Seasonal Special-Occasion Style Picks: Wedding What to Wear Woes

Ad-vice Ad-lib: Weddings "Wearing" Down Your Wardrobe?

For a little while, I found it hard to keep up with my blog posts which I so love to write (and hopefully you so love to read).  Summer can be a time-consuming time period, what with vacations, family obligations, (my current job hunt), and of course, summer's favorite special occasion: the wedding.  My sister recently became one of the happily-ever-after husband-and-wife combos, and it was quite frankly one of the happiest days of my own life as well.  Nevertheless, it was also a very stressful time-consuming period of prep-work and I considered myself very lucky that I didn't have to plan that perfect get-up amidst dealing with all the other obligations in my life.  However, there have also been those weddings that I am invited to where wearing the ideal ensemble has become a problem I've had to ponder.  Lately, I have found many of my friends to be in similar situations in which weddings are piling up, but they are not those weddings in which one has the "luxury" of having bridesmaid dresses dictated to them.  If you, like myself, are at that age where it seems that everyone you know is getting married, it can be difficult to determine what to wear to these cheerful yet continuously copious celebrations of coupling-up.

This task, though troublesome, can also result in the exciting opportunity to strut that stylish look you've been dying to wear but haven't had a "reason."  After all, one of the best parts about a special occasion is the opportunity to wear something you otherwise wouldn't.  This article puts together a few looks to carry you from late summer through the rest of winter for a variety of different wedding styles.  Of course, no look is ever truly one size fits all; the looks below are just meant to be a variety of style suggestions for potential parties praising your friends' new pairings.  It's important to think about your own style when selecting a look, and even more important to think about the actual wedding you're attending.  Some bride-and-groom duos set a theme or suggest a look or certain colors for their special day.  Others just have personalities that pop with so much vibrance, you know wearing your standard LBD just won't be enough to pay proper homage to the holy matrimony to which you are in attendance.  Please also note that some of the style selections below are slightly more expensive than I usually choose to discuss due to the nature of the special occasion associated with wedding attendance.  The styles below are just suggestions that should be adapted to your own personal preference, price point and persona.  When picking that perfect piece, think about selecting an outfit that is apropos for the couple, the theme and yourself.  I went ahead and broke down the below sections by season for more nimble navigation.

Summer
As I mentioned before, my sister just got married herself.  She had a dress-as-fancy-as-you-want-style dress code and requested that people dress in colors of the night sky.  Her personality embodies that rock-a-billy edgy chic and I think the look below would have been a great style to incorporate her theme and her personality.

The lime cocktail dress brings a fun summer color that's still appropriate for a night-time engagement.  The dress includes attachable straps to make it more conservative (and dance-floor-proof) and the criss cross shape in the front emphasizes the waist and gives you an hourglass figure.  The Vena Cava dress was recently available on Gilt for $119 down from $295.  Pair this dress with the Helmut Lang jacket pictured to the right to help keep the look more conservative as well as give it some of that rocker edginess.  While still a splurge, this jacket is on sale now at Neiman Marcus for $417 down from $695.  The shoes are Casadei, one of my favorite high-end shoe brands, though lesser widely known than that infamous red-soled-shoe-guru. The crystal pyramid style is on Gilt for $550 (but originally $1100) which, while still quite pricey, is a bargain from the retail price. The black in the shoe keeps them an easy-to-"pair" shoe, while the AB two tone crystals add a fun edge to an otherwise traditional sandal style.  I love how the green in the dress brings out the green in the stones when paired together.  With all the color and edge going on, jewelry is best kept simple, so I'd top it all off with this Dannijo for Vena Cava "Naomi" collar necklace.  The necklace stays true to the overall street-inspired feeling of the look by providing a strong piece of jewelry able to project that "badass-I-don't-care-what-you-think" statement.  It also draws attention upward from the sweetheart neckline that prevents any potential busty-ness from being too inappropriate for someone else's wedding.  The necklace is available now at Shopbop for $120.40 down from $172.

Have an outdoor garden wedding coming up?  I love the look below for summer to late summer elegant-meets-outdoor style weddings.

The Tibi dress brings out the most beautiful botanical colors in the mint color shown above.  Available now on Shopbop for $231 down from its $330 retail price in the mint (or yelllow color) and $165 if you choose pink.  I would pair this with a long chain simple pendant like this Alexis Bittar stunner shown on the left I recently picked up on eBay for only $75 slightly used.  To keep the look fresh and free from unnecessary clutter, keep the shoes simple as well with a gold or nude strappy style like the Bebe Filamena shoes pictured above; recently available on Hautelook for only $49 at half of the retail price of $100.

If you still have some of those super summery beach-side or day-time weddings lined up, its not too late to get the last bit of wear out of the things we love most about the year's most sizzling season.  The look below says beach-bum beautiful without the bum, and more of the beauty.

The simplicity of the yellow dress keeps it casual-couture-comfortable while the bow details on the bust and waist elevate the ensemble and highlight the flattering parts of our figures.  This candy-colored creation by Erin Fetherston, one of my favorite fab female frock-makers (even more loved by me by her representation of the San Francisco Bay Area, having attended UC Berkeley before heading to Parsons in Paris).  The romance embodied in the dress, previously available on Hautelook for $85 and still possible to purchase on Piperlime for $146.97 (both prices a steal from the original $335), pairs perfectly with the whimsical style of these Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer "Harlequin" Earrings available on Shopbop for only $135.80 down from their retail $194.  I personally like to add a bold touch with the rest of the look being styled so simple and would include a fun vibrant cocktail ring.  The pop this asymmetrical cobalt piece by Rivka Friedman adds is the ideal icing on the (not-your) wedding cake and at 65% off its $139 starting price, this ring can be snatched up at Hautelook for only $49 today.

