Shoe Heaven

 The other day was one of those days.  You know, one of the days that I wished I could hit the snooze button one more time, or maybe just call in sick, if that were an option.  It just seemed like I had an insurmountable amount of work to be accomplished, and nothing seemed to be going my way.  Well, as every lovely lady knows, the most conspicuous component of a stellar Fall wardrobe are the shoes, obviously.  Needless to say, I spent the greater part of my already lackadaisical day fantasizing of shoes.  Luckily for me, this Fall is packed with a colorful assortment of footwear in contrasting textures, patterns, heights, and shapes. 

Courtney showing off her gams and some Fall footwear available at The Purple Zebra.  Photo taken by yours truly.

While I typically like to purchase the fundamental pieces of my footwear wardrobe in the off-season (How I acquired my most coveted black leather boots at an extra 80% in March, which stayed neatly packed in the box until this September), I’m always on the hunt during the in-season for the trendier pieces.  These soles can be tricky to shop for when you’re on a budget, especially since they may only be actually considered trendy for one season.  I have a hard time justifying spending all of my chips on a pair of swanky neon stilettos, which is why I opt for cheaper alternatives of my favorites when it comes to the trendy pieces that change from season to season.  Here are my favorite footwear trends that are so right now for Fall:

1. Color Blocking. This trend has been around for a few seasons, but this Fall, color blocked shoes are all the rage.  We can thank Gwyneth Paltrow for rocking Christian Louboutin’s ‘Futura’ booties while performing during the 2011 Grammy’s for making us all drool over the multicolored shoe trend.  Since I do not have an extra $1095 laying around, and these shoes have been sold out for months, I scoured my sources for a fun alternative that is still funky and right on trend.  The magenta velvet and cobalt ostrich color-block booties that I carry in my store combine the best of two trends, mixing color and texture to create a piece of art for your feet!  Better yet, they are only $41.63!
2. Animal Print.  I love that animal print is still all the rage right now, and it doesn’t look to be going anywhere!  I saw so many divas rocking their leopard print skirts and tops during Fashion Week a few weeks back, and even the runway was packed with animal prints for spring!  A tiny kitten heel is a subtle way to incorporate a pop of this trend into any outfit this Fall.  If leopard isn’t your thing, try snakeskin and python prints.  There are tons of shoes out this fall, from pumps, to boots, to loafers that will rock your socks off.
3. Smoking Slippers.  Goodbye, ballet flats.  I can’t say that I’ll miss you.  I’ve never been a fan of frou-frou things, so I’ve always hated the dainty little look of ballet flats.  I  especially dislike the ones adorned with those horrid fabric flowers glued to the toe, or worse yet, bows.  It is obviously a little difficult to wear heels for every event in life, especially the ones that require ample walking, so I welcome this new style of slipper with open arms.  Based off of the classic menswear loafer, these stylish little numbers are adorned in lavish fabrics such as velvet, bright colors, animal prints, glitter, and studs this Fall!  Wear these with literally anything, from your favorite skinny jeans, to trousers, to this season’s maxi skirts and dresses.
4. Laces, Buckles, & Studs.  Rocker girl looks are still creeping around this Fall, keeping the 90’s grunge theme around a tad longer.  To update it this season, pair an edgy boot similar to this one from my store with a girly dress and some patterned tights. To get the most of of this shoe, pair it with everything from skinny jeans to the long sleeve maxi dresses that are so huge right now.  When you walk, just a small hint of your bad girl swagger will show with each step.  Throw on a leather jacket to balance your act, and you will be one nasty gal (in a good way).
5. Wedges.  More comfortable and just as sky high as stilettos, wedge booties are definitely a trend worth purchasing.  They look amazing under this seasons wide legs, chic over skinny jeans, and drool-worthy when paired with tights and a mini skirt.  These are a must have trend this Fall.  While I opted for the extreme leopard version, a more subdued gray, burgundy suede pair will keep you right on trend if you aren’t ready to take a walk on the wild side.

Start your list to Santa now. I, for one, will definitely be nestled all snug in my bed while visions of Sam Edelman studded smoking slippers dance in my head.  For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store website at www.purplezebrashop.com and follow me on twitter @goodnpretty.

