Haute Sneakers

Have you heard the good news? Sneakers are HOT again! Not just your average gym shoes, sneakers have been given a new life by top designers. Karl Lagerfeld once said, "The sneaker is like jeans for the feet." Just like jeans, they've been reinvented from something functional to something much more stylish and daring.

As usual, don't freak at the price tags for the first few pairs. We'll show you some more affordable options after you absorb the HAUTENESS of this new trend.

Just a quick note to all of my loyal readers and subscribers about some upcoming changes: we will be switching the blog and website over to a new platform in the next few weeks! I can pretty much guarantee there will be some glitches. Please be patient with us as we freshen things up and prepare to bring you the RLS blog daily.

Hope to see some of you on my webinar  tonight at 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday at 10 a.m. for The 3 Step Challenge to Looking and Feeling Put-Together Everyday! 

The HAUTEST of Sneakers

Dior Fusion Sneaker, $1,100 (available in store)

Giuseppe Zanotti Eagle Side Zip Hi-Top Sneaker, $995

Christian Louboutin Louis Spikes Sneakers, $1,095

Christian Louboutin Lou Spikes Women's Sneakers, $995

Classic Styling, Still Haute

Saint Laurent Leather Trim Lace-Up Sneakers, $595

Giuseppe Zanotti Biker Jacket High-Top Sneaker, $995

Lanvin Snake-effect leather slip-on sneakers, $890

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, $430

Givenchy Rottweiler Star-Heel Skate Shoe, Black Multi, $695

The Classic, Beloved by Fashion Designers et al

Adidas Stan Smith Custom Shoes, $100

Still Stylish, More Affordable

Nike Air Pegasus+ 30, $100

Jil Sander Navy Abstract-Print Canvas & Leather High-Top Sneakers, $152

Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2013 iD, $150

Tory Burch Delancey Graphic-Print Sneakers, $185

Nike Roshe Run Slip, $89.99

Elie Tahari Cap Toe Lace Up Sneakers, $94.50

Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski MID ID, $125

Skechers GOwalk Safari Slip-On Walking Shoe, $54.95

Nike Air Zoom Structure+ 17, $89.97 

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 Shirt That Takes Off Ten Pounds

Am I the only one out there trying to hide my post-baby belly? I didn't think so. I mean seriously, who has time to go to Pilates when you have two kids and work full-time? I'll just have to be like my clients and get a rockin' bod when I'm in my forties! In the meantime, I'm here to share my fave new "hide the belly fashionably" trick: the layered top. I have had one (see below) in my closet for two years but it has never quite worked as my body changed constantly with pregnancies and breastfeeding. I pulled it out again about a month ago and EUREKA!, suddenly it covered all sins. The good news is, the one-off shirt I picked up for myself a few years ago is now a trend so you can have one too. Happy shopping!

The Inspiration

Buy One of These Options Now

Theory Hoda L Top in Easeful, $555

Hinge Chiffon Hem Layered Top, $39.90

Topshop Layered High/Low Long Sleeve Blouse, $47.90

AQUA Tank - Sleeveless Double Layer, $78

Blaque Label Layered Blouse, $86

Scoop NYC Chalk Sleeveless Layer Blouse, $135

Tibi Double Layer Gauze Tank, $137.50

A.L.C. Luella Layered Linen Tank, $145

Theory Sheltered Sleeveless Cotton Top, $215

10 Crosby Derek Lam Layered Tank, $275

Theory Hodal Tweed Print Silk Top, $295

Stella McCartney Ivory & Black Layered Top, $740

Proenza Schouler Crinkled Layered Shell, $950

Rainy Day Style

Were you prepared for the rain this week? Real Life Style has found the coolest raincoats on the block to inspire your next rainy day look. Think your umbrella should be functional and make you smile? We found a few fun ones for you, including my personal favorite, the one from Liberty of London. Too hot for rainboots in the summer? How about a short, glossy pair in a bright color? Better yet, have you bought the RLS endorsed best rain shoes ever? They come in a million styles and colors at a reasonable price, so you can match all of your rainy day looks!

Raincoats

Wanda Nylon Raincoat, $380

How fun is this Wanda Nylon coat? I would love it over a bright colored dress.

Maison Martin Margiela Raincoat, $260

Lanvin Raincoat, $585

This Lanvin coat is part of my fantasy rainy day outfit.

Red Valentino Raincoat, $553

Hancock Hooded Colorblock Parka, $1,285

Terra New York MOMA Trench Coat, $420

Boden Marylebone Mac, $118

ASOS Rain Trench with Bug Print, $76.22

ASOS Clear Rain Trench, $66.69

UNIQLO Women Pocketable Parka, $19.90

ASOS Duffle Rain Coat, $76.22

Umbrellas 

David David Walking Stick Umbrella, $162.81

Liberty London Undercover, $77.10

My favorite: Liberty prints!

Opening Ceremony Arc Bubble Umbrella, $8

Goggles Umbrella, $56

(You can see where you're going with this umbrella!)

Marimekko Pieni Unikko auto open & close umbrella, $69

Kate Spade Umbrella, $38

Rain Boots

Tretorn Plask Mid in Sea Spray, $69

Heavy duty but with a wedge!

Hunter Original Short Gloss Rain Boots, $91

The classic Hunter boot with a shorter shaft- made for humid summer rain.

Bootsi Tootsi Pink Flamingo Rain Boot, $39.95

I love these fun flamingo boots with the clear heel! The bright colors will stand out on dreary days.

Loeffler Randall Rain Slip-On, $75

These must be the chicest rain boots ever. And they're on sale!

Diesel Ighuazu Rain Shoe, $37.44

These biker boots will look great with a trench and skinny jeans.

Oka B. Taylor Flats in Capri, $38

Last, but certainly not least, are my tried and true rain flats. I buy these for all of my clients as the perfect summer rain solution. No need to wear clunky rain boots to work! I own mine in black, but at only $38, you can get your basics and your brights to match anything.