On-Trend Tuesdays: Red-dy for the Holidays?

On-Trend Tuesdays...better on Wednesdays!

The holidays are upon us, Fashionistas.  Oozing out of every corner!  The parties, the decorating, the gift-giving, the cooking, the schlepping . . . it’s enough to take it out of you completely.  The first thing that often goes out the window is taking care of yourself and, fashionistas, that’s never, ever a good thing to do.

And it’s possibly the most treacherous time of the year to do so.  When the pressure is on to be spangly, sparkly, and bright for all of your occasions, sometimes it’s easier to “cheat” by throwing on any shiny nonsense that you can find instead of thoughtfully pulling together a look that is both festive and tasteful (possible, I swear!).

So instead of “cheating” with sequins, how about taking one of the easiest, most classic and chic colors and making it your own in a new and fresh way?

It’s the color of Rudolph’s nose and cheery cheeks; Diana Vreeland’s tone of choice and Poppy King’s obsession; it’s the tone that universally symbolizes passion, fire, and elegance.  The French associate it with Versailles, China with good luck, India with happiness, and New Orleanians with our Lighted Districts of the same name. 

Diana Vreeland in her home, guestofaguest.com

 The color red, my friends, is whatever statement you want it to be (but never an understatement).  It’s classic but ferociously femme, and designers, tastemakers, and the fashionably inclined have never, ever been more obsessed.

As far as I’m concerned this season, there are two ways to do red and to do it right.  The first is the opulent approach:  think (again) Versailles or bordello influences, done up with metallic gold or rich embroidery and texture, perhaps with a decadent and slightly rebellious attitude.  Sport a rich red dress with metallic heels and loads of jewelry, perhaps, or pair red pumps with a brocade number.  Think Alexander McQueen, rock and roll, and luxurious textures.

L to R, clockwise:  Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen for Vanity Fair, September 2011; Corso Como Delicious Pumps, Elizabeth Cole necklace; BAG; Nina Pumps at Feet First Stores; Jessica Stam in Spanish Vogue; Marc Jacobs FW 2011, style.com; Sam Edelman Roza Pumps, Jeff Koons' installation in Versailles (my inspiration!); Mary Kate Olsen at the Met Ball 2010, via popsugar.com; Zac Posen FW 2011 via style.com.

The other, very current way to do red is wearing it boldly in a more pared-down, tailored silhouette, like a red pair of pants or a well-tailored red suit or dress.  You can pair red tonally with fuschia or burgundy (very chic, as we started to see this summer and continue to see in the fall collections) or, if you’re feeling super daring, head-to-toe.  You can pair red shorts with tights and a t-shirt, or a red jacket with a nude dress; it’s really up to you.  Just – and I plead with you, knowing that most of you know full well not to do this – avoid red/green combos due to the obvious connotations.  I know it’s Christmas, we all know it’s Christmas, and I’d rather you wear a shirt saying “IT’S CHRISTMAS” than to advertise it through your color pairings (or intarsia sweater, or through any kind of accessory requiring batteries while we're on the subject). 

Amy Adams in Marie Claire, August 2011; Sondra Roberts Rose Clutch; street style photo via keepthebeat.mango.com; High Fashion Handbags Cross Body Purse; Vogue 1955; Sunglasses, 16.99 at both Feet First locations; Diane Von Furstenburg FW 2011, style.com; Diane Kruger in YSL, popsugar.com; street style photo via mrnewton.com; ILI Red Leather Wallet

I revel in the feeling that comes with wearing red:  it’s festive, it’s tasteful, it’s flattering, and it works all year long.  Enjoy your Christmas festivities – maybe have a matching red cocktail for me? – and we will talk soon about what to wear for New Year’s!

Love and Fashion,

Keke

Fa-La-La-La-Fashion: gifts for the holidays!

Happy Holidays, My Fellow Fashionistas!

Moni here, fulfilling your fashion fix from an undisclosed, non-NOLA locale! 

I can't help but long for my beloved Who Dat Nation while in the midst of a thick, digestive haze of entirely too much turkey and stuffing (or dressing, depending on who you ask!) and worrying about what gifts to get for the fam. 

The clock is ticking!

In hopes of avoiding the last-minute madness, I've been doing some gift brainstorming that I'd love to share with you! Perhaps it'll help you to cross some key items off of your own list!   

I want to make an effort to shop locally and what better source of inspiration than Feet First? I hope this breakdown encourages you to do the same this holiday season!

King of the Castle.

