Fashion News - July 2011

Miranda Kerr is on fire
28 July 2011

New mom Miranda Kerr certainly has what it takes to make an entrance, as she arrived for a David Jones store opening in a show-stopping red lacy design.

The three-quarter length sleeved mini dress with a handkerchief hemline looked ravishing against her pale complexion.

The top part of this design was form-fitting and had a sheer underlay to make the almost paisley patterned lace really pop.

The bottom consisted of layers upon layers of the fabulous red lace that looked elegant and showed off her mile-long legs.

Paired with incredible leather camel tone strappy pumps by the designer of the evening and a few modest jewelry accessories, Miranda looked polished from head-to-toe.

Any girl would be lucky to be able to rock such a hot look and the best part about it is that you're able to feel completely comfortable in a design like this one because it has modest sleeves, a high neckline and a loose-fitting bottom that moves away from your hips. If you want to make the look even more smokin', try adding a unique belt that will further jazz the ensemble up.

Jaime King flaunts a glittering formal gown at charity benefit
28 July 2011

Jaime King, an actress that has starred in Sin City and The Spirit, recently attended a charity benefit for Stand Up To Cancer and used the opportunity to flaunt one of the most gorgeous evening dresses of the year. Instyle.com named King's dress as the Look of the Day for July 27th for her wonderful mix of glittering fabric and chic accessory choices.

King's dress was an alluring mix of lightweight fabrics, sparkling embellishments and classy styling that are all the factors you look for in a formal dress. The dress had a slight tail and featured a slightly cinched waist that highlighted the mixture of olive and silver.

What put King's look on the right track was her choice of glittering silver accessories. She opted for a pair of silver teardrop earrings and paired them with a stack of bracelets on one arm. If you're looking for homecoming dresses this fall, go with a classy number instead of minidresses and cocktail dresses. It's only so often that you can dress to impress, so go with something that will up your style factor in a hurry.

Bring out your inner animal
26 July 2011

Heidi Klum knows how to wake up a crowd, showing up for her appearance on Good Morning America in a sassy leopard print dress.

The model and mother of four proved she's still got it in this fun three-quarter length sleeved design that was form-fitting and came to just above her knee.

Heidi looked super fun in this hot look with an animal print that exuded sexy.

A pair of black strappy sandals and a thick studded belt around her waist brought a rocker vibe to her sultry design.

The addition of a tough belt to this feminine dress proved it's perfectly fine to mix materials and fabrics freely, adding a deeper dimension to the outfit.

Heidi kept her hair down in sassy summer waves and accentuated her gorgeous face with smoky eyes, sun-kissed cheeks and a nude glossy lip.

Animal print dresses are perfect for social occasions and even weddings, as the design is definitely made to be worn somewhere fun where dancing is a plus! If you think you may get too hot in a dress with sleeves during the summer heat, find an alternative that's sleeveless and bring a shawl to wear to the ceremony.

Taylor Swift goes for vintage chic at social gathering
25 July 2011

Taylor Swift has been the darling of fashion blogs and magazines all over the country, and she always has a wonderful way of reinventing her look. During a recent concert at the Newark Prudential Center, Swift channeled her inner '50s goddess by choosing a red checkered dress that she paired with some two-tone yellow shoes.

Swift sported a ravishing combination of vintage styles and contemporary accents with her ensemble, and her dress was a charming mix of textured elements and form-fitting accents. The bodice was supported by thin straps and was mixed with a delightful ruffled maxi skirt that completed the look of her formal dress.

What really made Swift's outfit stand out was her choice of bold pops of color in the form of footwear and cosmetics. She wore a bold red lipstick to match her dress and a simple silver necklace. Swift's two-tone yellow shoes were an enchanting choice that provided a subtle blend of color which served as the finishing touch on a fancy-free outfit.

Vintage dresses are wonderful ways to show off your fashionable flair, so always be sure to temper your look by combining timeless modern elements for a mixture of bold and classic accents.

Nikki Reed sports a floral minidress for Comic Con press conference
25 July 2011

Twilight star and all-around fashion icon Nikki Reed was one of the many celebrities on-hand for this past weekend's Comic Con in San Diego, California. The starlet opted for a floral minidress that looked absolutely spectacular when paired with her black pumps and her wavy hair style.

