February 2009 Archives

Grammy award-winner and style icon Fergie is the newest addition to a growing list of celebrities turned cobblers. With her own life as inspiration, Fergie Shoes debuted three collections: Kickin' Back, Paparazzi Ready and Glitterati. Overall, Fergie Shoes are quite chic and stylish, most of which are priced under $100.

As this is her first collection, I wasn't expecting to be totally wowed. Fergie Shoes have more of a simple yet trendy and understated elegance compared to other celebrity footwear lines like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton Shoes.

House of Holland design duo Henry Holland and Aggy Deyn surely got some attention with the color scheme chosen for their Fall 2009 RTW Collection. Models walked down the runway wearing designs inspired by color swatches. It was like Color Theory 101 all over again.

I was entertained until a male model came out wearing only a button-up, long sleeve shirt! Pantyhose would''ve been nice if shaving his legs wasn't an option. Judging by the haircut he was sporting and the missing trousers, someone was busy shopping the half-off rack.
On a serious note, there are a couple of innovative and edgy pieces I liked... but the best thing of not one but two seasoned designers can come up with, is a collection inspired by strips of color swatches is disappointing! This is House of Holland's collection and not House of Pantone.

TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie (right) with Element founder Johnny Schillereff.

TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie has provided over 150,000 pairs of shoes to children in Argentina and South Africa. His recent collaboration with Element founder Johnny Schillereff, formed One For One TOMS + Element, a collection of limited edition shoes and skateboards. Every purchases from the collection, shoes and skateboards will be given to children outside of Durban, South Africa and Indigo Skate Camp in the Isithumba village in South Africa.

I just love hearing selfless acts of kindness like this. The thought of the children not having to worry about catching diseases or injuries from walking barefoot makes my heart swell with joy!

Carnival in Brazil, Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, Fat Tuesday is being celebrated around the world . Since I can't afford the luxury to fly to Louisiana or Rio and be one of the thousands taking part in the festivities. Dancing in the streets, wearing just glitter and feathers. I settled for the next best thing, shopping!

Eluxury is offering 30% OFF on full-priced sunglasses and fashion jewelry. I'm loving this 2-day sales eluxury has been running. It gives shoppers a sense of urgency to buy. And trust me, it's working! I have my eyes on a pair of Dior Homme Aviators (shown below) and a 30% discount does make it easier to bite the bullet and splurge a little. As always, read the exclusions before shopping.

Here are more must-shop sales this week. I think I will give up shopping for Lent... or red meat!

Macy's is having a great shoe promotion to welcome spring! Buy 1 pair, Save 50% OFF on the 2nd. Now that's fabulous! As always, sweet deals like this do have some restrictions and exclusions. Luckily, Macy's makes shopping easy and takes away the guessing game if the shoe you like is eligible for the the promotion. Shoes included in the promotion are prominently marked! Free shipping is also offered to orders $75 or more. Simply use the code: COLOR for women and SOLEMAN for men. Happy Shopping.

Marc Jacobs is on top of my list of the best women's spring collection this year. I loved every minute of it. From the silhouettes down to the accessories, Marc Jacobs delivered! I personally loved the global and ethnic feel the collection has. And particularly the metallic dresses that paraded the runway. Very chic and wearable. Of course, such perfection and beauty comes with a hefty price tag. Like these pleated metallic dress and patchwork dress. You know what they say... it hurts to be beautiful!

Side note: To my dear readers and friends, I haven't neglected you all. I have just recovered from a very bad case of stomach flu that escalated to me getting rushed to the emergency room.I would like to thank the staff at Cedar Sinai Hospital, my friends and family that aided my swift recovery. Thank you so much! Now on with the show.

Popular in the 80s, oversize jewelry is making waves this Spring. Statement-worthy bangles add sizzle to any look. Not the bangle type? There are a variety of bracelets and cuffs that you can choose from to compliment any fabulous ensemble. As far as  style and design are concerned, bright colors, global and ethnic inspired and unique shapes are what to look for. When it comes to how much you should spend, it all depends on the piece itself. Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $20 for a bracelet made out of plastic.

