Designer Spotlight- Catherine Malandrino

Fiesty Malandrino was born in Grenoble, France, and got her start working in Paris for such talents as Emanuel Ungaro, Louis Feraud Haute Couture, and Et Vous.

She arrived in the U.S. with a bang in 1988, taking on the role as head designer of Diane von Furstenberg, before launching her eponymous label in 1998. Her rock-inspired looks procured a strong following of celebs and stylists who appreciate her sexy signature.

Never shy about the importance of seduction in her designs, she coos, "I want to design irresistible clothes that make a woman desirable, clothes that a man just wants to discreetly take off."

Malandrino designs both collections while her husband Bernard Aidan serves as CEO of the brand.

Taken from: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/catherinemalandrino/

Celebrities in Vintage- Who is wearing what?

Vintage is everywhere this spring. From high couture formal events, to casual daytime dressing, celebrities are sporting vintage on both ends of the spectrum.

Penelope Cruz in a dress from Lily et Cie, the ab vintage boutique in Beverly Hills
Amy Smart in a vintage Herve Leger at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Jada Pinkett Smith in a vintage Helena Barbieri at the Reigh Over Me premier
Carolyn Murphy in a vintage lace dress at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Chloy Sevigny in a vintage Thirrry Mugler from Back-in-style.com at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Mandy Moore in a vintage Ossie Clark at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Jada Pinkett Smith in a vintage Bob Mackie at the Oscars
Pink in a vintage Herve Leger at the Grammy's

Join the ranks of the celebrities and wear am amazing vintage gown to your next special event.

Yellow- this season's IN color

You have been seeing it everywhere.
A large yellow handbag is the purse to carry.
Yellow, navy and white is the it combination for spring.
Yellow dresses have been seen in just about every celebrity and almost every event.

Now it is your turn to sport the sunshine color. Bright and cheery, you can't help but be in a good mood when you are wearing it, so why not give it a try...

items photographed left include Juicy Couture, Thierry Mugler, Betsey Johnson, Ella Moss, Loris Azzaro, as well as some cute vintage pieces.

Designer Spotlight- Diane Von Furstenberg

"She was born Diane Michelle Halfin in Brussels, Belgium in 1946. She is Belgian by birth, with Russian Jewish blood. Her mother Lily Nahmias, was a courageous survivor of Auschwitz German Concentration camp. Diane majored in Economics at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. In 1969, she became an apprentice to Angelo Ferretti, an Italian textile manufacturer.

Using silk jersey prints she produced a line of clothes, mostly tunic dresses in varying length and bias-cut shirtwaisters. In the same year, she moved with her husband Austrian Prince Egon von Und Zu Furstenberg, to New York. She showed some dresses she had made to Diana Vreeland, then editor of Vogue, who put one of her dresses in the magazine. It was a hit. In 1972, she had enough orders toopen her own business in New York.

In the 70's, she created a wraparound dress, which became a best seller. It had long sleeves, a fitted top and a skirt which wrapped around the body to tie at the waist. By 1975, 5 million of these wraparound dresses had been sold.

Von Furstenberg favours jersey and often uses geometric prints in the dresses she designs.

In 1975, Diane Von Furstenberg made the cover of Newsweek magazine. She was called New York's fashion queen.

In 1984 she sold portions of her company for $24 million and moved to Paris.

In 1990, she moved back to New York.

In 1997, her daughter-in-law because creative director of Diane Von Furstenberg

In 1999 Diane von Furstenberg became a Director on the Board of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) the ruling body of the American fashion industry.

In September of 2002 at New York Fashion Week, one of the Diane von Furstenberg's most glamourous dresses was modeled by Indian model Meghana Reddy, which is the first time that an Indian girl has been seen on the New York fashion scene. "

Taken from http://www.designerhistory.com/historyofashion/von.html

DvF the brand still flourishes today, and Diane is still influencing its designs. The items you see pictured here are all by this fashion icon.

