red august :: live well. love always. shop red august.

Happy New Year...

2011-01-31T07:12:00.000-08:00

As always, the new year brings about resolutions, crowded gyms, and SALES!!

We invite you to check out the RED SALE at RED AUGUST!!

UP TO 50% OFF SHOES. HANDBAGS. ACCESSORIES.

BOOT UP

2010-10-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

Fall’s Top 3 BOOTS That You MUST-HAVE

The unfortunate end of the summer season means the highly anticipated rise of fall fashion essentials is finally upon us.

Any true shoe-woman knows that boots are the most crucial fashion apparel for fall and winter – sexy, comfortable, warm and weather proof. Although we Mississippians know that it doesn’t get cold, cold until mid- to end of October – that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the oh-so-stylish perks of fetching fall fashion now.

Essential #1 OTK… Over-The-Knee Boots
Essential because whether your preference is the OTK on a wedge, paired with a heel, or has a flat bottom, these traffic-stopping boots are so aggressively chic and they make all other cold-weather options look passé. Try Steve Madden's

Suede Focuss Boots ($230) for two look-a-like above-the-knee options!
After all, no matter what you pair them with, we are certain that these super boots will save the day—or at least your ensemble!

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Essential #2 Booties
Doesn’t matter the material, color, peep toe or not, heel height, zip up, lace up, pull on, or such, booties are by-far our favorite. With the ever so increasingly popular jeggings (jeans style/fabric + leggings) paired with a long cardigan, these will add enough funk to the outfit!

Try these suede, lace up Steve Madden’s Dessertt Booties ($119.95) in Cognac is a cool combination of construction and desert boot. For a day of shopping or a night at the clubs, these booties are to-die-for this fall season Pair it with a skirt, shorts, cropped or not skinny jeans, jeggings, or even a dress. Almost every designer has a suede, lace up style bootie out this fall, and there is only one reason why – the demand of hot + comfort + style is inevitable.
This faux snake print peep toe bootie is for the daring. Its stacked platform makes it seductive yet classy enough to wear with a Little Dress Dress. The Now or Never by Luichiny ($89) is a good right-now shoe… a transitional shoe. For the daring, try this bootie with some designed leggings or tights as the temperature drops to extend your wear.

Booties seem to work with well with the tall and the short (vertically challenged) woman. And please note that it will be around for awhile, so go ahead and invest in an eye-catching, comfortable, and quality pair.

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Essential #3 Short Boots

The short boots made a huge showing last fall and winter, only to return bigger and better. Even a vast selection of hues of short boots has taken off. Check out Antik Batik’s Camden Short Boot ($420) in Dark Grey.

Buckles, studs, and cutouts seem to be one of the many detailing to short boots. Try these Pierre Dumas’s Orchid Booties ($39.99) in Stone. The brass buckle adds just enough flavor to this short boot and is just what you need to pull you into the next season.

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We didn’t forget the oh-so-faithful knee boots. They are still a staple in the history books and tucked away in our closets or under our beds awaiting the cold. But the aforementioned three styles are most definitely the cream of the ‘boot’ crop. Now that we have done all the heavy-lifting, we hope you run faster than a speeding bullet to pick up a pair of your own OTKs, booties, and/or the short boots!

This article was written by Theresa G. Kennedy of Red August, an online boutique that focuses on shoes for women and men, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Red August does offer Shoes by Appointments and available for Ladies’ Night Out events.

GOTTA HAVE IT…

2010-03-12T13:12:00.001-08:00

Yep, we’ve gotta have it… shoes that is! It’s almost SPRING already, and we’ve been looking and looking at all the fabulous sandals and some handbags that will carry us throughout the summer. Whether it’s to the office, to an after work mixer, out with friends, to a wedding, to church, or just out and about….we want fabulous shoes!

Matteo by Michael Antonio

This shoe is one word, B - A - D. We gotta have it not only because of its unique design and ever-so sexiness, but because of the color. Neutral shoes seem to be very big this spring and summer. With so many fun colors and extensive selection of fabrics and patterns, having a go-to neutral shoe only makes sense to have in your closet.

