3 piece or double breast??

I'm super excited because it's Monday!! I get to chat it up with my fella's once a week right here. I share with you my opinions on everything from men's fashion, current events, trendy spots/happenings, etc-- geared to those folks from Mars!

Today we'll focus on: Spring/Summer Fashion 2011

Welcome to " Mustache Monday's"

Fashion Tips

I mentioned over a week ago that your shoe game says a lot about you as man! However, it doesn't matter what shoe or what designer it is, because if you don't take care of that snazzy "stepper", the look is ruined! Learn how to protect your investment!

1.
"Protecting Your Shoe Investment- for Men" via Uptown Magazine

Above is a great article from Uptown Magazine on Men and their shoe care! Unlike us--women, men are 10 times more likely to scuff their shoes and wear it down...especially in the city of New York! They talk about everything from investing in: shoe conditioners, a shoe tree, shoe-horn, etc. There are so many potholes in NYC; I'm surprised we haven't heard more stories about people disappearing into these ugly black holes, never to be seen again!  Ok ok, I digressed for a bit....

You also have to have the right suits to go with your look fellas. This summer you'll be hopping around NYC checking out: Networking events, Summer Soiree's, Fundraisers, Industry parties & Board meetings you. STEP out with your best suit forward!

2.
Fashionising.com- "Suit Styles"
According to: Fashionising.com
Modern suit styles for 2011

They talk about everything from the Double Breasted to the Three Piece suit.

Below check out the 2 Tom Ford pieces. His designs are on it!..... Oh how fierce.  A man in a well-tailored suit is just as tasty as a pecan tart!

 Notice the different looks: one with a bowtie, which has lots of staying power lately...the other is a more traditional look with the tie color coordinating with the shirt; always thought that look was very edgy. 

          The (3 Piece) get up above by Simon Spurr is also a win win! You can't go wrong with Grey either! However, for you men who want to punch it up a bit; go a little left with a funky color or multi-print/color shirt underneath. Alternatively, jazz it up with a POW WOW color block tie!

.




3. Below are a few semi-casual "Steppers" - translation;  that's shoes for the men! I think I made up another word, oppsy!

Ok loving these Gucci Tooled boots.

These are a pair of cocoa leather boots; casual but also can be dressed up with a denim suit or blazer and slacks. Put your own spin on it!

Check them out at Bluefly.com

http://www.bluefly.com/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Below are similar styled, Mark McNairy Suede get ups!---Haute!

 

They can be found locally at The Brooklyn Circus. http://thebkcircus.com/bkc/shop/mark-mcnairy-stone-suede-brogue-shoe/

 

"The Brooklyn Circus is an emerging mens and womens boutique and lifestyle brand which began in 2006 in a small shop on a side street in Brooklyn, New York City. With a new flagship boutique in San Francisco, distribution in Japan, and a blog with over 200,000 readership per month, The Brooklyn Circus has proven a highly influential brand to the youth and the youthfully spirited. After all, “Experience is Everything.” 

Additional locations include: Chicago, GA and internationally Sweden and Japan.

The store also happens to be owned by a college buddy I always knew had an eye for fashion; so if you are local, check out the shop or visit their website!

The last pick below is a Cole Haan Lunar Oswego 2-eye Lace Up.

The grey shoe is a staple, which should be in every man's closet by now. It's the new black in case you don't recall. Your options of clothing to wear with it are endless because of it's neutral base. It also has a clean and rugged look, which makes it extremely versatile.

They can be found at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041DCF32/ref=asc_df_B0041DCF321481605?tag=thefind0091919-20&creative=395261&creativeASIN=B0041DCF32&linkCode=asn

So Men, were these hit's or misses? My familiarity is of course women's shoes, but I'm hoping my love for fashion and an eye for "haute" sh-- as a whole was on target!  You tell me? Write a comment and let me know which one you would wear, if any?
 
More to come next "Mustache Monday"; until next time...... Stay Schwanky all my Divo's!

Spring and Summer Strands....What's your taste?

