Anticipation: Isabel Marant pour H&M

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The anticipation is building as the eagerly awaited Isabel Marant collection for H&M draws nearer. As we all know, Parisian designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with H&M to create this autumn/winter designer collection featuring clothing as well as accessories for women, men and teenagers.

“I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” say Isabel Marant. The collection is available from November 14th 2013 in H&M 250 stores worldwide.

Fall Favorite: Chelsea Boot

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A favorite for Fall is the Chelsea Boot. Also known as the “Beatle Boot” as the original was adapted for The Beatles in the early 1960’s. The style was inspired by the Cuban’s Flamanco Boot – only the Chelsea had a higher heel.  This ankle boot has been redesigned and modernized over the years into a comfortable and  very versatile/practical shoe. Here are a few of my favorites:

Opening Ceremony: Coachella Flat Suede Chelsea Boots: $402.00

Topshop: August Classic Chelsea Boots: $120.00

J.Crew: Chelsea Boots: $268.00

Saint Laurant: Suede Rock Chelsea Boot: $995.00

Frye: Pippa Short Chelsea Boots: $278.00

Rag and Bone: Bannon Closed Toe Booties: $550.00

 

Five Favorites: Wedge Espadrille Sandals

The wedge espadrille is the perfect compliment to summer. Comfortable and versatile, these sandals provide the hight needed paired with comfort. The rope detailing couples well with casual and dressy styles and remains durable year after year. Available in different styles and colors, the platform wedges will flatter all summer long. Here are a five favorites for summer:

Topshop: Whispered Sandal – $84.00

Michael Kors: Giovanna Wedge Sandal – $134.95

Jimmy Choo: Pallis Wedge Sandal – $450.00

Delman: Trish Sandal– $250.00

Dolce Vita (DV): Tarry Sandal – $59.60

Fantastic Flat: Splendid Newberry Flat

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Soft, supple suede and cushiony sole, makes Splendid’s Newberry Flat one of my new favorite finds. Available in a multitude of bright colors and everyday neutrals, it is hard to choose just one.

My first purchase, Sand (pictured), pairs well with everything and works well with my work wardrobe. However, I am already contemplating a next purchase in Punch (bright red) and, of course, Black.

This simple ballet flat looks delicate and girly. The suede is so soft I was afraid they would loose structure quickly. However, I am pleasantly surprised that they are holding up so well after very long work weeks.

Finding a simple, comfortable flat is not as easy as it looks. These fulfill all your basic everyday needs, wrapped up in a simple and elegant design. Try them – let me know what you think.

Spring Shoe: Single Strap

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Showcased in many Spring and Fall runways is the single strap heel. Also known as the ankle strap, these shoes are classic, simple and chic.

The ankle strap heel can be found in a multitude of variations. From chunky heels to ornate details, this strappy heel is super versatile and wearable.

I love the simplicity of the single strap. Even in bold and bright colors, the design is classic. This shoe can be worn with everything. Great when wanting to show-off some leg, the small detail makes any pair of shoes slightly more flattering. The strap draws attention to the ankle, the thinnest part of the leg. Thinner = longer in this equation.

Available in a wide array of colors and styles, here are a few of my favorite single strap heels:

Alexander Wang ~ Antonia Sandal: $495.00

Manolo Blahnik ~ Chaos Cuff Sandal: $695.00

Prabal Gurung for Target ~ Ankle Strap Pump: $39.99

ASOS ~ Hollywood Heeled Sandals: $69.83

Spring in your Step: Floral Pump

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Add a little Spring to your step with the floral pump. An easy way to add color and style, this Spring trend will pair well with anything from edgy leather pieces to everyday essentials.

Mixing prints can be tricky. With this pump, mastering the mix is easy. Pair with any pattern in similar color families. Mix your florals with stripes, polka dots, graphics and/or animal prints and you are well on your way to one stellar mash-up.

Manolo Blahnik ~ BB Pump: $645.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Danny Pump: $295.00

Ivanka Trump ~ Kayden 2 Pump: $130.00

Guess ~ Neodan 5 Pump: $99.00

Four Favorites: Athletic Shoe

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Whether you are running, walking, inside or out, a great pair of athletic shoes is a must. How to choose the right shoe for you? Go with comfort.

There are so many new technologies and varieties of the athletic shoe to choose from. Some are built for speed, while others are built for support and comfort. Unless you are training for a marathon, tri-athalon or hiking, don’t waste your money on purchasing different pairs for different activites. If you find a pair that feels amazing on your foot… Buy them!

