I have a weakness for two things: bad boys and great boots. It seems I can never get enough. But it was only recently that I realized the frightening similarities between the two. It’s actually hard to describe a bad boy and not think of a great boot. [...]]]> Click here for the original publication on delamina.com

Click here for original publication on delamina.com

Good news! For once we can discuss military without having to take sides in a heated debate, because this fall military has surged onto the fashion runways as one of the hottest trends. Sharply tailored, officer style jackets with double-breasted brass buttons and shoulder epaulettes, capped sleeves, piping and [...]]]>

Click here for original publication on delamina.com

Good news! For once we can discuss military without having to take sides in a heated debate, because this fall military has surged onto the fashion runways as one of the hottest trends. Sharply tailored, officer style jackets with double-breasted brass buttons and shoulder epaulettes, capped sleeves, piping and gold braided embellishments are truly chic, and can even remain a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

Aside from the military coats worn in World War II, you would see Brigitte Bardot wearing military inspired coats in the late ’60s, Madonna rocking a military jacket in the early ’90s, and no one can forget legendary Michael Jackson making military jackets a staple in his wardrobe with fitted and flashy jackets in a variety of colors. Beyonce, Rihanna and Taylor Swift have recently been seen paying homage to the King of Pop’s unforgettable style with their own highly embellished military coats.

The list of designers creating extravagant military jackets is long, with vintage Dior, Valentino, Ungaro, Balmain, Versace, Albert Nipon, Escada, and Armani possibly lurking in any number of vintage clothing shops. And, more current versions are available by Michael Kors, Bebe, BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters and Calvin Klein.

Fitted jackets with gold detailing, large metal buttons and ornate trims are big on the catwalks and everywhere in stores. You can even find affordable military styles at Target, H&M, Forever 21 and Gap. The most popular colors for this style are navy, gray, black, ivory and red, but you will also see them in fun colors like rose and bright yellow.

Try pairing your military jacket with an a-line dress and knee high boots for a sultry yet patriotic look. On casual days you can wear your fabulous military jacket with fitted jeans, a plain white tee shirt and a pair of over the knee boots. The strong silhouettes of these military jackets combine surprisingly well with feminine skirts and flirty hemlines, giving a balanced look of structure and vintage romance.

My dream jacket in this style is a tailored military jacket with a standing collar, asymmetrical buttoned front with a ruffled, tiered hem and ruffled sleeves. If you find a jacket in this style – buy it! Then pair it with leggings and boots, fitted jeans and your favorite platforms or even your LBD and a pair of statement heels.

Now find your perfect military coat and spend an evening as the sexiest admiral in the fashion navy!

If there is one thing I love in the magical world of fashion it’s that everything old can instantly become new again. And this season, the high glamour of the 1940s has been brought back to life.

There may be plenty of times you wish to escape the past, but when [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

If there is one thing I love in the magical world of fashion it’s that everything old can instantly become new again. And this season, the high glamour of the 1940s has been brought back to life.

There may be plenty of times you wish to escape the past, but when it comes to high waisted skirts, elbow length gloves, shimmering evening gowns, fancy hats, sharply tailored jackets, skirt suits, rolled up jeans, loose cardigans and sexy nylons – who would possibly run in the opposite direction?

This may sound strange, but World War II is actually responsible for many of the forties’ styles we covet today. With materials like wool, silk and leather needed to make military uniforms, fabric was scarce and garments were limited to certain silhouettes and lengths. Jackets came with structured and padded shoulders, and often mimicked the boxy, v-shaped silhouettes of the military jackets. Skirts were either full of swing or pencil straight but they all had something in common – they featured a high waist and a hemline grazing over the knee.

Hourglass was the desired figure shape and belts were added whenever possible to achieve the most defined waist. To further achieve this look, shoulders weren’t the only thing padded, sometimes even hips were! The fashionable women of the forties were also able to improvise cleverly. When silk and nylon were needed for war uniforms, women would coat their legs with tan makeup and draw lines up the back of their legs to imitate seams. Hats were used as a way to express individual style and were often decorated with pieces of foil, sequins, netting, paper and string.

Sexy “screen sirens” like Lauren Bacall, Veronica Lake, and Rita Hayworth inspired women in America with their breathtaking style and grace. And, in 1942, Casablanca hit theaters and Ingrid Bergman was soon added to the list of beautiful ’40s movie stars and fashion icons. Recently, Scarlett Johansson, Katherine Heigl, and Gwen Stefani are often seen borrowing from 1940s glamour with side swept ringlets, heavy brows, matte faces and fiery red lips.

