CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN STRIKES AGAIN!

LOUBOUTIN: THE EYE OF THE TIGER

Fashion Tongue would like to take a moment of silence for all shoe competitors in the shoe game at the moment. Louboutin is really starting to make his way to the top and with a vengeance. These red bottom shoes have been seen daily on the Oprah show, mentioned in countless songs and worn by may celebrities on the Red Carpet. FASHION TONGUE has been paying close attention to Louboutin's slow and steady rise to notoriety but has not seen anything that was different enough to get the FASHION TONGUE stamp of approval. That has now all changed.,

These black, 4 inch stilettos with chains and a tiger head on the back of the heel are awesome. They are trendy, different and seems to bee giving homage to Michel Jackson with the black leather and chains. The red bottoms is so noticeable in this pair of shoes. let's imagine for a moment that these shoes could talk, there catch phrase would be"CHA-CHING", The retail price on these shoes is over a grand, so I won't bother to mention it.If this particular shoe has just too much going on for you Louboutin offers a lot of different choices this spring. If you really are that curious you can always check out the website.

Louboutin's website is extremely creative and filled with magic and has a overall circus theme. The site itself is fairly easy to navigate through but it more then likely is something that the average person would not expect. I t is strongly recommended that you have 9-1-1 on stand by when looking at these shoes because the prices are unbelievably high. These crystal studded Louboutin shoes retail for $3,095.

FASHION TONGUE really likes Louboutin's style this season for spring 2011 but it would be really nice if he decides to make a lower price line that can be sold in Macy's or Nordstrom's for the fashion conscious working class.

This message is FASHION TONGUE approved.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF RED!

Every FASHION TONGUE fashionista should have at least one pair of red pumps, heels or platforms in their wardrobe. Red pumps are classic and provide a noticeable yet subtle way to turn any ensemble up a notch. FASHION TONGUE has found some reasonably priced choices that you might want to consider if you haven't already purchased a pair of red pumps.

Steve Madden 'Kattrina'- This leather 4 inch platform heel is comfortable but guaranteed to make a statement. It goes great with skirt and perfect with a pair of long length trousers and bell bottoms, which are really in this season. Retail price: $105

Enzo Angiolini 'Sully'- If you are looking to add a little pizazz to your typical style of red pumps this shoe will definitely do that for you. It is a revamp to the Ruby Red Slipper that Dorthy was made famous for wearing. This revamp however, is executed in darker shade of red with a contrasting sole, providing this whimsical theme a much need turn down for the more sophisticated woman. Retail price: $80

Jessica Simpson 'Lizza'- This super cute patent leather shoe with a tease of a peep toe is perfect for a red pump first time buyer. It is not too high, has a nice size platform and provides a extra little shine, do the patent leather material. This shoe would make a great addition to anyones wardrobe, newbie or not. Retail price: $80

The red pump is a classic shoe that every self-proclaiming fashionista should have on hand. With so many different choices to choose from, you will be able to select a pair that will perfectly reflect your personality and suite your personal style. Just be sure that if you are paying a big buck for a pair of red pumps, you select something that will be timeless and will able to be worn for years to come.

This message is FASHION TONGUE approved! 

PHONE FLAVOR

Fashion is a major part of lives. It effects everything we do from the places we shop, the things that we purchase, the people we attract and so much more. In the last few years phone manufacturers have finally started taking notice to this fact by creating decorative phone cases and skins. With phone companies exploring this fashion niche we are now awarded with another venue to show our fashion taste.

Expressing your phone flavor with these decorative phone cases can be a lot of fun. Not only are these cases practical but you can spice up any outfit easily with a simple switch of a phone cover. The wide variety ranging from jewels, crystals and studs to graphic designed skins and drawings make any phone ready for exposure. These cases still serve their purpose, as far as providing your phone with protection but they also make an extreme fashion statement.

