Fashion News - September 2011

Rock the rainbow without looking too girly
30 September 2011

Chloe Moretz, star of Kick-Ass, recently arrived at a question and answer panel in a fabulous rainbow cocktail dress that kicked printed patterns up a notch.

Chic enough for a formal occasion and fun enough to fit in with any club dress, Chloe's black and rainbow garment was the perfect fun choice. The dress had an asymmetrical hem, which hung longer in the back and featured ruffles at the bottom. A shallow neckline and short sleeves gave the outfit a casual touch, and a cinched in waist created a flattering hourglass shape.

She accessorized with a pair of strappy black heels, knowing that bright shoes would only detract attention from the colors of the dress. She didn't need jewelry to spice up her look, and neutral makeup with a little extra eye definition kept her face looking fresh. Her blonde locks looked glamorous in a messy updo with tons of volume on top and face-framing tendrils.

You don't have to be a young starlet to rock the rainbow. Just look for cocktail dresses with plenty of fun color and black details to keep it looking sophisticated.

Green pumps are pulled off with a pink dress
30 September 2011

Emma Stone's signature bright shoes and neon colors worked yet again during her appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Her flirty pink garment had a simple shape, but featured a unique pleating detail at the hip. The sleeveless cocktail dress had a shallow neckline and a hem that hit just above the knee. The center of the hem went up in a slight V, with the pleating details on either side. The result was an fresh, edgy version of a standard sheath.

As usual, Emma's accessory choices were flawless. She sported dangling white circular earrings and a cocktail ring and paired them with an eye-catching pair of green satin heels. Not exactly the footwear choice you'd expect for a pink dress, but nonetheless it looked great and complemented the outfit perfectly. She pulled back her hair in a chic updo and defined her eyes with a dark liner and mascara. Peachy blush highlighted her cheekbones, and a glossy pink lip completed the look.

Next time you're looking for fun cocktail dresses, take a cue from Emma and try something that's simple at first glance, but incorporates unique details. Choose a shoe that doesn't necessarily match, but harmonizes with the dress color for a cute accent.

Neutral colors and form-fitting shapes rock the blue carpet
29 September 2011

Kim Kardashian looks gorgeous in pretty much anything, so it goes without saying that her outfit for VH1's Do Something Awards was stunning and flattering.

Kim arrived in a form-fitting, parchment design column dress. The light beige color enhanced her skin's glow. Thick shoulder straps highlighted her toned arms and an eye-catching wrap detail adorned her bust. A belt at the waist added definition and highlighted her signature hourglass silhouette.

She accessorized with a white mosaic clutch and dangling earrings to frame her face. She parted her lush locks in the middle and pulled them back for a sleek finish. Kim never goes anywhere without a fully made-up face, but her look was minimal with dark eyeliner, thick mascara and lip gloss.

Look just as drop-dead beautiful at your next formal occasion by choosing a floor-length piece with flattering details. Evening dresses don't have to be glitzy, so a neutral color (like the one Kim chose) is perfect for showcasing your skin tone. Belts are always chic, so choose one that will stand out and add maximum shape. You'll be sure to look amazing while flaunting your figure.

An off-the-shoulder dress is a fashionable choice for a night out
29 September 2011

Color blocking is one of the hottest trends in the fashion world and Ashley Tisdale put her own spin on the look at the PaleyFest Family 2011 bash in Beverly Hills, California. Tisdale opted for an off-the-shoulder dress that blended soft coral and maroon hues that could be worn in late summer or fall.

Instead of opulent evening dresses, Tisdale chose a casual look that was perked up by a draped silk bodice in a coral shade and complemented by a maroon inner layer offering just a glimpse of varying shades. She gave her outfit an additional boost with a bright, cheery lip color and a wavy hairstyle. What really brought Tisdale's outfit together was her choice of tan suede ankle boots that provided a bit of contrast for her vibrant ensemble.

An off-the-shoulder dress could be a chic choice when you're out shopping for homecoming dresses this fall, but don't forget to color block! A bold pair of heels, a few bangle bracelets or a pair of colorful earrings are simple additions that can liven up your ensembles for any occasion.

Amy Smart shows off a chic way to combine vintage and modern styles
28 September 2011

At the premiere of the movie, The Help, actress Amy Smart was one of many leading ladies in attendance, but she opted for a less conventional red carpet style. Smart channeled her inner Bohemian by wearing a vintage black floral outfit that was brought into this decade by a chic mix of accessories

Smart's formal dress was a gorgeous mix of sheer materials and floral patterns that looked like it was torn straight from the 1960s. Her brown belt highlighted her figure, proving that belts are great choices when you're wearing a flowing dress.

