September 2009

It might be cliché, but a girl can never have too many shoes in her closet. There’s nothing better than finding the perfect pair of chunky black heels, only to realize that you’re definitely going to need a pair of chunky black wedges as well. Followed by a pair of ballet flats in every color.

We’re rounding off September with our Chic Shoe Buys for the month. Last month we focused on the transition from summer shoes to fall shoes. For September’s Chic Shoe Buys, we’re pretty sure we’ve found the perfect pair of boots (#1) to take you all the way through winter, not to mention some other classic black shoes that will suit nearly every taste.

Chic Shoe Buys: September 2009

1. Jeffrey Campbell’s Sense & Sensibility Boots ($229.99) from ModCloth // We were recently lucky enough to score a pair of these amazing Sense & Sensibility Boots from ModCloth. The leather is super soft, making them the most comfortable boots you’ll ever wear. They have a real Victorian-era aesthetic about them, with a slightly green tint when you hit the right light. We suggest grabbing a pair, pronto, and pairing them with a lace blouse and blue jeans for a Penny Lane-style look.

2. Rock & Republic Celina Leather Pump Black ($275) from BlueBee // This pair of classic black pumps from Rock & Republic have been updated with a contemporary touch; a spike charm that dangles from the shoe, next to your ankle. This, combined with the cushioned sole, makes them perfect for a wild night out on the town, paired with skinny jeans and a sequined top.

3. Tory Burch Nappa Leather Reva Ballet Flat ($195) from ShopBop // A pair of timeless black ballet flats is an absolute necessity, all year round. We love the added detail that the gold logo disc provides at the front, while the elastic banding behind the heel is great for tired feet, worn out from shopping for fall essentials.

4. Kimchi Blue Faux Suede Wrap Skimmer ($48) from Urban Outfitters // Ever since we saw Sienna Miller roaming the streets of Manhattan with a pair of ankle-strap flats (yes, back in 2006), we’ve been kind of obsessed with finding a similar pair. If Sienna was the stylist here, she’d probably recommend tying the ankle strap around the cuff of your favorite skinny jeans, adding a fedora and heading out the door. This, or throwing on a printed mini dress and a pair of black tights. You choose.

5. Dolce Vita Marley Open Toe Booties with Strap Overlay ($215) from ShopBop // If you’re setting out with the mission to look tough this fall/winter, these are the perfect shoes for you. The studded straps and ring detail add an edge to your look while the stacked wedge heel definitely adds some height. The inner, sock-like fabric is loose around the ankle, which gives your legs a longer, leaner look. Pair them with a mini dress and tights in the fall, then move on to jeans, a faux fur coat and black socks as it gets colder.

6. Perforated Buckled Platforms ($34.99) from Charlotte Russe // If you want to add a little “rough and tough” to your style, while still keeping things on the feminine side, these platform heels from Charlotte Russe are perfect. Not only are the chunky buckle straps completely on-trend, but they are budget friendly, chic and classic all at once.

Hot Buy: Silence & Noise Oversized Animal Print Tee

HOT BUY:  Silence & Noise Oversized Animal Print Tee ($38)
HOT BUY:  Silence & Noise Oversized Animal Print Tee ($38)
HOT BUY:  Silence & Noise Oversized Animal Print Tee ($38)

Too exciting! Opening Ceremony has collaborated with Where The Wild Things Are director, Spike Jonze, to create a limited edition collection inspired by the movie (and the book). The line features a range of faux fur pieces for both men and women, including main character Max’s iconic one-piece playsuit (complete with tail and hood). It gets better! Pamela Love has also contributed to the project with silver and brass jewelry inspired by the film’s iconography.

The Where The Wild Things Are collection debuted on Monday at Opening Ceremony.. Get in quick.

Where The Wild Things Are, Opening Ceremony

Ten Best Dressed: 30 September 2009

1. Anne Hathaway, 2. Whitney Port, 3. Vanessa Hudgens, 4. Demi Moore, 5. Ashlee Simpson, 6. Jessica Biel, 7. Nicole Kidman, 8. Dita Von Teese, 9. Gisele Bundchen, 10. Kate Moss

Sonia Rykiel is the latest designer to collaborate with H&M and she’ll be collaborating on two collections. Rykiel will design a line of lingerie to launch December 5th, followed by a women’s knitwear collection to launch in February. [Fashionista, FabSugar]

Marc Jacobs may or may not be signing on to a Real Housewives-esque reality show. The designer is apparently in talks to appear on a gay version of the Real Housewives series on the Logo network. [The Cut]

In other collaboration news, Canadian designer Mark fast will be designing a line for Topshop. After shocking the fashion world when he used plus-size models in his S/S 2010 show at London Fashion Week, this announcement makes September a pretty big month for Fast. [NY Daily News, InStyle UK]

Fashion News: Sonia Rykiel, Marc Jacobs + More

Bluefly & StyleList are searching for America’s Most Stylish Blogger! If you get on the shortlist, not only will you get $940 worth of free clothes to style for the crowd/jury but you’ll go in the running for a $1,000 shopping spree at Bluefly, a weekly column on Stylelist and a blogger store on Bluefly.

