Post #89: Spotted - The Ultimate Guru

While a lot of the Colgate population is dressing pretty cutely, nobody needs the added pressure of possibly being "spotted" during the start of mid-terms. So, when you want to take that 5-10 minute study break, check out this article instead: Click Here to Read "The Business of Blogging". The interview was done for The Business of Fashion, which is a website that explores exactly what its title says: the business of fashion. But what's really important is that the interview is with Scott Schuman. If you don't know, Scott Schuman runs The Sartorialist, which is an exceedingly popular and profitable fashion/photography blog. He's pretty much the founder of the "spotted" manner of looking at fashion...so, go ga-ga over his eye for style and photographic prowess. His business strategy isn't bad either. 

Post #74: Spotted/Fashion on Film - The LRD

            The classic "little black dress" that is go-to cocktail party (and numerous other events) attire dates back to the 1920s and Coco Chanel. It will be forever in vogue and women will never forget its simple sexy and slimming effects. However, as has come up in magazines over the years, the LBD has its own distant cousin with a fair amount of allure...the LRD. 

            Songs have been written about it (i.e. Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh), movie scenes have been dedicated to it, so if you're tired of a color palate reduced to that darkest of dark shades, the little red dress may be just the option for you. Made in a color that has signified sex and passion throughout history, the little red dress is not for the meek. However, I suggest that you all take a walk on the wild side sometime and try it out. 

            In the finale of Oxygen's The World According to Paris, Paris Hilton is shown donning one for her 30th birthday party. Determined to stand out in a crowd in a flirty (but more mature than pink and girly) way, Paris commissioned her Moulin Rouge-inspired dress to be made...and personally I just love it. 

Picture From: http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2011/02/paris-hilton-30th-birthday-red-party-dress-photo.jpg

            Now, because she's Paris and because it's a themed party, Hilton completely got away with this look. However, for the average wearer, I would advise against matching red shoes and black fishnets. After all, you don't want to look like a hooker. 

            Personally, I found my own LRD on sale at Express the other day. It's made of cotton jersey and is extremely comfortable...but the best thing about it is how versatile it is. For one, there's the "basic" look: dress, strappy heels, and thin purse with a long strap. While carpet is sucking up my own heels in the photo below, I do advise maybe trying a pair of black pumps (or if you have the budget for it, a pair of Christian Louboutin black pumps with the signature red soles would be amazing) for a simple yet classy look. 

The "Basic"

            If you want to add a little more glitz and glamour to your overall ensemble, try a pair of killer earrings. The ones I'm wearing were bought at Bebe. However, you could try a longer all black pair as well. However, I would stay away from adding a necklace due to the shape and draping of the front of the dress.

The "Glitz"

            If you're feeling more of a club vibe, add a thin black scarf or a thicker belt and booties. Black booties will instantly give a cocktail dress more edge as they're tougher than your average heel. A black belt will help break up the block of red if your figure is getting lost beneath the fabric. However, in the case of a dress like this, I would advise belting it just below the bust with a thicker belt so as not to make the draping look awkward. As you can see by the second and third pictures below, it's much more flattering that way (as in the second photo over the third). 

The "Club"

 "Edge" Look One

"Edge" Look Two

            Finally, if you want to dress down your little red dress while still feeling fierce, you can add a leather jacket to the mix. Always tough, it'll rough up your look and add some great texture to it. 

"A Touch of Leather"

            Dare to mix things up a little. It's not like I'm suggesting you wear animal print or some crazy pattern. I'm also telling you now that smoky eye shadow (but not red lipstick) will make this dress scream "sex kitten."  So go on and take one for a spin. You may just stop some men dead in their tracks.

Post #71: Spotted - This Blogger

Spotted in her own home, this blogger documenting her new trench coat from Express (and talking about herself in the third person). To me this look is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's, but with a modern flair, due to having it styled with retro sunglasses and black flats with chain detailing. What I particularly love about the coat itself though is the belt-detailing on the cuffs and the black piping.

Post #65: Spotted - Madeleine Lill

Spotted in Bayville, New Jersey, University of St. Andrew's student Madeleine Lill putting her own spin on this summer's nautical trend. Her lace top over a camisole add just the right touch of girly-ness while her woven belt perfectly eases the transition from her solid-colored high-waisted shorts to her textured shirt. Finally, a true sign of a fashion maven: even her shoes match her outfit.  

Post #63: Spotted - Priya Srinivasan

Spotted at the Jersey Shore, University of Pennsylvania student, Priya Srinivasan, in an eclectic bohemian beachwear mix. Her belted floral sundress perfectly ties together her silver sandals and lady-like beach hat for a look that just screams summer.