To give her outfit a contemporary twist, Smart chose bright silver heels and paired them with a matching clutch. With gold hoop earrings as a final touch, Smart had an enchanting mix of timeless styles and trendy clothing.

Whether you're looking for homecoming dresses or evening dresses, sometimes taking a look from the past can inspire your next ensemble. Blend vintage styles with modern neutrals for the perfect balance of yesterday's favorites and today's hottest products in the fashion world.

Selena Gomez struts her stuff in a unique minidress
28 September 2011

The Teen Choice Awards always has an impressive guest list of the hottest stars in entertainment that are typically dressed to the nines for the occasion. Selena Gomez was one of the many fashionistas that showed off her effortless style by wearing a chic champagne minidress which featured a whimsical white tail, adding some texture to her look.

What made Gomez's dress a winner was its combination of metallic colors and a soft fabric tail that looked like it belonged on a formal dress. The white fabric ran from the top of her bodice and around the back of her dress to add a airy touch to her ensemble.

As a way to amp up her look even further, Gomez opted for some bright purple accessories to add a pop of color to her outfit. She wore purple dual-strap open-toed heels and matched them with a fuchsia clutch and topped it off with gilded teardrop earrings.

A minidress could be a great option during your search for homecoming dresses this fall, but remember that the lack of material means you will need to compensate with some colorful accessories and chic footwear.

Unexpected lace adds interest
27 September 2011

Evening dresses in elegant fabrics and fun shapes are the perfect choice for any occasion, as Jaime King showed at the CBS, The CW and Showtime event in Beverly Hills.

Jaime's drop waist dress was flirty and sophisticated thanks to the mix of sheer and lace materials. The bodice of the dress featured navy blue lace with a shimmery nude backdrop that blended in with her skin, creating an interesting illusion. The sleeveless dress played up her toned shoulders and streamlined her silhouette. The flowing skirt of layered sheer navy blue fabrics hit at the knee. The top layer was pleated, which gave the look a fun texture and kept it from looking too formal.

Jaime carried a navy metallic clutch and paired the dress with a stunning pair of nude heels with bow details and studs. They looked classy and rocker-chic. She kept her platinum locks unleashed, framing her face with wavy curtains. She used pink lipstick and peachy blush for a fresh glow and played up her eyes with liner and tons of back mascara.

To steal the look, go for an elegant lace dress in an unexpected color and wear it with nude pointy-toed heels.

A perfectly polished renaissance look
27 September 2011

Emma Stone looked elegant and graceful in a unique LBD for her appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman.

LBDs are sexy and flattering on everyone, but you don't have to go with a standard shape and slinky straps to pull it off. Emma chose a fun long-sleeved piece with a bubble shape near the wrists and a hemline that hit mid-thigh. The result was an appealing hourglass silhouette that showed off her long, lean legs. The plunging neckline was balanced out with a crisscross of delicate metallic chains, giving it a renaissance feel.

Emma wore a pair of burgundy heels with buckled details on the back, proving you don't have to wear black shoes with an LBD. She wore a black stone ring and steered clear of a necklace, allowing the chain details to highlight that area.

Her glossy red hair was down and wavy. She parted it deeply to the side to make way for her side bangs. This gorgeous look is easy to achieve at home without even having to blow dry! She kept her makeup simple, but used black eyeliner to define her upper lashes and add some drama. Very chic.

Bright shoes intensify a gray dress
26 September 2011

Formal dresses are anything but boring when worn with bright accessories, as Emma Stone proved at the Good Morning America studio.

Emma looked elegant, put-together and fabulous in a gray sleeveless dress. The matte fabric looked silky and flattering against her creamy white skin. The vertical ruched pattern on the chest added shape and flair. A seam defined Emma's waist and set off the sleek skirt.

To add a shot of flirty fun to the otherwise neutral dress, Emma chose a pair of bright red peep-toed heels. You can do this with any neutral colored dress and vibrant accessory. The colors don't have to match and playing with different textures adds interest.

Emma kept her gorgeous red hair down with a deep side part to counterbalance her side-swept bangs. She chose a rosy lip gloss and blush combination to give her face a sweet glow.

