Summer Style with Stripes and Polka Dots

The warmer days of Summer seems to be on everyone's mind these days. With the arrival of Memorial Day weekend the unofficial beginning of summer has arrived. For some it may be a longer weekend, for others time to plan vacations, family getaways, cookouts and of course that lighter summer wardrobe. 

No matter where you turn you can't help but notice a strong trend right off the page of the Spring Runways, Black and White. One designer that Fashionistas can thank for the BIG presence of stripes is Marc Jacobs. However, although it may seem like the volume of stripes is way up, polka dots is just as big this season. Designers like Nina Ricci and Diane von Furstenberg were just some of the designers to go dot happy on the runway for 2013. 

Now wait, stripes and polka dots may "seem" trendy right now, but it has always been one of the most classic and chic prints in Fashion. These prints are fun, very girly and a great way to jazz up any look especially if you juxtapose them with some color. Add a little color contrast this summer by adding reds, yellow, mint green or coral and you have taken this style to another level.  

Once you introduce stripes and polka dots to your wardrobe I can guarantee you that this will be quite the investment piece for many seasons ahead. 

So Fashion darlings I wonder,  are you a fan of either patterns? Do you prefer stripes over polka dots or vice versa? 

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend to one and all! 

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, SPRING 2013

MARC JACOBS, SPRING 2013

The Beauty of Curves today

We live in a time where celebrities are glorified for their fashion, lifestyle and of course their figures. Everywhere we turn from TV, to movies, magazines and of course the runway we can't help but notice the obsession with staying thin and being slender. Body image has always been a controversial subject of conversation. These days trends don't just apply to fashion anymore, everyday there is talk of a new diet plan, a new fitness regimen and the latest trends in health supplements.

No matter how "Twiggy-like" models may be on the runway or how incredibly fast celebrities may lose the baby weight, there is no doubt that a shift has occurred in what is perceived as a normal body types. We certainly don't live in historic renaissance times when ample bossoms and rounded bodies were admired and considered feminine. In the 1940's and 1950's women like Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren represented the term "Bombshells" and were some of the most desired women in Hollywood. Today more and more women in Hollywood are coming forward talking about their weight struggles & the scrutiny that they experience for not having a model type figure. What is admirable is that so many of these women have turned their insecurities around and in such a public way. The Marilyn's and Sophia's of days past have turned into the Kim Kardashian and Christina Hendricks of today and they are today's most coveted and photographed celebrities. They are women with healthier and curvaceous body types which everyday women can relate to on some level. If you google Plus-Size models you will find some of the most beautiful women modeling in stunning editorials. Times have changed. Fashion brands have also made conscious decisions to add a plus-size to their ads. Just earlier this month H&M launched their first plus-size beachwear collection. 

Not only are Women embracing their beautiful curves but society is taking notice. No matter how old you are or if you're tall or more on the petite side, its important to own your body type and bring confidence to the table. Staying healthy is undoubtedly important, but accepting your femininity is too. Not everyone can pull off a body hugging dress and that is ok. Sex appeal is not defined by how short the skirt or tight the dress. 

So here are a few tips to keep in mind when dressing up your curves. 

• Undergarments: The first thing to remember is that the right under garment is the foundation to feeling comfortable & confident. We have come a long way from corsets, so embrace shapewear and find the right fit for you. Don't feel self conscious about using it, trust that ALL celebrities are using some type of shapewear at some red carpet event. Its quite the secret weapon to help sculpt your body under any piece of clothing and they come in all shapes, colors and for different functionalities. There are many options to pick from.
• Color: Some things you should consider: It's not necessary to always wear black. Yes, we all know it is the most slimming color but don't be afraid to bring a pop of color in your closet. You can try subtle changes by adding patterns and color to shoes, handbags or even scarves. Accessorizing is the fastest way to embellish any neutral or subtle look. 
• Prints: They are also great but if you are on the shorter frame side, remember to keep the prints smaller and more proportioned to you. Don't be afraid to wear stripes just as long as they are not wide and preferably not horizontal. 
• Fit: One common mistake many women make is wearing baggy clothes to cover up excess weight. It may take some trial and error to figure this all out. Avoid anything too tight and unflattering and stay clear of extremely baggy tops. They will only make you look bigger in size. Try something that is in between. A great belt to cinch your waist always helps to create an hourglass figure.