Spring trend alert: Strapless Cocktail Dresses

In comes Spring and Out go the straps. Strapless cocktail dresses are the hot item this spring, and although they aren't original, they do have a new, decidedly 80's style.
For one thing, the sweetheart neckline is back... We certainly haven't seen that since the 80's. It is an easy neckline line to wear as it flatters any chest size, large or small. If you have large shoulders, strapless is the way to go. It minimizes your broadness.
Not comfortable repeating your prom days? A straight across neckline is timeless but only works on small to medium busted women. If you are any larger, stick with a sweetheart neckline.

Excessive fabric is another trendy element to the new strapless dress. Ruching, gathering, draping, pleating, what ever it may be, there should be some element of opulence and excess. Again, very 80's influenced.
Don't want to add bulk? Make sure the extra fabric is in a flattering area, like in the bust, and not the waist. Knife pleats are another good option because they lie flat at the waist but turn into a fuller shape.

The extra fabric is also important because it adds interest, and style to what seems to be a relatively solid color palate. Since you don't have any busy patterns, this attention to detail is essential, and the detail really stands out.
Want to cover up a problem area? Ruching, gathering, pleating of what ever you choose, all hide imperfections underneath but be careful, they can add bulk and draw attention exactly where you don't want it. for example, if you have big hips, make sure the bodice of your dress has the details. This will draw your eye upwards, away from your hips, and the details will make your bust look bigger, and more proportionate, thus making your hips look smaller.

So now you know to go with a solid color, but what color do you choose? Anything but black. Gem colors are popular, emerald, sapphire, etc. Bright or primary, anything in those categories is very in. And of course yellow is the must have color this spring.

The skirt shape seems to be quite fitted as well. Gone are the full 1950's style skirts. Instead, they have been replaced with a straight or pencil shaped skirt that, although is more intriguingly sexy, can be more challenging to wear. Stay away from the pencil if you have big hips or are pear shaped. It is a great style for boyish figures, or people who are very hourglass and proportionate. If you are pear shaped instead choose a straight skirt.

All in all, the strapless dress this spring is less girly and feminine and more 80's sexy. Close fitting, no frills, and confident.

Designer Spotlight: Mary McFadden

Mary McFadden, “design archaeologist,” “a high priestess of fashion,” and “an American fashion icon.”

As a young girl, Mary McFadden lived on a cotton plantation in Tennessee, then moved to Long Island, NY. She was schooled in New York and Paris, and studied sociology and anthropology at Columbia University. After working as a publicist for Christian Dior – New York and as an editor for Vogue South Africa, she launched her first collection in New York in 1973. She quickly became known for her exuberant use of color and her signature pleated polyester fabric, “Marii.”

Mary McFadden won a Coty Award in 1976 and entered the Coty Hall of Fame in 1979. Since then she has received many honors, including the Neiman Marcus Award for Excellence, the President’s Fellow Award of the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Fashion Week of the Americas Lifetime Achievement Award. She has served as President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. McFadden collections have been shown all over the world – including New York, Paris, Rome, Milan, Tokyo, St. Petersburg, Russia, India, Thailand, Central and South America, and the Middle East.

Mary McFadden draws ideas and expressions from other cultures into her couture designs. One writer said that “the art of ancient civilizations is literally woven into her fabrics.” Her designs celebrate ancient Near Eastern, African, Classical Greek, Javanese, Pre-Columbian, Dynastic Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures ...and give an art form to dressing.

Taken from: http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/events/treasures/mcfadden.shtml

All dresses are available ar www.back-in-style.com

Carlos Falchi Handbags - History of a Creative Brazilian Designer

Carlos Falchi was born in Minas Gerias, Brazil and got his start as a handbag designer at the age of 6 when he made handbags for his cousin. He moved to the United States and worked nights at a Manhattan bar and would wear his own clothing designs, which the patrons noticed and wanted!

