SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana are known for having delicate & intricate designs, of which the details become the most important parts.  These embellished sandals, complete with jewel-tone beads, yellow bananas, and forest green pompoms clearly represent their new jungle theme through each of the detailed elements, while the raffia-style heel and clasp adds a natural final touch.  They also have a similar pair in red and black.  Match them with a wicker bag, like this one by D&G here, and with a flowy, white sundress for the perfect summer look.

Dolce & Gabbana Embellished sandals, $1,745

Dolce & Gabbana Embellished sandals, $1,745

Dolce & Gabbana Banana leaf-print embellished sandals, $1,745

Dolce & Gabbana Banana leaf-print embellished sandals, $1,745

 

What do you think of these sandals?  Would you wear them?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Miu Miu

Miu Miu’s glitter-emblazoned pumps made headlines after their retro-inspired runway debut for Fall/Winter 2015-16 at Paris Fashion Week.  Their block heel is on-trend for this season, and the baby blue details and cartoon-sized button add the perfect eccentricity to what could very easily become blah.  Pair these heels with a pair of flared, dark denim trousers & a fitted turtleneck, or with a shift dress and a contrasting, candy-colored jacket.

Miu Miu Glittered Patent-Leather Pumps, $755

Miu Miu Glittered Patent-Leather Pumps, $755

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What do you think of these glittery pumps?

xo, beauties

40 Fashion Mistakes You May Be Making

7 Fashion Faux Pas You Need to Stop Making Now

via DFWStyleDaily

via DFWStyleDaily

( 1 )

You believe white shouldn’t be worn after labor day.

Ladies, listen up: This is an antiquated rule that shouldn’t be followed. As countless designers and fashion stars have proved during the past few seasons, white isn’t only appropriate when the weather turns chilly, but also amazingly fresh and modern. One thing to keep in mind when tackling the white-in-winter trend: It’s all about the fabric. Lighter textiles such as white cotton, linen, canvas, and seersucker will look out of place during fall and winter, so be sure you’re reaching for white wool, cashmere, fur, mohair, flannel, silk, and leather.

via Twice-Fashion

via Twice-Fashion

( 2 )

You always buy the same size in clothes.

As any woman who’s shopped high-fashion and fast-fashion knows, sizing can vary tremendously according to store, brand, and item. Cheaper clothing typically runs way bigger, making it common for a woman to wear, say, a size Large at Forever 21, but still be a size 2 in Stella McCartney. Don’t sweat the number—pay attention to how things look on your body instead.

( 3 )

You wear retro pieces without a modern spin.

The perfect modern spin on a retro look.

The perfect modern spin on a retro look.

We all know that fashion is cyclical and that everything comes back around, but that doesn’t mean you should dress in full of-another-decade outfits, which could run the risk of making you look like you’re both in costume and 10 years older.

Love the look of a wild ’80s neon sweater you found at the Salvation Army? Leave the leggings and sneakers at home and opt for a pair of super-sleek skinny jeans, natural hair and makeup, and a great pair of ankle boots. Found a vintage swingy midi-skirt? Style it with modern staples like a cropped leather jacket and a sleek pair of pointy heels as opposed to wearing a pussy-bow blouse and pearls.

( 4 )

You think ‘dry clean only’ tags are always correct.

via Jeremy Brooks

via Jeremy Brooks

If a garment says it needs to be dry-cleaned, it won’t hurt to follow suit, but that can get pricey—especially since some items technically don’t need to be professionally cleaned. Many high-end brands that manufacture items in washable fabrics will often say “dry clean only”  to keep up the higher-end vibe. Furthermore, certain fabrics such as cashmere actually hold up better when they’re washed by hand as opposed to getting dry-cleaned. Here’s a good guide to help you figure out what doesn’t really have to be cleaned by a pro.

( 5 )

You believe tall women shouldn’t wear heels.

Karlie Kloss is not only a tall woman who wears heels, she also bikes in them.  Badass, kids.  via DailyMail

Karlie Kloss is not only a tall woman who wears heels, she also bikes in them. Badass, kids. via DailyMail

This mandate isn’t only silly, but a little sexist, too. Stemming from a whole bunch of antiquated notions including abundant height isn’t feminine, and a woman shouldn’t draw extra attention to herself, this rule is one no woman should ever follow if they don’t want to. We know plenty of women who are six feet tall and still rock killer heels with grace (ahem, Jenna Lyons, Charlize Theron, Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss….)

