Fashion

How excited am I to tell you guys that I had the opportunity to ask one of my favorite shoe designers, Faryl Robin Morse creator of Farylrobin, a couple of questions about her amazingly bold line of shoes? Ummmmm pretty darn excited! Created in 2002, Farylrobin has grown into a brand that brings women like you and me, shoes that are cheeky, unique and best of all, WEARABLE. Chunk heels? Yes, please!

Aren’t we all looking forward to the Spring and Summer! What inspired you this year in your preparation for your new lines?

This spring and summer collections were inspired by a few influences. First is what we call “Garden Girl,”  a return to pretty, feminine looks with a color palette from the flower bed. Another inspiration was “Asian Aspirations.” This was embodied mostly in our wooden bottoms. Third was a trend toward “pragmatic chic,” – sophisticated designs that ate very wearable. Put all together, this is one of our very best spring collections ever!  

Would you ever take the brand in another direction? Perhaps branch into apparel or jewelry? Or are shoes your passion in fashion?

Shoes are clearly my passion and where we’ve chosen to build our brand. Over time, though, we are open to expressing our design in other fashion areas, if it makes sense. 

 
Due to the economic downturn last year, women have been watching what they spend and retail sales have seen a decline. Things are looking up but what are you and your team doing to make the saavy shoe shopper aware of your brand, its quality and the promise of a pair of shoes that will not disappoint?

We know that in these tough times, we need to take especially take care of our existing customers, while we find new women who may not have tried us. 

We have actually increased our emphasis on the quality of our shoes.  We are active in the social media world. And anyone that you speak to will tell you that we may provide the best customer service in the industry. We believe that these three investments will pay off in the way of increased awareness and rising support for the Farylrobin brand. 

 
Finally, when you look  to create lines, do you have a muse? Someone who inspires your designs? Is there anyone in particular you would LOVE to see wear your shoes?

Our designs are inspired by all the bold women on the streets around the country.  We take note of them – what they wear, how they have fun, what they do.  They inspire us each season.   

We evolve each season and don’t have a particular muse who we are dying to reach.  We are always looking for those women who are seeking to be bold, confident, and fun. We design Farylrobin’s to get her there!

Photo Credit: Heuichul Kim / NY Sun

Thanks to Faryl Robin Morse for answering our questions. I cannot wait to see what her and her team bring to us next! Check out the Farylrobin blog, The Nest, become a fan on facebook and rock your Farylrobin shoes with confidence and sass like they are meant to be worn! Check out some of my favorites from the Spring 2010 collection:

Photo Credit: Heuichul Kim / NY Sun

 Grab a pair on any of many great online retailers, Zappos.com, Amazon.com, SmartBargains.com, Onlineshoes.com, Endless.com, Overstock.com, CoutureCandy.com or shopFarylrobin.

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With Spring just around the corner, or so the calendar says, it is about time to freshen up our wardrobes! Nothing has me more inspired this Spring than the Nautical pieces that are floating around in my dreams and at my local mall.

Collections from the likes Dolce and Gabbana and Michael Kors are rocking the Naut…

… but that does not mean that we have to spend a kabillion dollars on your seaworthy pieces. You can achieve anything from beach casual to yacht fancy without breaking the bank. No need to literally translate a designers look directly to your wardrobe; add your own sass and make sure you are comfortable in the looks  you create.

Some retailers that are offering you their take on the Nautical whimsy include New York and Company, Martin + Osa, and Zara. Your besties Macy’s, Dillard’s, 6pm.com and Zappos are all carrying the trend in full force and a fraction of the cost that designers would charge you!

Casual Styles are great for weekends at the beach or inland! No one will judge for an awesome sense of style! 

Take things up a notch with a sassy dress and some killer shoes. Who said you can’t be classy when there is sand around!  

Create your own look for less!  

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Ladies, it is this time of year that I start to freak a little because I love my sisters so much and I just want to shower them with gifts! Unfortunately, you can only have so many original and amazing gift ideas before you are plum out of them. Here is where I give you the recommendation for gift giving that has NEVER failed me. Gift intimates.

