I am absolutely loving these pointy-toe flats from DV by Dolce Vita.

Dolce Vita has long been one of my lust-after shoe brands, but is a bit on the pricey side.

DV by Dolce Vita is much more affordable and has some adorable shoe options, like this!

Every woman should own a great pair of pointy-toe flats, as they look amazing with many different outfits. My favorite pairing? Slightly slouchy skinny jeans and a faux-fur vest.

Do you have any pointy-toe flat favs?

1. It has to go with my boots/shoes
Even though you shed your coat once you come in from the cold, outside, your coat is part of your outfit — which is why it’s critical to pick wisely. I have a really diverse collection of shoes: everything from crazy high 5″ Balenciaga platforms, to sunshine-yellow ankle booties, to everyday flat boots, so I try to find a coat that will transition smoothly from high fashion to low-maintenance. I find that leather jackets, peacoats, and belted puffers make the switch most easily.

2. It has to have at least one look-at-me detail
A good coat can last forever so it only makes sense to invest in a new one if there’s something special about it. I look for details that upgrade the coat from cool to drool such as interesting buttons (vintage-looking, colored, toggles, interesting shapes = LOVE); fun prints & patterns (herringbone, houndstooth, striped, plaid, quilted, unusual = HAUTE); or sharp shapes (right now I’m really feeling funnel necks).

3. It has to be WARM
I am (almost) past the stage where I’ll freeze for fashion. I do not play around with NYC winters, so I go for coats that button/zip all the way up the neck (hence, my interest in the funnel neck coat). The coat should also be in a brrr-fighting fabric like wool, cashmere, down, shearling, or fully-lined leather.

What makes a coat worth your investment?

Consider revamping your old New Year’s eve dress with the floating Gem Bib from DoloresPetunia:

Bib necklaces can seem intimidating at first, but they are an easy way to update your wardrobe, as they are both fashion-forward and comfortable.

“To anyone who mentions “style feeder” for the month of november when placing an order I will take 10% off of the total.”

This seems to be a regular occurrence for me. There are just so many stunning pieces of jewelry that have survived the ages and would be very wearable even today.

Some pieces that give a nod to ancient times that I have found in my recent wanders of the Internet:

Above: Gwendolen Brass Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Connect The Dots Cuff at Lulus.com

Above: Argonauts Ring at Lulus.com

Above: Huntress Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Lelania Daisy Bone Earrings at Lulus.com

Above: Queen Isis Necklace by Lulus.com

Above: Renaissance Ring in Silver or Gold at Lulus.com

I found all the above at Lulus.com which means you won’t have to spend a lot of money to add a bit of history to your jewelry box, though you can find many expensive pieces on various sites and in stores. I always go for affordable offerings when trying out a style in case it is not to my liking. Lulus.com and Forever 21 are great stores to purchase affordable accessories to try a trend or start your own.

So, the next time you wander a museum or see a piece of jewelry in a history book that you would love to wear, search the Internet or wander the stores. You may see something that reminds you of the piece!

Wear a little bit of history.

Which immediately rules out any adult Halloween costumes that include the word “sexy” in front of an otherwise respectable profession — so no naughty nurses, librarians or referees.

I love the idea of a gorgeous period costume….what a great way to try on the styles of a previous era. We’re seeing a lot of influences from the past in this year’s trends, so why not invest in a piece that will do double duty? You could go for a full-on flapper costume:

Or just splurge on one of this season’s dresses inspired by the roaring 20s. Add some pearls and a pair of Mary Janes for Halloween…and wear it again with modern accessories on a date or a night on the town!

Likewise, the 80s are making a fashion comeback. You could get decked out in an 80s costume worthy of Krystal Carrington:

Or you could take inspiration from that decade’s strong shoulders and neon brights to put together a wear-anytime look. How about a jacket or top with padded shoulders? Pair it with costume jewels, a bright blouse, a pencil skirt and a Joan Collins updo for All-Hollows Eve, then work the versatile piece into your regular fall and winter rotation.

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

They come in many lengths and styles:

The Buckle Fold-Over Ankle Bootie:

The Mid-Calf Zip-Up Boot:

The To-The-Knee Western Bell Bottom Boot:

The Back Zip To-The-Knee Wedge Fold-Over Boots:

Personally, I am loving theses “to-the-knee” styles and would love to find a pair. They’re modern, sleek, and would really add some flair to my wardrobe. You do have to have a bit of daring to wear them.

How about you? Are you liking the fold-over boot trend? I would love to hear opinions from fashionistas.

We’ve all had those days in college where we hit the snooze button for the 9th time, only to realize that we have the choice of either getting dressed or brushing our teeth. In the interest of not scaring off the cute boy sitting next to you in English class with morning breath, stock up on Victoria’s Secret PINK loungewear. This way, you can wear your pajama pants to class and still look stylish!

With a wide assortment of casual sweats and accessories that are comfortable and easy to throw on but still sexy (they’re from Victoria’s Secret after all!), this loungewear is great for a variety of on- or off-campus occasions.

Go straight from class to the gym in this great foldover yoga pant:

Keep cozy and warm in a pair of thigh-high sweater tights:

While you probably can’t wear slippers to class (fuzzy kittens don’t scream style!), you can have all of the comfort and warmth of a slipper while still being chic with these studded moccasins.

Curl up for a night of homework or movies under this perfect Victoria’s Secret PINK blanket, because at one point or another, pink has been every girl’s favorite color!

Who needs a boyfriend when you can have a great boyfriend pant? These bright and colorful pants will be your ultimate go-to for comfort.

Worn with either jeans or sweats, a cool hoodie can keep you warm and hide a bad hair day! The fun colors and prints are a bonus that will lift your mood every time you put it on.

I am one of those fashion-loving women who adores taking risks and wearing things that others don’t dare to wear. I have learned that while wearing a strange bracelet or pair of shoes may draw comments like ‘That is SO weird”, I may start a fashion trend in my local area. You have to be a bit daring from time to time or else life is boring. At least I think so.

You don’t have to go overboard and dress like a runway model but you can take one item of clothing or accessory and make it a stand-out in your outfit. Be daring but not reach the “scary zone” of dressing different head to toe.

You can wear a funky necklace when wearing a very simple outfit:

Above: Knick Knacks Necklace at Francescas Collections

Or you can wear a really bold ring:

Above:Dannijo Andi Ring at shopbop.com

Wear a pair of eye-catching shoes:

Above: “Marina” black embossed leather wedges by Rock & Republic at Bluefly.com

Or wear a interesting blouse:

Above: “Jonas” cut-out shoulder tie blouse by Mike & Chris at Bluefly.com

You don’t have to go to overboard, just take a little bit of a chance. Sure, some people will call what you are wearing “weird” but, you may be the woman who starts a new trend. Don’t let the worry of negative comments by others stop you from having fun with fashion.

A great jean is a necessity for every wardrobe. Dressed up, dressed down, just hanging out or going out, putting on the perfect fitting pair of jeans can add to your confidence (and make your butt look even better)!

Even though Victoria’s Secret PINK only launched their denim line in June 2009, they have a range, quality, and style based on years of experience and development! With a style for every body shape and occasion, and great prices, everyday style becomes effortless with these jeans.

Try a pair of comfy, casual, trendy boyfriend jeans for an effortlessly cool look. Victoria’s Secret PINK has done all the work of breaking them in, you just have to wear them!

With the perfect amount of distressing, these flare jeans are great to throw on for an easy, downtown look. These will be your ultimate go-to jeans!

Nothing is more useful than a great skinny jean. Pair casually with flats, or with heels for an instantly chic and sexy look for a night out. The great dark wash is also flattering on everyone!

Another classic wardrobe addition: You can never go wrong with a great bootcut jean.

Try the skinny ankle-zip jean; the zipper details add an extra something special to your already stylish look!

These harnesses can be worn over barely-there tops or body-conscious dresses. For a more interesting look, try one layered over flowing dresses and baggy t-shirts.

Edgy, feminine, understated, avant-garde harnesses can be anything you dress them up to be.

From Top-Bottom:Girl Tuesday, Leviticus for Babooshka boutique, Fabulize,AudraJean.

You worked hard to get into college, and picked your school because you’re proud to go there! While you want to show your school spirit and accomplishments, you can’t really pull that off and still get the look you want with the oversized grey sweats sold in the campus bookstore…

That’s where Victoria’s Secret PINK comes in! They know that you want to acknowledge your school spirit while still showing your sense of style and personality, so they’ve launched their cool and cute Collegiate Collection. With 59 colleges and universities already represented, and two more being added in October, they already have a great range. You can see all schools in the collection here. If your school is not currently included in the collection, you can nominate your school to be added.

Keep warm and stay stylish in a timeless hoodie — no shapeless sweats here!

Show your support at the next football game, while still getting the attention of the football players with a great mesh jersey:

Work out in style while you show school spirit with some comfy, flattering yoga pants.

There’s nothing more classic and casual than a great logo tee:

Have no fear of going to breakfast in your pjs with these super-cute sleep shorts:

He has a couple of great flats in his line — feminine and stylish with great, luxe details. Isn’t the turquoise a great color?

I’m a fan of tough-looking shoes, and Christian’s heels and boots don’t disappoint. Hardware and zippers on shiny, leather-like material — I love it!

The best part? You can snatch these up for no more than $50. Now that’s fierce!

Ok ladies, let’s discuss a vital component of our wardrobe that is often ignored: bras. Believe it or not, the bra you’re wearing can totally change the way you look, for better or for worse!

So let’s make sure that your bra is working for you, rather than against you. My top bra pet peeves: 1) When you can see the fabric of your bra underneath your shirt — lumpiness is not attractive. 2) When you have to wear the wrong size bra because they don’t make your size. 3) When you have to decide between paying your rent and buying a new bra. Victoria’s Secret PINK has finally come up with a solution that satisfies all of these common bra problems: their new 2 for $32 Wear Everywhere T-Shirt and Push-Up bras.

These bras are brilliant in every way and are the ultimate basis for any outfit. Perhaps the most amazing part is the pricing — they come two to a pack (either black and nude or black and white) for only $32 dollars- and this is for the same high quality as other Victoria’s Secret bras!

Push up:

This is great for when you need a little extra va-va-voom, but still keeps it classy. It gives the perfect amount of lift and shape.

T-Shirt:

This is the best basic bra there is, holding up to daily wear beautifully, and it converts into a racerback to expand your options even more.

At the warmer end of the spectrum, you’ll find citrines, orange garnets (also known as spessartites) and gorgeous orange sapphires. Fulfill your heart’s desire with a sun-kissed orange sapphire heart pendant that is as affordable as it is stunning.

Should you want to highlight the earthier shades of the palette, look for smokey quartz, tiger’s eye or mocha-colored diamonds. My suggestion: a fabulously regal smokey quartz, citrine and diamond cocktail ring that is sure to showcase your flair for high fashion.

Finally, if you want to infuse your wardrobe with a hint of green, try olive quartz or peridot jewelry designs. These delicate briolette-cut peridot dangle earrings are the perfect choice for a subtle splash of color.

Brace yourselves, though, because the fall 2009 jewelry trends don’t end with these classic fall colors. Oh, may the jewelry gods have mercy on your stylish souls: there is much, much more to come. Stay tuned for trend #2…

I found these printed socks and tights on Etsy the other day. I love the photography used to show off the products, they have a real sense of whimsy, like Alice in Wonderland.

They are from Tattoo Socks. Everything is hand printed and they come in a variety of skin tone shades:

Personally, I would go with the Alice feeling and get these beauties in white. The octopus and butterfly designs are my favorites.

1) Leggings and/or opaque tights

“Winterize” your shorts, rompers, and minis by sliding a pair of opaque tights on under them. (I LOVE these rock candy-print tights by Look from London). If you’re like Michelle Obama and not big on pantyhose, go with leggings instead. Thanks to the plethora of options designers whipped up for the great ’80s comeback — exposed zip and “scrunch” details, and fun prints — leggings have emerged as one of fall’s “star” pieces. Invest in a few and rock them under minidresses, rompers and shorts, or wear them instead of jeans with a turtleneck layered under your fave boyfriend tee.

2) A bright scarf

This flame red Christopher Fischer scarf is totally on-trend as ’80s technicolors brighten up fall’s usually dark palette, plus, it’ll catch the color nicely in one of your print sundresses. Likewise, a printed scarf like this one by Kashmere will not only look great with a summer romper and wedge heels but it’s fully in sync with fall’s ragamuffin chic/prints-on-prints trend.

3) A turtleneck (preferably fitted and cashmere)

Think of a fitted knit turtleneck as your cool weather shell. Wear it under a slouchy tee, tank or vest as suggested above. Fearless fashionistas should try rocking one under a bright/print maxi dress.

4) A cardigan and a blazer

You heard it here first: Double-breasted cardigans and boyfriend blazers are the new jacket — at least in transition weather. Go with one that’s chic enough for evening events like this white 525 America cardigan (yes, you can[!] wear white after Labor Day… what’s fly is fly all year round), and get one that will go with your more casual outfits, like this boyfriend blazer by Alvin Valley.

But don’t let such razzle-dazzle blind you into thinking you must spend millions ($5,000,000 to be exact) to sparkle in the spotlight. Listed below are a few stunning and way more affordable black diamond jewelry alternatives that are sure to enhance your look.

Start off your black diamond collection (because it will turn into one before you know it) with a pair of classic princess-cut black diamond studs. They are understated yet refined, so you can wear them from business hour to happy hour, to late-night delight.

On those hot nights out on the town, complement your little black dress with an eye-catching black diamond fashion ring: a unique design that will reflect even the dimmest evening lights from every angle.

If you are into heart designs, treat yourself to a truly exquisite black and white diamond heart pendant. This piece is one you will treasure forever, so it’s well worth the indulgence.

And if you are willing to splurge on something spectacular – and I mean SPECTACULAR – indulge in a show-stopping 1-carat black and white diamond ring. This stunner will have you reveling in your own fabulousness (and make lots and lots of women develop ring envy).

So be bold when it comes to your jewelry wardrobe: step out of the box and dare to wear black diamonds. They’re hot. They’re in. They’re a girl’s new best friend.

While that is a nice, clean, look that I would have embraced back in high school when I used to sit and listen to the Cure in a darkened room, nowadays, I like a bit of color. In fact, I think most of us like a little variety in our wardrobes. It’s very easy to incorporate some color while still keeping the overall outfit black.

Throw on a brightly colored coat over the black outfit:

Above: B.B. Dakota Coat found at Lulus.com.

Add a bright t-shirt as a foundation piece and make it the burst of color in your outfit:

Above: LnA tee found at Bluefly.com.

Find a sweater that has a bright color fading to a neutral:

Above: Hayden sweater found at Bluefly.com.

Or make a statement with a pair of brightly colored shoes like these pumps:

Above: Boutique 9 violet suede platform pumps at Bluefly.com.

If you prefer shiny and more subtle, you may want to head toward the metallics to brighten that black outfit up:

Above: Gold fish scale shoes by finsk at Oaknyc.com.

Bright accessories also can bring some life to an dark outfit, like this sangria-hued handbag:

Above: Sangria Hobo by Joe’s Jeans at Revolve Clothing.

