Verdict on the Velvet Dress
December 20, 2011
Have you seen Kate Middleton’s latest look?
from www.usatoday.com, "Duchess Kate Brings Back Black Velvet"
Velvet dresses have been making a comeback this season, and reactions to this trend have been split down the middle. Some see the perfect holiday dress; others sense the return of an awful 80s trend they’d hoped never to see again. Where do you stand?
Regardless of which way your opinion goes, it’s hard to argue the elegance of Middleton’s chic Alexander McQueen look seen here. Even if we can’t all have designer floor-length evening wear, Middleton’s style offers some helpful takeaways on how to rock a velvet dress.
1) Dark Colors: One of the reasons Kate’s floor-length velvet dress works so well for her is the fact that it’s black. Can you picture that dress in a bright color? The only bright color that might work here is red, maybe. We all know the bright orange and green velvet is out there: and we’re not saying it can’t work. It can, but it depends entirely on personal style. But if you’re looking for a more down-played, evening-appropriate look, it’s best to stick with darker or muted shades (for the holiday season, think deep crimson, purple, or black).
2) Figure-Flattering Silhouette:
from self.com: Urban Outfitters velvet dress
Kate’s dress accentuates her figure in a flattering way, here. A short cocktail dress can serve the same function, as long as the cut is not too loose. For a shorter velvet dress, you would do well do avoid a straight A-line, in most cases. Part of the reason is the nature of the fabric and the way it fits. It’s intended to fit more closely than cotton or linen, so silhouettes that work in those fabrics won’t necessarily look the same in velvet. Check out this look below for a cocktail dress that works in velvet:
from glamour.com: Ralph Lauren Velvet Dress
3) Subtle Accessories: A textured fabric like velvet stands out on its own: so there’s rarely any need to pump the accessories up too much. When you think about it, it’s generally the same principle that applies to a dress overlaid with lace: with that much texture, do you really need that many accessories?
Depending on the occasion, something as simple as a neckline-flattering chain and matching earrings might be an elegant touch. A metallic belt or clutch might also do the job without calling too much attention away from the dress.
The trick of the velvet dress isn’t all that complicated: as Kate does in that stunning evening look, all you need to do is pick the right silhouette for your figure and let the dress speak for itself!
Have you picked your party shoes yet?
December 19, 2011
Check out Jessica Simpson’s ’”Bendie” Nude/Snake for $99.95 at Shoegasm, perfect for holiday parties!
Presenting the Perfect Pumps by Marc Jacobs
December 15, 2011
Marc by Marc Jacobs Lace-up Leather Pumps $195
Velvet Vintage Lace Dress from Topshop, $190
Lace Print Dress, Forever 21 $9.80
Here it is ladies! Marc Jacobs presents a perfectly versatile pair of patent-leather lace-up pumps. The deep-burgandy color blends well with a fall color scheme, and it will pop out as a warm hue during those cold winter months. The touch of gold pushes the style to claim a retro look and brings the shoe to a new level.
We have a good set of heels for the work environment depending on your office dress code. When your day is over, a quick outfit change will do, and you can pull off a whole new look wearing the shoe to rock an elegant and fun style! Marc Jacobs suggests pairing the pumps with a printed dress, so I’ve also included a couple of outfit possibilities.
As those end-of-the-year office parties rapidly approach, these heels can add the final touch to a holiday outfit. Both elegant and funky, this style is one of my favorites for this time of the year. Finally, my guess is the shoe would be comfortable thanks to the thicker heel.
Shoe of The Day: A Touch Of Sparkle
December 13, 2011
Silver, gold, and many more! Here is the perfect shoe , that will add a little sparkle to any outfit!
Dolce Vita "Bessie" Shoegasm: $99.95
…and here are some dress ideas for your next office holiday party, that will be perfect with these awesome shoes!!
Wyatt Color Block Dress Bluefly.com:$ 143
Wyatt Cowl Neck Sweater Dress Bluefly.com: $151
Shoe Of The Day: Our Holiday Favorites
December 12, 2011
Dare I say It?!…I have found the perfect versatile boot for any outfit!! I hope you’re as excited as I am, when you see the 2-in-1 wedge tall boot and bootie. The wedge boot has been one of falls/winters favorite accessories. So, now the search is over for the perfect boot or bootie, because you can now have them both!!
