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Deck the Halls...

...with your wardrobe this holiday season.  Brilliant beads, stunning sequins, and radiant rhinestones should decorate your ensembles for all of your festivities.  According to this month's Vogue,

"Match a few brilliant pieces to a shimmering dress, or pair one standout with winter's neutral palette to make a strong statement."

Sequined cocktail dresses, beaded clutches, studded stilettos, and big blingy rings are vital for this vibrant style. Light up the night with sparkle and shine.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Well it's Black Friday, shopping on this particular day should be deemed as some kind of sport.  By the end of the day your could be just a beaten as a line backer.  To start, you're exhausted from standing in line as early as 2 a.m. in order to get good deals, not to mention racing through stores to score the items you want before anyone else does.  In some cases you and another shopper may have picked up the same item at the same time and go animalistic in order to win.  How can you prepare yourself so that you have the advantage? It's all in what you wear!

The Cure: Posh yet Practical

Easy in, and easy out.  On a day like today when you know you will be trying on an infinitesimal number of goodies you want to be sure you can be efficient in the dressing room, starting with the outfit you wear shopping.  No buttons, zippers, or clasps allowed, a tunic and leggings are the quickest things to get in an out of, plus they are uber comfortable and very easy to move in.  Forget a jacket, you don't want to lug it around over your arm when you get too warm, layer your pieces, a cute sequined sweater vest adds some punch and a wrap on top of that can give you warmth without being too bulky.  Most importantly, in order to navigate these shops with ease you need the right pair of shoes.  The obvious choice, a great pair of flats, no need to worry about tripping on high heels today! Happy shopping!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I've said it before and I will say it again, it is always important to invest in basic, classic pieces for your wardrobe. This next shoe fits the bill to a tee. Black patent leather is never out of trend, a round toe is a timeless look, and the wedge provides style and stability throughout your day. The question comes down to whether or not you are comfortable investing $625? The "Miss Boxe" from Christitan Louboutin is quite possibly one of the most fabulous basics out there, it's just that if I plan on splurging more than $600 on a shoe I want them to be more than just basic.

Christian Louboutin, Miss Boxe, $625

There is an alternative, an investment that can give you the classic, practical, and stylish look.  This black patent wedge from Gentle Souls will work just as nicely with suits, pants, and dresses, and is potentially far more comfortable.  Your investment is also more comfortable at just $194. Invest wisely in your basics and save your pennies to indulge on something special.

Gentle Souls, $194

"Baby it's cold outside..."

Well it's getting there, some places are already getting snow! The good news is that your outerwear is just as fashionable this season.  Lumber jack plaids and Fair Isle ski chalet sweaters graced the runway this fall in homage to the great outdoors. Faux fur trim, shearling, hoods, knit cuffs, and lug soles accent pieces so you can look ravishingly rugged and not like Paul Bunyan's side kick.  Bundle up!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

With Black Friday around the corner you might be cleaning out your closet to make room for all of the new goodies you're going to bring home.  During your clean-out you notice something about yourself, you are a trend-a-holic, boyfriend blazers, last years hot pink, the ripped tights, and lingerie as outerwear, yikes!   While there is nothing wrong with being on-trend, perhaps it's time to invest in some pieces that will stand the test of time.

The cure: Clearly Classic

There are certain items that your closet should never be without. A chunky knit, perfect for cozying up with jeans, leggings, or skirts.  A striped tee, french inspired boat-necks are very chic.  Bootcut denim will forever be flattering and fashionable.  A utility jacket is an easy way to be punchy and practical. A leather shoulder bag, gold bangles and the quintessential Frye boot! This short harness version works great under those boot cuts, over trendy jeggings, and with tights and skirts. These should be the must-haves on your shopping list!

Side effects: NONE, these pieces will never fail you!

As seen on...

Jessica Alba, spotted in the airport wearing Corso Como Zipper flats.  Steal her style and pick up a pair for yourself.

Corso Como, $132

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Pierre Hardy is,

 "...for chic, polished fashionistas looking to add elements of finesse to their wardrobe. The Hardy style aesthetic creates footwear like miniature architecture with clean lines and sculptural volume that tend towards simplicity. The result is a strong style that’s equal parts graphic and sensual. " --Barneys

I'm not going to lie, I like the way they think, and they certainly have a way of designing shoes that are perfect for a confident, strong woman, with an air of femininity and sexiness to them.  Take these lace up wedges for instance. More like a boot than a shoe, but can't you picture these with tights and a mini?!? That's hot! What's not hot, the price, $480 is a little steep.

Pierre Hardy, $480

At a more moderate level are these suede lace up wedges from Sam Edelman. Keeping in trend with Hardy's vision, they have clean lines and structural volume but a much softer shape, making them even more sexy in my eyes.  I prefer a pointed toe to a round toe, and I prefer $121 to $480! Now that's hot!

Sam Edelman, $121

On a Whim

You may or may not have noticed the slightly eccentric yet richly romantic stylings from the runway this fall. This boho meets froufrou uptown with a take charge front yet surprisingly soft attitude creates a playful and expressive trend. Ethereal tulle, dramatic feathers, slick leathers, and cheeky frills mix to create a whimsical style that would be appropriate for a tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter, and yet the mix of patterns, fabrics, colors, and expressions works! Be the biker and the ballerina.

