Style & Beauty

Boots are so badass. They really are. Boots are powerful. Like mustaches. I like the whole boot ritual. Opening the box, sliding those babies on my feet (which I wish were a tad smaller). I test drive every possible bottom- first the mini, then the skinny. Then, I look in the mirror-turn to the side, pose, and say out loud,"You are such a badass, Alona."

This season I am all into the treads. Here are 5 pairs of boots that will make you feel like a badass. I've also put all the looks mentioned below on my Pinterest page.

1. Jeffrey Campbell Mulder Platform
I like to mix style like elegant with punk or say preppy with the 70's. With these boots, I need to keep it soft since my angled features on my face and personality are very bold, so I'd pair them with soft leather skinnies and an asymmetrical cashmere.

Check out the look here.

2. Hunter 120mm High Hell Rubber Ankle Boots
Honestly, I could not be bothered with rain accessories-coats, boots, umbrellas or hats. I think they are stupid. But, because this isn't always about me, here is a cool tread rainboot, I might wear if, say, I lived in monsoon climate. I would pair those babies with a hat because I'd be bitchy (it's wet out!) with a hat so I can be anonymous. Underneath my raincoat, I'd need to be comfy, so a tee is key.

Check out the look here.

3. Rachel Zoe Luna Boot
These boots are a mix of pure sex and honesty. Kind of like Californication's Hank Moody character played by David Duchovny (call me?). I would not wear these boots with anything except nothing or a tailored tweed coat.

Check out the look
here.

4. Sam Edelman Verena High Heeled Chelsea Boot
I'd pair these booties with a narrow long fall skirt (preferably in black) and a Risto intarsia sweater-preferably tucked in.

Check out the look here.

5. Vagabond Lily Platform Ankle Boot
I kept going back to Urban Outfitters and visiting these shoes. I could not buy them, but I visited them often. There is this schoolmaster in the 50's shoe thing happening here, but with the lace ups and the platform, the punk comes emerges. Pair these with a plaid mini and a sleek Fedora hat. This is THE second date outfit of the year.

Check out the look here.

Send me some pix of you in your boots @brandinista on Instagram or Twitter. I hate to fetish alone.

Alona

One of my key creative influences is fashion -- specifically the latest looks from the runway -- and I am constantly searching for new and inventive ways to share these trends with my customers. However, the vast majority of runway looks may be too extreme for day-to-day wear, but are perfect to recreate for an oh-so-glamorous Halloween! Here are a few of my personal faves from the catwalk (with application tips included) to inspire you this All Hallow's Eve.

Chanel's Glitter Eye Makeup Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture

Who doesn't love a little sparkle? This dazzling eye makeup is perfect for a fabulous fairy or pixie costume. Plus, it's super easy to recreate at home! Simply define the top lash line with winged eyeliner (try my Matte Eye Ink for precise application) and line the lower water line with a gel eyeliner. For the glitter eyeliner on the lower lash line, mix together an eyeliner sealer and glitter dust or an eyeshadow (I recommend my Cake Eyeliner Sealer and Loose Eye Dust Disco Glitter) and apply. Let that dry, then reapply to ensure the glitter is opaque. Have fun with it! Experiment with different shades or mix colors together -- the options are endless and the results are magical.

Click here for full tutorial.

Myer Scandinavian Mermaid Spring/Summer 2015

I actually created this look to be worn every day for an on-trend, ethereal glow, but you can easily pump up the volume a little, adding a chic professional touch to a mermaid costume! With glowing skin and golden peach highlights, all you need is some pastel hair and a few sparkling body jewels (for scales, of course) and you're ready to go! Begin by warming the entire face with a bronzer (like my Matte Bronze). Achieve the golden highlights around the temple and eyes with my Loose Eye Dust Honey Child. Complete the look with an elegant, nude pout by mixing my Pro Lips Lipstick Blanc with DéVine Goddess Lipstick Atalanta.

Click here for full tutorial.

Jeremy Scott's Lilac Cat-Eye Spring 2014

If your go-to get-up each Halloween is a sexy kitten (yawn!), set yourself apart from everyone else with this vibrant eye look. The bright purple, pink, and yellow hues will take that tired kitten costume from familiar to fabulous! Begin by applying a coat of mascara and curling your lashes. Next, pat a pink eyeshadow (like my Color Disc in Pink Slink) to the inner half of the eyelid. Layer with a glitter eyeshadow to really make the color purr! Continue on the outer half of the eyelid with a lavender shade. Blend the shadow upwards and outwards to create a winged shape (this elongates the eye and gives a feline feel). Repeat these same steps on the outer half of the lower lash line. Tap a yellow shadow (try my Loose Eye Dust Contrary Canary) to the inner corner of the eye, then line and define the eyes with a gel eyeliner. Just add whiskers and cat ears, and your once stereotypical costume is now completely revitalized and on-trend.

Click here for full tutorial.

Interview magazine is causing a stir with its latest issue featuring a fashion spread entitled, "Pretty Wasted," in which a number of supermodels -- Anja Rubik, Lily Donaldson, and Daria Strokous among them -- are shown passed out in dirty alleys and slumped on sidewalks, empty bottles of alcohol strewn around them, all in the name of fashion. "Elegance undone," the story reads. "Wearing their big night out like a badge of honor, fashion's wildest -- Anja, Edita, Daria, Andrea and Lily -- are the last to leave the party." Predictably, there has been outrage.
Isn't there always (and isn't that, of course, the intention?)

"Interview Magazine's Terrifying 'Pretty Wasted" Editorial Spread Raises Concerns over the Portrayal of Women in Media," ran the headline on Bustle, going so far as to cite the story as evidence that women have made zero progress towards equality in the last 50 years, which seems like just a bit of an exaggeration. "I'm a devoted advocate of gritty, avant-garde editorial spreads, but not at the cost of depicting women as weak, ailing, and ultimately helpless pawns in some dystopian world order," writes Bustle's Tyler Atwood. "After all, there are no men in the Interview spread." (And if there were?) "What's even more alarming is that these sexualized women are left unconscious in dark alleyways, among empty beer bottles and copious amounts of trash," writes Isabelle Khoo in the Huffington Post. A website called Fashion Scans Remastered, meanwhile, wondered "whether this editorial is supposed to be disturbing and dark or ironically funny and artsy, or just plain retarded," -- that's right: "retarded" -- while at the same time posting the spread in its entirety, offended, perhaps, but clearly not above cashing in on the web traffic-generating controversy.

