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How a Western Boot Should Fit

Ricardo, the fit guru from Lucchese, gives us a few tips on how to fit yourself for a Lucchese boot 

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Three Quarter Welt VS. A Full Welt

Learn the difference between a three quarter welt vs. a full welt in a western boot

Stylish Boots that Withstand the Winter: Ugg Elsey

Old Man Winter may be cruel, but even he can’t cramp your sense of style. Winter snow queens and cold-weather fashionistas do not have to choose between being stylish and being warm. You can can even keep your feet dry, and still add some height with a solid wedge heel in a pair of winter boots that are warm, stylish, and won’t disappoint when the first snow fall surprises you. A pair of Elsey boots from Ugg will still be there to keep you as warm and fashionable as ever, when you are trudging through the melting snow in the spring.

You know that when you wear a heel you not only feel taller and leaner, but your calves take on a shapely form and you walk about with more confidence. This winter you don’t have to trade in that lofty feeling just because the ground is icy and snowy. The Ugg Elsey boots have both a three-inch wedge heel to give you height, and a sculpted rubber sole to keep you grounded.

City dwellers won’t have to think twice about choosing the black pair of Ugg Elsey boots, although a decadent choice for this winter would be the lip-smacking and warm Espresso brown. Chestnut boots are a stylish option if your handbags and coats are more camel than puma.

Elsey Style
The delectable suede of these knee-high winter boots will dress up any pair of jeans, which you can tuck inside the tops. Any color of these boots will look at home and cozy with blue jeans, and your favorite over-sized sweater coat. If you’re into the boyfriend jean look on the weekends, roll up the bottom of his jeans, or any wide-bottom jeans, and show off your kicks.

When you change your day clothes for an evening out, you can leave these lace-up boots on. The laces are functional, yet they are on top of a closed boot, which helps keep you warm. Wear these boots with tights or leggings and a pair of wool shorts, or pair with your favorite knee-skimming skirt, in denim or corduroy.

Celebrity Gossip: Britney Spears Ready to get Married Again?

Newlyweds Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom have a new address. The couple bought a $3.995 million home in the gated community of Mulholland Park Estates located in Tarzana, California. According to a source close the couple, the house is “brand new” and “beautiful.” It comes in at 8347 square feet and has 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, home theater, spa, cabanas, gym and guest quarters. Khloe and Lamar married on September 27th and have been living in luxury hotels since tying the knot. The reason for the extra large house could be due to the fact that Lamar has already mentioned that he would like to get Khloe pregnant “soon.” Lamar already has two children with his ex and apparently is looking to have some more now. It is not known when the couple will be moving into their new estate.

Could Britney Spears be getting married for the third time? OK! Is reporting that Spears is telling all her friends that she is ready to marry her current boyfriend Jason Trawick. This would be Britney’s third marriage in only 5 years. The singer has two children, Jayden James and Sean Preston with her ex-husband Kevin Federline and apparently the boys have given her approval for her to marry Jason. A friend of the couple tells OK!, “Britney said she does not have a doubt in her mind that she wants to spend the rest of her life with Jason.” The source added, “She has already discussed marriage with him, and they are both excited about a romantic wedding.” Jason is also Britney’s manager and has been for the past 3 years. It appears that Britney likes to get involved with people who work for her as Kevin Federline was her backup dancer and she was linked to one of her other backup dancers and now she may be marrying her manager. Professional and personal relationships often times don’t mix, but apparently Brit has not learned that yet.

Sources:
www.usmagazine.com
www.okmagazine.com

How to Bring Antique Jewelry into Your Look: Earrings for Any Occasion

Antique style earrings and jewelry made with vintage inspired designs are among the leading jewelry trends for the season and can complement a simple outfit with a touch of nostalgic elegance. Vintage earrings are typically designed with floral designs, pearl drops and the classic chandelier style to accentuate the ears and neck and draw attention to the eyes. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or heading to the office, here are some ways to integrate antique style earrings into your look:

1. Wear chandelier pearl earrings for date night. Chandelier earrings designed with pearls can accentuate your neckline and will draw attention upward. These can add a touch of sophistication to your look and do not require any other jewelry to complete the outfit. White gold earrings studded with diamonds are a great match for a special occasion, while simpler silver and gold drop earrings with pearl embellishments can dress up a basic outfit in a flash.

