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!!

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.

SHOP SLASHED LEGGINGS NOW.
We all know trends get recycled, and slashing your pantalones up to make a fashion statement is nothing new. But this does not mean that the stripped, ripped, and thrashed black leggings of 2009 aren’t supes sexy and chic-ly risque. I have yet to see a non-celeb rocking “slashed-up-to-there” leggings (which makes me want to get a pair even more! Trendsetterrrr!), but I’m sure this fad will spread faster than the swine flu, especially among the teens and early twenty-somethings who are growing tired of their plain old leggings. Zzzz!

Shown: 1. LnA Olivia Thrashed Gathered Bottom Leggings in Noir, 2. LnA Ripped Zipper Leggings in Flat Black, 3. David Lerner Ripped Leggings, 4. Leyendecker Kerouac Ripped Leggings.

Click here to see more hot slashed leggings!

Wear with: a baggy t-shirt.
Click here to shop Baggy Tees.