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!

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.