Paillettes, essentially oversized sequins, are definitely a bold look, but there are ways to wear the paillette trend without channeling the Little Mermaid (unless, of course, that's the look you're going for). We saw paillettes on the Fall runways at Prada, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and more. Plus, the always-stylish Lauren Conrad stepped out recently in a gorgeous, cream-colored BCBG Max Azria dress covered in the shimmery scales. With party season right around the corner, paillettes can add a festive touch to your look, but they're also a fun, easy way to dress up your office ensembles. Ready to shine? Click through to see and shop some of the season's prettiest paillette pieces.
Trend Alert: Couture Details
Believe me, if I could afford Diane's divine Chanel Couture dress, I would swoop it up in a heartbeat. Sigh, back to life, back to reality. The good thing is, we don't have to pay a runway price to wear such beautiful couture details. All you have to do is look for unique, extravagant embellishments via strong shoulders, unique prints, pouf skirts, lavish sequins, and fancy detailing. Check out my keen picks for the time being, until you train your eye . . .
Eva Mendes Shines in Chris Benz Paillettes: Love It or Hate It?
Paillette alert! Eva Mendes attended the Hollywood screening of The Bad Lieutenant wearing a Chris Benz multicolored, plunging paillette dress from his Spring '10 collection and Brian Atwood pumps. The dress is definitely eye-catching — different than what we're used to seeing her in. A few sparkles would do her good, but all-over paillettes are slightly overwhelming. And this coming from a gal who loves shine. What's your opinion?
Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! Also, don't forget to join my Love It or Hate It? group.
Pierre Hardy Paillette T-Straps: Love It or Hate It?
I have been anxiously waiting for someone to wear these tricked out Pierre Hardy Paillette T-Straps ($1,415). Behold, Rihanna did. And just the way I would — sleek black to let the disco inferno shoes do the dancing. Not in a while have I been so whipped by a pair of sandals. You too, or am I being silly?
Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! Also, don't forget to join my Love It or Hate It? group.
The Bag To Have: Prada Paillettes Clutch

Not too long ago I scored my first Prada bag. Sniff. It was at a consignment shop and it was an oversized mauvey brown ombre clutch. It's not a classic, but when it comes to accessories I like to cheat once in a while. It was still a splurge, but I grab it (often) when I want to add an avant-garde touch to my outfit.
It appears that bag turned me on to the novel idea of Prada clutches; this Prada Paillettes Clutch ($1,250) is not your ordinary sparkly clutch. The medium size is perfection, but the sparkling green row across the top is anything but typical. The mini paillettes are as Fab as they come. A real dazzler.
Celebrity Style: Liv Tyler
It's been so long since we've seen Liv Tyler all dolled up. She really should do it more often. At the NYC premiere of Iron Man, the actress sparkled in Stella McCartney's embellished, oversized dress. Her choice of footwear — grey suede strappy sandals — is fitting, because it allows a continuous flow from her dress to the shoes. Oh, and I love her dark makeup and new, short 'do!

London Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Christopher Kane

London darling Christopher Kane has gone mad for paillettes. While you will also see lots of sheerness in his Fall collection, the two textures complement each other brilliantly. Texture play is a major theme for Kane and proving to be one of his strengths.
The dresses are the winners here, with their fluid lines and interesting compositions. The separates — boxy jackets and flared skirts — are more wearable than previous collections of his. The jackets in particular have an armor-like beading that creates high drama. And those, paillettes; Kane couldn't get enough, and neither can I.
For more Christopher Kane, read more
The Look: Bedazzled Black Dresses
The Look: Bedazzled Black Dresses Style stars Blake Lively, Eliza Dushku, Emily Blunt, and Diane Kruger are all stealing the spotlight in little black dresses spangled with studs, sequins, and paillettes. Now that's what I call a LBD trend alert!
Comments


