Stairway To Heaven Or Hell?

These double stacked platforms are great for a night out of dancing with the girls!

These platforms are more appropriate for working the pole!

 
I think it’s safe to say that shoes are one of the great loves of a woman’s life.  They always look great whether you have lost or gained a few pounds and the perfect heel can make your legs look miles longer then they actually are.  If you’re a shorty like me you will be eternally grateful to the man the invented the double stacked platform stiletto (it can give several extra inches then a normal heel and the platform gives some support and comfort).   This particular pair of heels is great for a night of dancing, gives a certain oomph to a simple party dress, and looks great paired with jeans.  Joan Rivers the host of Fashion Police on E! recently claimed this trend is over played and should be reserved for girls dance in clubs for money (if you get what I’m saying).  Yes I agree a regular pump tends to have a classier and sometimes sexier look, but if you’re standing below 5’5 they are sometimes necessary for certain ensembles such as a maxi dress.  If you have plans for a night out of club hopping and dancing until the wee hours or and afternoon of running errands and must wear heels the double stacked platform pump is the way to go for comfort purposes.  To stay classy and sophisticated keep them simple and shoes should always look new and shiny!

Look at the fishys!

  

Fur Real Fab or Fur Real Bad?!?

Kim K Loves to Wear Real Mink!

Rachel Zoe in Faux Fur Vest!!!!!!    

Fur has been a popular trend the past couple fall and winter seasons.  This is definitely a controversial trend as well with groups like PETA protesting that wearing fur contributes to animal cruelty.  The there is the big debate on whether animals should be subject to the same rights as humans.  I certainly don’t like to think about an animal out of a Disney enchanted forest or one of Winnie the Pooh’s buddies from the Hundred Acre Forest being tortured so some fashionista princess can where their gorgeous fur coats.   But lets me real animals don’t come from the enchanted forest; they don’t have personalities or any other human characteristics for that matter.  Does this make it ok to kill them?  As a girl who loves fashion I am personally ok with fur.  It’s beautiful and it makes beautiful coats, vests, hats, and stoles.  If you don’t believe me check out one of J. Mendel’s runway shows, it may change your mind about fur.  One of my ultimate fashion fantasies and who am I kidding one of my ultimate party fantasies, is to go to one of those Russian vodka rooms, where the temperature is below freezing (to really taste the vodka) and you must where a beautiful mink coat and hat.  If you’re not comfortable wearing real fur or cannot afford it (real fur can be very expensive, especially mink or fox) faux fur is a great option.  I normally go this route; I don’t see the point in spending the money on the real thing when the fake is sometimes just as nice (looking and nice to the animals).  But don’t get me wrong if I was given a fabulous mink coat or fox stole, I would certainly wear it without flinching.  Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has made the faux fur fest very fashionable and popular.  They are usually priced around $100 to start and go up in price dependent on the quality and brand.  I love a fur vest, you can dress it up, dress it down, wear it with jeans and a tee, or jeans or dress pants and a cute blouse.  The faux fur vest is very versatile and is a great option for when the weather is chilly, but not cold enough for a coat.  This fall and winter the fur stole is going to be one of the hottest accessories, but it’s your decision if it will be fur real or faux.   

J. Mendel Fur! 

Colored Denim Cool or Old Skool?

Forget "Fifty Shades of Grey” this summer and fall it’s all about “Fifty Shades of Denim”.  Jeans aren’t just blue anymore.  Neon and pastel colors were great for summer and this fall jewel tone denim is right on trend.  Trends in denim are hard because they may not last and I don’t believe in putting a lot of money into something that will only last a season.  After all colored denim was cool in the 80’s, but it didn’t withstand the test of time, maybe this time around it will stick.  If you are going to try this trend I suggest choosing a color that can be worn into the next season.  For example a salmon pink jean was a great color for summer and can be worn through September and possibly into October depending on how warm it is.  For instance I probably wouldn’t wear a neon yellow jean after Labor Day.  For fall I love the deep jewel tone denim of deep blue, teal, and burgundy.   A jewel tone blue or teal jean could be worn from September through March.  The burgundy reminds me that it is more appropriate for the holiday season, but I still like it.  I just wouldn’t spend a fortune on it.  I highly recommend wearing the appropriate color jean for the season.  It just looks trashy to wear a neon jean that is meant for summer when it is snowing.  Overall I think this is a cool trend for back to school!

           

Cat Woman!

As a girl that has a day job of working in the sunglass section of a department store that shall remain nameless, I thought I would take this week to talk about a trend in sunglasses.  Yes, we all know that every year the Jackie O style, aviators, and the classic wayfarer are all popular styles.  But Spring/Summer/Fall 2012 it’s all about the cat eye.  I personally like this trend for fall better then summer.  During Summer I like a larger frame to keep the sensitive areas of my face shielded from the sun.  And yes, I said sunglasses for fall.  Sunglasses are an accessory that can be worn all year round! After all the sun does shine even when it’s snowing and sunglasses are the ultimate do not disturb sign, I especially like them on airplanes, or early morning coffee runs.  No make-up necessary just throw on your cat eye sunnies and you’re ready to go, they even add that mysterious look, the same that a smokey eye would give.  Now cat eye sunnies are perfect to hide a tired eye when your running an errand or meeting your mother for breakfast, but there are certain occasions where sunglasses are not appropriate.  Please properly do your make-up and take off the sunglasses for a job interview, work, school, or any other professional setting, I shouldn’t have to explain why this is a bad idea.  The “I wear my sunglasses at night” look is questionable.  You can get away with it for an evening dinner outside or some nightclubs, mainly in Miami, L.A., Toronto, and Europe for sure, but not so much in the Midwest (people tend to think your hiding your eyes because you’ve done something wrong).  There are many different styles of the cat eye sunglass, try them all until you find a pair that works for you, have fun with it.  Most importantly don’t let the sales person talk you into a certain style or color because it looks best on your face, buy what you want!  Sunglasses are supposed to be fun, especially this style! 

