What Happened In 1974? The Wrap Dress Was Born.

The wrap dress is definitely the most versatile dress in the fashion industry, besides the LBD of course. Not only is the wrap dress multi-functional, but it looks flattering on all body types. Who doesn't want a dress that can do that? The tie at the waist accentuates your curves, giving you an hourglass figure. It is important to know when shopping for clothes, always find items that fit you exactly. You want to show off your shape, rather than hide it. The wrap dress can make that happen.

Diane Von Furstenburg created the wrap dress in the seventies and sold over 5 million dresses, making it a noteworthy fashion statement for every woman. If you love DVF as much as I do, she is reviving her iconic wrap dress with different vintage patterns and a variety of lengths, from long to short. Her incredible sense of style has made her one of the top designers in the fashion industry.  If you ever come across a wrap dress, especially one designed by Diane Von Furstenburg, try it on and I'm positive you will love the way you look.

You can easily transition your wrap dress from season to season. Here are some tips to make your dress last through the warm and cool weather. 

Summer: The most common wrap dress falls just above your knees. Not only is the material super lightweight, but this length is perfect for those hot summer days. Add a floppy hat, stacked bracelets and wedges for a lunch date with your beau. Or, if you're more casual, a bright pair of ballet flats will look just as chic.

Spring: You're in-between seasons and the nights can be cool. Pair your maxi wrap dress with a cotton cardigan and belt it at your waist. Add gladiator sandals and a long pendant necklace to complete your look.

Fall: Now, it's time to layer your wrap dress. Wear opaque tights under your dress, ankle boots and a blazer. Wrap a fur infinity scarf around your neck for extra warmth and texture. You can certainly wear the wrap dress during the fall and still look fashion forward.

Trend Alert: Bright Pants

With the economy somewhat turning around, the fashion industry is beginning to look a bit brighter. Vibrant hues are popping up at almost every runway show during Fashion Week. Cobalt blue, tangerine, coral, chartreuse, emerald, canary yellow, cherry red and honeysuckle were all featured, bright as can be from various runway shows from Jil Sander to Carolina Herrera. I have also been noticing bright colored pants are making a huge fashion statement for spring and summer. Thankfully, ZARA has you covered. Their hip new line of color block pants are a great way to bring an assortment of colors into your wardrobe. These pants are so multifaceted, you'll want to buy one in every color, and I suggest you do! As seen in the pictures below, you can easily achieve effortless style with these pants. Get out your favorite vintage band tee and style it with the red skinny pants and combat boots for an edgier look. If you have a more classic style, pair the hot pink pants with a polka-dot bow blouse and pointed flats. As you can see, these bright pants are nothing to shy away from. I already have my eyes on the orange ones! For only $39.90, how can I pass that up?

Stockholm StreetStyle, ZARA

Fashion Week Trends for Fall 2011

Fashions most influential people attend Fashion Week, decked out in designer name brands and outrageous ensembles, pretty much anything goes at Fashion Week. I am always intrigued to see what they are wearing, but the most important part of Fashion Week are the runway shows! After looking through countless collections, here are some old and new trends I have noticed for fall 2011.

Tuxedo Dressing

Menswear is always a big trend no matter what season. Dressing in your boyfriend's blazer and bow-tie can bring some spunk to a boring outfit. If you want to attempt this trend, here is a little tip from Taylor Tomasi-Hill. She said shop in the mens department, the small sizes are normally the last to go. So true! This look is not for everyone. However, you can still incorporate it into your wardrobe with a basic blazer, mens button down and trouser pants.

Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu

Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are definitely a new fashion statement I have noticed. This trend goes hand-in-hand with mixing prints. Some people may think you got dressed in the dark, but I actually think it's quite refreshing not to be matching all the time. Mix geometric shapes with polka-dots and take your look outside the norm. This trend is definitely for the adventurous type!  

Proenza Schouler, Preen, Christopher Kane

Polka-dots

I'm noticing a lot of spots on the runway this season. I love how feminine and ladylike polka-dots can be. You can pair a spotted bow blouse with ankle trousers and patent-leather pumps. Add a red baret and you will fit seamlessly into the streets of Paris. 

Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenburg, David Koma

Orange

There is nothing more refreshing than the vibrant color orange. That is exactly why I am loving it this season. However, orange is not the only bold hue I am noticing a lot of. Cobalt blue, emerald green, cherry red and rich purple are all featured on the runway in various collections. It is a breath of fresh air to see all these bright shades on the catwalk again.

Reed Krakoff, Carolina Herrera, BCBG

Velvet

Rich velvet makes its way back into fall fashion. This is one of my favorite trends for winter. Add a bit of luxe to your every day outfit with a hint of velvet. Whether it's on your headband or belted around your waist, this fabric will make you feel like royalty.

Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera

Classic Black and White

Nothing says sophistication like the classic pairing of black and white. Something as simple as a white blouse and tapered black pants can keep you looking elegant from day to night. Keep these classic colors in your closet and you will always be on trend. 

Ralph Lauren,  Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenburg


Vogue

Orange: This Seasons Bold New Color

Watch out honeysuckle, it seems to me like orange is the new color of the season. I am absolutely loving the color orange right now. In a previous post seen here, I wrote about how orange can instantly brighten up your mood. Orange brings a sense of confidence and noticeable attitude from the minute you put this color on. For summer, orange is definitely a color you want to invest in. Pair a bright orange peasant blouse with white boot-cut denim. Or, use an orange scarf as a head wrap paired with a chambray blouse and floral shorts. This color is flattering on any skin tone, and you can mix and match it so many different ways. Don't just stick to black, grey and navy. Add this pop of color into your wardrobe and I am positive you will see a difference in how you look and feel. I am currently obsessed with these orange items. 

