Piperlime sent out an email with a 20% off $75 offer today. We, unfortunately, need to find a place with more closet space before we splurge on more shoes.

This is only good for one order, so do let us know if you happen to use it and we’ll take it down.

N1N4PL38MK26

Till Next Time,

C

Piperlime put up a cool bridal page today.  Normally I’m not a big fan of their “celebrity stylist” posts, but this one makes a good point.

Mindy Weiss says you should have two (yes two!) pairs of shoes for your wedding.  One dramatic and uncomfortable for walking down the aisle and one comfortable pair for dancing, meet and greet and other activities.   Of course, you could always go with one comfy pair, but where’s the fun in that?

Also, if you’re in the market for invitations, there’s a cool new site that has many top end wedding invitations.  It’s called minted.com, check them out!

Till Next Time,

C

If there’s something that we here at Fashion IQ can agree upon, it’s that we love a sale!  One of our favorite brands, Steve Madden, is having a huge clearance on the site.   Check it out!

75% off select merchandise throughout the SteveMadden.com site! Through January 31st only!

Hi all,

Good news, the Shoebuy coupon has been extended until Dec. 17th. Get $20 of $50 when you use Paypal!

$20 off $50 or more + Free Shipping at Shoebuy.com when you pay with PayPal

Till Next Time,
The Fashion IQ Team

Valid Today and Tomorrow Only!

1st Day of Christmas - $20 off a $80 order at ShoeMall.com - Hurry - Offer is valid 12/3 and 12/4

Till Next Time,

The Fashion IQ Team

Check this out. This is a progressive coupon…the more you spend the more you save!  Enjoy.

Till Next Time,

The FIQ Team

Today, FashionIQ is going 100% international:  Spin the globe and let your finger trail far, far away from the fashion scene in Paris, France, to . . . India.

You may not be aware of it but the U.S. shares a special historical connection to India:  This country teeming with 1.12 billion people (cough, cough) has the fine distinction of also celebrating the Fourth of July except in its case, the date happens to fall on August 15, 1947.  Instead of tossing tea into the closest harbor to express their displeasure with British colonial rule, they just kept drinking tea and booted the English out through non-violent measures, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., picked right up in the 1960s.

Since becoming a sovereign state, India has not only become the most populous democracy in the world (who dare beat 1.12 billion?) but also the one to acquire the Midas touch.  Just flip to the business section of any paper or magazine and you’ll know what I mean.

In honor of its 60^th anniversary, I’m dedicating our couture chat to India’s contribution to the fashion world: The Sari. 

In case you haven’t a clue as to what I’m talking about, Elizabeth Hurley is thankfully on hand to model this graceful garment for us:

[From imdb.com]

For the typical Indian woman, saris (alternative spelling: “sarees”) are the only garment they own and this six-yards of cloth serves them on all occasions.  Elegant, sexy, professional, chic, mundane, maternal, slinky, domestic, pious, staid . . . any tale can be told by the weight, texture, transparency, and the embroidery of the fabric wrapped around the curves of a woman’s body. 

The ultimate goal of every Indian fashionista is to have at least one traditional saree from every region from India (link to http://www.salwarkameezindia.com/saris-sarees.htm) in her wardrobe.  And this is no mean feat to accomplish when there are twenty-eight states plus seven union territories in India!

For most non-Indians, a sari is a sari is a sari.  It all looks the same.  But that would be the same as saying Chanel is exactly the same as Christian Dior, with no distinguishing features.  To the expert eye, the regional DNA of a sari is woven into its fabric and unique pattern or embroidery.  Sometimes, their traces will even lead you to a specific city.  Some Indian “fashion aunties” are so notoriously talented that they can offhandedly say, “Oh this is a Kanchipuram silk” after examining the cloth with their eyes and fingers for a few seconds.

