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Celebrity Style: Blake Lively

FabSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:22 -0700

Blake is forming quite a fan club and we can all see why . . . just look at her! She is the quintessential American girl. Blonde, beautiful, bubbly, and on her way to visit ABC's Good Morning America with the rest of the adorable cast of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. There's always room in my week for a great jeans look. Blake made this her own by throwing on layered aquamarine beaded necklaces and natural cork wedges. As always, her hair looks amazing and her smile is dazzling. I don't know if I would have opted for a black bowling bag, but Blake makes it work.

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Style For Style: Halt-er Your Bra

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:00:22 -0700

I've never had major problems finding the right bra for a particular top, but I have a bigger-busted friend for whom finding the right bra is a constant battle. Over the weekend, she and I got ready together before heading out for a night on the town, and that is when I witnessed her struggle. She wore a halter top, much like this Theory Kensy Halter Top ($180). Having fairly large breasts, she stays away from strapless bras because they give her that unflattering line across her chest. She wanted to wear her regular bra but didn't want the straps to show because of the halter cut.

To see what my friend and I did to solve the bra strap problem, read more

Sturdy sewing thread, like this Madeira 18-Spool Sewing Thread Set ($29), is the answer to bra straps with halter tops. However, if you can wear a strapless bra with your halter top that is your best option. But if you get those funky lines that cut across your breasts, the following may work for you. Disclaimer: Make sure your halter top isn't one with spaghetti straps or a V-front. In order for this to work, it must be a mock neck or high-neck halter.

Wear your bra and not your halter top. It's preferable if your bra and halter color match just in case it peeps out.
Have a long piece of sturdy sewing thread (about 12 inches) nearby.
Take your left bra strap in your left hand, and your right bra strap in your right hand, and pull them both in front of you until they touch across the middle of your chest.
You may need the assistance of another person at this point. Grab the thread and tie it around your two bra straps, which are still in front of you. Go around as many times with the string until you feel your bra straps are secure across your chest. Cut the remaining thread so you have a clean knot.
Wear your halter top and you'll notice your bra straps are now hidden underneath the top because they are in the front middle of your chest!

Fab Exclusive! The Runaways Costume Designer Reveals Her Screen Style Secrets (and Bowie Obsession)

FabSugar — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:50:22 -0700

It's always nice to talk about the finer things in life, you know, Bowie, vintage, denim, rock 'n roll, ch-ch-ch-ch-Cherry Bombs. The Runaways, starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, hits theaters Friday. Chronicling the all-girl rock band from the '70s, we'll witness the early start of Joan Jett and her rockin' entourage. I don't know much about the band, though I know its music. And music movies always appeal to me - don't we all love Almost Famous? I got the wardrobe scoop from the costume designer, Carol Beadle; here's her background, how she researched the rebellious rockers, and where she found the vintage duds. Stay tuned for more!

You have a background in music?

Yeah, big time. That's what I’m most known for. I have won awards for music videos.

Would you say that’s your favorite thing to do as well?

Honestly, they’re crazier. But, for sure, I love them the most. I have the most creative freedom of any commercial kind of work of that style, unless you do print, which I love as well, or editorial.

I grew up with music videos, I’m an MTV baby, even though MTV rarely shows music videos anymore . . .

I know (laughs). Definitely a much different world isn’t it? I feel fortunate that I was involved in it when it was still a thriving, cool industry. I remember the first music video that ever really blew my mind was Bowie, Ashes to Ashes - that’s the first kind of concept, creative, really avant-garde. I had three older brothers and sisters, my brother literally woke me up one night to see the Stones on midnight special. I had a lot of music and visuals, and books and stuff, just been in my life from default; we were just a really musical family.

To read the rest and to see more fun stills from the movie, read more.

That’s a great world. In terms of clothes for the movie, where did you shop? Where did you go? Where did you start?

I went to pretty much every single costume house in the city (LA). We didn’t have a massive budget on this. There are so many costume houses out here - much better than in NY. I got the best stuff from Palace Costumes. Like every big designer has been to Palace to pull reference. They’re just the bomb. Universal Costumes has some good things, too. I’m really selective so we did some heavy-duty pulling, lots and lots of pulling, but it had to be really amazing to make it on to the girls. And then for shops, we went everywhere - there’s a really great shop called Lemon Frog, she gets really great stuff. We went into American Rag. What we didn’t really do too much of was Resurrection and Decades because it’s just a little too high end. If we were shooting somewhere, and there was a vintage store next door, I would pop in and find a great Lurex halter top or something. It was like that - we’d just try to keep collecting, but try to be super selective.

How much time did you have to pull the clothes together?

Like four weeks, but a lot of that was taken up by research. Then, I really didn’t have the girls until weeks before and they were either recording or practicing their instruments so I didn’t have a lot of time with the girls. We had so much to fit and alter, so it was pretty challenging. And every day I had different looks for all them.You can tell in the movie there’s a lot of changes on them. You probably can’t see - you never see as much as you really do.

So what did you do for research? Did you meet the original Runaways?

