Taryn Rose – Rebel December 16, 2009

Who knows about comfortable footwear better than anyone else? An orthopedic surgeon whose years of practice and research proved that most foot pain is caused by ill-fitting shoes. That is why Taryn Rose designed a line of footwear that is both comfortable – day in and day out. Taryn Rose International is the only shoe company to use Poron®  (memory foam) padding – a cushioning structure created by NASA that retains 95% of resiliency after years of wear.

The company also gives importance to luxury and sophistication. This  Rebel platform wedge is one example of comfort and style mix together. It is made of imported calf leather and is mainly hand-sewn in Italy. Its simplicity illustrates sheer elegance and opulent materials. The four-inch wedge heel not only gives a nice lift but also gives support with its ergonomic arch and  Poron® insole padding. While its elegant design makes if flexible to go with  any outfit.

On sale now at $192.50, this pair is definitely a better investment than any of those expensive, pretentious brands.

If I Were to Dress a Friend: Joann December 14, 2009

Joann is a fun-loving, vibrant, and fashion-minded individual who is not scared to try out new things and put on random items to create a unique ensemble. Her spirited attitude is often reflected on her colorful clothes that light up her personality even more. She is the only person I know who can wear a bright dress in the middle of bleak winter and pull it off. If she were a season, she would be both Spring and Fall – bright and intense.

I would love to see her in this embroidered multi-color patchwork dress from Oscar de la Renta. The contrasting dark and bright colors work together to create a look fit for either Spring or Autumn. The details- sequins and beads- are like the little traits that make Joann such a wonderful person. The patchwork are representative to the different lives she has touched with her joyous personality. Metaphor aside, the tube top accentuates her bust without revealing too much while the pleated skirt highlights her beautiful curves. This dressdefinitely complements her features and personality.

Spring 2010: Alexander McQueen December 11, 2009

Iridescent was the word to describe Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 Collection during the Paris Fashion Week last October.The award-winning fashion designer who likes scuba diving, took his inspiration from the colorful world under the sea. His designs featured digitally-enhanced prismatic fabrics, flowing skirts, wavy cuts, and shimmering sequins and beads. The show gave the audience the illusion of boarding Captain Nemo’s submarine in “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

In creating this illusion, the models wore form-fitting dresses that almost looked like an extension of their bodies. Their hair was swept up in curves that looked like fins and they wore gigantic boots with curved heels that looked like fish.

Alexander McQueen is known for his avant-garde designs but his Spring 2010 Collection is by far his most precocious creation.

Layered Tights: Stay Warm, Look Fab December 9, 2009

If you live in cold places, wearing tights is more of a necessity than a fashion statement. More often than not, you would rather wear those plain, opaque tights that provide warmth over those cute mesh or fishnets. I would not be surprised if you have a pair of those thick sweater tights. There is nothing wrong with that. Some of them are cute, anyway. However, if you want to glam it up without being worried about overdoing it, try layering up your tights – plain, opaque tights under mesh or fishnets! I have tried this with purple opaque tights and black patterned ones. The outcome was impressive! It did not even look like I was wearing layered tights at all. It kept me warm enough I must say it was better than wearing those bulky sweater tights.

Layering up tights is a good way to stay warm and look fab at the same time. It is also a great way to wear those bright colored tights or conspicuous fishnets without being too flagrant. Most of all, you can mix and match so you will get a new each time. Many tights come in two pairs – dark and bright colors, or plain and patterned. For a classy look, try wearing a bright-colored opaque tights under dark mesh,fishnets, or sheer tights.

Peep-toe Booties from Bakers December 8, 2009

Booties are cute but most of them are not flexible enough to be worn with any outfit. I have been looking for a pair of booties to wear not only this season but anytime of the year. While most booties look very good with jeans and sporty attire, I wanted a pair that will go well with jeans, skirts, and dresses. It took me a little while until I went to BAKERS and found what I wanted.

