Spotlight Saturday - Trendy Styles For Plus Size Ladies

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. 

pics: hollywoodgossip.com

Is It Right To Wear White?

There's always been that age old fashion etiquette rule that's told us white after Labor Day is a 'no-no' but is it really?  It's true that the non hue clothing choice has always been associated with cooler climates, primarily Summer but if we go as far back to the 1920's, white was oftentimes linked to an elite society of socialites who vacationed in the Hampton's whereas the working class spent their time working year round to make ends meet. Some have claimed that wearing white in the Winter reflects light and heat and actually makes the wearer cold.  Who really knows the origin of the no white after September deal & does it really matter in the current day with all of the 'out there' designs & color schemes that seem to have no boundaries?  I would say..."NO"!

Celebrated in the United States, Labor Day is said to be the official mark to the end of Summer as vacations come to an end and children head back to school and throughout history, both Fall & Winter have always been thought of as darker color seasons in regards to apparel.  French designer CoCo Chanel believed 'white was right' year round as it was a permanent part of her personal wardrobe.  She dared to wear her signature white suit year round...

In vintage days wearing white was connected with 'snobbery' & 'keeping cool' but for all intents and purposes, especially in the 21st century, there is really no good reason not to wear white twelve months out of the year. With that being said, it's a personal choice and you're not going to be shunned for it.  For Fall/Winter 2011 we are seeing a lot of white on the front as Yves St. Laurent, Stella McCartney & Calvin Klein are showing us that white can be so right in spite of the idea that we've all held onto for years.

On a more casual & affordable level, white paired with anything is what is trendy for the cooler weather that's just right around the corner. So remember that it's your right to rock the white from here on out!

      


pics: otownstyle.com, myhero.com, elle.com, laurenhamptondesigns.blogspot.com

    

Spotlight Saturday - Royal Ensemble On Display

The Royal hoopla is still all a buzz, as it was noted in the news today that the complete wedding ensemble worn by Kate Middleton, accessories included (shoes, earrings, bouquet & silk tulle veil), is being displayed at Buckingham Palace as of yesterday, Friday, July 22nd and through to October 3rd of this year, as part of the palace's annual Summer opening.  In the spotlight once again, the ivory and white satin gown designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.  Visitors will be able to view up close and personal, the hand made lace applique that was made for the bodice and skirt using techniques that dated back to almost two centuries ago.  Middleton's gown had intricate patterns of rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil incorporated into the design to represent every nation in the United Kingdom.  The garment truly is a work of art...

  
pics: fashionologie.com

Fashion In Film Friday - 'The Seven Year Itch'

Who doesn't remember the classic 1955 film...'The Seven Year Itch' starring Marilyn Monroe & Tom Ewell about a married man who was becoming disinterested with his marriage and entertains the idea of straying outside of it?  'The Seven Year Itch' is a term that has been used by psychologists for decades to define the decline of monogamous relationships after seven years.  The movie was nearly prohibited from being released due to the sensitive nature of the story line that proposed the idea of adultery. Weren't those the good old days when 'less was more'?

This is the flick that made the white halter dress and Marilyn a sensation.  The infamous photograph of her standing on the air vent while her dress was being blown to reveal her undergarments is still one of the most recognizable even fifty years later.  The dress just like Marilyn, is a timeless icon.  The man behind the dress making was a much sought after designer of that time, William Travilla.  It was said that his best work was the white halter dress he put together for Monroe.  The flattering a-line skirt, the deep v-neckline bodice and the lightweight fabric he selected for the ease of movement was simply beautiful.  He chose the color white because it's associated with innocence.  After the filming was over Marilyn was quoted as stating ... "Billy Dear, please dress me forever.  I love you, Marilyn."

This vintage dress was popular fifty years ago and I'm sure it will be just as popular fifty years from now as to this day, women are still in search of the perfect 'Marilyn Monroe style dress' just like the one she wore in 'The Seven Year Itch'... 

: impawards.com , freenewfashiondesign.com , myfashioncollection.com