Fashion Blog

Paul&Joe SISTER, the Parisian up-and-coming fashion and accessory line, started in 2006 and has grown in popularity do to it’s celebrity patronage and unique shoe and handbag designs. Paul&Joe SISTER combines chic French simplicity and iconic, well-built footwear and handbags to craft a unique look. Paul&Joe, an original very retro-chic fashion label, has been reinvented by it’s “sister” label for a more urban look.

Paul&Joe clothing is available at such sites as revolveclothing.com and net-a-porter.com. What does it mean to be a Paul&Joe SISTER kind of girl? You’re tied to your roots and the classic look, but you’re tough and ready to fend for yourself in the city, out on the town, or in the workplace. Paul&Joe SISTER designs are crisp enough to be worn in a business casual setting, but also sexy and well made enough to be worn to a nice dinner or family gathering.

Some of the must-haves from the Paul&Joe SISTER collection include:

Paul&Joe Sister Wool-Blend Mini Dress from Net-a-porter.com:$180.00

With a draped neckline and raised hem, this is a little black dress with a bit of pizazz. What can you do to make it special? Pair it with some iconic Paul&Joe SISTER heels or a leather handbag, favorites of celebrities such as Rachel Bilson.

Paul&Joe SISTER Mazed Fringe Handbag from Net-a-Porter.com: $162.40

And the best for last of Paul&Joe SISTER’s collection is the update on the classic ankle boot from last season: zip front, fine details, thicker body with smaller heel make this pump truly a work of art.

Paul&Joe SISTER Perine Zip Front Pumps from ShopBop.com: $504.00

Shop for women’s shoes and mini dresses at Smarter.com.

I have found that lately, I’m not only having writer’s block, but a shopper’s block as well. I can’t seen to find anything that I’ve been lusting over lately. I don’t know whether its that I’m working in a clothing store again and I’m on shopping burnout mode, or that my personality has just began to value shopping for my home over shopping for my wardrobe. I cannot stop buying things for the house! It’s my latest vice and has been this last year of living in my new apartment. I’ve completely indulged home-wise, splurging on backyard plants and cacti, bedding and fabric for curtains I made myself, and today…my latest binge? New hand towels for my bathroom, lovely soaps, a lovely sea foam green chenille bath mat, and of course…smelly candles in pretty vintage jars. What can I say. I am a sucker for home stuff. Deals? Sure, on some of it. But clothing deals are what I should be on the hunt for. When out at the shops recently, it wasn’t clothes I was pulling at and pricing, it was shoes. I’m good on clothes right now, it’s shoes that I almost need…and of course, want. Besides, right now is the weird in between time when it’s not quite end of summer, but not quite beginning of fall. The transitional time with weird color schemes and styles that are almost too warm to wear right now. Instead, we’ll focus on feet today. As usual, I found two pairs that I liked. One will be an instant hit, the other will take some thought and consideration. Now, at a first glance, this shoe may seem really hideous to many of you…

Gentle Souls ‘Dancin’ Jazz Oxford on sale for $133.90

But when you give it some thought and really try to picture it on your foot, it’s not so bad. I wasn’t sure about the ’slingback’ look on an oxford style shoe, but they are a great color, a classic color. Envision this shoe, with no socks, and a pretty floral dress. Mixing feminine with boyish looking pieces has been a hit all season and isn’t going away any time soon. I would actually wear these with some shorts, and and silky camisole or blouse, something delicate on top for balance.
My second faves were these chunky heels by BCBGirls…

BCBGirls ‘Edmund’ Sandal on sale for $64.90

I chose these sandals because I first off immediately liked the colors. The mix of nude and carmel brown is sure to match most dresses and color schemes, and the open toe would be fun to pair with black tights and a miniskirt.

Shop through a variety of women’s shoes at Smarter.com.

The Wizard Rock music phenomenon was introduced to me by an astute 13 year old this summer. We’re not talking Halloween tricks. Wizard Rock is the genre comprised of such groups as the Moaning Myrtles, Harry and the Potters, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. They’re young, they’re hip, and they’re coming to a city near you in a beat-up van built in the 70’s. That’s not all: to really feel the part of Wizard Rock, you need to dress like a modern witch or wizard, whichever strikes your fancy. No peaked hats or purple striped socks…think black, structured, and chic.