I am getting antsy and craving a change/update/refresh for my Summer/Spring 2011 Hairdo! Short, long, straight, curly...punch it up with more color? What's a gal to do? As I mull this all over; I figured what better time to share some of my favorite styles I've seen thus far, maybe your looking to switch it up for the change of season as well?

The first style reminds me a lot of my own natural hairdo. Why do I love the look? for me-it's versatile, the color brings the springy curls to life and the soft layers also give it a funky shape.

If you already have a short cut and want to spice it up even more; I think this is a great option Nicole Ari Parker is rocking!  But do you have the personality to pull this "Haute' look of ? The Splash of color and the Faux Mohawk is super edgy! I've seen many variations of this style but the color definitely stands out in the middle and the tips.  

Melanie' Fiona's GODDESS like braid has summer written all over it. It's very soft and flirty,  yet keeps the hair out of her face with a slight wispy wave to the side..Tres Chic! It gives her a really casual but sophisticated all the same. This is perfect if your not looking to do anything drastic but want a little "twist"- no pun intended!

   Megan's look is so fashion forward; It reminds me of a piece of art! It's very simple and flirty; the color adds depth and works well with her skin tone! I can't quite tell if her hair is pulled back or if its truly short in the back but this is definitely a "cutesy" look for the warmer months!

So go ahead curl, flip, straighten, or snip your way into the summer, but keep it Schwanky!

To Dye or Not to Dye? ..That is the Question!

So this afternoon I was having a brief IM pow wow with my girlfriend. I told her I need to check myself with all this hearty eating so that I could get back into my "tie-dye Skinny Jeans" I bought last summer. (NOTE: I heart them..and miss them). They can't quite fit over my bum! So until said date-(when my bum goes down a bit and I stop eating Sophie's cuban food)...I'm anxiously waiting to slide back in them!

My girlfriend was appauled- "tie-dye's, let it go", was her response!

She mentioned her "intern" is a model and says they are a no go. Umm, but I'm not a model and I'm not running down the walkway during Fashion Week! Hell Nah! I think it speaks to the old school girls like myself and also the newer generation. We loved some tie dye back in the day! BAM they brought it back just for me..HA! Don't get me wrong; these jeans should not replace all other jeans and most certainly can't be worn with everything !- Let's be clear ;)

They are not for the faint at heart, conservatives or Fashion "fret-fuls"- I made that one up, (ha). I think it means those not willing to take risks with fashion or worried of critique. Also, when I say take risks; by no means do I mean someone that has to follow every trend that emerges!

NOTE: I am a true believer that, "NOT ALL TRENDS NEED TO BE FOLLOWED"! People stop trying to wear 5 trends in one day! That I believe is the KEY!


So To Dye or Not to Dye? --- I say if you are confident and cool enough to ROCK it the RIGHT way! Go for it! Check out how the Celebs are wearing them. Put your own spin on the look! 

i.e- Fergie brings you the cropped look, Beckham dresses it up and Lindsey dresses it down. I can't make out the face of the last "chica" but she makes it look casual and funky with the peep-toe booties! Loves it!




Below are also a few places to purchase your own "tie-dye "Skinny's just like below:  (I'm still working out this technical piece on pointing the links directly to the product vs. the actual main page)-Sorry Diva's.. I'm trying! lol

These two funky color tones are via US.Asos

http://us.asos.com/

The black and sand colored pair below is from Urban Outfitters: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Last but not least. I love the way Rhianna pulled off her look with the cutesy booties and blazer for a Chic look; yet still has the edge with the tie-dye!

So Until next time...i'll be pulling up next to you in my Schwanky tie-dye's @ a Sunday Brunch near you!

P.S- Write your own fashion rules; be unique in how you stamp your fashion brand and after all... you are you and NO one else!

NY is great but Miami is calling me....

Before I go into the post of the day! I must say a very solemn good bye to Elizabeth Taylor. She passed away at 79 today of heart failure! We'll miss those beautiful blue eyes but her memory will live on through her movies, beautiful pictures and the family and fans she left behind!

Here's a beach pic of Mrs. Taylor as thats' the subject of my post today!--> Getting to the BEACH!

