Can you believe it’s already August? It’s okay though, because that means my favorite season is almost here: FALL!! (The first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere this year is September 22 at 5:18 p.m.) In preparation for this crisp, bright, leafy, rainy, glorious time of year, I created an Autumn Essentials list, chockablock full of products (clocks, silverwear, apparel, art, etc.) to help get you in the spirit. In honor of Halloween, the list currently contains 31 items, but I’m sure there will be more as the autumn months get closer, so keep checking back! Cool stuff shown above (L-R): Puckered Canvas Bag, 23 Inch Roulette Clock, Narration Booties, Lipmann Collection Nail Color in Dark Side of The Moon, Gladiator Bird, Raven, Wire Spun Candelabra, Viceroy Velvet Curtain.

This weekend I found that one only needs two things to spice up her reliable old pal (a.k.a. the LBD). A pair of brightly colored pumps and a coordinating clutch instantly update your fave black dress and pack much punch for a night on the town. Easy as 1, 2, 3. Literally: shoes, purse, dress. DONE! Maybe throw on some hoops and a ring for an extra special occasion Check out Clutch and Pumps on Kazowie to see some sexy shoes and their matching clutch counterparts.

Woo hoo! Creepy kids’ movie, “Coraline” is finally on DVD and I’m totes excited! I’m actually curious to see if I’ll enjoy the flick half as much on a little screen. I’m sure I will. The super-cool DVD on my Coraline DVD Release and All Things Coraline guide includes the 3-D version of the movie, so that should add to my enjoyment immensely. Don’t worry, I’ve included the 3-D glasses for purchase as well.

Dig the Coraline Dunks! With the cat and mouse tails!

Visit coraline.com for your chance to win this pair!

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 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.

A summer trend that I’m noticing popping up everywhere is the not-so-nautical stripe, in black, grey, and white shades. These summer stripes are often unevenly spaced, irregularly sized, and sometimes distributed over a garment in varying directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). I like these stripes on loose, faded pieces that fall perfectly and nonchalantly, such as the Grey/Black Stripe Ripped Knot Tee by Obesity and Speed and the Border Tie-Dye Short Sleeve V-Neck by C&C California, shown below (L-R).

My Summer Stripe Trend guide contains tons of unique pieces (tops, dresses, purses, shoes, etc.) that take nautical to the dark side, which means these stripes will carry you from day to night and from summer to fall.

Also pictured (above, L-R): Striped Crop Top by Charlotte Russe, Lela Rose for Payless Brinley Ribbon Pump, and Varigated Striped Tight by Urban Outfitters.

Summer is about simplicity. Layering too many accessories and products makes your look stuffy and over-done. Sticking with key trendy summer essentials allows you to keep the rest of your look laid-back and relaxed, the way summer should be. My favorite summer must-haves are shown below, but there are plenty of items in several other summer categories to shop through. Happy clicking!

See all: Yellow Purses, Coral Blushes, Cork Wedge Heels, White Jewelry, Braided Jewelry, Retro Sunglasses.

Shown above (L-R): Berbenno handbag in light yellow by ALDO, CORALista blush by benefit, Mely Wedge in Chocolate by BCBGirls, Braided Magnetic Cuff Bracelet by Accessories & Beyond, sunglasses by Forever21.

OTHER SUMMER ESSENTIALS:
(Basics so easy, you’ll rock them every day!)

Baggy Tees
Beach Totes
Bandeau Tops
Charm Bracelets
Havaianas Sandals
Bronzers
Sarongs
Loose Powder Makeup
Anti-Cellulite Products