iwantmk.comLuanne Storer,IBC

I promise I am not obsessing over the Oscars either, but this is the fashion event of the year and as always, Mary Kay cosmetics made a beautiful appearence.  Celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff created this red carpet worthy, stunning look for Alicia.

Alicia is wearing:

Mary Kay® Concealer – covers minor imperfections for a flawless-looking face even on her close-ups. Buy now!

Mary Kay® Lip Liner in Raspberry – gives her perfectly defined lips a clean, precise line. Buy now!

 Mary Kay® Lip Gloss in new limited-edition Polynesian Petals – gives her lips maximum shine in a very on-trend shade. Buy now!

Mary Kay® Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush – gives her cheeks a fade-resistant glow to take her from red carpet to after parties. Buy now!

Try this look virtually!!!

You may be wondering, “Why is this girl so obsessed with the Oscars?”  I have been relentless in my pursuit of perfecting the Oscar fashion trends, and this is why:  What other event is the culmination of ridiculously talented designers fused with the most influential trend setters (celebrities) on the planet?  The Oscars comes at the time of year when spring collections are kicking off, and the styles that are seen on the red carpet always have a way of popping up.  If you take your cues from this venue, you are way ahead of the fashion curve!  That is why I am devoting some quality time to our friendship with Mr. Oscar, knowing that you and I will undoubtedly reap the benefits in spades of style.  That said, let me proceed as planned, with the next trend from my original post, “Top Trends from the Oscar Red Carpet,” Texture.  I narrowed it down in my original post simply to “pleating and ruching”, but I have expanded this piece to include all textures.  This is a tantalizingly tactile trend to those of us who have super senses.  When an item looks scrumptious to the eye, it makes you want to reach out and touch it, making it far more goose bump-worthy than than an ordinary dress or top.  As a refresher, here are some examples we saw at the Oscars:

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

 Vanessa Hudgens in Marchesa     Taraji P. Henson in Roberto Cavalli           Mary Hart in Mon Atelier

And truly, there were even MORE!  Now that you are dying to rub your face about Vanessa Hudgens’ bosom, (but not in a weird way…), you can see that the idea of texture is all in the details.  Marisa Tomei’s Versace is pleated to perfection, looking  like an intricate and precise origami project, while Mary Hart’s is crinkled and wrinkled haphazardly for an uncontrolled and unexpected air of easy glamour.  No two textured pieces are identical, so they all look original and unique.  Let me introduce you to some pieces that you will love as dearly as the dresses above, but your pocketbook will appreciate them all the more.

Banana Republic Silk Georgette Dress $150.00  This gorgeous dress is not only beautifully ruched at the bust and waist, it is made of the most beautiful, finely crinkled silk Georgette.  If you take a look at the site, you can zoom in on the fabric and see for yourself.  Not to mention, the bright, sunny yellow is a color must for spring.

Piperlime Wanted ‘Drape’ Pump $50.00  The quintessential neutral pump to get you through spring.  This is a ‘go-to’ staple that will look great with many items already in your wardrobe.  The neutral shoe is huge this season, and the ruched detail here is what makes it so interesting yet understated.

 Pink Ice Puff Floral Purse $49.99  This puffy purse is obviously a funkier choice, but an excellent way to perk up any casual weekend outfit.  The bright blue and scrunched up texture are unexpectedly chic, and fiercely fun!

Victoria’s Secret Pleated Silk Blouse $48.00  Ladylike and demure, the pleating on this blouse is ultra feminine, and in a word, ‘pretty’.  Don’t we all love pretty?  The soft fabric with the barely bright color just works on everyone.  A modern take on a classic, this blouse’s possibilities are endless.

   J. Crew Ripple-Ruffle Tee $39.50  This tee is so simple and easy, yet the cute factor is significantly amped by the textured neckline.  Such a small detail adds so much.  It suddenly becomes so much more than a gray tee shirt; it’s a statement piece.  Dress it up, dress it down, dress to impress.

Heavenly Couture Sheer Ruffled Blouse $17.95  An absolute steal, the ruffles make this stunning blouse sexy and soft at once.  Can’t you just see them bustling about in the spring breeze?  Gorgeous!

Surely these items are immediate motivation to get texturized!  Thankfully, this season we are seeing this trend everywhere, from the catwalk to the sidewalk, and you simply must take advantage of the opportunity to draw all eyes, and perhaps hands, to you.

Because fashion should be fun, not fundamental!

Katie

Check it out! All the news that’s fit to submit!

 
Jc Week 4&5 from Luanne Storer on Vimeo.

See Luanne’s Journey Through The Jenny Craig Plan~!

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