Walking on Blocks of Color...

Everyone seems to be all over the color-blocking trend for this spring. It's a great way to splash all your favorite colors into one outfit without looking like you've been doused with cans of paint.

But for those of you who find it hard to successfully combine colors, a great way for you to take part in this trend is to wear a color-blocked shoe. Simple and a no-brainer.

Here are a few fab chick approved styles that can help achieve just that:

Spring color blocking footwear

1. Zara $149
2. Kurt Geiger £140.00
3. Asos $170
4. L.A.M.B. $325
5. Jeffrey Campbell $190
6. Zara $109
7. Aldo $110
8. Pierre Hardy $630
9. Nine West $89
10. Topshop $145
11. Boutique 9 $170
12. ModCloth $48

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Decisions, Decisions...
Which Warby Parker frames shall I wear?

I’m in major need of a new pair of prescription frames and of course they need to be cool. So I took my quest over to Warby Parker. Their vintage inspired and fashion forward selection provided just what I was looking to purchase. The price including prescription lenses was just what my pockets were looking to spend. Score.
Now to decide on a pair I really love that will look fly and fab on me.

Warby Parker offers a great option of selecting up to five pairs of frames to try on at home for free of charge. Awesomeness right? That’s what I thought, so I selected five styles and now am faced with the task of choosing amongst these three. Decisions, decisions
Warby Parker
If you need a new pair of fab chick approved frames and are on a budget, Warby Parker is definitely worth checking out.

www.warbyparker.com

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Nothing to do Friday Night?
Five Things to Maintain Your Fab-ness

TheFabChick
Yay it’s finally Friday! The weekend is here but you have no fun plans in near site. Hell, you don’t see any plans in far sight. There’s no hot date to get super cute for and your BFFs ditched you for well, a hot date they managed to snag themselves. What’s a fab chick to do?

Instead of sulking in front of old episodes of Sex & The City or watching Love Jones while eating chocolate fudge brownie ice cream, I’ve come up with a couple of things you can do to maintain your fab-ness all while occupying your uneventful Friday night. Yea, ummm, I don’t do any of that. Ok maybe sometimes.

But here goes.

1. Catch-up on past posts right here on TheFabChick and leave a comment or two. Ok, I’m just kidding. Before heading home, pick up a new nail color you want to try and buy yourself a mini at-home manicure kit if you don’t already own on.

You have all night to take your time, let your nails dry completely and start over if need be. And if you do manage to make too many mistakes or not pleased with the job you did, at least you have Saturday morning to run to your manicurist to rectify the situation. I love how Sereeda of Eclechick used the coveted OPI Black Shatter Polish. Check out her review here.
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2. Give your tresses a thorough washing. Treat your hair to a nourishing pre-shampoo and/or a really good deep conditioning. We should all know how important it is to not only wash our hair regularly, but to also nourish and offer our manes a little something extra at times. Check out Felicia of ThisThatBeauty's blog post about pre-shampooing here.

3. Give yourself an at-home mini facial. You have all the time to show your face a little extra TLC after a long work week. This will keep you glowing before you can get to your next spa appointment. So take out those cleansers, exfoliators, facial muds and masks and get to it.

By the way, you should already be cleansing, applying toner and moisturizing at least twice daily. If you are not at least doing that much, minus 10 fab points for you. Better catch up!
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Check out Shaunequa of TempleofGlam's Blue Lagoon Silica mud mask giveaway. And see how Fab Chick Pristina of Xbubble take care of her awesome skin for some ideas of your own.

4. Clean out your closet. Spring is actually a couple days away. Get excited! Take this boring Friday night, cue your favorite iTunes play list and go through your closet editing pieces you haven’t worn for the past few seasons. I know I’m not the only one with items that will no longer see the light of day. Perform a closet inventory and gather items that can be donated to those less fortunate. You won't miss the clutter.
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5. Create a vision board. Last but certainly not least, go through your piles of magazines for inspiration to create a vision board. Get started and put all the things you want in life onto a vision board and out into the universe. Check out Milly of BeautyLogic's blog post about following your dreams here. Good stuff.

Here's a video of everyone’s favorite Fab Chick Oprah discussing vision boards.

So with all that said, screw not having fun plans with your friends or a dude to take you out. Instead of sulking with the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack playing, cue up some of your favorite albums that make you feel good, turn the volume way up, crack open a bottle of something nice and pamper yourself a little. Spend some you time getting your closet together and creating a positive manifestion in your life. Come on Fab Chicks let’s go!

