Friday, January 28, 2011

Accessorizing you LBD

We’ve talked about it, now let's see it in action. Here are some examples of how to change up your LBD for any and every occasion!


LBD ideas

The LBD

Fashion Fridays

Edition #2: Little Black Dress (LBD)

It’s the go to, most essential, wear everywhere, do anything item- the little black dress. Dress it up or down, wear it alone or with accessories it always looks fresh, classic and fashionable.

Finding the right one for you? Fit is everything, so focus on that first. Find something flattering and in the right size! If you’re not big on classic looks, find a LBD that has a distinctive twist that compliments your unique style.

How to change up the LBD? Add a statement necklace, scarf, belt, blazer, sweater, brooch,  tights, or shoes for a completely new look!
LBD

Dresses | Marissa Collections
$595 - marissacollections.com
Dresses »

Rag & Bone Sibella Dress
$395 - barneys.com
Cut out dresses »

Tibi City Crepe Dress
190 GBP - julesb.co.uk
Cap sleeve dress »

Dresses - PATTIE - Forever Unique
190 GBP - foreverunique.co.uk
Asos dresses »

Belted Snake Dress
$100 - jessicasimpsoncollection.com
Snake print dress »

Ready to Rendezvous Dress
$115 - modcloth.com
Sparkly dresses »

Monday, January 17, 2011

Golden Globes 2011

Award show season has begun, first stop the Golden Globes.  But what does that have to do with you? Fashion at award shows give us input into upcoming trends and illustrates good taste and bad fashion.

I hear so often from friends and family that they don’t have the money to invest in a great wardrobe. I think celebrities illustrate this point best –money doesn’t equal great style. Celebrities, especially at award shows have everything at their finger tips –unlimited budget, free designer clothes, stylists, hair, make-up but they still make big fashion mistakes. Why? They often get caught up in trends, choose clothing that is uncomfortable, or show too much skin.  Much like we do in our everyday lives.

Here my top Fashion Dos and Don’ts from the 68th Golden Globes

Dos
Catherine Zeta Jones
Such a do! Great colour for her (Emerald Green was a key trend on the carpet this year) and the dress perfectly accentuates her figure.
Golden Globes - Catherine Zeta-Jones - Monique Lhuillier


Eva Longoria
Keeping it simple with black, Eva chose this gown that fits like a glove and has simple details that make it unique (check out the back)
Golden Globes - Eva Longoria - Zac Posen


Olivia Wilde
This over the top gown is simplified with her causal hair style. Love the contrast and the glitter!
Golden Globes - Olivia Wilde - Marchesa


Anne Hathaway
The shoulder pads were a trend this season, but Anne keeps the look classic with perfect curls and an open back. Notice that she balances the exposed back by having long sleeves –not too much skin, just enough.
Anne Hathaway


Diana Agron
Went for ‘old Hollywood glamour’ but still looks young, fun and beautiful. By choosing a classic style, and a colour that perfectly makes her skin tone she taps into that timeless style.
Golden Globes 2011 - Dianna Agron - J. Mendel

Don’ts
January Jones
Too much skin, horrible stripper red, and a dress that just looks uncomfortable. Avoid this look by only exposing some skin (not all), and choosing reds that are berry instead of cherry (think Valentino red).
January Jones


Michelle Williams
Doing a throwback look can be timeless and classy (see Diana Agron) but Michelle chose a dress that makes her look young (daisies are a big No), dowdy (horrible shape) and washed out (wrong colour for her).
Michelle Williams


Sandra Bullock
The dress is too loose fitting, has no shape and the colour does nothing for her. The hair is too heavy as well –makes her look sloppy and sad.
Golden Globes 2011 - Sandra Bullock - Jenny Packham


Christina Aguilera
Yes she was in the movie burlesque, but does she have to dress like a burlesque dancer at the globes? Trashy and too much like a Madame at the old saloon.
Golden Globes 2011 - Christina Aguilera - Zuhair Murad


Jennifer Lopez
This look is all wrong – the dress underneath her cape could be a winner, but the sheer overlay makes her look like a 70’s house wife. The lesson, sometimes simple is best. 
Jennifer Lopez  


What to take away?
1.   Colour can make or break a look. Know what colours look great on you!
How? Scan through old photos –in the photos you love of yourself what colour are you wearing?  Or is there a dress or blouse that when you wear it you receive a ton of compliments?

