The Style Aficionado » Style Rx http://thestyleaficionado.com Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:48:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 How to make all heels comfortable http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/how-to-make-all-heels-comfortable/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/how-to-make-all-heels-comfortable/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:30:16 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=3444

Shoes are fabulous – even if they’re not always comfortable – Kimora

We all know I have an affinity for shoes. I love how they can transform an outfit, make a statement, and that they always fit. Kimora said it best. They are fabulous, but they aren’t always comfortable. Comfort knows no brand when it comes to shoes, and even the most expensive shoes can ache. Construction is key when it comes to determining if a shoe will be comfortable, and also in how long that comfort will last before you’re hoping. While you can’t change the construct of a shoe, you can supplement it.

The first step in making a shoe more comfortable, is to identify why their hurting. There’s little that can be done for a shoe that is the wrong size, but chaffing, sliding, and pressure can be relieved easily.

Expert Tip: Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon, your feet swell throughout the day and are their largest at the end of the day.

VALVA

Instep Cushions, provide support for the balls of your feet, and also prevent them from sliding forward. There are both gel and foam variations. The gel ones tend to be thinner, allowing more room in tighter shoes; but don’t provide as much cushion as the foam ones.

ENRORICH

Insoles are great for all over comfort and work well with shoes that have a hard bottom. One caveat, unless custom made, insoles may not be shaped appropriately for all your shoes, and may need to be trimmed.

Moleskin is a lifesaver to combat chaffing and rubbing and can be found in most drugstores. It can be cut to your needs, and some even have adhesive on the back. It is typically “flesh” colored, but since we all aren’t the same color, I would recommend coloring it with a marker, if you have to apply it in an area that may become visible such as inside a peep toe.

Other shoe-savers to keep in your arsenal might include chaffing gel (click here to see how this product can pull double duty); Antiperspirant, yes deodorant!  works well with synthetic material that can make your feet sweat, and shoe grips for smooth bottoms.

Do you have any sole saving techniques? Share them below

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/how-to-make-all-heels-comfortable/feed/ 5 Look of the Day: Solange http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/look-of-the-day-solange/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/look-of-the-day-solange/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:15:29 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=3426

Just when I thought I wouldn’t wear a turban, Solange has me reconsidering. Love the graphic print and the simple tank and leather legging pairing.

Source

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/10/look-of-the-day-solange/feed/ 0 Vintage Post: Petite is a size http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/09/vintage-post-petite-is-a-size/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/09/vintage-post-petite-is-a-size/#comments Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:07:21 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=3322 This post originally appeared on the site on Sept. 17, 2009. And as I get my September issues in the mail, I think it appropriate to get on my soap box again and tell the glossies that PETITE IS A SIZE, NOT A SHAPE!!!! the same thing holds true for “Plus SIZE.” Being petite (Under 5’4) I get very frustrated that huge magazines don’t get this right. While they do offer great tips for petites and plus sizes, it is misleading. Body shape is the key influences in choosing the most flattering fit and style of clothing. To help you identify your body shape check out this post.

On another note, seeing as I have a vintage post that is almost a year old, that means I missed the blogs Bday!!! I know, shame on me, but after launch, domain change and relaunch I’m not exactly sure I know when TheStyleAficionado.com came into existance. With that being said I’m going to change the blogs anniversary to coinside with Fashion Week and plan a fabulous giveaway to celebrate, so be sure to “like” our facebook fan page 

Anyways, here’s the post, and one of my very first twitpics:

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I’m flipping through this magazine and there’s a pretty good article about body shapes and how to dress for them. I get to the end of the article and it lists petite as a body shape. Ummmm…. What? While it would be nice if stores merchandised items by body shape, that is not how it works. Petite is NOT a shape, it is a size. Petite by definition is a person with a small frame, typically short in stature (5’4 and under). Petite people frequently have to have RTW (ready to wear) items tailored to fit them or shop in the petite section. They still fall into the traditional body shapes and need to dress accordingly. For example, you can have a petite person that has an hour glass shape or be an inverted triangle. 

