Solution: Zakkerz Salvages Your Too-Long-For-Flats Pants

It rains in DC. A lot. Or what seems like a lot.

I commute on the Metro, and it’s a long slog from home to the train and from the train to work. And it’s even worse when it rains, which always seems to happen when I want to pair flats with the pants I usually wear with high heels.

Luckily, someone’s invented a solution: Zakkerz. 

A few of my friends swore by them, and SheFinds has raved about them before, but I never truly appreciated the genius behind these lifesavers. Until one particularly disgusting Monday morning (seriously, 40 degrees and rainy in late April?) had me digging them out and strapping them onto my Express editors.

The result? I got to work, wet from being rained on, but minus the icky, muddy, dragged-on-the-ground pant cuffs I’d typically showcase. And just like that, I've become a believer.

Here’s how Zakkerz work:

Each set comes with four flexible, magnetized bands (you need to use two per pants leg). Roll your pants up to the desired length and then clip them slightly to the side of the seam. One side of the Zakkerz band goes on the inside of the cuff and the other side goes on the outside. The magnets hold the two ends together. Make sure you put the inside magnet in front of the seam and the outside magnet behind the seam.

Even better, these are strong magnets: they stand up to oh-my-God-I’m-so-late sprinting to the office.

So race on over to the Zakkerz website and check them out for yourself. ($24 for a regular set, $27 for the “longs,” which are perfect for jeans and other heavyweight-material pants.)
 

Sassybax Very Bare Bra: Weird Looking But Does Its Job

What: Sassybax Very Bare Bra, $78 

When: When I first saw the Very Bare Bra, I got a little freaked out. Bras, to me, are supposed to fulfill 3 requirements:

1. They should be made of flexible fabric.

2. They should clasp somehow around the body.

3. They should fold neatly into my lingerie drawer at the end of the day.

Well, this bra did none of those things. Made out of thick, adhesive-lined microfiber, the Very Bare Bra sticks to your chest and side torso, and keeps its form when off the body. Freaky, yes. But perhaps the most functional backless bra I've ever come across. 

Now, I gave this contraption a run for its money - I walked, sat, danced, and even rolled around in it to see if it would remain steadfastly cupped around my chest. And by gosh, it didn't move an inch. The elongated side tabs give that crucial extra support, and the cups offer ample coverage while still maintaining a demi-shape. The adhesive on the skin is not the most comfortable feeling in the world, but if you are looking for support when wearing a completely backless ensemble, this just might be your most reliable option.

Just make sure to have a few drinks before peeling it off. That's certainly not the most pleasant experience. 

Get Yours: barenecessities.com  

For more support options, peruse our Bra Guide and Strapless Bra Guide. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Wear Red: As Long As You Do It Right

Last night, I was trying to decide what to wear to a cocktail party I'll be attending this evening. The hosts requested formal attire, and I decided that I couldn't go wrong with a little red dress--it's sexy, not too staid, and offers infinite accessorizing choices. But then I became paralyzed by those choices: what color shoes should I wear? Should my jewelry be silver or gold? Do I show cleave or cover it? And so on, and so forth. So I did some research, and here are a few ideas for that classic red cocktail dress.

First thing's first: the dress dictates the style. I'd recommend this Karen Zambos Vintage Couture dress ($171, was $286), which is elegant, simple, and very bright in color. Another stunner is this deep V-neck dress ($378). 

And with its rich cherry red color, gold is the best accessory choice (just be sure not to overdo it, though--a cute dress should be the focus of the outfit).

These Nicole Miller earrings ($50) give you just the right kind of bling: a little glimmery, but classic in form. But if you want something more substantial, try the Smokey Quartz beaded necklace by Wendy Mink ($128) for a hint of black. And if you like to dazzle, try wearing both of these faux bamboo bangles ($42) on the same wrist. But take note! Don't wear all three accessories at the same time - pick your favorite. Everything at once will overpower the dress and pull the eye in too many directions.

Now for the shoes. I love these strappy Stuart Weitzman sandals ($109, were $165). Like the jewelry, they're subtle enough not to take away from the dress, but glamourous enough to impress. Wear sheer hose or no hose at all. These deep black Christian Dior pumps with a stiletto heel ($399) will make a classic look. If you want something edgier, try these L.A.M.B. Goldy heels ($295). 

A Vast Improvement: The New Crocs With A Heel

When Crocs first came out, they weren't my style, to put it nicely. I spent Easter with a friend's family one year and her mother put a new pair of the regular Crocs in everyone's basket – except mine. I had never been so happy to be the odd one out. They were frumpy, made for gardeners, and worst of all – flats. Shoes sans heels make me feel more casual than I like most of the time. You know those things that just make you feel better about yourself? Like when you've just gotten a haircut or a pedicure? Heels do it for me.