So spring hasn't sprung quite yet; pretty obvious based on how today is looking; so until then... if you are looking for a quick "warm-up" PRONTO!..I suggest my favorite hobby! Hop on a plane to SOBE! SUN AND SAND!!! Also try switching it up by staying at a smaller boutique hotel for your stay. OK, don't get me wrong... I love the Schwanky Luxury Hotels out there; however, I prefer more times than not to stay at a smaller "lux" boutique hotel. Why?

They tend to cater more to their visitors, have more of a one on one interaction with their guests, offer more day to day perks, less crowding and the service tends to be just a bit tighter; as they have less of  a palm tree up their.... OK! I'll stop there. I think you get it!

WELCOME TO MIAMI !!!!

Here are a few under the radar notables on the scene in SOBE and Northern Miami. If you've been to Miami since 2007, you noticed the landscape changed drastically when the economy was flushed down the Miami Beach! Half the hotels on Ocean, Lincoln and Collins disappeared!! It was like a ghost town! The economy really beat it up; most hotels couldn't sustain without the tourism the strong economy brought. Thankfully, the ending of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 shows some revitalization to the the city.  Miami is starting to overcome these tough times, as well as other tourist heavy cities! They are rebuilding and so far I like what I see.

Here are a few new or newly renovated boutique spots that I may have to check out in the coming months.

The RED South Beach:
It's a little further down on the strip, which again tends to be my preference. The hotels that sit smack in the middle of Ocean Drive; at times tend to be less maintained, loud  24hours a day! Can I get a little bit of sleep after all the partying? I don't want folks barrelling down the halls at 6:30am! Being further out, but still on the strip is my ideal location. This one is on 30th and Collins.  They recently under went a multi-million dollar renovation. The look is very much a blend of classic and contemporary. They are actually one block from the beach and less than 10 minutes away from the "action" so to speak. Still within walking distance from all the madness!

Make your reservations online at Red South Beach
http://redsouthbeach.com/

The New Hotel Miami:
This hotel strikes me as one for someone who considers themselves a minimalist and doesn't require the chandelier's, glitz or glamour; however, wants to be "Eco Chic", as one traveler described it! This hotel is environmentally conscious...This is a fully GREEN hotel! Everything from the cleaning products to their Organic Sheets! They are also just two blocks off the beach and small enough where the owner can provide a personal touch! I'm down with that after a long day of sunbathing and salsa! This hotel is closer to North Miami for those who want to be away from the Miami regulars!  Check them out at: http://thenewhotelmiami.com/

The last hotel was formerly known as "The Strand", but it is now -"The Congress Hotel" at 1052 Ocean Drive. This is for all you hot Tamales who gotta be ON THE MAP...in the "thick" of things!

It's literally steps away from the beach and a row of restaurants and shops to chose from every night! You won't miss anything if your here at the Congress and they have a cutesy Rooftop pool! You can book now on their site at: http://www.congresshotelsouthbeach.com/  Umm, yeah so I guess this one wouldn't be considered "under the radar"!

So if you are looking for a low key or rocking out with your ***&## ...out kinda time! One of these should offer you a little something for your buck!

Until next time...stay Schwanky!!! 

Rain Boots and Fashion, can they co-exist?

Good Evening Ladies!

So, question of the day...can rain boots and fashion co-exist? Yup, you guessed it..and I found it...I am NOT a FAN of Rain Boots! Ughh, when I think of these boots; the first thing that comes to my mind is..ewwwy pattuyy..THEY are flat! Hated it. 9 times out of 10 they are ill fitting and look as though you are ready to go "crab" fishing!

So considering the rainy day we had earlier today and much more rain expected to come in just a few short weeks; I figured I'd search for some cute alternatives to the traditional "RAIN BOOT". Let's check out what I found. The one thing they all have in common is a WEDGE! So for the girly girl in you; you still get to saunter around in the rain and protect your fab pedicure!

The First one is by Khombu, it's called The "Latergator" I like this one because of the buckle on top,  which helps to adjust to the width of your calves and  totally in love with the embossed "gator" look. This is a bit more dressy than the casual "rubber ducky" look I'm used to seeing on the streets of Manhattan!

