Shoe designer Jessie Randall is super enthusiastic for the Loeffler Randall Spring ’12 collection, available NOW at LoefflerRandall.com. With interesting materials like neoprene and chunky woven straw, and even more joyous neon colors, your feet will be screaming for attention. Patterned options, as Jessie Randall said herself, are “perfect for any outfit – almost like a new modern neutral.” For those of you who are more gallant with fashion, go ahead and mix prints as well!

We can’t help but admire the awesome inspiration for the collection: action/sports shoes meet the challenge of femininity. A rather interesting fashion paradox creates amazing sandals, platforms, pumps, and even an undeniably sexy mid heel. And to think, this all started with Fragonard’s painting, “The Swing.”

Our obsession? The CHLOE and CHLOE CV, retailing at $375 and $350 respectively. Comfortable high platform? Check. Perfectly appropriate nudes and prim polka dots? Check Check. Fashion forward… we’ll stop here. The checklist can go on forever.

-Alana Quagliariello

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The Body Shop: Men’s Essentials Kit, $30 For Men Maca Root Wash Off Shave Oil, $10, Men’s Synthetic Shaving Brush, $12

Making shaving an experience, rather than a “must” is critical. We’re really into the results, as well as the terrific price point of The Body Shop’s for men line– get him a travel kit, or the products individually; we love the Maca Root products’ aroma, and the Wash Off Shave Oil is terrific for hydration and providing a slick razor barrier. Don’t forget to complete the gift with the ultimate in shaving indulgence — a shaving brush!

Grooming Lounge “He’s Got Issues” Gift Set, $62.50

Grooming Lounge has a bevy of terrific ‘man products’, plus Barbershop and Spa locations in case you’d like to put your man’s upkeep into another person’s capablehands. For V-Day, we love the He’s Got Issues Set for “man-tenance” issues that a Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer and Fingernail Clipper can easily take care of!

The Art of Shaving Alum Pen, $12; Horn HandCrafted Straight Razor, $260;  Compact Shaving Stand, $60

For the guy who is already into finer products and accoutrements, give him accessories that have been on his bucket list, like the alum pen to stop bleeding when a shaving knick or scratch occurs, an artfully crafted straight razor (that is, only if he has a steady hand!), or a shaving stand for his brush and/or razor. If you haven’t already,   sign up with the  “Brotherhood of Shaving” to get info on upcoming events and promotions.

Frederic Malle Perfume Gun in 1ER MAI (four other options are also available), 500 ML bottle, $145

Room sprays are automatically given a masculine edge with this opulent and aromatic perfume gun by perfumer Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle, which will make any “man cave” smell more like “a cluster of lily of the valley hidden in the shade of the underbrush” than stale beer, Cheetos, and anything else STILL left lying about from last week’s Super Bowl party.

-Julia DiNardo

We pride ourselves in bargain shopping, and Target never ceases to impress us with its affordable variety of apparel and accessories. Brands like Merona, Mossimo, and Mossimo Supply Co. feature the newest fashions we’re all craving. Incorporate any of the above clothing, shoes or jewelry into your outfit and you’ll be sure to have that carefree, summer-Friday mood every day of the week! The Target Spring 2012 collections will be available in stores and online at Target.com starting in February of 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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The Body Shop’s Chocomania line

Just launched this February, The Body Shop has created a new bath and body line that includes 12 community fair trade ingredients such as aloe leaf from Guatamala, coconut from Samoa, and cocoa beans from Ghana. The line ranges in price from $4-$16; shop in-store or  online!

Accessories Council’s Valentine’s Day Event

Accessories Council President Karen Giberson was on board to provideValentine’s Day gift ideas alongside world-renowned astrology expert Susan Miller, who matched gifts with the various signs. My sign, Cancer, had the suggested gift of  Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, which includes real brown sugar crystals to gently buff away dry flakes, meadowfoam seed, jojoba seed, and grapeseed oils to nourish the lips, and shea butter for long-lasting moisture.  This was a great pairing, as it was definitely my favorite (and most-needed) item! other suggestions and products included OPI newest nail polish line, Godiva chocolates, Chicbuds earbuds, CuffLink iPhone carrying case, Jing Ai Skin bronzer, Mavi Eyes cufflinks, and Calvin Klein sunglasses from Marchon.

