Summer Outfit

What Kind of Coat Are You?

I'M A PEA COAT
You are drawn to the classics. You love a look that's a little old fashioned. When you shop for clothes, you're quite sensible. You want styles and brands that are built to last.

You are a bit of a preppy. You act like you come from old money, even if you don't. You are well mannered and subtle. You stay away from flashy things and flashy people.

You can take the quiz HERE.

9 Tips for Figure-Flattering Holiday Style

Women are made in different shapes and sizes. That's why looking fab depends on what clothes you choose to wear. Here's some tips I found from Yahoo that will make you look your best this Holiday season.

FULLER FIGURED: Try Anything-But-Shy Silhouttes
Reaching for a sack dress might be a natural reflex, but a loose shape will only add pounds. Enhance your figure in a form-shaping sheath dress or a forgiving wrap dress. And black is not your only choice hue this season: Embrace navy, gunmetal gray, and Bordeaux—all of which are rich and slimming. Reward your newfound bravery with a bold accessory a la Christina Hendricks.

FULLER FIGURED: Choose the Right Details
You can't go wrong with a simple LBD, but where's the fun in that? Show off your personal style with pleats, ruffles, and fringe galore—it's all about the placement, anyways. Pleats on the bias will show off your shape, not add volume, ruffles on the shoulder strengthen your stature, not overwhelm it, and fringe, as long as it's not in skirt form, is fair game.

FULLER FIGURED: You Can Do Modern
Victoria Beckham's bone structure is not a requirement for this season's modern dress shapes. The focus on tailoring means that it's only a matter of choice (read: perfect fit), not constraint. A structured black dress with top and bottom slits and a strong cinched waist is a flattering and fun alternative to the ubiquitous flowy LBD.

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What to Wear With Leggings

Tunics
Tunics are made from a variety of fabric, but the most common are knit jersey and sweater material. Pair your leggings with a tunic that comes down past your hips and rear. Wearing a shorter tunic (or shirt) that stops above your hips will make you appear ready for the gym versus a night out. Wear a belt with your tunic if you wish. The key is to look balanced--a roomy tunic with fitted leggings. One elegant outfit idea is a black tunic with black leggings and black high heel boots.

Dresses and Skirts
Dresses and skirts that fall at or above your knees work well with leggings. If your dress or skirt falls past your knees, you risk visually cutting off your legs. A close-fitting, jersey knit dress with a wide belt worn snugly at the waist works nicely with leggings. More billowy, bohemian fashions also look good with leggings. Younger women can look trendy in leggings paired with denim miniskirts.

Shirt
For the best proportions, wear only roomy shirts that don't fall beyond the middle of your thighs. Aim for a silhouette that looks big over small. Avoid wearing a skin-tight shirt with leggings. Petite women should be careful when choosing a shirt to wear over leggings: make sure it is proportioned for shorter torso so that it doesn't look like you're wearing a dress over leggings instead of a shirt. Keep in mind that a monochromatic ensemble will elongate your look. Likewise, tall women need to make sure their shirts are long enough to cover their rear.

Shoes
Choose from three can't-lose shoes to pair with your leggings: flats, plain pumps or boots. Ballerina flats are always a good choice. Give your look a rocker-chic edge by wearing booties with ankle-length leggings. Pair cropped leggings (those that fall mid-calf) with platform espadrilles that lace up around your ankle. Because leggings of this length can make your legs look shorter than they are, wearing them with a visually tall shoe helps elongate the look.

Colors
Besides the elongating benefit of a monochromatic look, you can also wear leggings that echo a color that already exists in your outfit. For example, if your outfit has touches of brown (including your belt or shoes), wear brown leggings to complement that aspect. Wearing a leggings in a contrasting color can look either fabulous or a bit scary. If you're willing to take the risk, go for it. Black leggings paired with bright-colored tops will draw the attention to your hair and makeup, away from your legs. The key is to accentuate your best features and diminish those that are less stunning.