Carlos continued to design and experiment and, in 1974, he came out with his Buffalo duffel bag and it was an immediate hit. The 1970’s embraced his relaxed ( and futuristic) vision of the handbag. These bags were secure, soft, and in non-traditional colors but were big enough to carry everything that you needed. In 1983 Carlos won the prestigious Coty Award for design and his bags were almost instantaneously copied.

His handbag philosophy can best be summed up by a quote “I want to be able to squash and trash a bag and still see it keep going." -Falchi

Taken from: http://www.fashion-and-style.org/page-4/carlos-falchi-handbags.html

Are you ready for Oscar night? How to dress like the stars

Didn't get invited to the Oscar's this year? No problem, just bring to party to you. Roll the red carpet out on your door step, & invite friends over for a black tie dinner and screaning. So what should you wear on this festive occassion? Well, let's review what the stars have been wearing at this awards this year.

Length- Cocktail length dresses seem to be very popular, especially those with a strapless sweatheart neckline. Reese Witherspoon looked stunning in a beautiful yellow one. Renee Zellweger wore a green one with gathered bodice, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Sarah Jessica Parker both wore brocade cocktail dresses with spaghetti straps.

Color- Lots of white- Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Kyra Sedgwick, Teri Hatcher, Kate Winslet, Nicollette Sheridan, Jennifer Garner, Emily Blunt, Salma Hayek, Heidi Klum, Ali Larter, Hayden Panettiere, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Sienna Miller, Ellen Pompeo, everyone is wearing white!

Style- Strapless of course, Edie Falco, Drew Barrymore, Jenna Fischer, Cameron Diaz, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nicollette Sheridan, Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, Toni Collette, Heidi Klum, Vanessa L. Williams, Rachel Weisz, Hayden Panettiere, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Mary Lynn Rajskub

So there you have it, cocktail length, white, and strapless is the award show uniform this season!

The History of Gucci

1921-The hosue of Gucci is founded in Florence, Italy by Guccio Gucci as an equestrian leather goods shop and saddlery.
1938- Gucci opens a boutique in Rome and begins selling luxury leather goods like ladies handbags and shoes
1947- Bamboo handle handbags are introduced
1950s- Gucci begins to use their signauture red and green striped webbing, never forgetting his roots, the webbing is derived from the saddle girth
1953- Guccio dies leaving the business to his four sons, intra-family fighting beings
1960s- Gucci introduces the GG logo
1960-s Gucci creats the flora pattern in a scarf, which soon expands to handbags, shoes, and other accessories
1970-1990- The house of Gucci goes thought a lot of turmiol, changing ownership many times and almost going bankrupt
1989- Gucci hires Tom Ford and the revival of the brand begins.
1995- Gucci goes public on the AEX and NYSE for $22 per share
and the rest is history!

Although Gucci has gone through a lot of changes, good and bag, they never forgot their roots. You can still see the equestrian influence on the label today, in their frequent use of the hourse bit and stirrups, and their signature green and red striped webbing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gucci

Retro glam, old hollywood... Vintage peignoirs are the way to go

Try something different this Valentine's Day. Stay home and order in. That doesn't mean you don't have to dress up for the occasion, it just calls for a different kind of attire, equally as extravagant, if not more...
Put on your wedding song and imagine yourself dancing with your husband in your living room in a lavender peignoir, sheer enough for your silhouette to show through, layers of flowing chiffon trailing behind you. How sexy and romantic at the same time! Vintage is the look of lounge wear this year, evoking a sense of old Hollywood glamour and subtle intrigue. Long silk nightgowns with lace inserts in just the right places... An abundance of sheer layers hinting at your silhouette... Soft colors and touchable fabrics bringing back romance.
So put away the cheeky thongs, and garter belts, and try something different this Valentine's Day. something a bit more classy, but equally as sexy, and leave the rest up to your imagination...
All of the items above are available at www.back-in-style.com

Date Dresses: What to wear on Valentine's Day

A dress is definitely the uniform for a Valentine's Day date. There is just something more special, and more romantic about a dress, than there is about separates. Not that is has to be dressier or fancier, a dress just turns it into an occassion rather than just another night out...

