Snake Skin Fashion Trend

GUCCI

There’s something so very exotic, timeless and sensual about snake skin fashions that causes a woman to exude a primal sense of power and sex appeal. It’s a little regal and a whole lot of rock and roll.

Sneak a peek at of the snake skin looks we love to love this season.

Petal Pushers: Strut Into Spring Wearing Floral Print Pants

For some of us, the idea of flowers popping out of the ground any time soon is just wishful thinking. But you can still give spring a nudge in a pair of fresh, fun, and florally bold printed pants.

• Look for a straight or slightly tapered pant leg, cropped at or a few inches above your ankle.

• For this blossoming trend, go bold or go home: choose trousers with flower patterns in vibrant hues that burst with the colors of the season.

• Keep in mind that your should choose print sizes that are proportional to your frame: petite ladies are less likely to be “worn by” their pants if they stick with smaller prints, whereas taller and fuller-figured lasses can get away with larger prints.

• Revel in spring’s arrival by wearing these heavy-petal pants with a pair of entrance-making stilettos imbued their own splash of color.

• Top off the look and balance things out with a simple, textured tee in a solid color.

Clockwise from top left: Peter Som ($795), Dolce and Gabbana ($414), J. Crew ($348), Erdem ($990), DKNY ($225)

How to Choose a Coat for Fall & Winter

Every woman must invest in a high quality, classic overcoat. In fall and winter months – regardless of how stylishly you’re dressed underneath – your coat is the first thing people see, which means it creates your first (fashion) impression.

Your overcoat should be at least as stylish as the clothing you’re wearing underneath it. Wearing nice clothes under a shoddy jacket or windbreaker is pointless. However, there have been many women who have dashed out to get the paper in their long overcoats with sweats (or even their skivvies) underneath, only to look fabulous: your overcoat can make a statement even when the rest of your ensemble is in shambles.

Don’t get left out in the cold: find out how to spot your essential winter coat.

Trend Report: Bow Tie Blouses

This season’s best blouse comes with its very own built-in accessory: a flouncy, feminine bow tie. Hopping on the hugely popular gender-bending boyfriend-dressing trend in women’s fashion, the bow tie blouse borrows a classically masculine accessory and infuses it with a distinctly feminine appeal.

The bow tie blouse or ascot blouse puts a fancy twist on the classic button-up and offers a fresh alternative to the autumn or spring.

How To Wear a Bow Tie Blouse

Although the bow tie blouse is super hot and fresh right now, you may recall that many a granny have donned this particular garment. You can definitely find some fabulous vintage or thrift bow tie blouses, but take care to avoid looking matronly by choosing bow tie tops in high quality fabrics and body-skimming and/or tucked-in styles. Always wear a bow tie blouse with something tailored to show off your curves – there’s nothing matronly about that!

Get all tied up in bow ties! Find out how to make your mom’s bow tie blouse look smokin’ hot.

“Mad Men” by Banana Republic

Deliciously chic with a modern take on the cool polish and panache of the 1960s era, Banana Republic’s “Mad Men” inspired collection of classy, dress-up American sportswear is just what we’ve all been craving… that, and the next season of the AMC hit series, but we’ll have to wait until early 2012 for that.

Inspired by the effortlessly elegant retro fashions of the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning series, the “Mad Men” series-inspired collection is a designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with the show’s Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant, a union which has resulted in nearly 65 garments and accessories for women and men, embodying the style tenets of the era.

“Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the ‘Mad Men’ look and feel was a delight,” says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the ‘Mad Men’ within all of us.”

For we Mad Women, the women’s pieces are clean and modern whilst lady-like, including the stylish utility of trench coats, tailored dresses to flatter every figure. Sexy secretary staples like high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses,and statement accessories including print scarves and leopard print pump heels add an extra punch to the mostly neutral collection which hovers in beautiful fabrics in shades of gray and black with the occasional welcome splash of blue, plum, gold, magenta, orange and rouge.

This impressive “grown-up” collection has been crafted through the Banana Republic lens of affordable fashion and noticeable quality; women’s apparel and accessory pieces priced between $40 and $250.

