Belle Curve: Optical Illusion Dresses

Need a little help getting slim? Want to loose inches without even trying? Well look no further. Designers are applying the optical illusion technique on dresses to make us look slimmer at the pull of a zipper. The most renowned designer in this technique is none other than Stella McCartney.

Numerous stars like Kate Moss, Rosie Huntinton-Whiteley, Liv Tyler, Gloria Estefan (aka a LOT of stars) have all splurged on Stella's cult style too.

 

The whole idea behind these designs can be summarized as: The "remove the hips with black fabric on sides, and make the bust bigger with white above, off-white below" . #Deceptology

 Talk about hot! Kate Winslet wows in an "optical illusion" dress by Stella McCartney for her Carnage's Paris premiere. Now that's how to work a red carpet.

Look of The Day:Tyra Banks

Work it! The supermodel  shows off her famous figure in a drop-dead gorgeous one-shoulder little black dress, voluminous curls and matching black pumps at the 2012 TCA Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

 

She sure knows how to make an entrance – and an exit!

Who Rocked It? Beckham vs J.Lo

Victoria Beckham has become one of the renowned designers when it comes to figure hugging sheaths. Just like any other designer, we believe she gets thrilled when huge celebrities are spotted in her designs.That is unless the star wears it better than the designer. Lets not run into conclusions though...........

In the summer's hottest shade traffic-stopping orange Victoria attends a friend's bash wearing a form-fitting sheath (from her own line) and nude peep-toes.

Also looking sultry in the similar dress from the same collection, Jennifer Lopez glows in the orange sheath and grey strappy sandals on American Idol.

Two stylish star minds thinking alike..you decide. Who rocked it?

'Sparkling Grace' by Vlisco

All your senses will celebrate the colorful new fabric collection 'Sparkling Grace' by Vlisco.
Go up the stairs and feel the sensation of melodious pulsations leading to a spectacle of bright colors. The designs coordinate the rhythm of movement. Clear graphic lines give a feeling of the beat while numerous floral designs make up the melody, blossoming into a range of vibrant fabrics.

'Sparkling Grace' pays homage to elegance and femininity, magnifying both your inner and outer beauty. So take the stage and shine like a star.

This collections gets my vote for the most fantastic designs.

Olympics Inspired Nail Art. Let the Games begin!

Supporting the Olympics and/or your Country has never been so much fun. If you don't feel like decorating your house or office with Olympic colors or you are not able to wear that Olympic t-shirt to work or school, why not show your patriotism on your nails. #brightidea

Since the games began, lots of "nailoholics" have been coming up with all sorts of nail art in support of the Olympics. I've put together a collection that you can derive ideas from.

Carmen Electra Stunning in Orange

Orange may be the shade of summer and we were kind of getting tired of it, but after seeing Carmen Electra making an arrival at a gala in this sizzling one-shoulder mini worn with Christian Louboutin heels, we're willing to make additional room in our closets for just juicy color.
This bright & juicy color is all fun and looks great with a faux tan. She also kept it simple with tear-drop earrings that matched her eyes...how thoughtful.

Who Is The Most Stylish Jennifer?

 The celebrity world happens to be blessed with dozens of fashionable Jennifers, and each one has her own distinctly amazing style.

Jennifer Hudson

The singer/actress shed major poundage and has since stepped up her fashion game, landing her in some of the best-dressed lists. She is now into more modern designs, vibrant shades ans shorter lengths. The singer pulls out all the stops in high-slit gowns, figure-hugging sheaths (her favorite), cropped minis, stilletos, cinched waists...you name it. Happy for her.

Jennifer Aniston

Ageless American sweetheart Jennifer Aniston is more of a reserved "girl-next-door" star who epitomizes class and grace with her modest yet stunning choices. She keeps it casual most of the time but is known to glam it up on special occasions or red carpet events.

Jennifer Lopez

Jenny from the block is a glam queen who has a taste for over-the-top luxury designs. She loves to flaunt her enviable curves, toned body &  gorgeous gams in body-hugging dresses, fitted skirts, flowy gowns and midriff bearing tops. She is no stranger to fashion and is never afraid to experiment. She is a clear style idol.

So, which Jennifer appeals to you the most?

Tableau Vivant: The Art Of Eccentric Impressions By Vlisco

This fabric collection was inspired by unexpected combinations. Dream-like scenery unites heritage and sophistication.

You are taken unawares, caught in a landscape of patterns. The assemblage of designs appears random, yet produces the ultimate 'Tableau Vivant' sensation. A collection of contemporary designs dominated by graphic lines and clustered ornaments, with each individual design holding a remarkable treasure of its own, arousing your curiosity with extraordinary impressions.