My dad isn't much of a tie-wearer these days, but I think  he'd have a hard time turning down  the
 Rebirth Silk Tie by Nola Couture.

The MBT Mahuta Men's Shoe has the top-notch foot support

worthy of my real-life super-hero.

Mommy Dearest.

RJ Graziano Gold Jeweled Bangles would please the pickiest woman I know

who also so happens to have a serious taste for flair!

Speaking of flair, my mom would fall head over heels for the
Atalla Women's Leather Leopard Shoulder Bag!

Sister-Sister.

The Caliente Company Women's Bow Hairclip is a perfect, super-sweet match for my little sister!

I know the Betseyville Small Cosmetic Bag also would be a guaranteed hit!

Me, Myself, & I.  

I couldn't possibly make a Holiday Gifts List without including at least couple of my own, right? ;)

I also couldn't decide on just one item from the
Escape From Paris Jewelry Collection!
Feel free to check it out and see why for yourself!

Oh, (Santa) Baby!

The Lodis Gold Snake-Print Leather Convertible Clutch is drool-worthy,

to say the very least.

Voilà!

I've laid my groundwork, and now it's your turn!  We'd love to help you find the perfect gifts for your friends and family right here at Feet First, so come on down and see us!  With locations both Uptown and in the French Quarter in addition to our online store, we're pretty hard to resist!

Image from Fashionndstyle.com

In the mean time, Happy Holidays, and as always, Happy Shopping! xo

On-Trend Tuesdays: The Mix Masters

photo via refinery29.com

Mixing prints is scary.  I relinquish!  It’s daunting, challenging, and difficult to wrap one’s mind around.  The very thought of any of our beautiful, dainty, southern matriarchs’ responses to such an outlandish idea is enough to make a girl cringe.  But, then, you think of the subsequent rebelliousness of the look; how appealing such a nuanced, minor thumbing of the nose might be to the traditional establishment.  Ah, then you see a mixed-print dress sashaying its way down a runway, or yet another fresh-faced girl mixing it up and you think I want to be THAT girl.  Then the enemy of all confidence (Self Doubt) sets in:  I could never do that.  But, my fashionistas, I am here to give you an invitation, a license!  You are that cool, that confident, that modern.  All you need is a little know-how.

L to R, clockwise:  The adorable Susie Bubble, photo via elle.com; Olu'Kai Printed Ponyhair oxfords, 124.99 at Feet First on Magazine Street; Background image via theglamourai.com (mixed plaids!); editorial via fashionista.com; All Black Sequined Flats; Rachel Comey FW 2011, style.com; Street style shot, elle.com.

Mixing your prints not only belies a certain devil-may-care irreverence, it also implies a mastery of fashion altogether.  Having an instinctual understanding of pairing prints does not come naturally to many of us; to most it’s a learned comprehension that can begin in the most easy of ways.  As they say, practice makes perfect:  soon, you’ll be pairing prints with all the confidence and ease of a Mr. Newton girl.  Please also remember, if something just feels right, you have carte blanche to ignore absolutely everything.  Let’s begin.

Inspiration:  a Kelly Wearstler interior.  Photo via theglamourai.com

1. Start off Slow!
If you're super apprehensive, start with matching a scarf to a patterned shirt, or a leopard shoe with a striped dress.  If you begin with a clashing accessory, you'll feel way more comfortable putting on a patterned piece to offset it.  Also, staying within the same color family could help:  a navy+white polka dot skirt with a teal, navy, and taupe floral, for example.  Pick pieces that aren't "clowny" or costumey and it will be difficult to look anything but chic.

2. Basic vs. Nouveau Prints

To start off easy, take two “basic” or classic patterns and pair them together.  Basic prints are prints that are cultural establishments that we’ve seen a million times, like leopard print or florals, that stay within a somewhat limited color palette.  The first rule of mixing is that, if you are new to this, don’t even try to mix two of the same kind of print, i.e. two different kinds of nautical stripes.  But do take one and mix with the other:  leopard with ikat, or floral with a stripe.  When you get more comfortable, you can begin to pair the classic prints with more avant-garde ones if you’re so inclined.   The only thing I make myself remember is that it is rare to find a girl wearing more than two prints who actually pulls it off.  Unless you're wearing Dries Van Noten today (I wish!) start with two.  Only two!

