Trendspotting: Socks with Heels June 11th, 2010 By

I recently noticed that designers and other fashion insiders have started pairing socks with heels.  While it is definitely not a look for the cowardly, done right, this trend can be fun and sophisticated.  I think Burberry got it right, pairing socks with heels in similar shades:

Burberry rocks the monochromatic look

Burberry

These ladies also seem to have the look down. They don’t pull their socks up too high, which is very flattering (editor’s note: I have seen the look with knee-high socks, but be wary as this trend is meant to be sweet and not too sexy): 

Sheer black socks and stilettos

This look also works with shorter, flowing hemlines

To try this look yourself, go for a shoe with a chunky wedge or thick platform.  Look for leather, suede and wood materials, and don’t try this with espadrilles!  Here are some hot shoes that would look great with the right women’s trouser sock:

Jessica Simpson's 'Garta' with black trouser socks

Sergio Rossi with tan or white trouser socks

Just remember this is already a bold trend to try, so don’t make the mistake of picking a shoe that is too loud or a sock that is too thick – regular socks won’t work! Your look could end up like this:

Don't pair a loud shoe with thick socks!

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Shoe Cravings: What I Want Right Now March 19th, 2010 By

After an especially snowy winter in New York City (37 inches measured in Central Park during February), I am eagerly awaiting warmer weather.  I can’t wait to put my snow boots in storage!  Delicate flats, platform high heels and peep-toes are calling my name.  Here is what I want now:

Nude Platform Heels

Christian Louboutin's Hidden Platform Pump

Christian Louboutin Hidden Platform Pump

Short girls, like yours truly, can use the illusion of the nude platform shoe to lengthen their legs.  These sexy heels also go well with the new neutral dress trend when partnered with a bright bag or dramatic makeup.  I love these Louboutin hidden platform pumps, but if you are working with a tighter budget, the Jessica Simpson Acadia peep-toe heel is a cute alternative!

Jessica Simpson Acadia Platform Peep-Toe Heel

Jessica Simpson Acadia Platform Peep-Toe Heel

Fun Flats

MIA Hepburn

MIA Hepburn

The ultra-flat MIA Hepburn has a pointy toe and comes in many fun shades.  Patent red, chocolate shimmer and fuschia reptile are my favorites.  They look amazing peeking out from dark-wash jeans and the bright shades and cool finishes make the flat style fun.  This spring, I am all about stylish flats.  For a very feminine look, try a ruffled flat, another spring trend.

Peep-Toe Wedge Heels

Tory Burch Julianne Snake-Embossed Wedge

Tory Burch Julianne Snake-Embossed Wedge

Love height but want something comfortable for hitting the NYC pavement ?  You need a wedge heel.  After a winter in boots, I’m excited to show off a hot pedicure with a peep-toe.  Tory Burch Julianne Snake Embossed Wedge is classic and sexy.  It’ll look chic with a pencil skirt for work and sexy with dark denim for a night out.

Rain Boots

Hunter Original Short Glossy Rain Boot in Turquoise

Hunter Original Short Glossy Rain Boot in Turquoise

With the occasional snowstorm still blanketing the city, rain boots are a must for getting through the slush.  A bright, happy pair will take me from gray winter mush through spring showers in style.  I love the Hunter Turquoise Glossy Boot.  This short boot is more appropriate for spring and the color pops!

What are you craving this spring?

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Designer Profile: Jessica Simpson Shoes February 4th, 2010 By

Jessica Simpson and Some of Her Designs

No matter what you think of her music/acting career or the scandals about her body shape, it’s hard to deny that Jessica Simpson is insanely talented when it comes to designing shoes.

When Jessica Simpson debuted her shoe line a few years ago, I decided I would not like it on principle alone. But I oohed and aahed over each pair I saw — and then I realized she was the designer.

I guess principles are made to be broken.

Seriously. She’s become one of my favorite designers. AND her shoes are absolutely affordable, and often on sale!

