Holiday Dresses!
What would the holiday season be without something fun to wear for the festivities?!? Well, I'm sure it would be just as fun in jeans and a turtleneck (as a matter of fact, I know that from experience!), but it is fun to look! Some of the stars have started the season early, so we have a sneak peek at the most beautiful gowns and short dresses of the season. This year, it's classic blacks and reds - with a little color thrown in for good measure! What unifies this year's trends? Tailoring!!! Even in the most flowy of dresses, the designers are showing off their impeccable craft and control of fabric. This stuff doesn't happen by accident, people! This is all about "on purpose" chaos!
Kelly Osborne seems to be turning over a new leaf in this beautiful cranberry colored gown! Despite her tattoos, she makes a pretty darn respectable picture with her controlled black coif and sudued (for her!) make-up! The neckline is daring, and not, all at the same time! And designers have known since the 1930s how flattering silky fabric cut on the bias (diagonally to the grain) can be on most any figure! And the black bag is a callback to her hair - I just wish we could see the shoes!!! Who'd betting they're the season's staple Christian Louboutin black peep-toes with the red sole?!? That would soooo complete this outfit! Good job, Kelly!
Another stylish Brit, model Agnes Deyn offsets her super short, super blond do with this long black confection of net and satin rick-rack. Though the dress becomes more substantial and less see-through towards the bottom, I'm not afraid of seeing too much at the top. Can you tell I'm a fan of keeping comfortably covered?!? Even though the dress starts to look like a hodge-podge the lower you go, it still has a beautiful shape overall, showing you exactly how not 'by chance' the placement of all those ribbons and bows was!
Look how much fun British singing star Lily Allen is having in her pink princess dress! It's got shape, looks comfortable, and is full of surprising details! Like the tiara shaped stays-pattern on the bodice, and her leafy-cutout dress ruffle! Her matching pink satin Louboutin's round out the outfit like the perfect fashionista's version of cotton candy! Who wouldn't give a goofy smile while wearing this?!?
What would the holidays be without a little drama? Luckily, Eva Green (latest Bond Girl and a witch in the upcoming "Golden Compass" movie!) is around to bring it to us! This gorgeous beaded and sequined sheath is perfect for showing off just what a good witch can do with a little fashion sense! Missing in the photo is the even more dramatic reverse vee cutout at the back - now that's some drama!
And winning for cuteness factor alone, our own Zooey Deschanel in a super flirty and fun bright red dress! Sure it's both low cut and short, but she wears it like the well-made comfy party dress that it is! My favorite part is the crazy swirl in the front hemline! Yep! It's on purpose and never moves! The knowledge of fabric that it takes to make something that looks airy and feels substantial... now that's good design! And left un-matching with her cherry-coke colored patent leather Louboutin's...Zooey is any designer's dream as well!
We'll keep adding more luscious dresses as the weeks go on, and the girls come out!
photos:pr photos
Color of the Moment: PURPLE!
Who knew that a color you couldn't find for ready money this summer, would be the runaway, and runway, hit of the fall?!? It's everywhere ladies! Take a look at these starlets letting their purple hearts shine through, and take a page or two out of their books: No matter what your skin tone or hair color, there is a purple out there for you! Just make sure you never settle for anything less than what's perfect for YOU!
Teen starlet Lauren Storm wore this little number to great effect! With the beaded neckline and loose fitting dress, she couldn't look more comfy and flirty! A good rich purple is the right choice for pale hair and skin. She was one of the first to adopt this signal color towards the end of summer, and then the race was on!
Early adopter Gabrielle Union showed how purple can just glow on dark brown skin! This dress looks like it was made just for her! So simple! This dress is an elegant wrap of pure color, while keeping it sassy at a very flirty length and paired with minimalist sandals! Nothing but color... and her!
British beauty Fearne Cotton wore her purple both wildly and tamely, in a modestly cut frock (dress) paired with dark tights and some bright turquoise cut-out boots! Love the look! Definitely a trend-setter this one! Any bets on how much turqouise we'll be seeing in the new year?!? And, her outfit even looks warm enough for a London evening out in fall - how fitting!
Back home in the USA, our dark haired beauties know how to wear some purple as well! Eva Mendes makes it regal in this purple and cut-out black velvet dress by Narciso Rodriguez. Lesson to learn here: The busier the pattern, the simpler the cut. Just a regular sheath dress, made fabulous by the stunning fabric... and just possibly the wearer!
And last but not least, the dark-haired, fair skinned Anne Hathaway! Having taken tons of tips away from her work on The Devil Wears Prada, this former Disney Princess has been racking up wins on the fashion front ever since! This dress, and the hottest Christian Laboutin shoes of the moment, make this outfit a slam dunk! Notice that her choice in purple ranges more into the pink than some of the other girls, which brings out the pink in her cheeks all the better.
When wearing purple, keep it simple! Pairing it with black, or maybe a slight splash of color for the more daring, is about all it needs! One piece, and the statement is made! With purple, you only get one chance! Over do it, and you might be vying for Easter Bunny status!
Enjoy the fall!
(photos: pr photo)