Left to right:  J. Crew FW 2011 x 2, Rachel Roy FW 2011 (all three style.com); Whiting and Davis Leopard Mesh Bag, NOLA Couture Orange cashmere blend scarf with crab print, 74.99 at Feet First on Royal Street; Nicole Host Leopard Pump

3. Don’t Try Too Hard

Two different prints that happen to be the same type of print, in the same scale, and in a similar color palette will read like this:  you are the kind of lady who had way too much time on her hands to painstakingly search for the exact same print in two different pieces, and found something so similar that maybe? she thought the world would not notice that they were just a little bit different.  In a word:  crazy.  So not fresh or modern!

4. K.I.S.S.

When you are making such a – fab! – statement, keep your other pieces simple.  Black, nude, gray, white, and taupe accoutrements are best.  When you are new to mixing, you might want to steer clear of otherwise eye-catching, yet competing elements like metallics or statement jewelry.  Remember, you want to look chic, fresh and maybe just a little edgy.  I repeat:  not crazy!

5. Tailoring.  Is.  Everything.

The number one easiest way to become overwhelmed by a look:  an ill-fitting garment.  Ensure that the fit of everything is picture-perfect and you’ll look like a song.

The Master of Mixing, Dries Van Noten.  FW 2011.   All images via style.com

Want my cheat sheet?  Here are some of my favorite pairings of all time.

-leopard and nautical stripes

-leopard and ikat or tribal print

-stripes and florals (especially in warmer weather)

-Plaid on Plaid (yeah!)

-Any two black and white graphic prints. 

Pairing prints like a pro is an ability that comes with time.  It might take a couple of tries in your wardrobe to find the perfect pairing, but if you give it a go I am sure you will find an ensemble that jives juuust right.  Go with your instincts and you’ll see for yourself that confidence really is your very best accessory.  Who knows, once you conquer the world of prints, maybe you’ll garner just a little bit more of it…?

Love and fashion,

Keke

P.S.  Post any printastic (or other!) fashion conundrums in our Comments section and I’ll be happy to reply.  Happy styling!

On-Trend Tuesdays Special Edition: Just The Basics

The time has come to talk, not necessarily about trends themselves, but how to wear them.  And how to wear them well!  Done shabbily or without intention, trends do not and will never read as refined or even stylish.  I was originally concerned about having the title “Trend” in my column for Feet First, mostly because I abhor the connotation of the word “trendy”.   When you hear the word “trendy”, a certain breed of mall-rat roadkill dressing comes to mind.  Just like no one wants to be the girl who has on the same dress as the girl next to her at the dinner party, no girl wants to be the one wearing all the trends at the cost of looking like she really Tried Too Hard.  No one wants the outfit to wear her.  And no one wants to look like she just threw on whatever was marketed to her without any thought.  These deviances from fashion refinement are oft the result of someone ignoring the little details of a look and leaving loose ends untied.  The result is a sloppy mishmash of statements that overpower the wearer, instead of illuminating her beauty and – hopefully - expressing a little of who she is as a person.   A wise fashion editor once said that style is about intention; I might amend that by claiming that style is a learned balance of intention and effortlessness.

The ultimate balance of intention and effortlessness:  Jackie O.  Photo via lovesthat.wordpress.com

 

The On-Trend Girl is modern and never “trendy”.  The way to be the former and not the latter?  Intention.

The correct and most premeditated foundation for any look is beyond essential.  I always speak to women – whether they want to hear it or not! – that the absolute first step to dressing well is to get a proper bra fitting.  You can’t have a waist if you’re hiding it!  Second, tailoring is absolutely everything.  The world’s best dressers did not buy their clothes that way, I can assure you.  Third, you should know the perfect tips and tricks for getting your look picture-perfect:  no visible panty lines, unintentionally visible bras, undone hems, stains, wrinkles, gaps, or accidental peep shows should ever be allowed!

  I recently read an article about esteemed pre-Zoe celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch and got an (editorial) peek into his styling kit.  It’s anything but glamorous!  A veritable toolbox of pads, girdles, pins, string, and sticky things, it looks more like an assortment of tackle than something resulting in the famously elegant head-to-toe look that Bloch turns out every time.  Fashion aids are not the most fun to buy when you buy them, but the result is so flawless that, once you start using them, you’ll never, ever go back.

Phillip Bloch and Joy Bryant, photo via fashionbombdaily.com

One of the most common ways that my aspirations as a stylist and my day-to-day at Feet First intersect is not exactly in the way you would expect it.  At this point, clearly I should be able to make a shoe-ensemble pairing in my sleep (sometimes, I actually do).  What many gals in NOLA don’t quite realize, however, is that while Feet First might have gorgeous shoes at the forefront of the business, it’s actually one of the best places in the city to amass the best and most tried-and-true assortment of fashion aids available to the general public.  Here’s my list of the top ten to make your On-Trend dressing never, ever deviate into the realm of the “trendy” and to keep your look flawless, stylish, and –yes- 100% intentional.