Steve Madden "Brix" Black, Shoegasm: $269
Shoe of the Day: Our Fave Holiday Shoe!
December 8, 2011
Questions have been floating into our Twitter feed asking about our favorite holiday shoe…here it is!
When you’re searching for a shoe to go with multiple outfits this holiday season, you’re probably looking for something understated that won’t ruin or overshadow your overall look. If you already have your standby fave pair of gorgeous heels, it might be time to shop for a fancier looking boot for the days when it’s too snowy to wear more delicate heels. Ankle boots are not only a flattering look for both dresses and pants: they’re a practical choice that keep your look understated and elegant.
shoegasm.com: Irregular Choice "Baby Beauty" Black, $149.95
As always, a little embellishment on a practical shoe never hurts!
Wednesday Trend Day: The Perfect Clutch
November 30, 2011
If you are anything like me, you have now started your hunt for the perfect dress and shoes for the upcoming holiday festivities…but we can not forget about the perfect handbag!! The clutch is the perfect accessory when you want to pack light for the night. Your perfect clutch is just around the corner, check out some of these amazing styles now!!
J. Crew Satin Invitation Clutch $88
R&Em Handbag: Sequin Small Envelope Clutch $78 at Macy's
Shoe of the Day: Rainy Day Boots!
November 29, 2011
It’s an on-and-off rainy day in NYC: and flat buckled boots are perfect for in-between, rainy-to-sunny weather!
J. Litvack "Bleeker" Black $319.95
Shoe Of The Day
November 28, 2011
We are now in the full holiday swing, with December right around the corner (you know what that means?!)…. holiday fun, holiday shopping, and holiday parties!!!! So while you’re out and about shopping for friends and family, treat yourself to a gorgeous pair of pumps that are perfect for the many holiday parties you have lined up!!
Jessica Simpson "Cheetah" Cloud Grey $99.95 at Shoegasm.com
Check out these styles and many more at Shoegasm.com now!!
Wednesday Trend Day: Thanksgiving Weekend Outfits
November 23, 2011
The holidays are here! You’ve got your Thanksgiving outfit planned: but are you ready for the weekend? Whether you’re braving Black Friday or fighting your turkey hangover, comfy clothes are on the shortlist of must-haves for this weekend and for the holiday season. Here are a few pieces to keep you warm, comfortable, and stylish during your holiday downtime:
from Forever21.com, Ombre Stripes Purl Knit Sweater, $27.80
One of the easiest looks: an oversized sweater with jeans or leggings. It might seem simple, but the shape and knit of the sweater determines a lot about the silhouette of this style. If it falls past your hips, try to make sure it doesn’t give you an unflattering shape. If the knit is thicker, leggings or skinny jeans will help to balance the proportion of a heavier-looking sweater.
from zara.com: Long Sweater with elbow patches, $35.90
When I was a teenager, I thought nothing made me look frumpier than a turtleneck. Given recent trends, however, form-fitting sweaters can have a timeless look about them, if you find the right kind for you. A common turtleneck mistake: if you buy a cable knit that has its own shape, as opposed to a thinner knit (like cashmir or something similar), it’s likely to have that lumpy, older-looking effect. Instead, try finding a sweater that’s a little lighter, form-fiting, and a little bit longer in the torso for a more flattering style.
from hypeed.com: Poncho from ASOS
Capes and ponchos can be a hit-or-miss wardrobe item, but if you find the right one for your personal shape and style, you can keep it in your closet season after season! Remember a few years ago when those long sweaters were really popular? Remember the time before that, a few seasons before then, when they were really, really popular? Comfortable sweaters have a longer seasonal lifespan than other trend pieces do. For example, the current fur trend might be big right now, but no one knows if we’ll see it again next season (we might, depending on how many the department stores have left at the end of the winter). If you’re going to make the choice between a textured collarless fur jacket that you’re not sure about and a comfy poncho that’s the right size, color, and shape, it might be a better investment to go with the latter.
Happy Thanksgiving, all! Check back next week for the beginning of our Holiday Blog Series!