Belle by Sigerson Morrison

Who doesn’t love flats that are chic and goes with almost everything?! This cutout detail really adds flavor to this flat. It has a slight incline to it too, so that’s a added bonus. Throw on a summer dress, some fly sunglasses, grab your handbag with these and have a fun day or night!

Oh, let’s not forget a nice, stylish clutch that adds just enough pa-zazz to any outfit. We found this clutch by Big Buddha and fell in love. Don’t you just love it? We sure do.

Wedding season…yes, we got weddings to attend and be in too. If you need that special shoe though, may we recommend this baby here.

Randall by Badgley Mischka

In the wedding, the bride, attending the wedding, this satin heel is FIERCE. We love the detailing of the cut on the side…very elegant! The flower adornment is just enough with even the most busiest dress! Guaranteed to fall in love. It, also, comes in a black satin and an ivory satin.

And ladies, don't forget to prepare your feet for those hot summer sandals. Start getting those pedicures now... your feet will thank you!

On another note..

***DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS SUNDAY.***

we LOVE shoes…

2010-02-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

So LOVE day has come and gone. But one thing still remains, we LOVE shoes. Call it more of a fetish. Cause for some of us, it’s more than walking in the store and just buying any shoe. It’s way deeper than that. We examine not only the style, but we observe the material it’s made of, the fabric selection, the sole, the heel, the heel height, the way it looks on, the comfort level, the color, multi-useful, the possible reaction of others, your immediate reaction, the way it makes you feel, what goes with it, multi-seasonal, the slope, and its purpose. Oh yea, of course, the price matters to us too…sometimes. Overall, we LOVE shoes and all the work and thinking that goes into it. Moreso than not, it is well worth it.

SERENA WILLIAMS STRUTS IN FIVE INCH HEELS TO MEET THE PREZ

2009-07-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

From the Associated Press:

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was tennis before baseball for President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
Before heading off to St. Louis to throw the first pitch at the All-Star game, the president welcomed Wimbledon champion Serena Williams to the White House

"It was amazing," Williams said before her World Team Tennis match with the Washington Kastles. "I love President Obama; he has such an unbelievable presence, and he seems to be so normal — and he noticed my shoes. I think that was the highlight of the whole day, was he liked my shoes."

Williams said she was wearing 5-inch heels for the presidential visit.
"He asked me, 'Should I be wearing high heels?' So I thought that was kind of funny because he may have been right," Williams said. "Because it is a job hazard for me, but I insist on wearing them."

Williams got to meet Michelle Obama and the rest of the first family.

"I didn't know she had such an amazing personality," Williams said. "She had me cracking up and laughing. I knew she was a great person, but now I really understand how important this first family is to the United States. And the kids were just so cute and sweet, and the dog was nice."

The question: Did anyone take a picture of those heels? We want to see them!

Rest In Peace, Michael Joseph Jackson

2009-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Rest In Peace, Michael Joseph Jackson

Michael Jackson can be defined as a legend, an icon, and the definition of powerful talent. He was B-A-D and we salute you for all of the influences to not only music but to the fashion world too.

Everyone knows that if you should ever see a pair of white socks with black patent leather shoes that it was MJ-inspired. Everyone knows that if you should ever see a red leather jacket that had tons of zippers on it that it was MJ-inspired. Everyone knows that if you should ever see a black jacket with gold tassels over the shoulder that it was MJ-inspired. Everyone knows that if you should ever see a white fedora with a black ribbon around it that it was MJ-inspired.

There were many more MJ-inspired clothing ensembles that we could name, but those aforementioned are likely to spark a conversation and/or raise an eye brown.

Love you, Michael.

Wanna know...

2009-06-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you’re going away on vacation this summer and want to pack light, here are a few essential items that you must bring...

Red August loves a 'roll on, no checking' moment while traveling - so you should think about packing pieces that are chic but versatile. Think about dresses that can be swimsuit cover-ups with leather or plastic flip-flops or thong flats during the day that transform into cocktail dresses at night with sandals and great jewelry…perhaps a statement necklace or some bangles.

