We are very excited to announce the launch of Open Runway’s private beta!  For those of you who need a refresher, Open Runway is an innovative “Design your Own’ fashion platform where YOU are the designer. In our Design Studio, you can create your own high fashion shoes and handbags by choosing from a wide array of styles and materials and wear them in just a few weeks.

Desperate to start designing?  Go to openrunway.com and request an invitation to our private beta. Be sure to tell us about yourself and what you hope to get out of the experience. Right now we have a limited number of invitations to give out but we’ll let you know when space becomes available.

As with any private beta, we have a few bugs to fix and kinks to work out.  We ask only for your help (and a little patience) as we listen to your questions, concerns, and comments to transform Open Runway into the ultimate user experience. A fair warning, here are a couple of things in particular to watch out for that are still a work in progress:

1. Our handbags are ready to be designed and purchased, however, we are still working on getting our shoes up and “running.”  By all means, please feel free to play around in our shoe design studio and let us know what you think. For now you will only be able to drool over them until we work out a few more details on the back-end.
2. Due to changes in sourcing, a few of the materials seen on some of the configured designs in the “Shop”  area may no longer be available. We are working on implementing an “out of stock” message.

Open Runway exists to serve you, so we need your assistance and feedback to achieve perfection, or… in the case of our private beta (in Tim Gunn’s words) “make it work.”  Without it, this won’t be possible.

All of us at Open Runway are confident that you will find  the design experience to be fun and creative.  You have our commitment to not only make your experience enriching in the design and creation phase, but also to deliver to you products of the highest quality craftsmanship that will allow you to enjoy and proudly display your “uniquely you” creation for years to come.

Sign up here to gain exclusive access to Open Runway!

No, (unfortunately) I’m not referring to hunky David Beckham- or the mysterious Robert Pattinson.  Today I want to take a look at some studded out celebs.  Many people are nervous to take on this rock ‘n roll inspired trend.  I want to show everyone that if done tastefully, it can add instant flair to an otherwise ordinary outfit.  Whether splashed across a handbag, or in a chic pattern on a pump, studs are great way to kick it up a notch!

Photo credits: http://the-budgetista.com; http://fashandme.blogspot.com

A subtle stud can add texture to a plain bag as Kristen Cavallari demonstrates.  Or, for the more brave of heart? An in-your-face black studded bag is sure to attract attention like the one Lady Gaga is carrying- wouldn’t want to run into her in a dark alley while she was carrying that!

Kim Kardashian in a studded sleeved trench. Photo credit: http://fashionbombdaily.com/

Studs don’t have to just be worn as an accessory on a handbag. Kim Kardashian was recently spotted wearing this trench coat with studded sleeves.  A new take on the classic silhouette, these studs add pizazz to create a fun yet sophisticated look.

Sarah Jessica Parker in lavender studded pumps. Photo credit: http://www.kisforkinky.com; cheapalicious.net

My personal favorite studded look? The pump.  After all, who could forget when on the set of Sex and the City 2, Sarah Jessica Parker wore those infamous lavender suede studded pumps?  Paired with a plaid shirt and light-wash jeans, proof that studs can turn any outfit into something quite studtacular!

Inspired by studs- I took some of my current favorite trends and using Open Runway’s Design Studio, created a pair of my perfect pumps!  Stiletto platform suede studded peep toe pumps- what could get any better than that?

My perfect pump, created in the Open Runway Design Studio!

Emma Stone is a hot commodity these days starring in three major hits this summer, The Help, Crazy Stupid Love, and Friends with Benefits, as well as starring in next summer’s blockbuster The Amazing Spider-Man. We’ve been watching Emma’s style and we are loving her shoe innovation and daring attitude. Whether on the red carpet, the sidewalk, or tv set, Emma has rocked some seriously sassy shoes. Here is a look at some of our favorites.

Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon. Credit: Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/AP

These shoes are bright, and fun, and seem to match Emma’s sunny personality.

While filming The Amazing Spider-Man in NYC. Credit: GVK/Bauer-Griffin; Pacific Coast News; Flynet

Casual booties are great for fall and Emma finds a way to incorporate them into many outfits.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/AP

Sexy leopard contrasted with green lace make for a unique stand out style.

Good Morning America in NYC. Credit: Derek Storm/Splash News Online

One of our favorite color combinations, grey and red! We love these peep toe platform pumps!

What is your favorite look of Emma’s? Would you wear any of the shoes she’s sporting? Let us know in the comments.

While on her press tour for her new movie with Justin Timberlake, Friends with Benefits, currently number 8 in the box office, we have seen Mila Kunis express her style across the globe. In Russia she rocked the white and in New York she sizzled in red. A staple of almost every look has been an ankle strap pump. We think this style is simple but interesting, the perfect addition to Mila’s flirty but sexy dresses. Check out some of our favorite of Mila’s looks below.

