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Room Makeovers: Master Bedroom Reorganizing 101

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Oct 31, 2009 by Sabah K.

The master bedroom in your house or apartment should be a sanctuary, a quiet, relaxing place to wind down at the end of the day and enjoy a good night's rest. For many people, the master bedroom quickly turns into a storage room stocked with knick-knacks, magazines, clothing and random items. Sound familiar? Maybe it's time to declutter and reorganize so that you can salvage some serenity in the master bedroom! Here are some simple ways to get started:

Create a Designated Storage Area
If you have the habit of storing personal items in the bedroom, create a designated storage area for them. A simple way to do this is to stack storage boxes or place a small shelf in the bedroom, and make sure all of your extra items are always placed n these areas only. Avoid stuffing everything in the dresser drawer or shoe boxes, because this can create a more cluttered feel.

Dress Up Empty Corners
Adding a small side table or corner table to at least two corners of the master bedroom can create some balance and give you some stacking space for magazines and books. These areas can also be decorated with a few candles, a vase with flowers, or a decorative lamp.

Cut Back on Bed Pillows
If you're one of those people who loves having lots of decorative pillows on the bed, make sure they're all in the same color family. A mish mash of colors, prints and sizes isn't easy on the eyes and will make your bedroom appear smaller and cluttered. Pick just two or three of your favorite colors and choose only a handful of pillows to top off the bed.

Maximize Space Under the Bed
If your bed is raised slightly from the floor, invest in some slim and sleek storage boxes that you can slide under the bed. You can fill these with random items or clothing that you don't need everyday, and tuck everything away neatly and out of sight.

Create a Relaxation Area
If the bedroom is large enough, create a lounge or seating area with a small bookshelf or magazine rack, a chaise and some nice plants. This can be your private relaxation area when you want to wind down without going to sleep.

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Building a Wardrobe: Focus on Fabric and Material Choices

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Oct 30, 2009 by Eisla Sebastian

One way to coordinate the elements in your wardrobe is to focus on selecting pieces that are made from specific types of fabrics or materials. This continuity of fabrics and materials will enable you to create a signature look, as well as help you to add specific textural elements to your wardrobe. Three popular fabrics to focus on include leather, cotton and silk.

Silk Clothing Options
Silk is a focus fabric. It is flowing, comfortable and it looks luxurious. It also holds rich colors and compliments intricate prints and patterns. However, it is also very difficult to clean and to maintain. It requires special care and maintenance and it tends to be a more expensive material.

If you are interested in adding silk pieces to your wardrobe and if you don't have a large budget to work with then consider adding accent silk pieces such as colorful silk scarves to your wardrobe. These accent pieces will dress up your outfits and give them a punch of sophisticated color.

Leather Clothing Options
Leather is another popular material for clothing and accessories. It can be used for shoes, belts, pants, vests, shirts and jackets. Leather also comes in a variety of finishes including suede, patent leather and weathered leather. Each finish has a unique look and texture. The finish that you select will dictate the look that you will be able to create. For example, if you are interested in creating a sophisticated look then you will want to stick with patent, suede and matte finishes.

Cotton Clothing Options
Cotton is one of the most versatile fibers for fabrics. It is comfortable and it can produce a variety of fabric types. Cotton is also a natural fabric so it is good for the environment and comfortable to wear. However, cotton has its own issues. It has a tendency to fade, it can be stretched out of shape and it has a tendency to shrink. When selecting cotton clothing for your wardrobe you will want to make sure that you take these things into consideration. You will also want to either buy in a larger size or select items that are pre-shrunk.

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From the Runway to Your Closet: Chunky Knits for Fall and Winter

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Oct 29, 2009 by Tiffany B

For the 2009/2010 fall and winter season, we're going to see a lot of chunky knits gracing fashion runways. Now, when you think of chunky knits you may think of bulky and shapeless sweaters, but that was not the case at all.

