Fashion Blog » 2009 » May

Graphic black and white printed dresses take Girlawhirl to the office – and beyond. 

The Beauty Brains shine some light on whether or not sunscreens really help hair.

StyleBakery.com is giving away a gorgeous Kooba Blake bag worth $645, enter to win!

SheZoom shows you how to put together a stylish interview outfit that will set you apart from the crowd.

SheFinds helps you find the right shades for your face shape so people don’t refer to you as Bug Eyes behind your back.

As if Kate Moss would get cut-offs and heels wrong? But a whole lot of others do, so FocusOnStyle.com shares three ways to go wrong wearing shorts with heels and how to make it look right!

With the passing of Memorial Day this weekend, summer has unofficially begun!  Some of you may have had to already sport a swimsuit if you were at the beach or pool party this weekend, but here are some great finds for swimwear!  Bathing suits can be a little pricey depending on what brands or cuts you are choosing so its always as treat to find a cute, stylish one on sale.  A trendy swimsuit last season was definitely the one-piece.  The cuts were a little crazier and risque, but this was a difficult style to wear in my opinion.  I actually own this American Apparel Nylon Tricot Maillot-V Swimsuit ($45).  I bought it last summer and wore it a few times but never really got into it. It was a little hard to pull off.

I concluded that most of the American Apparel one-pieces definitely look best on the American Apparel models.  Not to say that these styles aren’t cute, but I am definitely pleased to see that the trend for one-pieces this summer are vintage inspired.  The Marilyn Monroe-esque, glamorous vintage suit is going to be big this summer, but I’ll save those details for another posting this week or next.  Today’s eye is on the bargain and there were several great deals found on women’s swim/beach/pool wear.
Right now, Neiman Marcus is taking 30% off of some swimwear styles including this Juicy Couture Ruffled Tankini (Top: $102 Now: $71.40/Bottom: $72 Now $21.60).  Made in Martinique Pink with gold butterfly detailing, the two tiered ruffle top is a great twist on traditional tankinis which are a little simpler.  The ruffles on this suit are different, I’ve actually never seen one like this and would definitely rock it seeing as how it’s covering part of the stomach without being so form-fitting. A genius idea…A swimsuit that isn’t form-fitting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Juicy Couture swimwear.
Discounts on tankinis and other women’s swimsuits.

Jumpsuits have literally been on fire for this spring and summer. The biggest and the best of designers have jumped (pun intended) head long to save this dreaded style from its former frumpy, farm girl days.  Celebrities are proving that jumpsuits indeed can look pretty cool if worn right and can go from comfy, slouchy chic to figure enhancing and sleek.  Here are some celebrity inspired looks you can indulge in for this season.

1) Sweet Flirty Playsuits:

Inspiration:Vanessa Hudgens
Featured Jumpsuit: Bellatrix Printed Silk Romper  for $ 98

2) A Little Black Jumpsuit, a nice alternative to the “go to dress”:

Inspiration:Debra Messing
Featured Jumpsuit: Wide Leg Knit Jumpsuit for $24.80

3) The Deceptively PJ inspired yet so much more look:

Inspiration: Eva Longoria
Featured Jumpsuit: Stella Mccartney Reversible jersey jumpsuit for $995

4) A perfect summer elegance:

Inspiration : Kim Kardashian
Featured Jumpsuit: Newport Halter Jumpsuit for $34

5) Some Good ol American Denim Chic:

Inspiration: Alicia Keys
Featured Jumpsuit: Forever 21 Denim Halter Jumpsuit for $36

photos courtesy: www.stylelist.com
www.nydailynews.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jumpsuits.

Forget Polyvore!  Looklet gives you the opportunity to dress real models with the most fabulous clothes.  The concept is in fact quite similar to Polyvore.  You choose a background, a model and the clothes that you wish to use.  The site has recently been launched but it’s already a huge success.

Go to Looklet.com for more info and start dressing your model!

FocusOnStyle sheds some light on the hottest sunglasses to rock summer. Think on trend colorful plastic. Bold, graphic, colorful, and very glam sunglasses frames are a fashion must-have!

Girlawhirl’s super pal tries the latest in hair straightening: the brazilian blowout.

SheFinds found three summery beach totes that don’t scream ‘tourist’ when you walk onto the beach.

Take your look from buttoned-up to Boho Chic. SheZoom shows you how.