If they are comfortable… you will wear them… if you wear them… you will get sweaty more often. It is that simple.

Here are four of my favorites:

Adidas: Adizero Adios 2.0: $115.00

Nike: Free Run 3: $100.00

Asics: Gel-FujiRacer: $110.00

Saucony: Hurricane 14: $105.00

Four Favorites: Wedge Sneakers

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Women everywhere are abandoning their heels and platforms for wedge sneakers. To be perfectly honest, I was not a fan of this trend when it began – it reminded me of high school girls basketball. However, if you have a chance – try them on. Not only are they extremely comfortable, but incredibly flattering. The concealed wedge lengthens your legs and gives the figure a ‘lift’.

The pair I tried on were the OG’s – Isabel Marant’s Bekkett. Marant attributes the design to her teenage years when she would put a cork sole in her trainers. “I wanted to keep the comfort of a sneaker while looking taker at the same time,” she says. Since Bekkett’s introduction three years ago, it’s not uncommon for the shoes to be sold out before they could even hit shelves. Now slews of wedged sneakers have now emerged from big names like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chloé, and Stella McCartney to Sketchers, Steve Madden and even Nike; further propelling the trend of lux street fashion.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Isabel Marant ~ Bekkett: $640.00

Ash ~ Bea: $235.00

BDG ~ Quarter-Strap High-Top Wedge Sneaker: $79.00

Report ~ Cosette: $69.95

Festive Finds: Party Pumps

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This holiday season prance around in some party pumps. Perfect for dressing up a simple LBD or adding something extra to a conservative work affair, party-ready pumps will help you put your best foot forward this holiday season.

Available in a variety of styles, there is a a pair for every aesthetic and festive dress code. From eye-catching glitter and holiday red to lush velvet and quirky embellishments, party pumps will add even more sparkle to the season.

After the holidays, don’t store your shoes away just yet. These shoes make a great counterpart to casual boyfriend jeans, trendy jogger pants, shorts and/or skirts. They are also an instant conversation starter and ice-breaker at any function.

Here are a few festive finds that are sure to be the center of any holiday party:

Left Column:

J.Crew ~ Everly Cap Toe Glitter Pumps: $265.00

MICHAEL Michael Kors ~ ‘York’ Mary Jane Pump: $149.95

Miu Miu ~ Glitter-Finished Leather Pumps: $413.00 (sale)

Right Column:

Kate Spade ~ ‘Lenora’ Pump: $365.00

Valentino Couture ~ Bow d’Orsay Pump: $675.00

Alice+Olivia ~ Dina Suede Pumps: $295.00

Black Friday Favorites

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For great cardio après-Thanksgiving, tackle the stores or stay inside with great online deals. Whatever you choose, get a jumpstart to your Black Friday shopping with Glow-T’s favorite deals.

Opening Ceremony: Score 30-40% off collections, including Opening Ceremony, Band of Outsiders, Juun J, Mary Katranzou, Carven, Jeremy Scott x Adidas, PushBUTTON, Goen J, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Topshop: Nov. 23, the retailer is hosting 30% off select merchandise online and in stores. Plus, spend $30 and get $10 off, spend $50 and get $20 off, and spend $100 and you’ll get $50 off your purchase.

Goldyn: From Nov. 23-26, treat yourself with 25% off everything from the retailer’s extensive array of designer goods with special code GIVEANDGET25.

H&M: Find fall fashions starting at just $5, and the first 100 people in line at H&M stores will get scratch-off tickets, valued up to $300.

A-Thread: Nov. 23-26, receive 10% off orders up to $150, 15 % off orders between $151-$200, and 20% off orders $200 or more with the following codes: BLACKFRIDAY10,BLACKFRIDAY15, and BLACKFRIDAY20.

AllSaints: Get select merchandise at 20% off, like biker boots and holiday dresses for $220.

Nordstrom: Not only will you be able to score clothes, shoes, and accessories on the cheap, stop by Nordstrom’s for pre-sales of the latest collections from Prada, McQueen, and Michael Kors.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Stock up on cold weather duds for him and her for 40-50% off and take an additional 50% off sale items. You’ll also receive a $25 Saks gift card if you spend $100 or more in cosmetics or fragrances, and after noon, you’ll get an additional 10% off sale merchandise if you use a Saks credit card.

Rebecca Taylor: Take an additional 25% off all sale items with secret code RTEXTRA2512. This deal is good from Nov. 22-25.

French Connection: From Nov. 21-26, receive free shipping, plus 30% off all orders of $150 or more.