No, I didn’t actually meet with them because Floria (the director) has been working on this for three years, but she was actually able to obtain their scrapbooks, their original scrapbooks. Which was just fantastic. I just started downloading and looking through magazines and newspapers for every possible picture of them and then I also researched the music of the time. I already had a lot being a massive Bowie fan. I had my original Bowie book that I bought when I was 15. I would even research ads in London newspapers, like these ads: “Buy these elephant pants," the English term for those pants with super-wide legs. We looked for stuff like that, everyday culture, but more music magazines. Like Cream. All the American ones, I’ve tried to keep it very American, of course. Except later when they go traveling a bit. Everything I could find on LA and the punk scene. Every book I could possibly find.

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Celeb Style: Jessica Stroup

FabSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:08 -0700

Jessica Stroup looks smashing in fancy frocks, but at an LA party last night, she proved that casual wear is also her thing. The actress exuded retro by tucking a white V-neck halter top into high-waisted, black mini shorts. To modernize the look, she adorned herself with gold accessories, and wore yellow flats, a tan bag, and an oatmeal cardigan. Cuteness.

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Fab Read: Junky Styling, Wardrobe Surgery

FabSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Those of us who can't stop into London's Junky Styling boutique should try the next best thing: the new book, Junky Styling: Wardrobe Surgery ($32), by founders Annika Sanders and Kerry Seager. First read about the store's unique history and its forward-thinking founders - Annika and Kerry started out making clothes to wear to clubs in the early '90s. Then learn how to re-create some of their popular garments: a shirt wrap halter top, a scarf made from suit sleeves, and so on. Get your tools ready and start performing surgery on those clothes that need a little nip/tuck.

2010 Spring Paris Fashion Week: Stella McCartney

FabSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:22 -0700

This is Stella's party and she'll dress her women how she wants to! That's precisely what the British designer did, as friends like Gwyneth Paltrow and Charlotte Casiraghi looked on. Stella's Spring creations remind that she is a multi-faceted woman, full of life and passion for fashion. She continues to appreciate neutrals and lace, but is now also totally exuberant. The major show-stealers are accordion-pleated ruffles and bright, juicy colors like royal blue, fuchsia, and orange.

Parts of this collection reminded me of her past - crisp high-waisted trousers, oversized blazers, camel hues - but so much of it was fresh. A one-piece bathing suit, a developing Spring trend made its way onto the catwalk, as did dramatically sexy blouses, maxi dresses, lace halter tops, and mini boy shorts. A few denim pieces also took part, but in a less modern, more vintage manner. Whether you're feeling elegant, sassy, boyish, or shy, look no further than Stella Spring '10.

To see all of Stella's latest line, read more.

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Celeb Style: Jessica Stroup

FabSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:10:56 -0700

Jessica Stroup topped my list of fashionable eye candy at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood soiree this past weekend. The 90210 cutie partied the night away in a sleek black halter jumpsuit and peep-toe booties. Check out her fresh accessorizing skills: stacked gold bangles, funky rings, hoop earrings, and a dark green clutch complete her sassy ensemble.

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Get Your Summer Kicks With ViX!

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:12:44 -0700

The Summer solstice came into effect on Saturday so what better way to kick it off than with a week of ViX bikini giveaways. Vote for Summer! All week long we're going to auction off fun, sexy ViX bikinis so tune in and keep your eyes peeled for our daily giveaways. Let's start with this adorable ViX "Rachel" bikini ($68) in Fab's brilliant turquoise color - peruse all ViX styles here. The halter top guarantees a sturdy fit and you know I love my animal prints.

To enter to win, log in to take our quiz. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz once you are logged in. You need to be a TeamSugar member to take the quiz; if you're not already a member, register here for an account and join in all the fun on the Sugar sites! Just click on "take the quiz" below and we will do a random drawing to determine the winner. US residents eligible only (sorry!). Click here for the official rules.

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Fab Read: Madeleine Vionnet

FabSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:00:22 -0700

"When a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too," said Madeleine Vionnet. I admit, I didn't know much about Vionnet until I read Madeleine Vionnet, by Pamela Golbin and Patrick Gries. If it weren't for Madeleine, dubbed the queen of the bias cut, gowns and skirts wouldn't be half as fluid and sexy as they are today. Not only did the late and great Madeleine create the bias, she also spearheaded the invention of the handkerchief dress, cowl neck, and halter top - wow. This book also features an illustrated chronology of her life and never-seen-before photos. It was kind of like stepping into a romantic history lesson on the creative mind of Vionnet. Cool.

Fab Body Guide: How To Wear Halters

FabSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 06:45:44 -0700

Every gal loves a halter every once in a while - it's a pretty sexy neckline. And when the heat kicks in halters just call out ease and comfort. I like them because I don't necessarily have to wear a bra, which is a rarity for bra-loving me. Halters come in several different shapes and forms so I thought it would be handy to know what works for your bod. Here are a few tips!

This bebe Silk Trim Gathered Halter Top, $54 is ideal to accentuate a small bust; the wide-set straps create the illusion of a fuller chest and the Ruching in the center furthers the effect.
I adore this Ella Moss Halter Ruffle Dress, $175. The ruffles and plunging neckline balance out broad shoulders & bring attention front and center.
This Obus Paris Dress, $325 is a great fit for a large-busted gal. The straight-across front provides coverage, while the straps square off in the middle playing down cleavage.
A fun little top, this Arden B. green jeweled halter, $88 is ideal for narrow shoulders. The thin crossed straps in front won't overwhelm a slender frame - and they hug the base of the neck, making shoulders appear wider.

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