Tag Archives: suede

Review of Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boots

For menswear.

“Shoes speak louder than words” says Tribeca-based brand Jack Erwin. Wearing their Ellis Chelsea Boot from the Foster Collection, I’d have to agree. Available in calf-leather Arabica or Black, or the 100% suede Brown, I chose this final option. The suede exterior creates an understated masculine sensibility which transitions well between the office and the bar. I wore them with a granite colored suit, and they color blocked outstandingly. Similarly, I chose to pair them with a dark indigo wash skinny jean and they shined against the more casual attire.

In terms of comfort, the Ellis Chelsea Boot took under an hour to break in. At first I was worried about the inside architecture of the boot as it struck me as quite tough, yet as soon as it molded to my foot, these easily became the most comfortable footwear I own. All of Jack Erwin’s shoes are handcrafted in Spain, and this level of quality is apparent on both the interior and exterior. The rubber sole makes them resilient against the most treacherous of slushy, wintry conditions and the pull tab means you can easily remove them as soon as you return to the safety and warmth of the indoors.

All in all, the Ellis Chelsea boot more than fulfills the heritage of Chelsea-boot style footwear. It is versatile, uniquely inviting, and most importantly, a classically handsome item on trend, without being trendy. I also covet their Carter Wingtip Combat Boot, and after testing the Ellis, I will be ordering it ASAP.

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Fringe Is Having a Major Fashion Moment

The reason you see models walk down a runway rather than standing still is to showcase the movement of the garment. As anyone who’s ever been to a fashion show or watched one televised knows, there’s something special about a flowing skirt effortlessly sashaying down the catwalk. Perhaps that’s why we’re so in love with this 70’s trend. Fringe instantly adds a little movement to your ootd (outfit of the day).

We love full out fringe skirts. There are a ton on the market right now from H&M’s breezy Fringed Skirt. Or for just a touch, try Forever 21’s Fringed Faux Suede Skirt. The asymmetrical fringe adds a little something special to your basic tees and tanks, for a simple contemporary look.


Fringed jackets add extra drama when the temperature drops. Nasty Gal’s Runway Fringe Suede Moto Jacket is a great accessory for the fashion girl who wants to be noticed. Dress down a cocktail dress or pair it with jeans for the ultimate fall look.

Another way to rock the trend is with a great shoe. Forever 21’s Fringe Bib Necklace will instantly transform any bland outfit into something amazing! Or rock a fringed stiletto such as Rupert Sanderson’s Fringe Sandals- Marlena High heel. The Twilight Navy Blue color is a perfect way to extend summer sandals into fall.

While there are many fringed purses on the market, H&M’s Backpack with Fringe is a fun way to tote around all your stuff. Another simple fringe accessory is a great tassel earring. BAUBLEBAR’s Leather Tassel Drop Earrings look très chic!

We know it’s time for fall but we couldn’t resist adding this Bikini with Fringe by H&M to the list… just in case you have any vacation plans or we have an Indian Summer.

So go ahead and twirl around, we can’t blame you- we love watching the fringe too!

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Women’s Fashion Spotlight: Charisse Suede Crop Scallop Two Piece

Throughout decades of woman’s fashion, the look of suede has never gone out if style. It is a versatile, timeless look. One of the things that has improved over the years, however, is the fabrics that are used for the faux suedes. At times, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the real suede and the faux suede, but the advantages of the faux fabric are that it looks as good as the real thing, even though the care is much easier.

At Luxemme, the spotlight is on the Charisse Suede Crop Scallop Luxury Two Pieces. It is a 70’s inspired fashion with the super-cropped tank top and high-waisted shorts, but the on-trend look is all about the details. The higher neckline balances out the crop length a bit and the full back zipper makes it easy to get in and out of. The shorts are a vintage look with the higher waistline and flaired leg openings, but the scalloped edges, belt loops, and darts are what make them interesting. It is a dressy summer look and two pieces that would look great whether you are clubbing in LA, shopping the boutiques in NYC, or on a dream vacation in Rome. For the swell price of 35 Euros, you would never even come close to finding the same pieces in real suede.

This cropped, two piece short set that can be found at Luxemme is accessorized with the knee-high leather gladiator sandals in British tan, which helps to accentuate the long, leggy look. Her small shoulder bag is also in the right proportion for the outfit too. It is a trend that can be seen on celebrities that are out on the town, like Kate Bosworth and Sienna Miller, for just a few examples.

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10 Best Spring 2015 Fashion Trends

Refresh your image with some of the latest fashion trends causing a stir in spring. Here are 10 of the best.


1. Pattern it up
Wearing black and white is still in fashion, but the spring trends show that it is the perfect foundation on which to display various patterns and textures. Think geometric shapes and stripes that give your neutrals an edge. Gingham is also heating up the trends this spring, so invite it to the party.

2. Green Your Wardrobe
Olive green is a new neutral this spring! It’s perfect in the military fashion trend that’s also creating waves. To make it work in your wardrobe, choose olive green pieces that are fitted well and textured, and wear them with brighter shades, such as luminous yellow and fiery red for a splash.