2. Try Wingback earrings on casual days. Wingback earrings were immensely popular during the 1950s and may be designed with a combination of colorful pearls and glimmering gemstones. These small earrings dangle only slightly when you move and can become the focal point of any simple, casual outfit.

3. Wear classic pearl cluster earrings at the office. When you’re heading to the office in a conservative or semi-formal outfit, consider upping the charm factor with a set of classic pearl earrings. A cluster of small pearls set into a gold leaf or flower design will add a stylish and sophisticated touch to your ensemble. These can be paired with a string of pearls for a complete look.

If you don’t have your ears pierced, don’t forget that you can choose a number of clip-on earrings in vintage designs. Large earrings with oversized stones such as opal and topaz were especially popular during the ’40s and ’50s, and can add a nostalgic twist to your look. If you prefer a simpler style, consider small flower and pearl drop earrings instead. Pear shaped pearls with aurora or floral tops are a great match for the office or semi-casual events.

Your Favorite '80s Actors & Where They Are Today: "A Christmas Story" Star Peter Billingsley

He may not have a household name, but former child star Peter Billingsley was truly unforgettable in the holiday comedy A Christmas Story. Released in theaters for the 1983 holiday season, A Christmas Story was based on the nostalgic writings of comedian Jean Shepherd. Billingsley played Ralphie Parker, an earnest grade school student who would do anything to get his hands on an official Red Ryder BB Gun, but all the adults tell him “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

Thanks to that break-out role, Billingsley enjoyed a three-year run on NBC’s Real People, a weekly reality show that focused on real people who did unusual things. As he became older, Billingsley made the slow transition from child star to adult actor, making guest appearances on other television shows.

In 1994, Billingsley appeared in a groundbreaking CBS Schoolbreak Special The Writing on the Wall. Billingsley played one of three young men who, after defacing walls with Anti-Semitic graffiti, are sentenced to the education of a lifetime. A rabbi played by Hal Linden tells the three boys stories about the Holocaust and how intolerance can lead to something much worse.

While working on an earlier “Schoolbreak Special,” Billingsley became friends with actor Vince Vaughn, a relationship that would have a positive effect on his adult career. He has since served as executive producer on such notable Vince Vaughn projects as The Break-Up and Wild West Comedy Show.

Billingsley also became friends with Jon Favreau, receiving an Emmy nomination for his work on Favreau’s IFC show Dinner for Five. Billingsley also served as co-producer on Zathura, Favreau’s science fiction adventure that was based on a book written by Jumanji author Chris Van Allsburg.

Now 38, Peter Billingsley continues to work mostly behind the camera. Two years ago, he served as executive producer on Iron Man, the summer blockbuster that was based on a popular Marvel Comics character. It is safe to say, therefore, that Ralphie Parker is alive and well and living in Hollywood.

Resources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0082526/bio

Los Angeles Times, ““SHOWS FOR YOUNGSTERS AND THEIR PARENTS TOO – CBS’ ‘Schoolbreak’ on hate gives it a face and historical passage,”“:http://articles.latimes.com/1994-10-09/news/tv-48112_1_cbs-schoolbreak N.F. Mendoza

Building a Wardrobe: Holiday Wardrobe Tips

Building a holiday wardrobe that will also integrate into your daily wardrobe can be a challenge. However, if you are mindful of the choices that you make you can easily turn holiday accent pieces and holiday clothing pieces into versatile members of your basic wardrobe. The key here will be to think about how you can use each piece of clothing that you buy for the holidays.

Color Choices
During the holiday season it is very common to purchase one or two pieces of clothing for special holiday events. For example, you may buy a Christmas dress or a special outfit for Hanukah. When selecting these items the color will often be used as the primary deciding factor for the purchase. Winter holiday colors usually include red, green, gold and silver. If you want to integrate your holiday clothing purchases into your normal wardrobe you need to be careful about what color choices you make. You will want to select colors that are festive but that do not have a hue that is too “Christmasy.” You will also want to avoid purchases of pieces that have color combinations that will limit their usability year round.

Pattern Choices
Pattern choices also need to be selected with a discerning eye. While holiday bell patterns and holiday characters are fun for the holiday season, you really cannot integrate these pieces into your wardrobe between January and October. You are much better off selecting more neutral patterns that have a base color that can be associated with your holiday of choice, but that do not have an exclusive symbolic tie to that holiday.