Fall
With fall rapidly approaching us, we turn to a slightly darker color-palate as per usual, that brings out the gradual fade-into-the-shade associated with the season.

If the occasion to which you are invited to calls for a more formal 'fit, the bold style below will keep you dazzling on the dance floor alongside the bride.  This is a more fashion-forward and eye-catching piece, so it's important to be sure that it is both appropriate for the formality of the occasion as well as the bride herself.  If it were my wedding, for example, I would want my girls to show up looking more like they're wearing disco balls than dresses... but that's just me.

This sparkling sensation uses red and silver sequins to create an overall liquid luxe look.  This Mark + James by Badgley Mischka Painted Sequin Dress was recently retailed on RueLaLa for 70% off of $375 for only $129.90.  Because the dress says so much on its own, its important to avoid the desire to over-accessorize. With the high-neckline on this glimmering garb, I would go with simple studs like the Jules Smith Cairo Pyramid rose gold earrings shown above and offered for purchase now on sale for $38.50 at Shopbop.  Combine with one bold detail like the Citrine by the Stones Pyrite Ring for $203 off the original retail of $290 on Shopbop.  I am loving the outburst of semi-precious stones like Pyrite and Druzy lately in the fashion world and this piece pairs with the look beautifully.  Bring it all together with a simple shoe like the Alejandro Ingelmo Jayne Criss Cross Pump ($166.80 down from $556 on Shopbop).  The patent nude does a good job of complimenting the sequin-covered-sheath without being over-the-top.

For a less-formal-more-cocktail-style wedding, the look below does a good job of transitioning into fall by using fall colors and themes, but still hanging on to details of summer in style and silhouette.

The heart-stopping olive-hued ruched dress by the always "haute" designer Halston Heritage is a form-flattering, figure-fitting fantasy offered up for sale on Shopbop at 30% off $395 for only $276.50.  The ruched design on the skirt creates curves we didn't even know we had without making one look fuller-formed than they actually are.  The slight v-neckline is contrasted by the more conservative cap-sleeve to keep the whole look from being too risque for a wedding.  The Alexis Bittar Orbiting earrings, also on Shopbop for the sale price of $157.50 draw attention upwards from the bust so as not to distract with the delicately-draped details of the dress.  The imperfect oval shape gives a chic fashion forward edge to the ensemble, all without upstaging the bride.  Flipping through the pages of my anxiously awaited and always amazing Vogue September Issue, I noticed much in the way of incorporation of animal prints into many designers' fall lines.  The above outfit offers the perfect opportunity to sport the trend.  The L.A.M.B. nude snakeskin "Idna" pump combines subtle snakeskin with the classic peep-toe pump shape allowing the outfit wearer to incorporate the animal fad without over-exaggeration.  The pumps are on sale now on Shopbop for 30% off $325 at $227.50.  The Foley & Corinna "Georgina" over-sized clutch in bronze metallic also uses subtle snakeskin and incorporates many of falls colors to pair perfectly with the overall look.  The clutch is poised for the picking on Gilt today for only $139 (retailed at $295).

Winter
Winter calls for even cooler colors and humbler hues, but often adds the opportunity for more fabulously formal fetes.  

My first winter wedding look uses a winter color-palate, but incorporates a little enchanting iridescence to create an ensemble that recalls the essence of old-Hollywood glam with a significantly modern twist.

This Vena Cava backless cap sleeve beaded dress is an absolute stunner, without being a scene-stealing number that might upset a bride.  Moreover, it makes good use of the lace trend that is being used in looks across the board in designers' upcoming lines.  The dress (for sale on Gilt for $279 from $595 original retail price) uses lace with subtle sparkling embellishments to make a look perfect for the more glamorous girl who likes her garb to bring others' thoughts back to the beautiful babes of the past.  I would go with a T-Strap style shoe for this look; the short hem and high neckline allows for a shoe that cuts at the ankle without shortening the leg.  The style also allows for the added bonus that the T-Strap is an iconicly vintage-inspired shoe, which melds with the overall outfit outstandingly well.  I personally love these Sam Edelman Scarlett pumps in egyptian gold, also on Gilt, for $109 down from $200.  The studded heel gives the whole look a modern twist to an old-world style, but if you prefer to keep it simple, go with these Steven Angels T-Strap pumps in blush available on Shopbop.  I also love the addition of this CC Skye Wristlet clutch which has includes the bonus of a pseudo-bracelet accessory at no additional charge.  The bag, also on Shopbop for $192.50 (original retail $275), meets somewhere in the middle between street chic and vintage vogue, and pairs well with the overall black and gold look of the dress (also a color-combination trend to be on the lookout for this fall).  Lastly, I'd keep the jewelry simple and wear nothing but these drop-dead-dazzling earrings by the Turkey-based designer behind Grand Bazaar-New York, on sale on Gilt for $148 from their original tag of $300.

My final fit suggestion for your wedding-what-to-wear-worries is to be used as an option if for some reason you are (lucky enough to be) invited to a black tie style gala.  I find myself consistently contemplating what I might wear if I ever get the chance to pull out my prom skills and dress to the nines.  The look below embodies my formal fantasies with a color palate still appropriate for a winter-wonderland.