The Delanie Shoe -- Modern but Versatile

These are the “Delanie.” Suede upper and 4″ heels of pure hotness — especially when paired with a little black dress.

jessica simpson 2

The Amona Shoe -- Sexy Style in Leather and Suede

This one is the amazing Amona pump, shown in suede. I like them with spring’s capri styles. I would also like them in my closet.

jessica simpson 3

The Delia Shoe -- Simple but Fun

Want to add a little snazz to your stems? How about these super-cute Delia iridescent Mary-Janes? Although they come in additional colors, I love this green. I also love the playful-but-dressy take on the classic Mary-Jane shoe.

The Brenda Shoe -- Classic High Heels

But if you prefer your traditional to stay that way, you might want to take a look at these black Brenda pumps. Simple, timeless, elegant. You will be able to wear these with anything – from jeans to dinner dresses – forever; they will never go out of style.

jessica simpson 4

The Straw Shoe -- Slingbacks with Added Oomph!

With the Straw shoe — shown here in black patent — the simple black slingback gets a major upgrade, in both style and elevation! These would look great with knee-length skirts and dresses. I’m also picturing them with wide-leg slacks.

The Ginlane Shoe Speaks for Itself!

Or if you’re the kind of girl who enjoys blazing her own way entirely, you’re going to love the “Ginlane,” in either silver or gold (shown). Strut your stuff in just about anything – these will provide the perfect finish for almost any outfit. Personally, my choice would be to pair these (in either color) with a black button-down and a pair of jeans and a small metallic clutch. They are also available in black, but I love the metallics more.

jessica simpson 9

The Severe Wedge -- My New Favorite Shoe

And for those ladies who are looking to strut their sexy side… these shoes – the “Severe Wedge” – are my new obsession. Can you believe they’re by Jessica Simpson?! I knoooow! Me neither! See how great she is?! Leather upper. 1″ wooden platform, 5″ wooden heel, and incredibly architecturally interesting, too! I’m getting a pair in black. To start with. Then we’ll see what happens.

Whatever your passion in fashion – simple, elegant, traditional or avante-garde – Jessica Simpson shoes deliver!

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Get This Look: Blake Lively January 19th, 2010 By

Photo credit: Demis Maryannakis/SplashNewsOnline.com

Photo credit: Demis Maryannakis/SplashNewsOnline.com

If the Gossip you’ve heard is that Blake Lively is a girl who knows her fashion, you can bet the rumors are true!

No doubt the outfit shown here is a pretty fantastic combo of elegant-meets-rocker-girl-glam, but don’t let the leather leggings discourage you; if you sub out the cow pants for cotton, this is a great outfit for day that you can easily take with you to happy hour. If you dress it up with some snazzy, sparkly accessories, I dare say you might be able to sport this look all the way past the dinner hour.

So how do you do like lady Lively? Read on!

Blake’s jacket is by SMYTHE and available at shopbop for $550. If you’re looking for something a little less spendy, you might take a look at these boyfriend blazers, instead:

necessary objects boyfriend blazer

Definitely a "Necessary Object!"

This very similar boyfriend jacket from Necessary Objects retails for $58 at Nordstrom:

Or you might be interested in Banana Republic’s version for $130. It’s a little more streamlined and a tad more grown-up-ish than the jr’s version pictured.

Want to take the plunge into some hot, hot, hot leather leggings? Alice + Olivia makes a pair that makes me swoon. These babies go for $698.

But as luck would have it, Victoria’s Secret has a remarkably adorable pair ON SALE NOW AT BESO for $208.

Viva Victoria's Secret Sales!

Viva Victoria's Secret Sales!


But if leather ain’t your bag, there is plenty you can do with a tried-and-true pair of black cotton leggings, instead. Take this pair from Juicy, for example:

She's got legs and knows how to use them!

She's got Juicy Couture legs and knows how to use them!

Cute, comfy and very, very versatile.

Pair with a lightweight white tee shirt, and  some killer black high heels (boots would work, too!) like either of these:

These Jessica Simpson heels go with almost anything

These Jessica Simpson heels go with almost anything

So will these beautiful black heels...

So do these awesome black Pelle Moda heels...

All you need now is the perfect pewter clutch, like this sleek and simple wristlet from Tianni)…

Shine on!

Shine on! Tianni Metallic Wristlet

…and you have a look everyone will gossip about for ages (in a good way)!

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