As much as I love being in heels, my boyfriend likes to give me a hard time about how much I complain about my feet hurting me. After a long day of shopping in SoHo last weekend in heels I swore to him that I would find a comfortable heel that wouldn't leave me feeling like I ran a marathon.

What: The first Crocs high heel! These incredible 3-inch heels are designed with the classic comfort of croslite material (that rubber stuff all crocs are made out of). They're lightweight, have circulation nubs to stimulate blood flow to allow for the ultimate shopping trip, and the footbed forms to your tootsies for a custom fit.

I went by the nearest Crocs store in Manhattan this weekend and tried these gals on – they're the ultimate summer heel for walking around the city. Just $49.99 for comfort AND style in a heel.

And take a peek at our Spring Shoe Guide to keep your feet stylish this season.  

Gossip Girl Style: Lydia Hearst’s Foley + Corinna Tote

What: Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr. Tote

Why: In a prime example of art imitating life, heiress Lydia Hearst will appear on Gossip Girl's season finale on May 19th. Gawker says her character won’t be one of the nice girls – which is fine with us, Serena’s pretty much got a monopoly on the nice – but frankly we’re more interested in that beautiful bag on her arm. The tote ($528) comes in several colors, though we’re especially fond of Sandstone (below), a shade that would look fantastic next to a jewel-toned spring dress like the one Lydia wears. Looks like those Gossip Girl costume designers are onto something.

Get Yours: shopbop.com

For more of-the-moment handbags, take a peek at our Guide to Celeb It Bags. 

Deal Of The Day: Up To 55% Off Dazzling One-Pieces At Bluefly

Ladies, let's face it. It's been a bikini world for far too long. Two-pieces seem to outnumber more modest (but still totally gorgeous) one-pieces three to one. But the tides are turning. More and more designers are taking the plunge and introducing sexy-without-being-skimpy suits that don't zero in on the belly button.


Wrap-dress diva Diane von Furstenberg has thrown her hat into the swimwear ring and comes out a winner with this pretty poppy-print Corallo halter ($80, was $165). Shades of strawberry and bubblegum swirl on a fresh white background, with tiny pops of turquoise adding another element for the eyes. Pick this suit if you've got a thicker middle—the busy-ness of the pattern will downplay your wider waist.

 
There's no written rule that says you have to bare your midriff to give off a come-hither beach vibe. In the exotic Lisa Curran boa print halter suit ($75, was $154), you'll get the same stares you would if you were wearing a barely-there bikini. The deep plunging-V neckline and trendy animal print will definitely garner some longing gazes.


If you're ultra-gutsy, or if  you just don't plan on getting wet, try Vix Swimwear's white rope halter ($75, was $148) on for size. The rope detail at the neck gives the suit a nautical touch (in keeping with the still-popular yacht-worthy trend in resort wear), but the retro-style shape in blinding white says Old Hollywood glamour like nothing else.

More deals and steals:

Jessica Simpson pumps and flats are up to 35% off at Endless.com.

Stock up on classic bras at Maidenform—select styles are up to 50% off.

Get free shipping on orders over $100 at MaxStudio.

Check out our forum for sales and deals posted by SheFinds readers.  

What to Work For: Fendi Denim Spy Bag Has Us Logging Extra Hours

What: Fendi Denim Spy Bag, $1,550

Why: Undercover spies blend in, but if you’re feeling more like a Bond girl or even Sydney Bristow… this is the bag you’ve been tailing. The Fendi Spy Bag has been a hot go-to accessory in leather all winter, but this denim version with woven leather accents is on a mission for summer. It’s lined with canvas, has the signature hidden coin purse, and is just the right size for all those non-spy essentials you carry along. And while the contrast stitching and metal accents are reminiscent of classic denim jeans, this bag isn’t going to get lost in the crowd… which is what made us start fantasizing about it in the first place.

News Updates: Jezebel’s Birthday Sparks A Catfight, Marie Claire Loves Project Runway, And More…

As the popular fashion and gossip blog, Jezebel, approaches its one-year anniversary, the site faces criticism over being misogynistic and politically biased. [NYTimes]

Marie Claire has shown interest in becoming the new partner of Project Runway once the show's contract with Elle Magazine runs out. [WWD]

E! will be documenting tonight's Costume Institute Ball for a first-ever special to air on the network May 8th. The show will feature fashion coverage of the event. [FWD] 

Rumors are circulating that former Dior Hommer designer, Hedi Slimane, might collaborate on a collection for Diesel called Diesel Red. [VogueUK]