Beauty & Style Channel releases a new “Hot Finds” list every month and September’s list had some amazing new trends and truly hot finds. Everything from the best concealers to Bindy Irwin’s new fashion line for the kiddies.

September was named “Mineral Makeup Month” by Pretty by Nature, and this is a definite must have makeup item for every woman. Mineral makeup has quickly become the new choice of Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts and even Sara Jessica Parker. Women every where are singing the praises of this light weight, full coverage make up that conceals acne, rosacea, skin discoloration and even small scars. La Bella Donna is one of the top manufacturers of mineral makeup.

Ankle boots are featured as the must have foot accessory for this fall. You can go high end with Christian Louboutin, slightly less, but just as trendy with the “Cooper” from Max Studio or even go economical with the “Lasso” from Liz Claiborne. Anyway you slice it, ankle boots are on your shopping list.

Style It Less has Manolo Blahnik sandals on their minds and so do we. Maybe sandal weather is over, but you can never go wrong with a strappy pair of Manolo Blahniks. In all actuality the reason Style It Less is even considering sandals for a September “Hot Finds” list is because Manolo Blahnik created a special sandal for Neiman Marcus’s 100th Anniversary and this sandal can only be found there and with a price tag of $1050, they’ll remain on my luxury wish list.

You can find the entire list of “September Hot Finds” at http://www.styletots.com/september-hot-finds-beauty-style-channel, along with an archive of previous month’s “Hot Finds”.

Labels: beauty and style, luxury fashion, Manolo Blahnik, sandals, shoes

High heels are feminine, fashionable, and sexy. They give the wearer a little extra height, they make the legs appear longer and more shapely, and they can enhance a woman's posture.

Although high heels belong solidly in the realm of women's wear, they didn't start out that way. High heels weren't even invented for aesthetic reasons. Originally they had a very practical purpose for horse riders: A bit of heel prevented the feet from slipping forward in the stirrups. This is why riding boots and cowboy boots look the way they do.

It was in France that the high heel shoe became fashionable. Men and women alike wore high heels. Over the years the heels became so tall and thin that the shoes were utterly impractical for riding. High heels became synonymous with wealth and nobility. After the French Revolution in the 1700s, high heels fell out of favor because of their link to the aristocracy.

High heels have also been embroiled in controversy. Feminists decried them as degrading and crippling to women. Moreover, they argued, excessively high heels hamper a woman if she tries to flee from a violent attack. And then there is the medical side of things: Podiatrists don't much like high heels because they can cause foot problems if worn excessively.

Although the high heeled shoe's popularity has fluctuated over the years, it is a classic that has never completely gone away. Strong-minded, career-oriented women still wear them without feeling as though they are betraying their sex. In fact, it could be argued that high heels are a symbol of feminine power and dominance: It is not an easy thing to cower and slouch in a pair of high heels.

Labels: feminists, high heels, shoes, women

These days, more people are buying shoes online. No longer do you have to shop for shoes by roaming from store to store, trying on shoe after shoe until you find the pair that's just right. You can find something that works for you without leaving the comfort of your home.

Granted, this won’t suit everyone. When you want shoes that look comfortable and feel good, the best way to find them is by physically trying them on for yourself and walking around in them. However, finding the right pair of shoes can be difficult. Maybe no one seems to carry your size, maybe you hate the trends and can't find anything you like, maybe you don't have time, or maybe you just don't like fooling with it any more than you have to. If any of this is the case for you, looking for shoes online as an option worth looking into. Shopping for shoes on the internet means you'll have more choices in styles and sizes.

Before you get started, you need to know your shoe size. Bear in mind, however, that shoe sizes are often different depending on the manufacturer. That's why when you're shopping online, it's extremely important to familiarize yourself with the site's return policies. Most sites will let you return undamaged merchandise, but it's a good idea to check just to be sure.

Also, find out what the shipping costs are. You might find a pair of shoes for a fantastic deal, only to discover that the hefty shipping fee makes them even more expensive than buying them at the store. Some sites offer free shipping. Either way, verify before making a purchase.

Labels: shoes, shopping deals

It’s not often that we women get the chance to show off a body part that we love, but this season has us heading back to the eighties in full force. And what can be more reflective of this past generation than the ever so popular ankle boot? Don’t get out those leather boots with the fake feathers just yet, this season is still all about class and the ankle boots that will appear nearly everywhere around you have an odd eighteenth century feel to them – you can almost see these beauties underneath petticoats!

When you think about this year’s ankle boots, think “Moulin Rouge.” Dressed in patent leather with a spiky heel and covered to the ankle in a stretchy wool material, these boots were made for strutting. Most of the designs floating down the runways this season were either tied up with smart laces or buttoned up with pearly black buttons. The boots you will be seeing will not be very colorful as this year is still all about black and grey, but they will look great on your feet, and provide you with a bit of warmth as well.

Since most retailers are still trying to sell their summer stock, some designer ankle boots worthy of note are Costello Tagliapietra, Marc Jacobs, and Carolina Herrera. In particular, the Costello Tagliapietra boots were both stylish and classic – they are sure to be replicated in nearly every retail store come September, so look out for them. Steve Madden also has an interesting take on this season’s ankle boots, though his are slightly chunkier than the runway version. Either way, this trend is far more sophisticated than its eighties predecessor, so if you want to get caught up in the ankle boot trend you will have to buy a new pair – and you thought you would just pull those fringed boots out of the closet, huh?

Labels: fashion trends, shoes

Sorry girls, those comfy ballerina flats are out – they didn’t do too much for shorter people anyway -- and in their place reigns the ever so tall platform pump. The styles are sleek, the colors are classy, and the toes are (for the most part) round. Nothing seems to scream elegance and panache quite like a foot that is sumptuously pointed to reveal a perfectly pedicured toe, or a black patent leather pump that just shines with triumph.

Some great places to find these must have shoes are at Steve Madden stores, Ralph Lauren retailers, and – of course – Manolo Blahnik (with a twist). Although these shoes are technically classified under “platform” chunky wedges are not what this season’s designers have in mind. Instead you will find pointed heels or straight stove pipes that leave your legs looking long and glamorous. Go ahead and wear a classic black dress (with zippers if you must) with a shiny patent leather pump, heads are sure to turn wherever you go.

If you aren’t such a fan of tall and slender heels, opt for a heel that is just a bit lower, but still has a lot of class. This season tiger prints are out and crocodile prints are in, and though there seem to be an awful lot of ribbons and bows attached to some heel toes, be cautious about too many frills in one spot. A deep suede can often have the same effect, but done up in a much more stylish way. Fashionistas, this one is for you. These beautiful shoes are already in most store windows, so what are you waiting for? Get shopping!

Labels: fashion trends, shoes, style