ROCKIN' THE RED...LADIES & GENTS

As V-Day, aka Valentine's Day, approaches every girl is wanting that perfect look to wear either for a date with their special someone or for a night out with friends.  "Red Dress" parties have become trendy as of late, so don't be last to the style game.  All reds are not the same so be careful if trying to coordinate accessories, shoes, etc. (no matching...that is dated!).  Red is always in style so rock your red look again!

Style Tip:  Accentuate one area of your body, typically chest or legs.  A short, tight-fitted dress with cleavage can look to revealing and cheap.  

Draped neckline and sexy back will grab someone's attention.  BCBG, $198

Perfect to go from the office with a blazer and tights then change into sexy heels and jewels for night.  Mango, $39.99

The deep V neck enhances your bossom and draws your eye.  Hot way to wear lace! Nightcap Dress, $352

Marciano Emilina Red Dress, $228

 

Betsy & Adam Square Neck Lace Overlay Sheath Dress, $69.75 (size 2-14) at Nordstrom's

For older women or ladies who like a more classic look, this dress is perfect for you.  The belt cinches in your waist yet the dramatic neckline draws attention to your face.  Black Halo Classic Jackie O Dress, $327

Another sexy style for the classic woman.  The ruching is slimming and the neckline shows skin and draws attention to your face.  Diane von Furstenberg Bentley Short Dress, $298

Fit and Flare dresses look great on women who are well-endowed in the chest.  The flowy skirt draws attention away from your hips and tummy area while the gathered waist creates a waist line for you.  

Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique, $78.98 (sizes 2-16) at Nordstrom's

Men's Looks:  Plain red can look a bit dated, so add so flare to your look with a cool neckline and cuffs, add a blazer over top, or a long scarf.  You don't have to mix red with black.  Think navy, chocolate brown, or gunmetal gray.

Pair this shirt with a deep gray blazer leaving the neckline unbuttoned.  Try a black blazer with a contrasting thin knit shirt underneath.  Dark denim and cool shoes complete the look. Topman shirt, $60 at Nordstrom's

A fitted red v neck shirt looks great under a blazer as well as a leather jacket. En Avance Shirt, $78

Stripes or patterns with red in them are a great option.  Roll the cuffs up and add a leather cuff or cool watch.  Pair with a blazer or zip neck sweater as well.  Daniel Cremieux Shirt, $42.50

STAND OUT VIA STUDDED BAGS

Make an impression this fall with studded handbags, wallets, clutches, phone cases and more.  This trend continues to be in style and glams up your look!

HandBags

Tory Burch Studded Satchel

Topshop Leather Studded and Clip Bag, $170

Michael Kors Hamilton Large Studded Tote, $378

Steve Madden Studded Tote (black, gray, taupe, cognac), $97.99

Nine West Chails Studded Mini Barrel Bag

Marni Off-White Shoulder Handbag (fabulous for fall with navy, black, gray, or colored look)

Clutches

Studded Clutch by Lori's Shoes, $48.95

 

Aila Green Palm Spike Clutch with Gold Studs, $316.26

Cross-Body Bags

Boston Proper Rose Bold Studded Bag, $198

Rebecca Minkoff Studded Suede Cross Body Bag, $195

Valentino and Ruthie Davis are go-to designers for studded bags and shoes.  If you have a high-end budget, check them out.  Ruthie Davis available at Neiman Marcus.

MAXI DRESSES...Wearing it at ALL AGES For ALL OCCASSIONS

By now everyone has heard about maxi dresses and skirts, but do you know how to wear them?  Clients say all the time, I can't wear that look, I'm told old, or I'm not Bohemian.  The idea is how to make these easy to wear pieces work for you.

There are different fits to maxi dresses and skirts.  Some are very billowy and flowing while others have a slimmer fit.  The shape of the maxi dress or skirt determines the type of shoe to wear with it and the fit of  a top, or topper (jacket, blazer).

Guidelines for your age:

45 +:  Monochromatic looks great for you.  The neckline determines how much you feel comfortable revealing.  Cowl neck maxi dresses are very flattering neckline and usually loose enough to hid any figure flaws in the mid-section.  If wanting to show your cleavage a little more and not concerned with the skin at your chest area, go for one color with a deeper front v.

Splendid Cowl Maxi Dress, $138 (Strawberry or Black)

Great dress to add a thin knit long cardigan in white or taupe.  Add an animal skin belt over it in taupes and whites with a gold buckle.  Wear with a heel or a jeweled flat sandal.

Jessica Hart for Pencey Standard V Neck Maxi Dress, $176

 

Dolce Vita Cybele Woven Flats, $170

Trina Turk Marisol Halter Dress, $438

30-45:  Deep V Necks, High Slits up the thigh, stripes, and patterns all work well.  Go for what works with your style personally and professionally.  Deep V Neck and Thigh Slits make dresses in appropriate for most corporate work environments, creative fields can still work this look.

Wear this dress with a flat but metallic sandals for day.  Add large gold cuff and large gold statement earrings.  

BCBG Meadows Maxi Dress, $198

Dolce Vita Bagley T Strap Sandals, $170

For work wear this dress with a fitted cropped black blazer or a light knit long black or blue cardigan and coordinating colored heels.  At night try a stappy sandal and and bold jewelry.

Charlie Jade Madison Maxi Dress, $196 ($182 at South Moon Under)

MM Couture Strapless Printed Ruffle Maxi Dress, $98

Under 30:  Go with flirty designs and prints.  Wear for casual days on the weekends or go dressier for work or at night.  The key to wearing this at work is to wear a blazer or sweater with it to look more professional.  Avoid crazy prints when at work, unless you are in a creative field (magazine, design, styling, etc.).

Top Shop Floral Mesh Back Maxi Dress, $92

Saint Grace Santa Fe Noa Maxi Tank Dress, $145