Pleats Please!

Chloe

One trend that's been impossible to miss in the Spring and Pre-Fall 2013 collections is the veritable parade of pleats we've seen. They're popping up in every shape, size, and material imaginable. From Derek Lam's asymmetrical leather skirt to Chloe's delicate take on the classic accordion, designers are bringing vastly different perspectives to the trend and embracing a bit of ladylike tailoring. But don't get me wrong, these aren't the uniform kilts you remember from grade school.  Long seen as a good-girl style, delicate folds are gaining fashion ground in all their sheer, feminine glory on next season's runway.  Ranging from pretty to punky, the season's pleats are packed with attitude.



Stella McCartney



Derek Lam



Pretty, and pretty simple, knife-pleat skirts are cutting-edge again, especially when they hit just above the knee and are paired with a slouchy tee or a chic knit. Don't worry too much about anything else, the floaty folds of a silk chiffon or buttery-leather number will remind you why you fell in love with pleated skirts in the first place. 

Jason Wu

Oscar de la Renta

Chloe

Piled on Gold

    There's no doubt about it- this season designers went crazy for the luxurious and striking color combo of black and gold.  Runways were dripping in gold plated drama in a variety of fabrics from metal to sequins to ornate embroidery.  During award season celebrities donned black and gold gems on the red carpet.  Regal and rich, gold and black is the perfect palette so it’s no surprise that it’s popping up everywhere — both on and off the red carpet.  Luckily, this luxe trend is extremely easy to pull off.  

    So what makes this particular combo so desirable? There’s a certain fierce factor, particularly in the way black and gold are being worn, that makes any outfit cutting edge.  But the real appeal of the glam color pairing is how easily it can translate from the red carpet to real life.  No longer just for purses or evening gowns, the timeless color combo is being reworked on just about every element of your wardrobe, from embroidered dresses to metallic cap-toe pumps to brocade pants, to increase its real-world versatility. A blazer or pair of pants in gold and black brocade can easily take you from the office to out, with a few styling tricks. Instantly dress up jeans or black skinnies with pair of black-and-gold colorblocked pumps.

And when it comes to party-wear, a cocktail dress in the rich color combo is a worthy investment. Dress it up with strappy heels and red lips and it can hold its own at a black-tie function.  Dress it down with flats and a cardigan or leather jacket, and you’ve got yourself a chic night-out look.



Aidan Mattox
$285
Saks



Giuseppe Zanotti
$450



Chanel

Hermes

Tom Ford

Rachel Zoe
$625

Alice & Olivia
$198

Bebe
$129

Rag & Bone, $179
Popsugar.com

Romper Room

Remember when you were five and your mother dressed you in Levi’s jumpsuits religiously? Well, they’re back! Bold, colored, printed and striped, jumpsuits made a comeback on the runways this season in a variety of ways. Want to make yours stand out? Wear with a chunky heel, a bold lip and a statement necklace.

Rompers and jumpsuits are extremely versatile and can look cute, but sexy all at the same time. Not only can they work for day with a blazer and a belt, they can be jazzed up for night with tights, heels and statement jewelry. Because they don't require separates coordination, they'll do in a pinch when you're short on time, too. Take a look at some of my favorite "onesies" available right now.

Forever 21

Forever 21

Forever 21

Forever 21

Forever 21

Forever 21

Bebe

Bebe





Bebe

Bebe



Michael Kors

Haute Hippie





Michael Kors

Go to Great Lengths With Maxi Dressing




Long, flowy silhouettes are striking a chord with the fashion crowd's style setters for Spring/Summer '13.   With the passage of each warm weather season, Maxi dresses and skirts never seem to go out of style.  Every time these flowy frocks come back into fashion they bring something fresh and unexpected to fashionisers, making them even more in demand than seasons past.  They flatter everyone and look gorgeous for any occasion: you can wear your maxi skirts and dresses both in the park and at the beach, to a concert or a cocktail party.  It’s no surprise that maxi skirts and dresses are among the absolute must haves in every woman’s wardrobe.  The fluid look of these lengthy pieces is the perfect balance of femininity.  Get some inspiration on how to wear your maxi fashions here and for the largest selection of styles check out Victoria's Secret online.  http://search2.victoriassecret.com/?all=0&i=1&q=maxi+dress

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Victoria's Secret

Ted Baker

Wrap Your Style in a Wrap Dress

The wrap dress is an American classic, comfortable and chic!  Generations of women have Diane von Furstenberg to thank for creating the ever popular wrap dress in 1974.  From petite to plus sizes, wrap dresses suit every woman on the planet.  Designed to disguise any flaws that lay beneath, this awesome frock comes in numerous textured fabrics and various necklines, as well as sleeve and hem lengths. It's easy to find a wrap dress for every occasion in any shape or size.  Celebrities and fashion icons worldwide from Michelle Obama to Kate Middleton have embraced the concept of the wrap dress and so can you.
This season, discover exotic prints, luxe silken jerseys, and knitted fabrics.  From desk to dinner, the wrap dress is simple, fashion perfection, providing comfort and style in a shapely silhouette.

Here are some handy hints for creating a chic shape in a wrap dress.

1. If you are petite: Avoid large prints. Choose monotones or simple-feature printed trims for a bright Spring/Summer look.

2. If you have a large bust: V-shaped necklines draw the eye down creating a longer vertical line, detracting from a larger bust. A halter neck can work well as the angle can be flattering provided your shoulders are not too broad.

3. If you have an undefined waist: Printed trim or accent features on waistbands provide shape by creating the illusion of a cinched waist.

4. If you are plus size: Wear a V-shaped neckline. Combine with an on, or just below knee, hemline to create long lines.

5. If you have tummy troubles: Ruched waistlines are a great disguise. Many women have this issue and ruching works to camouflage the problem every time- plus, it's good for big dinners too!



Shoshanna Wrap Dress $140
Bloomingdales



Diane von Furstenberg $345
Bloomingdales

Banana Republic $150



Banana Republic $69.99




DVF $345



DVF $365



Banana Republic $129.99



DVF $445




DVF $425





DVF $365