The Leisure Time

• When in London, pack a chic trench. It’s a good thing I did! Here are some photos from a drizzly early morning stroll, wearing my sunglasses and with a Zara blouse, jeans, vintage Chanel bag, and my  current favorite  onlymaker pumps !

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The 2014 Emmy Awards: The 10 Best Dressed Celebrities

The fashion choices of this year’s nominees were as varied and specific as their performances, but were brought together by a cohesive theme of confident romance—Laverne Cox’s loose curls and plunging neckline, Claire Danes’ lace and beaded Givenchy—and sleek chic frocks—Anna Chlumsky in long-sleeved Zac Posen, Gwen Stefani in shimmering Versace.

 

 

Gwen Stefani in Atelier Versace and Neil Lane jewelry

 

Claire Danes in Givenchy

 

Michelle Dockery in Rosie Assoulin and Ana Khouri jewelry

 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera

 

Anna Chlumsky in Zac Posen and Stephen Russell jewelry

 

Julia Roberts in Elie Saab Couture, Wilfredo Rosado for Scarselli Diamonds earrings, Irene Neuwirth ring, and onlymaker shoes

 

Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli Couture, Irene Neuwirth jewelry, M2Malletier bag, and Christian Louboutin shoes

 

Taissa Farmiga in Honor

 

Allison Williams in Giambattista Valli Couture

 

Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer and Fred Leighton jewelry

                                                                                                 onlymaker collection

Hair and Makeup Trends From The 2014 MTV VMAs

 

In true fashion, the 2014  VMAs brought out some of the best looks from celebs. From sparkly dresses to patterned maxis, we saw a number of memorable looks from the red carpet. But it wasn't just the fashions that had us turning our heads. The hair and makeup looks also had us glued to our screens. And already we've noticed a number of trends forming. Take a peek at the top hair and makeup trends from the 2014 VMAs.

Center parts

        Jessie J, Kesha, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jennifer Lopez and Jordin Sparks all rocked center parts. 

Unlike other award shows, the hair looks at the VMAs were less about the updos and more about the effortless appeal. Deep center parts dominated the red carpet. FromKesha's rainbow waves to Jordin Sparks' sleek strands, deep middle parts were all the rage.

Slicked-back strands

                   Ali Fedotowsky, Iggy Azalea, Renee Bargh, Rita Ora all opted for slick strands. 

In other hair news, slicked-back strands were another popular look for famous faces hitting the red carpet. Stars such as Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora and Ali Fedotowsky nailed the brushed-back, smooth look.

Pink Makeup

The final trend we spotted on the red carpet wasn't about hair but rather a makeup look that dominated. From mascara to nails to lips, hot pink was the color of the night.Gwen Stefani not only chose the color for her outfit but for her pucker, too. Solange Knowles used the color as an accent by applying it to her top lashes. And finally Victoria Justice opted for the trend for both her lips and tips when she wore a hot pink lip and manicure.

                  Actress Victoria Justice attends the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards 

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2014 Fall Shoes Trend

Over the coming months, we'll be carving up all the juicy details of 2014's hottest fall shoe trends, like straps, cuts, and heels and embellishments. But, in the meantime, I wanted to give you a bit of an overall view as to what's in store for our feet. A preview, so to speak.

Below, I've touched on a few of the most basic trends we'll be seeing: what's happening in flats; the most popular heel heights and the current status of platform soles; where boots are headed; and which colors we'll be seeing the most of in footwear this fall. So, kick back, get into an autumn mindset (maybe by thinking about fall foliage, hot chocolate or cozy sweaters), and have a look at what's coming our way in shoes and boots. And, don't forget to watch this space for more details in the coming weeks.

Top Colors, Prints and Details for Fall 2014

In addition to the usual fall palette of browns and other earth tones, this year we'll be seeing a lot of blacks. Nothing new there, of course, black is always in. But, let me be very clear here, I do mean a LOT of blacks.

Animal prints are also back for another season, with cat prints beating out reptile prints this time around. We'll also be seeing a good number of herringbone patterns.