2.    Fit!! As you can see the fit of an outfit can make it a winner or a loser fast. Make sure you choose items that fit you or if it doesn’t go to the tailor!

3.    Simplicity. Whether you are sporting a trend or a classic piece remember to keep it simple. Too many trends can leave you looking like an ornament or teen.  Taking a look too much from the past means you can end up looking old and out dated. How to find the balance? Wear one trend at a time –for instance wearing a bold colour in a classic style dress or where a vitage piece but update it with accessories.

4.   Skin. Showing a little? Classy and Mysterious. Showing it all? Trashy and cheap. The rule of thumb? Show one body part at a time –that means either legs, or back, or arms or cleavage –not all of the above! 

5.   Comfort and confidence. One of the most important pieces of fashion advice.  It doesn’t matter what you are wearing –if you are comfortable and confident you’ll always look good!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Staying In…

Fashion Friday

It’s a blizzard! This weekend I’ll be staying in and to keep myself amused? I’ll be scoping the most fashionable websites and blogs on the web –you can too!

The Sartorialist
Find fashion inspiration with street style from around the world. You’ll fall in love with Scott Schuman’s stunning photography and immediately dream of moving to Milan.

























Lucky Magazine
Great magazine and even better website. Tips, advice, photos, shopping and more. My favorite place to get ideas, tips and inspiration!

Streetstyle


Street Peeper
Captures fashion that is wearable and being worn. Some may say the site is a copy of the Sartorialist, let’s call it an ode.




Women’s Wear Daily
Known as the bible of fashion. Come here to see and know it all. (Please note that without a subscription they don’t let you read much.)

Jil Sander Pre-Fall 2011


Vogue.com
Another must read in any fashionista’s artillery.  For those looking for more education on high end and couture fashion this is a must. Check out the 'Collections' section where you can find any Fashion Show you desire. I'll be looking at Collections from Spring 2011, if we can’t have spring now at least we can plan what we’ll wear when it finally comes!

Collections — LOEWE


Brigaderio

A cute blog written by a woman who has lived almost everywhere. She gives great practical advice and covers high-end fashion.



Happy Reading!

Friday, January 7, 2011

A New Year, A New You

Fashion Fridays

You’ve spent the last few weeks of 2010 cleaning out the old, dated and unworn items of your closest and now it’s time to start anew. 2011, the year when you stop buying those trendy, cheap and disposable items and start building a wardrobe that will stand the test of time.

Let’s assume that you never intended on having a wardrobe filled with impractical pieces, but it happens all too easy- with sales, trends, deals and badly made clothing.

Each month this year I will be discuss one of the wardrobe essentials –the 10 items that every women needs to have a perfect wardrobe. The 11 edition will focus on essential accessories and the 12 piece will be a surprise!  

Edition #1: The Blazer
One of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. Great for the office, a night on the town and for a casual day look with jeans.  How to pick the perfect one?
Look for
·         A shoulder seam that hits right where your shoulder begins to curve
·         Fitted sleeves
·         Unique details that fit your personal  style
·         One or two buttons (most flattering)
·         Hip-length
·         Good construction and lining

Now there are exceptions to some of these rules, but fit is essential! A don’t forget about your tailor –to shorten long sleeves or  nip in the waist.

Blazer Ideas




J.Crew Todd wool and silk-blend jacket
$120 - net-a-porter.com
J Crew »

Smythe Blazer Equestrian Blue
598 EUR - jades24.com
Blue blazer »

Theory jackets IVORY
365 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Ivory jacket »