Don’t be afraid to be a bit bold and add some color to your black outfits. Take notes from nature who dons itself in brightly colored leaves in the autumn months as the world darkens.

Have fun with fashion and experiment!

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Oh Deer!, “Sandy”; Bakers, “Fontana”; Madden Girl, “Adaline”; Mossimo for Target, “Winna”

Spice…

Mossimo for Target, “Philomena”; Naughty Monkey, “Exhibit A”; Naughty Monkey, “Bandit”; Payless, “Naomi”

And everything nice.

Payless, “Nadia”; Mossimo for Target, “Palesa”; Mossimo for Target, “Penina”; Classified, “Slime”

Of course, “sugar, spice and everything nice” doesn’t quite capture the wide spectrum of shoe styles available.. How would you describe yours?

Aqua, offered exclusively by Bloomingdale’s, is an adorable little line of designer-inspired styles offered for less than $100. The sheer number of cocktail dresses will overwhelm you, and there are dozens of styles to choose from.

The cute numbers above include the Halter Tube Dress, the Belted Party Dress and the Eyelet Ruffle Tube Dress.

So many to choose from and so pretty as well!

Above:  Labradorite Multi-strand Necklace by Monica Vinader Cabos found at Net a Porter.com.

Above: Cobalt Beaded Multi-strand Short Necklace by A.V. Max found at Bluefly.com.

Above: Polished Bead Two-Strand Necklace (comes in silver and gold) found at Forever21.com.

Above: Shimmy and Shake Multi-strand Necklace found at Modcloth.com.

Above: Under The Sea Necklace  found at Francesca’s Collections.

No matter what price range you can afford…trend-spotting fashionistas should buy at least one multi-strand necklace for their late summer/fall wardrobe. Or throw-on many of your own necklaces that you have sitting in your jewelry box to achieve the affect on your own.

Have fun and rock the multi-strand!

Buying a pair of Jimmy Choos can easily set you back more than $600, but Jimmy Choo’s new line for H&M will be sure to please shoe addicts with its cheaper prices (most of the shoes will range in price from $99 to $129). The collaboration will not only feature women’s shoes, but also handbags and a men’s collection of shoes and accessories. This is the first time H&M is collaborating with an accessories brand, and with a brand like Jimmy Choo, I’m sure we’re in for a treat. You’ll have to wait a little longer to get your hands on these items, though — the collection’s slated for release on November 14.

Photo credit: H&M

One of my favorite style blogs is Sea of Shoes, where seventeen-year-old Jane Aldridge showcases her outfits, fashion inspiration and, of course, her amazing shoe collection. By day, she’s a uniform-wearing student at a high school with a 1 1/2 inch heel limit, but after school, she’s a fashionista in her own right! 

 Photo credit: Jane Aldridge at Sea of Shoes

Now, in addition to being a popular style blogger, she can add “designer” to her resume. In July, Urban Outfitters will be releasing J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes, a capsule collection of three shoes she’s designed, inspired by “some of the elements of [her] favorite pairs.”  The black studded gladiator heels will be $98, the knee-high peep-toe boots $178 and the lace-up flats $58.

 Photo credit: Urban Outfitters

These are certainly exciting collaborations, but will I be buying anything? Probably not. While the prices are cheaper than that of a regular designer shoe, I just can’t justify spending $100 on a pair of shoes in my post-grad status.

I suspect a lot of women (post-grad or not) are in the same boat. What about you? It’s fun to window shop, but at these prices, will you be taking anything home?

Here are my favorite pieces from the line:

From right to left, clockwise:

Strapless floral dress ; Blue floral skirt ; Orange & purple strapless tank ; Colorblock skirt ; Abstract brush graphic tunic ; Zigzag print dress

Some rules for curvier ladies to remember when picking out new clothing:

• Nothing baggy or the wrong size. Lots of women think they are a bigger size than they actually are. Get a measuring tape and measure in the comfort of your own bathroom, then look up a size chart at the store you plan to shop at. Keep in mind that the size that the chart says is fluid and not binding. Every designer and manufacturer is different. If you are a 12 at one store, you might be an 8 or a 14 at two others.
• Wear belts when possible.
• Don’t buy trapeze tops–they are rarely flattering on anyone.
• Don’t be afraid of skirts and dresses. Keep the length decent (i.e. no goodies showing), but show a little leg with a flouncy mini: the most flattering option.
• Lots of curvier women think that black is their most flattering color for clothing, but please! Try a print. See the zigzag dress above? A print distracts from trouble spots, whereas black can–and does–emphasize them on occasion.
• If you are a little shy about going sleeveless, a little cardigan or jacket would look great with any of the outfits/pieces above.

Long, necklaces of all colours, made of various materials, price ranges, and worn with tanks, tees, dresses, and tunics. I have even started buying many of the longer necklaces myself to wear with my v-neck tees because I am liking the look.

Some of my online finds as examples:

Above: Pop Rocks Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Long Circle Necklace with Beads in Turquoise at Shopintuition

Above: Long Clover Motif Necklace at Avon.com

Above:Gorjana Sunburst Necklace in Gold at Revolve Clothing

Above: Triple Strand Necklace in Gold at Shopintuition

Above: Women’s Bordero Necklace at 80’s Purple

There are just so many designs and styles to choose from…as well as so many prices. It makes it an easy trend to participate in.

Anyone else buying long necklaces this season to add to your summer wardrobe?

1. A STURDY UMBRELLA

We’ve all been caught in a gale force storm with a $5 cheapie, and I doubt any of us would like to do it again. Invest in a sturdy (and cute) umbrella like this striped heart version by Felix Rey that will stand up to a storm and hold down your chic summer outfit.

2. A QUICK-DRYING OUTFIT

Get yourself a few adorable beach coverups – they’re made to get wet and dry quickly – and wear them as tunics or dresses on the rainiest days; no one will know the difference. (Just make sure to wear black or nude undies so you won’t be an inadvertent participant in a wet t-shirt/dress contest.)

(top: l to r Red Carter silk chiffon flutter coverup; Diane von Furstenberg linen-silk halter coverup; bottom: l to r Debbie Katz teal cotton gauze coverup; Debbie Katz pink crinkled coverup)

3. CUTE RAIN BOOTS

Last year around this time, I spotted one fashionista wearing rain flats and became obsessed with them — but it turns out, rain boots are the way to go in heavy downpour — even when it’s steaming outside. Especially when it’s steaming outside. Mainly because water gets into and creates puddles rain flats and wet grass/slick concrete and train platforms makes for muddy flip-flops and filthy feet. Trust me, wear rain boots outside — in a fun color like these purple Hunter rain boots or super-luxe style like these Dolce & Gabbana quilted nylon boots — and change into your gladiator sandals or wedges when you get to where you’re going.

4. A KILLER RAIN COAT

Go for a raincoat in an on-trend shape with a hood like this Andrew Marc cropped rain jacket.

How do you stay fly in the rain?

Our buyers have distinctly different styles, so seeing how they translated the “boyfriend” trend was illuminating. Kate (far left) is hipster chic, so she paired a boyfriend tee by Torn with a vest and wore it over leggings and flat gladiator sandals. Joanna (next to Kate) likes to mix and match classic pieces with statement accessories and killer outerwear (she’s the coats buyer, of course), so she rocked a cropped leather bomber with a bright purple tee by LnA in a nod to classic ’80s style. Sandy (standing next to Joanna) keeps it boho chic, so she chose a Wildfox Couture tee with a hippie-inspired graphic, while Jessica (far right), always luxe and on-trend, pulled a jacket-to-jeans boyfriend look together complete with aggressive cut-out platforms by Pour La Victoire.

The Style Note here is: Find the individual trend piece(s) that jive with your style, then mix and match them with what you’ve already got to update your look.d

For the sporty dad

We always need a new pair of running shoes, but it can be dicey to choose the right pair and the right fit. Tennis shirts are safer. A light jacket is a versatile pick. And Nike’s golf gear is rarely looked at askance on Father’s Day by the sporty dad.

For the classic dad

Dads who have to grind out a 9-to-5 in a suit-bound environment often appreciate a wardrobe pick-me-up. Think of a nice new suit, an Armani tie, new Cole Haan kicks, or some stainless steel cufflinks. You can never have too many.

For the cool dad

When in doubt, think “gear” and “gadgets”. And there’s always the MacBook Pro (no chance you’ll go wrong there, if you have $1,800 hanging around with no purpose in your checking account).

For the high-end dad

Prada. Versace. Moschino. Yes, the dad in your house may be able to handle couture, too. Maybe even covets it.

For more ideas, check out a few of the fresh StyleFeeds of great dads we know (and there are more dads around our office this year than last…congrats!). They’re always checking out something new and putting it on their feeds.

It could be that the dad you’re shopping for isn’t exactly as hip as Phil , Shergul or Alex, but maybe they can help. Whatever you do, don’t forget June 21. (And don’t think for a minute that we don’t care. Just in case you were wondering. We like a stylish gift or two this time of year as much as you do. Maybe more.)

- A Concerned StyleFeeder Dad

Yes, I graduated from college! Here are the shoes I wore on my graduation day:

I bought these a year ago for $16 at Ross and had never worn them. Notice the picture on the left of me trying to discreetly massage my feet with a smile on my face!

Graduation means freedom and an entrance into the “real world” (which, in the current economy, is a bit scary for the class of 2009), but on a more materialistic note, it also means graduation presents. I’ve been blessed to have a loving and generous family, and I received a lot of great gifts — most of which went straight into my savings account, as it should be with any grad.

Anyway, with a $20 Victoria’s Secret gift card (and a very well-timed 25%-off-a-single-item special), I was able to score these 4-inch Colin Stuart heels for under $30 — and the original price was $88!

What do you think? What shoes do you have your eye on this summer?

Make sure you check out the limited-edition Loomstate collection for Target!

The 100% certified organic cotton clothing (for men and women) is super-soft to the touch and fits great to the body. The men’s clothing, in particular, stands out with basics like t-shirts jazzed up with graphics.

Check out some of my picks:

• Pelican Tee
• Owl Tee
• Breathe Tee
• Black woven tank
• Plaid shirt dress

Yesterday I visited my local H&M and tried on one of the Matthew Williamson dresses. I loved it, but thought it was slightly pricey for H&M–$80! What do you think of the dress?

1. THE STELLA McCARTNEY-INSPIRED BAG

Why she inspires us: She’s been committed to creating eco-friendly fashion way before it was in vogue (or Vogue magazine), plus she created a pretty fly (and affordable) line of bags for LeSportSac that women- and moms-on-the-go can neatly fit their busy lives into.

2. ANGELINA JOLIE-INSPIRED SHADES

Why she inspires us: Because she’s brought attention to the plight of disadvantaged women and children around the world – and knows how to rock the hell out of a pair of oversized sunglasses.

3. KELLY RIPA-INSPIRED PUMPS

Why she inspires us: She works a bazillion jobs – Regis & Kelly co-host (which requires her to be perky and gorgeous at the crack of dawn!), working actress, women’s rights advocate, Electrolux spokeswoman… – and manages to keep up with her children in the coolest heels.

4. THE PROJECT RUNWAY FINALIST, LAURA BENNET-INSPIRED LBD

Why she inspires us: Because she’s a mom of six – including 5 young boys – and she still manages to look effortlessly chic while pursuing her dream of designing timeless, well-made pieces for women.

5. THE MICHELLE OBAMA-INSPIRED BROOCH

Why she inspires us: Because she represents for working moms with comfortable and practical pieces like flats and cardigans, yet isn’t afraid to shine in bold graphics, bejeweled pieces and her signature brooches. Plus! She lets herself be photographed in her Jimmy Choos more than once!

Because of the smashing success that was his first capsule collection for H&M, Williamson has once again decided to bring great style to the masses through frugal fashionista favorite H&M.

I’m raiding this collection ASAP because it’s just so darned gorgeous. Want to see my favorite items?

But my question is, are you adopting this new trend? Are you trading in your fitted and embellished tops, curve-announcing dresses and sky-scraping stilettos for more comfy styles – or incorporating BOTH ideas into your closet? Do tell!

For major impact, try white-based bedding – a fresh, crisp and clean background really sets off a punch of color!

Target Watercolor Floral Quilt

Pottery Barn Suzani Embroidered Duvet (on sale now!)

Bright and Happy! An array of spring colors!

The Company Store Newbury Plaid Quilt

Garnet Hill Zinnia

Geometric Prints

Dwell Studio Collage Duvet

Add a bit of sunshiny yellow and it’s also the “it” color for 2009

Gala by Wildcat Territory

Combine two trends with the gray and citron duvet from Bliss Living Home:

Have you purchased Spring bedding this year?

They come in many different styles:

Above: Jshoes Sorrento in Black at Revolve Clothing

Above: Hi There Sussannas in Black by Irregular Choice

Above: Warm Leatherette Sandals at Modcloth

And even in boot version:

Above: Figaro Boots at Modcloth

I wasn’t sure about these styles when I first saw them but I have to say, the ”sandal bootie” is growing on me. I haven’t bought a pair yet bu, I am seriously considering it.

How about all you fashionistas?

Loving or hating the “sandal bootie”?

Pretty jewelry is a girl’s best friend and just waiting for you to discover it.

Be it for the neck:

Above: Three Stone Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane

Above: Dipped Agate Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Daisy Sprig Necklace at Lulus.com

Or on the wrist:

Above: Lady Luck Charm Bracelet at Lulus.com

Above: Black Stone Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane

Shining on your fingers:

Above: Blushing Orchid Ring at Tradewinds Imports

Above: Mexico Sterling Turquoise Stone Ring at Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection

Or dangling from your ears:

Above: Gypsy Sun Earrings by Erickson Beamon

Above: Florida Keys Earrings at Francesca’s Collections

It’s time to put away those gloves, stash those scarves, and hang up those woolie hats. Time to put on something pretty and embrace spring.

Still, I have found there are things I am willing to spend more money on. For me it is shoes and handbags though I am a lot more careful in choosing styles that will last more than one season.

Shoes like these by Report Signature:

Which are very “of the moment” but can be potentially worn for more than one season.

Or handbags like this one by Fendi:

A bag that can easily be used year after year until it wears out due to it’s classic style.

I am going for the more expensive shoes and handbags despite the economy situation because they are items of clothing that get a lot of wear and it is better to have quality bags and shoes that will hold up to this wear. It’s much better than constantly having to replace shoes that fall apart after a few wears or handbags that just don’t last because the shoulder strap broke on the third use.  At least that is how I think on the subject.

How about all you fashionistas? What do you still spend more money on when it comes to fashion in these economically shaky times? What do you find worth the money spent when adding to your wardrobe?

1. A FLIRTY, FLOWY DRESS

You can interpret this trend a few different ways, according to our dress buyer, Sandy. Long or short, one-shouldered or sleeveless, a bold floral print or solid bright color, the goal is to have a dress that can easily translate from day to night with some statement-making detail. If you’re big on weekend trips, go with a jersey dress that packs well.

2. A CLASSIC TRENCHCOAT WITH A TWIST

The trenchcoat is a timeless spring classic and a great way to buy into the season’s biggest trends. For example, instead of the traditional khaki, go for a bold-color or a double-breasted style, or a belt with a wide buckle or oversized buttons – some detail that updates the trench so it feels timely.