Instyle.com was so intrigued by Reed's look that she was named the Look of the Day for July 24. Simplicity was the hallmark of her look, as her floral dress was an enchanting mix of red flowers on a black backdrop that could combine with just about anything. Her dress also sat casually on her shoulders and featured some charming ruffled embellishments that added some texture to her look.

As a way to pull together her entire ensemble, Reed opted for some chic black platform pumps that matched beautifully with her chic formal dress. With the extra bit of height from her shoes, Reed created a stunning outfit that was perfect for the casual occasion.

Floral minidresses are wonderful options, so balance your color and texture by incorporating some chic accessories and neutral high-heels to let your dress be the star of your ensemble. 

Selita Ebanks takes a chance with a stunning peek-a-boo dress
22 July 2011

Selita Ebanks has been a model for Victoria's Secret and many other publications, so she's used to taking a few chances with her outerwear. Recently, Instyle.com named the dress that she wore to the Children of the City gala as its Look of the Day for July 21. Her scintillating formal dress combined a see-through top and a hand-painted skirt for a ravishing mix of textures, base hues and accessories.

Ebanks' look was an inspiring combination of prints and fabrics that instantly added some compelling texture to her ensemble. Her top was made from sheer materials and featured an intricate design that looked more like a spider's web. The skirt was a delightful combination of gray and black animal prints with black outlining.

To accent her look, Ebanks opted for a pair of black, form-fitting espadrilles, a chic black clutch and a glittering cocktail ring. This wonderful blend of complementary colors and sheer materials was a ravishing mix that brought her outfit together. Ebanks' choice of summer dresses may be a departure for some people, but going for neutral hues in the fall that are matched with glittering accessories is always a can't-miss prospect.

Analeigh Tipton opts for casual elegance at NYC movie premiere
21 July 2011

Analeigh Tipton, a figure skater, actress and model, was one of the many celebs to grace the red carpet at the New York City premiere of Crazy, Stupid, Love. Tipton chose a wonderfully casual yet elegant formal dress that combined a mixture of sheer and lightweight materials that looked fabulous with her chic accessories.

Tipton's dress looked like it belonged on a princess, as it featured a number of silky and textured materials that flowed effortlessly as she walked along the red carpet. Her dress featured a cinched waist that conformed to her figure, but it was her accessory choices that brought her ensemble to another level.

Using her neutral backdrop as a starting point, Tipton wore a white floral hair accessory and paired it with a matching bracelet. She then chose to wear some bright red heels and brought a shimmering gray clutch. To pull her whole look together, she went with a soft shade of pink lipstick and a bright red nail polish to match her ravishing pumps.

When you're wearing a neutral formal dress or even a cheap cocktail dress, cosmetics, accessories and other style choices are the perfect way to dress like an A-lister.

Irina Shayk sports a jaw-dropping look at Friends With Benefits premiere
20 July 2011

Some of the hottest celebrities in the entertainment industry turned out for the New York City premiere of the new film Friends With Benefits, but there was one starlet that garnered most of the attention. Irina Shayk, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl for 2011, gave new meaning to the term little black dress.

When you're a model like Shayk, you can afford to take a few chances with your outfit, and her scantily-clad number was something few women would dare to try. Her dress was embellished with chic lace patterns that sparkled as she walked along the red carpet, and it was cut a long ways from the top of her knee!

To pull her outfit together, Shayk opted for some glittering silver teardrop earrings that added an enchanting sparkle to her look. She wore some all-black espadrilles and topped it off with a few silver bangle bracelets.

Little black dresses or any kind of chic formal wear need some accessories to make them shine, and oftentimes sparkling accessories can do more than add a simple pop of color. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect pairing with your summer short dress or cute cocktail dresses.  

Clubbin' on the red carpet
15 July 2011

Swimsuit model and actress Brooklyn Decker looked smokin' hot at the ESPY Awards in a strapless red leather dress.

Whoever said club dresses and formal dresses can't be one and the same? Brooklyn's short, red leather strapless number looked ready for some serious dancing or red carpet strolling. The leather was gathered at the waist, creating diagonal folds that drew attention to her tiny waist and curvy hips.

Brooklyn's legs looked a mile long in the mini dress and she drew attention to her shoulders and collarbone by not wearing a necklace to cover up her chest.

She paired the simple dress with some gold accessories, including different shades of gold chain bracelets on each wrist. Her shoes were fabulous pointy-toed heels with gold beads and sparkles.