In the West, we have no idea how complicated silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers can get.  For sari fashionistas, there is no limit to their vocabulary and it keeps growing.  Pure cotton, cotton silk, pure silk, tussar silk, crepe silk, Kanchipuram silk, pure satin silk, chiffon, netting, and georgette are some basic categories of fabric but this does not make the tiniest dent in what the Indian textile industry has to offer the rest of the world when it comes to embroidery, patterns, and fabric.

If you haven’t seen the marvelous Cate Blanchett in the 1998 film Elizabeth, go rent the DVD.  Besides admiring Ms. Blanchett’s pitch perfect performance, pay attention to the heavily embroidered silk fabrics worn by all the characters because the director of the film, Shekhar Kapur, put his family’s Indian textile factories to work in creating the costumes.  Not surprisingly, the film received an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.  I’m betting you can see much of the same lavish costume work in the second part of the tale because the same director and actress are involved in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, playing in theatres right now.

After watching Elizabeth, no clothing designer should ever run out of ideas at the Oscars.  All those embroidered silks are the real thing.  And keep in mind that there are no taboo colors in Indian fashion.  Mother Nature had no idea blue, green, and red could go so far.  The next time you go to a department store, you’ll be bound to ask yourself, “Where have all the colors gone?”

The quality of sari begins with fabric, with one end generally reserved for making the blouse that matches it and the other decorative end to drape across the body and over the left shoulder.  The draped part is known as the “palloo” (BTW:  many variations on the spelling).  

Titillating sidebar:  Once upon a time no Indian woman wore blouses underneath the sari; just bare shoulders and backs.  The gossip goes that the British colonial government thought that this display of female skin was far too risqué and passed a law dictating that Indian women cover up the upper half with a blouse under the palloo.  (And then the British administration wondered why the Indians were in such a haste to kick the Brits out of the subcontinent.  The lesson here: Never mess with fashion.)

So now we’ve got the blouse and the palloo:

But what does an Indian woman do with the mysterious rest of the sari?

Every region of India seems to have its own intricate variation on how to wrap the remaining majority of the sari around the body, from the waist to the ankle.  A skirt with a drawstring underneath catches all the pleats and folds of the sari and holds it in place.  Persnickety bean counters have pointed out that there are apparently 80 ways to wrap, pleat, fold, and drape. 

 
For those of you who want to look like an Indo-Grecian goddess but are freaking out over 80 options to pleat, fold, and drape, breathe easy.  Indian designers now offer automatic saris that are pre-pleated, pre-folded, pre-draped, and take less than 5 seconds to wear.  A traditional sari may be a great cover for two left feet but two left hands it can’t save. 

Centuries ago, when the Italians were Romans, the French were Celts, and the English were cave-dweller (just kidding), stitched clothing was considered the lowest form of fashion.  Couture snobs would look upon the needle as a crude tool for barbarians who hadn’t mastered the fine art of weaving fabrics but had to sew together pieces of raw hide to cover themselves.  Draped clothing was the hallmark of not only elegance but civilized people.  Somewhere along the way, needle and thread gradually became respectable while in India, the art of fabric draping still ruled. 

 
However, even fashion history for one of the oldest civilizations in the world refuses to stay frozen forever.  As Indian author Shashi Tharoor perceives in his latest work The Elephant, The Tiger, And The Cell Phone: India, The Emerging 21^st Century Power that for this “masterpiece of feminine attire,” “(v)ery few of today’s under-thirty women seem to have the patience for draping a sari” and he adds, “I think this is actually a great pity.”  It’s true that the demure steps one must take in a sari doesn’t quite jive with the sprinting around of modern life.

Yet, when it comes to weddings, upscale dinner parties, languid afternoon teas, religious ceremonies, or just about any occasion that merits the word “special” in front of it, no Indian woman is ever going to favor a pair of jeans and t-shirt for a sari.  Ne-vah.  The sari is far too precious.  It ranks right up there with diamonds.

