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Tag Archives: Casa Couture

The History of the Ballet Flat

19 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Casa Couture in Uncategorized

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Ballet Flats, Casa Couture, Fashion, Footwear, History, Shoes, Style

Perfect for slipping on and running out the door for a busy afternoon of shopping, ballet flats are universally adored for being both comfortable and chic. For those of us looking to take a break from our heels and leave a daintier footprint on our earth, the ballet flat is the perfect shoe to satisfy our needs. The ballet flat is lightweight, and with little to no heel, walking in them could not be more comfortable. They are truly a fashion classic!

Ballet flats have been in style for centuries, and naturally it all started with ballet, modeling the ballet flat after the ballet slipper. The ballet flat dates all the way back to the 16th century when they served as equal opportunity footwear. However, the flat briefly went out of style with the introduction of the high heel after Catherine de’ Medici wore them at her wedding.

However like all trends in the style world, ballet flats were revived after Marine Antoinette walked to the guillotine in a pair of heels. Heels quickly went out of style and ballet flats became the shoe of choice for many women.

Brigette Bardot in her Ballet Flats

 

Brigette Bardot in her Ballet Flats

Then in 1947 ballet flats were introduced to the everyday women with the help of Rose Repetto. She crafted her first ballet flat, hand-stitching the now timeless Repetto ballet flat, for her son, the renowned dancer and choreographer, Roland Petit. Her ballet flats immediately became popular among professional dancers. After French actress and animal activist Brigitte Bardot wore a pair of Repetto’s flats the trend of the ballet shoe launched into iconic status.

Audrey Hepburn in Ballet Flats

Ballet flats took off again in the 1950s after Audrey Hepburn wore a pair of ballet flats with skinny jeans in the film “Funny Face” in 1957.

Today women all over the world consider the ballet flat to be their go-to shoe, so lesson learned, never underestimate the ballet flat!

Non-traditional Gifts this Holiday Season

13 Thursday Dec 2012

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Casa Couture, Gifts, Giving Back, Holidays, Non-traditional

As the holidays approach, one of the most rewarding but stressful parts is gift giving. Most of us probably spend hours trying to find the right present for the person who has everything while simultaneously being thoughtful and kindhearted. Even though around the holidays it is customary to give sometimes lavish presents, it is also possible to give gifts this holiday season that are a bit non-traditional and will have some meaning behind them.

Here is a list of a few of our favorite non-traditional gifts:

GlobalGiving Gift Cards

global-giving-logo

The gift cards from GlobalGiving allow you to give the gift of giving; the recipient of the gift card gets to pick the projects they want to support and see how their money has been put to work with updates from the field. This is the perfect gift that keeps on giving this holiday season!

 

Custom Puzzle

LIV_11.20_Picture_Gifts_Photo_Puzzle_636x424

Customized gifts are always a favorite, and what’s more fun than a personalized puzzle for the whole family? This 252-piece puzzle will definitely provide lasting memories!

 

 

Nature Box

nature-box2

Give the gift of health this holiday season by gifting a 3-12 month subscription to Nature Box. The subscription includes a monthly delivery of nutritionist-approved snacks that taste great. Each box includes 15-20 servings of healthy and delicious snacks for your friend or relative to enjoy beyond the end of the holiday season.

Prints from 20×200

20x200LogoRed

The website 20×200 has one-of-a kind art prints for sale starting at $24. The website was launched in 2007 with the hope to encourage more collection of art, so join the movement and support an artist and purchases a print from 20×200.

Free Arts NYC membership 

free arts nyc logo

Membership gives you a wide range of benefits, including two-for-one admission and merchandise discounts at the Guggenheim, Whitney, New Museum, and Cooper-Hewitt, among other cultural institutions. Proceeds benefit local art programs for children in need, so this is the perfect gift for the museum junkie while helping the local NYC community spread art and creativity.

The History of the High Heel

06 Thursday Dec 2012

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Casa Couture, Fashion, Footwear, heels, High Heels, History, Style Evolution

High heels are by far one of the most popular (and important,) items in a women’s closet and without their remarkable history we would be heel-less.

It is believed that Catherine de Medici (1519-1589) brought high heels in Vogue for women. We can all thank this fashion forward royal who insisted on wearing high heels on her wedding day to boost her short stature.

King Louis XIV

The heel in France then became a status symbol of higher classes. In the early 1700s men like King Louis XIV decided to wear high heels and made it illegal for anyone who was not from the noble classes to wear heels higher then his 5-inch heels. However, the shoe was quickly banned after the French Revolution when Napoleon came to power.

In the New World in the Puritan Massachusetts Colony a law was passed that banned women from using heels to seduce men, as women wearing them were believed to be witches.