3. AN “AGGRESSIVE” ACCESSORY

Whether it’s a pair of shoes or a new bag, it’s all about the over-the-top statement piece. Shoes: sky-scraping platforms heavy on the straps, studs, cutouts, fringe or perforations. The bolder the better, which means flats – unless they’re gladiators or timeless Cole Haan – are out. Jewelry too. Chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles, Grecian cuffs and ethnic pieces are the bling for spring. For bags think bright-colored or exotic-skin leathers, hardware like studs and grommets, and less obvious shapes like the clutch. If you can’t afford a designer bag right now, hot indie labels like Rebecca Minkoff (a celebrity fave) and Treesje have amazing wallet-friendly pieces that are totally on-trend.

4. “BOYFRIEND” BASICS

We got a preview of this trend when Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a pair of pegged jeans around town last summer and now “boyfriend” jeans are back. Our denim buyer, Jessica says worn, torn and “distressed” wash jeans are an important trend this spring mainly because people want to look good without looking they tried to look good. Our tees and cardigans buyer, Kate concurs, “It’s very, ‘I just threw it on,’” as she explains why some of spring’s hottest tees are made from “slub” – a cotton fabric looks deliberately broken-in and the trend in cardigans is cozy, oversized comfort with luxe nautical details.

5. A “BOHO GLAM” SWIMSUIT

Think graphic tribal prints, hardware details, embroidery and embellishments, our swimwear buyer, Joanna advises. If you want more bang for your bathing suit, go with a one-piece that can transform into a super-glam top over a flirty skirt or jeans.

It points to the arrival of spring, hopefully, just around the corner. So many different styles of sandals and I just have to share some of the styles I am seeing with all the StyleFeeder fashionistas.

There is a huge amount of “gladiator on steroids” style sandals out this spring. Like this pair by Dolce Vita:

I love buckles on sandals and the more the better. 

I am seeing a lot of braiding in sandals as well. Sometimes combined with interesting colours and buckles like these by Modern Vintage Shoes:

The purple leather and the braiding just catch the eye. They would look great on the foot.

There are a lot of 1970s inspired sandals out this spring as well like these by Azzedine Alaia:

I love the cut-outs in the sandals, the rich colour of the leather, and the black design along the heels. A fun mixture of retro and funky up-to-date.

Then there is Marc Jacobs design for the wrap/tie sandal:

I love them but have always struggled to keep wrap/tie sandals tied without cutting off my circulation. I really love the crocheted look they have and they look airy enough for very warm days.

These sandals by ld tuttle are they style I am looking all over for:

The style is so popular right now and versions of this design come in many colours, including these coral colour ones by Report Footwear:

So pretty and coralis very of the moment when it comes to spring colours. I am seeing so many items of clothing in coral. It makes me wish I could rock that colour myself but, it does not go well with my skintone. The sandals are really cool though.

If you love strappy sandals you will love these sandals by Report Footwear:

They are metallic black, have studded side hardware at the closure, and are just so strappy. They would look great with jeans or a dress.

These sandals are classic yet funky looking and by Forever 21:

I love the cut out in the wedge of the sandals and the fact that they are only $24.80. Funky, cool, and affordable.

There are so many styles, colours, and price ranges for the sandals out this spring. Just pick a style that appeals to you and track down the version/designer you want. Your feet have been hidden in shoes for too long. They long to be free, and pretty, in a great pair of sandals.

Lately, I’ve been seen lots of fuchsia and purple-colored confections show up on my Watchlist, so obviously someone out there is loving the combo. But are they actually wearing them? I want to hear from you fashion-forward ladies….would you sport these stunners? And if so, what are you pairing them with?

There’s a variety of ways to wear the kimono, depending on your body type. The top and dress below are more traditional interpretations, and would be flattering on almost anyone.

I particularly love the silk top by Single on the left. The color/pattern combo is a little out there, but I think I would wear this throughout the summer with jeans, wedges and a set of bangles. It puts me in a Saturday-afternoon-shopping-with-the-girls state of mind.

These dresses are a slinky, sophisticated take on the kimono. Because they don’t feature the traditional obi-style belt that creates beautiful waist definition, they may not work as well on curvier ladies, but could work great to create the illusion of curves on more boyish frames.

I’m kind of digging the over-the-top sleeves on this tunic, but I think the bold pattern pushes it a little too far toward the “dramatic” end of the spectrum for my tastes.

But I’m loving this subtle interpretation by Celine. The subdued Asian-inspired cherry print and understated belt make this dress a must-have for summer, even without kimono sleeves. If you’ve got beautiful biceps, I can’t think of a better way to show them off!

Will you be trying out a kimono-inspired piece this season?

Jessica Biel… Okay I don’t know what Jessica was thinking but this was one confusing outfit, was it pants… was it a dress.. was it a pant-dress?

Sophia Loren… well, what can I can I say? It was a big orange and yellow mess!

Thanks to DawnDelRusso, Dannigyrl, fashioncitizen, THEflyGIRL for their animated comments! What’s your favorite fashion gossip tech tool?

Maybe it’s the hint of Valentine’s Day chocolates still laying around stores, but there’s something about red and pink that really catch my eye. Accessories, pants, coats: everything looks better in these fun, flirty colors.

1. Delias has expanded their denim/pants collection to include 37” inseams and I couldn’t be more excited! I like the bold red color of these skinny jeans, but keep the rest of your outfit simple. An oatmeal or khaki-colored trenchcoat, some simple flats or boots and wooden or neutral jewelry would be best.
2. I like the zigzag print on this scarf.
3. Bold colors and satin go together like peanut butter and jelly.
4. Bright-colored lingerie is fun to wear underneath more serious clothing. No one needs to know you’re breaking dress code under your banker suit!
5. If you’re still scared of color, start out with a dark red or maroon to ease into it. This dress is a good example of a more subdued red shade.
6. Versions of these red shoes are popping up in every store. Pick up a pair!
7. Turtleneck dresses are a safe choice for work, but also translate really well for going out at night. You can dress this one up or down just by changing your shoes, tights or jewelry.
8. These slouchy red boots are to die for.
9. Babydoll dresses can be hard to pull off, but the trick is to make sure you buy a size (or couple sizes) smaller than you’d usually wear.
10. Stock up on lots of skinny belts in bold colors like red, pink and yellow to add pizazz to your basic t-shirts and dresses.
11. Although winter is winding down in a month or so, keeping a three-quarter-length sleeve coat on hand is smart, at least until the end of April. The nights are chilly and there’s nothing worse than being cold while trying to have a good time!
12. Red sunglasses make me happy each time I put them on. Try a pair like this for a quick pick-me-up while walking outside!
13. My favorite item listed here is this adorable dress. Even the buttons are cute.
14. Every girl–and I do mean every girl–needs a pair of red platform pumps.

What color do you prefer for spring fashion: red or pink?

It’s hard for single people this time of year when advertising bombards us with images of happy couples gifting one another with luxury gifts to show their undying love for one another.

Why not ignore the advertising and lovey-dovey couples this year and indulge yourself?  That’s right, gift yourself…who says that you cannot? There is no rule against gifting yourself every once in a while.

Here are some gift ideas for the single gal that I have found online.

Why not make yourself a yummy chocolate goodie using this cookbook? The Deep Chocolate cookbook is only $19.95 from Fredflare.com

Making your own chocolate goodies is better than getting the semi-stale boxes of chocolate from the supermarket from a last-minute shopping boyfriend, right?

Next, why not light some candles to relax? Like these:

This 6-piece candle set from Overstock.com is only $55.99 and would set the mood for a long soak in the bath.

Once the candles have set the mood, it’s time to prepate a bath with wonderful scented bubble bath.

A Diet You can Live With Gift Set by Philosophy at Sephora.com gives you three great scents to add to your tub: Pink Frosted Layer cake, Creme Brulee, or Fudge Cake. Quite an indulgence for just $30.00.

Or you can choose:

Cinnamon Red Hots scented bubble bath by Philosophy smells just like the candy version and is almost good enough to eat. It’s only $16.00 as well, so not too expensive if you want to indulge yourself in cinnamon scent.

After a long relaxing soak in a bath, why not paint those nails…both fingers and toes.

 Sephora has many great nail polish colours in the Sephora by Opi nail polish line. They have just come out with six new colours for spring, all bright and spring-like. My favorite is 24/7 (pictured). They are only $9.00 as well.

Then treat your lips right (for future kissing when Mr. Right comes along) by putting on a bit of lip gloss.

Another great, new, gift set by Philosophy. This lip gloss duo is flavored Candy Hearts and Pink Bubbly. The gloss both smooths and moisturizes your lips as well as tastes great! It’s only $20.00 at Sephora.

After your bath, slip into this incredibly comfortable sleep set by Victoria’s Secret:

Not only is the sleep set comfortable but it is also organic. It only costs $26.00 as well, so why not indulge yourself? Who says you can only dress pretty for a boyfriend?

Buy yourself some jewelry! Being single doesn’t mean you can’t gift yourself with some bling. Boyfriends can be so cheap in gifting anyway and you need something pretty to wear!

Maybe this love necklace by Zad I found on Lulus.com. It’s only $11.00 and really eye-catching.

Or, my personal favorite, this Love Note necklace in sterling silver from Dogeared Jewels. It’s $74.00 and you know you are worth it!

Or if you really want to indulge yourself:

This Louis Vuitton ring is a spendy $265.00 at eLuxury but sometimes a gal just needs to gift herself with something expensive!

Just remember ladies, single does not mean dead. Valentine’s Day can be a day to celebrate yourself and show yourself a little love. Men can be so unpredictable and “hit or miss” with gifts anyway, you might as well make sure you get something you really want!

Luckily, you’re not restricted to buying just one patterned piece, but I’m curious…If you could only buy one printed item for spring, what would it be?

A fabulous floral?

A wearable watercolor?

Modern graphic?

Or classic black and white?

I am a lover of huge rings with very noticeable design. It thrills the accessory lover in me and makes me break out those rings that have been hanging out in my jewelry box waiting to see the light of day.

It ’s easy way to make a statement with a large ring without layering on tons of jewelry and also there are so many different styles to choose from. I am in ring heaven!

Some recent finds of mine:

Above: A ring I had to order because it looked very similar to rings I had seen while in NYC that were a lot more expensive. It is my birthday soon and I wanted to treat myself. Since the ring is only $18.00 at Francesca’s Collections, it would not be too expensive for me to add to my jewelry box.

Above: Another ring at Francesca’s Collections that is $18.00 and it is similar to the huge, floral, rings that I have been seeing everywhere in stores.

Above: This ring is only $24.00 at Francesca’s Collections and it simple yet stands out. It would look great on the hand while not being too funky in style.

Above: This large ring by mark at Avon looks really primitive yet cool. I own it in the silver and it doesn’t snag tights, clothes, random furniture material, like a lot of large rings do because of it not having sharp edges. It is also only $14.00 which is a nice price for a ring this large.

Above: Another great, larger, ring at Lulu’s Fashion Lounge. This ring is only $8.00 and would really stand out on the hand when you wear it with the right outfit.

Lulu’s is always a great source for trendy jewelry because it is so inexpensive to indulge in accessorizing your wardrobe by shopping their site. It doesn’t drain the bank account too badly and you don’t feel you are wasting money on a trend that may not suit you.

Above: A more expensive ring at $72.00 from shopbop.com. I am loving the large stone which is resin cabochon and mimics turquoise which is one of my favorite stones used in jewelry. It is also simple enough to transcend one season and be worn far into the future.

Above: A fun, bold, frog design, ring form shopbop.com that costs $48.00. It is the sort of ring you have to have a bit of gust to wear since it will be noticed due to it’s size and design. It also is 18k gold plated so definitely is not costume jewelry.

These are only a few of the large ring finds I have stumbled across online. There are many more, in many different price categories, out there to be found, swooned over, and bought.

So what are you waiting for? Break out those large rings, maybe add a few new to your jewelry collection, and wear them proudly!

To begin we have the ever popular Herman Miller Aeron Chair, sold at Design Within Reach. Sleek and super comfy, it is now available in the Titanium Weave. I just love the cool gray look!

West Elm highlights the Tubular Desk Chair in a soft gray felt. Its understated, clean lines have a bit of a retro feel that I appreciate. I could see this contrasting with a cottage-y, curved, wooden desk. It would be unexpected, but that makes it fun!

The Milan Chair from Ballard Designs looks incredibly comfy, it even has a tension tilt mechanism which allows you to rock in the chair! Sounds like a winner to me!

Ikea offers the Patrik Chair which I love in the Fagrabo Red! How fun would it be to pair this vibrant red chair with a black metal sawhorse desk? Fabulous!

Simple, clean lined and classic the Ada Swivel Chair is available at Chiasso. It’s ideal for many desk sizes and at $128 it is a bargain!

Another Herman Miller favorite (could you tell I use to work for a HM Dealer?!) is a “fun” chair, the Caper! This is a small, light weight, easy to move chair which can be used in many different applications. It is ergonomically correct (so there will be no back aches…) and is available in 14 colors.

What type of chair do you sit in? Do you chose style over comfort?

Whatever you celebrate, we wish you a very happy holiday season, and lots of good gifts both given and received. Please drop by and tell us about your favorite present, and we’ll compare notes on the loot!

Grace & Cello’s “Lucia” recycled wool coat cuts a sophisticated line for women headed to the office or a mid-week cocktail party. Where does recycled wool come from, you may wonder. According to Grace & Cello’s Gerri Brightwell, “The wool in our coats is created by using roll ends, scraps and other pieces of fabric that normally fall to the cutting floor and are wasted. These scraps are reconstituted into the fabric that we use for our coats.” Made in Montreal, not only are these stunning pieces sustainably made, they are also 100% sweatshop-free. So feel good about Grace & Cello’s pattern makers, cutters, and sewers- Maryse, Angelo, Leo, Tony, Mrs. Anna and Cheng hope you like their clothing, too.

The City of Angels has turned out the most coveted coat of the season: The Battalion’s “Ali Cape.” Any woman of high style and sophistication would be hard pressed not to scrounge together the necessary funds for this de rigeur coat, even amidst the current economic downturn. (I could be projecting here.) A draped hood and scarf attaches to this dramatic and colorful cloak, creating layers of fabulosity to this cloak inspired by Ali McGraw’s classic look in the 70’s. This bank account bandit by the Wong sisters is made from bamboo and organic cotton, certified by Oeko-Tex. Even if you can’t feel good about the Ali Cape’s effect on your finances, you can feel great about supporting sustainable manufacturing and farming practices. I’m going to consider it a worthy investment…for your wardrobe and the world. (Okay, that’s pushing it, I realize. I just had to purchase a ticket on the justify train with this one.)

