Wedges by Castañer

Black Janette Raffia Wedges by Castañer, £144.
Red Janette Raffia Wedges by Castañer, £144.
Green Juli Canvas Wedges by Castañer, £144.
Black Juli Canvas Wedges by Castañer, £144.
A summer staple! the wedge is the only way to walk tall during the summer months and the Castañer black and red raffia wedge is oh-so-chic while the Castañer Canvas wedge will be perfect for those elegant summer dresses.

Cosmetics 101: Building Your Arsenal

A few weeks ago it was my friend’s Birthday and we had a big party planned for her. As part of the planning prep I invited her to come and hangout at my house to get ready before hand. We got to have fun girly time I flat ironed her hair and did her make-up. We got to talking about how she feels overwhelmed shopping for Make-up. I think this is a common problem for a lot of women. Those make-up sales people can be hit and miss with their advice sometimes. Check out this post by my friend The Wonk for a great example of how annoying these trips can be.

I don't claim to know a lot about makeup but I do know how to shop for makeup. I like getting my makeup done by the ladies at the counter. It is like a free spa.. well free if you don't blow an entire paycheck on mac eyeshadows (unlike me). My first job out of College was Assistant Manger of the Cosmetics Department of a large department Store. I didn't work at the counters I basically had to deal with the catty cosmetic counter fights about commissions and schmooze with the account reps. It was probably the Best and the worst retail job I have ever had. I did learn a few things about makeup application during that time though.

Which brings me to my first Lesson in a New Series I have creatively named Cosmetics 101.

Lesson 1.
Before you apply your makeup you need to remember these basic things:

1. Always apply makeup to clean skin (follow the routine appropriate for your skin type).
   
   
2. Make sure you have all the appropriate makeup tools and products you need.
   
   
3. Apply makeup in a well-lighted area.
   
   
4. Use a magnifying mirror to check your blending and overall smoothness

I think a lot of people skip step two. Most gals just don't have a good brush set. You can purchase all the coolest most amazing makeup in the world but if you don't have the correct tools to apply it then it won't look help. I recommend that ever girl invest in a good brush set.

Sephora has a deal on makeup brushes right now. A ten brush set for $72, this might seem expensive since you can pick up a brush at the drugstore for a couple of dollars, but these brushes will last you if you car for them properly. You can also buy a good brush cleaner spray at Sephora to keep your brushes healthy.

The Sephora website also has these helpful videos telling you how to use your newly purchased brushes!

Next week: Foundation and Concealer.

Yellow Patent is the New ... uh, Black Patent.

Patent leather is nothing new, though 2008 has found it a very popular finish. Combine that with the Spring trends of light, natural and yellow and you end up with some pretty interesting shoes. Yellow Patent! We love this look; it's so ... much that you have to pay attention. Here are some of our faves and why:

Jessica Bennett Forli: The Maximalist
These hot numbers are an instant scene-stealer. Yellow patent with teal patent trim lined in gold, topped with a buckle and set on a stacked wooden heel? Subtle this is not. It's ultra-maximalist so pair it with a relatively simple outfit or let them just peep out from some longer, darker clean jeans. The darker denim texture and bagging at the ankle will contrast nicely with the slick jaune of this 'Jane toe and make the teal just sing.

Franco Sarto: The Mod
A kittenish slingback with a chunky heel, this pale yellow patent shoe will be a summer classic. The spare lines and subdued yellow with white banding are the ground for a popping black button. Pair these up with a darker skirt at the knee or above -- aim to match the button to establish a visual continuity which lengthens your legs. The sling will draw attention to your lovely ankles and the round toe is a simple, understated finish.


Pour La Victorie: Beach Glam
Yellow patent topper with white piping and antique gold strappies. Closed heel. Leather sole. Slightly gladiator, slightly Dallas, the Nanette should dress up a casual outfit -- shorts, bathing suit, sari -- and declare '80s yuppie decadence. (The level of irony is completely at your discretion; we opt for none: the full embrace.

Topshop Reno Caged Platform Shoes

Ladies, Ladies, ladies, if you missed out on the Topshop Sereno shoes, do not let yourselves miss out on these Topshop's Reno Caged Platform Shoes, £60, in peach, nude and bright blue. Just out and as stunning as the original Serenos, the Reno is open back. They are ready for orders and have them is sizes ranging from 36 to 42 (4 to 9). Do not say I did not warn you.

El Dantes for Faith Solo

CARTNY, £115.LUCKLY, £145.