Luckily, today we can find ample supplies of wool, silk and leather to satisfy our wardrobe needs, and vivid colors have taken the place of the darker shades seen in the ’40s. You can also incorporate feminine frills like ruffles, sheer fabrics and draped sleeves into the new rendition of forties fashion. On a night out, as the temperature gets closer to freezing, pair some elbow length gloves with your shimmering sequin dress. (Look for the perfect pair of slim leather ruched gloves.)

Add some glamour to your office attire with a vintage black skirt suit. The jackets on these suits should have broader shoulders and the waist should be cinched and form fitting. To make it a truly 40s era-inspired outfit, pair the vintage skirt suit with a sheer white blouse embellished with tiny buttons down the back.

For a casual day, cozy up and watch The Philadelphia Story in a pair of comfortable jeans, rolled at the hem, a men’s style blouse layered with a loose cardigan and then cinched at the waist with a skinny belt.
And, to really look the part, sweep your hair to the side, throw in some curlers, dab a little red on those lips and smile.

We all have one. And it’s said the style, color and contents can actually define us.

Nora Ephron devoted an entire chapter in her book to her disdain for purses, with a fitting title – “I Hate My Purse”. She talks about her purse being a direct representation of her perpetual [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

We all have one. And it’s said the style, color and contents can actually define us.

Nora Ephron devoted an entire chapter in her book to her disdain for purses, with a fitting title – “I Hate My Purse”. She talks about her purse being a direct representation of her perpetual disorganization. “This is for those of you who understand, in short, that your purse is, in some absolutely horrible way, you. Or, as Louis XIV might have put it but didn’t because he was much too smart to have a purse, Le sac, c’est moi.”

Take a glance at your purse, then, when you’ve mustered up enough courage, take a look inside. Scared? Me too. The only way I can defend the 20 pounds I’m carrying inside my purse is that I have an innate need for preparedness. My biggest fear is that I will be stranded somewhere and not have … my chapstick? Expired coupons? A broken eyelash curler?

My purse has five outside zipper compartments, which might seem excessive, but you would think these multiple compartments easily handle the contents – instead each compartment is a black abyss. A zebra print wallet that won’t shut (unfortunately this isn’t because it’s overflowing with cash), a metal card case, pink camera, eyeglass case (minus the eyeglasses), travel toothbrush and toothpaste, a watch, a black cuff bracelet, a giant safety pin (you have no idea how many times this little guy has saved me), 4 band aids in various sizes (one with an unidentifiable phone number scribbled on it), hand lotion, hand sanitizer, loose vitamins, a ripped, dog-eared and smudged checkbook, an expired South Beach diet bar (in case I’m stuck in the wilderness for days and left with the choice between chewing my own limbs or eating this stale peanut butter bar…), an empty case of mints, crumpled receipts from shopping sprees I can’t bear to acknowledge, pepper spray, allergy medication, two packs of gum that have exploded out of their constraints and many out of their wrappers, The Little Webster Dictionary, a make-up bag, a brush, and my Blackberry (but the only way I can find it is if it’s ringing).

It’s because of all these essential survival items that I have become a huge fan of the large tote style or oversized hobo bag. Although some women claim these bags are bulky and overwhelming, I find them to be perfect for the girl who feels she needs to carry everything (me).

Taking my oversized purse out in small social settings often feels like I’m carrying a 75-pound English bulldog on my shoulder. With the slightest turn I can easily knock out 3 innocent bystanders without even realizing it, racking up more casualties on a night out than a ten minute stint in an early 1980s Sylvester Stallone war flick.

Yet, the idea of a clutch purse for evenings is absolutely ludicrous. How could I possibly fit everything I need into something the size of a small envelope? And choosing the contents that would make the cut would be too painful. On the nights when a clutch purse is used I end up carrying a larger purse in my car so I’m never too far from my necessities. And, although women who can subsist on lip gloss and a credit card fascinate me, deep down I know I can never conform.

In the end, handbag styles and self-improvement conquests may come and go, but my 5-zippered hobo bag is here to stay.

Two years ago, I never thought I would say this – at that point I had just left the northern tip of France after living there for four months. And, in over 120 days, I think it was sunny for five of them – but here I am, back in [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

Two years ago, I never thought I would say this – at that point I had just left the northern tip of France after living there for four months. And, in over 120 days, I think it was sunny for five of them – but here I am, back in love with the one thing I swore I wanted to ceremoniously burn upon my homecoming.