So it is Valentine's Day right? You want to be feminine and pretty, but you also want to be sexy and romantic. The fabric you choose is very important in setting the mood of the date. You want a fabric that is soft and touchable. Velvet or chiffon are great choices. Brocade is not. Who wants to cuddle up to something scratchy? If you want something sparkely (maybe to catch his eye), choose something that has a sequin trim, or is only beaded in specific areas... areas that won't get in the way of affection.

Now, what should the cut of your dress be? You want it to be girly and sexy, but you don't want hoochie. Hopefully this is someone you care about, not a one night stand. The top and necklines of the dress are the most important part. More than likely you will be sitting across the table from that special someone, so most of the time he will only see the top of your dress.

V-necklines are always nice. Go as low as you are comfortable with the V. If you are not one to show a lot of decoletage, try a cross over neckline. It can be intreguing without exposing too much. Stay away from a high neckline. It comes off as prude. A cowl neck is a nice alternative. It is winter time so strapless or spaghetti straps might look like you are trying too hard (unless the dress is an obviously wintery fabirc like a soft tweed or knit). Chiffon straps are a better option, and add a soft feminine touch with out hiding too much. Shoulders and collar bones are a very appealing party of a woman's body, so don't cover them up.

Quicky fixes-
Feel like adding a little sex appeal? Ankle strap shoes are an easy and subtle way to vamp up your outfit.

Don't feel touchable? Add a cashmere shrug, or velvet blazer

Feel too exposed? Add a stole, and let it casually drape off your shoulders. It will be very sexy as it slips down your arm...

Feeling blah? Add a rhinestone brooch, or dangle earrings. (Leave your neck bare though, it is much more kissable that way). A brooch also makes a great hair piece.

What should you wear this holiday season?

It is hard to believe it is time to think about holiday parties again, but it is. To avoid the stressful last minute rush, start early. Shop now! Get it over with, and just smile when your friends tell you the horror story of how she had to leave work early, rush to the mall, fight for a parking spot, wait in line for a dressing room, and ended up buying a dress she less than loves, knowing that you did it from the quiet comfort of your own home, sitting in your pajamas with a cup of sugar free hot chocolate, listening to your ipod (instead of that crazy chrismas music that eventually makes you go insane) on-line at back-in-style.com. Not only was it a more plesant experience, but you also got a dress that makes you look incredible, and that you are certain no one else will have, at a much cheaper price than she did, leaving you extra money to buy a new tie or shirt to ensure that your date looks as good as you do.

So now that I have told you how to shop, what should you shop for?
Just want to buy one thing, or aren't sure what the occassion calls for?
Go black! Black is back, and it is classic and simple. If you have a lot of parties to go to, you can wear the same dress to each one, just change the accesories. Also, if you are not sure what the dress code for the party is, a black cocktail length dress is always the best way to go. It can be dressy or casual with the change of your attitude and hairstyle.

Don't feel like wearing a cocktail dress? Try a pencil skirt. Sexy but demure the 1940's style pencil skirt has a strong presence this season, and it is easy to dress up for the holidays. Feeling trendy, wear it with a wide belt. Feeling classic, tuck in a satin button down or tie neck blouse. Feeling cold, add an embellished feminine shrug. The pencil skirt is also a great alternative if you are coming from work. Wear it to work with a blazer, suit style. Then for evening, switch your office pumps to sexy metallic ankle strap shoes, and your tote back to a clutch. Add some extra jewelry, long necklaces, or long dangle earrings, and you are cocktail ready.

Red and green not your colors? Choose gold. It is very rich and warm and still holiday-esque. Brocade and velvet are also a very festive and wintery fabrics that are always holiday appropriate. Also try mixing textures and fabrics. Wear a satin blouse with a velvet skirt, or or a brocade dress with a soft sweater. Combining textures adds depth, and keeps an outfit from being to expected and ordinary.