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How I Stay Grounded & Fab...
My Casual Shoe Options

I've been asked numerous times, "How do you wear those heels all day, everyday?" I guess years of constant wear have given me a lot of practice. But the truth is, there are days when I just want to give the balls of my feet a break, be my natural 5 foot 3 inch height and stroll, not strut down the block.

Sneakers just aren't an option for those days. And ballet flats are just a little too sweet for my personal style. So I turn to shoe options much like this one. A desert-like boot.

the fab chick
They're perfect for channeling my inner tomboy and creating a cool menswear inspired look. If you haven't tried a desert boot, I say give it a try for a casual shoe option. They're great for transitional weather.

Alternatively, I also turn to one of last years' most coveted shoe styles, the oxford. With so many different options available, there's bound to be an oxford style for every Fab Chick regardless of personal style. I've found a few.

Next on my list, a cool pair of penny loafers reminiscent of the ones I was forced to wear as a little girl.

Just because you've decided to take the heels off for a day to come down from your "high" doesn't mean your fab-ness should be sacrificed. There's bound to be a cool casual shoe for you.
casual shoes options
(L to R) : Madewell $198, Osborn $148, Dolce Vita $88
Topshop $125, Ruche $55, Topshop $100
Topshop $135, Topshop $110, Pointer $210
MARC by Marc Jacobs $395, Jeffrey Campbell $110, Moschino Cheap and Chic $295
Zara $109, Timberland $75, Asos $63

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Dare to Bare All...Maybe Just A Little
Knitted & Cropped

Last week I received this cropped, knit, slouchy sweater and I can already tell it'll be a staple in my closet for spring with my others.  I love the 'looks like grandma knitted' it appeal. And it's easy throw-on for me with jeans.

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Considering we have a couple more days until the official mark of spring and the weather hasn't quite warmed up just yet, I find it necessary to layer all my cropped sweaters with something underneath. But when the weather does break I will forgo the extra layering and dare to bare just a little. Are you with me?
knitted and cropped

1. Topshop Rose Hand Knit Open Crop $100
2. French Connection Coral Knits Raglan Sweater $148
3. All Saints Serpent Cropped Jumper $115
4. Alexander Wang Cotton-knit cropped sweater $375
5. Modcloth Olive Tree Leaves Sweater $43
6. Free People Harmonica Pullover Sweater $78

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All blue everything...

Cobalt blue obsession
...well almost.
Cobalt blue obsession
on eyes : Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Superior
ring : made by my ceo's personal assistant
nail polish : Sinful Colors in Midnight Blue

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Are you in Line with Stripes for Spring?

Whether bold, pencil thin, black, white or multi-colored, stripes have invaded not only the stores for spring but also my closet with a few pieces. Looks like I've gotten completely in line with this trend. Will you?

Here are a few Fab Chick Approved striped pieces.

stripes for spring
1. All Saints Maxi Dress, $145
2. Aryn K. Stripe Blazer, $94
3. ALICE by Temperley Trophy Knitted Cardigan, $225
4. J.Crew Striped linen tank, $68
5. Topshop Stripe Belted Bodycon Skirt, $56
6. Malene Birger Nacci Black & Ecru Shorts, $63
7. Elizabeth & James Baja Popover jacket, $165
8. All Saints Stripe Manilla Cardigan, $135
9. BCBGMAXAZRIA Striped Pencil Skirt, $158
10. Topshop Knitted Chunky Stripe Cardigan, $85
11. Torn by Ronny Kobo Mixed Stripes Miniskirt, $192
12. Diane Von Furstenberg Lil Knit, $434


Clearly stripes are a spring must-have print. Check out a few spring must-haves from myself and a few of my favorite Fab Chicks here. You're bound to see some stripe action going on.

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Love It: Zara March Lookbook

Zara March Lookbook
I am loving Zara's March lookbook. The pops of bold bright colors and oversized t-shirts would work perfectly into the spring wardrobe I am currently building. There are simple key separates that will transition your fall/winter wardrobe into Spring seamlessly.  

Is it Spring yet?
Zara March LookbookZara March Lookbook
Check out the complete lookbook book over at Zara.com.

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Spring Wishes: Mackage Spring/Summer 2011

Mackage Spring 2011
My spring wishes this time around come from Mackage's spring/summer 2011 look book. Known for their luxe outerwear pieces, I must say that many of the ready-to-wear items are very much Fab Chick approved as well. I'm loving it! Here our my favorite looks from the spring/summer 2011 look book.
Mackage Spring 2011
A departure from my normal spring palette of bright colors, I am digging the white and nude shades in this Mackage spring/summer collection. And the pieces are perfect separates that can be mixed with you current wardrobe for an updated twist. That white bike jacket is a must!
Mackage Spring 2011

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Video: Fab Chick Annika Interviews Bryan Boy & Johnny Weir on All Things Fur

Yes, I've been all about wishing spring into season, but check out Fab Chick Annika as she interviews blogger Bryan Boy and Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir for the Fur Insider about all things fur.


