iwantmk.comLuanne Storer,IBC

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 on Tips & Trends, I want to talk about hiding your hips. Now some of you, I’m sure, don’t need to hide your hips. For those of us that do….there are some definite fashion “no no’s” and definite fashion “yes yes’s!”

No No’s  

1. No pleats! This I would think is a no brainer, but I am still amazed that women will wear pants with pleats. Especially jeans. There is a reason why people make fun of “Mom jeans”, they are stupid looking. Period. Don’t wear them. With some dress pants, pleats are appropriate, but not for those of us trying to hide our hips. Stay away from them Ladies.
2. No pockets on the back side. A lot of the pants kids are wearing these days are low, low cut, and have pockets on the butt. Big hips? Don’t do it. In fact try to avoid side pockets and opt for pockets that are closer to the zipper.
3. No skinny jeans. Are you sad? If you’re as old as I am, I’m sure you miss the awesome skinny jeans trend from the 80’s. We have to let go girls. If you are between the ages of 35 and 45, you know what I am talking about and you also know you don’t have the same hips you had in the 80’s.
4. Don’t wear wide belts or anything that draws attention to your hips.

Yes, yes’s 

1. Wide leg trousers are great at deemphasizing the hips. They are very in and very concealing. Comphy too!
2. Wear dark colored pants. White or light colored pants will make your hips look bigger. Can’t have that, now can we? No matter what, make sure that your top is lighter than your pants or skirt. Dark colors recede.
3. Wear longer skirts. Avoid short skirts that draw attention to your hips.
4.  Accessorize with earrings and/or bulky necklaces instead of accessorizing with belts.
5. Buy the correct size. When pants are too tight, they ride up and …well, we’ve all seen it. Buy pants and skirts that are comfortable and the correct size.

Hope that helps! (If you didn’t need help in this area, I hate you will have some awesome ideas for you next Tuesday.

Kisses!