Haute trend alert: leopard print

Everywhere you turn, you’ll see that leopard print is ruling both the runways and the real world. Style-conscious, trendsetting celebrities like Rihanna, Jessica Alba, Lady Gaga and the Kardashian sisters rock leopard print accessories and clothing. Even little Suri Cruise donned a pair of leopard print flats. The print works for any woman, at any age, but the key to wearing leopard is to stick to one piece - whether a top or dress; stilettos or booties; handbags or jewelry; even leggings and swimwear. Colored-print leopard adds an extra shot to any look but be careful not to overdo it. Keep the rest of the look in muted tones like basic black or khaki tan, or even a solid tonal colorblock will do. Shop the pieces below to add a dose of leopard print to your wardrobe:

1. Christian Louboutin Charme 100 ankle boots, $975

2. DSQUARED2 Leopard Print Cuff, $339

3. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 pumps, $755

4. Valentino leopard-print goat hair bag, $2,695

5. Ashish Sequined one-shoulder dress, $895

6. Jimmy Choo Jazz leopard-print pumps, $1,295

7. Splendid Leopard-print jersey tank, $47

8. TOYWATCH Leopard Dial Watch , $295

9. Jimmy Choo Large Odette ponyskin bag, $3,295

10. Tory Burch Reva leopard-print flats, $225

11. Crumpet Sloppy Joe cashmere sweater, $510

12. Crumpet Leopard-print cashmere scarf, $300

13. Roberto Cavalli large square sunglasses, $495

14. Yves Saint Laurent ponyskin leopard-print ankle boots, $1,525

15. Matthew Williamson leopard-print silk dress, $1,150

16. MICHAEL Michael Kors - Leather Glove w/ Leopard Haircalf Cuff, $229

17. Charlotte Olympia Dolly leather platform pumps, $795

18. Jimmy Choo Tube leopard-print clutch, $1,095

19. Jerome C. Rousseau Aizza patent leopard pumps, $550

20. Betsey Johnson Pink Leopard Heart Ring, $51

Hide that gut and show that butt off this summer

Summer is finally here – and so is the weight you packed on while hiding away from the winter’s cold and spring’s showers. More than half of the U.S. population is facing this problem where they have gained extra, unwanted weight during the off-season. However, with summer being the season to wear as little clothes as possible and showing off your confidence with your summer body, what do you do with the excess weight? The easiest solution would be to exercise and change your diet. But – for those who want to walk fierce down the street now, that won’t be the fastest solution.

Certified image consultant and DAMstyle owner, David A. McKnight believes people can feel good about their body image if they find the right type of styles to hide those flaws and compliment the assets they love. McKnight owns his own image and lifestyle consulting agency DAMstyle where he consults with several clients who want to look good in current trends but don’t have that model image.

“Looking good isn’t about being the skinniest girl or the most muscular guy, it’s about wearing clothes with confidence,” says McKnight. “An average shaped woman, wearing a tight green neon tank with a mini skirt can make that fashion statement look fierce if she wears it with confidence, not cockiness. Some people just need my help to find the right looks to give them that boost of confidence that will help them appreciate their bodies more this summer.”

But what about bathing suits since you can’t technically hide your imperfections in a two piece suit?

McKnight says selecting the right swim suit is all about understanding and manipulating the discipline of optical illusion. Here are some basic guidelines everyone can follow:

• Flat chest - wear a ruffle top swim suit or a swim suit with formed breast or cup inserts. This will give the illusion of a fuller bust. A swim suit with a ruche top will also work well. In addition, you should try to select suits that are bright or light in color because light colors gives the illusion of expanding, while and dark colors recede.
• Round in the middle (tummy) - Wear a cross over swim suit. the diagonal lines will camouflage the midsection and create the illusion of an hourglass silhouette, similar to a wrap dress.
• Fuller figure - Darker colored piece swim suits will be most flattering and comfortable. A bikini is not an optimal style for this body type.

He also says add a statement jewelry piece to stand out in the crowd. Forget the old saying that less is better. This summer, wear some pieces to accentuate your swimsuit.

Besides, a woman shall never be without her jewelry, even while swimming. It’s just a matter of what you wear and how you wear it. Try accessorizing with delicate pieces that can compliment your swimsuit. You will still show off your laid back summer style, just with a little dose of bling!