“Collaborating with Simon and his team to design this collection was an experience I’ll never forget,” says legendary Costume Designer Janie Bryant. “It’s so rewarding to help create a collection that will allow fans of the series to channel their own ‘Mad Men’ style and take home fashionable items that are modern, not costume.”

Shop Women’s New Arrivals at BananaRepublic.com

How to Style The Little Black Dress

The reason it’s the perfect “little black dress” and not the perfect “little burgundy dress” is that a woman can to get the most wear out of versatile black — more than any other color — by dressing it up or down with other garments and accessories.

Keep two things in mind when building your wardrobe from this one fabulous dress:

The key to successfully making an outfit for any occasion from just one little black dress is beginning with a classic shape that flatters your body type; babydoll-, mini-, and maxi-dresses aren’t as adaptable as a simple, timeless cut.

Keep it simple: the beauty of the little black dress is its unabashed minimalism. No matter how much you layer your look, stick to mostly neutral shades with a few pops of analogous accent colors.

Here’s how the little black dress can make you a fashion chameleon: smart and professional by day, sexy and sultry at night, and clever and funky on weekends.

Little Black Dressing at Work

Keep It Professional at the Office

• For daytime, layer a trendy bow tie blouse, a crisp white shirt or slim-fitting turtleneck under the professional little black dress.
• Slip on a solid-colored cashmere cardigan, or a cropped blazer, and put on a pair of opaque tights with a pair of tall boots (for a more casual look), or peep toe shoes with high or kitten heels (for a more formal daytime ensemble).
• Finish off your classic look with diamond stud earrings (or whatever you can manage) and some pearls.

Little Black Dressing at Night

Keep It Sexy for a Night on the Town

• Wear the little black dress on its own with sheer or fishnet stockings, sexy stilettos, a little bit of bling (dangly earrings or a tennis bracelet), and a small clutch.
• To keep evening chills at bay, add a touch of faux fur. Shrug on a fake fur cape, bolero or mini-poncho — it’ll keep your shoulders warm and leave the rest of your outfit on display.

Little Black Dressing on the Weekend

Keep It Comfy and Funky at Lunch with the Girls

• Layer a cozy turtleneck or long-sleeved tee under the little black dress.
• Put on a pair of opaque or funky patterned tights with a pair of tall, mid-calf, or ankle boots. Alternatively, stay grounded with a cute pair of flat shoes.
• Cinch on a thick belt, put on some bangles or a chunky cuff bracelet, and slip on a long necklace with a funky pendant.
• Layer over a fitted tweed blazer, cropped jacket, bolero, or leather jacket.
• Finish it off with a scarf, gloves, and your favorite short-brimmed or newsboy cap.

Go Ultra Simple for a Casual Date

• For anytime elegance, wear your little black dress over a cream or charcoal grey turtleneck or fitted tee, buckle on a black leather belt and finish it all off with a bright scarf for a splash of color.
• Slip on opaque charcoal tights and a pair of black peep toe wedges.

Find out which little black dress will be most flattering to your figure.

Sheath Dress Styling Tips

Elegant, feminine and practical, the sheath dress is defined by a figure-hugging silhouette with a well-defined waist, that usually is cut mid-calf or shorter. Sheath dresses may be designed with or without sleeves, and are especially flattering on curvy, hour-glass figures, like Christina Hendricks or Salma Hayek.

Now that you know what a sheath dress is, here’s how to make the most of this versatile, sophisticated frock:

How to Accessorize a Sheath Dress

Shoes? High Heels, Please.

The sheath dress’s distinct waist serves to create the illusion of long legs in the same way that high-waisted pants make your legs look longer. The elongated elegance of the sheath dress begs you to take it one step further by wearing the highest heel you can comfortably manage, be it in the form of a classic pump, wedge shoe, or high heeled boot. Not only will it keep the long lines going, but a higher heel will also enhance the shape of your leg by flattering the curves of your calves and ankles.

Statement Jewelry

The neat, minimal shape of the sheath dress makes it the perfect canvas for one or two tasteful yet eye-catching accessories: pin on a colorful or metallic brooch, or adorn yourself with a long string of pearls, a chunky necklace, or a thick and ornate bracelet. The retro style of the dress (à la Mad Men era) also makes it particularly suited to vintage costume jewelry.

