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

Kourtney Kardasian wore a Rebecca Minkoff pleated leather skirt on the streets of New York City.  It was a part of  Ms. Kardasian’s  sexy librarian ensemble.  Her hair was styled in a bun to complete the alluring, yet conservative look.  She paired her on-trend leather mini with a white tuxedo shirt with black bow and sky high platform booties.  I’m loving the navy jacket to break up the black-and-white color scheme.  Sure Kourtney had a little trouble navigating those city grates, but she looked incredibly stylish doing it.

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!!!

Cocktail Dresses by Rm By Roland Mouret
Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

There is nothing easier or chicer to put on than a simple black or white dress during the summer.  I selected black and white because  they are classic colors that deliver instant sophistication. 

The white dress is a RM by Roland Mouret and it is simply gorgeous, and intricately draped.  It’s paired with a hot pair of black Giuseppe Zanotti cut-out shoes.  In black we have the Tramando dress with the beautiful details at the neckline and another great pair of Zanotti’s in white.  There are no necklaces in sight because they would detract from the necklines of both dresses, so we used earrings and cuffs to fulfill the jewelry requirement. 

The black dress and accessories have a more vintage vibe, from the twenties inspired dress and painted design on the bag to the chandelier earrings and sandals with gold and silver studs that fall in a similar pattern.  I went in a totally different direction with the white dress and accessories.  They are more modern, from the shape and structure of the dress itself, to the architectural nature of the the Judith Leiber clutch and the designs on the cuff.  Black and white need not be boring, but can be translated into elegance and style at a moment’s notice.

Gucci held its spring 2011 menswear runway show in Milan ealier this week.  There were a mixture of suits, casual slacks, blazers, leather jackets and denim in the collection.  The pants were sexy in a slim cut and we saw plenty of shorts, but the accessories stole the show.  Spring 2011 may become known as the season of man bags, and Gucci had a lot of them. 

Cocktail Dresses by Preen
Platforms by Stella McCartney

Here is an example of accessorizing one cocktail dress to make two distinct, but equally edgy looks.  We have a Preen turquoise dress that’s unfortunately sold out, but is a great example of the perfect little turquoise dress.  Hopefully it will inspire you to find something similar and put a ring or necklace on it.  

My main goal was to show you how a necklace, cocktail ring and the right shoes can alter your look.  We went for for a high-low concept because that’s the mark of true style, and that’s how we all shop.  In the gold look, the Preen dress is at the higher price-point, while the gold N.Y.L.A. cut-out booties are only $89.  It was paired with the Max & Chloe necklace with multi-colored rhinestones at $250, that’s more than the shoes.  The clutch is a Michael Kors’ marine colored python at $696.  Here we used the  gold peep-toe booties to take this look from safe to edgy.

For the second look we went with color.  The turquoise dress was acessorized with a pair of fuchsia satin platform sandals by Stella McCartney and it’s sold for $525.  The pleated satin tie-die evening clutch and cocktail ring are at the lower price-point; the clutch retails for $98, Lori’s Shoes and Kenneth Jay Lane blue beads and crystals ring with a turquoise stone also retails for $98.

Get inspired, go and shop your closets, then go out and find the right accessories to give them new life.  Remember to have fun and to mix and match,  these looks are also interchangeable.

We’ve already showcased prints in the form of dresses for summer, so now here are a few bags to keep you on trend.  Wear your bag while rocking the denim or white dress trend if you wish.  You can also mix and match your prints in terms of your outfit and accessories if you’re so boldly inclined.  The multi-colored bag is a Vivienne Westwood with beautiful patterns, followed by the gorgeous pink Lanvin with two-toned brush strokes.  Then there’s the Coach bag with printed logo in a silver-gray hue.  Though I usually stay away from items with logos, this tote has a subtle print with more of a circular pattern.  As you can see, you can choose from the casual, dressy and the in-between. Accessories are a fun and simple way to update your wardrobe with prints, and a great investment.  These bags are priced between $232 and $1,205.

Prints are always on trend especially during the summer seasons.  Not feeling bold enough for animal prints, don’t fret, there’s a print out there for everyone.  You can find them in several sexy and feminine styles.  Geometrics, abstracts, florals, tie-dyes and black-and-whites are all excellent options.  Choose a print that matches your style personality whether it’s elegant, romantic or edgy.  Don’t hesitate to try this trend, your wardrobe will thank you for the explosive shapes and colors.  The Rachel Roy dress is the vibrant fuchsia top with floral bottom, and Helmet Lang’s is the tie-dye that’s beautifully draped with an interesting shape.  Shoshanna is the elegant geometric strapless, and Teri Jon, the lady-like belted black-and-white.  All of these dresses retail from $280 to $1,495.

Monthly Fashion Round-up for May 2010

End of May Round-up

The little white dress will be everywhere this summer because it’s the newest trend of the season.  You don’t have to settle for just any white dress, you can opt for dresses with geometric shapes or cut-outs.  Shapes and designs provide a visual interest that breaks the monotony.  Pristine white in the summer adds instant chic and sophistication, but be sure to complement it with color.  Too much white carries the risk of someone asking you to take their temperature.  Add some personality with a printed scarf, a yellow bag or turquoise sandals.  You can find a little white dress in different price ranges, here the dresses are priced from $225 to $1695.  The one-shoulder cut-out sheath is a Michael Kors at you guessed it, $1695 and all the others are under $350.