I love gorgeous great-lengths gowns and this piece from the Badgley Mischka Collection is to die for in this lovely lavender shade with a sparkling sweetheart bust.  A steal for only $269 (down from the original whopping $860) on Gilt, this dress is a marveling masterpiece that remains muted enough to avoid improper upstaging.  I would pair it with these out-of-this-world-shoes-of-my-dreams by Casadei, also on Gilt (originally $820 and now only $249).  The sandals keep the look light with the strappy detailing at the front, while staying winter-appropriate in a simmering silver.  I would use the rest of the accessories to lighten up the look by incorporating some gold toned-hues.  The  mixture of silver and gold has the ability to exude timeless elegance, while warming up the colder silver, yet allowing the silver to keep the look more classic and winter appropriate.  I love the Alexis Bittar earrings pictured above, now $163.90 from $245 on Nordstrom's website, which do a great job of melding the more classic deco style shape of the jewels with Bittar's use of nuanced modern touches.  The minaudiere (I can never get enough minaudieres!) is a very popular formal clutch trend that additionally makes an incredibly contemporary statement still reminding us of more classic couture days.  This Rebecca Minkoff Gold Ostrich Embossed Minaudiere is to die for, even at its retail price of $325, now on both Shopbop and Rebecca Minkoff's own site.

The style-sets above are just some suggestions in an attempt to ease those figuring-out-which-formal-frock-to-wear-frustrations and the ideas behind them can be used to create looks for price-points and personalities all over the map.  Just remember to think about the best way to mix your chic-choices with the motifs of your soon-to-be-married mavens and you can't go wrong.

Making an Understated Statement: The Statement Necklace

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: The Statement Necklace

As a fellow fashionista, I try to make every outfit I leave the house in an outward expression of my personality, style and disposition of the day. However, not every event is appropriate for the wild and fashion-forward 'fits that we relish rocking.  There are times when we want to keep our clothes more conservative or even just need to wear something slightly less girls-night-out-glam.  However, it can be a troublesome task to resolve how to involve our sense of style when life requires a more minimalist ensemble.  After all, attire is a fashion-lover's most hankered-after-hobby and, if you're as outfit-obsessed as myself, one of the few things in life that make life worth living.  I hate the feeling when I'm attending a particular event that the garb I have donned is closer to a disguise than an expression of myself.  Even when I am, for example, trying to demonstrate my professional side, I don't believe that should require abandoning all sense of style I once had and becoming a miraculous manifestation of a frumpy full-time workaholic.  But walking the tight-rope between appropriately adorable and abysmally boring can be a perpetual problem for those of us who like to work hard, but want to work "it" as well.

Currently, I'm on the job-hunt and have found myself at numerous networking gatherings.  I want to make sure that I come off as a true professional without simultaneously smothering the exuberant and vibrant personality that makes me who I am.  After all, who wants to hire a dull, run of the mill, average-like-everyone-else coworker?  Don't we all want to spend the majority of our time with someone who we find not just smart but possessing inspiring intelligence? What about someone who isn't just averagely amusing but who's comical nature is completely captivating?  How do we demonstrate those quaint qualities that make us not just another rodent in the rat-race, but someone who brings a passionate personality that not only improves one's work product, but makes you the kind of person that others want to be around, when we're unable to do so through our usual means of a fashionably fun getup?  My recent answer to this clothing conundrum has been the oh-so-spectacular statement necklace.

A statement necklace lets you show that you know your style-related-stuff without requiring a compromise on demonstrating a professional perspective.  It is also always a great method of expressing a trend while wearing an outfit that is otherwise more-muted.  Have nothing to wear but a white sheath but want to rock the neon trend? You can incorporate that element with a bold and bright bauble like the necklace below.

This David Aubrey necklace sports several of this season's most coveted colors while at the same time  revealing a sense of refinement that discourages potential distraction from one's intended display of a more demure disposition.  This necklace is on sale today on Gilt for a steal at only $64 down from the original near twice-the-price fee of $120.  This necklace is easy to pair with any neutral color without overpowering your overall look.

If your style more accurately emphasizes an antiquated eloquence, but you want to avoid appearing actually ancient, a statement necklace that recalls retro royalty is a great piece to power-up an otherwise uninspired look.

This Kenneth Jay Lane Deco Swirl necklace, available on Ideeli today (for less than half the original price of $215 at $89.99), has the ability to take a bland black dress to a whole new level of chic.  The deco elements in the necklace give you that old-world-hollywood-glam from days-gone-by through understated elegance remniscent of awe-inspiring Audrey Hepburn.  I see this paired perfectly with a cap sleeve, form-fitting, career appropriate dress and nude pumps to make you a knock-out at your next networking night-out.  Or pair with a fitted navy tank and white jeans for a more casual approach.  Keep in mind that the perfect symmetry of this necklace will make it a better fit with a likewise symmetrical neckline in any outfit you decide to don.

There are other times when for no reason other than my exhaustion, I am unable to put together a completely polished head-to-toe look.  Nevertheless, I never want to leave the house looking so off-trend that people begin to question my curated-clothing capabilities.  A great way to prove your perpetually on-point is to throw on an accessory that intrinsically indicates your inner fashionista.   The necklace below is a signature staple from Nicole Richie's brand that is easy to throw on with everything from a modish maxi to a toned-down t-shirt and jeans combo.