It's either Barbie or Hello Kitty will be the answer if you ask a little girl (or boy) which cartoon character or toy they like. Hello Kitty is possibly the most popular and eldest of all the characters created by Sanrio. Following up their Dame Edna Collection, M.A.C. introduces Hello Kitty like you've never seen her before! All dolled up and may I say grown up. I personally checked out the Hello Kitty collection this weekend at Nordstrom. Its actually not that bad. Love the eye shadow. And the best part of it all are the price point of the pieces. So, I bought the Hello Kitty Lipglass.

I'm sure most of you are tired of wearing layers upon layers of clothing to keep warm this winter. Well, in a little over a month winter officially ends. If you haven't started shopping for your spring wardrobe, this would be a great time to get the ball rolling.

Ahhh Springtime... flowers bloom, temperatures rise and so do the hemlines! After months of wearing denim jeans, tights and leggings, our legs are yearning to be free! And what better way to show them off than with a pair of chic sandals and the season's trendy dresses?

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 09 'Ribcage' Collection for PUMA is available today at The Black Store in New York's Meat Packing District and online at PUMA.com. AMQ Ribcage is influenced by McQueen's human anatomy and architecture inspired fashion line.I like that each sneaker has equal distinctions in style. Not to much McQueen and not all PUMA. Along with the Ribcage collection, Scythe is definitely one of my favorites.

McQueen re-invented PUMA's Basket shoes which was introduced in the 1970s and infused with vampirical shapes also seen on his mainline collection. Yes, I have to agree the prices are bit high. But then again, these prices are to be expected since they are designed by one of fashion's best and top sneaker brand, PUMA.

Alexander McQueen Ribcage Sport $250.00 PUMA	Alexander McQueen Ribcage Sport $300.00 PUMA
Alexander McQueen Ribcage Sport $300.00 PUMA	Alexander McQueen Scythe Sneaker $300.00 PUMA

Look oh-so-chic shopping your neighborhood farmer's market with this 'Bread&Wine canvas tote by Rebecca Minkoff. I know it is priced a little costly for a grocery bag. But look at it this way, not only you help lessen the use of plastic and paper grocery bags, you will look oh-so-fabulous on aisle five. Have a great day!

Even at first glance you can tell that Alex and Ani jewelry is more than an accessory. I like to call it soul. If you haven't had the opportunity to know the philosophy behind Alex and Ani and it's founder, Carolyn Rafaelian. I suggest heading over alexandani.com. And perhaps you can agree with me when I say Carolyn is such an amazing and awe-inspiring woman. Make this coming Valentine's Day by expressing your love with an Alex and Ani Love Bangle set. Made out of 100% recycled metals.A gift like this will forever be cherished. Eco-fabulous!

Alex and Ani Expandable Love 5 Bangle Set $108.00 Shopbop.com

Alex and Ani Expandable 17 Bangle Set $300.00 Sak's Greenhouse Exclusive

Alex and Ani Love and Luck  12 Bangle Set $178.00 Sak's Greenhouse

With the sweltering heat, sleeveless tops and tanks are a necessity to every woman's summer wardrobe. Which are great for day wear. One-shoulder tops and dresses on the other hand are fabulous for evening functions. Solid colored and embellished one-shoulder tops paired with denim jeans, a perfect look for clubbing or casual dinner with your friends. Bold and bright prints for those chic soirees. Just make sure to wear sunblock when wearing tanks or anything that leaves a mark when sunburned. Not so pretty sporting a one-shoulder ensemble with a farmer's tan!

Castaner is best known for making the best espadrilles in the market. If there's an espadrille created that disapproves otherwise this men's croco espadrille is the one. It looks like a knock-off that you can find at Canal St. in New York. It also lacks style regardless of the stamped leather done to resemble crocodile hide. And what gentlemen would want to look like they have scaly feet?

Castaner Croco Espadrille $175.00 Vivre

As a national sponsor of American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement, Macy's celebrates the campaign with the Wear Red Sale event. Save extra 15% - 20% OFF most merchandise both online and in-store! Use the code:WEARRED at checkout on Macys.com and simply wear anything red or purchase a Red Dress pin for $2.00 when you shop at your favorite Macy's store from today through Sunday, Feb. 8th for extra savings!

If I may suggest, wear something red and purchase a Red Dress pin as well. It is for a good cause after all. And Macy's will donate ALL Red Dress pin proceeds to the 'Go Red For Movement'. Have fun!

From luxury footwear designers Jimmy Choo to more affordable brands like Chinese Laundry and all those in between, tribal design has surely served as an inspiration. Being born and raised in the Philippines, indigenous tribes once ruled and occupied the islands. Their legacy lives through rich and colorful traditions that are still celebrated today.

