FabSugar

Fab Tip: Perfecting Racerbacks

FabSugar — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:00:22 -0800

If you've ever worn racerback tops, much like this Express Sexy Basics Racerback Tank ($17), then you know that they have a slight flaw. If they're cut too low, your bra ends up showing from the sides and back. Unless you want to pull a Carrie Bradshaw, I came up with a solution without sacrificing comfort.

To see how I solved this racerback issue, read more.

Bandeau bras, like this Damsel Seamless Bandeau ($8, originally $12), are fun but they provide no support, especially for bustier gals. So my advice is to wear your regular strapless bra underneath your racerback top, but then cover it up with a colorful bandeau bra. That way, the bandeau shows and not your bra. It's a win-win: you get support and pizazz. I suggest picking a contrasting color from your top for a funky feel.

Mason by Michelle Mason Reverse Racer Tank: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:11:22 -0700

Racerbacks are usually in the back of tops, not the front. This Mason by Michelle Mason Classic Racer Detail Gray Tank ($187) is playing tricks on us by bringing the racerback detail to the front. It's cool to push the envelope, I would probably sport it if it weren't so expensive. What about you?

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Fab Body Guide: Dangerous Curves Ahead

FabSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Leighton Meester's body is smokin', but by no means curvalicious. So why am I using her as a poster child for curves? Because in her BCBG dress, she proves that you don't need major curves to look womanly. Here, her body looks more hourglass-like than usual, thanks to the dramatic racerback bodice of her LBD.

Notice how the straps sit closer in, away from her shoulders, and how the sides dramatically curve below her armpits? That inverted cutout draws in your gaze and makes you picture an hourglass figure. Of course, a body-conscious fit also helps to move this illusion along. Watch out, dangerous curves ahead!

French connection "bricklayers stripe" dress - $218.00	VJC Versace Halter Draped Dress - $875.00
Norma Kamali Timeless® Shift Dress - $59.00	Aidan Mattox Niteline Beaded Halter Dress - $308.00
Velvet Acacia Dress - $119.00	Norma Kamali navy batik racer back bubble dress - $109.99
AKA New York Racer Back Shift Dress - $389.00	Rib Racerback Dress - $26.00
Generra pecan striped jersey racerback dress - $110.00

Source

Urban Outfitters Heartbreaker Ombre Racerback: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:00:22 -0800

It looks like ombre is here to stay, gals, because Urban Outfitters has a new rendition: this Urban Outfitters Heartbreaker Ombre Racerback ($28). It could be good over a black turtleneck for Winter and alone for Spring . . . are you game?

To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Celeb Style: Sienna Miller

FabSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:00:11 -0700

Sienna continues her stream of quirky outfits promoting her new film G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra in Berlin. We don't see enough inspirational pant looks and here's a super cute one. Her gray Division E pocket racerback tank ($44), is haphazardly tucked into a pair of ankle-cinched Dries Van Noten trousers for a cool modern vibe. Cutesie green suede peep toes and a leopard print scarf bring some humor to the mix, while her black and silver snake-like bracelets add an architectural element.

Kain Label Grey Pocket Tank - $79.00	Acne Zoom Loose Ankle Length Trousers - $293.70
LTD FORNARINA Closed-toe slip-ons - $122.00	Apt. 9® Leopard Scarf - $25.00
Philippe Audibert Gretta opal bracelet - $305.00	Mirrored Elastic Ball Bracelet - $5.80
Metal Link Leather Envelope Clutch - $235.00

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Online Sale Alert! Friends and Family Discount at Alternative Apparel

FabSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:08 -0700

It's your lucky day - I received an exclusive friends and family discount code from Alternative Apparel and I'm sharing with you! When you enter CEF591 at checkout, 40 percent will be taken off your entire online purchase. As icing on the cake, all orders over $75 will receive free shipping. This Silverlake Heather Burnout Racerback Tank ($21, originally $35) will certainly make it into my virtual shopping basket. Here's a tip: combine orders with your friends so you can enjoy free shipping without having to spend $75.

For more great deals, check out our site salehabit.com!

Simply Fab: Bra Straps Begone!

FabSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:00:22 -0800

I nearly jumped for joy when I discovered Strap Perfect ($20 for 9). The idea of making my everyday bra a racerback when necessary is music to my ears. Why don't you simply buy a racerback bra? That's a good question, but why give up my favorite bra if I don't have to? With Strap Perfect - which comes in clear, black, and nude - I get comfort plus utility. As far as I'm concerned, you can't beat that.