Brooklyn's hair was understated yet glamorous. She chose a half-up style with major volume on top and a slight part in front. It looked easy enough to do at home but had the right amount of sophistication for the red carpet.

Her makeup was simple and fresh. She highlighted the apples of her cheeks with pink blush and used lip gloss for a pretty pout. Well done, Brooklyn.

 
Go for the unexpected while you’re expecting
15 July 2011

Shopping for formal dresses when you’re expecting can be daunting! Should you try and hide your bulge, or flaunt it? Should you play it cool, or try and wow the crowd with your baby bump?

Take a lesson from Natalie Portman, who appeared on the red carpet at the 2011 Oscars wearing a stunning loose-fitting maternity gown that made no attempt to hide her extra bundle, but was still light enough to help keep her comfortable as she hobnobbed with fellow stars and starlets. Natalie made a bold statement with her bright violet formal dress, with an off-the-shoulder detailed neckline and a flowing train trailing behind her. She finished the look with a pair of dangling earrings and a gem-studded clutch purse.

Natalie made MTV’s Best Dressed List for the occasion. There’s no reason you can’t gain the admiration of fellow guests as well in your own formal maternity attire. Go for looks that will keep you comfortable, while emphasizing your natural features. Highlight your shoulders like Natalie did with an off-the-shoulder neckline, or flaunt your legs instead with a shorter gown.

 
Selecting dress undergarments for your summer wardrobe
15 July 2011

Summer’s the time for strapless dresses and short skirts, and while it’s fun to show off some skin, it can be near impossible to find the right dress undergarments.

Halters and backless dresses can make finding a bra difficult. The best bra style for a backless dress is a self adhesive, strapless and backless bra. Most specialty lingerie lines carry some form of this bra.

Many women may not feel comfortable wearing something with a plunging neckline, especially if going without a bra isn’t an option. First thing’s first, you have to stay away from a full coverage bra. If you feel comfortable in a low cut demi-bra, this should work for most dresses.

However, if that style doesn’t work for you, or if the neckline of your dress is too low, some manufacturers have special designs fit for the plunging neckline, with all the necessary support.

If you feel uncomfortable in clingy summer dresses, consider adding spanx to your wardrobe. Among the many shapes and sizes available, look for the appropriate spanx style to pull in and smooth out any problem areas.

 
Jennifer Garner wows onlookers at BAFTA Awards gala
13 July 2011

Jennifer Garner's red carpet ensembles always seem to find their way onto best-dressed lists all over the country, so it was no surprise that the fashion world was captivated by her latest look. Recently the actress attended the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards in Los Angeles in an enchanting single-strap navy formal dress.

Garner's dress was made all the more impressive by her accessory choices. While a navy blue short dress or cute cocktail dress may not be the most eye-popping choice, it provides a wonderful backdrop for jewelry and other accents to shine through.

The starlet opted for some oversized silver earrings that provided a wonderful sparkle and framed her facial features beautifully. She then coordinated colors with a blue cocktail ring and kept things simple by sporting some nude peep-toe heels.

A dark hue like navy blue or black dress has an uncanny ability to allow fashionistas to wear both gold or silver accessories without looking like they're out of place. Whether you're attending a formal occasion or simply hitting the town, jazzing up your look with some chic jewelry choices will make your short dress or little black dresses all the more alluring.

Heidi Klum dazzles in a little black dress
13 July 2011

Heidi Klum has always been a trendsetter, and at a recent taping of an episode of Project Runway, she showed yet again why she has become a magnet for today's hottest styles. Klum sported a scintillating black short dress that she paired with simple earrings and some effortlessly chic ankle-strap heels.

What made Klum's dress so spectacular is that it was a combination of sheer fabric and solid black material. While at first glace it looked like a form-fitting formal dress, the strap over her left shoulder was made from a see-through material. In one foul swoop, she had the chic styling of a single-strap dress with the ease and comfort of a slim-fitting number.

Black on black is always a chic way of putting together your outfit, and Klum pulled that off in spades with her eye-catching peep-toe ankle-strap heels. While this combo certainly worked to her advantage, every black outfit needs a bit of color to make it stand out.

Cosmetics are a great way to add some color to a black ensemble, and Klum opted for a fun shade of pink nail polish. You can do the same with a warm lipstick color or a cute cocktail ring. 

