Stylelist

How to Make the Lace Trend Look Cool

Posted by Lesley Kennedy on Apr 11th 2011 9:00AM

Lovely lace styles from, from left, Chanel, Rebecca Taylor and Ralph Lauren. Photos: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images; Netaporter.com; Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

A little bit demure. A little bit vixen. Sometimes sweet. Sometimes sultry. Perhaps it's the multiple personalities of lace that make the romantic fabric alluring -- and trendy -- for spring.

"It's a great mix of sexy and innocent," designer Rebecca Taylor tells StyleList.

Taylor is one of several designers showcasing lace this season. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren are just a few labels loving lace.

Part of its appeal, celebrity stylist Estee Stanley tells StyleList, is its versatility.

"It can be used as an accent, or as a full garment," she says. "It can be conservative, but also very sexy. I think the reason it keeps coming back into fashion is because designers are always finding new ways to play with it."

We asked Taylor and Stanley to answer our questions on making lace look lovely, not to mention cool, for spring. Yep, it's time to lace up.

So, what does lace look like in 2011?

"Thicker lace versus the thin stretch lace is coming back, and bright colors instead of just black or white," Stanley says. "Also, a lot of designers are creating lace look-a-likes with different materials like perforated leather. Look out for this trend on accessories like shoes and bags, but even in all-over looks like in Herve Leger's collection this season."

What pieces should I look for in lace?
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"A lace dress is always so sexy and chic," Taylor says. "Black is great."

"Again, lace is so versatile that really almost anything can be made in this material," Stanley says. "Tops, dresses, skirts, as well as shoes, bags and belts."

How do I make lace look elegant and not cheap -- or overly sexy?

"The key with lace, as with any trend, is balance," Stanley says. "First off, you want to stick with high quality lace -- it can be machine-made or handmade, but the materials should be high quality, like silk, rather than polyester.

"The tendency lately has been to wear lace with very little underneath," she adds, "but you always want to make sure that you balance out that sexiness and not go too over-the-top. If you wear a lace top, you should stay away from a sexy bra underneath and go with something more demure, even a camisole. Or, if you're wearing a fully lace dress without a slip, make sure that it is a more conservative cut, maybe below the knee, or long-sleeved."

"There is a certain price point you have to pay to get lace that doesn't look cheesy," Taylor says. "Not top-of-the-line, but not the bottom either!"

What colors look fresh in lace this season?

"With the spring season always comes a lot of white, giving the feeling of a new start -- a clean slate," Stanley says. "But I think the freshest colors are the bright pops of neon that designers like Proenza Schouler used this season."

"Cream is always chic and classic," Taylor says. "It makes a great feminine alternative to black."

I found a great lace blouse. What should I pair with it?

"Lace blouses are great because they are so versatile," Taylor says. "I would tuck it in a black skirt or a pair of sleek wide-leg, high-wasted pants."

"The beauty of lace is that you can dress it up or dress it down," Stanley says. "If you pair a lace blouse with a great pair of jeans, you could wear it out to lunch with some girlfriends or even out shopping. If you decide to dress it up a bit, a great skirt can make this look date-appropriate. If you're really daring, you could always go for the full lace look and pair it with a lace skirt. Just be aware that too much lace can end up looking bulky, especially with the thicker, sturdier lace that has been in this season."

Are there any lace accessories that would be beautiful for spring?

"Belts are a great way to add some lace to your look," Stanley says. "The best thing is that lace can sometimes look bulky, but belts are a great waist-cincher, so you can still try out the lace trend without losing your hourglass shape. A lace shoe, whether a flat or a heel, is also a great way to get in on the trend without worrying about what undergarments you'll need to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions."

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How To: 4 Cool Ways to Wear Denim Shirts This Spring

Posted by Lesley Kennedy on Apr 4th 2011 10:00AM

Denim styles for spring include, from left, looks at Celine, Banana Republic and Stella McCartney. Photos: Karl Prouse, Catwalking/Getty Images; Banana Republic; Nathalie Lagneau, Catwalking/Getty Images

The denim top may have had its beginnings as a work shirt, but today's new spins on the American classic make it perfectly suitable for all kinds of play.

"A denim shirt is always an essential part of any wardrobe," eBay creative director Andrea Linett tells StyleList. "It's particularly great now because of all the camel and white for spring, which begs for denim."

Simon Kneen, Banana Republic's creative director and executive vice president for design, tells StyleList denim is the perfect staple that gets better with age.

"It can be dressed up or down with very little fuss," he says. "Button it up and pair it with a high-waist pencil skirt and ballet flats for day -- and let loose some of those buttons. Throw on skinny black leggings, a belted cinched waist and open-toe platforms for night. It's always a great cover-up for those breezy sunset walks on the beach."

