Look of the Day

This is the gorgeous Penelope Cruz on the red carpet in a beautiful Chanel gown. I love everything about this look,the draping the color,the cut everything. She always knows how to dress for her body type and always pulls it off effortlessly.And to add to it all,the one shoulder look is reinging this season something serious! Fierce!

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Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat of Thailand at the Chanel fashion show this past fall. The all black keeps this look classy and grown, while the sheer draping and slighty off the shoulder neckline keeps this look totally fresh. The form fitting skirt with the origami type material is flattering and totally works for all body types. This is an ideal look for a cocktail or holiday party or a formal event. FAB!

Look of the Day

This is Ms.Berry looking ever so fab in this all black get up that is on point in every way. How she is wearing these leggings is exactly how you wear them,with a long sweater that comes at or past your hips. The relaxed cowl neck and combat boots relaxes this look and the leather jacket gives this look an overall rocker chic feel. This is a perfect outfit for shopping, a lunch date or just running errands as it appears she may be doing,and looking quite well in the process!

Look of the Day

This is Terry Hatcher(my favorite housewife) in stunning Hugo Boss suit. This look is right on trend for the fall Structured Look that a touched on a while back. This has a masculine feel but still holds her in all the right places so its still very ladylike. Lots are scared to wear white in the winter but here is a perfect example of how to do it with class and style. Love it !!

Look of the Day

Here is Rachel Weisz at a movie premier in L.A in this sizzling Valentino ice colored tiered mini. I am especially fond of this because its a fun length for a party but still very flattering. The tiered look is going to be a HUGE trend this spring, as it was on everybody who is anybody's runway at Fashion Week. She is getting an early leg up on the trend and pulling it off quite nicely may I add. Fierce!

Look of the Day

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This is our first lady Michelle Obama at the Obama's first State Dinner at the White House. The sparkly cardigan with metallic belt,paired with this watercolor knee length skirt shows us all why she has become an instant Fashion Icon. She always seems to get it right and knows exactly how to dress for her body type. The stacks pearl bracelets add jazz and class to this beautiful ensemble making me more proud of my first lady more and more each day!

Look of the Day

I have said before and will say again, Rihanna's fashion sense is simply sick!! agghh!! Sticking with her mentors motto of "all black everything", she manages to keep this muted color alive, feminine and fresh. The sweetheart neckline and draping is sooo fashion forward. I just wanted to drop this to gush about how this girl never does any wrong and we all could take a tip or two from this good girl gone bad. Good Day!

Bargain Shopping for the Holidays

Thanks to our sinking economy,this years holiday shopping will prove to be a feat only the smart will reign in. In this day and age, gone are the days of expensive splurges. Now its all about how to make your dollar got further while still making an impact with your gift. No problem. Simple,cheap gifts that still go a long way is the new Fierce!


In past years the silk neck scarf was all the rage as everywhere we turned someone had one on. Young,old, in plaid or solids. Men and women. Well to shift things slightly,this year its all about the endless sweater scarf. Its one piece of continuous fabric in a sweater knit that can be doubled up several times over or just twice for a loose flowy look. Its great because its fashionable and warm as we enter into more cooler weather. Whats even more great, is that Forever21 has these for 8.80 in a variety of colors! So why not get a few and gift them to your favorite fashionable girls this year. Very Eco-chic!

Another great gift would be a nice belt. If anything has remained a constant this fall is that a belt does nothing but help an outfit if worn correctly. For your full figured, busty family members, stick with a skinny belt in some type of animal print or skin. A sparkly belt for them also works well. This way,the eye is draw in on the detail of the belt and not so much of what its covering. Also a skinny belt on a full figure cinches the waist which gives the illusion that its smaller. Again Forever 21 has these for just a few dollars. I got a gold,black and, purple croc skin belt for 3.50 a piece! Old Navy also has metallic belts starting at 5.00 and going up to 13.00. Tell me I cant find a bargain?