Sweater School

My girl Courtney, photographed by myself.
Graphic sweater and crochet hat available at The Purple Zebra

There’s no doubt that the coolest thing for me about the dropping temperatures this time of year is the hunt for Fall’s hottest sweaters.  I love the hunt for the vintage silhouettes and patterns that are taking over the fashion world this season.  And nothing makes me smile more than walking through the quaint, tree lined towns of our area where the sidewalks are covered with vibrantly colored fallen leaves, for some fall shopping.  I love that our area has so much to offer in terms of downtown shopping, and while you may have to travel to different towns depending on what you’re looking for, each small downtown area has a certain niche of their own.  After all, who wants to spend the last few months of bearable temperatures in a mall?  This week, I went on a hunt for some thrift store finds to mix with some of the fall fashion that I carry in my shop.  I’m all about layering this Fall- it’s functional and stylish, and who can honestly argue with staying warm and looking cool at the same time?  Here are some of my rules on how to wear knits this Fall:

1. Oversized.  There are multiple ways to wear an oversized sweater this Fall.  The easiest, and most flattering way to wear an oversized sweater is to pair it with something fitted on the bottom.  Try to skip the leggings, however.  I know, I know, they’re comfy and easy to wear, and expand along with your waistline over the holidays, but please save them for sick days as often as possible.  I’m a sucker for a good pair of leggings too, but the days of leggings are over, thankfully.  Instead, pair your larger knits with a pair of skinny jeans in a color or dark wash, or wear your baggy sweaters with a mini skirt of pair of shorts layered over a pair of opaque tights.  If you are a slim build, get creative with your larger sweaters, and wear them with a maxi skirt or wide leg pant.  Be sure to wear heels to lengthen your legs if you do try this trend, and stick to a fitted jacket on top to balance your frame!
2. Cropped.   Cropped sweaters pack just as much punch as their oversized counterparts this season.   The easiest way to wear a cropped sweater is to choose a crew neck sweater in a loose knit that has a slouchy fit.  Layer it on over a contrasting blouse.  Yes, blouse. To pull this look off, choose a button up blouse with a fold over collar (buttoned all the way up, so you don’t look like a hussy, as grandma would say).   For an easy start, try a pale pink button up blouse under a camel colored cropped sweater.  To spice things up, choose a patterned blouse!
3. Cardigans. I have always loved cardigans and have rarely been able to part with them no matter their condition, which is why I’m so excited they’ve made such a comeback this Fall (not that they’ve ever been out, in my opinion)!  If you don’t feel like spending mega bucks on a new closet full of mustard colored cardis this fall (which is my favorite color this season, by the way), head to a thrift store or your mom or dad’s closet.  If your mom’s closet is anything like my mother’s, you could potentially be lost for days, so be sure to tell someone where you’re headed.  In fact, you may be able to convince your mom that you would like to help her “clean dad’s closet”.  What looks hideous on dad, may just be tomorrow’s ensemble.  My favorite cardigans are longer cardis with deep fronts, which look best when paired with a fitted blouse.  Chose a blouse with some frill on the front, which will look amazing peeking out of the deep “v” cut of the cardigan.  Once again, choose a contrasting color and/or pattern, and be sure to button all the way up!  Buttoning all the way up doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun, however.  The boldest blouse trends right now have oversized details like large bows on the front, so let loose, girl.
4. Graphic Arts.  Start gearing up for your holiday ugly sweater parties a little early this year.  Graphic patterned sweaters make a bold statement any day of the week.  Look for sweaters that are color-blocked in neutral shades like black, gray and white, and pair them with a pair of black skinnies, some scrunchy socks, and wedge booties.  Layer on a black leather jacket and you’ll be the coolest girl who never left the 80’s (but please spare us the teased hair).
5. Pattern Mixing.  Pattern mixing applies to everything right now, and sweaters are no different.  You can mix patterns in many ways regarding sweaters.  Try out different looks to find what you like to mix.  Some ideas?  Try mixing a floral print blouse with a striped sweater, or try pairing bold plaid pants with a striped sweater!  Let your imagination run, and try out options that you wouldn’t normally think of.  The easiest way to get started without clashing is to try different patterns that are in the same color families.  For example, try different patterns in a singular shade of red, which is a super hot color this season.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to head to a department store or specialty store that’s already done the color thing for you.  Most lines will carry separates in the same color family that will coordinate together to create a complete look.  Also, don’t be afraid to ask the sales associate!  They can provide an unbiased opinion on what looks good on you, should be able to assist you in creating a look that you may never have thought on your own!

Get creative and keep warm by trying all of these sweater ideas this Fall.  Sweaters aren’t just for the ski slopes this season, so get shopping!  For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store website The Purple Zebra and follow me on twitter @goodnpretty.

Vintage Tease, Please.

