"Nude" Shoes for Brown Girls

Besides working well with anything in your closet, nude shoes are also known for lengthening one's leg line. The key to this effect is to find shoes that match closely with your skin tone.

For us brown girls, that means walking straight past the shoes marked "nude" and heading towards shoes in camel, tan or chocolate brown. When searching for the perfect neutral it is also important to find a shoe with little to no hardware. This will help to streamline your entire look.

Below is a great selection of footwear in various shades of brown.

I call it my... *drum roll*

"nude" shoe color spectrum!






Clockwise starting from top:ALDO 'Nemets'
Tory Burch 'Pelham'
Srategia Platform Sandal
Diego Dolcini Platform Sandals
Report Signature 'Adrian'
Charles David 'Fever'
Dollhouse 'Criza'
Jessica Simpson 'Dany' (due to popularity, these are extremely hard to find)Harajuku Lovers 'Kandice'
Miss Sixty 'Jace'
Luiza Barcelos JN008A Platform Pump
Forever21 Criss Cross Platform


Find one in YOUR shade?


Check out the 2012 Edition of "Nude Shoes for Brown Girls" HERE!

Posh Passé "Diva Chick" T-Shirt GIVEAWAY (DST Edition)

First, congratulations to Candace for winning the PRETTY CHICK tee!

Since the launching of the Posh Passé "Chic Greek" line is mirroring the chronological order in which the black Greek sororities were established (click here for more info), next up is the DIVA CHICK tee for the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.'s motto is "A Sisterhood Called to Serve". Find out more about DST at DeltaSigmaTheta.org.

"Diva Chick is inspired by the devastating divas who rock the Red and White (Crimson and Cream)!

She is bold and innovative. She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it! Change is inevitable when it comes to Diva Chick.."








The t-shirt is adorned with the words "DIVA CHICK" in a red stencil font. The words sit atop an upside-down 'V' and an abstract delta symbol (Δ) - which is synonymous with change and representative of DST. This tee is artistically different from any other DST shirt on the market and is the perfect way to show your love for DST in style! To make a purchase, visit PoshPasse.com.

One lucky reader will win one of these shirts in either the fitted short sleeve or long sleeve version.

To enter the giveaway you must follow all 3 steps below:

1. Follow (or subscribe to) ChiTown Fashionista via Twitter, Facebook or Email.

2. Follow Posh Passé on Facebook or subscribe to the mailing list on the Posh Passé homepage.

3. Leave a comment on this blog post indicating how you are following (or subscribing to) ChiTown Fashionista and Posh Passé. Be sure to include your email address and shirt size (XXS to XL) in the comment.


For an additional entry: Retweet this giveaway.

GOOD LUCK!!

*This giveaway will end on Tuesday, July 6th at 11:59 PM (CST). The winner will be randomly selected.*

From Longchamp to Apple - My Current Wish List

Being a lover of all things fabulous, my wish list is ever changing. Surprisingly, the items on my current list are things I don't think will ever fall off until I actually obtain them. Ranging from clothing to electronics, these are all the things I just HAVE to HAVE!





And here's why...

Longchamp Eiffel Tower Travel Bag: I've been a fan of the Longchamp Le Pliage bag since my days of travelling on the Tube in London and wondering to myself, "what is this bag that EVERY woman is carrying?!" It's extremely lightweight and foldable, which makes it perfect for travel or your daily commute. The limited edition Eiffel Tower Travel Bag is even more special because it reminds me of one of the most beautiful (and fashionable) cities in the world. Plus, who wouldn't want the Eiffel Tower splashed across the front of their bag?

J. Crew Luxe Terry Un-Sweatpant: I've been on the hunt for some comfortable yet stylish pants and these are perfect! With the slim fit and ankle zips, they will pair well with slouchy tanks or t-shirts on top as well as gladiator flats, platform pumps or wedge sandals on the bottom. If you're looking for effortless chic, you'll want to grab some of these.

Nexus NEXD6897-26A Watch: Gold watches are all the rave right now. This Nexus watch with black dial is classic and could be worn with anything in your wardrobe. Priced under $100, it really is a no-brainer. Check it out here being sported by Dulce of DulceCandy.com.

Sound Asleep Comfort Pillow with Built-in Speaker: A few days ago I travelled to Washington DC for the 2010 Blogging While Brown Conference and had the pleasure of staying at the Liaison Capitol Hill (an Affinia hotel). The hotel offered its guests a range of specialty pillows and I was intrigued by the Sound Pillow. A way to listen to my iPod through my pillow as I fall asleep?!? That's just craziness! Needless to say, I fell in love and went on the search for one. Fellow blogger, Kim, told me about this Sound Asleep one that's available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I see a purchase in my very near future.


Apple iPad: I was officially sold on the iPad when I viewed my blog on it at the Apple store. It was beautimous! (yes, beautimous) Viewing websites and magazines on this baby would be simply amazing. Now, when I go to a website, I think, "this would look awesome on an iPad". And with designers creating cases like this and this, it's a fashionista's dream come true.


