FabSugar

How to Wear a Bra Top: 3 Ways to Channel Your Inner Kelly Kapowski

Brittney Stephens — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:27:11 PDT

When we first heard that crop tops (and more specifically, bralets) were going to be big for 2012, we had our reservations - it seemed like a look best suited for outdoor music festivals and costume parties - but after seeing the midriff-baring look on the runways at Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci, Prada, and others, we inevitably changed our tune, and are officially smitten with the idea of unleashing our inner Kelly Kapowski. The trend is rooted in '50s-era screen sirens like Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Marilyn Monroe, but is also dripping with '90s nostalgia - calling to mind fashion-forward TV characters like Kelly Bundy, Donna Martin, and yes, Ms. Kapowski herself. If you're planning to try the trend this season, here are a few things to consider:

Find the right length for your body (and your confidence level). If you're proud of your tummy, don't be afraid to pick a piece that hits above the belly button. If you're less comfortable showing that much skin, you can still get in on the trend by opting for a top that bares just a sliver of your belly and comes in below your midriff.
Keep it sophisticated. Yes, this trend is inherently sexy and will veer on the side of flirtatious no matter what, but there are ways to go about it that will help you look more retro pinup than '80s video vixen. Wear your crop top with a high-waisted skirt (like we saw at Acne, Prada, and Emilio Pucci), or a navel-grazing pair of jeans or shorts (just see Preen and Proenza Schouler for stylish examples). You can also layer it up with a fitted blazer, sweet cardigan, or cool leather jacket. This will ensure that you keep things classy while staying on the sultry side of things.
Be prepared to turn heads. Whether you pair your bralet with hot pants or a maxi skirt, be forewarned: you will get attention - so be sure to throw your shoulders back and revel in it!
Now that you're up to speed on baring your middle, click through to see three ways to wear the crop top this season.

20 Sexy Racerback Dresses and Tops to Channel Your Sporty Side This Spring

Hannah Weil — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:31:32 PDT

With a nod to both sportier and sexier sensibilities, the runways from Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler, and more showcased flashes of skin with their racerback silhouettes. Our love for the back-baring cut is twofold: the heat demands a little less coverage, and these fits deliver in the coolest way possible. Now we've curated a collection of 20 favorites - dresses that feel as carefree as they do flirtatious and tops with a touch of the athletic-inspired edge. In the market for some beat-the-heat Spring-to-Summer staples? We guarantee you'll wear these pieces all season long. Click on to see and shop our favorite ways to bare a little back.

The Most Versatile Piece You Already Own: 30 Days of the White Tee

Hannah Weil — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:20:58 PDT

You probably don't need us to tell you that a white t-shirt is a closet essential. But if this basic is best being used as your workout tee or as the go-to on a lazy Sunday, you might need us to stage a little wardrobe resuscitation. The fact is your white tee may just be the most overlooked item in your closet with the most potential for outfit versatility. To prove it, we put it to the task and styled up one perfect Alexander Wang t-shirt ($76) 30 different ways. That's right, inside we've culled a month's worth of ways to put your t-shirt to good use. From the office to date night, and everything in between, consider this your field guide to getting the most out of one of the most underestimated pieces you already own. Click on to see and shop every look.

Don't Be Fooled: You Can Definitely Dress Up a Sweatshirt - and Here's How

Brittney Stephens — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:00:32 PDT

If you thought you couldn't dress up a simple sweatshirt, think again: it's incredibly easy to do - plus, it's an insanely chic, effortless look that gives off a nonchalant "oh, this? I'm just keeping it super casual tonight" vibe. You'll look like you don't really care, but care just enough to make a statement (which is always the goal, right?). To help you out, we've put together five distinctly different ways to dress up your sweats, including a classic crew-neck and a cropped iteration- even a hoodie! Click through now to see and shop our looks.

