(yeah no, sorry, those are $1250…..keep dreamin…Ralph Lauren Brea Python Crystal Sandal)

Though I have to say Zappos is my god, every once in a while I give Piperlime a try – hey, more reward points at the Gap to spend on my son’s wardrobes,  right?  It always annoys me, though, that a stylist to the stars gets to say what’s what in shoe wear - are we celebrities?  Are our shoe wear needs the same ? No!  So here are some of Emily Neill’s picks!

So first, I have to say I bought these lovely shoes in teal from Zappos (they have more colors than Piperlime) and they are as fabulous as they look– AND comfortable! (if you are used to wearing heels, that is) – the 1 inch stack on the footbed really lowers the feel of the heel – they make your feet look great!

However, if heels aren’t something you’re totally comfortable with, here is a really practical but stylish looking mary jane by Tsubo (Tsubo also makes fabulous looking fashion sneakers, but we’ll go there another time) – check ‘em out:

In the same vein, a wedge is a great option for those who like a bit more support, but still enjoy the extra height a heel can offer.  These dark red (they call them purple) wedges by Miz Mooz are a great alternative to the usual black and brown:

Everyone loves fall for the boots, but I have to say, I have not been bowled over by this season’s selection.  There was a girl in my office the other day whose boots made me ask her if I could touch them – they were that lovely – this deep brown suede that looked so plush and as I uttered the soft words Franco Sarto, she concurred and whispered the heartbreaking words, “3 seaons ago…I keep them in a drawer in my office…” 

That said, I have not seen boots this season that made me feel that feeling.  But here are some basic good ones, to start up your boot wardrobe. 

If you’re going to get an ankle boot (which I asusme means you already have a few other pairs and can afford such a fashion extravagance), why not go for something with a little personality (i.e. – not black).  Here’s an ankle boot with some exceptional style and in a great caramel brown, by Chelsea:

But basic black is where you have to start.  Here’s a good one to get you off and running, that won’t wear your feet down, by Naturalizer:

If you just can’t do any kind of heel, Anne Klein does a nice wedge, and her boots are known (by me) to be exceptionally comfortable and wearable (in the daily sense, I swear).  In brown, again, for a bit of variety:

If you’re ready to branch out in the boot department, and add a little sass to your wardrobe, check out these great red westerns by Lucky:

My friend in Seattle swears by these ankle boots by Chie Mihara (she has them in black). They are very pricey but as she says, since turning 40 she ONLY buys shoes that look AND feel good…I’m not quite there yet (in the sense that I won’t spend the money and I WILL suffer for good looking shoes), but of course, I’ll always warn you:

Back to the heel wearers among you, here’s the high speed tour of this entire website:

Gorgeous color, comfortable heel height, basic tasteful pump. Next:

Wine patent leather peep toe – totally sexy, but also, useful!  By Kennth Cole. Next:

Similar, a bit higher, and suede, great front detail, check it out, by Nine West – Luscious!  Next:

Can you tell I love reds shoes?  Wine red mary jane, can’t be beat! It’s the little style details that count, like rouching! By Tahiri. And next: The adorable t-strap for those of you who love to wear skirts and tights in the fall and winter and don’t default to the uniform..aren’t these edible?  And then there’s….

this funky mary jane by Not Rated…The teal heel, the thick caramel strap and oversized brass buckle, the leather edging, what the? I’m in love…and also, I just ordered them…is there any better advertisement?  Onward:

I always like to end on a sassy high note – these have got it all– quirky and stylish in just the right way – make them yours and they will last you many seasons…

All of these shoes can be found on Piperlime here (except those Ralph Lauren dream shoes):

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=15957

Stop gawking and get shopping!

