Friday, August 2

Get Pedi-Ready: Peep Toe Shoes

Want to show off your perfect pedi? Slip on a pair of peep-toe shoes. From pumps to booties, peep-toes come in lots of different fun and fashionable styles. Peep toe pumps are one of the sexiest shoes around. They make your legs look long, lean and fabulous.  These sexy shoes turn everyday dresses into instant evening attire, yet they dress up even the most basic pants and jeans. This season get instant fashion gratification with the ultimate pair of sexy peep toe pumps.

 

Dresses

When you see peep toe pumps, you probably think sexy. That's because these shoes were made for sexy dresses. Have the ultimate form-fitting dress? A pair of peep toes tops off any wedding or cocktail party look. Peep toes can also give a whole new style to a simple dress.  Try a casual summer dress in white or black with a belt around the waist, slip on some peep toes, and you'll have yourself a chic and hip summer evening look.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Ferragamo

Pants

There's really no rule that dictates what you can and can't wear with peep-toe shoes since they come in tons of different styles, from casual to dressy to trendy. That being said you can definitely wear peep-toe shoes with pants. If you've got a pair of pants, and don't know what shoes to wear with them, don't fret. Your peep-toes will absolutely work.

If you've got a dressier pair of pants, try pairing them with a peep-toe pump. Or, if you want to go a little more glam, a peep-toe sandal works too. Jazz up black pants with peep-toe shoes with added embellishments like sequins or even studs. If you want something that stands out a little less, metallic peep-toes look great too.
For a trendier look, try harem pants with your peep toes. Not only are these pants totally in style, but they're also flowy, which means they're comfy to wear. Harem pants look fantastic with open-toe booties, which are also super trendy. You really only have to add a simple tee or tank to finish off an outfit like this.

If you're looking to switch things up a bit, try a pair of edgy peep-toe booties worn with pants that are a bit more tailored for a cool juxtaposition of aesthetics. Try something really unexpected like a pantsuit. The same vibe can be achieved with peep-toe pumps and sandals too.
Jeans and pants are perfect for dressing down your peep toe pumps. No matter the cut or style, peep toes look fierce. Get more use out of your khakis by pairing them with your favorite comfy t-shirt and tailored blazer for a look that effortlessly takes you from shopping to drinks with the girls. Top off with your ensemble with delicate jewelry, such as post earrings or a pearl necklace. Want to make a bigger statement? Try bold bangles or a colorful chunky beaded necklace.

Jimmy Choo

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

To the Office

Think you can't wear sexy peep toes to the office? Think again! They give your work wardrobe a fashionista's touch that regular heels just can't. Pump up your pant suit with cute patent peep toes and diamond earrings. Or take a basic fitted sheath dress and give it some oomph with peep toes, then add a sleek cardigan.  But, stay with neutral-colored peep toes such as black or tan so your style looks sleek and professional, without going overboard.

Christian Louboutin

Oscar de la Renta

Prada

Shorts and Rompers

Looking to wear shorts or a romper for a night out? Peep toe pumps are the absolute must-have to crank up this look. Pair your shorts with a pretty flowing top and the perfect nude-colored peep toes. Got a romper you love to rock during the day with flip-flops? Try it with a pair of peep toes for night. Add some sparkly jewelry and a tailored boyfriend blazer.

Tory Burch


Nine West

Nine West
Nine West
Believe it or not, Fall is right around the corner.  In the past, it was considered taboo to wear peep toe shoes during the cooler months. Luckily, these days, fashion rules are less strict, giving you much more flexibility to create your look. So go ahead and wear your peep toes for Fall- just follow these few rules to make them appropriate for cooler weather.

 

Wear With Tights

Just as peep toes in the Fall were once frowned upon, so were peep toes with tights. Lucky for fashionable ladies, the same, more lenient fashion rules apply here too. You can totally slip a pair of tights under your peep toes to wear them all year long. This looks best if you're wearing a skirt or dress, which you naturally pair with tights in the colder months.

Tom Ford

 

Go Without on Milder Days

Just because it's Fall, doesn't mean it's always cold. Go more with the temperature than with the season. If it's warm enough for you to wear peep toes without tights comfortably, go right ahead. If the weather seems kind of on-the-fence between cold and hot, wear your shoes with jeans or slacks.

Fendi

Brian Atwood

Nicholas Kirkwood
Nine West

Brian Atwood


Peep Toe Booties

If you need more proof that peep toe shoes are totally appropriate for Fall, hit your local mall. You'll see tons of peep toe booties on the shelves. Even super-popular designer Giuseppe Zanotti has produced a peep toe bootie or two. These shoes are specifically made to wear in the Fall, so snag a pair and be seasonally appropriate and totally on trend.


Schultz

Jimmy Choo

Giuseppe Zanotti

Sergio Rossi

Which Pedi Colors Work Best With Your Peep Toes? 

While you may prefer to stick to classic nail polish shades like pale pink and mauve for your fingers, your pedicure presents the ideal opportunity to play with color. When you break out your favorite peep-toe heels or strappy sandals for a night out on the town, you can make your shoes look even sexier by choosing the right shade of polish for your toes. You can go with several options, so consider your skin tone and the color of your shoes to figure out which shade works best for you.

 

Red

If you’re not brave enough to try a bold red lipstick for a night out, give a sexy red pedicure a whirl instead. There’s something about that flash of bright red peeking out at the front of your favorite strappy sandals or open-toed stilettos that amps up the sex appeal of any outfit. You can go with a classic blue-based fire engine red if you want to channel bombshell Marilyn Monroe, but an orange-based red can make tan or olive skin pop. In the fall and winter, try a Burgundy or Wine polish on your toes for a sultry, sophisticated look.

