by | Mar 18, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
A high heel can transform any outfit however, finding the right quality high heel that will add a little extra touch to your outfit and confidence may be hard to find. It is important to remember that all high heels are not created equal. In reality, there are enormous differences in quality from one designer to the next. Here are some of Footcandy’s tips on learning how to spot quality high heels.

1. Inspect the heel.
High quality high heel shoes generally have leather heels and will have a rubber or nylon top piece located at the very bottom of the heel. A leather heel aids in the overall structural design of the shoe and will make you feel secure when walking in them. Typically, high quality designers will expose the leather or they might put a thin layer of material over it. Unlike high quality heels a cheap heel will be made of plastic. When you walk in the plastic heels they will feel structurally unstable. If you do spot a shoe that has a plastic heel avoid it at all costs because it will not last you more than a season.

footcandyshoes.com – Kate Spade – Lori
*Note: The leather heel with top piece*
2. Materials Matter.
One must realize high quality materials are going to be more expensive but they will last you a lifetime rather than a season. Good quality materials are generally purchased and assembled in Europe. So the next time you go shopping and see a European high heel made from leather, suede, patent leather or fur and it is expensive, the materials are of good quality. To make sure the quality remains we do recommend that you spray a protectant on them. Each protectant spray depends on the specific material used on the shoe so make sure you know what material the shoe is made of. By spraying the heel it will ensure that your material will endure time and various weather terrains.

footcandyshoes.com – Jimmy Choo – Vero
*Note: Jimmy Choo is a European Designer*
3. Examine the Shoe’s Interior.
Pay attention to the insole lining of a high heel. Typically, a shoe of high quality is made with leather rather than a synthetic material and it will go all the way around the inside of the heel and insole and will stop at the counter of the heel. If the heel simply has lining on the sides or bottom of the insole then it is not of high quality nor will it feel comfortable after wearing them for a duration of time. Additionally, it is important to note that leather absorbs moisture which consequently allows ones foot to breathe. Synthetic materials like vinyl will leave your feet feeling clammy and will cause you to slip out of your shoe after wearing them for a while.

footcandyshoes.com – Charlotte Olympia – Ava
*Note: The insole and inner lining is entirely covered in leather and stops at the counter of the heel*
4. Inspect Buckles and Adornments.
Examine any adornment like crystals, buckles, tassels, etc. on a heel. A quality high heel will be securely attached, is reinforced with double stitching and the stitching will not be visible to the naked eye. Also, one should make sure that the stitching is smooth and tight. If the shoe is not double stitched it will be loose and the likelihood of it enduring even a season is highly unlikely.

footcandyshoes.com – Oscar De La Renta – Tropezia
*Note: The white, gold and pink gems are not loose, therefore it has double stitching. Also the stitching is not visible to the naked eye*
5. Analyze how the sole is attached
Typically a high quality sole is made of leather or rubber. Depending on what material is used the sole is either glued or stitched. If the sole is stitched on make certain that the stitches are secure and not uneven. If the sole is glued on make sure that there is no excess glue on other materials surrounding the sole. Usually heels that are of high quality will not have glue visible to the naked eye.

footcandyshoes.com – Stuart Weitzman – Prancing
*Note: The rubber sole is stitched securely and is even*
We hope these tips help you find your next pair of high quality high heels!
To purchase these high quality high heel styles, or find more of your own, be sure to visit footcandyshoes.com
by | Mar 17, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers!
I really love wearing scarfs all year long because they are so chic and takes a ordinary outfit to a higher level. In the ensemble below, I did not want the outfit to be all black, even though the dress had white embroidered flowers. I added a floral print scarf that was a gift of my mother in love. The material of the scarf is polyester; but it looks like silk.

JT with Floral scarf
I am often looking for websites that have quality scarfs and are reasonable in price. I found an online shop called Defshop.com their motto, GOTSKILLZ. GOTSTYLE.
“Defshop.com is Europe’s largest Online shop for Streetwear and Lifestyle with over 200 brands.”
Def Shop’s website is so fashionable and user friendly.
I have five scarfs that really caught my eye.
1. The Skull Scarf
Skulls are so fashionable with a rocker chic edge. Skulls are on trend and hotter than ever, from apparel to jewelry.

Def Shop
Skull Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com
2. Madonna Scarf
This scarf gives me ideas for ways I can style it, now as well as in the spring and summer. This color makes me smile and would look so summer breezy on a sunny day.

Madonna Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com
3. Madonna Pink scarf
Pink brightens the face and makes the face look more youthful.