White jeans are perfect to travel in, on the plane with a black cashmere pullover and with a cute tank upon landing. Think about a great pair of strappy sandals for night and flip-flops for day. Great jewelry can change a look immediately and nothing is better for summer dressing than gold -- it looks great with a tan and brings a touch of shine to your look.

We know that most people like to stick to classic neutrals - black, white, camel, navy (and we totally understand.) But if you’re looking for ways to bring some warm weather color to your wardrobe without going totally overboard with a whole bright colored wardrobe that won't work in a couple of months, we suggest…

That you definitely should stick with your neutral theme, but why not punch the color up with accessories. A sunshine yellow bag or a bright pink shoe! Neutrals are such a great way to use accessories as your highlights.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Red August would like to wish a fabulous happy Mother’s Day to all the women who make a difference in our lives.

And if you still haven’t decided on a gift for your mother, wife, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, 2nd mom, and/or whoever she may be, let us help you out a little bit…

Give her the gifts of shoes or - even better - a gift card to her favorite boutique, e-tailer, and/or shopping destination.

Trust us, she will love her gift!

Have a happy Mother’s Day to every mother and mother-to-be!

Keisha, happy 30th birthday

2009-04-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, Keshia Knight-Pulliam celebrated this milestone birthday with a celebration in Las Vegas, wearing her long dark hair in a straight, sleek style with trendy bangs.

And those shoes.... absolutely love them!

We here at Red August are excited about this year too! Stay tuned.

Gotta Love Them... (Part II)

2009-04-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

We told you that they go with almost everything.

Sanaa was spotted this past weekend wearing those hot gladiator platform sandals.

This time she rocked them with a much shorter dress and still was fabulous-looking!

Gotta Love Them...

2009-04-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

You have got to love these super bad Cynthia Vincent Luella wedge platform sandals as much as we do here at Red August.

What's not to like...they go with almost everything.

Sanaa Latham at the Russell Simmon's premiere of "Brave New Voice".

SPRING TIME…

2009-04-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

By now, you already know that SPRING is officially here… and so is more fabulousness! Red August loves the spring time not just because of the warmer weather but mainly because you can shed those dress coats, boots, and long sleeves.

A few styles came to mind now that spring is here…

We can do cardigans with almost anything and everything (a major reason why we love j. crew) because you can go from work to dinner with your significant other, and still look fabulous. Buy them long or hit at the hip; belt it or button it (two or three buttons); leave open or pull all the way on to so that your sides don’t show; and/or wear with skirt or denim).

First Lady Michelle Obama wears j.crew from head-to-toe...beaded cardigan, metallic skirt, and shiny shoes...a wonderful ensemble!

We can strut on the weekends or out on the town with friends that maxi dress that can be dressed up or down. Add the right bangles or earrings and handbag, and you’re on your way!

Jordin Sparks looking good in her assortment of blues maxi dress.

We can really show off our legs in that beautiful pleated skirt partnered with the right heels. Try tucking the shirt or let it hang over. Add accessories, such as: a necklace and/or hoop earrings to complete a simple yet chic look!

Kerry Washington posing for the camera in her well put together outift.

We can finally show off that fabulous fitted dress that proves that we have kept our New Year’s resolution. Because you’ve earned the right to wear this dress, not much else is needed but a fierce pair of shoes!

Serena Williams at the Sony Ericcson Open Player Party working that BAD dress!

And since we LOVE shoes… and handbags… and accessories too, we have to let you know that if you have not started, it’s not too late. So go and get your spring/summer shoes (and handbags & accessories) shopping on! There is way too much out there to ignore.

KEISHA KNIGHT PULLIAM and those shoes!!

2009-03-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Keisha Knight-Pulliam at the NAACP Image Awards

We all remember Keisha as Rudy Huxtable on the Cosby Show. Well, she's all grown up..well, she's been for awhile now.

Girl, we are lovin' that ever-so sexy strappy silver heel. You'd betta work it!

MARCH MADNESS

2009-03-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

March isn't just for basketball, but it's MARCH MADNESS for shoes too!

Here are a some of our favorites...

THE GLADIATORS...

