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

Tropical Inspiration: Aqua Eyes

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Bold, turquoise green eye makeup is a perfect summer look. Tropical inspiration from ocean blues and palm frawn greens will make any eye color pop. This color family come in all sorts of textures and consistencies, choose from metallic, shimmering or pastel shades.

Aqua eyes is great look for both day or night. Start with a vibrant turquoise or shimmering green powder or cream eyeshadow and apply all over the lid. Build for more color or leave for a sheer wash. If you don’t want color on the entire lid, try a simple liner. Draw a thin or thick line on the upper or lower eyelid. For true vibrancy, first line the eye with a white pencil and go over with your favorite kohl, liquid or gel liner. This will bring the color to life.

Brighter colors tend to have more pigment and last longer on the skin – so less is more. It’s easier to build color if more is needed,  but harder to remove color if you put too much on.

Here are a few of my favorite tropical-inspired products.

Dior ~ Croisette Edition: $60.00

NARS ~ Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tropic: $24.00

Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Eyes in 7L – Turquoise: $18.00

Urban Decay ~ 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Siren: $19.00

YSL ~ Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof in Majorelle Blue: $30.00

MAC ~ Fluidline in Waveline: $15.00

Maybelline ~ Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Tenacious Teal & Edgy Emerald: $6.99 (each)

Smashbox ~ Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow: $19.00