New Styles in Fashion

Everyone loves being in ‘the know’ on all things fashion, right? Read Style Bust’s fashion posts to find out what we see happening in the fashion industry from multiple viewpoints. We have ten guest bloggers dedicated to bringing our readers that latest fashion news from different parts of the globe!

Beauty and the bride

With all of the excitement of my sisters wedding (which is in a couple of weeks), there’s also some last minute important business that needs to be taken care of – the hair and makeup!

My sister is having her trial hair and makeup session this week and has asked me to help find some hair and makeup ideas.  Since she has fine, straight hair – a messy bun will look really nice and create some volume, while adding texture.  As far as makeup goes, my sister doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis – so why change that.  I think a minimal look, with a bold lip or a smokey eye would look very chic – especially with her messy chignon!

The hair accessories are a nice touch, they definitely dress-up the hairstyle a bit more.  I love Michelle Williams hair (bottom left), it’s the perfect messy look.

I love the bold lips, especially the coral color (in my opinion, coral lips look good on everyone).  Natalie Portman’s smokey eye (bottom left), is sexy and very pretty.

 

10 Swim Suits To Avoid In 2012

Mercedes Benz Miami Swim Week wrapped up on July 18th.  Looking back at the shows, I noticed there were a handful of swim suits to avoid (at all costs). Below you’ll find the top ten bathing suits to pass on for Summer 2012.

image of Crochet Swim Suit Dolores Cortes MBFW Miami Swim 2012This white crochet bathing suit by Dolores Cortes would get soggy if worn in water, not to mention tan lines would be awful.

image of Crystal Swim Suit Norma Kamali Swimwear MBFW Miami Swim 2012Crystals an rouching probably wouldn’t hold up well in chlorinated water. Actually they probably wouldn’t hold up well in the ocean either. Swimsuit by Norma Kamali.

image of Kristin Cavallari Diesel Skyy Vodka BikiniA Diesel swim suit made of blue glass shards from bottle of Skyy Vodka is worn down the runway by The Hills star Kristen Cavallari.

image of Leather Swim Suit Dolores Cortes MBFW Miami Swim 2012Black leather swim suit by Dolores Cortes. similar to the crochet swim suit by the same designer above, this would leave terrible tan lines. It’s also be really stick and sweaty at the beach.

image of Lingerie swim suit Beach Bunny Swimwear MBFW Miami Swim 2012This satin and lace lingerie-like swim suit is part of the Beach Bunny Swimwear collection. Everything about this suit is ridiculous down to the rhinestone details.

image of red carter black suitThis black and white, 60’s inspired suit from Red Carter looks like a mess of too many details, including the clear accessories.

image of waterproof boleros by beach bunny swimwearThe suit above by Beach Bunny Swimwear is actually cute, and wearable. The raincoat looking bolero is an awful addition to the look.

image of Wedding Swimsuit Beach Bunny SwimwearWeddings have been on my mind lately, to this wedding inspired bathing suit by Beach Bunny Swimwear really caught my attention. Haha – it’d be perfect for a beach wedding. I’m not sure I’d want to know a girl who would think wearing a suit to her wedding would be a good idea though.

image of x mark swim suits by dolores cortesThis X Mark tie dyed one piece bathing suit by Dolores Cortes is a bit much.

image of Cia Maritima half skirtI don’t even know what to say about the leopard print half skirt by Cia Maritima.

hey! not so fast…before you toss that bouquet to your entourage, read this.

BRIDESMAIDS may have been a raunchy R-rated movie title last spring but its also today’s blog topic.

We all know, hiring a PRO Makeup Artists makes a huge difference as a bride preps for her BIG day, but do bridesmaids need to shell out to get their makeup done too?

My answer: Yes! if you want to remain friends and don’t want the bride flipping out (Jeffrey Lewis style) just kidding! Honestly, most brides are low maintenance these days. Despite the ratings of Bridezilla, how many brides do you know that actually rage out like that…In fact, I find today’s trend is just the opposite – BRIDES are leaving the glam up to the person but in doing so, could leave a lot to chance – absolutely!

