SHOP MICHAEL JACKSON’S STYLE NOW!

Yesterday, people of all ages from around the world celebrated and mourned the tragic and unexpected passing of the King of Pop. Radio stations filled the airwaves with the familiar sounds of MJ’s famous beats. Everyone listened to their old favorites with a new ear and deeper appreciation for the genius behind the hits. A grief counselor called a radio station that I was listening to on the ride home from work. She was surprised at how much Michael Jackson’s passing was affecting her emotionally and was close to tears remembering the time she got to touch the hand of the most talented entertainer that ever graced a stage. For so many, Michael’s name is a household one, and his death had fans feeling as if they’d lost a close friend.

I will always admire Michael’s signature style and the way he could pull off such over-the-top-looks so effortlessly, as if a jacket, pants, glove, and shoes completely covered in sequins were as ordinary as a t-shirt and jeans. But what I envy most was his ability to establish these looks as his own. The glove, the hat, the armband, the jacket. That’s Michael. He will always be an inspiration to those aspiring to discover and establish their own personal style. As a tribute to the iconic celebrity’s innovative flair, I created a style guide of all things Michael, with some literal and some more modern takes on Michael’s trademark adornments, which represent the self-expression of a beloved pop legend. I love you, Michael!!

Tie-Dye still hasn’t gone out of style. This is probably due to the fact that it’s been given a complete makeover from its traditional rainbow swirls to chic, subtle designs on flattering garments  and sexy shoes. I went shopping online to find you the hot summer tie-dye looks and their affordable counterparts, so this summer, you can rock the look without breaking the bank! You can find all of these items in my Mad About Tie-Dye shopper’s list on Kazowie. Peace, Love, & Shopping!

Mad About Tie-Dye

My summer theme song by Sam Sparro, titled “Black and Gold,” inspired me to create some style guides that are sure to have you looking like the chic-est beauty at the beach this year. ‘Black and gold’ is very old-school gaudy glam and of course my motto for wearing it is, “go big or go home.” I love the look of black and gold swimwear paired with huge chunky jewelry to match. It’s over the top, but it works. (Hey, atleast I’m not suggesting that you finish off the look with some gold lame’ stilettos for your next game of beach volleyball!) The suits are sexy and the jewelry’s affordable, so be sure to check out both lists of products for a new sexy look for this season. My fave: gold cuff bracelets on each wrist. Hottt!

Suit: Black by Despi 2009
Cuff: Dereon Mini Fleur de Lis Leather Cuff

I am constantly searching for new ways to orgnanize my jewelry that make my pieces easily viewable and accessible to me. For this reason, I’m not a fan of jewelry boxes or any other type of storage system that requires being opened to reach its contents. So, I created a wishlist on Kazowie called “Creative Ways to Display Your Jewelry,” which features unique items, such as a paper mache snail and tea saucers, which double as pretty jewelry holders, hangers, and organizers. With these products, you can display your beautiful pieces on your dresser or hang them from your wall as part of your room’s decor, while organizing your jewelry to avoid lost earrings and tangled chains, and keeping everything within easy reach for those get-up-and-go mornings.

Inspiration:

For other affordable jewelry display options see also, Vanity Trays.

I’m very picky when it comes to my shoes - that’s why I don’t own many pairs. This past weekend, however, I decided to go on a mission for a pair of ballet flats (I’ve never owned any, do you believe it?!) and discovered a designer that manufactures shoes in exactly my style: Sam Edelman. I picked up tons of shoes to try on and the majority of them were made by this 5-year old company that I wish I’d discovered earlier. I not only found ballet flats, I also snagged some ankle strap sandals and some grey vintagey t-strap heels!

Shown above (L-R): Ilsa Round-toe Flats,  Gracie Ankle Tie Thong Sandal, Oceana Sandal, Sahara Sandal.