 

Bright Pink

When you want to turn your guy’s head, I recommend a bright pink polish on your toes to rev his engine. Bright pink is a softer alternative to red, but still packs a punch if you choose the right shade. Pair a hot pink or magenta polish with strappy silver sandals for a summer night out or black peep-toe pumps when the weather turns cooler. If you want a more sophisticated look, opt for a bright pink shade of polish that leans more toward berry.

 

Purple

Adding an unexpected pop of color to your toes is a surefire way to garner a little extra attention, and purple polish certainly gives your pedicure a sexy twist. Stay away from pastel purple shades like lilac or lavender, though, which typically read more sweet than sultry. Instead, go with a sensuous royal purple to give your toes a little extra va-va-voom. Up the glam factor by choosing a deep purple shade with a shimmery or glittery finish, so your polish catches the light – and your guy’s eye.

 

Nude

It may seem like a boring option, but nude polish can give your pedicure a seductive look if you choose the right color. Avoid nude polishes with a gray undertone because they can make your skin look ashy. Instead, look for a beige shade that’s similar to your skin tone, but with a slightly peach or pink undertone to warm up the look. Pair your nude pedicure with strappy or peep-toe heels in a similar color and you’ll give your legs a lean, sexy look that’s perfect for a date or a night out with the girls.

 

Black

If you think black nail polish is strictly for Goths or heavy metal musicians, it may be time to reconsider. A black pedicure creates a striking contrast with any skin tone for a sexy, edgy look. You can pair it with black shoes for a monochromatic look, but it works with any shoe color, including silver, gold and red. For a sleek, sophisticated look, opt for black polish with a cream finish. If you prefer a softer option, choose a shimmery finish. You can even choose other dark shades if black is too much, like a shimmery charcoal or deep navy blue.

Thursday, August 1

Get Bunched Up With Fashion's Most Forgiving Trend: RUCHING!

RUCHING.....it's artistic, it’s flattering, and it’s everywhere this season.  If you haven’t jumped on the ruching bandwagon yet, now’s the time to get on board. The extra pounds you packed on this winter will thank you, until you’re ready to show off your bangin’ bikini body.

As far as I'm concerned ruching is a fashion miracle and friend of skinny and curvy girls alike.  The gathered folds of fabric compliment almost any body type there is. The busy details can either cover or accentuate any body part you want depending on how you bring it into play.

One of my favorite looks is ruching on the bust area. It highlights one’s upper curves without bearing too much of it. A plus-sized woman will have no problems with tops or clothing with ruching on the bust area. It’s as if that kind of detail was made just for plus sized women or the gorgeous busty women out there.

Plus-sized women, however, have to be careful about the placement of the ruching on clothing and how much of it there is. Too much of it can be overwhelming, but too little might not even be noticeable and worse, it might even look like terribly wrinkled clothing when worn.

This Melissa Masse dress is a perfect example of plus-sized ruched clothing with taste. The garment appears to be tight and body hugging, but in a sexy, appealing way. The details from the mid to the bottom half of the dress compliments women with a V-body shape as it balances out their whole figure.
Melissa Masse
Bloomingdales

Overall ruching in the midsection helps those plus-sized women out there get that hourglass shape they want.


Nordstrom

Nordstrom














Nordstrom


Nordstrom

Nordstrom


 








 

Nordstrom
 
For A High-End Affair

If you’re angling to be the belle of the ball, look no further than these dresses. These looks with ruched bodices and necklines help create curves for shapeless women everywhere.  Command attention with the illusion of a fuller bust and bigger curves in these looks. Then throw on some strappy metallic sandals and some fresh makeup to look like a vision of summertime.

Diane von Furstenberg
Bloomingdales


Bebe

Bebe


 







 

Monique Lhuillier
 

HALSTON HERITAGE
Bloomingdales

Armani
Bloomingdales


 












Monique Lhuillier



For A High Powered Business Lunch



This nude stretch-linen pencil skirt by A.L.C. exudes effortless elegance. Paired with a silk sheath and a tailored blazer, it’s a no-brainer for an important business meeting or presentation, plus it can carry you through an evening out.  With ruched panels and seams, it tastefully plays up curves from every angle.

James Perse
Saks

James Perse
Saks

Halston Heritage
Saks




 









For a Killer Strut

Christian Louboutin




Christian Louboutin

Charlotte Russe


 







Alexander Wang

Rosegold
bluefly.com

Jimmy Choo















Chrisitan Louboutin


For a Pool Party

Who knew such a small piece of fabric could have such a big impact? In these retro ruched swimsuits, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in a sea of bikinis. Their figure-flattering cut and girl-next-door vibe ensure you’ll have cabana boys clamoring to serve you your first piña colada of the day.
Chloe
Saks

Basta Surf
Piperlime

Shoshanna
Piperlime














Nordstrom


For a Cool Carryall

Featuring soft ruched leather and chain-woven link detailing, this pleated leather bag holds all your essential items when you’re out and about in the big city.

Diane von Furstenberg
Saks

For A Chilly Summer Morning

Anyone who thinks ruching can’t work with outerwear hasn’t seen these ruched sleeve blazers, which utilize the ruching technique to create a smashing effect. Feminine touches such as bold colors and sleek silhouettes, complement the jackets' gathered sleeves and sides. They're so cute, you won’t even want to take them off once you’re indoors.

bonanza.com

Eliza J.
Nordstrom

Express