Style, Fashion and Life Blog

Shoe Trends for Spring: the Kitten Heel and the Platform Wedge

Monday, March 21, 2011

The revival of our fashion’s past has begun; pound on the pedal in your time machine, and enjoy the ride.

Ready-to-wear worldwide is exhibiting trends from decades that rocked the world; clearly the weight of fashion nostalgia was felt and acknowledged. From Audrey Hepburn to Charlie’s Angels, the opportunity to adorn in the most yearned after styles has arrived.

Wide-brimmed hats and silk scarves decorated runways; vintage-inspirations are the forefront of fashion. Trending with these unforgettable accessories is the kitten heel and platform wedge.

Donna Karan Ankle-Wrap Platform Wedge

Manolo Blahnik 'Carolyne' Slingback Pump

The kitten heel is not a new way to step with style; we are simply re-visiting a fabulous comeback from the late 1950’s. Decades ago, the kitten heel was viewed as a traditional, less-sexy alternative to the towering stilettos, and a safe, formal shoe option for young girls. However, fast forward to the 80’s and 90’s, this heel was still stomping around the chic shoe market. Now this year, top designers impress consumers with stunning, contemporary collections. Age is irrelevant with this exclusive heel; smaller inches are back to grace all generations.

Jimmy Choo Kitten-Heel d'Orsay

Jimmy Choo Snake Kitten-Heel d'Orsay

Stuart Weitzman d'Orsay Pump

Given that safety of color is out, and risk is in, try a pink, yellow or nude heel. Pair with capris or a knee-length skirt; the stellar shape of the kitten heel combined with a pop of striking color will have you runway worthy.

Check out the works of art available at Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?keyword=kitten+heel&origin=keywordsearch

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=kitten+heel&_requestid=26115

Alongside the kitten heel, shoe heaven continues with the ultra-stylish, platform wedge. Whether they are wooden or a bohemian chic espadrille wedge, let your coddled feet slip into the 70’s.

Lanvin Halter Sliced Wedge Sandal

Prada Peep-Toe Bow Wedge

Alexander McQueen Floral-Heel T-Strap Wedge

The platform wedge represents a decade about freedom, so liberate yourself. Try the wedge paired with the ever-so-fashionable bell bottom jean, or take a gander at one of the darling maxi dresses out this spring.

Theory ALDORA RELAXED Dress

Designing masterminds such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Valentino are stocking the floors of Neiman Marcus with ground-breaking styles this season.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jhtml?No=0&Ntt=wedge&_requestid=42146&N=0&pageSize=160

The wedge represents comfort and style; there’s no need to worry about toppling over during your day.

Walk confidently from decades that moved fashion in a new direction.

Smile, and let your hair down this spring. Enjoy the time warp.

For more fashion tips and possible amusement, check out more of my work at the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/fashion-in-los-angeles/melanie-kaspin

Denim Days: Jean Styles for Spring

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Daylight savings weekend throws people off their normal routine; frantic people search for that one hour back and for some reason, don’t think they can live without it. However, that frustration towards that lost hour usually subsides when eyes squint from sunny rays still radiating at 7pm. Spring time bliss officially begins.

Longer days mean something extra special to Angelenos. One car ride to the supermarket can lead to a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, a picnic stop in Malibu, a wine tasting in Santa Barbara, an evening in San Diego, or a really random trip to Las Vegas.

What is the fashionable solution for daytime to evening wear? In SoCal, the versatile answer to unpredictable days is denim.

Indulge in the denim collections that are bursting with refreshing flavor this season. The eruption of fresh style is as contagious as SoCal’s springtime energy.

To complement the 70’s bohemian chic, widely expressed trend of Spring 2011, the bell bottom and wide-leg cut are flourishing this season. The buzz has taken shape worldwide.

Both the bell bottom and wide-leg cut harmonize beautifully with a high, mid or low rise waist. Whether you’re tucking a Joie blouse into high-waist wide-leg jeans for lunch, or gracing West Hollywood with your ultra-low rise bells with a sequined Vince top for the evening, you cannot go wrong with this comeback.