As far as the Hindu lunar calendar goes, Indians wrapped up their most festive season on Friday when the new moon beckoned Diwali and the locals wind down from the nearly month-long, back-to-back, non-stop partying to observe climactic events, such as Dussehra.  ‘Tis the season for receiving and giving gifts — i.e., when the most spectacular and tempting array of saris will be on display.

If you just can’t book the company jet for a quick fashion excursion to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata this week, here’s an itinerary you can easily follow while sitting in your favorite chair . . . .

Fasten your seatbelts.

Roli Singh Designs

Contact Info:  +91-981-550-9994 Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Indian Standard Time.

This Indian designer is taking a more cutting-edge approach to traditional Indian fashion and presents a new twist to a classical theme.

Product ID : BBS19

Color:  Yellow

Details :  Lemon saree with crystal, diamond, sequence and thread work. Fabric pure georgette with heavy blouse.

OnlineSarees.com

Perhaps the styles tip more towards the previous generations rather than forward-thinking youth of today but this swank site provides the ultimate sampling of classic embroidery designs plus color-rich saturated fabrics that is quintessentially Indian haute couture.  I dare anyone to look at these hues and not think of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, . . . . and other precious gems that bedazzle the eyes.

Party Wear Saris:

Tomorrow we’ll show you some of the more traditional regional styles as well as other selections from retailers.

–L–

Tags: sari, saris, saree, sarees

Hi all,

This month’s coupon is NOVSAVE, get 10% off your order at Shoes.com.

Till Next Time,

The Fashion IQ Team

The BIG Picture:

What the Cosmic Tailor Has Designed For You This Month 

All the dingbat behavior of the universe will settle down once Mercury returns to duty at the start of this month and gradually recollects what normal was all about.  You get a three-week head start on Thanksgiving as the next Mercury retrograde isn’t scheduled to return till after the winter holiday season is over and you’ve had plenty of time to recover from all the champagne on New Year’s Eve.  And this does spell “Peace on Earth” for your retail fantasies.  You’ll probably find exactly what you’re looking for or not have to return any merchandise due to blasphemous errors in judgment. 

On the other hand, as one planet resumes its regular activity, Mars, the planet that injects testosterone into our charts, will go retrograde starting on November 15.  So, if you need a jump start on any of your serious plans and want to reduce the hassles you might face along the way, do so now.  Let me repeat myself: Launch your important projects ASAP.  Once Mars goes out of commission, it’s going to be tougher (but not impossible) to set dreams into motion for the next two and a half months because those key elements known as energy and drive will be sapped from everyone’s sign. 

However, don’t be preoccupied by Mars’ predilection in the last half of the month.  Every planet deserves a rest every once in a while and robust Mars is no different.  Regardless, there promises to be nonpareil moments in November and they are building up to a monumental explosion next month when the real excitement begins. 

So from where I’m scanning the stars, the warm lights at the Thanksgiving table will glow for each and every one of us this year.   
 

Aries  (March 21 - April 19)

Chill and relax as your ruler Mars checks out mid-month to recharge its battery straight through January next year.  While whatever pressure you’ve been experiencing on the home front will simmer down, the focus will still remain there and you might as well shake out the classic t-shirtand jeans for the big move or home remodeling project you seem to have taken on.  Someone has also turned on the spigot when it comes to cash so you no longer need to fret about money if that was tight last month.  Rustle out the party dresses because you can bank on becoming the most wanted guest this Thanksgiving season.  Dour Saturn has departed your love and romance sector while gifted Venus is taking charge of your coupling impulses.  Remember good things always come in pairs and you won’t even have to work that hard to attract anybody if you got the kind of boots that just about go with everything, short or long. 