Leggings.

The truth is, we all love them. Don’t say you don’t, because you really do.

Leggings have been treated like the ugly stepchild of the hosiery family for too long – only being worn when that mini skirt needed liberation but your shivering legs just couldn’t handle it on their own. But, there are some new leggings in town, and trust me, they’re running the show. It will be hard to ignore all of the leggings being flashed upon legs this season. Metallic, fluorescent, faux snakeskin, leather – there is now a legging in every color and pattern imaginable.

And, although there were some seen strolling down runways with prices that would amount to the hefty down payment on your dream home, you can still find these leggings at department stores for a reasonable price. (That leaves you with no excuse.)

Leggings are so comfortable it can feel like you have nothing on. And, they can be added to virtually any outfit – whether the weather is insisting on their presence, or not. Do you like wearing dresses on certain occasions? Oh, you do?! Well, next time, just pair that dress with a pair of black leggings. See? That wasn’t so hard.

You hate dresses? Well then, try a pair of denim leggings. You can pair them with a camisole and blazer, or just match them with an oversized tee shirt or a tunic (throw on some heels and that will make the slender leggings appear even slimmer).

Your ankles are wobbling from the mere thought of heels? Leggings make you look even more graceful when you wear them with ballet flats.

There is one pair of leggings that needs some defense – skintight “wet” leggings are considered territory for girls who haven’t consumed more than a carrot stick and 16 ounces of water in the last 3 months. I have to object. Liquid leggings, in a matte or shiny finish, can be sexy, daring and slimming – if you find the right pair that shows off your assets and flattens every possible flaw.

I have a pair of gray lace leggings, found a pair of zippered black leggings for a steal, I’m desperately searching for the right liquid leggings, and – at this very moment – I’m wearing a pair of denim leggings (with a fake zipper and fake pockets) that I love more than my favorite pair of pajama pants.

Believe in miracles, because there is a legging out there for you. I know. It’s hard to believe. But love comes in all shapes and sizes. Just go with it.

My first pair of heels came from a grocery store – I was 2 years old and those pink plastic sparkly heels were all I ever wanted. I begged, I pleaded, let’s be honest, I even cried. My mom finally caved and I wore them home. The sad news is [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

My first pair of heels came from a grocery store – I was 2 years old and those pink plastic sparkly heels were all I ever wanted. I begged, I pleaded, let’s be honest, I even cried. My mom finally caved and I wore them home. The sad news is I didn’t make it inside my house before I fell – right on our driveway – giving myself a 3-inch gash on the elbow that left a scar I still admire proudly. Mom took those heels away that very same day. I’ve been trying to make up for the loss ever since.

But, at the age of 20, I still hadn’t developed my “sea legs,” missing the last step in a long set of stairs while wearing a jean skirt, a leather jacket and a sexy pair of black 3-inch wedge heels. As the cast was removed from my ankle 8 weeks later, I vaguely remember the doctor firmly instructing me to avoid wearing high heels. One week later, I tossed the air cast aside and went on a hot date in a hot pair of heels. I was able to follow my hair stylist’s instructions about taking prenatal vitamins for hair growth, but a man with a medical degree doesn’t impress me – at least not enough to get rid of my shoes.

With a collection of heels that concerns most people, I’ve discovered that there is only one thing better than leaving a store with a bag of shoeboxes, and that’s having the boxes show up right at your front door. I’m a girl that refuses to get on the back of a motorcycle unless Hugh Jackman is driving it. Yet you’ll find me in the produce aisle wearing stilettos. After a broken ankle and a few scars, I do have to wonder which is really more dangerous – a Harley Davidson or my favorite Steve Madden’s? I guess I like to live life dangerously. And I’m not the only one. Faith Hill once said, “I perform in heels – can’t get my mojo without them.” Marilyn Monroe said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” Agreed.

My girlfriends are baffled with my courage to wear high heels on a night out. Aside from the hazards of slipping on spilt beer or drinking too much beer and slipping in general, with heels on I stand about 6 feet tall. And since I don’t live in Holland, this usually leaves me staring at the top of every guy’s head all night long. But maybe this actually makes it easier – I can narrow down my options to the only guys I’m able to make eye contact with.

One thing is certain, various injuries and short men aside, this season’s shoes are reason enough to hold on to my addiction. From gladiator heels, to straps covered in zipper embellishment and studs, to hot pink and yellow slingbacks, peep toes in floral prints and patent round toe nude heels. It’s high heel heaven.