So, keep in mind when you are shopping what your body shape is and be sure to shop in the right size.

petite

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/09/vintage-post-petite-is-a-size/feed/ 2 Bags for Back to School http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/bags-for-back-to-school/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/bags-for-back-to-school/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:06:22 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=3132 The Style Aficionado reader Sammy recently wrote in with the following:

Hi Cynthia,

I read your blog regularly and love the useful tips. I’m a college student and will be going back to school at the end of the month. I’ve been trying to find a stylish and affordable bag that i could fit my laptop, books and other essentials but had no luck. I was wondering if you could help me with some options I could use on a college student budget. Please & Thank you

Sammy

Sammy, Try these. They are all under $50 and large enough to carry all your school supplies.

Bags for Back to SchoolFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore

Bags for Back to School by The Style Aficionado featuring Forever21 bags

Jasmine Tote
$40 - delias.com
More tote bags »

Kenneth Cole Reaction
$49 - macys.com


]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/bags-for-back-to-school/feed/ 1 5 Minute Hairstyle: Half up Half Down http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/5-minute-hairstyle-half-up-half-down/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/5-minute-hairstyle-half-up-half-down/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:18:44 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=3072

We all have those mornings where we wish we had more time to do our hair or at least a team of stylist on speed dial to glam us up in an instant. Since most of us are not that lucky, we have to save time where we can. The half up half down hairstyle is quick, easy, and versatile enough to get you through the day. Achieving the look is as simple as sweeping the front of your pair back and pinning it! Best of all, it works on all hair types.

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/08/5-minute-hairstyle-half-up-half-down/feed/ 3 Spring/Summer Makeup Inspiration: Brandy in YRB http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/springsummer-makeup-inspiration-brandy-in-yrb/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/springsummer-makeup-inspiration-brandy-in-yrb/#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:47:06 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=2443

Brandy recently did a photo shoot for YRB magazine, in which she donned some hot swimwear and flawless Spring/Summer make up. What I adore most about her look is that it is simple to recreate. Keep reading for tips and products for how to get the look.

  1. Start with a cleansed and moisturized face. Always apply sunscreen (especially during the spring and summer months)
  2. Conceal blemishes, and dark areas with a concealer like Bobbi Brown tinted eye brightner or NYX concealer jar
  3. Apply a liquid or Powder foundation (go for what works best on your skin type) I like Revlon Colorstay or MAC studio fix powder. Finish off liquid foundation with a loose setting powder such as Make Up For Ever HD or Jane loose translucent powder.
  4. Fill your brows using a brown shadow or pencil.
  5. Eyeshadow: For long lasting shadow, start with a primer such as Urban Decay Primer potion, then prep your eyes with a light-colored base such as NYX jumbo pencil in Milk, or MAC painterly paint pot. Apply a grayed lavender eyeshadow over the entire lid, blending it up into the crease. To really make your eyes pop, try using MAC’s Beautiful Iris on the lid and Shale on the crease.
  6. Apply a thin line of dark brown eye liner on your upper and lower lash line, stopping about half way on the bottom. At this point, you can also apply a strip of wispy type lashes like Ardell #110 to the outer part of your lash line, and retouch with liquid liner. OR use a lenghtening mascara like L’Oreal telescopic.
  7. A pink lipstick and gloss combination finishes off the look.

What do you think of Brandy’s Make up? I love it, and think this would work with all of springs colors!

Source: YRB via Necole Bitchie

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/springsummer-makeup-inspiration-brandy-in-yrb/feed/ 2 Kelly Rowland talks Fashion and Style http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/kelly-rowland-talks-fashion-and-style/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/kelly-rowland-talks-fashion-and-style/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:27:46 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=2409 with ELLE magazine at a photo shoot where she shares some of her favorite wardrobe items and designers. Kelly’s style is very versatile, and her wardrobe consists of a wide range of both high end and affordable labels. Great closet to take inspiration from!

“I like to see what I have first, see what everyone else is doing, and then I put my own shake on stuff so it’s my own”

]]> http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/kelly-rowland-talks-fashion-and-style/feed/ 3 Look of the Day Lala Vasquez http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/look-of-the-day-lala-vasquez/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/look-of-the-day-lala-vasquez/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:30:27 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=2397 Lala Vasquez was seen leaving Katsuya in West Hollywood this past week looking very chic in a pair of knee length sweats, Christian Louboutin Deva booties, blazer and orange clutch. 

 

Get her look with these options, and keep reading for tips on how to wear sweat pants stylishly.