From the right coast of the US, Brooklyn-based Nina Valenti of Naturevsfuture has designed a sleek and super warm coat for freezing cold weather. The “Fleece Zip Up Jacket” is made from recycled Polartec® fleece, a combination of yarn crafted from PCP post-consumer plastic (soda bottles) and PIR post-industrial materials (scraps of fabric and yarn leftovers). This jacket is perfect for art openings, job interviews, and getting wined and dined by someone who’s really worth it. Since 2002, Naturevsfuture has consistently crafted asymetrical sustainable pieces for women who don’t want to just wear their clothing, they want to rock it. Says Valenti, “Naturevsfuture is an artistic statement in the form of clothing. It fuses classic with cutting edge, and deconstructive with a refined elegance to create a new & exciting look, suiting one’s complex personality.” Agreed.

Plaid goes way beyond fad this season with snowboard company Burton. The GMP Dante Jacket is an equal match for slippery slopes and snowy city streets. GMP stands for Green Mountain Project, Burton’s first collection of boots, bindings, gloves, and outerwear that utilizes recycled materials and eco-friendly weatherproofing technology. This coat is absolutely made to last which is the most eco attribute of all, and even comes with a Burton lifetime warranty. It’s such a pleasure to see mainstream companies greening their collections, especially the snowboarding industry, whose business is so enmeshed in the issue of global warming. Ride or die.

From Northwestern designer Emily Katz, comes a cozy ecochic fleece coat. Katz is using reclaimed poly fleece from “mill ends,” that would otherwise go unused, to create the “Wow Rainjacket.” This belted coat in “dusk” bells out below the waist, creating a classic, feminine feel on a very contemporary design. Wow is right.

Seems like eco fashion has finally evolved to a place where true clothes hounds no longer have to sacrifice to save their conscience. Give thanks to the designers making this a reality for us! Amen.

These days, I live in a tropical zone with no snow or pine trees, and my beloved horse is just happy memories, which leaves me to get my holiday tree in a different fashion. Since deforestation is threatening the earth’s ecobalance, and I really can’t stand plastic plants, I have been looking for alternatives to the traditional Xmas tree. Below are some of the options I’ve found.

Wooden trees bring a piece of nature into your home. They can be reused and painted and decorated to fit any style. X’mas tree from Sandra Lindner and Green X-mas Tree from Buro North.

Live potted Xmas trees will make your home fragrant. Get a live rosemary tree or start a tradition by growing your own Xmas tree from scratch.

Shiny metal tealight holder Xmas trees will brighten your season and provide a place to hang your Xmas ornaments. The Estilo stainless steel tealight tree and Nickel plated tree tealite holder are great options.

Xmas tree wall stickers is a great modern alternative for rooms with limited space. Artsy vinyl Xmas tree by Phoebe Washburn and vinyl Xmas tree by Marilyn Minter. The Xmas tree wall graphic decal 1 and Xmas tree wall graphic decal 2 from Etsy comes in lots of different colors.

Something to consider for next Xmas?

SpareSoles are perfect for fashionistas who forgo comfort for style and sport killer heels (emphasis on “killer”) on party nights. (We all do it!) Light and portable, they’re easy to tuck away into an evening bag or clutch. While they don’t provide much support, they’re sure to relieve achy feet from four and five-inch heels during formal events and functions.

Help your pal make the most of the shoe collection she already has by giving her a pair of shoe clips. Shoe clips are an easy way to add new life and flair to a plain pair of shoes. Try Absolutely Audrey or Shoeworthy – some are even made out of vintage brooches and pendants!

You can also think beyond the shoes and about what will make her comfortable — what does she want after a night on her feet? Maybe this Davies Gate Seeds & Grains Best Foot Forward Super Luxe Foot Set will do the trick! It includes a Buckwheat Buffing Soap, a warming Mustard Seed Foot Serum, and a hydrating Cardamom Foot Butter. And, of course, comfy terry slippers are always a winner — and these are even monogrammable.

For a bit of humor, give her something fun but useful like a high heel cake server or stiletto letter opener.

Stiletto by Caroline Cox is a historical analysis about how the stiletto heel has been perceived since its invention (elegant or vulgar?). And if your friend is concerned with keeping up with the trends, sign her up for a subscription to Lucky magazine — each issue displays practical translations of runway couture to real world style.

None of these options quite right for your shoe addict friend? Send a Piperlime gift card her way and let her choose her gift — shipping is free, it never expires, and with their wide selection, she’ll definitely find a pair of shoes she loves!

What happens when the friend/relative doesn’t drop hints and they are the type of person who isn’t into the latest American Idol Winner CD or fuzzy slippers as gifts? You know, the loved one who walks to the beat of their own drummer and is of the creative mindset. What do you do then?

I have been wandering the Internet for the past few weeks looking for inexpensive gift ideas for those types of people because, well, being a photographer, I am one myself. So let’s see if I can help you out a bit.

For The Artist:

These colored pencils are made out of recycled Chinese newspapers! The come in their own tube for storage and are fun, as well as functional. They are also only $10!

This book offering tips on how to be creative when making cards and envelopes for postal mail is perfect for those artists who love to keep in touch with faraway friends. It has 25 different creative projects for those who love to write snailmail and is only $20.95!

For The Writer:

Every writer, professional or someone who just loves to journal, loves to have a place to write down all their thoughts and ideas. Why not get them a classy blank book to capture all the ideas running around in their heads? This blank, unlined, moleskine journal is only $15.00.

This book is for the writer who wants to publish their own books, zines, graphic novels, or any other form of book on their own. It is full of ideas and resources to get the writer published and it is only $21.95.

For The Photographer:

The Holga camera is perfect for that photographer in your life who loves to be artistic with their images. The Holga has light leaks and sometimes even double exposes the film which can create interesting images during printing. Holgas are perfect for black/white medium format (120) film and, as I own one myself, I highly recommend them. Your best bet for buying on cheaply is to go to a site like Calumet Photo where you can buy one for only $32.99.

For The Budding Fashion Designer:

If your loved one is a fashion designer in the making, or just a lover of fashion, this is the book for them. This book is full of sketches, designs, and drawings from designers like Betsey Johnson and Karl Lagerfeld, to name a few. This $40 buy will definitely inspire the fashion lover in your life to get sketching those ideas for fashion out on paper.

This origami kit comes with instructions and folding papers so the fashionista in your life can fold origami clothing and accessories to their heart’s content. The best part? You can gift this for only $12!

For The Creative Traveler:

This guidebook is perfect for the traveler that likes to go off the beaten path and avoid the cliché tourist sites when in NYC. Full of color photos, the book explains unusual destinations, as well as how to get there. Perfect for the traveler that likes to really get to know a place that they visit and for $22.95, it won’t break the bank.

This journal is perfect for that creative traveler that wants to record their wanderings in the world. It has plenty of room for writing, doodling, making lists, and features built-in envelopes to stash ticket stubs and other items from your travels. Priced at $27, it comes with a pouch to protect the journal.

These are just a few of the finds I have made recently online that would make great gifts for those hard-to-buy-for creative people in your life. Have fun shopping and try not to get buried under stress this holiday season!

Two Stylefeeder users will receive 6, that’s right SIX, chicBuds to give to your family and friends this holiday season. That’s six gifts you won’t have to buy!

chicBuds…

• Were voted TOP 10 unique earphones by PC Magazine
• Are worn by celebrities such as Cindy Crawford.
• Incorporate Swarovski crystals and artwork by high-end designers.
• Have quality sound compatible with iPods, iPhones, airplane connectors, CD players, work-out machines, DVD players, computers, MP3 players… basically any listening device!

So how do you enter? It’s super easy!

Step One:
Smile! Email a picture (.jpg) of you in a super cute outfit using your favorite technology device to chictechstarlet@gmail.com. It can be a ipod, your mobile phone or a laptop!

Make sure you let me know what you are wearing down to the accessories and what device you are using because I’ll be posting your pictures here and at my blog.

Step Two:
If you don’t have one, sign up for a Stylefeeder account and Add Me To Your Watchlist.

Step Three:
Comment on this post with a link to your Stylefeeder Profile.

So what are you waiting for, smile and pose for your chance to win The Technology Starlet chicBuds Holiday Gift Giveaway. You have until 12:00 am MST December 12th to enter your comments here! Winners will be chosen randomly on December 13th and products will be shipped on the 14th. Only available to USA entries.

If your boyfriend seems stressed about gifts, show him this link. Most of these gifts are less than $20 and all are covetable in their own right.

1. Stocking – This plastic to-go cup is environmentally friendly and budget-conscious too. You can save up to $30 a week making your own coffee at home, but still carry the familiar cup in your hand. $20.00
2. Christmas Eve – The Night Before Christmas was originally titled A Visit from St. Nicholas. Find an early edition copy for a lovely and nostalgic Christmas Eve gift. $10-25
3. Stocking – J.Crew makes lovely gloves, like this yellow fingerless pair. Slip the mittens over your fingers if you get chilly! $12.50
4. Christmas Eve – Christmas Eve pajamas are a must-buy. Make them sexy, but with some holiday-ish print. Victoria’s Secret has great options. $39.50
5. Under The Tree – Take tons of photos with this adorable pink fisheye camera. $48
6. Under The Tree – More of a couple present, this wine accessories kit is a great deal, comes in a nice boxed set and is the perfect thing to bring along on a spring picnic. $12.50
7. Stocking – Starbucks has this great gift set of holiday blend coffee featuring characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas. $40
8. Under The Tree – With everyone so busy these days, it’s hard to find time to read a long, exhaustive novel. Try a collection of short stories for quick pick-me-ups. $12
9. Under The Tree – To make perfume buying easy, get this collection of popular scent samples. $50
10. Under The Tree – Every girl loves shoes. Just find the right size! $48
11. Under The Tree – Turtlenecks are a wardrobe must-have, especially in the winter, as you can wear them over and over. Try them under summer dresses to extend your wardrobe when the snow flies. $10 each
12. Stocking – Adorable gingham headbands at an amazing price. $2.80
13. Under The Tree – Every woman loves flowers, but try these more earthy, elegant arrangements for something different. $50
14. Christmas Eve – You must have slippers to go with your new Christmas pajamas. May I suggest these from Old Navy? I have them and adore them. $20
15. Under The Tree – The entire series of Sex and the City is the kind of decadent gift every woman wants, but would never buy for herself. Wrap it pretty! $95

It looks easy enough to double wrap a strand of pearls around my wrists and layer on a bunch of necklaces and chains, but I fear that what looks very Les Fashionable on American Idol finalist (and Olsen twin doppelganger in this photo anyway), Ramiele Malubay, would look very Coco Chanel Halloween costume on me.

Help us cross that millionth user threshold by telling all your shopping-obsessed friends why they should join StyleFeeder (it’s a great way to track and share your finds and get inspired by other fashionistas, natch). Even your peeps who hate to shop will love the site…because StyleFeeder gets to know your tastes, we can make recommendations that make shopping faster, easier and more fun. Even search results are returned in your predicted order of preference!

So take a minute, send an invite to your friends, and if you’re the lucky winner who refers our millionth user, your toughest decision will be what designer dress and shoes you’re going to spend 500 clams on! Click here for official rules.

1. Wine glasses

They’re the perfect gift for just about anyone, whether they drink wine or not. Sparkling cider or white wine alike can be enjoyed in this set of stemless Chardonnay tumblers (just $15)!

2. A Cozy Winter Accessory

Berets are totally on trend this winter, so I don’t think anyone on your gift list would be mad to unwrap this 100% cashmere topper. It comes in black and chocolate brown as well. At $25, you might wanna treat yourself to one as well.

3. Something Chic for the Home

Candles are always a great idea – which is why most people have one or two collecting dust in their homes already. I recommend a candle holder instead. It doesn’t burn away, so it’s automatically a better investment. This crystal, square-cut Vera Wang holder is a steal at $15.

4. Small jewelry pieces

Baubles are a thoughtful gift for the fashionista in your life. Just be sure you know their taste well. Your boho friend, for example, would totally dig this wooden bangle by Kenneth Kay Lane – and you’ll dig that it’s $20 on Bluefly, not $50 which is what it retails for.

If your budget’s a lil’ higher than $25, there’s a plethora tres chic wallets & cosmetics clutches for under $50. Take a look, and happy shopping!

For My Sister:

This jeweled headband is made from vintage pieces, making it one-of-a-kind.

For My Mum:

My mom and dad have a black lab they love dearly, and my mother likes to find little home decor items or the like that have subtle appearances of their dog. She’d really like these adorable holiday greeting cards.

The vase is another good find: it’s all handmade porcelain, and the yellow interior would match the colors of the living room and sitting room in my parents’ home.

For Dad:

My dad is notoriously hard to shop for. It’s not that he’s picky, it’s just difficult to find something useful or meaningful that’s not power tools, ties or cuff-links. This gorgeous photograph of Nova Scotia, Canada, where he grew up, would be perfect framed in his home office.

Okay, I know, cufflinks are so freaking cliched, but these are made out of vintage typewriter keys, for goodness sake. So cool.

For My Fiance:

You’re thinking, “Teacups? Seriously?”

I’m not crazy–my fiance is a strange bird. He enjoys shopping for home decor and looking at decorations and paint ideas. He could spend hours in Ikea. I’m not kidding.

This teacup set is really unique because one, it’s handmade, and two, it’s designed specifically with items you may find in video games (weapons, health elixirs, etc.) My fiance is not only a video game fan, but also works in the industry, so this is really ideal for him.

The soaps are a super stocking stuffer. My fiance hates body wash and gel because, and I quote, “They don’t clean well enough.” He’s a big bar soap fan, and these have the scent of frankincense and myrrh: how appropriate for Christmas!

The last item is a set of skinny ties. My fiance loves skinny ties and refuses to wear “regular” ones. I often hunt around vintage shops to see if I can find any, but since they are becoming more popular, it’s getting harder and harder to pick them up at a decent price. Etsy.com has lots of skinny tie options, and many of them are vintage, which is even better.

For Anyone!:

I love these earrings (hello, fiance!). They are affordable, beautiful and really organic-looking. Any friend would adore you for buying them these.

For a dog-lover in the family or among your friends, you can’t do much better than a doggy bowl platform as well-designed as this.

If you know a photographer, or just someone who appreciates photography and cameras, this necklace is a good bet.

One of my favorite Etsy finds is a set of Harry Potter-themed journals based upon classes that Harry and friends attended at Hogwarts. This journal–”Defense Against the Dark Arts”–is my favorite of the set, but they are all lovely and have really unique graphics and typefaces.

I like the color of this vintage-style scarf, and it makes getting dressed a cinch, as you just pull one end through the loops and it stays in place all day.

• What are you buying your family and friends this holiday season?

So what do we think? Like them any better on real people?

On a separate but related note, I was cruising around at Brown’s Fashion and stumbled upon designer Pam Hogg’s latest collection. You can purchase her superhero-esque collection as separates (leggings and T’s), but I’m digging this jumpsuit more:

Having grown up believing Wonder Woman was a feminist icon, I can appreciate Hogg’s inspiration. But in this economy, is anyone going to shell out more than 500 pounds to look like a glam Power Ranger?

I’ve been working like crazy to plan, organize and pull the event together, but one detail that seems to be difficult to wrap up is what shoes the bridesmaids will wear with their dress. I have five of my best friends and family serving as bridesmaids, and I’m so excited to see them in their vintage-inspired dresses with retro headbands/hair pieces.