 Ever run across a website you can’t believe you never knew existed before?  Well, that’s how I felt when a friend directed me here: http://www.candystorecollective.com/store/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=2

It’s the perfect marriage of versatile, unique, and body-type challenged friendly!  They carry some of the coolest off-the-beaten path designers I know of, so check out these picks from The Candy Store Collective:

This summery dress is the very definition of easy, versatile and unique!  The styling is made to disguise just about every common figure flaw – flutter sleeve will not squeeze or emphasize heavier arms, empire waist highlights your narrowest part, and aline seaming and drape covers a heavier butt.  Not to mention the awesome color! Shown here on a very tall gal, this dress will hit the average heighted just above the knee for a less tunicy effect:

The ‘Fiji dress’ in this great tangerine color is very flexibly figure flattering as well – the elasticized mid section has the effect of proportioning the rest of your torso as it contours the middle, while the more generous bubble cut of the skirt will fit most bums– oh, and there are pockets – you could practically wear this every day of summer:

Adorable simplicity is what this dress is all about: empire, aline, cowl neck, awesome color, great length – own it:

For the smaller chested among you (read: bras will be difficult), check out this adorably styled tank top – this is the kind of summer tank that does all the style work you need for an outfit – pair it with an old standard for an instant style upgrade, in beautiful dark teal:

Is this not the coolest looking top you have seen in ages?  It’s like a flowy blouse, angel-wings-built-in-bolero, sheer sexiness, midriff masking festival for your torso!  I picture wearing it out to dinner with an hour glass skirt and platform sandals for a forties look, or with jeans (NOT skinny) and Dr. Scholls for an upgraded casual look:

I own this next piece from Prairie Underground, a fabulous company if I do say so myself, and it is indeed everything this website claims it to be – the perfect mix of industrial tough and Edwardian Luxury – it is far more versatile than you may think, and SO comfy – a total outfit upgrader where ever you go and whatever you are wearing.  It’s thick enough cotton and well-enough structured that it does A LOT of figure smoothing, trust me on this one:

For a very versatile pencil skirt, check out this khaki version by Cheap Monday. A pencil skirt emphasizes curves, so it’s actually good for the hips, but doesn’t work so well if you’ve got thicker thighs or a lot in the trunk. With the thicker banded top and just a bit of elasten, this will do well to mask some tummy as it sculpts you into an hour glass.  Wear it to work with a fitted jacket, or pair it with a tank and flipflops!

The accessories on this site, though certainly pricey, are for sure the cream of the crop…check ‘em out and weep, and remember to check here when you are ready to indulge..:

And the sale section, well worth perusing:

Why not just dive right in here– everyone has a soft spot for pink, and here’s a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe without having to commit all day long. Check out this great single placket (read: good for a thicker middle) pink trench coat from Tahari. The button sleeve details are fabulous and it also sports a great collar you can wear up to keep the chill off. Great contour shaping through the bust with a slight aline will surely flatter most figures:

My man Michael Kors has done it again with this orange trench – Spring is all about re-introducing the brights and his styling is always uncomplicated and spot on for fit. Here we get the contoured midriff, self-cinching belt (most flattering at the empire) and single button placket – A+ for masking any figure flaw you sport on the upper half:

Target’s got this great Mossimo trench in Berry with all the right stylings – cinching belt, high back slit and back flaps for interest, and simple front closure– there’s nothing not to like here, especially the price:

For something a bit more classic, check out this Ellen Tracy Khaki trench. Simple clean lines, self-cinching belt for a great fit, and a very rich version of Khaki rather than a washed out stone color (it also comes in black if you must…):

If you’ve got the dough, this twist on the classic khaki trench , femmed up by Nanette Lapore, is killer. Though not for the overly hippy due to pocket and ruffle location, it’s got great design details and yet does not seem too fussy. The only problem is, it might outshine your outfit

Check out this cool denim trench for something a little unexpected – just don’t wear it with your jeans! The double breasted placket rules this out for those with larger chests (you don’t want too much hubbub going on in that area), but it’s a great variation on the classic if you’re looking for utility and variety in your coat wardrobe:

A Sateen trench is great for dressing up any old outfit and taking your coat into evening – this gorgeous navy version by BCX is a case in point – it has a self-belt, but is double breasted so again if you’re busty, you want to avoid this. The collar has a great plunge for a little sexiness but all the other trimmings are classic and straight forward, so you decide what level you take it to, day or night:

I always love a green coat in Spring, and this one is that great M&M green – everything about it will work, from the single button placket, to the self-cinching belt, to the not-larger than life notched collar – you get the glory of spring color without your coat stealing the show:

I love a white coat in Spring– how better to emerge from the wintry snow with a crisp fresh look. This one by XOXO is simple and fabulous. It’s got great contouring pintucks through the bust and an empire cinch accentuated by button detailing – the belt is self-tie so you find where it works best. It also comes in a fabulous lavender color, why not get both? Who couldn’t use a little lavender in their lives this Spring?:

And though I tend to recommend staying away from printed coats (they are harder to match with outfits and thus less practical), I had to throw this one in, called “Gwen”, because really, who doesn’t deserve to don a good animal print now and again? This print will surely mask any figure flaw, especially with the help of a self-cinching belt, contoured waistline, and aline cut:

Now take cover and get thee to the trenches!

Believe it or not, I found this dress in bright pink and black at TJ Maxx’s recently for $49.00 – I got it in both colors because it has such a versatile construction – I’ve worn it to the office, and to a wedding with a simple swap out of shoes and other accessories – totally versatile and the cut– with its stiff aline cotton and empire waist band, hides it all!

True, this next dress from At Loft is form fitting, but the busy crochet print combined with crochet’s natural elastine quality can help sculpt those of you on the edge of a shapely hour glass silhouette – dresses meant to emphasize curves always look better when you have a little girth as well…otherwise, what’s the point? The colors are great, and again, pair it with stacked heels for a dressy look, with flip flips for an easy summer look, or something in between for work:

I always find some great dresses at Target, and this season is no exception – they’ve got the mod shift of the season in this great retro print. There’s just enough shaping through the torso to keep you from looking like a rectangle, but its cut wide enough to hide all kinds of figure challenges:

Or check out this easy breezy black belted dress – so versatile for work, upscale casual or dressy:

One of my favorite Eco designers Aimee G has a fabulously artistic line of clothing and dresses if you are looking for something a bit more unique. Their cut is usually very good at masking midsection foibles as is their nice aline cut and stiffer (read: sculpting) cottons. But still to at least Medium, the small can be small…Check these out:

This dress by Velvet has some great figure masking qualities with its ruched mid section (you can arrange it higher or lower on your waist depending on where your ‘pouch’ falls). The Aline drape is also good for heavier thighs and rear but won’t mask too many lumps and bumps – the teal color is totally gorgeous:

There’s nothing like Max Studio for figure enhancing (or rather, obscuring) dresses– this shift has a nice fit at the top to distract from the nice room it offers below for any troubling mid-sections, droopier rears or the heavy hipped – perfect for this summer with sandals or even over dark wash or black jeans as a tunic!

Though we certainly can’t all look like Victoria’s Secret models, they do come out with some stuff for the rest of us once in a while. This halter bra top dress in indigo has all the right moves for the average shaped amongst us especially if you’re smaller chested or moving towards the pear scale…the empire defining waistband never hurts when it comes to defining a narrow waist and nice fall away cut on the skirt:
And though J Crew tends to do dresses a bit too dressy for translation into the every day, this silk shift in petunia pink caught my eye – not for the overly hippy with its fitted bodice and high piped waistline, it will emphasize a shapely hourglass, and can easily be dressed up or down with the right shoes:

So go out and pretty it up! It’s the easiest outfitting you’ll ever encounter on any given summer morning!

More evidence that no one seems to be doing the same thing, let’s take a whirl wind tour of what the Gap’s got on tap for Spring Color that not Banana’s…

Could this skirt be any cuter? Great color, perfect A-line cotton twill fabric: read will hide all figure flaws– and looks great with the strappy sandal of the season, oh, and it has pockets…get it fast!