1. Comfortable Thongs!

Hanky Panky Thongs!  Available in a plethora of colors and in low rise as well, 18.99 each at Feet First.
5 pack at feetfirststores.com

      

Visible Panty Lines are never cute.  Another thing that is never cute?  A wedgie!  Behold the savior of saviors, the Hanky Panky thong.  This is the thong for women who don’t wear thongs.  Available in an assortment of delicious colors, the thong comes in low-rise and regular.  If you’re wearing a little something that’s a little more clingy, Commando thongs do the trick every time.

2. A Bra Fitting

Go to high-end Bra Boutique.  Request a professional bra fitting.  Go with the professional’s suggestion.  Never, ever, blindly buy a bra again.  It’s impossible to have a waist when the “girls” are just – frankly – lower than they should be.  A few tips that it may not fit:  if the girls come out the bottom when you raise your hands (even if it’s just a little bit!), or if the band in between does not rest directly on your chest, or if the largest part of the girls comes any lower than the midpoint between your shoulder and elbow.

3. A pair of Spanx (or two, or three)

Spanx Super Higher Power, 38.99 at Feet First Stores, in stores only

If starlets wear them, you can, too:  maybe not for every day, but at the very least for special occasions.  Nothing nips, tucks, and smooths like a pair of spanx.  Can’t do without it.  A side note:  Spanx makes the best tights I've ever worn in my life.  And if you don't want the "control" every day, just go up a size!

4. Nu Bra (for under a C Cup) or a backless corset (again, professionally fitted, for over a C Cup).

NuBra, 35.99, feetfirststores.com

Unless it perfectly compliments the outfit, the bra stays hidden:  end of story.  When in doubt, hide the bra.  See #6 for additional help with this.

5. Foot Petals

Foot Petals Killer Kushions, 14.99, available at feetfirststores.com

Hobbling around in sexy stilettos that are about an hour past the time of expiration does not read for an overall effortless look.  Pad those suckers up with these to avoid in-shoe slippage and to provide extra padding to greatly extend your in-heel time.  Which, clearly, you should, since that extra height just makes everyone look awesome.  And when all else fails, pull out a pair of leather “foldie flats” (AKA Ballasox) from Corso Como.

6. Fashion Tape

Hollywood Fashion Tape, 9.99.  feetfirststores.com

I have no words for the brilliance of fashion tape.  I buy it in bulk! Undone hems, gapping blouses, wiggly strapless dresses, unflattering draping, visible zippers, unintentional peep shows:  this stuff fixes it all.

7. Miss Oops!  Sponge and Hollywood Stain Remover

Miss Oops Rescue Sponge, 11.99.  feetfirststores.com

Rips, holes, and shredding = appropriate punk.  But even the most hardcore hipster should not be caught dead with a stain on their outfit.    

  

8. A Good Tailor

One of the easiest ways to wreck a silhouette is by not tailoring your clothes properly.  Find one, get one, put one on speed dial.  No one’s going to notice how tiny your waist looks if the length is awkward!

9. A Garment Steamer

No.  Wrinkles.  Ever.  Nothing is more distracting!  Irons can crease the intended lines of, say, a gathered waist, but a good steamer will relax and press your clothes to ready-to-wear perfection.

10. A Drying Rack:  99% of your clothes should never see the inside of your dryer.  This includes jeans, t-shirts, any and everything labeled dry clean only (obvi!), dresses, cotton, silk, everything.  Extreme heat distorts the fit of a garment, sometimes permanently, and the harsh texture of a dryer will damage the fabric.  Protect your investments!  When you can’t dry clean, wash in cold, hang to dry.  And never, ever wash anything with a label that says you shouldn’t.

           

So there’s a little styling 101, gratis from yours truly.  Next week, we’ll go back into full-on Trend mode with mixing prints (yes!) with taste.  Now that you know how to wear your look with refinement, I can’t wait to show you how to add in a little quirk!

“Getting it all together” is yet another sign of absolute confidence, which is always not only your best accessory, but your very best asset as well.

Love and fashion,

Keke

The Case of the Flattering Flat

From Samantha, a tall girl:

Am I going to be taller than him if I wear these?