There are several degrees that you can take the chunky knit fashion trend to. There are the normal chunky knits that are common most winter seasons, then there are the trendier chunky knits of this season that still have shape and lots of texture and then there are the extreme chunky knits that we saw on many of the runways last year. The extreme chunky knits are definitely not for everyone. This may be one runway fashion trend that should stay on the runway and the average woman should focus more on the trendy and normal knits that still give them some shape while looking trendy.

There are many different ways to wear this fashion trend. The most common is with accessories like a chunky knit scarf wrapped around your neck. This accessory looks great with a pair of jeans or trousers and a plain colored shirt or blouse. Add some knee high boots and you have a very trendy fall and winter outfit that will also keep you warm and toasty.

Another very common way to wear this fashion trend is with the chunky knit sweater. This could be a cardigan or coat sweater or a basic pull-over sweater. To keep in with the fashion trends look for things such as open knit weaves that give some hint of sexiness while wearing a chunky sweater. Also, electric colors like blue, purple, and green are a great way to add some color to your outfit if the sweater is a basic chunky knit.

Chunky knit jumpers and dresses are also a big hit in the fashion department this fall and winter. Look for dresses that still show off your shape and are not just completely straight up and down. If you do have a sweater dress that is shapeless, try adding a belt around the waist to define your curves. A great outfit would be a chunky knit dress with a pair of thigh high boots. It's a simple yet fashionable outfit that can be worn for a date night or a casual day look.

The most important thing to remember with the chunky knit fashion trend is to keep things feminine and be sure that you show off your curves.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Faux Fur

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Oct 29, 2009 by Yissel C.

Maybe Rachel Zoe sparked an interest in fur this season with her lavish collection of fur outerwear and expressing her undoubted affection for this piece of winter apparel on her hit Bravo show. Fear not PETA, since most of the furs that will be purchased and worn (maybe we can thank the recession for this) will be faux fur this season. Seen in the past as a cheapened version of the real deal, many designers are including faux fur in their collection, adding an affordable advantage to this fun fashion piece. And although you'll see everything from trench coats to fur collared tops, it's the rock-and-roll inspired feel of the fur vest that tops the fashion trend list.

Best worn over a solid colored Henley (Or even a V-neck t-shirt on slightly warmer days) and a pair of jeans, a fur vest can add the right kind of glam to any dull outfit. It pairs perfectly with boots or heels, so it all depends on whether or not your toes can sustain the right weather. Keep accessories minimal, since the fur itself, is a huge attention grabber.

Achieving this look is easy, especially when offered at a great price. Juicy Couture has amazing fur selections, although my vote goes to the Fur Vest W/ Rib Trim, perhaps for almost passing for the real thing. If you can't get enough fur from a vest, try Diesel's Wrett Jacket, a full coat that's glamorous, fun and still falls within a reasonable budget.

No matter how much you may love this faux fur fashion, don't obsess over it like Cruela Deville. The only rule to keep in mind when trying this fashion trend is to wear one fur piece at a time; so leave the fur bag and matching fur shoes at home for another night out.

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Talk'n Trends: Fashionable Fall Footwear

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Oct 28, 2009 by Pat W

Boots, Boots ,Boots! Tis the Season for wearing footwear that not only looks amazing and allows several ways to wear, but also keeps you warm. Jenn and Alana, Fashion buyers in our footwear division cover several styles that can be worn with a variety of outfits. From the Slouch, Peep toe, over the knee and the bootie, you're bound to find at least one that fits you!

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Fall Fashion Trends: Versatile Boots

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Oct 27, 2009 by J P W

Fashion and Functionality come together this fall to give you boots that look great worn multiple ways. The Report Meloni is one of those boots that are actually 4 boots in 1. Our very own Jo C. and Mica M. tell us more!

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Most Posh Hotels in the World: Amanwella Resort in Tangalle, Sri Lanka

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Oct 27, 2009 by E.A. Anne

Tangalle is located in Southern Sri Lanka and is known for its remote and deserted beaches. Historically, Tangalle has been inhabited as a fishing town, but in recent years tourists have begun to acknowledge its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling conditions, and lovely swimming temperatures.

