I’m a shoe girl, always have been, always will be, but although I adore a pair of edgy heels, I have to have a pair of Keds on stand-by. I always try to choose shoes that tow the line between being fashionable and comfortable, but sometimes the shoes are just so dramatic that I’m willing to forsake the comfort. I remember a certain pair of wine colored snakeskin ankle boots I wore on NYE in Reno. By the time the show was over, and I walked back to my hotel, my feet were quite literally on FIRE! Slipping a pair of Keds on that have been broken in all the right places after a day spent in a pair of treacherous heels is absolute heaven! I’ve been wearing the classic sneaker since junior high, and I don’t see myself without three or four pair at any given time. I love them all, from the plain white, to the leather, to the red,khaki, and blue plaid ones. 

there's something about that blue rubber tag....

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I’ve tried experimenting with color when it comes to my lips.  Most of the dark, or red lipsticks do nothing for me.  But there’s one shade that always looks  great, and that’s a sheer, shimmery pink.  It compliments my skin tone, and keeps my lips super soft. Without it, I feel naked.

dianne brill lip lingerie pink lip gloss $27.00

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In my not so humble opinion, no woman should be without a classic, white, collared shirt.  No matter what size or shape you are, putting one of these staples on under a jacket for work, or wearing one with a pair of your fave jeans or hounds tooth skirt will make you look fashionably fab, without being too fussy.  They are the most uncomplicated item that you can have, and can be worn with anything!

three variations of the classic white shirt

It always makes me chuckle when I’m down by Fisherman’s Wharf during the summer.  Tourists walk around in shorts and tanks, not realizing that San Francisco evenings can be quite chilly.  It’s for this reason that any San Franciscan should have a great jacket.  No matter if it’s a vibrantly patterned Spring trench, or my all-time fave, the leather coat, which like the white shirt can be dressed up or down.  It’s all about versatility.

Naomi Campbell, Iman, Hillary Rhoda, Paulina Pariskova, Karlie Kloss, Caroline Trentini, and the legendary Lauren Hutton were all in attendance at Minetta Tavern, discussing the different aspects of the modeling biz for Vogue’s upcoming issue in May.  During this meeting, Parishkova looks over at sixteen year old Kloss and says  “If models were no longer 15 or 16 — if there was an age prohibit — that would be a really great thing.”

Paulina "meow" Pariskova

It just goes to show that aging supermodels don’t retire, they just get bitchier!

watch as model bears claws, and note Lauren’s expression! Priceless! Can you believe she got her start in the sixties?  A true icon.

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In the past decade, nearly every singer, actor, or famous -for -nothing celebrity has put in thier bid to design thier own fashion lines.  Most have never taken a course in illustration, clothing construction, fashion history, or marketing.  They simply surround themselves with people who have the knowledge, and take credit for it.  They truly believe that just because they attach thier names to it, it will be successful.  Not!

I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are success stories such as Sean John by Sean “Diddy” Combs.  He introduced the label in 1998, the first celeb to venture succesfully into fashion, but since then it’s been done to death. 

Lauren London for Sean John

Kimora Lee Simmons and Baby Phat are also a major success story, and although I don’t feel anyone who is over the age of 24 1/2 should attempt to wear Baby Phat, I’ll give Kimora a pass, since she’s been living and breathing fashion since the age of 13, when she walked exclusively for House of Chanel.

Former model, and Baby Phat creator Kimora L. Simmons walks the runway with daugters Ming Lee, and Aoki Lee for Baby Phat's Spring 2008 show

Another thing to consider is that Sean John and Baby Phat are marketed to a certain demographic, urban youth, although Sean John has upped their game and entered the high fashion arena.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have lines like House of Dereon, designed by Tina Knowles, mother of  Beyonce Knowles.  This clothing line is so bad, not even Beyonce wears it, and when she does, she gets panned. 

There are no words

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Lauren Conrads collection failed to move in Lisa Klein’s boutique, despite the runaway success of “The Hills”, and ended up on the clearance rack, and the list goes on and on. 

she wants how much for this?

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In the end, talent will always trump celebrity.  Fashionistas/fashionistos want quality clothing that goes beyond the trends of each passing season. They want clothes that are well crafted, and have had some thought put into them.  They want something that tells the world of their individuality, not some cookie cutter replicas that are mass produced.   They want clothes they can wear years from now, and still be fashionable.  While lines like “House of Dereon” and other “celebulines” are long forgotten, the masters like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Valentino will still be relevant.

 This went on for a couple of months, then unexpectedly my mother shows up at school, and of course I had on everything from eyeliner to foundation! Needless to say I got in trouble, big time!

Of course, every woman knows that the whole point of wearing makeup is to look as if you aren’t wearing any. I learned this after making some major faux pas when it came to applying and wearing makeup. I’ve been guilty of not blending foundation at the neckline, wearing liquid eyeliner in electric blue,  wearing cheap lipstick (I’m not naming brands!) and packing on the mascara.