At the end of the day just remember that what may look great on one figure may look different on you. We are all unique in our own way. Find what works best for you. Perhaps you feel your best in an A-line dress, a top and pencil skirt or your favorite look may be a pantsuit. You have the final say and just remember that women with curves have always left an unforgettable mark in history. 

So, One Style at a Time readers, are you a lady with curves and if so how do you accentuate your body type? Are there any famous celebrities past or present that you admire for having a more fuller body frame?

MARILYN MONROE

SCARLETT JOHANSSON 

Prada NY Exhibit & Men's Gatsby Style by Matchesfashion.com

If you are a Gatsby fan you know that this past weekend was the much anticipated U.S. premiere of  Baz Lurhmann's "The Great Gatsby". The wait was finally over as crowds made their way to theaters to see the most talked about film in months. It was quite a debut at the box office as well. Although the critics may have handed out mixed reviews, and it may have come in second to "Iron Man 3", the film's opening numbers did not disappoint. Its grand opening total was $51.1 million in the U.S. alone. 

Today, we are bringing you a two part blog post. Something for the ladies and also something for the men. 

It's no surprise that the 1920's Fashion is one of the highlights in this film. With that in mind I decided to visit the Prada boutique located in Soho, New York this past Friday. The store was showcasing an exhibit, Catherine Martin and Miuccia Prada Dress Gatsby, which opened earlier this month. The mannequins were dressed from head to toe in Gatsby inspired looks, forty in its totality. There were many intricate looks that included furs, gemstones, beading, crystals and feathers. This collaboration between Prada and Martin gave the public an up close and personal feel of how special the costume design was for this film. This display came to an end this past Sunday and is on its way to Prada's Tokyo Boutique from June 14-30.  I invite you to view this exhibit in the photos below. (exhibit photos are mobile photos from my personal iPhone)

This was the view upon arriving the Prada Boutique.

The amount of rich detail was everywhere. From the headpieces to the shoes.

Happy Mother's Day

May is not only the time when the floral markets peak and when Spring Fashions are on trend. May is special and a festive month for all Mothers. Mother's day is upon us and if you are a mom or have a mom near or far take a moment to celebrate her day. From stay at home mom's to working moms all around the world. We salute you!

One Style at a Time would like to wish all the Mothers, Mums, Madres, Mamma's

A Happy Mother's Day!!!

Met Gala 2013: BEST IN PUNK

May is one of the most anticipated months in Fashion. Why you may ask? The annual grand event of Fashion once again arrived in New York City, The Met Gala. It is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its to celebrate the unveiling of the Costume Institute's most recent exhibit. On this occasion the exhibit is "Punk: Chaos to Couture" and is dedicated to the era of Punk Fashion starting in the 70's and to the present time. 

For weeks the Fashion chatter was more about what were celebrities going to wear to the red carpet. Being that the theme was Punk it seemed many celebrities were conflicted on what exactly to wear or how to interpret this into their personal style. The evening finally arrived and there was an abundance of A-listers walking the red carpet. If you joined One Style at a Time on Twitter or the Facebook Fanpage you may have read the live tweets and or seen some sneak peeks of the arrivals. 

There were many celebs that played it safe and opted out of the classic punk leather, spikes or mohawks. Yet there were a few that stunned and gave a gratifying and authentic nod to this era of Fashion. Although it may not be a style for everyone, it was part of fashion's history and worth paying homage to. This "Punk" exhibition will be open at the Met Museum beginning May 9th through August 14th. Here is a recap of what we considered worthy of a double take from the Gala's red carpet. Keep in mind that there were plenty of pretty ball gowns and evening wear to admire. However, here we are highlighting those looks that kept with the theme of the night. So Fashion dolls, where you a Punk-nista back in the day? What do you think of these ladies interpretation of the Punk Movement in 2013?

BEST IN PUNK

MADONNA IN GIVENCHY