The beloved T-shirt.  Can any of us honestly say that we don’t own way too many of them?  Like denim, T-shirts are an American staple and part of most of our every day wardrobes, but we haven’t always been so casual.  The T-shirt, which got its name due to the garment's shape being in the form of a “T”, was once solely an undergarment worn by men in uniform.  Believe it or not, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the T-shirt became a mainstream piece in the fashion world, with actors like James Dean, Marlon Brando, and John Wayne wearing their “underwear” on television. 

T-shirts took off from this point forward, leaving an imprint on the fashion world due to their low cost, comfort, low maintenance, and versatility.  They have become a world of self expression and advertisement, with some of the designs seemingly burned into the pop culture world forever (How many times have you seen an “I <3 NY” T-shirt?).

I, of course, love my T-shirts just like everyone else out there.  I do, however, believe there is a way to wear T-shirts that can still be fashionable and a little more polished (i.e., there are ways to wear T-shirts that don’t include sweat pants or those hideous flannel pajama pants which are meant strictly for mopping the floor or on extreme sick days).  Believe it, ladies, t-shirts do not need to be worn with sneakers!  With the layered look still all the rage this season, you can maximize your wardrobe by taking your t-shirts with you from Summer throughout the Fall season.  These suggestions also go for all of the men out there, too, who typically have entire closets full of T-shirts.  Well I’m all for options, but your color coded rack of cotton crew necks is really not useful if you are just throwing them on with the same old jeans and sneakers day after day.  It’s time to get a little creative!

1. Blouse It.  Pair a plain text t-shirt under a cropped blazer as a casual alternative to a blouse that’s a little more personal.  To pull this look off, be sure to tuck your tee into a high waisted pair of pants, or a skirt with tights.  If you opt for a text t-shirt, skip the nasty quotes and stick to a positive one word version.  Make your own by drawing or printing block letters onto a piece of card stock.  Cut the bold print letters out, leaving a stencil behind.  Be sure to put a piece of cardboard inside the t-shirt, to separate the front and back of the tee.  Place the stencil on the front of your plain colored t-shirt and spray paint with a color of your choice!  Voila!  A simple, customized DIY tee.  Try a fun word that describes something about your personality or something that you believe in.  I also recommend getting a dictionary out and knowing the actual meaning of a word before you go ahead and paint it on the front of your shirt, please.
2. Opt for Artsy Prints.  Printed T-shirts have become a little less generic and a lot more artsy lately.  Pick a t-shirt that represents your artistic side, or lack there of.  I try to carry a decent selection of artsy, graphic prints in my store most of the time, since they are super comfortable and can be dressed up or down.  Pair them with jeans and a pair of boots, or dress them up with a skirt and tights for an edgier look!  Dudes, try to stick with the jeans and boots look.  If you’re feeling super creative, try your hand at some graphic art on the computer and iron on your own creation, or get some paint pens and sharpies out on a rainy day to recreate an old white tee!  www.threadless.com has a plethora of artist designs to choose from.  You can even submit your own designs for a chance to be featured on the site and earn tons of green!
3. Steal your Boyfriend’s.  Go ahead and be a little edgy.  Steal your boyfriends favorite band T-shirt and throw it on over a pair of your old skinny jeans from last season for a look that is completely rocker glam!  To keep it in line with this Fall, try to wear a pair of bright skinnies (think red!) and a black blazer over the tee.
4. Get your Granny On.  Once again, I recommend you head over to Grandma’s attic, this time in search for some old school plaid.  What’s hot right now?  Retro plaid prints in navy, orange, and red, and of course the classic black & white patterns.  If you’re lucky enough to score some pants and blazers for free, you can spend a little on taking them to the tailors to have them fitted for a modern silhouette.  Try a funky striped T-Shirt under a plaid blazer, or a vintage look T-shirt with some black & white tweed pants.  Keep in mind that mixing plaids is tough.  I would stick with a solid counterpart to your plaid.  If you opt for the bold blazer, wear a simple black pant, jean, or complimentary bold color found somewhere in the plaid.  Likewise, don’t get too busy on top if you are wearing loud trousers.  This look translates into menswear also.  Have we already forgotten “The Rules of a Modern Gentleman: The GQ Fall 2011 Trend Report”?  The geezer look was one of my favorites, and I specifically remember the D&G plaid blazer paired with a coca-cola graphic top and corduroy pants.  Translation:  Raid grandpas closet also, and go home with some new fall options for your dude to wear over his boring T-shirt as well.

Whatever your style, t-shirts are a staple that aren’t going out of style anytime soon.  Remember, it’s OK to be comfy and stylish at the same time, so try out these way to wear your tees to get the most out of your t-shirts and stay on top of the Fall fashion trends.