They can be found on Endless, http://www.endless.com/

This Funky option is more casual; it brings the regular rain boot into the 21st century! Check out the lace up in the front, a wedge and a pop of purple color. I love it! I think I would actually wear this one on the weekend in the rain!

This is the Women's Pelican Wedge Purple Sadie-SPERRY, which can be found on Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/

The last one is by HUNTER, "CHAMPERY" in Black with the logo embossed on the very

top of the boot. Also a sleeker look and it tapers your calves more than the average rain boot. It fits more like a traditional tall wedge boot. 

You can find these at: Bloomingdales- http://www.bloomingdales.com/  

Well until the next rainy day; Stay dry and Schwanky!

Pre-spring Brunchin and Munchin!

The Weekend Edition (3/19/2011-3/20/2011)

Yesterday was a good day!! It started at De Santos. They have the best $35.00 brunch! Nothing beats a quality brunch, excellent ambiance, service and a great price! (NOTE: Did I forget to tell you that this price includes any entree and a 2 hour unlimited  serving of  "brunch cocktails"?) My favorite was the Bellini Rosso, a mix of prosecco and pomegranate.


Venue: DeSantos:
139 West 10th Street,
New York, NY

Tel: 212-206-9229

http://desantosnyc.com/

Second stop of the afternoon included pre-dinner/ post brunch cocktails at one of my favorite spots in the MPD-Meat Packing District, REVEL. It's a fabulous lounge/bar/restaurant that delivers the best cocktails, appetizers and entrees! Bonus: The dining area is in a "garden" like setting with a retractable roof for those lovely summer days; the bartenders also happen to be uber friendly and are great EYE candy!

Check them out at: http://www.revelnyc.com/

After Sippin it up for what seemed like hours; we worked up another appetite; it was already dinner time, so we slipped out of REVEL and crossed the Brooklyn Bridge to a quaint spot on Vanderbilt Avenue called Luz Restaurant. The Latin cuisine is tasty. Two of my favorite dishes are: The Mariscada dish, (a mix of seafood and pasta) and anyone who knows Luz knows you must have the chicken with a side of rice and beans! This chicken is so savory and they don't skimp on the portion. You may have some left over for lunch the next day!
So give these folks a try the next time you are in BK!!

http://www.luzrestaurant.com/






Until Next Time Stay Schwanky!!!

Platforms, Pumps or Both?

Good Afternoon:

The Sun is shining brightly and it's FRIDAY! What more could I ask for?  As I look out my office window and see the Cruise ships docking by the Hudson River; some how it makes me think about shoes! Why? Well I am switching the scene a bit. I'm envisioning, boarding a yacht for an intimate dinner party on a hazy summer night...great music playing. Hmm, how about  (Esperanza Spaulding)- I dig her funky music! Ok so we are drinking Shiraz and eating sushi as the moon glows above us!

So what kind of shoes would I wear to this snazzy affair? I would want to be fairly casual but super classy! Here are a few of my picks for some options we could go with....

The question is platforms, pumps, or both? I say Both!

Check this one out...How cute? It reminds me of the "Sea and Sky" with it's soft powder blue tone! Great for  that imaginary dinner party I'm at right? LOL The designer is also awesome..They make pretty cutesy shoes!

It is a Pour La Victoire design and they can be found online at Jildor Shoes  http://www.jildorshoes.com/. Now ladies; I'm not the biggest fan of patent leather, but this color really invited me in.

Another trend I hope never disappears, is the Neutral Shoe! I'm addicted. You never have to worry about coordinating this shoe with specific colors, as it works with everything! I'm also in love with the updated birdcage look. The architecture of this shoe is very unique but understated! Going back to my fantasy of Yachts and Sushi - This shoe reminds me of the sand and beach, soo dreamy!!  

You can find this Report Signature design at ShopBob! http://www.shopbob.com/

Next up:  Let's get juicy! This one reminds me of a fresh exotic Fruit!  This is from the "House of Harlow 1960" collection.  This is a Purple Pearl peep-toe platform! Yummy! So you have a 3 for one with a splash of spring color!  Check them out at: My-Wardrobe. http://www.my-wardrobe.com/


If you pair this with a simple white tea/tank or blouse and some dark blue skinny jeans, chunky jewelry and a blazer! You are all set to sail !

