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Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By |December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|

Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends.  Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids  to clothing, and even nail polish.  Need a little inspiration?  Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces.  Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention?  Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire?  Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well.  The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors.  Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color.  Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance.  Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear.  Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall.  Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue.  Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends.  Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout.  Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way.  Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats.  Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth.  Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland.  Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble.  The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

 

About the Author:  Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Friday Frocks: Queen of Bling

By |December 9th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

What’s that you say?  You love looking like a human disco ball?  Well, aren’t you in luck.  Today’s Friday Frocks is for all my fellow blingophiles (yeah, I just made that up. So what?).  If just simple sparkly accessories won’t cut it, yet you aren’t quite comfortable with prancing down the runway in a $2.5M bra like Miranda Kerr, then I’ve got several other sequin covered creations that may very well be right up your alley.

1. French Connection Samantha Sequin Dress, $298, 2.Balmain Silk Stripe Sequin Dress, $4,765, 3. Vintage 90’s High Slit Sequin Dress, $219, 4. Antik Batik Magenta Sequin Dress, $427, 5. Kensie Sequin Dress, $88, 6. Lipsy Shift Dress, $136.35, 7. Rachel Zoe One Sleeve Sequin Dress, $295, 8. Matthew Williamson Liquid Sequin Dress, $3,062, 9. French Connection Lucinda Sequin Dress, $248, 10. TFNC Sequin Dress, $99.99

Remember not to accessorize your blingy dress with more blingy accessories.  This is and “either/or” situation.  I’ll let you and Marilyn fight it out for the title of “Queen of Bling.”

xx,

WhyDid

Look for Less: Leather Weather

By |October 2nd, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

So maybe you’re not the “skin”tight leather dress kinda girl.  That’s okay, cause you can still incorporate leather into your life in a more casual, less Catwoman way.  From Paris to LA, celebrities have been seen sporting their second skins all over town.  While the look is undoubtedly sexy, it can be expensive.  You can check this out blog for the best leather history related blog.  That’s why there are some great faux leather (or “vegan” as we’re calling it now- tomato, tomato) options out there.  This is one time when it’s okay to fake the funk.

1. Rachel Zoe Bianca Sequin Top, $275, 2. Top Shop Faux Leather Skinny Trousers, $66, 3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Sloan Oversized Clutch, $248, 4. Blu Bijoux Gold Tear Drop Multi Strand Earrings, $46, 5. La Fenice Eden Suede Platform Booties, $175

1. J. Crew Burnout Linen T-Shirt, $35, 2. Express (Minus the) Leather Seamed Mini Skirt, $59.90, 3. Forever21 Oval Sunglasses, $5.80, 4. Top Shop Mixed Fabric Chain Bag, $56, 5. Ash Hidden Platform Leather Pump, $195

1. Vince Hi Lo Sweater, $159.99, 2. Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Skinny Faux Leather Pants, $99, 3. Cara Leather and Metal Cuff, $31.90, 4. Kelsi Dagger Teya Studded Platform Pumps, $149

 

xx,

WhyDid

P.S. Might I point out that both pairs of  “leather” pants on here are not leggings.  Please do not go strutting around town in pleather leggings without a top long enough to cover your v-dot. 

 

Look for Less: Brace Yourself for the Fall

By |September 11th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

Some of our very favorite celebrity fashionistas hit the tents this week to take in the shows at Lincoln Center.  While some were wearing their summer best til the bitter end, others debuted their new fall favorites.  I love seeing the ladies bracing themselves for the cooler temperatures.  To me, fashion week is like “back to school” for the fashion elite.  Though it may seem confusing (we’re seeing spring shows in the fall- and vice versa), this is second nature to fashion week veterans.  Below are some of my favorite fall looks from our stylish celebs:

1. Rebecca Beeson Smoke Cotton Modal T-Shirt, $29.24, 2. Anthropologie Cuffed Tweed Crops, $118, 3. BCBG Max Azria Black Ponte Cropped Blazer, $143, 4. Kors by Michael Kors Divina Lace Up Bootie, $250

1. J. Crew Silk Lucinda Blouse, $98, 2. REISS Katiya Anthracite Sequin Short, $245, 3. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Arizona Faux Fur Vest, $249, 4. Rachel Zoe Suede Platform Sandal, $295, 5. Lodis Audrey Envelope Clutch, $78

1. Wyatt Navy Chiffon V-Neck Pleated Blouse, $88, 2.  Motel Ginger Casual Tailored Shorts, $76.84, 3. Rebecca Minkoff Woven Infinity Clutch, $350, 4. Madewell Bandelier Blazer, $178, 5. Islo Isabella Lorussa Boot, $275

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: You’ve Got Sole

By |March 1st, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

One of the most talked about moments from this past weekend’s Academy Awards show was not a musical number, not a gorgeous gown, not a misplaced expletive… it was Anne Hathaway’s Swarovski crystal encrusted Brian Atwood pumps worn with her Lanvin tuxedo.  Twitter exploded with “who made Anne’s shoes?” and “I’ve got to get my hands on those pumps.”  Certainly a victory for both Mr. Atwood, himself, as well as Anne’s stylist, Ms. Rachel Zoe.

For quite a while, the go to glamour girl pump was Christian Louboutin, but it looks like there’s a new “it” shoe in town.  Basically, if you’ve heard of the actress, she’s worn the shoe.  Everyone from Blake Lively to Cameron Diaz to Dianne Kruger has been spotted strutting her stuff in these sexy stilettos.

So has Hollywood traded in the flash of a red sole for the styling and simplicity of just a great shoe?

Sole long!

xx,

WhyDid

photos via: CoolSpotters and Just Jared