How To

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

by Lesley Kennedy, Posted 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.

Filed under: Fashion, How To, How to Wear

Tags: chambray, denim, denim shirts, DenimShirts, how to, HowTo, spring 2011, Spring2011, style guide, StyleGuide

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The New French Manicure: How to Get Spring's Hottest Nail Trend

by Julia Dinardo, Posted Apr 1st 2011 5:00PM

The new French manicure spotted on models at Jen Kao, Behnaz Sarafpour and Jason Wu Fall 2011. Courtesy of CND

When I think of a traditional French manicure, it just immediately feels so... 15 years ago. Until I noticed backstage during Fashion Week Spring 2011 and Fall 2011, that a fresh version of the French kept popping up.

The runways of Ruffian, The Blonds and Jason Wu are exemplary of the new twist on the French, which usually involves a light base color paired with a vibrant, bold tip for contrast, ranging from neon pink and bright blues to shiny black and even textured metallic.

So what has sparked the resurgence of the classic nail look? "There has been a move toward all things retro in the past few seasons, and the nail world has been included in that," explains butter LONDON Creative Director Nonie Creme. "It's not to say we are taking things too literally, just that now's a great time to reinvent traditional looks. The addition of color and pop to an old-school French feels right on trend."

CND nail professional Roxanne Valinoti concurs: "Everything old becomes new in spring! The French manicure has been a classic nail style since the '20s. While the standard pink-and-white look seems dated and passé, kicking it up with some colorful options is youthful and fresh."

Adds celebrity manicurist Elle Gerstein, "I think that the infusion of color on the runway has become such a trend because polish has become a statement as an accessory. One of the coolest new trends in French manicures is the chevron reverse French -- instead of a moon you see a V at the base! Jennifer Lopez is a great example of a celebrity who has embraced the French trend; we've swapped her whites for glitter shades."

Jennifer Lopez's glitter French manicure. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

StyleList also spotted the almond-shaped nail making a prominent comeback, especially paired with French tips to provide an elongated, elegant shape. "I love almond-shaped nails," exclaims Creme. "They are the stilettos of the nail world. I hope they do stay around -- I'm desperate to banish blocky, masculine looking squares for a good, long while!"

So what are some cool color combos our nail experts are loving for spring?

Valinoti goes metallic: "I love the contrast of (CND) Perfectly Bare Colour with Silver Chrome -- we did a variation on this manicure at Behnaz Sarafpour, where the perimeter of the nail was roughly outlined in silver. The designer wanted the nails to be inspired by gardens. At-home nail addicts could take these two shades and make a gorgeous French manicure."

Creme thinks pale: "I am loving (butter LONDON) Lady Muck (powdery grey-baby blue) with the tips done in Teddy Girl (retro bubblegum pink).

Gerstein goes for the color burst: "Some cool versions of color contrasts are essie Coat Azure (shimmery cornflower blue) as a base with Aruba Blue (deep ocean metallic blue) as a tip. Or try essie Tangerine with a hot pink tip such as Super Bossa Nova. A classic twist can be Sold Out Show with Pink Parka... as seen by superstar Cassie."

And finally, what are the best tips (pun intended) to recreate the new French manicure?

According to Valinoti, "To get a clean version of the French, apply base coat (we love Stickey), paint on two coats of base color, then carefully ice the tip of the nail with two coats of desired color shade. Finish with top coat over the entire nail in Super Shiney or Air Dry."

French manicure in butter LONDON Lady Muck and Teddy Girl. Courtesy of butter LONDON

When using decals, Valinoti's step-by-step guide has three parts:

1. Polish entire nail with the tip color first. (Do not worry about being perfect around the cuticle with the color.)

2. Let the color dry completely before applying the French manicure decals to the tips of each nail.

3. Brush on an opaque neutral to the rest of the nail and peel off the decal when finished!

Gerstein says, "The simplest way to assure perfect smile lines is to divide the nail in half and then paint from side to middle. This allows a perfect line...If you can't paint those perfect lines, Sally Beauty sells great guides for French manicures. Use them to create the lines, but super important: wait until polish is set before removing!"

If your goal is to get the true French look with just bright tips as a contrast, here's one final piece of advice from Valinoti: "Just like when wearing a bright accessory in your wardrobe, it is always best to keep the base shade neutral and warm."

Learn how to do your own manicure in under five minutes!

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

by Lesley Kennedy, Posted 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."