Taurus  (April 20 - May 20)

For someone who normally likes to putz around the house in comfy clothes and warm slippers, you seem to be getting out of the nest to roam around a lot more often this month.  If this sounds like you, then have a versatile travel jacket packed and ready to go.  Professionally, the right people are starting to bestow you with favorable attention as you advance forward in your career.  Because rewards at work represent what you’ve been sweating for, don’t hesitate to spend the funds coming your way to invest in classic well-coordinated pieces, such as tailored slacks, pencil skirts, blouses, suits, and heels, to signal that the brass ring is yours for the taking.  As a sign that revels in tradition and romance, pop the question to your significant other earlier in the month if you’re in the mood for commitment and have been secretly trying on long trailing dresses and wispy veils.  

Gemini  (May 21 - June 20)

2007 keeps getting better and better for you and this month, partnerships will flourish and benefit you in some enormous way.  Partnerships can mean anything from marriage, friendship, to business.  However, you have so many lucky days for your career, that I say beef up the career wardrobe so you’ll be ready when the phone rings with good news about a raise, promotion, job offer, etc.  It’s a good thing you’re turning a corner professionally, because you won’t be able to keep money in your pocket with holiday fashion shopping being riotously fabulous this year.  While you’re at it, invest in a couple of workout options because you’ll finally hit the resolve to lose the excess pounds and stick to an exercise program.  By next month, you can wear those skinny pants you’ve been eyeing for a while.  For best results, start your routine before mid-month when Mars’ muscles are behind you all the way.  

Cancer  (June 21 - July 22)

So you’re the sign that’s been hosting Mars and will continue doing so well into May!  Be assertive in your career moves early in November before Mars retrogrades so you can relax with family over Thanksgiving when Venus will be lending her charms to help you spruce up your personal domain and make if even more inviting.  Start off by lining up interview outfits but starting November 9^th, shop for long skirts, figure-flattering dresses, and sensual cashmere sweaters.  There will be a network of heavenly bodies occupying other water signs like yours and it’ll be a major cause for The Return of Romance to your life — just when you were about to give up on it.  Feel free to splurge on yourself because finances seem to be steadily improving towards the end of the month and moving forward.   

Leo   (July 23 - August 22)

You love being the center of attention and you’ll definitely be the It Girl on Thanksgiving so dress the part.  Since Thanksgiving is a holiday about bringing friends (and you will be seeing many) and family together at home, it’s appropriate that domestic matters is your most lucky sector at the beginning of the month.  Whether you are buying, renting, upgrading, decorating, repairing, or renovating, it’s smooth sailing on the home front and you can expect it to become quite profitable in the long-run.  Comfy tennis shoes should come in handy for the home renovation projects.  Wondering about finding a special someone?  First, stock up on shoes, skirts, and sweaters to declare your vibrant personality.  As you get closer to December, your own true love will beckon but a word of caution: There will be a dizzying assortment of suitors to choose from.   

Virgo  (August 23 - September 22)

You are one industrious soul this month.  And I don’t mean that in a bad way because you are probably the only one keeping up with all the energy Mars has lent the universe and are rapidly checking things off your list.  Media, or communication, activities and various organizations have your full attention and this could lead to signing contracts and lucrative ventures.  Even short trips taken this month have a business angle to them.  Since Father Time, Saturn, has moved into Virgo for about two years, the goals in your life have become more serious in nature.  However, friends will be there in droves to prevent you from running yourself to the ground, which you are apt to do.  So, accept invitations to lunches and accessory shopping sprees for quick releases in the first part of November.  Days around Thanksgiving, keep a low profile to re-charge your battery but expect outstanding news to arrive regarding career pursuits.  

Libra  (September 23 - October 22)

When it comes to career and cash, strike while the iron is hot.  Brush off all those leather accessories (pumps, purses, handbags, attaché cases) and find the right suit to go along with them while the job front is fiercely in your favor.  After mid-November, you’ll want to put a less aggressive focus on these issues, perhaps researching in the background, till next spring when Mars jolts back into your career fame sector.  While career steps back a bit, romance steps up when Venus decides to hang out in your sign for nearly a month.  Think of what you’ve already got and what you can add to your closet to create that effortlessly polished look that Librans are famous for.  Maybe an elegant winter stole to slip off your shoulders?  You might also find yourself traveling far during the holiday season, either for academic or leisure purposes.  If it’s for a holiday, don’t forget the raincoat to keep you dry in a sudden rain shower. 

