Nothing looks more unprofessional than a great outfit paired with old looking, stained and scuffed shoes. Spending money on fabulous shoes is just not worth it if you don’t know how to properly keep them. Each type of shoe fabric should be treated differently in order to get maximum life out of your shoes.

When you first buy a pair of shoes and before you even wear them, protection is key! There are pre-spray treatments for most types of shoe materials, so make sure you spray your leather and suede pairs especially. This will help prevent any stains, dirt or marks, but must be done before wear, or else you will just trap the problems on the shoe.

Already damaged or scuffed your favorite pumps? Leather shoes can be spot cleaned with baby wipes if it’s raining. If you have already scuffed shoes, there are shoe care polishes that can be matched to the color of your shoe in order to covered scuffs and make them disappear. Also, everyone hates salt marks but they are so hard to avoid. In order to rid your shoes of these ugly marks, use a bit of distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the marks away. If you’re shoes are patent leather, try nail polish remover on cotton ball and rub the surface to remove the stains and polish the shoe simultaneously. Do not try these tricks on fabric or suede shoes, and always be sure to spot-test first on any type of shoe.

Removing stains from suede shoes is different than from leather, so don’t try shining polishes or liquid-based treatments- they will further damage your shoes. There are still protection treatments for suede, so use them, but if they are already spotted with a stain, use an emery board. Surprising, right!? Don’t use one that is too rough, and lightly rub the stain back-and-forth. Taking care of suede shoes is important from the beginning, so before dirt and stains happen, frequently use a suede brush in order to keep the material looking new.

Storing shoes correctly always helps prevent creases and damages, so using cedar shoe tress will help tremendously in order to keep the shape and reinforce soles and heels. Also, don’t through them in a pile in the closet! This will just let them get scuffed and crushed. Hope these tips help, and be sure to practice them in order to keep those babies sparkling clean in order to keep your entire look together and polished. Besides, nothing gives you more confidence than walking into the office in a brand-new looking pair of leather pumps and AprilMarin’s Grace Suit! (Sorry, I just HAD to!  )

Bethenny looks great in everything, especially this dress, but we think she’d look even better in the similar, yet exclusive, AprilMarin Capri Dress (we’re a tiny-bit biased, but others agree too). The square neckline and uniquely structured sleeves, as well and the chic shape, mimic those of the Capri. Why we recommend the Capri dress over Bethenny’s outfit? The fabric of AprilMarin’s dress is all-year round appropriate, while Bethenny’s seems a bit wintry; and as always the entire designer collection is custom fitted. A no brainer right? Order yours today at AprilMarin.com.

Get ready for the most comfortable and easy trend of the fall. One piece that you will be able to wear any day is surprisingly… a blazer! You can obviously wear a blazer to work with suit pants or a pencil skirt, or you can pair a one with skinny jeans and boots for a causal look. If you are going out for drinks in a dress, through a blazer over it and to your amazement, you will actually look effortlessly chic.

AprilMarin’s Grace Suit Jacket is a perfect blazer for this trend. AprilMarin gives you the freedom to choose virtually every measurement of this blazer, so it will look and fit you perfectly and how you would like to wear it. Also, being able to choose your own lining and color of this jacket are huge pluses, especially because rolled up sleeves are part of this blazer trend, so lining color is absolutely important. Here are several ways we recommend wearing you new AprilMarin blazer this fall.

Although we do encourage exercise, there are often times when everyone is in dire need of a quick slim down fix. When you haven’t had time to hit the gym, or just aren’t feeling too great about your body, try these fashion tips for a slimmer you.

Often, a little pushing up of the “girls” (if I may call them) is a super easy way to look more fit. A push up bra or any bra with a bit of padding will give the appearance of improved posture while giving the look of being more in shape. This is because it takes away any sag. Along with this temporary lift, wearing a body shaper, such as a Spanx high-waisted body piece, will make your midsection look slimmer and toned. Wearing a belt above the hips will also help your waist look smaller. Since flowy tops are in, wearing a looser shirt is a more comfortable and easy way to make any anything you aren’t comfortable with disappear.

If you are more concerned about your lower body, here are a few secrets. Weather permitting, dark colored tights are an easy way to make your legs look slimmer. Also they will help your ensure that your legs are not the main focus of your outfit. Covering your legs draws attention elsewhere. If you want to make your legs look slimmer, just throw on some heels. Any size heel will make your calves look tighter and give you a sexy boost. If you want to add the illusion of extra length to your legs, wear skin colored heels, they will make your legs look never-ending!

So your plan is to draw attention away from your rear?  We suggest that you don’t wear garments with details on the backside. For example, don’t wear jeans with big back pockets, or a dress with ruffles in the back. Also, wearing darker colors on your bottom half will make you look slimmer.