In the Telegraph, former model Rebecca Pearson calls the images "frankly disturbing" in how they "make being unconscious look glamorous." She then absolves the models of any blame for helping create the images by claiming that "models are commodities... if you won't roll around in dirt or pretend to pass out against a drainpipe, you can be replaced. You are utterly expendable and not allowed to forget it." Of course, assuming that these particular women felt like they had no other choice than to take the (likely well-paid, certifiably much-discussed) job, or no opinions about its content, is ripe with misogyny in itself. Why is that we must always come to the defense of women by pitting them in the role of victims? Why must we assume they're being exploited -- rather than just doing a job they might actually enjoy? And why must we assume these women are the pawns for an expression of male hatred, as a professor quoted in Yahoo Style says: "These pictures look like they were created by people who hate women... that these pictures reinforce the message of our culture: human life is cheap, and women are merely props."

The photographer and stylist on this job were both men, as numerous outlets point out, as is the editor-in-chief of Interview. But I'm not sure "Pretty Wasted" as a whole indicates that any of these men "hate women," or believe that "human life is cheap." They're magazine makers in an industry celebrated for pushing boundaries. In fact, I'm not sure how these images would be different if they had been created by women -- and certainly, women in fashion have created their own set of controversial images. These issues have come up before. Like with the 2008 Vogue cover featuring LeBron James holding Gisele Bundchen in a pose that some said depicted an "animalistic black man ... and a beautiful white woman." Or the 2009 Vogue Paris fashion story showing a "pregnant" Lily Donaldson smoking while holding a (plastic) baby.

The plastic part here is key. Fashion is fantasy, and art often is, too. Don't artists regularly create work that could be called offensive, disgusting, provocative, or at the very least up for discussion? Ai Weiwei, Marcel Duchamp, Damien Hirst, anyone? What about putting said art in a magazine makes it so much more egregious? Magazine art is no less public than art that sits in a museum or gallery -- except, of course, that it's arguably more "lowbrow." Which makes this whole argument seem sort of classist to me, in addition to misogynistic.

Perhaps the spread is a commentary on party culture. Perhaps it's a cautionary tale. Or maybe it's just a series of provocative photos meant to do exactly as they have done -- and many works of art have done before them -- which is spark conversation. And is really hard to argue with that.

I have worn Oscar de la Renta's signature fragrance, Oscar, my whole adult life. It made its debut in 1977, the same year I became an actress. I remember the powdery, soft, gentle, feminine fragrance that complimented and never detracted. It was my first moment of individual style as a young person. My mother, the late, great Janet Leigh, wore Estee Lauder's, Youth Dew. Oscar was MY signature as well as Mr. de la Renta's.

As I developed as a young woman so did his fragrance. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I would be stopped and asked....." What is your perfume?" Men, women -- young and old -- and the greatest compliment came when, after a visit with me, a female friend would return home to her children and they would exclaim, "Mommy, you smell like Jamie."

There was an eau de toilette and a stronger perfume and a perfume purse spray with a gold plated dispenser in the floral-swirl design that was his logo. When the saleswoman at Saks once told me they were discontinuing the purse spray I called Mr. de la Renta's office to ask how long the perfume would last in the concentrated spray bottle. I then grabbed all they had left. In 2009 I bought a gown of his to wear to the Obama inaugural; black velvet -- classic, so simple and beautiful.

Like so may designers in their careers, Mr. de la Renta lost the licensing to his own name when it was bought by a bigger company. For years I used my stockpiled supply and didn't want to buy any more as I knew it was no longer his till 2011 when I walked into a Oscar de la Renta boutique to look at his beautiful clothes. The saleswomen asked me if I wanted to try the new fragrance, and as I declined I told her of my devotion and brand loyalty. She then explained that he had recently gotten back his name, that he now owned the fragrance and this was a new mix of the same notes -- a slightly different fragrance melody. I agreed to try a small spray of it on a thin cardboard stick and put it in my car.

When I returned to drive home my nose told me that indeed it was a gentle shift but one I wholly welcomed, as I too had mellowed with age and I have now proudly worn the new Oscar, Esprit D'Oscar ever since. It generates the same queries and exclamations from children to their mothers and it is with pride that I wear him and it is with great sadness that I write this.

I will stay forever devoted and will wear him to my grave. Gentle, soft, feminine, chic, elegant. His style. My scent. Words I attribute to us both.

Even after centuries, retail is reinventing itself. But changes are not just with the technology to foster and promote e-commerce; some entrepreneurs are rethinking products themselves, and in the process are figuring out how to make them better, more durable, and more reliable.

I spoke via email to one of these young entrepreneurs, Michael Berkowitz, about his new brand Norwegian Wool, which designs and manufacturers stylish outerwear. He talked about what it was like to break into this line of business and how he created a new fashion concept.

Q: What prompted you to start your company? What was lacking in the men's coat market?

Berkowitz: I found that I was either cold wearing my normal wool/cashmere coat or looked silly in my casual puffer jacket. After learning that many other business professionals struggled with the same problem and that no good solution existed, I decided to work with a design team and create a hybrid of a cozy down parka and a formal looking topcoat.

Q: Do you have any background in fashion or retail? What led you to give it a try?

Berkowitz: No official background in fashion, but I always tried to dress nicely and stay on top of new trends. With my business connections and ability to oversee the manufacturing, I decided it was worth a shot.

Q: Tell us about some of the coolest, original features you put into this garment.

Berkowitz: The coat has a full down lining but uses new technology to make sure it is not bulky! The wool outer-layer has a special inner lamination to make it waterproof. The hand pockets are extra warm and cozy and the fleece lined collar is also great -- you pretty much don't need gloves or a scarf!

Q: What have you learned from starting this company?

Berkowitz: Every new business is a learning process... I think the toughest thing in the garment industry is making sure that actual production fully reflects design sketches. It usually takes multiple samplings before all kinks are knocked out.

Q: Now that you have launched, what's next?

Berkowitz: Our coats are off to a great start! Lots of sales on the website and the various stores throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Canada are already asking for more units. We completed our design for next year and version 2.0 will include a shorter waste length version. We are also adding a luxury signature line using cashmere and ultra high end trimmings.

Learn more about Berkowitz's business -- and see the coats and innovation at work -- at www.norwegian-wool.com.

Spotlight on National Treasures: Villa Lewaro

141021_blog-photo_villa-lewaro_jodie-patterson

Jodie Patterson, co-founder and chief creative officer for DooBop.com

Written by Jessica Pumphrey, Associate Manager, Public Affairs

Moments like this come when you least expect them -- when you're so moved to want to live more intentionally, to follow your passions and fearlessly go after that 'thing' you know you were always meant to do but never found the courage enough to carry out. This is just one way I was inspired by my conversation with Jodie Patterson, co-founder and chief creative officer for DooBop.com, the first online seller of beauty products geared towards women of color.