Scorpio  (October 23 - November 21)

Mighty transformations are under way for you as Jupiter, the planet of luck, glides closer and closer to your ruling planet, Pluto.  Perhaps a project or faint idea from the past is coming into fruition.  Moreover, look towards success in any sector of life you choose since the new moon falls in your sign this month.  It may be in relation to foreign countries, legal matters, communication field, creative endeavors, or even religion.  The door is wide open and it’s up to you to figure out whether it’ll be business pumps, rugged boots, or some other footwear to carry you forward.  But don’t waste too much time; try to start before mid-November.  The month begins with a powerful emphasis on career and wraps up with romance on the mind — you and another who finds you irresistible.  So, be prepared for that unexpected moment and check out what comes in silk and lace.  

Sagittarius  (November 22 - December 21)

Everyone, from friends to lovers, is simply smitten with you this Thanksgiving.  So much so, that don’t be surprised if you’re shopping for a gown to match a diamond ring!  Jupiter, your own planet, was your one-year personal lucky charm and he’s about to exit next month once every Sagittarian has had a chance to blow out the candles on her birthday cake.  Ever-generous, he’ll leave behind a huge gift of the financially variety in your upcoming phase if you’ve hustled and taken risks while he was there by your side.  For the moment, the financial tap may not be flowing full force but use this time to devise strategies so that by the time the Sun moves into your house on the 22^nd of this month, you can put on a party dress and a big grin.  Saturn is also currently busy teaching you lessons about your career. You might be gradually shifting from administrative to managerial duties and should look the part to move ahead in the next two years. 

Capricorn   (December 22 - January 19)

Towards the end of this month, look forward to pampering yourself: Get a manicure, visit the hairdresser, make a spa appointment, treat yourself to beads and baubles.  Enjoy a quiet meditative period before Jupiter pushes you into the spotlight and grants you an entire year’s worth of birthday wishes.  Also, stock up on elegant winter wear because you’ll be lending a hand to friends, organizations, and social events.  You are extremely busy at work but the powers that be are noticing your hard work so don’t be surprised to receive a compliment and something extra.  In a brand-new or well-established relationship? You have a chance to figure out over the next couple of months whether this relationship is truly the one.  There is a potential for home, business, and real estate matters not to run smoothly, but it’s only temporary and will prevent you from signing agreements when Mars is not there to support such plans after November 15^th.  

Aquarius  (January 20 - February 18)

Your potential for ascending professionally is amazing.  Remember fellow Aquarian Al Gore and the non-stop accolades he’s been garnering?  It’ll happen either instantaneously early this month or after a preparatory period, early next spring.  You know best how the chess pieces are moving at work while working your tail off.  Hopefully, you’re doing it in tall heels and business slacks to show off the body you’ve been working on since last month.  Stick to the low-impact activities at the gym to stay fit and alert at work.  Despite Mars’ retrograde, you have Neptune in your sign and Uranus, your own planetary keeper, on track in your salary sector around Thanksgiving.  And who couldn’t use more moolah around the holidays?  Set aside some of it for a sexy shimmery outfit to embolden the new love, who seems to be hovering around November 21^st through 25^th, when you’re out and about with family and friends.  