Amanwella is a newly opened boutique resort located in the small fishing village of Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Although relatively new, the resort has already taken the lead for one of the best romantic resorts in the subcontinent, and perhaps the world. Amanwella boasts a very contemporary and modern design, minimalist but also offering an abundance of luxuriousness as well. Amanwella offers both ocean side suites and hillside suites, both with amazing views of the Indian ocean, coconut groves, and the beach. All of the suites provide large terraces with tables, upright chairs and lounge chairs. All of the suites come with the most modern amenities and comforts.

The long crescent-shaped beach offers a wide variety of possible entertainment and activities. Guests who enjoy beach lounging, swimming, and soaking up the warm sun's rays should take advantage of the private beach. Snorkeling expeditions are also available, and highly recommended by previous resort guests. You can even hook up with a local fishing boat for the day, if you're interested. Get yourself a tropic bathing suit, because at Amanwella, you'll probably spend more time in a bathing suit than ever before.

If you easily get tired of being a beach bum, Amanwella offers village and nature walks. The hotel will arrange to take you to the Mulgirigala Rock Temple, 35 minutes from Tangalle, to the Bundala National Park, to the Uda Walawe National Park, or even for a walk in the neighboring villages of Tangalle. Whatever it is that you want to take from your experience, Amanwella is well equipped to providing for that.

The Resort also offers a range of spa treatments that utilize natural and local techniques. Sip on coconut juice or champagne while you rejuvenate with the spa treatments.

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Celebrity Style Mashup: In Her Shoes - Cameron Diaz and Milla Jovovich

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Oct 27, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Cameron Diaz best look is also her most natural look. She can do casual and dress down and still look incredible. Cameron Diaz's true glamour can be seen the best when she tosses her hair up into a messy ponytail, brushes on some bronzer and pale lip gloss. A pair of low-riding colored jeans with a white or blush pink t-shirt is all she needs. For fun, add pretty pink toes, a pedicure and flip-flops, designer bag and sunglasses.

When Cameron Diaz does dress for the red carpet, she can sometimes look like a little girl that raided her mommy's wardrobe. Her body can meld with any outfit, whether it's a designer gown or a pair of jeans. Sometimes when she's on the red carpet she looks like she has too much make up on. She may not, in reality, or in comparison to other stars, but all that cake detracts from her natural beauty.

She looks best when she looks like she just got back from the beach or a run. Her natural style is casual and down-to-earth, in contrast to the more quirky style of Milla Jovovich.

Milla Jovovich
As a model and actress, Milla Jovovich is a blank palette. She wears cut-out clothes well, as she did in The Fifth Element. Straps and strips of clothing suit her model physique. Layered fabric with altered hem lines, a pair of boots and some bold hair and make up bring her to video game character mode. There is nothing she could wear in a movie or out in public that would not seem believable.

Milla Jovovich dresses without being self-conscious of her body, whether she's wearing a cropped leather jacket that bares her midriff, or a if she's wearing a bathing suit for a magazine cover. On fashion covers, she can sometimes be seen pulling off a softer, more Cameron Diaz look, but when it comes to Milla and fashion, anything goes.

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Evolution of Clothing: The Babydoll Dress

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Oct 26, 2009 by Yissel C.

The babydoll dress received its name from the length of its short hemline. The typical length of this mini dress comes a few inches just above the knees. The babydoll dress originated as a negligee, a popular piece of lingerie during the 1930's and 40's. Commonly designed in soft, elegant fabrics, the babydoll was usually designed in silk, satin or chiffon.

It wasn't until a 1956 movie titled, Baby Doll, starring Carroll Baker as a 19-year old virgin, where the dress came into the spotlight. Although resembling a sexy nightgown, the outfit was worn as a short dress. Soon after, the babydoll dress was openly accepted as a day dress and became a popular, fun and youthful garment.