Footwear that glitters or shimmers is also going to be especially hot, so keep an eye out for everything from actual glitter to sequins, to rhinestone embellishments and sparkly metallic finishes.

For a boost of real color, look for shoes in deep red; dark berry and purple shades; bright to dark blues; and a smattering of dark, muted geens.

A Multitude of Options in Flats

I have a theory that, in fall, we tend to gravitate towards flats and lower-heeled shoes. Especially those of us who live in cooler climates.

Naturally, part of that is because we're anticipating winter, which means icy streets, snow-covered sidewalks, and lots of other conditions that aren't exactly heel-friendly.

But, even before the weather turns really bad, we start reaching for lower heels and flat shoes. I think the cooler temperatures make our "comfort first" mindset kick in. On some level, we're seeking the safety that flats provide. Or, maybe flat shoes remind us of the "back to school" days of our youth.

However it breaks down, this year is no different. There are lots of flats to choose from. What is a bit different than in other years is the vast array of styles that are available. From women's oxfords to loafers, and d'Orsays to sneakers, there are flats to suit everyone for 2014.

A few of the styles we'll be seeing the most of are:

• Pointy-Toed Flats: A carry-over from spring and summer, the styles we'll be seeing for fall look so sophisticated in warm colors and lush materials.
• Fashion Sneakers: With more and more women defying years of fashion "rules," and pairing sneakers with dressier skirts and dresses, the designer and high-voltage sneaker craze is showing no signs of slowing down.
• Chunky, Low-Heeled Shoes: Nearly menswear-inspired, but with a bit more imagination, this year there will be an abundance of women's oxfords and loafers with low, wide heels, and lots of fun details and finishes.
• Casual Slip-Ons: Not quite sneakers, but worn in pretty much the same way, casual slip-on shoes have come a long way.  This coming season, they'll be available in array of fall prints and colors that are perfect for pairing with your favorite jeans or leggings.

Fall's "State of the Heels" Address

Last fall, platform shoes finally gave way to single-soled heels. And now, that comeback is complete. If you judge it only by the numbers, platform shoes are officially "out," and heels with thinner-soled fronts have been re-established as the norm.

Of course, that means that heel heights have finally come back down to earth as well -- although not as dramatically as one might have hoped.

While we're seeing heels in the 3-4" range, and even some kitten heeled shoes, there is still an abundance of pumps, boots and sandals that feature heels over 4-inches. Most of them just won't have platform heels to counter their height.

As far as heel shapes go, squared and block heels are the clear leader -- but that's only because they are the "trend," and not the usual. There are actually more styles with classic dress heels than there are with block heels, they're just not as exciting to talk about. Oh, and there are still a decent number of pumps and boots with wedge heels, although calling them a trend would probably be overdoing it.

Boots and Booties for 2014

It's not breaking news that booties and ankle boots are going to be hot for fall. They always are. But this year, they're hotter than ever. Or at least, it seems like that's the case.

Here's why: shoes with full fronts and open backs are extremely "in" this year. They look a lot like booties. Add those to the normal allotment of booties we usually get, and it looks as if we're going to be overdosing on bootie-type footwear this fall. Which, is fine by me, I quite like short boot styles. They're perfect for wearing with jeans, and can also be dressed up with tights, and skirts and dresses. And I'm happy to say that there will be plenty of flats and heels to choose from this year.

The only controversial bit is the fact that a lot of these shoe-booties have open toes, or, as mentioned above, open backs. Most women are fine with the open back thing, probably because we're all used to fall mules and fashion clogs.

On the other end though, a lot of women truly despise open-toed booties. I know this, because several years ago, when they first came into the spotlight, I received a lot of hate mail. Not directed at me, thankfully, but aimed at the trend. While a few people were really excited to have something new in the way of shoes, but the vast majority of feedback I heard was negative. It was clear, at least at that time, that most women expected their booties to have closed toes.