*We heard from a Jessica Simpson representative that Jessica often picks out the styles for her line, but when she is unable to, her mom does it for her. AMAZING... we could never trust our mother to pick shoes this HOT!!

THE WEDGE....

Cynthia Vincent Luella : MaxStudio Cane

THE SO SEXY...

L.A.M.B. Gable : L.A.M.B. Hunte

THE METALLICS...

L.A.M.B. Gala : Diba Sukura

Corso Como Sunblock : Betsey Johnson Florence

:: FRESH FRIDAY :: ARTYCE DESIGNS

2009-01-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

Uniquely hand designed customized footwear... what more could a lady ask for?

About the Designer/Director of Artyce Designs, Inc.

Candra Palmer is a Chicago native who now resides in Los Angeles where she created Artyce Designs. This innovative young graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and former Marketing Manager of a Fortune 500 company decided to pursue her passion for fashion in 2001. After relocating to the Los Angeles area. Candra sustained her full-time corporate job from her home office and gained a concrete understanding of the fashion industry on her down time.

The vision of Artyce (named after her mom) officially came to light in 2002. Candra has brought her dream to life by creating a custom footwear collection for women of all ages. In the past, Candra worked for one of the top fashion agencies in L.A., a fashion consulting firm, and an Italian manufacturing company.

About the business

Artyce Designs unique “Design Your Own Shoe” concept has caught many people's attention. Their designs have a wide variety of footwear styles all accented and embellished with your choice of detailing. Each of their clients can choose the heel, material, embellishments, and comfort of choice! Artyce Designs has grown steadily with many requests from customers all over the world including fashion editors, fashion stylists, business executives, celebrities, and many other fashion savvy women.

Since debuting in an article in Ebony in March 2005, Artyce Designs has been featured in numerous magazines – including Inside Weddings, Brides, Elegant Bride, Wedding Dresses, SmartMoney, Upscale, Black Enterprise, Franchise Times and many others publications. Artyce Designs also has recently been included on many websites/blogs – Running with Heels, wedding-today.com, wsatoday.com, clutch.com, and numerous others.

Candra informed me that she was recently selected as a featured designer working with luxury crystal manufacture Swarovski crystals for their CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements tours where her designs toured domestic & international locations. The tour was stopped in Paris, Spain, Tokyo, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. Furthermore, Candra Palmer was nominated for the Rising Star Business award by Black Enterprise and featured in the current edition of the Who’s Who in Black America in Los Angeles Book.

Although most of her clients are women wanting those special pair of shoes for their wedding, she does create for many others. Candra’s work has been seen at many red carpet events including the Oscars and the Grammys.
Artyce Designs are available exclusively at Artyce Designs boutique in Los Angeles. For more information visit artycedesigns.com or set up an appointment with a footwear design consultant at (310) 838-SHOE (7463).

Her outfit at the swearing in ceremony...

2009-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

Red August had to share...

For the swearing in ceremony, Michelle opt for the designer Isabel Toledo for the dress and Jimmy Choo Glacier pumps.

Stay tuned...we will feature more information on tonight's gown(s).

Inauguration Day Tuesday

2009-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

President Barack H. Obama and First Lady Michelle R. Obama

Red August celebrates this presidential day for a couple of reasons -- the weather is nice (well, the sun is shining) and the historical swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America... WOW!

So, next is the 10 official balls that Barack and Michelle are to attend tonight. Whew!

Red August guesses that likely she is favoring kitten heels or dressy flat for tonight. We do know one thing that Michelle won’t be wearing though. Panty hose. She reportedly hates them because they’re “too painful".

Cole Haan design for Michelle Obama.

Sam Edelman Shoes design for Michelle Obama

Photos by Courtesy Photo

:: FRESH FRIDAY :: MIC FONTAINE

2009-01-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Capturing a glimpse

Red August knows first-hand about MicFontaine and his love for what he do. Whether he is at a photo shoot or out & about in Atlanta, Houston, or the rest of the world, he shows passion in each glimpse he catches through his camera lens.