Photo Credits: Splash News Online

At the NYC premiere of Friends With Benefits. Photo Credit: Bill Davila/Startraks

Photo Credits: Jayme/AKM; Kristina Nikishina/Epsilon/Getty

At the Berlin premiere of Friends with Benefits with co-star Justin Timberlake. Photo Credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty

Mila has dazzled us with her press tour style and go-to ankle strap pumps. We love the looks so much we are considering adding an ankle strap as an embellishment option for our pumps. Be sure to check out the rom-com which came out in theatres July 22.

What do you think of Mila’s style? Would you wear an ankle strap pump? Let us know in the comments.

But this doesn’t mean we don’t love it! Plus maybe it’s a good thing, with the price of gold rising we can use a much more affordable way to add some radiance into our lives. Glitter and sequins have been a shiny accessory to disco halls and Vegas in the past, but is making its way back into fashion. Its been sprinkled on everything from frocks to nails. See how celebrities have been working and misusing the trend.

Leighton Meester, Ashley Tisdale, Carrie Underwood, and Elle Macpherson have all worn glitzed out minis lately. Whether colored or just plain metallic (if these frocks could be labeled plain) these sparkly outfits draw attention to the wearer in a good way.

Photo Credits: Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Jason Merritt/Getty; INF; AFN/Splash News Online

Another way to wear glitter is on your hands. Whether you go big by painting all your nails with the glitzy polish or wear it like Vanessa Hudgens and paint just the ring finger. This shimmery trend is sure to glam up any outfit and add a bit of unexpected dazzle to your day.

Photo Credit: Alpha/Landov

So you can glitz up your hands but how about your feet? Don’t worry glittery shoes from casual sneakers to pumps are shimmering all over the red carpet and sidewalk. Sarah Jessica Parker, whose style we’ve applauded before, and Fergie both added some glimmer to their footwear.

Photo Credit: http://mademoiselle-chic.onsugar.com

While glitz and glam looks fantastic on your dress, nails, and shoes, there are ways to go wrong. Be especially wary of glitter makeup! When done in a subtle neutral it can look totally glam like Jennifer Lopez and Emily Blunt with their platinum sparkle dusting.

Photo Credits: Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Chris Delmas/Visual Press

But be careful or you may end up looking like a disco ball, sorry Ke$ha.

Photo Credit: http://www.realbeauty.com/makeup/how-to/summer-beauty-trends

How would you wear glitter? What’s your favorite item to bedazzle? Let us know in the comments.

The 46 year old actress is back in front of the camera with a new movie coming this September entitled “I Don’t Know How She Does It.”  Sure to be a big hit at the box office, Sarah Jessica Parker plays alongside a talented cast including Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Kelsey Grammer, and Christina Hendricks.  SJP portrays a woman, Kate Reddy, who is struggling to keep her life in order as she attempts to excel as a successful wife, mother, and hedge-fund manager.  Not surprisingly, her character always seems to find the time to dress immaculately, from her styled hair down to her sky-rise heels.  Very similar to the real-life Sarah Jessica Parker- these two seem to have quite a bit in common!

From rocking red carpets to pushing strollers on the street, Sarah Jessica Parker has become well-known for her love of shoes. Lets take a peek at SJP’s shoe archive, on and off the set to see just how she does it.

An all-black outfit make SJP's heels POP! Photo credits: www.stylebistro.com, trashedfashionboxes.blogspot.com, http://confessionsofananonshopaholic.blogspot.com

From movie star to mom in 3 clicks of the heel! Photo credits: http://www.gossiprocks.com, designershoesoutlets.info, http://shoerazzi.com

Last week I designed three shoes inspired by my favorite fall trends. So this week I’ve used the Open Runway Design Studio to create three handbags based off my favorite fall handbag trends.

Snake

Snakeskin is everywhere this fall, from shoes to handbags and even printed on sunglasses and blouses. A snakeskin handbag adds a touch of luxury to any outfit. My favorite looks are paired with jeans to take a casual look from bland to grand!

I love this Copper Snake embossed bag accented with Nude Leather. I chose our Slouchy Hobo silhouette for a youthful shape that is great for the weekends or work.

Satchels

Satchels sprinkled the fall runways and it makes sense why. These utilitarian bags have been reinvented in a feminine way and are easy to carry, even after stuffed to the brim. Satchels big and small are sure to be a staple in many wardrobes this fall.

This satchel is doubly on trend in a Café Croc embossed leather. I chose one of my favorite silhouettes the Downtown Side Satchel to create this bag.

Metallic

Metallic bags are back and more popular than ever. Whether in classic gold or silver or the more muted tones of pewter and bronze, metallic handbags are a perfect go with everything accessory. These bags are sure to be an everyday staple.

This Tasseled Tote in Vintage Silver has a slight texture to its sheen. I would take this bag everywhere, whether it be to the mall, the airport, or the office.

How would you design a handbag for fall? Tell us in the comments.