Not until the middle of the 19th century did high heels become a more widespread fashion accessory. The invention of the sewing machine made it possible for a greater variety of heels to be made.

marilyn monroe high heels

It wasn’t until the 1950s that emerging fashion designers entered the fashion world and more and more heels appeared in stores and on Hollywood actresses. Women’s stilettos and heeled boots were introduced and the high heel became an integral part of a women’s wardrobe.

Then with the emergence of the feminist movement in the 60’s, feminist groups began to criticize the high heel, seeing it as a “man made” object that slowed the progress of women.

Finally, women came to their senses by the 1980s and heels were seen as a part of power dressing, giving the women a sense of height, power and authority.

High Heels Today

Today we can spot high heels just about everywhere we look. From the boardroom, to the subway to the catwalk and thankfully, it doesn’t look like they will be going anywhere any time soon! You know what they say, “The higher the heel, the closer to God!”

Fashion with Heart: How to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims by Shopping Online

08 Thursday Nov 2012

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Casa Couture, Fashion with Heart, Giving Back, Hurricane Sandy, Shopping Online

While the Northeast is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, fashion retailers are working hard to do their part to help those affected by the storm. These fashion retailers are encouraging their customers to shop for a cause, by donating a percentage of their proceeds to the relief efforts. Here is a list of companies dedicated to helping storm victims:

Joan Hornig Jewelry: While portions of every purchase from the jewelry designer’s website benefit charities, now the designer is offering 100% of the proceeds of her sterling silver “Build Up The Giving” necklace to a hurricane relief organization of your choice.

Lord & Taylor: Even though no shopping is involved here, funds are still being raised for the New York Red Cross. Simply “like” the Lord & Taylor Facebook page through Christmas, and the department store will donate $1 for each like.

Natori: Through November 11th, Natori will donate 20% of all online sales to The Red Cross, including lingerie, elegant home goods, ready-to-wear looks and more.

Penfield: For every purchase placed on Penfield’s US website, $10 will be donated to the American Red Cross, so check out their latest men’s and women’s collections now.

Theory: Thursday, November 8th –Sunday, November 11th get 20% off men’s and women’s collections in stores and online. 10% of proceeds will be given to Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts. Use the promo code GIVE2012.

Tory Burch: 10% of net proceeds from all purchases at Tory Burch stores and ToryBurch.com will support aid organizations. Up to $250,000 in funds will be equally divided between The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, The United Way of Long Island and the American Red Cross.

Here at Casa Couture we are doing our part to help the areas recovering from Hurricane Sandy by partnering with Cuoio Shoes in Boston, MA. We will be hosting a trunk show where customers will receive 10% off all purchases, which will then be donated to aid organizations including Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, The United Way of Long Island, and The American Red Cross.

Check out our event page on Facebook here.

Style Evolution: Aging Gracefully & Stylishly

08 Thursday Nov 2012

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Advanced Style, Basics, Casa Couture, Color, Fit, Footwear, Style at all Ages, Style Evolution, Undergarments

As we “mature” in age, we inevitably see changes in our bodies, our earning power and even social status. We become wives, mothers and CEOs of our companies. Yet we often overlook changes in our wardrobe. We begin to notice that the “trendy” pieces that once worked are no longer appropriate for a day in the life of a successful working mom. Women today want to feel more youthful than ever before and want to remain stylish and on trend like stars including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry, who make getting older look so effortless. Can we all pull off the art of aging gracefully while also embracing a style evolution that maintains our sense of style? You can if you follow these easy style tips:

Fit:

Choose clothing that fits correctly. Some styles that used to be essentials in your wardrobe may no longer work for your new and improved mature closet. Avoid too tight or too baggy outfits. Finding and investing in a tailor is also something that should be considered. Focusing your attention on pieces you already have and buy in the future and taking them to a tailor really customizes them and provides you with a fit that you won’t get off the rack. Well-cut clothes can make you look younger, and can empower you to feel more confident and put together.

Update your Basics:

Every woman should have an updated pair of pants and jeans in her closet. So get rid of those mom jeans and look for a pair that flatters your leg shape. If your legs are wider at the calf and ankle, avoid crop styles and wear shoes the same color as your pants to elongate the leg. Slightly flared or bootleg pant bottoms are more flattering than straight pants. But be sure to get rid of baggy, wide, oversized pants.

Also, find a go-to little black dress. Every woman needs a LBD in her wardrobe, as it can easily be worn for multiple occasions.

Footwear:

In regards to footwear choose classic footwear styles that will transcend the fashion fads. Select a few key styles like D’Orsays, round toe shapes, ankle strap or sling back heels. Limit the purchase of styles like platforms, wedges, Mary Janes and mules.

