How much is enough?

My wife and I have been married for five years and in that time, I've learned a lot about her. What she likes to eat, what she does in her free time, her favorite books...the one thing about her that I've never been able to understand is her obsession with shoes. She, like the majority of women, adores buying and wearing shoes. She owns at least 20 different pairs and each one has a different purpose. One she wears only to work, another only to go shopping, another to the gym, another to take the kids to the park, another for this, another for that. It's never ending.

I have to be honest with you. As a man, I just don't get it. I own 4 pairs of shoes: one for work, one for when I'm not at work, one for the gym, and one pair of flip flops. That's it. I don't need a special pair of shoes to go out to a restaurant or to mow the lawn. And I certainly don't need one in teal, or lavender, or yellow. When I asked my wife to explain the need for all of the shoes, she couldn't answer me. "Honey, you wouldn't understand!" she said. The truth of it is, I probably wouldn't understand but I would be willing to listen. So if any of you ladies out there can justify the need for owning more shoes than there are days in the month, please let me know.

By Mr. Y

M by Shakara

If you haven’t checked out the new M by Shakara collection, you have been missing out! This new line debuted last spring and is designed by the fashion model herself. She brings excitement to the brand with clothing that is influenced by her own personal style as well as runway trends.

Shakara’s line is unique and stylish. But best of all…it’s affordable! The latest collection ranges from $19.99 to $129.99 with a mixture of great denim, fun tops and even a few dresses.

The Holiday line is made up with rich colors like emerald, purple, and berry. The clothes are festive, perfect for the upcoming holiday festivities. And there is a vintage feel to this collection…1920’s inspired. You’ll see the flapper style dress, cloche hat, and luxurious details like beading and fur (faux, of course).

You can view the line at the metrostyle website and also learn more about the model on the site as well. The website offers a video featuring Shakara at the photo shoot for her first M by Shakara collection.

M by Shakara gives us one more great reason to love metrostyle!

By Sarah

MY IMAGINARY LIFE

So, in my imaginary life anything is possible. I could have world peace, cure diseases and cease all wars…blah…blah ….blah. What fun would that be? Not!!! As it would be the real world. So I chose to be shallow and use my power for evil, shopping. In my imaginary life I can buy whatever I want, whenever I want and not have to worry about it.

Top of my list is Balenciaga.... hmmmm! Just rolls off my tongue…BALENCIAGA.
I want any pair of boots from this line, Nicolas Ghesquiere is my idol! Oh Suki suki now!
If only in my real life, I could afford to spend $2000 on a pair of boots.
But enough woe is me…back to my fake life.

I have my Balenciaga boots on right now and I am FAB-U-LOUS!

By Lee Lee

To Belt or Not to Belt

As I stare into my closet at my hanger full of belts I ask myself "How am I going to do this without looking like a fool?" I approach a red wide buckle belt and try it over my button down blouse. Wow, I really do look put together and instantly slimmer. The next day I try a low slung belt over a turtleneck and a skirt.

After a week of wearing belts every other day I realize it’s true what they say: you can wear them anytime with virtually anything your mind can dream up. Belts look amazing over sweaters, shirts, coats and dresses – just to name a few!

Wearing a belt is all about confidence and flaunting your curves! If you are a little heavier and want to create an hourglass figure…wear a wider belt high up on the torso. It takes pounds off immediately. If this does not feel comfortable and you want to feel less restricted wear a belt low slung on your hips to draw attention off your waist.

If you want to try the look but be more subtle about it, try self-belted pieces, like a dress or a wrap shirt. These give the illusion of a belt but are also extremely slimming and flattering to everyone.

Just go for it! Once you start trying different sizes over different pieces you will learn what works best for you. Remember, just because it looks good on your sister doesn’t mean you can wear it the exact same way. All you have to do to get the look is change the width of the belt and where you are wearing it on your body to flatter you in the best way possible.

By Beth

Halloween Costume Crisis

Costumes required…that’s what it says on my invitation to this year’s Halloween party. Oh, the horror!

Here’s my dilemma: I don’t want to spend my paycheck on an overpriced and ill-fitting costume that I’ll never wear again (Been there, done that!). But, I also don’t want to show up as just “me” to a costume party and run the risk of insulting my friends.

My solution? Get creative with real clothes – something that I already own or something I can buy and wear again. Then, add a few inexpensive props from a party store. That way, I’m “in costume,” and my money is well spent. Here’s what I’m considering:

• “Dorothy” blue wrap dress with red sparkle pumps… (put hair in pigtails; carry toy “Toto” dog).

• “Back Cat” Black velvet pants, black sweater and long black gloves (add costume ears & tail)

• “Frost” Silver metallic blazer with grey pants and silver pumps (add glittery silver make up for an icy touch)

• “1920s Dame” M by Shakara drop-waist satin dress with pleated hem, felt cloche hat (add “bob” wig and long pearl necklace)

The more I think about it, the more I’m starting to think that this could be fun! Anyone else have any quick-and-easy costume suggestions?

By Bren B

Outfit of the Month

This month's Outfit of the Month...The Wrap Dress!

A classic silhouette, but with a modern twist on it. The normally conservative style looks fresh and the color is fabulous for fall.

The wrap dress is always in fashion, standing the test of time because it flatters all body types. Curvier women reap the most benefit from this design, however. Like magic, this style creates a waistline, providing an hourglass figure. This dress also hides not-so-firm tummies and accents and flatters the hips and behind because of its body conscious cut. A fuller skirt will flatter a fuller figured woman, where an A line version may be more appropriate for someone slimmer.

This wrap dress is timeless and ageless. It is sexy and feminine, but not too frilly. The style is versatile. It can be dressed up with heels for a more tailored look, or dressed down to appear more casual. Because of its subtle elegance, it makes a great canvas for almost any accessory!

Wear the wrap dress with confidence, you’ll look great!

By Sarah

Fashion Links

Do you want to keep up with the latest or future trends? Well, check out the links below to see what’s hot for Fall/Winter 2008-2009 and what’s new for spring 2009!

Fashionising.com/blogs - Offers the latest trends from head to toe. If you love shoes check out the trends for Fall/Winter 2008-2009. Some of the things you’ll notice this season are stilettos, thick chunky heals, square-toe shoes, above the knee boots, lace-up shoes and boots, and Mary -Janes with a twist.

Elle.com – See Fall Fashion must haves from your favorite designers and see the new trends for spring 2009. Plus you can check out videos of fashion week in New York.

Style.com – Keeps you updated with the most current trends. You can watch the fall and spring fashion shows. You can check out the item of the week, trend reports, and beauty guide.

By Diane

Quick Fashion Tip

Add some sparkle to your wardrobe!

Love the hot trend of sparkle and shine but not sure how to pull it off? When done right, metallic touches can pump up any wardrobe and take it to the next level of hot! To keep this trend looking bold but not overdone, take one glam piece and pair it with basic wardrobe essentials you already own.

From day to night metallic can look amazing. For a sexy yet subtle daytime look, try pairing this high shine blazer (shown at left) with your favorite jeans and a tank. Or to pump up your workday try wearing the blazer over a black blouse and dress pants.

To transform into a sexy and bold evening look, wear the high shine blazer as a jacket over a cocktail dress. Want more shimmer? Pump up the already bold evening look by pairing it with Metallic shoes or a shimmering clutch.

Now you are ready to effortlessly try one of the hottest trends of the season!