Obviously it is important to have your loved ones’ sizes but other than that? When have you gotten ultra soft PJ’s or had your undie collection rejuvinated by gift and not loved it? That’s what I thought.

Legit softest sweatpants ever worn by me or any other? Cheeky Butt Boyfriend Sweats from Gilly Hicks, available online and in stores $34.50, are sure to make any of your friends happy campers.

Victoria’s Secret Flannel Sleep shirt, available in stores and online, $24.00 is soft and cozy, making the gals feel a little feminine but also getting that functionality that some of us in the colder part of the country need during the winter!

aerie f.i.t. open neck fleece, $39.50, paired with the aerie slouchy wide leg pant, $19.99, make for the best loungin’ get up for curling up with a good book or with your man to watch a movie. Here’s to looking cute while feeling comfortable.

Sleep sets are an ever popular gift during the holidays but none of this matchy matchy stuff huh? Check out cute sleep sets from Gapbody $39.50, aerie $29.50, Old Navy $19.50 and Jockey $29.50

And the ever popular undie rejuvination??? Well check out any of many deals from your favorite intimates retailer. Geesh, we all have grabbed the 5 for $25 deals from Victoria’s Secret, aerie, Gilly Hicks. Or what about the teeny bikini briefs from Gapbody for a whopping $3.50? Jockey anyone?

And when your shopping is all said and done? Set your gift up in a pretty, reusable basket with some dainty trims (available at any local craft store, Christmas Tree Shop or Dollar Store) to jazz up the gift for the girls you love!

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With holiday shopping officially commencing this weekend, it’s time to seriously consider what you are getting for your man. Whether you light the menorah or plug in the lights on the tree, gift giving is a big part of the holiday season. We are showing our admiration and appreciation for those we love… so you want the gift to be thoughtful.

Every guy has that interest that comes to mind right off the bat. My dad for instance? He has gotten more golf paraphanalia from my mom and sisters (me included) that the guy would probably need in a lifetime. Tees, balls, towels, club covers, visors, polos and the list could go on. He is such a lovely man and is appreciative every time regardless… what I suggest in the case of a man in your life who has his #1 most important interest? Put that little bit of extra thought into it. What can you get that you know he will like and that he actually needs? Example: Magazine Subscription? Golf Course Gift Certs? Lessons (sorry Dad)? Flesh your ideas out a little.

Does your kid brother, cousin or friends’ kids have a love of cool tees? Or just has a great sense of humor? Check out Threadless, one of my personal favorites, for their truly original men’s, women’s and kid’s tees. It’s a great site where folks like you and me design tees, we vote, they make them. I guarantee that you will find something fun and funky for your fun and funky man!

Wanna get something for your man that you can benefit from also???

BBC’s Planet Earth- “Rarely does television touch the heart and soul as effectively as Planet Earth”- Tom Shales, The Washington Post… honestly, has anyone who has seen this, not loved it??? Just what I thought.

Awesome men’s scarves- We have the luxury of being able to wear their scarves. The would look silly if they wore ours. You give your man enough cool scarves and you are really adding to your collection as well.

Field Plaid Wool Scarf, Martin + Osa in stores and online, $44.50, LL Bean Rugby Scarf, LL Bean in stores and online $24.95, French Connection Wool Scarf, Zappos.com $30.00

A date night?? I don’t know about you ladies but sometimes my guys gets stressed about always planning our nights out on the town. Surprise him this Christmas with a pre planned date night/ weekend. Depending on varying budgets you can plan a night at your favorite restaurant and a trip to the comic book store (one of my man’s favs), a weekend at a bed and breakfast, or even an elaborately planned evening with nothing but the best. It’s all about how you present it to your guy. Put some thought and a little love into the card and presentation and even what you think might not be enough, I guarantee your guy will be appreciative that you put the time in to planning a time for you to be together. Bonus? You get to be there to help enjoy it!