Accent Pieces
A simple way to create a holiday wardrobe that can transition with the changing of seasons is to select holiday accent pieces. These pieces can be combined to create holiday color combinations and to develop a holiday outfit. For example, you can pair a basic black sweater with a red or green scarf, or you can add a simple holiday pin to your sweater to give it a punch of holiday cheer without having to commit to the purchase of new clothing for the holidays. Great holiday accent pieces that you can add to your holiday wardrobe include scarves, pins, belts and hats.

Celebrity Gossip: Heidi Klun Changes Name

It’s official. Heidi Klum is no more. Heidi has officially taken the last name of her husband Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel otherwise just known as Seal. Heidi will now be known as Heidi Samuel but there is no word yet if the model plans on taking that name professionally or not. Heidi recently gave birth to her 4th child in October. She and Seal have 3 biological children together, Henry, 3, and Johan, 2, Lou, 1 month and Seal has also adopted her daughter Leni, 5, from a previous relationship. Her name change comes 4 years after marrying Seal. She hasn’t spoken out about why all of a sudden she wants to take Seal’s last name after 4 years. Could it be that she wants the same last name as her children?

Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony are being sued by a flight assistant for having a vicious dog. Flight attendant Lisa Wilson claims that Jennifer and Marc’s German shepherd attacked her during a private flight in 2006. “Floyd” apparently “growled and lunged at her” and then headbutted her leg” which caused Wilson to fall and seriously injure her back. According to the court documents it was the tray of silverware that triggered the dog’s attack. The reason why Wilson is suing is because she claims that Jennifer and Marc were aware that sharp and shiny objects upset the dog and they should have taken better safety precautions. The papers also read that Marc to the flight attendant, “not to make eye contact with the dog and to call Floyd by his name if she needed to pass.” Wilson’s lawyer added, “the dog was obviously dangerous . . . and it was only a matter of time before he hurt someone.” There is no word on what Lisa Wilson is suing for and why this case is coming forward over 3 years after it happened.

Source: www.usmagazine.com

Incorporating International Fashion into Your Wardrobe: Ballet Flats

Ballet flats may have derived from an actual ballet slipper, and although its existence has been around since the 16th century, today it is considered a footwear staple in any Parisian woman’s closet. Take this international style into your own wardrobe by pairing it with shorts, capris, jeans, skirts or dresses. Ballet flats go with just about anything and are available in just about any color, print or embellished style. Check out a few of my favorites right now.

Cole Haan has a great selection of trendy ballet flats. The Air Dana Ballet flats have a classic round toe with leather lining. Although the Air Dana’s style is standard, it’s available colors are what makes these flats so unique. They come in 3 mirrored leather metallic colors or 3 snake-embossed leather hues. Best of all, they’re cushioned with Nike Air technology, perfect for all day walking through the European streets.

Elie Tahari’s Britney Driver ballet flats come in three neutral colors. Its smooth metallic leather upper is detailed with an elegant metal hardware. The flats are effortlessly chic, much like European style.

For a higher end line of beautiful ballet flats, Sigerson Morrison offers a great selection. The black / camel contrasting combination flats feature an adorable double knot design in leather and suede. Giuseppe Zanotti’s two tone fabric round toe flats are both elegant and feminine, with its fuchsia and black color scheme and pearlized broach.

Experience a little bit of Italy on your soles with Emilio Pucci’s signature flats. The notable Pucci print on the leather uppers are the epitome of European style.

Flaunt your new Euro-chic style with a fabulously feminine pair of ballet flats. European women love spending their money on great accessories. Ballet flats can be your signature accessory that adds pizazz to any dull outfit, much like a Chanel quilted bag or a pair of Prada sunglasses can make any poor outfit look like a fortune.

Fashion Tips for Date Night: Eye Catching Ankle Boots

The perfect date begins with making the right first impression, and that’s usually set by what you wear and how you wear it. If you want a guaranteed eye catching piece of fashion, a hot pair of ankle boots are just the thing to wear. Below are some of the best boot choices that are date ready and fashionably approved.

For a look that’s eye catching and fierce, choose a pair of suede ankle boots in one of this season’s boldest shades. Steve Madden’s Cuddless feature a back-zip closure and come in four great colors, including fuchsia and blue. If your feeling extra brave, choose a pair like, DSQUARED2’s Ankle Boot featuring a Leopard print leather upper. Wearing boots in big bright colors can be a reflection of your own personality, which shows you are fun, edgy and maybe a bit daring.

