Fashionable Fall Footwear

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Beat the heat this summer by turning your attention to your fall wardrobe. Fresh off the runways of top designers, autumn trends are leaning towards making a statement, with your feet. From boots to wedges to flats this year is about interesting additions, texture and plenty of color. While top-designers tend to set the trends, these are top fall shoe styles:

Reptile Skins

Dress up a pair of classic pumps with some texture this fall. Reptile skin pumps and boots were spotted on runways from Valentino to Anne Klein to Donna Karan. Keep your look classic and simple with a pair of reptile shoes in a neutral color. For an edgier, statement-making look, choose reptile shoes in a color like plum.



Chunky Heels

This fall is all about the heel. Ladies are turning heads with attention-grabbing, chunky heeled shoes. Stacked heels were spotted on the fall runways everywhere including Michael Kors, Fendi and Diane von Furstenburg. From platfoem sandals to knee-high boots are getting a chunky heel makeover this year.

Suede and Satin

Suede and satin finishes dress up any look. Satin and suede shoes are not ideal for daily wear; after all they have a tendency to stain in water. These luxurious fabrics dress up basic pumps. They are perfect for a night out on the town, or that fancy work event.

Wearing White in the Summer

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

One of the biggest fashion conundrums for women everywhere is how to wear white properly. Wear it the wrong way, and it can be unflattering; wear it the right way, and you’ll have yourself wondering why white isn’t your go-to color! Below, Haesu Kwon, designer of Tamasha Knit, shares her favorite white options for summer and how to wear them well.

Oversized Chic

While some oversized white sweaters can appear boxy and hide the figure of the woman underneath, this piece from Tamasha’s spring and summer 2012 collection feature delicate black piping that acts as a streamlining agent, slimming the overall look significantly. During summer, pair these with white or black shorts and a wedge heel for a put-together yet sporty feel.

Bottoms Up



How does someone who isn’t model-thin pull off white jeans? It can be difficult, but any fashionista knows that as long as you have the fit nailed, you can wear any style you desire. For curvier girls, choose a shaped waistband that is longer in the front than in the back, keep the front of the pant uncomplicated, and go for boot cut as the most flattering choice. Keep your top basic, and add a colorful pump to make your casual outfit worthy of a night out. And what about the infamous undergarment issue? Stick with nude shades when wearing any white bottoms.

Pop of Color



Can you wear all white? Of course, you can – as long as you throw in a pop of color! Wearing white pants and a white top may seem boring; but there is nothing chicer than a natural-hued outfit topped off with one bright item. Pairing an all-white look with a vibrant blazer or cardigan will make your look stand out. If you’re going for a head-to-toe white style, throw in some show-stopping accessories, like colored shoes or a bright bag to increase your fabulous factor.

Dress It Up



While some people don’t realize, there are certainly different shades of white, and it’s important to choose one that complements your skin tone; especially when it comes to a dress. Women with cool skin tones look great in bright white, while those with warmer tones should opt for just off-white. Another important dress tip: examine your dress in a well-lit area to ensure that it is not see-through, and wear undergarments that match your skin’s color.

Crash and Burn Review

Friday, July 20, 2012

Crash and Burn is a line based in Los Angeles. Inspired by American rock-and-roll and the lifestyle that comes with it, the foundation of Crash & Burn Apparel was built on devotion for music. Music and art is the essence of the brand. Interpreting the rock-and-roll lifestyle into creative designs, Crash & Burn has distinguished themselves with their novelty washes, intricate artwork, high quality fabrics, and made in the USA apparel.

Crash & Burn’s Fall 2012 Collection, labeled “Dark Romance” is old-world European meets rock-and-roll. Drawing inspiration from Lisbeth Salander, the Catacombs of France and a touch of black magic; Dark Romance conjures up imageries of candle lit stone archways and fortune telling lore’s once lost. Crafted with vegan leather and the utmost blends of supima cotton, the collection inherits the edgy graphics, novelty washes, and hardware that can be found in every Crash & Burn Collection.

Christina Milian was spotted wearing the Cherokee Dress ($88) on The Hollywood Reporter. Available in Pistachio and Black.



I received the Parkman Pants ($62) made of 100% rayon with elastic waist. I admit the material is very soft, and the pants are so comfortable with a flawless fit. You can evoke a world beat vibe by wearing these Parkman Pants, available in Steel Teal Tiger or Smokey Ombre.



Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Having Fun Under the Sun with Essential Swimwear

Thursday, July 19, 2012

After becoming thoroughly discouraged every season as the founder searched for the perfect swimsuit, she decided that it didn't exist. She was frustrated with expensive prices, wrong fits and the hassle of searching online for hours. Having some sewing experience, the thought came to mind, "Why don't I make my own swimsuit?"

After a lot of trial and error, she was finally able to sew swimsuits that were comfortable, stylish, and flattering. She began making swimsuits for friends and family and soon the word started spreading.

She sold hand-made women's swimsuits for two years and received an overwhelmingly positive response. She gained priceless knowledge as she personally fit hundreds of women. She was able to discover their needs, wants and insecurities. With this knowledge she started designing swimsuits and now have them manufactured to keep up with demand and increase quality.



The summer season is coming to a slow, but an abrupt end. This weather is indicating otherwise, because it is still hot and sweltering, almost to a point of being an unbearable temperature. When I am out and about, the only thing I feel like doing is jumping into the nearest pool to cool off. I'll admit that I'm not much of a swimmer, but I still like to hang out at the poolside and relax.

Finding the perfect swimsuit to do so is usually a different story. Hardly any woman that I know loves to go swimsuit shopping, whether they are a size 0 or 16. I know that it has always been a bit of a trial and error experience for me. Thankfully, I discovered Essential Swimwear, a brand that caters to women of different shapes and sizes. They have a varied selection of vintage-esque and sexy, yet conservative swimsuits that put you in the mind of classic stars of the heyday, such as Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Betty Grable.

I received the Indigo Ruched Halter Top ($36.99) and Indigo High Waist Bottoms ($18.99) during my 8th month of pregnancy. It was a bit of a trying experience for me to find a beautiful and comfortable swimsuit at that stage, but I was pleasantly surprised how well these pieces fit. Not only they were flattering on my baby bump, but they also exude sex appeal without pushing the envelope. I have given my birth to my daughter since then, but this swimsuit set still looks flattering! If the summer wasn't halfway over, I'd rack up on other pieces from their collection.

Disclosure: The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way affects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.