Pisces  (February 19 - March 20)

For all of us this year, things are falling into place beautifully with only slight bumps along the way . . . but that’s simply La Dolce Vita.  Will you be able to handle being the blessed one when it comes to creativity, passion, faraway destinations, academics, anything media-related, AND spirituality?  Because all these areas are red hot for you this month.  Friends and lovers will clamor around you at the beginning and toward the end of the month while this social period will continue expanding.  Naturally, you are the designated cosmic hostess this year for Thanksgiving because home and family will become the focal point.  Since all your creative juices are flowing, put the latest fashion trends to your most mesmerizing advantage.  Have you seen how Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Behnaz Sarafpour, Michael Kors, Elie Tahari, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Versace, or Anna Sui wants to dress you? 

-LC
 

Special Note: 

If you happen to know your ascendant (or rising) sign as well as your sun sign, read both entries for each sign as one is at the core of your personality while the other reflects your external persona as perceived by others.   

For example, celebrity Angelina Jolie is a Gemini (born: 4 June 1975) with Cancer rising (born at 9:09 AM PDT).  In essence, she is a Gemini, a sign that’s always on the go, extroverted, highly verbal, and juggling a million and one tasks simultaneously but due to her ascendant sign in Cancer, others may perceive her as maternal, caring, emotive, intuitive, and home-focused.   

On the other hand, Michelle Pfeiffer is a Taurus (born: 29 April 1958) with Gemini rising (born at 8:11 AM PDT).  She may have the persona of a gregarious, jet-setting, mercurial-minded Gemini on display but at heart, she’s a private and grounded individual who knows her mind and appreciates quality, including quality time spent with her family.  

In some cases, the sun sign coincides with the ascendant, such as an Aries with Aries rising.  If this is so for you, reading the monthly entry for the sun sign will tell you what the stars are stitching up for you in both areas.  
 

Hi all,

I’m back for just a quick note to let you know about my favorite find so far this year! I was lucky enough to receive a pair of Tsubo boots that are just de-vine!
Although I haven’t seen actual snow yet, I like to get some of my new boots broken in on the particularly cold days (also because I just can’t wait any longer to wear them!).

The Tsubo ankle boot I tried which is named “Cyrt” didn’t need any breaking in, (and after the trauma I’ve put my poor mistreated tootsies through, this is a major selling point!). They are literally just as cozy and comfy as my slippers! Adjustable Velcro straps on both sides of the ankle allowed me to wear my thickest pair of socks without any pinching. Lined with shearling, my foot was kept oh-so-toasty, and the rubber outsole so far hasn’t let me down (although I haven’t tried it on ice yet.) The boot only has a one inch heel, which in my opinion, is what you want to wear on those really cold snowy days unless you like teetering on icy sidewalks on 4 inch stilettos!

I would term these boots casual, but you can probably dress them all the way up to business casual if you wear the black version with appropriate clothes.

Some advice—you may want to order these in a size larger since I think they run a tad on the small side. I did, and loved how they fit! Also, I have not worn these on a rainy day, but to be safe I would treat the suede to make sure it’s waterproof. Finally, while these boots keep your feet nice and toasty, the loose ankle design does let a bit of the cold air in, so if its really frosty out—wear long socks! Other than that, since these boots could easily be unisex, buy an extra pair for your roommate/sibling/significant other, because yours will disappear if you don’t!
Tsubo sent you all a special coupon…

While you’re at Tsubo enjoying your coupon, check out “Zerine.” This leather and suede sporty mary-jane/skimmer hybrid has great arch support, is flexible in the front where your foot needs it most, and runs true to size (though a bit on the wide side). Unlike many mary-janes which have straps that bite into the skin, Tsubo’s soft and flexible version shouldn’t give you any problems.

My only complaint was that the leather could be softer, especially around the edges. In other words, there is definitely a break in period for these.

Bottom Line: My constant quest for the perfect shoe may not have been realized quite yet, however brimming over with fun n’ funky colors, sporty designs, and technology to make your foot sigh with contentment, Tsubo is definitely worth checking out and trying out!

Thanks all,
Be Your Fabulously Fashionable Selves,
Nicole

Blogged with Flock

Tags: tsubo, tsubo coupon, shoe coupon

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