If you're one of those women, perhaps I can temper the fact that we're going to have another round of open-toed booties with this logic: they're very multi-seasonal -- especially if you purchase them in black, or a nice, mid-tone brown. OK, you wouldn't want to wear them in the snow or anything, but they work great for spring, summer and fall. So, there's that.

There's also this tidbit: there are still plenty of good old, regular booties and boots to choose from. You know, the kind with proper, closed toes, like combat boots, Chelsea boots, and the like.

Another bit of consolation? How about this: we're also going to be seeing a lot of simple tall boots, both the flat and heeled variety. Some of them will even extend over the knee. Surely that has to count for something.

In Washington, 300 Shoes Tied to Memories

Chiharu Shiota's 'Dialogue From DNA' in Krakow, Poland in 2004.

When you lose loved ones, what do you do with their shoes? Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota has built an international reputation exploring issues of memory, loss and the totemic power that people can give to everyday objects like shoes and keys.

Ms. Shiota will represent Japan at next year's Venice Biennale, but art lovers in Washington will get an early chance to see one of her elaborate shoe installations at a show opening Aug. 30 at the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

For "Perspectives: Chiharu Shiota," the artist has amassed at least 300 donated shoes—along with handwritten notes from each donor confiding a personal memory. Some donated their deceased parents' shoes; others donated high heels worn for milestones like weddings or music recitals. One wheelchair-bound donor gave the artist a pair that he intended to wear once he started walking again—only he never did.

Ms. Shiota, in a Tuesday interview, said that she plans to splay these shoes across a gallery near the museum's entrance. She will then spend several days using 4 miles of red yarn to link the shoes and thread the resulting spidery web to a single, dangling hook overhead. The mesh aims to illustrate the emotional heft of these objects, even though they are no longer worn, she said.

The artist with her 2012 installation 'Stairway.'  

Ms. Shiota said that she came up with the idea of using shoes when she left Japan in 1996 to study art in Germany. At first, her return visits felt comforting and familiar, but as the years passed, she felt an increasingly uneasy sense of in-betweenness, with neither place feeling like home. "I felt this gap in my imagination that reminded me of trying on old shoes," she said. "They fit, but they don't fit me anymore."

Curator Carol Huh said that she has had English translations done—accessible at a kiosk installed nearby or online—for many of the notes attached to the shoes. Visitors also can watch Ms. Shiota as she strings the piece together between Monday and Wednesday, adding a performance element that has also long been part of Ms. Shiota's work.

The artist's signature material is yarn, dyed red or black. Growing up in Osaka, Ms. Shiota said, she could draw anything that she could imagine and quickly tired of the effort. In college, she began experimenting with string installations in order to "make drawings in the air." By the time she moved to Germany, she was encapsulating entire rooms in ornate webs, sometimes with desks or beds or nightgowns seemingly suspended in midair.

"String can sag, connect or loosen," she added. "It has so many human qualities; it has tension."

Like the French sculptor Louise Bourgeois, Ms. Shiota uses string and other textiles to create her womb-like installations, but Ms. Huh said that Ms. Shiota rarely chronicles her own private memories, preferring to channel more universal feelings of loss and remembrance. One exception: As a child, the artist's neighbor suffered a house fire, and Ms. Shiota was mesmerized by the charred piano the neighbor later carried to the trash. She evoked this memory in a 2002 piece shown first at Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart in which she set fire to a broken, century-old piano and later covered it with string. Ms. Shiota said that she was struck by the image of an object that looked like a piano but could no longer be played.

More recently, Ms. Shiota has started compiling other objects tossed aside by her neighbors in Berlin, where she now lives. These include 2,000 wooden window frames that she has reconfigured into see-through chambers and Babel-like towers. Next up: keys. For the Venice Biennale, she's amassing 50,000 of them. "If you have a key in your hand, you have a chance," she said. "You have access."

High Heels for Beginners

So, you've got a special event coming up. A job interview or a wedding. If you're a teenager, maybe it's your first prom. For whatever reason, you feel as if you really should wear a pair of high-heeled shoes.

There's only one problem. You're not really comfortable in high heels because you just don't care for them. Perhaps it's been a really long time since you wore anything but flats or sneakers.