Either color in this tantalizingly tribal inspired piece of jewelry helps take a tired outfit up a notch.  I'm personally a big fan of Nicole Richie's style and am a lover of her relatively affordable House of Harlow 1960 line.  You can buy the silver style of this classic necklace shown on the left by visiting the Nordstrom site and purchasing the piece at the retail price of $150.  Or you can try to track down a deal by visiting eBay where the blue version of the necklace displayed on the right is available for the "buy it now or best offer" price of $113.99.

I'm also one of those girls who responds like a moth to a flame when something sparkly enters my vicinity. I like to sparkle and shine as often as possible but sometimes a more casual approach is required.  In times such as those you can use a striking statement necklace to incorporate that element of glistening garb into a more informal ensemble.

I love that this piece makes sophistication sparkle by combining glimmering gems with a classy silhouette.  Many of Elizabeth Cole's necklaces are similar in style making her a favorite of mine in terms of jewelry design.  Her pieces appear often on Gilt and can be found be visiting her brand's listings on the site here.

If you want to combine a statement necklace with an outfit that is beautifully bold on its own, for instance a Pucci-style print dress or brightly-colored blazer, you can choose a necklace featuring a simple shape and color that doesn't overpower your already cleverly-crafted clothing.  The styles below are two options that work with wilder wardrobe selections.

The Belle Noel necklace on the right still makes a statement in size and style while retaining enough restraint through a simple shape and color that it can be paired with more adventurous attire.  This necklace is available on Shopbop for 30% off $190 at $133.00.  Kenneth Jay Lane's collar necklace on the left is a traditional yet tremendous style that can be worn with almost anything. This necklace is exciting economically as well at under $100 on Shopbop.

I'm always looking to make a statement and the key is learning how to make sure that the statement you're making is the right one for the environment you're in.  I believe that we fashion-forward females powering our way through the professional world shouldn't have to hide the inner vibrance that makes us who we are.  Combining a corporate or casual outfit with a statement staple allows for complete class without compromising your own curated couture clothing style.  The under-statement necklace is the perfect professional yet playful pop to help you break right through that glass-ceiling looking with graceful glamour.  

eBay: Discerning the Disorder from the Discount

Ad-Vice Ad-Lib: eBay Examination; Volume 1: Searching out the Steals

So people often ask me, how I manage to keep up my incredible shopping addiction, when I have so very little "funding."  Aside from the use of flash sales that I have discussed before, I often respond that I got whatever I'm wearing for much much less on eBay.  For many people eBay is a place they don't want to venture to for several reasons.  To start with, eBay can seem scary because it can seem next to impossible to navigate the plethora of pantsuits, pocket-watches and paraphernalia that live in the massive market that is eBay's online store.  Even worse, eBay is full of fakers, schemers and counterfeit producers of the beloved brand name clothing we often search for.  Moreover, many people don't want to deal with haggling with the hacks that run rampant all over the ebay site.  However, all these cons can be minimized to create a relatively satisfying spending experience if you know how to skillfully surf the site.

So in order to tackle troublesome eBay trait number one, you need to know how to conduct a proper search.  I'm not sure if it's the attorney in me that somehow steered me to using my investigating instincts for more pleasant pursuits, but there's a certain skill involved in tracking down your desired duds.  Because most people don't list too many descriptive terms in the title, aside from the brand, size and sometimes the color, the best way to hunt down an item on eBay is to have a specific brand in mind that you are looking to score.  You can run many different searches with all different brands if there a few you are thinking might be right for the piece you are daydreaming about.  eBay even suggests a few that are similar to the initial brand you selected if you have trouble thinking of several at a time.  Start with the brand name and then choose the style(s) you are looking for (i.e. Women's Clothing -> Dresses or Dresses and Tops).  Then you can narrow the search down even further by specific size, color, style, price, etc.  The key though is to get the broadest search to encompass any specific item you are looking for that will exclude the primary amount of riff-raff rejects that you do not want, while still making sure not to accidentally exclude something that you do really want.

So, to illustrate step one, let's say you are looking for an awesome yet agile day-to-night work dress, you might want to look at brands like Black Halo, Diane von Furstenberg.  You can enter the brand and see what shows up.  You should end up with a screen like the one snapped below.

First, note that the aforementioned suggested brands will appear under your search box, so even though you are searching by brand, eBay will give you suggestions to broaden your search to other equally delightful designers.  Now, Black Halo is not as widely produced as DVF, so 452 results is actually relatively manageable compared to some search turnouts, but it still helps to eliminate irrelevant items.  From the box on the right you can click on, let's say, sizes and maybe also item condition and drastically diminish worthless results.  You get down to 196 just by size alone (selecting 5 different potential sizes I could fit into) which is less than half, and selecting only new items gets you down to 165.

This makes it easy to sort through what you're really looking for instead of spending hours sifting through the overabundance of outfit options available on eBay.  Now if you start with a more widely produced brand, like DVF, you are going to get results in the thousands.  Sometimes its worth sifting through these because you can find some really amazing finds.  But for most people, this tedious chore can turn you off from online shopping completely.  So if you're one of those types, try looking at department store sites or other retailers regularly and take note of the style names that you like.  Take Shopbop, for example.  You can "heart" items that are your favorites and keep a running tab of all the dresses and styles that you like on that site.  They will have names you can use to identify the specific clothing style.