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Dainty Ensemble

Cute romper perfect for a quick, but still semi dressed up look. White frothy ruffles around the shoulders and bust, buttoned up with vintage inspired buttons. Linen chambray shorts stitched horizontally around the waist with a tie at the back for an easy fit. Pockets at the hips and zips up the side for easy access. Self - 80% polyester, 20% polyamide. Contrast - 55% linen, 45% cotton. ~30" long. $45 - shopruche.com

Ditsy Floral X Body: Lock fastening cross body bag with all over floral print and long strap.L:45CM,W:25CM,D:8CM 100% Polyurethane. Wipe Clean. $28 (18 GBP) - missselfridge.com

Jeffrey Campbell Street: With its squared toe and barely-there outsole, this simple flat is reminiscent of a true ballet shoe. A thin mary-jane strap adds a sweet girlish touch. Suede upper with leather lining and a man-made sole. Buckled ankle strap. $70 - lorisshoes.com

POLYVORE: Pink and Black

Glamour Kills Keep A Breast I Heart Boobies Pink Tee : PDP, $27
Balmain Double-breasted wool-blend blazer, $2,405
Ksubi Raw low-rise skinny stretch jeans, $175
ARTBOX - ARTBOX SOCKS - WHITE HEARTS ON PINK, 2 GBP
Dr. Martens Hello Kitty Boot, $135
Hello Kitty Small Pink Patent Bag - Girlzlyfe.Com, $65
Monsoon Accessorize - Leopard & Bow Mini Wallet, 8 GBP
take a chance idiom bangle, $54
Forever21.com - Accessories - Jewelry - Bracelets, $5.80
Forever21.com - Beauty - Nails - 1081213379, $1.80
Too Late Watch Pink
Girlscene - Het grote H&M Topic! - Fashion

E!s Fashion Police

Thanks to Wm Rowe

I love watching just about any awards show just to be able to see what all of the celebrities are wearing. Seeing all of the fashion hits and misses is one of my favorite parts of award seasons, even when I don't have any interest in any of the movies or shows winning awards. One of my favorite channels now that I have satellite tv (thanks to my visit to http://www.directstartv.com/localchannels/Nebraska/O/Omaha/) has a special after each award show that features the best and worst dressed from the night before. E!s Fashion Police is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Getting to see all of the different fashions is fun, but not as much fun as listening to Joan Rivers and her team of celebrities and fashion mavens talk about the hits and misses of the night.

After the last few award shows, Joan Rivers has had celebrities like Khloe Kardashian or Kelly Osbourne on to give their insight into what people wore to the awards. While I'm not really sure what makes them qualified to make these comments, I love listening to their opinions and funny remarks. I have always found Joan Rivers to be extremely funny because of her brutally honest comments. Putting her with this other group of people and letting them comment on everything from dresses to shoes is the perfect way to reflect on the fashions of the evening.

Khloe's Top 11 Emmy Girls

Check out her blog HERE for more details! :)

10 Things Every Woman Must Own

Star stylist Nicole Chavez (inset photo) collaborates with celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell and Scarlett Johansson. We asked her which key pieces every woman should have in her closet.

Black Blazer

NICOLE SAYS "A tailored blazer is classic, feminine and looks great on all body types. Pair it with anything: jeans, little dresses, trousers, skirts. Make sure to find one that fits you well and accentuates your waist—you don't want it to look like it's swallowing you!"

Leopard Print Scarf

NICOLE SAYS "Even if you're wearing a basic T-shirt and jeans, use accessories like a printed scarf as the 'bright' piece to complete your look."

Red Flats

NICOLE SAYS "Black is the obvious choice, but red flats provide a pop of color and work for every season. I love to pair them with a striped shirt and a trench coat."

Striped Shirt

NICOLE SAYS "This timeless classic is having a comeback. It looks great paired with brights or prints or peeking out from underneath a blazer."

Statement Necklace

NICOLE SAYS "I believe in having basics in your closet and playing with your accessories. The statement necklace can make a simple outfit look strong and feminine."

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Spring Fashion

... by ♥RêLuna do Rio♥BR♥ featuring Old Navy

A Leg Up on Leggings

Not sure how to wear leggings? Let us help you find the right ways to incorporate this stylish, comfortable must-have into your closet.

Printed Leggings: Pair with a solid tunic that has a longer hem. Keep the top basic for a sophisticated, edgy look. Try some peep-toe heels to dress it up.

Stirrup Leggings: Perfect for your favorite boots —the stirrups will keep your leggings from rising or bunching. A longer tee with a scarf is a nice way to top it off.

Solid Leggings: These are so versatile and can be worn many ways. Layer under a summer dress for fall or wear an oversize button-down shirt for a more casual look. When it comes to shoes, ballet flats are a great option.

Shop leggings now.