Or maybe, you've never worn heels before. And now you've decided that you kind of like the idea. You want to shake things up. Change your image a bit. You're allowed. Right? absolutely right

And I've got even better news for you. 

A) It's not as scary/weird/awkward or uncomfortable as it might seem;

B) it doesn't really matter whether you just need a refresher, or you're an absolute beginner when it comes to wearing heels.

Not a single person I know of came out of the womb wearing heels. And, no matter how elegant, natural, or graceful so-and-so seems in her stilettos, she too had her first time. If she can do it, you can do it. What's more, you won't look ridiculous doing so.

First things first, banish all thoughts of B-list celebrities in sky-high platform pumps, or statuesque models strolling down the runway in 5" heels. While you're at it, get rid of any mental images that involve strippers, prostitutes, drunks or chavs.

And before you strain your imagination trying to come up with a friendlier image of women in high heels: stop!

This is you we're talking about. Your tastes. Your wardrobe. Your feet.

Now, let's get those feet of yours into some heels.

But High Heels Don't Seem Natural

That's because they're not. We weren't born with spikes coming out of the bottom of our feet, so it's absolutely not going to feel natural at first. In all honesty, you may never be comfortable in extremely high heels.

That's ok. In fact, it's better than ok; it's actually a good thing.

It's well-documented that wearing high heels too often or for extended periods of time can cause short- and long-term pain in our legs, knees, back, feet, and ankles. Not to mention the risk of injury that comes with just by walking in a pair of heels.

High-heeled shoes force our bodies into uncomfortable -- and unnatural positions. Elevating the heels of our feet increases the amount of pressure placed on the balls of our feet and force our bodies forward. This throws off our balance, changes our posture, and it alters the way we walk. Needless to say, all those adjustments, especially at once, puts a strain on body parts we might not be used to straining.

Having said that, a lot of women do, and will continue to, wear high heels every single day. You might too. You don't have to. It's your call. But, if you're ever going to attempt wearing heels, you need to start the right way.

That means slow and steady.

It means not causing yourself pain.

All it does mean is that you're going to ease your way into shoes that may not be quite like the ones you're currently wearing, but also aren't all that different.

And that, is a lot less scary. In fact, it's not scary at all.

The Best Heels for Beginners

Read this: Do NOT attempt to wear extremely high or thin heels your first time. Now, make a promise to yourself (and to me) that you're going to follow that advice, and use the suggestions below to choose your first pair of heels.

• Skip the pointy toes! They can be painful, even for pros. You certainly don't need that kind of X-factor at this stage in the game. A shoe with a round toe is the beginner's best friend.
   
• No heels over 2.5 inches. Down the road, you may choose to go higher, but you don't ever need to. And, for your first pair, you definitely shouldn't exceed this limit. There is no reason to. You can easily find evening shoes and casual shoes with heels lower than this. And, starting with a lower heel will actually make you feel (and look) more comfortable and confident than you ever will teetering on -- or falling off -- of heels that are too high.
   
• Block or chunky heels are best for heel novices.
   
• If you simply must have a dressier heel, look for styles that taper from being wide at the top to slightly less wide at the bottom. Avoid heels that are skinny and straight, or any that are very thin at the bottom tip.
   
• Wedges - Wedge heels might be a good option, but you'll have to look at them carefully to be sure they'll provide the proper balance. Turn the shoe upside down. If the whole heel is as wide as the upper of the shoe, then it will make for a good first heel. If it becomes more narrow towards the middle of the shoe, skip it for now, and stick with one of the other options listed above.
   
  
• You Might Need a Different Size - Even if you're always, always, always a size 9.5 or 7, you should still try on your first pair of heels before buying them.
  
  Two reasons. First, some styles of shoes are more forgiving than others. So, if you are used to wearing sneakers, you might not realize that you actually need a 9.5 wide ornarrow. Also, if you're used to shoes that have a lot of padding or more flexible uppers, you may find you're not quite as comfortable in more structured shoes, even though they're the same size.
  