Spring's denim shirt styles range from soft, sleeveless and romantic (Derek Lam) to long, loose tunics (Stella McCartney) to three-quarter sleeved bateau styles (Celine).

How to choose your best denim look? Linett says to check out sites such as eBay Fashion to find different styles, "narrowing them down with key search words like 'chambray shirt' if you want the look with a lighter fabric, 'Western denim shirt' or 'vintage denim shirt.' "

And remember, it's the details that make all the difference, Kneen tells StyleList.

"Look for fabric quality, good stitching with flat-felled seams," Kneen says. "If you invest in a great piece it will last for years."

Linett says other modern touches include ripped-off breast pockets, sleeve roll tabs, contrast stitching and an overall old world feel.

"Think steel workers from the '30s," she says.

We asked Linett and Kneen to offer denim shirt outfit suggestions for four fashion situations. It's time to put that work shirt to work.

At the office
"A denim shirt looks great under a camel or navy suit for days when you don't have to be so dressed up," Linett says. "The suit elevates the shirt, while the shirt funks up the suit -- a perfect balance."

"Tuck it into a great print or patterned high-waisted skirt, a great pair of ballet flats, your favorite satchel or tote bag and a classic stud earring," Kneen says.

A dressy evening out
"For a dressy evening look, I would suggest tucking the top into a chic sequin skirt, pairing it with a platform sandal and adding some mixed metal chains -- to give you a great edgy feel," Kneen says. "Finishing touches like a standout cocktail ring and a structured clutch will also allow for great conversation pieces at the dinner table."

"Pair a denim shirt with a sparkly skirt and sexy heels," Linett suggests.

On casual weekends
"White jeans and a denim shirt is casual yet never sloppy -- and always classic-chic," Linett says.

"Wear it loose with a great pair of leggings, roll up the sleeves, unbutton a few buttons, wear it loose or cinch the waist with a skinny belt," Kneen says. "Finish the look off with a tall leather boot."

For cocktails/date night
"I love denim on denim and would pair a shirt with skinny jeans, a sparkly belt and red or metallic heels," Linett says.

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Exclusive: Victoria's Secret Miraculous Swim Collection Video

Posted by Lesley Kennedy on Mar 30th 2011 12:30PM

Victoria's Victorias Secret Miraculous Swim Collection Video

Victoria's Secret's new Miraculous swim collection will motivate you to hit the gym. Photo: Victoria's Secret

As if spring break and these first few days of skin-baring weather weren't enough to send us straight to the gym in a full-out panting panic, Victoria's Secret has launched its new super-sexy Miraculous swim collection.

New this season, the line enhances the wearer's natural figure by two full cup sizes. Need a little motivator before you kick that cardio into high gear? Check out this exclusive video featuring Victoria's Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel.

And, if you really feel like torturing yourself, head over to the Victoria's Secret Twitter feed today (#VSSwim), where Angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio and Swanepoel are live tweeting from Los Angeles, where they're doing media appearances to celebrate VS Swim.

Through midnight, they'll be posting photos and updates on studio appearances, a press luncheon, red carpet events and a model-filled party tonight (where we hear Solange Knowles will be spinning).

Yep, the diet starts Monday.

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Spring and Summer Style Tips for Short, Full-Figured Women

Posted by Lesley Kennedy on Mar 30th 2011 11:00AM

Prints can be flattering on a short, full-figured woman, as seen with this Jessica London dress from OneStopPlus.com. Photo: OneStopPlus.com

When you're both short and full-figured, finding trendy styles for the spring and summer seasons can mean double trouble.

"This body type faces two challenges: those of both a petite woman and a curvier or full-figured woman," Sam Saboura, fashion guru and "My Body, My Style" host, tells StyleList. "So it's almost like dressing two body types at the same time. Being petite is all about trying to get length wherever you can and not interrupting the body line. If you can create one long line, you can make yourself look taller and leaner at the same time."

And to create that slimming, lengthening look, fit is key, says stylist and fashion expert Lindsay Albanese.

"Start off with clothing that accentuates your favorite fuller-figure feature," she tells StyleList. "And an affordable tailor in the area -- maybe one at your cleaner's -- should be on speed-dial."

Zahir Babvani, vice president of design for plus-size fashion retailer OneStopPlus.com, agrees that the right fit is essential to making any figure look good.

"Shorter plus-sized women should avoid shapeless clothing because it makes the body look bigger than it actually is," he tells StyleList.

Also, don't be afraid to show off a little skin, Saboura adds.

