fur (::vomits::) instead of the real thing.

Can You HEAR Me NOW? [Lady GaGa + Beyoncé]

Lady GaGa and Beyoncé team up once more for a sex drenched, bedazzled spectacle complete with girl fights, latex, and lots of skin. They should have had a better cell phone in the clip, and I hate when GaGa wears her hair short. Other than that, it's a perfect, tacky-ass-mess of genius.

Spring in Your STEP!

It's almost time to put the suede thigh-high boots and black patent leather booties away to make room for sandals, sandal and more sandals in preparation for the next (better) season, SPRING! Here are a few bright options from Net-A-Porter to start you off. Enjoy!

Stella McCartney

If I Was A RICH Girl [Balmain Fall 2010]

Unapologetic decadence was the theme at Balmain's Fall 2010 show, complete with lush furs, gold brocade, and pailettes galore. Creative director, Christophe Decarnin stuck to his well proven formula but adding a heavy dose of all things luxe. The silhouettes are fairly similar to previous seasons (bold shoulders, skinny legs, short hemlines) but the overall look was much more polished and refined. I would have liked to see some more innovation but as they say, "if it aint broke..."

You Had Me @ Hello [Les Hommes]

Leane On ME [Shaun Leane Jewelry]

Famed British jeweler, Shaun Leane has worked with Givenchy, DeBeers, Daphne Guiness and Alexander McQueen (collaborative post to follow). He's known for creating dark yet romantic pieces often with floral and animalistic influences. Here is a snapshot of his vast collection.