Cerulean, Cobalt & Indigo..Oh My!

Happy Leap Day!! It seems strange doesn't it that we have this extra day of the year, and for those of you in Chicagoland, this 60 degree day? In any case, it's a day to celebrate and what better way than to spoil yourselves and your closets with a new Spring trend.

Does anyone remember this show-stopping explanation?

Fabulous Meryl; I hope to be a Silver Coiffed Fox in my late Fashionista days, too. Nevertheless this video is the essence of Spring. Bright may be in, but Blue is definitely back.

Billy Reid NYFW 2012

Photo Source: The Ultra Bright.com

Here's the good bad news about Blues & Brights: there is no way to be subtle. Color is going to make you stand out and your figure will look much fuller with a block of color. That's just the principal of not wearing black. It brings attention to the peaks and valleys of your curves and I need you ladies to be OK with that! Because guess what? All this doesn't mean you can't wear it ;) Embrace it! Color is in, and who are you to not to put your own sassy spin on this solstice?


Time for some Blue Clues:

•  First and foremost, this is your new Spring/Summer Bestie:

This color wheel shows you exactly which colors compliment your hues. That's not to say you cannot pair Blue with any other color, but it does show you the best fit and helps avoid looking like Crayola. (Google Images)

•  Cuts, cuts, and more cuts! The color is one statement - the cut of the garment is entirely another. Like you may have read in other posts on The Last Word it's all about how you style yourself. With Blue's I would stick with something simple and structure. Remember, the garment is to for your body to fill out, not overpower your beauty!
• For accessories - stick to metals! For special occasions of course have a ball, but for every day wear I would stick to Silver or Gold. All eyes on Blue!

So Cool: See It Through Shirt

Ellison: Tiered Shirt Dress

Lush: No Going Back Hi-Low Dress

Dolce Vita: Daisy Belted Wrap Silk Romper

Cameo: Box Sleeve Dress

Flying Tomato: Lace Tank Dress

ASOS: Blue Denim Ski Pant Jeggings

Another Blue Fact: New Arrivals from Tobi.com featured in this blogpost are 30% off today only! How cool is that?!


So take a Leap this day and score some Blue!

-TLW

V-Day: Let's Do It For The Girls!

Hello my Sweets, and Happy February! It is officially the second month of 2012 and also the month of LOVE. For those of you who celebrate, it is also the kick off of Black History Month and I know I will be paying homage to my Icons, including Ms. Sarah Breedlove. Look her up ;)

As you all know I am all about Women/Self Empowerment on this blog, and when it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day, I am no different. A tradition I have started with my girlfriends is to go out for Valentine's Day Dinner. Whether you have a special someone in your life or not, I think it's important to celebrate all the Love in your heart.

See what I mean?

With that being said- this post is dedicated for a night out with the girls! A time to be sexy, flirty, and fun. I put together 4 themed outfits below that would be a V-Day treat:

Outfit #1: Rock It Out (Click on photo to enlarge)

With this 'fit, I had the edgy girl in mind. Someone who will play up the theme, but add a twist. You can't go wrong with classic colors in the pants, the spiked shoes will put you in a category of your own, and the Hi-Lo top goes perfect with the V-Day celebrations. Hi-Low tops show off your front and cover your back. It's flattering and most importantly draws more attention to them hemline, than the hip line.

Top: Mink Pink - The Bad Romance Cape Shirt

Pants: Tripp NYC - The Split Pant

Shoes: Sole Boutique - The Cenobite Shoe in Black

Outfit#2: The Sweetheart (click on photo to enlarge)

For the more demure celebrator, I thought this dress would be a funky update to the LBD. It has a natural waist and hints of sexy with the Mesh, and it also gives the illusion of a Mini. The Peep Toe Pump add a POC (pop of color) and - it's colorblocked!


Dress: Final Stretch Navy Blue Dress
Shoes: My Delicious Rainer Coral Multi Color Block Platform Heels

Outfit #3: Pink Me (click on photo to enlarge)

 Platforms are one of the best things to come back from those Disco Days. They make you look taller, and your legs look longer, so for this outfit I started with the shoes. I love the color and they are suede sandals a.k.a year round shoes! The mini is Denim and the chiffon top takes it to the perfect level of dressy for a night out.