Painful stilettos were the price you paid for style while in your 20’s. However, as you are aging gracefully it is smart to choose heels with a 2.5 to 3 inch heel with a wider base. This will keep you from straining your back and increase stability.

Undergarments:

The reality is as we age we come to rely more on undergarments to help keep everything in the right place, so don’t underestimate the importance of good undergarments. The start of any great outfit is well-fitting undergarments. Get fitted for your correct measurements to make sure you are wearing styles that fit. Dispose of any dated styles you wore in your younger years and invest in quality undergarments to kick start your wardrobe.

Colors:

In your 20’s, you could wear pastels, bright colors or lots of patterns. Now, you should opt for more sophisticated, neutral color palettes. Add pops of color to your outfit through accessories; just be sure to not overdo it! We also love the idea of a monochromatic ensemble; it is simple and easy to achieve and gives the illusion of a slimmer figure.

Hair:

Update your hair. If you have the same hairstyle you had when you graduated high school then it’s definitely time for a change! Take a visit to your hairdresser and get an interesting cut with layers to frame your face.

Michelle Obama and Ann Romney’s Campaign Style

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

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Ann Romney, Campaign Style, Casa Couture, Michelle Obama, Style

In celebration of Election Day, we at Casa Couture are taking a look back at the campaign styles of the two leading ladies of the election season.

While the road to the presidency may have been filled with talk of jobs, health care, and taxes, Michelle Obama and Ann Romney have been a constant presence and have generated their own buzz with their own unique style on the campaign trail.

These ladies have not only shown us that they know politics, but that they most definitely know a thing or two about fashion.

For Michelle Obama, wearing an array of fresh designer looks was a reoccurring theme. Known for mixing high-end and affordable pieces, Obama’s ensembles garnered a lot of attention, especially when she recycled a previously worn dress for the final debate. The first lady was often seen wearing dresses in vibrant colors and bold prints during this campaign.

For Ann Romney, bold colors and conservative silhouettes were a theme throughout the campaign. Her looks were tailored and sophisticated and she made great use of belts to accentuate her waist and statement necklaces to accessorize her ensembles.

Here are a few of our campaign style favorites from these fashionistas:

Michelle at the pre-DNC festivities in an abstract print

Michelle on the final day of the DNC sporting a plum colored off-shoulder dress

Michelle working the color block trend while giving a speech

Ann at the RNC sporting a red dress by Oscar de la Renta

Ann wearing a tailored piece for the presidential debate at Denver University

While campaigning Ann wore her LBD, paired with a pink cardigan and accessorized with a belt and necklace

Who do you think wore it best this campaign season?

(Images taken from TheFashionables.com)

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women

30 Tuesday Oct 2012

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Casa Couture, Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristof, Oppression into Opportunity

Here at Casa Couture we believe that women hold the future for both our communities and our economy and are dedicated to empowering women. After reading the best-selling book, Half the Sky by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn we feel an even greater need to do our part to stop the oppression of women and girls in the developing world.

In Half the Sky, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn guide us on an odyssey through Africa and Asia, telling the stories of individuals affected by oppression in their countries. The women and children chronicled in the book deal with sex trafficking, gender-based violence and little to no education, among other issues.

The stories of the women included in the book are unimaginable. Many have had to overcome unbelievable struggles that most of us can’t even begin to conceive. These women who overcame tremendous challenges are inspiring and with the help of organizations and education are now becoming agents of change to help women and young girls in their communities.

Through these stories, Kristof and WuDunn show how the smallest amount of help can transform the lives of women and girls in the developing world, and that the key to economic progress lies in unleashing women’s potential. Here at Casa Couture we truly believe that any small act toward helping women reach their potential is an important step toward progress for women worldwide.

As a result of Kristof and WuDunn’s book, a four-hour television series for PBS was created. The documentary premiered in the United States on PBS on October 1st and 2nd. The documentary chronicled Kristof and WuDunn and their experiences interviewing women and girls in 9 countries including Sierra Leone, Kenya, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Liberia, and Somaliland. Actresses America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde joined Kristof and WuDunn. Not only does the documentary expose us to the conditions the women and children in these countries endure, but also it lets us see their faces, hear their voices, and feel the hurt and for some hope that exists for their futures. The documentary calls us to take action and responsibility for our fellow human beings and help them find a solution.

Kristof and WuDunn’s book in combination with this documentary has sparked greater awareness and has inspired people to be a part of this movement to help women and girls.

Check out our ‘Belief’ page above and see how we at Casa Couture are doing our part.

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