So now that you know what you are looking for, go to www.back-in-style.com and start shopping for it, from the comfort of your home, or office, of where ever you may be.It is hard to believe it is time to think about holiday parties again, but it is. To avoid the stressful last minute rush, start early. Shop now! Get it over with, and just smile when your friends tell you the horror story of how she had to leave work early, rush to the mall, fight for a parking spot, wait in line for a dressing room, and ended up buying a dress she less than loves, knowing that you did it from the quiet comfort of your own home, sitting in your pajamas with a cup of sugar free hot chocolate, listening to your ipod (instead of that crazy chrismas music that eventually makes you go insane) on-line at back-in-style.com. Not only was it a more plesant experience, but you also got a dress that makes you look incredible, and that you are certain no one else will have, at a much cheaper price than she did, leaving you extra money to buy a new tie or shirt to ensure that your date looks as good as you do.

So now that I have told you how to shop, what should you shop for?
Just want to buy one thing, or aren't sure what the occassion calls for?
Go black! Black is back, and it is classic and simple. If you have a lot of parties to go to, you can wear the same dress to each one, just change the accesories. Also, if you are not sure what the dress code for the party is, a black cocktail length dress is always the best way to go. It can be dressy or casual with the change of your attitude and hairstyle.

Don't feel like wearing a cocktail dress? Try a pencil skirt. Sexy but demure the 1940's style pencil skirt has a strong presence this season, and it is easy to dress up for the holidays. Feeling trendy, wear it with a wide belt. Feeling classic, tuck in a satin button down or tie neck blouse. Feeling cold, add an embellished feminine shrug. The pencil skirt is also a great alternative if you are coming from work. Wear it to work with a blazer, suit style. Then for evening, switch your office pumps to sexy metallic ankle strap shoes, and your tote back to a clutch. Add some extra jewelry, long necklaces, or long dangle earrings, and you are cocktail ready.

Red and green not your colors? Choose gold. It is very rich and warm and still holiday-esque. Brocade and velvet are also a very festive and wintery fabrics that are always holiday appropriate. Also try mixing textures and fabrics. Wear a satin blouse with a velvet skirt, or or a brocade dress with a soft sweater. Combining textures adds depth, and keeps an outfit from being to expected and ordinary.

So now that you know what you are looking for, go to www.back-in-style.com and start shopping for it, from the comfort of your home, or office, of where ever you may be.
Everything pictured above is available at www.back-in-style.com

The ettiquete of giving vintage as gifts

Our very own Gretchen asks the Miami Herald Advice Diva, Tara Solomn about the ettique of giving vintage as gifts. Read on to see what she said...

ADVICE DIVA
It's not used junk -- it's vintage BY TARA SOLOMON
advicediva@MiamiHerald.com
Dear Advice Diva:

As co-owner of a vintage and resale clothing website, I am often presented with fashion questions. I am hoping to get your advice on one of the more frequent dilemmas. My clients love vintage and are past feeling uncomfortable wearing a used dress or carrying a pre-owned handbag, but some are hesitant when it comes to giving a used gift. Personally, I feel a vintage gift not only allows you to afford more value on your budget, but that often the item is more unique and special. They may get 10 scented candles, but they'll most definitely only receive one 1940s mesh evening bag. What do you recommend?

Gretchen

Dear Gretchen:

You are asking a woman who has been obsessed with vintage since she was a grade-schooler racing around the house in retro prom dresses (courtesy of a very eccentric grandmother) and pointy shoes with pom-poms on top. Not only do we see absolutely nothing wrong with gifting vintage, we encourage it, but only for certain people. If they don't already wear or appreciate vintage, buy a gift card at Saks instead; you don't want to be known as the person who gave them a hand-me-down.