  If can only find the shoes you really want online. Try checking out a similar style from the same manufacturer in person first. As a last resort, be sure that the site you're ordering from has acceptable return policies.
   

Moving On Up

Once you've found a pair of comfortable heels that you're not terrified of walking in, follow the steps outlined in this tutorial for Walking in High Heels.

When you're confident enough in your new heels, you can gradually move up in height, and begin thinking about different shoe and heel styles -- assuming you want to. We're fortunate enough to live in an era with such variety that women shouldn't feel confined to wearing any specific style.

If you're happier where you're at now, take comfort in the fact that you'll probably save yourself loads of possible pain and problems down the road. And remember, I've got loads of tips for choosing  stylish flats and low-heeled shoes as well.

Tips For Buying Shoes Online

It used to be that if you wanted a new pair of shoes, you trudged off to a department or shoe store; tried on several pairs; settled on one (or a dozen), and took your purchases home with you that day.

Lately, more and more people are breaking with tradition, and buying shoes online. In part, I believe this is because we've become more busy, but mostly I think that it's because we now have access to brands, designers, styles and sizes that we were not able to find in our local shoe stores.

If you feel the need for a women's size 14, extra-narrow, red pump with a 3 inch heel, chances are, you can find it at one of the many online shoe stores.

But all online shoe stores are not created equal. Here is some advice for buying shoes online.

Shipping Charges: The Added Cost of Buying Shoes Online

If possible, try to find out shipping charges before spending a lot of time adding items to your cart. You may think you're getting a great deal on all those shoes, but if shipping is too high, you might ending paying a lot more than you anticipated. This is especially true if you are ordering from a country other than the one you reside in.

Many online shoe stores offer free shipping, which is great. But do a few price comparisons before you buy. Occasionally, you'll find a better price at an online shoe store that charges a reasonable rate for shipping, and still come out ahead.

Returns/Exchanges - Know the Policies in Advance

Another hugely important element to buying shoes online is having the ability to return or exchange them if have a defect, don't fit, or just don't look the way you thought they would.

While most online shoe stores will offer some kind of return policy, don't take it for granted. Know before checking out that you'll be able to return the "new condition" shoes for any reason.

Of course, if you're willing to take a chance on a deeply discounted pair of shoes, you might decide to buy without a return policy. But you still need to know what your return and exchange options are before buying.

Also, find out in advance whether or not you'll have to pay the return shipping fees if you do need to make a return or exchange.

Need Your Shoes in a Hurry? Check Shipping Times

If you absolutely, most certainly, must have a particular pair of shoes by a certain date, I strongly recommend buying them in person, or ordering them far enough in advance that you have other options if your shoes don't ship in time.

This is not some hidden code implying that online shoe stores don't ship in a timely fashion. In fact, most of the shoes purchases I've made online have arrived in record time, but why take any chances?

Again, know the shipping policies of the online shoe store you're dealing with, and check to see if the item you're ordering is actually in stock. If it is back ordered, this could add weeks to your delivery time.

As long as you deal with reputable online shoe stores and pay attention to the details mentioned above, buying shoes online is a great way to save time and money; and to give yourself the most options when shopping for footwear.

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What to Wear: The Best Shoes for Mini and Short Skirts

The whole point to wearing a really short, or even a mini skirt is to show off your legs. But the wrong footwear choice can actually call attention to things you'd rather not emphasize. Below are a few of the best women's shoe styles to wear with shorter dresses and skirts, as well as a few styles you'll want to avoid.

Flip-Flops: If you're going super casual, flip flops or other flat sandals are a great look. If the skirt is simple, such as a denim mini, you can really perk up the look with a sandal that has beading, sequins or metallic detailing.

Sneakers: It's definitely a casual look, but sneakers can work well with a short skirt, like a denim mini. Avoid puffy, cross-trainers, and stick with a streamlined classic. For example, Keds would have a cute, somewhat preppy look, while Converse would add an edgy/urban twist.