But what shoes should they wear?

Here’s the bridesmaid dress:

It’s from David’s Bridal, and is fairly affordable, which is good since several of my bridesmaids are still in college. I love the retro styling. If you are interested in this bridesmaid dress, order it soon! According to a salesperson at my local David’s Bridal store, they are discontinuing this dress momentarily because it was a “trend piece,” the likes of which they bring in seasonally.

The bridesmaids are going to wear a navy ribbon around their waist, tied into a bow in the back.

I’m not going to go all bridezilla and tell them how to do their hair, but I do want vintage headbands and hair pieces (jeweled, perhaps) to give more of a retro flair.

Here are some shoes I’ve considered thus far:

Which ones do you like? Do you have any suggestions?

I’m looking for retro-inspired cream heels, but I’m open to gray, bone or off-white colored shoes as well. It’s March, so closed-toe or peep-toe is preferable.

Thanks for the help!

But I say it’s all about the “It” Accessory. With the economy going to pot, it’s all about using one or two amazing statement accessories to add new flavor to your favorite, broken-in pair of jeans or a “this old thing” dress.

Will you be buying a pair of “It Shoes” like the pair featured above for this season? Or are you with me on sticking with accessories?

This is one of those times:

We were especially surprised to find these so-called “crotch drop leggings” on Karmaloop, which we generally respect as a fun fashion source.

So maybe we’re missing something here…are there occasions when dropped crotch leggings are appropriate attire?

Perhaps, for Halloween, you’re looking to dress as an 80s version of Mr. Tumnus from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?

Pregnant and worried about not making it to the hospital in time?

I’m totally serious here, I need to know.

What do I wear you ask? I go for comfort, creating a dressy casual, modern look.

I may wear a shirt like this one:

With these jeans:

And these very funky, cool, heels:

Then, add accessories, the finishing touches. Something like this very cool necklace:

This simple, yet pretty, bracelet:

This classic looking clutch:

And maybe a ring like this one:

Now I’m ready for anything the night might throw at me! What do you like to wear for a night on the town?

http://blog.stylefeeder.com/?p=501 You’ve seen the iPhone commercials… who hasn’t? The thing that kind of makes me mad is that they don’t really show how you can use the iPhone from a woman’s point of view. Men are not the only people that use technology, and it seems that Apple, and other retailers, have a real problem seeing that.

For example, I’ll bet you didn’t know that you could get up-to-the second updates of Style.com directly to your iPhone without visiting their site, or that you could see Chanel’s entire collection in a few seconds. Below, I’ll go through my discovery of some iPhone fashion features, illustrated by images directly from my iPhone.

Style.com iPhone App (Free)

Style.com’s iPhone application is hands down the best iPhone application I have ever used… especially for fashion enthusiasts and bloggers. You can get up-to-the-minute updates, pictures and videos on ever major collection! I’m not kidding… it’s a powerful application, especially indispensable during Fashion Week.

First I downloaded the application to my iPhone from the iTunes Application Store and synced it to my iPhone… it showed up on my home screen (top right corner).

When I clicked on the application, it took about two seconds to load.

Once I was into the home application, I had choices to see the latest images from Spring 2009, view all shows from Spring 2009, view Fall 2008 couture from Paris, read the latest updates from the StyleFile Blog, or view Style Videos.

I clicked on the first option to view the latest collection and it gave me an extensive list of all designer shows available.

I clicked on Alexander McQueen and images from his entire collection showed up… clicking on a thumbnail launches the slide show.

Amazing, right?

Chanel Haute Couture Show F/W 08/09 (Free)

This iPhone application gives you every possible highlight of Chanel’s Fall-Winter 08/09 Haute Couture show. To get the application on my phone, I first downloaded it on iTunes and synced it to my iPhone (bottom left icon).

Once I clicked on it, it took about one second to load and the home screen comes up where I have a choice to view the show, see looks and accessories, view Chanel news, or locate a store.

I choose Chanel News and when it loads I have instant access to Chanel News directly from Chanel.

As always, I encourage you to research before you buy and make sure your technology purchase benefits you! What mobile fashion apps are you addicted to?

My friend Beth drew my attention to this new trend. How could I resist opening an email with the title “Is this the new dickey?” And yes, I believe the insidious scarflette is indeed the latest incarnation of “a false shirt-front – originally known as a detachable bosom”. Check out some examples:

Why do I hate these so much, you ask? Let me count the ways:

1) Scarflette vendors inevitably style their models wearing a scarflette and nothing else. Aside from the suspension of disbelief this requires (if it’s warm enough to pose nude, the model’s neck probably isn’t freezing), I’d be much more likely to buy one if the retailer actually showed me how a scarflette could be used to accessorize my fall and winter outfits.

2) I already own a million chunky necklaces that I don’t get to wear nearly often enough — and they don’t itch or threaten to choke me

3) When I was in elementary school, I went through a phase of penning my own Goosebumps-inspired short stories…including one which featured a heroine whose hid her decapitated state from the world by attaching her head to her body through the use of a strategically-tied scarf. Apparently, I did a good job freaking myself out, because I remember it to this day and refuse to wear anything that might make me resemble The Headless Horsewoman.

What do you think? Do I need to rethink scarflettes? Are these something you’ll be adding to your wardrobe this season?

The adistar Fusion Apparel Sports Bra

This bra by Polar and Adidas gives you a sleek design with textile heart rate sensors built into the bra, moisture wicking fabric, and an engineered pattern that maximizes your freedom to move. The chest transmitter has a user-changeable battery.

The Rock Rose T-shirt by Music and Sons

Cute funky green t-shirt by Music and Sons include stereo earphones as part of the apparel. Features a washable, side pocket for your iPod, button hole to hook it to your jeans, and a iron safe screen print. On sale for 31.50 euros, each design is handmade so even though they may look alike, everyone is different in its own way.

Audex Jackets by Motorola

Ready for winter sports? Audex Jackets by Motorola and Burton have Bluetooth stereo wireless technology for streaming music from a Bluetooth enabled devices. The controls are on the jackets sleeve and allow hands free calling with a push of the button. Best part, no wires!

No-Contact Jacket

Attackers beware! The No-Contact Jacket is a wearable defensive jacket made to protect women from violence. Activate this baby and 80,000 volts of electricity burst from the entire jacket and jolts the assailant…. awesome.

Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans

Levi’s hit gold with these jeans. Levi’s Red Wire DLX Jeans come in two styles. These jeans are hot, with retractable headphones and a customizable fit. They have a hidden conductive ribbon that connects your iPod to a built in joystick controller. The joystick is the key and acts as a sleek remote control that you can use to control your iPod without removing it from your jeans.

CAMiLEON Heels

A girl’s best friend and my favorite smart clothes product are CAMiLEON Heels which are adjustable-height footwear that go from high heel to flats in an instant. So perfect for office to night out.

All of these are pretty cool inventions, but if I had a say I would probably create glasses and sunglasses that could change colors with a click of a button to match all my outfits. What fashionable clothing or accessory would you invent to make your life easier?

Pretty much my whole family decided to wear Ghanaian kente cloth – kinda like our family uniform for the day – and my sister (that’s her on the right in the blue kente) surprised me by having a one-shoulder kaba blouse and slinky maxi skirt sewn for me.

I loved the way it fit (the tight skirt gave me hips!) and I felt like flitting all over the dance floor thanks to the ruffled one shoulder strap. Here’s a full-length view (that’s me with my aunt…not the one who advised me to show off legs and shiny lips).

Ironically, my outfit ended up encapsulating the idea of both dresses I was considering. It was floor-length like the Vera Wang gown, but bright with a flirty flourish up top like the Betsey Johnson dress. Think I made the right decision?

The Allegro Settee is a great deal at $499 (though it does say assembly required, which might mean nothing more than screwing in some legs) and looks substantial at 54 inches wide. It appears to slant back ever so slightly, which I like in a settee. I prefer it in the Mocha Micro. At this price, it would be a great piece to reupholster after a year or two if you get sick of the fabric! Stack a few brightly colored pillows on it and you have a unique new settee.

Another piece which caught my eye was this magazine rack. Goodness knows I can use all the help I can get in corralling the piles of magazines I have! I like the faux leather which is different than all the metal ones we see out there and the ivory stitching is a nice detail. At $21.99 it is available in green, red and white. Now if they had purple or orange, it would be ever so trendy.

The Alpha coffee table is a unique piece with its vintage looking printers blocks. It is a great conversation piece and could be the highlight of any living room. At $899, it’s not necessarily inexpensive, but it is a piece I would suspect one would keep for a long time!

What home decor pieces are you liking for fall?

Hi, my name is Carl. I’m 21 and live in California. I’m fashion obsessed and run the Fashionisto, where I blog about menswear. Before starting my blog, I was always on the search for the latest designers and brands, but never found a place I could call home. You see, my fashion tastes are quite varied. I’m all about keeping up with the latest fashion houses like Prada, but also like to be on the lookout for new brands like Without Backbones. I’m also a big fan of mixing high and low fashion. I cannot recommend H&M enough. It’s a very affordable option and an easy way to stay on pace with the trends. In addition, I get a natural high from catching the best sales. You would be surprised how easy it is to snag designer clothing at a stellar discount. In the future, I’ll share some pointers.

Stylewise, I’m currently feeling blacks, grays, pops of deep earth tones (ie: burgundy and forest green), oversized wear, and crazy over-the-top accessories. I hope to use this as an outlet to share and discuss ideas about both menswear and womenswear. I’m excited to join the Tastemaker Diaries and look forward to interacting with you all!

We had this problem when the StyleFeeder team moved to our new offices in lovely Cambridge, Massachusetts. Luckily, fellow Tastemaker Julieann had clued me in to a company called Wonderful Graffiti. She had used their wall decals for some of her interior design clients in the past and raved about the ease of application and graphic impact. So we decided to give their products a try.

We sent the Wonderful Graffiti designers our wall measurements, an approximation of our paint color, a file of our company logo, and some quotes we wanted to use to dress up the barren wasteland that is our conference room. We sent some proofs back and forth, and next thing we knew, several tubes of decal goodness arrived in our offices.

The first one was a bit challenging to apply, but once we had the method down, the rest went up with no issues. Check out these quotes on the wall of our conference room:

And the StyleFeeder logo dressing up our reception area:

For a few hundred bucks and a little elbow grease, we had professional looking corporate identity (much more affordable for a start-up company than expensive signage) AND some snazzy-looking conversation starters in our conference room. And they’ll come right off the wall when we leave, so our security deposit will remain intact.

Check out some other real-life applications in corporate, retail and home settings here. If you’ve got a corner that’s got you stumped, or you’re a renter looking to add some color without the ability to paint or wallpaper, Wonderful Graffiti might be for you!

The bridesmaid deal was awesome – all I had to do was show up and wear what the bride told me to. But as a guest, there are all these unspoken rules. Don’t wear white or anything that could compete with the bride’s gown. Don’t wear anything too flashy (i.e. slutty), but – in the words of an aunt at the wedding I just came from, “make sure your legs are showing and your lips are shining”… don’t ask. So, I’m asking for your advice. Think I should go for something like this lilac Vera Wang dress – strapless and ankle-length with a little fashionista flourish?

What about this flirty Betsey Johnson number? Too much?

Your thoughts, pleeeze!

You see, usually when I buy ridiculously high priced gadgets, the guilt quickly leaves when I hit the office, a family function, or a party and someone says “OMG, where’d you get that?” or “That must have cost a fortune”. But this time everyone had a phone like mine… my nightmare had come true… everyone had an iPhone! As the resident Gadget Hound at The Tastemaker Diares, and in life, my number one fashion rule is to stand out with my gadgets. I’m not a trend fanatic, I’m more of a classic, like Jackie O meets couture. My gadgets, however, are usually over the top, Kimora Lee Simmons, f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s.

So how do you stand out from the crowd? You pimp out your iPhone! Here are ways to stand out with yours.

Add Some Color

At ColorWare you can customize your iPhone the way you want it. Change the iPhone, the rim of the iPhone, the SIM card holder, the earphones, and the docking station to make a fashion statement all your own. To customize all of the above you’ll probably spend about about $250. Basic customizations range from $20 to $150.

Be Yourself

Visit Skinit and add your own picture and colors to your iPhone for $39. This is a picture of the first (and last) fish I caught on an abandoned high rise off the Mississippi River. (I say last because my fiancé will never take me again. Maybe because of the three hour shopping trip the day before to get the perfect fishing attire… complete with fishing boots, a green cargo jacket, a fishing t-shirt, Baby Phat Jeans, and a pink pole. Maybe because of the pink Barbie tackle box I insisted on carrying…which held my lip gloss, cell phone, and a fingernail file. Or maybe it was the horror screams that had him running to kill an attacker, which turned out to be a bug…not my proudest moment). Anyway, Skinit has some awesome skins that allow you to join a cause, be political, or just be yourself.

Be Luxurious

Okay this is a dream, because even if I had a million dollars I wouldn’t by a $20,000 iPhone. But a girl can wish can’t she? Below is a stainless steel iPhone encrusted with white diamonds, did I mention it was $20,000? But if you feel like splurging like a regular human being in this economy, you can purchase a $255.00 iPhone chain case. Both of these are by the over the top designer Amosu. Visit the website for more outlandishly luxurious phones as well as pictures of celebrities who love them.

As always feel free to contact me by commenting below on more ways to customize your iPhone, for some general tips on pimping out your gadgets, or to tell me how you stand out in the iPhone crowd.

Happy Shopping…

Again, I was inspired to put together an outfit with clothing items I came across and added to my StyleFeed.

I came across this gorgeous dress:

Wonderful dress with a busy, striped, pattern. I am not really into the shoes or bag they have with it on the dress form, however.

I would keep the black tights because the dress needs basic black to not make the eye go “What am I suppose to look at?” Plus, the black tights would show off these shoes that I would wear with the dress:

The burgundy color of those high platforms I like a lot better than the tan shoes of the outfit the website picked out to go with the dress. Burgundy is in the same color family as the colors in the dress and the black tights would show off the shoes.

I might add this bag:

I chose black because it picks out the dark tones of the dress and goes with the tights. I am not sure it should be a “shoulder strap” bearing bag, but it is just an idea. A handbag with short straps like the tan one in the original photo would work just as well if it was burgundy and of a similar style as the one in the photo.

I would probably wear a long necklace with the dress since the dress is short. Something gold like this:

Not too wild but enough to shine and catch the eye.

I am not sure I would go bare-wristed…maybe just a thin, gold, bracelet like this:

It has a bit of the bright bead to it and many thin, gold, wires.

Of course, bright colors are not for everyone and I am sure some people will dislike the “black purse” idea. I am not sold on the black “shoulder bag” myself…I just cannot find a burgundy one that is better suited at the moment. Maybe our readers could find one that would be perfect and would like to share?

Until now.

Behold my new smokin’ hot pair of pewter peep-toe booties! I saw them on Forever 21’s website and instantly fell in love with their rock-star fashionista vibe. And at $24.80, I’m able to try out the trend without too much of a commitment.

Check out some pricier alternatives: one by Steven by Steve Madden and another by Moschino.