In my professional-humble-opinion let’s explore why you should take a stance on the matter.

a.) booking a PRO, you’ll have a consistent makeup look throughout your group photo’s.
b.) booking a PRO, is a treat for your entourage party
c.) booking a PRO, eliminates stress to your wedding day – picture your bridesmaids driving around town to from salons to makeup counters trying to get some eye-candy & lash action only to show up 45 min late, add to it – what if she goes extreme with the makeup and meanwhile back at the ranch, the others are only wearing mascara & chapstick, “see the risk?”

Bottom line, we all know, “blank” happens — especially during a wedding so ladies if you’re honoring your girl for her biggest day, don’t act up, don’t try and steal the thunder just ac·qui·esce; support the blissful union and go with the flow — get your makeup done by the PRO – “remember it’s not your day but rather hers”.

Now Brides to be, I think I’ve spelled it all out – “put your girls in the trusted hands of a trained professional” don’t leave anything to chance…hello, especially glamor!

A closet full of options

I’m a person who has a lot of clothes, but I wear my “favorites” to death.  For the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with my closet and finding new ways to style my clothes and wear them in ways so they feel/look fresh again.

It’s actually quite easy to work with your favorite pieces and create a weeks worth of interesting and fashion forward outfits.  You just have to get creative and play around with what you’ve got (checking out The Street Peeper and The Sartorialist for some inspiration isn’t a bad idea either)!

Favorites:

10 pieces - 5 looks

Look 1:Look 4

 

The salmon colored shift dress is the main focus for this outfit.  Keep accessories and shoes simple.  Although this look is casual – it’ll liven up any dull office!

Look 2:

Look 2

This is a very chic and classic look.  Wear the blouse loosely tucked in for a more laid back look.

Look 3:

Look 1

This is a playful yet professional outfit (perfect for the creative types).  I think a brick colored pencil skirt should be a staple in everyone’s closet!

Look 4:

Look 3

Colored denim is huge this season and perfect for a workplace that allows you to wear denim.  Layer a cropped sweater over a silk blouse for the ultimate Fall look.

Look 5:

Look 5

This is a great Friday outfit.  The sweater is perfect for the office and after work, stuff the sweater into your PS1 bag and you’re ready for dinner and drinks!

*Outfits created using Polyvore

I keep my closet stocked with classic and minimal looking pieces in neutral tones – that way it’s easier to mix and match what I have.  Since my clothes are pretty basic, I like to accessorize with stacks of bracelets and while color is important this season, I’m trying to add a pop of color to my every day looks – whether it be a shoe, bag or even nail polish.

 

Red Hot Tips on Wearing the Season’s Hottest Color

This season we have seen a surge of fashionistas choosing to don pants in bright hues rather than basic colors. Recent issues of Glamour Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily show women across the globe are daring to bring the heat with red pants this Summer and Fall. Here are our favorite ways to style Red Pants.

It’s all about the silhouette. 

Skinny fit and cropped length – red cigarette pants looks fantastic with everything. This street style pic of Harper’s Bazaar market editor Joanna Hillman is to me the epitome of getting red pants right. Below is a look off the runway for DKNY Fall 2011.
image of DKNY red pant fall 2011
image of Timo Weiland Fall 2011

 

Wear with an architectural or classic pump in black. The White Stripes, No Doubt and other pop rock groups of the early 2000’s got it right – Red looks best with Black and White. Complete your look with solid black shoes.

image of kate moss topshop red jeans 2011

Ground red pants with neutrals. This has to be my favorite accessible way to wear red, with camel, or even greys and creams. Neutrals really help soften the harshness of red pants.
image of red pants and cream blouse
image of red pants camel shirt

 

 

The New Tribalism: Fall 2011 Looks Westward

For several seasons now, Asian and  African influences have ruled the runways and set many hearts a-flutter with sparkling cheongsam sheaths and joyous explosions of ikat prints.   Now, however, it’s time to expand your horizons and head west for the latest and greatest in Native American tribal style:

Proenza Schoeuler Fall 2011 RTW -Liu Wen- Navajo designs-Laurel Schaffer - Downright RedProenza Schoeuler Fall 2011 RTW modeled by Liu Wen. Photo: style.com

And this isn’t your over-the top, old-school Ralph Lauren rip off either…

Ralph Lauren 1981 fall - Navajo style - Laurel Schaffer - Downright Red Iconic looks from Ralph Lauren’s 1981 Fall RTW collection- “Death by Santa Fe Style”.

