The Black Dress Traveler

Stay Grounded on the Go with Juil Footwear

My grandmother was right - again. When I would flounce around all day in high heels she would smile and warn me that one day my feet would rebel. Ouch - that day has arrived. I don't care how cute the shoe is, if the heel is sky-high, me and my aching feet keep on stepping to a more comfortable style. But my vanity hasn't disappeared - the ideal casual shoe combines comfort and style!

I've been wearing these purple Juil "Mesa" sandals ($145) for running errands and casual outings. I love the bright color and the shoes are very comfy with great arch support and cushioning. These would be great for travel.

Juil also offers closed-toe options. This Copenhagen clog also comes in brown. $165

I was recently introduced to Juil shoes and have been testing them out for about a week. The Juil motto is "awaken your soles" and they take this idea very seriously. Each pair is made with their exclusive Energy Flow Technology, containing copper conductors (or dots) going directly through the outsoles. What is the point of the copper conductors? They create a free-flowing connection between you and the earth to keep you grounded. Juil cites research that the surface of the earth is teeming with a continuous supply of electrons that can act as antioxidants and fight the build-up of free radicals in the body. Juil shoes allow those beneficial electrons to pass through. Getting to your favorite places is much easier when your feet don't hurt!


Juil has quite a following among yoga instructors because of their shared commitment to feeling grounded to the earth. I don't do yoga but I appreciate anything that helps me feel grounded as I go about my hectic days in New York City. Whether you are clocking miles sightseeing or just strolling around your neighborhood, Juil offers great options to keep  you grounded and your feet pain free. Vegan and men's styles are also available.

To learn more about Juil footwear, visit their website.

Bring These to the Beach!: H&M Swimsuits, pluggz Flip Flops, Tradewinds Iced Tea

We are deep into the hot, hazy and little bit lazy days of summer and the beach beckons! Here are a few essentials to keep you cool and chic by the sea.


Want to add some fun new pieces to your swimsuit collection without spending a fortune? Stop by your local H&M from July 19 -August 1 and you can pick up two ladies swimsuits for the price of one!



Starting at just $4.95, H&M has all the latest swimsuit trends - fun prints, neons, and sexy one-pieces. Go ahead and mix & match! 

Stay grounded in a pair of pluggz. Available in black, gold & silver. $39

Perfect for the beach and kind to your feet, pluggz flip-flops have arch support and a unique grounding technology. Embedded into the sole of each pluggz blown rubber shoe is a carbon and rubber plug that connects you to the earth by allowing free electrons to pass through to the soles of your feet. When you wear pluggz on sandy beaches, city streets, or anywhere; you are grounded. Science shows that being grounded makes you feel good - that is why it feels so amazing to walk barefoot in nature. I'm no scientist but I was sent a pair of pluggz and have been wearing them around the house for a few days - they are very comfy! I will definitely pack them for a trip to the beach. 


Lest you think I only quench my thirst with wine, I am a huge lover of iced tea and drink it year-round. Recently, I was invited to sample Tradewinds Real Brewed Iced Teas and it is pretty delicious. A little on the sweeter side, it tastes like home brewed tea. Very full-bodied, it is made with with premium tea leaves and real sugar - simple yet satisfying. The Tradewinds Sweet Tea really reminds me of the tea I used to guzzle as a little girl on trips down South. Available in a variety of flavors, including unsweet and diet green tea with honey. 

London Calling: Celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Style!

Image: Suzanne Plunkett—Reuters

I've always said that I'm not a Royal Watcher but have I been lying to myself? Allow me to present the evidence: in 1981 I woke up early to watch Diana marry Charles, I traveled to Philadelphia in 2009 to view an exhibition of Princess Di's dresses and I was glued to the telly in 2009 watching William wed Kate. And, perhaps the most damning piece of evidence is my admittedly inappropriate crush on the not so much younger Prince Harry. Maybe this interest in the royal family stems from my love of pomp and circumstance and from afternoon tea to fairytale weddings, nobody presents pomp better than the Brits. In addition to the Summer 2012 Olympic Games, London will also take center stage during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. If you plan on participating in the celebration of the Her Majesty's 60 year reign as monarch, be sure to do it in style!


