Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Rich, grained calfskin leather, rounded toe, minimalist chic, all with a 3 inch wedge heel...sounds like the perfect bootie that can easily transition from day to night! Of course I'm describing Lanvin's wedge ankle boot, but the $850 price tag makes them far from perfect.

Lanvin

Lucky for you, I could also be describing the "Lexy" by Corso Como. Sleek and stylish with a round toe and rich coffee hued leather, but with a 4 inch wedge for a little extra lift. What's even luckier is that they are only $142! Now that's what I call perfect!

Corso Como

Black and Blue

How many times have you been warned against wearing black and blue together? Major fashion faux pas right?  Well this year designers from Carolina Herrara to Marc Jacobs decided to challenge that notion.

This is apparently the "it" color combo of the season.  Seen used together in stripes and patterns.  Try color-blocking with the two shades, or create an entirely new work uniform by layering the two together.  Black layered under navy is really a striking combination.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Well ladies, I'm pretty sure by now you've noticed that even sneakers have gotten a makeover this season.  Some pretty popular people are parading around in lace-ups that have heels! From Kate Bosworth to Beyonce, these shoes are taking over.  Should we be surprised? The jury is still out on that one, but what I can tell you is here you have a look that gives you the comfort of a sneaker, but the style and height of a heel.  If you're going to give them a try, only the best will do right? Prada's suede, lace-up wedge sneaker is the perfect way to kick off this trend, they're only $550.

Prada

I'm obviously kidding, I would never suggest spending so much on an item that may or may not survive the test of time. But for now this trend is tops so if you want to give it a go might I suggest the "Angie" from Miz Mooz.  This lace-up, leather wedge sneaker is streamlined and sexy and coming from Miz Mooz you know it's going to be comfortable.  At just $149 test out the trend and have some fun!

Miz Mooz

Winter Whites

Just because it's after Labor Day doesn't mean wearing white is off the table until Memorial Day, back again this season is a strong dose of Winter Whites!  According to InStyle,

"Practical it's not, but the layering of parchment to oyster to cream looks so appealing and cozy, even more so long after the summer sun sets.Practical it's not, but the layering of parchment to oyster to cream looks so appealing and cozy, even more so long after the summer sun sets."

Being too matchy matchy is frowned upon, appreciate the different shades and hues of this pigment lacking option.  Experiment with rich fabrics and textures and avoid white tights at all costs.  Winter is a wonderland, celebrate it with your wardrobe!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Happy Fourth of July everyone!  While planning your perfect patriotic ensemble you might be wondering what the perfect pair of shoes would be.  You know me and that I'm a less is more kind of girl, so if you're already donning red, white, and blue I would suggest a neutral shoe.  Chloe's leather  v-strap sandal with open toe and closed back is the necessary neutral to balance your red, white, and blues, but the $775 price tag may make balancing your checkbook a challenge.

Chloe, $775

Which is why I'm strongly suggesting Sam Edelman's Karli wedge.  This semi-v-strap wedge has adjustable buckle accents, open back, and perforated leather to keep your feet cool and comfy this 4th of July! Best of all they're only $148 and if you're lucky you might just find them on sale!

Sam Edelman, $148

South Beach Sexy

It's vacation season, which means an escape to a place where you can really step outside your fashion box and explore a little.  If you're heading to a place like South Beach, Miami you're looking to pack bold prints, body conscious silhouettes, and anything that's going to show some skin!

Stock up on shorts and mini's, but go for bright colors and patterns, and don't be afraid to mix and match a little.  Max out your maxi with a bold print and while you're at it, look for a statement sandal that's sure to turn heads.

Wet 'n Wild Watermelon

Bright, bold, and brilliant, watermelon is a summer hue you'll want to warm up to!  Why? Well according to InStyle magazine,

"We think designer Peter Som, who used watermelon in his current collection, summed it up best: ' It has the graphic impact of a lipstick red, but it's just a bit more feminine.'"

The pinkish red shade with a hint of orange is a first class feminine statement maker! Structured silhouettes will help "emphasize the color's strength." Pair a solid separate with a graphic print and combine with whites, khakis, tangerine, or even cobalt for an engaging ensemble.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Spotted: Carrie Underwood wearing a fab pair of laser cut wedges with skinny jeans and sparkly top.  Now while I don't know what brand she's wearing, I'd hazard to guess they're pretty pricey, but good news for you, we have a pair that looks oh so similar.

