“Faux Pas” is a favorite phrase among fashionistas. But is the term a faux pas, in itself?

Faux Pas (IPA /ˌfoʊˈpɑː/, plural: faux pas /ˌfoʊˈpɑː(z)/) French for “false step” (but more literal or more grave).

Instead, the French would understand what we say better with “il ne faut pas” or just “faut pas:” “must not.”

If the French were to use a term for a fashion don’t, themselves, they would say “erreur” or “gaffe.”

We silly Americans! We butcher le French!

No, I am not going to claim it is I, but I will be a judge in the contest for The Best Dressed Blogger (any blogger) for Shoe Lover.

If anyone is going to critique and teach how to dress in the blogosphere, you’ve known it is I, for some time. I take dressing to flatter the figure seriously, and I’ve always helped you out with tips & rules. And yet, I appreciate independent styles, the fashionista looks, and even trends, of course, you know that, too.

I will be calling for contestants a bit differently than Shoe Lover is. I ask that you get dressed in either a typical outfit or your best, and send a full body shot. (No bare feet! Ugh.) I would never judge on facial or natural figure beauty, don’t worry. Also, describe what gives you (or your nominee, but with appropriate picture) style. I will also be strict; no funny business from me. As with everything I do, I’m serious!

The winner will receive clear shoe boxes and a graphical plaque.

Send submissions to shoelover@clear-shoe-boxes.com, designerella@kissmestace.com (just copy that into your e-mail client’s write send-to).

Are we out of Christmas debt? It doesn’t matter, we can treat ourselves to (independent) designer luxury with Adorneya. They have a New Years sale right now, with even normal prices in the quite affordable range.

Adorneya is quite the designer, in fact, with an original invention of the “necklet.” They can be worn as chokers or doubled as bracelets. This copper pearl version is dainty and beautiful.

I’m feeling these Branches Drop Earrings as the newest hot item, with their unique curves and angular beads. (What a combination!) Such precious stones for $15!

So don’t start the new year off with more outrageous purchases and debt. Oh, wait, that does NOT mean don’t spend. You deserve it! So spend on lovely, quality pieces that lavish yourselves in luxe all the same, just be clever and seek out those hidden gems.

Now, of course, we all (most of us) need to cleanse the distaste from our eyes from the last post. (Such entries need to be done!) So, I found the perfect shoe, by the perfect designer, to trump the bad style with the fantastic. The Lizard Mary Jane by Manolo Blahnik! Better than a metallic, better than a print, this shoe is in lizard; the hottest skin this season, and exotic skins are the hottest. You have to look at this shoe close-up. The pattern is detailed, and the lizard even continues onto the 3 1/2″ heel. I love the golden footbed and brighter peep-toe that make this shoe a work of art off the foot.

Which is where it will stay for most of us, at $965!