Women Fashion Online

Sparkle and Print Duke It Out

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:18:51 +0000

Greetings fashion lovers. Is everyone keeping cool? Some of you may have noticed as the temperature starts to heat up, the clothes start to come off. Translation: it’s time to start toning your gams, hams, sams (ha ha), and whatever else you need to keep yourself lookin’ good. Speaking of gams, you’re probably showing them off via denim cutoffs or cute sundress as we speak. But if you’re like Ms. Alba at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, you’re highlighting them another way. The brunette beauty opted for a contemporary Louise Goldin ensemble fully equipped with sheer blank tank, asymmetrical skirt, and sparkly stirrup leggings which, in my opinion, took the cake. Make sure you scope out retailers’ shelves to find an Alba-inspired look for a simple and easy way to amp up your nighttime style. I know I’ll be looking!

While sparkle is a way to glam your gams, print will get you to the other extreme. Try this for a more urban look but beware—prints, especially when worn tight as with leggings, tends to create the illusion of more fullness. Now I don’t know about you, but I’m not trying to look bigger than I am. Okay, okay, there are some exceptions. For example, I do own a muted leopard legging which I find acceptable because of its dark colors. Light or bright colors are more difficult to pull off. If you’re bent on the idea of a printed bottom, opt for dark over light and small over large. Larger prints, you guessed it, make you look larger! I say don’t run the risk but if you insist, try a tie-dye which has at most two neutral colors (grey and white, blue and white, etc.). Tell us what you think and don’t forget to visit our sister property The Leggings.com

Summer Swimsuit Trends – The Fifth Element

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:15:30 +0000

Could the 1997 Bruce Willis flick have served as the muse for the latest couture swimwear? Or maybe Mr. Jean-Paul Gaultier, the film’s costume designer, was simply looking into his crystal ball when he created the famous white-bandage ensemble for actress and model Milla Jovovich. This season, Dsquared and Herve Leger swimwear models look strikingly similar to the redheaded, dread-locked character. They may even come across as though they’ve just been wounded in battle, but these ladies are simply showcasing the labels’ ultra sexy, ultra revealing white, black, and pink bandaged swimsuits. Don’t have enough green to purchase one of Max Azria’s creations? Maybe you could just start wrapping yourself in gauze.

Take a chance to review our favorite swimsuit properties

Shopping for Bikinis

Shopping for Swimsuits

Shopping for Bathing Suits

Love ‘em or Leave ‘em – Leggings

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:32:02 +0000

Love ‘em or Leave ‘em: Takin’ it to the Streets. Fashion calamity or incredibly street chic– regardless of your thoughts, leggings are here to stay (sorry haters!). Yup, the fashion forecast says skin-tight spandex remains on the horizon. Out of curiosity, I went into investigator mode and asked both guys’ and girls’ what they REALLY thought of these threads. Here’s what I dug up– read on for some of their most memorable statements.

Numero uno: “They’re okay so long as your shirt covers you butt…otherwise it’s ghetto.” -Amy

Ah yes, we are all acutely aware of the controversy associated with the length of the shirt you choose to pair with your bottom huggers. I’m not too sure about “ghetto” but one thing’s for sure: it’s not the best look.

On to the next…“They’re horrible…especially the cheap ones that leave nothing to the imagination.” -Deirdre

Hmmm, maybe this is in reference to white leggings? I’m thinking if you’re leaning towards white and tight, you might as well forego pants altogether. Ya know, seeing how you can pretty much see directly through them! Don’t disappoint Deirdre, people…just. say. no.

“They are a disdain to fashion and usually make girls look like oompa loompas.” -Daniel

A little harsh? Maybe…The last time I checked, oompa loompas are orange but I think what dear Daniel means to say is they make girls look squat.

“The fact that Lindsay Lohan now has her own designer line of leggings should make a girl think twice before making the mistake of purchasing a pair…” -Dierdre

Poor L. Lohan just can’t win. We hear that Big Red is a cool half mil in debt, so maybe we should throw her a bone and buy a pair of her shredded leggings. Ya know, show some goodwill.