As I write this, I am listening to "SHE" by Alice Smith -- allowing lyrics like, "She had a power that they tried to tame, couldn't tame her, tried her everyday to take it away," to further stir the excitement of this blog post connecting Madam C.J. Walker's legacy to the revered "beauty gladiator" (as referred to by Fast Company) that is Jodie Patterson today.

"Beauty without struggle, that's the movement that I stand for," says Patterson. "I stepped into the industry wanting to help women be their most beautiful selves in a very natural, symbiotic, easy way. Not trying to change yourself but instead highlighting and becoming your most beautiful self."

One can easily find Patterson's take on beauty to be uplifting and refreshingly pure, but it's not until you talk about her motivation over the years, that you find she intentionally modeled her business around the ideals of the first self-made female millionaire in our nation's history, a woman more widely known as Madam C.J. Walker.

Madam Walker rose above race, gender equality, and social justice to build a beauty empire that she intended to be a benefit to her race long after her time. She was a visionary, with a foresight that is today, unmatched. As a huge proponent of hard work, Madam Walker was unapologetic about her success, stating, "I had a dream and that dream begot other dreams until now I am surrounded by all my dreams come true."

An example of Madame C.J. Walker's beauty products

Patterson's first encounter with Walker occurred while on bed rest during her final months of pregnancy.

"I had just gone through Fashion Week, I was exhausted, and the doctor put me on bed rest," Patterson recalls. "My niece sent me a link to a documentary on YouTube about the business of black hair care. The video takes the viewer on a journey from Madam C.J. Walker to the present. It showed a very influential black woman servicing a community in Harlem and making a lot of money off of a very smart product and being very diligent and entrepreneurial. That was when I thought, wouldn't it be nice to do something similar -- take a very personalized approach based on experience, from the consumer's perspective. That was my inspiration: to be a modern-day Madam C.J. Walker."

After that encounter with Madam Walker's story, Patterson decided to open up what she calls a "romantic-feeling" boutique in Soho called Georgia that had both a nostalgic and personal aesthetic (think chic furniture, eclectic art, and other feminine accoutrements).

"I was attached to this idea of presenting beauty products in a beautiful way to people that I cared for," she says. "I modeled my first foray in the beauty industry after what I assumed was her [Madam C.J. Walker] approach."

Indeed, Patterson took Madam Walker's approach and ran with it, successfully creating a beauty movement and expanding her brand to include the online platform, DooBop.com, alongside her business partner, Benjamin Bernet. The site has been praised by top beauty publications such as Teen Vogue and Glamour, and prides itself on supplying personalized solutions and expert beauty advice for the everyday woman.

Villa Lewaro, as seen from the back

When I mentioned that one of the reuse options for Villa Lewaro was to be a health & wellness spa, you could feel the vibration of excitement in Patterson's voice: "I think that is a fantastic idea. Health and wellness [are] a big part of the beauty conversation right now, especially when you are talking about beauty from the inside out. This option is right on trend with where women are today."

Like many who have found inspiration from Madam Walker's business savvy, Patterson believes a sustainable future for Villa Lewaro is paramount and could be an extraordinary resource for those who unfamiliar with the achievements of this remarkable businesswoman.

"There is this idea to do things from your gut and from your soul," she says. "For me, I've learned that [idea] from not only Madam C.J. Walker but also from other women in my life that do and have done amazing things in their lives that have moved a lot of people, being led by their belief system. They want it and they get it, not in a bullish way and not by compromising their womanhood. I learned from Madam C.J. Walker and others to be relentless in your dreams and your pursuits and your wants and desires, because they are yours. If you thought it, it's yours; you just have to actualize it."

Ensuring that Villa Lewaro is protected and preserved means more than just keeping the four walls of a mansion intact. It's about re-engaging a nation around the history of this pioneer in business, while also unifying the idea that behind every great stream of innovation and creativity, lies a forefather or -- as in Patterson's case -- foremother.

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Sign the pledge to show your support for Madam C.J. Walker's legacy and the protection of her estate, Villa Lewaro.

You can also donate to our campaign to save Villa Lewaro for the benefit of future generations.

Ever wish you were a baller, a reality TV star or a meth dealer? Either way, Halloween isn't just about dressing up like a kid's worst nightmare -- even if spiders are pretty gross. This is your chance to take a different approach to this weird calendar event by imitating and paying tribute to some of the most influential figures in pop culture and the news today.

From the slickest world leader and Canada's most perplexing teen star, to one of the most explosive TV shows in A&E history, here are our top eight celebrity costume inspirations.

Looking for something different? Check out other Halloween costumes for men or ideas for dressing up as a group.

Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad

Hot damn. Nearly one year after the grand series finale, we're still crazy about Breaking Bad. If you think you'd like to be America's best meth cook for a night, dress up as the show's impulsive and apathetic youngster, Jesse Pinkman.

What you need:
Yellow hoodie (a couple of sizes too big)
A dark graphic tee
Some real baggy jeans
Skate shoes

Barack Obama

Arguably the most influential president of the world right now, Obama raised more eyebrows in response to his all-tan suit than his policies at a recent press conference about ISIS, and the crises in Iraq and Ukraine.

What you need:
A tan suit
A white button-down
A striped tie
An American flag lapel pin

2 Chainz

If dressing up like the president of the United States ain't baller enough for you, you might need to try going for someone with a different set of "F*ckin' Problems" (other than world politics). Celebrate the weekend with as much swagger as this Georgia-born rapper has good taste for jewels.

What you need:
2 chains (duh)
Black tee
Black fedora
Cool shades

Nick Offerman, Parks and Recreation

Grumpy, carnivorous and hilarious (have you seen that guy try to eat a banana?), Ron Swanson is by far our favorite Parks and Rec character. This Halloween, don your deepest frown and get ready to hate talking to everyone -- except a cute Leslie look-alike.

What you need:
A fake mustache
A dark, long-sleeved polo
Some hair grease

Still unsure on the costume front? We've got more ideas where these came from. Check out the original article for inspiration to dress up as Duck Dynasty, Justin Bieber, Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart (if you're with a friend) or Nicki Minaj.

It's not because I want to look flashy. I promise. I'm typically kind of shy and behind-the-scenes.

I grew up a tomboy at heart. In my adolescence you'd find me with a box of crayons or a football over a Barbie dream house any day. But as I've gotten older, some of that's worn off. I'm still not crazy about wearing pink. But a good scarf, bangle bracelet or colorful necklace is a small piece of heaven for me.

Not because I have a point to make. Truth be told I bought the big chunky necklace for less than $20; the earrings were probably part of a BOGO special.

But as a patient, accessories don't make me look sick. Nobody would guess the girl in the big earrings survived cancer.

Sure, accessories aren't for everyone. And I definitely still have my "low-maintenance" days. A great pair of sweatpants and a headband are my best friends. Some days I don't feel like dressing up. Some days I don't even shower.