This Emily bootie is perfect for skinnies, skirts, and even dresses. The cut-out design and bronze strap décor make it look dressy and although it is made of synthetic leather, the matte finish gives it an authentic look. Meanwhile, the elevating platform and heels give me that boost of confidence I need. Most importantly, the color combination will allow me to wear it with different outfits – from  jeans to LBDs. I am planning to wear it with a black dress, along with a brown cropped top and layered tights. Metallic colors are predicted to be a hit next spring. The bronze accent of this bootie will definitely extend the list of outfits with which it can be worn.

BAKERS Shoes -TAMRA December 2, 2009

Looking for something to dazzle up your special night? This shoe may be the right one for you – Tamra by Bakers. This snake embossed leather sandal is highlighted with charming multi-colored jewels. The jewels also are cut in different sizes so that they give extra spark. Although this sandal comes only in silver, the style and color will match many evening dresses – from that little black dress to that shimmery cocktail dress.

It is available from sizes 5 1/2 – 7 1/2 but it surprisingly comes small so even those who wear small sizes may find this sandal a perfect fit for them. Most importantly, the price has been reduced to just $29.99.

I had been eying on this for months and almost lost hope on it. I did not want to buy it then since the price was a bit too much for me. I was so thrilled when it finally went on sale!

My Best Deal Splurge November 27, 2009

I did not buy many items today. I guess I was overwhelmed by the crowd that I was happy to just walk around the mall watching people with their shopping bags.  Still, I could not help splurging a little on colors and scents. I found a great deal from Estée Lauder (Macy’s)- with any purchase of Estée Lauder fragrance, I could get this fabulous color collection for only $55 which is said to be a $340 value.  What I liked about the set is that it had everything I wanted and a little more!

• Deluxe Face Compact (Estée Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Rosewood and Nude Rose, and Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer)
• 4 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Candy, Rose Tea, Fig and Tiger Eye)
• 3 Artist’s Eye Pencils (great for smoky eyes, in SoftSmudge Black, SoftSmudge Brown and Slate Writer)
• Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara (10-day supply, in Black)
• Lash Primer Plus (10-day supply)
• Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 3.4 oz.)
• 4 Deluxe Makeup Brushes (Powder, Blush, Lip and Eye)
• Look Book with tips on creating 4 fabulous looks
• Golden Stand-Up Mirror
• Cosmetic Traveler Case
• Companion Makeup Case

As for the fragrance, I could not just settle for one. I chose the Estée Lauder Pen Pals Gift Set – portable 0.2 oz Eau de Parfum Rollerball Pens in three lush fragrances – Beautiful, Sensuous, and Pleasures. It is’s a great way to enjoy different Estée Lauder scents without spending too much.

Three luxurious scents and a fabulous color collection to indulge. I couldn’t ask for more. (Well, figuratively speaking.)

Judith Leiber: Luxurious Minaudières and Red Carpet Purses November 25, 2009

Anyone who watched “Sex and the City: The Movie” would remember that adorable pink cupcake bag that Lily -Charlotte’s daughter- was carrying. It created so much buzz in Hollywood that even big girls like Katy Perry wore it. That bag is available at Neiman Marcus ( I saw one in Dallas) $4,295. Yes, quite pricey and not every woman will look good carrying it. Still, any Judith Leiber fan would love to own one of her creations. (Why, if I had the money to spend, I would buy one myself.)

Judith Leiber’s  cutting edge designs- from simple, elegant evening clutches to fancy pillboxes have earned her fame around the globe. In fact, some of her classic works can be found in museums like the Smithsonian. Her creations have become a status and fashion symbol among many women . Several Hollywood stars have carried her bag on and off the red carpet.

Although I find each of her handbag exquisite and unique in itself,  I can’t help picking out my favorites. I found three bags I like the most.

Viola

This rich satin envelope clutch is from the Holiday 2009 Collection. It is accentuated with a silver plated flower ornament that is bejeweled with pavé set crystal. It is very simple yet sophisticated- a perfect accessory for soirees or fancy occasions.

Style H11891
COLOR: Black
Price: $1,495

Wrap Clutch

This impressive clutch is not only dazzling but promises to be soft. Wear it to glam up dark  jeans or add spark to your formal evening wear.