Fit to a Tee: 15 T-Shirts to Fall in Love With This Spring

Brittney Stephens — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:00:57 PDT

The importance of a good t-shirt is pretty much a no-brainer, but we still happen to find ourselves getting flustered with the prospect of finding a new one - we all have that ratty logo tee that we refuse to get rid of because of how perfectly it fits (regardless of the fact that it's discolored and riddled with holes, and the company doesn't even make it anymore). Face it: coming across the perfect t-shirt is one of life's little victories, so we're helping you out this season by rounding up some of our favorite Spring pieces and encouraging you to think out of the box by tucking them into a floral skirt, layering them under a denim button-down, and rolling up the sleeves for a fun, fresh take on the classic tee. Click through to see and shop 15 of our favorites now.

Shop the New "It" Blouse: It's Printed and It's Silky

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:45:44 PDT

Yes, we happen to be craving lots of cool new pieces for the coming season, but one of the things we're most excited to wear for Spring are floaty, feminine silk blouses - and that goes double for those of the printed variety. From small-scale polka dots and leopard print to full-stop florals and bold tribal patterns, we're more than ready to jump on the printed-top train for Spring. Want to join us? Just click through to snap up 10 of our favorite silk blouses now.

Photo courtesy of Zara People

5 Ways to Wear Spring's Must-Have Trend: The White Blazer

Chi Diem Chau — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:23:01 PST

In anticipation of warmer weather to come, we're beginning to replace our heavy Winter-wear with a refreshing batch of bright prints and lighter hues. That said, one of our biggest swaps is trading out our black blazer for a white one. Designers like Stella McCartney and Phillip Lim showed them on their Spring runways and we can't wait to get on board with the trend. Yes, it might be a little jarring to store away your tried and true black blazer, but believe us when we say you won't regret it. To prove that point, we're showing you five different ways to wear this gorgeous IRO Alessia Brushed-Crepe Blazer ($475). You can always find a more affordable option, but we love this particular one for its slight ivory hue and perfectly tailored shape. Ready to make the swap? Just click the slideshow to see and shop five fun ways to wear a white blazer for Spring.

10 Pretty Collared Blouses to Sweeten Up the Most Basic Outfits

Hannah Weil — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:13:47 PST

It may have something to do with Michelle Williams's ladylike award-season looks or Jason Wu's adorable offerings for Target, but we've got pretty pieces, like sweet Peter Pan collars, on the brain. It's not just how darling they make us feel; admittedly, they're one of the easiest ways to freshen up our look in a flash. Swap out your tired tees and top any pair of denim, a favorite skirt, or even your working wear with one of these little standouts for an instant revamp. Click through to see and shop the ones we're loving right now.

Tops Are Making a Resurgence, But You Won't Recognize Them!

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:34:57 PST

Everything old is new again - just with a different spin on them. Tops, the classic toys that have occupied tots for hundreds of years received a 21st century makeover with the introduction of Beyblades. Using a "launcher," or a rip cord, the tops then spin on the floor or in an arena where they battle to see which can spin the longest. The sleeper-hit holiday toy of the season, Beyblades were one of the most requested toys among kindergarten to fifth-grade boys last month.

Now Hasbro is set to put a decidedly girlie spin (pun intended) on the age-old toy. In March, the company (which also distributes Beyblades) will expand the FurReal Friends line with the introduction of Dizzy Dancers ($9) - a collection of "twirling, dancing pets." Using the familiar rip cord (now called a Dizzy Cord), the stuffed animal-topped toys can be launched to spin their way around the home. The cute characters are interchangeable, so they can be mixed and matched to create custom pets. Each package will also come with a "Twistin' Tricks Card" to teach lil ones new ways to spin.

Similar to Lego's recent launch of girl-friendly Lego Friends, how do you feel about female versions of popular toys?

Try Out These 5 New Top Trends For Spring 2012

Brittney Stephens — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:06:28 PST

We've already covered the best colors and most flattering silhouettes from the runways to try come Spring, and now we're weighing in on the prettiest tops and blouses to get into for the season. We all wear them - so why not make sure you're wearing the freshest cut? First up: the flirty floral top. There was an explosion of gorgeous floral patterns on the runways for Spring, and it makes a great option for pairing with jeans or brightening up a solid skirt. Click through to see more of Spring's best blouses, and get tips on how to try them yourself.