Shoe Up...for the 'Not So Off the Boat'

Recession-Proof Halloween

rraccent — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:35 +0000

So Halloween is right around the corner and on Friday, October 30th there will be very long lines wrapped around street corners with people attempting to purchase a last minute costume. I have not always been a avid fan of Halloween (I know plenty of people are, and I can definitely understand the Halloween Bday babies excitement during this time of year) I however usually stick to my homemade costumes. Homemade does not equal tacky, but rather resourceful. last year I resorted to a typical 70′s disco chick. We all have something retro-looking in our closets. Combine a tie-dye top or retro skirt with color coordinated accessories and a vibrant pair of boots and there you are-A Hippie!

I am also seeing quite a few referee costumes. Get a whistle, a black and white stripe top, pair it with black shorts and long sweat socks. Now mediate that play! Why purchase a referee costume for $29.99? And even if you don’t have a pair of black shorts in your closet, isn’t it a better investment to buy the shorts for $49.99 than a Halloween outfit that you will probably only wear once?!?!

Happy Trick or Treating!

Practical Boots doesn’t mean I’m Old!

rraccent — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:25:25 +0000

The weather has been anything but cooperative here in NYC. Taking the MTA in NYC is my most annoying, unsatisfactory daily experience. With that said, what shoes do I wear for my 1.5 hr commute to and from work?
During the summer I live in flats and comfortable sandals (while commuting with my wedge heels in my bag). During the Fall and Winter months, I stick to one pair of shoes per a day.
Thus far, the winning boot has been my impulse purchase on Fashion Night Out. A pair of Aldo ankle boots. They are quite comfortable and versatile. Today I stood on the train for about 45 minutes and it wasn’t as painful as it usually is with my other heeled boots. Plus I can wear these boots for work and play; over jeans or with leggings and even under slacks! The heel is ideal for that practical city style I crave and seems to be able to withstand all the galloping I do during the day. You can see the grit if you look close enough .
A bit pricey, but well worth it. Check it Out.

Being Centered

rraccent — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:54:11 +0000

I recently began experimenting with “the middle part” also known as the center part. You know, that part that goes straight down the middle of your head. At first I received comments such as, “Oh, you looking like a real coolie gyal”, but I ignored them; I was going to make the look work. I initially thought that the center part hairstyle was simple, clean and lacked variety, and after years of layers, it seemed fitting. However I have discovered the versatility of a middle part- soft waves, pin straight, loose curls, even a thin head-band with a low french braid all seem to work well with a center part.
The key to making the “middle part” work on my olive-brown skin tone: Jet black healthy hair.
Dry hair, frizzy hair, stringy hair, multi-toned brown/black hair leaves the style looking drab and middle-aged.
And I definitely could not rock the “middle part” with last season’s highlights.
Affordable healthy hair is at your local drug store- Garnier Fructis

Note: Having a consistent part encourages gray hair along the part line; so no matter what style defines you, mix it up every now and then!

Going Green this Winter?

rraccent — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:15:42 +0000

Like many or unlike many I take my nail polish seriously. It reflects my mood, the weather, the season…Needless to say I tend to follow the “trends”; always looking for the current season’s “in color”.
I recently came across Essie’s Fall Collection
My personal favorite is Angora Cardi. It has the warm feel, classy vibe. Great for a night out or an office meeting.

Take a look at Essie’s Winter Collection
Hummmm, this is definitely at odds with my season, mood classification. But because I am a green fanatic I will definitely be on the look out for Mint Candy Apple