For more wholesome fashion goodness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra.  Be sure to follow me on twitter at @goodnpretty.  Also, find The Purple Zebra on Facebook at www.facebook.com/purplezebrashop!

Pumpkin Spiced Mani

I know that it seems like just yesterday that I riddled your brain with sorbet colored finger and toe options, but the seasons are a changing quickly, regardless of whether it feels more like spring than fall.  While the seasons are changing, we must not forget to transition our polish shades with our wardrobes.  Nail polish is one of my favorite fashion statements for a variety of reasons.  First of all, it’s inexpensive for the most part.  While you may find yourself splurging occasionally on a really fantastic Chanel shade that no one else could possibly make, there are typically tons of options for cheaper varieties of other shades.  Next, it can make or break an outfit.  If you’re like me, and nearly always caught in black throughout the fall and winter, the easiest way to spice up your look is through your polish. Finally, treat it as if it were an accessory.  These days, nails can be bedazzled, metallic, and adorned as if they were a piece of jewelry themselves.  Even if you are running out the door ten minutes behind schedule, your polish can make you feel pulled together regardless of whether you remembered your beloved jewels. 

This season, it’s all about elegance, from metallic hues, to muted, milky shades, to brazen, spicy jewel tones.

1.  Pumpkin Spice: Since I’m pretty monotonous about my obsession with all things pumpkin flavored (including the amazing pumpkin flavored milk shakes currently located at Independence Honda on Rt 11), I think it’s safe to say that I also love pumpkin colored nail polish.  It’s actually more of a rust color than a pumpkin shade that I’m digging, but for the purpose of their resemblance in my mind to tasty fall treats I will continue to call this shade pumpkin spice.  Try Essie Nail Polish in Very Structured, $8 at essie.com or Peachy Parrot by Orly (check out all of Orly’s Birds of a Feather line for fall).
2.  Military Greens:  Pastel and neon greens were all the rage this spring, and fall keeps the trend alive, just a bit darker and more mysterious.  Try Chanel Nail Colour in Peridot, $25.  For a cheaper alternative, I’m digging Rags To Riches by Rimmel, $3.99 in drugstores. 
3.  Navy Seal:  I love blue nail polish almost as much as I love pumpkin pie.  Contrary to popular belief, you can wear navy polish with all black if you do it right.  Try it out with some gold accessories and a navy scarf to match, and I guarantee you’ll have a change of heart.  My favorite is OPI’s Russian Navy, $8.50.  Also try Emerald City Revlon Nail Enamel, $5.99 (more of a blue-green), available at CVS, and Big Smoke, by Butter London, $14 at Ulta Beauty.
4.  Red Siren:  There are a few red trends for fall, from full blown ruby red, to a more subdued, shimmery berry version, to some with hints of orange.  I love a daring red polish such as Scarlett O’Hara by Essie, $8.  Essie also makes a fantastic classic red shade called Really Red, available at drugstores.
5.  Posh Plum: Another alternative to the black polish that we’ve seen season after season, purple shades are a great way to add a little color to your all black wardrobe.  For some shimmer, I swipe on China Glaze’s CG in the City, $7 at Sally Beauty Supply.  A solid matte plum shade to try is Solemate by Essie.  It’s creamy and rich, making it the perfect date for your fingers.
6. Industrial Revolution:  Browns and grays are yet another solid choice instead of boring black polish.  These shades create a polished manicure, and are much less severe than their darker compadres.  MAC’s Coco Clay is a warm chocolate shade that will transform your cuticles into milky chocolatey goodness, $15, www.maccosmetics.com.  Espresso by Revlon Nail Enamel is a great deep shade of brown, $5.99 at CVS.  For a lighter gray-brown shade, try Mochacino by Essie, $8.00 at CVS. 
7. Bling Ring:  Last but not least, swipe on some hot metallics this season for an instant glamourous look.  Butter London’s The Old Bill is a great bronze shade that I can’t wait to try.  Versailles by NARS, is a champagne gold that’s super light and chic, $17 at Sephora.  For a cheap silvery shade, test out Wet N Wild’s Hallucinate, $1.99, and Steel Her Heart by Revlon, $4.99, both at CVS.

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra and follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/goodnpretty.  Also find The Purple Zebra on Facebook at www.facebook.com/purplezebrashop!

Fall Foliage Lip Color!