With prices ranging from $30 to $60, these phone cases can be a splurge on any economically aware Fashionista's pocket. With that being said, many of us have started to take the D.I.Y. approach to 'Phone Flavor' expression. Recently, Fashion Tongue decided to explore D.I.Y. as a option and found that the entire process was fun, but in the end cost about $30. So if you are going to purchase a decorative phone skin, save yourself some time and just purchase it from a retailer. Just be sure to shop around first, unless of course you find that phone case that you can't do without.

Over all, spicing up your 'Phone Flavor' with a decorative phone case or skin is a great idea for this season. The only problem is, that if you pick a phone with too many decorations, you might have to purchase a phone cover for your phone cover. FASHION TONGUE suggests that you rock your decorative 'Phone Flavor' when you want to use it as a accessory to spice up your overall look or not carrying a purse. The majority of these designs may not be able to survive a day on SPY BAG ISLAND.

This message is FASHION TONGUE approved! 

GROOVY HAIR FOR SPRING 2011

With all styles in fashion leading toward a retro 70's look, FASHION TONGUE could not go without addressing hair trends for Spring 2011. Bangs, feathered layers, large plats and natural hair have already started to show up on the fashion scene with a applaud from busy fashionistas world wide. These 70's inspired looks are more relaxed and on occasion easier to maintain then the trendy, high maintenance looks that were popping last season. This means that you can spend less time in the mirror and more time in sunshine this spring.

As far as color goes,  hair trends are resorting to the more natural hair colors with lighter highlights and tints being used to enhance the natural color of the hair. This also will lead to less time in the salon and more time enjoying the life! Make up is also going in a less dramatic direction, leaning towards earth tones and more of a nude look. Although, there are some exceptions depending on the occasion. Hair accessories seems to be also making a slight comeback with headbands that have a colorful, fun delicate feel to them and elegantly decorated barrettes just to add a little more pizazz to more simple hairstyles.

Whether you decide to style your hair in the trends or decorate it with cute accessories you must keep in mind that healthy hair is happy hair. Regular hair washing, conditioning and trimming is key to maintaining vibrant locks and tresses during this transition from winter to spring. FASHION TONGUE wants all fashionistas to demonstrate proper haircare this season. You can avoid dryness, split ends and breakage by simply paying extra close attention to your hair and switching your hair regime when necessary. With little work and a lot of love, FASHION TONGUE is sure that you will do what is it takes to exhibit your own uniqueness this season so that you can have groovy hair and skin for spring 2011.

This message is FASHION TONGUE approved!

ROCKING THE RAINBOW

 ROCK THE RAINBOW

I am a firm believer that anyone should be able to wear whatever they want to as long as it is presentable in public and it makes them happy and comfortable. With that being said, I was alerted by some close friends that wearing rainbow colors is now a indicator that  a person may be associated with the L.G.B.T. community. For those of you who don't know, L.G.B.T. stands for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender community. I personally found this interesting because I tend to wear brightly colored outfits and accessories on a regular basis and didn't know that wearing these colors could indicate anything other than the fact that I love to dress colorful.

In my quest to find out if this in information was actually true, I started my own independent study to see if people who I knew within the L.G.B.T. community felt the same way. To my surprise, I got a mixed reaction. Some people were saying that in the L.G.B.T. community rainbows are one of the ways that indicate that a person is apart of the community. Others said that if a person wants to wear rainbows they can wear them, even if they are not a participant of the L.G.B.T. community because it shows support to the community. I found it interesting that out of the 30+ people I polled within the L.G.B.T. community, no one once said that is was okay to wear whatever you want just as long as it makes you comfortable. All the people I polled attached a meaning to the rainbow that I just didn't think was necessary. 

So, here is the FASHION TONGUE breakdown. If you want to wear rainbows and multi-colored clothing that is colorful as a rainbow, then by all means go right ahead. There are always going to be people who have an opinion or read into things deeper then they should but that should not stop you from doing what makes you feel comfortable. Rainbows have been around since the beginning of time and are the source of all colors that are known in the world today. They are the result of the sun shining on drops of rain that are in the atmosphere. With that being said, I will continue to be like the sun shining on all those who are trying to rain on my rainbow colored fashion parade and you should to. SHINE ON! 

