Katie:
Wearing: Nothing makes me feel like a kid again quite like believing in magic, so why not dress up at a fairy?! The coolest, cutest, blondest fairy of them all, no less… Tinkerbell has totally caught my eye this year. Wings, a wand, and a green leotard and tutu, what more can you ask for in a costume?!

Our fave lil fairy, Tinkerbell!

Going: A Nightmare at The Dream Hotel – The Dream Hotel NYC

Munching: My halloween wouldn’t be complete with Reese’s Pieces. Ha, let’s be honest… neither would any other day of my life. Peanut butter covered in a chocolate candy shell?! To die for.

Susie:
Wearing: This year I’m  whippin’ out an oldie but goodie, the classic black cat. An all black outfit with some whiskers and a cat-earred headband and you’re good to go! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t look cute with cat ears?

Going: Warehouse party in Brooklyn!

The classic no-fail black cat costume!

Munching: To top off my Halloween weekend, a stash of Tootsie Rolls. Chewy and chocolatey, the best combo ever!

Amanda:

Wearing: Inspired by Katie’s tutu. Did I say inspired? I mean jealous of Katie’s tutu, I’m  going as a ballerina. Halloween is for pretending right? Pink tights, pink leotard, and my pink CitySlips are perfect as my ballet slippers!

Going: Going? More like staying. Not gonna lie, for the first time ever I WANT to hand out candy!  I’ll go to a friend’s party after all the trick-or-treaters have gone to bed.

Munching:  And to keep with my pink theme, I’m  obsessed with Twizzlers Bites. Let’s just pretend I don’t eat them  all year round.

Twizzlers Bites... nomnomnom

Halloween here in NYC can get pretty crazy! What are your plans? Let us know, tweet us @CitySlips.

Image via Dillard's

Katie’s Pick:

Perfect for work, these suede pumps are nothing short of amazing. The neutral color will match just about any outfit. Not to mention their serious leg-lengthening factor, this is a go to pair for day or night!

Image via Neiman Marcus

Susie’s Pick:
Clearly we have a thing for snakeskin here at CitySlips, we just can’t get enough of it! And these snake-embossed pumps are no exception. These smokin’ hot shoes will add some oomph to any outfit!

Image via Aldo Shoes

Amanda’s Pick:

I’m not going to lie, I’ve been drooling over these booties for a while now. The brown suede and wooden heel are the perfect combination,  and that chucky heel and platform will guarantee comfort for hours. These are perfect to wear with jeans or tights, and can be dressed up or down! I’m planning cute outfits in my head just looking at them.

What are your fall shoe obsessions? Tweet us (@cityslips) and let us know!

Image via TopShop

The Hair: Great hair can really transform a good outfit to an AMAZING one. While the feather extensions may still be hot, we think metallic is the way to go. Splurge on this gorgeous headband from Dauphines of New York or save with this golden one from TopShop.

Image via Nordstrom's

The Dress: We just can’t get enough color this fall and color-blocking is the best way to do it! A bold orange is a great way to warm up a cool, Fall day. Splurge on this bright and colorful dress from DKNY or save on this equally fun dress from Dorothy Perkins.

Image via Forever21

Image via Neiman Marcus

And last but not least, The Shoes (duh): When it comes to shoes this fall we have one word for you… ANIMAL PRINTS. OK, two words… but you get the drift We can’t help ourselves, they’re everywhere! Leopard, snakeskin… you name it… we want it. The best part? CitySlips has got you covered! Splurge on the CitySlips Luxe at Neiman Marcus or save on the classics line.

Have your own splurge item on your Fall wish list? Let us know what you’re craving this fall and we’ll see if we can find a more wallet-friendly option for you!

After spending wayyy too many hours glued to The Weather Channel last week, we were all stocked up on water bottles, canned food, candles, batteries… our hurricane preparedness kits were FULL in preparation. And just when we thought all this weather craziness was behind us, THIS (see above) happens. Boo.

Of course, this less-than-stellar forecast stands no match again NY’s Fashion Week, which is kicking off tonight with Fashion’s Night Out, rain-be-darned. We feel you though… the wet dog look is NOT the best accent to that outfit you mentally prepared a few weeks ago. OK, maybe a few months ago, but who’s counting?! So… what’s a girl to do?