Well I hope I have insprired you to get your spring look together with some of these recommendations!  Until Next time! Stay Schwanky!

Work doesn't mean BLUE or GREY!

Hey Ladies

Sorry for my tardiness.. I've let half the day slip by without my posts! Well first off, I'd like to say Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

Today I want to highlight business accessories. Although these products are for work/business; doesn't mean they have to be DRAB like the office furniture! So for all you working women out in NYC; treat yourself to some stylish accessories to compliment your business attire. Come on Diva's spice it up!

The first product I checked out was the Marc Jacobs bright Cherry Red Laptop Case!  What a show stopper!  Ya digg?

You will be RED hot racing down the street dodging the NYC food vendors and tourists in this cutesy case! I'm ready to put in my order, are you?  Don't be afraid to splash color around especially as we enter the warmer seasons. If you are afraid to wear color; how about you take a baby step and accessorize with it!

This item can be found at Shopbob; one of my favorite sites!
http://www.shopbop.com/

Also don't leave home without your business cards and make sure thier packaged right! Nothing is more trifling than pulling your cards out of a zip lock baggy or from a pack of cards with rubber bands! Make sure it's kept clean and safe in these stylish Business Card Holders. 

Check out, "My Business Gifts" for the colorful selections above! The Key word today is COLOR!
http://www.mybusinessgifts.com/personalized-credit-card-case-17673.html


 Next up is another awesome pick. More subtle color but with a flashy "rhinestone" look! You can still be edgy and throw in a little color to make a bold statement! It still has a  professional finish  and not as "trendy" as the selection of Rainbow swirls above!

Memorable Gifts carry's this case
http://www.memorablegifts.com/gifts/pc/Pink-Crystal-Personalized-Business-Card-Holder-p8187.htm?utm_source=FindGift&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=FindGift%2BProducts&utm_term=BCH-1344-1908


Ciao Bellas and don't forget to stay Schwanky!

"FACE" it! ...

Good Morning Chica's and Chico's

It may be raining outside but you can still shine your light with the rays beaming of your face! I try to keep it fresh and funky daily...yeah we all have our off days, but keep these fool proof beauty "enhancements" in your pocket book and you'll be good to go. I've never been a fan of "heavy make-up". I think it cheapens your look, makes you look older than you are and ultimately puts more years on your face. I feel as though makeup weighs me down and clog's up my pore's. However, I do know some people may not have picture perfect skin and need the extra coverage.

If you are like me and like to feel as though you are wearing nothing, let your skin breath and still have modest doeses of coverage; then look to Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer- Perfect for all seasons!

It's a lightweight moisturizer with a little tint.  It comes in various shades and with just the right amount of SPF. (Hey I don't want my skin looking like leather when I'm 50! Anything with SPF gets my VOTE!)

They sell it at Sephora as well as various other retailers for $42.00 buckaroo's. It's worth every penny to me! It isn't a new comer either! It's been on the market for a hot minute now. For those of you who haven't heard about it, check it out ASAP. It'll help even out your skin tone, with a cleaner and lighter finish. I used to use the Stila version of this, but it doesn't match up to Laura's version in the least!

NOTE: for all you T-Zone Oily girls. They have an oil-free version as well!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109936

Another must have is Maybelline's "The Falsies- Volume Express Mascara".

I swear the first time I put it on, I wanted to kiss my face! Damn my tiny little whispers of lashes were like a beautiful fan after I applied it! (NO CLUMPS). It's not thick and it elongates your lashes two-fold! I was in complete Awe!  This is also another product that has been on the market for a bit but I'm soo happy I found it. I've gone through soo many different mascara's and this one is definitely a keeper!

I'm tempted to buy out the whole shelf the next time I'm in the store!

The KEY: The Brush is curved just like our eye lash base so it sits in a "SPOON" shape which allows it to lift and seperate your lashes!

