Orange is In!

If you're looking to brighten your wardrobe next season, go orange.

It's the color to watch this upcoming spring 2012! It's all over the runways. It's all over the celebs. It's graces the pages of top fashion magazines. And it's the color of my university (GO SYRACUSE!!), so by default, I'm into it :)

Be brave when it comes to this color. Try out different shades-- lighter peaches, all the way across the spectrum to the burnt hues. Try mixing and matching shades, patterns, and fabrics.

Here's some inspiration!

Blake Lively in Gucci Resort.

Olivia Palermo in bright orange blazer and tangerine pumps.

Molly Simms in oversized blazer with burnt orange frock.

Emmy Rossum mixing bold shades of orange. Great example of bolor blocking!

Emma Stone showing off the softer peach shade against her pale skin tone.

Olivia Munn, showing how peach shines bright on tan skin.

I like to mix and match different patterns and shades when working within one color palette. Here's my take on the color:

(Alas... I was in a fitting room and had to do the mirror shot. So awkward, but it gets the job done.)

Color close up!

What's your take on this burst of color?

Make It Your Own

Tank: Banana Republic, $19.99 (Similar)

Skirt: Talbots, $29.59 

Pumps: Guess (DSW)

Thursday Trend: Leopard Loafers!

I love this trend because it's so easy. You can wear pretty much anything you want, and then throw on these kicks to complete the look.

This trend is here to stay for a few reasons:

1) Loafers are super comfy.
2) Leopard isn't a seasonal print- it can be worn all throughout the year!
3) Flats are always a great alternative to heels. Add some animal print into the mix and BOOM. You're ready to rock & roll.
4) Leopard has almost become another neutral, meaning it can be matched with anything. We've seen it on the runway paired with floral prints, polka dots, stripes, you name it!

Here are some celebs showing off this Thursday's featured trend!

Nicky Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus: Photo credit- People

I have a pair of leopard loafers that I absolutely love! Here's a few way's I've worn them :)

Jeans and a blazer

Silk blouse, pink pant

Close up of my loafers

Make it your own:
Loafer: Wanted $49 (on sale from Amazon.com)

Tuesday Tip: Dressing for Your Body

I'm sure you've all heard the fruit comparisons.

She's pear-shaped. She's has more of an apple figure.

That's all well and good but means nothing if you don't know to dress to your assigned fruit! It's about flattering your figure with the appropriate garments. Here's a quick little tip list that I hope you can use and apply to your everyday style.

Pear Shaped
If you have narrow shoulders and torso, and a wider hip and bottom region, this applies to you. I like to call it Bootylicious. Just because you have an apple bottom doesn't mean you can't wear skinny jeans or form-fitting dresses. It's just about finding the right proportions which elongate your torso to help you look a little less bottom heavy. Since you have such a tiny waist, accentuate it! Utilize your belts and scarves to draw attention to how tiny you are in your midsection!

Celebs who fit this category are women such as Beyonce, Shakira, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Kristen Davis, and Hayden Panettiere.

Photo Credit: Jill Martin

                

 

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Apple Shaped
Apple shaped women carry the majority of their wight in the midsection. Sometimes this intimidates them to try out new trends and style-- but it shouldn't! Apple shaped women should accentuate their favorite aspects of their body (bust line, legs) and draw attention away from their problem areas (midsection). Most apples have great legs, so girlfriend, hike that skirt up and work what your momma gave ya!

Celebs who fit this category are Drew Barrymore, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, and Catherine Zeta-Jones

                      

 


Hourglass
This body type is curvaceous! You have it going on up top as well as on the bottom, with a cinched waist in between. I call this a "Treasure Chest with Pirate Booty." Whatever. I like that analogy. If you have this body type, the key is to emphasize our curves without adding any more bulk. Don't be afraid to try out body-hugging dresses! Clothing with defined waistlines look best on this figure. Because you are curvy on top, avoid high necklines such as turtle necks. A V-neck draws the eyes down and is more flattering. Va. Va. VOOM.

Celebs in this category include Dita Von Teese, Scarlett Johannson, America Ferrera, Kerri Hilson, and Sophia Vergara.

Photo Credit: LifeMixx

                       

 

Banana Shaped/ Boyish Figure
This figure is the opposite of the hourglass. Women with this body type are typically very narrow in the waist with undefined hips or bust. Very little curves give this body type a straight up and down look. Many athletes and runway models have this figure. The key is to create curves with your clothing choices. Fitted jackets are a great way to start! They give the impression of a smaller waist and a bigger top. Also, try sleeveless tops or tanks to show off your great arms and shoulders. On the bottom, opt for something a little less form fitting, This will give the illusion of a more defined waist!

