The maxi dress has definitely marked its territory in the summer fashion scene; however, the classic, causal, boho style, lightweight and airy dress is starting to transform itself. In store windows, on New York City streets, and on many fashionistas, the typical, traditional maxi dress is becoming much more versatile and taking on a seemingly sexier feel.
Certainly, this is not the first fitted maxi dress to grace the market; however, the ribbed maxi brings a simplistic feel that allows fashionistas to show off each and every curve. Personally, the classic ribbed tank is one of my fashion staples, and I always need an assortment of colors ready to layer under cardigans, with patterned skirts and shorts, or just to throw on for a lazy day; however, I’m not sure I’m ready to model my favorite basic as a full on look.
Source: Topshop
This ribbed textured maxi dress definitely communicates a more casual and effortless look, and is even paired with sneakers. While this look may be perfect for a typical hot, summer NYC day, I don’t think I can wrap my head around combining my love for ribbed tanks with my obsession with maxi skirts and dresses. Maybe next year this trend will find its way into my heart.
First off, of course a big congratulations to all of the winners at this year’s CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards. On top of that, congrats to those red carpet celebs who and their stylists who strutted to the top of the best dressed list in some amazing ensembles.
After winning this year’s Menswear Designer of the Year Award, who could be surprised by Tom Ford’s amazing black tie outfit paired with some killer dress shoes and the all-important aviators to shield him from those always too bright stage lights during his big acceptance. His slim-fit slacks and as expected, perfectly tailored jacket, certainly earn him a spot on the best dressed list, and clearly represent his menswear collection.
Now for one of my personal favorite outfits from the night, Janelle Monáe rocked this gorgeous ivory and gold accented pieces from Tadashi Shoji’s collection, paired with none other than Christian Louboutin’s gold stiletto heel. Props to Janelle for pulling off the high neck and kimono shape Shoji is so well known for designing.
Next up, Katie Holmes. Always gliding down the runway in her stunningly classic, gorgeous picks, how could this lady ever not be considered part of the best dressed? Designed by Ralph Lauren, this hunter green, floor length halter dress compliments her super slim body, and is perfectly accented with simple, silver jewels on her ears and wrist.
Tory Burch’s oriental-inspired patterned floor length, long sleeved dress definitely highlight her innate design and style senses. The gold and red clearly highlight her inspirations and complement her slim figure and platinum blonde locks, perfectly paired with simple gold jewels on her ears. From one of my favorite handbag and shoe designers, this look absolutely shines on the red carpet.
And last but not least, who could leave out the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Ms. Betsy Johnson. Her quirky and always fun and fabulous designs can never be overlooked by shoppers or any sane fashionista, and this photo and outfit alone clearly represent her inspiration. Her vertical striped jumpsuit, white sneaker wedges, perfectly gaudy jewels, and oversized belt and buckle highlight this lady’s no-fear sense of style and her forever young attitude.
Many more looks blew away onlookers at the CFDA, and definitely stand out in the runway photos (link above to see them all).
In just one short month Urban Decay will FINALLY release the Naked Smoky Palette. With everything from matte white to shimmery black, its going to create the perfect smokey eye looks.
There are few things I happily wake up before 5 AM, to take a crowded rush hour train, to an even more crowded rush hour subway, to excitedly bat my eyes and genuinely smile because a list of fashion greats will be standing in front of me, sharing there success stories and tips for how i can hopefully attempt to step into their shoes one day - forget about filling them. However, in only 140 excruciatingly long days I will be doing just that, when I attend FashionistaCon NYC on October 16, sponsored by the fashion blog Fashionista. Although I have no idea who will be in attendance yet - I guess that was the deal when I purchased the Super Early Bird ticket in the beginning of May to attempt to save some of my college student dollars on my venture - I do know between now and then, I have 140 days to come up with an amazing outfit from head to toe and research my fingers to the bone so that I know every last detail about every possible guest and speaker once that list is revealed. For now, I guess I get to focus on every fashionistas favorite part of events - getting dressed.
Sheer or nude dresses with ornate and very strategically placed lace overlays seem to be the newest trend on the red carpet; unfortunately as much as I love these gorgeous, sultry gowns, I lack both the J-Lo level confidence and the Beyoncé level, high profile event to actually pull off such an ensemble. Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé's iconic, jewel studded, barely there dresses from Roberto Cavalli are certainly gorgeous; however, for the much less glamorous, formal events I typically attend, these jeweled picks would attract more than just a few inquisitive glances. Fortunately for myself and every other fashion diva pining to stare at herself in the mirror in one of these superbly bedazzled dresses - and then probably gag at how un-Kim K we actually look - there are some options for us more casual fashionistas. For one, Tadashi Shoji's latest collection epitomizes this gorgeous trend, creating various lengths of more conservative sheath lace, that I may just be able to incorporate into some event in the upcoming future.
(Image taken from http://www.tadashishoji.com)
So maybe there’s a small chance in Fashion Hell that I could rock this gown somewhere...or more likely a minuscule chance seeing as most of my formal events are either business school related or weddings.
(Image taken from shop.nordstrom.com/c/tadashi-shoji)
There’s a slightly larger chance that I could actually pull this cocktail version off; however, I cannot get this one out of my head.
I guess I have a new favorite designer to add to my list, especially since most of Tadashi’s work incorporates gorgeous patterns of fabric and shear whether it be lace, jewels, or leather. Certainly the Cavalli picks are gorgeous; however, these Shoji designs seem possibly practical for a casual fashionista with some less than celebrity level events.
They say breaking into any industry is all about selling, and believe me as a college student with a shopping addiction that an empty bank account couldn’t stop…I can sell. If I couldn’t I wouldn’t have those commission checks that keep my account from hitting zero in which case, I would have to figure out another way to satisfy that pesky fashion addiction. In the case of getting a job however, you have to sell yourself-which isn’t quite as easy as selling some poor shopper the latest bra and panty set-or at least if you work in Victoria’s Secret. So now this seemingly endless circle begins of applying for internships and praying someone answers your email and searching for the right employer who hopefully has the right connections to get you into the right company so you can just live the fashionista dream. *breath.* In thought, maybe that isn’t the right way to go about it. Maybe there’s some way to set myself apart from all the other wannabe fashion and actual fashion students in all the other great universities out there….because my so-called great university has ZERO connections to the fashion industry, and therefore close to zero fashion alumni, and almost a zero chance of helping me land the perfect fashion internship. So what’s my great plan? It starts with this blog. In my perfect world, I can use myself as a model and prove to the right person who has those right connections t get me into that right company that I can style clothes and find the most amazing pieces. I mean, what shopping addict doesn’t want to use someone else’s money to buy designer, luxury clothing and merchandise so everyone else wants to buy that same designer, luxury clothing? No self-respecting addict who’s truly beyond help, that’s for sure. So in the most round-about way possible, I think I’ve made it obvious enough how I consider this whole breaking into the industry thing equatable to Dante’s circles of hell, and in my opinion, deserves its own fiery ring. Hopefully in a year from now I’ll at least b climbing over the barbed wire fence.