Next time you're attending a formal occasion that calls for a more subdued style, choose a simply shaped piece in a basic color. Add some personality with a statement shoe or purse and you'll be turning heads.

A fringed column dress gives Olivia Wilde bonus points in fashion
26 September 2011

Olivia Wilde never ceases to impress with her red carpet fashion sense. At a Locarno Film Festival press event, her outfit was no exception.

The black column dress featured a knee-high slit in the front and glamorous metallic fringe up top. The shiny strands created a halter-like neckline with a vest-like frame across the center of the bodice. The overall look was tribal yet sophisticated.

There was no need for accessories with such a detailed dress, so Olivia skipped the jewels and went with classic satin peep-toe pumps. She kept her makeup neutral, highlighting just her eyes with thick black liner and using a little bronzer to define her cheekbones. She pulled her hair into a sleek updo with a little volume on top to keep the dress' detailed neckline free of distractions.

Floor-length gowns are the perfect choice for formal occasions requiring evening dresses. Pick one with a slit to show off your legs and choose a detailed neckline or bodice to give it a standout unique vibe. You'll look like a goddess at your next social occasion, red carpet or not.

Amber Heard headlines NBC bash in one of her favorite little black dresses
22 September 2011

Amber Heard, an actress and producer that has been seen on the big and small screens, was one of the many celebs in attendance at Saturday night's NBC bash. Heard wore one of the most delightful little black dresses at the gala that featured sultry styling paired with a timeless patterned skirt that was perfect for the occasion.

What made Heard's dress so alluring was the combination of her dual strap design near her shoulders and a slight opening near the bodice. This allowed her to show a bit of skin without being too over the top.

The skirt itself was embroidered with black paisley that added a bit more texture to her look. Heard finished off her look with some chic black earrings and some blush champagne pumps. Her choice of bright and glittering jewelry with her neutral accents made her ensemble a winner from the get-go.

Whether you're out shopping for homecoming dresses or any formal number, little black dresses are always a chic option that will give you a ravishing neutral backdrop that can work with your favorite colorful accessories

Nicole Richie goes for hippie chic at West Hollywood gala
22 September 2011

Nicole Richie was one of many celebs that hit the town in West Hollywood this weekend for the 10 year anniversary of Ella Moss. The actress opted for a dazzling patterned maxidress that she paired with a chic oversized belt, a black velvet clutch and silver studded black heels for an enchanting mix of hippie threads and trendy accessories.

Richie's dress was a wonderful mix of butterfly and patterned paisley prints that served as a mixture of gray, black and subtle pink tones. She wore an oversized black leather belt to accentuate her waistline and used a soft violet lipstick and matching accessories to create a streamlined look.

What really put her ensemble over the top was Richie's hairstyle choice. Her combination of French and fishtail braids gave her look a sassy and composed hippie vibe. Lastly, black nail polish was an elegant choice that helped her to coordinate colors.

Whether you're looking for homecoming dresses or a cute cocktail dress, you can give yourself plenty of options by combining a Bohemian piece with a range of modern accents.

Miranda Kerr is on fire
21 September 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
21 September 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
20 September 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
20 September 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.

Selita Ebanks takes a chance with a stunning peek-a-boo dress
19 September 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
19 September 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
16 September 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
16 September 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.

Champagne wishes and caviar dreams
14 September 2011

This new girl knows how to make an appearance fit for royalty. Zooey Deschanel made the list to attend the recent BAFTA Gala which hosted England's most famous celebrities - Duke William and Duchess Catherine of Cambridge - and she dressed to impress.

The adorably quirky actress stayed true to her indie-hipster fashion sense by choosing a gown that was shorter than most others who attended. Her gorgeous silk organza design in a floral pattern came to about mid-calf and best represented a dress from the 1950s.

The champagne-colored frock had small cap sleeves and was tight against her body to her waist, where it fell into a full skirt, which worked to give her an extremely small waist and room to breathe around her hips.

Zooey paired the look with metallic gold mary-jane heels, a copper and jewel encrusted envelope clutch and simple earrings. Her hair was down and in curls that cascaded past her shoulders.

The fair-skinned beauty chose to go heavy on the eyeliner to make her sparkling baby blues pop even more, while rosy cheeks and a copper-red lipstick helped continue her 1950s vibe. She stood out from the rest in terms of length, but followed trend on color, as this season is definitely all about metallics and many of the other A-list stars chose similar hues.