Pink Madonna scarf
http://en.def-shop.com
4. Red Stars Sublevel Scarf
This scarf is such a burst of color and the stars is such a show stopper. I would wear this with a tan cardigan or blazer to work or with jeans and a pink oxford shirt going to the mall.

Sublevel Stars Scarf
http://en.def-shop.com
5. Floral drawing scarf

Floral scarf
http://en.def-shop.com
The drawing of the flowers with the turquoise blue in the background is a sense of great style that is classic. I choose this scarf because it is so feminine so versatile to go with so many items in the wardrobe.
Defshop.com has a wide array of hip and on-trend scarfs that will work from the work day, to out on the town over the weekend. Take a look at itswebsite because they have a wide array of fashion and accessories.
Stay tuned because I will be taking another look at what is offered at Defshop.com.

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This post is linked up with Visible Monday.
by | Mar 11, 2013 | Fashion |

JTwisdom
Hello Elegant Readers, hope you are having a wonderful day! God is Good and He is good all the time.
When you wear all black; how do you add some color? Well, you can wear a scarf, jewelry, colorful shoes. But I am adding a very high style headband.

Embroidered headband
I bought this headband at a Beauty Supply store for $3.00. It looks like I paid much more for it. Sometimes I have to sort through stuff to get to the headband that really is calling my name. This one was calling my name. A headband is so simple. All I have to do is put it on. I have made flower pins and headbands from recycled stockings, but I want to start making some headbands with different sorts of material, maybe braiding.
I serve in Media Ministries at my church where we have to wear all black to remain invisible. I have to have a smidgen of color so this time I went for a colorful headband that still has some black in it.
I get compliments all the time because this headband is so unique.

by | Mar 3, 2013 | Fashion |
Hello Elegant and Lovely readers,
I recently was gifted a Susan Graver Quilted Peachskin Snap Front Jacket in the color of my choice. The colors where antique white/ black trim, black/ light khaki trim, and navy/scarlet red trim. I choose the white because it is so fresh. When I opened the package, the jacket looked sharp and reminded me of a jacket that is very reminiscent of something that Jacqueline Kennedy or Audrey Hepburn would have worn. I began contemplating how I would style it. There are no more rules anymore when it comes to white. The color can be worn all year long. I chose white because it is refreshing and makes me smile all year long.
For church I styled the quilted jacket with a Jones New York metal matte sequin tank that I purchased last year for a good deal. The outfit just clicked. The metallic with the quilting of the jacket gives it a rock edge. So cool!

JTwisdom in Susan Graver Quilted Jacket/Jones New York metal pailette tank.
To have simplicity with an edge is sheer genius in an outfit. You appear youthful without looking immature. I loved styling the jacket with the tank and color contrast of the red pumps. The necklace over the metal sequin tank was not overpowering and added depth in a good way.

JTwisdom
It was a cold snowy day when I took this picture below. I could not resist getting a picture in the park along this bridge. I took my coat off to take the picture and the jacket looked really good. The construction of the quilted jacket is structured but relaxed. Black trim is along the edges of the jacket, pockets and sleeve trim. It is put together well. White brightens your complexion and I feel it makes me look even more youthful than I already am. The size I requested in the jacket was a Small; which is giving me a looser fit. I think if I sized down to an Extra Extra Small, it would be more of a fitted look. The small is a 42 1/2 in the chest and the XXS is a 381/2 in the chest. By getting the small, the jacket could be an outer jacket also for me.

I wore the jacket to work. I was getting compliments right and left; so I knew this was a winner. Now this was a snowy cold day; but again this jacket could also be an outer jacket in the spring.

With the Susan Graver jacket, I am wearing my Lamo boots and Dooney and Bourke handbag. The outfit has been elevated to another level.
I have the same teal turquoise turtleneck, with the Susan Graver jacket that I wore to work and paired it with dark denim jeans and high heel ankle boots. This look could be for a night out with my hubby or I could wear this to church.
This Susan Graver jacket has such a cool look; but is not overdone. It rocks. It sets the stage and the actors and actresses are my gold jeweled boots and turquoise bracelets. To have an outfit that flows well gives a feeling of confidence and great satisfaction.
I had so much fun styling this jacket.

JTwisdom in Susan Graver Jacket.
The quilted jacket is so versatile whether I wore it with jeans or trousers.

Thank you to Susan Graver and her team for the opportunity to style such a well made jacket.
Stay tuned when I style the Susan Graver Quilted jacket with a skirt.

by | Feb 18, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Five Reasons Why High Heels are a Good Investment
Lets face it ladies, most of us have a love/hate relationship with high heel shoes. While some are hesitant to wear high heels because they feel they cannot walk in them, others are worried about the pain that certain designs bring. The trick is to find a designer that fits your unique feet and who uses only the best quality textiles. The material’s quality truly will make all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort.
If you are still reluctant to wear high heels, Footcandy has complied five reasons why high heels are a good investment.