Sam Edelman somehow finds the perfect balance when combining glam details (metallics, bright colors, ankle straps, studs, bows, snakeskin) with natural accents (wooden buckles, button ornaments, stones, embroidery) on shoes that are actually COMFORTABLE. I’m such a fan of this style-merging technique because shoes that can dress an outfit up and down give their wearer the most bang for her buck. You’re going to love these shoes if you don’t already. Check out my top Sam Edelman picks here.

Isla Fisher is always tre chic, and she didn’t let us down at the UK premiere of her guy (Sacha Baron Cohen)’s new movie, Bruno. This look matches, without going overboard: necklace and clutch are the same shade of grey, shoes and dress are both a lighter shade of the same color, and all this head-to-toe monochrome looks anything but dull when paired with Isla’s red hair and fire engine lips. The breastplate necklace is a major trend for this summer!

Lipstick: NARS Lipstick in Jungle Red
Clutch: Jessica McClintock Rectangle Fold Over Box Clutch
Shoes: Haru grey leather sandal by L.A.M.B.
Necklace: tuleste market Large Hammered Squares Choker
Dress: Ponte Pleated Tube by Silence & Noise

Check out my Isla Fisher Style Guide for more of the celeb’s red carpet look.

And don’t forget to keep checking back to my June Finds list for unique pieces that have been catching my eye this month!

SHOP THESE HOTTIE SHOES NOW!

When I purchased a pair of black Anna Flats from Bakers, I had no idea that my new summer obsesh fest had begun. I was initially shopping for a pair of slouchy ankle booties on sale, but instead found a strappy elastic black sandal with brown heel and back zipper that matched perfectly with my tulip dress with elastic waist band. HEAVEN! I ended up wearing these shoes, rain or shine, with pants, leggings, skirts, and dresses all around New York City. Elastic strap shoes, whether heels or flats, are supes versatile, especially in every woman’s fave color, black! These kicks will be your new best friend this summer and well into fall. Trust.

Wear these puppies with: SEXY STRIPES, PUFFY TANK DRESSES, & TULIP SKIRTS!

Shown above (L-R): Anna Flats by Bakers, Ransomm Sandals by Steve Madden, Elastic Ankle Wrap Sandal with White Cut Wedge by Proenza Schouler.

No, I’m not talking about potted plastic plants. With wall decals, you can bring an entire tree inside your home and stick it right on the wall for a modern, unique take on home decor. And it’ll never die! If you get tired of your decal, even if it’s been years since you applied it to the wall, you can easily remove it without damaging the wall surface. Check out my Nature Wall Decals guide to see all the nature-themed wall stickers that I think would look cool in any room of your house.

Shown above (L-R): Treesome, Luxury Bonzai, and Classic 16.

See also: Wall Decals for the Kitchen for kitchen-specific wall decor.

I can’t get enough shoes. If you’ve read any of my posts over the past year, you probably know this-  75% of my posts are about shoes. We had to start a rule in the house that entails the removal of one pair of shoes if another is to enter the household. It’s a rough life.

I’m completely smitten over the crazy new shoes that are appearing on the runway as well as in the streets. The search for the best shoe this season ends at this Jeffrey Campbell Unicorn Princess Shoe: Ruffles.  Unicorn Heel. Gold. Amazing.

Another one at the top of my list is the Industry Leather Wedge, available in teal at Modcloth.com and beige at 80’s Purple.

And of course, not to be left out are the following (from left to right): Marc Jacobs’ Salmon Velvet, Proenza Schouler Peep-Toe Heel, The Casadei Suede Slingback with Horn Heel,  and the Tapeet by Vicini. Also amazing.

Check out more Serious Shoes here

Blame it on Carrie Bradshaw for wearing a bird on her head in the Sex in the City Movie. Feathers are totally here to stay. I’m on the hunt for the perfect feathery fascinator to complete my wedding day ensemble. My dress is a simple, 50’s style party dress and my vision is to have a fabtacular head piece to compliment it.  Here are a few of my picks:

The Jenny Fascinator:

The Sarah Fascinator

Check out more Feathers!!! and also some veil alternative ideas at The Un-Veil