 
Kate Winslet shows off her ravishing little black dress
12 July 2011

Kate Winslet has become a sort of old-Hollywood type in the fashion world. It seems that with every outfit she chooses, she opts for a classical style that garners attention not by the amount of skin that's showing, but by how elegant everything is put together. Recently, she was at a Lancome event in Beijing, China, where she sported a mesmerizing black formal dress.

What made Winslet's dress wholly unique was the ingenious use of straps that accentuated her impressive accessory choices. One larger fold of fabric stretched across her chest and a smaller single strap went over her shoulder. At the intersection of these two points, she placed a diamond encrusted brooch that was her main source of sparkle for her outfit.

Black cocktail dresses and other formal wear are excellent choices for a casual night out or a well-dressed occasion, but your outfit needs a dash of color. Winslet opted for a bold shade of red lipstick, but you can add some color with a cute clutch or a cocktail ring with ease. Whatever you choose, make sure you have accessories and cosmetics that match the spirit of the occasion.

 
Floral chic
12 July 2011

Indie "it" girl Zooey Deschanel chose a sweet frock while out promoting the new Winnie the Pooh animated film, as she was in charge of laying down the songs for the soundtrack.

The floral A-line design further played up her genuinely girly side as the large pink and green flower pattern kept her looking sweet and ladylike.

She looked effortless and comfortable in her own skin, as the dress helped make her look small through the waist and flared at the hips into a fuller skirt to further play off her femininity. Not to mention this design has pockets, which is always an added bonus!

Zooey paired her PG look with nude peep-toe pumps and a petite gold shoulder bag that looked vintage.

Her jet black hair was down and wavy and Zooey chose to accentuate her fair complexion with a clear gloss and bold mascara.

This fresh-faced look proved you can be sweet and sassy, while still being classy.

Recreating this look requires you to find an A-line style dress with a bold pattern. The pattern is what makes it super cute, so if you're having trouble finding one, go for a design in a neutral tone and add a little intrigue with a thick belt or a brightly colored scarf around your neck for a similar effect.

 
Model of perfection
12 July 2011

The always gorgeous and strikingly beautiful Karolina Kurkova rocked a different type of runway - the red carpet - while attending the Ischia Global Film and Music Festival looking uber-chic.

Karolina chose a floor-length hot pink satin gown that had a cowl neck and off-the-shoulder straps. The design had a deep purple sash that was intertwined within the pink fabric and popped out slightly around one side of the neckline.

The purple sash then worked as a belt around her waist with the excess fabric hanging freely down the length of her super long body.

Karolina's choice created a shapely hourglass look, as the dress was tight to her knees and then flared out as a bit of a mermaid design to the floor.

She chose bold accessories by way of a thick metal cuff and a dark patent leather clutch.

Karolina played off her natural beauty by keeping her hair pulled back in a simple low bun style. She chose to accent her famous face with red lips and black eyeliner that made her eyes stand out against the bright pink design.

 
Sarah Jessica Parker shoes off the versatility of a boyfriend blazer
12 July 2011

There were plenty of big names at the recent New York City premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but one fashionista that always seems to wow on the red carpet is Sarah Jessica Parker. Instead of letting her magnificent formal dress speak for itself, she added a bold edge to her look with a boyfriend blazer.

Instyle.com named Parker's ensemble the look of the day for July 12, and the magazine has every reason to be enamored with her outfit. Her gown was an enchanting mix of blue, white and copper shades that looked more like a Rothko painting than an actual dress. She topped off her look with some turquoise earrings and a crocodile bucket bag.

Blazers have become wildly popular items to pair along with a cute cocktail dress or as a bold accent to a vibrant short dress. You can add some style and flair to your look by accompanying the clothing with a bright statement necklace or even a vibrant cocktail ring. Either way, blazers couldn't be more trendy right now and they can be the extra bit of glamour you're looking for at your next social occasion.

 
Anna Kournikova dazzles on red carpet at BAFTA Awards
11 July 2011

Anna Kournikova may not be playing a lot of tennis these days, but she is still making waves in the fashion world. The starlet came dressed for the occasion at this weekend's BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards in a gorgeous turquoise dress that she accented with varying styles of jewelry.

Kournikova's formal dress was a scintillating mix of fabrics and sashes that made it look like it was tied together rather than slipped on! Her dress was a single-strap design that had large folds of fabric coming down the back and wrapped at her waist.

