Lace and Frills: The Little Black Dress
December 21, 2010
This season we have been seeing a lot more texture, in particular sheer, lace, and mesh fabrics. They give hints of skin while still keeping strong with an elegant factor. The fabric flows and fits beautifully, and is open to many different types of styles.
Let’s explore the classic standard- the little black dress. When it comes to the holidays, we like to take it a little further. We want to remain looking elegant for our parties, but also to stand out. This dress from BIJOU-GIRL found on yessstyle.com is just the trick-
When you’re going from family events to parties with your friends, it can be difficult to find an outfit that meets all your needs. Some dresses you wouldn’t feel appropriate in with family, while others can be great for family but just not the right “it” factor with friends. We don’t all have time to change outfits when making our stops- so something that is classic and elegant but has that cute little twist will last us the night!
A dress like this stands out. Yes, it is all black- but the texture and silhouette really take it to another level. And the fitted lace portion of the dress adds a sexy factor that isn’t offensive- it’s all very pretty.
The ruffles are big but soft and dainty- nothing is over the top. When playing with lace and ruffles you want to make sure there is a fitted element to keep the look pretty and “simple”. Ruffles should accent your natural features- make sure there is a balance. Too much would make you look like a giant confused ball of fluff! Maintain your structure- if a dress has a lot of volume in the middle, then make sure your legs and arms are seen to show length. In this case, the ruffles are at the bottom of the dress, and the top is fitted with thin straps. I like this kind of contrast, heavy fabric on bottom, slim fit minimal fabric on top. This shows your skin in an elegant manner. This is a style of dress that compliments you.
BIJOU-GIRL Lace-Waist Hanky Hem Party Dress
I like to wear the dress on its own, the design is so simple and feminine I think it is strong that way. There are many opportunities for accessories, naturally. I would keep things on the feminine side (nothing too chunky, think thin delicate necklaces and earings). Dress it up with a nice coat or shall to keep yourself warm and you are ready for any event.
This dress also doesn’t scream “holiday” so it can be worn through different parts of the year. It is an absolute classic- with a darling twist!
All About The Tulle Look
February 23, 2010
Tulle anybody? I am all about this look. This is a style purely focusing on the fabric; it moves, has natural layers which shift from smooth to ruffled, and is sheer with texture.
Very feminine in appearance alone, when this fabric is worn on its own in a manner like this tulle dress/skirt from FOXCiTY you can really see it take over. A belt will add a cinched waist to this look and give it a new feel, but honestly I like the fabric left alone to move on its own free will. It is gorgeous.
As usual, when something has an option to be worn as a dress or a skirt I tend to lean to the dress side of things first. I plan on wearing the item as a skirt hear in the near future (I even have a top picked out for it and everything) but for right now a dress it is!
Just look at how those layers from the slip underneath emphasize the tulle on top. It is sheer feminine beauty of a fabric!
On the top you can see some hints of ruffles which gives the tulle some extra layered movement. This design adds volume and texture while remaining very elegant and simple.
And because it is so feminine and dainty, I thought I would mix things up a bit and add some grunge factor with these boots from LA FRESHA.
A pair of dainty heels would make this dress ready for a nice party in an instant. But the rocker style boots give it more of an elegant, casual, and edgy factor that works well for regular things throughout the day. With the cool weather, add a coat and you have an elegant look with some attitude.
If you want to see more shoe styles from LA FRESHA you can click here to view them. I’m a fan of their style as well as comfort. They have some great heels to dress up any look.
I’m really liking the mix right now. With something so simple it truly is a classic. The black dress is all about form and how you chose to wear it. Whether it is fitted or voluminous it is a style of its own in how you decide to wear it.
Something like this could be worn differently and look like a completely different outfit each time. From a loose dress, to a long dainty skirt, to a dress with a fitted waist when accompanied by a belt. Enter in layers and accessories and your playing power increases even more. Not to mention the shoe factor.
Tulle is a lovely fabric with lots of opportunities. Are you all about the tulle look?
Black Quilted Elegance
February 15, 2010
There is nothing like the beauty of a classic black quilted bag. I’ll admit I go weak in the knees for an elegantly styled quilted bag, most anything quilted like leather furniture for that matter, and when it is done right the results are gorgeous. My latest bag is a classic design in a perfect size.
Not overpowering big, not obnoxiously small: it is just perfect and carries all my needed items without changing the design. If you have ever tried loading up a bag and found it sunk or frustrating to carry with the weight unbalanced, then you know what I mean. It is a nice solid shape that is elegant and simple.