The Royal Horseguards Hotel

Where to Stay: Location and luxury meld together perfectly at the posh Royal Horseguards Hotel. A five star hotel with panoramic views of the River Thames, the Royal Horseguards is the perfect spot to watch the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant during which a procession of 1,000 boats from all around the world will travel down the River Thames and flank the Royal Barge which will transport the Queen. The Royal Horseguards also overlooks the iconic London Eye and is just yards away from Westminster, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, and West End.  Built in 1884 in the style of a French chateau, the Royal Horseguards has been completely refurbished to Victorian splendor but has all of the modern amenities required by a discerning traveler. In honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, you can enjoy up to a 30% discount on stays June 1-10 (excluding June 2-4).

The Shoes: Aruna Seth London Union Jack Wedge ($4800)
Designer Aruna Seth is a favorite of English "it" girls like Pippa Middleton and Princess Beatrice & Princess Eugenie. She designed this gorgeous limited-edition wedge covered in genuine Swarovski crystals specifically to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Dress: Vivienne Westwood Apron Fish Dress ($470)
This intricately pleated and folded frock shows why Dame Vivienne Westwood is British fashion royalty. I love the classic look of a crisp white dress combined with a modern cut.

 

Traveling Pretty: Norma Kamali Kulture, Fraas Scarves & Frye Sandals

Looking to add a few new pieces to your spring wardrobe? Start with a frisky little frock from Norma Kamali and punch it up with a Fraas scarf and a pair of Frye sandals. These sassy staples will look great wherever you travel!

Norma Kamali Kulture
Sleeveless Shirred Waist Dress ($74)


A Norma Kamali garment for under $100? No, that isn't a typo - every item in the Kamali Kulture collection will cost you less than a Benjamin. One of my favorite pieces in the collection is this versatile LBD (also available in red). With the right accessories, this travel friendly frock can go from the office to cocktails. Simply chic!

Fraas
Contemporary Leopard Print Scarf
$40


(Dahlings, isn't this the perfect look for dodging paparazzi in the airport or cruising down the highway in a convertible!)
I love adding a pop of fierceness to a basic black dress with a bold animal print. Fraas sent me a sample of their new leopard print scarf and it is a winner. The pattern is bold but not garish and the fabric (washable acrylic) is ultra lightweight and soft. It is large enough to wear as a wrap and can be folded into a scarf - a great travel-friendly accessory. Fraas scarves are available at specialty stores throughout the country and select styles are offered online at Fraas and Amazon. (The model number for the leopard print scarf is 393085.)



Frye
Ramsey Woven Peep
$228



Until my visit last week to the Frye showroom, I had no idea that they made anything other than their iconic boots. Gee, was I wrong - Frye's women's collection also includes sandals, heels, flats, and handbags. I think their Ramsey Woven Peep is a great option for the spring/summer season. Available in 5 colors, the airy but structured construction boasts thin strips of handwoven leather and a solid yet lightweight bamboo heel. A classic shoe with a little edge.

FlipFlops Gone Fancy: FlipOut Sandals

If your travel plans include a tropical getaway - don't forget to pack a pair of FlipOut flip flops or jellies. One pair of FlipOuts delivers endless looks because the shoes can be customized with interchangeable shoe jewelry to match all of your fabulous frocks! Prices start at $24.99.

High Heels & Hot Rods: Prada's Vintage Cadillac Inspired Spring Shoes

Designers find inspiration in the darnedest places! Prada, the quintessentially Italian fashion house has found an unlikely muse in the All-American vintage Cadillac for their new collection of spring shoes.



