Blazing Blues

While you may be used to red as THE statement making color, blues are coming out in full force. Lapis is a hue with a bright, stunning electricity that is sure to shock a few.

This is a great color for color-blocking, keep in mind the blue/black trend, or for wearing solo.  It plays well with neutrals, and brights like oranges and reds.  So instead of turning up the heat in a blazing red number, play it cool with a striking streak of blue.

Burgundy...the new Black

Well if you haven't heard it already, this season burgundy/oxblood is the new black!  This deep, rich, red hue took the runways by storm with designers from Jason Wu, to Tory Burch embracing the impact of this shade! According to Elle magazine,

"And it's official: The color of the season is seductive oxblood. More cerebrally sensual than its tarty firetruck-red cousin, the muddied burgundy works as a statement accessory or wear-everywhere pieces."

Wear a little, wear a lot, pair it with black or other neutrals, heck it's the new neutral itself! No matter how you do to it adding this riff of red to your wardrobe this season is a fashion

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

No fall shoe collection would be complete without a classic pair of mary-janes and there is no other perfect pair than the Campari from Manolo Blahnik! The pointy-toed pump with tonal grossgrain trim is the perfection of perfect for fall footwear, it's only flaw the $645 price.  Ok so maybe not so perfect.

Manolo Blahnik

However, if you love the silhouette of this shoe and want to kick it up a notch in the style department you might consider the Case Leopard print Mary Janes from Pour la Victoire.  The leopard print calf hair is trimmed with contrasting leather while the shoe exudes the superior styling with the same pointy-toed, slim silhouette.  They're a steal at only $250, you could buy two pairs for the price of one Manolo!

Pour la Victoire

Bejeweled Blitz

Even the most modest fashionista's love a little sparkle now and then. Glints from gems certainly have a way of bringing out a special glow.  Designers like Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and Dior have caught on to the power the sprinkle of glitz and glam can have and incorporated strategically placed shimmer and shine into their fall collections. What makes this look so great? According to InStyle,

"Marked more by resplendence than flash (sequins play only a minor role), these pieces make over-the-top brilliance come alive. It's an elegant, intentionally baroque look. "

Can it be pulled off during the day or is this a trend tailored to evening wear? It can be done both ways, but looks best with the bejeweled piece as a standout and the rest of the look restrained.  No need for accessories as the clothes sparkle on their own.  My advice, the more adorned the look, the later in the evening it should be worn.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you want to make a statement, but you typically stick to blending in.  I'm going to suggest something that may put you outside your comfort zone, but go big or go home!

The Cure: Walk on the Wild Side!

Pinterest inspired me this week with the leopard print trench! I know it's a bold move, but don't forget that animal print is really a neutral! Use this one piece to heighten any basic style, for this look the trench is paired with boyfriend jeans, and a chambray button down layered under a black v-neck sweater.  I've decided to add a pop of color with these Korkease pumps, but you can stick with a neutral if you feel more comfortable.  Dare to be daring and turn some heads this season!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Strut your stuff this season in colored croc, one of fall's hottest shoe trends! These Christian Louboutin Croc Simple pumps are the epitome of style and sophistication with a thick 4 inch heel, round toe, and purple crocodile leather. They retail for $4645.  YIKES! That will certainly take a crocodile sized bite out of your budget.

On a more affordable level are the Corso Como Metro Chunky heel.  With printed snakeskin leather, and colorful, contrasting, chunky wooden heel, these shoes take reptile to a whole new level, and you don't have to be in a different tax bracket to afford them.  At just $134 you can rock your reptile and set yourself apart from the pack.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Have you been saving all summer so you can make an early season splurge? Have you been waiting patiently for that one special item to come along so you can treat yourself? Well I have a treat for you! Feast your eyes on the Manolo Blahnik Contun.  This strappy, sandal can add just the right amount of flare to any ensemble, casual or formal.  They are a serious splurge at $895, one that may have you thinking, "that one pair of shoes is the equivalent of multiple car payments".