Lace Lovely or Ugly?

 

You don’t have to be a girly girl to pull off the lace trend that was big this summer and even bigger this fall.  It can look incredibly chic and fashion forward if done right.  But wearing too much lace can end up looking old fashioned or matronly.  If the lace ensemble you choose is too sheer or even cheap looking will unfortunately make for a trashy look.  One lace look I really like is lace shorts paired with tights and a blousy sweater.  A lace cocktail dress in a bright color is a great look for fall.  Just keep the accessories simple or it will be overkill.  Lace accessories like a shoe, clutch, or tights is a way to give this trend a try if you’re unsure of it.  They’re also a great way to add a touch of trendiness to a simple dress or jeans and blouse.  If you’re going to wear lace blouse or any lace apparel for that matter, make sure it is properly lined.  If it is not add a tank top or have it lined.  There is no need for anyone to see your undergarments.  As far as the lace accessories go I suggest staying away from the lace fingerless glove, unless you’re dressing up as Madonna for Halloween.  I think this is a fabulous trend for the holidays!

Golden Goddess!

It seems that lately Gold has been seen a lot more from the runway to costume jewelry seen at the stores at the mall.  A few years ago I would have said that gold looks gaudy or ghetto, but these days I do love the gold trend.  I personally think gold looks great on blonds or brunettes with darker skin.  I personally prefer to wear gold when I am tan.  Try pairing a pair of gold shorts with a neutral shirt and gold jewelry.  I also love gold jewelry with a black or yellow dress, it really complements it well.  Gold pumps paired with denim looks super chic as well. 

            I still think that it is important to be careful with this trend. If you choose gold jewelry that is too yellow-gold it can appear to look cheap and fake.  This is what I think of when I hear the term ghetto gold.  Most of us don’t have bank accounts big enough to afford us real 24k jewelry yet, but we still don’t want it to look fake from a mile away.  When wearing a gold dress, skirt, shorts, or blouse try to avoid gold shoes and or handbag, it’s too matchy matchy.  If your going with the gold jewelry wear a statement necklace but skip the doorknocker earrings and vise versa, it can be too much bling around your face.  Also think long and hard about this trend and if you think its right with your skin tone and wardrobe and won’t look dated in a few years before making big purchases in gold.  For example $400 designer sunglasses, yes this will look awesome this summer but how will you feel next summer.  This also applies for when choosing an engagement or wedding ring, you have to choose what is timeless and classic.  I don’t recommend choosing something that will be in style for a season or two.  Even Rachel Zoe who has been rocking the gold trend for years has a platinum engagement and wedding ring.  But with all trends have fun with it!

These watches remind me of what I call blinged out ghetto gold.  This trashy not trendy!

Go Wild Not Overboard For Animal Print!

 Animal print is a trend that we’ve seen over and over, season after season.  But this summer and fall season it’s back and bigger then ever.  Every woman should have some sort of animal print in her closet, it’s a staple, and a trend that has proven it’s not going anywhere.  Go wild for animal print, buy tons of it, wear it everywhere, but just don’t go overboard.  Just don’t wear all your animal print at once or you will risk looking like Peg Bundy from Married With Children, kind of a trashy look.

            Animal print works great for accessories.  This fall my favorite animal print accessory is a scarf.  It looks great paired with a simple black tee and jeans.  For work or any occasion that calls for something dressier wear your animal print scarf with a neutral sweater and pants or sweater and skirt.  This simple accessory will make an otherwise plain and boring ensemble ultra chic and trendy.  For a night out on the town an animal print shoe looks great with a little black dress.  If your really daring pair it with a little red dress, but keep in mind the dress should leave something to the imagination otherwise paired with the animal print the ensemble could look cheap and cheesy.  I think you should try to dress more modestly when wearing animal print to stay looking classy.  If your not sure about this trend and want to start out slow try it out with a belt.  An animal print belt is subtle yet shows you have a fun and adventurous.  On the plus side belts are a huge trend right now.

            Animal print accessories are a great way to spice up any outfit.  But if you’re really feeling this trend, why stop there.  An animal print blouse or sweater looks great with dark denim.  To take this trend to the next level try an animal print dress.  I personally would do this a silhouette that is fun and girly, maybe with a few ruffles.  I can’t stress enough to go as modest as possible when you’re donning this trend.  But if you must do the sexy silhouette, go for strapless and not low cut, not too short or tight.  To wear this trend and show some skin, show your shoulder, not your boobs and or butt.  Keep accessories simple and neutral to keep the look trendy and fresh.  Most importantly have fun with this trend and be confident!!!