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What: I wore 70's Inspired Flared Denim
Where: Black Style Bloggers NYFW Tweet-UP

Misha at Black Style bloggers event Two years ago I purchased a pair of high-waist wide-legged Joe's trouser jeans. When I tried them on I immediately felt as though I was channeling my mom in the 70's, sans the big glasses and Afro she wore of course. So I bought and loved them.  They became a staple in my closet for those days when I wanted to wear jeans but still maintain a polished image.

Two years later my wide-legged trousers still remain a staple in my closet. They have become a great denim investment. And of course I knew they would work perfectly with today's 70's inspired trend. So much so that I wore them during fashion week for a full day of running around to events.

Check out more pics taken by Essence.com for the Black Style Bloggers Tweet-Up at the CV Lounge here.

Now I'm on the search for a pair with a lighter wash that will be perfect for spring. Here are a few pairs that might work for me.

vintage wash wide-legged denim

1. Ann Taylor Sun-Faded Wash Modern Trouser, $69
2. The Gap Vintage Flare, $70
3. Roberto Cavalli Jeans, $198
4. GF FERRE' Jeans $170

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Currently Obsessed: Perfectly Pink
With YSL's Fard A Levres Rouge Pur #19

I currently have a slight obsession with bright fuchsia/pink pouts. Remember when I briefly told you guys about one of my favorite pink lips achieved with MAC's "Gimme That" lip gloss here? Well I still love that high shine and sparkle pout, but I was on the look out for something a little less on the sparkle side. Less disco if you will.

YSL Fard a Levres Rouge
While flipping through a fashion mag, I spotted YSL's Fard A Levres Rouge Pur Pure Lipstick in fuchsia. Jackpot. I immediately knew I had to try it. Well guys, I tried it, loved it, and bought it.  This YSL pure lipstick in #19 Fuchsia is now currently my favorite pink lip of the moment.
YSL Fard a Levres Rouge
The color provides full coverage and is very moisturizing. It doesn't feel dry at all. I guess I can thank the Vitamin A & E, Carrot Root extract that is in the lipstick formula for giving me a rich and smooth bright fuchsia lip!  It's even made it on my spring must-haves list

Now that I'm kind of in love, I wonder what will take it's place next? Hmmm.

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Fab Chick: Christina of LoveBrownSugar.com
Dishes Her Spring Must-Haves

lovebrownsugar's spring must-haves
Fashion/beauty blogger and writer Christina of LoveBrownSugar and I first bonded over rings we both purchased at the same street vendor in Soho. Since then I've deemed her to be a Fab Chick and have admired her eclectic sense of style and ability to mix a vintage sensibility with everyday wearable trendy items. Check out what Christina had to say about describing her personal style.
"I would describe my personal style as bohemian chic meets vintage sophisticate. I can't pinpoint one particular style I'm into. I like a lot of different things but I always search for pieces that are unique and have character and I tend to pair them with complimentary pieces that won't overpower. I'm also an accessories addict. I have an obsession with amazing jewelry and shoes. I'm one of those people who will trade in an expensive piece of clothing for an amazing pair of shoes. They just add something extra to the overall look."
lovebrownsugar's spring must-haves
1. Topshop Maxi Dress, $160
2. Jennine Turquoise Ring, $50
3. Ginger & Liz Ivy League, $12
4. Diane von Furstenberg Wedge Sandals, $295
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Wide-Leg Pants, $298


Considering we share a love of shoes and accessories, I wanted to know what this Fab Chick's spring must-haves were.  Of course I had to ask her.
"Wow, I always have trouble coming up with must-haves because I just want EVERYTHING. I think the printed maxi dress would have to be high on my must-haves list. They're just so fun! And what's spring without prints?

I'm also planning to venture out to try the slightly-cropped above-the-ankle skirt this season. I'm digging the 70's silhouettes and you may very well find me in some wide-legged pants come spring.

As far as accessories, I'd love to get my hands on a pair of comfortable wear-till-September wooden wedges. There's always one go-to pair for me each season. Turquoise and gold jewelry make my spring/summer complete.