Moral of the story: Step outside of your box once in awhile. Buy something that you wouldn’t normally wear but still appeals to you. Chances are, you’ll freshen up your wardrobe — and build a style that’s a little more you!

Statement accessories:

Metallic flashes (that aren’t over-the-top) like this skirt by Abaete:

And all the pretty dresses!

I vaguely remember hypercolor shirts — clothing that changed color, depending on your body heat — from my high school days, though I don’t remember them being particularly in vogue with upperclassmen. It must have been the middle schoolers running around trying to collect strategically placed handprints from the opposite sex. To refresh your memory, check out this ad from Gennara, the now-defunct makers of the “Meta-morphic Color System”.

American Apparel has reintroduced the hypercolor t-shirt, and from the glowing reviews on their site, it seems to be a hit:

Another option from Karmaloop:

For the ladies: a tank dress from Anzevino and Florence:

The technology is even available on shoes, through Puma:

Did you sport the hypercolor trend the first time around? Will you be trying it out this time?

In another lifetime I was completely one of those who worked in a very boring looking cubicle, you know the ones with the gray felt and high walls. This would have been a welcome sight! van der Kley designed Globus originally for the corporate office but than saw there was an interest for it in the home, cafe and other lobby areas. You can now use it with your Xbox or even hook up a tv! The “ball” opens in the center to reveal a comfy swivel chair and a sturdy pull down board for your laptop. When not in use it can be closed, locked and with the convenient casters, easily moved from one area to another! Genius! I just love the sleek style and the comfort factor which might just equal more productive employees! Tell your boss you are really thinking outside of the box, actually I would say “ball”! At the moment it is only available in white, but can’t you just see it in fun, eye-popping colors? I am confident in saying this would make those long lay over waits in the airport much more bearable!

Is this something you could see working in yourself?

The collection is very Christian – jackets, skinny pants, skirts, dresses, tee shirts, with strong ruffled details… so it’s no surprise Christian bought boyfriend, Brad Walsh the ruffle-panel Burberry top he wore to the Project Runway Season 5 Wrap Party.

Check out more pics from the party here.

The current giveaway has two fabulous clutches up for grabs: a bronze Harley clutch from Botkier, valued at $465, and a mirrored silver version from Jalda, with a retail price of $470.

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is become a member of ideeli (there’s no fee to join), the members-only shopping community offering privileged access to luxury lifestyle brands (the latest and the hottest handbags, jewelry and more) with prices up to 90% off! Join now for a chance to win one of these beauties, as well as a chance to win one of 20 1st Row Memberships (which gives you a better shot at scoring the best loot during sales!)

You do not need much. A good picnic basket, some plastic containers that are easy to pack, a blanket, an umbrella, and a few picnic chairs. It can be done near a tree by a river, at the beach, or at the top of a mountain after an enjoyable hike.

To give you a few ideas, here are a few of my favorite items. Perhaps you can find some good ones for yourself too. For some ideas on what food to pack, check out my latest post on La Tartine Gourmande.

And let’s enjoy the good weather, time out and picnics.

Plenty of baskets to choose from:

If you decided to prepare deviled eggs, now you have the solution to carry them around easily:

And then you need some plates, forks and glasses, and why not, a colorful container to carry your food:

Blankets

A table and an umbrella:

So is it the weekend yet?

Then, as if they’d never been here, they left for Fashion Week. The show at Bryant Park was incredible. Victoria Beckham sat front and center with Heidi, Michael and Nina wearing divalicious oversized shades while the finalists’ models stomped down the runway, and of course, by now you know Christian Siriano took the top prize. Tonight, the madness starts all over again! Check our Project Runway page every Thursday to shop the winning look, score Bluefly loot and much more… and of course, I’ll have fun fashion recaps for you right here.

[photo from Sex and the City: The Movie (courtesy of Melcher Media/Collins) by Craig Blinkenhorn © MMVIII New Line Productions, Inc.]

For a little personality, belt it the way Sarah Jessica Parker did in the Sex & the City Movie. And if you just can’t do bare arms in the office – or the air conditioner’s set to arctic – go for a cropped blazer vest and leave it open over a cute blouse. You can always rock it sans the blouse when you meet up with the girls for after work drinks – just please make sure you’re wearing clear deodorant.

This was my dilemma about two weeks ago when the sky suddenly flashed lightning and flushed the streets of NYC with inches of water. Thankfully, I had on flip-flops, but the next day, I saw a smartly dressed sister sporting a much chicer alternative – the rain flat. I’m sure she had to deal with the squishies (water must get in those shoes), but they’re rubber so, who cares?

Either way, it’s a sight better – and more comfortable – than Wellies in sweltering heat. Do yourself a favor and save the minidress and rain boots look for fall.

Now, I just need to find myself a pair! If you have a pair of rain flats you’re gaga over, please let me know where you found them!

Here are the important deets:

Today: 20% off dresses

Friday: 10% off handbags

Saturday: 15% off shoes

Sunday: 15% off tops and tees

So if you’ve had your eye on some high-end goodies for awhile, whip out your Blackberry on the beach or at that BBQ and get thee to Bluefly.

Now that the heat – and humidity – are with us for the next three months, there’s nothing like a pretty silk scarf to cover the wild, swollen strands of summer. By day, you can rock it the way Gwyneth Paltrow’s character Marge did in The Talented Mr. Ripley – as a super-glam ponytail holder.

By night, create a chignon effect the way Tyra Banks did here (in a picture from the Italia spread) by smoothing it over your head and letting the scarf’s tails hang.
You can amp up the glam by knotting the scarf’s tails into a bun.

The coolest thing about the head scarf is it triples as a neck tie and shoulder throw – ‘cause in this economy it’s all about doubling your money. Speaking of, you can get the red Gucci scarf pictured above for 30% off on Bluefly.

I’ll be mentioning all that and then some as your very own FlySpy, helping you recreate looks spotted on celebs and the put-together ladies we run into on the street or the subway and envy just a bit. Check me here at The Tastemaker Diaries every Wednesday – and catch me (plus the rest of the Bluefly blog crew) daily on FlyPaper. Stay fly!

To Jessica Alba…

…there aren’t many places these lightweight accessories haven’t been spotted. Even Rachael Ray has donned a jaunty scarf, though that didn’t work out so well for her.

You won’t see me sporting a scarf this summer. I get the arguments for: it’s an easy way to add color and pattern to an outfit. (Believe me, I went through a scarf phase about 10 years ago because I thought they were a professional way to add pizzazz to a suit. I had a very elaborate way of tying the fabric, that in retrospect, made me look like I had been decapitated and was trying to keep my head tied to my body through a small square of fabric and sheer force of will.)

Yeah, yeah, it’s versatile and can be balled up and thrown in a bag. Though I don’t quite buy the argument that a wispy piece of see-through fabric can offer any defense against full-force air conditioning. In my mind, a more substantial wrap or light jacket offers the same portability AND better insulating potential.

But here is my main argument against the scarf trend:

Gorgeous girl, cute tank. But the scarf…just no. If it’s hot enough to wear sleeveless and spaghetti straps, you don’t need to add any extra fabric around the neckular region. Has your neck ever been shivering cold while the rest of your body was sweltering? I rest my case. I would have loved to see this top paired with a colorful chunky necklace instead.

But I’m willing to be proven wrong. Do you sport a summer scarf? What do you like about the look? Is this something you’d like to see on your man, or are you saving this trend all for your own?

I use nearly all these products daily in the summer to keep my beauty and shower routine simple, fun and affordable. You can by all of these things–except for one or two–at your local drugstore, Target or on drugstore.com.

Shower

• Dove Advanced Color Care is a shampoo I tried on a whim and loved. It really softens my very color-treated hair and helps prevent split-ends and frizz. The scent reminds me a bit of Downy fabric softener–in a good way, trust me–and the color of the bottle is about the girliest you can get.
• Aveda Blue Malva conditioner saves my hair. I’m naturally brunette, so when I dye my hair blond, it has a tendency to become quite brassy in the sun. This conditioner zaps those gold tones out and brightens the cool tones in my hair instead.

• I love all Burt’s Bees products, but this Radiance Exfoliating Body Bar takes the cake. It has a sweet–but not overbearing–scent, which is a huge plus. Others soaps can have too timid a scent or one that’s too strong. I like the rich lather of this as well.
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish face scrub is a morning and evening must for my skin. During the summer you sweat more (obviously), so you want to make sure you keep your pores clear of dirt and bacteria to avoid break-outs. This scrub gets my skin clean without irritation and also has anti-wrinkle ingredients in it. Although I’m 21, it’s never too early to prevent early signs of aging.

After-Shower

• Crest Vivid White toothpaste has a fresh, minty taste and really gives my teeth a whiter appearance after only a few uses. There’s also a “Night” formula, but I prefer the normal, any-time use version.
• Ocean Potion was my go-to brand for aloe and after-sun products, but when I discovered they made a gradual sunless tanning lotion, I had to try it. This one gives me a much more intense, yet still natural, color than the more popular gradual tanning lotions. The purely summer scent is also great: think suntan lotion, coconuts and the beach.

Beauty

• I hate wearing foundation or cover-up, so I compensate by using a daily moisturizer. This Clean&Clear version has SPF 15 and doesn’t make face look greasy or shiny.
• I hate blow-drying or straightening my hair in the summer. Why not take advantage of natural waves? Here’s my tip for getting great beachy waves: Shampoo your hair upside down in the shower. Turn off the water and grab a towel–with your head still flipped. Wrap up your hair in the towel and leave it for 5-7 minutes. When you’re ready to do your hair, flip your head upside down, remove the towel, and spray this got2B Curlvacious spray liberally all over. Scrunch a little bit. Spray all over with hairspray. Now flip your back carefully and stand straight up. Make adjustments in the mirror, but don’t apply too much product. I guarantee this method will give even the straightest hair a great wavy texture. Good luck!

• I’ve been using this Sephora brand bronzer for years. It’s gone through a few different incarnations, but the basic formula stays the same. Use a big brush and sweep on your nose, cheeks and in the middle of your forehead.
• Rimmel Eye Magnifier mascara gives me Sophia Loren-like lashes. I’ve had more than one occasion when someone asks me if I’m wearing fake eyelashes, to which I simply point them in the direction of this mascara miracle-worker.
• The limited edition Very Sexy Now fragrance from Victoria’s Secret has a light, beachy, sexy scent.
• Carmex chapstick is a summer must-have. It’s so cheap at less than a $1 at most drugstores and keeps my lips well-moisturized all day.

What are your favorite summer beauty products?

At first, I didn’t think much of this Tole Topiary plaque but as the days passed, it just stuck with me. It’s an interesting piece and one I had not come across before, how refreshing!

Whenever I think of a grand home, I envision a pair of these three-dimensional topiaries flanking the front door. They make such a regal and classy statement.

I don’t have a grand home with a winding drive leading to the front door — yet — but the Faux Topiaries from Ballard could be a great stand in. I love how subtle they are and how flat they seem against the brick. I also love the idea of using them to add a different dimension and texture in the entry way of a home. Imagine at the holidays hanging little white lights on them? Too sweet! They are available in medium and tall. I guess the old saying is true: if you continue to think of a piece for days or weeks than it is one you should purchase, or else one day you will wake up to regret it!

Is there a piece of home decor to this day you wished you had purchased?

Yeah, there’s nothing new about t-shirts with clever designs, but Tshirtbordello.com has some we haven’t seen before. If your man is a fan of cult movies like The Big Lebowski, Old School or Tommy Boy, here’s a way you can subtly support his obsession without wearing an “I’m With Stupid” t-shirt yourself…and win big girlfriend/wife points. My husband is currently livening up his Office Space with a new Initech mug, courtesy of moi, and lately he’s been looking at me like the new chick from Logistics.

Do you love reworking your old pieces to make something hot for the club or office? Do you have piles of shirts in your closet begging for a purpose? Give those ill fitting t-shirts from days gone by a serious revamp and enter ReShirt today!

Check out these prizes…

* Winner: $300 Greenloop Gift Certificate and a 30 minute FREE style consultation with celebrity stylist Barbra Horowitz
* 1st runner up: Copy of Closet Control by Barbra Horowitz and $50 Greenloop Gift Certificate
* 2nd runner up: Copy of Closet Control by Barbra Horowitz and $25 Greenloop Gift Certificate
* All 3 winners will be reviewed and posted on Greenloop’s In The Loop…fame and fortune could be yours all with just the snip of your scissors!

Contest Rules:

1. You must reuse a t-shirt you already own, nothing new please.

2. The redesign process should only include cutting and tying techniques. For our inaugural ReShirt contest, there will be no dyeing, silkscreening, or sewing.

3. All participants must be US residents over the age 18.

4. The contest runs from today, Friday, April 25th, through Friday, May 23rd. All submissions must be received no later than 12:00 midnight on Friday, May 16th,2008

5. Design submissions are to photographed and submitted via email to aysia[at]thegreenloop.com. Please submit 4 photos: front and back shots of the t-shirt both on a person and lying flat on a surface. Biography about the designer must be submitted with the entries, limited to 500 words, and must contain email, address and telephone contact information.

The Kimono

Lolita Jaca of Saint Barth designs some of the most feminine, unique beachy creations on the planet. Her kimonos look sexy-cool over a two-piecer and can also double as tres chic cocktail party tops when paired with chandelier earrings and white jeans. The tops average between $500-600 each, but are classics that you will reach for in your closet summer after summer.

La Pullover

Parisians in-the-know (and they are always in-the-know with fashion) stalk Zadig & Voltaire for new cashmere treasures on a weekly basis. Insanely soft and slouchy, the $300-500 collection offers edgy hoodies, tees and pullovers embellished with skull, dragonfly and scorpion designs. Toss one around an Eres black tankini and add white genie pants for a post-beach Moet. Viva La France!

The Kaftan

You can thank Hollywood stylist Rachael Zoe for the return of the kaftan. She wore a striped Missoni front-row at fashion week and at a hostess-chic dinner party. This one stacks up ($1,045) just as well — throw over jeans and belt it or turn tanned heads surf-side with embellished flip flops and a teeny weeny white bikini.

I’ve never been really big on flip-flops. Sure, there were those uber-Californians in my high school who wore their battered flip-flops faithfully through the dead of winter (60 degree weather, oh my!), but that was never me. The ones I had were never that comfortable, plus they always ended up breaking somehow — not good for frequent beach trips, let me tell you!

Then, on a music trip to Brazil two summers ago, I discovered Havaianas. Since then, Havaianas have become my favorite brand of basic rubber flip-flops, hands down — I refuse to wear anything else. Made from Brazilian rubber, they’re durable, come in a rainbow of colors and prints, are extremely inexpensive, easy to clean sand off of, and most importantly, they are incredibly comfortable. It sounds gimmicky, I know, but I swear they add a spring to my step!

The basic pair of Havaianas. I own this style in both black and white, and it comes in so many colors, even metallics (I especially like the pretty fuschia ‘Acai’ color).

They’re also made with slimmer straps for those who want a lighter pair of flip-flops with a sleeker look. This style, like the basic style, comes in a rainbow of colors — the metallic nude color is shown above, along with one with a pretty gold design.