Whatever it is that you do to celebrate the holidays, enjoy your time with family and friends. If your gifts are given with love? Well, you know what I mean. Love will keep us together. Yes, the holidays make me mushy.

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Hey ladies, get a sitter or leave the kids with your man. Treat yourselves to a movie and when you use Fandango, you’re helping fight Breast Cancer!

For every Motherhood ticket sold on Fandango.com between October 23 – November 6, $1 will be donated to the Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Starring one of my most favorite fashionistas (and mother herself), Uma Thurman stars in MOTHERHOOD,  a bittersweet comedy that distills the dilemmas of the maternal state into the trials and tribulations of one pivotal day. MOTHERHOOD forms a genre of one — no other movie has dedicated itself in quite this way to probing exactly what it takes to be a mother, with both wry humor and an acute sense of authenticity. From writer/director Katherine Dieckmann, the acclaimed filmmaker of ‘Diggers’ and ‘A Good Baby,’ comes ‘Motherhood,’ starring Uma Thurman, Anthony Edwards and Minnie Driver.

Film:                MOTHERHOOD
Distributor:       Freestyle Releasing
Release Date:   Friday, October 23
Genre:              Comedy
Rating:               PG-13
Trailer:               http://motherhoodthefilm.com

I would have gone to see the movie anyways, but now I’ll buy my tickets through Fandango for a cause!

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Let’s be selfless and charitable…. oh and also let’s do a little shopping (for a cause)!

Coming from a family affected by breast cancer, I am here to tell you that building awareness,  helping fund research and education and spreading the good word is of the utmost importance. The Fashionable Housewife and The Fashionable Gal are committed to support the cause and TA DAAAAAAAAH have launched Fashionable Gals for a Cure. This event  will include four weeks filled with prizes from some great sponsors as well as an auction. This crazy awesome event  will help provide awareness and raise money to find a cure for Breast Cancer which is amaaaaaazing.

For every dollar donated through the Susan G. Komen page on The Fashionable Gal, the donor will receive an entry to win a prize package of their choice.  Multiple entries on multiple prizes are allowable. Generous sponsors have donated hundreds of dollars worth of prizes to make up nearly 20 prize packages valued at $150. Individual prizes over $150 will be auctioned off in late October. Prizes include everything from jewelry to bras to hair care to gift cards- and everything in between! The prizes will make wonderful gift ideas or a way to pamper the entrants themselves!

Participants (and sponsors!) are encouraged to help promote Fashionable Gals for a Cure on their own websites and blogs. Fashionable Media, Inc. has specially designed buttons and banners for their use. The person who makes the biggest donation will receive $100 to SuperShoes.com and the person with the most referrals will win $100 to EdenFantasys.com.

Sounds cool right? Well that is because it is cool! Can I get a what what for raising much needed funds for a spectacularly great cause? Every little bit counts…

Check out Fashionable Gals For A Cure >>

Like to shop for a cause? Me too! Check out the cool stuff that I found, all donating a portion of the proceed to a Breast Cancer charity:

Charm Bracelet, available from Target, online and in stores, $24.99, Oakley Commit Breask Cancer Awareness Edition, Available on Zappos.com, $152.00, Conair Pink Iconic Breast Cancer Awareness Dryer, available from Walmart, online and in stores, $19.98,  Sephora Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss, available in stores and online, $10.00, Clinique Dramaitcally Different Moisturizing Lotion, available from Bloomingdale’s,  on line and in stores, $35.00, Breast Cancer Awareness Tote and Lunch Bag Set, available from Staples, online and in stores, $39.99, Breast Cancer Awareness Pendant, available on Buy.com, $47.99, Donna Karan Cashmere Mist, available online, $94.00, Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Watch, available from a rep or online, $15.00

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So I happened upon a store that I have got to share with the people… I had never heard of Martin + Osa before but they are a classic American cool for the classic American gal.  Outrageous prices? Nopers. Ill fitted clothing? Ummmm EXACT opposite. I had one of those experiences where everything I tried on looked wonderful and I had to weed things out! That is always a good problem to have.

