A Few of My Favorite Things This Week

We are hard at work over here at Real Life Style on the new website and blog, which should be launching by September 1st! Want some more exciting news? We will soon be posting on the blog most days instead of once a week. Don't worry, I won't be overwhelming your inbox with this change. You will still receive your email once-per-week but as a digest of all the week's blogs. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite new products this week. Happy Shopping!

On a trip to Morocco in 2012, Tory Noll asked a cobbler to turn a handwoven rug into a pair of shoes. When she returned to New York with her custom-made shoes, everyone was asking about them. With high demand, Noll went back to Morocco to work with the local cobbler on designing and making more shoes. Combining vibrant Moroccan textiles with local craftsmanship, Noll's label TEN & Co. sells sandals, oxfords, flats, and booties.  

The Sandal

No. 3003, $180

The Slip-on

No. 2010, $190

The Bootie

No. 1009, $200

Do you love the original Sugar lip balms as much as I do? Wouldn't it be awesome if you could get the same gorgeous scents and moisture as the balms combined with even more gorgeous glossy color? Well now you can! I CANNOT wait to try the new Sugar Lip Shine Treatments from Fresh. The Rosé seems like one of those all-flattering colors one should have in their purse at all times! 

Fresh Sugar Rosé Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50

The shine without the stickiness! 

Does a fluffy stool seem random? I promise, it isn't! I've been lusting after an adorable fluffy foot stool such as this one from Anthropologie ever since I didn't buy one on my honeymoon in Argentina 4 years ago. After a long day with too much shopping for his taste, my husband was in no mood for my trying to bring a foot stool home in our suitcase, despite my cries of how cool and inexpensive it was. I missed out on the real thing then but will be first in line when a $55 version from Nate Berkus becomes available on Target.com on August 31st. Are you a better DIY'er than me? Try making your own following the directions in this post from blog, A Beautiful Mess. 

Anthropologie Luxe Fur Stool, $348

Which of my favorite things is your favorite? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

The Fashion World Finally Realizes That My Nude Is Not Always Your Nude

Thanks to Kate Middleton and her L.K. Bennett nude pumps, most women (not just those with a fashion stylist advising them) now know that the nude pump has become a classic wardrobe staple. No other shoe can elongate your legs and match every color dress in your wardrobe. 

For years I have been frustrated by my inability to recommend this problem-solving shoe to all of my clients due to a lack of "diversity" in the nude pump arena. My quote has always been, "My nude is not your nude!" Imagine my delight when I saw a Washington Post article (thanks for sending Rachel!) announcing a new line of "Les Nudes" shoes with that exact sentiment.  Welcome to the year 2013! Christian Louboutin has become the first major designer to place pumps in a range of colors under the “nude” label. There is even a "Louboutin Shades" app for the iPhone that will match a shoe color to a picture of your foot! Most of the line has already sold out so call your local store to see what they've got left or get on the waiting list.

Christian Louboutin's Sold Out Nude Collection

Another important wardrobe staple, just like the nude pump, is the nude bra and panty. MySkins offers 20 different colors in their underwear and bra lines, meant to appear invisible with your skin tone. All the panties are 100% cotton and completely seamless to ensure that no one will ever see your underwear through your clothes. To find your perfect nude, you can either download a PDF version of their Skin Tone Color Card or request to have a version mailed to you. 

Major makeup lines have also discovered the demand for products ranging in more than just a few skin tones. Urban Decay's Naked Skin Liquid Foundation comes in 18 different shades, from very light to dark chestnut with both warm and cool skin tones in mind.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Liquid Makeup, $39

However, if you're looking for a liquid foundation at a drugstore price point, Loreal's True Match Blendable makeup is also available in 33 neutral, cool, or warm shades to match your skin perfectly. True Match is also full of Vitamins A and C to keep your skin nourished. I still swear by my Youngblood Primer and Foundation to keep my makeup on perfectly for an entire 18 hour day, but True Match is what I reach for on other, more low key days. It is amazing what a match this foundation can be to your skin!

Loreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup, $10.95

Most of you probably think bright and Lady Gaga when referring to Mac makeup, but a client (with the hardest skin tone to pinpoint of anyone I've ever worked with!) turned me on to Mac's Tinted LipGlass years ago. Among the 43 different shades are many that can serve as "nude" lipgloss for every skin tone. It lasts for hours and looks amazing on its own, over lip pencils or lipsticks. 

Mac Tinted Lipglass, $15

Happy Matching!

The Reality – Spring Shoe Trends

Last week we looked at The Fantasy, the top designer versions of the latest footwear for spring. However, while it’s fun to spend afternoons fantasizing about the latest fashion trends, creating an imaginary wardrobe of your favorite items, sometimes you want to do more than just dream and actually OWN the pieces you’re lusting after. That’s why I’m showing you some less expensive versions of the hottest spring shoes. All of my picks are less than $200, so feel free to break out of your comfort zone and try something new this season! 