Something else worth looking into is a great pair of leather gloves. Faux leather is just as good too. With this, feel free to look at different colors and lengths. Long elbow length gloves are so cool when paired with a three quarter length jacket or sweater. Red,yellow and purple gloves are also trendy,keep them at the traditional length though. The biker gloves with cut outs for your favorite punk rock niece will fit quite nicely with the leather jacket that we're all rocking this year. Target has gloves for 17.99. Gotta love Targe't.

Now cardigans have long been something associated with old lady's who had no style. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Cardigans have come in and straight dominated the fashion scene. They come in long, waist length, cropped, in various materials and patterns. Its a necessity that I touched on in my first blog on Fall Trends. But more than a trend, it has proven itself to be a much needed staple. A very versatile piece that can be worn over jeans and a tee, a day dress,with or without a belt. This piece has no age limitation. Check out T.J Maxx in the woman's section as well as Ross and Marshalls. Lots of people avoid these store because of the unorganized setup at certain locations. But if you can get past that, you'll find gold in some of the top brands like Kenneth Cole Reaction, Express and Calvin Klein for a little of nothing.

How to Flatter Your Figure and Remain Fab

Whats up people, glad your sticking with me. So this time, we are going to get into how to look slimmer with just a few easy adjustments to your wardrobe. With the average woman in the country being a size 12, I feel this can help a lot of "real" woman, and not the picture of women we see on TV and red carpets. These few adjustments probably never crossed your mind as adding pounds to your figure,that is why I'm here.
As a rule of thumb for curvy women your goal should be to define your waist and elongate your figure,not mask it. Generally you want to look for clothes that fall smoothly over your curves and pieces that are nipped at the waist and shirts that have darts at the waist. A common misconception is that baggy clothes cover up the problems but really,it just adds pounds,so steer away from too loose clothing. Lets get into how to wear...

Jeans
Most of us probably feel there is no swaying you from your favorite pair of jeans and feel that if we cant do anything right,we know about our jeans. I'm not here to steal you happiness, I'm just gonna hit you with some rule of thumbs for curvy women. Please avoid super low rise jeans that you can bend over in. Showing your thing is NEVER gonna be hot. Also go for darker colors, lighter colors with the whisk in the front on your hips and, jeans with heavy embellishments on the pockets only draw attention to parts that you want to flatter. You will find yourself most comfortable in a boot cut jean with minimal detailing. Skinny or straight leg jeans isn't something that I'm totally against for plus size woman but don't think you can wear them like the skinny girls. Pair your skinny jeans with a long or cardigan or v-neck sweater that covers your junk with a ankle boot is the safest way to pull this look.

Sweaters
Since we are November,this is a relevant topic as you pull out your sweaters from last year. Busty women (myself included) should not wear turtlenecks as it draws the eye to your bust because there is no skin to distract. Alternatively,always aim for v-necks,cowl necks or scoop necks that minimize. Also if you wear big hoop or decorative earring it draws the eye up and away. Chunky sweaters can add weight to your figure especially if you wear a wide belt over it. If going chunky, go for the above cuts I just mentioned. If your into belts which is a hot little punch, go for a thin belt which actually slims you especially if its the same color as your sweater.
If you have that extra weight in your arms that drives you crazy,three quarter length tops and dolmen sleeve tops are excellent choices to flatter that problem.

Dresses
The wrap dress that was created and made famous by Diane Von Furstenburg is a MUST full figured women should have. If you don't have one, go get one tomorrow! The jersey knit is the most forgiving of them all and does not wrinkle,really it just doesn't happen with that fabric! The wrapping around the middle makes it comfortable and fashionable with draping being a hot trend right now. The A-Line dress is also great for full figures. The cinching at the waist and flaring out,hides wide hips and thighs. Follow this look through with a natural color pump that adds length to your legs and makes you appear taller. Keep the neckline open as well, as the combination of a little cleave at the top and the leg showing from the knee down draws the eyes toward your skin,not to what your covering. Again a thin belt over it,draws the eye toward your natural waistline and not wide hips or thighs.

