Read Online The Fashionista Files by Karen Robinovitz - Free Book Online Page A

essentially the same glamorous garments. You can bet each of us has just the perfect bias-cut cocktail dress, motorcycle boots, and classic trench coat. We are a tribe, a breed apart, after all. And we recognize one another by the small details of our clothing (a turned-up collar here, a peekaboo ruffle there) and the panache with which we wear them. So whether you’re a boho, mummy, wicked witch, or fairy godmother, you’ll need some essential fashionista ingredients to build your dream wardrobe. Just remember: Fashionista dressing is about confidence, individualism, and really, really, fabulous shoes. So let’s get started. Here’s your lesson on rifling through the racks, and while you’re at it, welcome to a quick trip through our wardrobes. (If we find that it’s winter in Narnia on the other end, God knows we’ll be dressed for it!)
    Here, a journey through what you’ll need to achieve fashionista wardrobe status, from your toes to your head!
    Must-have Fashionista Footwear
    Superpointy toes—The fashionista shoe has a pointy toe. We cannot stress this enough. While you might be tempted to go round-toed when this snub-nosed design comes around once every five years, the fashionista shoe is always pointy. So pointy they’re almost elfin. Why pointy shoes? Because they scrunch the toe, narrow the foot, and give your look a certain dangerous edge. Round toes are just too, well, Minnie Mouse and cute, not sexy.
    Four-inch heels—Fashionistas cultivate a long-legged look, even if they’re four-eleven (
especially
if they’re four-eleven— Karen), and four-inch heels are best for achieving the proper skyscraper effect. Three-inchers are typically the fashionista’s “sensible,” even “comfortable” footgear. Three-inch is a day shoe. A work shoe. Four-inch heels spell nighttime drama. Five inches, and you’re strutting in tranny hooker territory, which, depending on the occasion, is not such a bad thing.

    The wedge slide
    Wedgies—The wedge look goes in and out of style, but when it comes to poolside fashion, stilettos will make you look like you’re trying too hard. So what’s a girl who wants extra bathing suit appeal to do? Wear the wedgies, which are very easy to walk in and surprisingly comfy. They also work well with extra-long jeans that scrape along the floor as you walk, miniskirts, and shorts.

    The High-high boot
    Cowboy boots—Home on the range and in the city, too. Especially if they’re Dior.
    Thigh-high boots—For the sexy Julia-Roberts-in-Pretty-Woman look, without the streetwalker sensibility.

    The evening glamour
    Ankle boots—The basic boot for underneath pants and to make a statement with short skirts.
    Knee-high boots—The standby for fall’s knee-length skirts.
    Evening shoe—Night dressing calls for a little sparkly drama, a touch of satin, and decadent details like crystals, pearls, and a very slinky heel. Evening shoes also work well with jeans and tank tops. Very downtown-girl Kate Moss cool.

    The mule
    Mules—Perfect for summer in Capri . . . or Connecticut. Just be wary: There is nothing that holds the shoe onto your heel, so sometimes you have to grip your toes to keep the shoe on your foot as you prance. Not good for the back, but what’s life without a little struggle?

    The tapestry platform
    Printed shoe—Embroidered tapestry is a well-heeled luxury. The rest of your ensemble can be plain as folk, and the shoes, the centerpiece, will make you stand out.
    Slingbacks—Much easier to wear than mules due to the strap that wraps around the back of the heel.

    The slingback
    Strappy sandal—Foot bondage! Nothing like sexy, sexy straps to enhance the curves of the foot when you’re stepping out in a slinky dress, a modern tuxedo, or cutesy short shorts.

    The strappy
    Sneakers—The fashionista sneaker is a very important part of the footwear collection. Even if we’re tripping about in stilettos, at some point we have to run errands (dry cleaning, grocery