Parallel Universe: Sergio Rossi & Sam Edelman

It's no secret that some brands get their inspiration from the high-end designer pieces they see on the runway.  I don't refer to these brands as "knockoffs" -- they are not trying to sell us something for nothing (e.g. an "alleged" Louis Vuitton purse that normally sells for $2,000 for $200).  I like to think of them as bringing "designer-inspired" pieces to the masses -- a way for us to live in a parallel universe and have some extra bucks left over (aka "cheap chic").


The Jeffrey Campbell shoe line is known for its towering heels that mimic the likes of Chanel, Balenciaga, Ferragamo, and Christian Louboutin.  Early last fall, I realized that Sam Edelman had a "love-love" relationship with Sergio Rossi after I bought these Sergio Rossi metallic slingback platforms from one of my favorite stores in Philadelphia:

Shortly thereafter, I discovered these by Sam Edelman for a fraction of the cost ($99):

Not an exact match, of course, but pretty darn close, AND they come in some great colors, including red and nude patent leather.  When I saw these, I thought perhaps it was coincidental -- this is a pretty simple shoe to recreate, and there are many variations out there by many different brands.  

However, just a couple of months ago I added these Sergio Rossi's to my collection:

Pretty fab, right? You can't tell by the photo, but it combines three different textures, including pony hair, which makes it a tad bit more challenging to duplicate.  Well wouldn't you know last month when I was doing some random searching on Nordstrom's site for shoes, these popped up in my search:

 

Meet the Sam Edelman "Magdalena," and it retails for $150.  Again, a fraction of the cost of the Sergio's (and clearly of a much lesser quality), but at this price, it's a winner.  

Once I came across the "Magdalena," I realized the notion of these two shoes being so similar to their designer counterparts really wasn't a "coincidence." There is no doubt that Sam Edelman has a love-love relationship with Sergio Rossi.  I'm not mad at him!  If it helps the masses rock the "designer look" for a reasonable price, and keeps the consumer from being "ripped-off" by a brand that is selling "knock-offs," that makes it all right with me!!   

  

My Latest Obsession - AIKO

It probably won't come as a surprise to you that I'm not "at one" with wearing sweats out of the house on a regular basis -- other than to the gym.  However,  super soft and comfy brand AIKO has literally changed my life.  All of their pieces are made of a cozy modal/supima cotton that looks and feels like those lived-in sweats you can't part with.  The only difference . . . you can run around in these looking FAB and not like you just rolled out of bed!  Check them out.  You won't regret it.  (AIKO is available at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdales.  For additional stores visit shopstyle.com)

Max Out the Maxi

Available at asos.com

Spring is in the air, and there's nothing more versatile and comfy to wear than the maxi dress.  Here are my tips for making your maxi work for you this spring and all summer long:


1.  Glam it up with a pair of bold earrings or a statement necklace.


2.  For a "biker chic" look, add a cropped, fitted jean jacket.  Don't forget to pop your collar, roll up your sleeves, and add some arm candy.


3.  For a more conservative look, pair your maxi with a cardigan or boyfriend blazer.


4.  If you're petite in stature and you don't want to look frumpy, be sure to wear heels.  If you're seeking comfort and height, try a wedge.


5.  Want to look "boho chic"?  Add a floral print scarf and a crossbody bag.

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The Ten Commandments of A HAPPY NEW YOU!

If you didn't get the memo, 2011 is here and moving quickly!  In fact, we're already at the end of January.  That being said, I'm sure many of you have broken at least one of your New Year's resolutions by now.  Have no fear -- here's a way you can redeem yourself.  I'm challenging you to make a commitment to focus on YOU this year, and work  towards presenting your most fabulous (and fashionable) self every time you walk out the door. Now, I'm not saying it's going to be easy.  But . . . if you can pull it off, it will definitely be rewarding!  Here is a guideline to send you on your merry way! Repeat after me:


I SHALL NOT . . .

1. Wear my husband's sweatpants in or out of the house.
2. Wear clothes that are too small for me.
3. Wear clothes that are too big for me.
4. Buy anything that is not flattering to my figure.
5. Leave the house without wearing any accessories.
6. Wear athletic sneakers any where other than to the gym.
7. Dress in a manner that is not "age appropriate."
8. Buy the same piece of clothing in 9 different colors.
9. Buy one more pair of black shoes (when I have no other colors).
10. Hoard clothes I know I should never wear again (e.g. I wore them in high school).

Golden Globes Red Carpet Rundown

Just in case you missed my "Good Day Philadelphia" segment yesterday, here are my picks for best and worst dressed.  Although I saw lots of dresses on the red carpet that I loved, for me it's not enough that your dress has that "wow" factor.  Everything has to come together to create a polished look of perfection - hair, makeup, and accessories.  What did you think about the looks you saw on the red carpet?




THESE STARS KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK . . .

Mila Kunis

Milla Jovovich

Megan Fox

AND THESE STARS TOTALLY MISSED THE MARK . . . 

Helena Bonham Carter

Tilda Swinton

Christina Aguilera

Holiday Glamour by Vera Wang

If you're searching for those last minute holiday gifts for the fashionistas in your life, be sure to check out the Simply Vera Vera Wang Holiday Collection at Kohls. From glitzy multi-strand necklaces to sequined hats to chiffon fingerless gloves, you can't go wrong with the name that has become synonymous with sophistication and style. And the best part -- many of the accessories in the collection are less than $40! Now that makes for a Very Merry Christmas!!

Google Your Way To Being Fashion Fierce

Ever wake up in the morning, spontaneously decide you want to venture out and try to wear something a little different, and panic because you don't know how? That apparently happened to one of my clients last week, and I awakened to a "mayday, mayday" text message she had sent at 6:56 am. Needless to say, I did not get that message or the picture she emailed me giving me a sneak preview of her "look" until she was work. That didn't give us any time to correct that fashion faux pas on the spot, but at least we were able to rectify it a couple of hours later before too many of her co-workers had seen her.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, first pause and acknowledge that this is exactly why our mothers told us in high school to pick out our clothes the night before. (Sorry I had to go there . . . I couldn't resist.) Then, go straight to the internet and do a google search on the trend in question: "How to wear two cardigans?" or "Can I wear a blush-toned dress with a bright platform pump?" You can also search YouTube for possible step-by-step instructions. Regardless of the method you choose, you can feel confident that you walked out the door looking your best.