Shoes
Who knew shoes contributed to added pounds to your figure? Well it can. Pointed shoes as well as dark colored shoes narrow your foot,so this is a good option if you have "pig feet". Also if you are one of those shapes that big up top with skinny legs,don't wear mid calf shoes,its not proportioned correctly. Try either a ankle boot or go all the way up with a knee boot. When wearing ankle boots with a dress or skirt,wear the same color tights to elongate your legs and solidify your look. You want a consistent look,not choppy and broken up. You'll look taller and slimmer! Also,if you own knee boots that gap,that's a violation. Get a knee boot in a sturdy material that doesn't slouch. Another rule of thumb is if you are wearing animal print shoes,don't wear everything else in that same print. One piece at a time is just right. The illusion of an animal print from head to toe can actually make you look like that animal!

Coats
This is one of the most neglected pieces of your wardrobe. People get so caught up in whats up under the coat that you don't consider that it is the first thing people see when they see you. Its a very important piece that should be invested in wisely according to your figure and not just whats cozy and warm.You can be warm and fabulous at the same time. First off, full figured women shouldn't wear shoulder pads that add bulk that's not really needed. I mean, who really says"my shoulders are cold in this coat"? Also you want a coat that like your clothes,cinches your waist and falls right at your knee,at the longest. Any longer and makes you look frumpy and if your petite,it makes you look a lot smaller than you already are. Look for straight or belted styles that bring the eye inward. Try to get away from double breasted styles and ones with busy pockets on the bust line. As far as color choices,red is flaming and it adds punch to an otherwise muted outfit. Be sure if you wear a "crayola" colored coat that your doing it to add punch, not to be so matchy matchy. Puffy bombers that come right around your waist,floor lenght coats,busy patterns,(unless its small like tweed) should be avoided for full figured woman. It honestly doesn't help flatter.

Purses
This is another that doesn't get much thought for your figure when you make the purchase. The great thing about purses now is that,what is hot right now is exactly what a full figured woman needs. You probably didn't know that round bags don't work for round woman. You don't want anything adding to your round-ness. Look for rectangular and more square shapes. Opt for the structured bag like a satchel with double handles that's to be clutched in your hand or,one that is to fall right in the bend of your elbow. A big hobo bag that you throw over your shoulder if you think about it,adds pounds to your whole silhouette. Now I know that the hobo bag is a God-send for busy women who carry lots of things and don't have time to be all dainty while juggling kids,books and whatever else you got going. But the next time your purse shopping,look in the mirror from all angles at yourself with this over sized bag,and if your petite, forget about it! YOU should be carrying the bag,not the bag carrying you!

Classics All Women Should Have

A classic is defined as of the first or highest quality, class, or rank,serving as a standard, model, or guide. With that being said,this time we are going to explore staples every woman should be able to go to at a moments notice. These things don't have an expiration date on them and will never go out of style. Now if you have to shop low end markets for these pieces,that's okay but the objective of a classic is that it is intended to last for years to come, These are splurge items that you shouldn't feel guilty about investing in. Think of all the use that you will get out of it and dive in. Lets get it!

The Trench Coat
The trench coat was invented by Burberry as an alternate to the heavy coats for the French and British during the the 1850's. Now if that's not classic,I don't know what is! Although, created as a covering during the first World War,this look is anything but combative. This is a attention grabbing piece that says you mean business. Weather your going to work with your trousers or pencil skirt or, on your way to your man's house on a rainy night with nothing underneath. Think Robin Givens in Boomerang! Over the years the look has evolved to include different colors and textures but I'm gonna always bet on the classic tan color that hits right at the knee in a wool fabric or the the normal cotton. My grandmother who was a fashion god, wore them back in the day and pulled it off with ease as you will too. Banana Republic has these for 198.00.


