Patent Leather Shoes in vogue

Posted on October 10th, 2008 by admin

Shoes
Let’s talk about shoes, for a moment.
Personally, I’m all about bright shoes. Paired with a neutral colored pair of pants or skirt or your favorite jeans, most people can pull off pretty much any color shoe. It adds an amazing pop to even the most monotone outfit and instantly pulls things together and makes you look like you tried!
This season seems to finally be condoning the bright colored shoes I’ve been sporting forever. But color isn’t the only thing to rave about. Great classic detailing like the platform, peep toe wedge or stiletto is all over the place! Flats are back in a big way, with fun details like big hardware or bow embellishments, leopard print, suede or, my personal favorite, patent leather.
Basically, it all comes together for an endless list of possibilities for a fun 50’s Pin Up vibe and will absolutely anchor your fall wardrobe. And since these shoes are everywhere, look around and pick up a whole gaggle of them being sure to include several fun colors (red is a MUST!), heel heights and materials.
Clothes
Moving on up, what to throw on above that great pair of shoes? Think slim profile, if not entirely “skinny”.
Sure, skinny jeans may be what it’s all about, what all the stars are sporting, et cetera, but let’s face it. Not everybody can pull it off, including me! If you can, congratulations. Pick up a nice, classic pair in a darker wash from pretty much anywhere you go.
But if you’re built more like a video honey and have curves to content with (especially thick thighs,) steer clear of the skinny, even if you can fit into a pair. The silhouette is just not flattering on us!
Instead, opt for a nice dark jean with a higher waist, a dark wash, some stretch and a classic boot cut. The ever so slight flare at the calf will balance out your proportions and give the illusion of the straighter profile skinny jeans are supposed to create. My favorite jeans right now are the new “Victoria” jeans by Gloria Vanderbilt. They definitely fit all my requirements and fit me like a glove while most pairs I find in stores just simply DON’T.
And since there’s more to fashion than a great pair of jeans, definitely throw in a pencil skirt or two. As far as I’m concerned, it’s still all about the high waist and the demure tone. Nothing too short, keep it close to the knees (I prefer just below,) with a nice slit somewhere. Throw on a pair of textured tights, nude fishnets if you must go fishnet, and a sexy red platform heel and you are ready to go.
Tunic tops are awesome, and quite flattering if done right, but focus on the silhouette. Keep things slim below the waist, but throw some volume in up top. Cowl necks, turtle necks, bat sleeves, et cetera are great for this and in abundant supply.
The last mall find I have to suggest is the super embellished hoodie. Yeah, it doesn’t keep with our 50’s Pin Up glam theme at all, but some of these are just too amazing to pass up. Avoid the logo-wear, and look for something a little more girlie than your sk8ter boyfriend’s old black Haynes hoodie. There are great details like puffed sleeves, ribbed waists, sequins, huge charm zipper pulls, appliqués, rivets, et cetera and you should take advantage of theme all. The gaudier, the better!
Makeup
Ok, here’s one I love: totally simple makeup that’s more glamorous than ever.
My favorite look for the season is totally “no make up” with red lipstick.
To do this, focus on your skin. Great skin care followed by a tinted moisturizer with SPF, carefully applied concealer (pat don’t rub!), a coat or two of mascara with a focus on NO CLUMPS, a little bit of cream blush for a natural glow, a clear lip balm and you’re ready to go for day.
To kick it up a notch, add a red lipstick that suits you (if, indeed there is a red lipstick that suits you, and this is not always the case,) and you’re ready to roll.
If you need a little more than that, add a VERY THIN (read: not noticeable as actual makeup) line of dark eyeliner and a bit of skin tone shimmer eye cream at the corners of your eyes.