Top: Lace Pocket Blouse - Berry
Skirt: Chipper Zipper Denim Skirt
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Dressen Purple Fuchsia & Red Suede Sandals

Outfit #4: Candy Stripe (click on photo to enlarge)

With this outfit, I wanted to do something very traditional to Valentine's Day. Not only is Red the hot color of the season, high waisted shorts are also here to stay. PS- High Waisted anything is great! It's the same idea from the Natural Waist and give you that sexy hourglass shape. Couple them with the ankle strap platforms, and sheer striped shirt, you can easily turn this into a 'Pin Up' girl glamfest.

Top: Malt Shop Memories Striped Pink Top
Shorts: Button Up Tap Shorts
Shoes: Sole Boutique The Eye Doll Shoe in Red

For accessories, I am a firm believer in Bling. Anything that sparkles will perfect these frocks. 

So start shopping! V-Day, or D-Day is next weekend, Ladies. Dress up in Love ;)


-TLW!

Pleats, Please!

Top of another week to you all! Wherever you are reading this, I hope you have saved your Monday attire from all the slush and snow. On this Manic Monday, I want to draw your attention to Pleats, but not just any pleats, Chiffon Pleats! They are no longer just for school girls- peep Katherine Heigl in this month's Elle Magazine:

Katherine Heigl in Fendi
Photo Credit: Tom & Lorenzo

There is something so regal about pleats to me. The presence of a well done pleat is so Royal and Chic, you command attention when you walk in any room - which is why my closet is full of pleats ;)

Case & Point:  "Carrie Bradshaw" in Halston Heritage Iconic Pleated Long Dress in Orange

Photo Credit Google Images

I'm also Team Pleats because the lines are vertical, and we all know how I feel about vertical (slim) lines. With the bold return of Chiffon, this trend is a priority for the upcoming Spring/Vacation season.

Want some Pleats? Here are my tips before you do:

• Just because it's see through, doesn't mean I have to see you! Chiffon Pleats are great, but don't go the normal route with see-thru textiles and show off your underoos - take this chance to do something different! Experiment with different colors, prints, or even textures (Lace and Chiffon can't go wrong).
• Don't loose your shape! Most Chiffon pieces are billowy - they create a lot of movement and volume on the body. Make sure the remainder of your outfit is juxtaposed with something form fitting so you can show off your bodacious bod.
• Remember the rules! Chiffon Pleats, and pleats of any kind for that matter, are still garments. Remember which garments fit you and compliment you best to afford this trend (Note: This advice goes for all frocks).

Try it out!:

Penelope Silk Maxi Dress

The Colorblocked Maxi Dress Mint X Navy

The Colorblocked Party Dress

The Jasmine Pleated Pant

Try it in Bikini form - Seafolly Pleat Bandeau Bikini

Live it up like royalty in Pleats, Girl!

-TLW

So I Watched The Golden Globes- Now What?

Hello and what a fabulous day it is for another BLOG POST! :) The focus for this post Ladies (and you fashionable Gents) is pretty self explanatory in the title. With countless pre-pre arrival, and arrival specials for Designer creations, we essentially sat through 3+ hours of a fashion show. So now what? You may be thinking 'I have no where to wear these dresses, so how does this show benefit me?' This is where I can help.

Many of these dresses were from Spring and Pre-Fall Collections of this year, there were 3 noteworthy trends from the 2012 Golden Globes: Mermaid, Natural Waist, Feathers & Fringe, and I am here to show you how to incorporate these in your daily wardrobe.

Trend Alert#1: Mermaid

Charlize Theron in Dior, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, Reese Witherspoon & Kelly Osbourne both in Zac Posen

Each of these dresses, and the stars that adorn them, are magnificent in their own right; but to me, there is a timeless Vintage presence about the cut of a Mermaid dress that is always a safe bet when dressing up. The construction of 'The Mermaid' has 2 perks: 1. The bodice of the dress does all the work, no shapewear needed! 2. The flare at the bottom gives volume and draws attention to those gorgeous gams of yours! Below are a few everyday choices to get 'Maid:

Champ de Mars Dress

I Really Mist You Dress in Taupe

Midnight Sun Dress

Trend Alert#2: The Natural Waist

Ariel Winter in D&G, Viola Davis in Emilio Pucci, Laura Dern in Andrew GN, Diana Agron in Giles Deacon, Jessica Alba in Gucci, Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann

We've had the Dropped Waist, the Empire waist, and even the Hip Hugger. In 2012 it's now time to embrace the Natural Waist. This is also a very traditional and Vintage cut with the accents hitting not too far under the bust line. The best part of this trend, as shown above by the Hollywood Starlets is, whether a full or fitted skirt is paired with this trend, the end result is always flattering. It takes attention away from the hips and accents the bust, and that's just the best thing since sliced bread. Check out some causal options below to let it fall by the waist side:

Urban Orchard Color Block Strapless Dress

Etiquette of a Lady Color Block Lace Dress

Collective Concepts Life in Prism Print Dress

Trend Alert#3: Feathers & Fringe

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci, Mary J in Michael Kors, Wendi Murdoch in Tom Ford

What is not to love about this trend? It's different, fun and accentuates every movements of your body! Besides brining back a 70's favorite, feathers and fringe are like walking accesories. Just a few hints of sparkle on your ears, neck or wrist like these Stars have done and you are dressed for any fete. So Fringe on!:

Imitation Oakley Fringe Vest

Shakuhachi Macrame Fringe Tank

Diane von Furstenberg Limora Jacket with Fringe

Photo Credit:  DCFA.com, JustJared.com, USWeekly.com, Popsugar.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net, FabSugar.com, UPI.com

See the Golden Globes was worth it - now you can be Red Carpet ready every day :)

Until next time!

-TLW

NYE MEGAPOST: It's Never Too Late!

Hello Darling Divas!

This is the last post of two thousand and eleven, and I wanted to go out with a BANG! Since we don't have a lot of time, this NYE MEGAPOST is going to get straight to the point and cover all our bases. Stay tuned, you won't be sorry in the end :)

First and foremost - know your retailers! Being Thursday, a lot of stores are offering free shipping up until 12/31: Free 2Day Shipping @ Shopbop.com and a lot of your local stores are having insane sales: Up to 75% off at H&M. But other than bargain hunting here are my tips for pulling together this NYE:

Makeup

I'm a MAC girl for life! The products are quality and last forever. Some of these products I've had for months but I am mostly a fan of the colors. While you can wear whichever brand of makeup suits you, below are my tips tips and tricks for makeup application :)

Primer

Prep & Prime Eye

I live and die by this stuff. This is the first step in creating a perfect eye. If you plan on a smokey eye, blending shadows, or using more than eyeliner, using primer first will make your look last overnight!

This is one of my simple eye looks. It doesn't take a lot of product, it has a slight shimmer and brightens up your lids for a fresh and youthful look. I am wearing: Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow.

This eye I consider "Technicolor". I picked the subtle colors of my outfits and brought them out with blending the shades, and adding a bit of black to the outer corners for a Smokey effect. It can be done with any color, but I love this idea! Even if you are wearing black and white, you can jazz it up with color on the lids. I am wearing, MAC eye shadows: Hepcat, Carbon, and Aquadisiac, and MAC Penultimate Eyeliner.

I like this lip because it is Nude with a twist. Enough color to combine with any of the previous eyeshadows, but not overpowering. I am wearing MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick & MAC Absolutely It Pro Longwear Pencil.

 

 

 

 

 

This last look is my favorite - I would call it "Hollywood Glam". It combines a full face of makeup with that sexy Red Lip and I think it's done just right. I am wearing MAC Eyeshadows Carbon and Gesso, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Red Ruby Woo Lipstick. This is the best red lipstick I have tried!

The Fits!

Ok so we've got Let It Shine , Let Me See Your Hips, SWING, Put Your Back Into It!, & Glitter Is A Girl's BFF as style inspiration. But for those of you who want to go balls to the walls with party dresses, here are my super sexy suggestions:

Divide and Contour Color Block Strapless Dress

 

 

 

 Colorblocking can never go wrong, and the black lines always add a slimming effect.

Lyric Poetry Lace Fuchsia Pink Dress

 Very Vintage feel and the contrast of the lace adds my "Subdued Sexy" effect that I love :)

Vivian Ward Teal and Purple Dress

This dress has a sexy cutout and the contrast of the Hunter and Violet allows you to do a multitude of colors with your accessories.

Dress with Scalloped Iridescent Sequins

This is a modern version of the Flapper Dress with the faved NYE glam: Sequins!

Accessories

Last but not least: Jewelry! I love a BIG statement necklace. There's so much attention drawn to your neck, you hardly need any other jewels! Here are some statement pieces to end the year right:

Micha Design Long Tassel Statement Necklace

Nakamol Design 'Cleo' Beaded Collar Necklace

Micha Design Agate Tooth Statement Necklace

Forever 21 Panel Bib Necklace

Here you go! Happy Stylish New Year!


I wish you all a great and prosperous New Year, and wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my blog - you guys are Savvy Readers :)


See you in 2012!

-TLW