Gold Pumps

Kelly Rowland and Christina Ricci in the Giuseppe Zanotti Fall 2013 gold pump.

I think I need a pair. Actually, I KNOW I need a pair. I've gotten so much use out of my silver mirror pumps that I think gold will be just as useful. I can see it paired with warmer hues that tend to dominate fall and winter fashion. I tried and loved the Zanotti pair but the price is a bit high considering these will not be everyday shoes. I also loved the comfort of the Joan & David  pair but felt they weren't gold enough. I think I will be purchasing the Boutique 9 Justine pump. They are the bright gold that I am looking for and a much more budget friendly option than the Zanotti pumps. I've listed several other options for you.

Miami Nights

I've been MIA again and for that I apologize. I took a quick trip down to one of my favorite cities, Miami. Miami was a blast, as usual. Here are a few outfits I wore during my short stay.

from left to right: convertible maxi dress (here, here and here) Casual Couture dress, Banana Republic dress (old, similar here). Miu Miu glitter pumps in all outfits.

I brought just one pair of going out shoes and made all my outfits work around them. I hate over-packing. I think these pumps worked out pretty well, no?

Essence Fest

I have been a bad blogger. Summer is here in NY and I have abandoned my blog. I just returned from a trip to New Orleans for the 19th annual Essence Festival. It was fantastic. I was there last year for the first time and found it so enjoyable I returned this year. New Orleans is a great city, the people are lovely, the food is good and there is musical talent everywhere.

Going clockwise, beignets from Cafe Du Monde, crabcakes from Pierre Maspero's, Jambalya Pasta, Oysters and Fried Alligator from Le Bayou

I met the handsome Boris Kodjoe and his equally beautiful wife Nicole Ari Parker. Both were very kind and gracious. I'm wearing a Banana Republic color block tank dress in my photo with Boris. I wore a Robert Rodriguez silk romper (sold out, but similar here and on eBay) to a party DJ'ed by Biz Markie and hosted by Doug E. Fresh. Wearing a forever 21 tank top and old navy skirt while walking around the French Quarter. And in one of my favorite tops, a Kikiclothing peplum bustier while watching King Bey slay the New Orleans crowd. It was a great vacation. 

African print takeover

I have always had a deep love for bright colors and prints. I can't help it, it is in my blood. My parents were born and raised in Ghana and though I was brought up in the US my mother wore her traditional attire when attending Ghanaian events, I grew up eating both Ghanaian and American food and grew up hearing my mother speak in her local language, Twi. How could I not be influenced by the culture? Traditional African cloth is cotton, has vivid patterns and often bright colors. As a child I saw my mom have the cloth sewn into kaba and slits as seen here.

I love that I am now seeing these fabrics made into shorts, dresses, jackets, blazers, etc. And now African prints have caught the eye of non-African designers outside of the continent. Just look at Burberry's Prorsum's 2012 resort collection as one example. I have had several dresses and skirts made by seamstresses and tailors during my visits to Ghana. I've also purchased African cloth garments off at the rack at places like Kiki Clothing. However, for those not traveling to the continent any time soon and not willing to pay Burberry dollars I've found accessible African cloth summer pieces at friendlier price points.

Interested? Find out where to purchase after the jump.

Mirror Pumps

I previously created a post called steel heels but since then the trend has kicked up full force so I thought I'd create another post called Mirror Pumps to list the various mirror pump options. These pumps can definitely take you into the summer as they would look fantastic with white, lighter denim, and floral dresses or skirts.

Style names and links after the jump

Fashion Inspiration: Zoe Saldana and Lola Ogunnaike

Entertainment Journalist Lola Ogunnaike recently acted as moderator for a Star Trek Into Darkness press conference featuring Zoe Saldana. Zoe looked casual chic in a button down blue shirt, faded wash skinny jeans and bright colored pumps. Lola looked her usual put together self in an asymmetrical neckline black sheath dress and white Christian Louboutin crosspiga pumps. I swear I think I may have to eat my words regarding white pumps. Anyway, I loved both ladies looks and have created similar looks featuring some affordable items.

Gladiator Sandals a.k.a Summer Boots

Rita Ora in Jimmy Choo mogul cage sandal, Ciara in Altazurra leather over the knee boots

Rihanna in Tom Ford strappy buckled sandal boot and Selena Gomez in Brian Atwood Electra

Julissa Bermudez in Gianvito Rossi leather gladiator knee sandals

This look isn't for everyone. In fact it is a whole lot of look. It requires showing lots of leg too, because the sandal/boots are so tall you have to balance the look by displaying lots of thigh. These are not shoes for conservative fashionistas. And while I do like the look I also realize these are not the most wearable shoes. Honestly, how often can you wear knee high stiletto caged sandals? For that reason I wouldn't invest a lot of money in this style. So, I have found some cheaper alternatives that will allow you to get a similar look for a lot less.