Cinch a Sheath Dress with a Belt

The highlight of this simple dress style is its well-defined waist; further cinching the waist of a sheath dress with a wide belt accentuates the style’s feminine appeal. We love the cummerbund-style Burberry Prorsum Leather Wrap Belt ($315); get the look for less with the Elegantly Waisted Twist Belt($137). Wear multiple super skinny belts (crisscrossed) as a more original way to achieve a similar effect. You can also wear a single thin belt over a sheath dress, but this look works best on dresses that fit rather snugly around the waist; if there’s a lot of extra fabric or the dress isn’t a great fit you’ll end up with an unflattering, bulgy, frumpy looking waistline.

Layer with a Blazer or Cardigan

The sheath dress’s strong silhouette makes it a brilliant base for layering with cute cardigan sweaters and slim-fitting blazers. For a softer substitute to a structured blazer, and as an exercise in smart layering, go ahead and wear a longer cashmere cardigan sweater over your sheath dress (with the buttons between your breastbone and belly button fastened) and cinch it all with a wide belt.

Add a Punch of Color

Once again, the sheath dress’s simple shape means you can go a bit brighter and bolder than you normally might at work. While basic black and gray are appropriate for very conservative environments, choose bright, energetic solid colors or attention-grabbing graphic prints for effortless, eye-opening sophistication. And nothing pops like red! The DKNY Cherry Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress ($484) is a show-stopping ultra elegant dress to wear when you want all eyes and attention on you.

Totally trend-right for fall’s jewel tone color palette, queen of the sheath dress, L’Wren Scott’s Emerald Wool Sheath Dress($1730) is a dream basic for the office and for evening events.

How to Wear Sheath Dresses at Work

Sheath Dress Hemlines

Sheath dressing takes naughty-secretary style and transforms it into smart, modern executive fashion. In the workplace, the sheath dress is a decidedly feminine, more efficient alternative to the business suit. For professional attire, always opt for sheath dresses with hemlines the hit anywhere from just above the knee to mid-calf.

Sheath Dress Necklines

There are many choices when it comes to necklines for the sheath dress, including bateau (or boat neck), deep V, jewel, scoop, square or sweetheart. No matter your workplace, save cleavage for night-time looks and wear a light blouse – preferably one with a bow-tie neck detail or ruffle – under dresses with revealing necklines. Banana Republic’s Black Lightweight Wool Pleat Dress ($150), with its sweetheart neckline and faux-wrap construction,  is a stunning little number to have as a go-to dress in your wardrobe. Professional, flattering and unabashedly feminine, this dress is suitable for a slightly dressier workplace and easily dresses up with simple accessories and showstopping shoes.

Sheath Dress Sleeve Options

If your workplace allows, in warmer spring and summer months wear a sleeveless sheath dress like the divinely detailed sleeveless crew-neck Alexandria Sheath Dress ($425) by Diane von Furstenberg; if that’s too much skin, slip on a cardigan or fitted blazer. For more coverage in cooler months (or air-conditioned offices), go with a cap-, three-quarter, or full-length sleeve. Check out the Gap Leathertrim Shift Dress ($70) with  ¾-length sleeves; wear it with opaque black or grey tights and black leather ankle boots for a smart look that transitions well from work to play.

For a dress that ticks all these boxes, behold L’Wren Scott’s Black Square Neck Sheath Dress($2065): slim cut, with a soft feminine square neck, ¾ length sleeves and the new midi length hemline that extends to the calf,  is the epitome of a classic little black dress.. truly a wardrobe essential.

Sheath Dress Evening Looks

For night time looks, simply shed your blouse, cardigan sweater or blazer, slip on a pair of strappy stiletto shoes, put on some dangly earrings, let your hair down from its daytime chignon and head into the night wearing Versace’s Purple Back-Zip Shift Dress ($1340). The figure-hugging cut of the dress and dramatic makeup is all the sex appeal you need.