Well, we can’t help you with that fresh blow out, but we did put together some of our fave styles for your pending rainy day (and night!) adventures. Take a look!

First up, outerwear. We are loving this timeless trench by French Connection. A trench will always keep you dry and more importantly, chic! Available at Bloomie’s and just as cute on non-rainy days as well – total score

Image via Bloomingdales

Next, is the right pair of shoes. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in the rain and finding puddles in your shoes (instead of on the sidewalk where they belong!). Luckily, there’s no need to sacrifice fashion for comfort in this department. These lace-up rain boots by Chooka are trendy but will still keep your tootsies dry. We’re loving the way olive green goes with all of our Fall neutrals right now too!

Image via Nordstrom

And, last but not least (enter shameless Fashion Night Out plug here)… we’ve teamed up with DSW and will be at their Union Square location tonight for some great music, discounts, and freebies. Gunna be in the area? Come by and say hi – we’ll be there rain or shine

Cheers to staying dry (and stylish)!

Sole-fully,

The CitySlips Gals

www.cityslips.com

Katie’s Picks

Who to See:

Can I pick two? McDreamy & McSteamy. Aside from Meridith’s slightly-too-frequent melodramatic episodes, I’m a big Grey’s Anatomy fan. Constant drama, medical emergencies, whirlwind co-worker relationships, super hot doctors… what’s not to love?

And, uh, awesome that you can now watch full episodes online on ABC.com.

Tomorrow Planners, photo via Poketo.com

What to Wear:

BOOTS! Every size, color, brand… I have serious moments of weakness when it comes to this Fall wardrobe staple (ok, obsession) of mine.

I’m thinking these beauties might be one of my early September buys. Possibly in red. Too ambitious?

Where to Write:

As much as I am loving my new iPhone, there’s something timeless about a pen and a cute notebook. And really, is there anything more satisfying than crossing things off a handwritten to-do list? I think not.

With calendars, receipt pockets, and plenty of room for above-mentioned-to-do lists, this paper planner by Tomorrow hits all the right notes.

Susie’s Picks

Who to See:

Ok ok – I know my high school gymnastic days are long over… but I must admit I can’t wait to see the next season of Make it or Break it! Those girls have some serious moves and are inspiring me to get back to the gym. Also, did I mention the first (2) seasons are available for free on Netflix? Done & done!

What to Wear:

Neutral colors! I love this dress from Theory, perfect for work AND play!

Where to Write:

Heel Stationary!!! I just can’t get enough of SHOES or CITYSLIPS

Amanda’s Picks

Who to See:

The smokin’ hot cast of Footloose! Anyone who knows me knows that dancing and watching 80s flicks might be my two favorite activities. So why not put them together in this awesome remake! I literally didn’t blink once when I saw the trailer! This seriously sexy cast has got some killer dance moves!

Aqua Bright Girlfriend Blazer, photo via Bloomingdales

What to Wear:

Like every other New Yorker, I open my closet and all I see is BLACK! Call me crazy but I am DYING to add more color to my wardrobe! How about this red hot blazer or these gorgeous purple jeans?

Where to Write:

It’s only been three months since graduation and I already want to go back to school shopping! Even though the days of new notebooks and freshly sharpened pencil are now behind me, I think I’ve found something to fill the void! This super-cute Marc Jacobs iPad case! My iPad should look cute too, right?

I really did chicken out - photo via my Blackberry, Sunday afternoon outside the Met

…go to another museum instead. For example, the Cory Arcangel: Pro Tools exhibit at the Whitney in NYC. Prepare to be amazed as you first enter a huge room demonstrating video game bowling through the years, watch Kramer’s montage about a coffee table book about coffee tables on Seinfeld, and putt in a simulated golf game. It may sound silly, but the exhibit really puts into perspective the evolvement of entertainment and technology from the 80’s, 90’s, and now. And it’s way more fun than waiting four hours in line on a hot day (I only wait in line for two things: 1. really great food 2. Space Mountain). Besides, you can get a taste of the McQueen exhibit on Garance Dore’s blog – her photos are stunning! Almost like being there.

