
ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Pout Pop
I love the way rich, red lip color pops against an all nude ensemble. And so do celebs: just look at Angelina Jolie, Diane Kruger, Emma Stone and Lea Michele! I wore the combo back in February to a Great Gatsby party. Today, I took a more subtle approach with lace and chiffon. People think you need a tan to wear nude but the neutral looks just as beautiful, if not more beautiful, against pale skin. The red lip helps make sure you don’t look washed out. I used CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain since I found it to be the longest lasting lip color.
William blouse, J. Crew caridgan, Forever 21 skirt, Calvin Klein pumps, B. Boheme necklace, vintage ring
Fashion Staples Used: Lace Skirt

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ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Anchors Aweigh
The warm spring weather continued today so I celebrated with a pair of shorts. I rarely wear shorts to work, but these are long enough to be office friendly if you work in a more casual environment. Plus, I’m obsessed with the sailor buttons. A heel would have been a little much so I used a nude pair of ballet flats to elongate my legs.
PH8 striped shirt, Forever 21 necklace, Express shorts, Via Spiga flats
Fashion Staples Used: Striped Long-sleeve shirt

Get the look…

Nude
These aren’t your Carrie Bradshaw naked dresses. The nude creations that came down the catwalk all had something special: suede flowers, tiers of ruffles or sheer paneling.
(clockwise from top left) Christian Siriano, Ruffian, Reem Acra, Preen, Julian Louie, Tibi
Photo credit: Style.com, New York Magazine
Last month, a reader asked how to elongate her petite frame. I explained that nude shoes are the easiest solution. A peep-toe platform is the most flattering—and timeless—option but these Dolce Vita Cajun High Heel Gladiator Sandals ($138) are a trendy way to add height. The stacked sole makes them more comfortable, or at least as comfortable as a 4.25-inch heel can be. They remind me of a pair of Christian Louboutin sling backs I saw at Barneys the other week. Except they don’t have the obnoxious look-at-me red sole, and they’re almost one-tenth of the price. Plus, Shopbop.com is offering free shipping on all orders over $100 through July 31. If I hadn’t just bought two pairs of shoes recently, I would definitely add these to my cart.
The Sex and the City sequel begins filming next month (it’s set to hit theaters in May 2010). So maybe that’s why I’ve been noticing so many Carrie Bradshaw-esque clothing online. Unfortunately, it’s the fashion I wish stayed in my DVD box set of the series. Take this Free People slip dress, for instance. Does it not remind you exactly of the infamous naked dress Carrie wore on her first date with Mr. Big? I’m all for the nude trend. In fact, I wore a nude dress to a cocktail party I hosted over the weekend. But I prefer wearing flesh tones, instead of exposing all my flesh. That way people say your dress is pretty, not “interesting” as Mr. Big commented.
Then there are Free People’s hip huggers. Let’s pray those don’t find their way into Sex and the City 2. Not even Carrie can make the burgundy band look stylish.

I bought this American Apparel Too-Short tube dress ($26) before my 80s party. I was on vacation in Miami and where else but South Beach can you wear something tight and neon? I went all out and even paired it with Guess’ hot pink Innocent platforms ($110), which were surprisingly extremely comfortable.
But away from the beach, I’d feel too naked in this dress. So for cold weather, I’ve covered up with opaque tights. I had to wear a strapless camisole underneath because the dress is a little see-through. When it gets warmer, I’ll wear the dress as a skirt over Spanx—again, there’s that transparency issue. I adore neon and nude together so I’m really looking forward to wearing this outfit.
Now…
Rebecca Taylor jacket, DKNY tights, Betsey Johnson platforms
Later…
J. Crew cardigan, CK camisole, Via Spiga flats, Adrienne Vittandini bangles