When you do give vintage, be sure to wrap it beautifully in a box with tissue, tied with a big satin ribbon (presentation is everything). If your gift came from a vintage boutique, place the business card on top of the tissue; if you found your treasure thrifting, skip the card (somehow, Goodwill Industries doesn't have the same cache).

Also appreciated is a little note on the history of the gift, if you know it. For instance: ''The antique market vendor told me this necklace belonged to his great aunt, who was a brilliant soprano who sang at the Met!'' Works for us.

Unique and affordable vintage gifts

For your co-worker: A fabulous vintage clutch that she can throw in her work bag for nights out on the town is a great gift. Inside add an IOU for an after work happy hour where she can use the clutch.

For your secret santa: Is your budget $20 or less? Then you are in luck. Back-in-style.com has over 400 items that are under $20. How about a cute piece of vintage jewlery. Some dangle earrings, or a long necklace to add some color and sparkle to her drab office wardrobe. Or for him- a fun vintage tie to make the office more interesting?

For that special someone: How about a trendy corduroy or velvet blazer. Great to wear during the holidays, or with jeans on your date night. Sensual and soft you'll be touching him all night long...

For your sister, the girl who has always borrowed your clothes: You already know what she likes. Just pick something similar to what she used to steal from your closet. Or just give her that item she is coveting from your closet, and buy something new for yourself...

For your best friend: After diamonds, a fabulous handbag is a girl's best friend. Back-in-style.com has many to choose from. Unique vintage to contemporary designer. A big tote to lug all her files to the office, or a cute little baguette for when you are out shopping. Or maybe a tote to carry all her gym clothes. No matter what her style, you will certainly find it at back-in-style.com

Your brothers, or brother-in-law: You thought this one was hard, but now it is simple, Cufflinks! The hottest new accessory for men. Affordable ($20 at back-in-style.com) and unique, they make the perfect thoughtful gesture without looking like you are trying too hard.

All the items above are available at www.back-in-style.com

Miami Vintage Clothing Show & Sale

Miami Vintage Clothing & Accessories Show & Sale
November 4-5 from 11am-6pm with a preview party November 3rd from 7pm-9pm
The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove 2985 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133
General admission $5, preview party to benefit the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove $20

Miami vibrates with life as the winter tourist season approaches. Cutting edge fashion and vintage clothing go hand in hand in Miami and the Beaches as the area celebrates cultural diversity and creativity in its dress.

Join us for a special event including fine vintage clothing and accessories from 22 unique sellers, selected for the quality and authenticity of their merchandise.

For more info, or to become a dealer call 305-984-0430 or visit www.miamivintageclohtingshow.com

We want your opinion, what should we wear this fall?

What are the hottest trends for fall? A fashion writer asked us that question and while thinking about the answer, I wondered, what do the magazines say the hottest trends this fall are, and what are people really wearing? So I though I would ask you, the people who are actually buying and wearing these trends, what do you think this falls hottest looks are? Please post comments and photos.

