I live on gossip blogs, every day, twice a day. Cause you never know what Britney’s going to do next after the god-awful hair shaving incident.

One of the gossip blog regulars is Nicole Ritchie, with her weight issues, her dating DJ AM, Brody Jenner and Joel Madden, her so-called friendship with Paris Hilton and of course, undoubtedly her fashion and style. I love her style. Balenciaga bags, Christian Louboutin pumps, Alexander McQueen skull scarves, the girl oozes style. I fell in love when I first saw her wearing CC Skye leather woven chain toggle bracelets. I wear a lot of solid colours and black, so an accessory like this would be the perfect piece to take my outfit from hot, to really hot!

I was sooo excited when I spotted CC Skye inspired bracelets at Aldo Accessories. Naturally, my best friend and I swooped in and bought a total of four bracelets. Something this fabulous should be bought in multiples. I’m wearing the white leather one in gold right now, it’s just lovely.

The CC Skye inspired bracelets come in gold or silver, in white leather, black leather, zebra, patent leather and metallics, $25 each at Aldo Accessories.

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What can’t I live without? My Soia & Kyo coat for one, my Steve Madden knee high cuff boots and of course, my jeans, the Mavi Lindys, the Rocks, the Sevens, and many many more. Love and live in denim. Dress it up, dress it down, you can rarely do wrong. Hmmm…except maybe the Acid Wash jeans of the 80’s. Jeans are a total essential, but it can be sooo hard to find the perfect fit. Don’t ever settle, cause the fit is so important, how can your butt look good if your jeans don’t fit properly. Our guest writer, Amara knows her jeans from working retail for years. Here’s Amara’s ultra useful suggestions for finding the ultimate pair of jeans:

I notice the frustrations and heartaches that many women endure during their quest for the perfect pair of jeans. The typical scenario can go like this: a woman rushes into the store and asks the sales clerk for immediate attention. The sales clerk attempts to calm her down to receive the proper information and determine what jean would be most suitable. The woman describes her past experiences with other stores in hope of this store being her last.

It seems that many women don’t understand their own jean size. Yes, comfort is a very important factor to consider when purchasing jeans, but you have to think about the future of the jeans as well. Typically, jeans come in two different size measures: one method uses the double-digits ranging from approximately 23-34, while the other uses small numbers from 00-13. The double-digits are usually used with brands specializing on jeans (Rocks, Sevens, True Religions, Mavis), however, considering brands will not use one measurement, here is where I come in:

These are the typical match-ups with the sizes. Keep in mind that sizes vary depending on the brand and the material they use.
23 = 00
24 = 0/1
25 = 1/2
26 = 3/4
27/28 = 5
28/29 = 7
30/31 = 9
32/33 = 11
34 = 13

I know that trying on jeans can be painful and tedious, but once you establish your jean size, it’s easy-cruisin’ from there. When trying on jeans, concentrate on how it fits the waist, butt, thighs, and length. Ensure that the jeans are not pinching in to the point that it hurts and that there is no extra material hanging off the end of you butt. If this is happening, you are a size smaller (yay!).

Although the smaller size may feel tight and a bit suffocating, keep in mind that jeans stretch and rarely shrink. Throughout the time you wear jeans, they will stretch into at least half a size to a size larger. Never put them in the dryer assuming that they will shrink because what will happen is that the lyrca in the material will melt and the fit of the jeans will change. Just hang to dry the jeans and they will temporarily return to its original size until you wear them out again.

Now that you understand the mechanics behind jean sizes, go out there and shop! Keep trying on jeans and never give up – there’s one out there for everyone.

Hot Denim Brands

William Rast Denim - Available at Cattiva

J Brand - Available at Cattiva

Paige Premium Denim - Available at Aritzia

Rock & Republic - Available at Aritzia

Mavi Jeans - Available at Mavi, Off the Wall & Plenty

Guest Writer: Amara

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Guest Writer: Sunni

Look Who’s King of the Jungle
Animal prints are once again the hottest thing since sliced bread. Not only are prints like leopard but other exotic prints seem to be surfacing including zebra and cheetah. With such prominent looks to the print, these heels will be all you’ll need to spiff up an outfit for the night out. Pair it up with a super leopard clutch and you’re set for the evening - perfect for vamping a pair of dark denims - or, if you’re going for something a little smarter, a pencil skirt. Think Christina Aguilera and her blonde bombshell look.

Go Shiny or Go Home!
Bring out your shoe buffers and shine those shoes! Patent has been a strong seller this pass fall/winter and it’s proven to be just as strong going into the Spring/Summer 2007 season. This popular upper material has made a come back since the 80’s and in the present time we are seeing it used in several bold styles as well as in non-traditional colors such as stellar purple, fleshy nude, cobalt blue and canary yellow! Patent pumps are the easiest way to jazz up a party dress or a sharp business suit.

You’re So Transparent
It’s clear as day! The latest look on the runways are literally “see thru”. The transparent materials are used mostly in the heels of footwear however, it’s also seen used on the uppers. Some people associate them with fetish shoes but I just think why can’t we use plastic on the heel? – it’s not any stranger than wood, or metal? One thing is for certain, you’ll be stopped on the street if seen with these shoes.

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Guest Writer: Sunni

I’m a shoe fanatic, nuff said. I like many other woman in the world have a little bit of Imelda Marco’s in me. No matter how broke I am, even knowing that I have an overdue mobile phone bill, or perhaps have missed a car payment…sometimes I would even try not buying lattes for month to save for the lil pumps I saw in the window! I just got back from the WSA Footwear Convention that took place in Las Vegas (February 1 – 4th) and I must say I was very impressed with the entire product that I saw from all brands across the board. Here are a few major trends you should be looking forward to for the Spring / Summer 2007 and early indication for Fall / Winter 2007.

Tip Toe Around in Ballerina Slippers
Dance shoes seem to be the forward trend for 2007. It’s all about the flat shoe! They come in all forms, in all prints, jeweled and plain, round toe, square toe, hard soles, soft soles. Now some ladies have a problem with this “flat” trend, some may feel that flat footwear are not as sexy as “heels”. Here’s a hint, foot cleavage: Where the front of the shoe comes across the foot low enough to show the “cleavage” between your big toe and second toe. The right amount of “toe cleavage will give the foot a sexier look and feel! Christian Louboutin advises that women wanting to lengthen their legs and slim out the foot, should go for the lowest cut shoe they can!

Love for the 40’s: Brogue, Ribbons & Peep Toes
My love for the 40’s stem from the love of swing dancing. Flapper girls, feathers décor, lace and ribbons. This year you’ll be seeing a plethora of girly shoes with peep toe detailing and ribbon trims. (Yes, peep toes are also showing for the Fall / Winter season). Although our precious toes will be semi-exposed, don’t worry! Gals are pairing them up them up with opaque tights stockings. This very feminine silhouette is crossed with a masculine touch with “brogue” details. This brogue detailing is indicative in men’s tailored footwear and is popping up as a prominent detail now in women’s footwear.

For more on Sunni’s footwear report, make sure to visit tomorrow for Part Two.

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