Alexander McQueen ‘s red ankle boots are just the thing to wear if you’re looking to steal the nighttime crowd’s attention. The double buckle closure combined with the set-back stiletto heel is enough to have stares locked down to your feet all night. Giuseppe Zanotti also features a snake embossed leather ankle boot with a harness strap detail. These wild styles show a fearless fashion sense that proves you’re a risk taker and really not afraid to try anything new.

If you’re just looking for some good clean fun, try DSQUARED2’s Open Toe Pump Frou Camoscio . It’s ruffled fabric and feminine bow accent might mistake him to think you’re a “Goody Two-Shoes” but it’s provocative peep toe and croc leather print could have him realize you often tend to walk on the wild side.

There is a lot that can be said about a woman’s personality by the shoes she wears so make sure when choosing “date night” shoes, you pick a pair that fits your personality just as much as your style.

Celebrity Gossip: Twilight Star Gets More Than He Bargained for During Autograph Signing

Illness seems to be going around Hollywood – just like everywhere else. Barely two months after giving birth to son Sparrow, Nicole Richie has been hospitalized with pneumonia. The star was hospitalized after appearing at a court hearing to get restraining orders on two paparazzi, looking ill and subdued, at which time her lawyer explained to the judge that she was not well. Richie, who is also mother to daughter Harlow, is currently being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

After a long autograph signing, Twilight star Robert Pattinson recently got more than he bargained for after making an off-handed joke to a fan. When stepping up to get his autograph, the fan immediately asked what she could do to get his attention. Pattinson replied, “Um, take your clothes off?” Unfortunately , Pattinson had overestimated the sanity of his fan base. The fan immediately began stripping off her clothes and was carted out by security. Said Pattinson, “I never felt more terrible.” Next time, he’ll think twice before suggesting anything to his wildly obsessive fan base!

Superstar actor Johnny Depp, 46, has once against scored People magazine’s annual designation of Sexiest Man Alive. Depp, who lives on a private Bohemian island with his longtime girlfriend and their two children, also won the honor in 2003. He remains one of America’s most beloved actors, though he claims to be ‘mortified’ by his fame. Depp, a private person, prefers to shy away from the public eye and surround himself with his family.

Celebrity Makeup Tips: Transform into a Foxy Lady

The many faces of Megan Fox can all be summed up in one word: gorgeous. The young beauty works her vixen black lock in waves and curls, or as a perfectly frizz-free and straight frame for her face. Her makeup changes with her roles and with the seasons, and she can pull off tan, bronzed, natural or porcelain. Within Megan Fox’s palette of beauty looks are some transforming makeup tips you can borrow.

The Eyebrows
If you doubt the power of a well-groomed and tamed eyebrow, find an old picture of yourself before you discovered tweezers, wax and eyebrow pencils. An unruly caterpillar without shape or a clear-cut direction is not the best look for an eyebrow. Take a look at any picture of Megan Fox and look at her eyebrows. They are not pencil-thin, but they are thick and commanding. The shape is also dramatic, with a high arch.

1940s Pin Up
Megan Fox’s natural coloring, dark hair and facial structure all lend themselves equally to a natural, tan look, as well as a more glamorous 1940s pin-up model look. An evening look for Megan Fox that you can copy would include smoky eye shadow, dark cat eyes with warm browns rather than grays, a translucent foundation and cherry-stained lips worn with a Veronica Lake hair wave.

Bronze Age
Megan Fox also takes on the world with her bronze., summer look. Use a warm, golden shadow with a glint of shine on the eyelids and keep the look light by skipping her signature black eyeliner. Apply plenty of mascara or fake eyelashes. Apply face bronzer all over, with an extra sweep along the cheekbones and the jawline. With a lighter application of eye makeup than she normally wears, Megan Fox would pull her dark locks back, off her face for this bronze look.

Lip Service
Unless you’re matching Megan Fox’s 1940s glam, keep lips natural and matte with a lip color one or two shades darker than your own. Apply a lip balm with SPF and line lips with a wide lip liner . Apply your favorite lip-plumping lip stick with minimal shine.

Coat Fashions for the Fall: Finding a Versatile Coat

Make room in your your closet. You won’t need the room for a collection of new fall coats, but for all the new clothes you can hang up after you switch to one versatile coat. The Hurley Winchester YC Jacket dresses you up and dresses you down, while keeping you toasty warm and uber fashionable.