Later, as fashion began to comfortably bare more skin and lingerie became more risqué, hemlines grew shorter and the babydoll resembled those worn by actual dolls where the buttocks could be seen at a quick bend of the knee. For this reason, the babydoll negligee is usually accompanied by a matching pair of panties to protect its unusual short length. Babydolls were once again considered a highly sought after piece of negligee. This time designs were made sexier, designed in lace or sheer fabrics, and often designed with decorative feminine details like ribbons and bows.

The babydoll dress is also a commonly designed maternity garment. Because of its empire waist and loose fitting flared skirt, it is the perfect outfit for an expanding stomach. Today, the babydoll dress is popular as either a day dress or sexy nightgown and no longer limits itself to one type of garment as the same style can be used as both. Designs vary from spaghetti straps, halter tops, off the shoulder, and even sleeved styles like Allen Allen Heavy Ultra Jersey S/S Scoop Neck Babydoll Dress. Casual babydoll styles are normally found in soft cotton fabrics, while the more elegant styles are still designed in the richer fabrics they were originally designed in years ago.

Source:http://www.anysubject.com/baby-doll-lingerie-babydoll-nightclothes-sexy-romantic-nightwear-for-women-fembot-history-of-babydoll-lingerie.asp

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Celebrity Gossip: Lindsay Lohan at Odds with her Father Again

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Oct 26, 2009 by Tiffany B

Could actress Kate Bosworth have a new man in her life? She and True Blood actor Alexander Skarsgard were seen getting quite friendly at Spike TV's Scream Awards. According to a source for radaronline.com, Kate and Alexander were "very affectionate, holding hands as Alexander played with Kate's hair while they chatted with friends in the green room." The sourced added, "Kate and Alexander hugged a few times and were often spotted whispering to each other, and she playfully slapped him on his butt a few times." The couple is set to star in a remake of Straw Dogs and said that they knew each other through the movie and did not say anything more.

Akon's baby's mama is having a hard time trying to find the singer to serve him legal papers regarding child support. A lawyer for Farrah Coleman is taking extreme measures and is running an ad in the L.A. Times to publicly serve Akon. According to the lawyer if the singer does not respond they are going to pursue a default judgment in the child support case. This is all news to Akon though, according to tmz.com. He told them, "You got a hold of me and you ain't even trying. I'm a celebrity. My schedule is on the internet. You can go on my MySpace, it'll tell you where I'm at!" Akon has taken a paternity test and the child is indeed his. The mother has been trying to serve him papers for over 7 months now, as the child is now about 9 months old.

Another person that may be getting papers served to him rather soon is Michael Lohan. Inside sources reveal that Lindsay Lohan is set to file restraining order papers against her father. Apparently she fears her own safety when it comes to her dad. Lindsay says that she doesn't feel comfortable with the statements that her father is making about kidnapping her and making her go to rehab again. Michael has made several public statements about Lindsay and her welfare and has even talked about staging an intervention for the actress. It has also been noted by both Michael and the inside source that Lindsay's mom Dina is the driving force behind the restraining order.

Sources:
www.radaronline.com
www.tmz.com

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Beauty Tips: Hot Eye Shadow Shades for Fall

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Oct 24, 2009 by Sabah K.

Back to school season means the cool days of fall are right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to make the seasonal transition in the makeup department. The days of shimmering silver eyeshadow and bronzer of summer are giving way to a fresh new lineup of colors and bold color schemes for the eyes. Here's a preview of some of the hottest eye shadow shades to stock up on this season:

Purple
You may have noticed the flood of purple clothing and accessories in the fall collections of your favorite designer or retailer, and purple is also one of the leading makeup color trends for the season. Experiment with deep purple shades, plum and ashy grey-purple tones to find the best match for your skin color and eye color.