Today, I hardly wear any. Bronzer, sheer pink gloss, mascara, and liner at night is about as far as I go. But I know women who spend at least thirty minutes applying makeup everyday. You know those women who are the last ones to be ready to go out on the town because they have to apply a fresh layer before leaving the house, and can be seen driving and applying blush at the same time? (very dangerous!)

So for you die-hard, makeup girls, this is for you!
This season saw the end of heavy liquid liner, and heavy eyebrows. Experts suggest letting the brows grow out, and just eliminating the stray hairs. There’s nothing wrong with shaped brows, just don’t go overboard. Remember it’s never okay to over-tweeze!

silent film star clara bow showed her eyebrows no mercy

Violet eyeliner is the “rage” for creating a smoky eye, and it is a compliment to all skin tones.  Top it off with a pair of properly applied false eyelashes to give that sweet, soft, romantic look to your eyes.

Heavy foundation is never a good idea, remember the objective is to look as if you have radiant, healthy, natural  skin.  Cleanse your skin, moisturize, and drink lots of water, and your skin will look great! 

Sweep illuminating powder under the eyes, and at the hair and necklines to give skin that ethereal glow.  Remember to keep it balanced.  If you are going for a smoky eye, then pass on the red lipstick, and opt for a muted shade instead.  If you choose to go with a  muted eye, then give your lips some color.  Make sure your lips are smooth as satin before applying your lip color, or the flaky dryness with show right through!

Unbalanced!  If your going to do shimmery eyes, then just focus on the eyes.  Not only are the ruby red lips distracting, they make young Hayden look older because she’s wearing too much makeup.

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She brings the drama with those eyes. She doesn’t look overdone, and the eyes are the main focus.

Photo Source click here for step by step instructions on how to get the smoky eyed look.

But just because you can’t own a fab bag, doesn’t mean that you cannot rent one!   Bag Borrow or Steal rents luxury items like designer sunglasses, jewelry, and handbags.  All you do is sign up, pick your bag, pay for it by the week or month, and they send you the bag of your choice.  When your tired of rocking a certain style and designer, then you simply return it in the condition in which it was sent to you, and pick another. 

Being that the bags are authentic, and not knock-offs, and have a retail value of thousands of dollars, you will be subject to a credit check.  The great thing about Bag Borrow or Steal, is that half of your rental fees are applied to purchase of that bag!  Isn’t that cool, equitable fashion!

They also have bags that are previously used, or have never been rented, for sale at deep discounts.  Definitely worth a look if your in the market for a great designer bag, but find yourself short on available cash.

Here are three of my faves.

what recession

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But the worst crime of fashion has to be not dressing appropriately for your age/body type.  Nothing screams “DESPERATION” more than a woman who is in her thirties and forties, dressing like an eighteen year old.  Not only do you look desperate, it shows that you are not comfortable with the woman that you are…NOW…not ten, or twenty years ago. 

Women come in all shapes and sizes, and it doesn’t matter what shape/size is yours, dressing in clothing that fits is the name of the game.  You could have on designer clothing from head to toe, but if it doesn’t fit, then you may as well be wearing nothing.  Anytime you have to constantly adjust your clothing, then you may have to go up a size.  It’s okay, no body’s going to know but you. 

Skinny jeans are trendy, but if they pleat in the crotch area, or your vaginal lips are visible, then they are too tight!  Also, if they give you a case of  ”muffin top”,  go up a size, please!

That's gonna leave a mark

Animal prints, and metallics are in, but head to toe is not.  Your going to either look like the Queen of the jungle, or a Robot.  Prints and metals are best when they are used as accents.  Belts, handbags, shoes, scarves, and jewelry can be used as a showcase for these trends, as long as the clothes are kept simple.  Even an animal print trench or swing coat is chic without being over the top.

Do…

Don’t….

Ladies, please..for the love of fashion…if you are going to show off your tootsies in this season’s hottest sandals, slingbacks, peep-toed shoes, please make sure to either visit a salon to have a pedicure, or do one at home.  There’s nothing worse than a woman with cracked, ashen, and crusty feet wearing a fabulous pair of shoes.  No matter what you are wearing, all attention will be on your feet so be sure they are soft, and smooth.

Yes…

no..

When wearing sunglasses, make sure the they fit your face.  A fabulous pair of sunglasses should not only protect your eyes, but look stunning as well. 

Balance your make-up.  The smoky eye is great, but not with crimson lipstick.  One thing to remember is that if your going to go with a strong lip, leave the eyes neutral, and vice verse.  Now go out and wow the world, but make sure you’ve got it together!

Silk Halter Maxi @ Nordstroms $495

  Wear it with a pair of stylish flat gladiator sandals for daytime, or pair it with a fantastic pair of heels, and a chunky necklace for evening. 

BCBGeneration Printed Maxi $158 @ Macys

 Wear it with a pair of jeweled flip flops for a sunset walk along the beach with your BF, or wear it when you throw him and his  crap out of your apartment!                                                   

Halter Maxi Dress $88 @ Express

Black and White Maxi online @ www.chicastar.com $49.95