Elegant Black Dresses

I super love these black dresses! They look so elegant and sexy. And the best part is, they only cost less than $7! See for yourself to believe it!

~ Rose Petal Romantic Silky Satin Cocktail Dress
~ Bubble Sleeves Deep V Thin Cotton Long Dress
~ Elegant Greece Beauty One Shoulder Chiffon Dress

Top 10 Closet Must-Haves

An article worth sharing from Oprah.com!

Kelly, Oprah's show stylist, reveals the top 10 classic items every woman should have in her closet. Use these key pieces to build your wardrobe, and you'll have a closet full of outfits that are always in style.

1. A Crisp White Shirt

The perfect white shirt can take you anywhere. Try Brooks Brothers no-iron cotton shirt (BrooksBrothers.com ).

2. Black Pencil Skirt

This figure-flattering skirt can be paired with countless items in your closet to create an instantly polished look.

3. Lightweight Cashmere Cardigan

Get them in both long and short cuts, and they'll carry you through the seasons. Kelly is a fan of the cardigans by Vince (Vince.com), J.Crew (JCrew.com) and Club Monaco (ClubMonaco.com ).

4. Dark Wash Jeans

Find a pair that fits you great, and you'll be able to dress them up or down. Just avoid distressed washes with whiskers!

5. Slim Black Pants

Like the pencil skirt, a pair of well-fitting black pants instantly creates a polished look.

6. Little Black Dress

Change up your go-to black dress with fun accessories, and you'll never be bored.

7. Comfortable, Stylish Flats

Step away from the clunky gym sneakers! Stylish flats are worth the splurge if you wear them every day.

8. Cute Pajamas

It's easy to get into the habit of wearing old, oversize T-shirts to bed, but this is one of the simplest changes you can make. She loves the pajama sets at Target (Target.com ).

9. The Right Undergarments

Well-fitting, figure-flattering undergarments are the foundation of every outfit. What did we do before Spanx?

10. Khaki Pants

Khakis are great multiseason staples that are affordable and easy to update. If you don't have a great pair in your closet yet, Kelly suggests Gap (Gap.com ).

3 Tips for Buying Maternity Clothes

Pregnancy is a great excuse to go clothes shopping- for you! After you’ve registered for little bodysuits and booties for baby, don’t forget to check out maternity tops, pants, and dresses to keep you stylish and comfortable in the months ahead. Tips to keep in mind:

1. Form fitting is flattering. You might think baggy pieces can hide your size, but they’ll just make you look bulky and frumpy. So go ahead and wear body-conscious styles that show off your curves.

2. Stretch it out. You’ll get more mileage out of pieces that stretch to fit your form. If elastic waistbands aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other fashionable options such as soft knit tops, wrap jersey dresses and leggings.

3. Build on basics. To maximize your budget, buy basic maternity items in neutral colors. Change up the look with accessories you already own, such as a patterned scarf, a chunky necklace, or a brightly-colored sweater to
throw over your shoulders.

Sexy Hair Secrets

Whether you're single and on the prowl or attached and having a romantic dinner for two, make sure your hair looks its hottest on Valentine's Day. Read on for fun ideas and tips.


1. Go for Long Layers
Long layers will enhance your natural texture and give your hair a fuller look. Ask your stylist to snip you a few, especially around your face, like Audrina Patridge has here.

2. Tame Frizz
There's nothing sexy about frazzled, puffy hair. Apply a drop of shine serum (skip your roots) before blow-drying for smooth, glossy results. We're fans of L'Oréal Liss Ultime Shine Perfecting Serum, $23, since it's super-light.

3. Try a Side Part
If you have shoulder-length locks like Anne Hathaway, give them a glam date-night upgrade with some loose waves and a side part.

4. Get Megawatt Shine
Frequent blow-drying and constant curling iron use can leave your hair looking dull. For an instant shot of shine, try one of the new shimmer-infused stylers. We're fans of Sebastian Trilliant, $19.95, which has mica glitter particles and protects hair from heat styling.

5. Bend Your Ends
Perfect root-to-tip spirals can look too "done." Take a cue from Blake Lively and wrap just the bottom few inches of your hair around a curling iron. Then, rub a bit of styling cream between your fingers and twist small sections of hair for a piecey effect.

