Pairing tights and socks with sandals… are you crazy? Maybe I am, but designers have been sending this look down the runways for seasons now and it’s a great way to get out of a winter boot rut! Besides, black opaques go from basic to killer when worn with seriously aggressive platforms and mini skirt. Looking to make your sandals look even more cozy? Try textured tights, like a fine ribbed wool pair. For evening, experiment with semi-sheer tights or ones with a slight pattern like swiss dots. Stay out of granny territory by avoiding anything too sheer or nude. Whatever you choose, keep the shoes and the tights in the same color family to create the illusion of one long line. Whether it’s all blacks or all electric blue is up too you! Once the weather starts to turn a bit milder, try swapping out tights for socks. Burberry Prorsum and Rochas showed models wearing scrunched down socks with sandals. Keep the socks and the shoes a nude or beige color to keep from shortening your leg too much. Now that you’ve got the legwear down, you can’t just throw on any old sandal. Opt for tall, chunky heeled or platform sandals; you’ll need them to balance out the heft of the tights. Anything too strappy and delicate will be overwhelmed.

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From our friends at Stylehive.com

Purple Label is a line whose buyers hand pick clothing from all over the world. It offers an edited selection of current styles in one location at the most affordable prices at 80’sPurple.com. Here are a few favorites for Fall 2009.

First up is this Women’s Mimi Silk Double Layered Dress. Wow! What a great party dress. Made from silk with polyester lining, this double v-neck style has a terrific empire waist and lovely layered skirts. this shape never goes out of fashion, and the contrast stripe design on the neckline makes it just that much better. If you don’t mind showing some leg, then this gorgeous confection is definitely the dress for you $89.00.

For this fall’s more casual occasions like going to a football game or taking a walk to enjoy the fall colors, the Women’s Tammy Button Down Back Sweater in Grey is perfect. With a center back button down, this drape-y fitting sweater is $38.00.

You wouldn’t want your feet to get cold on those crisp, fall days, would you? These Women’s Etudes Socks in Grey come up above the knee, look great, and only cost $10.00.

The Women’s Lenore Chain Draping Tank in black is a hot new shape that you’ll be able to get plenty of wear out of because you can dress it up or down. The chain detail is actually part of the top itself. Made from 100% Viscose, this top is $33.00.

Leggings are back in a big way this year, and these Women’s Miss Pinky Denim Leggings in black will serve many outfits very well. With contrast tan stitching, front and back seams, and zippers at the leg openings, these 100% cotton denim leggings are $19.20.

And here is another piece that is sure to find its way into several fall outfits. In fact, you could pair this with the denim leggings and look great for a casual gathering. The Women’s Lucy New Shape Button Up in white is a button up tunic top with roll up sleeves and a longer back hem $38.00.

Shopping source: 80’sPurple.com

Gaspard Yurkievich – Forward Exclusive Dress in Multi – $1,485

Designer Gaspard Yurkievich, from France, has been on the international design scene for a little over a decade. After studying at Studio Bercot, he won the grand prize at the international photography and fashion event  Festival d’Hyeres in 1997. Yurkievich presented his first women’s ready-to-wear collection in 1998, later adding shoes and menswear (2003) and accessories (2005).

Yurkievich draws on inspiration from artists, musicians, and the street scene to formulate his collections, which feature a fresh mix of modern and urban styles. He also designs for luxury brands outside the realm of fashion, including Jaguar, De Beers, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Since 2008, Gaspard Yurkievich was made art director for Rodier, a French fashion label.

Here are a few of the exciting pieces featured in Yurkievich’s Spring 2009 line, called “Y.”

Gaspard Yurkievich – Blouse in Brodee Beige – $1,735

It is easy to see from the above ensemble that Gaspard  Yurkievich has a very Parisian design sense. This blouse with ruching above the bust and detailed neckline, paired with a very French take on short shorts would be perfect for strolling down the Rue St. Honoré  on a sunny day in June.

Gaspard Yurkievich – Dress in Fuchsia – $499

The swing dress, done above in a fabulous magenta is a classic dress shape for summer. Here Yurkievich pairs them with hosiery in an athletic style and a great pair of heels.

Gaspard Yurkievich – Cropped Trench in Black/Tan – $462

The blouse and shorts outfit from before suddenly becomes the perfect outfit for a night out at a club with the simple addition of a fabulous cropped jacket.

Gaspard Yurkievich – Fringe Dress in Neo Argento – $1,147

Or, if you’re feeling more flirty, you could wear the above fringed swing dress with bright hosiery and chunky black shoes and dance the night away in style! Gaspard Yurkievich’s Spring 2009 “Y” line is, how you say, “Fantastique!”

Gaspard Yurkievich – Socks in Noir/Fuchsia – $39

Here is another example of Gaspard Yurkievich’s hosiery, this time in a fun basic black accented with bright pink, white, and orange detail.

Gaspard Yurkevich’s collection, exclusively available on ForwardForward.com - the only US online store to carry this French designers line.