But, when it's time to talk about cancer, you'll find me dressed up. Hair done. Makeup applied. Big earrings dangling. I know a lot of other patients like this too. They head to the chemo chair after leaving the makeup chair. Although their insides are broken, their outside looks great.

Cancer takes away a lot, but it doesn't take away everything. The day I was diagnosed, I didn't become my cancer. I simply gained a new mission in life to fight cancer. My identity didn't change because of my diagnosis.

There are many ways to hang on to the good things in life despite the bad. Beauty is one of them. It's a way to add peace in the midst of chaos. Light in the midst of darkness. Sparkle in the midst of shadows.

It may be a sexy sequence dress or a tall pair of heels. Or, large hoop earrings typically do the trick for me. In the cancer world, hope comes in many forms. For me, it's often found in the bling.

A few months ago when I was prepping for my summer vacation, I thought to myself, well at least they make sexy one-piece bathing suits now, since I'm going to have to wear one for the rest of my life.

During the last two weeks of my pregnancy -- all which occurred after my due date -- I went from having two small stretch marks on my hips to a belly covered in purple stripes. It seemed my baby went from six pounds to nine overnight, and my skin couldn't handle it.

It was very hard for me, to say the least.

But then I thought to myself, what if I lived in a world where stretch marks were sexy?

I would wear a bikini with pride. I wouldn't be embarrassed when my shirt rode up. I wouldn't be so shy changing in the gym locker room. People would stare in awe at my amazing belly art, my tiger stripes, my badge of honor for bringing a life into this world.

It's easy to see beauty norms as fact:

Smokey eyes are in and teal eyeshadow is out.

Long layers are in and mullets are out.

Skinny is in and fat is out.

But norms change. Having a tan used to be a sign of being lower class. Side ponytails used to be the coolest of the cool. Heavy women were desirable for centuries, as extra weight was a sign of affluence. In a world where bell bottoms and Birkenstocks are making a comeback (what?!), there is no reason why stretch marks can't be seen as a sign of strength, growth and sexiness.

In my online program, Live More Weigh Less, I spend a lot of time teaching women how to challenge the beauty norms and to stop letting these "rules" hold them back from fully living. When we are hiding and playing small we are much more likely to eat in order to soothe our unhappiness, and when we can step out and be fully expressed, we no longer need food for that jolt of happiness.

Beauty is not fixed. We make the rules, and we can change them. Today, I'm posting my belly on the Internet for everyone to see. Some may see it as a big statement, but I see it like I'm posting a picture of a new tattoo. I'm proud of the art that's on my body and what it stands for.

I invite you to do the same on Instagram and Facebook. Let's see those super sexy stripes.

One outfit. Two looks.

The key to transitioning from day to night: simple, yet transitional pieces

You're supposed to meet the girls for drinks after work at a swanky bar and you have no time (or space) to bring a change of clothes. What do you do?

Wear your night outfit to work... of course!

Easier said than done, right? Depending on where you work (or who you work for) your work outfit might have to be more conservative than you would like. However, that doesn't mean that when you're off work you still shouldn't be able to SHINE and show what ya momma gave ya. Here's some super easy advice (and inspiration) for taking ONE outfit from DAY to NIGHT.

DAY

Outfit Details: Fitted Black Blazer (Zara), Black Caged Bodysuit (Simplicity), Gold Crochet Mini Skirt (Simplicity), and Chunky- Heeled Oxfords (Nine West).

This look is pretty safe for work. The blazer gives it a professional touch and the lace crochet skirt gives the outfit personality yet classiness.

Night

Outfit Details: Fitted Black Blazer (Zara), Black Caged Bodysuit (Simplicity), Gold Crochet Mini Skirt (Simplicity), and Strappy Sandals (Jessica Simpson).

RELATED: Click here to learn more about Simplicity Line and how Landra Dulin started the fashion site.

Here's 4 easy tips to follow the next time you want to take your outfit from day-to-night:

1. Invest in staple "classic" pieces such as a well-fitted blazer.

The blazer was a perfect way to give the look a "ready-for-work appeal." It hid the spaghetti straps of the bodysuit and also covered up the exposed back. it also was very well fitting and complemented the skirt's structure and detail.

2. Keep an eye out for simple, yet edgy and transitional tops (or bottoms.)

The key to this outfit for transitioning from day to night was the bodysuit. Its simple front- facing design worked well for the day look, while the open back design was a perfect transition for something sexier and more eye-catching for the night. Tops (or bottoms) that can be used as "statement pieces" are perfect options for creating day to night looks. The focus of the night outfit was defintely my back, so I made sure to show it off.

3. Always keep a bold lip color in your work bag.

For the day look, I went for a fresh, neutral look. I simply wore a little foundation, black eyeliner, and light nude gloss. In order to spice up the night look, I added a bold berry lip in Panther from Black Radiance.

4. Accessorize smartly.

For the evening outfit, I wore a pair of cheap faux diamond studs , vintage gold choker, and a gold link bracelet. Don't over-do it with the jewelry. When going from day to night, figure out what you want to highlight and stick to it. For this look, showing off the bodysuit's back details was my focus, so I made sure my night accessories weren't overpowering. For the day look, I also kept the jewelry simply and opted for slim (but big) silver hoop earrings.

For FULL outfit details and a special discount if you want to buy any of these items, visit: http://ranacampbell.com/2014/10/21/take-work-outfit-day-night/

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No time to page through thousands of eBay listings? Then just sneak a peek at my weekly eBay roundup of top vintage clothing finds.

This eclectic mix of designer and non-designer vintage clothing and accessories caught my discerning eye because of its uniqueness, contemporary feel and highly collectible nature.

As always, buyer beware! Be sure to read the listings closely and contact the sellers with any questions.

This week's Roundup includes items by Halston, Jay Herbert, Lanvin, and Chanel. Don't miss the Gucci leather vest set, the Bonnie Cashin coat, the YSL blouse and the Art Deco amethyst diamond and pearl buddha pendant.

GET READY, GET SET, BID!!!
(Click on Pic for More Info and Auction Links)

Which item is your favorite? Leave me a comment below to let me know.

To receive the eBay Roundup of Vintage Clothing Finds via email, sign up for Zuburbia's mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

DISCLOSURE: Editorial selections are made by Zuburbia with no direct promotional consideration from the featured eBay sellers however Zuburbia may receive revenue as an affiliate member of the eBay Partner Network.

PLEASE NOTE that Zuburbia does not endorse the use of fur, feathers, leather or animal skins in fashion. Any of these selections are offered only as more thoughtful and eco-friendly alternatives for contemporary fashionistas who have not yet eliminated animal products from their wardrobes or for collectors who are seeking to preserve these items.