6. Scent Your Strands
It can be tempting to mist your hair with perfume (especially for a big date), but most fragrances contain alcohol that can leave your strands dry and crunchy. A better option: Use a leave-in conditioner that smells awesome, like Victoria's Secret So Sexy Instant Detangler, $10. This stuff is seriously intoxicating, plus your hair will look soft and shiny.

7. Tease Your Roots
The easiest way to make a simple ponytail or braid look hotter is with a little bit of volume at the crown. Position a fine-tooth comb about an inch away from your roots, then push the hair down a few times. Smooth the section back and mist with hairspray. (Check out how sexy the effect is here on Kate Hudson.)

8. Add Tons of Texture
Don't stress if your hair is naturally straight and flat — you can totally fake a fuller look. Spray volumizer all over damp strands, then blow-dry using your fingers to rough things up. Once your hair is completely dry, mist roots with dry shampoo (it fattens strands up big-time). We're fans of Samy Dry Spray Shampoo, $7.99.

9. Keep Waves Loose
The fresh way to wear wavy hair is slightly undone so it looks really touchable. For Molly Sims's laid-back style, work a dime-size amount of smoothing serum into dry hair before wrapping random pieces around a large curling iron.

10. Make Your Mane Extra-Soft
Almost every hair type can benefit from a hydration boost. Deep-condition your strands once a week and they'll feel way silkier. We're hooked on the new Garnier Fructis Moisture Works Instant Melting Conditioner, $3.99. It contains these cool micro-oils that sink right into your hair for immediate results.

By Andrea Lavinthal

The New Style Rules

Wondering what's COOL this SPRING? Well, check out these new rules for Spring Fashion 2009!


Rule 1: Soften a structured look with lingerie-inspired elements.
Rule 2: Build an outfit around a unique article of clothing.
Rule 3: Flaunt one stretch of skin at a time.
Rule 4: Mix ladylike pieces with something super sexy.
Rule 5: Make gray your go-to neutral.
Rule 6: Refuse to accessorize a dress that speaks for itself.
Rule 7: Add edge to a classic look.
Rule 8: Don't match your shoes and belt...but keep them in the same color family.

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Smart Shopping Secrets

Patricia Field, costume designer for the new movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, reveals how to get big-screen fashion on a real girl’s budget.

1. Try Bold Colors
"Don't be afraid to experiment with different hues, especially really bright shades. Color is an excellent opportunity to express your personality and set yourself apart from other people. It's one of the best ways to cultivate a signature style of your own."

2. Be Your Own Stylist
"When I'm creating a wardrobe for a character, I'm given a script as a jumping-off point. Find something that inspires you — like a favorite movie."

3. Browse for Bargains
"Thrift stores are full of inexpensive surprises. Zara also puts out high-quality, stylish things at a cheaper price, as does Noir Jewelry."

4. Splurge Now and Then
"If an item catches your eye, like a great bag, and you know you'll wear or use it a lot, then invest in it."

5. Mix High- and Low-End
"You don't have to wear labels to look great. The movie's main character has many outfits that include cheaper items, like the colorful coats she wears."

6. Slim Down for Spring
"This season, body-skimming styles are in. If you buy a sleek dress now, you'll wear it for years."

7. Go Shiny
"It's easier to find gorgeous, inexpensive shoes in synthetics, like metallic or patent, instead of leather. I design a line for Payless, and the construction is as good as it is for a pricier pair of shoes."

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Contradicting Fashion Trends of 2008

2008 was a year of contradictions in fashion—feminine ruffles and bows were as hot as ratty jeans and plaid shirts.

While the past few seasons were heavily influenced by ’80s fashion, 2008 showed that the ’90s are back with a vengeance. Loose pants, high-cut sneakers and bright colors rocked the runway as well as the streets.

Here’s a rundown of the best—and worst—trends of 2008 in the local fashion scene for teens and yuppies:

GOSSIP GIRL: Hair bands with big bows, mini dresses paired with tights, coats, vests, bowties: the preppy look was big in 2008. However, many people failed to get the look as a whole and simply chose to wear the “Blair band” with just about anything they wore, primarily because the cute coats and vests in the show proved to be impractical for Manila’s warm weather. The result? Disaster. Christmas came early in the Philippines as women walked around with their hair tied with bows big enough to wrap around a washing machine.

STRUCTURED MENSWEAR FOR GIRLS: Tailored pieces and structured silhouettes were popular. Fashion-savvy girls paired vests and trousers with tank tops and sneakers, creating a laid-back but put-together look.