AIR MAX 90 SPRING 2011

STEP YOUR SHOE GAME UP TO THE MAXIMUM

Please do not get caught slipping on your fashion shoe game this spring. With the affordable, comfortable and wide variety of Air Max 90 you have no excuse not to let you personal style be fully expressed this season. Fortunately,  Nike has made NIKE ID available so that you can customize your kicks with ease from the comfort of your own home.  There is even a option to add words on the shoes which takes the meaning of personal expression to an entirely different level. With multiple colors to choose from, different textures and other shoes to select from besides the Air max 90, NIKE ID offers you every opportunity you could possibly need or want to make these kicks some serious head turners.

As far as price is concerned, you will of course be spending a little more then you would on a regular pair of Air Max 90's from the mall but the price is not that much different. Also you must consider that you are getting a custom pair of kicks, that no one else on the planet has. That fact alone, should make it slightly easier for you to come up off the extra dub, plus shipping and handling to cover the difference in shoe costs. The shoes ship with in 7 days and that is a great turn around for a custom pair of NIKE Air Max 90. The only problem that I have come across, which is not a problem at all, is that there is a limited selection on the shoes that you are able to customize. That however, is something I am over because all the shoes I love from NIKE are customizable on NIKE ID. so you can officially turn your shoe game up to the maximum!

THESE SHOES ARE FASHION TONGUE APPROVED!

SNEAKER FEVER SPRING 2011

This March it seems that Nike has decided to tone down the color theme from last year, release a throw back and mix technology on a classic shoe with the Bo Jackson Air Trainer SC and the ACG Dunk High. Both of these shoes are FASHION TONGUE approved.


BO JACKSON  MARCH  2011
The Bo Jackson Air Trainer SC was released last month in extremely limited quantities in White/Black and Red right around Valentine's Day which was in competition with the Air Griffey Max 1. That release  knocked the Air Griffey Max one out of the box. Now with the Bo Jackson being released again tomorrow, we can all throw flowers on the grave of the Air Griffey for good. This March release of the Bo Jackson come in Grey/Obsidian with Circuit Orange on the top four eyelets for a pop of extreme color. All I can say is this shoe is out cold as always but the new colors on this classic kick gives me goosebumps.

 DUNK HIGHS MEET ACG FOR SPRING 2011

I am almost positive that every Certified Sneaker Head has at least one pair of Dunks in their collection but these New Dunk Highs in ACG colors and textures are heaven sent. The variations of the textured leather, fabric and colors will have you taking names and pulling numbers this spring. The only problem is you will probably need a miracle to get them. Thus far, they can only be located at NIKE JAPAN and have only begun to trickle down to retailers world wide. Let's just hope by the time they hit the U.S. they will have a pair in your size. Fingers crossed!


AIR FORCE ONE 'PIC-NIC PACK'
If you are looking for something that is clean and crisp but still guaranteed to turn heads, I suggest you select the AF1 'Pic-Nic Pack'. These shoes have taken the checked block theme that we saw on the outside of shoes last year and made it sophisticated and low key for this spring/summer release. The simple Black/White color way make it easy to add versatility to this shoe with a simple switch of the shoe strings to go with any outfit. The AF1 Low comes with the clack swoosh and the 'Pic-Nic' pattern on the sock liner, while the AF1 High comes in all white with the 'pic-nic' pattern around the sock liner.
Of course the only set back is that you can not separate the shoes and have to purchase them in a pack, but with their versatility and uniqueness you should be able to rock them for the entire spring/summer season 2011.