If you are worried about your arms, just your luck- styles with covered arms are in! Long sleeves that cover your arms will draw attention away, and instead of wearing arm jewelry, accent other features by wearing a bold necklace or earrings. Also, similar to Spanx for your tummy, there are body shapers for your arms! They work the same way as Spanx by fitting under yours clothes and give a smoother and more toned look. Get one at TresSleek.com for $26.95.

Hope you enjoy these tips! Never the less, no matter what shape or size, remember you’re always beautiful!

Fall 2009 trends are rolling in! What’s up next? The “covered dress.”

As seen in several designer ready-to-wear fall 2009 collections, arm-covering dresses are in! Although they seem a bit conservative, we find them to be mature, yet sexy, and simple, yet chic. These dresses also tend to have minimal details; therefore, they are perfect palettes for bold and fun accessories that would otherwise drown a look.  ”Covered dresses” show off your shape, so why not get one that will fit you perfectly, like the custom-made-to-fit-you Dae dress.

The Dae dress compliments your shape, accessories, and budget. With 3 buttons at the neck, an arm covering sleeve and pencil design, this dress is sure to be a weekly staple this fall.

We also love Tommy Hilfiger’s similar covered dress from his fall 2009 collection.

 We LOVE this fall trend!  A peplum jacket is a short coat that has a little skirt at the bottom and the AprilMarin Dylan jacket is a perfect example of one.  Its ruffled bottom makes this jacket a fall must and it looks perfect with dark jeans, or black pants if you’re are going for a fancier look.  Because this trend can be worn often and in a variety of ways, it is definitely worth wearing.

Beige, grey or green are all perfect jacket colors for the fall, but AprilMarin offers a variety of colors to choose from.  I know I will be enjoying this chic trend as much as possible!

Tibi’s Fall 2009 collection includes peplum jackets as well.

AprilMarin’s Daisy Dress is a great dress for any day. This dress has several unique features, including a wide waist hem, pleated skirt bottom, covered front buttons, and of course the adorable Peter Pan collar. It is a polo-type look made into dress, making it a full outfit. It has been worn, and looks great, casually with a pair of jeans and sandals, or can be dressed up with fun heels or wedges. It’s your go-to dress for any day and can be worn in many ways, so be creative! Since it is summer and the sun is out wear this dress in yellow!

with Korto Momolu of Project Runway!

Hosted by Aidree Fashion Agency

Saturday July 18th, 2009

3pm to 6pm

“The Park” Room: Penthouse

118 10th Ave

New York, NY

A fashion show with all the right elements brought together to establish new industry standards. 7 Designers of “colour” will be chosen to have a honorary scene with Korto Momolu, the loved and humble Liberian designer from Project Runway Series 5.
Desgins by:
Korto Momolu (Project Runway Series 5)
AprilMarin
Attache Couture and more……

Special Guest Appearances

Tickets Sold at the Door $35
Tickets Sold Online $30 @ Adiree.com
For More Info contact Adiat Disu
347 891 9680 or
adiatdisu@adiree.com

Get a head start on picking out your fall outfits; grey is in! This color is a perfect warm fall favorite, and it is a great alternative instead of black, favored in the cooler months. Brighten up your outfit by adding color with accessories and fun shoes.

The AprilMarin Chelsea Dress in grey is a perfect classic that will keep your style up to date on this trend, while keeping you comfortable this fall. The satin accent on the sleeve of this tweed-like lightweight poly-cotton dress breaks up the color and makes it less monotone, and extremely fashionable. It’s square-neckline also adds a unique detail that is very fashion forward. Too cool for your legs to go bare in this dress? Add lightweight grey or black tights for an ultra-chic look.

Chelsea Dress

Can you guess what Michael Kors’ fall line includes? You guessed it! A grey tweed dress with an interesting neckline! Get your AprilMarin Chelsea dress for a tenth of the cost.

Michael Kors

Big, bold shoulders and puffy, ruffle sleeves are starting to make way. These interesting designs turn a simple silhouette into a more unique piece. The fullness of detail gives strength and confidence to your look. Although they are small features, don’t underestimate how they boast major impact. Bigger shoulders give the ability for one to appear more powerful and influential, while simultaneously being extremely fashionable. Inflated and ruffled sleeves add strength to your look as well, but have quite a chic effect. These trends add a little spark to your wardrobe, and allow you to wear something a little different and distinctive. Check out how several AprilMarin pieces show off this beautiful trend!

The Capri Dress’ sleeves give a strong look, while the Cella Dress’ ruffle arm detail adds structure in a more feminine and flirty way. AprilMarin’s Dylan also offers a chic ruffle sleeve in a jacket!

Also, see how similar Michael Kors and Stella McCartney outfits sport this trend.