Manolo Blahnik

If you aren't ready to take the plunge perhaps I can tempt you with a similarly snazzy splurge that may be more in your price range.  This strappy sandal from Butter is yet again a great way to add that little something extra to your outfit.  This pair is only (yes I'm using the word only to describe a still expensive pair of shoes) $284, but compared to the $895 sticker of the previous pair I think the Butter's are a much more reasonable splurge.

Butter

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Occasionally you may find yourself looking for a shoe that is simple and elegant but also has that little something special that sets it apart from a plain black pump.  Gianvito Rossi has a shoe that does just that.  This winged pump have an extended back and sides that frame your foot in a sexy black suede.  They are like a hybrid pump/boot, almost like a shootie but not quite, classic but modern, all melded together with just the right balance.  Of course I wouldn't want to balance my check book after buying these, they will set you back $635.

Gianvito Rossi

If you are still looking for that shoe with a certain something and not ready to shell out so much cash, consider the "Red Alert" by Poetic Licence.  You have similar framing with the extended sides, but this one also gives you a little glitz and glam with a jeweled broach adorning the toe.  Best of all they are only $120.  They are the perfect pair to give your look a little je ne sais quoi.

Poetic Licence

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Are you finding yourself in a fashion rut? Are your favorite shopping standby's leaving you uninspired?   Did you know that Poppy and Stella now sells clothes as well as fabulous shoes and accessories???

The Cure: Poppy and Stella...everything AND the clothes!

If you're looking for something fun and on trend we are your one stop shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories! Take for instance this great look, it's 100+ degrees out there so a pair of dressy shorts is perfect for running around or a night on the town, pair with a great platform sandals to kick it up a notch.  But wait, you aren't done with this one, come fall layer a pair of opaque tights underneath then add a cropped blazer and a close-toed pump for a great transition outfit!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

So you're looking for a pump with a little pizazz, something you can wear to work, but hoping it will then take you to happy hour.  Try this on for size, a python tapered toe with a 3 1/2" python covered heel, unconventional yet neutral in color, sound good so far? Sergio Rossi has certainly created a positively provoking pump if you're interested in shedding $920 for python.

Sergio Rossi

Now let me introduce to you the Corso Como "Del" in Tie Dye Python, oh yes I went there with the tie dye, but it's not what you think.  Feast your eyes on this super shoe, 3" heel, tapered toe, simple, stunning, and complete with spunk.  The best part is they're only $123! Beautiful, basic, and best of all easy on the wallet!

Corso Como

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Have you ever had a wedding to attend that's not quite in the afternoon, and not quite in the evening, and you're stuck with what to wear?  A sundress isn't formal enough but cocktail attire might be too much. So how do you dress for the occasion?

The Cure: Sheath it Simple

I have one of these weddings this weekend and here is my plan for dressing just right.  Start with a dress in a simple silhouette, a sheath is my go to cut.  Black will always work, but because the wedding starts well before dark consider choosing a bold color, just keep it solid.  A great way to dress up a simple look is to load on accessories, contrast colors, choose statement pieces, and of course choose a standout pair of shoes!  By keeping your base piece simple and adding on your bells and whistles you're sure to look just right!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

We have reached the point of no return, if you're holiday shopping isn't done yet, you only have a few days left, which also means you only have a few days to figure out what you're going to wear.  If your day is anything like mine you are either bebopping from party to party or you're the host of the festivities.  Either way you want to look your best and be able to last throughout the day.

The Cure: Haute Holiday

I hope you trust me when I say you can be cute and comfortable in a dress all day! While I'm not in favor of combining red and green together, I do think red is a great accent for the day! A polka dot dress is fun and festive, top it with a little ladylike cardigan in case you catch a chill. Go all out with your accessories, curling ribbon ring, graduated beads, and red red pumps!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Who loves a great basic?!? I do, I do, especially one I can wear with pretty much everything. Never to disappoint Giuseppe Zanotti's round toe nappa leather pump is a basic worth investing in.  The classic silhouette and moderate heel are a perfect compliment to any outfit.  With a $550 price tag it's a shoe that I would definitely consider purchasing, but deep down I think there may be something better.