The details are subtle marks of gold, from a clean and simple designed clasp to the chain woven in leather that keeps the bag together. Usually when I see the sides open as they are here, it is a concern of mine. But fortunately that is only in design; functionality comes in with an unseen zipper keeping all your contents closed. Love it.
This particular design is from STYLEKELLY of yesstyle.com. Ever since it arrived it quickly became my daily bag as it matches with anything and makes all outfits look fabulous. I will still switch on occasion when I want a colorful bag or something a bit more out of the ordinary to change things up, but when time is an issue I don’t have to worry about it. This one works lovely every time. Now that I know I like this designer’s style I am going to start looking into more bags. You know how it is, you can never have too many… well, fill in the blank, lol.
At the very least you can never go wrong with too many of the classics; they are timeless, glamorous, elegant, and beautiful!
Want the bag?
This specific one is gone from STYLEKELLY, but another identical bag is available through YES STYLE right now. If it is not, visit and search for “quilted” under bags and find some more inspiration! I know I am.
I ♥ Lace: A Fashion Obsession, Part II
December 27, 2009
The beauty of lace is that there are so many ways to wear it: from accessories like hair decorations, gloves, purses and scarves to dresses and tights making an outfit truly stand out.
In my last lace obsessed post I was playing with the idea of lace tights to add more texture and style to your fashion. With the winter trend of thigh high boots, patten tights fit just right in creating a bold and sexy style.
Black is classic and elegant and works lovely with winter’s charm. Later on in the spring nude and white lace may add a soft but playful factor for us to look forward to. But back to the season at hand and how we can have fun with our style.
I have been experimenting with lace quite a lot lately- and not just how it can redesign shoes. Take for instance using lace as a layer and foundation for your existing wardrobe. A long sleeve laced top goes a long way when worn under the right dress or tank top. It is the perfect selection for updating your entire wardrobe, giving old pieces a new feel in an instant. If you want to take lace even further then consider a piece such as this lucky find: A Lace Trim Jumpsuit from TIAN MU.
What I like about this selection is that not only is it one-of-a-kind, it is also all once piece. Well, one piece save for the black tube top underneath. If you have a unique tank top you can play with the lines of the design even more. But this once piece with the casual shorts and lace collar, front, and sleeves creates a simple look that is not to be ignored.
Because it is a single piece it leaves plenty of room for accessories- from vests to belts to playful jewelry pieces. I like the outfit on its own honestly, but I also look forward to reinventing the look over and over again. I’ve been thinking of playing with belts, skinny to “wow” factor big, and different undergarments first. Maybe even a colorful long sleeve top underneath to add a new flair. There’s plenty of ideas available and this very unique outfit will have a different feel each time I wear it because of all these options.
TIAN MU has lots of other great styles which have caught my eye, many of them playing with lace in different ways, too. From baby doll dresses to leggings, there’s lots of great ideas and inspirations to be found.
Click Here to view more from Tian Mu and find some fashion inspirations (or obsessions!) of your own.
A “New” Old Fashioned Hat
October 6, 2009
I love the classics, the old fashioned timeless looks. A little black dress, strand of pearls, and subtle but elegant hat: beautiful. I just love it!
Of my collection of hats, only two are “new”, meaning they were actually bought in store and had been made recently. Most of my hats are vintage- very old, often times handmade, and very unique and delicate. Besides my big floppy beach hat- this one you see here is my latest “new” old fashioned hat find.
And of all places where did I find this? Target! Their fashion is constantly growing and in a beautiful direction at that.
(Oh- I also got a gorgeous Anna Sui dress at Target I must share with you! It’s a cute one.) Target is constantly impressing me with their style options, and their prices are very welcoming. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like you do.
Their collections are so charming and really have a personality to them that you can connect with. The moment I saw this hat I knew I had to have it, no question about it. It is a true classic- the shape, with that subtle bow angled at the side, and with the right texture in fabric.
This is my new toy, and I am just looking for every reason to wear it. Why not? The day I bought it I was on my way to an event (perfect timing) at Santa Barbara Cigars for a night of scotch and cigars- love it! I had a Cain F cigar paired with some Macallan 15 year scotch, mix in some great conversation and it was a night to remember.
And this next photo (just below) is thanks to the incredible Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photography. She took this one with her phone! Yes, she’s that great… only her! Thank you, Tracy!
Double The Lines For Glamorous Eyes
August 5, 2009
A color looks extra bold and brilliant when it is brushed up against a simple black line, double it and you have one strong and glamorous look. Add some sultry lashes and you have a lovely look!
