Draping

CollegeCandy Wishlist: ASOS Draped Dress

Alex Gambardella on Nov 13, 2009 5:18 AM PST

When you're on a budget, you can't spend your money on just anything. You need items that are versatile, timeless and just plain pretty. And this beautiful dress from ASOS is all that and more. It is short, yet it reveals just enough skin with its strapless design for hitting those clubs on Saturday night. Put on some sexy, strappy heels and you are ready to conquer the dance floor. When the party's over, work this dress in a different way. Got a holiday party coming up? Slip it on with a pair of pumps and clutch. A nice family dinner to attend? Put a blazer over the top and you'r good to go. Wanna rock it out? Add a leather jacket, tights and a pair of ankle boots. Unlike most mini dresses, this ASOS design is anything but typical. I really love the contrast created by the light drape, especially the way it crosses the bust to the waistline and then back over again on the bottom. With this dress in your closet you'll have the solution to every wardrobe dilemma. Whether it's a birthday party or a wedding, this dress is the answer! Check out CollegeCandy for other holiday season wardrobe staples!

Tags : style , strappy , strapless dresses , strapless dress , draping

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Ports 1961

Sabrina Newman on Sep 14, 2009 3:17 PM PDT

For the Spring 2010 Ports 1961 collection, designer Tia Cibani found inspiration in the beauty of nature and as such, she presented an absolutely breathtaking collection. The color palette was mostly muted and comprised of soft airy shades, with the occasional pop of color thrown in, like the standout cherry organza layered sheath. To keep things on the clean and minimal side, embellishments were kept discreet, instead focusing heavily on construction and silhouette over anything else. Some of the pieces were very voluminous but in a way that was still wearable and not too overwhelming, while others were cinched at the waist for a sexier, more defined silhouette. The draping, tucking, and folding were so incredible, even someone with no knowledge of fashion whatsoever would be awed. Some of my absolute favorites included the talc marble wrap dress, a brushstroke silk satin sheath dress with a draped back (definitely a versatile piece which can be worn with a blazer for day and sexy shoes and lots of accessories for night),, and a muted tank dres that was so simple yet stunning. From the bustier cocktail frocks to the organza blazers to the draped skirts, each and every single piece in this collection was simply phenomenal. Flip through the slideshow to see some of the pieces in action.

Color Palette: Soft pink, cherry, neutrals, silver, peach
Celeb Sightings: Ivanka Trump
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : wrap dress , tia cibani , spring summer 2010 , ports 1961 spring 2010 , draping

Megan Fox, Kendra Wilkinson, And Aubrey O'Day: Since When ...

Alex Gambardella on Jun 27, 2009 9:18 AM PDT

Even if you have no interest in "Transformers" (or Shia LaBeouf, for that matter), the general premise is a no-brainer: cars turn into giant destructive robots... and chaos ensues. But did you know that common household linens also transform into dresses? I didn't either, but apparently at the summer blockbuster's Los Angeles premiere, Hollywood starlets were convinced that sheets and curtains could suitably convert into red carpet ensembles. While I'm sure "Grecian goddess" is what she was going for, Megan Fox didn't exactly live up to her "sexiest woman in the world" rep in her white sack robe. Similarly, Aubrey O'Day looked uncharacteristically covered up and almost classy... but did she have to resort to wearing a pillowcase? And we know it can be tough to pick out clothes when you're preggers, but wearing a curtain is never the answer, Kendra Wilkinson! It's a common expression to say that some of the world's A-list actresses are so beautiful they could make even a paper bag look good, but apparently that sentiment doesn't quite carry over to drapery. Vote below on who you think looks the sloppiest in their sheet-like sheath. Photo Credit: PR Photos

Tags : transformers , shia labeouf , red carpet style , red carpet photos , draping

How To Make A Top From Your Dad's Old Silk Ties

Alex Gambardella on May 7, 2009 2:18 PM PDT

Jennifer Stern is a contributor at CraftStylish, a site dedicated to do-it-yourself art and design projects. Below she shares how you can turn Dad's old duds into a flowy new top for yourself!

I have a pile of old ties that my dad cast off to me-- it turned out to be a treasure trove of silk fabric! I decided to embark on a design adventure; I wanted to make something out of them that didn't have the "this was made from men's silk ties" look. I took advantage of the fact that neckties are cut on the bias and used them to make a top with a little flutter. After choosing seven or eight ties from the pile, I took them apart. Then I draped them on my dress form. As I played with them, I ended up using two ties over each shoulder, joining them in the center front and back. This created a graceful V-neck. The ties closest to the shoulders created a fluttery cap sleeve. I joined the front and back with a tie on each side, finishing the armholes at the same time! After I finished draping and sewing, I stood back to evaluate the design-- it looked like a top that was made from ties! The telltale prints and colors combined with the pointed tips at the hem were a dead giveaway. I have to admit, it was pretty interesting with the ready-made "handkerchief" hem, but keeping with my original goal, I chopped off the points at the ends of the ties to straighten out the hem. With the weight of the lined points gone, the result was a graceful draping top...I love it!

Head over to the CraftStylish blog for the step-by-step instructions on how to make your own top, along with tons of other stylish how-tos!

Tags : top , ties , tie , silk , draping

Channel A Part-Time Greek Goddess In A Draped Skirt

Lisanne Silverman on Apr 9, 2009 5:18 AM PDT

The Grecian trend is wonderful. Pieces that borrow from this look are so dignified without being over done. The folds of the fabric and the long, luscious styles - particularly evident in goddess dresses - create a floating, ethereal look. And the styles can range from somewhat casual to elegant and more formal. One of the best ways to incorporate this Grecian detailing into an outfit - without making a major trend commitment - is to utilize one of the strong suits of this style: draping. Even a draped skirt is a good place to start. You may not look quite like you could walk out of the heavens on a cloud but hey - even a goddess needs a break! These skirts tend to be somewhat high waisted and look best with a structured top that's easily tucked in. Consider wearing it with a frilly blouse or even a fitted t-shirt. This look is much more low maintenance than an all-out Grecian-inspired ensemble, but it still easily rises to the occasion! See more on this trend and many others at TheFind.

Tags : trends , skirt , greek , grecian style , draping

Tap Into Your Creative Side With An Artsy DIY Vacation To France!

DIY thing on Mar 5, 2009 7:35 AM PST

Looking for a new travel adventure? Try a trip to France and develop a new do-it-yourself (DIY) skill! Learn to make beautiful polymer clay jewelry with artist Sarah Shriver in her Colors & Patterns of France workshop. Class size is limited so you will have individual attention. Or, if you are a sewing enthusiast, sign up for the Paris Couture Tour with Susan Khalje (you can even see some of Susan's couture techniques in the new issue of Threads Magazine)! You will get a "behind the scenes" look at couture selling. Spend time in the archives of France's most historic fabric house, attend private lectures at Paris' "premiere vintage clothing resource," experience hands-on instruction at Lesage, the legendary French embroidery house and experience a draping session with couture master, Julien Cristofoli. So what are you waiting for? Your inner DIY is calling - start planning your dream trip to France! Also, don't forget to check out the slideshow for some examples of claymaster Sarah Shriver's handmade jewelry pieces!

Tags : vacation idea , vacation , travel ideas , travel idea , draping