As a fitting accent for her dress, she wore a pair of nude gladiator sandals that matched with her tied-together theme. She also accented her look with a few silver bracelets and some simple diamond stud earrings to ensure that she sparkled from head to toe.

Kournikova's look is a perfect example of how texture can work to your benefit. If you have a ruffled or sequined formal dress you'd like to sport, wear some footwear and accessories that can match with your chosen style.

 
White hot design
11 July 2011

New mom and natural beauty Elizabeth Banks attended the recent BAFTA Gala that hosted the "it" couple of the century - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - William and Catherine, as they continued their North American tour.

Elizabeth proved she knows how to rock a look by wearing a fabulous white one-shoulder dress that had both hardware accessories and a super high slit.

The dress was form-fitting and the shoulder had great details - oversized gold buttons that were meant to look like they were holding the shoulder strap together. The buttons appeared again further down the design - directly above the mid-thigh side-slit.

Elizabeth paired her sultry gown with bronze cheeks, smokey eyes and pale lips that further pushed her sex appeal in this revealing dress.

She chose to accessorize with more gold - in the form of a clutch, a thick bangle and a pair of drop earrings. Light gold metallic heels were in order for this affair and the strappy design of the shoes helped lengthen her legs without over-powering the detailed gown.

This dress would make any woman feel fantastic, especially in the summer as the white against your tone skin will make you feel absolutely gorgeous.

 
Hello Swan Lake
08 July 2011

Harry Potter actress Clemence Poesy flexed her fashion muscles recently while walking the red carpet for the premiere of the final movie in the series in London.

Clemence chose to wear a a white silk chiffon feather-esque mini dress that boasted a high-neck ruffled collar and vertical waves all the way through the design. The mini was cinched together at her waist by an all black belt.

The young actress looked very high fashion in this gown, more like a runway model than a young movie star.

Clemence kept her sophistication high with her makeup as she rocked a dark smokey eye and kept her face pouty, showing off her sultry stare. Her hair was in a middle part that was smooth and pulled back into a bun. Between her facial expressions and her dark eyes, she looked like she showed up for the wrong premiere, as this look would have been perfect for Black Swan!

The dress itself was beautiful and soft with the black accents hinting at a bit a mystery. Clemence's black platform pumps further pushed this vibe by looking feminine with bows near her toes, but edgy with the dark tone.

 
Jennifer Aniston joins the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a cute minidress
08 July 2011

Jennifer Aniston always seems to be on the leading edge of the fashion world, but when she came to Los Angeles to place her print on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she opted for a casual style. Instyle.com gave her the crown of Look of the Day as she showed that even big events can be all the more special with a cute and casual cocktail dress.

Aniston's dress was a designer number that featured various patches of purple and blue flowers and sat just above her knees. Since she was going to be placing her feet into some wet cement, she opted for a pair of nude peep-toe heels that allowed her dress to be the main source of color.

The outfit that Aniston wore to Grauman's Chinese Theatre is the perfect example of how a formal cocktail dress can still be fun and fashionable in any situation. By combining the style with some silver and gold jewelry for contrast, fashionistas can craft the ideal pairing of sparkle and warm seasonal hues. Dresses like these will wow your friends at formal events and be an easy way to amp up your look for other social occasions.

 
Katy Perry color blocks like a pro at her perfume launch
06 July 2011

Katy Perry has been all over the country promoting her new fragrance "Purr," and she recently made an appearance at Sears in Toronto to say hello to her adoring fans. Perry also managed to show how easy it can be to take a simple lavender dress and spruce it up with a few accessories and a complementing shade of lipstick.

Perry wore a light purple dress that was cut just above her knee and used delightful texture to redefine its classic shape. What was remarkable about her look is that she wore a matching cardigan to make it look like a completely different outfit

The dress featured shiny silk that was interwoven with various bits of textured material that gave her a wonderful mix of sparkling and soft intrigue. To top it all off, she used a darker shade of purple lipstick and a simple purple necklace to color block varying shades of the same hue.

With a lighter-colored dress, the best option is to color block with similar colors as a playful way to jazz up your outfit. A few well-placed accessories will take a casual dress and turn it into a formal style for any occasion.

 
Fabulous floral
06 July 2011

Anne Hathaway flexed her style power during Paris Fashion Week when she arrived for a show in a sweet and sexy white floral design.