I like to change my make-up look on a regular basis. Otherwise I get bored and it’s hard to get excited about things when you are feeling bored. So I’ll play with anything from classic to exotic. It varies from my mood, the season, and my outfits. If you’ve ever picked an outfit revolving around a shoe, I’m sure you’ve done the same with make up as well, lol.
I love this look, I invent it back into my style here and there. Sometimes I just forget until the idea strikes me again- you know? But I do love how elegant this look feels, and how incredibly simple it is to match with any outfit. It dresses up the casual wear and balances beautifully with the more formal styles. The flair finish of the blue eye shadow at the edges of the eye mean they have an attitude for anything!
A very simple look that takes very little time. Gotta love that. When I have my eyes dressed up in a bold fashion, I like to keep the rest of my face simple. Just a touch of blush or bronze on the cheeks- like a subtle sun kissed look, and then either nude or glossed lips.
It’s all warm and sunny outside today, so I’m going with the lip gloss look. A nice, simple shine. Maybe later in the evening if I want to be more dramatic in this look, I’ll wear a nude shade of lipstick. That will really make the eyes stand out.
I Heart Target’s GO International Collection: Gorgeous New Dress!
July 2, 2009
Target continues to give me more reasons to keep visiting, and the fact that my style can grow without spending a fortune is a lovely treat. Many of their new styles look so rich and elegant you would never imagine the tag attached to them, and it doesn’t matter. As long as you look and feel pretty and fabulous then that is all that matters.
I discovered this dress the other day and wow, what a find. I’ll be posting some pictures up here too so you can see the detail-(my camera died on me! Must wait for it to charge) but in the meantime I was able to put up a video so you can get a feel of this glamorous dress!
The material feels like heaven, so light and silky, and moves beautifully with every step. This is something I look for in my clothes. Design plays a lot into how a dress will fit, look, move, and feel. And this one performs beautifully.
Enjoy the video for now, I’ll see if I can update with photos later 
A Visit Into Wonderland From Tim Burton
June 23, 2009
All this discussion of cartoons, villains, and characters we’ve loved since childhood always draws me right into wonderland. And with news of Tim Burton’s next movie to be “Wonderland” I felt it a must to bring up.
Now, I have mixed feelings about this honestly. I have a difficult time these days to get excited over any movie… The Dark Knight was the last movie that really delighted the child inside me, keeping true to the integrity of the characters and story. But so many movies these days take classics and “revive” them with a campy unnecessary or just completely wrong twist. My opinion only of course, but I save judgement until after the movie is out and I have seen it. Only then will I know.
In the mean time I will indulge in the photos as I keep a cautious eye and ear in mind. Alice In Wonderland is very dear to me and so I do not want my heart broken.
This movie is to take a different story but with the classic’s tale in mind. In Tim Burton’s wonderland, Alice is 17 years of age and attending a party at a Victorian estate. She soon discovers that she is about to be proposed to in front of hundreds of snooty society types, to which she then runs off, following a white rabbit into a hole which returns her to Wonderland. In this film, wonderland is a place she has once visisted 10 years before but does not recall it. I think this allows for more possibilities for Tim Burton to put his own creative take and not disturb the classic. Creating a twist from the story from the beginning leaves some room for freedoms. We shall see how it all comes together in 2010.
Below are some photos courtesy of stylefrizz of Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.
You can read more about this film from USA Today where they also offer more photos and a panoramic exclusive view into the art concept of Alice In Wonderland.
Vintage Floral Hat For An Elegant Look
June 21, 2009
I love my collection of vintage hats, though it isn’t too often I get the chance to wear them. In the summer months though, I will occasionally bring out one of the more delicate hats I have and combine it with a french twist updo for an elegant and sleek look.
The hat here plays more like a hair accessory- it is feminine and delicate but very bold and stylish. I love the little details and colors of this piece, mostly consisting of a floral theme. But if you look carefully, the very back row piece is a beautiful line of bows. So darling!
The theme is almost as if from a fairy tale, but very wearable even in our modern times. I like to keep the rest of my outfit very simple with just a classic black dress, and maybe get playful with the accessories. Colors to accent are ideal and gold works very well with this hat in particular.
I think there is still room in our world for hats, kept classic with a modern twist.
Wearing this hat always makes me feel at my best, powerful, and elegant. I love that feeling! It isn’t an every day piece, but when worn it definitely makes the day a special one to remember.