It seems as though the consensus is leggings are a no-go . Time to weigh in…I say green light ahead! No matter how others weigh in, I’m an advocate. Just be sure you know the basics. Avoid: prints, white (and any color other than clack), and anything too tight or too short up top. Consider yourself now passed in Leggings 101. We’ve just launched a new Legging & Jegging Online Store that we think you’ll just love.

A Tale of Three Cities

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:41:02 +0000

Guess who just got back from Japan? Me, me, me! So, I am a travel junkie, but it finally occurred to me: some of you may appreciate a little info on the current trends on some of the fashion capitals of the world. Woohoo. Believe it or not, there’s more fashion beyond the Big Apple.

Let’s look at Paris, Tokyo, and London. Since I’ve been privy to travel to all three (score!), let’s say l have first-hand fashion exposure in the lands which extend beyond Uncle Sam’s terrain. Never been able to travel before? Go! It stimulates more than just your fashion sense.

Ok let’s be clear: we’re gonna talk street style. After all, fashionistas hitting the pavement abroad aren’t just wearing the latest Japanese, French, and British designer creations. No, no, no, it’s much more complex than that! Each city has its own culture and as you may know, culture can be expressed through food, music, dance, and style! If I had to, I’d summarize each city as such: See if you can identify which cities claim the following styles…and no cheating!

What city are you overwhelmed by Jackets-a-plenty + scarves + ankle boots + black?
What city is in love with skinny jeans + flats + pashminas (worn around the neck)?
Pick the city where you’re finding sky-high hemlines + floral prints + knee highs?

answers – Paris, London, Tokyo

Got them all right? You’re so smart! Ok, let’s break it down. The world marvels at Parisian style so what gives? Hmmm maybe it’s all the attractive, slender French people…or perhaps it is residents’ insane layering that makes their ensembles so chic. Either way, snapshots of Paris folk are bound to get you thinking, “Huh, I never would have thought of putting that together.”

Now on to the Brits. The English seem to favor the natural look and this means minimal makeup and naturally styled hair. No hair dryers, no straighteners, no curling irons, etc. How liberating! Throw in the fact that everyone is size four and smaller, you have a whole bunch of off-duty-model-looking ladies walking around. Translation: not the place to go if your ego needs a boost.

Heading even more eastward into Japan we enter the land of (drum roll)…the schoolgirl. This look isn’t so popular in The States (sorry boys) but these ladies are avid fans of the trench coat and floral hem combo. Ultra-long, straight locks complete every look.

Au revoir, cheerio, and sayounara for now!

Flower Power – Summer Fashion

admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:08:20 +0000

Ahhhh Summer is in the air. Little green stems have pierced through the soil and the temp has FINALLY broken 80. Hip hip hooray! What does this mean? It’s time to bust out your sunglasses, yes. It’s time to drive with your windows down, yes. It’s time to trade in your wardrobe of blacks, greys, and navys for something a little more…festive, yes, yes, yes! While the idea of a floral print isn’t exactly novel, this year we’re seeing them in ways we haven’t quite seen before…or at least not in the past couple decades. The great thing about THESE prints is there’s nothing retro about them; they’re fresh and bright and just waiting for you to take them home with you.

I just bought the sweetest little black, purple, and green ruffled umbrella which I’m actually really excited about. While a matching raincoat and galoshes would be ideal, bright blossoms aren’t only useful for shielding us from precipitation. I know we usually talk closet but these patterns are great for your home too! Lamp shades, upholstered dining and living chairs, and bed sheets are all items you can find decked out with the things April showers bring lots of. You must know by now I’m a fan of Target but if you’re a fan of tv you already know its new Liberty of London line carries floral everything from home décor to lawn and garden supplies.