These fabrics are stunning but the designs and the photography seals the whole deal.

Another round of applause for Vlisco

Who Rocked It?

Wondering what kind of dress could possibly appeal to both the cutesy crooners? Well Alicia Keys and Mel B both rocked a Stella McCartney color-blocked stretch jersey contour dress.

 Alicia Keys rocked the dress to none other than the designer's Fall 2012 Fashion Show in Paris. She kept it simple with back swept hair, minimal accessories and topped it off with matching shoes.

Former spice girl Mel B rocked the same contour dress also with simple back swept hair, tear-drop earrings and a pair of sky-high Versace pumps.

Ok so two stars, both flaunting post-baby curves, one look. You decide who wears it better.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Continued

Every July, swimsuit and resort wear designers gather in Miami Beach, Florida for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, the global swimwear industry´s main event. Here is where they get to celebrate some of the most seductive lines under the sun. It´s informal, it´s untucked, it´s South Beach :-).

The shows highlighted bold-colored and printed swimsuits on the runway, as well as geometric shapes and animal-inspired prints and tribal prints on bikinis and maillots.

Here's a continuation of the some of the designers who showcased their latest swimwear towards the end of the event.

Click here to view the previously posted designs.

Nail Art: Lace Manicure

Lace nail manicures have been spotted on celebs like Blake Lively, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez and many of you must have wondered of if it's doable at home and the answer is YES! Where there's a will, there's always a way.

All you'll need is a strip of lace (color of your choice), base coat, nail polish and a top coat.

       Steps to follow

• Cut your lace into ideal sizes that will fit onto each nail. Might take a while but that's the price we pay for beauty :-)
• Polish your nails with a color of your choice. Preferably two coats.
• Before the second coat dries up completely, apply the lace cut-outs to each nail, one at a time. Press the edges of the lace using a very thin object e.g a toothpick without smudging the nail polish.
• Lastly, apply your top coat to seal the lace then allow it to dry.
• Vava vooooooooom, you got yourself a lace manicure.

 Here are a few ideas that you can emulate

Above are additional unique ideas on how lace can be incorporated in your daily manicures.

I found this video on YouTube that would make this a whole lot it easier for those who are more visual.

Thank me later lol

Christie Brown Couture

I just came across a very creative Ghanian fashion designer by the name of Aisha Obuobi who launched an out-of-this-world line thoughtfully named Christie Brown after her grandma.

Christie Brown is known to be a Ghanaian based luxury women's fashion brand that aims at satisfying the stylish urge of that modern woman who seeks a true taste of Africa.

At Christie Brown, their aim is also to infuse modernism into carefully selected traditional African aesthetic that transcends international borders. It’s really about allowing women to experience the culturally rich and opulent side of Africa without having to compromise their personal contemporary style.

Checkout one of her collections XUTRA, that she debut this year at the Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nail Art: Velvet Manicure

 There's a new nail trend in town ladies......and some gentlemen!!!!!!!!! Just when you thought you'd seen it all when it comes to nail art, the geniuses at  Ciaté just launched a new nail product that will blow your mind.

Leading the way in nail art innovation, the latest kit from the British nail brand Ciaté brings decadent luxury to your fingertips. Featuring luxurious crushed velvet, this kit was inspired by excessive layering of exuberant textures, which was featured in fashion shows around the globe. The result? A truly unique, sophisticated, stroke-able finish.

The best part about it is that creating the mani at home has bee made easy: you simply paint on one coat of your base color on all your nails and let it dry. Apply a second coat of the base color, then quickly try to sprinkle the powder over the whole nail. A top coat will change the effect, so it is not recommended to add.

This product is available at Sephora or online at ciate website

Frozen Dreams: Surrealism Awakened by Vlisco

'Frozen Dreams' collection  inspires you to splash your life with your dreams. As you sense reality fading away, kaleidoscopic patterns evoke hallucinations that surpass the imagination. While the romantic wavy layered designs prolong your dreamy mood, the outspoken ones capture your visions.

Together they tell a poetic tale, a legend that reveals the wonders over and over again.

I just love the way Vlisco comes up with themes to narrate the essence of the fabrics and designs.

Checkout the Frozen Dreams collection below.

Vlisco

Rose by Vanessa Jean:Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Reverend Run's lil girl Vanessa Simmons aka Vanessa Jean is all grown up and designing swim wear and shoes. She debut her line Rose by Vanessa Jean last week during the Mercedes Benz Fashion week in Miami Beach Florida.

Checkout some of the shoes from the Rose by Vanessa Jean line.

                                    Uhmmm what do you think? And will you be buying?