Rich Brown
Browns and earthy colors are always in style for fall season, and you can sport a neutral look for the season with a rich brown eyeshadow and brown mascara. If you want to create the smoky eye look, blend the brown with a touch of grey and black eyeliner.

Red Berry
Rich red berry shades aren't just for the lips. You can give your eye makeup a boost of color with a dark pink, magenta or dark fuschia eye shadow paired with black eyeliner and black mascara. Just keep the rest of your makeup as simple as possible to balance out this bold look.

Gold
A splash of glittering gold on the eyes is a great way to warm up your look this fall, and you can create a dramatic look by mixing the shadow with some eyeshadow primer or even water so that it creates a more vivid finish. This is a great match for special occasions and parties, but you can pull off a 'lite' version by day.

Dark Green
This is the season to stick with the bold and dramatic color palettes, and dark green is one way to create an eye-catching look. Think deep forest greens and green with a hint of blue to create a bold, sultry effect this season.

From rich browns and gold to dark greens and purple, you have an array of colors to choose from this fall season. Stock up your beauty bag with some of these hot colors for your seasonal makeover.

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Handbag Report: Choosing the Right Weekender Bag

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Oct 24, 2009 by Sabah K.

So you're heading off on yet another weekend getaway, but this time the occasion calls for packing only a carry-on for the entire 48-72 hour escape. What's the stylish traveler to do? Since you don't have the freedom to overpack the suitcase, you'll need a versatile tote with plenty of organizational compartments for your trek. Here are some important tips for choosing a bag for your weekend travels:

First, look for a bag with a soft fabric construction. This type of bag is expandable which means you can stuff more than just a few pairs of shoes and a few sets of clothing into it. A roomy weekender bag shaped like an oversized tote or maternity bag is just the ticket for your weekend travel plans.

Second, make sure the bag has double or quadruple straps. Most high-quality weekender bags are designed with thicker straps than the standard tote, but your bag will probably last longer if it has reinforced straps and extra-wide handles. These are not only more comfortable to carry around on those long flights and at the airport, but will also help the bag keep their shape better.

Third, choose a bag made with waterproof materials. Whether you're jetting off to the Caribbean or traveling across the country on a road trip, your bag may be exposed to inclement weather. Avoid having to deal with a bag of soaked clothing by selecting a bag made with thick nylon and weather-proof materials. An oversized duffel bag or tote covered in a PVC coating will keep rain, sleet and snow at bay.

Another important thing to consider when choosing your weekender bag is the number of compartments and zippers it has. You need as many space-saving strategies as possible when packing for the entire weekend, and small compartments and dividers within the bag will make it very easy to keep things in order, and pack more in very little space. Look for extra pockets and compartments on the exterior of the bag to hold your accessories in, and smaller sections within the bag to hold your beauty products, electronics and other fragile items.

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Clothing in Pop Culture: Superhero Accessories You Might Be Able to Wear to Work

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Oct 23, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Superheroes have seeped into every dark corner of pop culture. References to superheroes are as popular on The Big Bang Theory as they were on Seinfeld in the 1990s. The slew of superhero movies has been a box office tsunami, and you've probably wondered about the cool clothes superheroes wear. You can borrow some fashion ideas from superheroes for work, as long as you don't wear them all on the same day or you may be banished into oblivion.

Cape
Every gal loves a cape. A cape is a comfortable, non-binding cover up that forgives your extra fall and winter layers. A cape will dance in the wind, even if that cape is made of wool and the wind is made of icy air. A fashionable cape may not help you fly, but your spirits will definitely soar.

Sleek Knee-High Boots
If you go with black, you might be able to wear a pair of sleek black boots to the office. Hide them under a long skirt, if you must. Knee-high black boots, with a bit of sheen and a low-heel will add Amazonian confidence to your day.

Two Wrist Cuffs
In the same Wonder Woman tradition, a pair of wide gold bangle cuffs, one on each wrist will make a strong statement at work. Tone down the superhero reference by opting for silver, bronze or copper instead of a brilliant gold.