Sam Edelman 'Iona' Slingback 

Not only are pointed flats a huge trend right now, but a slingback!? Needless to say, amazing. I have a strong feeling that slingback's are going to be the new summer shoe trend for 2011. I especially love this color, called "Flamingo."

$109 Nordstrom

Michael Kors Hamilton Tote in Tangerine

As soon as I saw the Hamilton Tote I had to have it. As I admire his website almost every night, I came across the orange colored tote with gold hardware. Now, I am contemplating buying that one, too! This is such a versatile bag, it looks great with anything in your closet. 

$328 Michael Kors

Honeysuckle and orange pair together beautifully. Both bright and vibrant hues, this scarf is only $38 at Nordstrom. (Hint) Don't be hesitant to buy a summer scarf, it doesn't always have to go around your neck. If you do, hang it loosely. Tie a bow with your scarf on your handbag or beach tote. You can also wrap it like a headband. There are many ways to wear a scarf, you just have to be creative. 

You can learn a few things from these two beauties, Kate Bosworth and Blake Lively. Kate pairs a bold orange dress with a simple white coat and ankle boots. What do you notice first? The bright orange hue really makes a statement. She looks chic and classic. 

 Blake Lively turns up the volume in an embellished mini dress with orange fringe. Simple nude shoes tie the look together and can also elongate your legs. This girl knows how to make an entrance. 

The Vogue Diaries

Happy Anniversary Michael Kors

Fashion Week is here and who better to celebrate their 30th Anniversary in the fashion industry than the ever-so talented designer, Michael Kors. This season, his Fall 2011 collection was filled with luxe. Silk fabrics, embellishments galore, fur coats, and sleek silhouettes were the options of choice. Channeling the 70's disco era, his glitzy blouses and drapey gowns were my personal favorite. In addition to his glamorous theme, the minimal trend and boho-glam were some of the standout pieces. Timeless luxury is what Michael Kors is known for and his show embraced that exactly.

Vogue

H&M Sustainable Fashion

International fashion brand H&M is jumping on the bandwagon of using sustainable fabrics, releasing a new fashion line called The Conscious Collection. The line consists of organic cotton, recycled polyester and organic linen. Their previous eco-conscious line, rightfully called, The Garden Collection featured several floral print dresses, crocheted blouses and brightly colored mix and match styles, all created from recycled plastic. This collection did increasingly well for their brand. Dominating the use of organic cotton, H&M is the world’s fifth largest user of organic cotton as of 2009. In 2010, they used over 15,000 tons of this specialty fabric, beating their goal for 2013.

With H&M rising to the top of the fashion industry, it is easy to say their Conscious Collection will do well. Seeing that their previous Garden Collection exceeded expectations. That line was also made from recycled products. It certainly helps that H&M stays true to their roots, keeping everything under a certain price point, leaving it accessible to consumers. Natasha Poly, below, models the collection showing us H&M's non-existent color palette. Which is in fact perfectly fine, considering white is one of this seasons hottest hues. Take a look through the pictures. Do you think having an all white collection is too monotonous, as opposed to their previous line? Or, fitting for the newly eco-friendly brand? 

WWD, Ecouterre

This is Fashion

I found this photo on a Tumblr website and I have been non-stop flipping through multiple pictures of decadent desserts, impeccably styled outfits, and amazingly furnished homes that I can only dream of someday owning. As I go on, I keep saying this is what fashion is all about. Constantly being inspired and finding beauty in everything, whether it is photographs of mouthwatering food or swooning over charming pictures of interior design. This photo evokes my feelings about fashion. Fashion should be elegant, timeless, and most of all, inspiring. To me, this is fashion. 

Speaking of Tumblr, if you have a knack for all things adorable, or just love admiring beautiful pictures, take a look at my friend Katie's Tumblr page. Inside you will find a plethora of inspirational fashion pictures and uplifting photography. In addition, lucky readers can catch a glimpse of her life, through her camera lens. Definitely check out Katie's Tumblr page, and I am positive you will be hooked.

Furthermore, if you're interested, I am a fashion blogger for my university's fashion blog, CLUTCH. Which is also Florida State University's first fashion magazine. There are a couple more bloggers on board as well who write about beauty, music, movies, menswear, and other interesting articles to read on your spare time. You can also get some fashionable insight on how CLUTCH Magazine comes together every season, with behind the scenes photos and extras. Here is the link, so check it out!  You can also follow CLUTCH Magazine on Facebook and Twitter!

The Best of Spring Couture

Paris Haute Couture Week has come and gone, but that does not mean you will see designers slacking off anytime soon. From tough mohawks to elegant ball gowns, here are some of my favorite collections from 2011 Haute Couture.

Futuristic bad girls with punky mohawk hairstyles walked down the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier's spring 2011 couture collection. Definitely wild, but what else would you expect from his runway show?

Next, Chanel was all about comfort. The models graced the catwalk in flats, model Caroline Brasch Neilsen had on jeans, while others wore cocktail dresses that were virtually shapeless. The line was soft and airy with a blush tone color palette, and fanciful gowns. I would classify this as, Parisian chic. Another A+ for Karl Lagerfeld.

Dior channeled the 50's with full skirts and cinched waists. The collection is so ladylike and demure. In addition, the flawless makeup and wavy hair fit the collection perfectly. Of course, John Galliano did not disappoint. My personal favorite addition to the models presentation, were the sheer masks.

Lastly, Valentino designed a collection fit for a fairytale. Very ethereal and enchanting. I love the butterfly detail around the models necks. All-in-all, utterly charming and flawless.




Vogue