Well, my dear friends and loved ones, I’ve been compiling a list of gifts found on the web, for my birthday wish list. I worked on saving my necessities for months. I even narrowed it down to the bare essentials to come in at under $700! Finally, I wrote up the page here, for you, with 1 month exactly to go ’til Oct. 30th. Enough time to buy, enough time to not forget! Oh, yes, the exact amount of time to get you working, now! Oh, but it’s so easy; a few clicks with a mouse, and typing the numbers on your credit card! I have done all the work for you.

Fellow females can even use my selections as tips. This is good for all. It’s like a gift from moi, and you’re very welcome!

Star Wars Role-play Blogger, Palpatine at Darth Sidious, mocked an appearance on TLC’s ultimate makeover show, What Not to Wear.

He humorously selected the worst possible items for his 360º mirror appearance. But he didn’t continue his “game” to shop for his new wardrobe and learn to live true fashion. A joke, it was, but Je chuckle not only at Stacy’s such Jewishness in the remake, but at the apparent lack of fashion knowledge, yet recognition of the show. Oh, my, I am amused, thoroughly!

Meanwhile, on the actual show, the Wannabe special airs next Friday, October 7th at 8 p.m.!

Show synopses: 12 wannabe (fashion, hair & makeup) stylists are whisked away to the Big Apple, where they compete, in three teams of four, in challenges that prove which is the least fashion-challenged group. The members of the winning team will be awarded a four-page spread in Redbook magazine with celebrity photographer Jack Guy. And, duh! $5,000 each!

Let the fab be with them.

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I’ve brought this up before, in quick summary, but it’s so agitating, it deserves its own post.

Comfort, comfort, comfort.
What’s the craze-y-est thing in Fall Footwear? Shoes of different “styles” made of
sweater material.
Sweater shoes.

Sweater Shoes!

If you like the comfy crochet feel, or even look, I’d opt for these Delia’s Sweater Boots, instead of the popular LIVS (above). They’re a lot less slouchy, and actually have a rather nice heel for any winter boot. The LIVS have schlumpy, shapeless soles, and no defined heel. They’re rather generally disgusting.

I hope goats and sheep are contentedly growing wool as fast as this trend is catching on, though. Many brands are cozying up to the idea. (LIVS is devoted solely to the focus.) But Steve Madden designed the most daring of them all; chunky knit slides–some with flowers or bling)

–all complete with platforms.

*Ghuaaarrhaahgghlggh!!!*

Oh, my! Excuse my unladylike moment of vulgarity. Entry continued, read more »

Pet-Pet is Lipped Media’s newest blog. It’s all about pet supplies, dog fashions, and animal causes. And run by three knowledgeable, fashionable pet-mommas; Jess, KIKI, and me, Ella.

We are operating profit-free during these current hard times, read more at the blog.

Move your Mouse to Pet-Pet, give your pooch a smooch, and your kitty a kiss!

This is a message of candor from Moi, Ella.

I was so eager to wear heeled boots once the weather turned a bit cooler. My natural Autumn-Onset preoccupation with them was heated by a fellow student fashionista. She wears a different pair of shoes every day, including nice boots–I think a couple of pairs. Well, I must commute on the Boston system of the “T.” (I have had no ride [and less of a social schedule!] since that car accident. But don’t worry about me.) I had been wearing only a very few pairs of shoes, which are cute & varied enough to match my outfits, but most importantly are comfortable enough for a lot of walking. This fashion “victim” means, when she says “comfortable,” to still be in necessity of the usual band-aids over my “wee toesies” due to my slightly wider than M feet. I do not hide the fact that my feet are not perfect, but are kind of cute in their petite size, and can be spruced up to look just fine in summer sandals. Oh, don’t worry about me! I stand by my position that shoes are here to hide the feet. Oh, the horrid feet of the average person!

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1. Sculpted, Anything-but-Summery Wedges
2. Peep-Toed Pumps
3. Velvet Touches
4. Detailed Boots
5. Wedge Boots
6. Browns
7. Textures
8. Flats & Kittens
9. Soft & Comfortable
10. Luxurious & Exotic Leather

Color is all about flattering Fall shades (wines & musky rose) and school-bound textures. Flats, for comfort in walking, are more prevalent with “dress” or fashion shoes, although many shoes, including boots (even winter ones) have gone sky-high thanks to a continuation of the wedge wave. As for dress wedges, the heel should be tailored and sleek - no espadrilles, and nothing too clunky!

(A small trend is a loafer-inspired wedge, which can be cute, and is more attractive than the old version! Even better, try the loafer pump!)

Flats? Walkable Wedgies instead of stilettos? Comfort doesn’t stop there; it’s quite a fad, and it goes to scary heights–and widths. Shoes - we’re talking slides, boots, clogs, anything - are out full fledge in stores with genuine sweater material. At least we see softness in upscale versions with leather made from calf skin (even hair-calf). For some middle ground, velvet is being toted as a must-have for any–and many–item(s) of the Fall wardrobe. The key to be fab is to add velvet to an outfit in an accent piece, such as a ribbon — it’s best to use your imagination, fabulistas!

Forget comfort, forget the cooling weather, it’s so chic to wear pumps - or wedges! - in a peep-toe style. Sandals are gone (for day), but a key-hole vamp will last through the changing leaves and will extend as long as seamless tights n’ hose can keep the piggies warm. Metallic dress sandals will be great for your evening events. Basically, metallics are still in, but forget bright gold for shoes (although the tone is great for fall bag hardware) go for bronze, copper, shimmering gunmetal, and tarnished brass. (Oh, yes, don’t even think about destroyed jeans. Antique metals are so the hottest thing for me!)

But as the days go on, the more I can’t stop thinking about boots! That’s what Autumn is all about! The boot is more detailed this year; great design, texture, accents. The best way to do detail, which fits in with most style-personalities, is feminine lacing (never utilitarian laces). If the truly style-tastic boots don’t fit your price range or wearability-factors, buy a plainer - but otherwise just-right - boot and snag some twine, ties, or even ribbon (never actual laces, thank you) to wrap around the shaft and tie near the top!

When buying a more basic boot, if you want to keep it today, choose a chocolaty suede.

Because keeping it “today” means we have excuses for shopping! (Which turns the economic world.) But I think the current trends are timed to last future seasons, for most are truly fashionable, and the rest at least speak to the public in practical ways. Shop now, and you won’t drop later. Collecting or just looking, whether tall & thin, soft & sweet, or sharp & chic, the top Autumn styles are so warm and lush - and varied - they’ll leave us sweating for them through December … or cool our bank accounts next September!

After British tabloid, The Daily Mirror, featured candid shots of Kate Moss allegedly snorting cocaine, the supermodel’s career is “falling apart.” Major designers and companies have quickly dropped Moss from their advertising campaigns, including Burberry and Hennes and Mauritz. H. Stern has canceled plans for their 60th anniversary ad campaign that highlighted the beauty of their jewelry by Kate’s own. Chanel will not renew her contract (up in October) and retailer, H&M, will cancel their relationship. Cosmetics company, Rimmel (”London Look”), has put their deal “under review.”

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