Desert Style

We first saw the style of kaftans and turbans when the girls of Sex and the City went to Abu Dhabi, and again in The Housewives of New York when they went on their getaway to Morocco. Here it is again in Furne One of Amato in Haute Couture. Whether it's the excess of garment billowing in the wind against the sands or the bright colors amongst the burn orange landscape, these garments are nothing less than extraordinary. Inspiration from around the world is one of the keys to leading fashion.

Selling a Dream

Saks Fifth Avenue's most recent campaign with Eniko Mihalik takes the best of the best from different designers featured at their luxury specialty store. The pictures in the set do exactly as you would expect the clothes would do for you, they make your imagination run free.

Opening Day

As Opening Day was yesterday at the fairgrounds, I thought it was appropriate to post of large floppy hats. These items are incredibly elegant and not given the wear time they deserve. So I recommend everyone dust off their oversized hats, (you must have one somewhere in back of your closet) and throw a garden party that we can all come to.

DIY

Usually I'm more apt to just buy things than make them, but at certain times it is nice to be able to make something that you are very unlikely to find in the near future. It would be helpful if I could learn how to make all those couture dresses I envision in my dreams and see on the red carpet but that are far too expensive to consider purchasing. For now I'll stick to easier things.

A bullet-shell necklace adorned with gems may be a good place to start:

Sheer Skirts

A look that is spreading like wildfire among trendsetters are sheer skirts and dresses. I, personally, adore the look. It shows off the length of your legs while adding some vintage class and flair to your outfit. If you're bold enough you can wear these with hot pants underneath or to be a bit more modest you can pair it with a slip or a shorter skirt.

Black Wedge Booties

Does it ever happen to you that maybe you notice a piece subconsciously, or make it up in your head but  then you begin an almost endless path to find this item whether or not it exists yet. Well that describes my journey to find the perfect black wedge bootie. Finally after weeks of countless websites and black booties of every kind imaginable I found them. I thought I'd share my discovery with you.

KarmaLoop ironically was the solution to my problems. I always just figured they sold different types of sneakers, shows that you have to get to know something before you can accurately judge it. 

These booties go with so many different outfits, they are elegant and playful, moreover they are incredibly comfortable. I recommend them to anyone; even if you may imagine yours with an extra zipper or buckle.

LookBook Loves Jeffrey Campbells

It is impossible to scroll down five pictures on LookBook's "Hot" page and not run into at least one pair of the most popular shoe designer among my demographic at this time. The eleven-year-old LA based company's shoes are not hard to recognize. Most of their shoes include some form of wood, most popularly their clogs.

Like I said LookBook loves Jeffrey Campbells; and so do I.

Here is the pair I'm coveting at the moment:

Blocks and Stripes

We have already posted and expressed our love for the new color block trend and when I found this image I just had to share it. The stripes look amazing with the solid bright hues. Her whole look is fantastic and I will definitely be trying it very soon. Now if I could only get my hands on that bag...

A Red Carpet Lesson from Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger is a queen on the Red Carpet. She a perfect example of a woman who knows exactly what looks fabulous on her body. Moreover, she is fearless with her dress choices. Her looks are a variety of different shapes, colors and styles. These a mere few that are my favorite throughout the years, but she has many more Red Carpet styles that would make any girl drool. I mean, how amazing is the YSL cobalt dress below? Absolutely stunning Ms. Kruger.

Bralettes

I love the look of bralettes. Pairing them with high-waisted skirts or with an unbuttoned cardigan or chambray top is a very unique look that many people aren't apt to try. Leaving just a small strip of skin showing is sexy without baring too much.

The one above I found at Urban Outfitters. They have more coverage than a regular bra so make sure to look for that when choosing one.

Cat-Eye

I bought a pair of fake cat-eye glasses earlier this year for a masquerade party that I went to and realized that they were actually pretty cute despite their notorious reputation for being out dated. And after watching Selena Gomez's recent music video for Love You Like a Love Song I'm sold.

I love that this pair is not only leopard print but that the minimal polarization allows you actually see her eyes through them. 

I know I will be on the look out for the perfect pair.

Casual Color Block

More on color blocking courtesy of Zara's People!

Top: Blazer, Dress
Bottom: Top, Skirt

Color Block

Color blocking is not a brand new trend but even as someone who is always on the lookout for fashion inspiration I don't see many people wearing the style. While pulling clothing for our most recent fashion show I got to experiment with the idea while putting together a scene dedicated to the look.

A few guidelines that I like to work with:

1. What works best for this style is bold solid pieces. Pastels are too whimsical and if there is a print you usually don't get the same effect. 

2. The look is best with three pieces as opposed to just two, showing a real comparison in color. Which of the two pictures above intrigues you more?