Closet? Floral bottoms are really big this season. This means shorts and slacks but dresses are a little played out (sorry!). If you ARE going to do a dress, make sure it’s in a different way. This means pair it with a bright tight or some hardware for contrast. Blouses are good too so keep your eyes peeled next time you go shopping!

Small Fry – What’s Wrong with Petite Fashion?

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:38:08 +0000

As a recent college graduate and new member of the corporate world, I requested gift cards to buy myself new work attire. I was looking forward to going to some of my favorite department stores to find some great pieces. So, one afternoon I dragged my fiancé to Kohl’s to aid in my search for some new dress pants, skirts and tops. After walking circles and circles around the Junior’s I was becoming increasingly irritated. I felt like a majority of their clothes were aimed at girls in High School, not college graduates. So I decided to venture over to the Petite’s section to see if I could at least find dress pants that fit me. After browsing their small section, I realized their clothes were more for women my mother’s age. Now, I’m not saying, by any means that fifty is old, but let’s be honest, my mother and I are not wearing the same style pants and blouses.

After talking, and complaining, the entire way home to my fiancé, it dawned on me, petite women my age have been overlooked. It’s one thing to assume that all skinny and short people can just fit into anything, but it’s another thing to not offer wardrobe options that fit a petite body. I’m used to having my pants hemmed so they fit, and finding tops usually isn’t too difficult, but finding nice suit pieces, blazers, slacks, blouses, or anything this says “I’m young and successful” without saying “ I shop in the old lady section” is a huge plus. It sort of feels like I’m stuck in the middle and my body type has been overlooked and neglected. It’s kind of a sad place to be. Nothing is worse than looking forward to a serious shopping trip, only to wind up empty handed because nothing fit. I just wish you didn’t have to be qualified for a Senior Citizens discount to shop in the Petite section. When will they make an adorable business-casual line for us vertically challenged girls of the world!

WFO Update – We hear you and we’re actually in the process of creating a Petite only online store dedicated to making sure you have fashion forward options. Look for it May 2010.

The Most Important Part of Your Wardrobe

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:09:03 +0000

Ok, guess- what do you think is THE most essential item in your closet? Great pair of jeans? Wrong. Basic black pumps? Wrong again. It’s an item not many see (or at least hopefully not but no judgment here). It’s your bra silly! Spend $100 if you have to- it’s worth the investment. Why? 1) You wear one every day and 2) if that’s not right, nothing is. So you think this doesn’t apply to you? Wrong AGAIN. I found several sources which claim 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size so PAY ATTENTION. Odds are you’re guilty as charged.

So why not go for a fitting? I read one blogger who said she didn’t want some old lady groping her twins. I’m here to set the record straight. I had a fitting done at Victoria’s Secret and it’s not what you think. If you’re a Sex and the City fan (which I’m guessing most of you are), ixnay the lingerie saleswoman/Miranda scene from your brain. At VS, I kept all of my clothes on and didn’t even need to go into a fitting room. A salesclerk measured my ribcage and then the widest part of my chest. Done! Can you believe it? It took all of two seconds.

Here are some things you ought to know. I was even surprised the first time I heard them.

Your bra should not be held up by your straps. Rather, you should be supported by the band (the part which hooks around your ribcage). If your bra doesn’t stay up on its own, ya know, without its straps, you’re due for a new one.
The piece that rests in between the girls should be flush against your skin. This prevents your bra from rotating side to side.
Because our bras go through the wash and we stretch them when we put them on, it is recommended to buy one size smaller. Not a smaller cup, but a smaller band (i.e. if you’re a 34, get a 32. If you’re a 36, get a 34, etc).

Now finding an appropriate “brassiere” might be easier for those carrying around plums or apples versus grapefruits and melons. I guess the Big Guy had to even it out somehow! Visit our Shopping for Bras sister site.