StyleBakery.com shares the most flattering swimsuit styles for your figure.

The Beauty Brains ask would you be willing to strip for more beautiful hair?

Fall 2009 runways in New York, Milan, Paris and Japan saw more than their share of architectural lines, zebra stripes, sensuous waves, polka dots and bold shapes this year.  While all of these magnificent designs will look spectacular on tall willowy models, for most average women all shapes are not made equal, in more ways than one!

It is probably best to keep in mind the rules that we’ve already been told like vertical stripes are lengthening, strategically placed color blocking/shading tend to be figure flattering and tastefully done polka dots can add whimsicality when not overdone.  It never hurts of course to check yourself from all angles prior to purchase.  All said and done, geometry can be quite the eye catcher and a sure way to get attention if you like all eyes on you, just make sure it’s the right kind!  Check out some of these fresh geometry inspired fashions to ride this trend for summer:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Banded Tank Top: $108

Retro Polka-Dot Glamour Top: $34.99 on sale

Polka Dot Top: $29.99

Diane von Furstenberg ‘Julian’ Wrap Dress: $350

Caranday Dress: $178

Dauntless Dress: $178

Photos courtesy : NY Fashion Magazine-Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 09 New York

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more BCBGMAXAZRIA tank tops and polka dot clothing.
Discounts on Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses.

May is the season for the Cannes Film Festival.  One of the most high-profile, star-studded events of the season, Cannes is unique in the sense that many more of the cutting edge celebrities, designers, artists and industry people make the voyage out to the French Riviera to attend the film premieres, parties, and of course stepping foot on the red carpet looking more glamorous than ever.  I like Cannes fashion because it just seems so much more classic and timeless.  The celebrities are styled a little more boldly and just look more dazzling than ever, and I am not one to be celeb-obsessed…but for this occasion, I do love indulging in the film festival photos.

Lilac gowns were a bit of a trend, seen here on Penelope Cruz in Marchesa…

….as well as on Ryan Phillipe’s girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, seen here in a stunning Toni Maticevski gown.

Items that reminded me of these gowns?  This lovely Lotusgrace Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress ($480).  I love the color transition on the fabric.

Since I am in the mindset of “Luxury! Glitz! Glamour! French Riviera!” most of the items I am being drawn to are very luxe indeed…

Matthew Campbell Laurenza Enamel Sapphire Ring: $590

And of course, no red carpet would be complete without a pair of Louboutins treading over it.  If I had my choice, I’d go for these Pink Satin Petal Sandals $995 by the one and only Christian Louboutin.

Other standout starlets included the beautiful Diane Kruger in a white Marchesa gown.

….and of course the always luminous Angelina Jolie in a dusty rose colored Versace gown.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more lilac dresses and Christian Louboutin shoes.

I haven’t bought shorts in a while.  Last summer I indulged and picked up a few pairs of high-waisted shorts, and I loved them.  They got their use all season long, but this time around, I haven’t bothered.  Instead, I lazily cut a few pairs of old skinny jeans I didn’t mind butchering and have instead been wearing the heck out of those.  I’m noticing baggier, cut offs are coming around back in style again for summer.  High-waisters will still be big, but it’ll be refreshing to get back to the basics.  Of course cutting old jeans never fails, and you can control the length of them as you wear them, either cutting shorter after a few wears or simply cuffing the bottoms.  This is my favorite look right now…combined with a super soft tee shirt or pretty flowy blouse, this is a no-fail, maximum comfort outfit for the warmer months.  It of course looks great with sandals, but I love wearing shorts with cowboy boots!  Not a big surprise. I searched around to find some great short styles for this summer, and this is what I found:

These Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic are probably my favorites.  They look so comfy!  The all over distressing and whiskering is another nice effect.  Wear these with super girly blouse or tee to balance rugged and delicate.

Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic: $178

Right now, shorts are 25% off at Gap.com…including these cute striped ones.

The Striped Button Tab Shorts are a linen/cotton blend so will probably wrinkle easy but look comfy and are stylish with stripes.  Originally $39.50, these are now on sale for $29.62.

I also like these Hudson Jeans ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts in the Dakota Wash.  The back pockets are the Hudson signature triangle shape, and the cotton denim has elastane in it, so these will wear really well and break in perfectly.