Whiteflash.com, an online diamond boutique, offers a great selection for people to choose from.

Here are some of the tips Whiteflash.com creative director and CEO Debi Wexler dishes out about swimsuits and jewelry:

Tips to find flattering big earrings-
Longer or thin faces do best with dangle earrings which bell at the bottom to create width.

Round or fuller faces fare better with oblong earrings that create the illusion of less facial fullness.

Women with a small or receding chin should opt for shorter earrings that bring the eye up.

The big earrings trend works so well from BoHo hippie fashion to full-out glam, so it might be just the right time to start adding to your jewelry box.

To see which pieces look best on you in your outfit, visit www.whiteflash.com to see their entire collection for your summer swimsuit. Hope to see you on the beaches, standing out and not blending in!

Kim Kardashian and Rihanna love their nude Christian Louboutin shoes

Kim Kardashian and Rihanna love to go nude…with their footwear, that is. These ladies know that there is nothing hotter than a nude shoe to lengthen your legs. And add Christian Louboutin’s five inch stilettos to the mix and you’ve got an extra boost to your sexy (shoe) factor. Kim was spotted out shopping with her momager Kris, wearing the Christian Louboutin Miss Fortune Platform Sandals. These nude leather sandals have a 5½” high stacked heel and lace-up the front with cutouts and a wide-open back. They are lined in leather and have Louboutin’s signature red leather sole. (originally $1,195; now on sale for $835.90)

Rihanna wore the Christian Louboutin Deva Suede Tie-Back Boots. These 5″ nude booties are made of soft suede with fringe detail down the front. The heel has an open back and adjustable tie closure. They are also lined in leather with a self-covered heel and also feature Louboutin’s signature red leather sole. ($1,095)

Shop more Christian Louboutin Shoes at Saks.com

Haute vs. Hot: Fringed Bags

Apparently the name of one of the new favorite ‘It bag’ brands of the stars doesn’t begin with an “F”, “G” or “LV”. And it’s not plastered with logos either. What it is covered in is fringe, this year’s throwback trend made current and oh-so-haute! And the brand is J.J. Winters! Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Haylie Duff, Paris Hilton and Ashley Tisdale have been flocking to the brand’s bohemian-style bags. In particular they love the J.J. Winters Suede Fringe Bag in shades of Camel, Grey and Purple. But if the $400+ price tag isn’t your thing, shop these just as cute but way less-expensive fringed options:

1. Urban Outfitters Suede Fringe Hobo, $78

2. Urban Outfitters Suede Fringe Crossover Bag, $58

3. Arden B. Patent Fringe Hobo Bag, $68 $39.99

4. Fred Flare Fringe Santa Fe Purse, $28

Haute Topic: Fashionable Neon Brights

The neon craze of the eighties returns in a not-so-tacky way. Back then, colorful brights were worn in excess - layers upon layers of fluorescent clothes were accessorized by totally tacky accessories - jelly sandals and jewelry, charm bracelets, vented sunglasses and biker shorts. Today’s neon is tastefully tried. Shop these haute pieces to add a fresh take on the trend revisited.

1. Super Square Purple Lens Sunglasses, €125, Luisa Via Roma

2. Tarina Tarantino Tokyo Hardcore Neon Bubble Bead Choker, $80, Zappos

3. Trina Turk Orange Neon Blue Twill Dress in Multi, $101, Revolve

4. CC SKYE Screw Enamel Bangle, $82.80, Zappos

5. Paul & Joe Sister Fish print batwing T-shirt, $80, Net-a-Porter

6. Alexander McQueen Neon panel clutch, $1,070, Net-a-Porter

7. Tory Burch Jelly Reva Flats, $95, Shopbop

Haute Trend: Black with Gold Studs

Basic black paired with gold stud detail is this season’s hottest trend. Pair one piece with a simple look for rockstar style sans the punk effect. Shop these hot black and gold studded picks:

1. Maurie & Eve Velvet Leather Skirt with Stud Trim in Black, $90, Revolve Clothing
2. Alexis Bittar Square Ring with Gold Pyramid Stud in Gold, $132, Revolve Clothing
3. Steve Madden ‘Revenu’ Pump, $129.95, Nordstrom
4. Philip Crangi ‘Mon Amour’ cuff, $4,740, Net-a-Porter
5. Larsen Gray Studded Cardigan, $251, shopbop
6. Rebecca Minkoff Stud Devote Bag, $695, Saks Fifth Avenue

BCBG Max Azria - Fall 2009 Fashion Week

BCBG Max Azria satisfied both buyers and editors by remaining consistent for Fall 2009. The brand displayed a plethora of its signature utterly wearable and adorable dresses in jewel tones of turquoise and emerald along with neutral metallics, all accessorized with liquid bronze leggings.

