Trend Spotlight - Orange Dresses!

I have been spotting the coral and orange dresses everywhere! The trend that began last fall on the runways, continued on the red carpets during the award season, and has very well transitioned into spring/summer 2011. I love the color orange, but honestly, was little apprehensive about wearing the solid orange all over. But the looks and styles below give me inspiration to get a coral or burnt orange dress for myself at my next shopping excursion! What do you say??

Amy Adams in Elie Saab gown from Spring 2011 at British Film Academy Awards Red Carpet

Jennifer Aniston in Vivienne Westwood dress at her perfume promotional event in NY

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein cocktail dress

Selena Gomez in Catherine Deane gown at 2011 Golden Globes party

Emilio Pucci Spring 2011

Beyonce Knowles

Emmy Rossum

Good thing is - These looks can be achieved on any budget. Here are some of my recommendations -


Splurge -

Steal - 

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Summer Wardrobe Essential - Shirt Dress!

Nothing says effortlessly chic better than a shirtdress! It is comfortable, casually sexy and very versatile. I love the clean, structured, summery look that never goes out of style!

I wore the  shirtdress all through the fall and winter too though, paired with leggings and boots. But during summer the variety of fabrics and textures give shirtdress whole another dimension!
Chambary Shirtdress is a summer staple. You can add a belt or a hat to accessorize!

From Left - Blake Lively, Reese Witherspoon, Leighton Meester, Vanessa Hudgens

Get The Chambray Shirtdress here -

You can never go wrong with a white shirtdress. Its simply a classic! Wear it with flats for a casual look or with high heels for that extra dazzle!

From Left- Kate Walsh, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kylie Minogue, Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 Runway

Get The White Shirtdress Here -

For a more formal affair, don a shirtdress made out of silk or satin! Its still casual yet sophisticated enough to wear in the evening!

From Left - Victoria Beckham, Jenna Dewan, Michelle Monaghan, Jennifer Aniston

Get The Silk Shirtdress Here -

Plaid shirtdress is one of my current favorites as you can obviously see:-) For a careless chic look, it never misses the mark! If you don't care for plaid, you can get the shirtdress in print too.

From Left - Kirsten Dunst, Beyonce, Jessica Biel, LL Bean Summer 2011

Get The Plaid Shirtdress Here -

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Star Style For Less - Elizabeth Banks In Cheery Dress

I love Elizabeth Banks' cheerful persona and big smile. She complimented her sunny personality with this micro floral dress and bright pink sandals at Malaria No More's "Hollywood Bites Back" event in LA.  So for today;s Star style for less I am recreating this easy-breezy comfortable look!

Get this outfit here -

Charlotte Russe Wedges $32.50

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Summer Dress Must Have - Maxi Dress

I close my eyes... imagining spring, smelling sweet fragrance of brilliant flowers, dreaming of fluffy clouds, blue skies and the beauty that is all around me, within me, surrounding me with the breathtaking lightness...Whisper of spring, promise of sultry summer days, starry nights and the the pure joy of being alive on a gorgeous day!

Maxi dresses are here AGAIN! And I am loving the variety! Plain, printed, bohemian , figure hugging, full skirt, chiffon, cotton - you name it! I love the elongating effect of a pretty maxi dress. They are the wonderful mix of casual comfort and the feminine elegance.

From Left - Nicole Richie, Eva Longoria, Naomi Watts, Cheryl Crow, Jennifer Lopez

From Left - Etro Spring 2011, Banana Republic Spring 2011

Although a maxi dress is pretty foolproof and can be worn in a lot many styles, but I feel pairing it with a jacket is just WRONG!! Don't believe me? Look at these celebrities who make the pretty maxi dress look so un-pretty!:-)

From Left - Helen Mirren, Rachel Bilson, Olivia Palermo

Another sure way to look good in maxi is go black and white!

From Left - Miley Cyrus, Hillary Duff, Malin Akerman, Greta Gerwig

So welcome the season with a maxi dress and bow to the feminine charms of it!

