FabSugar

How to Channel the Opulence of Zoe Saldana's Balmain Dress

Noria Morales — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:17:50 PDT

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:

Stack a mix of gold and silver bracelets on your wrist and wear it with a silky blouse in navy blue, cream, or white.

Try an ornate statement necklace or pendant earrings over something velvet and luxe.

Carry a gorgeous bejeweled clutch on your next evening out; it will immediately elevate a simple cocktail dress.

Pamela Love Navajo-inspired cutout brass cuff - $625.00	Oscar de la Renta 24-karat gold-plated necklace - Sold Out
Stephen Dweck Rectangular Rock Crystal Ring (Nordstrom Exclusive) - Sold Out	Matthew Williamson Embellished satin clutch - Sold Out
Ben-Amun Dream Catcher Earrings - $170.00	Stephen Dweck Floral Pendant Chain Bracelet - $490.00
Z Designs Rhinestone Art Deco Bracelet - $38.00	Tang & Song Hallow Octagon Ring - $63.00
Dominic Jones Fern 23-karat rose gold-plated necklace - $650.00	Roberto Cavalli Beehive gold-plated cuff - Sold Out
Stephen Dweck Clear Crystal Bypass Ring - Sold Out	Repossi Rose Gold & Diamond Maure Ring - Sold Out
House of Harlow 1960 Enamel & Crystal Sunburst Ring - Sold Out	Yves Saint Laurent Gold-plated stingray-effect chain cuff - $1,095.00
Andrea Valentini Vintage Copper Tassel Pendant Necklace - $108.00	Pearl Section Collar Necklace - Sold Out
Janna Conner Designs Gold Crisscross Drop Earrings - $58.00	SANTI CPB4938 Beaded Pouchette - Sold Out
Nicole Miller Handbags Lexi Minaudiere - Sold Out	Prezzo Vintage-Style Dome Clutch - Sold Out
Jude Frances Fleur Cross Charms with Cinnamon Topaz - Yellow Gold - $1,480.00

Fall Trend Spotting: The Beaded Collar

Noria Morales — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:12:51 PDT

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.

Designer Spotlight: Prairie New York

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:00:22 PDT

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,

View 9 Photos ›

Trend Alert: Surface Tension

FabSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:00:22 PDT

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.

Trend Alert: Subtly Sparkly

FabSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:00:22 PST

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.

Source

Definition: Embellishment

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:35:33 PDT

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).

See All the Jewel-Embellished Designs at Oscar de la Renta

FabSugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:06:09 PST

It was a vintage fashion throwback at Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2012 runway show. The fashion legend incorporated Parisian, Audrey Hepburn-inspired designs, offering pretty light pink hues, fur collars, skirts with jewel embellishments, and accented cardigans. Watch his entire Fall 2012 collection here!

Naeem Khan Fall 2012

Hannah Weil — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:01:23 PST

With the Oscars at the end of the month, Naeem Khan's gorgeously crafted red-carpet wear couldn't have come at a better time. Head-to-toe sparkle, full-length prints, embellished pants - Khan's wildly beautiful Fall '12 confections are begging to be worn right now. Beginning with an essentially ethnic-inspired feel, Khan sent ornately crafted tunic-style dresses and gowns down the runway that spoke decidedly to his native India. But, cinched at the waist with lovely black bows, these tunics are both somewhat exotic and at the same time steeped in classic red-carpet glamour. It's that wow factor that registers, the luxuriousness of it all, the decadence that unfolds in all-over sparkle, fringe trim, and jaw-dropping silhouettes. Showstoppers are Khan's bread and butter - in fact, it was hard not to audibly ohh and ahh with nearly every ensemble's turn down the runway. That's not to say you tire of the effect - you're captivated. It's not just the exotic detail, the texture, or the shine, it's how Khan masters the cut. Necklines and slits are sexy but never reveal too much; fringe and beading are used abundantly, but it never feels over-the-top. It's how Khan's mastered the art of razzle-dazzle with perfect allure.

Trends: Textured, embellished eveningwear; ethnic-feeling robe- and tunic-style gowns; dramatic black and white prints.
Colors: Black, white, silver, gold.
Key Piece: The gold full-length v-neck gown is begging for a red-carpet appearance.
Accessories: Open-toe cutout ankle boots, peep-toe pumps, ankle-strap heels.
Who Would Wear It: Hollywood A-listers and Oscar contenders like front-rower Ahna O'Reilly; beauties like Zoe Saldana and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley would carry off these gowns flawlessly.

Tory Burch Fall 2012

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:13:30 PST

Tory Burch's Fall collection was inspired by "the idea of a prim girl who's under the spell of the wrong kind of guy." The results? An array of prim and polished looks injected with just the right amount of librarian girl sexiness. Sultry lace dresses showcased embellished collars, peplum tops were adorned with sequins, and pencil skirts were decorated with frilly hemlines. Burch also gave new life to tweed and tartan; a pair of knockout leather tweed-printed pants were the highlight of the show. Meanwhile, a cozy selection of bouclé jackets and angora sweaters provided texture and warmth. For accessories, the designer featured patent spectator shoes and a range of heavily embellished chain bags and floral clutches. More details below.

Trends: Leather, bouclé, metallics, daytime sequins, botanical prints.
Colors: Blue, red, forest green, purple, gold, beige.
Key Piece: We loved the modern take on the tweed-print leather separates.
Accessories: Spectator shoes, floral earrings, sequin hair pins, tortoise bags, floral-embellished clutches.
Who Would Wear It: Girls looking for elegant, yet sexy looks like Sarah Jessica Parker and Brooklyn Decker.

Watch Old Hollywood Glamour Take Over on Jenny Packham's Fall 2012 Runway

FabSugar — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:04:37 PST

Jenny Packham paid homage to 1940s women, showcasing a palette of rich red, black, and white gowns - perfectly tailored for any red carpet. These true Old Hollywood style frocks included beautiful embellishments and silhouettes that hug every curve. Watch her entire runway show here!

Marni Tinsel leather bag - Sold Out	Bdoc White Red - Sold Out
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Star Sequin Pouch - Sold Out	Mayle Mariachi Sun Bag - Sold Out
Jessica McClintock Geometric Beaded Clutch - Sold Out	Miu Miu Woven leather hobo bag - Sold Out
Woven Handbag with Stud Details - Sold Out	Fendi Rectangular leather clutch - Sold Out
Valentino Flat Bow Clutch - Sold Out	Sequin tote - Sold Out
Fendi Fringed Zebra Baguette - Sold Out

Diane von Furstenberg Fraser Dress - Sold Out	Embellished Party Dresses by Chaudry - Sold Out
MK2K Giant Jewel Racerback Tee Dress - Sold Out	Brunya Camisole Top Beaded Dress - Sold Out
Karta Beaded Tank Dress - Sold Out	Gold Hawk Jewel Dress in Pearl Ivory - Sold Out
Dream Society Zahara Stone Embellishment Dress in Ivory - Sold Out	Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Beaded Dress in Ivory Organza - Sold Out
Galliano Chiffon Drape Dress - Sold Out	ADAM Tank Dress - Sold Out
Alberta Ferretti Mop-Taupe Dress - Sold Out	Sue Wong Embellished Silk Shift Dress - Sold Out