Complex drapes, folds, pleats and ruching were highlighted throughout the collection, with it’s origami-meets-futuristic space-age constructed sheaths. Velvets, shimmery jersey and brilliant matte satins were the fabrics of choice.

BCBG Max Azria remains the brand that make pieces to truly flatter every woman.

Concordia/Wireimage

Haute Trend: Celebrities Love One Shoulder Dresses!

All trends seem to make their way back around the fashion circle and the latest one is the one-shoulder dress. Celebrities have quickly adopted this trend, bravely baring one shoulder on red carpets everywhere. Kim Kardashian, Alicia Keys and Gabrielle Union (at the “Cadillac Records” premiere) went for Grecian-inspired one shoulder full-length gowns accessorized with belted waists and jeweled details. The key to wearing full-length one-shoulder dresses is to make sure they hug the bodice but have a flared or full skirt. Other celebrities prefer a more playful look with shorter dresses that have a flattering fit. Blake Lively looked youthful and fresh in a purple Tadashi Shoji one-shoulder dress with a large black belt at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards. Queen Latifah wore a sexy, shirred bronze one-shoulder dress at the American Music Awards. Eva Longoria Parker chose a dual-strap one-shoulder dress, giving a new spin on the traditional little black dress. With party season in full swing, this is one red carpet and runway look that should be translated to the real world. Shop a few of these fab one shoulder dresses that will keep you right on trend well into the holiday season!

RM by Roland Mouret Boccara one shoulder dress, $4,170

Nicole Miller One Shoulder Stretch Satin Sheath Dress, $385

La Petite S***** One-shoulder draped dress, $892.50

Jonathan Saunders Odessa asymmetric dress, $1,485

Alice + Olivia Sequined One Shoulder Dress, $346.50

Stella McCartney Asymmetric mini dress, $1,395

Cleo Brands One Shoulder Dress, $188

Madison Marcus One Shoulder Dress, $228.20

Elizabeth & James Goddess Dress, $365

Haute Trend: Fringed Boots

It’s a throwback to the 70’s made fresh and new. Fringe has returned and is found on everything from scarves, to bags, to stiletto heels. But the fringed boot is the staple for Fall. Fringed moccasin boots are given a second-life with high legs and stud detail while dress boots get a dash of flair with layers of fringe. This fancy footwear works best with a tunic and leggings, or can be paired with a dress (a la Chanel Iman and Rachel Bilson) for a sharp contrast.

Shop the trend below:

Joie - Deja Vu (Cognac Antic Brush Off), $293.76

Gucci Devendra High Heel Booties, $1250

Via Spiga ‘Novella’ Boot, $425

Sam Edelman ‘Ursula’ Boot, $94.90

Tory Burch Walker Fringe Lace Up Boot, $375

GUESS by Marciano - Rami (Dark Brown Suede), $224

Haute Trend: Brightly Colored Coats

Black coats are so blah. Spice up your fall and winter outerwear with this season’s trend: a brightly colored coat. A pop of color will liven up dreary days and help you stand out from the sea of standard black trenches, peacoats and overcoats. Check out these eye-popping outerwear options:

1. Steve Madden Drop Waist Twill Coat, (Mustard), $168

2. Tibi Double Breasted Jacket in Orange, (Orange), $550

3. DKNY ‘Kinsey’ Fit & Flare Coat, (Lacquer), $238

4. GUESS by Marciano Bow Back Topper, (Sangria), $138

5. Soia & Kyo Teo S Short Oversize Button Jacket in Purple, (Purple), $294

6. Nanette Lepore Mysterious Coat, (Merlot), $427

7. Laundry by Shelli Segal Fit & Flare Wool Blend Coat, (Cobalt), $288

8. Hanii Y Volume Sleeve Coat, (Turquoise), $885

9. Gallery Wool Blend Coat, (Emerald), $168

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