Images via Elle.com

Emilio Pucci delighted us with soft and subdued prints for Spring 2011.  They came in hues of blue and white, denim and various shades of brown prints.  The dresses were light and ethereal, and many were paired with over the knee lace-up boots; the contrast created a romantic runway look.  It was a sexy and feminine collection, but styled with an edge.  Delicate scarves were folded into bandanas to accessorize the hair and toughen-up the flowing chiffon.  There was even a retro seventies vibe to the collection, and it was done with an attentive eye on the present.

1. Laga Gaga in McQueen

2. Ashley Greene

3. Selena Gomez in Reem Acra

4. Rosario Dawson

5. Emma Stone in Emilio Pucci

#1. Selena Gomez in BCBG Max Azria

#2. Leighton Meester in Emilio Pucci

#3. Kristen Bell in Stella McCartney

#4. Ashley Greene in Valentino

These ladies came out for the Teen Choice Awards looking young, fit and fabulous.  Sure the red carpet was actually blue, but that’s an eco-friendly change.  Dress lengths were above the knee for young Hollywood, and why not when they are so tanned and fit for the summer.  Selena Gomez took the top spot because she selected a white dress that was modern and beautifully draped with side slits on the arms.  She did BCBG Max Azria proud.  Gossip Girls’s Leighton Meester also went for a white dress, but this was a fully textured and patterned Emilio Pucci mini.  It was youthful with a vintage feel.  Kristen Bell was lovely in Stella McCartney.  Bell wore what appeared to be a strapless nude and red lace mini-dress with a red over-lay.  Our list was completed by Twilight’s Ashley Greene who was pretty in Valentino.  Her strapless mini was demure and ladylike in a delicately printed fabric.

Shorts by Milly
Sandals by Miss L Fire

The 4th of July is a celebration of our nation’s independence, but that does not mean we have to abandon our sense of style.  Here are three looks that varies in price and style personality.

We’ll start from left to right.  First we have the mid-priced outfit.  It is a striped silk-blend camisole from Armand Basi, and is paired with a white skirt with navy blue embellishments and double stripes by ModCloth.  Christian Louboutin white leather wedge sandals, and a red Diesel bag accessorize this look.  

The second look is the lower-priced outfit, and it can be easily replicated.  You might already have similar pieces in your wardrobe.  It starts with a pair of Burberry oversized sunglasses, a Heritage 1981 strapless denim romper and a Wild Diva wedge sandal.  The romper is the must have piece this season, and denim is right on trend.

Finally we have the third outfit, and the pricier of the three looks.  Here we have an Emilio Pucci print top, and it’s accompanied by a pair of Milly sailor shorts and Miss L- Fire sailor wedge heels with stripe print designs.   It has a detachable nautical corsage that is removable.  The print in the blouse is perfectly contrasted with the stripes in the heel of the shoes.  Stripes are also big this summer.

Hopefully you will get inspired by these style ideas.  Happy 4th of July Weekend!!!

Sarah Jessica Parker wears an Emilio Pucci fall 2010 dress in Sex and the City 2 poster.  The gown is beautifully fitted in the bodice until it hits the hip bone to reveal a thigh-high slit that would make even Mr. Big blush.  When you get to the lower half of the dress you find a heavenly sight of floating printed chiffon.  The poster was revealed about two weeks ago, yet Pucci only confirmed weeks later.  It’s great marketing to allow bits of information to trickle out every week.   That’s one way to keep the movie in the news until its May 27th release.  The strategy is apparently working because the excitement only builds each time we learn something new.

 #1. Kate Hudson in Emilio Pucci

 #2. Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

 #3. Marion Cotillard in Elie Saab

 #4. Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen (with husband Jesse James)

#5. Lea Michele in Catherine Malandrino

On the Red Carpet:

Kate Hudson did it again, two weeks in a row.  We named her the best dressed at the Golden Globes last week, and she takes top honors again in this Emilio Pucci dress.  White is obviously Ms. Hudson’s color and it becoming a favorite on the red carpet.  The fit of this gown was perfect, from the deceptively demure front to the jaw dropping back.                                                     

Diane Kruger looked glamourous in her mustard colored Jason Wu gown.  She did a great job at channeling the starlets of old hollywood.  Her jewelry, hair and make-up complemented this gorgeous chiffon number.  The dress perfectly sculpted her body and the color was extremely flattering to her skintone.

Marion Cotillard was young and edgy at the SAG Awards and we appreciated it.  She continued the one shoulder trend in an off-white beaded dress by Elie Saab.  The mix of beads and feathers made this dress a bold choice and she wore it well.  The color and length made this a refreshing sight on the red carpet.

Sandra Bullock wisely selected this Alexander McQueen gown.  It showcased a very flattering silhouette.  The structured shoulders landed this gown on the best dressed list.  It looked very modern and the royal blue beading served as the icing on the cake. 

Lea Michele Everything was right with this Catherine Malandrino dress, the low V-cut front and the floor length finish elongated her figure.  The color worked beautifully with her hair color and lightly bronzed skin.  We’re looking forward to seeing her on the red carpet more often.

We have noticed that launching a fragrance has been in the ‘news’ lately.  Is it just me, or is everyone launching or in the process of launching a fragrance.  Tom Ford recently launched Bois Marocain.  Now Calvin Klein, Pucci, and Cartier at Sephora are offering limited edition perfumes, and Alberta Ferretti is launching her debut fragrance as well.  Fashion Rollcall has added designer fragrances to its Rollcall list this week.  The fragrance industry had stalled a bit in 2002, sales were slow.  With the increase of new fragrances, it’s likely  there has been an upswing in the sale of fragrances.  It makes sense that sales would increase during times of economic turbulence.  Everyone wants to wear that sensual scent, the one that captivates the senses and brings out a more sultry side.  I’ll have a few bottles of that, thank you.  It is also an affordable luxury, and even more, it makes us feel better.