Growing up, I had a hopeless indifference to fashion; to the despair of my mother I wore green "Toughskin" jeans and my hair was endlessly tangled in tree branches. Meanwhile, ducks in cartoons wore smartly tailored blue jackets and spoke with funny voices while Mother Goose embodied all the cozy security of childhood.

Now, an unmentionable number of decades later, my indifference to fashion has evolved into ineptitude and my hair is shorter. But I have a whole new awareness of the animals that produce the down and feathers that are part of my daily life -- pillows, duvets, jackets, sleeping bags and even the couch I am sitting on. They all contain down or feathers from these birds -- the living breathing versions of the iconic ducks and geese of my childhood.

What I did not know as a child, was that these 'waterfowl,' which are primarily raised for their meat, can sometimes be subjected to inhumane treatment. The issues can range from general lack of care to practices that are considered cruel and unnecessary, such as live-plucking and force-feeding.

In most supply chains, down and feathers are removed from the birds after they have been slaughtered, but in some cases they are removed while the birds are still alive -- a process that can be painful and harmful. While live plucking is legally prohibited in the European Union, it is still possible to 'harvest' the down during the natural molting cycles of the birds. But this still leaves the birds vulnerable to being hurt during the process (particularly with the time pressures of industrialized farming), and in reality, it is very hard to identify live-plucking.

Foie gras, considered a delicacy by some, literally means 'fatty liver.' It is the result of ducks or geese being force-fed: Tubes are inserted into their throats to force them to consume more than they naturally would. The result is essentially a diseased liver that is up to 10 times its normal size. Laws vary: from the California ban on the sale of any products from force-fed birds to French law, which states, "Foie gras belongs to the protected cultural and gastronomical heritage of France." Beyond their enlarged livers, these birds can also be another source of down and feathers.

Animal rights groups have been highly critical of both of these practices. They have posted graphic images that have brought the issues into the awareness of consumers, and have publicly challenged brands that could not ensure that their down was cruelty-free.

Clearly the industry needs to change. But it is difficult for companies using down to influence the treatment of the animals, since down and feathers only represent roughly 10 percent of the value of the bird. The primary purpose in raising waterfowl is for their meat, which is why the main production areas are China, Hungary, Ukraine and Poland, where duck and goose meat are popular menu items.

So are Mother Goose and Donald Duck left hung out to dry? Fortunately, the answer is no. In my role as Director of Integrity for Textile Exchange, I have been lucky to be involved in the development of the Responsible Down Standard, which ensures that down or feathers come from animals that have been treated well. In what has turned out to be an excellent example of companies doing the right thing, brands and their suppliers have committed to making products with RDS-certified down and are even participating in making it a better standard. The outdoor industry, with its puffy jackets and warm sleeping bags, has led the charge, and there is growing interest from companies involved in bedding, hospitality and home products.

At the end of the day, it is the collective efforts of farmers, producers, manufacturers, brands, governments, NGOs and consumers that will shape the conditions these geese and ducks are raised in. As these efforts move forward, consumers can make a clear choice to vote with their dollars for the companies who are addressing animal welfare.

I look forward to the day when I can wear and fall asleep with, under and on a clean conscience, and I can read Mother Goose to my kids without a sense of irony.

He's an international hit-maker, she's an international supermodel, so it seems only fitting that Pharrell Williams and Cara Delevingne have gotten together - musically, that is.

This weekend it was reported that the multi-hyphenate model has secretly been working on her musical debut alongside Williams for the past eight months on what will be her formal introduction into the music biz. And if the reports are to be believed, then it sounds like the pair could be gearing up for a major Beyonce-style moment!

"They're going to release the song without warning, complete with video and global launch," said a source close to the project [via Daily Mail]. "They seem to have formed a great little writing collective and apparently it's a huge song."

Rumor has it they've even recorded a video for the unreleased single in Paris, where Cara joined Williams onstage during his performance of "Happy" on Thursday night. She also recently posted an Instagram photo of her wearing a tee from the producer's 'i am OTHER' label.

Of course, this isn't the first time the two have hinted at a possible collaboration. At the Brit Awards in February, the hat-loving singer shared some flattering words about the 22-year-old model saying: "I think what people should probably focus in on, versus these specific projects, is on her [Cara], her spirit. And what she's up to next. Trust me. Because the films only get better, the parts only get bigger, the music only gets better, the modeling only gets better. But the spirit is becoming refined. She's becoming refined, so it's another chapter in her life."

Suffice it to say, should these rumors prove true, this is likely to be Cara's greatest collaboration to date and we for one can't wait to see what these two trend-setting personalities have in store for us!

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Chances are that Sarah Jessica Parker wouldn't ask most designers to prominently embroider their signature in bold red into the train of their white dress. But then again, most designers aren't Oscar de la Renta. The designer who made an indelible mark on fashion, style and dazzling haute couture, passed away this past Monday at the age of 82.

At this year's Met Gala, one of fashion's most important annual events and a key fundraiser for Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute, Parker made sure that reporters and photographers could see de la Renta's red scripted John Hancock was displayed in a big way on her milky white train. "Did you see his name on the back?" said the actress. "I said to Mr. de la Renta, please let me use scarlet embroidery thread, and splash your name across the back. It was my idea. He would never in a million years have done it--he's far too modest."

The soft-spoken and elegant designer may be modest, but he was also one of our finest. For more than 50 years, he was the go-to guy for celebrities (Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz) and first ladies (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama)--especially for big, big occasions like Oscars and inaugural balls. He even designed Amal Alamuddin's French lace gown when she married George Clooney last month.

De la Renta was the master of swathing women in silk-taffeta and chiffon masterpieces that felt more like pieces of art. As he has famously said, "There is no sound more feminine than a woman in a taffeta dress." His party dresses, with seemingly miles and miles of feather-embroidered tulle and fetching trains, continue to take our breath away. "This man has been working for more than 20 years to turn me into a fashion icon," remarked Hillary Clinton about her pal, who truly made her sparkle in 2001 when she wore his teal silk pantsuit while being sworn in as senator, and even before that made her shine in her 1997 inaugural ball gown. "Year in and year out, he's never given up."

This past July more than 60 of de la Renta's stunners were on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas in a retrospective called "Oscar de la Renta: Five Decades of Style," which ran until earlier this month. The exhibit included gowns he made for Laura Bush, Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton. Also on display were Jenna Bush's organza wedding dress, and the elaborate pale-blue Cinderella-esque ball gown that Amy Adams wore.

To honor Oscar de la Renta's extraordinary life, look at some of the designer's most glamorous creations. Click on this story in Parade to see who dazzles in Oscar de la Renta.

