My Love Affair with Shoes!

My new favorite trend in shoes are nude heels. I have been waiting and looking for the right pair that are not too expensive. I found a pair I'm in love with from Charlotte Russe for $38.00, for that price they're basically giving them away! I ordered them only 3 days ago and they cannot come fast enough! I'm already finding outfits that I'm excited to wear them with! My pink pinstripe skirt, a blue button down top, and a casual white top with jeans to name three. The moment after I hit 'accept' on the online order, I couldn't stop smiling! I had bought a key piece of my wardrobe. Elizabeth Taylor may have had A Love Affair with Jewelry, but I'm having a love affair with my shoes. I'm sure the jewelry one will be next.

Nude heels are everywhere for Spring/Summer 2011. On the runway, with a casual look, on celebrities and in retail stores. It's easy to see why they are so popular since they go with any outfit. If you are planning a look and cannot decide on the color or type of shoes, chances are if you tried nude pumps/sandals they would be perfect. Nude heels give the illusion that you're not wearing shoes and makes your legs longer and fits any woman's body shape.

Lanvin Runway Spring 2011 - Nude Bootie

Supermodel Miranda Kerr - Nude Pump

Timeless Beauty - Sarah Jessica Parker - Nude Sandal

Typically, the ankle and foot are the smallest part on your body, so why not accentuate them by continuing the line. Full-figured, older and in your 30's all look pulled together and chic with nude heels. If you haven't bought a pair by now, check out this website! Not only do they have amazing shoes, but the clothing, jewelry and accesory selection is great too!



Charlotte Russe - Basic Almond Pump

www.charlotterusse.com



Walk-In My Closet

                                                        

With many different pieces in a wardrobe, it may be confusing and difficult to organize each piece. Although, when done right, it can be easy and even fun to do! A cluttered closet can only hinder your choices when getting dressed in the morning. You may see a couple items and decide between 2 or 3 when there are several other pushed to the back of the closet. Whenever I get bored with what I have in the begining of my closet, I rotate the clothes from the back, to the front. In my closet, I separate short sleeve, long sleeve, blouse tops and sweaters and then group each by color. Then, when you get dressed in the morning, it will be a cinch to pick your bottoms and then decide on a color and go from there. I typically always pick out the bottoms first, based on weather I decide skirt, jeans or pants. I do think about comfort when choosing a look, but of course it is fashionable. The last thing I choose for my outfit is my jewelry and I usually tend to keep it simple. Never all things at once (earrings, necklace, bracelet and rings), too busy! Simple: earrings and bracelet, necklace and rings.

For jewelry, it is best to keep each piece separate so they do not tangle or snag with another piece. I recently purchased a jewelry organizer to coordinate my jewelry. Since I have alot of costume jewelry, they do not all fit in the designated spots. But the organizers come with enough spaces to put individual items. If you have alot of delicate expensive pieces, these should be stored in the jewelry boxes the came in or boxes that can be purchased at a craft store. By keeping these in closed containers, they are safe from dust and any other damages that may occur. Over time it's a good idea to check your pieces for tarnishing. I have had several earrings and rings that have lost their color because of tarnish. This is always a heartache for me, I wear a certain ring so much that the everyday wear and tear ruins it and it cannot be bought again.

And the most important finishing look for an outfit? The SHOES! You may choose these at the last minute, but when I get a look together, I constantly think about the color combinations and what looks best with certain shades. If I'm wearing gray, white or lighter colors; I'll choose my black heels. If my outfit has brown, gold jewelry or warmer tones; it's my brown heels. Of course I have some crazy color shoes that I mix in for fun, but not everyone has crazy shoes! But they (you) should! There should always be a statement piece. I'm not saying that I don't own flip flops, I do! And I keep the same rules with them.