REMARKABLE!!! I never thought I would get soo excited over mascara!

As I bat my sexy falsies at ya...until next time, Stay Schwanky!

The NY Male Trend Setter ...

I'm dedicating today's post to the Men of NYC!

Today is Tuesday, the weather is warming up and we are starting to defrost up here in the North East! Not only are ladies starting to tighten up their guts and their gear; so are you fashion forward gentlemen!

Who doesn't like to see a well dressed, well accessorized man? Umm, I do. I can totally appreciate a man that knows how to put his "wardrobe" together. From the hat to the belt to the scarf, and walking shoes! We can't forget the watches either. You can really learn a lot about a man by the type of watch he wears. Take lessons lady; this will pay off big time! No no, don't get it wrong; I'm not telling ladies to look for a man with bling bling. Actually the type of accessories I'm talking about tend to be even more subtle and you have to have a keen eye. Here's what to look out for to snag you a fabulous man as it warms up and leaves start to appear on the trees!

I just found out about this interesting men's accessories company, Chandon Lucien; damn, it even sounds sexy! Ouchhh!

Chandon Lucien-http://chandonlucien.com/store/

 I thought this bag was very fashionable, plush lambskin leather, bold details and very masculine! I can see him now in the Airport on his cell waiving down a car with this slung over his shoulder! Ha ha!  

Now on to watches; cause if he doesn't know what time it is; he will surely be late picking you up!

"2011 marks a new milestone in the historic partnership between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet, one of the most unique relationships in the watch industry. These two legends have collaborated to create the ultimate collector timepiece, The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph, a perfect blend of strength and control. This is anticipated to be the last watch in the series created by Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet"

OMG- this watch is to die for! I want to grow a mustache and wear this! I can only imagine the extreme power behind it. Ok I know it's a piece of metal, but damn!

It's called the "Roo", a part of the Legacy collection.  Ok it's insanely expensive, but it’s a great investment down the line!

http://www.audemarspiguet.com/collections/latest-creations/roo-as-the-legacy 

For more reasonable and cost effective picks check out these BREIL and Burberry watches. They can be found at Bloomingdales: www.bloomingdales.com

Now these not considered a "time piece" as this uber expensive Audemars Piguet, but they are still quite classy.... At least you know what ladder you should be climbing up :)

Ok over and out...Bye all you Schwanky Divo's!  I'll have more for the men on a periodic basis! I can't leave you guys out.

Now keep it Suave and Schwankyy!

Boutique Love.....NYC

I'm feeling a lot better today! Yeaa.... back at work but my mind is on spring and figuring out where my first stop will be to get some new threads!

Like Most NY ladies on the run, I can appreciate a quick find at Bloomys, H&M, F21, Zara's you know all the usual suspects; but nothing beats my love for great finds at the Boutiques that litter the streets of NY...Ummm Literally!! This is why I need a financial advisor that can really rope me in! Oh jeezz... but that's another story. For now, focus on these two spots I frequent: So see what happens; you'll be sure to get lucky!


Coup De Coeur- They actually have 3 locations! I've been a visitor of the one on 9th avenue for a few years but they have two other locations. I know from my experience with the 9th avenue store is that they are always super helpful, always giving you deals and its' a great place to go for some last minute casual/dressy shopping! You can't be a "J Crew or Banana Republic Girl". They are a bit more edgy and skew a bit younger in terms of vibrant colors, funky accessories and hemlines that tend to be a bit shorter! So if you like to live on the edge. He're a great place to start!

http://www.coupdecoeuralamode.com/

YAMAK-  This is another cute little boutique I love! They have amazing apparel, cluthes, big bags, fab accessories that are too Schwannky! They are all so unique. (At least the last time I checked!)... They also have multiple locations. the one I go to has been on the upper east side.

However, I'll have to check out the one on Bleeker- Check out thier link for more details!  http://yamakny.mytempserver.com/


In the meanwhile, happy Spring Shopping and stay Schwankky!

Step up your online shoe/clothes shopping game!

I wanted to share with you Schwanky Diva's some of my favorite spots to shop for over the top deals without breaking the bank!