3. Try to use colors on opposite sides of the color wheel to add more interest. 

Here is another fantastic example courtesy LookBook

Dictionary for You

All of the shoes we wear, may one day wear and even some we admire from a far in awe [Alexander Wang's Lobster Claw] in one place labeled for your easy reference. We thank The Shoes Appreciation Society.

Capes, Not Only For Super Heroes

This Zara cape is pure perfection. It is especially easy to appreciate the plaid cut; we all know what an art it is to make garments out of this finicky fabric. The simple clasp keeps the look minimal yet classy, just as one would hope.

Chambray Denim

Everywhere I look in magazines and stores, Denim boyfriend shirts are popping up. When first exposed to this new trend I was cautious, until I discovered the Chambray shirt. I absolutely love it. Its completely versatile! Because its such a light denim wearing it with denim (as seen above) works. Also in fall, belt it over leggings, add riding or motorcycle boots, maybe a scarf if the weather allows and you have look that is stylish and comfortable. Also, a nice break from wearing your over sized sweater with your leggings. The shirt pictured alone can be found at Cotton On for under $20. That's hard to beat. Too bad I made a deal not to buy anything unnecessary until September...The Chambray shirt may have just become necessary.

A Little More Lace...

Olivia Palermo is making me very jealous in her nude lace dress. The dress is so girly and sweet, she knows exactly how to style it. With soft curls in her hair and the bold deep maroon shoes on her feet, every girl on top of the neutral/lace trend this fall is envious. Futhermore, you have to give her kudos for selecting this particular dress. Lace, ruffles and flowers; it must have looked intimidating on a hanger.However, I would expect nothing less from Ms. Palermo. She looks absolutely amazing.

Feminine and Laced

Looking sweet and girlish is so easy in lace, which has always been a classic but has recently made a leap in the industry to more people's closets. This perfect unity between vintage and modern makes any outfit a little more edgy while maintaining an facile innocent look.

Tap Pants

Espadrilles and tap pants are the most summery thing out there right now. Not only are midriffs back for a quick season but we also have the shorts that stem off of lingerie. They, however, maintain their modesty by the looseness of the fabric. These may be the most attractive 'grannypanties' out there. Happy Hunting

Kristin Cavallari in a Cut Out

The cut out dress by Donna Mizani that Kristin Cavallari wore her night out to Voyeur really stuck out to me. Not only are cut out dresses one of the the newest trends but this particular look could almost be two separate pieces. The asymmetrical look is maintained both the sleeves and the cut which is much more unique than if it were to be completely parallel.

Louis Vuitton Resort 2010

Some of the looks from the newest collection. It reflects ideas from last season's line.

More Drop Dead Red Carpet Looks

Self Explanatory:

Carefree Summer Carefree Curls

Over summer it gets too hot to do your hair everyday, so I say put away those curling and straightening irons every few days and embrace the hair your momma gave you. The look will show your fun flirty side and give you the beachy feel; opposite of the style you so desire to hide during the colder months.

Experiment, Go Bigger

We recently had our formal for our sorority, the theme was "Old Hollywood" and on one of our usual scavenger hunts we found these over-sized flowers we decided to play with. It was so much fun to watch everyone's looks of interest and awe, and we truly did fit the part.

We later realized it mimics a similar photo posted earlier of Miranda Kerr

Crop Tops

Crop Tops were originally used by football players who wanted to cover up but reveal their abdomens to help with cooling and aerodynamics. This trend originated for both women and men within sporting companies before slowly fading away. In the nineties the crop top trend came back but more so for women. In prior years I wouldn't have worn a top that showed my abs because usually these shirts will shorten your torso and aren't particularly flattering unless you have a very flat stomach. However, the crop top has recently come back and I think this looser fit is something I would definitely be willing to experiment with. Since the tops these girls are wearing aren't snug there is more room for comfort. Another option is to wear a shirt (or bodysuit) underneath giving the same effect but omitting the showing skin.

Amanda Seyfried

I have been mia a bit because of the wrapping up of school, however, being (almost) graduated and unemployed, I plan to come back to what I love best. Fashion. My main inspiration to write at this particular time was Amanda Seyfried's shoot for Teen Vogue. I couldn't take my eyes off the pictures, there is such a true natural beauty to her that makes it hard to peel your eyes away.

Spring Dresses: From the Beach to the Street

When spring comes around, it can be a challenge to stay fashionable while staying cool. In winter you can layer and use tights/leggings to add personality to your look. However, these dresses use flowy fabrics to add chic to their style. Not to mention the amazing necklines (or lack there of). So my advice for spring and summer is grab up some textured dresses, add a necklace, either some sandals or heels and you're out the door looking fabulous!

Oh and a plus to all the dresses above is they can be either casual or dressy. We LOVE versatile dresses!