By having an organized closet, it is easier to dress fashionable everyday or more often. If you are still having difficulty piecing items together, set aside your outfit the night before when you have more time. For my friends who still aren't getting it, I'm always here to bounce wardrobe ideas off of! I would love to help you put together a few outfits with your wardrobe. You may not realize what you have or what looks good together, until someone else puts it together.

At Your Fingertips!

There are 2 kinds of people; ones who paint their nails and the ones that don't. If you paint your nails, chances are you made the conscience desicion to choose a nail color based on an outfit or mood. If you do not paint your nails, shame on you!! You should! And you know who I'm talking about!

I haven't always been a fan of painting my nails a wild color, but it's grown on me. I used to only choose clear, neutral or pale pink shades, for more of a natural look. But lately, I've decided to go brighter and opt more summer fun colors! A bold new color I'm considering is neon/bright yellow. Granted, this color would not look good on everyone and may give the impression you have fungus looking yellow nails. But I'm considering this color only for summer since my skin will have the sun-kissed glow. It's an awesome look to pair with a bathing suit for the beach as well.

If you aren't a fan of neon yellow like me, you can always try a fun turquoise/blue shade. Since this is a summer signature color, it should match with most any outfit. Remember, you should wear the nail polish, it shouldn't wear you. If you don't feel comfortable having the attention drawn to your hands, choose a simple clear polish to give your nails a shine and overall polished look.

Target, Wal-Mart and nail salons offer a wide array of nail polish colors and top coats at reasonable prices. A cruelty-free option would be through www.butterlondon.com. The cost may be higher than you are willing to pay, but you are not only paying for a better product, but a healthier one.

You may also be interested in having a design airbrushed on your nails. However, ladies, please know that 6 inch nails with bright decals is not attractive. Keep it polished. Sally Hansen offers a new alternative to polish with stickers. They come in many different patterns and also solid colors. When choosing patterns or designs for your nails, please please please remember this Coco Chanel quote, "A girl should always be 2 things; classy and fabulous." I doubt Coco Chanel would have bright green fireworks on acrylic 6 inch nails.

 

Hot New Color! Mustard!

On my recent flight to South Carolina, I picked up the new InStyle magazine. After flipping through the first few pages, I found the new trends in Spring/Summer colors, mustard. I was a little hesitant to try this color; would it look good with my skin tone? What accessories could I match it with? And most importantly, what shoes should I wear? I brought this new trend up to one of my girlfriends and she insisted I try on her mustard wrap dress. Needless to say, I came home from South Carolina with a new dress!

As I do with all new outfits, I tried it on the night before I was going to wear it and went through all my accessories and shoes and found an amazing combination. I paired my wrap dress with my natural canvas like heels and brown accessories (brown/wood bracelets and necklace). I thought that my new outfit was fashion forward and very Spring/Summer 2011. Other acceptable color combinations for future looks with this dress could be; purple, green or even red as a eye catcher.

The next day at work....let the compliments flow! Even though I thought I may look too 'runway' for work, my coworkers loved it! It's always nice to hear nice things said about you and for people to notice you. My moral of the mustard story; wear something shocking (yet fashionable) and you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

New Top!



A couple of months ago I purchased this top from Charlotte Russe for $11.00, it has little black hearts all over it and very girly. I wasn't sure how to wear it since it was not fitted and a little high around my neck. I thought about black leggings or extremely skinny jeans that would make my black pumps look amazing. I opted for my semi-skinny jeans. I even wore some earrings that have little hearts in them!! Since it had a higher neckline, wearing a necklace would be too busy and too much going on around my neck. I have my black leather strap watch on, although I wasn't sure that looked ok and stared at it all day wondering if I should take it off.

When wearing a flowy top or one that is not so fitted, I always choose to wear more fitted bottoms; such as skinny jeans, with heels of course. It will elongate your legs and make you look taller - which is always helpful no matter how tall you are. Taller is better.

I always have to feel comfortable in my clothes before I leave the house in the morning. Remember: Confidence is key and is very attractive.