SLEEPING ON FASHION...PAJAMA PANTS IN PUBLIC

I will be the first to admit that Pajama Pants are extremely comfortable. With that being said there is a time and place for them to be worn. In the case of Pajama Pants, that time and place would be in the house and primarily during sleep. This rule of thumb has been going ignored for sometime now and I think that the issue needs to be address. To put it plainly, PJ pants should not be worn in public. This is FASHION ABUSE.

I think that it is very important that when selecting things to wear that a person makes decisions based on what makes them feel comfortable and confident. I also promote self expression despite what others may think or say about your fashion choices. I however have decided that I need to draw the line in the sand when it comes down to people who select to wear pajamas in public. There is absolutely nothing about wearing pajama pants in public that promotes self expression. Unless the person is trying to express how much they just don't give a crap about themselves or       

                                                                how they look. 

Let's just get something straight. Pajama pants are a fashion HELL NO when in public! They do not promote personal style, or show confidence. They do however make the person wearing them look like a complete and total slob when out in public. Let's be honest folks, there is nothing fashionable about pajama pants. This is the main reason why they were designed to be worn while sleeping and lounging around the house. Any activity that takes place outside of lounging and sleeping should and does require an actual pair of pants. 

I can not express my disgust in this style and am starting to think that everyone should just burn down the pajama pants factories around the world, to prevent fashion retards from continuing to push this trend. This look is absolutely horrible and there is no excuse for it. Last night, I was filled with so much disdain when I went to Walmart and there was an entire flock of people wearing pajama pants and house shoes. HOUSE SHOES! The name alone should give people a clue of where they are supposed to be worn....in the house. DUH?! I sat there in the chip section just looking and thinking to myself, 'What the hell is the world coming to?' I think I may have even threw up in my mouth a little because it was so gross.

If you are one of those people who wear pajama pants in public or you know someone who is really pushing this trend, I want to consider it your civic duty to stop! In case you didn't know, there are a bunch of options for you to choose from when making pants and trouser selections. It is not in your best interest to leave the house looking like you just crawled out of bed. When I see people in public and they have pajama pants and house shoes on, I can only wonder if they bothered to address their personal hygiene before leaving the confides of their home. You should also consider the fact that you never can accurately predict who you will see when in public and you could just miss your opportunity on something great because you decided to leave the house dressed like you were ready for bed.

I thought that I would provide you with some extra added motivation if you are one of those people who are gun hoe about continuing with this trifling trend of wearing pajamas in public. Just because Micheal Jackson did it doesn't mean that you should too. 

DISCLAIMER: Please do not go and burn down your local Pajama Pants factory! Thanks.

TASTY TRENDS FOR SPRING 2011

ARE SKINNY JEANS STILL IN FOR 2011?

Yes. It is my prediction that they are going to stay around for at least another season. Skinny jeans are sexy, show off your figure and they come in a wide variety of colors and styles. The only problem that I am currently seeing is a small uproar of people debating if men should wear skinny jeans or  not. I personally think that the same rules that apply to women, should apply to men, when calling who should wear skinny jeans into question. All women should not wear skinny jeans, just like all men should not wear skinny jeans. I however, have noticed a lot of men that should not be wearing skinny jeans more then I have noticed women.

Flared Jeans and Flared Bell Bottoms are making a comeback for 2011, for both men and women and that is just fine with me. In fact this entire season seems to have gone back to the 70's. There is no need to worry or sound the alarm, the color palette for this season are full of rich, vibrant Earth tones and quiet shades, accented with brightly colored accessories. I seriously doubt you will be seeing pea greens, mixed with oranges and floral patterns this season. In 2011, designers were only inspired by the 70's look, not trying to recreate it all over again, so we should all be okay.

ARE NERD GLASSES STILL IN?

Nerd glasses are definitely still in right now. I am honestly not sure how much longer this trend will go on , but I am really digging it. Nerd glasses come in all different colors, shapes, sizes and designs. There is probably a pair for any shape face that is interested in purchasing a pair or two. For rule of thumb when purchasing Nerd glasses it is always to pick glasses that are similar to the shape  of glasses that you would normally purchase.