Photo Courtesy: Jason Brownrigg

The change of the temperature and the leaves also brings about another change; our wardrobe. It's the time of year we put away our shorts and flip flops in exchange for boots and scarves. Short sleeves are replaced by long sleeves and a cute jacket.

There are certain pieces in your closet you can keep from season to season, and some that need to be retired. But which ones? It seems for the longest time we were told "Never wear white after Labor Day!" Now, it's acceptable to wear all year round.

To ensure I'm on point with the Do's and Don'ts of Fall 2014 fashion, I decided to phone a friend. Someone who is far more knowledgeable than I in what's trending this season that will have me looking my best.

Jaynee Berkman is the Chief Merchandising Officer at Adrianna Papell. Her father was one of the original founders of Adrianna Papell some 35 years ago, so fashion has always been a component of her life. She attended school at Tulane in New Orleans and began a four year stint at Saks Fifth Avenue her senior year before moving over to Adrianna Papell. Today, she oversees fabrics and design choices for the company which provides wardrobe for celebrities such as Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Amy Robach and Kathy Lee Gifford.

I heard pastels were in this fall. I knew she'd be able to dispel the rumor, or explain how one could wear pink this season and not appear out of the loop!

What colors should we be wearing this season?

This season we are seeing a selection of:

Reds: True reds a la Valentino or Audrey Hepburn, to shades of pink.
Blues: Not just any blue will do. Look for electric blue or lapis. This color is great because it works with every hair and skin tone.
Neutrals: A great palette for the evening. Think champagnes and grays. Neutrals are great to mix with pastels.

Photo Courtesy: Jason Brownrigg

Pastels? In the fall?

Pastels can be tough for the average American consumer. This year we are incorporating pale colors grounded with black. For example, try wearing a blush and pale blue pairing with black shoes or black cover up. If you are considering a print, you will find pastel colors such as a blush colored floral mixed with browns in the background. Also you'll see pastel colored sweaters such as pink with some black element to it.

Photo Courtesy: Jason Brownrigg

Speaking of Prints...

Animal Prints: I love animal prints because you can dress it up or down. It can be used in the daytime or at dusk. Leopard, cheetah and snake are popular this season. It works for any age group. This season, prints will be a little more abstract.

Also watch for black and white graphic prints.

I see leather is back. I love leather, but can you wear it during the day too?

Photo Courtesy: Jason Brownrigg

I think leather and lace have become two staples in every woman's collection. They serve as both wonderful accents to full garments. Mixing different types of fabrics and textures is what great fashion is all about. There is nothing better than a great leather jacket. It can be worn with slacks or a skirt, and then the same jacket can be paired with a great pair of jeans or a cocktail dress. A leather jacket makes you feel youthful!

Leather can be found as piping, banding and cutout work. I don't think leather is going away after the season ends. Women really do love any kind of leather.

Women really do want one wardrobe they can mix and match for day or night and weekends. The Fall trends will give you a lot of those options.

--

I see a lot of pink and black in my future! Thank you Jaynee for the tips!

Follow Adrianna Pappel on Twitter at @AdriannaPapell

How else can I begin except by saying I was giddy with controlled exuberance. It was as if I was alone in a world all my own (Michael Through the Looking Glass) as I stared at the encased heels all around me. These weren't just any heels though. These were "Killer Heels," as in the ones currently on display in Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe at the Brooklyn Museum.

Have you ever taken the time to really look at a pair of high-heeled shoes? To look beyond the color, the height and the price tag? Get that pair of your most fabulous, treasured heels out of your closet and look at them. Look at the design elements, the craftsmanship, the architectural lines, the artistry, the creativity. Okay, so maybe the heels you have in your closet are not that interesting. Maybe you see them as just simple and plain. That may be true, but let me tell you, there are shoes in this world that are pure art; as beautiful and expressive as any painting by Monet, van Gogh or Pollock. There are even people who can and dare to wear this art. The shoes may not always be comfortable, but one can't deny they are daring, provocative, wearable art forms.

There was no denying the artistry and creativity of the gorgeous shoes I smiled at, conversed about and kept myself from drooling over as I ambled my way through the "Killer Heels" exhibit. There were so many different eras represented. The evolution of shoes on display. The styles (platform, stiletto, boot, mule, futuristic, etc), materials (leather, cloth, wood, metal, plastic, nylon, glass, etc) and adornments (flames, metal spikes, crystals, hair, etc) pushing the limits beyond the boundaries of what one thinks a shoe can be, should be. Who's to say what a shoe can (or can't) be, anyway? If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then fashion, much like art, is subjective.

I spoke animatedly with a young woman about the Prada Flame Wedge Sandal (Spring/Summer 2012, below). I can usually spot a Prada shoe before I see the label. They stand out in the crowd. Miuccia Prada (Prada, Miu Miu) is a designer with a unique sense of style that, for me, at least with her shoes, is instantly recognizable. I often find myself questioning where one might wear a Prada shoe (answer: anywhere one wants). But more often than not I am thrilled by their imaginative and fanciful design elements.

With an older lady, whom I encountered jotting down notes over a 1960 Christian Dior/Roger Vivier evening slipper for the House of Dior (below), I exchanged thoughts on the heel of said slipper. Specifically its curved design. This particular heel could be the petite grand-mère of the heel on the fall 2014 Louis Vuitton curved-heel bootie, the "shoe to covet" this fall according the September issue of Harper's Bazaar. Invention is prone to reinterpretation and everything old can be new again.

2014-10-20-DiorVivierforHouseofDior1960eveningslipper.JPG

Fashion design thrives on imagination, limit-pushing creativity, the ability to envision then actualize. It can even beg for the update of a successful design from the past as with the heel on the aforementioned Dior/Vivier slipper. The heels in "Killer Heels" are the epitome of limit-pushing creativity, vision and artistic expression. Just look below at the the Julian Hakes "Mojito," 2012. Of course they aren't going to be for everyone, but neither is every shoe at Bergdorf's or even...Payless.

I appreciate interesting shoes. Men's shoe choices are positively bland compared to those of women's. I try to shake things up. In my own closet there's a pair of chocolate brown Frye boots, a pair of blue leather Chukka's with suede at the ankle, a pair of tan leather and ivy green suede saddle Oxfords, a pair of gray Wingtips adorned with a buckle or two. Those are just a few examples. I realize we've come a long way in color choices from the days of black or brown, but men are still limited to more conservative shoe choices than women. In recent years, thankfully, men have been able to express themselves by choosing shoes with pops of color in the heel or by changing the color of the laces. With the later, one not only gets to let his personality shine through, he can dramatically alter the look of the shoe by blasting the tediousness with a dash of whimsy.