Photo via ArtTattler

2. Instead of feeling judged by your roommate that you’ve eaten a few too many Lean Pockets for breakfast, lunch and dinner the past few weeks…

Yes, they make them with pretzel bread - your eyes are not decieving you.

No alternative! Never feel bad about Lean Pockets! They are delicious and come in millions of flavors (note: millions is most definitely an exaggeration made by author). Listen to the wise words of the blogger from Slightly Exaggerated: “It would be the Lean Pocket that would save us both.”

3. Instead of crying over the nasty blisters because you wore your stupid Louboutins out last night (correction: in my dreams I am wearing Louboutins, in my reality it’s Steve Madden)…

Paris Hilton with high heel blisters! Photo via ShoeGallery

…buy CitySlips! Duh. What did you think we were going to suggest? Go and check out our sexy new python line at Neiman Marcus!

Perfect for Fall! Get them at Neiman Marcus

Photo via UrbanOutfitters

4. Instead of getting caught unprepared in a summer rainstorm and having to buy a cheap umbrella that will ultimately break 45 minutes later…

…get a small umbrella like this one from Urban Outfitters, and NEVER EVER TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR PURSE. Because you never know when you will need it. It’s a lesson I have to re-teach myself every year: just because it’s summer and the temperature is higher does not mean that rain does not exist. It does.

Photo via AllMyWriters

5. Instead of feeling like a jerk because you’re the only person who hasn’t read The Help…

…go see the movie this weekend. You can always read the book later While you’re at it, make it an Emma Stone double feature and see Crazy Stupid Love as well (it was really good!). And then, after you’ve seen both movies, go bug that friend of yours who has been telling you for months to read The Help, and you’ve been putting it off because, well, Something Borrowed and the rest of the Emily Giffin collection took you awhile, okay?! And then calm down and read the book, because it’s good and it’s August and its probably the least commitment heavy month during the year (no major holidays, mostly everyone’s on vacation, school hasn’t started yet).

Photo via TheHelpMovie

And just because, watch Emma Stone gush about Lean Pockets with Chelsea Handler.

Sole-fully,

Carrie

Speaking of essentials, we’re in the process of developing a new line and we need your help! Check out our photos and let us know in the poll what you like the best!

Click the photo to make it bigger!

Have suggestions for us??? Met us at the tradeshow and want to say hi again? Leave it in the comments!

With all of the planning, prepping and sample schlepping going in our office this week, the trade show is at the top of the list in our ever-busy office. Ever been to a trade show? They’re fun, but can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers! Since we’ve done, ahem, more than a few trade shows already, we thought we might share some tips and insight about what a trade show is like and how to make the most of it!

Snacks: Trade shows can be loooong, and the food choices can sometimes leave us lacking for something a little more nutritious (and also less expensive – $12 for a sandwich? Ouch!). We always bring along some snacks to avoid headaches and keep energy up. KIND bars are awesome and created by a fellow entrepreneur, so we must admit we’re a little biased to these. Luna bars are also delish and have SO many good flavors…chocolate dipped coconut anyone?! Lastly, it’s never a successful day at CitySlips HQ without a few (read: a lot!) cans of Diet Coke nearby, so we may or may not have a mini-cooler under our booth’s table filled with the stuff. Don’t tell

Notepads/Pens: These are always good to keep handy for anything – booth ideas, inspiration for a new product, scribbling down our next entrepreneurial endeavor on the back of a napkin… plus, the Jet pens featured on DailyCandy recently are too cute!

Business Cards: It’s always a good idea to carry a business card with you – you never know who you’ll meet. There are a ton of networking opportunities at trade shows, so it’s a good place for us to exchange contact information with others.

Photo via BrooklynSocialCards

Photo via BeastPieces

Still a student? Get one anyway! List your name, school, graduating class, phone, e-mail and be proud of your pre-career accomplishments.

Having your own business cards won’t hurt outside of the tradeshow world either. You’ll look professional in interviews or at any event where you meet a new contact. These are a few neat custom business cards that can be made online (or to get inspiration to hand-make your own). These stand out and so will you!

Networking Tips: What to do with your new business cards?! Oh, right – netork! Here are some tips we follow to this day.