Fall Styling
The Hurley Winchester YC Jacket is made from cotton, in a modern, feminine and stylized version of a pea coat. The fall fashion coat delights the eyes with its playful take on the double-breasted jacket. Large antique finished metal buttons lined up in two neat rows, appearing to lengthen your torso. The style also hints toward the current military trend in women’s fashionable coats for fall. The detailing on the coat, including visible and artistically-placed trim make this fall coat a must-have for dressing up weekend jeans and casual wear. The detailing continues on the sleeves, with button tab cuffs.

Color-fall
A bright blue, called Olympus, or the bright Sunflower yellow will keep your chilly fall days cheery. The Bone color choice is an ivory and gray plaid, a popular design print for fall. You can match your own style with one of the brighter colors, plaid or the more subdued black, navy, green or white wash.

Fall Fashion
Wear it with your favorite skirt and boots. The coat is long enough to cover the hips and will keep you warm even if you’re wearing hip-hugging denim. The slight flair shape of the bottom makes it ideal for wearing with leggings or skinny jeans.

Versatile and Practical
The versatility of this fall coat matches the unpredictability of the season. It has a detachable hood and an option to button the collar up to cover the neck. With the neck-covering option, you can skip the scarf and add a fashionable fall hat instead. Two front pockets hold your basic essentials or can be used to keep your hands warm. The practicality of this fall fashion continues with one phrase all busy women love to read: “machine washable.”

Celebrity Gossip: Friends Reunion?

Chris Brown reveals that he is not ready to date yet and has been working on getting himself together. He told MTV News that he “loves women” and that they are always going to be around but he needs to take time for himself right now. He says, “I haven’t really been trying to get into a relationship or trying to date anybody. I’ve just kinda been working on me. Like I said, just really getting me straight.” In some recent interviews Rihanna has spoken out about the assault on her from Brown and has described what took place that night. Chris says that he wished that Rihanna would have kept the matter private and not done the interviews. Rihanna and Chris Brown have been ordered by the court to keep a distance from each other for 5 years. He says that women are always going to be around for him, but that may not be so true after hearing what Rihanna has said about the incident.

For all you Friends fans, you may be interested to know that according to Lisa Kudrow (who starred as Phoebe) “it doesn’t look like” a Friends reunion is going to happen. The reason is not as juicy as you may think. She simply says that “everyone is busy.” Although the cast may be busy there are some objections to the reunion show. It’s not the cast members who are against the reunion, it’s actually the show’s writer-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane. Lisa also had some qualms about the reunion as well saying, “It would be fun, but I don’t know. How? Why? Really?” Friends ran for 10 years between 1994-2004. The other friends included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox-Arquette, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. There was a mini-Friends reunion as Lisa shot an episode of Courteney’s new television series, Cougar Town. I guess Friends fans will have to continue simply watch the reruns that are all on television.

Sources:
www.people.com
www.usmagazine.com

Rocking Rock Star Style: Fashions Inspired by Michael Jackson

The king of pop might have passed away this year but his legacy, music and fashion will live forever. Inspired by the late Michael Jackson, many current trends are given life by some of the iconic costumes he performed in, like overly sequined jackets, pants and of course the now infamous glove.

The Free People Sequined Mesh Tunic is available in four reflective colors. This tunic can be rocked as a long tank top over skinny jeans or as a super short mini dress with a pair of strapped ankle boots. Regardless how you wear it, it’s a piece that would definitely be found in either Beyonce or Rhianna‘s personal wardrobe.

If you’re not feeling daring enough to wear a full sequin dress, perhaps starting with a skirt can get you to break into the trend. Free People’s Sequin Mini Skirt is paired best with a solid t-shirt and a cute jacket for a night out. Free People’s Convertible Sequin Tube Top / Skirt can double up as two great sequin pieces when you’re just not sure what part of you should shine.

For a shiny top that’s as cool as it is comfortable, DKNYJeans S/S Sequin Top offers the comfort of a sheer top with the glam of sparkling sequins on the front. The top includes a removable camisole. Joie’s Loreli racer back sequin tank is also a great choice and made of 100% silk for the ultimate in glam and luxury.

My favorite choice for a complete discotheque rock look is, Robert Rodriguez ‘s Belted Sequin Cardigan. Wear this over a contrasting white tank and a pair of leather leggings and you’ll epitomize any rock star with a fashion sense. Rock out in the best rock star trend this season, with sequined attire. Just don’t overdo it and wear one sparkling piece at a time.