"photographs could reach eternity through the moment."
~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

From the heart of the south by way of the Mississippi Delta, an audacious visionary, gifted mentor and compelling trendsetter makes his imprint in the visual arts world. As a professional dedicated to his craft, Mic Fontaine utilizes creative visual concepts coupled with innovative photographic skills to create indisputable visual masterpieces.

With perfection, Mic Fontaine seems to capture the very essence of his subject. Captivated by the beautiful images that he saw on the covers of magazines, Mic Fontaine developed a deep fascination and appreciation for photography. This drove him to purchase his first camera as gift to himself upon earning his MBA. His deep passion and unrelenting drive to capture the perfect image quickly lead him to reach within himself to unleash the passion for identifying style and beauty through the lens of a camera.

Mic Fontaine states, “My work is my passion. It is the essence of who I am. It is part of my soul. It is my way of expressing my love to the world. It embodies my lost love, my greatest triumphs and my hope for tomorrow. It is my desires and my transgressions. It is my greatest sacrifice my greatest strength, my greatest vulnerability and my greatest joy. It is my one truth, my shot heard around the world, my dream manifested. It is my unquenchable thirst. It is my zone, my playing field. It is uniquely me.”

Mic Fontaine's first foray into the world of fashion photography was through his friend and mentor Celebrity Photographer Derek Blanks. Mic Fontaine worked as Blanks photography assistant and would often drive 12 hours roundtrip to Atlanta to attend photo shoots while moonlighting from his job as a Higher Education Executive. This experience proved to be invaluable for Mic Fontaine as he leveraged the knowledge, insight, and experience from Blanks to start his own studio.

Mic Fontaine sports an impressive client list that ranges from corporate giants such Verizon Wireless, Diaego North America and Carson Softsheen cosmetics. Mic Fontaine is staged to become one of America's top photographers, but even more important to him is his commitment to help others to achieve their dreams. Mic Fontaine takes great pride in assisting in the development of other prospective photographers, makeup artists, and wardrobe stylists from his home state of Mississippi.

Today, Mic Fontaine’s passion, professionalism and persistent zeal for photographic excellence are all qualities that distinguish him from his colleagues. Mic Fontaine is presently working on several initiatives to further enhance his skills while striving to become a household name and a giant in fashion photography.

Keep your eyes and ears open and make room for the man, the visionary, the visual artist extraordinaire, MIC FONTAINE.

For more information or to book a photo shoot, please visit: www.micfontaine.net.

Source: www.micfontaine.net

:: FRESH FRIDAY :: BEREOLAESQUE

2009-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Being Bereolaesque

Red August believes that being fabulous starts inside then out. With that said, we are featuring Enitan Bereola, age 26, who took a look on the inside of this society and decided there was a need for chivalry, etiquette, and manners to take its place again. (Halluejah!) In that, Bereola tells about his soon-to-be released book, BEREOLAESQUE: The Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate - A look into making manners sexy and what it takes to become a present-day gentleman.

…Because pants hang below the waistline, because society can't locate a contemporary gentleman, and because we leave it up to acronyms like TMZ & MTV to define manhood....because there is a YouTube video of a 4-year old using the 'F' word effortlessly, because my nephew can't define chivalry, and because a promising college student had his future stolen from him by the barrel of a gun...these are the reasons why I wrote Bereolaesque.

....It is a promise to us, a promise to our children and a promise to America that we can do better, that we can live better and that we are better.

- Enitan Bereola

Bereola began his journey in 2006 when he discovered his natural knack to attract crowds of users on his Myspace [www.myspace.com/bereolaesque] and Facebook pages. He announced a sexy and new type of book that he planned to release and watched the messages pour in and his friend’s list increase by the thousands.

The author admits he did not mind female attention but wanted to focus his message: Chivalry, etiquette, and manners are back…this time it’s SEXY! With the recent election outcome, society is telling us out with the old and in with the new. Contemporary style, class, and sophistication are steadily becoming the desires of many Americans.

Bereola, who is renowned by gentlemen current and past alike, has the experience to back it up. The author has spent a lengthy majority of his lifetime traveling and researching etiquette and applying it in society. Recently, Bereola was named "Black Man to Watch" by Clutch Magazine.

