Incorporating International Fashion into Your Wardrobe: Italian Flat Boots

We first saw flat boots in the European streets, mostly in Italy, and the trend slowly transcended from the Italian runways to the States during New York Fall Fashion week in 2009. Incorporate a little bit of European style by wearing some of the hottest fall boot styles, whether it be over the knee boots, slouchy boots, or ankle boots in a flat heel.

Try a pair of authentic European boots with a pair made in Italy, like Burberry’s Flat Suede Boots . These boots are the ultimate in luxury with a rich chocolate suede slouched upper, an engraved plate at the heel, and not to mention a leather lining and sole.

Stuart Weitzman’s Droop boot resembles a classic riding boot, however, its unique tiered design gives it a modern look. Made of Vecchio Napa leather, it’s available in two great colors. The droop boot’s best feature though, could be its hidden wedge; the perfect flat boot, if you want to sport the flat look but, are insecure about your height.

Fringe is another great trend for fall, take advantage of two great styles in one with Minnetonka’s 5-Layer Fringe Boot. This fun and fashionable boot is made of soft suede and an attractive fringe detail as well as a convenient side zipper. Available in three neutral colors, these boots are guaranteed to match any winter outfit in your closet. For a similar style in an ankle version, Juicy Couture’s Tara boot features suede and fringe along with extra stylish details like stud accents on the ends of each tie. The Tara boot is also available in three fun colors, including purple.

You don’t have to travel to Rome, Venice or Barcelona to bring a little Euro-style to your fall wardrobe, In fact you don’t have to go far at all for the latest in fall flat footwear.

Easy Fashion Tips: Faux Fur

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.

Evolution of Clothing: Leggings Throughout Time

Since the 15th and 16th centuries, various styles of leggings were worn by both men and women. Most popular in Europe, the Renaissance era placed leggings in the fashion spotlight. Leggings are a tight, form-fitting type of trouser, that extends from the waist and typically comes down to the ankles. Often referred to as tights, they are not to be confused with pantyhose. Originally leggings were two separate garments, one for each leg.

By the early 17th century, or the Shakespearean era, leggings became a fashion staple mostly for men, but as time progressed leggings transcended back into the wardrobe of women. In the 1960’s, leggings were worn as an alternative to the highly popularized, capri pant. Worn by iconic Hollywood actresses, this alternative to pants had greater sex appeal for its skin tight look.

However, it was not until the fitness and aerobics boom of the early 1980’s that leggings became a popular piece of everyday apparel. Not only did their tight and attractive appearance make them a hot commodity, but their comfort made them a casual piece of every day wear. Again, the trend was highly trademarked by style icons of the time like Cindy Lauper and Olivia Newton John. By the mid-1990s, leggings outsold jeans in many parts of the United States. Leggings also made a comeback in Men’s closets. In many places, especially in colder countries such as Russia, men continued to wear leggings even into modern times, often as an additional underlayer for warmth against the cold.

In 2005, leggings made their biggest comeback since its last big return in the 80’s. Designers made leggings available in every color and style imaginable. Modern styles include footless, capri, ruched, studded and lace designs. Whether it’s a pair from Kensie Girl , reasonably priced at $30 or if you’re looking to splurge on a designer pair of Juicy Couture for $128, one thing’s absolute, this trend is affordable for just about anyone.

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Personalized Jewelry

Jewelry is not only a great way to accessorize, it’s the best way to personalize your look! We’ve been seeing the initials necklace trend on Hollywood celebs like Halle Berry, Nicole Richie, Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, just to name a few.

What better way to wear your first initial, or the first initial of your boyfriend, husband, child or BFF, than a delicately adorable initial pendant necklace?

The initial pendant necklace also makes a great personalized gift that goes beyond just looking cute. We suggest layering a couple of delicate necklaces with your loved ones’ initials…it’s a fabulous way to keep them close to your heart! Literally.

The Jessica Elliot Initial Necklace below was actually spotted on Halle Berry, a famous new mom. Speaking of new moms, these also make the perfect gift for moms or moms-to-be!

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From the Runway to Your Closet: Funky Yet Fabulous Shoes

One of the most notable fashion trends on the runway for this year was funky and interesting shoes. Gone are the days of plain black or tan pumps. Instead, the fashion runways are full of models sporting shoes with cut-out designs, hidden platforms, buckles, zippers, floral appliqués, fringe and sky-high heels.