Yoox: Get a deal on top of a deal at this luxury designer outlet on Nov. 23 and get up to 50% off your favorite pieces from the likes of Isabel Marant, Givenchy, and Marc Jacobs.

Mackage: From Nov. 23-26, save up to 25-50% off the brand’s sleek designs online and in-stores.

Bare Necessities: Nov. 22, you’ll score 25 percent off sitewide, but the sale doesn’t stop there — Nov. 23, get up to 40 percent off.

Sephora: Shop Sephora’s $10 One Day Wonders, which include cosmetic packs from brands like Stila, Tarte, Lorac, and Buxom.

Target: Receive special prices on everything, from clothes to electronics, with additional 5% off everything if you use a REDcard.

Spot On: Polka Dots

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Perk up a drab wardrobe with some polka-dots. The playful pattern is flirty, retro, whimsical and befitting at any age.

The classic style has evolved from Minnie Mouse to runways and red-carpets. It’s a style for all seasons, simply because it exudes an undeniably youthful flair, and yet remains an incredibly timeless option for women of all ages. Since the pattern is not restricted to one size, these pieces can be bold and vibrant or soft and subtle. The design adds texture to any ensemble and can be worn in a dramatic or casual fashion. Mix and match with other quirky patterns and prints for a bit of drama or use as the focal piece for casual style. Embrace the spotty trend this season and seasons to come with polka dots.

Spotted… a few of my favorite pieces:

JCrew ~ Polka Dot Dress: $198.00

Madewell ~ Dotted Chambray Boyshirt: $72.00

Madewell ~ Calf Hair Polka Dot Belt: $48.00

Mango ~ TOUCH Polka-Dot Wool Foulard: $69.99

JCrew ~ Polka-Dot Cashmere Sweater: $268.00

Comme des Garçons ~ Polka-Dot Leather Coin Purse: $155.00

Miu Miu ~ Sandali Polka Dot Cotton Sandals: $495.00

Open Ceremony ~ Shirley Polka Dot Haircalf Booties: $506.00

Paige Denim ~ Verdugo Ultra Skinny (selection of colors): $189.00

ModCloth ~  Dash of Dots Tights: $14.99

Shop For The Cure: Breast Cancer Awareness

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, shop to support the cause that affects about one in eight women in the U.S. Do your part by purchasing items that give back to the cause. Hundreds of brands and stores offer exclusive items and/or percentage of total purchase – so get out there and shop. Here are a few of my favorite items:

AG Jeans ~ The Keep A Breast Stilt – $159.00

* Made using processes free of toxic or cancer-causing chemicals, 20% of proceeds support The Keep A Breast Foundation’s™ breast cancer prevention and education programs.

DANNIJO ~ Breast Cancer Awareness Vika Bracelet – $198.00

* A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this piece will be donated to The Pink Agenda.

Coach ~ Madison Chain Wristlet – $68.00

* 20% of proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Jennifer Meyer ~ Stand Up To Cancer ‘The Star’ – $1,375.00

* ALL net proceeds go to Stand Up To Cancer.

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Susan G. Komen Courage Sunglasses – $98.00

* Twenty percent of retail sales from each pair will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000.

Cosabella ~ Bellissima Underwire Bra – $96.50

* 20% of proceeds are donated to Bra-ha-ha, an organization that promotes and raises awareness about breast health.

Nine West ~ Runway Relief Bootie – $149.00

* For the third consecutive year, Nine West is partnering with the CFDA to raise awareness and donations for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC). Each step models take off the runway during Fashion Week equals a monetary donation from Nine West to FTBC.

Western Style: H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot

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Saddle-up in style with a Western-inspired boot. H by Hudson’s Riley Mid Boot is that perfect mix of rugged utility and sophistication.

The perfect kickstart to your Fall wardrobe, this boot provides comfort and relaxed style with gently-worn leather and chunky Cuban heel.

The H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot has the ability to dress things up or work as a chic but casual option. Pair with your favorite designer jeans or feminine floral dress. No matter what you choose you will add a bit of style to your stride.

About Hudson:

Born in 1990, Hudson has been putting their best foot forward for more than two decades with its high quality, affordable shoes. Acknowledging trends and giving them our own idiosyncratic twist is the cornerstone of the Hudson philosophy. Whether it’s music, art, style icons or film, there is always inspiration to be found. Often imitated, never rivalled, Hudson will always strive to innovate, surprise and push boundaries in footwear design.

