We Wear Short Shorts

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but SHORT shorts are really in-style right now. Gwyneth Paltrow even rocked them at the Iron Man 2 premiere last night.

Shorts no longer scream "camp counselor." Instead they can be a sophisticated approach to the heat. However, let's face it, not all of us have Gwyneth's legs. Short, shorts are NOT appropriate for everyone. But, not to worry, medium length and longer Bermuda shorts are still working this season.

Dress shorts up with great jewelry and high heels or go more causal with flats. However, when wearing a longer short, AVOID pleats and shorts that form bell legs. All this does is add weight to your thighs and butt. Wear a straight leg short that lightly skims the legs and shows off your curves.

And remember, accessories make all the difference. Layer necklaces, wear a scarf - around your neck or in your hair, wear a fun belt, add wedges on your feet, or carry a great handbag to look like a chic woman and not a camp counselor.

Fashion Icon: CoCo Chanel

Most women love some sort of fashion - a trend, a designer, a fashion icon. But, it's been brought to my attention that some people don't know any history about their favorite labels and designers. So, once a month I'm going to try to help with this. This month we're going to start at the top - CoCo Chanel.

CoCo Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France in the 1920s. She is known for replacing the corsets that the women were wearing during the times with comfort and casual elegance - women's pants, suits, dresses, costume jewelry, and perfume. By the 1950s the Chanel suit, the "Little Black Dress", and Chanel No 5 perfume were staples in the fashion industry.

She worked almost until the day she died in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld has been the chief designer for Chanel since 1983.

The fashion industry is still inspired by Chanel's style. Anytime you see long layering pearl necklaces, quilted leather handbags, handbags with chain and leather handles, tweed suits, and of course black party dresses, you can thank CoCo Chanel for being different and trying new things.

All Zipped Up

Exposed zippers have been trendy on shirts, dresses, and skirts for a few seasons now, but this season we're seeing them pop up on jewelry, shoes and handbags.

Wearing zippers as an accent can add an edgy look to almost any outfit. So, if you're looking to walk on the wild side, add some zippers with some great zipper bangles or necklace like the ones shown below. Or, just get into the trend a little with a shoe with zipper accents.

However, I don't think this trend will be here for long, so don't splurge on expensive pieces. Try finding some cool, chic inexpensive pieces to zip up your look.

To Capri or Not To Capri?

I've recently been asked the question..."Are capri pants still in style?" Well, it's sort of a tough issue to tackle because I'm sure to offend some readers but here goes...

Wearing capri pants is a tricky issue. Usually most jean capris will always be in style, especially if there is a cuff on the bottom and wore with ballet flats and fun top or if they have a skinny leg and wore with cute heels.

However, the problems with capri pants comes into play when we get into colors - red, hot pink, blue and on and on. Also, there are problems with printed capris. Both colored and printed capris tend to have a bell at the bottom - which let's face it - just isn't flattering. Because the exaggerated bell of the capri pant falls on your calves, it makes your legs look like they are getting wider around your calves - making your calves look bigger - and I haven't met too many women who want their calves and ankles to look bigger. This is solved by a straight or skinny leg capri - which will allow the eye a continuous straight line down your leg.

Also, these colored and printed capris give the look of an outdated "older" woman. And, I definitely haven't met a woman who wants to look older. But, with the colors, prints or the bell bottoms, it just gives you an unfashionable look. To make matters worse, lots of women wear these types of capri pants with polo styled shirts or t-shirts that are worn out-of-shape and color. Sadly, this look really falls under the same category as "mom jeans."

So, if you do decide to wear capris,which is sometimes a great solution for Louisiana weather, go for jean, white or black and definitely go for a straight or skinny leg. To make the look casual, wear gladiator sandals or ballet flats. To dress the look up, wear with some great heels. Always wear with a cute top and add a splash of jewelry to make sure the look is fun and trendy.

Here are some examples of still looking "trendy" wearing capri pants.

All Taped Up!

Ever wonder how the celebrities always look so put together. Well, one of Hollywood's best kept secrets is Hollywood Fashion Tape.

I absolutely love this product and always keep some in my handbag in case of emergency. It's great for holding your clothes in place so your bra straps don't show or so you don't show too much cleavage. It sticks to thin knits and thick sweaters. I've even used it on the backs of my slingback shoes to keep them on my heels.

I was actually shopping with a friend today and a dress she wanted fit her great but peeped open a little bit around the buttons on her breasts. One little piece of Fashion Tape solved the problem.

They also have a new product that I haven't tried yet but I just ordered. For those of us that have a gaping jean in the back, these hig-huggers seem to be the solution. No bulk and No belt. I can't wait until it gets here. I'll let you know how well it works.

Wearing White?

Adding onto what I said yesterday, there is no better way to say "Hello, Spring" than with white. If head to toe white in a dress isn't for you, wear a bright colored top with white shorts, white pants or white, skinny capris.

Remember if you are going to wear a really flowy top, wear skinny white jeans or capris so your body balances out.

And, because white is a neutral, any bright color will look great with it. But, be sure your whites aren't too dingy from last year. If they are, throw them out and get some new fresh white pieces and welcome Spring back into town!

Little White Dress

CoCo Chanel introduced the world to the LBD - Little Black Dress - in the 1920s. Well, now that Easter has come and gone, it's time for the LWD - Little White Dress!

White is the greatest color to introduce spring and summer. A fresh, crisp white dress - whether it is a shift or shirtdress - is always in style. But, don't wear white shoes, too, or you will look like a little girl going to her first Communion.

Instead, accessorize with a great pair of nude or colored wedges, layer with chunky jewelry, or throw on a blue jean jacket for a bit of an edge.


If you need help with your spring and summer wardrobe, be sure to contact Laura at Redress.