1. Haute Look- http://www.hautelook.com/
2. Beyond the Rack. http://www.beyondtherack.com/
3. Gilt Groupe- http://www.gilt.com/

Those are a few! Can't give you all my secrets. These are all member only sites. You have to sign up to recieve thier fabulous deals! So what are you waiting for- start shopping!

I'm also a big believer in shopping for your wallet! Don't try to shop for stuff you know damn well is gonna set you back! If you have to have the hottest Lou Boo's or Choo's but you have to cut back on your kids diaper's or hand in your rent late; you are doing things all wrong! I know my limit; you can't always have it all but you can strategize! Lucky for us, we have a range of price points we can purchase fabulous finds; either half off or still great quality and not as "well known" on the street! Lou Boo's are not the only hot stuff out there!

If you are looking for reasonable yet, trendy and cutting edge shoes; you can always find great go to's from these staple designers!

- Jessica Simpson
-Boutique 9
-Dolce Vita
-Bebe
-Rachel Roy

These are just a few to name.  NYC fashion options are endless!

Neutral's are still high on my list: Check out these two ! Sooo cute...and they are BOTH  under $200.00

Now if these aren't good deals, I don't know what is! Oh the thought of releasing the toes this summer is exciting! Until next time stay Schwanky!

Curly hair and Flats today!!! Would you believe it!

Yeah, so I'm a bit under the weather today and I threw on my FLAT boots ...The one and only pair I have in the Schwanky Shoe Diva's closet. 

                                 Ok ok,  I know it has a little bit of a wedge..hey I'm trying!

Yeah, I was feeling that umphhhh and after all I was just going to a board meeting for the non-profit I'm a part of.  A pretty uneventful sunny "almost" spring afternoon thus far, but I'm feeling good about the work I put in! Got my Curly girl in full swing- It's been months since I've felt free enough to let it all hang out.. Anyway, this spring I think I'm ready for a change...switch the game up a bit. I need a new "head piece", now the question is what shall I do? The Blond B will still be in effect, we just have to figure out what were gonna do with the style...soon to be revealed!

Errrrrr- Ok switching gears...tomorrow is Sunday and Basketball "Non" Wives is going to be airing the "Reunion Part 2"! But just as a reminder---Ummm, none of these chics are wives people...as they say in Brooklyn--> Come on Son! They need to change the name of this show quickly! Ok I get it, it's great entertainment, sh--- I was hooked the whole season through like a robot watching it.

Unfortunately it saddens me how they are portrayed : bitter, sleazy, negative, promiscuous or fake in some way or another. No one at least as far as these big eyes of mine can see are shown in some sort of positive light! Can we please raise the bar with the types of shows our black or miniorty women associate ourselves with?

How about a show for True Lady Movers and Shakers! Doing something in the community and family, while being pretty and fabulous all at the same time? I know we are out there! Hell almost all of my friends are prime examples of that! Hmmm, We'll have to write to Bravo and VH1!

Also, I want to say congratulations to one of my best college buddies Little Deb on her impending nuptuals this June! We are all sooo happy for you!!! Thanks again for allowing me to take part in your special day! Smooches...

Ok the throat is starting to close up on me....where is my DayQuil....HELP!!! Chicken Noodle any one? Until Next time... Stay Schwanky in NYC!

Don't Trip up this Spring by Making These Shoe Mistakes!

Spring is almost here ladies. PLEASE please take heed to what I am about to say. I promise you will get the best results if you take my advice. Before you begin to unpack last years shoes to showcase for NYC to see; take a moment. Assess the viability, endurance, shelf life of these shoes! Have they already stood the test of time?...have you taken them to the shoe maker more than 6 times in 6 months? Do they have scuffs in and around them, holes on the sole or heel? Do you have Suede shoes that once were purple and now are blue? Leather shoes that used to be black but are now grey? Yup, you guessed it---> It's time for those shoes to KICK ROCKS!  Don't even bother taking them to Salvation Army for your tax write off...take it  as a loss baby girl! You should have been saving for your replacements anyhow!

It's ok you now know better for Spring 2012.