Shopping | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 252

Shopping

November 4, 2011

Naya & Fashion Pulse Daily Show How to Get More Out of Your Shoes

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[Julia’s Naya Quali Wedge looks, Days 1-4]

Do we really need all of this STUFF that we own? Of course not! At Fashion Pulse Daily, our mission is to review and bring to you the best products and share the latest fashion news not in hopes of you to shop more, but instead to shop smarter. That’s why we only share with you thinks that we like or are totally obsessed with, be it at an affordable price, versatile, functional, and of exceptional quality. Speaking to elements of the latter, we embarked in a Naya Renew Your Soles Five Day Challenge, in which myself and several other bloggers were given a pair of Naya Shoes to wear for five days, and in turn, donated five pairs of shoes in our closets to Renew Your Soles. See below for my boxed up gently worn shoes, which will go to those in need; some of these shoes I only wore once or twice! A good quality, comfortable pair of shoes will go the distance for you, and the earth!
Anyone who downloads the form and sends in shoes (be it one pair or 12!) to Renew Your Soles will receive a discount code via email for $20 off of a purchase of $80 or more at Shoes.com; a nice reward for doing good!

Back to the challenge: for five days, I wore the gorgeous and ultra comfy Naya Quail Wedge boots in black, equipped with vegetable tanned uppers and linings, recycled water bottle material in the lining, extra padding, and arch support. I took photos on my way to work or after, with looks ranging from the very dressy to sporty casual.

Head to the Naya Facebook page starting this Tuesday, Nov 8 – Nov 15 to see all five of my looks on display, and to vote for your favorite blogger (and I hope that’s me!).  The winner will be announced on America Recycles Day (November 15th), who will get a mini Naya shoe collection, and five lucky voters will win pairs from the Naya fall 2011 line too (that means you!).

[Julia’s Quail Wedge Boot Look, Day 5]

November 4, 2011

The Latest Collections: WeSC, Dr. Martens, Rousseau, Incase, More

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[Image via WeSC Lookbook]

We attended a bevy of spring 2012 collections, bringing forth our most favorite brands and products with the most amazing items for the upcoming season to FPD’s readers. Check out the roundups below, and enjoy!

WeSC (WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy):

WeSC was founded in 1999 in Stockholm, Sweden. From then until now, WeSC has become a culmination of dynamic people, often activists, and the apparel holds on to that spirit with it’s washed out crop tops, chambray, and funky bathing suits. With a semi-skater appeal, the tees, sweats, and denim are perfect to hang out, chill, and have a good time in.

[Mata Hari Collection, Image via Delphine Charlotte Lookbook]

Delphine Charlotte

“A woman on the rise to power” inspired jewelry designer Delphine Charlotte to create her SS12 line of costume jewelry. Half art-deco, half Hollywood glam, the collection includes rhinestones, pearls, circles, cages and more!  The necklaces are the standout pieces for FPD.

[Cartegena Leather 3-Tie Shoe in Raspberry, Image via Dr. Martens Lookbook]

Dr. Martens

The now classic Dr. Martens shoes, especially boots for spring show  a lot of crocodile, monochrome (my personal favorite) and bright neon hues. Apparel holds on to the same history of innovative youth culture: embrace being an individual.

[“Bizante” Jacket Image via Duvetica Lookbook]

Duvetica

Despite the fact that the line is for SS12, each piece of outerwear has at least 5% down. Great for traveling, many of these jackets can fit into a small pouch zipped into the jacket itself. So fun-ctional!

[Images via Rousseau Lookbook]

Jerome C. Rousseau

Yet again, Rousseau has crafted incredibly distinctive shoes, heels, and flats meant for the girl who is not afraid to be admired (ie: Siobhan Fahey). The coral suede platform with platinum leather is certainly one of the standouts from the spring season’s collection. Modern art, pop culture, European design and nightlife are just some of Rousseau’s many muses. There are jewels, glitter, ribbons, mesh, ostrich, cheetah… need I say more?

[Campus Pack Image via Incase Lookbook]

Incase

If you’re reading this blog, you very well know the value of technology in our modern, demanding, hectic live over here at FPD. We can thank brands like Incase for always creating reliable products (covers, backpacks, cases and sleeves) to protect and enhance our Apple gadgets. I’m particularly glad to see the company continuing with the Andy Warhol collaboration, a man who understood contemporary culture well (and a native of our editor Julia’s hometown, Pittsburgh!). Fashion, meet functionality.