Wedges: Mini skirts are all about the legs, and there are few things on earth that emphasize one's legs more than a pair of wedge-heeled shoes. Espadrille, bohemian, strappy and woven styles all look great.
                                            
Flats: Due to the fact that they can add "heft," ballet flats and skimmers don't work very well with longer skirts. But with they can look great with short skirts. Look for a pretty, simple style (nothing too fussy), and pair it with a casual or semi-casual mini for a look that's all leg, and all feminine.

Tall Boots: Knee-high boots, or boots that fall just below the knee have become a short-skirt staple, especially in cooler weather. Flat or heeled, and with or without tights, tall boots are an ideal match for shorter dresses and skirts, but the boots should be simple in design. Brown and black are especially good colors for this look, and they'll provided a lot of bang for the buck too, because you can wear them again and again, and with a variety of outfits.
                                             
Kitten Heels: Kitten heels are usually a rather delicate style of shoe, so they can work very well with short skirts. Thongs, slides, and strappy sandals with a small, low heel help accentuate the "leggy" look you hope for with mini dresses and skirts.

Shoes to Be Careful With

What we see on the runway isn't always the best look for real life, or all body types. While some of the following shoes can look really hot when paired with mini skirts, many of us will need to proceed with caution.

     

• Ankle Boots: Ankle boots can really do a number on some women's legs, making them seem bulkier and shorter than they actually are. Women with very thin legs might also struggle pulling off this look, as skinny calves could appear to be swimming inside of ankle boots.
  
  If you love your legs, give it a shot, otherwise stick with a less risky option.
   
• Stiletto Heels: Painful, yes; impractical, of course, but many still feel that stiletto heels make women's legs look sexier than any other type of shoes. So then, you'd think they'd be a natural with a mini skirt -- but they might not.
  
  
  Because of the extra sex appeal of stilettos, it could become "too much of a good thing" to pair them with a short skirt. If you have impeccable taste, do as you please. If you're the type that will worry that the look is cheap, then you might want to skip this combo.

Footwear to Avoid with Short Skirts

Unless you're an athlete, or it's part of some uniform you're being forced to wear, the following shoes are too bulky for most mini skirts.

• Oxfords
• Bulky Shoes
• Cross-Trainers
• Clogs
• Socks

6 Reasons to Wear High Heels

1. Add Height

Perhaps the most obvious reason to wear high heels is to add height. Whether you are short in build or just want to appear a little taller, there is no better way than by slipping on a pair of high heeled shoes. With so many choices available in heel height, you can choose a style that is just right for you.

2. Improve Posture

When you wear heels, you are forced to pay more attention to your posture. They make you stand up straighter, and the heels shift your weight forward to your toes, making it harder to slouch while standing. Practicing great posture - keeping your shoulders back and your stomach sucked inward - will also help you look good while walking in heels.

3. Draw Attention

A great pair of high heels can draw compliments from men and women alike. If you want to make a grand entrance, choose styles with unique or exaggerated features such as high stilettos or sculpted heels. Spice up a bland outfit with a pair of exotic or embellished heels. Wearing heels also alters the way you walk, giving you a sexy, hip-swaying strut.

4. Boost Confidence

There is something about slipping on a pair of high heels that leads to more confidence. High heels can make you appear more assertive, which can help you feel ready to take charge in stressful or difficult situations.

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5. Look Long and Lean

High heels add inches to your height and elongate the line of the legs, making them appear longer and thinner. If you wear leggings or pants that are the same color as your shoes, you can enhance this effect. Wearing heels enhances feminine curves and the muscles in your legs become taut, giving them a leaner, more toned appearance.

6.Express Personal Style

Shoes and other accessories are a fun and easy way to add your own unique touch to an outfit. There are all sorts of types of heels available, in a variety of colors and heel heights. Find a pair that speaks to your personal style, and experiment with a number of outfits.

While it is important to weigh the pros and cons of wearing heels, every woman should own at least one good pair. High heels can make you look taller and leaner, boost your confidence, and help you stand out from the crowd. Find a pair of high heels that makes you feel and look great and kick your wardrobe up a notch.

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