This little fuchia pintuck dress may look skimpy for now, but why not pair it with some dark wash jeans and a little shrug, and wear it as an ode to Spring? Its empire waist and slight a-line shape will accommodate some pants beneath, and some hip, but definitely not too much in that department so beware, nor is this for the busty. Straps are removable:

I also see using this as a colorful tunic with some pants for Spring – it’s got great design detail at the bib which will accommodate the bustier among you, a nice aline, and with its self tie belt, you decide how much you want to hide through the midriff:

Love this fitted vneck sweater (got one myself in navy), and it comes in some great hues! The thin gauge will work well as an under layer with a jacket, or later as a top all on its own:

The rest is making me want to yawn, not to mention the overwhelming shapelessness of a lot of their offerings this season..beware the shapeless garment, regardless of color..…..let’s see how Banana stacks up..

If you can do it, this canary yellow dress is a winner (picture it with a jean jacket and tall boots, and then later with sandals..Design details will cover most figure worries below the bust:

Though shown here on a very thin gal, this fab green dress will work on most size hour glass figures (XSthrough XL)when belted at the empire. The skirt is straight and there are pockets right on the hips so you have to be well proportioned to avoid getting attention in the wrong spot– the color is great and it can be worn at work or more casually depending on shoes and accessories:

I’m putting this ‘shark grey’ vneck dress on the list despite its obvious lack of ‘spring’ color because grey is a great neutral to carry some bright accessories. The dress’ shape will hide a multitude of sins on your bottom half while drawing attention to the narrowest part of your silhouette:

Picture it with some of these great accessories:

Not surprisingly since Banana and the Gap hardly have different parents, I find the tops selection at Banana certainly leave something to be desired in the ‘shape’ department. My last pick is this great layering tank –it comes in some vibrant colors (especially wasabi green and drizzle blue) that will work now under a jacket, and transition nicely into your favorite summer tank:

I’ll leave the rest to the sale racks….

Apparently as far as AT is concerned, it’s all about prints this spring, and they’ve got some douzies.. but actually, prints can be a great way to ease your way into spring with a nice layered look without bowling anyone over with your screaming colors…i.e. use these bright prints in the peek-a-boo sense under one of your suit jackets or sweaters:
This halter has a great palette of muted colors that will go with a lot:

This silk shell in Rosette is a great little dash of spring in the midst of a sea of brown:

Here’s a floral I could live with in deep indigo and green–with its empire cut and shape sculpting viscose and spandex, this could be a great layering piece now and also work well in this summer with capris or a skirt:

Beyond that I’m going to have to say selection seems a bit hum drum on AT’s store front, and what’s with the big black and white push? Boring…..on to AT Loft!

Ah, ATL definitely wins in the Spring department in this duel. Check out this floral smock blouse. This will hide a bit of tummy and accommodate a chest, can be worn tucked and toned down for the office, or this summer with capris or a skirt for a much looser feel, in two great colors:

Here is a lovely way to add some soft hues to your palette, and this shell (preferably in slate) has some great design details as well:

What’s not to love in this refined printed tee– great color, nice print, will blend well with layering pieces and can be worn more formally for work, or as an upscale tee in summer:

Okay, maybe not for work, but I couldn’t let this one go by–so cute, and who doesn’t need a cute hoodie? Color is fab:

Have to sing the versatility praises of this metallic layering jacket (yes, I own it) – perfect to carry some of the colors of spring you import beneath its well shaped exterior… and with the metallic sheen, this can be dressed up and down easily, a great buy all around:

Besides the button flap detail at the bust (i.e. if you’re busty, this won’t do), this trench is a fabulous way to greet the season – perfect weight, great style, and spot on color:

So go forth, start retiring your winter duldrums and take some risks – taunt the Spring into its arrival! Next week we’ll take a look at Banana versus Gap….stay tuned!