Look under the designer style and you'll see the dress has a "name" or title.  You can save these dresses in your hearts and buy them from Shopbop when they go on sale (or when you've saved up enough).  What if, however, Shopbop has run out of your size, or the item isn't on sale and you can't quite afford to pay full retail for it.  Then you can run searches for the dress and style on eBay itself.  You can additionally try searches in Shopstyle or at popular department stores like Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue and most of those sites include the style name in reference to a piece of clothing they have as well.  The above dresses are called the Rachel style and the Naira style (often styles are women's names).  You can take that title to eBay and search DVF Rachel for example (to get the style on the left) and you wind up with the search results below:

About 5 results show up for this particular style and all of them are for less than half of retail.  If that's still too much, or you can't still can't find your size, eBay has the option to save searches.  Under the search box will be a blue "save search" option.  These saved searches will be located under the My eBay menu on your eBay home page.  That way you can check back regularly to see if new styles have been added that are more to your liking.  Also, there's an option to email new items daily that match your search.  On really specific searches (like say you're hunting for those out of stock Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps you missed out on, or maybe it's a Malandrino maxi that's got your attention), then I suggest testing out the daily mail because they only come if something new is added so as to avoid inundating your inbox, but they prevent you from missing out on an outfit you're looking for.

Conducting this searching process can also lead you to consistently find sellers that you like.  For example, I really like the prices at a consignment store on eBay called Linda's Stuff.  She gets things shipped from resellers all over the country, so if you don't mind used goods (and often even new goods), her online shop is a great place to go if you're trying to limit your wide search.  If her store isn't your style, you can also just start following sellers you consistently see or start developing good relationships with, then you can search the items they have for to sidestep having to pick a brand every time you start a search and to additional avoid any worries of having a negative exchange on eBay.

While this may seem like just another large online shopping commitment, if you learn the tricks of the trade you will find its possible to streamline your searching skills to stylize yourself at a steal while simultaneously slimming the slogging typically associated with rummaging through reduced-price goods.

"Tribal" in Paradise

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: Tribal Treasures

Last year, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend a year abroad in Italy.  While the year was a struggle for me, it also was one of the best experiences of my life.  My time there was challenging for the same reason it was life-changing; because I had to learn to adapt to a new and different culture.  This time was trying for me (as it would be for most people) because we become so dependent on the quirks and conveniences of the culture in which we were raised that forcing ourselves to mold our minds around another way of doing things requires practicing a lot more patience than we are accustomed.  Yet, living in another culture can be a beautiful experience when you let it open your eyes to the myriad modes of living one's life.

The tribal trend that's recently raged it's way through the runway scene represents that fabulous fusion of culture and clothing.  The bold bright colors and geometric shapes mirror the melodic mismatch that takes place when a culture clash collides.  The pieces make dissonance desirable by combining zealous zigzags, tempting triangles, and genius geos with color patterns as simply subdued as black and white, as audaciously ostentatious as orange, blue and red; or even as rambunctious as rainbow.

These funky fusions scream sizzling summer heat with a look that's as brazen as the sun is bright but appropriate for an array of occasions.  Whether you're strolling your local streets on your own stay-cation safari or skipping town in a resort-ready look, this ethnic-inspired craze is sure to elevate your fashion footprint.  Wherever you dare to wear your tribal choice, you're sure to make a splash that says trendy, yet tolerant of cultural customs across the globe.

From maxis to mid-calf styles, I love wearing my summer selections in sundress form.  This Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent print below is a great way to wear the style from head to toe.

Though this print is a flashier way to flaunt the fad, the feminine silhouette of the dress keeps the look from being overboard.  The leather trim ties on the maxi version add some sexy edge to the dress by emphasizing the bared back.  The ruffle hem dress is still available in select sizes on Gilt at steal of a price for $199 down at over 50% off from its $425 retail.  The maxi version of the print is available at retail on Zappos if you're searching to splurge.

For a more muted maxi try on tribal with downplayed dissonance by picking colors that are more cohesive.

I love this Parker maxi which plays up the fad with a geometric pattern, but combines colors that blend more harmoniously.  Available now on Shopbop for 30% off of $198 for only $138.60, pick this piece to wear on that upcoming adventurous vacation to take your tribal tropical.

Wearing one of your tribal treats to an elegant excursion screams beautiful but slightly bad-ass, and the dress below is a perfect way to wear the trend in a more refined way.

This bustier print dress by Monrow shows off the tribal trend on an understated outline and a soft hue which makes it more appropriate for those fancier functions.  Now available on Shopbop at 30% off of its original price of $162 for only $113.40.  Pair the dress with nude pumps to elevate the elegance or pair with black sandals to display the dress all day (although I would avoid an ankle strap number like the one pictured above to prevent shortening the leg).  As mentioned in prior articles, I like to customize a craze with thoughtful tailoring.  Being a shorter woman myself, I often take up hems in order to elongate the leg, and with the boxy shape of the skirt, I would recommend doing the same with this piece for those less vertically inclined.

For a piece that parties from day to night, I love Rachel Pally's consistently comfortable couture.

This dress was recently available on Gilt for only $99 but can still be found on Shopbop for slightly more at $144.90 down from its original price of $207.  This dress, while simple in terms of color pattern, uses the print to flatter the figure in a really beautiful way.  I also love that this piece is perfect for everything from daytime festivals to a girl's night out.  The quieter color scheme also makes the dress ideal for combining with this season's popular pops of color by donning a showy shoe or bright bag.

If you're looking for a more fashion-forward way to wear the trend, try combining a tribal print with a bolder body shape like the raucous romper below.

This Dolce Vita Kelsey Romper is available today on Gilt for a mere $45 down from $88.  Belt this dress and wear it with sky high black sandals for a night out on the town or pair it with a cross-body and flats to turn your day-time look dreamy on that next vacation.