Sam Edelman Lyla Women's Leopard Platform Ankle Strap Heel

If you're tall, you've asked yourself this question countless times while getting dressed for a date. Some women don't seem to mind being taller than their male counterparts, but for others (like me!) it can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, I love to wear a pair of heels or wedges and don't mind towering over the general public, but give me a date who is suddenly shorter than me when I slip on my pumps, and I'm like an awkward, baby giraffe, not wanting to stand at my full height.

From Moni, a tall girl (and tomboy at heart):

Is it possible to be a fashionista in flats?

I am not a heel, pump, or stiletto fanatic; not because I'm afraid of towering over people (I get a big kick out of it, actually) but because it's just not in my genetic makeup to enjoy heels. I'm 5'10".  My first boyfriend was (maybe) 5'6".  I played sports for several years, and I barely knew what a skirt was in middle school, much less the splendor that awaited me in my 20s; learning the magic of finding a flirty, more openly feminine style that was all my own and finally leaving the over-sized, college basketball tee's, wide leg jeans, and sneakers behind (can you tell I was a tomboy in the 90's?).   I was the girl who scoffed at other girls who cared so much about their physical appearance while secretly adoring movies like Clueless.   That's right.  I wanted to wear mini skirts and thigh highs too, but it just wasn't in me.

Even when I'm in a hyper-femme mood, a 2-3" wedge heel, mary jane or t-strap heel, and booties appeal more to me than a razor thin 4-inch pump.  The formers provide a little lift with support sans ankle or knee agitation if worn for an extended period of time, while the latter looks like a nightmare wrapped in the guise of patent leather or beautiful fabric. 

--

Samantha and I know we're not the only ones with these shoe-qualms, which brings us to the focal point of this post:  If you want dressy, comfortable flats (for that hot, average-height date or when you're just not in the mood for pumps) Feet First Stores is your source of inspiration!

If you follow that cleverly-inserted link, it'll take you directly to our entire selection of flats, but just for good measure, I wanted to plug in a few personal picks:

The Nina Jaxine Women's Dress Flat in Zebra

Why I adore it:  I'm usually not a big fan of animal prints, but when these babies arrived in the store, I had to try them on!  I looked into the nearest mirror and beheld a flat that's not just cute or comfortable but really stylish AND comfortable.  I could go to a wedding or another formal occasion in these and not feel at all underdressed - miracles do happen!

The Libby Edelman Kendra Women's Bow Flat Shoe in Snake

Why I adore it:  Big sashes and bows, lace, silk, and jeweled ornaments always make me think of one person: Marie Antoinette.  Although she reached an untimely end, at least she went out in style ;) You can add an extra hint of could-I-get-any-girlier? while rocking a flat, comfortable shoe!

The Chocolat Blu Nancy Women's Dress Flat

Why I adore it:  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for new spins on classics, and the Nancy by Chocolat Blu fits the bill. With its diagonal, elastic strap detail, rounded toe-point, and patent leather upper, it's like the ballet flat all-grown-up!

Haven't gotten your fill yet?  Feast your eyes on all the fabulous dress flats Feet First Stores has in stock, and grab a pair of your own today!

Happy Shopping! xo

On-Trend Tuesdays: Nude Swings.

Oh, Carrie Bradshaw, Carrie Bradshaw:  my first young-fashionista inkling into the vast world of haute runway and design.  I unabashedly loved, loved, loved the series, especially the first three seasons.  Carrie’s outlandishly luxe ensembles always lent her public just a little more bravery:  if she can get away with that, well, you can get away with anything!  Well, no, not really, but it’s fun to fantasize, isn’t it?  One such outfit, early in the series in season one, was such a radical departure from Carrie’s maximalism, yet such a spot-on, iconic symbol of the entire series’ way of just laying it all out there.  I’m sure you’ve guessed it by now.  Who could forget The Naked Dress?

image via hollywire.com

So, I’m sure you’ve seen it, but here’s the story anyhow:  Carrie takes her infamous side-of-bus photoshoot in an amazing nude dress that is so form-fitting that she affectionately refers to it as “the naked dress”.  When she wears it on her first date with Mr. Big, he  famously quotes, “That’s an interesting dress.”  (Wow, I’m really letting my dork flag fly!) 

