In fashion, there is a reason why black is a recurring favorite. Even way before Coco Chanel coined the phrase “little black dress”, black has served us women well. It hides our flaws, an uncompromising color that is determined to make us look good. It is never choosy, serving well as a forgiving foundation for every other color known to man. Finally, it gives us a challenge, as we use both shade and texture to make sure black is never boring in terms of fashion.

It is then no surprise that this season, designers are again pledging their loyalty to the darkest hue of all. Black has been spotted as a major theme in many runways for this year’s autumn and winter lines. Hermes chose to portray black in matte and glossy leather, providing a fitting contrast.

Haider Ackermann used black to give himself leeway for lots and lots of layers. Balmain ran back to black to tone down his choices of multiple fabrics, such as fur, ladylike lace, and what-have-you.

Givenchy was not to be left behind, with black as one of the runway favorites as well. Dior showed different somber moodscapes by utilizing black, too. And even if black were such a conservative color, Ann Demeulemeester used it for themes borrowed from the future. Even more ambitious was Gareth Pugh’s portrayal of this versatile hue, as black fabric was made to fit like a glove, almost as if supermodels were actually superheroes in costume.

See? Black is definitely back. Black will always be the “new black.” There shall be many colors that will try to push black aside, and many fashion-forward people will keep wishing that black would fade into the background. But black shall forever be timeless, a color that you and I will rely on every once in a while because it helps us blend and stand out at the same time.

To give black a fresh spin, try layering on different textures of black – it shows you’ve got the creativity to pull off a monochromatic wardrobe. You can also attempt to reinvent the ever-reliable LBD: how about looking for a little black dress with conservative long sleeves but with a scandalous short hemline?

Perhaps your accessories deserve to be blacked out as well. Stack on different black bangles and cuffs and see how they make you look like a sophisticated biker chick. Invest on the perfect black platform heels and never find yourself wearing an outfit that doesn’t seem to go with any of your shoes.

Yes, black is back… and the world of fashion is clapping its hands in relief.

Decades ago, eco-friendly fashion was exclusively for hippies only. Times have changed though, and nowadays, green is totally in. For a lot of people, fashion (especially high-fashion) is almost always associated with materials that hurt the environment. Well if you want to take a break from all the leather and fur, an eco-friendly foot candy may just be the perfect thing for you.

TOMS shoes is an earth-friendly footwear line founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2006, you might have probably seen him in the 2nd season of The Amazing Race. The shoes are made from recycled material and really really comfy on the feet. Aside from not doing further damage to the planet, the brand also lives by an excellent premise: One for One. This means they are going to give a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair that you purchase. What a great concept, right?

The best thing about TOMS shoes, aside from being so heavenly comfortable to walk in, is that they are also quite stylish. Sure, they might not be as glamorous as Jimmy Choo's but they are definitely my first choice for casual Sundays. Check out these popular styles (Yellow Newport Cordones and Red Canvas Classics):

These laid-back kicks have been seen all over Tinseltown too. A few of the celebrities who wear TOMS shoes are Kristen Stewart, Keira Knightley, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johannson, Zac Efron, Tobey Maguire and Mila Kunis. Charlize Theron, another actor-turned-philanthropist also partnered with TOMS and designed a pair to help out children in her native country, South Africa. The Jonas Brothers also joined the movement and teamed up with the brand for their "One Day Without Shoes" campaign. 

images source: TOMS

Times really have changed and "green" is now the new black. So what are you waiting for? Join the remarkable movement and bring a smile to a child's heart while keeping your feet happy too. 

We've encouraged you to look toward your favorite television characters, and even "high and wild" fashion practices when it comes to inspiration for costumes this Halloween. However, with the holiday mere days away, some have left their costume choice to the last minute and need something simple! For this weeks tip we encourage you to simply use color as you inspiration! Blacks, whites, oranges, and browns can be used to invoke the ideas of skeletons, ghosts and pumpkins with your own modern twist!

Match the look below with an orange face or cute handmade head piece and you've got a modern pumpkin!

 

Like what you see? Get them here:

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Purse
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As fashion month comes to a close, each major city’s fashion personality becomes evident. New York is ecclectic, London has a tougher edge and Paris is decidedly more inventive and groundbreaking. But ss much as I love to oogle the beautiful clothes, the fancy footwear that was presented at Paris Fashion Week has serious eye candy appeal. Here are some of the standout looks from the French shows.

 
Photo from Style.com

Christian Dior: Head Dior designer John Galliano was inspired by the Polynesian beach scene to create this collection and the shoes had a tribal influence as well. Though not necessarily everyday appropriate, these rope trimmed, beaded and feathered stilettos are loads of fun.

  
Photo from Style.com

Alexander McQueen: There’s no doubt that McQueen’s collections are known not only for their dramatic elegance but also for their statement-making shoes (remember the S/S 2010 anteater booties?). This collection—the first with Sarah Burton at the helm—didn’t disappoint those in need of a whimsical shoe fix. My favorite was this intricate coral-inspired wedge that is sure to be star in many an editorial spread.

  
Photo from Style.com

 
Photo from Style.com 

Louis Vuitton: Marc Jacob’s collection for Louis Vuitton had an explicitly Chinese bent and the footwear fit delightfully into that same theme. There were cheeky claw footed heels and giraffe wraparound stilettos but my favorites are these surprisingly wearable zebra head heels that are both sturdy and delicate at the same time. 

  
Photo from Style.com

Lanvin: These uber chic Lanvin heels with a Lucite wedge have an industrial, Art Deco feel thanks to the unique metal trim and wraparound straps. Heavy metal detailing wasn’t only reserved for heels in this collection, working its way onto the clothing on studded skirts and tops.

  
Photos from Style.com

Chanel: In the fashion world, Karl Lagerfeld really can do no wrong and Chanel’s shoe collection is no different. Among simpler crystal encrusted and braided wedges, Lagerfeld also sent out these sequined booties, a smart cross between a wedge and a platform heel.