"If a woman with this body type is too covered up with clothing, she's going to look heavier and she's going to look shorter," he says. "Showing the arm a little bit is going to make you look taller and leaner. So three-quarter-length sleeves in tops and cardigans are a wonderful way to conceal the fuller upper arm and upper body, but also bare some skin at same time."

We asked our experts to break down some of spring and summer's hottest trends for the shorter, full-figured woman. Here's how to make the looks work for you.

Soft, flowing styles

"A key trend this spring is all about effortless tailoring -- simple, easy pieces that are versatile and fresh," Babvani says. "It's great for this body type because the clothes aren't overly fussy for a shorter frame. One of the most flattering trends for this season is romanticism, which is all about soft, light airy knits and sheers that are fluid and have beautiful draping. Jersey is an ideal fabric for the warm, summer days and is perfect with the right kind of draping. Soft draping is important so that it doesn't overpower a petite height."

Longer hemlines

"Longer skirts are a huge trend for spring," Saboura says. "I think they can work for a petite woman if she adds height. Otherwise, she's going to benefit from something that stops just below the knee. She needs to show a little bit of leg to get some length."

Plenty of prints

"It's a very print-heavy season," Saboura says. "But I'm more of a fan of texture for this body type than I am of print. However, if you want to wear a print, choose a print that's low in contrast and monochromatic in color. Match the print to your camisole or trouser by working in the same color family. That will give your body a much better line."

"Try smaller prints, so they don't overwhelm your frame and wear only one patterned piece per outfit," Albanese adds. "And vertical lines are always a good choice because they streamline your figure."

"Patterns are fun, but must be executed in the right way," Babvani says. "Petite full-figured women should try smaller prints, as they do not overwhelm the frame. Jessica London offers a variety of dresses, which are great for the spring and summer."

Whites and brights

"The white dress is a big trend of the season, but I'm not a fan of that for this body type," Saboura says. "If she wants to wear an easy-breezy, summery dress, she should choose cobalt blues, or darker versions of the bright spring colors that are in for the season. Dark, burnt orange is fabulous for spring and a great alternative to wearing black, navy or gray. A dark shade of citrus or a deep magenta also says spring and summer, but still provides some coverage."

"Full-figured women should not shy away from color," Babvani says. "Black is not always the most slimming or flattering color. An appealing outfit is as much about proportion, fit and overall style as it is about color."

"Color is always exciting and eye-catching," Albanese says. "Try complementing a bold-colored top with a dark pant or denim, or the reverse."

The wedge heel

"We're seeing a ton of narrow wedge heels this season," Albanese says. "They are the perfect choice to make your legs appear longer."

"Because she's petite and curvy, she's really going to benefit from wearing a heel and adding some height," Saboura says. "I love the idea of a wedge sandal for this body type for spring and summer because it's a great way to add height and provide balance."

1970s-style halters

"As far as dresses go, halters are a big trend, but I do not like the halter for this body type -- there's too much focus on the upper body," Saboura says. "Instead, a woman with this body type is going to benefit more from a shift-style dress paired with a cardigan. A shift dress will give you an ample amount of coverage and has nice seaming details that can help define the curves of your body for you."

Statement accessories

"A petite, full-figured woman shouldn't overwhelm her frame with big jewelry, like statement necklaces and giant cuffs," Saboura says. "That will just exaggerate the fact that she is petite. Make sure your accessories are in line with the size of your frame. So, medium-size to small accessories are best, and use minimal accessories, period. This woman is going to benefit more from carrying a small clutch bag, for example, than she's going to benefit from carrying a big, oversized hobo, which would just add volume to her body."

"Long, layered necklaces and pendants are best because they draw the eye up and down as opposed to left to right," Albanese says. "Also, since a dark, monochromatic outfit is a petite, fuller-figured woman's best look, accessorize with color. Just remember, only one color statement piece per look."

"Accessories can definitely make or break an outfit," Babvani says. "This season, it's about making a statement with accessories. Pair a dress with a bold, brightly colored clutch. Chain-metal jewelry can also give you an edge and will definitely leave a lasting impression."

Belts

"If you're going to accent your look with a waist belt, choose wider styles as opposed to super skinny belts," Albanese advises.

"The skinny belt is a huge trend for spring, but I would choose a medium-size belt to balance out her fullness," Saboura says. "The belt should be monochromatic in tone and should be an accent to highlight the waist -- not to cinch it in."

Wider leg pants

"I like the idea of a trouser-leg pant for this body type, as long as it's not an exaggerated bell," Saboura says. "Bell-bottoms and flared legs tend to drag the eye down on a petite woman and make her look shorter. Because she's curvy, I would avoid super skinny legs, that style will emphasize her hips and her butt. Straight legs are really the best way to go. This body type is softer, so you want to contrast the softness of the body with some structure. The pants should have enough structure and drape to them that they fall from the fullest part of her hips and thighs, so they're not clinging or grabbing any part of her lower body."