Style H11880
COLOR: Rhine
Price: $3,995

Sphere

This is totally a charming accessory for any red carpet event! Imagine it hanging low across the side, accentuating that elaborate (or even simple) evening gown. Those square Austrian crystals “create a multifaceted mirror ball effect” that one would not need additional accessories to sparkle.

Style M31740
COLOR: Rhine-Boreale
Price: $2,495

The Perfect Dress for Your Body Type November 23, 2009

‘Tis the season of merriment – office parties, family reunions, and the like. It is the time of the year when women ransack their closets or head to the stores to find some nice dress so that they could look their best. Choosing the right dress could be a dilemma especially to some (of us) who have problems with body shapes. More often than not, that perfect dress hanging by the rack doesn’t look right when you put it on. It either makes your hips look wider or your bust look fuller. Shopping for that perfect dress could be frustrating. Sometimes, you can’t help wishing you had a body like that of a mannequin or Heidi Klum.Well, you may not have that “perfect” body but you can have that perfect dress. It is important to know which style suits you and what body type you have.

Straight Body Type ( Rectangle or Ruler)

This body type is mostly common. The hips and bust are balanced and the waist is not very defined. The bottom may be more flat than round. If you have this body type, try to put emphasis on your waist while making  sure you dress the top and bottom of your body proportionally.

Tops: wide collared jackets; structured sleeves; shirts with embellishments across the bust; V-neckline with empire waist; wide belted tops

Bottoms: pants with wide waist band; flap rear pockets; boot cut or flared jeans with low or mid-rise waist; skirts with details -seaming or pockets- around the hips

Dresses: full or flutter sleeves; ruched or draped across the bust; off shoulder dresses with A-line or full skirt; fitted or belted waist

Pear Body Type (Triangle)

If you have seen a pear, then you may have an idea how this body type looks like. The lower body (hips) is larger than the upper body (bust). The waist however, is well-defined. The key to styling this body type is to bring the attention to the upper body while still defining the waistline and making the lower body proportionate to the upper body.In other words, try to create an hourglass figure.

Tops: wide, V-necklines; fitted waist and details around the bust and shoulders;  structured or padded shoulders to enhance the upper body.

Bottoms: A-line skirts; lightly gathered skirts that skim the bottom; dark pants with no or minimal pockets; mid-rise waist; boot-cut or trouser-cut jeans.

Dresses:  full sleeves and wide necklines; A-line skirts and fitted waist; off shoulder or strapless

Apple Body Type ( Inverted Triangle)

This is just the opposite of the pear body shape. The upper body is proportionally large -  broad shoulders, full bust, wide back. The waist and hips are slim and the bottom may be more flat than round. If you have this body type, you will need to bring emphasis on your lower body to create that hourglass figure.

Tops: shirts with deep scoop necklines; vertical details; deep V-neck shirts that wrap around the waist, nipped-in waist

Bottoms: full or ballerina type skirts; A-line skirts; wide-legged dress pants with flap rear pockets; full legged cargo pants

Dresses: wrap dresses with deep V-neck and full skirt; coats with large hip pockets

Whatever your body type is, the key is to create a balance to your proportions. It is also important to know your best assets. So next time you shop for that perfect dress, try to take note of your body features, too.

MK Demi Shoulder Bag in (Perfect) Red November 17, 2009

They say every woman should have a little black dress in her closet. I agree. It is an elemental item that can be used anytime of the year – for parties, night outs, formal gatherings, or special dates. What is best to go with a pretty LBD? An equally pretty LRP – little red purse! Red just pops out when paired with black. This color combination brings out allure and sophistication. The tricky part is not all reds are created equal.  Some shades of red are too bright, others too dull.

I find this Michael Kors Demi shoulder bag just the perfect shade and size. The luxurious patent leather brings out the richness of the color and the gold tone hardware gives a hint of glimmer to this elegant ensemble. The buckled shoulder strap also makes it adjustable and the zipper top makes it accessible. Although this purse does not have many details, the whole design still looks elaborate. It is an embellishment itself – the cherry on top.

This shoulder bag is definitely one of those essentials in a woman’s closet. Not only is it perfect for that little black dress but also a gorgeous pop of color to dull grays, dark blues, or even plain whites. In fact, it could go with so many colors. It is the perfect red accessory.