If there were ever a time that I was in need of a fashion emergency kit it was yesterday. After attending the enlightening Dark & Lovely/Harlem Fashion Row Blogger Breakfast (more on that later), the strap broke on my wedge sandals! Granted, they were over 10 years old; but they still looked good and were super comfy.

That said, I found myself unexpectedly at Nine West purchasing a pair of leopard print ballet flats to foil my shoe disaster. However, after a few hours, I realized that they were the shoes from hell! My feet were on fire from the pain of the patent leather incessantly rubbing against my big toe.

I have endured pain for pumps or sky-high heels, but that doesn’t fly with flats! I exchanged them lickety-split without a hitch only to buy a pair of pretty impractical snakeskin peep toe ankle-strap stilettos. Of course, by the time I walked around the block my feet were still in pain from being tortured in the ballet flats. Long story short, I ended up buying yet another pair of pointy toe flats by evening’s end.

Whether you’re an on-the-go woman covering New York Fashion Week or busy working mom, here are five style emergency staples to keep on-hand in the event that your ensemble (or you) goes awry:

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When I think of loafers, my mind immediately goes to Michael Jackson. The King of Pop put penny loafers on the map back in the 80s and to me, remains the poster child for this particular style. Since then, loafers have come a long way. They no longer have a place for pennies and are far more fashionable than the ones MJ moonwalked in.

A fun alternative to basic ballet flats, loafers look great with cropped pants, flirty skirts or classic jeans and tees. From tassels to studs, loafers are loaded with fashion-forward embellishments and designs for fall.

Check out these eye-catching loafers:

Steve Madden ‘Studly’ Loafers available here, $99

Sam Edelman Aster Tip Loafers available here, $150

Charlotte Olympia Bisoux Loafers available here, $600

J. Crew Toni Tassel Loafers available here, $238

What do you think of this trend? Yay or nay? 

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R&B newcomer, Elle Varner is burning up the charts with her debut album, “Perfectly Imperfect.” The “Refill,” singer has claimed the #2 spot on the Billboard R&B charts with her new release.

While we’re excited for her musical success, we’re also in love with her quirky, playful look!

Get her look here:

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Although we’re still in the heat of summer, the reality is that fall is right around the corner. By far my fave season, fall provides fashionistas with fresh opportunities to rock cool-weather staples and show off new off-the-runway trends.

From mixed prints to luxe leather, these five eye-catching styles will be must-haves for your fall closet.

Check them out:

LEATHER MINIS

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With the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics starting tonight, Kris Nations’s super cute United States pendant is the perfect accessory for cheering on Team USA! It’s a cleverly stylish way to show off your patriotic pride.

The eco-friendly pendant is made of recycled metal and plated in either 14K gold or sterling silver for an incredibly light-weight and delicate eye-catching shape.

Plus, the jewelry line also offers state pendants that can be worn to showcase your geographical location of choice. These ultra-chic accessories are a cool and simple way to keep home close to your heart!

What state are you from? Will you tune in to the 2012 Summer Olympics? 

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Canvas totes are the “it” bags of summer. Light-weight and comfortable, they’re perfect for packing  summertime essentials for those lazy days lounging poolside (or beachside!).

From flip-flops to sunscreen to beach reads, totes are the go-to for carrying warm-weather  must-haves in style!

Check out a few of my faves:

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