iwantmk.comLuanne Storer,IBC

In keeping with our Oscar trend theme, this week I want to look a little more closely at the asymmetrical, one-shouldered neckline.  This was a wildly popular choice by stars at the Oscars, which I mentioned in ‘The Top Trends from the Oscar Red Carpet’.  (Take a look!)  As promised, I want to go further in depth to see how you can make this trend work for you, as it is a big-time spring must.  The very best reason to don this dynamic look is because it will undoubtedly flatter your figure.  Everyone looks good in an asymmetrical item because of the way that it draws the eye upward, away from any lower-half flaws.  It’s a great way to show off your shoulders, which are one of women’s sexiest assets, and arms which most of us don’t mind showcasing either.  The way the fabric is angled against the body balances out any in-proportion that you may have, and overall looks fresh, fun, and fearless.  You are guaranteed to turn heads.  Turning an Oscar-worthy trend into one that works for every day is simple.  Here’s a look at the inspiration:

             Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent                                Freida Pinto in John Galliano

                Marisa Tomei in Versace                                          Nancy O’Dell in Pamela Rolland

How’s that for motivation to trendlift ??  Now that we see how the stars do it, let’s investigate how we can do it just as fabulously!

Seriously…take a moment to imagine all the possibilities this dress offers…they’re endless.  This is uber-flattering; who doesn’t look amazing in basic black?  And as I stated previously, the neckline is one of the most universally flattering to women of all shapes, all sizes.  GOT to love that!  Like the model herself, this insanely affordable dress is a blank canvas upon which you may create the most gorgeous of scenes.  Let me offer some ideas:

             American Apparel $42.00   

          American Apparel $18.00  These tights come in five show-stopping colors and they’re just the punch you need to contrast with the black and make the dress come alive.

          Pink Ice $12.99  A long necklace looks striking with an asymmetrical neckline.  A quirky pendant gives the outfit charm and fluidity, as you don’t want to be all angles.

          Pink Ice $24.99  Once you’ve incorporated gold, you want to stick with it.  Choose gold details like buckles on shoes and purses for consistency which guides the eye instead of confusing it.

       Merona for Target $17.99 This adorable green tote is earthy enough to make the outfit feel soft and effortless, yet just punchy enough to bring it all together with an air of sophistication.  The short handles of this tote style is key for our neckline because a long strap would interrupt the deliberate lines.  Although I don’t encourage “matchy-matchy”, I do suggest tying all pieces together, especially when it comes to color.  What looks haphazard and unique on the pages of a high fashion magazine, may look disheveled and unappealing in real life.  There are no rules, but making an outfit work, with many different elements, does depend on consistency.

Of course there are many many other just as relevant details as there are birds in the sky, so you can accessorize your little heart out; this is just a jumping-off point.  Now you try-it’s like painting your own Picasso, and you, my dear, are the canvas.  Get to creating!

Because fashion should be fun, not fundamental!

Katie

As promised, I am going to go much more in depth on some of the trends that I noted in my post from 2 weeks ago: “Trends from the Oscar Red Carpet.”  The first trend I want to talk about is my personal favorite, BOWS!!  This is actually one facet of an even larger trend for spring, which is ultra femininity.  Right now is the time to let out your inner girly-girl.  Chances are, if you’re into fashion, then you have a little bit of that in you already.  So, go all out sweet and pretty, frilly and free, demure and lovely.  In addition to bows, we’re talking femme details like ruffles, lace, floral patterns, flowy fabrics, pearls, cameos, pastel colors, and practically anything else you can think of that screams, I mean whispers, “prim, proper, and pretty.” 

Just to jog your memory about the beautiful bow trend we saw exemplified at the Oscars, here are some prime examples of how gorgeous a bow can be on a super luxurious designer evening gown:

Amanda Seyfried in Valentino    Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad     Jessica Biel in Prada’s ‘Half Bow’ Dress

Now seriously, who can deny that this look is amazing?!  It is so fresh and young, but sophisticated at the same time.  Perhaps most importantly, it’s fun, fun, fun! However, you may be saying to yourself: “Sure, it is a gorgeous detail on an evening gown, but I won’t be going to the Oscars anytime soon, nor will I be rocking Valentino.”  Understood…the exciting thing about bows is that you can wear ’em a million different ways!  Here’s what I mean:

     Shabby Apple ‘Duck Beach’ Dress $76.00               Victoria’s Secret ‘Lace Bow Cheeky’ Panty $26.00

       Fashion Bug ‘Pleated’ Dress $42.00                   J. Crew ‘Houndstooth Bow Button’ Cardigan $39.99
                              

    Target ‘La Regale Pleated Bow’ Clutch $29.99            Wal Mart ‘Lacy Satin Bow’ Underwire Bra $12.00

Betsey Johnson ‘Betseyville Bow Fuschia’ Heel $47.88                Wet Seal ‘Bow Front Tube’ Dress $20.50

Wet Seal ‘Arrow & Bow’ Necklace $8.00                            Draven Misfits ‘Polka Dot Fiend’ Flat $45.00
 

 See what I mean?  Bows are a great addition to just about anything you can imagine!  This is an easy trend to copy too, even if you don’t want to purchase something new.  I suggest placing a ribbon around your hair like a headband, with a dainty bow tied to the side.  You can also tie a scarf around your waist in a bow for a flattering, feminine look.  Why not borrow your daughter’s bow barrettes and clip a couple in your hair, or better yet, on your jacket lapel.  Voila!  Instant charm!  See, being trendy isn’t just fun, it’s easy.  Just stick with me, and I will have you thinking “How can I turn this out fit OUT?”  in no time!