The sheer fabric made the dress look quite revealing, with the top layer of white embroidered flowers seeming like the only fabric between the actress and nudity, but a skin-toned slip was underneath, keeping Anne fashionable and modest.

The v-neck and three-quarter length sleeves almost made the frock seem like an upscale shirt dress, which made it cool and comfortable. Anne took the necessary steps to avoid looking shapeless by adding a super thin camel colored belt that cinched her in at the waist.

Paired with dark red lips, oversized sunglasses and her rich brown hair down and straight, Anne proved she knows how to make an entrance.

This style would be great to replicate as the overall pattern give the look dimension and a bit of fun, while still looking sweet. The white is a great choice for summer as your tan will really come through, and the illusion of a see-through dress is sure to be a hit with your gentlemen friends. The pattern also gives you the freedom to go accessory-less, but if you want a bit of bling, go for a cocktail ring or one signature bracelet. A pair of shades and fun summer hat will complete this easy, yet stylish ensemble.

 
Sci-fi fashion
05 July 2011

The Hamptons brings out all of the stars in the summer, including Rosario Dawson, who rocked a long-sleeved mini dress while attending an AXE party.

The gorgeous actress looked a bit futuristic in this ensemble, which consisted of a high neck with puffy sleeves that were fitted on her body. The patten looked like stars on a black sky, as the small white shapes looked out of this world on her svelte figure.

Rosario chose unique black and silver pumps to keep the vibe consistent. Her hair was down and straight and her makeup was light - as her skin was glowing from the sun. She accessorized with an armful of silver bangles, a cocktail ring and oversized stud earrings.

This dress is a fabulous party mini that will show off your bronzed legs, while still giving you the freedom to move around and dance. The flowy sleeves offer a bit of drama and the black on white is flattering for everyone. If you find a similar style that isn't quite so body hugging, add a thin metallic belt to cinch you at the waist, giving you the proper shape.

 
Paris glows in all white
05 July 2011

Paris Hilton took her high fashion to the beach while trying to impress her potential new beau, Hangover director Todd Phillips.

Wearing a white v-neck design with ruffles around the collar, Ms. Hilton looked ready to attend a premiere, not take a walk in the sand - but with her, it's best to always expect the unexpected.

Paris did look lovely in the dress, which was rather conservative for this notorious party girl. She had light makeup on and her hair was pulled back in a half-up style, further showing off her beautiful face. She accessorized with white - sunglasses, platform pumps and her clutch were all in her hand during the sandy romp and helped lend a summery vibe to this more fancy style. She also wore a pair of white costume earrings that worked nicely against her sun-tanned skin.

Recreating this look would be a great option for summer, as the white shows off all the long hours spent at the beach. The dress is a bit long, but works for Paris because of her long legs. If you find one in a similar style, you may want to shorten in by a few inches for a more flattering look. Feel free to accessorize with color, as the white leaves you a blank canvas for fun.

 
Katy's lovely in lavender
05 July 2011

Katy Perry took a step back from her usual fashion of latex outfits to wear a sweet lavender dress with a matching sweater. Perhaps the recent dye job jolted Ms. Perry to a new dimension, as this look is totally new for her.

The lacy lavender ensemble boasted horizontal stripes on both the sweater and the above-the-knee frock. Not to be completely rid of her wild side, Katy did include a pair of bedazzled black and white cat ears while promoting her perfume line in Canada. She stayed modest with her shoes, a simple pair of black peep-toe heels - even her makeup was surprisingly demure. Just a touch of blush, eyeliner and a soft pink lip was all this California girl needed.

Katy looked a bit, dare we say, motherly? Maybe she's prepping for the next chapter in her life by dressing like Mrs. Brady. This design is actually adorable and a nice change, but the matchy-matchy sweater was a bit of an overkill. She should have either ditched the cardigan altogether, or replaced it with a chic blazer or jacket if she wanted an added layer.

 
Kate's fab fashion travels overseas
05 July 2011

The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton arrived in North America in style as she touched down in a stunning design.

The newly crowned princess proved she knows how to primp as she looked elegant but comfortable in her navy blue lace overlay three-quarter length sleeved dress while arriving in Canada.

Kate's style is perfect and polished and this dress worked her no-fuss attitude. The navy lace overlay in a scallop design created some dimension and kept her looking youthful.