So there was this couple, Martin and Osa Johnson who were these adventurer/ explorer types. They traveled the world, they were rugged outdoors types who also had an uptown apartment in Manhattan. They were cool cats.  American Eagle decided to spin off a concept based on the adventures of Martin and Osa while keeping things very classic and stylin’ for the adult. (Teenagers would be a little less interested I would think…)

They have some GREAT jeans and great deals ALL the time; 30% off of sale here, free scarf with jeans purchase there, $59.50 jeans weekend… Mama likes! It is different every week. I signed up for their preferred member (basically just giving them my email) and now they tell me about all the cool deals AND send coupons! Holla!

I am excited to have found such a cool place with cool clothes… and I can also shop online (they actually have more than offered at my local M+O). Check them out because, afterall, a girl can never have to many favorite stores!

Check out some in store and online deals:

Cotton Cardigan Sweater, $39.95, Osa Skinny Jeans, $89.50, Perfect V Neck Sweater, $29.95, Motocross Jeans, $110.00, Pleated Silk Dress, $39.95, Soybean Ribbed Cardigan, $39.50, Pleated Denim Skirt $49.95, Rolled U Neck Sweater $39.50, Boot Fit Marine Attitude, $59.50

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Not a huge fan of the skinny jean trend? Actually kind of depressed that it seems to be a staple in fashion these days?  I was not a supporter until… I realized that all of my shoes love to be paired with them!

Being that I am a curvy girl, I immediately thought that the skinny jean was not the right fit for me but lo and behold, I tried a pair on with my favorite FaryllRobin flats and I was smitten as a kitten. Take a gander at the looks that you can pull off, if you just give them the shot that they deserve!

Skinny Ankle Zip Skinny, Forever 21, in stores and online, $12.50

Skinny  Blank NYC white faded stretch skinny jeans, bluefly.com, $32.39

Skinny  Celebrity Pink’s stretch Denim Skinny, Overstock.com, $28.99

Skinny  Martin+Osa Skinny Fit Jean, online and in stores, $99.50

Skinny  Forever 21 Daylight Skinny Jean, online and in select stores, $26.90

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I remember the 80’s and even part of the 90’s where neon colors were in and, admit it, we were all wearing them. Well Brights are back in fashion but not in the former hammer pants or windbreaker form. Check out the designers’ newest looks with vibrant colors and neon brights and just give them the chance they deserve. Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs showed neon in their Fall lines… Despite our urge to revolt, pick out an eye catching piece to get you a little attention without looking like you jumped out of an 80’s music video!

I know, I know… we all can’t afford the latest dress from Michael Kors or that dreamy coat from Marc Jacobs buuuuuuuuut we can find some real deals in some stellar fall colors with just a little lookin’.

Some items I found and was immediately smitten with?

Keds Champion Rainbow Sneaks available on line and in some retailers, $35.00 and in, well, a rainbow of colors. Ruffle Knit Top with Belt from Forever 21, $17.80 online and in stores. Tuxedo Detail Dress from Newport News, $25.00 online and in a multitude of bright colors. Elizabeth Arden Lipstick in Pink Vibrations, $16.50 online and in stores, Plastic Floral Pressed Bangle from Forever 21, $4.80 available online and in stores, Neon Hinge Wallet from Urban Outfitters, $20.00 available online and in stores, Smocked Woven Top from Forever 21, $17.80 available in Jade and Fuschia online and in stores,   Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Specialty Neon OX, $50.95 available online,  Stretch Basic Leggings from Forever 21, $4.80 online and in stores, HIP Loreal Eye Shadow $7.99, in more colors to mention in stores and online, Full Tilt Women’s Tubular Cami, $7.99 available online and in more colors that ever dreamed,  Big Fatty Colored Mascara from Urban Decay, $17.00 online.

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