Blouse

Celeb Favorite: The Catherine Malandrino "Leggero" Draped Blouse

Qianna Smith on Oct 8, 2009 7:25 AM PDT

For Hollywood's most stylish stars red carpet originality is a must, but sometimes that can get tricky when a designer creates something so fabulous that everyone wants to be seen it. Feast your eyes on this gorgeous black and nude tulle "Leggero" draped blouse from the Malandrino Resort Collection 2010 that Gabrielle Union, Mary J. Blige, Estelle and most recently Kerry Washington have all been spotted in. The major appeal of this blouse is that it's ultra luxe and trendy without the wearer looking like they tried too hard. "The layers of jersey tulle over silk makes clothes that whisper, the draping above a fitted cut allows movement, and the transparency in subtle tones speaks about understated femininity," says New York designer Catherine Malandrino (pictured below far left), who dresses stars like Mary J. Blige and Estelle regularly. If you feel fashion copycatting is the biggest form of flattery, then don't be afraid to rock this sexy blouse too! The Leggero top, $950, is currently available at Catherinemalandrino.com. See more at Essence!

Tags : mary j. blige , malandrino , leggoro top , kerry washington , blouse

Style Flashback: Rayanne From "My So-Called Life"

Ida Hsiang on Oct 5, 2009 5:27 AM PDT

Admit it, you secretly loved Rayanne Graff's quirky, nouveau-hippie threads on "My So-Called Life." She was the fun, free-spirited Laverne to misery chick Angela Chase's Shirley, and her offbeat layers (plaid shirts over tank tops) and wild, streaked hair are the epitome of grunge-era style. But how do you make Rayanne's look modern and chic? To the rescue comes our style expert Brian with some tips on updating Rayanne's quirky look. Brian says: It's true, from distressed jeans to slouchy, oversize blazers, designers are partying like it's 1994. The key to pulling of the look in 2009 is picking pieces that are vaguely reminiscent of the era without being too costume-y. You'll also want to mix them in with items that feel "now" to keep the look current. This paisley blouse by Candie's has modern feminine touches (ruffles, a smocked hem) that totally update the retro print. Plus, the rich brown color feels current. Today's version of Rayanne's tight acid-wash denim is a pair of dark rinse skinny jeans. I love this pair by McQ. Completely unadorned, they'll mix perfectly with anything in your closet. Keep your Docs for posterity's sake, but slip into a pair of slouchy ankle boots like these by Deena & Ozzy. Studded detailing on the harness strap give them a rock and roll feel. The '90s were all about mixing the formal with the casual (prom dresses with sneakers, anyone?), so top off this look with a pair of elegant drop earrings like these by Pade Vavra. Click on over to our friends at Lemondrop for more!

Tags : style flashback , style , skinny jeans , my so-called life , blouse

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Anna Sui

Lisanne Silverman on Sep 21, 2009 10:19 AM PDT

Anna Sui has definitely kept herself busy this season, between her much anticipated Gossip Girl-themed Target collaboration and the stunningly rich circus-themed Spring 2010 collection she debuted just days ago at New York Fashion Week. Preppy separates like cable knit sweaters, pleated skirts, and coordinating jackets were given a playful spin with Peter Pan-collared tops, vividly printed silk shirts, and the most whimsical patchwork jacket imaginable. A steady stream of purple and grey looks gave way to splashes of pink, green, and orange for some eye-brightening variety. Patterns appeared to be haphazardly layered together at first, but with a more careful perusal, the mixing and matching produced an end result that was actually quite seamless- in some cases, it was difficult to see where one piece ended and another began! Purely intriguing, I tell you. My favorite look was the printed shorts and tie-neck blue peeking out from a marching band-inspired vest- and who could forget the sequined mask (worn as a headband- kind of brilliant, right?) on the always adorable Sasha Pivovarova? Click on my slideshow for more from Anna Sui at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

Trends: pleated skirts, printed shorts, tie-neck blouses, florals, mixed prints
Celebs: Peaches Geldof, Patrick Demarchelier, Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : anna sui , blouse , circus , fashion

Reel to Real: Diane Keaton in "Annie Hall"

Adriana Nova on May 5, 2009 4:24 PM PDT

Is there anything more quintessentially New York chic than Diane Keaton's wardrobe in Woody Allen's classic ode to love, "Annie Hall?" Trailblazing and iconic, Annie Hall's style was boyfriend before there was boyfriend: mannish trousers, waistcoats, tailored blouses, bowler hats, wingtip oxfords, and oversize blazers created a look that was part English country gentleman, part West Village bohemian. Even more fashion-forward? The look was pretty much Diane Keaton's own creation. According to movie lore, the film's costumer, Nancy McArdle, was at best dubious about how Keaton's look would appeal to moviegoers but at Woody Allen's vehement insistence, Diane's quirky, personal fashion sense was allowed to remain and become Annie's own. McArdle worked closely with another fashion icon, Ralph Lauren, to design the costumes, including Annie's signature polka-dot tie. Thus, fashion inspiration for the ages was born. Annie Hall's continued influence on fashion is seen in many places today, from the trendsetting looks sported by Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss, and Mary-Kate Olsen, to collections by designers such as Marc Jacobs and Boy by Band of Outsiders. Click the slideshow for a look at how you can channel the best of Annie's looks in today's fashion terms.

Tags : william rast , trend , style , robert rodriquez , blouse

Vintage Fashionistas Are Tickled Pink!

Mary Kincaid on Mar 10, 2009 5:21 AM PDT

Ah, pink! It's a color associated with Mattel's Barbies, Mary Kay's cadillacs and little girls everywhere. But did you know that between the 1920s and 1940s, it was blue that was considered dainty and delicate and appropriate for girls and that pink was considered to be the more masculine color appropriate for boys! Sometime in the 1940s, societal norms shifted and now pink is back and bigger than ever! Neiman Marcus called pink one of this season's Top Trends so we can expect to see big and little girls alike strutting their stuff in cerise, fuchsia, magenta, and flamingo shades. And these powerful pink colors have a way of saying "Yes, I'm feminine but I also mean business!" So click the slideshow for some fab vintage finds that will tickle you pink!

Tags : vintage , purse , pink , neiman marcus , blouse

Stylehive's Stylescopes Show You How To Save In Style!

Alex Gambardella on Jan 26, 2009 3:21 PM PST

No matter what sign you are or what the stars have in store for you this week, being stylish doesn't have to leave you bankrupt! Times may be tough, but just because money might be tight doesn't mean your clothing options have to be! This week, whether you have a big project at work with a promotion on the line, a night out with friends but little room for splurging, or need a debt-free way to look stunning on a date, Stylehive's Stylescopes are here to let you know what you may be faced with this week, along with the affordable must-have item to match! Geminis will get to shop for that one multipurpose item they can't live without, Cancers will see how a professional-chic look will help get them the recognition they deserve at work, and Virgos are destined to have a cozy night in with the gal pals! Check the slideshow for your sign and see how you can dress for less this week!

Tags : shibuya mon amour , vest , tweed , tunic , blouse