Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!
Rachel Zoe's 5 Must-Have Shoes
Never seem to have the right shoes on hand? Then take note: Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe shares her five must-have pairs of shoes as a guest editor at Piperlime, an online shoe shop from Gap Inc.
Whether you're running to class, running errands or running late for a hot date, owning these five shoes will have you running on all cylinders in style.
We went on a hunt to track down each of Rachel's picks on a budget, and found amazing affordable versions of all of them at Target. Check 'em out after the jump...
[1] Timeless Patent: Xhilaration Skyler Patent Mary Jane Pumps, $19.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Andrea Platform Black Patent Pumps, $14.99
[2] Riding Boot: Mossimo Riding Boot, $34.99
[3] A Stunning Red Shoe: Mossimo Red Heidi Satin Bow Heels, $19.99
Mossimo Red Hailey Knotted Strap Heels, $19.99
[4] The Fabulous Flat: Xhilaration Sabina Ornament Ballet Flats, clearance $8.99
[5] A Wild Animal Print: Mossimo Leopard Dierdre Jet Heel Pumps, $24.99
Whether you're running to class, running errands or running late for a hot date, owning these five shoes will have you running on all cylinders in style.
We went on a hunt to track down each of Rachel's picks on a budget, and found amazing affordable versions of all of them at Target. Check 'em out after the jump...
[1] Timeless Patent: Xhilaration Skyler Patent Mary Jane Pumps, $19.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Andrea Platform Black Patent Pumps, $14.99
[2] Riding Boot: Mossimo Riding Boot, $34.99
[3] A Stunning Red Shoe: Mossimo Red Heidi Satin Bow Heels, $19.99
Mossimo Red Hailey Knotted Strap Heels, $19.99
[4] The Fabulous Flat: Xhilaration Sabina Ornament Ballet Flats, clearance $8.99
[5] A Wild Animal Print: Mossimo Leopard Dierdre Jet Heel Pumps, $24.99
Pantone's Color of the Year Is...
Pantone, Inc., the leading provider of professional color standards for the design industries, selected Blue Iris as the color of the year for 2008, saying the purple-blue hue best represents color direction for fashion, cosmetics and home products.
From Pantone.com: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement. … As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays."
From left to right: Spring 2008 looks from Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Jil Sander as featured on NYTimes.com
While this press-seeking decision will hardly influence how we dress - or even how designers design - we love the idea of an annual color coronation. Different hues impact each of us in such varied emotional ways. The colors we choose to wear say so much about the person wearing them. And as an artist, colors are undeniably more important than words. While we typically lean towards warmer hues on the color wheel, we embrace this opportunity to reflect on this beautiful, cool shade and see how it plays out in the coming months.
Blue Iris is a dominant hue in one of our favorite paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Irises, Oil on Canvas, 1889
From Pantone.com: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement. … As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays."
From left to right: Spring 2008 looks from Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Jil Sander as featured on NYTimes.com
While this press-seeking decision will hardly influence how we dress - or even how designers design - we love the idea of an annual color coronation. Different hues impact each of us in such varied emotional ways. The colors we choose to wear say so much about the person wearing them. And as an artist, colors are undeniably more important than words. While we typically lean towards warmer hues on the color wheel, we embrace this opportunity to reflect on this beautiful, cool shade and see how it plays out in the coming months.
Blue Iris is a dominant hue in one of our favorite paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Irises, Oil on Canvas, 1889
Imitation UGGs: Love It or Lump It?
The onslaught of UGGs in the fashion world is showing no signs of letting up this winter season - with Christmas just days away, many UGG styles are sold out or on backorder. Some retailers have even imposed a 4 or 5 pair household limit for the sheepskin footwear due to the incredibly high demand.
As the proud owners of a pair of UGG Uptown boots, we understand the UGG appeal (fortunately, we received ours as a gift): They are incredibly warm, comfortable and comforting in cold climates. Slip them on, and you feel ready to take on any weather in style. What can we say, we don't think UGGS are ugly - they're cute, like so many odd-looking yet adorable creatures endemic to Australia - the platypus or wombat, for example.
However, if you took away the UGG's warmth and cozy lining, well, we don't think they could fall back on looks alone. Which is why we have to say "lump it" (as the Aussies say) to the imitations. If you want to try the look before investing in the real thing, by all means go for it. But if you're looking for a high-quality warm boot - and you like the look of UGGs - go for the real thing, as you won't be disappointed.
LEFT: Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots at Target, $19.99
RIGHT: UGG Australia Classic Short Boot at Nordstrom, $119.95
As the proud owners of a pair of UGG Uptown boots, we understand the UGG appeal (fortunately, we received ours as a gift): They are incredibly warm, comfortable and comforting in cold climates. Slip them on, and you feel ready to take on any weather in style. What can we say, we don't think UGGS are ugly - they're cute, like so many odd-looking yet adorable creatures endemic to Australia - the platypus or wombat, for example.
However, if you took away the UGG's warmth and cozy lining, well, we don't think they could fall back on looks alone. Which is why we have to say "lump it" (as the Aussies say) to the imitations. If you want to try the look before investing in the real thing, by all means go for it. But if you're looking for a high-quality warm boot - and you like the look of UGGs - go for the real thing, as you won't be disappointed.
LEFT: Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots at Target, $19.99
RIGHT: UGG Australia Classic Short Boot at Nordstrom, $119.95
Promtastic: Betsey Johnson Spring 2008
It's Friday! Time for a little fun - and we have just the thing: Gorgeous runway pics from Betsey Johnson's Spring 2008 collection! "Life is a prom," says the designer. Indeed. These petticoated, glittering creations shout party time. They look good enough to eat. They're what we thought dresses should look like when we were little girls, all ruffle, satin, sequin, tulle, crinoline and lace. Like cupcakes you can wear. They will make you giddy. They will make you giggle. They will make you wish you were 16 again...or, if Johnson has anything to say about it, they'll make you sprinkle a little levity into your wardrobe no matter what your age. The original wild child herself is as fabulous now in her 60s as she was during her Warhol-scene days - she embodies youthful exuberance, and she's cool as all get out. And what's more, she makes us grin from ear to ear. Enjoy!
Styling tip: Why wait until spring? Mix in some satin, metallics, glittery belts, rhinestone brooches, and festive tights when you get decked out for New Year's. Pink cheeks, shimmering lips and iridescent eyelids finish the flirty look.
>> See the complete collection at Style.com
Styling tip: Why wait until spring? Mix in some satin, metallics, glittery belts, rhinestone brooches, and festive tights when you get decked out for New Year's. Pink cheeks, shimmering lips and iridescent eyelids finish the flirty look.
>> See the complete collection at Style.com