If The Shoe Fits

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:23:35 +0000

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say I’m not the only one whose frustration intensifies when I see pictures of celebs traipsing around in killer heels (and when I say “killer,” it’s in a literal way). How do they do it? I’ve narrowed it down to three explanations:

Their heels are photo shopped in
The pics are snapped during their only few strides of the day
They are willing to endure the pain in the name of their careers

Well we can’t all have the luxury of door-to-door service, so we usually wind up opting for function over fashion, right? I particularly empathize with those that live in snowy areas (like mine). I mean, come on, Uggs or galoshes? Gimme a break! If I sound bitter it’s because I am. Grrrr.

While fashion and comfort might be direct contradictions, at least SOMEONE in the industry is ready to meet the needs of every day women. Cole Haan pleeeeeeeeeeease get your fashion colleagues to follow your lead! The Yarmouth, Maine-based brand has recently collaborated with sneaker-giant Nike to create (drum roll)…a comfy heal! Hallelujah! These shoes, retailing around $328, combine Nike Air technology with Cole Haan’s aesthetic. Interestingly enough, CH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike (learn something new every day).

If you can’t afford a pair of Cole Haans, there are other tricks of the trade that allow us rock a heel without the pain. Follow these rules-of-thumb and get the best of both worlds: style and comfort:

Blissfully Painless

Ankle boots

Wedge heels

Chunky heel

Wretchedly Painful

Stilettos

Platforms

Strappy

Okay, okay, I TRY to stick with these most of the time but sometimes reason and will power are low. Next thing you know, you’re caving (like when I bought those patent-leather, nude stilettos I can barely walk in). Stay strong and sensible! My favorite Italian shoes for women and boot obsessions.

Oscar Suite Retreat for Red Cross Haitian Relief Efforts

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:42:34 +0000

Jenna Leigh Lingerie and TY KU Asian Wine & Spirits have partnered with The Silver Spoon for their Oscar Weekend Suite Retreat to help raise money for the Red Cross Haitian Relief Efforts. This exciting event will be taking place on March 3rd & 4th from 11am to 5pm. The invitation-only event will be displayed throughout Hollywood’s Interior Illusions, presenting a one-of-kind gifting experience from top fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands including Jenna Leigh Lingerie, Tres Glam Jewelry by Brittny and Lisa Gastineau, Perry Ellis for Men, Skagen Watches, Aiaiai earphones, Gypsy 05, Life after Denim and cocktails by TY KU.

In 2005 The Silver Spoon was able to raise $25,000 in two days at a similar type of event for the Red Cross Katrina Relief fund and together we hope to engage Hollywood around this year’s Red Carpet season to make a difference once again.

Fashion North of the Neckline

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:50:14 +0000

Fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand, right? It can even be argued that both (beauty and GOOD fashion) are in the eye of the beholder. I mean, on several accounts I have disagreed with Heidi, Michael, and Nina on which designer should be sent home and almost never do me and my girlfriends agree on which guys are cute (I’m all about the Eric Danes and Jared Letos of the world). Sound familiar? It just proves my point—we live in a subjective world, so don’t sell out. Be you.

I was watching Coco Before Chanel the other day (not the Shirley MacClaine movie but the French film) and Coco, born Gabrielle Chanel, wore men’s clothes in a time when women decorated themselves with pearls, feathers, and other frills. Now she is recognized as a 20^th century icon and her name resonates with the best of the industry. Way to go Coco, I want one of your bags!

I think it all has to do with vision and if I may borrow a line from The Holiday, (I’m a big movie buff if you can’t tell) “gumption.” If you’re lacking a bit on the vision side, that’s okay; you can always gather inspiration from someone else’s vision. Don’t even try to tell me you don’t have chutzpah—I’ll call your bluff.

So who are the great visionaries of today? They’re the masterminds behind what you see on the catwalk, of course! North of the neckline, Chanel and Zac Posen are all about amethyst eyes and a red pout. Frame out these features with a messy updo, braid, or sleek ponytail to unleash your inner siren. No no matter who’s your type, you’ll have your pick of the Johnny Depps and Matthew McConaugheys of the world. Knock ‘em dead