 Nope.   Get ready for subtlety, drama, power and creativity with uber chic options from the cool kids in NYC to up and comers in Miami:

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 RTW- Navajo tribal style- Laurel Schaffer - Downright Red

 Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 RTW, modeled by Hanna Gaby Odile. Photo: style.com

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 RTW- Navajo tribal style- Laurel Schaffer - Downright Red

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 RTW, modeled by Jourdan Dunn. Photo: style.com

Jack and Lazaro took a road trip to Santa Fe, loved the Navajo designs they saw on blankets and weavings, and created their own version by digitizing and pixelating  the traditional design into New York cool.

Street Style

image of Urban Outfitters "Baja" Bustier- taking it down south

Urban Outfitters Staring at the Stars Baja Bustier, $54

image of Urban Outfitters Ecote Warior inside out Print tee

Urban Outfitters Ecote Warrior inside out Print tee, $34

image of Urban Outfitters Ecote pop Bead tank

Urban Outfitters Ecote pop Bead tank, $49

Of course, you might have a certain shyness about print overload and feel you haven’t quite yet become a mix master.   No problem.  Start out easy with subtle yet potent jewelry accents:

Citrine, by the Stones Fall 2011 Collection

image of Citrine by the Stones Fall 2011 Collection

More South American than American West, but it still captures the raw/refined feel that Proenza Schouler did so well.   Check out the rest of the fabulous collections by these two Peruvian sisters based in Miami:   www.bythestones.com

And lastly, if you want to be truly authentic, take a road trip to Santa Fe and visit the Native American jewelry sellers in the town square.  If you’re lucky, you might find the perfect squash blossom necklace:

image of Vintage Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace

Vintage Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace. Photo: Durango Silver Company.

If  you can’t make it in person, check out one of my favorites, Sorrel Sky Gallery, for a fresh spin on traditional jewelry

image of 18 kt Basketweave bracelet by Ben Nighthorse

 18 kt Basketweave bracelet by Ben Nighthorse. Photo: Sorrel Sky Gallery.

There’s your latest and greatest from the western hemisphere!   As always, if you’re craving a fresh taste of fashion (among other exciting, earth shattering cultural and adventuresome phenomena) come say hello at Downright Red.

 

 

 

Ladies night

This weekend we’re throwing my sister her Bachelorette party.  We wanted to keep this a classy affair, so we opted for a night of drinking champagne and dancing at some of the coolest spots in the city.  While I’m excited to celebrate this special time in my sisters life, I’m also excited to go out and actually get “dressed up!”  I still haven’t found anything to wear, so I went to one of my favorite sites (Polyvore) to create a few ensembles.  This way, when I’m out shopping I can look for specific or similar pieces.

Sexy and Sophisticated

cocktail party

Fun and Flirty

cocktail party

Cool and Classic

cocktail party
Elegant and Edgy
cocktail party

Not sure which route I’ll go yet.  I like the bold colors, but knowing me, I’ll probably end up wearing something black.

Falling for Fall

Last week I was quite excited about finally being able to dress for summer.  But after enjoying a week of San Francisco sunshine and a weekend of Los Angeles heat, I was happy to see that San Francisco was back to it’s old self again – gloomy.  Don’t get me wrong, a little sunshine is good for the soul, but when it comes to getting dressed every day, I prefer to dress for Fall.  To me, Fall is the most exciting season in fashion.  I love the layers, colors, fabrics and boots.

With the mid-50 degree weather we had today, women were dressed in some amazing pre-Fall looks (it was like a constant fashion show on the streets).

Here are a few looks and pieces that I’ll be wearing this Fall:

Key pieces: flare leg denim, motorcycle jacket, neutral colored cape, non-black blazer and a smile.

Key pieces: leopard print scarf, wedge ankle boots, faux fur vest, snakeskin bag, and neutral colors.

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