So, tell me...Do you own any of these items? If so, let me know what you think. Oh, and then email me your address so I can come get it. :-)

Summertime = Espadrille Season *clapping*

With the official start of Summer, we can't forget about the official shoe of summer - the espadrille. Although all espadrilles have a jute rope sole (the defining characteristic of a true espadrille), my favorites this season do not include the typical solid-colored canvas upper with ankle ties. This selection includes everything from studded leopard print slingbacks to twisted leather t-straps to flats. Even better than the selection is the price. All of these espadrilles are priced under $150!! (Check out those Coach ones on sale for more than 45% off the regular price)

Go ahead! Join in the Summer fun and pick up a pair of fashionable espadrilles today.




Clockwise from top left:
Aldo 'Goldfeld' - $75 (available up to size 11)
Coach 'Maritza' - $89 (available up to size 11)
Colin Stuart Flat Espadrille - $29 (available up to size 11)
Sam Edelman 'Leroy' - $111.75
bebe 'Sterling' -$129.99
Jon Josef 'Petalx' - $110 (available at Chicago's own Lori's Shoes)
Newport News Two-tone Espadrille - $29 (available up to size 11)


P.S. Feel free to drop a comment describing your favorite pair of espadrilles - either in your closet or in your dreams. Mine are a leather pair I bought in Paris over 4 years ago. Although they kill my feet after a couple of hours, they will always remain a favorite in my closet because of all the Paris memories associated with them. :-)

Posh Passé - New "Chic Greek" Line + GIVEAWAY (AKA Edition)

It's been almost a year since I blogged about the beauty of Posh Passé tees. Now, Posh Passé has launched a line of t-shirts specifically targeted towards black Greek sororities.

Chic Greek has been in development for some time due to the fact that the designer, Crystal Crayton, wanted to ensure that the tees were a) uniquely different from anything else on the market and b) an accurate representation of each sorority. With Chic Greek now ready to launch, Crystal has decided to introduce the line gradually to mirror the chronological order in which the sororities were founded. I simply love that idea!

That being said, the first Chic Greek tee to launch is for the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., whose motto is "A legacy of sisterhood and service". Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college trained women (visit AKA1908.com for the complete history).


"Pretty Chick is inspired by the lovely ladies who rock pink and green!

This is a modern day version of: “Pretty girls wear 20 Pearls”

Pretty Chick is a very feminine woman who holds herself on a pedestal, she makes no excuses for her self confidence….She knows she is pretty…."









Adorned with the words "Pretty Chick" in pink and embellished with pearls, this tee is perfect for the fashionably chic AKA. Handmade with pima cotton, I can guarantee this would be one of the softest tees in your wardrobe. The sizes range from XXSmall to XLarge and the tee comes in three varieties: off-the-shoulder, fitted short sleeve and long sleeve. To make a purchase, visit PoshPasse.com.


Now for the fun part...

Posh Passé will be sponsoring a giveaway right here on ChiTown Fashionista to promote the launch of each individual Chic Greek tee! That's FOUR separate giveaways (for each sorority) plus one additional giveaway to include a Posh Passé tee from the regular collection for those of us that are a part of Me Phi Me. :-)

This week's giveaway is the "Pretty Chick" tee in either the fitted short sleeve or long sleeve version.

To enter the giveaway:

1. Follow (or subscribe to) ChiTown Fashionista via Twitter, Facebook or Email.

2. Follow Posh Passé on Facebook or subscribe to the mailing list on the Posh Passé homepage.

3. Leave a comment below indicating how you are following (or subscribing to) ChiTown Fashionista and Posh Passé. Be sure to include your email address and shirt size in the comment.


For an additional entry: Retweet this giveaway.

GOOD LUCK!!

*This giveaway will end on Monday, June 28th at 11:59 PM (CST). The winner will be randomly selected.*

SoulSistah Fest - June 19-20, 2010 (Chicago)

Check out SoulSistah Fest this upcoming weekend!

In its second year, the SoulSistah Fest is a weekend long event that includes all types of fun for the entire family. This event will include a marketplace full of local vendors, musical/spoken word performances by some of the best local artists, dance lessons, crochet lessons from the lovely ladies of Double Stitch, a Natural Hair Forum and so much more!

It's the perfect way to enjoy the city and indulge in some Chicago summer fun!

Click here for the full schedule.

Regardless of whether your idea of "Summertime" is more Billie Holiday or more DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, you will have a blast. GUARANTEED!

UPDATE:
Based on information provided by the event host - due to unforeseen circumstances, majority of the outdoor festivities have been cancelled. However, some of the workshops will be moved indoors. Still feel free to stop by and participate.

Handbag AND Shoe Swoon - Dune Lonto and Pronto

The Lonto clutch bag and the Pronto pumps are available at Dune!