Heavy Metal: Metallic Trend

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The runways for Fall 2012 were ablaze with molten-like metals in gold, bronze, silver and jewel-tones. Metallics glimmered in the form of dresses, denim, skirts, shoes and bags. Interpreting runway looks into everyday life can be tricky. Embrace this trend with wearable pieces that will make an impact all season long.

Since metallics create such a bold statement, wearing too many at once can cheapen a look. Choose one key piece (cigarette pant, pencil skirt, statement bag) and let it be the star of the show. Pair these pieces with basic neutrals. Try a cozy knit sweater/slouchy boyfriend sweater for ultimate comfort and understated style. For a dressier look, pair with a structured blazer that will not draw attention from the showcased piece. Keep accessories basic or forfeit them completely.

Metallics offer a fun way to freshen up your look for Fall and update your wardrobe for a new season. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

J Brand ~ 9202 Low-Rise Metallic Coated Legging: $249.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Connie Metallic Flounce Coat: $798.00

Tibi ~ Lurex Jacquard Strapless Dress: $485.00

AllSaints ~ Metal Pencil Skirt: $95.00

Diane von Furstenberg ~ Tonda Metallic Clutch: $395.00

Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Metallic Leather Pumps: $650.00

Topshop ~ Jacquard Metallic Shorts: $60.00

The Classics: Black Pump

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The classic black pump. Perfect for day or night, work or play. A shoe that will never, ever go out-of-style and with the right cobbler, will last forever. They might all look very similar, but not all pumps are created equal.

The iconic black pump is truly an “investment piece”. When considering the purchase of the perfect pump, there are several points (pun intended) to consider, including craftsmanship, quality of leather, toe shape, heel height and arch support. This is not an item that can be purchased online, one must kiss many frogs before finding a prince.

From a power suit or LBD, to a favorite pair of designer jeans, the classic black pump instantly creates a chic, put-together look. The reliable shoe is a vital component in every women’s closet. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Patent Leather Point Toe Pumps: $575.00

2. Christian Louboutin ~ Decollete Calfskin Pointed-Toe Pump: $625.00

3. Manolo Blahnik ~ Manolo Blahnik BB: $595.00

4. Prada ~ Leather Point-Toe Pump: $620.00

5. Zara ~ Leather High Heeled Court Shoe: $89.90

Fall Flat: Loeffler Randall Natalie Studded Toe Flats

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The cap toe trend is evolving this Fall with a little texture. From shiny gold caps to spikes, studs and rhinestones, the simple flat is getting interesting.

A great pair of flats that can be worn with both workplace-appropriate attire and casual weekend pieces is a worthy investment. Loeffler Randall’s Natalie Studded Toe Flats fit the bill – a sleek cap toe keeps the look on-trend but still polished, while the gold studs add texture and whimsy.

The Natalie Studded Toe Flats are the perfect hybrid of comfort and style. Traverse around the city or trek to work in shoes that won’t ‘fall’ flat.

Four Favorites: Flip-Flops

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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.

My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:

J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50

Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00

TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95

Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00

4th of July Fashion

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Fun, 4th of July Fashion.

Eugenia Kim: Max 7 Raffia Fedora, A.P.C: Washed Denim Playsuit, Converse: All-Star Premium Flag, Free People: Tattered Flag Scarf, Madewell: Perfect Racerback Tank, Haute Hippie: American Flag-Print Stretch-Denim Shorts, Steve Madden: Pita Boot, Urban Outfitters: Flag Wayfarer Sunglasses, Enza Costa: Stripe Tank, Citizens of Humanity: Avedon Low-Rise Skinny Jeans, TKEES: Lipstick Red Leather Sandals

SALES! Click-n-Shop

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Statement Sandals: Graphics

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From abstract florals to eye-catching ikat, summer sandals are getting graphic. Found in an overwhelming array of colors, styles, prints and patterns, complete any outfit with a bold statement sandal.

Keeping it neutral. Make these statement shoes the focal point of the ensemble by keeping the rest of the pieces neutral and/or monochromatic.

Mixing prints. Sometimes the best combinations are the ones that do not seem suitable. There are no rules here, only to look for prints and textures in complementary color families. The pieces do not have to coordinate exactly, but there should be a common theme.

Spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant graphics. Here are few of my favorite stand-out sandals.

Zara ~ Fabric Sandal: $99.90

Theodora & Callum ~ Hippie Heel: 229.99 (sale)

Loeffler Randall ~ Dita Platform Pump: $425.00

BCBGeneration ~ Hosanna: $87.99 (sale)

Alice + Olivia ~ Juliet Platform Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Cynthia Vincent ~ Naomi Aztec-Printed Platform Wedge Sandal: $197.00 (sale)