Painted Mask
The truly courageous can wear a mask to work. Not a real mask, but a painted mask, a la Portia de Rossi on Ally McBeal. She used black pencil eyeliner to draw a mask over her eyes and along her temples. Her reasoning was that she didn't have any clients that day anyway. The playful mask was an interesting juxtaposition to her otherwise rigid character.

Smart Glasses
Disguise your true identity with a pair of dark-rimmed smart glasses (sans prescription lenses), similar to those worn by Tina Fey and Clark Kent.

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Celebrity Gossip: Hot Air Balloon Hoax!

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Oct 23, 2009 by Rebecca White-Glanders

The currently New York-based Madonna is learning a new lesson - holding dance sessions in your apartment doesn't necessarily make for happy neighbors. The board of the building in which Madonna currently lives are threatening to evict the pop diva if her behavior doesn't stop. Neighbors say that behavior includes dance sessions of up to three hours a day with loud music, thumping and shaking walls and floors. The most recent lawsuit was filed by a neighbor on Friday - no comment yet from the Material Girl herself.

Late last week, the nation watched in horror as a couple's hot air weather balloon stole through the sky - allegedly, with their 6-year-old son Falcon inside. The nation was horrified when Richard and Mayumi Heene's makeshift balloon crashed to the ground and little Falcon was nowhere to be found. Massive search efforts were launched to find the boy until he was discovered in his parent's attic. At first, it was thought to be a horrible misunderstanding. Now, authorities are claiming the entire thing was a hoax, devised to get the Heene family a shiny new reality show. The authorities have made it clear that charges are forthcoming as soon as the investigation is clear, and child protective services is looking into whether the Heene's three sons should stay in the home. The Heene's lawyer, David Lane, recently told reporters that when the time came, Richard and Mayumi Heene would turn themselves in to avoid arrest in front of their children.

Reality show vixen Khloe Kardashian and her new husband, Lakers basketball player Lamar Odom, have finally inked a prenup to make their already-done nuptials a done deal. The couple's prenup makes it sound like the marriage is doomed to fail, and sooner than later. Khloe can't touch her husband's basketball earnings with the Lakers over the next 4 years, but he does have to buy them a nice house. And to make up for her not having a claim over his earnings, Khloe gets a big fat allowance every year. So, who wants to bet the divorce papers are all ready to go?

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Easy Fashion Tips: What's a Girl to Shoes?

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Oct 22, 2009 by Yissel C.

Somewhere to go and nothing new to wear... what's a girl to "shoes"? Jazz up a simple little black dress with a pair of colorful shoes in one of this season's brightest hues.

In seasons past, spring always represented corals, yellows, pinks and any other bright color in the color palette, while the darker shades were always left to fall. This year, we've seen every color down the runways, Cobalt Blue, Bright Orange, Fuchsia, whichever color you prefer, this fall season is anything but discriminating. The best way to make a fashion statement is to dress in a head to toe neutral hue and strap on a pair of bold bright stilettos.

We all remember Carrie's wedding in the Sex & The City movie (no not the big lavish one where she was stood up) but the simple wedding in city hall, with the "labeless" vintage white suit set and those stunning blue Blaniks. Re-create that same memorable look with a winter white romper and a pair of Cobalt blue sandals like Steve Madden's Taaboo or Trufle. These shoes make the ultimate stand out statement and feature a luxurious suede that's appropriate for the season.

If yellow is more your taste, opt for a pair like Report's Fillmore that look great against an all black ensemble. Michael Kors's Dauphin features a a platform and 4.5 heel for a daring look for the fashionably brave.

Shoes no longer compliment an outfit but rather complete them. Shoe designers are offering us everything from pumps to flats in a series of fun bright colors. So, the next time you feel like spicing up an outfit, take advantage of the latest trend and ditch the printed outfits and those overly eccentric embellished tops. The best styling tip of the season is to keep the basic outfit simple while drawing all the attention down to your beautiful feet.

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