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Fishnet Stockings

Fishnet stockings. Few words can produce such vivid visions of naughtiness. However, fishnets have become far more acceptable than in they once were, having made their way out of the shadowy darkness of clubs and burlesque shows, and into the bright light of modern urban women’s wear. Here are some tips on getting away with wearing this saucy mesh stocking by the light of day.

There are a variety of factors that influence the appropriateness of fishnet stockings, including the size of the mesh, the color of the stocking, the footwear and clothing it is worn with, and the condition of the stocking.

Fishnet Hosiery Mesh Size

As a general rule, fishnet hosiery with a mesh any greater than the standard tiny holes (approximately 1/16th inch wide when worn) are inappropriate for everyday, formal, and (especially) professional attire. If you’re going to indulge in large-mesh fishnet stockings — which tend to look a bit costumey— reserve them for funky or punk club-wear.

Fishnet Stocking Color & Style

Black, chocolate or beige fishnet stockings are excellent for everyday wear, and add a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Flesh toned fishnets hosiery may even be appropriate in some conservative workplaces, and are a fabulous modern alternative to dated and dowdy nude pantyhose.

Colored Fishnet Tights

Fishnets are now available in virtually every shade you can conceive of, however in most cases, wearing eye-popping, brightly colored fishnet stockings in a professional office setting is not recommended. However, if your work environment is more casual or creative and bright tights suit your office and your personality, by all means, go for it.

Layering Fishnet Tights

When there’s a chill in the air, those with a desire to take a bold fashion step forward can even try layering brightly hued fishnet stockings on top of tights in solid colors like neutral black, grey, brown or white.

Special Details

If you’re looking for a fishnet stocking that stands out from the rest of the pack of standard fishnet hosiery (without looking like an x-rated costume) definitely check out Nicole Miller’s Wide Chevron Fishnet Tights ($18), available in black or chocolate. These chevron-patterned fishnets add an extra level of visual interest to any outfit, and fit in perfectly with the tweed, chevron, and menswear-inspired textile and pattern trends for fall while being wholly feminine… love!

Wolford has a beautiful new collection of luxury stockings and patterned tights, including their Estelle Black Tights($50), which have a fine fishnet mesh with the sexy and elegant detail of a stocking stitch (wider than a typical backseam) that extends from the waistband to the toes — super sultry for evening looks or sexy-smart if worn under a more straight-laced pencil skirt and tall boots, with just a hit of the woven backseam exposed.

And for those occasions on which you want to create a little heat, there’s nothing like fishnet stay-ups and lingerie to get things steamy. Wolford’s lace-topped Black Jade Stay-Ups ($67) are super sexy and have an invisible elastic band to keep them put.

Know When to Throw Away Fishnet Tights

Even though fishnet hosiery is made of thousands of tiny holes, snags and tears are completely unacceptable. Throw damaged stockings out.

Figure-Flattering Fishnet Stockings

Thanks to the availability of slimming hosiery and undergarments on the market, you can now get control-top fishnets: Spanx Tight End Fishnet Tights($28) eliminate grid bum once and for all, making your tummy, toosh and yams look as sexy as you feel!

And if tummy control is not a concern, check out Capezio’s Fishnet Seamless Tights($26); these tights were designed for dancers and will not show side or front seams, and can be worn without any risk of showing even the slightest peek of lining or control fabric.

How to Wear Fishnets at Work

You really need to be careful when incorporating the fishnet stocking into your work attire. Yes, they’re hip and sexy, and that may be exactly what makes them inappropriate in some work environments, even if they are worn with an otherwise conservative outfit.

Unless you work in an open, progressive or creative work environment, fishnets may work against you, making you look too racy and unprofessional when meeting with clients and colleagues who expect a more conventional look.

Wear Fishnet Hosiery with Pants!

A fun option that may work on the job is wearing fishnets under pants, showing just a peek of mesh between the top of your shoe and pant hem; go with either full on fishnet tights or choose fishnet socks or knee-highs.

How to Wear Fishnets with Skirts and Dresses

Although fishnet stockings look very stylish with boots, pumps, kitten heels or flat shoes when worn with a skirt, make sure that your dress or skirt’s hemline falls no higher than knee length. Mini skirts with fishnet stockings come across as trashy looking; a more chic option is a flattering pencil skirt or flared skirt.

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