Vince Sequined Cropped Tee

Joie Veronica Floral-Print Top

If a wider leg jean is not your cup of tea, the denim industry continues to offer a wide spectrum of shapes: boot cut, straight leg, pencil, cigarette, and skinny. The classic cuts are around year after year; however some of the favorites this season are seen in JBrand, Hudson and Citizens of Humanity.

http://www.jbrandjeans.com/1277_Bette_in_Wonderama/pd/c/108/np/108/p/1788.html

http://www.jbrandjeans.com/2244_Kiki_in_Lotus/pd/c/108/np/108/p/1783.html

http://www.hudsonjeans.com/Harper_Flap_Pocket_Wide_Leg/pd/c/1036/np/1036/p/1098.html

http://www.hudsonjeans.com/Gwen_Wide_Leg/pd/c/1036/np/1036/p/1156.html

In addition to the renowned denim favorites, the technology savvy DL1961 is grasping tightly to their share of the denim market. DL1961 revolutionized jeans with their patented 4-way stretch fabric. The way the jeans hug your butt when you are in the fitting room is the way they continue to fit each and every day. These magical jeans do not require the constant maintenance to keep the first-wear snugness intact.

What are some styles to try? Check out the bestsellers for a start.


http://www.dl1961.com/Collection.aspx?Category_ID=7&Product_BestSeller=1

http://www.dl1961.com/Collection.aspx?Category_ID=7&Product_BestSeller=1

Angelenos cannot go wrong with a large denim selection in their closets. Enjoy the long car rides and the unexpected stops along the way.

As the sun rises and sets even later, we can toast the evening to stylish and sexy comfort. Cheers to denim.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Denim days: jean styles for spring - Los Angeles Fashion | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/fashion-in-los-angeles/denim-days-jean-styles-for-spring#ixzz1GtvYOIEe

Make a Statement with Prints and Color for Spring 2011 Fashion

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Celebrate confidence in 2011. Be unpredictable from day to day. Ride the wave of the glamorous fashion trends out this spring. After all, this is Southern California. It’s not that difficult.

With sunshine and 72 degrees splashed on our skin almost everyday, SoCal residents can swim in the opportunity to wear the most exquisite, airy fabrics without worry about the climate.

This season, break loose from the ever-so-common “black dress” safety net. Take an extended look in the mirror to see a smiling reflection draped in wild prints, or a loud pink or bright orange.

The world has waited a long time for this 70’s era comeback, and the claps are well-deserved to our beloved designers.

Diane von Furstenberg delicately wraps fashionistas with a contemporary twist on her classic wrap dresses. Tassel belts, gallant prints, and a vibrant story of colors are what she holds in store for Spring 2011.

(both photos: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Marc Jacobs hones in on his feminine look as always, and perfects it this season even more with his dynamic use of color. His ode to the 1970’s disco nights at his beyond spectacular Spring 2011 runway show, flawlessly captures the essence of what this season is all about.

(photo: Saks Fifth Avenue)

In Jason Wu’s Spring 2011 runway show, audiences got lost in his 70’s-inspired artistic masterpiece of femininity. From loose chiffon blouses, to vivid floral prints, and stripes complete with high-waist pants, it is easy to fall in love with that fabulous decade over and over again this season.

Spring 2011 collections allow us tremendous freedom, and a way to express our individuality, personality and desires. Embrace this luxury and step out of your comfort zone this season.

(photo: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Confidence is by far the foundation to any fabulous outfit; it’s not just an accessory. Know it, own it, and wear it proudly. Spring 2011 is your opportunity.

Spring Fashion...Our Light at the End of the Winter Tunnel

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I know it may be hard to imagine, when many parts of the world are still covered in snow and ice; however, spring is approaching!

http://www.wallpapersphere.com/nature-wallpapers/flowers/spring-daisy.html

Spring trends are known to create an excitement in fashion again, after we make it through the long haul of winter.

This spring is special and I think will bring a smile to every fashionista’s face.

I perused a few of my favorite designers' Spring 2011 collections and wanted to share some killer pieces with you. This post is more of an overview; I will dive more into the trends, let you know how to get the look for less, and create a post devoted to Men’s fashion.

Think airy fabrics, skinny belts, circular sunglasses, wide-leg pants, longer skirts and a very feminine, bohemian chic style, as we get ready to welcome spring.

Alice + Olivia