HOW TO DRESS UP SWEAT PANTS:

  • Go fitted with your shirt or pair with a chic blazer
  • Heels –  heels make anything look on purpose, and your fashion sense is less likely to be questioned. Wearing athletic shoes quickly will turn your ensemble into gym wear
  • Glam up your accessories, and don’t be afraid to pair with  a belt

    • For more inspiration, on how to wear this trend, revisit this post

    ]]>     http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/look-of-the-day-lala-vasquez/feed/ 2     Spring/ Summer 2010 Trend: Tribal http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/spring-summer-2010-trend-tribal/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/spring-summer-2010-trend-tribal/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:30:41 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=2385 A recurring theme for Spring/ Summer 2010 is the injection of tribal print. Here are six cute tribal print items that won’t break the bank (All under $150). Keep reading below for tips on how to wear the trend and style inspiration.

    HOW TO WEAR TRIBAL PRINT:

    • It is OK to wear tribal head to toe. However, If the print is too graphic for your style break it up with a belt, blazer or pair with a solid
    • Get the tribal look with wood and chunky jewelry layered
    • Keep your body type in mind when choosing where to wear the print.

     

    Inspiration:

    ]]>     http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/spring-summer-2010-trend-tribal/feed/ 0     How to wear tapered, pleated trousers (peg leg pants) http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/how-to-wear-tapered-pleated-trousers-peg-leg-pants/ http://thestyleaficionado.com/2010/06/how-to-wear-tapered-pleated-trousers-peg-leg-pants/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:50 +0000 The Style Aficionado http://thestyleaficionado.com/?p=2338

    Since the resurrection of the skinny jean, long gone are the days when women cringed at the word tapered. We embraced tapered jeans, and now trousers. For Spring and Summer the pleated tapered trousers aka peg leg trousers [also, incorrectly known as chinos or tailored harem pants (I still cringe at the word harem)] is a trend worth trying.

    Peg leg trousers are characterized by their cropped leg, that falls right above the ankle. The volume on these pants are at the top and enhanced this season with pleats.

    Vila Anti Fit Jean ChinosASOS Stripe Paperbag Peg TrousersASOS Linen Paperbag Peg TrousersNW3 By Hobbs Fitzjohn Low Rise Trousers

    Rectangles, Hourglass, and long waist body types can pull of this trend without much thought. The inverted triangles, apples, and short waist top heavy ladies will have the most difficulty. Don’t let your body type steer you away from this trend. With a few tips, you can pull this off successfully

    For Top Heavy Girls (Inverted Triangle)- I’ve been trying to get back in the itty bitty committee since freshman year of high school. Since they won’t let me in, I have to get creative when it comes to sporting this look. The tapered legs enhance triangles, and can often create imbalance for busty girls. BUT! there are ways to wear this look and not look as if you’re going to topple over. The first tip is to chose a pair with a pleated or ballooned waist/ hip. The added volume near the hips will give an hour glass figure. The second tip is to pair the pants with a darker top and lift your boobs as much as possible with a good supportive or minimizer bra. Lastly, wear a chunkier heel. For inverted triangles, platforms work great with these pants.

    Short waist- The second body feature that makes this look difficult to wear is the presence of a short waist. Many of the cropped pants on the racks, sport a high waist, with a ballooned hip; which works great on long torsos, but can make short waists vanish. Obviously, the key is to find a pair that does not have a high waist, and that balloons out a little lower than normal. Because your waist is short, wearing mid rise pants on your natural waist will automatically give you the high waist look. Be sure to leave space between the top of the pants and your breast (again, lift and support the girls as much as possible). Monochromatic color schemes without the break of a belt work best, but if you are busty and short waisted, a belt worn below the natural waist line that still allows a few inches of the pants to be seen above the belt, will also work (by wearing your belt lower, you’re creating the illusion of a longer torso). A faux high waist if you will

    Apples: Your major obstacle to this trend, will be creating the illusion of a waist. Shape wear will help you get a uniform shape overall, after which, you can add volume where needed. Strong shoulders, with a lower ballooned hip will give an hourglass illusion. If you are a top heavy apple, focus on adding volume around the hip/waist area; and if you are a bottom heavy apple, strong shoulders can balance you out.

    Still look for inspiration on how to peg leg? Check out this video from Elle UK

    Most importantly, Have Fun and wear it with confidence!

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