left: Nikki Reed in Michael Kors - right: Ashley Greene in Donna Karan

Ashley Greene attended the New York City premiere of “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” in Donna Karan. It was a one-shoulder black-and-white beauty with a cut-out in the bodice. Her castmate Nikki Reed wore a chartreuse Michael Kors gown with side cut-outs. Her dress had black trims and a thigh-high slit. She accessorized with a metallic clutch and matching peep-toe boots. Both girls had sleek hair styles to complement the clean lines in their outfits. Their faces were in neutral palettes, but Nikki opted for a bright lip color. I loved the modern looks on these actresses, they are very 21st Century.

Images via People Style Watch

Striped tops are all the rage this season, and one of the must have trends for summer.  It’s not a one style fits all proposition, you can go from sexy strapless to sporty, trendy or classic stripes to suit your mood.  They are all very Parisian chic.  Pair them with blue denim shorts, white jeans or a white a-line skirt.  Red  accessories would go perfectly if you want to go the classic route or turquoise to keep up with the color of the year in a great bag, shoe or belt.  The striped trend made our Rollcall list because this nautical look is not just for sailors; civilians are ready to come on-board.  If you’re not heavily into stripes but want to remain trendy, try getting the look with a scarf to accent your outfit.

Net-A-Porter launched a new online denim section on its site today.  The denim on denim trend has been gaining momentum, but it appeared fleeting at first.  Net-A-Porter’s new online boutique is a sign that it will be around a lot longer than many anticipated.  Here we have the trend done right, it’s a Victoria Beckham Jeans cut-off shorts and hooded vest.  A lighter fabric and hue gives this look a modern and updated vibe.  The look would become questionable in a heavier fabric of a darker monochromatic hue; that would take this trend from trendy to country in a flash.  So guard against becoming a fashion victim by choosing wisely.  If you want to get on the denim trend, Net-A-Porter has you covered with Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham Jeans, J. Brand, D&G among others. 

Net-A-Porter Opens Denim Boutique [Elle UK]

Spring leads us into summer and it becomes a blur of great sunny weather from there on.  It’s also a time when we must be vigilant about freshening-up our pedicures to showcase those fabulous shoes.  The metallic trend is one of the hottest this season; it’s sleek, sexy and modern.  Those are great adjectives to describe confection for your feet.  You can find them in silver, gold or pewter.  I’m loving the peek-a-boo factor in the laser cut-out styles.  Here are a few that are sure to turn the heads of the shoe obsessed.  Go ahead, try them, your feet will thank you.

Versace Spring 2010

Jil Sander Spring 2010 

Versace Spring 2010                                                         

Rent the Runway wants to accessorize you with fashionable jewelry.   The Net-flix of fashion now has an Accessories section, and you can rent earrings, bracelets and necklaces to go along with those designer dresses.  They’re already dressing you for that special event, now they want to put the finishing touch to your look.  These pieces will keep you on trend because turquoise happens to be the color of the year.  RTR has you covered when it comes to getting fabulous, you’ll be stylish and trendy without spending a fortune and no long-term commitments.  What will they add next for your financial convenience?  Handbags perhaps.

When I say sweatpants you think, the gym.  That would usually be the correct answer, but we now live in an alternate universe where sweatpants are associated with luxury.  If designer Michael Kors has his way, you will be casually chic in a pair of cashmere sweatpants for $995.  I remember a time when the money crowd would rather be caught shopping the sales rack than be seen in public with sweats.  What’s changed?  Maybe all they needed were for said item to be made by top designers in the finest fabrics.  Kors is not alone, Alexander Wang was among the first to start this trend along with Isabel Marant for Spring 2010, then Rag & Bone and Bottega Veneta.  The trend appears to be catching on judging by the reported sales from designers and stores.  Will this be more than just a fad?  I doubt it, we have far too much history with sweats to fully find them acceptable for anything other than lounging or exercise.  It should go without saying that sweatpants should not be worn on a date, even if they are paired with Louboutins, your date will be left underwhelmed.  There’s a time and place for everything, and sweats may be fine for shopping, but not for fine dining.

The $1,000 Sweatpants  [WSJ]

A funny thing happened in Milan and Paris during fashion month, it became fashionable to cast models with curves on the runway.  Two notable fashion houses took this step, and we applaud them both; the trail blazers were Prada in Milan, and Louis Vuitton in Paris.  The move towards curves have been gaining momentum, with in demand models like Lara Stone being sought after for advertising campaigns and editorials, but it has reached a new high.  Victoria’s Secret’s models were called to the rescue in Milan for Prada’s runway show, along with Lara.  Even their former Angels were called into action in Paris at Louis Vuitton.  It’s too soon to know if this trend will cross-over into Spring 2011.  Let’s not be naive, this was marketing; only the sales numbers will reveal just how brilliant.  We should not focus only on the sales of the clothes, but the accessories too.  Those who approve of this move may vote with their dollars, and purchase a Prada or Vuitton bag over other brands for fall.  Should it be a financial success, we may see other brands make the leap.  Even if this phenomena ends with the Fall 2010 season, it has left a permanent mark on all of us who witnessed the fashion industry embrace womanly bodies.

Tights are definitely on trend this season, and no one loves them more than Sarah Jessica Parker.  The actress wore a pair of Chanel striped tights from the spring 2010 collection on The Today Show last week while doing press for Did You Hear About the Morgans.  The edgy tights balanced her girly crocheted Chanel look; a cross between bondage and sweet.  In October of 2008 Ms. Parker selected a pair of two-toned Chanel tights with a one-shoulder dress and cardigan for the Chanel Mobile Art event.  These tights looked more like a combination of biker shorts and stockings, and placed an exclamation point on a well-proportioned outfit.  Both looks were fun, daring and unconventional.  You should expect to see these pattern and textured tights everywhere this season and the next.

Sarah Jessica Parker Goes On A Textured Tights Kick  [Glamour.com]

Two-tone tights, uneven hem and a granny-style cardie… SJP adopts Carrie’s kooky style  [Daily Mail]

December 2009

October 2008

Corsets appear to be the rage in London; they are selling out in Selfridges in a 24 hour period.  The sale of underwear is not necessarily news all by itself, but it’s corsets being worn as outerwear that’s making headlines.  The luxury department store has seen sales of corsets increase by 70% over the last year.  Increased sales of corsets are being credited or blamed on Lady Gaga and Rihanna.  “The trend for underwear worn as outerwear is more popular than ever,” says an expert.  Several stores and brands are already putting a rush on their corset orders to take advantage of the lingerie craze.  We’ll be on corset-watch here in the U.S. because we know it will be here soon.  So let the countdown begin.

Selfridge Corsets Sell Out As Sexy Lingerie Becomes A Must Have This Christmas [Daily Star]