Carrie, as usual, was onto something way before celebs like Victoria Beckham and Anne Hathaway:  Nude dressing is quietly assertive and an elegant option if you’ve grown weary of your prints or need a break from bright colors.  “But, Keke, nude tones wash me out!  I appear as a corpse!” you might say, but I am here to tell you that nude and blush tones are not a one-color-only situation, and range from almost-ivory to peach to slightly-milk-chocolaty.  There is – I said, there is! – a right one for you.  To get the right tone for your skin, you have to try, try, try!  Hold up everything against your face, and don’t forgo the blush or lipstick.  If you find your tone and sport it with your head held high, the result can be uber-flattering, lengthening, ethereal, and just plain gorgeous.

Images LtoR, Marie Claire March 2011; Carla Mancini Bag, 299.99, feetfirststores.com; Valentino F/W 2011, style.com; Hanky Panky low-rise 5-pack, 83.99, feetfirststores.com; image, Vogue Austrailia, June 2011; Anne Hathaway at the 2011 Golden Globes, stylespotter.com; Bottega Venetta F/W 2011, style.com; Haider Ackermann F/W 2011, style.com; Sam Edelman Holland Flats, 124.99; illustration,

Bernadette Pascua, decadediary.com

You can ease into the look like millions of other women already have through the use of beauty, shoes, and accessories.  I’m sure you already own the perfect nude lipstick/gloss to wear with a smoky eye.  Why not try sporting opaque nude nails (or, what I endearingly call them, “mannequin hands”)?  Pick a shade as close to your flesh tone as possible and nail the understated-quirky look on its head.

Now, clearly I’m going to have to shamelessly plug the nude shoe here, and let me tell you why.  A nude heel = instant supermodel legs, for one (not a bad reason, is it?).  When worn with bare legs, the lengthening effect is universal, making them a key staple for any girl in NOLA and beyond.  Also, a nude pump is the most basic of shoes – it matches your skin for goodness sake – and therefore looks perfectly polished with the craziest printed dress you could possibly come up with. And – a side note – those Corso Como pumps?  Perfect little almond toe, perfect little stiletto heel and padded to the hilt.  The result?  It’s like a Manolo and a slipper had a baby.

From top, clockwise; Boutique9 Dejana stiletto, 138.99, Feet First Stores; Lodis Tilly Nude Oversized Clutch, 249.99, feetfirststores.com; Sam Edelman Portney Pump, 129.99, feetfirststores.com; Corso Como Delicious Pump (the comfy one!), 129.99, feetfirststores.com; Poetic License Dear Diary heel, 99.99, feetfirststores.com.

When you are going bare, a head-to-toe nude look can sometimes get kind of, well, monotonous.  To avoid this, layer different shades together (ivory looks amazingly sophisticated layered with nude and tan) or play with texture.  When you want to punctuate the look with more graphic tones, I recommend shades of cognac, orange, or (duh) black.  I love a nude, filmy skirt or dress worn with snakeskin (So Chloe!), or go more futuristic with a structured ensemble and shots of silver.

L-R, clockwise:  Street style shot, thesartorialist.com; All Black Rosette Flats, 117.99, feetfirststores.com; Big Buddha Ashley bag, 94.99, feetfirststores.com; Vogue Italia August 2010; Acne F/W 2011, style.com; Valentino F/W 2011, style.com; Chloe Sevigny, mystyleblog.com.

Have fun with fleshtones:  once you discover your shade, they really do make chic dressing a breeze. Add some texture, mix some tones together, do what feels right:  your palette will be impeccable. And – as you know – you can’t forget that confidence, your best accessory!

Love and fashion,

Keke

On-Trend Tuesdays: Animal House!

Welcome back, fashionable readers!  Yes, I slacked majorly and didn’t post last week; here’s hoping you all forgive the unannounced hiatus.

Oh, and you knew this was coming eventually, yaaaa’ll.  Us southern women have never not loved our animal prints!  We’ve known for decades that nothing gets the “chic and fierce” message across more succinctly, and for the past few seasons, the runways and retailers have been following suit (lucky for us!).

For our inspiration, we call upon Shania Twain in her “Don’t Impress Me Much” music video, sporting her infamous leopard-on-leopard-on-leopard ensemble.  Oh, yes, I’m going there:  you watched it with your girlfriends and made your fun, but I bet my sold-out leopard Sam Edelmans that you were running home to your (or your mom’s!) armoire, piling on every last printed piece you could scrounge up and hitch-hiking in the bathroom mirror.