( 6 )

You shop for Instagram

We hate to assume you’d buy anything simply so people know you own it, but such is the world in which we live. Are you buying that Balenciaga bag because you really, really love it, or because you want others to know you bought it? If you buy those Jimmy Choo pumps, will you be able to truly enjoy them without posting them to social media? If the answer is no, you might have some thinking to do about your shopping habits.

( 7 )

You avoid horizontal stripes like the plague.

via WorldFashionChannel

via WorldFashionChannel

Buying into the notion that all horizontal lines make you look wide is a cliché mistake. Yes, we’ll admit that a skin-tight bodycon dress emblazoned with horizontal lines might only look good on a model, but pieces that are made well and fit well—think a classic cotton Breton striped shirt tucked into dark jeans, a ladylike full skirt with horizontal stripes, or a great striped overcoat—flatters every woman.

Thanks to StyleCaster for these fabulous tips for staying chic all winter long.  Go check out the rest of their article for more fashion advice here.

Have a favorite fashion tip?  Share in the comments below!

xo, loves

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: DSquared2

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DSquared2 is one of those super awesome labels that just exude a certain cool attitude, with a unique IDGAF kind of feel.  And these skeleton heel ankle boots are totally in on it (and kind of perfect for the Halloween season…).  The outsides of the boots have a shoelace-inspired lace-up closure that reminds me of equal parts Frankenstein and football, which isn’t an easy feat to pull off.

Wear them with anything and everything during any months ending in -ber.

trendsandtribulations

DSquared2 Skeleton Heel Ankle Boots, $1930

trendsandtribulations

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What do you think of these boots?  What would you wear them with?  

Stay beautiful,

xo

Can Flip-Flops Be High Fashion?

Charlotte Olympia Teams Up With Havaianas To Create Fashionable Flip-Flops

co havianas3

What is it about the (unofficial) national sandals of Brazil that designers and fashion insiders alike love so much?  This upcoming collab is one of my favorites: Charlotte Olympia teams up with Havaianas to create perhaps the most fashionable flip-flop ever.  The Spring/Summer 2016 collection will debut this upcoming February after a preview at Milan Fashion Week this September.

co havianas

The collection will include 3 flip flop styles and a beach towel.  The best part?  You can snag a pair for only about $40, rather than the usual high price tag for Charlotte Olympia shoes.  The collection is inspired by her signature kitty motifs, retro pin-up style, and, of course, her quirky, tongue-in-cheek attitude.

co havianas2

The designer, Charlotte Dellal, is daughter to Brazilian model Andrea Dellal, which may have contributed to one of the reasons for the collab.

charlotte-dellal-andrea-dellal

Brazilian model Andrea Dellal with designer daughter Charlotte Dellal, via StreetPeeper

What do you think of Havaianas?  Will you be shopping this collection?

xo

5 High Heel Hacks To Make Your Life Easier

5 High Heel Hacks To Make Your Life Easier

via WhoWhatWear

via WhoWhatWear

Every woman I know has a love-hate relationship with high heels.  They love the way they look, but hate the way they feel (especially after walking about 100 meters…).  Here are 5 hacks that every woman should know to make walking in high heels a little bit easier.  As you read, feel free to browse Trends & Tribulations top high heel picks that you can finally be excited to wear!

Lucy Choi, $350, via ShoeScribe

Lucy Choi, $350, via ShoeScribe

Fendi, $1,050, via Nordstrom

Fendi, $1,050, via Nordstrom

1.

Tape your 3rd & 4th toes together using clear sticky or nude medical tape (count starting with the big toe out).

This trick helps to take pressure off the ball of the foot.  There is a nerve between these toes, and the tape helps to balance the weight by minimizing strain from shifting the weight forward.

Sophia Webster, $1,095, via Neiman Marcus

Sophia Webster, $1,095, via Neiman Marcus

2.

Apply fabric plasters on your feet.

Wear your new shoes around the house to find out where they rub uncomfortably around your feet.  Then, apply fabric plasters to those parts of your feet.  Soak your feet in water for a minute or two (with fabric plasters on your feet), then walk around the house in the shoes some more.  The wet plaster will expand and help to soften and stretch the shoe in those places.

Moschino, $650, via Shoescribe

Moschino, $650, via Shoescribe

3.

Use shoe cushions (or petals).

Shop foot petals here in all shapes and sizes to help provide a cushioning wherever your need it.

Charlotte Olympia, $850, via Shoescribe

Charlotte Olympia, $850, via Shoescribe

4.

Spray your feet with an aerosol deodorant.