Cat Eye Glasses are also coming back into play. Basically, anything that would be considered vintage looking is what seems to be really popping this Spring.

The major thing to keep in mind when searching for any trends is to be realistic about the price. There is no need to invest a large wad of cash into a trend that you are not totally in love with. It would be FASHION ABUSE to spend a lot of money on something you only 'kinda' liked. So be sure to shop responsible. 

No matter what anyone else says or thinks, at the end of the day, whatever makes you feel good is the latest trend. Dare to be different!

 

MUFFIN TOP MADNESS

Okay, so we all know that there is nothing attractive or for that case comfortable about the infamous Muffin Top. We try our best to pretend it is not there and sometimes hope that people will see it and decide to ignore it. It is almost like the elephant in the room that no one wants to admit is there. Well, it is time that we stop covering it up and do something about it. Muffin Tops are nothing but excess fat that hangs out around the abdominal area in a 360 motion and it is seriously unwanted. Here are a few things that you can do to tackle the problem with almost minimal effort. 

CAN U SAY CARDIO?!

Most of the time when women workout , if they do work out, they focus on everything except the sides of the abdomen. The fastest way to attack the Muffin is by participating in cardio activities such as: jogging, power walking, cycling, aerobics, swimming or anything that gets your heart to pumping, excluding sex. The key to getting the Muffin Top down is to have conditioned muscles all the way around the mid section.

CUT OUT THE CRAP

Please step away the sugar. Your diet should be rich in vegetables, nuts, whole grain and plenty of water. Water will help flush out toxins that are found in processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, acidic foods, sugar and smoking. 

KEEP YOUR STRESS LEVEL DOWN

There are many benefits to keeping your stress down. Being stressed out causes us to eat improperly and make the refrigerator our best friend. I personally am a sucker for Lay's potato chips and I can not just eat one. Finding ways to destress will improve the blood and oxygen supply to cells, which will improve rejuvenation and help expel toxins. Less toxins = less Muffin Top!

SCRUBBING

While in the shower be sure to spend a little more time scrubbing the muffin top with exfoliant. This will stimulate cells and improve circulation, getting nutrients in and toxins out. This method is also good on areas of the body that have started or have cellulite issues. Increasing the circulation allows the nutrients in, which will decrease the appearance of cellulite. Just be sure that you scrub for at least 5 minutes to ensure that the circulation has been adequately stimulated.

Following these simple steps will have you well on your way to kicking that Muffin Top to the curb and embracing a sexier, slimmer, more fit you.    

HIGH HEEL HAZARDS

Although high heels may be super cute they can be extremely taxing on women in a variety of ways. Heels force thigh muscles to work harder, putting extra strain on knee joints and the tendon that runs from the knee cap to the thigh bone. Overtime, this increased pressure can lead to osteoarthritis.

The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society considered a heel high at 2 inches or more. This is due to the fact that any heel over 2 inches creates 3 to 6 times more stress on the front of the foot. As a result, heels lead to bunions, heel pain, toe deformities, trapped nerves and a shortened Achilles tendon. The problems that high heels cause can also travel upward on the body, which can lead to stiffness, pain and injury on the hips and lower back.

It doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to know that regardless of the potential health hazards that can take place due to wearing high heels, women will NEVER stop wearing them. Beauty and pain go hand in hand, or at least that has been my experience. I am just glad that platform heels have started to make a comeback in the last few years and Dr. Scholls has started to take notice with it's Metatarsal Pads. These pads help prevent or relieve foot, lower back and hip pain that is caused by the extra added pressure on the ball of the foot when wearing high heels. If you have not purchased a pair of these pads, drop what you are doing right now and buy them. Your big toe will that you later. Of course it is not like walking in gym shoes or wearing flats but it does lessen the pain.

While learning about the hazards of high heels I found that there has been a lot of research done on the subject. On that note, no one has done any research on the nightmare the fashion world would become without high heels. I personally don't even want to imagine.