For beauty, I tend to go light on the makeup and heavy on the nail colors and nail art. Pretty much any of the fun colors from Ginger & Liz's spring collection will do. Especially "Ivy League", it's a fun pastel green that makes me feel more prestigious"
Again, Christina and I agree. Ginger & Liz's "Ive League" is definitely a Fab Chick Approved color for spring.

Make sure to check out Christina's blog LoveBrownSugar for all the happening in fashion and beauty. And make sure to follow her at twitter.com/lovebrownsugar.

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Fab Chick: Annika (@Glamniki)
Dishes Her Spring Must-Haves

annika harris
Lately, many of my shopping excursions have been with friend, style/pop culture writer and fellow Fab Chick, Annika. Although our personal styles differ just a wee bit, we often find ourselves liking the same items. With that in mind, I wondered what her spring must-have items were. Well I asked, and this is what Annika had to say.

"My job as a freelance writer allows me to have quite a bit of wiggle room in my wardrobe ... I only have to please me. So this spring, I'm going to indulge my newly developed shorts obsession while mixing in some other basics. I tend to prefer a more simple, dressed-down look in the spring than I do in the winter, so I've stuck to a neutral palette with a few pops of color added in. I often get outfit inspiration from my shoes, so I've chosen a few sky-high, notice-me pairs. And I'm proud to say the orange pout I rocked last spring is now a trend. I've already started shopping for a few of my must-haves at my favorite retailers like, French Connection, Urban Outfitters, Hudson Jeans, and GILT Groupe."
annika's spring must-haves

1. Rachel Rachel Roy Mixed Corset, $99
2. Madewell Spotted Matinee Blouse, $95
3. OutervisionNYC Aviator Sunglasses 
4. J. Crew Jamestown Canvas Peep-Toe Ankle Boots, $325
5. J. Crew Maritime-Stripe Blazer, $118
6. Pour la Victoire Irina Platform Pumps, $250
7. J. Crew Chambray Belmarin Pant, $75
8. Three Dots Draped Skirt, $72
9. MAC Lipstick in Morange, $14
10. DKNY Semi-Sheer Tank, $45
11. The Gap Suede Laser Cut Tote, $98
12. Madewell The Love Letter Clutch, $52
13. The Gap Garment Dye Roll-Up Shorts, $40
14. Boutique 9 Kaira Suede High Heel Sandals, $130
15. J. Crew Skinny Ultra-Lounge Pant, $59
16. Madewell Shadows & Light Shorts, $98


Be sure to check out some of Annika's latest work online at Uptown Magazine and The Frisky. And don't forget to follow her over at twitter.com/glamniki.

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Fab Chick: Pristina of Xbubble
Dishes on her Spring Must-Haves

When I asked Pristina of Xbubble.net to describe her personal style this is what she had to say:

"My personal style kind of references what I like to call the 'girly-boy' look; hints of androgyny with dainty accents. I like to mix dark with light or soft and hard into my look. "
xbubble's spring must-haves
When I asked her about the upcoming spring season and what her must-haves were, this is what she had to say:
"I stick with dark colours in the winter, so moving into spring allows me to bring brighter, more cheerful tones back into my life.

I like simplicity when it comes to certain looks. The denim material like the shirt I chose is thick enough for a brisk day, while still being light enough when the weather completely warms up. Also, when denim tops are against brighter bottoms, like red or yellow, it's so dope to me. And the stripes give a Nautical look that allows me to tap into a very classic American style that gives off a Tommy Hilfiger-ish vibe I can get with."
xbubble spring must haves
1. Levi's Western Shirt, $60
2. H&M Faux-leather crop jacket, N/A
3. DIY Dream catcher earrings, N/A
4. Madewell Tank, $75
5. Kimchi Blue Paperbag Trousers, $59
6. NARS lip gloss in Turkish Delight, $24
7. NARS Taj Mahal, $27
8. Zara Skinny Trousers, $40
9. MAC Cremesheen lipstick in Lavender Whip, (Discontinued)
10. Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Glitter in the Air, $18
11. Jeffrey Campbell Suede Lace-up, $179
12. ASOS Peep-toe Clog boots, $60


I love Pristina's style. I've always said we were similar in that we both are drawn to classic silhouettes. We both also love adding a bit of a downtown flare to many of our outfit choices.

Head over to Pristina's blog to get the scoop on her Spring Beauty Finds and must-haves. Check out Xbubble for all thing fashion, beauty, art and just whatever creatively she's drawn too. And follow her over at twitter.com/pristina. Oh, and she's randomly hilarious.

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I feature another one of my favorite Fab Chicks who dishes about her spring must-haves.

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