This look can be yours with our Tamara from Miz Mooz! The peep toe wedge with patterned cut-outs and stitching is the perfect way to add a little edge to your ensemble.  Pick up a pair for only $124!

Miz Mooz, $124

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I don't know about you but I've got sandals on the brain, especially transitional sandals, which is why I fell in love with Fendi's perforated split band sandal.  The perforated leather and peep toe are the perfect way to introduce your tootsies to the sun's tantalizing rays! What's not perfect is the $815 price.

Fendi, $815

So let me introduce you to Restricted's Spumoni Wedge, the slide on wedge with laser cut perforated upper is the perfect compromise. I will take a wedge over a heel any day of the week during the spring/summer and at just $68 you can buy a pair in each color and not spend anywhere close to those other shoes.

Restricted, $68

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

I'm back! Sorry for the slight hiatus, but even this girl needs a little r&r and time to unplug, which has wonderfully given me my inspiration for this column! How many of you are starting to assemble your summer wardrobe, planning for those many beach trips you plan to take? Do you ever get frustrated with all the time lost between changing in and out of your swimsuit? I want to give you a head start on you poolside to barside wear!

The Cure:

We all know that while on vacation just about anything goes (believe me I've just seen it), but that doesn't mean the oversized tee you throw on over your bathing suit looks cute or flattering, enter the tunic. Normally I might pair a tunic with a pair of skinny jeans and platform pumps, but they really are versatile pieces.  For vacation I'd go with either solid white with texture, or a bright patterned print, throw it on over your swimsuit and you'll find that it may be shorter than you might be comfortable with, but keep it's purpose in mind.  To make your legs look long and lean wear wedges instead of flip flops, the shortness of the tunic paired with the leg lengthening effect of the wedge will give you legs for days and you won't be paying for your drinks when you saunter up to the bar.

Peachy Keen

When women hear the color peach they normally cringe, but the soft concoction of pale orange and a light rose is really quite lovely.  According to InStyle magazine,

" Sweet, fresh, and perfectly ripened, the pretty pastel heralds spring and is far less predictable than classic pink".

Throw away those preconceptions about dreaded peach bridesmaids dresses and consider the following,

"Lovely peach is a natural match for light-as-air dresses and flowing skirts. But try it in structured separates to bring out the hue's sophisticated side."

Pair peach with corals, silvers, champagnes, or lavenders, wear a little or a lot, and enjoy the sweet discovery of a new found favorite.

 

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

There are so many things I love about Spring, the warmer weather, the scent of flowers blooming in the air, an overall feeling of renewal, and of course new clothes!  Some of this years trends are a perfect way to say hello to Spring.  How quickly can you put a springy look together?

The Cure: Spring Fling

Maxi skirts are still very much on trend, go for a pleated style in a pastel shade to really show your springy love.  Top with an embellished tank (no need for a necklace) and add a spring staple with a wedge.  If you're feeling adventurous compliment the look with a nature inspired bangle and you are set for Spring!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's Casual Friday!!! Yay!!! Today is the day where you can finally let your hair down and relax a little while you work.  You can still dress to impress and be ready to hit happy hour right after work by combining a few key pieces!

The Cure: Dressed Down Duds

Pull out that femme tweed jacket, the one with Chanel like charm...too much you think? It's so easy to dress down.  Layer a silk embellished camisole under it and pair those pieces with your cuffed boyfriend jeans.  Finish with a soft shaded wedge and you're done! Once work is over, lose the blazer and you're ready for a night out!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

What Summer shoe collection would be complete without a fabulous new wedge and of course there is one that has already caught my eye! Mixed materials of leather, cork and metallics, this leg lengthening number is off the charts. With the signature snipped peep toe and adjustable ankle strap this Guiseppe Zanotti wedge is bold yet barely there.  Coming in at $695 it is a definite must-have!

Guiseppe Zanotti, $695

Must-have if you plan on going broke this season. If mixed materials and summer statements are what you're after take a look at this stunner from Bacio 61.  Varying shades of beige leather are set off by cork sprinkled with metallic, complete with peep toe and adjustable ankle strap.  The mix of colors and textures makes this a wedge to be wished for.  Wish no more and make it yours for just $176!