Shoe Swoon - Finsk Black/Pink Wedge

Available at OakNYC.com for $598.

GIVEAWAY: CitySlips Foldable Flats with Travel Pouch

Ladies, we have ALL been there. We wear our heels to work or a night out on the town and after a few hours (or minutes depending on the heel height), our feet are in pain. Oh, the price we pay to be fashionably fabulous!

Then enters CitySlips...

Started by two NYU college friends, Susie Levitt and Katie Shea, CitySlips was born to address the "many moments of hobbling, near tears, back to their Union Square apartments". CitySlips goes beyond the notion of carrying an extra pair of comfortable shoes. CitySlips are soft, leather-like foldable ballet flats that fit neatly into a pouch no bigger than a makeup case. But here's the best part: this same pouch converts into a tote large enough to carry those killer heels once you switch into your CitySlips. The concept is pretty genius. It makes CitySlips perfect for work, play or travel.

CitySlips sent me a pair to review and I must say that I'm impressed. The ballet flats are soft, incredibly light and extremely comfortable. The rubber double sole adds extra cushioning that helps to quickly relieve the pressure from wearing heels for a long period of time. The pouch is compact and the tote is large enough to accommodate any high-heeled footwear (except for, maybe, tall boots). Yep. I will definitely be using my CitySlips often.

Visit CitySlips.com for more info and to purchase yourself a pair.

Thanks to the lovely ladies at CitySlips, ChiTown Fashionista is offering a pair to one lucky winner!


To enter the giveaway, you must complete all three steps listed below:

1. Follow (or subscribe to) ChiTown Fashionista via Twitter, Facebook or Email.

2. Follow (or subscribe to) CitySlips via Twitter, Facebook or Email (simply indicate in the email that you want to subscribe to the City Slips maiing list).

3. Leave a comment below indicating how you're following (or subscribing to) ChiTown Fashionista and CitySlips. Be sure to also include your email address and shoe size in your comment. *Available sizes are S (5-6), M (7-8) and L (9-10)*

GOOD LUCK!!

This giveaway is only for readers in the U.S. and will end on Monday, June 14th at 11:59 PM (CST).
The winner will be randomly selected.

WINNER ANNOUNCED:

Congrats to our winner, Kimberly! I hope you enjoy your brand new pair of CitySlips. :-)

Stolen Thunder - Jewelry for Your Inner Child

Every time I begin to miss my second home, London, I window shop at PretaPortobello.com. I'm a huge fan of the Portobello Market and in the 8-months I spent living in London, I was at that market at least twice a month. I love the fact that PretaPortobello.com makes the Portobello Market accessible to fashionistas across the globe.

It was my during my latest visit to PretaPortobello.com that I encountered the most adorable piece of jewelry! It was the Stolen Thunder 'Skipping Girl' necklace. The wooden pendant was carved into the shape of a young girl's silhouette and the way it hung from the chain made it look as though the girl was on an actual swing. How charming!



I went searching for Stolen Thunder's website because I was curious to see what else they had to offer. Let's just say, I want practically everything! Each piece -which is handmade in England, by the way - is unique, whimsical and just plain fun! Many of the items will awaken your inner child and, when worn, will display to the world that you don't take life too seriously. Are you in love yet?

Some of my favorites are the 'Skipping Girl' brooch and necklace (although I can't decide between wood or acrylic), the 'Umbrella Girl' necklace, the 'Kite Girl' brooch, the 'Anchor Nautical' stud earrings AND the charm bracelet. Yep...like I said...practically everything.





Born in 2008, Stolen Thunder is fairly young but I truly believe they have a long, bright future ahead.

Visit Stolen Thunder to check out these items plus so much more! Nothing's priced more than $70 and they ship internationally. So, go ahead and make a purchase. I insist. ;-)

United Nude NYC Flagship Store - The Coolest Shoe Store on the Planet

United Nude shoes are extremely innovative and easily recognized by their unique heels. Most styles possess a futuristic quality and seem more appropriate as artwork instead of footwear.





Needless to say, when United Nude informed me of their first stateside flagship store, I had high expectations in regards to the design and layout of the store. Let me just say that they did not disappoint!

The store, located in New York City, has a "dark-shop" concept. This means there is no lighting throughout the store except for in areas where the shoes are on display. The shoes are being highlighted...literally! Part of this display is a LED wall - appropriately named the Wall of Light - showcasing the shoes in geometric frames. Sitting in the middle of the showroom's floor is the United Nude Lo Res Car which was inspired by the Lamborghini Countach. This has to be the coolest shoe store on the planet!






I, personally, can't wait to get to New York to see the store in person. In the meantime, I will continue to hope that either a) United Nude opens a similar store in Chicago or b) I can recreate this concept in my very own shoe closet.

A girl can dream, right?


United Nude
25 Bond Street
New York, NY 10012
(212)-420-6000