The color 'black' has always been known as the most figure flattering of all hues and it's no secret that horizontal stripes are the least forgiving when it comes to wanting to appear thinner. New on the block, literally, is a design pattern that is in all reality, an optical illusion pattern called 'color blocking'. Actress Kate Winslet recently wore a Stella McCartney color block dress to the Venice Film Festival this past month. The creation of the piece was orchestrated by using colors that give the illusion of an hourglass figure when strategically placed. The placing of the black panels gives a waist whittling effect to the wearer. Grant it, it would not be feasible that the illusion would work on a more amply figured gal and although the idea is unique, the downside is that everyone would know you're trying to look 'slimmer' which pretty much puts a damper on the whole idea doesn't it?...
Sometime last week, I did a blog on comedienne Melissa McCarthy who stepped outside of the box to design her own dress that she wore to this year's Emmy's. She's in the spotlight this week for being quoted as saying ... "Trying to find stuff that's still fashion forward in my size is damn near impossible". The 41 year old actress who recently made herself a house hold name from her appearance in the now out on dvd movie Bridesmaids, makes no qualms about the fact that she embraces her size and hopes to design a clothing line for women with similar body types. Although I agree with her that there shouldn't be any form of discrimination when a woman of any size ventures out shopping to find the right garment, I disagree with her comment that being a mother actually helps her to feel less insecure about her looks. In my opinion, that statement projects the vibe of making an excuse for herself & actually makes her appear insecure. In regards to our physical appearances and the way we perceive ourselves, I don't think there's any gray to contemplate. It's all black & white isn't it? We're either on board with ourselves or we're not. And does being a 'mother' allow a woman leeway when it comes to being on top of her game? Sounds kind of like a cop out but either way, I'm looking forward to seeing her designs. Especially after the purple mess she put together for the Emmy's.
There's a new trend circulating around Hollywood as many stars have been 'recycling' their wardrobe but maybe not in the sense you would assume upon hearing the word 'recycle'. It's no secret that some celebs live so extravagantly that the mere thought of wearing the same garment twice would bring them to tears (Paris Hilton) however, there are those who are not above the grain and are opting for a more green approach to staying trendy. Jennifer Aniston for example has no problem with being seen in public wearing the same black vest and slacks.
In the 'real world' wearing the same thing twice is no big whoop but obviously for the rich and famous it's actually looked down on by their peers. For instance, Ozzy's brat Kelly Osbourne who for whatever reason made it on the Fashion Police panel, slammed British royalty Kate Middleton for wearing the same dress on more than one occasion.
I'm thinking that was a bit snobbish and hasty considering Osbourne who is now considered to be a reformed hot mess, has been at the mercy of the tabloids herself in the past and was even recently pointed out as being one of the worst dressed! Here is the 'same' look worn by Kelly almost decades apart, neither one is screaming "I'M EXTREMELY FASHION SAVVY!"...eh?
Michelle Obama has been spotted buying clothes off the rack, Lindsay Lohan has been cited for sharing her closet with her sister Ali & even Brittney Spears is on board with the idea as she was seen wearing the same shorts and tee shirt twice in one week and her attempt to change it up a bit with a straw fedora didn't mix it up much!
I've never understood the hype associated with wearing the same thing twice, but of course my fashion choices are not out there under the scrutiny of the public eye so with that being said, "maybe it's a true 'sign of the times' that to some extent, the current recession is even hitting to the level that it's effecting the lifestyles of the rich and famous?" To sum up my response, "BOO and HOO"...
With all of the more pressing issues at hand going on in the world these days, who's wearing what and how many times over should be the least of our concerns!
This just in...'nude is the new black'! From creamy khaki to barely there beige, it's just as simply chic as it's counterpart the LBD.
It's a given that the 'little black dress' is a must have for any wardrobe conscious fashionista, but the neutral skin tone nude hue is all the rage at this very moment! A lot of women stick to the LBD for the simple fact that it's a forgiving color and has an extremely slimming effect but regardless, the LND cut in a pattern appropriate for your figure and paired with the right accessories can be just as flattering...
The paleness of the LND goes fab with a splash of color but avoid accessorizing it with black as that will look way too harsh.
Black shoes are also a fashion faux pas as beige on beige has a leg lengthening appeal.
The number one thing to consider when searching for the perfect 'little nude dress' is your personal skin tone. If you are pale, a darker shade of nude would not be the right fit for you and visa versa...if you're dark, a paler shade nude wouldn't be the right fit for you... It's all about finding the right hue to compliment you!
For decades, women everywhere have been in pursuit of the perfect 'little black dress'. Why you ask? ... Because the 'right' LBD has the ability to create a slimming illusion on the most curviest of frames, so make no mistake...the color black is a girl's best friend!
Prior to the 1920's the color black was reserved for periods of mourning and considered appalling to be worn for anything but however, in 1926, 'Coco' Chanel published a photo of a short, simple black dress in 'Vogue' and the concept took off and became a fashion staple for women of taste. The LBD has evolved since the beginning of its vintage roots in regards to cuts and fabrics but remains as popular as it ever was.
In 1961, the now vintage fashion icon & once Hollywood starlet Audrey Hepburn wore a little black dress by designer Hubert de' Givenchy in the cult classic 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' and this gave rise to this simple, yet absolutely glamorous look.
I have recently done some research on how to acquire a unique yet affordable 'LBD' and here's what I found... You can get your own 'little black dress' for under $100.00 at Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, Express and Charlotte Russe.