3. Enjoy Bohemian Nights
Bohemian fashion has been trendy for a while now, but this year it’s all about taking it from day to night. Think elegant long, flowing dresses and items with an almost translucent shimmer to offer a slice of classy sexiness. Team the look with suede, another hot item this spring, for extra stylishness.

If suede seems heavy for the season, that’s because you’re probably thinking of dark suede jacket or trouser numbers. Pastel-colored, light suede in sleeveless dresses gives suede a much-needed makeover!

4. Twist Your Denim
Although you might think of your flattering pair of jeans at home, denim this season is cropping up in a variety of creative styles. Dark tailored denim dresses are feminine, while loose-fitting denim jumpsuits are versatile enough for wear with different styles.

5. See Red
Remember the spectacular red dress actress and director Lupita Nyong’o wore at last year’s Golden Globes? Well, such beauty isn’t going out of style anytime soon! This year Milan Fashion Week revealed sumptuous red shades at its shows for spring. The brighter and bolder, the better! Don’t be afraid to bring red into your clothing choices, but you can tweak it to get the perfect shade to match your skin. For instance, if orange-red tones seem to look weird on you, opt for a blue-tinged red instead.

6. Get Cropped!
Cropping is not only for Photoshop. This year fashion items are cut in half, showing off toned and tanned midriffs. Long skirts and cropped tops are a favorite, but you can also team these short tops with trousers.

7. Leave Your Heels at Home
It’s time to retrieve your flat shoes from the back of your closet because they are in fashion this spring and more versatile than ever. Team up metallic dresses with gladiator-inspired flats or get inspired by Stella McCartney’s silver wedges that give you a bit of height with a lot of style.

8. Grow a Fringe
We don’t mean on your hair but your clothing! Tassels are all the rage this season, appearing on skirts, cropped leather jackets, and handbags. When rocking this trend, choose only one fringed item of clothing to wear at a time to make a fashion statement instead of a faux pas.


9. Bare Your Shoulder
Besides for your midriff, you should also show off your shoulders this spring. Tops with their shoulder parts cut out, as seen by Vera Wang, or off-the-shoulder items are great. The asymmetrical neckline is also trendy this year, so wear dresses or tops that cover one shoulder or straps that cut across your neckline diagonally.

10. Time to Bloom!
Although it might not sound very surprising to hear that florals are making a statement this spring, they come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Think large, graphic flowers on handbags and abstract floral prints on clothing that put a spin on traditional floral designs.

Turn the world into your runway this spring by bringing home the hottest fashion trends.

Cassie Brewer is an experience makeup designer who works for weddings and films during the day and writes by night.

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Lesson #79: Elevated sneakers or “Creepers”

For menswear.

INFEASIBLE: ANY Kitschy-as-fuck creepers

Creepers. What the hell are these things? I personally would never wear elevator shoes, but they seem to be making a stir in Britain these days. Some laud them for being unisex (when was the last time you wore something gender-bending?) and (supposedly) very comfy. But so are Crocs remember.

I do, however, respect the Brit punk scene’s innovativeness and history of revitalization - I’ll buy the concept, on some conditions. For one, NONE OF THIS MONDO ELEVATION CRAP. Christ, we scorn high tops for a reason (they’re clunky, difficult to walk in, vertically asymmetrical, etc.). For another, you just can’t have pointy tips; from the best of my estimates, creepers are a subset of the sneaker family and therefore fall under the same restrictions.

Feasible: Dark, lush colored creepers that aren’t too kitschy
I get what’s going on with this pair of King Tuts: soft, comfy, yet a little (just a little) kitsch thrown in to FUCK WITH THE SYSTEM and the stuffy wardrobe it perpetuates. Although these wouldn’t work at a Dolce group bar or anywhere in the City outside of the East village, I’d salute a young rapscallion who’d strut in his Tut’s.

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Lesson #79: Elevated sneakers or "Creepers"

For menswear.

Black/White Leather Mondo Creep With Black Interlace

INFEASIBLE: ANY Kitschy-as-hell creepers

Creepers. What the hell are these things? I personally would never wear elevator shoes, but they seem to be making a stir in Britain these days. Some laud them for being unisex (when was the last time you wore something gender-bending?) and (supposedly) very comfy. But so are Crocs remember.

I do, however, respect the Brit punk scene’s innovativeness and history of revitalization - I’ll buy the concept, on some conditions. For one, NONE OF THIS MONDO ELEVATION CRAP. Christ, we scorn high tops for a reason (they’re clunky, difficult to walk in, vertically asymmetrical, etc.). For another, you just can’t have pointy tips; from the best of my estimates, creepers are a subset of the sneaker family and therefore fall under the same restrictions.

King Tut - Monk Black Suede Roundtoe Interlace Side Buckle

Feasible: Dark, lush colored creepers that aren’t too kitschy
I get what’s going on with this pair of King Tuts: soft, comfy, yet a little (just a little) kitsch thrown in to SCREW WITH THE SYSTEM and the stuffy wardrobe it perpetuates. Although these wouldn’t work at a Dolce group bar or anywhere in the City outside of the East village, I’d salute a young rapscallion who’d strut in his Tut’s.

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