Oscars Afterparty: Olivia Wilde

FabSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:40:08 -0800

Olivia Wilde opted for modern minimalism by wearing a silk racer-back gown by Ralph Lauren. The ocean blue color is refreshing and I love the fluid shape. For accessories, the actress sported an ivory snakeskin clutch by Swarovski, drop-stud earrings, a tribal-inspired necklace, and matching cuff. Are you feeling her look?

Vote on all of my Oscar polls here!

Source and Source

Style For Style: Using Colorblock to Look Slender

FabSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:00:22 -0700

When I first saw model Masha Tyelna in this Dazed & Confused editorial (center), I freaked out: I thought her waist was freakishly small. Upon closer inspection, I realized it's just a fashion illusion created by the black side panels on her strapless dress. Phew! Although her look is over-dramatized, we can take away a thing or two from it, much like how we learned from Leighton Meester that racerbacks can make you appear curvier.

To learn how colorblock can make you look slender, and to see a widget of dresses, read more

The moral of this story is that colorblock dresses, whose side panels are dark, can make you look inches smaller than you are. That's because, like in Masha's case, it's an optical illusion. Our gaze tends to go toward bright colors, so find a colorblock dress whose panels are dark and inside is bright; attention is drawn to the center of your dress. I hope this will come in handy next time you consider purchasing a colorblock item. Below are some items to get you started.

Source, Source, and Source

LA Fashion Week, Spring 2008: TART

FabSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:00:22 -0700

Given the warm LA climate, it's not surprising TART stuck to what they do best: easy, breezy, micro-modal dresses. There were oodles of flowy dresses, long and short. Prints, like exploding dots and feathers, were introduced and much appreciated.

I took note of bandeau-style bikini tops paired with high-waisted genie pants, racerback mini dresses, turtleneck frocks, and details like Grecian ruching and braiding. Most dresses came with deep V-neck bodices, halters or one-shoulders. Think Jerry Hall with a modern twist.

Though the body-hugging material used in TART clothing is not forgiving, this collection is ideal for a girl who spends much time in the sea and surf because it's light and airy.

To read my exclusive interview with the designer and owners of TART and to see the rest of the collection, read more

View 20 Photos ›

What was the main inspiration for the collection?
Rebecca: It was a 70s poolside party in Palm Springs. Kind of a Jerry Hall feel. Lots of colors, lots of prints.

What was the type of girl you had in mind when designing this collection?
Rebecca: I think TART's always sexy and glamorous. The fabric is so wearable and the silhouettes are so chic so I think everyone can wear it. But I definitely designed for someone who's sophisticated, glamorous and sexy.

Did you face any hardships?
RR: It was pretty smooth sailing. We have a really good team.

What was the most fun part of the process?
RR: Well, runway is always fun but it's also fun to see the prints come back.

If we were to peek inside your closet, what would we see?
RR: You would see a lot of vintage, a lot of denim. It's very eclectic. Yves Saint Laurent shoes. I like vintage shoes. More heels than flats. I'm kind of in the Donatella Versace school of thought where women should wear heels.

What's one staple every woman should have?
RR: A black dress. You can wear it with sweats, with heels, during the day, you can wear it to an interview, on a date, at a funeral, to a wedding. You can rock it any time.

If you could describe your collection in three words, what would they be?
Jamie: Super friggin' hot! I'd say the difference between this collection and some of the prior ones is that we used to be known for our babydolls. Everything has more of a fitted element now because women want to show off where their torso starts and stops.
Source

Black Halo Colorblock Trapunto Sheath Dress - $325.00	Rachel Pally Black & White Mischa Dress - $211.00
Abaete Ysabel Dress - $375.00	Antonio melani "lelya" dress - $159.00
Silence & Noise Colorblock Dress - $58.00	Abaete white stretch wool 'Delancey' v-neck dress - $231.00
Colorblock Office Dresses from Laundry by Shelli Segal - $245.00	French connection blocked jersey dress - $148.00
Black Halo Colorblock Trapunto Sheath Dress in Charcoal & Black - $325.00	Cynthia Steffe Mae Dress - $265.00
Christopher Deane Sammy Dress in Black/White - $356.00