For spring and summer spice up any look with tribal inspired accessories or footwear. But don't over do it. You don't want to overdo it. Or else you'll look like the National Geographic gift shop threw up on you. And as always, trends works best when done right. Always apply your fashion sense at all times when trying something new.

As much as I don't want to sound like a broken record when I talk about our ailing economy. But it is what it is. Taking a vacation in this dire times is a luxury on its own. And if you can afford to do so, take it to the next level by feeling and looking like a million dollars by wearing a Dior bikini. This bikinis are from Dior's Resort 2009 collection. Very chic! Absolute attention grabbers.

I have to admit I thought we have seen the last of winter sale events. Shopjake is having a Six More Weeks of Winter Sale. Save an extra 20% OFF all merchandise on their site with the exception of pre-order merchandise. That's a pretty good deal I think. Granted the sizes and availability is limited, it won't hurt to shop and see if something strikes your fancy. Sale ends on Sunday, Feb 5th. Happy Shopping!

Mary Jane is to women's shoes, loafer is to men. Here's a fashion trivia; did you know its only here in the U.S. that the term 'loafer' is used to refer to 'slip-on' shoes? It was coined by an American family from New Hampshire.

I was in sixth grade when I had my first pair of penny loafers. A fashionista at an early age, I wore my shiny loafers to school the very next day my mom bought them. I was beaming with pride and joy. It was short-lived, when home. I took of my brand spanking new loafers then my socks. I painfully discovered the stinging sensation I was feeling earlier that afternoon. Blisters on my heel, big toe and little toe. Yup, OUCH!
Loafers are basically 'slip-on' shoes like drivers and moccasins. Having the option of wearing socks or not is perhaps one of the reasons besides comfort the loafer is a classic. Style tip: Guys, no socks with loafers if you're planning on wearing shorts. Simply tacky.

As spring is about to start, why not be bold and adventurous by trying something new. Pink leather loafers perhaps? I personally would wear those. There is a wide selection available for us guys with prices ranging as low as $50 or if you feel like splurging a pair of Gucci or Prada can cost you up to a grand!

Shoesale.com is having a great promotion this month. Save an extra $20 OFF on orders $115 or more. The discount is for the entire order and not just on one item. And of course free shipping including returns! With the fabulous deals Shoesale.com has to offer I guess you don't have to worry about return shipping charge. Use the code: VDAY on checkout to get your $20 OFF. Happy shopping! *Prices reflect regular sale prices prior to any discounts.

Paris Hilton 'Arletta' Heel in Black $84.00 Shoesale.com	Report Signature 'Lombarb' Platform $206.00 Shoesale.com
Jessica Simpson 'Rolly' Heel in Grafite $86.00 Shoesale.com	Cindy Says 'Charlie' Pump in White $66.00. Shoesale.com

I like the fact that Eco-ga'nik's innovative thinking goes beyond the use of sustainable, eco-friendly materials for their clothes. Staying true to their 'can't look to eco' rule, Eco-ga'nik compliments modern technology with edgy, fashion-forward designs as seen on this ruffle front long sleeve top. The ruffled neckline, ruched front seam and unfinished hem detail gives it a raw eco-chic feel. Decently priced at $86.00, which I think is very competitive compared to other eco-friendly brands.

Wearing something as plain and simple like a basic tee, when paired with the right jeans and perfect shoe can be quite stylish. Perhaps the only brand name that comes to mind upon hearing basic apparel is American Apparel. I was an avid fan of their clothing, until their support on a socio-political issue gave me cause to seek an alternative resource. And with our ailing economy, a $20 American Apparel t-shirt started to feel more of a luxury.

A couple of months back I was introduced to America's Basics, a more affordable brand of basic clothing. I have to admit the quality of their merchandise was in question after seeing t-shirts selling for 4 / $20 and $3 / $20. You can mix and match of styles, colors and sizes and group price mix between the 4/20 & 4/30 with NO restrictions applied plus free delivery on orders $50 or more! I wondered if the items on sale were defective or made with poor quality fabrics.

My skepticism was out the window after seeing one of my girlfriends wearing a plaid blouse by America's Basics. The fabric and workmanship rivals that of American Apparel with prices that can't be beat. Now, that's 'smart' stylin'.