Start yourself off with a sexy high-waisted wizard skirt from French Connection: On Sale $79.99

Elongate your legs like magic with the Jess Heel from French Connection: On Sale $39.99

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s skirts.
Discounts on French Connection clothing.

I love getting comments on my posts - hint hint, double hint with chocolate on top.  So I was so excited when Melissa commented on my last post: January Sales - My Victoria Secrets Encounter. Melissa asks what one should wear with high heeled boots in the winter?  Great question.

Bronx Lace Up Buckle Boots, were $249.00 now $148.00 - these are my new boots, I bought them in black.

As it happens, I donned my new boots yesterday. I had a hairdressers appointment and then off to meet a couple of friends for a very important social engagement ( *please see footnote 1) The temperatures in London have reached zero and minus and it’s cold. As I mentioned many blogs ago, I don’t need much excuse to dress up even if I don’t really have anywhere to go (please refer to footnote 1 again).

However, what to wear with them? I actually wore two sweaters! The first was my black poloneck jumper purchased from Mango. Over this I wore a large open neck light grey sweater, which could actually double as a jumper dress. I ‘borrowed’ this jumper from my friend Laiten who is a body builder. So the sweater is huge. I then put on one of my black belts, to scrunch the sweater in around the waist. It looked quite chic. On the bottom I wore thick black leggings, with a slighty satin appearance. Then I pulled on my fabulous boots. Over all of this I put on my roomy black sixties style coat, with beautiful bell sleeves. It complimented the ’sweater dress’ perfectly. Especially since the sleeves are quite long so I pulled them through the bell sleeves of my coat (they are three quarter length) and folded them up.

I was warm, snuggly and stylish all rolled into one.

Mango Black Overcoat, was $179.99 now $88.99   Visualise this ensemble with the Bronx Boots! Superb!

Wear this Black ‘Nuca’ Overcoat with a thick jumper underneath,was $189.99 now $88.99

This warm sophisticated ‘Puppe’overcoat would look great with boots with a mid to high heel, was $199, now $98.99.  Also from Mango….

…team up one of these gorgeous coats with a fantastic sweater to match.

Mango Iago Sweater, was $69.00 now $33.99

Sweet ‘Darling’ sweater from Mango, was $49.99 now $23.99

This jumper sits on the hips, so if you’re not comfortable wearing leggings, wear with a nice pair of three quarter length trousers. That was you still get to show off your boots!

This gorgeous ‘ Canela’ sweater from Mango has endless fashion possibilities! Was $59.99 now $28.99

Mango have a great deal on leggings, only $13.99, down from $29.99 ( I personally would not wear those particular boots!)

Thanks for the inspiration Melissa!

* Footnote 1 - I wasn’t really meeting any friends on an important social engagement, I just wanted to wear my boots.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more sweater dresses.
Discounts on leggings.
Buy women’s sweaters and women’s overcoats.

Good morning, this is Lisa Remi reporting live from the Smarter Fashion News Desk. I have just received breaking news on the latest fashion deals and amazing January discounts.

I can confirm that the fashion site - 6pm.com has astounding bargains available right now!

These stunning ‘Oh Deer- Garbo’ shoes are now available for $46.00 reduced from $79.00 an amazing 42% reduction!

An update has just come in…there are black patent clutch bags to match with spectacular discounts!

This beautiful Adele Clutch Bag from Elliott Luca has a hefty 52% reduction dropping from $162.00 to $78.20!

This ‘Rafe New York Conduit Flap’ Clutch bag is now $101.20 reduced from $199.00, a whopping discount of 49%!

This is unbelievable! Christin Micheals Apple Jeans are now $107.20 plummeting from$199.00! An enormous 46% reduction.

Extraordinary news coming in - you can purchase your summer dresses early and make substantial savings all at the same time!

This beautiful black Kat Dress from Matix Clothing Company is now $27.60 reduced from $50.00. A knockout  44% discount

Keep tuning in for more January sales and hot news.

This is Lisa Remi signing off, wishing you happy bargain hunting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Elliot Luca handbags.
Discounts on Christin Micheals jeans.
Buy Rafe New York handbags.