As described in The New York Post, "The shoes, including several different examples of pumps, sandals and wedges, are pure greased lightning. Sky-high stilettos feature a red, bullet-shaped tail light. A wedge is tricked out with exhaust-pipe flames shooting out the back. A third style has a wedge shaped like a tail fin of a vintage Cadillac. The collection of strappy, high-heeled shoes comes in hot-rod red and racing green with a shiny car-paint finish, and jeweled brooches on the front instead of hood ornaments."

Costing up to $1450 a pair (wow!), these wearable hot rods won't hit the stores until this spring.

What do you think: fierce or fuhgeddaboudit?

Click here to see more images from the Prada 2012 collection.

 

Fashionista Pamela Pekerman's Fabulous Travel Friendly Finds

One of the really fun parts of my job is that I get to schmooze with dynamic women like petite powerhouse Pamela Pekerman. More than a fashionista, Pamela is a spokesperson and on-air correspondent that has been nicknamed "the Jewish Oprah in Louboutins!" Several times a year, Pamela invites a select group of bloggers, editors, and television producers to preview her picks for the most fashionable finds of the season and I always do a happy dance when I get an invitation. Not only is Pamela fun but she spoils her guests with great goodies! Last week, Pamela outdid herself by pampering us before we even reached the luxurious penthouse suite at the Kimpton Ink48 hotel in NYC's Hell's Kitchen - she arranged for each guest to arrive courtesy of Ford in one of their sleek sustainably designed vehicles. Here are a few photos from the Accessorize for the Holidays party, including some of Pamela's travel-friendly picks. (party images: Shawn Punch)

 

Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of NYC was also smart enough not to miss Pamela's party! I must confess that the Real Housewives is one of my guilty pleasures and I had a blast chatting with Ramona. An avid traveler, Ramona told me about her 3 week trip to Africa where she helped to build schools with the Africa Foundation. Of course, I also asked about her eponymous Pinot Grigio and Ramona told me that she will be coming out with a red vino soon!


One of the very cool travel-friendly products that Pamela featured was the Travalo Refillable Travel Perfume Atomizer. Although more perfumers are offering travel sizes, there are still many that don't. Travalo solves that problem by making it super-easy to transfer your favorite fragrance into an aircraft approved and no-spill atomizer. The Travalo fills directly from almost any bottle that has a removable head. Available in a rainbow of colors. Prices start at $15.99.

Call me a broken record, but I tell all of my friends that a wrap is a must-have when you travel. Practical and pretty, shawls and scarves will keep you warm, jazz up a little black dress, hide a bad hair day, and even function as a sarong or halter top. Olsen Europe has a great selection of scarves at various price points. Known for their knitwear, Olsen Europe also offers dresses, tops and bottoms.

On those days that you don't want to rock a little black dress, leggings (when worn properly) can be a fashionable alternative. Lisse Leggings combine the comfort of leggings with the control of shapewear - no muffin top! Created by Beth Gold-Cohen, a former buyer for Macy's, Lisse Leggings were named after the French word for smooth. Available in sizes small - 3x and in various colors and styles. Keep a pair in your carry on!

In my heart I am a summer girl, but the one thing that I do enjoy about autumn is the chance to strut in a pair of buttery leather boots. Pamela gifted each of us with a pair of gorgeous Franco Sarto leather boots. These versatile beauties will look great with jeans, your Lisse Leggings, or a cute frock. Pamela told us that Franco Sarto is not only a real person but a very handsome and charming Italian gentleman!

To learn more about Pamela Pekerman and her fashion finds, please visit her website.

Earthies Shoes: Well Grounded Fashion

When I learned that Earth Shoes had a new line of fashionable footwear, I chuckled. Just hearing the words Earth Shoes conjured up memories of the hippy dippy granola kids in prep school- nice people but they weren't exactly fashion plates. Well, friends I stand corrected - Earthies, the sassy new collection from Earth, is pretty darn cute!