This runway fashion trend is one of the easiest to pull off. You could be a mother of five or a fashionista in college and pull off this trend. The best part is that you don’t have to be a size 0 to wear trendy shoes. In fact, some of these funky shoes will actually take attention away from your problem areas, making you appear slimmer. What woman doesn’t like that? Shoes with sky-high heels and platforms can also do a great job at making you appear slimmer and taller. The only thing that you have to worry about is being able to walk in the shoes. One word of advice: before wearing these types of shoes out in public, be sure to wear them around the house and get used to walking in them.

When looking to follow this runway fashion trend, look for shoes that are interesting and don’t look like anything you have seen before. Look for shoes that have straps going in all different directions or ankle boots that have cut-outs to make them look more like sandals. Also, accents like bows , zippers , studs , and fringe are another aspect to look for in funky shoes. The more interesting and intriguing the shoes are, the better.

Funky shoes can be worn with just about any outfit. They can peak out of a pair of jeans or add total drama when paired with a short dress. A pair of interesting shoes can take you through the whole summer and even into fall. When you follow this fashion trend of funky shoes, you will have people dying to know where you got your shoes from. You can be the center of attention simply for your good taste in fashion.

Platform Perfection

Juicy Couture has their hands on the pulse of what is hot and stylish. Take their espresso-hued Gigi platform sandal, which combines one of the hot trends of the season – wood, with a dark, rich hue, and spot-on details. Pair with slouchy skinny jeans , a boyfriend rolled sleeve blazer, one shouldered tee and long silver earrings , for a look that is California cool.

No More Drama

No more drama, but plenty of shade with these fabulous oversized squavol sunglasses from Juicy Couture . Channel your inner Nicole Richie with your boho long sleeveless dress, Havaianas Floppy hat optional.

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Mesmerizing Metallics!

You’re gold baby! And you’ve hit the jackpot for magnificent metallics, sparkling silver and glamorously glistening gold! A thrilling treasure of glistening goodies awaits you at couture.zappos.com . So turn up the electricity and give your vivaciousness some vibrant voltage!

Alexander McQueen amazes season after season with his alchemical allure. This season is no exception.

Alexander McQueen ‘s enchanting elegance will idolize your immortal beauty and position yourself on a prominent plateau of passion wearing these coveted copper metallic ankle strap platform sandals with wicked wishbone buckles. Enhance the intoxicating dream with this copper bag and emerge from the burning beauty baptized in the alluring ashes of Alexander McQueen !

Cast a stylish spell and invoke an incantation of intense interest with the bewitching blue metallics available with the magic of Alexander McQueen . Find fortunate fascination featuring this sandal with wonderful wishbone buckles and match with the elegant elixir of this memorable blue metallic clutch and this copper clutch .

Conspire to become captivating creature. Blow minds and blast off into the opulent outer limits and soar with sublime style wearing the victorious Venusian vibrancy of these premier platforms by Emilo Pucci !

Are you a glamorous gold digger? Then go for the gold and set your sights on these sublime styles that will satisfy any siren!

Arm your allure with ammunition to go in for the kill. Ready…aim…and explode in enchantment wielding these wonderful sandals by Givenchy .

Lock yourself up in luxury and throw away the key! Keep your private possessions and scandalous secrets imprisoned in the stylish splendor of the lovely D&G Dolce and Gabbana ‘Lily’ satchel or grace yourself with the gorgeous glamor of this beautiful bag by D&G Dolce & Gabbana .

Diane Von Furstenberg memorable Moore gold wedges are any girl’s dream come true!

If you love flats, these Juicy Couture Adore flats with a beautiful butterfly accent are flat out fabulous!

But if you want to steal the scene, we suggest you orchestrate an opulent obsession with the most hedonistic heist of passionate pizzazz! Pluck prominent power with precision and linger in the luxurious larceny of this couture caper with these provocative platform sandals by DSquared2 !

If you’re longing for the silver screen then stylishly soar into the next century starring in these sultry sandals by Donna Karan !

You’re fans will find you fascinatingly fabulous in these prominent Donna Karan crackled silver puzzle metallic wedges .

Shower yourself with the shimmering riches and tempting treasures available at couture.zappos.com !