Filed under: Fashion, How To, How to Wear

Tags: Body type, BodyType, my body my style, MyBodyMyStyle, plus size, plus sizes, PlusSize, PlusSizes, short full figured, ShortFullFigured, spring 2011, Spring2011

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How to Make a Classic Trench Coat with DIY Design

by Amber Eden, Posted Mar 29th 2011 10:30AM

From left: Kate Moss, Kiera Knightley and Kim Kardashian in their trenches. Splash News (2) | Fred Duval, FilmMagic

When I was first getting back into sewing, I cut out an inspiration shot of a beautiful tweed trench coat. Most people start sewing with pajama pants. Not me! My time, patience and a couple of wrong turns (backwards sleeves that had to be ripped out and re-sewn correctly) were rewarded with a gorgeous coat that I always get compliments on. Which proves my point: Anything is possible to sew if you follow the directions carefully. Here's how to make your own classic trench:

Choose your pattern: While a trench coat may not be the most obvious beginner sewing project, consider some of the pluses. Because a coat is worn over other garments, fitting is easier because it can be looser. Measure yourself carefully, make sure you have enough ease in the hips, and when in doubt, go a size larger in your pattern. Pick a pattern with simpler lines and fewer details for your first trench coat. Also, if you are still feeling intimidated, remember a coat is constructed much like a jacket, but is just longer and made with heavier material.

Fabric matters: Speaking of material, trench coats, which were first popularized in World War I, are often traditionally made with gabardine. (Fun fact: Burberry and Aquascutum both claim to have invented the trench coat, but Thomas Burberry invented gabardine.) Still, you have lots of options with fabric. The key is to stick with stiffer, coating textiles such as cotton twills, midweight wools, silks and even upholstery fabrics. Do not fall in love with a lightweight fabric under any circumstances. It just won't hold up to being the stuff of coats.

Reinforcements: Even with sturdy material, there are techniques and tools that will give shape and structure to the trench. Underlining, which is a fabric that is sewn to the fashion fabric, so that the two pieces are treated as one, can add insulation. You can also reinforce your entire swathe of fabric with fusible before cutting it out. (With both underlining and fusible, you will want to line the coat.) Interfacing, whether sew-in or fusible will add even more structure to the collar, lapels and other parts of the coat and is generally part of the pattern instructions. .

Details, details: While the main body of the coat is pretty straightforward, the details are what really make a trench coat. Braided leather or leather-look buttons add authenticity. You'll also learn how to make a belt for the waist, cuff straps for the sleeves (tortoise-shell-look buckles are a nice touch), and shoulder tabs. Top stitching, a decorative stitch often seen on trench coats, can turn seam lines into design details. This is where the real fun begins!

For past DIY Design columns, click here. Next up? Sewing Grecian goddess pleats and gathers.

Filed under: Fashion, How To

Tags: diy, diy design, DiyDesign, How to make a classic trench coat, HowToMakeAClassicTrenchCoat, sewing, trench coats, TrenchCoats, Trenches

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DIY Design: How to Embellish a Scarf With Beads or Fringe

by Amber Eden, Posted Mar 22nd 2011 1:00PM

Spring 2011 runway looks with embellished scarves were seen at, from left, Emilio Pucci, Fendi and Matthew Williamson. Photos: Christophe Simon, AFP / Getty Images | Karl Prouse, Catwalking / Getty Images

Nothing says boho chic like the relaxed elegance of a beaded or fringed scarf. And the good news is that this is one of the quickest and easiest accessories to make. Here's how:

Scarves 101: For starters, you can either create your own scarf from a favorite material or you can embellish a scarf that you already own. In either case, you should pick a fabric that has a nice drape. Silk is a perennial favorite, but lightweight cottons and woolens will work just as well. But don't choose a textile that is too fragile or loosely woven, as it won't be able to support the embellishment.

Stitching up a scarf: Of course, the thrill of making your own scarf is that it will be 100 percent unique. A yard of material is a good rule of thumb for most scarves. The easiest way is to cut a fabric to the dimensions you desire (adding 0.5 inch all around for hem allowance) and then machine-stitch the edges with a baby hem. But for a prettier designer finish, try a hand-rolled hem. First, machine-stitch a 0.25-inch allowance on the edges, trim, then "roll" the hem over the stitching line and use a slip stitch to secure. This takes more time and patience, but it's worth it.

Ladies, choose your embellishment: There's no end to the beads you can find, particularly if you are searching online. You can attach beads singly along the hem or create a fringe. You can even find beads that are specifically designed to be the last bead on a strand. However, the easiest method for adding bead fringe is to buy bead fringe trim, which is strands of beads attached to a ribbon. You just sew the ribbon along the scarf edge.

Other types of fringe trim are also available in an infinite number of styles, shapes and sizes, even feather fringe! (Be sure to measure your scarf before buying fringe and add a tad extra length; you will need more than you think.) To attach, place fringe tape on scarf edge and carefully machine-stitch, keeping the trim flat and clear of the needle.

Enjoy living on the fringe!

For more "DIY Design" columns, click here. Next week: Sew a classic trench coat for spring.