We all have old sweaters in our closets that don't get much use, so we were on a mission to find a way to repurpose those pieces and make them stylish and new again. We decided to give our knit a little flair with an embellished collar made out of studs and rhinestones. It's really easy, and a simple way to transform something you already own — plus, it feels entirely festive for the holiday season. Watch on to see how it's done! On Allison McNamara: J.Crew top, House of Lavande earrings.
Zoe Saldana chose a richly detailed Balmain Resort 2012 minidress complete with a white train to a screening of Colombiana in Miami yesterday. While the collection was designed with a Vegas-era Elvis in mind (and, yes, we can see references to that infamous white bedazzled suit), the ornate detail and mix of gold, white, and silver reminded us of something more classically opulent; indeed, Zoe reminded us of some Ottoman Empire princess. The effect is easily channeled for every day with a few good accessories. Here are our styling tips for channeling Zoe's opulent look without investing in a Balmain minidress:
It's a very ladylike way to add sparkle to your outfit: show it on a sharp collar. Found in the Fall '11 collections from Givenchy, Miu Miu, and Valentino, the look is surprising versatile and definitely statement-making. Emma Watson paired the collar with a sequin jacket in her most recent editorial for i-D mag, and Hailee Steinfeld looked adorable in a beaded sheath at a Miu Miu party. While a pearl-embellished top from Valentino is available now ($1,090), we expect it will be a short matter of time before this trend pops up in more affordable versions. Wear it on its own, with the blouse tucked into slim trousers or a pencil skirt for a polished look. For a more offbeat approach (the way we would do it!), layer it under a crew-neck sweater or sweatshirt, skinny jeans, and oxfords for a back-to-school look that is totally cute and unexpected.
Do you fancy girlie clothes with a special touch like a strong pleat or a jeweled neckline? Then you will like contemporary designer Prairie New York. Inspired by the city we all know and love, New York, these clothes are also designed and made in the city. The designer, Danielle Shriber, strives to create clothes that are "never too serious and always ready for fun." Can I use that as my mantra too, please? However, her unique separates translate to other parts of the world. Whether wine tasting in Napa or sipping an espresso in Milan, these designs travel far.
Prairie NY is sold at Saks and Neimans and you can find a store locator on their website.
For lots more Prairie NY, read more
We've been monitoring the competition for the next big accessory. Let's just say there's some surface tension going on. While I'm still lusting after shoes, you guys are swooning for bags. We can all break the surface tension by wearing lovelies sprinkled with animal skins, studs, bows, tassels, rhinestones and even stars. Chanel (pictured) created the perfect fusion of adornment and adoration — the perfect tension tamer.
Designers, and their followers (ahem) can't get enough of embellishments, i.e. mirrors, beading, embroidery and sequins. Beautiful in both the Winter and Summer, something subtly sparkly is the proper choice for a date night, a cocktail part-tay or if you just want to feel pretty. Ali Larter knows how to dazzle in her beige subtle sparkler. Because the aforementioned embellishments tend to be around the neckline and front of dresses, I suggest a lovely updo, as not to distract from the subtle sparkles. Again, Ali, nice work.
Embellishment
n. Using ornamentation such as beading, sequins, appliqué, or embroidery to make part or all of a garment more beautiful. In sewing and crafts, an embellishment is anything that adds design interest to the piece.
Embellish yourself with this Jet Sequin Oval Tank, on sale for $28 (originally $51).