Just in time...

...to add to your holiday wishlists, NEW Frye boots are in!!! Check out these fabulously fresh cuts.

Harness Shortie, $208

Carmen Harness Tall, $358

Jane in Redwood, $298

Jane Cuff in Taupe, $388

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

 Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means the holiday season is about to be in full swing.  There will be office parties, family gatherings, and reunions with friends out on the town.  Is there an outfit that can take you from one event to the next should your schedule get so jam packed? I think so!

The cure: Dainty and Demure

Start with a dress like this vintage throwback with its 1940s silhouette and floral print, belt it to accentuate shape and wear dark tights underneath, don't be afraid to try a textured look.  At the office throw a cardigan over top.  Ankle cut boots, like these from J. Shoes, add a fresh yet feminine touch and are versatile enough for all three events.

Disclaimer: As it is holiday season, make sure your belt has plenty of loops, you never know when you'll want to give yourself a little extra room.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

No one can deny that Fall is perfect boot wearing weather and who wouldn't want to pair their skirts, tights, leggings, and skinny jeans with Lanvin's Wedge Knee Boot?!? Nappa leather round toe pull on boot with a hidden wedge made in Italy, someone pinch me I must be dreaming! OUCH! Turns out an $1100 price tag is enough of a pinch for me and my pennies.

Lanvin, $1100 

You may or may not think I'm still living in a dreamworld when I make this suggestion, but sometimes going a little over your budget is worth the investment. Coclico has a boot very similar to Lanvin's, soft Italian leather, round toe pull on complete with a hidden wedge. They are still a little pricey at $498 but we are talking Italian leather boots AND it's less than half the price of the Lanvin's.  These boots are classic and worth the investment.

Coclico, $498

Shine On!

Every now and then I think it is necessary to break out some shimmer. Who doesn't want to stand out and shine like a star? Of course in order to pull off glitz and glamour please make sure to do it in moderation, we may channel some rocker glam from time to time, but we are not channeling the disco ball!

Working metallics, specifically golds, into your wardrobe is as easy as accessorizing with a piece of jewelry and can be as daring as wearing it from head-to-toe. Even head-to-toe gold can be classy given the right fabric and occasion, think brocade prints and textured fabric! Pretty with pink, bold with black, cool with camel, gold is the perfect metallic neutral to add to all of this fall's fab colors.  Whether you add a little or a lot it's easy to follow this golden rule.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Oh the weather outside is...ok well it might not be frightful yet, but the cool temps of fall are transitioning to the cooler temps of pre-winter. Yes, I just said "pre-winter" we haven't even reached Thanksgiving, so I cannot in good faith buy into the holiday spirit even though Nordstrom's is breaking out the red and green. All of that is beside the point, the important matter I need to address is how to can I pull off the blanket sweater trend that is about to take over?!?  Sounds like it could be a whole lot of bulky business, but blanket and sweater also sound oh so bug in a rug snug...there has to be a way to make this cute!

The Cure:  Wrap me up in warmth!

Choose one item that may be slightly heavier than the rest of your outfit in terms of shape and fabric, but make sure you aren't hiding under it.  Balance a great blanket sweater like this fair isle cardigan with a body hugging long sleeve tee and gray denim jeggings.  To maintain proper proportion throw on a cuffed boot like these gray suede spats from Naughty Monkey and add a great pendant necklace as an accent.

Side effects: Cozying up with someone special may heat things up faster than you think ;)

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

 I like my basics to have a little bit of an edge, so long as it's appropriate.  If I can get away with it I'll wear a platform pump over a standard pump any day! Does that sound crazy? Probably! I am someone that willingly sacrifices comfort for style.  I'm not the only one who thinks this way.  Christian Louboutin once said,

“I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, 'Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!' That's not what I want to project. But I'm not a sadist. I don't believe suffering makes you beautiful. But comfort is not part of my creative process".

When the day comes that I finally invest in a coveted pair of the famous red soles it could potentially be a shoe like the "Bianca". The leather taper toe platform pump in a delicious caramel is a shoe that can be dressed up or down and can be taken from the office to a night out. Simple, sophisticated and a solid investment!

Christian Louboutin "Bianca", $775

And yet, thanks to the creative team at ZiGiny I can save my salacious splurge for a slightly more spectacular pair.  The stunning platform pump from ZiGiny has the same basic beautiful silhouette for a beautiful bargain. At just $142 I get a sky-high brazen basic that satisfies my need for the something special.  Comfort factor? I wore these all day wine-tasting and am happy to report that my toes were still tickled pink by the end of the day. Can't beat stunning style and a pleasing price tag.

ZiGiny, $142

Tantalizing Tights!

J'adore Fall and one of the many reasons is TIGHTS! This season there is a consortium of incredible color concoctions for leg wear and footwear.  Have you ever thought about textured gray and pale pink or mustard brown and black? How about a graphic tight with a boot? My favorite..black tights and bold shoes in green, purple, or red!

Break out your sweater dresses and extend the life of skirts and shorts throughout the season by spicing them up with bold color blocking and you're set to make a statement. Snag a sheer tight with a pattern for a subtle yet sexy look. The possibilities are endless.