Get The Maxi Dresses for Spring/Summer 2011 here -

maxi dress

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Star Style For Less - Petra Nemcova's Class Act!

Dressing in black and white is one of my favorite styles. Whenever in doubt, I always go for pairing the black and white pieces in my wardrobe to put together an outfit. So when I saw this picture of  Petra Nemcova in this black and white outfit, I couldn't resist recreating her look for less.

Image Courtesy - People Magazine 

The focus here is on the patterned black and white blouse and the pencil cut of the skirt.

Get This Look -

Pencil Skirt $16.99 - Charlotte Russe

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Graduation Week Outfit Ideas - Shine With Gold and Silver

As my dear husband and his friends of 2011 MBA class at Kellogg prepare to graduate this June, their spouses and partners are preparing for the preceding events and parties! I hear with excitement the shopping excursions of JVs ((yes, they call the spouse/partner of student JV - Joint Venture!!) to find that perfect gown or dress for the the sought after Navy Pier cruise and the graduation ball. As for my personal style, I am in favor of keeping the dress simple and add the glamour with accessories. And what better way to add glamour to any outfit with the gold or silver accessories! Although a bright gold shoe or a shining silver handbag may look overwhelming, but if tastefully paired with the dress, it can bring the old world charm in an instant!
Here are seven looks I created with silver and gold accessories. The dresses are in most basic colors and cuts, with varying styles - from regal to formal to downright casual! And you could find similar cut and color of dresses in most stores, from designer brand names to more affordable ones!
Tell me what you think?

1. Little White Dress

Get This Look -

2. The Black Gown

Get This Look - 

3. Bursting With Color

Get This Look -

4. The Jumpsuit Glam

Get This Look -

5. The Royal Blue

Get This Look -

6. Lady In  Red

Get This Look -

7. Long story 'Short'

Get This Look-

So shine and sparkle and make this a day (or night) to remember! Happy shopping!

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Timeless Polka Dots!

There is somethings cheerful about the polka dots! They make me happy and hopeful. Whether it is vintage or modern, this ageless and timeless pattern looks great on everybody - from a 2 year old to an octogenarian! I can not imagine any time or occasion where one can not wear polka dots! May be not on their wedding, but give it some time:-)

Since the beginning of their popularity in 1873 (when for the first time Godey Magazine - a 'Lady's Magazine' published in Philadelphia - used the term), polka dots have come a long way. Now polka dot is not 'just cute' but sophisticated enough to be seen on red carpets, runways, and evening parties!

From Left - Emma Roberts, Petra Nemcova, Demi Moore, Kristin Davis

From Left - Lake Bell, Eva Mendes, Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox

                                                                
                                                              On The Runway - 2011

Mrs Obama recently wore polka dot dresses and looked classy! For the TV interview with Matt Lauer, she wore a $34.95 H&M dress and made it look haute couture! (Although she customized the dress, by adding sleeves)

While black and white polka dots are my all time favorite, I love the fun element of colorful dots..Fire the cuteness engine with these polka dot dresses!

Muse Polka Dot Dress $99 - Dillard's

Polka Dot Tiered Dress $44.40 - Delia's

Red Polka Dot Dress $44.40 - Delia's

Polka Dot chic Dress $295.85 - ASOS

Motel Polka Dot Dress $44.83 - ASOS

If there is a piece of clothing cute and sexy at the same time it has to be a polka dot bathing suit! From bikini's to one pieces, polka dot swimsuit never go out of style!

Polka Dot Balconette Bikini $106.50 - THEOUTNET

Polka Dot Bikini (Bottom) $39.99 - Jessica Simpson Collection

Navy Polka dot Halter Neck Bikini $60 - Topshop

You can add the pop of pattern with these polka dot shoes to any single color outfit! If you are daring, you can even mix them with stripes..but that story later...

How do you POLKA??

                                                           

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