Oh.  Was that just me?

image, lorabarbie.com

….Anyhoo!...Yes, we at Feet First have been obsessed with all things leopard, zebra, and snakeskin (Oh, my!) for quite some time, and for plenty of reason.  Animal prints exhibit such intense femininity in such a direct and in-your-face kind of way that it cannot be ignored.  Historically, animal skins were the original status symbol; a sure sign that either you were well-traveled enough to get one or that you were wealthy enough to purchase one from someone who was.  They were considered regal and luxurious, and the connotation has certainly not changed.  In the sixties and seventies, however, leopard and snakeskin began to be worn much more sartorially in the bohemian movement.  These two dimensions to the look are what give it such versatility and also what allows the print to be so perfect in every woman’s wardrobe, from uptown princesses to downtown hipsters; from New York’s tough girls to Los Angeles’ laid-back bohemians.  And for sassy southern ladies like yourselves!

Vintage Azzedine Alaia Campaign, ca. 1980, lorabarbie.com

So which print is the one for you?  In reality, every animal print pretty much goes with anything except for another animal print (no, head-to-toe only works in the music videos and Alaia campaigns, people).  For the brave ones, you can mix your leopard prints with a more subdued floral or stripe a la Missoni (just go easy on the accessories!), or you can play it safe and wear it with a single color.  Cobalt, fuschia, red, emerald, kelly green, turquoise…it’s all good.  Animal print accessories are almost always a safe thing, but to wear animal print, ensure that the print “compresses” in the places that need to appear smaller.

Leopard and cheetah print is hu-uge right now and has been for quite some time.  They both send the clear implication of opulence and grandeur, not without a little tongue-in-cheek, however.  The Row, Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garcons, and Milly all showed leopard for Fall, but it’s definitely been pervasive on the runways for the past few seasons.  The print is in keeping with the insistent seventies vibe that everyone has been loving, yet remains luxurious and perfectly appropriate for the least trendy among us.

L to R, clockwise:  Leopard Vaneli “Pivot” oxford bootie, 169.99 Feetfirststores.com, The Row F/W 2011, style.com; Miss Piggy at Fashion Week!, coolspotters.com; Atalla Leopard Print and Black Nappa Leather Bag, 289.99, feetfirststores.com; Image from Vogue Australia, 1984; Leopard print Rain Boots, 49.99, feetfirststores.com; Leopard Print Crossbody Bag with Gold Coin Chain Strap, 195.00, feetfirststores.com; street style image, lolaandemily.blogspot.com; Josephine Baker and her cheetah, myvintagevogue.com

Zebra, to me, is the most "sassy southern lady" of all animal prints.  Wild and sexy, zebra is worn by the woman who appreciates more graphic prints, who doesn’t mind being the center of attention.  Frankly, zebra print is pure glamour served straight up.  Some of the most stylish southern ladies I’ve ever encountered don’t mind draping their homes in color and zebra print, regardless of how modern or traditional their décor, and their wardrobes are no different.  While the print hasn’t necessarily been everywhere right now, it is my feeling that it will be in the seasons to come, especially since Tom Ford – leader of the pack! - infused it into his F/W 2011 womenswear collection.  

L to R, clockwise:  Tom Ford F/W 2011, Delood.com; Detail from Peter Som S/S 2012, style.com; Guiseppe is the Monster Heel print, theblakewright.com; Libby Edelman Zebra Kendra Flat, 69.99, feetfirststores.com; Tom Ford F/W 2011, Delood.com; Image from Vogue Italia, 2009; Alexander Wang in his CRAZY apartment, refinery29.com; Zebra Print Cuff, 22.99,feetfirststores.com; Keds Safari Champion (also in leopard print!) 49.99, feetfirststores.com.

Last, never least, is my personal favorite-for-years:  snakeskin.  A good snake-print is so refined 70’s disco, so extremely tasteful and versatile, and just the teensiest bit subversive.  I could wallpaper my house in snakeskin I love it so much!  One of my first “luxury” purchases as a teenager were a pair of red snakeskin platform ankle-strap pumps that I had saved up for and wore every chance I could.  Snakeskin embodies the kind of chic that I am always craving:  understated, but strong, and undeniably sexy.

L to R, clockwise:  Prada FW, modelvictim.com; Mme. Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga!) in Versace snakeskin dress, coolspotters.com; Missoni F/W 2011, style.com; Lodis Veronica Snakeskin clutch (also in cognac), 159.99,feetfirststores.com; Jennifer Lopez in her “I’m Into You” video, glamazonblog.com; Chloe F/W 2011, style.com; Corso Como Delicious Pump in snakeskin (SO comfy!), due any day now (!) at Feet First and on feetfirststores.com, 129.99 (call (504)899-6800 to reserve your pair).