Anne Hathaway dazzles with a sheer black dress during Paris Fashion Week
14 September 2011

Paris is abuzz with activity for the city's Fashion Week, as stars from the stage and the fashion world descend on the gorgeous locale to see the next big trends in the clothing industry. Anne Hathaway showed up to the Valentino show in a sheer black dress that certainly turned some heads.

When you're hitting the town during Paris Fashion Week, chances are you're not going to wear any old little black dress. Hathaway's outfit was a daring number that looked more like a corset in disguise. The top of the dress was covered in gorgeous black netting, and she completed her ensemble with black tights and a pair of stunning black heels.

A good rule of thumb when you're wearing a sheer dress is to balance your look with some chic accessories. Throw on a pair of killer pumps and don't hesitate to try on a pair of bold shades. By balancing out your enchanting look with some fabulous accents, you can be confident that your formal cocktail dress will be a hit.

Emma Roberts style continues to impress
14 September 2011

Emma Roberts attended a recent fashion show in a purple velvet mini wrap dress looking much more mature than her age. The youngest Roberts actress looked elegant and gorgeous in this long sleeved mini that was rich in texture and attitude. With a slight peep-hole in the neckline, and a small slit at the bottom, she looked glamorous in her own skin.

Paired with loose waves, soft pink lips, a touch of blush and heavier eye makeup, Emma proved she is becoming a style icon just like her fabulous aunt. A silver industrial-looking clutch and black pointed heels with a hint of silver helped to cap off this fashion forward ensemble.

Recreating this look would require you to find a long sleeved wrap dress. It may be hard to find one in velvet, so go after one in a rich tone as an alternative. Because it's a mini, you can wear it during the summer months - just make sure the event you plan on wearing it to is a bit more formal as the design and style of the look calls for such an occasion.

Channeling Marilyn Monroe like a pro
13 September 2011

Eva Mendes showed off her sexy style while attending a fashion show recently. She took a cue from the late Marilyn Monroe in a twist-front halter dress with blocked patterns of white and camel.

She showed off her fabulous curves in this knee-length design that moved freely as she walked. The v-neck of the halter showed off a touch of cleavage but her naturally sultry look is what really emphasized her sexy attitude. Eva worked off the pin-up girl vibe with pink lips, flushed cheeks and smokey eyes. Her hair was down with tousled curls and her large gold and jewel drop earrings looked luxurious.

Eva accessorized with an arm full of gold and white bangles and a large white cocktail ring to further play up the glamor. She had on metallic gold pumps and held a white leather clutch with a gold clasp.

This design was both playful and sexy and would look great for a date night with your main squeeze. A night dancing would work best as the movable fabric would be great to practice your twirls in. Anyone would feel confident in this style as the tight fit through the waist helps create that fabulous and fit hourglass shape that all women crave.

Necklines: Forget sweetheart, meet angel wings
13 September 2011

There's always a place in the fashion world for a daring take on an old-time classic, and Eva Mendes happily wins the award for the best modern reimagination of a formal dress style that's been a prom and formalwear staple for decades.

Mendes was promoting her new Thierry Mugler Angel perfume campaign in what we would describe as an aptly-named angel wing neckline. Boasting a slight variation on the classic sweetheart cut, the angel wing silhouette featured a heart-shaped bodice flanked on either side by pointy upturned "wings," if you will. She looked positively heavenly in the cream floor-length dress, which she accented with a few strategically-placed brooches.

If you've got a reason to dress the part this summer, put on your best angel face and see what this unconventional neckline can do for you. This is the perfect vessel for showing off your fashion know-how (and your lovely collarbones). If you're going to draw attention to your chest, do as Eva did and keep your accessories minimal (if not absent).

Vampires know how to clean up
12 September 2011

Resident "Twilight" vampire and newly engaged actress, Nikki Reed, showed off her elegant side while walking the red carpet at a music award show in Toronto. Nikki stepped out wearing a two-tone silver bubble-esque dress with a sweetheart neckline.

Nikki looked glamorous and modern in this look as the rich fabric in metallic tones gave her an edge, yet the sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice kept the look feminine and youthful.

Her hair was swept back with two braids into an up-do, which added to the nice-girl factor. Her jewelry was kept simple - black studs and her new engagement ring were all the look called for. Keeping with the black against the silver, Nikki opted for a simple black clutch and black platform pumps to finish off her ensemble.

