I’m a fan of Kate Beckinsale, but the outfit she wore to the Conde Nast Traveler “Hot List” Party is not exactly one of my favorite Kate Beckinsale looks.

Here’s a picture of Kate in that event.

Kate Beckinsale

(photo from Just Jared)

What do you think of her style?

Honestly, I think it’s a little off. Don’t get me wrong, piece by piece – from the dress, to the shoes, each is beautiful. Together however, they don’t mesh.

For instance, a more structured and classic dress design would have looked better with the shoes.

Let’s zoom in on the shoes for a closer look.

Kate Beckinsale’s Peep Toe Mary Jane Pumps

It’s a pair of peep toe Mary Jane pumps; definitely a classic, even with the dual and bi-colored straps. The color is beautiful and very versatile. The platforms add a touch of vintage to it. A dress with a classic and more tailored cut would look great with this pair.

Unfortunately, Kate decided to use a Grecian inspired dress with it. The dress basically did not do the shoes any justice.

Now if we look at it the other way, the dress is actually beautiful. Its soft fluid fabric calls for something sexy on the feet, like a pair of strappy sandals, or a pair of sexy and sleek (not bulky) roman sandals.

If I had my way, I would  ask Kate to wear any of the following instead:

Rachel Roy Signature Cocktail Dress with Tulip Skirt, US$595

OR

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Colorblock Dress, US$495

Now if you’re into the shoes, this pair from Calvin Klein might interest you:

Calvin Klein Kaycie, on sale for only US$91 at 6pm.com

Here’s a lady I would like to shadow for a day – Caroline Sieber. I would love to know what goes on in her head and learn how she puts together looks that always end up in the fashion magazines’ best dressed list.

Caroline Sieber

If you don’t know her, then it’s time for you to look her up. She’s a stylist in London who dresses the rich and famous, celebrity and socialites alike. One of her clients is Emma Watson from Harry Potter. Emma’s much buzzed about style is actually a product of Caroline’s work.

In fact, her unique but sophisticated taste in fashion has earned her the honor of becoming one of Chanel’s brand ambassadors.

Last month, during London Fashion Week, well-known blogger and photographer Tommy Ton was able to capture the essence of Caroline Sieber’s style in these three (3) beautiful shots (click here to go to Tommy Ton’s  Jak & Jil blog site):

Caroline Sieber

(photos are from jakandjil.com)

These pictures of Tommy Ton show how Caroline achieves her famous style by balancing – feminine, frilly, and covered on top in a Chanel jacket with detailed cuffs; skin revealing, clean, and simple at the bottom in pleated Chanel leather shorts. To complete and toughen up the sweet and lady-like look, she paired it with some chunky Chanel carved rubber platform Mary Janes.

The 3rd picture is actually my favorite.  The shoes are simply so divine, don’t you agree? And I love how the picture captures the purpose of the shoes with its non-slip rubber platforms and heels touching the wet concrete ground.

I’m sure the Chanel pair on Caroline, and her whole outfit for that matter, will cost you an arm and a leg. So if you want this look,  best to search for alternatives like the following:

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Tweed Four Pocket Jacket, on sale for US$102 at Zappos.com

Volcom Frochickie Shorts, US$44

WITH

(with rubber lug soles and platform)

KORS by Michael Kors Haven, on sale for US$143 at Zappos.com

OR

(with rubber soles)

Calvin Klein Dasha, US$109

Victoria Beckham, a.k.a. Posh Spice, was spotted early this February in her signature “posh” get-up as she headed back for London.

Victoria Beckham

(photo care of Splash News)

She looked simple but stunning as usual in a black long-sleeved tunic, some fishnet stockings, and a pair of good old Mary Jane pumps

This look is quite easy to pull-off. If you don’t have a pair of classic MJ pumps  yet, you can just buy online to avoid the hassle of going to your local department store or mall.

Here’s a pair from Miss Sixty that I recommend you consider:

Miss Sixty Scarlett, US$160

Now if you’re finding the classic Mary Jane pumps too boring for your taste, you can steer away from convention and use any of the following options instead:

A little close to convention but not quite because of its  open toe design, this Calvin Klein Mary Jane open-toe pumps will make you look different but still within the norm

Calvin Klein Kaycie, on sale for US$111 at Zappos.com

If you want comfort and distinction, you can wear this Mary Jane wedge from Robert Clergerie instead

Robert Clergerie Hasting, on sale for US$450 at Zappos.com

Want more than just comfort and distinction? Wear this Mary Jane bootie from Joan & David

Joan & David Sabina, on sale for US$164 at Zappos.com

OR, you can opt for these edgier takes on the classic Mary Jane pumps

Steven Flyn, on sale for US$126 at Zappos.com

Type Z Monisa, US$93

All these selections are available at Zappos.com. If you do decide to buy online, I suggest you visit this site, they offer free shipping both ways to anywhere in the US, that means you don’t have to spend extra for shopping from home. That definitely beats driving to the mall.