Ooh la la! French fashion house Givenchy have collaborated with muse Lou Doillon to create a short, black & white film for Fly 16×9.

Ruby Tuesday: 29 September 2009

“This was the first collection Gianni gave to me to design on my own; it is very sentimental to me.” Donatella Versace on the return of Versace’s diffusion line, Versus, which returned at Milan fashion week after a five year hiatus.

Watch Tom Ford’s trailer for his directorial debut, A Single Man. Watch it now.

The Stam tweets.

Ruby Tuesday: 29 September 2009

It’s pretty obvious that if any country is going to have love hotels, it’s Japan.

Color Me Katie is the blog of a freelance photographer and street artist from Brooklyn. Her blog features a lot of incredible ideas, like invisible dog leashes, part of her Improv Everywhere project.

Fashion videos are king this week! Dolce & Gabbana reveal the inspirations behind their new spring collection direct from the design studio.

Ruby Tuesday: 29 September 2009

“Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I’m trying to pin a few of them down.” Another artist from Brooklyn, Sophia Blackall paints what you read in the missed connections section.

Hot Buy: Petal To The Metal Sasha Bag

HOT BUY: Petal To The Metal Sasha Bag ($498) by Marc by Marc Jacobs
HOT BUY: Petal To The Metal Sasha Bag ($498) by Marc by Marc Jacobs
HOT BUY: Petal To The Metal Sasha Bag ($498) by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Fall Fashion Colors: 2009

September 29, 2009

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Just as Fashion Week rolls around twice every year, so does Pantone’s fashion color report, featuring the top 10 colors for women’s fashion.  To coincide with our Trend Report: Fall 2009, we thought it would be fun to take the top ten fall fashion colors for 2009 and feature a couple of top buys in every color. 

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a painter’s palette, fall 2009 offers choice and diversity, but the unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.

Fall Fashion Colors: 2009

1.  BURNT SIENNA // We like Myne’s Olive Skirt and Blu Bijoux’s Sienna Beaded Bangle Set ($28).

2.  WARM OLIVE // We like Karina Grimaldi’s Maria Strapless Romper ($174) and this Antique Brass Coin & Leather Bag ($200).

3.  PURPLE HEART // We like Rebecca Taylor’s Gypsy Blouse ($325) and Frye’s Mary Studded T-Strap Sandal ($63.18).

4.  NOMAD // We like Thistlepearl’s Batik Zebra Jumper ($29.99) and Free People’s Saddle Fringe Boot ($69.95).

5.  HONEY YELLOW // We like Free People’s Beach Cruiser Hoodie ($68) and Janna Conner’s Honey Jade Ring ($63).

6.  RAPTURE ROSE // We like Black Halo’s One Shoulder Mini Jackie Dress ($345) and Deena & Ozzy’s Mini Quilted Bag ($39.99).

7.  AMERICAN BEAUTY // We like Citizens of Humanity’s Avedon Skinny Jeans ($185) and Miss Me’s Nobu-8 Platform Pump ($36.34).

8.  MAJOLICA BLUE // We like Free People’s Nylon Fitted Bomber ($69.95) and this Chain Knot Cloche ($38) hat.

9.  CREME BRULEE // We like this UO Mesh Bodysuit ($14.99) from Urban Outfitters and House of Harlow 1960′s Gold Plated Sunburst Cuff ($110).

10.  IRON // We like Forever21′s Damask Leopard Print Dress ($22.80) and Free People’s Nathan Over The Knee Slouch Boot ($178).

GO TO:  Pantone’s Color Report, Fall 2009

Hot Buy: Graham & Spencer Leopard Coat

HOT BUY: Graham & Spencer Leopard Coat ($759) from Free People

It’s not a glamorous job, but when it comes to your makeup kit, learning how to clean your makeup brushes is far more important than a lot of people realize. If you get into the habit of cleaning them regularly, your makeup always be fresh, ensuring the best possible results. Most importantly, though, you’ll be one-up on the hygiene factor.

No matter what tools of the trade you use – from brushes to mini sponges to powder puffs – after a few uses, they begin to collect all sorts of nasty residue, including bacteria that can cause pimples. That’s enough to get you into the habit, right?

Beauty Tips: How To Clean Makeup Brushes

BASIC STEPS:

1. Run the bristles of your makeup brushes under warm, running water.

2. Apply a very small amount of shampoo to the brush and work into a light lather. Be gentle.

3. Rinse the bristles thoroughly under the water, again. You’ll probably see that the water turns a nice shade of color, based on whatever you used the brush for. You’ll want to keep lightly rinsing the brush until the water runs clear again.

4. Lay the tools flat on a paper towel and let them air-dry naturally. You need to let them dry for as long as they need, where possible. If this means getting a back-up brush for emergencies, we definitely recommend it. Just don’t forget to clean the back-up too!

How often should you clean your makeup brushes? It obviously depends on how often you use them but generally speaking, once a week. If you use a liquid makeup, you need to wash it after every use.

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