1. High Heels Allow You to: Radiate Confidence
No matter how tall a woman is, when she puts on high heels it becomes all about confidence! If you’re a tall woman worried about being even taller or a short woman worried about not being tall enough, remember it’s about radiating confidence, being chic and most importantly finding a style that allows you to emanate poise. Confidence is without a doubt the ideal accessory any woman can have. So, the perfect designer that will help a woman find inner confidence is Kate Spade. Not only will one fall in love with Kate Spade’s feminine yet timeless designs but the self-assurance that will emit from your step while wearing her designs will make everyone turn their heads.

footcandyshoes.com – Kate Spade – Licorice-13
2. High Heels Allow You to: Stand Up Straight
If you are hesitant to learn how to walk in high heels, always remember that although the heel adds height, if you slouch rather than hold your shoulders back, you will waste every ounce of poise and beauty the shoe is looking to add. Keeping proper posture will not only add to the splendor of the heel but it will give you balance, assertion, conviction but most importantly, it will help align your spine. Consequently, if you are a woman who tends to slouch too much, throw on a strappy pair of high heels by Rupert Sanderson—not only are they the perfect solution to fixing your posture problem but perhaps the best part is that you will look absolutely fabulous doing so!

footcandyshoes.com – Rupert Sanderson – Ivory
3. High Heels Allow You to: Feel/Look Sexy
Putting on a pair of fabulous high heels can not only make women feel sexier but heels can also make them look sexier. Since high heels transform the body by making our calf muscles more prominent, which aids in one’s posture, and by pushing the rear and chest out, it is evident that high heels generally just make a woman’s figure far more attractive. Designer, Jimmy Choo is an incredible designer who never fails at making a woman feel/ look sexy. So if you’re looking for a fabulous pair of shoes to make you feel or look sexier, then Jimmy Choo is the designer for you!

footcandyshoes.com – Jimmy Choo – Maurice
4. High Heels Allow You to: Command Authority
When a woman puts on high heels not only does her body transform but her mannerisms change as well. Wearing the correct high heel will without a doubt allow you to command authority in the workplace. If you’re a professional woman, combine a professional suit with an office appropriate high heel, usually a pump rounded or pointed toe in a neutral color, and not only will you have an authoritative appearance but you will epitomize authority. Your colleagues and/or subordinates will definitely view you as a serious professional woman. Giuseppe Zanotti is a designer who not only makes fabulous high heels that are comfortable but his designs are perfect for any woman looking to command authority in a tough meeting!

footcandyshoes.com – Giuseppe Zanotti – I26058
5. High Heels Allow You to: Create a Complete Look
Whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a suit, a wrap dress or a skirt with a blouse, high heels can make an outfit. High heels add a feminine touch to any ensemble and will transform an ordinary outfit into a fabulous look. What women don’t realize is that a pop of color, a pattern, a brilliant metallic or a patent glossy heel can revolutionize an ensemble. So, instead of grabbing those worn out sneakers, throw on a pair of comfortable pumps by Stuart Weitzman. Not only will this designer make you feel fabulous and transform your ordinary outfit into a complete look but Weitzman is one of the most comfy designers out there. He uses only the best quality textiles; therefore, making your feet content. If you’re looking to modernize an outfit, make sure that you look at Stuart Weitzman’s collection first because he will not disappoint!

footcandyshoes.com – Stuart Weitzman – Capsize
To purchase these high-quality investment high heels or to find more of your own, be sure to visit footcandyshoes.com
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by | Feb 17, 2013 | Fashion |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
Blessings to you. I have been going non stop and it’s time to relax.
I recently purchased a Susan Graver tunic and scarf from QVC.com that is so chic and comfortable.

JT in Susan Graver tunic
The tunic is very soft and I really like how the fabric feels on my skin. The fabric blend is polyester and nylon so it drapes and flows, makes you want to move. I ordered this tunic in an XXS because even though the tunics is loose I still like to have somewhat of a fit. I added a necklace to elongate my body. Whenever you add long necklaces it really draws the eye vertically which makes you appear taller.

JT
The tunic came with a metallic scarf that can be worn in so many different ways. Below I put the ends of the scarf together and looped them through and created a cute look.

JT
In this picture I tied the scarf as a belt, the ideas are endless.

JT
The tunic is can be for all year round wear so it will definitely be a work horse. See how a layered my Isaac Mizrahi cardigan over the tunic and add a pink scarf.

Isaac Mizrahi cardigan layered over a Susan Graver tunic

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