Looking for a little height with a whole lot of comfort? This style adds a wedge to the basic style, which is quite helpful to the vertically challenged such as I.

And, of course, the Brazil-representing style! Although I’m not Brazilian, I have a pair of these, and I justified my purchase using the fact that I’ve been to Brazil. Of course, no such justification is needed to own such a cute pair of flip-flops — plus, they were fun to wear while the World Cup was going on!

So, Havaianas = the best flip-flops ever. Seriously. Go out and try a pair — hopefully you’ll love yours as much as I love mine!

Strange how that happens sometimes. You just open your closet and find that you have “out-grown” almost everything in it, style-wise. Clothing you own just doesn’t suit who you are anymore.

So, I went through the wardrobe and got rid of a huge backlog of clothing dating back to 1990. Stuff that was in good shape but I would never wear again, stuff that was in bad shape from being worn to death, and stuff that just was not me anymore. Value Village and Goodwill must love me for the huge donations of clothing I have made in the past months.

It was a very freeing activity…and made me glad to shed my old wardrobe skin. Now I am in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe with pieces that suit me now. It’s a slow process since I am not flush with cash at the moment. So, I am slowly adding new pieces…little by little.

I have a deep love for shoes. If I see a pair that catch my eye, I have to buy them right then. This has started to spill over to bags/purses and jewelry. Sometimes I will buy tights/socks as well because a colour or pattern catches my eye and I know they can really add something to an outfit. Accessories can, and do, change the look of a whole outfit.

I cannot claim to be a huge fashionista or to be someone to look to to find out what will be hot…I just know what I like and what I don’t like. I guess it is the professional photographer in me that just knows when something pleases my eye or doesn’t. I am going to blog about my finds here and share them with you.

Beach Cover-ups

• This Urban Outfitters coverup is chic, roomy and made of a light, flowy fabric. Wear at home with skinny jeans and a belt (to add shape) so you get more mileage out of it when you’re not at the beach.
• I love this casual coverup from Target. It has a classic dress shape, but an unexpected hoodie on the back and is made of a nubby, towel-y texture.
• This coverup from Target is a bit more classy than some of the others, which would be perfect if you actually want more coveragefrom your cover-up.
• Sarongs are the ideal beach accessory. You can wrap them in different ways around your body, depending on how flexible you are. Me, I’m not super-talented at tying sarongs, but I admire those who can turn them into halter dresses and whatnot.
• This minimalist (as in minimal fabric) cover-up from Bluefly looks like a cute beach dress. Alas, it’s quite see-through and flimsy, so try and limit it to only beachwear, hmm?
• If you want a bit more freedom of movement (read: bloated after that second cheeseburger), this trapeze shape from Victoria’s Secret is ideal.
• One of my favorites here is this cover-up from Jessica Simpson, who apparently now makes beachwear. The open-back is deliciously sexy.
• For a youthful, fun cover-up (with a bit of a scandalous v-neck), this one from Victoria’s Secret comes in this print version and other solid colors.

Dresses

• For a chic lunch or flea market shopping, this dress will give your shoulders a break from the beachy sun. I like the light fabric and the ruffled collar, and because it’s from Alloy, you won’t break the bank. Promise.
• I’m completely in love with 60’s and 70’s styles for spring/summer. This dress from Forever 21 has a great vintage print and would look great on darker skinned women, whether you have a tan or you are naturally dark.
• I could see Rachel Bilson wearing this dress, although her’s would probably cost $500 or so, while this barely hits $25 from Forever 21. Wear this with a thin gold necklace or bangles and some huge sunglasses.
• Orange is a great color to wear when you’re tan, and this dress has a beachy feel with the beaded collar. Buy it from Alloy. (P.S. I’ve seen similar styles at J. Crew for upwards of $70!)

Blouse/Shirt with Sleeves

• This blouse from Forever 21 is a good beach option. It’s got a peasant-y look, a great color combo and combines some of the ethnic print trends that are so popular this summer. And, since it’s F21, the price really can’t be beat.

Tanktop or Sleeveless Shirt

• The sailor-inspired look of this tanktop from Alloy is dressy enough for an evening out or with shorts during the day.
• These spaghetti-strap camisoles from Old Navy are exceedingly inexpensive and come in a few different colors. Try this cobalt blue for a pop of color.

Stylish Shorts

• Shorts are tricky. They can either look extremely chic and summery, or not. To keep the look current, wear them in a bermuda-length style if you’re taller or you are blessed with long legs, or shorter (upper-thigh length), which is universally flattering. Try for lighter, linen fabrics with cuffed hems. These Forever 21 shorts are less than $20 and come in a brown, navy or green shade.

Hoodie/Light Sweater

• Victoria’s Secret Pink is not only a great collection of not-so-affordable, yet covetable, lounging about clothing, but many of the items also translate well to beach attire. I like this hoodie for the adorable recycle icon on the front and the emblazoned, “Bring back the Love,” slogan on the back.
• I’m not a huge fan of American Eagle, but I can’t deny that they make some of the coziest, softest hoodies.
• Roxy is the quintessential beach brand, so why not wear this adorable little hoodie? It’s got great small details and is quite affordable.
• This sweater from the Gap is called “the beach sweater,” which makes it perfectly acceptable to indeed wear it at the beach. I like the crisp white color, which naturally, will look excellent set against a bit of a tan.

Next post, we’ll cover off on shoes and other assorted sundries. Happy packing!

1. I pack too much. And by “too much,” I mean that I literally have to sit on my suitcase to get it closed. It then resembles something my sister fondly refers to as “the bloated whale.”
2. I pack too much black clothing. It’s easy, yes, because everything matches, but it’s boring.

For a beach vacation, you shouldn’t pack too much (think about all the shopping you’ll do!) and you also should not pack black, unless it’s a swimsuit. Who wears black skinny jeans at the beach?

Here are the absolute essentials you’ll need to pack:

1. More than 2 swimsuits and less than 5. If you take 5 or more swimsuits, you won’t ever wear them all as you’ll end up wearing your favorite over and over anyway. Besides, leave some space for picking up a new one at the local boutique. Mix and match bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis…whatever you prefer.
2. 2 beach cover-ups. Make one more athletic and casual, and one a little more dressy.
3. 1 sarong. Tie it around your waist, at your bustline, or turn it into a halter dress. Make sure it’s large enough–don’t skimp on size. Look here for some tips on tying sarongs into different shapes.
4. 2 dresses. Like the cover-ups, you should aim for one dressier piece and one more casual dress, but don’t go too overboard: beach towns are generally laidback and you shouldn’t have to worry about feeling underdressed. You’re on vacation! Leave the Spanx at home!
5. 2 pairs of flip-flops. Bring one pair in a fun color and the other pair in a neutral color, like brown or black.
6. 1 pair of dressy sandals. Try some with ankle ties or beading.
7. 1 pair of comfortable flats. Just in case you do some serious shopping or walking, pack your most comfortable flats.
8. 1 blouse/shirt with sleeves.
9. 1 tanktop or sleeveless shirt.
10. 1 pair of stylish shorts. Look for linen fabrics, cuffed bottoms and a slightly baggy style (avoid the Daisy Duke syndrome!)
11. 1 hoodie or light sweater. It’s sometimes cool at night by the water, so don’t forget a layer.
12. 1 beach tote. Keep it a little more formal than a backpack so it can double as your handbag for going out.
13. 1 wide-brimmed hat.
14. 1 pair of sunglasses.
    
15. Self-tanner/sunblock.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to leave you hanging…I’ll post my suggestions for all of these items over the next few days. Let’s get the one that causes us gals the most consternation out of the way, shall we?

Swimsuit Options:

• This cute green Delias two-piece has a fun printed texture.
• Delias also has this fun one-piece with side cut-outs. The photo shows the navy color, but I also like the kelly green it comes in.
• For something with a bit more coverage and undeniable retro appeal, Delias comes through again, with this plaid suit.
• My favorite (affordable) swimsuit I’ve seen so far this season is the one-shoulder bikini by Victoria’s Secret. It’s a sexy shape and a fun color.
• This Victoria’s Secret bikini has a neat design on the top.
• Retro swimsuits are really in style this summer, like this one from Urban Outfitters.
• For a truly daring look, wear this ombre one-piece with cutouts (and a daring neckline!) from Victoria’s Secret.

Is there any essential items I missed on my packing list? See you next week with more cover-ups, summer dresses and sandals!

A cozy, slouchy fancy designer maxi-cardigan is an indulgence for sure, but this Stella McCartney stone-colored sweater made of heavy cotton mixes nautical with High Street. The white twill tape forms a cool hipster crucifix in the back, while the toggle-type closures look slick open or loose. Throw it on over cargo pants for a mad dash through the airport, or toss on over your fanciest black trousers. Either way, the $1345 knit is a knockout.

Jill Platner is a surfer, sculptor and one of the hottest jewelry designers around these day. Lenny Kravitz proudly loops one of her black corded chokers around his neck, and Mandy Moore stacks rows of the organic bracelets up and down her arm — each one a sculptural masterpiece. Jill’s pieces are not cheap — this dazzling “Sprout” bracelet runs $815, but the cord is made of gortex and the silver is all but bullet-proof. Wear it while you swim, sleep shower and sprint — just as Jill would herself.

This summer, keep things simple. Wear white, white, white every day and notch it up with this mother-of pearl oversized ring. Its easy, elegant spirit is as seductive as a soft summer night. Pair with a sleek white linen tank dress or jeans and billowy peasant blouse. It’s a stand-alone accessory worth every penny of its $325 price tag.

The catch? Sales and giveaways last only a few hours, quantities are limited and membership is by invitation only.

Consider yourself invited by Stylefeeder! Click here to join, or go to ideeli.com and enter “stylefeeder22″ as your invite code. After you join, you will be notified by email each time a sale starts. You’ll save enough cash on those oversized Michael Kors shades to book that holiday in Anguilla.

Check out a selection of the type of merchandise available on ideeli in what amounts to a daily designer sample sale, with names ranging from upstarts like Olivia Gryson to stalwarts like Balenciaga:

Everyone needs a trench, and this one is the ultimate head-turner. In fact, you may cause whiplash in this Marc Jacobs number. The shiny satin olive green looker flatters just about every skin tone, while the wrap front style compliments most body types. $1900 is no small change, but trust me, you’ll be throwing this over your yoga sweats and Chanel sheaths for years to come without a second thought.

Kick-ass tough meets Tinkerbelle sandal you will wear all summer every day and maybe to bed. These ikat gladiator open toed sandals are worth the $500ish price tag. Pair them with a diaphanous long white tank dress, high-waist metallic linen shorts or dark ink fitted jeans…these kicks are Roman classics.

At first glance, this $1895 satchel may come across as conservative, even — gasp! — frumpy. But don’t be fooled. Givenchy has been around this long for a reason. The eggshell-colored leather handbag outlined with a smart brown trim is the sort of everyday summer bag you will reaching for with every outfit. Understated and chic, it is also wildly practical, holding your iPhone or arsenal of cosmetics.

I am mad about ladylike chokers with an edge that can take you anywhere, from splashing in the waves in the Atlantic or dancing the waltz at a formal gala. This simple but sparkly necklace says down-to-earth (even at $2200) with its camel-colored leather cord, but also reads otherwordly with its demure diamond that almost winks at you as you wear it every God-given day of your life.

These gorgeous FSC-certified walnut wedges from Mohop are a must for Spring. Annie Mohaupt’s unique design allows you to create totally different looks depending on the way you tie the ribbons. Each handmade pair of platforms comes with 5 sets of ribbons, which allows you to have casual, office, and evening looks all from one pair of shoes. The recycled rubber bottoms makes walking in the platforms much more comfortable and you won’t have to complain about not having shoes to match your outfit this sandal season!

Now if you have a spare $750 or so for shoes (ahem), check out these gorgeous cork pumps from none other than Christian Louboutin. The designer is very focused on this renewable resource for Spring and we are more than happy to peruse eBay in the hopes of fanagling a pair. Though not so sustainable for your bank account, the hot pink stiletto may help you sustain any major fashion event in the future with ease.

This is the absolutely gorgeous cruelty-free “Desire Triton” strappy heel from Melissa. These rockabilly babies are produced in a sweatshop-free factory Sao Paulo, Brazil where the workers are paid high wages with great benefits. Melissa recycles 99.9% of factory water and waste, and all the overstock inventory is recycled into new shoes. Sadly, these still use PVC to make this little vegan guys, so make sure to tell the owner Zaha Hadid to look into more sustainable materials for next year’s line.

This whole green movement is a process, and all of us eco fashion warrior princesses need to do our part…especially when it comes to shoes! If you love a shoe line and wish it was more sustainable, go to the Contact section of their website and let them know. Your customer voice is huge, use it. We need eco pumps people!

The Celine gold python trench running north of $10,000? Wait for a more bourgeois designer to be “inspired” with a similar look.

How did I get into this game? As the daughter of a women’s clothing designer father and a chicest-closet-on-the-East Coast mother, it was probably predestined. A three-time Emmy Award winner, I produced various design stories for a nightly half-hour show on ABC-TV. Now, I write a fashion advice column for the Boston Globe, and seek out stylemakers for my multi-media website, Boldfacers.com.

I look forward to feeding your fancy fashion fire without burning out your savings. High-end style is about quality, baby, not quantity!

First, we have Dwell Studio’s new line for Target. This ensemble just looks crisp, clean and completely refreshing…talk about coming out of winter hibernation into the spring breeze!

Then there’s the fabulous Angela Adams designing for Bed Bath and Beyond. The Lulu bedding collection features her signature oval pattern. The ever popular teal and brown combo is shown here and creates a warm, comfortable haven.

Bed Bath & Beyond also showcases the “Hollywood” line by Jonathan Adler, a handsome mix of deep navy and clean white.

As a grade schooler, I remember those who wore the “gator” were known as the preppy kids. Now, all those preppy kids are rejoicing with Lacoste’s incredibly colorful sheet sets. They have even tacked on their classic alligator for the Crocod’elle collection, available at Macy’s! I love the deep purple option.

Nate Berkus of Oprah fame has created an India-inspired pattern in this chocolate/white option, available at Linens and Things. Again, I like the clean look of this ensemble and after seeing it in person, I like it even better. It has great movement and as a pattern, it could be the highlight of any bedroom!

As you can see, there are many affordable options out there for the budget-conscious design lover! I am not sure my search has ended, but at least I know what is available. Where do you find designer items at discounted prices?

The Tastemaker Diaries is thrilled to be featured on Alltop, a new site that serves as a dashboard for headlines from popular blogs in categories ranging from fashion to design to parenting to sports to movies. It’s a fun place to explore online destinations you might not be aware of…and an efficient way to get a quick overview of what’s going on across the web.

We’re listed in the Fashion section, along with some of our favorite sites, like Go Fug Yourself, The Sartorialist, and The Budget Fashionista and StyleBakery. Check it out, and tell ‘em we sent ya!

She’s known for bags that are roomy, durable and cruelty-free, and her new designs are no exception. In celebration of her new “Tumbled Steer” and “Patent Croc” collections, Lori is offering a 20% discount on all of her styles, just for StyleFeeders and the Tastemaker community. Just enter code “sfwwd20″ upon checkout to take advantage of the special savings.