The Espadrille Wedge 

Steve Madden “Marrvil,” $59.99 

The Flat Skimmer 

J.Crew “Viv Patent Flats,” $188 

The Block Heel Pump 

 J.Crew “Janey Flats,” $178  

The Classic Pump 

BCBGeneration “Cielo Pump,” $88.95 

The Smoking Slipper 

DV by Dolce Vita “Gilly Flat,” $64.95 

The Cage Heel 

Vince Camuto “Jiris Pump,” $117.95 

 The Ankle Strap 

 Jeffrey Campbell “Hough Pump,” $120  

The Gladiator 

Gentle Souls “Break-My-Heart Gladiator Sandals,” $195  

The Printed Pump 

Charles by Charles David “Pact Pump,” $98.95  

The Transparent

Jeffrey Campbell “Raze Light Platform,” $142

The Clear Heel

Aldo “Darelbeida,” $100  

The Wedge Sneaker 

 Ash “Bowie Wedge Sneaker,” $195  

The Exotic 

BCBGeneration “Madria Sandal,” $128.95 

The Fantasy- Spring Shoe Trends

This spring, it's all about trying new things and breaking out of your comfort zone. However, if you're looking for a way to freshen up your outfits without replacing your entire wardrobe, the easiest way to do so is to start with one or two new pairs of shoes. This season on the runways and in the magazines, we saw so many cute new styles of shoes, from sexy ankle strapped heels to laid-back smoking slippers. You may decide to go bold by trying the clear heel trend, or you may play it safe by spicing up your classic pump with hot pink or floral prints. Either way, make sure you take advantage of spring's bright colors and upbeat patterns. When you add more fun and interesting pieces to your wardrobe, you notice that your personal style stands out even more than before. While you may not have enough room in your budget for the designer versions of this spring's styles, my picks will give you a great idea of what to look for while shopping in your price range.

But don't worry; I won't leave you hanging, wondering where to buy affordable versions of the season's trends. This week- The Fantasy, Next week- The Reality! Enjoy!

The Espadrille Wedge

Tabitha Simmons "Alice," $575

The Flat Skimmer

Lanvin "Pointy Toe Grosgrain Flat," $692

The Block Heel Pump

Nicholas Kirkwood "Zig Zag Pump," $695

The Classic Pump

Prada "Pointed Toe Pump" in Pink, $650

The Smoking Slipper

Valentino "Lace Art," $695

The Cage Sandal

Oscar de la Renta "Gladia," $895

The Ankle Strap

Sergio Rossi "Ankle Strap Sandal," $1,295

The Gladiator

Tabitha Simmons "Felicity," $695

The Printed Pump

Manolo Blahnik "BB," $645

The Clear Heel

Stuart Weitzman "The One," $398

Be Transparent

Jason Wu "Dovima," $695

The Wedge Sneaker

Giuseppe Zanotti "Wedge Sneaker," $895

The Exotic

Manolo Blahnik "Arpegen," $865

Designing Your Perfect Shoe

We've all been stuck in this situation. You’re standing in a department store, trying to find the perfect shoes to go with the perfect dress for your upcoming event. Every pair of shoes you try on has one tiny thing wrong with them. Either you wish they came in a different color, the heel was a little shorter, or the toe was rounded instead of pointed. This exact situation is what inspired sisters Ilissa and Dorian Howard to start making and selling custom shoes on their website Milk and Honey.

Founded in January 2011, Milk and Honey allows women to choose the style, colors, details and height of their shoes, perfect for special events. Ilissa and Dorian created the website with no experience in fashion, coming from the film and toy industries. Now, whether you’re looking for pumps, sandals, flats, oxfords, or boots, you can find them in leather, pony hair, satin, even vegan leather! And these are just a few of their many options. Many women have taken advantage of the site for planning their wedding, creating the perfect shoe for themselves and their bridesmaids. The site also features celebrity designers such as Ginnifer Goodwin, Rachel Ray, and Malin Ackerman who use the profits from their shoe sales to benefit the charity of their choice.

Custom shoes are truly on the rise, as other websites such as Shoes of Prey or even sneaker companies Nike,Vans, and Converse have all given us the option to design our personal shoes with the colors of our choice. The best part is that all of these websites also let you return the shoes if you're not 100% satisfied Still not sold? The websites feature their own inspiration galleries where you can look at some of the creations other women have made. Here are some of my favorites!

Milk and Honey

These shoes designed by Rachel Ray  pair well with jeans or an LBD.

Customize your perfect nude heel, guaranteed to make your legs look longer than ever.

These flats are so cute, with crocodile embossed leather and velvet bows to play up the different textures.

This pink sole is definitely a conversation starter!

These zebra print shoes are sure to draw attention at your wedding!

Pink Satin flats are perfect for those looking to stay comfortable while dancing all night.

Need something blue? Choose from any shade you'd like!

Shoes of Prey

Cute, colorful floral flats are great for every day.

Add red leather to the inside of the shoe and bow details to the back of your shoes for extra flair.

Looking for a chic way to wear metallics? Try customizing your own oxfords with gold and silver!

These black and white mod heels are super in this spring!

It's easy to try color-blocking this season with your own custom shoes. These blue, grey, and taupe colors are very trendy!

Another great example of color-blocking, here with a solid colored wedge.

Create your perfect sandal for the spring weather with strappy gladiators or minimalistic flats.

Your new favorite work shoes are awaiting when you add a kitten heel to your favorite colors and textures.

Nike

Stay comfy in these trendy animal-print sneakers.

Create your perfect gym shoe in bright neon colors.