Raisa Kahn, photographed by Alicia Prosceno

Lately, I’ve been totally amping up my makeup game, or trying at least.  Most fashionistas know that your pretty little face is the icing on the cake, meaning accessorizing a Fall wardrobe must not stop at picking the perfect pair of wedge booties.  This fall, there are a ton of fun makeup trends that can help amp up any outfit, from graphic eyeliner looks to channel your inner artist, to metallic eyelids - the luxe, modern take on a smokey eye, to in-your-face spider eyelashes.  The look that has me in a frenzy however, is bold, matte lips.  Perhaps I like this look because of my mainly black Fall and Winter wardrobe, or quite possibly it’s my love for old Hollywood glamour.      Either way, there’s no denying that a brightly painted pout is the way to go this Fall, and I can’t think of a better way to kiss summer goodbye.

I know that many of us struggle with how to select the perfect color when going bold. If you’re someone who insists on following the rules, generally cool skin tones will look best in bold lip colors with blue undertones (think raspberry shades), and warm complexions will benefit from trying shades with a little more of an orange base.  I tend to not get too caught up in these rules, especially since I swear I have jaundiced skin every time I hold my arm up to someone else’s to compare skin tone.  Instead, I go somewhere where I can try a few shades on.  You really only need to find one fantastic bold lipstick to get you through most of fall, so it pays to head to a department store or beauty store for this one.  By being able to try on multiple shades, it’s easy to see what compliments you, and a sales associate can most likely help give an unbiased opinion on the matter.  While you may spend a little more on that one tube of lipstick, you’re guaranteed to like it and wear it, unlike the three that were purchased at the drug store, all of which you could quite possible hate.

If you’re not typically a lipstick wearer, you can still get in on the trend without staining your lips fire engine red.  While I love the deep merlots, cool berry shades, hot fucshia lips, and brick red tones, I do know that bold lipstick is not something that everyone feels comfortable in (don’t knock it unless you try it, however).  If you aren’t a fan of leaving your mark all over your glass wear, opt for a beige nude lip.  It can make just as much of a statement (if not more), and will be a smooth transition for those of us who are too timid to take on a daring lip color this fall.

How To: Bold Lips 

1.  Anytime you are making your lips the focal point you need to show them some love. Exfoliate your lips with a simple DIY scrub of olive oil and sugar to remove dead, dry skin. Remove the scrub completely with a damp towel. This crucial step will allow for a smoother application and help ensure your lipstick lasts longer.
2. Gone are the days of matching your lip pencil to your lipstick. Instead, reach for a lip pencil that matches your natural lip color (try M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Subculture) so you can wear it with any shade of lipstick you have. Following your natural shape, line and fill in with your lip pencil. This gives the lipstick something to adhere to and increases staying power.
3. For maximum color payoff, apply your lipstick directly from the tube (save the lip brush for any detail work in the corners of your mouth). Wherever you first apply your lipstick is where you will deposit the most product, start at the center of your bottom lip. Extend the color to the edges of your mouth, top and bottom, and carefully blot your lips together.
4. To further increase your lipsticks longevity, take a coffee filter and use it to blot your lipstick. This simple step helps push the color pigments into the skin to create a stain. Coffee filters don’t leave unattractive lint the way tissues do (they’re also great for wiping down mascara wands and absorbing oil and perspiration on your t-zone in a pinch). Once you have blotted your lips, carefully apply another coat of lipstick.
5. With bold lip colors mistakes are bound to happen. Fret not, clean up with Q-tips soaked in makeup remover to remove any errant stray marks. To polish and tighten the edges of your lips, trace a concealer brush dipped in concealer around your lips to cover any imperfections. Follow this up with a Q-tip dipped in your face powder, if needed, to complete your bold lip look.

For more makeup trends, tips, and tricks check out BreBeauty Makeup Artistry.

So now that you’re all wondering how I happen to be a fashion guru and a makeup genius, I will let you in on my little secret.  It just so happens, that a friend of mine has a happening little beauty business in this area, known as BreBeauty Makeup Artistry.  Owner Breanna Bennet is a licensed esthetician and M.A.C. certified makeup artist who knows anything and everything beauty related (if you’re not familiar with M.A.C. makeup products, I strongly suggest trying out their products- for more info head to www.maccosmetics.com).  I’m always delighted to read her latest blog posts, so I asked her to put together a makeup tutorial for us all on how to attain a perfect pout with this must have look for Fall! 

For more fashion wholesomeness, check out my store, The Purple Zebra and follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/goodnpretty.  Also, find The Purple Zebra on Facebook: www.facebook.com/purplezebrashop!