Whether you’re the CEO or the arm candy, how you dress for the company holiday party is important. You want to look sharp, but not too dressed up. You want to feel comfortable, but not too comfortable. And you certainly want to be prepared for all of the potential mishaps: drunken secretary Anna Beth spill Dijon mustard all over you? Good thing you aren’t wearing the beige leather Jimmy Choos. Doc Tom decided to bring his un-neutered pup Growl that’s still not potty trained? High heeled shoes will keep you above THAT mess. Here’s a outfit for all the misfits, and good impressions:

City-style Slouched Shoes from Forever21: $34.80 - Cute, but not too expensive, and a nice warm brown color to keep with the holiday spirit.

Relaxed Straight-Leg Skinny Jeans by Gap: $69.50 - You’ll know you’re done stuffing down the eggnog and pumpkin cheesecake when these pants start to get too tight…

Now get a little flair with your top. The jeans and boots have been strong staples, but the top is what takes your look from safe to standout. Try any of BEBE’s short-sleeve collection, especially their shimmery tops like this one, with the frills. It’s sure to impress.

BEBE frill top: $79

*Use coupon code TUESDAYS at Gap.com at check out and get 10% off your order.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more brown women’s boots.
Discounts on women’s skinny jeans and women’s tops.

There are so many great online shoe stores out there.  One reason why a shoe fanatic might not like buying shoes online is because they are unable to try them on.  If you know you’re shoe size is always the same for particular designer or brand shopping online for shoes is a perfect, fast and convinient way to purchase your favorite shoes.  If you don’t know always know your perfect shoe size, don’t worry!  Solestruck.com is a fabulous online shoe store that offers free standard shipping & free return shipping.  That is awesome & makes life so much easier.  I personally know that they have great custumer service.  I tried on a pair of BC sandals & they didn’t fit a perfectly as I wanted.  So, I simply emailed them for a return label & dropped the shoes off at my local UPS store.  The shoes in the correct size came back a few days later!

Here are some shoes that I will most likely order as soon as possible:

Guess CABANA: $104.95

Charles by Charles David DAMSEL: $134.95 Now on sale for $99.95!

Kenneth Cole Reaction Hill Top: $74.95

Solestruck.com always has many stylish shoes in many styles in their “sale” section.   Click here to go to their homepage & shop away, ladies!

Getting dolled up is always exciting. I think it’s one of the best parts about being a woman.  From four-inch heels to sequin mini dresses to vintage clutches, outfit possibilities are endless.  Aside from aching feet in the morning, I ask: what’s not to love?

I do love glamorous fashion just as much as the next girl, but comfort has always been a priority. So, on one of those sweltering days of summer, (which looms ahead) I would opt for this chic look by Daryl K & Kerrigan.

It’s such an easy look to imitate, and it’s one you can pull off any day of the week, all summer long.

Tip: go a size or two bigger in the AmApp tee to achieve the baggy runway look.                 

American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck in Tri-Orchid - americanapparel.net: $18      

Saree Plaid Short: forever21.com - $17.80

Champion Linen Sparkle Keds: keds.com - $44.99

The Ivy watch in gold by Nixon: nixonnow.com - $350

Shop for more women’s t-shirts here.

Shop for more women’s shorts here.

Shop for more women’s shoes here.

Shop for more women’s watches here.

Alas…summer is officially approaching, but it’s really no fun unless you sport some black and white gingham.

This week’s inspiration was from the L.A.M.B. Spring 2008 runway show. Gwen stuck to pretty dark colors for this collection, and one can almost mistake it for a fall line, but she did slip in a few summery pieces like this adorable mini dress.

My picks below should do the trick, and the crimson red lipstick pays homage to Ms. Stefani herself.    

   Julie Haus Siren Dress -black & white gingham  - revolveclothing.com: $375     

Nine West Heathers shoe in yellow leather: $59.99

Xhilaration quilted black satchel: $19.99

Kat Von D Painted Love lipstick in Underage Red: $18

Shop here for more women’s dresses.

Shop here for more women’s shoes.

Shop here for more handbags.

Shop for more lipstick here.

The t-strap on these high heeled sandals really makes them extra sexy & flirty.  I love the rich brown color.  It reminds me of dark chocolate which is my fave! 

Moschino Cheap and Chic Pleated T-Strap Sandal: $294 (Was: $495)

Don’t forget!  Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale is going on right now! I believe it ends June 1st.

Shop for more women’s sandals here.