She paired the dress with nude platform pumps and a matching clutch. Her signature engagement ring and simple stud earnings gave this princess an air of modesty. Her hair was in a half-up style, which played down the look and kept her a bit more casual.

This design is a beautiful and simple way to look great and still be comfortable at the same time. The dress would be appropriate for many occasions as the length - right above the knee - and the modest neckline gives you numerous options. Keep your accessories simple like Kate, as the pattern on the dress is bold enough and doesn't need a lot of back up.

 
Shimmer wins this summer
01 July 2011

Jennifer Aniston continues to strut that new romance glow, as she dazzled in a shimmering black mini at the Los Angeles premier of her new comedy "Horrible Bosses."

The sexy 40-something actress continues to prove age is just a number as she flaunts her fabulous figure in this showy design. The thin strapped scoop neck showed off cleavage and further emphasized her sex appeal. The dress was broken into a skirt-shirt look as the top boasted a sheer material with a shimmering black vertical stripe pattern. The look continued down to a built-in belt leading into the skirt, which was tight and full of sparkle.

Jen looked radiant in this ensemble, which she paired with a black and silver clutch and a simple gold bracelet. Her cool California girl attitude showed in her minimalist makeup and easy-breezy hair, which was down and straight.

Recreating this look means finding a mini with a ton of sparkle. The great thing about Jen's is that her look shimmers but doesn't look costumey, so look for a dress with a similar attitude. If you're having trouble, find a black mini in a sheer fabric and add a great bedazzled belt and bold bangles as a way to achieve a similar design.

 
Katie Cassidy keeps it classy
01 July 2011

Actress Katie Cassidy showed off her sophisticated side while attending a taping of Good Day New York, where the actress was promoting her new film.

Wearing a high-neck, form-fitting dress in a silver and gray design that was textured on the front and a solid color on the side, Katie kept it serious and professional.

She did play up her youthful side by pairing the look with maroon toned pumps and a few gold bracelets. Her hair was down and wavy, but her makeup was a bit heavy for a girl her age - she's just 24. The light peach lips and dark smokey eyes made her look more like her mom than a young lady. She should have gone for a more fresh-faced approach with sun kissed cheeks and a nude lip to keep the ensemble hip.

This style may be best for a more formal occasion as the high neck and demure color pallet can be a bit serious. The form-fitting style is great, so if you can find a similar design in a more lively color, it may be a better choice for you.

 
Selena ruffles some feathers
01 July 2011

While out promoting her new movie Monte Carlo, Selena Gomez kept it colorful in a bright purple ruffled design.

Selena looked sassy and age-appropriate in her purple mini-dress, which had a slight v-neck and ruffles that started at the top and moved all the way down, giving the ensemble movement. Her outfit was effortless as the silhouette was great on her body and showed off her summer tan - as it should. After all, she has been spending plenty of time beaching it with boyfriend and teen heartthrob Justin Bieber.

Selena chose nude patent leather heels and gold earnings to complete her look. Her jet black hair was down with curls past her shoulders. Her makeup looked great with bronze cheeks, nude lip gloss and a touch of eyeliner to make her brown eyes pop.

This design is a great example of a perfect cocktail dress. She looked sexy without showing off too much skin. Find a dress in a similar style with a bold color and lots of ruffles, which really keeps the look playful. With a bright color, fewer accessories are needed, so go for one fun cocktail ring or a pair of bold drop earrings to stay in style.

 
Disco ball diva
01 July 2011

Christina Aguilera played up her sassy style after the season finale of her show The Voice in a form-fitting silver and white sparkle encrusted mini-dress.

Christina looked fabulous and exciting in this design that showed off her curves and looked appropriate for a music venue. The pattern of the dress felt zebra-like, as the zig-zags and the contrasting white and silver that made up the design resembled that of the wild jungle animal.

The superstar kept the glitter going all the way down to her shoes, which were platform pumps decked out in silver glitter. She further rocked the shimmer look by accessorizing with numerous bedazzled bangles and even silver eyeshadow. She kept to her signature style with her bright red lips and long curly platinum blond hair. This petite songstress knows how to stay noticed and she proved it in this disco ball design.

This dress would be great for a night out dancing, as the material will undoubtedly make you want to get up and move. If you're not quite as daring as Christina, pair your sparkler with a toned-down pair of heels and lighter makeup.