A Crisp White Button-up
This is one of the most versatile looks that we will touch on because this is something that defies all demographics. No matter if you are one who doesn't like to dress up or, your a glamour girl,this can be worked in hundreds of ways literally. If your more of a simplest,a clean white button up with your favorite jeans and boots or pumps,nobody will be able to tell if your rich or just making it. This is something that transcends tax brackets because if you look in these fashion magazines at celebrities,they all wear them,the key is how you work it. Now if you put a little more into you look,pair with long necklaces and big earrings or,skinny jeans and knee boots or,rock it out with your motorcycle jacket or blazer. Going to work with it,wear your tweed skirts and stockings for a mature look. Really,this is one piece who's opportunities are endless,we could go all day! Express has these for 49.50.
The Little Black Dress
Coco Chanel invented the LBD in the 1920's and intended it to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Traditionally a short skirt this a something that is a definite necessity to all women! This is a great choice when in a rush in the morning or a dinner date, drinks with the girls,church, a wedding, I mean this is more flexible than any trend could ever imagine to be. I recommend a cap sleeve dress that can be worn in any season. You could wear it alone in the summer and spring,or with a cardigan or your favorite shawl in the winter months. I cant say it enough how important this piece is. Get it in your life asap if its missing. Arden B and Bebe as well as Ann Taylor all have these in a variety of cuts and shapes ranging from 58.00 all the way up to 180.00. Find yours!


Red Pump
This is a color that the old fashion woman shy away from out of fear of being considered too "loose" but I couldn't disagree more. I happen to love a red shoe. How it transforms a simple outfit or adds punch to one solid color outfit is unprecedented. This is always an appropriate touch when wondering how to take it up a notch. Understand that red doesn't have to be in your ensemble for you to drop this in. The fact that you would add this color to an outfit that doesn't have that color in it all,speaks to your level of confidence and that is the most fierce accessory of all. A closed toe shoe can be worn all year,so try that to get more bang for your buck. Patent leather ones look cheap to me especially pointed toe ones,even if they're not, so go with leather or suede ones in round or square toe. DSW is always my first choice when looking for a go to shoe and online,they have extra discounts like free shipping and such.


A Black Pant Suit
A french designer named André Courrèges created the pant suit in the 1960's but YSL up'd the anty in 1966 by creating a woman's formal pant suit like the mans tuxedo. This is an outfit that is synonymous for job interviews and funerals. Since neither of those things are rarely planned,this is something that should always be in the cut. This is typically a very professional outfit to be worn with a nice button up or structured blouse. To take the fuse out of it,just accessorize it with sparkly jewelry and statement shoes and a busy purse. There isn't much to be said about this trend as its relevance is pretty obvious to anyone who's had to throw together a professional look quickly. Newport News has several different cuts to choose from for all different body types.


Black Knee Boots
If you look through old pictures of yourself or others, out with friends or just candid shots taken during the winter months,one consistency is the black knee boot. Its practically the first thing we turn to when the weather takes a cold turn! Its the unspoken word that fall is here. It's like the one item that we look forward to all year to wear as soon as the temperature falls below 55. Although I haven't worn mine yet, My Guess motorcycle boots are my favorite shoes. Partly because I got them for like 40.00 bucks marked down from 200.00 at the end of the season. But its actually how well made they are,comfortable and classic at the same time. All of this is reason to invest in this staple as we all know the importance and reliability of having these. Flat, stiletto, chunky heel, whatever fits you, go for it! Never old, versatile, and sexy all at once....lets say it together people...FIERCE!!

Fall 2009 Fashion Trends

With this being my first blog post I first want to thank everyone for taking the time to visit my site and get a feel for what I'm doing. Fashion is a passion of mine and my goal is to share that with everyone. Initially, I will post monthly then bi-weekly then as often as I can with the latest fashion trends,styles and advise as I see it. My plan is to address a topic and expand on it in detail on how to make it work for you. It is my hope that you all enjoy this as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

With that being said,my first topic is Fall Trends. Summer is officially behind us (boo) and as the cooler weather shifts in,we all need to prepare to not lose our swag to the blunder of cold weather. As your store away the maxi dresses and sandals,here are some alternatives:

The Cardigan

This is a multifunctional piece that should be in every ones wardrobe. This lightweight cover-up goes great with jeans and a tee or layered over your favorite sleeveless cocktail dress. Especially important as we enter in to fall, this can be thrown on easily over almost anything and just as easily shed if it gets too warm. Word to the wise,pair a longer cardigan with slim fitting jeans and tops and chose cropped cardigans for more flowing skirts and baggy jeans.Loose on top of loose only adds pounds to your shape. Don't be afraid to put a skinny belt over your cardigan for added punch!