Celebs with this figure include Kate Moss, Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Nicole Ritchie.

Photo Credit: Laura G.

                           

 

Saturday Scarves

Happy weekend!

Today's post is short and sweet: it's about a fun way to work scarves into your wardrobe. You've probably seen belted scarves on the runway or on your favorite celebrities/bloggers. Some examples....

Have you tried it out on your own?

I actually had a lot of fun with this look. My version is slightly less glamorous than the runway examples above. It's more closely aligned to the fashion blogger's pic second down from the top.

I wore straight leg navy corduroys from Madewell, and then a couple layers on top. I started off with a grey cross-back tank, followed by one of my favorite cashmere cardigans. I love it for its bright hue, but more importantly because it's the softest thing I own! I added on a multi-colored striped scarf and chose a yellow belt for a pop of color & to add some spunk :)

What do you think? Like? Dislike?

Without all the layering pieces on top 

Slightly blurry back of the shirt

Tip: Even though it's the winter, you can always utilize your summer tops! There's no reason for them to sit in our closet and collect dust for half the year. Layer a cardigan, heavier top, scarf, or something else over a summer tank to make it seasonally appropriate. Today's outfit is a good example.

So tell me: would you try the belted scarf? 

-GJU

Make it your own:
Cardigan: Talbots
Scarf: Gift
Belt: Target
Shirt: J.Crew Factory (Several years old)
Pants: Madewell
Flats: J.Crew Factory Store
Watch: NY&Co.

Charlize Theron: My Definition of Couture

If you're into Awards Season as much as I am, then you've been having your cake and eating it too when it comes to the Red Carpet looks in 2012.

Someone's gotta eat the cake. These women certainly aren't. I'm on it.

So far, we've been alongside the red carpet at the People's Choice, the Critic's Choice, and the Golden Globe Awards. Actresses, singers, and other somehow-famous women use these opportunities to dress their best for the whole world to see. All sorts of genres grace the red carpet. My favorite is couture.

One star stands out in my mind: Charlize Theron.

Here are her two recent looks from the Critic's Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.

Hair: In both looks, Charlize went the side parted, side swept low bun. This hairstyle is effortless and beautiful. The second look incorporating a headband adds a fun, glamorous final touch of elegance.

Dress: Both of these gowns are structural in different ways. The black dress for the Critic's Choice Awards has a very structured, defined feel to it. The cut of the fabric around her neck and shoulders is modern and fashion-forward. The same "choppy" texture continues down the body of the gown in short layers leading to a small train. Although the gown has a defined shape, it still leaves an impression of easy elegance.

The second dress (Dior Couture) has an simpler, softer structure. The deep neck line and high leg slit draw attention the middle of the gown which is absolutely stunning, in my opinion. First, the cinched waist drawn together at the bedazzled broach is gorgeous. The draped bow falling from her hip, laying over the leg slit is simply perfection. She looks like a fairytale princess. Sounds celestial, but it rings true to me. Ethereal, gorgeous, effortless, fairytale.

Accessories: In both cases, Charlize matched her clutch to her dress. She chose very little accessories. This lack of clutter, if you will, allows all attention to be on the dress and Charlize. Often times we like to over-accessorize-- I'm guilty of this! However, in cases such as this, less is more.

To me, Charlize is the definition of couture. She chooses gowns that flatter her figure (which isn't hard when you look like a supermodel) and hairstyles that allow her face to show and the dresses to shine. 

Who is your favorite star when it comes to the red carpet looks? Do you like Charlize's fashion forward choices?

People's Choice Awards 2012: Hits & Misses!

Happy Thursday, GJU readers! This means that tomorrow is Friday (whoop whoop!!) :)

I love award show season! This time of year is a dream for fashion lovers and critics. You've got the Golden Globes coming up in a few weeks which promises to be a stunning red carpet. Last night, the People's Choice Awards provided a healthy mix of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. I thought I'd show you a few of my favorites, and least favorites.

Here we go. Let's start with the misses so we can end this blog post on a positive note.

The Misses

Ashley Greene

First and foremost, I can see the outline of her underwear. I can actually see almost everything under her dress. The leather is too tight so it crosses the line from form fitting to skeleton showing. The ruffles at the bottom, combined with the awkward lace faux-turtle neck with a 3/4 length sleeve makes me uncomfortable.

