Oscar Hit List

Last night was a night of trend setting, show stopping fashion fabulousness. We saw jackets, sleeves, fishtails, and peplums all interpreted in various ways. Some of the variations we love and some we could have lived without. Here’s our Oscar night trend recap.

Jackets

Love it!

Something's not right...

Sleeves

Needs more shape and definition.

Perfection!

Fishtails

Too much fabric without enough shape.

Lovely with added interest with the ruffles and sequins

Peplums

Michelle's is elegant and dainty. Tina's has a little too much volume for our taste. 

The IT Factor

If you’re anything like me you probably watch your fair share of reality TV that now a days includes a ton of shows where people are competing to prove they have that little extra wow that sets them apart from others. Whether it’s a singing competition, a cooking throw down, or a DIY home makeover, everyone wants that indescribable “IT”.

When we’re dress shopping, we do the same thing. There are lots of pretty dresses out there but what is going to put it over the edge and give it that oh so coveted “it” that makes it perfect? As with everything else, you’ll know it when you find it but it will still be indescribable. So don’t force yourself into a color, fabric, or shape that you think is going to dazzle because that’s not what will put your dress above the rest.  It’s the dress that you can’t do justice with words and instead you need to try it on for your friends so they too can fall in love. That’s when you know you’ve struck fashion gold.

Here are some inspirational photos to get you thinking about what might wow on you!

Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo, available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/carmengown

Dress by Mandalay, available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/MandalaySingleSleeve

White isn’t just for brides

We all know the golden rule: “Don’t wear white to someone else’s wedding.” True statement, don’t do it. However... this rule does not mean white, in any form, is off limits. A little white in a print does not put the dress on the do not wear list. Any kind of patterned fabric is completely acceptable and in my mind, encouraged. The whole point of not wearing white is to let the bride stand out and let’s be honest, there is no way a printed dress could be confused with a bridal gown. Therefore it’s fair game. Here are some of my favorite options for this spring!

Dress by Theia in navy blue,
available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/floraldress 

Dress by David Meister in black/white,
available at: http://www.shoppetra.com/rosettedress

Classic black pumps that don’t bore

Every woman needs a pair of black pumps that can be paired with all things not brown. We look for a style that isn’t too dressy (all over patent leather) and a style that isn’t too boring (all over matte black leather) and usually end up with something too funky to “match” what we’re wearing on any given day. I’ve found a pair that has a little personality but not too much that they overwhelm any outfit. And they’re comfortable to wear all day – commute and work included!

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Tesi Pumps by Ivanka Trump, in black/black suede
available at Macy's, $140

Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it

When shopping for a dress, the number one rule should always be “Try it on before deciding it’s not for you.” People tend to use this as a mantra when they go wedding dress shopping but for some reason it is rarely applied to other circumstances. This is a great way to find out what really looks best on you rather than just finding something similar to what you have worn in the past. Styles change every year, designers have little undetectable nuances to their pattern making and every dress is slightly different. So don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

Dress by Theia, in black
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

Here’s a great example of a fabulous dress. On the hanger it looks like nothing. The folds in the fabric look unflattering, you can already tell by the way it’s shriveled up that it’s going to be too tight, and the extra fabric around the neck is just awkward. But humor me… try it on.

Dress by Theia, in red
http://www.shoppetra.com/theiadress

When you get it on and you see the way it hugs your body but hides your imperfections, it’s perfect. The way it’s sexy but it shows off your collarbones, cleavage, and accentuates your neck is just the right amount of sexy. Not to mention it actually covers your arms without having to wear a jacket or shawl… genius. It’s young, sophisticated, sexy and not too revealing.

So maybe it’s not always love at first sight and it’s not the obvious choice but try it on anyway. You’ll be amazed at what flatters you the most and you’ll be thrilled at how gorgeous you look.