What can I say? I’m in love. And when you know, you just know.

Often considered the “oldest type of jewelry,” you may have thought brooches were a prehistoric accessory, something that was only worn by ancient royalty – and you may have been right – until now. This season brooches are making a comeback.

They still offer a vintage feel, but with a sexy [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com 

Often considered the “oldest type of jewelry,” you may have thought brooches were a prehistoric accessory, something that was only worn by ancient royalty – and you may have been right – until now. This season brooches are making a comeback.

They still offer a vintage feel, but with a sexy facelift, the brooch is officially back and better than ever. Some have credited Michelle Obama with this newfound love for the antique pins, but celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, Sharon Stone and Claudia Schiffer have all been spotted with statement brooches pinned to their extravagant outfits.

Brooches can give an extra dose of fabulous to an already fabulous outfit, and who can honestly say when enough fabulous is enough? You can find a brooch at department stores, second hand shops, or even inside your mother or grandmother’s treasure chest of jewels. And searching for the perfect brooch is definitely half the fun of wearing one. Once you discover that dream brooch, which could be made from silver, gold, bronze, steel, pewter, brass or even wood, it’s time to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

There are so many things you can do with a brooch – it’s almost alarming. Wearing it on the upper left shoulder of your blouse, jacket or dress is an easy way to start, but the more adventurous could try pinning it at the low point of a v-neck dress or shirt. The more conservative wearer could button her blouse all the way and then pin the brooch over the top button.

Pin the brooch on the hip of your solid toned dress to add a little glitter, or accentuate the slit in your skirt by pinning the brooch where the fabric first separates. If you have a dress or tee shirt that is too big you can bunch the extra fabric together and pin it in place with a brooch and you’ll soon have a fitted garment with a new eye-catching detail.

You wouldn’t think your hair is any place for a brooch, but I am here to tell you that this is one of the most popular ways to wear them. You can pin it to two bobby pins, a barrette, or a headband and voila! A gorgeously shimmering updo!

And, finally, I was recently in Macy’s where I bought a fitted black satin one-shoulder dress, and sure enough, pinned on that one shoulder was a brooch of black and crystal jewels in the shape of a large flower. Another way to wear the brooch: by drawing attention to the asymmetrical cut of your little black dress.

If you ever tire of wearing brooches on your clothes, you can pin them on clutch purses, bags, hats, and even fasten scarves with them. Find a brooch that you love and then explore the possibilities!

If you ask me, Catwoman was the girl to make leather a sexy trend. The sassy feline burglar known for carrying a whip and getting away with high stakes theft – all while holding the key to Batman’s heart – was the reason for my first leather jacket when I [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

If you ask me, Catwoman was the girl to make leather a sexy trend. The sassy feline burglar known for carrying a whip and getting away with high stakes theft – all while holding the key to Batman’s heart – was the reason for my first leather jacket when I was 15 years old. As if leather wasn’t hot enough, Catwoman took that jumpsuit to another level.

But, if dressing from head to toe in a skintight leather jumpsuit is too intimidating for you, this season presents tons of leather options, so you can incorporate as much or as little as you want. There’s only one rule this fall – no matter what your personal style is, there is no excuse for avoiding leather this season. You can find a piece made just for your wardrobe.

If this is your first plunge into leather, buying a jacket is the best item with the best cost-per-wear ratio. You can pair a casual, fitted leather jacket with leggings, denim, fitted pants and skirts without having to worry about too many fashion rules. Just make sure the jacket is well tailored to your body, and when wearing the jacket with skirts, be sure it is proportional to the hem of the skirt.

If you want to find a leather jacket that fits with the trends of the season, find one with studded embellishments, or a jacket loaded with exposed zippers. Leather biker jackets are also hot for fall. My personal favorite is a soft leather jacket with a ruffled collar – Victoria Secret and BeBe both have this style for a fairly moderate price. Sending mixed messages, the girly ruffles give the edgy leather an unexpected feminine twist.

If you can’t bear the thought of real leather, Forever 21 has some vegan leather jackets for under $100 – with cropped styles, embellishments and even some with multiple zippers – so you can get your leather fix without ever having to touch leather.

Venturing away from the more traditional pieces, a leather mini skirt can be worn over leggings with a white tee shirt, a bright colored cardigan and some ballet flats to give just a dash of vixen, or it could be worn with a silky camisole and gladiator heels for the more adventurous.