Bacio 61, $176

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

There is one shoe that should be on everyone's Spring/Summer wishlist...a cross-band wedge! This timeless warm weather classic can literally go with just about every ensemble you can imagine.  I found a beautiful cross-band platform wedge by Marni, with buckle accents and an adjustable ankle.  It's clean and simple and without a doubt a go to shoe. It will only put you in the hole $655.

Marni, $655

Of course it's easy to dig your way out with the Harwich by Clarks.  While wedges are normally comfortable by design, you know with a name like Clarks, comfort is going to be first rate.  This wedge is very similar to the Marni with it's cross-band straps and adjustable buckle ankle strap.  I only see too real differences, a cork wedge (which oozes summer style) and the price...$112. These are sure to be a fast favorite!

Clarks, $112

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Ok ladies today is the day, Black Friday, the annual shop till you drop post Thanksgiving craze.  What it means is that more likely than not you will be spending most of your day in a dressing room trying on fabulous clothes that you're going to get fabulous deals on.  The most important thing to remember about dressing for today, easy on easy off, it will make your dressing room experience that much less stressful!

The Cure: Simple Shopping Chic

My first suggestion is going to be black leggings, lets not kid ourselves, after a day full of eating our denim may not be that comfortable. Wear a pair with something extra, like a zipper up the back, to give your look edge. Next, go for a ponch sweater, it will save you from carrying a jacket around and keep you warm.  I like this one because it cinches at the waist, layer it over a simple long sleeve white tee, or an embellished one if you think you might lose the poncho later in the day. As for shoes, you might be surprised, but I'm going to suggest a wedge, the heel height is comfortable for all day wear, they slide on and off quickly, and probably give your arches more support than a pair of flats.

Remember while you're shopping today to save some of your energy to shop Small Business Saturday!!!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Are you looking for something fun and funky this season? How about the Pasha from 3.1 Phillip Lim.  This pointed toe pump with thin throat will certainly give your ensemble some edge.  The only drawback, I have a really hard time spending a significant sum on a pair that I may only get one season out off, and I think $395 is a bit pricey for this pair.

3.1 Phillip Lim, $395

If you're digging the pointy toe with thin throat Jeffrey Campbell has a similar option, with a heel that I actually prefer to the Phillip Lim.  The Keebler has a very likable wedge heel and at only $134 I would be willing to take a risk on this risque pair.

Jeffrey Campbell, $134

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

While very popular during summer, wedges are for all seasons! Why should we neglect the height and comfort a wedge provides just because it gets colder? Granted I'm not talking about the great strappy wedge sandals you rocked all last season, but about a new and improved wedge.  Christian Louboutin knows what I'm talking about with the Morphing wedge.  The leather round toe wedge pump with scooped bottom combines basic sophisticated style with the heel that makes feet happy. Aren't you wiling to shell out $695 for a beautiful basic?

Christian Louboutin, $695

If you aren't, you aren't alone, which is why you should check out Corso Como's Lancaster wedge.  This round toe leather pump with scooped wedge makes your feet feel like they are walking on clouds. Oh did I mention the best part...$144, so satisfying in so many ways!

Corso Como, $144

Fetish Femme

Here's a look for a girl that is looking to mix and match feminine and fatale pieces to get a style that says something.  Lucky Magazine describes it as "Fetish Femme" and says the key is to " Girly up this subversive look with a prim and delicate white collar."  Also important is to consider just the right amount of skin, if it's form fitting, go for a longer skirt.  This look is all about the mystery, if you show off your legs, cover your arms and vice versa.  Break up the black with "heavy gold accents" and dare to be primly playful.

What you must have, a cut out black dress, textured mini, lace blouse a la peter pan collar, and a peplum skirt.  Add some irony with a cat-ear hood, and accessorize with platform lace boots or mary-janes, and cat eye glasses.

Wonderful Wedges

A wedge heel isn't just for summer, this cute and comfortable height enhancer will boost your wardrobe and your sense of style in an instant!

$144

$139 

$159

$134

$102

$102

$59

$234