Friday, January 30, 2009

Folk Singer Inspired...

Two Lips at ShopStyle

Inspired by the ethnic style of a folk songstress, this look infuses vintage charm with modern glamour. Matthew Williamson's ruffled dress with patchwork print, paired with purple suede boots incorporates a "home-made" untailored appeal with high-fashion elegance. Simple accessories finish the look with an eclectic cocktail ring, retro sunglasses, and a plaid beret cap. Folklore looks will be all the rage in the upcoming seasons. The look is easily obtainable by mixing fabrications, patterns, and price points. No matter if you are on stage as a folk-performer or simply just want that "I look good, but I didn't try" style, use your imagination and as always-happy shopping!!!

Check out my other looks on Shopstyle.com

Mix and (Don't) Match...

There are those of us that like to play it safe and follow all the traditional rules. And then there's those of us that like a little adventure and know how and when to break the rules of norm. I'd like to think I'm a part of the latter. As a child we're taught to match our clothes by color; shoes, belt, and bag should match. And to top it off, some of us even try to match their make-up with their clothing. How boring is that??? I mean, I understand as a child, we're taught the basics of color and we wore what our parents made us wear. And that was our foundation. But as you get older (and supposedly wiser) aren't you suppose to put your own spin on what you learned and make it your own. Take those basics and incorporate them into the person that you've become; create your own style.

I said all of that to say, have some fun with your clothes. It's not rocket science. However, it is an artform; especially when you mix your clothes not to match so perfectly. If you have to think about it too hard then go with what you know and stay match-perfect. Otherwise check these out and get inspired. Add some drama to your ensemble.

Olive dress, emerald green costume ring, bold yellow print clutch.

Tartan plaid pants, black/white boucle jacket, mustard crewneck; bring it all together with slick black accessories.

Purple couture styled dress, bold belt, and bright shoes.

Nicole Richie "gets it"; here she ever-so-elegantly wears a print kimono style wrap dress, snake print clutch, and bold bangles.


Happy Shopping!!!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Rootie,Tootie, Fresh, and Fruity...

No, it's not the IHOP pancake special!!!

It's the theme for spring!!! Just as the fall colors were in tones of plum and raspberry; the hues will continue to tease our senses with bold, vivid shades of banana, grapes, and cherries. This spring is all about bold, stand-out, hear me roar!!! Aside from daring statement accessories, the color pallet will be just as adventurous. Just always remember, less is always more. Keep it simple. When in doubt, go without! Okay, enough with the proverbs; bring on the color!!! Here are some of my favorites for spring in all shades of fresh fruit...MMMMM, juicy!!!



top-left to right>blueberry Suede Miu Miu Platform, $595; Derek Lam grape dress, $1890; orange Just Cavalli blouse, $680; bottom-left to right> cherry red Brian Atwood pumps, $560; refreshing lime Oscar De La Renta dress, $4950; banana yellow Jimmy Choo bag, $1395... All available on net a porter

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Reader Response...

A Christian-Michaels Reader asks if there was a knock-off available on that Christian Louboutin"123 Double-Platform" sandal...
(You can't knock-off a Louboutin!)
Well, first I must clarify that "knock-off" is a dirty word in the fashion industry(and they're illegal). I prefer to use the term "designer-inspired". The difference between the two is that a "knock-off" is when one knowingly copies the design of another, uses less than quality materials to produce the item, and markets it with the original designer's name, at a much "cheaper" price (because it is cheap).
Some "knock-offs" are so good that to the naked eye it's sometimes impossible to tell the "real" from the "fake". This is why it's so important to know that certain designer goods are only available at certain department stores and boutiques. One must know the authentic qualities of a designer before purchasing. However, some consumers don't care and know that they are buying a "fake". But are happy to show off their purchase for "name-sake". And those people are easy to spot.
But never-the-less, "designer-inspired" is just that. It's when a company will design a product based on an original piece, use quality materials, and market the product with their name at a less expensive price than the original. And in my opinion, no one does this better than Steve Madden. His shoes are made of the highest quality leathers and fabrics. The workmanship is superb. And the prices are within reason. And more so, you can have certain shoes custom designed for your taste!-One-of-a kind on a budget!!
Therefore, to answer the readers question, I found these all from from Steve Madden...

"Sellena"$89.95
"Next" $89.95


"Rockerr" $179.95
"Mega Platform" $146.94
Happy Shopping!!!

The Look For Less....

Check out this beautiful Carlos Falchi oversized reptile-skin bag...Available at Kitson for $2795.00...(Oh, it's on sale right now for $1397.50)
OR...
... you can opt to pay your mortgage and still be fly in this hottt "Reni" oversized faux reptile bag from Forever 21.. $29.80
Happy Shopping!!!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The "It" Shoe....

Here it is!!! The must have shoe for spring from none-other than Christian Louboutin!!!

Perfect to pair with those harem pants or the boyfriend jean!!!
Available at Bergdorf's...$1495.00

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The Look for Less...

Check out this gorgeous silk animal print tunic from Bebe...
A mere $119.00



However..... Save some cash for drinks at the club, when you get the look for less at Forever 21.......

Only $15.80......