Feet can often slip around in your high heels after wearing them for a bit, so spritzing them with aerosol deodorant before wearing can provide traction and ensure your feet stay in place.

Jeffrey Campbell, $130, via Urban Outfitters

Jeffrey Campbell, $130, via Urban Outfitters

5.

Choose a heel that crosses around the front of your foot.

 This will provide more support over your foot and around the heel and ankle.  Think of it as a “seatbelt” for your feet (awe!), if you will- it takes pressure off your feet, as they do not have to work so hard to hold the heel in place.  The Jeffrey Campbell ones (above) and Steve Madden pair (below) are chic options.

Steve Madden Raela, $109, via Steve Madden

Steve Madden Raela, $109, via Steve Madden

What do you think of these tips?  Will you try any of them?  Do you have any tips that you swear by?  Share in the comments section below!

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo makes some of my favorite men’s shoes, but I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of their women’s shoes. However, these latest sandals, titled “Lenny” are certainly unique, and are vaguely reminiscent of my favorite fashion icon, Elvis Presley.  The back metal heel is eye-catching, along with the gold and silver metallic leather bands.  Pair ’em with a contrasting blue or light pink ensemble for an ultra-chic look.

Salvatore Ferragamo, $1,862, via Luisaviaroma

Salvatore Ferragamo, $1,862, via Luisaviaroma

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo

What do you think of these sandals?

xo

7 Overnight Beauty Secrets to Wake up Looking Gorgeous

7 Simple Overnight Beauty Fixes to Wake Up Looking Beautiful

They call it beauty sleep for a reason. You’re ready for soothing rest but your skin is preparing to work hard overnight so you can look gorgeous. Here is how to enhance your skincare routine before bedtime to improve your complexion while you dream. 

Image courtesy of Glamour

via Glamour

1. //

Get Your Beauty Rest

While you are sleeping, your skin is regenerating and repairing itself.  During sleep, the cortisol, or stress hormone, of the body decreases, which is a good thing because it’s associated with weight gain, skin discoloration, and thinning skin.  On the other hand, the melatonin hormone is increased, which not only makes you sleepy so you can recharge, but fights wrinkles and age spots.

trends and tribulations

via Shutterstock

The best way to ensure these hormones work effectively is to get enough sleep every night.  Follow a relaxing routine before bedtime, such as by having a warm bath or drinking herbal tea, so that you train your body to establish a daily sleep routine.

trends and tribulations

via Shutterstock

Read on for more overnight beauty tips:

Continue reading

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Dolce & Gabbana

A while back, Trends & Tribulations did this post on high-end shoe designers who created their own sketches of the Cinderella shoes for the movie that came out in March.  As mentioned, those designers designed and created the actual shoes, which were then displayed at an exhibit at the Berlin Film Festival, and at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store in New York City.  Five of those designers chose to sell the shoes via special order at Saks, but only Dolce & Gabbana‘s are currently being sold to the public via Luisaviaroma.

Dolce & Gabbana, $1,795

Dolce & Gabbana Cinderella Swarovski Pumps, $1,795, via Luisaviaroma

Adorned in Swarovski crystals, and created with Plexiglas, these transparent 105mm heels are gorgeous enough to make anyone feel like a modern-day Cinderella.  Finally, a shoe solution for all of your #formaldressproblems.

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What do you think of these Cinderella pumps?  How would you wear them?

xxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: DSquared2

Due to the ridiculous rather high number of LBD’s & LBH’s (Little Black Heels) in my closet(s), I started to get picky when adding any more of them to my wardrobe.  They have to really tickle my fancy, per se, or, sadly, they’ll just be taking up more coveted closet space.

(Side Note: Since I moved into a new apartment earlier this summer, I had to go from two walk-in closets to a tiny little one.  Needless to say, it’s been tough, but a learning experience in minimalism…  I’ve also taken to decorating my apartment with shoes as art to make up for storage (i.e. shoes intertwined with my books, in my living room, laundry room, etc.)…)

Take, for example, these beauties from DSquared2’s Fall-Winter 2015-16 collection.  They have just enough glitz and glam to make them stand out, and simply exude sex appeal.  I love how the fringe, metal zippers, and chains give them a rock’n’roll vibe, while the all-black color keeps the sandals from looking overdone.

Wear ’em with cuffed blue denim, or with a structured leather skirt and chiffon blouse for a sexy, edgy look.

DSquared2 Sandals, $1,500, via Shoescribe

DSquared2 Sandals, $1,500, via Shoescribe

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What do you think of these little black sandals?  Would you wear them?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

xo, Sophie

WaaW