Hudson ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts: $165

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a pair of safari-inspired shorts like these Joie Denise Cargo Shorts ($158).

I would go full safari and wear these with a white button down shirt with rolled up sleeves, aviators and sandals.
And I couldn’t resist a pair of “boyfriend” shorts since this seems to be the look this season.  The wash on these are great and the heavy distressing gives a vintage look.

Hudson Distressed Boyfriend Shorts: $165

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shorts.

Wedding season has officially begun and will continue to thrive on as June, July and August approach.� Whether you are being invited by the bride and groom or just tagging along as someone’s date, dressing for a wedding should be easy!� But many feel it can be a challenge picking something appropriate and battle with the questions “too dressy? too casual? too flashy?”

A misleading faux pa women think is a big no-no is to wear white.  I don’t agree with this but then again cannot remember the last time I wore white to a wedding.  I think this is an old fashioned “rule” that is meant to be broken, I would say as long as you don’t show up in a floor length, white beaded gown you should be good to go–this is probably going to garner some unwanted attention.  White pants, white blouses, skirts, etc. are all fine, but I would opt for some color.  I almost always wear colorful dresses to weddings that I attend.  These are the easiest option, totally appropriate, and an all-around perfect choice.  J. Crew has great options for wedding wear, and the best part is your not spending on something you won’t wear again.  J. Crew is good at creating nice little frocks that seem to remain timeless.

I instantly fell in love with the Printed Silk Chiffon Whitney Short Dress. This peachy color is fabulous and perfect for the summer season.  This dress would be ideal for a wedding, party, or just even out to dinner with a little jacket or sweater on top.  Made of lightweight silk chiffon, the sweetheart neckline has a lovely little knot detail, something great for accentuating a smaller bustline.

Printed Silk Chiffon Whitney Short Dress in Sweet Cantaloupe on sale now for $159.99, originally priced at $225

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s silk chiffon dresses.
Discounts on formal dresses.

Yes, she is a shining star, but long before First Lady Michelle Obama paired J. Crew gloves with Isabelle Toledo, I have lived and loved the high/low.  For me, the famous ‘80’s Vogue cover showing model Michaela in a Lacroix couture top and jeans was the “aha moment.”  It was beautiful, quirky and looked like she picked the outfit herself, even if she didn’t.  So readers, go on and mix your vintage with your discount with your designer.  Now you might ask, what is so great about that other than saving a bit of cash? It’s fun, creative and gives you a look that stays true to you. Let’s break it down.

Save the Green

Well recessionistas, not too many of us are looking to spend like its 1989 these days.  So how do you cut a corner or two without loosing your fashion tiara?  Just put your money where you will get the most bang for the buck.  A brilliant pair of fresh Prada platforms or always chic Tod’s mocs?  Either will raise the level of those basic, dark wash jeans, especially the $40 ones you scored at Marshalls.  Pick your favorite piece and spotlight it, that’s the trick.

Find the Fun

Putting together an outfit is a chance to be creative on a day to day basis.  It’s more than covering up, it’s showing the world who you are in shorthand.  A mix and match takes more time, but is more satisfying than a one note look.  In fact, I don’t think the fashion bibles have spent a single issue highlighting a top to toe look since conspicuous consumption went belly up along with the stock market.  Look for a similarity in weight of material, or color family, or feeling.  Other than that, mix it up!

Down to You

The beauty of mixing the high/low is that it can help you stay away from the “I’m a Dolce ad” look you get when you put the dress, with the shoes, with the bag, with the glasses from the same source.  Not all trends will work for you and mixing designers, retailers and even seasons will help you stay focused on what looks great on you, not on what the D&G boys have out right this second.

Take a look at these pics. I picked skinny jeans from Gap.com, a 60’s vintage halter from Rustyzipper.com, a bag from Jcrew.com and Costume National flats from Saks.com.  The jeans and halter are quite inexpensive and are made even more fabulous by the sharp but not over the top “Editor” bag from J. Crew and finished with the crazy fun flats.  With a mix like this you will look cute, chic and most importantly, like you.  And isn’t that what fashion is for?

Editor Tote: $395.00

Slightly Faded Straight Leg Jeans: $69.50

 1960’s Women’s Halter Shirt: $29.50

Costume National Slingbak Flats: $560

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more slingback flats and women’s halter tops.

Discounts on women’s straight leg jeans and handbags.