Earth Shoes have always been known for comfort and Earthies combine their commitment to foot health with great style. The collection's tagline is "Wellness.Elevated." and every Earthies heel or wedge features a unique wellness footbed with a cupped heel, anatomic arch support, and cradle toe area. This all adds up to comfort, comfort, and more comfort! And, as you will see from the images below, Earthies offers stylish shoes that are great for everyday and getaways.

 Earthies: The Veria
$129
This decadently draped suede shoe is available in red, black, khaki and blue. This shoe will look great with a little black dress!

The Tropez
$149
This is the pair that I was sent courtesy of Earthies and I am loving them. The subtle silver piping on the floral embellishment is a great touch. Available in nude, red, brown, black and blue.

The Santiago
$149
Snake print is all the rage this season. With Earthies you get the hot look without sacrificing comfort. Also available in black.

Click here to learn more about Earthies and to view the full collection.

Flip Flops with a Kick!

I have a love-hate relationship with flip flop sandals. In my humble opinion, they are perfectly appropriate for the beach and tropical getaways but not so cute on the subway or everyday city life - especially if your pedicure is not on point! However, there is a whole new breed of stylish flip flops that won't ruin the look of your little black dress. Check out these three fantastic styles. 

FlipOut Jellies
$59.99
Buy one pair of FlipOut Jellies and get countless different looks. The sandals are available in three colors (pink, clear, and smoke) and each pair comes with two pairs of interchangeable shoe jewelry that can be attached for instant bling. FlipOut also makes a traditional flip flop style - those are $19.99 per pair. Shoe jewelry is $9.99-$24.99.

Lindsay Phillips SwitchFlops
$35-$54 for the shoes. Straps are $12-$15.

     

Designer Lindsay Phillips has REALLY created one shoe with infinite possibilities! Can you believe that all of the shoes pictured above are the exact same shoe? Yes, the shoe remains the same, only the strap has changed. Lindsay Phillips offers several shoe styles (flat and heels) that you can instantly modify to fit your mood or outfit by changing the strap - it securely attaches with velcro. Lindsay's genius idea started as a high school art project and she perfected her interchangeable design concept while she was a college student. She even spent a Semester at Sea which exposed her to a wide variety of cultures, colors, and patterns that inspired her strap designs. As Lindsay likes to say, "Change your look, not your sole."

Smushees by Grandoe
$35
Described as a travel pillow for your feet, Smushees feel just like they sound - cushy and comfy. I am wearing a pair as I write this and they are VERY soft. Each shoe is filled with polystyrene micro-beads that conform to all foot types and features a unique "Smush" foam footbed. Available in fun colors, Smushees are a great option for poolside lounging, spa days, or for walking around the airplane cabin on a long flight. Easy to care for - just machine wash Smushees on a gentle cycle and let them air dry.

 

Little Heels with Big Style at Scarpasa.com

My Grandmother warned me. She said pounding the pavement day after day in skinny high heels would take a toll on my tootsies. Ouch, was she right. But hey, even Lady Gaga occasionally has trouble managing super high heels - poor thing took quite the tumble at Heathrow Airport over the summer.

These days, when I go shopping, I look at the height of the heel before the price and will gladly pay more for a shoe that is comfortable AND stylish. The problem is that the comfy shoes tend to look more dowdy than sexy. I often look at the pretty sky high stilettos and contemplate chopping off the heels to a more manageable height.

Apparently, I'm not the only lady who has been hoping for a sexy sensible shoe genie. Well, that genie has finally arrived in the form of a website called Scarpasa.com. Founded by Christina Lahur, Scarpasa's motto is "lower your heels, not your expectations" and  they only sell shoes with heels that are a maximum of 3 inches high - a height that is practical for travel and everyday. Here are a few of the chic and comfy styles that will jazz up a little black dress. 

Rebecca Sanver - Lopez red leather pump. $275


Biondini -Viviane peep toe pump. $185

Miezko - Jana convertible brushed suede bootie. $255.

Homers - Laura short hair flat. $250.


Miezko-Christina knee high boot. $375.