1.     Write notes on the back of newly collected business cards (i.e. petite, marketing for 10 yrs, brown hair). You’re going to (hopefully) meet a lot of people. Write something that will jog your memory when sorting through stacks of business cards later that night.

2.     Send follow-up emails! Yes, to everyone. Possibly annoying slash also time consuming, but you really never know what can develop. If you don’t think there was much in common, a generic “pleasure to meet you, let’s keep in touch” email is fine. See more potential? Suggest coffee or lunch next week to chat if there seems to be opportunities to work together.

3.     Avoid talking about negative things (rain, traffic). Disregard the fact that it might have taken you approximately 30 minutes to get a cab in a monsoon – keep it light and pleasant.

4.     Examples and stories of your career or accomplishments are more memorable than a generic timeline or cut-and-dry facts. People are more likely to remember you as the awesome girl who ran in the marathon last week than your position as an account manager. Be yourself – you’re awesome – we promise!

Are you coming to the Javits Center this weekend? Reach out via Twitter, Facebook, or right here on the blog and let’s make sure to meet up! We’ll be there from July 31-Aug 2. Here’s a photo of our booth last year… and yes, we’ll be the ones in navy and hot pink again this year!

Susie's moving so fast setting up she's just a blur!

Photo via Bethenny

SkinnyGirl Sangria: Did you know the creator behind SkinnyGirl Margarita came up with a new concoction? Here it is! The Skinnygirl Sangria, and frankly, I am pretty excited. Sangria is one of my favorite summer drinks, but let’s be honest – it’s kind of a chore to make! I haven’t tried this yet but I will soon – and even if I end up not liking it, I have my trusty Trader Joe’s secret recipe as back-up. Okay, it’s not really that secretive – all it takes is a bottle of two-buck chuck (Charles Shaw label for all those not in the know), sparkling water, and cut-up fruit. One of their employees passed it along to me a few years ago, and I swear it’s a perfect sangria recipe. PS: Bethenny, where’s Skinnygirl mojito?!?

Nude underitems: You’re wearing a lot of white and sheer items lately, yes? Watch out and make sure you’re not exposing parts of yourself that you don’t intend to. As all-white ensembles are a summer must, so are the nude undergarments that are a must underneath. PageDaily did an awesome round up of bras, underwear, and other accessories to make sure you wear white right!

Photo via Brookstone

Bed fan: Add this crazy bed fan to more random items at Brookstone that make you say, “I gotta have that.” Something else you probably didn’t know you needed? This popsicle maker. Claims to freeze yogurt, juice, and smoothies into delicious pops in minutes.

YOMA: A mix of yoga, mixed martial arts, and the Alexander technique, YOMA is a really unique approach to your typical yoga practice. Gregory Bycoff created YOMA and teaches private and group sessions all over NYC (I took my first class last night and LOVED it). Check out his schedule on the website to find out where you can try this fun and tough class.

Here’s a video of Bycoff doing YOMA, in case you’re curious

Ashton Kutcher “replacing” Charlie Sheen: You need to see this promo photo about the new season of “Two and a Half Men.” So funny! Admit it….you’re curious about what’s going to happen and how Ashton will be replacing Charlie. I know I am – and I don’t even watch “Two and a Half Men” so that’s saying something.

Photo via OnTheRedCarpet

Photo via ThebeautyDepartment

Dying the tips of your hair: Something about this look is so fun and summery, and I think it might be easier to pull off than it seems. Lauren Conrad’s website has a step-by-step from her hair stylist on how to create this look, and LC is really rocking the hair style! Since it’s just the tips, the bright colors can be hidden in a bun for work, and it’s temporary, so summer is the perfect time to test out bright colored tips!

Dr. Scholl’s Blister Defense Anti-Friction Stick: This thing sounds AWESOME. Apparently, you glide the stick on your feet and it creates an invisible barrier between your shoes and your skin, thus preventing friction which will cause blisters (the worst!). A reviewer says, “it glides on like a solid deodorant, but it doesn’t feel greasy or slimy or anything.” We love a good sole-ution over here at CitySlips, and for $7, it sounds worth it to us!

What are some other things we didn’t know we needed? Leave it in a comment!

Sole-fully,

Carrie