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 4, 2011

Scarves, the Easy Outfit Transformer

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[ASOS Knitted Leopard Snood, $35.94]

A scarf can be an easy outfit lifesaver. Too easy, perhaps; all you have to do is grab it and toss it around  your neck for instant effortless chic. This simple addition can update and transform any look, from the most basic, to a 9-5,  to an evening ensemble.  Plus, who says there is anything wrong with wearing scarves with  gym clothes on a chilly day?

The details and texture of the scarf are up to you, from patterned, solid, silk, chunky, ruffled, hooded, infinity, snoods (yes even Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry use this term for the hooded scarf option), pom-pom detailing, sequins… you get the point. Every woman should own a scarf, if not two or three!

Part of the beauty of it is that this item can be found at relatively low prices, so anyone can easily participate in this trend. What’s more, they are versatile enough to work in every season! Chunkier, woolen knits will keep us warm right now, while silk varieties spruce up a basic tank or blazer in the spring/summer. Channel your inner “model-off-duty” look ladies, and embrace that scarves are here to stay!

[AllSaints Alexi Snood, $33 (originally $110!)]

[Kimchi Blue Rustic Floral Eternity Scarf, $29, at UrbanOutfitters]

Ah, the incessant issue of how to tie a scarf (for 25 options check out this video posted by ISPYDIY )has finally ceased to exist thanks to the incredible eternity scarf; with this, all you  need to do is pull it over your head, possible wrap it twice, and you’re done- no loose ends are left to tie.

[DKNY Ruffled Scarf, $125 via Bloomingdales.com]

[Free People Druki Pom Pom Scarf, $78]

Oversized, Long

These super long options offer great versatility — there is no need to wrap these around your neck over and over again. Let them hang long and low. I LOVE the idea of wearing a solid version with a skirt and flat boots so the scarf reaches the bottom of the hemline.

[AllSaints Ikat Scarf, $57.50 (originally $115)]

Patterned

Here is where the scarf gets really fun! Add a patterned scarf to a basic tee or even try mixing patterns to create a look that is truly your own. Scarves come in sooo many patterns, and for this fall/winter 2011 season, you really can’t go wrong. See FPD editor, Julia D., wearing a plaid one here!

[Marc by Marc Jacobs Lee Lee Fur Pull Thru Scarf,$168 via Shopbop.com]

[ASOS Faux Fur Red Scarf, $35.94]

(Faux) Fur

Rock star meets ski bunny. Not only do I want to wear a (faux) fur scarf, but I doubt I’ll ever want to take it off. Who wouldn’t want one of these draped so warm and cozily around the neck?!

[JCrew Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, $75]

[Forever 21 Light and Easy Scarf, $7.80]

Silk, Light

Wear these again and again — a silk scarf paired with a sweater dress or lbd makes an ideal holiday or office look. Yet, carry this accessory through to the next season and give it some casual flair with jeans and a tee. Silk scarves also look celeb-esque worn as a head band or cleverly tied to the straps of a handbag. Get creative!

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 3, 2011

Cougar Boots: Comfort, Warmth, Style – What More Can a Gal Ask For?

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When it comes to footwear, style usually trumps comfort, or vice versa, but I’m really starting to get fed up of making that sacrifice! I’m starting to just wear a few of the same brands, over and over again, as they are tried and true to fit my body well and endure all day long with no or minimal discomfort. Apprehensive to let a new brand into the repertoire,   I admit to having no prior knowledge of Cougar, a Canadian company that prides itself on quality footwear, in particular boots that are waterproof, comfortable, and warm. Courtesy of the brand, I gave the Cougar Women’s Mirage Knee-High Wedge Boot, $250, a good 14-hour run on one of my longest days of the week. As the temperature is starting to dip, and although is nowhere near freezing yet in New York City, these leather and suede lookers are guaranteed  to keep feet dry and cozy in a temperature range that can be as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

My test run was incredibly successful, as with a wide foot and narrow heels, I tend to run into fit issues, and believe me when I tell you that these are PERFECT. I will repeat that — PERFECT. Check out Cougar’s  website for more info, or shop a wide range of styles- I found a bunch that I really liked at DSW.com and  Endless.com.

–Julia DiNardo

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