Another one of my favorite things about this trend is its talent to turn typically-arid errand-running into an exotic excursion.

Both of these pieces are easy to throw on but have the ability to up your outfit in an instant.  The Current Elliot "The Boyfriend Shorts" to the left in multi-arrow print can be paired with a plain white tank and flip flops to prevent tribal from turning tacky.  These are available now on Shopbop for 30% off original retail at $96.60.   The Free People Knit Cropped Tribal Tank on the right makes tribal tempting with its sheer mesh front.  Available now for only $35 on Gilt and can be accessed by using this link.

To ancestrally accessorize an otherwise fad-free ensemble, try selecting a statement necklace like those pictured below.

The Giles & Brother Trove Ray Necklace is available on the Giles & Brother site for $160 down from $250 and is still available on Gilt for even less at only $128!  The Joanna Laura Constantine Zig-Zag bib necklace was featured in a recent flash sale on Ideeli.

If you prefer to accessorize from the ground up, you'll see the tribal trend works from top to toe as well, as demonstrated by these gorgeous summer-appropriate Mark + James wedges shown below.

The shoes, pictured in Vanilla and Black Raffia, also came in a sage blue color and I quite frankly love each color selection.  Currently on sale for $159.99 down from $265 in the vanilla color on Zappos or in both colors for $199.99 on 6pm's website, these shoes give your feet a sexy silhouette not to be missed this summer season.

The culture clash exuded by this tribal trend is anything but conflicting, creating instead a smooth synergy between styles from several societies across the globe.  Whether or not you've had the opportunity to globe-trot from place to place, make your wardrobe worldly with your favorite tribal treasure.  This sizzling summer season, let out your inner ethnic elegance for a trouble-free tribal paradise.  Who knew panache could be so politically proper? 

DIY Haute Couture: Monokinis Made to Order

Ad-Vice Ad-Lib: Tailored to a T, or a Dress or even a Swimsuit; Volume 1: The Monokini

In this post I'm going to talk about the wonders of tailoring.  Some people are familiar with the basics, and others may have never even considered the idea.  Whether you're in either position, there will likely be much you can learn from reading my tailoring tips.  I was fortunate enough to be born with a seamstress/costumer for a mother, and have learned there are many ways to find your "perfect fit" in a piece of clothing.  Haute Couture is a term (as I'm sure many of you know) that refers to custom-designed clothing.  But you can make all of your clothes feel like "haute couture" if you know the proper tips and tricks for making each piece fit like a glove.

Today, in the spirit of summer, I want to talk a little bit about swimsuits.  The first step is picking a swimsuit that looks and feels right on your body type.  This step of course may be easier said than done when it comes to online shopping.  While there is no exact science, there are a few little pieces of advice that may be of use to you in selecting that sizzling summer suit for the summer season.

The first swimsuit I want to talk about is the monokini.  I have a personal obsession with finding that one-of-a-kind one-piece that says even in a swimsuit, my styling skills are not going to waste.  There are many different ways to wear a monokini and certain styles are better for varying feminine physiques and panache preferences.

If you were lucky enough to have a slender frame from bottom to top, you should pick up a plunge style like the ones shown below.

To me, the colorblock suit says sexy yet sophisticated while the fringe-lined plunge suit begs for that "un"wanted attention we all pretend not to like.  Both styles are best on women with tiny top-halves so that they scream sexy without putting too much emphasis on the sex.  These swimsuits are currently available on ASOS and are each under $50.  You can catch the colorblock suit by clicking here: ASOS Colorblock Plunge Swimsuit or find the fringe by using this link: River Island Tassel Front Low Cut Swimsuit. 

Another monokini style I like is what I call the bodacious-ly bound bandeau.  This kind of style is great if you're really looking to make a statement with your swimwear.  It's also a really good pick for those with a curvier construction.

I think the burnt orange ASOS suit (available here for under $50: ASOS Fringe Front Bandeau Suit) is audaciously adventurous without being too over the top.  The rust color is great on those with olive skin tones that want to show off that tan! I recently purchased the Mara Hoffman Macrame Monokini on the left on sale on Sak's website (now sold out) but it is still available if you're seeking a splurge piece this summer here from Pesca Boutique's eBay site: Mara Hoffman Macrame.  I think this suit is provocative without being promiscuous.  The strings around the middle are also help to highlight those with tiny waistlines!  Both of these bandeau-esque styles work for those with hourglass figures because the lines of the suit help to draw attention to those beautiful curves in a delicate way while simultaneously yet subtly stressing that slim center.

For fuller busts a good way to go is a monokini with a ruffle detail.  These can tend to simultaneously draw attention to and minimize a big bust.  

This ASOS Laser Cut suit says dazzling but demure.  It's a good pick for those who really want to minimize the bust without wearing a suit that looks like it was made for seniors.  It's available for about $40 here: ASOS Laser Cut Frill Swimsuit.  If you like frill that's a little more flirtatious then try this sequin sizzler pictured right from Victoria Secret available on sale now for $81: Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Ruffle Monokini.  This suit is mischievous yet mild, playing up one's femininity without going overboard.

If you feel like you are curvier in the lower section, and prefer to be a little more conservative, there are some really gorgeous one piece suits that flatter that figure type.  

