Was it not only 5 years ago when our heels had to be stiletto spiked, or else they’d sit under the pile of laundry in our closets? Well, times have changed, but at least styles still repeat! I recently came home with the most amazing pair of thick, chunky, platform shoes, and leave it to Mom to rain on my shoe parade to explain, “Oh I had a pair just like those in the 70’s! What a re-do!” Thanks Mom, now I picture you as a hippie in my newest $100 accessory. Sweet.

70’s Shoes

Vanessa Hudgens’ 70’s inspired look

Come on, come on, it’s not as bad as I dramatized. The styles actually do repeat! Of course, we just make them much better today, but we still got the inspiration from past decade’s trends. This day in age, shoes follow one rule: the bolder, the better. From color block covered spikes, or clogs plastered in vintage paisley, shoes should be a focal point of any outfit.

Heels are no longer reserved for the work place, ladies sport their sky-scraping footwear 24/7-365. Date nights, shopping, concerts, and baseball games are just eventful excuses for us girls to adorn our feet in the most amazing garb possible. Here are some repetitive shoe styles that work from casual to professional, which will add ‘uumph’ and charm to any outfit, at any budget.

Michael Kors Cassidy Wedge, $250

Jessica Simpson Vadio, $98

Jessica Simpson Tova, $98

Steve Madden Wildd, $130

Steve Madden Lowdownn, $120

Prada Leopard Print Open Toe Suede Wedge, $950

Forever 21 Slouchy Leatherette Heels, $25

Boutique 9 Shoes, Night Loafer Pumps, $180

Max Studio Shoes, Flyaway Sandals, $169

The age of cupcakes has long been here, and it seems to be a lasting food trend.  They're simple yet beautiful, fun yet classy. Give me some red velvet with cream cheese frosting and I'll give you my heart.  The creams and pastels of the sugary goodies has made its way over to the world of fashion and is sure to satisfy any fashionista's sweet tooth. A recent Marie Claire photoshoot with the young actress, Elle Fanning, inspired me to embrace new shades of pastel colors that are far from those found in a baby store.  Designers are hitting it right on the mark with the perfect shades of lavender, mint green, rosy pink, and whimsical fabrics that resemble the frosting on a cake. 

Below are a few sweet items that will definitely make your mouth water, complete with a sprinkle of sparkle.

1. Elle Fanning in the pastel inspired Marie Claire photoshoot "The Elle Epoque"

2. Jeffrey Campbell Wooden Wedges. Mind the Mint Wedge, modcloth.com, $145.99

3. Keep Calm and inspired with this adorable wall art. target.com, $12.99

4.  Sophisticated and yummy, this ladylike peach sheath is cute enough to eat. Cupcake Connoisseur Dress, modcloth.com, $36.99

5.  Candy couldn't look cuter than in these pastel jars. Grasslands Road Just Desserts Cupcake Pedestal Candy Jars, amazon.com, $73.58

6.  Remember little Lily from the first Sex and the City movie with her adorable Harrod's cupcake clutch? Besides the fact that she took Carrie's cellphone for ransom and tucked it away in the dainty handbag, I couldn't love this cupcake bag more. Judith Leiber Sequin Cupcake Clutch, Harrods

*And here is a little more sugar to sweeten up your day.

I was so sad to hear that Amy Winehouse had died. I loved her music and adored her voice. Unfortunately, her dependence on drug/alcohol and her crazy personal life started to overshadow her music and she became another starlet who is more known for her antics then her music. When she died, I did a bit of research and was reminded what an amazing singer she was and her incredible talent. I was also pleasantly reminded of her great sense of style. so, as my little tribute to her, I put together this gallery of her best looks. Enjoy!

Classy!!!

Her shoes are too gorgeous!!

Love her hair! So retro, crazy, and fabulous!!!!

Out of the many trends taken straight off the runway from the Fall 2011 shows, there is one that stands out as being not only one of the most wearable but also ridiculously simple and totally fun. Monochromatic dressing, or wearing a similar color palette from head to toe, makes not only a powerful style impact but can also be one of the most flattering ways to wear color to make you look your best. All it requires is the ability to mix and match what you already have in your closet in a new way. And what could be easier than that?

Taking a cue from these style-setters, monochromatic looks work best when mixing different shades of the same color, like pairing a blood orange blouse with a fire-engine red skirt and maroon booties or choosing a palette of dusty pink, beige and off-white. By combining multiple colors but sticking to a restrained color palette and emphasizing different textures, you can be perfectly on trend. Only the rainbow limits your options.

Courtesy: Atlantic-Pacific

Courtesy: The Man Repeller

So what is your favorite color to wear and how would you style it from head to toe? Share your thoughts in the comments!

One of the best parts of summer is the ability to peruse open air markets. Some states, have the luxury of having these all year round but for those of us with distinct winter months summer means outdoor markets. Farmer’s markets sell newly picked fruits, vegetables and fresh pies; tents sales are great for scoring those super sale snow boots necessary for maneuvering the icy, snowy, salty streets in December. But while digging through a bushel of apples and scoring name-brand winter wear is exciting, flea markets are where the real treasures can be found. Some flea market vendors push old household items for a low cost others, have old games, clothing and even jewelry. Cheap dishes and vases are as frequent as the cheap costume jewelry, but rummaging around and finding elusive pieces of antique jewelry makes the trip worthwhile. Especially, since those vintage items have found their way back in style again. Finding “Grandma” watches with slinky gold chains and big faces complement big, bright bangles of summer. Studded fake jeweled earrings or bracelets are the right touch to any sun dress to help transition from day to night – or beach to restaurant. My sister has a knack for finding beautiful antique pendants she simply pairs with a long chain while my mother's pin obsession costs her only 25 cents. Personally, I like to try on every single ring and usually end up layering a few simple stone rings on top of one another. I also advise to keep an eye out for simple strands of pearls, every once in a while all the plastic fakes give way to a beautiful, authentic piece. At flea markets the jewelry has not been mass manufactured, cost over $50 and has already proven it can stand the tests of time - although it may need a swipe with shining polish.

Either way, warm weather brings flea markets, farmers markets, tent sales and easy on the wallet spending; especially when your price negotiating skills are as hot as the temperature.