Pick one, pick many; drape yourself in them or just try out a shoe or handbag for starters (you can’t go wrong with that).  Animal print is all about the art of owning it, so never forget your confidence, your best accessory.

Love and Fashion,

Keke

Event Recap: Art for Art's Sake, October 1, 2011

Art for Art's Sake on Magazine Street is one of my favorite events of the year, and Feet First was in the mix last Saturday Evening!  

In fact, we were so much in the mix, we were only able to snap a few photos in all the excitement, so here's a brief breakdown of what you might've missed:

What better way to be greeted during an early evening stroll on Magazine street than by a live jazz band?  Smile for the camera, fellas!  The word is these cool cats are Jazz Studies Majors at UNO.  We were glad to have them!

We also had delicious refreshments; complimentary wine along with NOLA festival favorite, Cordina mar-GO-ritas! Mmmm...

We also offered Make-overs by Make Me Up!!

And Airbrush Tanning by Throwing Copper!

The hit shoe of the night was the Poetic Licence Rainmaker Women's Peeptoe Pump.  Just one look, and you'll understand why, but do come by the store and try on a pair for yourself! ;)

Poetic Licence Rainmaker Women's Peeptoe Shootie

We also had raffles for assorted prizes! If you missed us this time for Art for Art's Sake, stay tuned right here, as well as on our Facebook page and Twitter page to get the latest on sales, incentives, and events!

A fabulous evening, wouldn't you agree? Even this little guy was pleased!

Happy Shopping! xo

P.S. Looking for our On-Trend Tuesday post? Well, this week it has been changed to On-Trend Thursday...so please check back then for a post that will have you going WILD.

On-Trend Tuesdays: Haute Spots.

Looking for a print that is youthful, yet appropriate for all ages; a steadfast classic that still feels fresh right now? Well, my fashionable friends, it looks like you’ve spotted it!

Elle Fanning in Stella McCartney, Marieclaire.com

refinery29.com

The polka dot is this season's nautical stripe and for all the same wonderful reasons. It absolutely works for anyone of any style at any age. It feels preppy and crisp, yet fresh and hip, and works for daytime and for night; for work and for play. The timelessness of the print means that wearing it with this season's "trends" doesn't quite feel so trendy, yet it's been seen ever increasingly on fashion’s main stage: the street.

the sartorialist.com

It seems impossible to speak of polka dots as high fashion without first acknowledging the birth of the trend. And as we all know, in fashion’s ever-shifting tide, first comes the street, then the celebrities…

images left to right: Victoria Beckham on justjared.com; Kate Winslet in Stella McCartney on racked.com

… and, finally, the runway. High fashion giants like Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Stella McCartney all showed polkas persistently for Fall/Winter 2011. Their styling ran the gamut from Marc Jacob’s madcap dots-on-dots to more slick silhouettes a la Stella McCartney.

Lanvin, F/W 2011

Diane Von Furstenberg, F/W 2011

Diane Von Furstenberg, F/W 2011

Giambattista Valli, F/W 2011

So, the big question is: how to sport the spots in real life? It's simple, really. To keep the look sophisticated, stick to a sophisticated color palette: red and white feels too Minnie Mousey, fuschia with black or white feels too Juniors Department. Any combination of black, white, and navy does the timeless trick, as does jewel tones. I personally love polka dots integrated into a classic silhouette: high-waisted black pants with a dotty blouse (like V.Becks above) strikes ju-ust the right chord for me, for example. Someone with a little more moxie can sport polky pants; a more demure lady can play it safe and stick with a top or even just a scarf or accessory here and there.

Black and white polka dot scarf, 39.99

Sunglasses, 16.99

DDC Gold and Rhinestone Chain-link bracelet, 101.99

Black and white polka dot chain-trim bag, 99.99

Currently available at Feet First Stores. Call (504) 899-6800. 

Elizabeth Cole 24K Gold-plated chain necklace (wrapped into a bracelet), 134.99

Gorjana 18K Gold Vermeil Double Drop Essex Hoop Earrings, 73.99

 Also, when doing a chic little polka-dotted dress, you can really get away with anything as far as footwear goes. If you're classic uptown, go with a nude or cognac pump or ballet flat. If you're downtown fashionista, spring for a graphic wedge. 

Sam Edelman Javi Wedge, $149.99

Remember, sporting the spots is all about exuding that very special joie-de-vivre, so - as always - confidence is your very best accessory!

Love and fashion,

Keke