The City Look

New York City exactly. To channel this look,think edgy,biker,no limitation attitude. The go to color for this trend is typically going to be black but sparkly sliver also adds to this look as well. Think studded leather jackets,studded sky high stilettos and skin tight jeans or jeggings which are leggings that appear to be jeans but actually are just pull on leggings. Channel your "inner rock chic" by adding heavy ornate silver necklaces in layers and bracelets. Don't be afraid to go wild with this trend as it is intended to be a fearless look. One who consistently pulls this off is Rihanna,who hardly ever does any wrong in my book!


Structure

Clean business suit pieces shape this trend. Although we are far beyond the 80's, shoulder pads are a part of this look. Professional office attire such as pencil skirts,crisp,clean blouses round out one of this years hottest looks. The boyfriend blazer as well as the classic trench coat add to this. Square purses on a chain add a different approach from your typical hobo bag as well. However, you don't want to look as if your all business and no play so jazz up this look by adding textured leggings and round toe stilettos to this look. I would go with a suede pump, just to add texture.

Draping

How to stay fierce during the most dreaded week of the month? Draping! This look allows for a billowing,flowing effect of preferably a chiffon or jersey knit fabric in one concentrated area,while accentuating your curves in other places. Draping is not just for masking unwanted bulge,but can instantly add drama to your ensemble when worn as a one shoulder top or dress. which is also all the rave this year. This look is especially sexy because it shows a little skin but keeps pretty much everything covered up so your not overexposed. My recommended colors for this look are amethyst,teal,or orange. Deep,rich hues add dept to this look. Minimal jewelry is needed with this look, a cocktail ring and bracelet and your done!

The Shift Dress

The LBD (Little Black Dress) has some competition this season with red and white day dresses. Now a day dress is just another word for the dresses that we see Mrs.Obama in all the time. I did say white too. It is automatically assumed that you cant wear white after Labor Day but that is so not true. That ruling was trumped a long time ago so don't hesitate...try it! This is a sophisticated look that can easily be jazzed up with a draping necklace and its also very easy to slide in to on those rushed mornings with the kids. Drinks after work? No problem, just shed your leggings, add a sparkly clutch and earrings and margaritas,here we come!








The Leather Jacket

Now this is my favorite fashion trend this year by far. The leather jacket was around last year and has maintained its momentum again for this fall. Leather jacket is often associated with the biker look but the genius in this,is that this piece is multifaceted. Now no biker look is complete without it but, this can also be added to very feminine pieces. When going for the tough girl look,pair with skinny jeans and white v-neck tee and long silver jewelry. When added to a feminine dress,just throw over that delicate piece with chunky leggings and some funky booties and you have just turned that angelic look into rock angel!

The Over the Knee Boot

For years this look has been reserved for the"working woman",think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. That has all changed now,since this sizzling hot look hit the runways in lots of Fall 09 runway shows. This is a trend that walks a fine line between being so fashion forward,to being mistaken for a street walker. When wearing this look, don't pair with anything skin tight,spandex or really loud. I like this look with skinny jeans a long cardigan or long vest and a form fitting top. Also this looks fab with a floral dress that hits just above the knee. You can totally wear this with leggings, but be careful to pair with a chunky sweater to tone down the over all look. More mature women should probably just watch this one from the sidelines,dont want to look like your trying too hard.

Colored/Textured Leggings

This is something fun that all ages can take part in. This look can be toned up or down.When going for wild attention grabbing fun, try loud colors and animal prints. Be sure when doing this that your leggings are the busiest part of the outfit and that you don't over do it with a loud outfit. When wanting to add a bit of texture to your ensemble,pair this with your over the knee business suit skirts and pencil skirts. For those who are leary of this trend, first try it with a simple knit tight that adds a slight punch to you fit. Younger people can wear this with short skirts and dress while,older woman can pair with longer pieces just to add flare.