I think both of these suits give the look of one who is elegant, yet elusively exotic.  The first Princesse Tam Tam suit on the left brings back the 50s glam-girl making the wear look like a pretty pin-up.  The seafoam green color is stunning, and the belt flatters the top half of the figure and draws attention away from the lower half of the body.  The suit is on the higher end but can be purchased here: Princesse Tam Tam Belted Swimsuit  The second suit, also a Princess Tam Tam design (and now on sale here: Princesse Tam Tam Color Blocked Bandeau) uses colorblocking to create a slimmer silhouette.  The geometric print screams modern fashion maven while concurrently drawing attention to all the right places.

Now, for the tailoring to-do list.  If you have a figure that is evenly proportioned from top to bottom, a monokini probably won't require much tailoring.  If you're uneven like myself (and most human-beings), one trick-to-try is buying one size larger and taking in the part of the suit that is too large.  Typically, if the back is clip-style instead of a string tie, you can take it in at the sides.  I often buy a larger size (to get a larger cup) and then do this (which ensures it won't fall off).  It's also possible to take in the sides of the bottoms.  Taking this approach can sometimes alter the actual fit of the suit, so you need to make sure you buy one that looks there is room on the sides to alter the circumference.  I had to do just this with the Mara Hoffman monokini pictured above.  Because the sides were a separate material, I was able to shorten them and then resew them to the suit.  Additionally I have a short torso, and in styles like the bandeaus above, it's often possible to adjust the center piece to the right length by opening the seam and shortening that center strip.  Most skilled tailors can do this without a problem if you show them. Alternatively (if you really want to avoid tailoring) it is often possible to go with the bigger suit and choose a style with a tie-back or string bottoms so that you can self adjust the part of the suit that doesn't flatter your frame.

I often have to do these alterations and if the suit is right, it is often possible.  While custom tailoring does add a tad to your total, it's worth it to feel like the piece has been designed just for you "haute couture."  Not to mention, if you follow my tips to finding that perfect piece that's perfectly priced, you can tack tailoring on to that total and still come out saving compared to retail.

A Fashion Trend TIE-DYE For

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: Looking TIE-DYE Terrific

We often make fun of our parents' fashion sense, but I love when fashion can take a trend from pathetically passé to fabulously fresh!  I seem to recall birthday parties of my youth where our parents convinced us it would be a fun activity to create some do-it-yourself-dip-dye t-shirts.  I also seem to recall that the final product was hideous beyond imagination.  I remember thinking at one point that tie dye patterned anything was actually the antithesis of fashion, and perhaps even its arch-rival nemesis.

But maybe our parents wanted to impart that fun-loving free-spirit that came from the same generation that made tie-dye so popular.  Unfortunately I was born a little too late to experience the flower-child fad, but that music-motivated mania generated an entire era focused on love, art and living life.  I personally find it incredible that inspiration like that can be re-born and expressed in our modern mode of dress by borrowing some signature statements from our past.  I know when I'm rocking that late 60s early 70s Hippie-vibe, I feel like I'm expressing that more artistic, laid-back yet passionate part of me that wants to enjoy the sunshine, relax and love the ambiance around me.  Whether I'm attending one of California's many music festivals, dancing at a local bar or day-drinking on the grass surrounded by other fun-loving folks, tie-dye is a trend that tends to take me back to that devil-may-carefree spirit of the past.

You may have noticed that tie-dye has been making a come back as of late and popping up in pieces from purses to pants.  I have been surprised at how many ways it's possible to fashionably toy with tie-dye and even more amazed at how many of them I actually want to buy!

One of the first pieces I fell in love with is this Jersey Navajo Maxi Dress by Young, Fabulous & Broke.  I think I'm repeatedly drawn to this brand in part due to the way the name so accurately sums up my currently sad situation, but I know I'm also attracted to the way this brand consistently makes effortless pieces that pack a serious style punch.

The tie-dye element is subtle but omnipresent in this flowy frock.  I think the way this particular tie-dye pattern is printed is incredibly flattering, not to mention the boost to your bust given by the flutter-layered top.  This was most recently available on Gilt for $99 down from $194.  If you're a member, you can join the waitlist and hope that this sexy style makes a return.

I am also a frequent J Brand wearer and I think one of the most fashion-forward fabulous ways to wear a trend is on your legs.  I love these J Brand 810 Twisted Plum tie-dye skinny jeans...

While these are only to be worn by those fond of the outrageously out-there, I like to bring out my inner rocker and I think these jeans exude that essence perfectly.  Pair them with nude pumps and a white tank to rock at an outdoor summer occasion or a black blazer and booties come cooler weather this fall.  Available on sale now for $158 down from $198 at Neiman Marcus.

A great way to display your dyed duds this summer is in a swimsuit.  I personally think swimwear fashion is vastly underrated and quite possibly own more swimsuits than undergarments.  Victoria's Secret is a great place to go for fashionably fun yet attractively affordable swimwear deals.  They often carry some of my favorite outside brands as well and I additionally appreciate that they frequently offer the possibility of purchasing your tops and bottoms separately (since I am never the same size in both) allowing one to make their own mix-and-match creations.  I recently purchased this Cia Maritima swimsuit on clearance on the site.

The swimsuit was on sale for $35.99 down from $55 for the top and $58.99 down from 90 for the bottoms.  The suit is still available from Victoria's Secret.  

For an off-brand option available as well try the Victoria Secret The Abbie triangle top in an amazing neon-green tie-dye print and combine two trends! The print is actually available in the style shown below, as well as various options for tops (try the bomb-shell push-up halter for enhancement or the belle bandeau for tempting tube-top tanlines).

Snag this style steal here.  