Folli Follie for Valentine’s Day

Originally from Greece and with hundreds of retailers around the world, it’s easy to see why Folli Follie has become so popular. With style and value at it’s core,  it’s easy to find many items amongst the watches, jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods that you’ll want to take home with you. I visited one of the two New York City locations, the store in SoHo on Prince Street to pick out a fabulous piece of Valentine’s Day jewelry for myself, courtesy of the brand (see above for my chosen ring). Peruse their offerings online or search for a store closest to your neck of the woods.

“Dali”

Sigersonmorrison.com, the home page of Sigerson Morrison, has been MIA the past few months on “holiday,” as the brand prepares to unveil a new spring 2012 collection and site. In the meanwhile, customers can, however, reach Sigerson Morrison’s contemporary counterpart, Belle by Sigerson Morrison.

The existing footwear company is being revamped under the direction of former Teen Vogue and Marie Claire editor Taylor Tomasi Hill, as she uses her street style sensibility to craft the line and construct editorial content for the brand’s new online domain.

Tomasi told WWD, “I have a new found appreciation for creating color palettes and choosing materials – there is so much to choose from, and I think we put together an amazing assortment. We included so many rich textures, [including] suede, snake [and] spazzolato – my new favorite material.”

“Kade”

“Bottice” and “Gaugain”

We have to agree, and are utterly enamored with the wedges and flat sandals. Our feet are tingling with excitement at the chance to wear any pair from the SS12 collection. The new collection will range in price from $295-$495 with a taupe, gray, brown, and black color palette mixed with pops of burgundy and teal. With silhouettes including classic pumps, boots, wedges and flats, the company is anticipating a 25% increase in sales this year.

The fall 2012 collection will debut next month, hence we welcome Sigerson Morrison back with open arms…or feet, perhaps?

-Alana Quagliariello

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From our friends at thefind.com:

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve gotten stuck in a sudden downpour without my trusty Hello Kitty rain boots, I’d probably have enough money to buy a pair of wellies to keep on-hand at every possible location I’ve ever been stranded without them in the past. Or I could just invest in the best idea ever – folding rain boots! UK-based footwear brand Redfoot deserves the credit behind the idea that should’ve been brought to fashion fruition way earlier. After all, we already have several brand name versions of rollable, on-the-go flats – so why not make a portable version of their bulkier cousin, the rain boot?! With four different colors, these lightweight, waterproof, foldable styles are cute, cozy, and compact – complete with their own packing bag for easy storage! Say ‘so long’ to those days of wearing your boots on sunny days solely out of fear of sprinkly weather ahead – simply take these folding rain boots with you to work, in your car, to class (or wherever you might need them!) so you’re always prepared for a rainy day!

- Alexandra Gambardella

The Standard’s Le Bain in NYC’s Meatpacking District made an ideal backdrop for a collection that was edgy, girly, and a bit 60’s bohemian as Kate Young unveiled the collection she helped style as INC International Concept’s new Editor at Large.

Celebrity stylist Kate Young is known for working in the moment, and her carpe diem attitude was captured in the INC collection for Macy’s this spring season. The styled looks provided something for every day, yet a glam aesthetic also prevailed.

Faux Wrap Dress, $79.50

Our choice for the must-have piece is the Cutaway Jacket (on Young, pictured at top), $99.50, with its good girl gone bad vibe. The collection also includes, but is not limited to, coated pants, straight leg denim, studded and beaded tees, ruffled skirts, and a ruched polka dot dress in black and white. Young admits to contrasting edgy, tough details with feminine shapes to enhance her trademark “classic with a twist”.

As for accessories, the solid cuffs made the perfect statement. They’ll add just enough energy without overpowering the ensemble.

Young knows this spring is certainly all about color, fun, and ultimately, letting one’s individual taste really shine through. As she says, “Don’t be afraid to sparkle.”

Visitors to the INC shop on Macys.com will find Young’s seasonal must-have, as well as tips on everyday dressing. The first delivery of products is now available in stores and online. New products styled by Kate will be delivered each month through May. Such trend-savvy shopping is bound to be fun!

-Alana Quagliariello

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-Julia DiNardo

-Julia DiNardo

-Julia DiNardo