The long awaited Faith Solo by El Dantes Spring/ Summer Collection is finally here. The collection is glamorous and elegant with a stylish edge. Inject your wardrobe with these sort after chunky wooden wedges or these feminine sexy heels to add instant add glamour and extra style to your summer outfits.

Etro Suede High-Top Fringe Gladiator Sandals

Etro's Suede High-Top Fringe Gladiator Sandals, £385, have got to be the 'It' sandals for this season. Not only are they adorned with an abundance of fringe but they also look quite chic and can be worn day or evening. Kimberley Stewart sports a pair!!!!

Faith Jadiator Sandals

Faith's Snake skin effect strappy gladiator sandals with closed back and buckled ankle strap are gorgeous. The Jadiator sandals, £28, will add style and character to any outfit and are set to become this season’s must have item. Gwyneth Paltrow looks very chic in her Stella McCartney printed top and gold metal gladiators sandals with skinny jeans and blazer.

Miuccia Prada

I just love Miuccia Prada and the reason why is this very unique and flawless runway collection!!!!Prada Mauve and Blue Leather Sandal, £385Prada Green and Red Leather Sandal, £385Prada Black and Gold Leather Sandal with red ankle strap, £369Prada Black and Gold Leather Sandal, £385Prada Green and White Leather Sandal, £385Prada Green Deer Sandal, £385

Christian Lacroix Granulated Leather Boot

Christian Lacroix Granulated Leather Boot, £405, is striking. Ankle boots will be a staple right through to the warmer months. I love how the peep-toe front gives a contemporary feel. Team this sleek pair with a pretty tea dress or skinny jeans.

Prada Black & Gold Deer Flat Boot

Prada Black & Gold Deer Flat Boots, £512, are absolutely stunning. Straight off the runway of the Spring/ Summer 2008 collection, these are bound to make you stand out from the crowd.

What Would Yul Wear?

Yellow is a central color for the Spring '08 season. But we think Frost penned it best when he declared that "Nature's first green is gold." And whilst it's true that it may be "the hardest hue to hold," we think with a little bit of savvy and a right good dollop of confidence, you too can sport this look without sinking into grief.

To make it easier, we'll make a game of it. Call it "What Would Yul Wear?" As the King Mongkut of Siam, Yul Brynner cuts a famous rug with Deborah Kerr ... but the poor man's got no shoes! While we dig the gold ankle cuffs and the velvet jumper with gold studs, this boy needs some appropriate footies for his next waltz.

Herewith: a selection of Yul-tastic gold candidates for your inspiration and vote. Watch the clip and comment on your choice (below) for this emperor's new clogs. The winner will bask in the satisfaction that revisionist cultural populism in the service of the marketplace lives on in the blogosphere.

And should this fail to win you over to the gold standard, just remember that Fall '08 is a new season and we're quite sure "nothing gold can stay." At least until Spring 2009.

Lanvin Platform Sandal

Lanvin's Platform Sandal with a cross satin and vanished calf, £530, is a seriously stylish pair of shoes that hit all the right trends; put your best feet forward.

Discount Thursdays!

Discount Thursdays is a new feature to the blog. Every Thursday I will try and list a Sale or Coupon for your weekend shopping splurges. Plus it helps you get through the last day before Friday the happiest day of the week!

This week I will start with an Earth Day Related Discount. Today thru Sunday you can take your old T-shirts into a Barneys Location and get 20% off a Loomstate. Your old t-shirts will be recycled into new, limited edition shirts, with proceeds benefiting 1% for the Planet.

Also there is a huge clearance Sale on Pimperlime. Pimperlime is the online shoe retailer owned by Gap. The site is alot like Zappos.

Click here for the super clearance sale. Enter PSST at check out for an additional 15% off. But remember all sales are final! If you get the shoes and they don’t fit or aren’t what you wanted you will have to just sale them on EBay or give them to a Fashionista in need.

Happy Shopping!

www.piperlime.com

Alexander Mcqueen Crocodile Pump

Alexander Mcqueen's Crocodile Pump, £739, are extremely sexy. Alexander McQueen reworks the classic red pump by updating a traditional look in super-luxe crocodile. These shoes made a grand entrance on the runway in cream and black. Now you make your grand entrance.

Giuseppe Zanotti Necklace Chain Strappy Sandals

Talk about "all things bright and beautiful...." These Giuseppe Zanotti Necklace Chain Strappy Sandals, £515, are spectacular. Perfect for that evening look, they have a necklace strap and a deep velvet inner sole that will make you feel like you are on a red carpet whatever the occassion.