Clever Idea—Rollasole

So you’re out boogieing the night away in your killer heels, you look hot, but you’re not sure after abusing your feet all day—and now night—how your are going to make it home, unless it’s barefoot. 

Enter, Rollasole.

It’s one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” sort of inventions.  A UK businessman came up with the idea to stock nightclubs with vending machines that offer rolled ballet slipper-style shoes to get you home in comfort and rest your weary soles.

They are around $11 US dollars and according to NBC Nightly News, are popping up in many UK nightclubs.  Rollasole’s come in a range of colors from gold, silver, black—and their seemingly most popular, because they are sold out—pink.

During my swinging single days, there were many a night where I walked home barefoot, dangling my heels from my fingertips.  I can imagine women buying shoes like these following an evening full of libation and hours of being propped up in their heels.  Can’t you?

No word as to when they are coming to the US, but you can click here to find out more information. 

P.S. They do ship to the US.

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Purple Reigns Over Fall’s Color Pallet

From shoes, jackets, clothes and accessories, you can’t help but notice purple is Fall’s new “it” color.  Long believed to be the symbol of royalty, purple dye has an interesting history.  Did you know, the genesis of purple dye is believed to lie in the glands of tiny shellfish creatures?

Purple dyes can be traced back to about 1900 B.C. where early archaeological evidence points to the Minoan civilization in Crete.  Ancient texts dating back to around 1600 B.C. indicate that the dye was produced from the mucus of the “hypobranchial gland” of a variety of marine mollusks, most notably the Murex.  Incredibly, it took 12,000 shellfish to produce only 1.5 grams of the pure hue.

It’s no surprise then that only royalty would be able to afford such precious material.  Hence purple became a symbol of power and status for the tone and those who wore it.

Fortunately, we have William H. Perkin to thank for the opportunity to wear the royal shade.  While working on a cure for malaria in 1856, Mr. Perkin discovered an aniline-based purple dye, mauveine changing the world of modern dyes and introducing the masses to “mauve”.

You learned something today didn’t you?  Now that you know a little of the history of the color purple, here are some of your many choices for Fall.

(click on images for shopping information)

  Source: Dr. Richard M. Podhajny, Ph.D

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Back To School

Before my surgery, I was contacted by a writer from a Kansas newspaper inquiring which trends would be popular for middle school and high school girls.  I thought I would pass along some of my ideas for those of you in school or have kids about to head back in the coming weeks.

You may remember many of these trends from the fall catwalks and have now filtered their way down to school age children.  Some of the trends like polka-dots, plaid and the color purple are very hot for adults as well. 

In the coming weeks I will do a more in-depth look at key fall looks, but in the meantime, don’t forget that Nordstrom is having their Anniversary Sale.  It’s a great opportunity to pick up some of those coveted fall looks at a significant savings.  But don’t wait too long, the sale ends August 4th!

80’s Styles Abound

As it was in the spring, neon and other 80’s inspired styles are still really popular.  For fall, you will still see a lot of footless tights and graphic tees, along with updated jean jackets and tailored bomber jackets top off the look. 

I love this jacket from Forever 21.  To add a little of your own personality, style your jacket “Old-School”, with some vintage rock or message buttons.  Check out the eBay store Punk Your Buttons for a little retro flair.

(click on images for shopping details.)

 

Pitter Patter of Pattern

There’s a lot to like about this fall’s love affair with patterns.  First off, incorporating different patterns like hounds tooth, plaid, stripes, polka dots and geometric prints give your wardrobe endless possibilities.  A shirt with multiple colors offer several options when paired with different sweaters, jackets, pants, accessories or shoes to change the look.  It’s a great way to increase your wardrobe without increasing the volume.

This Tribal Print Tee from Forever 21 has endless possibilities.  You can layer it with the above jean jacket, or a long sleeve T-Shirt or any number of colorful hoodies.  I can even see it with the very retro Reeboks pictured here and skinny jeans.

 

 

Middle School

 

  

 

Prep School Polish

The preppy look really never goes out of style, but the addition of varsity sweaters, argyle, blazers (Think Gossip Girl) and headbands move girls out of the original 80’s style, and into an updated look.

Middle School

 

 

 

Scarves Aren’t Just For Chilly Days

For fall scarves are a major accessory.  You’ll find them coinciding with many of the seasons popular trends such as print, plaid, fringe style or argyle.  Whichever option you choose, it’s a great way to spice up a t-shirt and jeans.

 

You Can’t go wrong with Chuck or Mary Jane 

Some of the hottest trends in footwear are Converse Chuck Taylor’s, Mary Janes, Moccasins and the T-Strap.  Think color and lots of personality.

Eco Conscious Carry-All

Kids have joined the Eco Conscious and sustainability movement, so here are some backpacks, lunch bags and water bottles that are earth friendly and cool.

 

 

I hope these suggestions help while you are out shopping this Back-To-School season.  And for all you ladies and young ladies getting ready to shop, it’s not cool to wear clothes that don’t fit well (that means muffin tops) or shows too much skin.  The cool girls wear clothes that fit, flatter and show off how creative they are.  As I write in all my Fashion Lessons, not all trends are made for your body.  Just because it’s in style doesn’t mean that it will look good on you.  Trust your mom’s or girlfriend’s opinions if you’re not sure.

 

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solestruck Exclusive Discount!