There are also plenty of dresses that vary on the stand-out scale of strut.  I like the way the Michael Kors dress below delicately demonstrates the trend in an almost belt-like fashion around the waist creating a nice nuance of tie-dye times gone by.

This dress isn't on sale but begins at a bargain at only $120 at Neiman Marcus.

Closer to the other side of the spectrum is this W118 by Walter Baker "Carla" Blue tie-dye dress.

Recently available on RueLaLa, I love the way this piece pairs a fantastically feminine silhouette with the bravely bold use of the fad.  Available for only $68.90 down from $158 (demonstrating once again my adoration for flash sale prices).

Lastly, if you feel more timid about tie-dye than I do (given it's horrific history in fashion), try styling yourself with a light summer scarf that presents the craze in a less-than-crazy way.  I personally love the below from Free People:

You can potentially purchase this piece by visiting the Free People site and forking over a mere $38.

My encouragement of the return of such a controversial craze might make you question my fashion sense, but I think it's possible to turn almost any disastrous fashion debacle into a positively on point outfit and I love that so many designers have been taking just that approach with tie-dye these days.  I hope tie-dye takes you to that Hippie-heaven of yesteryear. As for me, I'll be donning my favorite piece and prancing down the promenade while that rebellious rock anthem "Who are You?" plays through my mind. "Who who who?" you may ask...  My answer: a dare to be different fashionista with a rock-and-roll soul.

The FLASH SALE Phenomenon

AD-Vice AD-Lib: For the Flash-Sale Faithful; Commitment-Phobes Beware

The Ad"vice" Ad-lib will feature periodic tips and tricks for optimizing your approach to creating that perfect outfit.  These include ways to get things for less, how to shop online, tips for styling and more.  First, I call it my advice ad-lib because for me, shopping is my ultimate (and most loved) "vice" and these articles are my recommendations for helping others in the exercise of their shopping habits.  Second, an ad-lib, coming from the latin ad libitum, means "at your pleasure," and is used for speaking and performing in free-form.  These little advice tips are meant to be honest advice "from one girl to another" in a casually written free form style, for the readers to take to heart or not as they choose and "at their pleasure."

Those of you who know me, know I am an avid online shopper.  And by avid I mean completely over-the-top-addicted to the use of online shopping.  Many of my articles will involve different tips for shopping online and how to really do it right.  Now, for some of you, you may hate online shopping so much that you just want to quit reading now.  As I said before, these articles are for the reader to enjoy as they choose, so if the latter description matches your personality profile, feel free to go back to that Us Weekly you were flipping through before someone sent you this link.  However, if you're amenable to learning the ropes of online shopping, please do read on, because it can be one of your best resources for finding that fabulous fashion find at prices so low, it can feel utterly unconscionable.

This week's tip is all about the flash sale.  I'm sure many of you know about flash sales and how they work and may already frequently use them.  Those who have probably know that if you really want to make the best use of them, it really takes a certain kind of devotion.  My frequent flash sale visits usually revolve around four primary sites: Gilt (http://www.gilt.com/sale/women); Hautelook (http://www.hautelook.com/events#all); RueLaLa (http://www.ruelala.com/); and Ideeli (http://www.ideeli.com/welcome).  There are different tips for using each one, but today I'll focus on introduction to the flash sale in general.

Flash-sale 101: Essentially a flash sale is like an online sample sale.  It starts at a specific time and the electronic doors reveal the route to dream designer duds with delectably devilish dollar signs.  Like a real-life sample sale, however, in order to get the best items in the size you want, you have to be there right when the doors open (despite the fact that those doors are only virtual).  For Gilt, e-doors unlock at 9:00am Pacific (12pm EST).  For RueLaLa and Hautelook take-off time is 8:00am (11am EST).  And for Ideeli, the time varies depending on whether or not you pay for a premium membership.  Premium members start at 8:00am PST and regular users may peruse the site at 9:00am PST.

To properly attack the sites, one needs to be ready at go-time.  Understandably, given your work/play/gym/general busy life schedule, this is not easy for all to do on a daily basis.  Most of the sites, however, post soon-to-be-sales up to 3 days in advance and send out e-mails slightly before the standard start-time letting you know which designers are displaying their duds.  This allows you to pick and choose days so you can set aside the time for that ever-important upcoming sale featuring your all-time favorite designers.  Additionally, some sites allow you to pick prime-time faves, and provide special alerts for the designers they know you love.

The most important thing to remember about the flash sale is that timing is everything.  You have to quickly browse the items on sale, pick your favorites, prioritize your motif-must-haves, and try to add the irresistible item to your cart as quickly as possible.  You then have a typical 10-15 minutes to decide whether or not you want to purchase the item.  The key to success is patience, priority, and perseverance while you pine over that piece you can't part with.

It takes some getting used to, but if you can master the art of the flash-sale, you'll find the savings are worth the struggle.  If you find yourself unable to commit to such a process for all aspects of your armoire, why not try it for a special event?  I purchased the below Matthew Williamson dress from Gilt for more than 90% off retail for a rehearsal dinner I have this summer.

Or maybe you have a big beach bash coming up, or a Fourth of July fiesta?  Hautelook has some swim sales that will have you looking luscious for some of those sizzling celebrations you've got on your calendar.  The below Beach Bunny suit was purchased at over half-off!

If these pieces aren't your style, or don't entice you to try the sales, there are many many more designers, styles and sizes to fit your fashion profile.  Try these tips to get you started and there will be more to follow in successive posts!