This outfit looked great on her body as the strapless design showed off her fit shoulders and arms. The fitted upper-body design played up her figure and the flair out from the waist down allowed her room to breath. She looked elegant, happy and comfortable in this dress that is more bride-to-be than teen movie queen.


Can you say color-blocking?
12 September 2011

It's no secret by now that color-blocking is one of this season's hottest trends, but we were no less taken aback (in a good way) to see Eva Longoria taking her fabulous, fun summer frock for a spin in Washington, D.C.

The actress was a fresh breath of air in a short-sleeved Victoria Beckham minidress that features a plum-colored top and a sheath, empire-waisted bottom in fire engine red. Paired with matching plum-colored pumps, Eva was coordinated and contradictory at the same time, a look that was sure to turn plenty of heads in the nation's capitol.

When done with a strong eye for detail and a confident intention as modeled by Eva, color-blocking can be a fabulous success for many ladies this season. Take note of her choice to complete the alternating pattern with shoes that matched the top half of her dress - we're also rather intrigued by the way her dress featured two totally disparate colors that were still somehow in the same color family. This subtle (or not so subtle) variation is key for pulling off this look.

When deep-V goes deep
12 September 2011

We've seen V-necked gowns, and we've seen plunging necklines as well. But have you ever thought about wearing a dress with a really, really deep neckline? We're talking J.Lo status with that green silk kamino that practically exposed her belly button - from the top.

In 2011, you might see this motif incarnated in Malin Akerman, who wore a daring white Grecian-inspired dress to the Tommy Hilfiger Prep World pop-up shop in Los Angeles. The actress payed tribute to the designer in his own wares, which graced her figure in the tea-length, waist-deep silhouette. She paired the look expertly with a braided leather belt and matching strappy Greco-Roman sandals.

This is quite a flattering look for any small-chested lady, as you can afford to show off all that skin without making anyone else nervous over your impending wardrobe malfunction. Got a little more up top? You can pull off a deep-V as well - just keep the slit narrow and preferably held together at the top.

Fashionable feathers
10 September 2011

Feathers can be fabulous - just ask Charlize Theron. The gorgeous star, who is also the face of Dior, showed up to a recent launch party for the company in a show-stopping ensemble that was perfect from head-to-toe.

The strapless white mini was embellished with countless thin feathers moving and flowing as she walked, making the dress feel light and airy. Charlize made it a bit more sultry with the addition of a black blazer and cut-out pattern black heels. Her hair was in a simple up-do with curled side-swept bangs.

If you're feeling fun and want to make a statement like Charlize, make sure to let the dress be the focal point - a gown like this is enough of an accessory. Consider adding a pair of stud earrings or a simple cocktail ring if you feel you need a little extra flair. When you pick a floaty, feather dress, you'll want to make sure that there's a little definition - otherwise, you could end up looking shapeless. Charlize's dress is adorned with a super-skinny belt around the waist, creating a break in her body at the right place without taking away from the look.

Charlize chose to accessorize through her shoes. The fun, floral-esque pattern cut-out heels in black gave an otherwise sweet look an added boost of drama and edge.

Again, we applaud the LBD
09 September 2011

Call it what you will, but the LBD (read: little black dress) is in no way in danger of losing its spot as the king (or queen) of all fashion staples. Versatile, classic and always sexy, the LBD has been flattering women of all shapes and sizes for years and shows no intention of slowing down.

Who better to remind us of this than Jennifer Aniston, who was arguably the sexiest epitome of the '90s style sensibility and continues to flaunt classic, fail-proof looks to this day? The slinky black number that she wore to the Spike TV's Guys Choice Award was a throwback of sorts for many ladies who dreamed of going out to prom in a whistle-inducing mini. The form-fitting spaghetti-strap dress performed the perfect assist in showing off her amazing bod, and her strappy black sandals only reinforced the whole effect.

Fortunately, even those of you who lack a team of personal trainers can look amazing in a sexy black dress. Look for a silhouette that flatters your figure and takes emphasis away from any problem areas you may have (hint: empire waists are ideal for hiding bellies).

Modern flapper sensibility
09 September 2011

The 1920s may have happened - oh - 90 years ago, but that doesn't mean that the fashions unique to that decade got left behind in the dust of the Prohibition Era. If you look closely enough, you'll see influences from the Roaring Twenties making quite a loud statement on the red carpet of today.

Panama hat, anyone?
08 September 2011