I recently stumbled upon a noteworthy shoe site that I think you should know about.  solestruck.com, although geared to the “Junior” market, solestruck offers such a wide variety of shoes, one could find shoes that appeal to everyone from teens to grandmas.  Not just the trendy types either, they have shoes to satisfy personalities ranging from granola goddess to glam girl.

Brand names include Roxy to Delman for the trendy types and Keds to Campers for those seeking comfort.

While I struck out when it came to finding a wide variety in my size (10.5), I was fortunate to find a pair of much needed workout sneakers by New Balance that I have on order. 

Now, because the majority of the world is not a big foot like me, I did some pre-shopping for you to get an idea of what shoe candy awaits you.

(Click on the image for links to each shoe.)

 

Here are four things that you should know about solestruck.com:

1. Shipping is FREE
2. Return shipping is free too! Now you don’t have to worry if the shoe fits.  If it doesn’t, you can return it and get the right size without paying to have them sent back to you. Fantastic!
3. You have 12 months from the date of purchase to return your shoes.  Can you believe that?  But please don’t try to send back a pair that you already wore out on your hot date.  Wear them around the house first to make sure they fit.
4. Finally, best of all, Fashion Sensei couldn’t forget her girls, so enter discount code FTGH88F2F for a 20% discount on your TOTAL purchase.  That even includes sale items!  This deal ends 7/16/08 so don’t wait.  Your shoes might not be there when you go back.  I got the last pair of New Balance in my size. 

A special thanks to Danielle at solestruck for the terrific discount for the Fashion Sensei readers!  This will officially be my last post for awhile, so I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and I hope to put up at least one post to note my progress in a couple of weeks.

Bye!

-F.S.

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Fashion Sensei Says…

 

Sale Away Until Memorial Day…

Barneys New York Private Sale, Save up to 40%

Victoria Secret Semi Annual Clothing Sale–  Save up to 50% off

Ann Taylor Loft– Save up to 70% off

Click here for a 20% off coupon for J.Crew this weekend.

Blue Fly Deal-A-Day, save an extra 15% off dresses today only.

e LUXURY Handbag & Shoe Sale, save up to 40%

Eco & Socially Conscious clothing coupons at White Apricot.

 

 

Go! International With Jonathan Saunders…

According to Nylon Magazine, British Designer Jonathan Saunders has been tapped to design a line in October for Target’s Go! International collection.

 

Excuse Me, Is This High Heel Heaven?

 

 

Seriously? Multi Tasking and Recycling All In One…

 

No Blind Eye To Fashion…

Barneys Co-OP has a fantastic new collection of diamond jewelry designed by fettY in braille.  You can find messages like “Yes”, “Mine” and “Tomorrow” along with various zodiac signs.

 

 

 

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Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

Heads up ladies, Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale begins today.   If there is something that you have had your eye one for spring, today’s the day to get on down to your local Nordstrom.  Here’s a quick little preview of what’s on sale. 

(click on images for shopping information)

 

 

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Marshalls Shoe Megashop

Recently I was approached by a marketing firm to visit Marshalls new Shoe Megashop.  As a bonus, I was given $50 to purchase some new shoes.  Needless to say I was in.  Who wouldn’t want $50 to get some new shoes?

So I went yesterday afternoon to see what I could find.  Coming in to this assignment, I was expecting something new and exciting about the new Shoe Megashop.  When I arrived, I was a little disappointed.  I was expecting something a little more welcoming and pleasing.  What I found, was a bit of a mess.  All of the shoes are arranged by style, not size and not all of the shoes in boxes are displayed. Rather than it being a relaxing browse for some fantastic shoes, I did a lot of digging.

I started from the back of the “shop” and worked my way to the front of the store.  In the rear of the department, I found the sale, children’s and men’s selections. In that section, I didn’t find anything that  I was interested in so I proceeded to the front of the store. 

I soon discovered, that they do not carry size 10 1/2 and very few size 11.  There were however, a great selection of sizes 6-8.  I had a friend come with me who is a size 11 and she soon left me to walk around the store because they didn’t carry her size. 

As I moved along toward the front of the department, the styles of shoes improved.  I found brand names such as Cole Haan, Born, Nine West, Anne Klein, KORS by Michael Kors and BCBGGirls.  The black Patent Leather pumps that I found from Cole Haan were really cute, but they were irregular and still $69.99.

As I forged on, I came upon a sale wall displayed by size and found some cute gray Ombre pumps for only $20.  But even in size 11 they were too small.  Then I found some really cute Etienne Aigner gladiator style flats with rectangular stones marked down to $20.  For that price, they were keepers.

As I was browsing, I also found these sandals by Ellen Tracy for $39.99.  They are right on trend and I can see these being a fantastic compliment to a lovely patio dress for the summer.

To complicate matters, I discovered a beautiful silver metallic wedge from Nine West that I really liked too.  That conundrum was soon rectified though, because they weren’t very comfortable (a little too narrow).

While I was shopping, I decided to get the opinion of three other women.  All three were very happy with the selection that Marshalls offered and did not have any trouble finding their size.  As you may guess, they were between a size 6- 9 so there was more to choose from. 

So my verdict for Marshalls Megashop?  For me personally, it was a C.  I think they had a pretty good selection of brand names, I just wish they had a better selection of sizes.

I am very thankful though for the two pair of shoes that I did find, so a LOUD thanks to Marshalls! 

If you are interested in finding a Marshalls Megashop near you, please click on this link for further information.

 

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