Here are some of my faves from her new work. I love the Addison in red:

And I’m totally coveting the Small Tote in teal green patent croc:

Thanks, Lori, for making your work accessible to other Tastemakers!

This is all well and good, you may be commenting to yourself, but how does this affect my fashion-conscious persona and/or lifestyle? Well goody gumdrops, I’m glad you asked. Because I really believe that a distinct understanding of the past can catapult you onto a higher plateau in the present. When knowledge comes full circle and blossoms into understanding, it morphs into a fluid, transferable and deliciously variegated strength. Fashion especially is susceptible to this layering, where the whole of your fashionable appearance can benefit from that which you claim only superficial knowledge of: old picture books and magazines, movies from the 1940s, even trite and boring old illustrated history textbooks. Maybe it just means that when you wear those peep-toed FarylRobin “Fenway” pumps, you can glide down the street knowing that Ava Gardner probably wore a pair almost identical to them; and who wouldn’t want to channel a bit of Ava Gardner every now and then? It’s like evolution to bring you the most fantastic looking shoes possible, I mean, *drool.*

For me, the best thing about vintage is its flexibility. What is vintage? It’s whatever you want it to be. Wide-brimmed straw hats and clompy cork wedges with palazzo pants; wearing your great-grandmother’s wedding gown; knee-length dresses with full circle skirts that fit at your natural waist instead of whatever the mags are telling you is more flattering this season. For me, it’s about achieving a well-designed and personal style—and this year’s list of what’s hot isn’t a rich enough palette for me to choose from.

I’m always on the lookout for backwards glances, in shoes and dresses especially, from the roaring and liberating 1920s through the make do and mend 1940s on up to the funkalicious art deco revitalization in the 1970s. Thrift and antique havens, consignment shops, fabric stores both chain and indy, Fall 2008 runway shows, Target, the mall—I look at it all. Whatever will I find next?! Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted.

The perfect shoes to wear during fickle weather? Flats and skimmers, of course! Unlike sandals that might give your feet a little too much exposure during the low temperatures of the day, and unlike boots that scream “winter!”, flats and skimmers give you comfort, keep your toes warm, and many are cheap enough to snap up a good number to give you different looks (most of those I’ve included here are from Payless or Target).

Flats and skimmers for the spring should be freshly light-colored and made of material that can weather the occasional rainfall (meaning no suede or velvet — those are materials for the holiday season!).

I’ve never had a reason to wear boat moccasins (seeing as a trip to the water to me means a beach trip rather than a trip to the lake), but I still find this twist on the traditional boat moccasin incredibly cute. Obviously these would be worn on a casual (or whimsical!) day.

Pewter flats are incredibly versatile and can be worn during any season for nearly any look — with black tights and a mini in the winter, with a pair of jeans in the spring, with a dress or skirt in the summer. And because of the neutral color and metallic sheen, you can also match them with any color you choose to wear.

I know I said that skimmers keep your toes warm, but I couldn’t resist including these adorable peep-toe skimmers! The gray-blue color is perfect for spring, but the faux-crocodile print keeps them from being too sweet.

The faux-leather weaving on these flats provides unique, luxe, and classically ladylike details for an incredibly cheap price.

I like buckle details on shoes — it’s a very simple way to take a shoe from plain to sophisticated (or dominatrix, depending on how the buckles are placed!).

Other places to look for skimmers and flats? H&M and Steve & Barry’s. H&M has a great selection of both casual and more dressy skimmers for relatively cheap prices, and I bought a pair of gold and black clover print ballet flats from Sarah Jessica Park’s Bitten line at Steve & Barry’s for $8.98. Unfortunately, neither one of these websites have online stores, but that just gives me an excuse to make a trip to the mall!

My style can safely be called eclectic. The kinds of things that catch my attention are interesting and pleasing to the eye, make me smile, and have that unexpected extra dimension that gives them character. This includes modern furniture, ethnic antiques, artsy wall decor, silly gadgets, stylish recycling, and ingenious designs. I blame traveling and having lived in a handful of different countries, picking up aspects of various cultures and making them part of who I am.

Almost everything you’ll find in my Stylefeed are things I would love to own if I only had enough money to buy them and enough space to put them in. But who needs 27 beds, 54 lamps, and 32 couches! In future posts, I will share some of my favorites with you, and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do!

This first piece is one that I can’t seem to forget after adding it to my Stylefeed over five weeks ago! It’s so beautiful and organic, yet modern at the same time. It’s made by Amy Moore of Honey Bee (a seller on Etsy). She refers to her pieces as “wearable sculpture inspired by nature,” which is so spot on. This cuff of solid sterling silver is cast and impressed with the texture of a peeled hickory branch. She then oxidizes it to enhance the pattern and brushes it for a matte finish. I must not be the only one hankering for this beauty because, the hand-cast piece is back-ordered for 6-8 weeks, but I think it’s totally worth the wait.

One designer that is known for her modern wood inlay pieces is Amy Bengtson. She is a fellow Northwest girl and one talented designer. Here are just a couple of her new pieces:

This piece is part of her new graphic series where you can pick your wood (rosewood-dark brown, bloodwood-red or maple-blond), color and pattern. The one-inch square necklace is etched on both sides and hung on an 18-inch chain. This piece is the Anika pattern in bloodwood/silver.

This Josephine necklace is part of Amy’s Beat collection. I love the simplicity of the mod shapes. It’s available in Rosewood (dark brown), Bloodwood (red) and Maple (blonde). Shown in Rosewood with sterling silver findings. These pieces start at $68.

These unique little gems from Demimonde Jewelry (another Pacific Northwest artist) are actual twigs that have been covered in gold leaf. The asymmetrical look of the brass bird and chalcedony charms is too cute.

These are also from Demimonde. The wood grain design is hand printed on both sides on balsa wood, which is very light weight. The combination in a teardrop shape is oh-so-modern.

These glass cabochon hair pins from Dejarnette are so faux bois! I would wear these little cuties every day.

These simple wood disks by Sharma Designs (also found on Etsy) framed in silver make great everyday earrings for the jeans and t-shirt girl.

So give these new classics a try…there are a multitude of options and styles to choose from.

Ombre items are making an appearance on StyleFeeder’s wishlists, however, so it’s quite possible that I’m wrong about the wearability of this trend. Let’s take a look at some of the options people have bookmarked recently:

StyleFeeder leanneshain was the first to add this sherbet-hued confection by Michael Kors. I can definitely see the appeal of ombre for a special occasion; graduated gowns are both glam and flattering. And since you’re only likely to wear a gown like this once or twice, you’ll seem entirely of the moment.

But when it comes to high-end accessories, is ombre a good investment? Will you possibly be able to get away with wearing an ombre heel or handbag next season?

These Charles David Beatriz pumps are stunning, but I don’t know if I could bring myself to part with $195 unless I had the perfect outfit in mind for these beauties.

And I definitely wouldn’t part with several C-Notes for either of these options, by Prada and Cynthia Vincent, respectively.

Leave it to our own Shoe Addict, Megan, to find some budget versions that nicely fit the bill if you do want to try on this trend for size.

These pumps by Wanted are a near-perfect facsimile of the Prada version, and at $50, you won’t feel too much regret if you only get a season’s wear out of them. I actually prefer the shading on this pair, as it’s more gradual and not so stark.

These Bandolino flats don’t have quite the same impact as the Cynthia Vincent version, but they feature the same unusual color palette at a fraction of the price.

If you really want to try out ombre on a budget, these flats from Ami Clubwear are just $17.99!

As for me, maybe I just need to admit that ombre isn’t my thing. Though I was able to dig up one ombre item I might, possibly, consider splurging on.

I LOVE cowboy boots, and I’ve always wanted a pair in red, but living in Boston, it’s hard enough to get away with wearing my much-loved, battered and beat-up brown Justins. But this Gucci Western-style boot so stylishly blends red and black, the graduated shade is subtle enough for the East Coast, but would still let me have my pop of red.

Do you actually own an ombre item, or is it a trend you’re admiring from afar?

1. USB Lighted Mirror

This little baby is pretty cool. It’s surrounded by light, making lining your eyes that much easier, and you can put your picture on the mirror to make a personal photo frame. It’s powered by USB and has four feet of cable. Very cool, very chic, and very cheap… only $15 dollars from USB Brando.

2. The blu_ray™ Collection by Cargo

Okay, it’s not a gadget… but the technology is amazing. My worst two fears in life are ending up in the emergency room wearing an old pair of underwear, and inadvertently getting my 15 minutes of fame looking a hot mess! Now with high definition TV, looking good doesn’t even cut it anymore, you have to look perfect. Cargo made this makeup line especially for makeup artists shooting in high-definition situations. The technology used includes photochromatic pigments, optical blurring, and hyaluronic spheres…in layman’s terms, the technology prevents your pores from looking big enough to drive a truck through. Shown from left to right are Lip Gloss, Blush/Highlighter, Pressed Powder, and Mascara… And don’t worry about being on TV, you can use this makeup in everyday life, especially if you’re prepping for your wedding day, special events, or a photo shoot. You can only buy the line at Sephora. The entire collection is $130.00, but it’s on sale now for $59.

3. Safetox Beauty

Sorry if this description is too scientific, but Safetox packs a lot of technology into this little gadget in order to provide alternatives to botox or surgeries. The device acts on the causes of wrinkles on the muscular level through five minute sessions each day for a number of weeks. Safetox relaxes the muscles in the front of the face altering the muscular balance in favor of the muscles in the rear of the head which open up the face and uplift the skin. For about $410 you can get your own. Check out the website for more information or check out the video on YouTube; it’s not in English but the action is enough for you the get the picture.

3. MiniTISSUES

I love, LOVE, love this product. I purchased these last month, and because I travel a lot, they come in handy in airports and anywhere you have access to water. Just take these mint-looking products and add water…and presto, you have a full-fledged, heavy duty wash cloth. I show people these all the time and they are truly amazed. And the best part? They are great for foreign countries and travel abroad because they are individually wrapped to be germ free and bacteria free while also being natural, disposable and biodegradable. When you purchase MiniTISSUE you get 96 individually packed tissues, 8 in a bag for convenience. Personally, the thing I love most about MiniTISSUE is that it is lint free, so feel free to wipe a black skirt with it. Visit minitissue.com and check out the video on YouTube to get a up closer look.

Color, color, and more color! After the drab and dark days of winter, I am so happy to see bright, fun colors taking over my favorite shopping spots.

I wear a LOT of monochromatic colors like black, gray and white, with the occasional pop of navy or taupe, but I am determined to wear a lot of fun colors this spring and summer. And why not? Just looking at the page above from People Style Watch makes me feel better about my day. Imagine a double-page spread of black clothes? Not nearly as exciting.

Check out some of my favorite (and, as always, affordable) finds for spring.

Blue

My favorite spring shade is an eye-popping cobalt blue. Blue with black is no longer taboo, so feel free to match these separates with black accessories or other items at your heart’s content.

Jackie’s Favorite Blue Picks: These deep blue Forever21 slingback platforms are super-inexpensive and have a great glossy patent finish. These could be worn with jeans, pencil skirts, dresses…they’ve got a really versatile quality. I also love this cobalt blue peacoat. Since it’s still a little cold in DC, I’m still gravitating towards warmer clothing!

Turquoise

I must be honest: I’ve not always been a fan of turquoise. Because I’m drawn to “boring” colored clothing, turquoise was–and still is–a little bit “out there” for me. However, I’m going to try my very hardest to circulate a few of the jewel-colored items into my wardrobe.

Jackie’s Favorite Turquoise Picks: A tunic is an easy, casual way to mix in a bright color. Worn with jeans, neutral flats and a spring scarf, this Forever 21 turquoise version is surprisingly wearable. This Victoria’s Secret maxi dress is so stunningly pretty on the model (unsurprisingly) that I feel an urge to try out the style myself.

Red

Red is the color of passion, love, and apparently, springtime. Bright reds, dark reds, wines…every shade of red is in play for spring. Luckily, red is a great color on lots of women, regardless of race or skin tone. Dark skin tones should try a darker, merlot color, while women with a yellow-undertone in their skin should aim for jewel-toned shades. Pale women can wear lighter shades of red, as well as dark shades, but be aware that the brighter your clothing, the more pale you’ll look.

Jackie’s Favorite Red Picks: Forever 21 is really stealing the show where my favorites are concerned! This bright-red, embellished shirt is great. I love the price and the effortless style. This turtleneck dress from Nordstrom is another good piece. It’s a good style to wear year-round, and it has such a good, rich red color.

Pink & Yellow

Pink & yellow bring to mind a certain holiday, that of course, being Easter. But worn separately, each color brings an unexpected, cheery element to an outfit. I’m definitely feeling a mustard-y shade of yellow for spring. Plus, mustard really compliments gray…and I have a lot of gray clothing!

Jackie’s Favorite Pink & Yellow Picks: These mustard heels from CutesyShoes are a no-brainer. They’re inexpensive, patent and have a nifty retro appeal. Would you believe this yellow blouse is from Charlotte Russe? I fell in love with it when I saw it. It’s got a studious vibe going on, making it work-appropriate, but with the right jeans and heels, you could transform this into a pretty great going-out shirt.

Purple

I’ve fallen in love with the color purple. I used to loathe it–I refused to wear it, even try something on if it hinted at “indigo.” But, I’ve come around, and the virtues of purple are many. It’s flattering, easy to pull off and quite the versatile shade. Also, since I was engaged wearing a purple dress, there’s a bit of sentimental feeling left for all purple clothing as a result.

Jackie’s Favorite Purple Picks: BCBG is one of my favorite designers, as you’ll know if you read my Stylefeeder or Tastemaker posts regularly. These BCBGirl heels are a good example of why I dote so on their designs. It’s got a super-chunky heel–always a plus, as they’re easy to walk in. The buckle adds a professional touch, and the darker purple color makes them suitable for work without being loud. I’m also a sucker for anything romantic and ruffle-y, so this indigo dress really caught my eye.

Green & Orange

I’ve grouped these colors together because each one is difficult for a different reason. Orange is not flattering as a general rule. Pumpkin orange, that is. It can wash you out, clash with your coloring…orange is quite problematic. However, I’ve selected some orange items that tend to run more in the direction of coral-y orange, instead of Halloween-orange. Now, green is difficult, because it’s got a bit of a preppy vibe going on at times, and at other times, somewhat of a vintage air that you may not always want to give off. Hopefully I’ve selected enough different shades that you can make up your mind with ease!

Jackie’s Favorite Green & Orange Picks: Tunic shirts are so nice for summer: not too clingy, usually made of light fabrics and, as always, featuring a body-flattering cut. The orange-y/coral shade of this one from Forever 21 would be complimentary to brown leather sandals and skinny jeans. At first, I wasn’t too impressed with this bright green dress from Charlotte Russe, but once I enlarged the photo, I fell in love. It looks like a vintage find, and has a naughty-nurse styling that would look good paired against with demure flats, long, loose hair and minimal jewelry. Another favorite, which is more pricey, is this dress from J. Crew. It’s loose, breezy, wearable and easy to dress up or down.