I mentioned the word personality in connection with shoes above. Personality is a great word to describe most, if not all, of the shoes in the "Killer Heels" exhibit. The inanimate objects of my admiration had so much personality they could rival some people. Shoes can be the centerpiece of an outfit. They can be the only bit of outrageousness in a beautifully tailored, but otherwise dull ensemble. I know I've been known to build an outfit around a pair of shoes. Wouldn't it be refreshing if we all felt the freedom to let our personality run wild on our feet? Choose the height, choose the color, choose the style and design. If it makes you happy own it, then make the sidewalk your runway.

Maybe you're a worshiper at the house of Blahnik or Louboutin, a lover of fantastical shoes, have a shoe fetish. Or maybe you're merely interested in seeing shoes that aren't readily available just anywhere. If any of that sounds like you, then get thee to the Brooklyn Museum. You've got until February 15, 2015. Trust me when I tell you you don't have to be wearing them to be lifted to their heights.

People are continuously examining your behavior and modeling perceptions about your personality, competency and commitment. The set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of you in business sphere shape your professional image, which builds or ruins your success and potential achievements. Your appearance is the inseparable part of your professional image. It strongly contributes to the formation of people's impression of you. Choosing the right dress code is one of the most important factors determining each person's success.

Awareness of the main dress codes will give you the power to represent yourself at your best image in each place or event. Here are descriptions of four dress codes that each success-driven person should know and consider:

Business Formal
In a formal business environment, the standard of dressing is a suit of black, navy, dark grey, dark brown colors.

Men should wear trousers that always match the jacket with the color and the material. Well pressed shirts of white, ivory, soft blue, champagne, beige colors are acceptable. A tie with a conservative pattern and color should just touch the top of your belt buckle. Leather shoes that match your belt and are black or brown (so that they are darker than your suit) will complete your professional look.

Women may wear a two-piece pant suit or a skirt suit. Long-sleeved jacket with the same color family of your skirt or pants is welcomed. The midpoint of the back of your shoe should be at the same level as the hem of pant leg. And remember that pants should never be tight-fitting. You can wear skirts that should hit below, at, or just above the knee. Choose a shoe color that speaks with your suit and handbag. Do not wear open-toe shoes and stiletto heels. Classic jewelry will emphasize your personality and style. Just take into consideration that jewelry should not be noisy (no metal bangle bracelets) or too large.

Business Casual
With business casual attire you are given the freedom to express your style and be a lot less formal. You can replace the traditional business suits with blouses and pants. These makes business casual more comfortable and gives you the chance to express your style preferences.

Men can wear a sweater or a nice collared shirt without a tie. Polo shirts can be a great option for the business casual style, as long as they are worn with nice slacks. A blazer or sweater can be added in cold weather. You can choose dark slacks, chinos or khaki. However, jeans are unacceptable in this category and shirts should always be tucked in. Leather belt and leather shoes are expected. You should never wear athletic shoes.

Women are free to wear silky blouses, polo shirts, cardigans, sweaters, lightweight jackets and blazers. You can experiment with colors, textures and prints as long as you retain a professional feel. Slacks worn in the business professional environment are welcome here. A colorful skirt paired with neutrals on top is always a great option. Anyway avoid wearing short skirts. Heels or flats are still great, but now you have the opportunity to play around with colors. Here you can enjoy the freedom to experiment with accessories and complete your look with belts, watches, scarves, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Take advantage of this.

Smart Casual
Smart casual gives more room for imagination than business casual. It does not require very formal work attire. The smart casual style gives you the freedom to express your unique taste in fashion experimenting with your favorite clothing pieces and colors. It can be worn in non-formal work environment and meetings where, anyway, you still need to look professional.

Men can choose jackets or blazers, cardigans or jumpers, long sleeved shirts, polo or tennis shirts and experiment with colors to add uniqueness. Chinos and smart looking jeans are a perfect option. Instead of the office leather shoes choose something less formal. The best options to choose are loafers.

Women may demonstrate their personal style by choosing dressier blouses, button down shirts, knitwear and knit tops. Feel free to add colorful, sparkling and very formal tops to jeans or a denim skirt. Think dressy shoes, either flat or heeled. Oxfords, sandals, pumps, boots, booties, ballet flats will all do in this case: just avoid a very casual shoe style. A unique handbag and jewelry will emphasize your original style.

Cocktail
This attire is appropriate for dinner receptions at evenings. There is no fixed, official dress code in the frames of cocktail events. It is still formal but leaves more room to creativity. The details of the dress code vary and should be mentioned in the invitation.

Men can experiment with suit color depending on the event formality. Shirt in a muted color, tie or necktie in subtle patterns or plains and classic shoes are required. While choosing your pocket square, you should follow the same rules as when choosing your tie: if your general look has patterns, then consider a clear-cut style, but think about a nattier design if your shirt and suit are in neutral tones. In this dress code men can choose accessories such as elegant cuff links that will add a little more interest to their looks.

Women may choose a stylish cocktail dress. Dresses that are a little above, at or below the knee are involved in cocktail attire. Dresses can vary from flashy and strapless designs to a more traditional little black dress. This gives a chance to choose a look you are more comfortable with. Again, the context of the event is important, and it is better to be a little more formal than to be too showy. Put emphasis on being elegant. You can choose stylish accessories and unique hairstyles.

Choosing the right dress code for any environment will significantly contribute to forming your brilliant professional image and building your way up to greater success. Good luck!

This article was initially published on Fashionisers.com

Follow Anush Kostanyan at @anushkostanyan or contact her at anush.kostanyan@gmail.com.

For the vast majority of my life, I thought very little about my weight. Amid insecurities about my pigeon-toed gait, room-dominating volume and geeky love for homework, my body type was a constant point of confidence throughout the notoriously-insecure preteen and teen years. Naturally small and with the metabolism only possible under the age of 30, I had the unique ability to eat virtually whatever I wanted (read: a LOT of carbs) without gaining much of anything.

But at some point during my sophomore year of college, I began feeling like I was carrying around a little extra weight -- maybe 5 to 10 pounds, the exact amount unknown due to the fact that I had never owned a scale. I took up some yoga classes, cut back on the chocolate, and called it a day. It was on my way to one of these yoga classes that I ran into guy, a year older than me, who I considered to be a good friend. It was an unremarkable and unmemorable run-in -- typical small talk including parting words that I would see him a few nights later, at a fraternity event I would be attending.

The fraternity event in question was one I was particularly proud to be invited to -- a semi-exclusive dinner held for the best friends and girlfriends of the fraternity. I threw on one of my favorite dresses, spent an hour or so taming my wildly curly hair, and was looking forward to a night of the type of debauchery that (thankfully) only happens in college. And largely, that was exactly how the night proceeded.