Jennifer Lawrence

Cut outs are definitely on trend this year, but Jennifer Lawrence took it too far. She looks like she's lost in the Atlantic Ocean. To top it off with cut outs on her heels? I can't. Someone needed to stop her.

Vanessa Hudgens

It's unfortunate to see Vanessa on my Miss List. She's really into the hippie-chic outfits these days. However, this hippie-Elvira-goth ensemble isn't doing it for her. The train is beautiful. The idea of the dress is beautiful. But that awful sheer mesh halter kills it.

Nina Dobrev

Green is my favorite color. I love being adventurous in my outfits and going for the bold, bright choices. But.. the lace on her arms? Nina Dobrev looks like she has moss growing on her upper limbs. Also those shoes-- awkwardly strappy. And on top of that? It's January. Who wears strappy sandals in January?

Kristen Bell

I love my girl Kristen Bell. But I don've love this borderline dominatrix red number. Too much is going on here: We've got a cropped sleeve mesh fabric covering up a lace sweetheart top. Then we go into a leather bell skirt. It's just not attractive to me. Call me crazy. Maybe if her hair was up in messy bun it would make it a little less unbearable, but still this is an unfortunate red carpet look.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale is known for her role in Pretty Little Liars. I'm sorry, Lucy, but someone lied to you when they said you could leave the house in this disheveled mess of a dress. Asymmetrical hemlines are on trend, but this is way too extreme. Also the heels are beyond platform. She's standing on stilts at this point.

Jennifer Morrison

Stars were having a field day with mesh over lace last night, apparently. Love the statement hair and the nude heels, but not loving the frock. It looks like my great grandmother's table cloth from 50 years ago. This is not how to wear fringe. Definitely not.

Lea Michele

Along the same lines of the tablecloth frock above, Lea Michele's dress is fringe gone crazy. Way too much draping is going on here. It's just weird looking. And the silver shoes don't help.

Now moving onto the good ones! Many celebs came out rockin' their looks. Here are some of the ones who I consider the Best Dressed.

The Hits

Emma Stone

Quite frankly, Emma Stone can do no wrong in my book. Godbless a redhead who wears green. Such a beautiful, complementary color combination. I'm super into this version of glamorous menswear. The blazer in bright green paired with fitted trousers and a peep-toe heel is perfectly nonchalant. It's like she didn't even try-- just threw it all on and showed up at the red carpet. Also loving the asymmetrical tux-like tails on her white shirt. That's fashion, ladies and gentlemen.

Demi Lovato

The reason why I love this is because it's figure-flattering. As we all know, Demi has been battling eating disorders. She's finally back at a healthy weight, and I think it's great she's showing off her assets in this dress. The cinched waist is gorgeous on her figure. The plunging lace-lined neckline is stunning (I've always wanted a dress with that neckline) and different length hems make for a pretty silhouette.

Chloe Moretz

Finally, a star under 25 who actually dresses her age! This black and green belted number is absolutely adorable. Paired with those nude and black pumps, this outfit is a definite win. Also loving that she pulled up her hair to show off her beautiful face and neckline. Work that skinny arm, girl!

Stana Katic

This Little Black Dress is major. It hugs all her curves and has a beautiful off the shoulder, deep neckline. The simple jewelry doesn't distract, allowing all attention to go to the dress, the gorgeous hair, and miss Stana Katic herself. This may be my favorite look of the night!

Faith Hill

I love this simple dress on Faith Hill. It's such an easy breezy silhouette- cinched waist, halter neck, tea-length hem. It's beautiful. That's all I really need to say. She looks beautiful.

Miley Cyrus

Miley's all grown up! She's certainly come a long way from her days on the Disney channel. This is an instance where the mesh atop the cut out is working. This dress is classy yet simple. Also the fact that she paired the bright white frock with deep red satin pumps is fantastic. Her side-swept hair is perfectly understated. Well done, miss Cyrus.

Side note: I discovered a bit of a Gladiator meets Spartacus trend last night at the People's Choice Awards. These two looks stood out.

Cobie Smulders

Elisha Cuthbert

I don't dislike these looks, I just can't get past their reminiscent gladiator qualities. The corset structure of the blue dress above is gorgeous, and the length on the second gown is also pretty. However, the chunky gold choker and the top of the second gown remind me of Halloween costume pieces that come in a bag from Party City. 

Photo credits: Thank you StarPulse, The Insider, and The Huffington Post

So.. what were some of your favorite looks from last night's People's Choice Awards? Did you have any least favorites?