THE BOYFRIEND LOOK: The boyfriend look was an entirely different trend that called for slouchy, baggy clothes such as ties, big polo shirts and pants. They were supposed to make you look like you pulled stuff out of your boyfriend’s closet, hence the name. The baggy jeans, popularized by the likes of Katie Holmes, struck fear in the hearts of 20somethings who could vividly remember the elephant pants of their high school days.

SUNGLASSES: They’re always a fashion staple, but sunglasses were even more visible this year as we went around in colored Ray-Ban Wayfarers and shutter shades. We understand the obsession with Wayfarers—Audrey Hepburn made them cool decades ago, and rabid fangirls stopped breathing when Edward Cullen wore them in the “Twilight” movie. But, face it, shutter shades look like Venetian blinds.

GLADIATOR SANDALS: The style became popular late 2007, but this year brought gladiator sandals to strange new heights—literally. Brightly colored, knee-length gladiator sandals made of plastic pushed the limit: We doubt this trend will last through the next year, unless weird tan lines become in vogue.

THICK HEELS: Pencil-thin stilettos were out in 2008. Wedges, stacked heels, platform sandals and shoes with unusual heels made women breathe a sigh of relief.

HIGH TOP SNEAKERS: The trend, reminiscent of the late ’80s and early ’90s, became popular again. However, this time, chunky Nike Dunks in acid colors took center stage, and Converse Chuck Taylors had to bow out.

HOODIES: High school and college students loved this trend, as shirts and jackets with hoods kept them looking as emo as they wanted.

BRIGHT TIGHTS: A carryover from 2007, brightly colored tights paired with baby doll dresses or miniskirts were still popular in 2008.

MAXI DRESSES: One of the few feminine trends of the year, the maxi dress made it possible for girls who didn’t want to show their legs to wear dresses again. Another trend from the early ’90s, the 2008 version was updated with bohemian details such as flowing hemlines, earthy colors and graphic prints.

PLAID: The last quarter of the year reintroduced another ’90s staple: plaid—used in miniskirts, coats and even pants.

COLORED JEANS: Jeans in the colors of the rainbow were popular with teens and the occasional brave yuppie. Paired with hoodies and scarves, the brightly colored jeans made the emo fella look slightly happier.

SAHAL SCARF: Also known as the shemagh, the sahal scarf became popular in Middle Eastern countries because it was practical: It protected people from the harsh desert sun or the freezing cold, and was sometimes used to preserve the modesty of the wearers. We still don’t understand why it became such a popular trend around the world, even in humid Manila.

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10 Biggest Celebrity Fashion Trends For 2008

1. Two-finger rings: (Lauren Conrad, Rihanna) This is one of the coolest jewelry trends we’ve seen in awhile.

2. Baggy boyfriend jeans: (Katie Holmes, Reese Witherspoon) We like the idea of boyfriend jeans, but they shouldn’t actually be your boyfriend/husband’s jeans, Katie. Boyfriend jeans should be distressed and lose, but cut for a woman’s curves.

3. Nail Designs: (Beyonce, Solange, Eve, Rihanna) Celebs wore some off-the-wall nail colors this year, but we’re big fans of Minx Nails designs.

4. Outrageous, sky-high heels: (Victoria Beckham, Madonna, Solange) We’d never knock a girl for her footwear choices, especially if she chooses to high heels. But some of this year’s shoes looked downright lethal.

5. Pointless accessories: (Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna) Both Beyonce and Rihanna seemed to have injured themselves, recently, but it was just their accessories. Sometimes things go a little crazy when a celebrity tries to be different.

6. Obama T-shirts: (Halle Berry, Beyonce, Sean Combs) For the first time ever, fashion-forward political T-shirts were available to the voting masses. We just wonder what these people will do with their tees now that Barack Obama has won the election.

7. Nerdy Glasses: (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna) Geek-chic is a definite do when done right, but thick, dark, plastic frames don’t look good on everyone.

8. Bangs: (Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba, Taylor Momsen) Bangs are a great way to update a hairstyle without having to cut all your locks. And they really bring attention to your eyes.

9. Leather jackets: (Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens) A cropped and fitted leather jacket toughens up anything it’s paired with, including a sweet Pop music girl.

10. Hippie headband: (Nicole Richie, Aubrey O’Day, Mischa Barton) Very few people can pull off this look, everyone else just ends up looking like they have a mushroom head.

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