It wasn't until a few hours in, where our inhibitions were all a bit dissolved by cheap vodka and loud music, that the same guy friend asked me how many days I was attending yoga classes. Thinking it a harmless question, I told him two. To which he responded a string of words that, unfortunately, I think I will remember for the rest of my life:

"Do you think you could maybe make that a few more? I just know what you looked like freshman year -- I mean, if you still looked like that you could have any guy you want. Coming from a friend, ya know."

It stung as badly as the cheap vodka did, and made me feel even more likely to vomit. Stunned by the comment and not wanting to make a scene, I responded in a way that I still cannot believe: I nodded and agreed, and then I said thank you.

I thanked someone for telling me, in the least-subtle-way-possible, that I had gained weight. And that this weight gain had made me significantly less attractive. And that the reason I wasn't already married to Channing Tatum was because I had let myself go over the past year. I thanked this douchebag, and then I retreated into a bathroom stall and cried. I cried the next morning, and standing in front of the mirror the next few days, and to this day whenever I tell the story. I cried because I live in a society where men think it's okay to tell a girl these things, and that the girl would respond by thanking him.

I'm lucky that the bit of confidence I had left, a severe love of food, and a kick-ass group of girlfriends helped me avoid letting this incidence trigger an eating disorder, or worse. I didn't instantly drop the extra weight, or start going to yoga classes more than twice a week, or suddenly throw up after all my meals. But, as much as I tried not to, I did let it affect the way I thought of myself, and the way I presented myself to others.

It's enough to have to look at magazines, TV shows and movies portraying women that look nothing like 99 percent of us, but having real-life people tell us that we're inadequate? At some point we're going to start believing it, and that's not true -- we are not inadequate, we are human. And that's okay.

For any other girl (or guy, for that matter) who's been made to feel they're inadequate, I hope this can serve as a reminder that you are not. You are beautiful. You are special. You are human. And you do not have to do exercise, or look a certain way, to be these things. And you certainly, should not thank anyone for making you feel differently.

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Like many, I've got a Pinterest board dedicated to hair and hairstyles. Although I don't personally have enough to braid, I pin braids and updos. I pin textures and colors I'll never have. And I totally get that Pinterest is a place for bookmarking things we actually want to try, and also things that we may never try but like to fantasize about. Really. I get that.

But I'm going to be a little nervy and blunt, here. Because I'd say that around 70% of the hair-related pins I see in my feed are short, spiky, pixie-style cuts with comments like "Someday I'll work up the nerve" and "Love this look, but just can't pull it off." Short hair, wishful thinking. So here it comes:

If you want to, you should totally chop off all your hair. You should. And even though you may already know them, I'll give you a whole bunch of reasons why.

It grows back

In most cases, the hair you cut off will grow back eventually. This is one of a very small handful of life decisions that is TOTALLY REVERSIBLE. You can play around with short hair now, and in a few years you can play around with long hair again if you want to. And yes, growing out a pixie can be a long and difficult process. But who's to say you'll definitely want to grow it out someday? You could become a lifelong short-hair convert. Either way, you can make this change now and it will not permanently alter you. Big picture-wise, it's low risk.

Short hair won't make you any less attractive

And anyone who says it will? They can swing by my house later today and I'll give them a long, stern lecture about the patriarchy and hetero-normativity and controlling the beauty paradigm. Just as women who are short and tall and fat and thin and old and young can all be attractive, so can women with long or short hair. Partners and parents can be pushy and vocal with their opinions about your hair length, but the choice is yours. It may take them a while to get used to the new you. Heck, it'll probably take YOU a while to get used to the new you. But you'll be just as gorgeous and lovely and sensual as you were with longer hair. Promise. Your hair is only one aspect of your appearance, which is only one aspect of your self.

You don't have to have a specific face shape

Those charts showing which face shapes suit short hair and pixie cuts make me want to set things on fire. You know how certain dress styles work fabulously with certain figures? Well, lo and behold, certain short hairstyles work fabulously with certain face shapes. You don't have to go buzz-cut or pixie short to play around with shorter hairstyles. There are plenty of chin-length or shorter options that can ease you into the world of short hair. If you're not sure about the style you'd like to try, consult your stylist. If your stylist offers no or crummy advice, tinker around with hair makeover tools like this one. And if you're still undecided and worried? Try going short in stages. Do shoulder length, a long bob, chin-length. Once you get there, you may be able to move your hair around a bit more to see what it would look like in various super-short configurations.

You don't have to be thin

This is the one that really gets me. OK, they all do, but I've actually had women tell me that they'd love to try my hairstyle but not until they lost a bunch of weight. Will having super short hair make your face look rounder? Maybe. Will it reveal more of your face? Probably. Are these things bad? No, although everyone will have her own comfort level. Faces come in all shapes and sizes, and although balancing your face shape with hair, accessory, and glasses choices can be great, it isn't actually necessary. If you're large or not-thin and want to try short hair, I would encourage you to go for it. Because the whole can't/shouldn't-based-on-body-size-or-shape thing? It's bunk.

Being afraid of "ruining" your looks can be very stifling

Another thing I totally get: Fear of looking weird for a long time. I have a fantastic hairstylist and a magazine-sanctioned face shape, so it's all well and good for me to say these things. But I do understand that a drastic hair change means a big risk. If it doesn't work out how you'd like, you may feel "stuck" or "ruined" or like you've made a horrible choice. And if that fear is stronger than your desire to take the plunge, please don't think I'm saying you absolutely must cast that fear aside and chop away. But, again, in the vast majority of cases your hair will grow back. So if you cut it all off and don't like the end result, you can - over time - change it back. And breaking free of the idea that your looks should be consistent and as close to perfect as possible at all times? That can be freeing. Nothing you do will ruin your looks. Nothing. And you have every right to make active decisions about the aspects of your looks that you can change and control.

Short hair is more expensive to maintain. It can take a while to hone in on the perfect shape and cut for you. And it is risky. But if you've wanted to go short for ages and just haven't been able to muster up the nerve, I hope I've furthered the mustering process somewhat. Because lemme tell ya: I love my short hair so very much and can't imagine ever growing it out. I feel more like myself with short hair than I ever did with long hair, even though everyone in my life fawned over my long curls. And every time I open Pinterest and see a string of darling pixie cut images and accompanying captions of stifled longing, I wish I could project my voice through the computer to that pinner and say, "Go for it."

This is me whispering to you.

Brooklyn jewelry designers have emerged over the past decade or so with a distinct philosophy, fusing the concepts of high-end luxury with low-key presentation. They've also shown a gutsy independent streak, which may go a long way in explaining why so many of them also run their own shops. Their retail spaces become extensions of their design aesthetics and ideal environments for people to enjoy their latest works. Many of these shops double as studios, allowing visitors to see firsthand how the pieces on display come into being.

Head over to Strolby to see 10 Brooklyn jewelry designers who run their own shops.

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