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How to Wear High-Waisted Pants and Not Look Like a Mom-Jean Disaster

Posted by Lesley Kennedy on Mar 28th 2011 2:30PM

High Waisted Pants on Spring 2011 runways

From left, high-waisted styles at Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier and Dries Van Noten. Photos: Fernanda Calfat, Getty Images; Randy Brooke, WireImage.com; Francois Guillot, AFP/Getty Images

It's no style secret that mom jeans are a no-no. You know, those unflattering, often-pleated, usually hitting-above-the-belly-button, tapered-at-the-ankle jeans that cry, "Yes, people! I have given up when it comes to fashion!"

But just because trousers are high-waisted, doesn't mean they can't be chic.

"High-waisted pants, when executed well, are both figure-flattering and elongating," Holli Rogers, buying director at Net-a-Porter.com, tells StyleList. "Look to the runway shows from Yves Saint Laurent to Marc Jacobs for inspiration."

But while many designers certainly paid homage to the high-waisted pant in their Spring collections, that doesn't mean the look doesn't present challenges. Who can forget the jeans Jessica Simpson sported during a 2009 concert?

"The key to avoiding the Jessica Simpson disaster, or the mom-jean disaster, is to get the right high-waisted flare jean for your body," celebrity stylist Elle Werlin tells StyleList. "It is important to try the different options out there, from a high-waisted trouser jean, which is commonly referred to as the Katharine Hepburn look, or the high-waisted flared jean, which is more slimming around the thigh and then flares more drastically at the bottom."

We asked experts Rogers and Werlin to answer some key questions to keep you looking long and lean in high-waisted pants, and off the worst-dressed lists.

What are the newest high-waisted silhouettes for spring?

"The best thing about this moment in fashion is that anything goes," Rogers says. "It is possible to choose from a style that fits your body the best or change it up every day for some fun. Try Theyskens' Theory for a wide-leg pant, MiH for a flared denim and J Brand for brightly colored skinny jeans."

"The most now style is the high-waisted flare, but I believe in fit over trend every time," Werlin says.

I'm short. Will a high-waisted pant look ridiculous on me?

"If you are short, make sure you have your high-waisted pants tailored," Werlin says. "There is nothing less flattering than the bottom of the pants covering your entire foot. That makes you lose the elongating silhouette. Another key factor is wearing a chunky heel. The heel will balance the width of the flare, elongating one's leg instead making one look more petite."

"Tall or petite, high-waisted pants look best with a long hem extended even further over an ample heel," Rogers says. "Even those petite in stature can add inches with a stylish wedge."

High-Waisted Pants

I'm curvy. Can I pull off the look?

"If you are curvy, make sure the flare of your pants balances your hips, or else it will accentuate the wrong curves," Werlin says. "Yummie Tummie is a fabulous brand that makes fitted T-shirts, button-downs and tanks so you don't have to worry about your stomach feeling bulged. The biggest mistake is to wear high-waisted flared pants and then try to hide your curves with an oversized top. It makes someone curvy look overweight instead of curvy. Accentuate the curves, don't try to conceal them."

"To show off your curves and accent your waist, I suggest pairing your high-waisted pant with a slim belt from Marni, Burberry Prorsum or Marc by Marc Jacobs," Rogers says. "Add some great statement jewelry and a simple tee and you are good to go."

OK, I found the pants. Now, what do I wear on top?

"I suggest keeping the hem long and pairing your high-waisted pant with a printed or bright blouse," Rogers says. "Wear your blouse tucked in and wear a fabulous wedge to help elongate your legs and keep it sleek."

"The point of the high waist is to accentuate the smallness of your waist, so definitely avoid oversize tops -- your trendy floral sheer top shouldn't be worn with your high-waisted jeans," Werlin advises. "Tops should be fitted and tucked. I think the best look is either a white button-down or a fitted crew-neck T-shirt. It is important to keep the neckline high because that continues the elongating effect."

And what about shoes?

"The perfect shoe for the wide-legged pant is the wedge," Rogers says. "Try a pair from Pierre Hardy with a nod to spring's color-blocking trend or opt for a cork pair from Yves Saint Laurent and you will be set for the season."

"In general, I advise my clients to wear a chunky heel or wedge, as it adds the balance one needs with the flare," Werlin says. "Also, who doesn't need a little height and added elongation of the leg? However, if you are tall and skinny, a bright-colored killer flat in red or a small wedge looks gorgeous. Again, the key is to know your body so you can look chic in the trend and be a trendsetter, instead of a trend-follower."

Click here to read about Spring 2011's high-rise denim.

High-Waisted Pants

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