These are the wearable trends we came up with...
1. Red accents- nothing breaks up the mundane like red. Add red pumps or a red bag to any outfit for a splash of color and trendiness.
2. Belts- this new "it" accessory this fall is a fabulous belt. Back-in-style.com has a variety of unique and interest belts. Wear a wide one cinched around you want with your tunic and leggings for a flattering fitted silhouette. Since Mod is back, any patent leather belt will look great. Reptile skin adds great texture to any outfit, and metallic leathers add a little shine and sparkle without being to girly.
3. Pumps- the 80s pump is the sex symbol for fall. Make sure you wear them either with skirts/dresses or skinny jeans. They will disappear under wide legs.
4. Gold chains- In any length of size, gold is in. Go 80s style with chunky bold necklaces. Or 20s with long layered necklaces. Which ever you choose, make sure it is gold
5. Boots- this one is a no brainer, it is fall, or course boots are in! Back-in-style.com has some very affordable unique styles in equestrian, cowboy or polished cosmopolitan.
6. Bright Leather Bags- whether large or small, bright colored leather is the material of choice for fall. Big slouchy bags allow you to put in an extra sweater just in case, but cute structured purses look polished and put together. It is your choice.
7. Hints of metallic, metals and hardware. Just a little bit goes a long way here. Grab one piece that is metallic or has metal details. A gold belt, or a handbag with bold hardware, or shoes with studs and buckles.
8. Vintage belt buckles- there is no better way to add uniqueness and interest to your outfit than a vintage belt buckle (especially since belts are so popular now). It is also an easy way to accessorize jean and a t-shirt. Just add a great belt buckle and suddenly your run of the mill outfit is transformed to something cute and trendy.
9. Crystal necklaces- Put away your pearls and put on the crystals. Crystals are the new pearls, especially when it comes to necklaces. Still girly and proper, but way more fun!
10. Snake skin- exotic and fun, this will spice up any outfit. Feel free to mix textured. Snake skin toughens up a girls chiffon blouse, and works well with graphic prints. Wear a metallic snake belt, or a red snake skin bag, and combine two trends in one.
PS- If you like any of the items you see in the photo, they are available at www.back-in-style.com

Jersey Girl- Summer's Hottest Trend

It is hot and sticky outside. You hardly feel like getting dresses, let alone looking cute, what do you wear? Throw on a jersey dress. Stretchy and light, you won't loom like a wilted flower, even if you feel like one. Jersey dresses are this summer's essential wardrobe piece. Here's why...

1. Versatility! A little black jersey dress can serve as a cocktail dress if you add great jewelry, and a small clutch, or you can wear the same dress as a cover up for the beach with flat sandals and a large tote. Going out to lunch, swap your flip flops for some embellished flats and a structured frame bag and you will look polished, but casual.

2. Low maintenance! Jersey dresses are great for traveling. Just crumple it up and throw it in your bag. When you arrive, just pull it out. Worst case scenario, hang it in the bathroom as you shower and let the wrinkles fall out, but you won’t need to iron it.

3. Add a belt! There are a million options to make your jersey dress look like a completely different outfit. Swap the belt, or even if the dress does not have a belt, add one. A chiffon scarf makes a beautiful feminine summery statement. Or use a man's tie as a belt for a more creative look. How about a wide leather belt high on your waist for a great silhouette. Even a piece of robe or braided corde. Tie a cute little knot on each end, wrap around the waist and tie with another knot. This will look very nautical so it works best with navy blue, white or red. For evening add a metallic belt, or a metal belt. The possibilities are endless…

How to look cute and stay cool in the summer heat!

So it is over 90 degrees outside and you think, what is the point in getting dressed if in 30 seconds I am going to look like a wilted flower. Here are a few pointers to help you look your best even when the temperatures sky rocket.
Embrace your inner bohemian!
The bohemian trend makes it easy to to fashionable and stay cool. Choose gauzy light weight fabrics that either won't show wrinkles or are supposed to be wrinkled, and flowy shapes that aren't constricting and allow the breeze to blow through. Loose fitting natural fibers will allow ventilation, keeping you looking fresh all day long.
Embellish with holes~ Eyelet, Crochet, and Lace
Very feminine and pretty, yet also functional, it allows your skin to brethe. It is especially great in areas where sweat tends to show, and in the most structured areas of your attire; ie: the bustline and waistline. It works two-fold, allowing you to cool off and at the same time, distracting the viewers eye.
Layer
I know, it is seem counter intuitive to wear more clothes instead of less, but trust us on this one. Wear a tighter cotton layer close to your body, and then a loose sheer layer over. The loose layer on top will stay fresh, and conceal the wilting heat effect of the under layer. Just make sure your top layer is either sheer or cut right so you don't look frumpy.
Wear a slip dress
Light, airy, and feminine with lots of lace accents, this is the perfect choice for summer. They make great cover ups for the beach or pool also! Feeling self conscious? Layer a few different ones on top of each other. Or, if you are feeling up to celebrity status, pair your slip dress with cowboy boots as seen on Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Scarlet Johannson, and Tara Reid.
Carry a handbag!
Instead of tucking a purse under your arm, or over your shoulder, carry a handbag. Tucking a bag under your arm, and against your body will make you hotter. Instead, grab a purse you can carry in your hands, away from your body, it will keep you and your bag looking fresh.