*BEREOLAESQUE* [Be-re-o-la-esque] -adjective: Highly appealing & pleasing to the human senses or mind; captivating; providing pleasure or delight, esp. in appearance or manner; charming; alluring; attractive. Ex: The dim lighting, mellow music, and sexy decor made for a very bereolaesque atmosphere.

BEREOLAESQUE targets men ages young and old addressing issues of etiquette, education, style, fashion, dining, dating, business, networking, news, travel, spirituality, culture, and much more. This contemporary guide is a one-stop-shop for all men and provides a positive alternative for urban living. The author, Bereola, boasts that “he’s not simply selling literature, he’s selling a lifestyle”.

BEREOLAESQUE: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate set for national release January 31, 2009.

For more information about this topic, please visit: www.contemporarygentlemen.com . For event booking or to schedule an interview with the author, please email: info@contemporarygentlemen.com.

Get it, B! Those shoes are B-A-D!

2009-01-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

Red August is loving Beyonce's YSL!

Beyonce, girl, those heels are B-A-D!

Source: www.theybf.com

Yves Saint Laurent Lola Platform, $895

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com

:: FRESH FRIDAY:: J. Bolin the Celebrity Stylist

2008-12-31T09:29:00.001-08:00

Living a dream

In the global fashion circles, the name J. Bolin is never far away - as such his bond with the world of individualistic style. His fashion fantasies reignited when his goal oriented soul influenced him to live his dreams.

They say a journey starts with a single step, and in knowing that to be true, J. Bolin took that first step. In little time, J. Bolin became a runway success as his lavish fashion shows and eccentric twists of designs of fashion styling caught on with his idiosyncractic-yet-sophisticated clientele. His passion is a big driver for him; he loves what he does. His talent offers him the ability to be happy while making others happy. Jason believes his fashion sense reflects his happiness and hopes this styling will give people permission to be truly who they are.

J. Bolin has judged and coordinated pageants throughout the state of Mississippi, not to mention he styled for Miss Mississippi 2007, Kimberly Morgan. His clientele includes Dewayne Woods, Myron Butler, Onitsha, and many others. Also, he styled for International Fashion Week, he worked with designers: RocaWear, Akademiks, BabyPhat, and Madernnistik Couture to name a few.

His works truly speaks for itself. No explanations needed. From image consulting to men & women's makeovers to Fashion and wardrobe styling to photo shoots, J. Bolin is the master of taking simple and turning it into fabulous.

J. Bolin recently launched his own clothing line - J. Bolin presents nikinikol, an intelligent couture clothing line full of doll inspired pieces to suit grown-up sensibilities and exceed the expectancies one's imgination could ever began to fathom! J. Bolin states that this line embodies the unification of Michelle Obama's impeccable fashion sense and grace meets the youthful glam of Beyonce, and become one in Fashion.

For more information about J. Bolin the Celebrity Stylist and/or to be styled by J. Bolin, please visit: www.myspace.com/jbstylemodels.

Red August will feature fresh individual each Friday at FRESH FRIDAY. Stay tuned!

:: FRESH FRIDAY :: Kenneth's Custom Clothes

2008-12-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

Be seen... Be Admired... Bespoken

Kenneth's Custom Clothes is truly the essence of just that...being seen, being admired, and being spoken about amongst those who desire custom clothing. Kenneth's Custom Clothes believes that tailored clothing is one device that enhances, empowers, and delivers a powerful statement of one's self-worth.

Knowing that oftentimes, your appearance speaks before you do, the fashion architect behind the silk ties, the bling-bling studded tops, and custom suits for both men and women - KennethLloyd - believes that every time you are seen, make the best impression you can possibly make. Kenneth's Custom Clothes aspires to become your preferred choice in bepoken style and expression while providing each customer with high quality garments, coupled with outstanding selection, sales, and service, at a competitive price.

Choosing Kenneth's is choosing a garment that not only fits you but strongly compliments your uniqueness because its created to your specificity and exactly according to your conception!

For more information about how to be seen...be admired...bepsoken, contact Kenneth's Custom Clothes at: 2kennethlloyd@gmail.com.

