Rachel Zoe, on shoes for Piperlime

Piperlime.com, Gap’s online shoe brand has a section featuring celeb stylist Rachel Zoe. The well-known stylist, who frequents the pages of top fashion mags, took some time to give some tips on shoes.

She breaks down her advice into three sections: buy, keep, and donate.

In the buy section Rachel suggest neutral colors, “black, nude, silver, and gold.” She says they go with everything. Also with boots she says to purchase tall boots, black or brown. This is good advice since tall boots can instantly make you look more chic when compared to shorter ones.

She wants you to keep cowboy boots and square toed shoes. Cowboy boots are classics that come back into style time and time again. Square toed shoes are “iconic” in Rachel’s words so she suggests keeping them around.

And lastly for the toss it section Rachel says any bedazzled pieces should definitely be gotten rid of. Also, super trendy shoes that are past their prime should go. Classics make the foundation of a wardrobe. They are great investment pieces.

PiperLime carries designer shoes and accessories. They often have deals so check back with the site regularly. Check out the real steals section, it features designer shoes under $75. They even have my current fave Chinese Laundry.

Any shoes you toss can be donated to a charity like Soles4Souls.

Applause to avant-garde photography

Great fashion isn't always wearable or practical. Invest some time diving into the world of avant-garde collections. Designers and photographers are using all their creativity to inspire and persuade consumers to love new fashion trends.

Black and white intensifies the stillness in a photo. It helps the silhouettes stand out and speak for themselves. Color is often used to emphasize detail or draw your eye in a particular direction. Unusual color pairings is often chosen for these shots to add interest and dimension. Models pose in odd ways to help create mood.

Designer’s couture garments, that are normally only seen on the runway, are showcased as the masterpieces they are. A great way to capture this art is by viewing fashion magazines, like Elle, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and more.

Fashion is art. Appreciate it.

Photographer: Steven Miesel for Vogue

Off center images create indirect balance. I love how the dress the model is wearing is elaborate but you can only see a small portion of it.

Photographer: Kayt Jones for Marie Claire

This photo is a picture within a picture. The frame helps direct the eye towards the clothing and it adds interest.

Photographer: Craig Mc Deen for Vogue

The head piece this model is wearing makes a huge statement. One great thing about this photo is how the model seems to relaxed, it is not that easy to pose exactly how the photographer wants, and this model seems to achieve the look very well.

Parisian jewelry in a Chicago neighborhood

Photo courtesy of The Left Bank A shop founded on French inspiration has made its way into our city. The Left Bank is a quaint boutique that sells jewelry, bridal accessories, and other rare finds. The owner imports her merchandise directly from France; from vendors she developed relationships during her past career.

The décor alone warrants a visit from anyone who enjoys Parisian design. This boutique has humble beginnings. It’s got its start as a cart at Navy Pier. Now located at 1155 W. Webster, The Left Bank has found its rightful home.

At The Left Bank, there’s no passport required to take a trip to France. Once you enter the store you sense a feeling of vintage nostalgia. French romance is an inspiration the store boasts, and it is apparent. The only way that I can describe the décor is its a parlor of a love stricken young one. Delicate pink graces the walls, all around are mannequin half forms adorned with exquisite merchandise, dressers and bureaus are left open with jewelry and antiquities spilling out. Anyone can sense the quiet luxury this store radiates.

Brides adore this shop as they find a large selection of shoes and accessories. Pooches can also be spoiled with custom pet tags filled with Austrian Swarowski Crystals.

This weekend The Left Bank is also host to a special event, the Angela Nuran Shoe Trunk Show. Meet the designer, as she launches her new line of extra comfortable wedding shoes. The event is this Saturday and Sunday, Jan 24th and 25th.

Photo courtesy of The Left Bank

Jumpstart the New Year: Resolutions 2009

Do you need help finding or keeping your New Year’s resolution? Well one way to start off right is to cleanse yourself of the year past. I would like to invite you to Resolutions 2009, an event hosted by StyleChicago.com.
This night is filled with all types of rejuvenation services. Of course there will be cocktails, mini spa treatments, hors d’oeuvres, style services, and more. This is the perfect occasion to have a girl’s night out and spoil yourself. It’s sponsored by many top vendors, like Macy’s and SmartWater. One of the highlights of the night is helping you find ways to improve your well being. Don’t snooze on this event, tickets will run out fast, and you even get a goodie bag. YAY!!! Their worth over $250 and only go to the first 250 VIP buyers.
You must buy tickets for this event but you do get your bang for the buck. The tickets will run you $35 for general admission and for those amazing gift bags I mentioned earlier just $45. Not bad eh?
The event is January the 28th from 6pm-9pm. It’s held at the W Chicago on Lakeshore. What did I just hear? Um hotel party? Have fun, treat yourself, and network, you never know who will be there.

6 Corners, Lots of Fashion

The Wicker Park/Bucktown Neighborhood in Chicago has quickly become a great area for shopping at trendy boutiques. Its home to about four Akira stores along North Avenue. Milwaukee boasts many of the the neighborhoods nightlife, with bars, and lounges. Just a little south on Division Street has many hip boutiques with the owners using new methods of retailing. In wicker park you can find dress shops, body shops, craft shops and more. Walk along the area stop at a eatery and make sure you bring your credit card because the visuals and styles will tempt you. :)