Because fashion should be fun, not fundamental!

Katie

The Oscars is arguably the most glamorous event of the year, and thus, the most important place for trend-spotting.  Who really cares who wins, right?  It’s all about what they’re wearing!  I have to say, this year we saw some truly beautiful dresses, and yes, some awesome trends for your consideration.  The top 5 trends I noticed and loved are totally do-able, and can be incorporated into anyone’s daily wardrobe.  You can even find cheap-chic variations of the actual gowns at some retailers online.  (I will have more information on those in a future post, so stay tuned. )  But until then, here are the trendy top 5:

Top Trend #5: One-Shouldered, Asymmetrical Necklines.  This is a flattering look for most anyone.  It’s great for spring because you can show off your gorgeous shoulders and toned arms.  Or if you’re like me, and you don’t love your bottom half, this draws attention upward, and balances out bigger hips and thighs.  Expect to see this trend even in casual wear like cotton tops and sundresses, not just evening gowns.  That means affordability and functionality!!

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent      Frieda Pinto in John Galliano         Queen Latifah in Georges Chakra

Top Trend #4: Red Hot!  Fashionistas typically steer clear of this hue at the awards show because they don’t want to compete with the red carpet, but because red is so “ in” right now, that rule of thumb simply did not apply.  There are many different shades of red, so there’s one that works for any skin tone.  No one should shy away from the color’s statement making appeal.  Even redheads look beautiful in it, as you can see here on Amy Adams, even though it’s been said in the past that they don’t.  So be bold this season and work red into your spring wardrobe.  It’s an attention-getter for sure, and you’ll be glad you did!

  Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera         Heidi Klum in Roland Mouret           Virginia Madsen in Kevan Hall

Top Trend #3: Bows, Bows, Bows.  I love this one!!!  Bows are everywhere this season, and they are fun, flirty, and oh so feminine.  You can work a bow in your hair, on your shoes, and even on your lingerie.  Wherever you choose, it adds that special touch that speaks volumes without saying a word.  If you don’t own anything with bows, and don’t want to spend the cash on a trendy item that might not make it past fall, I bet you have items in your wardrobe already that will work.  Try a pretty, flowy scarf around your waist and tie it in a fluffy bow.  Have some ribbon laying around?  Tie it in your hair like a headband, finished off with a bow to the side.  There are many ways to enjoy this trend right now!

Amanda Seyfried in Valentino          Miley Cyrus in Zuhair Murad         Jessica Biel in Prada’s “half bow” dress

Top Trend #2: Bold Statement Jewelry.  Now is the time to think “gaudy”!  No, really…one piece of super-dramatic jewelry is all it takes to set an outfit off!  Gold or silver, gemstones or diamonds, colorful or monochromatic, all it takes to feel super trendy and glamourous at once, is a larger than life piece of jewelry.  Now, since we can’t all afford those amazing baubles the stars wear, we’re obviously talking costume jewelry here, but they’re dazzling nonetheless.  Whether it be a dangling pair of earrings, a cuff bracelet, or a collar necklace, you must remember, the bigger the better!    

Adams in Fred Leighton necklace     Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz jewels         Henson in Fred Leighton jewels

Top Trend #1:  Pleating & Ruching.   There were plenty of your simple, run of the mill gowns, and they were lovely in their own right, but the real show stoppers were those dresses that looked hand-sewn with breathtaking, painstaking attention to detail.  The real beauty of this look is in the fabric; gathered tulle, silk organza, shiny satin, and sheer chiffon , all wonderfully handcrafted, making each dress something special.  Look for this trend to pop up in dresses and tops everywhere, now that it has had its date with Oscar.

   Marisa Tomei in Versace                 Alicia Keys in Armani Prive            Diane Lane in Dolce & Gabbanna

Now that you know my favorites, I would love to hear from you what yours are.  What did you love, and what did you hate at the Oscars this year?  Your comments would be much appreciated on this, my very first post!  AND please check back in the Fridays that follow, as I will be filling you in on how to get the gorgeous Oscar dresses seen here for a fraction of the cost.  We will also take a closer look at each of these hot trends and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe today-for less! 

Because fashion should be fun, not fundamental!

Katie

Today, yours truly is being featured in the Blissful Style section of the awesome online magazine:

Pop on over and see me “Dash Out the Door” with my “Three-Minute makeup.”

Kisses!!

Today, yours truly is being featured in the Blissful Style section of the awesome online magazine: 

This month we will teach three great looks that look good with green eyes, brown eyes, and blue eyes. This week is beautiful blues!

 Please take the time to pop on over and tell me what you think.

The cosmetics used in all of our looks can be purchased here with free shipping and a free gift with a purchase of $40 or more. Also, try our new, Virtual Makeover!

Play with color.
Upload your photo.
Try on makeup artist looks.
Look gorgeous. Repeat!

Kisses!