If there's one shoe you must buy...

...let it be a nude/neutral-colored platform pump. Beginning with the current season, this shoe will be the most versatile addition to your wardrobe and the accessory you never knew you couldn't be without.

Equally excellent paired with dresses or suits, a closed-toe or peep-toe version in tan, khaki, nude, even gray can turn an otherwise standard outfit into a super-chic one. There's something very sexy yet understated about a shoe like this, no?

Some ideas are:

*Nine West "Rocha" (pictured above and absolutely perfect, but I'm partial to Nine West)
*Banana Republic "Jacky" Platform Pump
*Donald Pliner "Zina" Pump
*Type Z "Sireen" Pump

Let's see what you find to kick your jeans, dresses, office-wear (and heels) up a notch!

To jumpsuit or not to jumpsuit...

I say it's a YES.

Whether it's halter or strapless, pants or shorts, I think it's a lovely, sexy, feminine look with a retro, 70's-ish feel. Instead of screaming, it just whispers summer and calls for flowy, tousled hair and a laid-back vibe...

The challenge, however, is finding one that fits just right. For those with long torsos, this will be a bit of a problem, but never fear dearies, I will be on the look-out for the perfect one for you.

Definitely safest in a dark color (think black or blue) and platforms or sky-high heels are a must!

The one pictured above is the Mara Hoffman Silk Jumpsuit - don't you just love the keyhole opening and genie-esque legs? Other ones I've found that are super-fabulous are the Arden B Kimono Split Sleeve Jumpsuit ($58), the Forever 21 Joyce Jumpsuit (just $25!) and the Express Strapless Jumpsuit (love the cobalt blue color - $80).

For loads more options, go to ShopStyle!

Now go bring out your inner Charlie's Angel!

I'm back lovelies!

Oh my goodness, it has been several weeks since my last post! Due to so much studying, working, etc. I have had to (temporarily) abandon my daily blogging. However, that period is over and it is time to resume our daily chats - hooray!

To ease back into things, let's start with something we all love to dish and dream about...SHOES of course!

Partly because I am forced to be very frugal as of late and partly because they just seem so all-around great, I give you the "Easy Bet" Platform Sandal from Unlisted by Kenneth Cole. Delicate t-strap, ring detail, cork wedge - they look ultra-comfortable and, of course, super-versatile for spring and summer.

Picture with a floaty summer dress, a slouchy tunic, boyfriend jeans, a relaxed mini...all kinds of fabulous pairings are possible with this shoe. And for $50! Seriously! Find them at Piperlime.com or Zappos.com!

If you're not so into this shoe as I, check out the myriad of wedge platform possibilities these sites have to offer - who says you don't need an online shopping break? After all, we must prepare our warm-weather wardrobes now, musn't we?

Crazy shoe obsession of the day...

I KNOW you don't really need shoes. I KNOW you don't really need GREEN shoes. I KNOW you don't really need GOLD PLATFORM GREEN SATIN GLADIATOR-ISH shoes. But if you DID need them, these would be the ones!

Fashion always skews this way and that into the realms of whimsy and crazy, because how can one be creative without at least considering the ridiculous? I believe these shoes are a testament to that and, if you've got $129.00 lying around in your shoe budget, why not the Bebe "Evelyn" Satin Ankle Strap Sandal?

Available in brown, green and shocking blue with a sculpted metallic sole, if the color doesn't make a statement, the acrophobia-inducing 5.75" heel with a 1" platform surely will!

Sometimes you gotta make your shoes do the talking, right? But be careful girls...with a shoe this outrageous, the rest of your outfit had better be pretty subdued...

And she was called yellow...

And she was called yellow... - by roxy-land on Polyvore.com

There is something about the color yellow that just exudes a kind of happy, carefree spirit, which is why I am ultra-excited about all of the new spring/summer styles that are coming out drenched in all of its sunniness.

Want some ideas on how to wear it in order to look effortlessly fun instead of like a confused bumblebee? See my latest creation above from Polyvore! I especially heart the one-shoulder dress with its only-because-I'm-a-girl bow...

Click on the pic for more details. And put a smile on your face today!

Flowers on her toes...

So, I have a friend we call MaliBu, mostly because it suits her. She is funny, bubbly, laid-back, girly and the queen of all things pop culture. She also has this amazing set of gams that lend themselves well to shoes - particularly high, colorful, platform ones.

That's why when I saw that flower-printed, platform, high-heeled shoes are everywhere for spring and summer, I pictured her doing cartwheels. In the spirit of MaliBu (and spring fashion), get your manicured hands on your own pair! Their cheeky prints will add some girly flair to your otherwise standard outfits and some much-needed color to the same old, solid color ensembles we get so used to throwing on in the morning.