Giuseppe Zanotti, $550

Enter Corso Como's Delicious pump! Same classic round toe and moderate heel and I know from experience that they are super comfortable. Regularly $123, but priced currently at $104 these are a steal and a must make purchase!

Corso Como, $104

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Sometimes Lady Luck is on your side and you find an amazing shoe that is not only currently on trend, but should stay on trend for a lifetime.  Take for instance Guiseppe Zanotti's metallic snakeskin round toe pump, the shape is classic, reptile prints always add a subtle edge, and there is always a use for a great metallic shoe.  The only problem is Lady Luck missed the mark on the price, $650 isn't a lucky deal.

Guiseppe Zanotti, $650

So in steps Sam Edelman! Round toe pump?...Check.  Reptile print?...Check. Metallic...Check.  Affordable?...Check!!! Lady Luck is still on your side, at just $94 you can have all the glitz and glam of the  Zanotti shoe but at a fraction of the price!

Sam Edelman, $94

Haute Heels

Coco Chanel said it best, " A woman with good shoes is never ugly!"Short, tall, stacked, thick, stiletto, or kitten, one thing is for sure, we've got a prime pump for you.  Glam up your gambs with a duo of delight!

$82

$82

$106

$124

$99

$159

$159

$106

$104

$59

$59

$94

$84

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Oh those red soles have caught my eye again, and this time it's not the basic Louboutin stiletto that I'm coveting.  This time, a thicker stacked heel and exposed platform have me over the moon.  It's a basic but with beauty and brawn. Alas, $795 is too hefty for my budget.

Christian Louboutin "Bibi", $795

However, Pour la Victoire has a similar thick-heeled pump that should lighten the load on my wallet.  With the Irina II, PLV has taken it's popular pump to new heights.  With a 4.5" heel and 1.25" platform, this classic pump has gotten an upgrade with it's thicker more comfortable contour.  At just $242, my budget can easily bear this bill without it being a burden.

Pour la Victoire "Irina II", $242

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

With this excessive heat the country has been facing I feel it has become a necessity to have a/c built into my attire, that being said, please do not think I am walking around in 1980's mesh fashion, however the perforated look is very fashion forward when it comes to footwear.  Case in point, Miu Miu's Patent Perforated Peep-toe pump, try saying that 5x fast.  The highly stylized perforated woven leather will keep your feet perfectly pleasant during those hot summer nights, but at $650 the price is anything but perfect or pleasant.

Miu Miu, $650

Naughty Monkey has a similarly punctured style with its take on perforated woven leather.  The laser cut panels with side-cut outs and buckle adorned peep-toe, will keep your feet refreshed and refined.  At just, $97 you won't have to put your credit cards on ice.

Naughty Monkey, $97

Get "Pumped" for Fall

Need to add a basic pump? How about one with a little extra kick? Any one of these will be a great addition to to your basics collection.

A great work or event shoe. The punch of color will get you noticed while the sensible heel will let you keep them on well into the evening. $110

A great color combination makes this sassy heel stand out. $122

The black patent brings class and versatility while the enclosed platform provides extra height and cushion. $139

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

My, my Miu Miu, how you catch my attention.  These gorgeous stud-encrusted platform pumps are designer drool worthy! With your sleek, sophisticated structure and bold bad-girl edge,  I would very much like you to make yourself at home in my closet.  Alas,  $790 is a bit steep.

Miu Miu, $790

Thankfully, Vince Camuto has a similarly sexy, edgy-luxe look with a price that is just right.  This nude version has the same bold and brash branded pumps, but the price packs an easier punch.  At $118 I have no problem welcoming these home.

Vince Camuto "Missie", $118

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Why is it that Yves Saint Laurent always seems to have a perfectly polished pump.  This platform peep-toe has the ability to put you on a pedestal.  With the softly sculptured heel and a clean, classic look, there is nothing you can't wear with this shoe. Quite possibly the ultimate power pump. Alas, the $720 price isn't very practical.

YSL, $720

However Me Too has a pump that can rival this seemingly sublime shoe.  With a similarly sculpted heel, this shoe is sans platform but has a lightly cushioned footbed for comfort.  Still clean and classic and cost effective around $100.

Me Too