Red August will feature a fresh individual each Friday at FRESH FRIDAY. Stay tuned!

Tis the season for savvy shopping (& saving)...

2008-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Whether shopping online or in the stores, there is a sale going on everywhere…free shipping with purchase, up to 60% off, additional 20% off of clearance, and on & on. Yes, a lot of it has to do with weak sales, but you know what it is buyer's season! That's right, with prices and deals this good, you have to get it!

Red August cares enough to share. Here are a few tips sure to work :

Don't get stuck – Wondering what to do with nonreturnable gifts or purchases? You can sell or trade them online at Amazon.com's Marketplace, Half.com, eBay, and Craigslist. Or visit Swapagift.com, CertificateSwap.com and Cardavenue.com. You can also trade CDs, DVDs and video games at Zunafish.com. Finally, you could donate your unwanted items to charity, as long as they are in good condition. You could even qualify for a tax deduction with the IRS, but you'll need to check with your tax advisor to be sure. Sites such as Salvationarmyusa.org have information on how much you can write off for common household items.

Dare to compare – Visit comparison-shopping sites like Coolsavings.com, PriceGrabber.com, Shopping.com, Shopzilla.com and Froogle.com. You'll find merchant coupons, price and feature comparisons, and rebate information product reviews.
Be in the know– Sign up for your favorite store's online newsletter to get subscriber-only coupons and advance notice of sales. This site maintains a list of thousands of current codes national retailers are using online.
Shop safely – Do not reply or click on links in Holiday emails from retailers. Instead, type their website address into your browser. This will help protect against 'phishers' using fake email and web addresses.
Remember to secure your computer by getting the latest updates and virus/spyware protection before starting your online shopping adventure.
And before you proceed to checkout, look for the locked padlock icon in your browser. This lets you know that you're at a secure site and your transaction is encrypted.

Happy shopping (& saving)!

Sources: Kiplinger.com ; Kiplinger.com Savvy Shopping Quiz; TheMotleyFool.com

For the men: shoes & belts

2008-12-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Men, you already know that women do pay attention to details. So here is some advice to adhere to as soon as possible. Simply stated, here it is:

Match your belt with your shoes. If you're wearing black shoes, put on a black belt. And the same holds true for brown too. If you're wearing brown (or any shade of it) shoes, the shoes require a brown (or any shade of it) belt.

michelle o. and shoes...

2008-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

(Veronica, available at www.samantashoes.com $250)

I'm sure you've seen the pictures and/or heard the stories about Michelle Obama's sense of style - well at least about her clothes. But we don't hear much about her shoes! (ladies, we all know the shoes are equally important, if not more!)

(Jeweled Slingback, available at www.neimanmarcus.com $1,190)

Standing 5'll'', surely she wears a size 10 or larger. (heck, I'm 5'8'' and, proportionally, my shoe size is a 10.) Oftentimes, during the campaign trail and beyond, Michelle was spotted wearing black heels with at least an inch or lower heel. (yes, I remember those white kitten shoes!) With Barack being almost 6'2'', it probably explains why she did and still do. (well along with all the standing and walking, she probably made comfort her #1 priority.) plus, her outifts were oftentimes hot! (with the exception of that dress that she wore on election night at grant's park....horrible!) so which is it: does the shoes complement the outift or does the outfit complement the shoes?

ok, back to the lecture at hand...

(Gigi, available at suartweitzman.com $405)

With all the talk about her dress for the Inauguration Ball (cause many are being planned, but the President-elect gets to choose which are official or which are not), I can't help but think of what will her shoes look like?

Kitten heel? Flats? High Heel?

Metallic Leather? Black? Satin? Suede? Studs? Clear? (I hope not!)
Which designers? Samanta? Manolo? Bettye Muller? Moschino? Stuart Weitzman? Louboutin?

Which ever pair of shoes the First Lady-to be have on with that ball gown, I'm almost certain, it'll be fierce yet classy, a "head turner" yet modest, chic yet graceful...just like how Michelle has presented herself.

(Slingback Sandal, available at www.neimanmarcus.com $665)