Liquid leather leggings are considered a must-have item for fall. The idea of leather and leggings combined into one item may leave you scared, but if you are daring enough to squeeze into a pair, they would look perfect with a belted cashmere sweater and some ankle boot heels. Also, it’s hard to believe, but with the right fit, these skintight leggings can be very forgiving – showing a slim silhouette while sucking you in. (And, don’t go for a bigger size because they will stretch.)

With all the colors, prints, styles and pieces of leather out there – you just can’t say no to leather. And honestly, why would you want to?

Proof that function can be fashionable – exposed zippers are showing up on everything from purses to shoes, jewelry and more. These metallic teeth can give your look a youthful rocker edge and add gleaming texture to your clothes and accessories.

Zipping down boots, bags, skirts and jackets, the zipper [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

Proof that function can be fashionable – exposed zippers are showing up on everything from purses to shoes, jewelry and more. These metallic teeth can give your look a youthful rocker edge and add gleaming texture to your clothes and accessories.

Zipping down boots, bags, skirts and jackets, the zipper trend is not a new one – but right now, the zipper is begging to be overexposed. And with so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find a zipper style to match your personal wardrobe.

Best of all, you can even find zippers on jewelry! There are bracelets and cuffs with zipper embellishments, brooches made of zippers, earrings that actually zip up and even zipper rings. I’ve even seen zippers on headbands.

Katherine Heigl showed us the right way to wear zippers in her latest film, The Ugly Truth, wearing a skintight beige dress with an exposed zipper down the back while salsa dancing with Gerald Butler. If you want to embrace the zipper trend while wearing a fitted dress opt for dresses and zippers in contrasting colors for a bigger visual impact. For a day at the office you can find a fitted pencil skirt zipped from waist to hem and pair it with a ruffled blouse and heels to get a daring but professional look.

Another Fall must-have is the leather jacket (stay tuned), and this style gets even better when you find a jacket with multiple zipped pockets and zipped up sleeves. Bootie heels accentuated with a zipper up the front or back would look great with an end of summer dress and transition to your warmer winter clothes with ease. Or, look for a pair of strappy zipper sandals – the only thing better than one zipper is a shoe covered in them.

One last thing, if you find a pair of leggings with zippers climbing down the sides – buy them – you can pair them with an oversized tee shirt, cocktail dress, comfy sweater or tunic. You’ll thank me later.

Ready. Set. Expose that metal zipper.

It’s comforting to remember that April showers bring May flowers, but with the tease of warm weather around every corner, you may feel like retiring your trusty umbrella and practical rainboots to the back of your trunk. When the rain hits this April, instead of giving in to the blues, [...]]]> Click for original publication on delamina.com

It’s comforting to remember that April showers bring May flowers, but with the tease of warm weather around every corner, you may feel like retiring your trusty umbrella and practical rainboots to the back of your trunk. When the rain hits this April, instead of giving in to the blues, put on a new pair of shoes!

The rush of buying a new piece of jewelry can probably only compare to one thing, the rush of buying a new pair of shoes.

If you have ever walked into a large building, filled with rows upon rows of shoes, one for every occasion, every dress, every jean, every bad hair day or tough break up, then you know the same sparks of joy. Shoes give a promise of possibility. Shoes can make things happen. Shoes don’t care if you gained five pounds, or if you’re wearing last season’s fashions, they are only there to encourage you.

And this spring, there are many shoe styles to choose from. There is only one thing they all have in common – ladies, this season you will need to get over your fear of heights because platforms are here in full force.

Boldly strapped heels, cage styles and lace-up ankle booties may cover a lot of foot, but don’t underestimate the sexiness of these spring musts. This season, it’s time to embellish – the more trimming, the better. Platforms are adorned with buckles, zippers and as many straps as you can handle. Ruffles, jewels, lace and bows aren’t just for clothes anymore. And sandals now come with collars.

Bright colors like fiery orange and bubble gum pink will definitely add a splash to any spring dress. But for those less daring, neutral colors, like tan, beige, and taupe are still in, and offer the added bonus of visually lengthening those legs. Faux snake skin, metallic hues, floral prints, or designs in a multitude of colors will give just enough attitude to that simply understated business suit or your favorite well-worn jeans.

It’s time to embrace the pure euphoria of carrying bags filled with shoeboxes and endless fashion opportunities. And when you bring them home, you may even wonder why President Obama hasn’t thanked you personally for your recent help with the economic stimulus.