The shoe pictured above is the Nine West "Jai" Multi Platform Pump, the perfect platform peep-toe in almost too silly colors. Some others I find particularly fab are the Jessica Simpson "Brenda" Floral Denim Pump (a classic round-toe with a stacked heel and painterly print), the BCBGirls "Ariel" Multi-Floral Art Print Heel (another classic style with a truly versatile print) and the Guess "Carrie" Print Satin High-Heel Pump (a pointy-toe, sleek heel with a watercolor feel).

You know you want a pair...so go do some gardening in the shoe department!

2009 Fashion Predictions...

Based on my own devouring of fashion magazines, countless hours spent surfing (and shopping!) online and a general interest in what women are wearing on the street, I like to make predictions on what will be and what will remain in style for at least this season and the year.

Note: These are not predictions of what will be on the runway but guesses on what people in real life will be wearing, all to help you in your future fashion purchase decisions!

WHAT'S NEW SO FAR...

New Colors
Tans, nudes, neutrals (this goes for tops, bottoms AND shoes)
Cobalt blue (Seen this everywhere, and it's darling on all skin colors)
Bright yellows
Gray is still super-hot and is a new neutral that I have fallen in love with

New Shapes 
Interesting shapes and drapes to clothes have been showing up everywhere from the runway to the retail store. This sculptural quality is something you may want to try in small doses but if you're adventurous, go for it! See this page at Urban Outfitters for an example. If you're from the Milwaukee area, Fashion Ninja has been doing this for awhile and her shop and studio are consistently turning out new and creative ideas as well as limited run pieces.

Retro-Feminine
The return to the Jackie-O style will be very big this spring and summer. Think pencil skirts, bracelet-length sleeves, capes, lockets on skinny chains, small florals, anything with ruffles, shift dresses. The good thing about this? Very flattering on a feminine figure and oh so classy.

WHAT WILL BE STAYING
Don't toss these into the Goodwill bin just yet OR if you've been pondering buying them, do so. Right now. 

Skinny Jeans
For all the debate that has gone on round and round online and in mags, these are still going strong. Girls love them, they pair well with the blousy, feminine and voluminous tops that are still in style and will be for the spring and they're flattering when done right. Plus, Kate Moss is still wearing them and if she's still rockin' something, it's bound to still be a fashion DO. Am I right?

If you already have 'em, try updating your wardrobe with a new color (light gray, bright blue) or rise (high-waisted if you can pull this off?). If you haven't tried 'em yet, buy them in a dark color to start (dark wash indigo, black, dark gray) and make sure they have a bit of stretch to them (look for some % of lycra or spandex mixed with cotton on the tag).

My personal favorites are by BDG, available for about $50 at Urban Outfitters. I have the BDG Black Overdye Cigarette Jean. However, as with ANY clothes you buy but especially with jeans, TRY ON TRY ON TRY ON. 

Blousy, voluminous tops
I'm talking the pleated, ruffly, tunic-y tops that are ultra-feminine and have a bit of volume. Usually, they're made of a nice drapey jersey, chiffon, silk, what-have-you. Remember to balance out the proportion with a fitted skirt or skinny pants. For the winter, you can rock these in black, gray (for the safe) or in a jewel-tone to get out of the blahs. Look for them in pastels and neutrals for the spring.

Platform shoesThese showed up last year everywhere and...guess what? They're here to stay, AT LEAST through the summer. Closed, rounded toe and peep-toe with tights right now and open-toe and peep-toe for the spring/summer. If you haven't yet discovered the miracle of the hidden platform pump, try one on today (especially you shorties out there like me!).

The L.A.M.B. "Daly" Woven Hidden Platform Pump is a lovely example.
I'm not sure if the strictly gladiator look will continue but a modified version as a very strappy platform sandal will definitely be hot for the next several months, especially in new colors! Check out Michael Kors' Tajines Gladiator Sandal to see what I mean.


Higher Waists
There is a huge range here, from belly-button level to natural waist to just under the bust. This goes for pants, jeans and especially skirts.

Again, this is especially flattering for shorter legs but it provides some nice structure to all ladies' bodies and brings back an older fashion era. And again, TRY ON! You never know what will look good on you if you don't at least take a look at it on your own body inside that private sanctuary called the dressing room.

Black patent leatherShoes, purses, totes, everything. Still a good, classic investment that adds punch to your wardrobe.

WHAT WILL BE GOING. FAR AWAY...
Donate or recycle these. Thank goodness I have a sewing machine!

Big florals 
Not that this ever really caught on with the real gals out there, but I predict that these will not be pushed this spring like they were the past several months. Large prints are rarely flattering on many a bod and I think that the idea reminded us too much of our grandmas, even if the print WAS on a fabulous dress.

Maxi dresses
Anything that makes you look a little pregnant and a lot short is not a good thing. I learned the hard way. Sigh...