How to top it off- picking the best shirt for your body type!

Now that we have given you so many tops to choose from on sale, let's help you figure out how to pick one that is the most flattering for you.

Big bust- halter styles with a moderate neckline (not too high, not too low) are great. They provide support and also look very sexy. Stay away from strapless (no support), or anything with a too wide V (you might fall out!). And please make sure your top is fitted. There is nothing more unflattering on a full busted woman than a big baggy shirt!

Small bust- stay away from tube tops which can make you look very flat. V neck lines and flattering and plunging necklines also draw the eyes attention down and away from your chest. Tops with built in bras will just squish what little you do have, so avoid those as well. Instead choose a shirt you can wear a padded bra under if you choose.

Wide shoulders- stay away from racer back or t backs (the athletic styles) which will accentuate your shoulders and back. Halters are a nice alternative, just make sure the neckline isn’t too high. That will also make your shoulders look broader. If you wear a shirt with sleeves, make sure they fall past your shoulder. Capped sleeves will make you look like a foot ball player. Stay away from square necklines, and choose scoop instead. This will create the illusion of a narrower upper body.

Narrow shoulders- just the opposite. Choose capped sleeved tops, and square necklines. Athletic styles will also make you appear broader. Make sure you wear tops that are fitted in the waist, the smallest part of your upper body, making your shoulders look wider.

Small waist- pick a top that draw your attention to your waist with a waist detail like a belt, bow, or some other form of embellishment. Cinch a baggy top with a belt. A shirt that hits right at your waist with a high waisted skirt will make you look even smaller and give you a 1940s silhouette.

Wide waist- all those super cute empire waist tops are for you. Choose a top that is fitted in the bust and loose around your core. Make sure it hits just at your hips and over the top of your jeans, and only wear it with pants or shorts, no skirts (too much bagginess). Stay away from anything that draws attention to your waist like a belt. A top with a wide gathered elastic waistband can work as long as it is baggy on top, making it look like your waist is smaller than it really it.

Big hips- stay away from empire waists. This will make you look like a tent. To keep your figure, choose a top that is fitted in the waist, or has some structure. Pick tops that fall just above the widest part of your hips or higher. This will make your hips look smaller. Square necklines accentuate your shoulders and help balance your silhouette, making your hips look smaller.

Small hips- if you want the illusion of curves, make sure your top is shaped and close fitting in the waist, and add a low slung belt. The top will make your waist look smaller and the belt will accentuate your hips, making the end result curvy. Small hips are the only shape that can wear a tunic top well, so embrace it, but this look won’t help you add sexy curves. Make sure your tops end at the widest part of your hips, adding the illusion of curves.

True Blue! The "IT" color for summer

Blue is the hot new color for summer. Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Nicolette Sheridan, Sarah Jessica Parker & Beyonce are just a few of the many celebrities seen wearing blue dresses to their special occasions this season. All different shades, and hues have been spotted on the runway and on the streets, and for good reason. Blue looks good on just about any one, any hair color or skin tone, and it looks great with a tan. Blue is the perfect summer color, reminiscent of the ocean, boating, blue skys, and other summer activities.
Pair a blue dress with feminine heels and handbags to make it more girly. Wear your hair loose, flowy, and touchable for a romantic feel. Add white accessories for a preppy nauitical vibe. Mix navy and black for a trendy look. Wear a lighter ocean blue color for a casual vacation feel.
No matter how you choose to wear it, you'll be true blue!