Jill Stuart

Top 10 Fabulous Bustier Dresses That Mix Structure With Sexiness

Alex Gambardella on Nov 6, 2009 10:19 AM PST

I don't care what my credit card statement reads -- I say it's never too early to pick out the perfect New Year's Eve dress (unless you plan to really let yourself go at the dinner table this holiday season -- yikes)! What I'm really loving for the cocktail party season ahead is bustier dresses -- a little reminiscent of Madonna's "Like A Virgin" days (in a cool way, of course), yet updated with more subtle hidden boning, chiffon layers, and fun florals and lace. Bustiers juxtapose conservative structure with a snug fit that without revealing too much, yet unlike an old-fashioned corset, you can actually breathe. Blur the lines between girly and edgy with this studded belt bustier from Forever 21, or go full-on flirty with this floaty strapless sheath by Donna Morgan. Browse through the slideshow for a selection of my favorite 10 bustier dresses!

Tags : structured , strapless dresses , strapless dress , strapless , jill stuart

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Jill Stuart

Sabrina Newman on Sep 17, 2009 4:23 PM PDT

For her Spring 2010 runway show at New York Fashion Week, Jill Stuart presented a futuristic collection that also paid homage to the bold spirit of the '80s. This collection had a very strong borrowed-from-the-boudoir theme- sheer fabrics and panels, corsets, lace, and dresses so short they looked like lingerie all added to the va va voom vibe. It wasn't all about the vamps and vixens though- there were plenty of softly draped white dresses that were definitely on the more wearable end of the spectrum. However, these too were sexed up with killer lace-up boots that looked like corsets for your feet. This collection was marked by micro-minis (like seriously micro), second skin pants, strong shoulders, sequins, metallics, and oversized studs, all of which added to the sexy, edgy, rocker vibe. My wishlist included a black shimmery backless halter, a studded strapless dress, a metallic draped micro-mini, and a pink zebra striped sequined dress that seriously caused my jaw to hit the floor. Click on my slideshow to see more!

Colors: black, white, pink, blue
Celebs: Rachel Bilson, Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Amanda Bynes, Shenae Grimes, Nigel Barker

Tags : shenae grimes , rachel bilson , nigel barker , nicky hilton , jill stuart

Go From A Museum Tour To Suntanning At The Beach In A Pinch

Anna Yu on May 11, 2009 10:20 AM PDT

Quite often, you'll find me lamenting the fact that we never have enough hours in the day. There seems to be so little time for everything we need to do that we're multi-tasking at every moment. From watching tv, reading the latest blogs, and catching up with a friend on the phone all at the same time, it can get hectic. If that sounds like you, then you've probably had moments where you needed your clothes to multi-task too! Consider this possible scenario: you're heading to a museum for a fun day of art and culture and you also have a beach party to go to later in the afternoon. Of course, you don't have the time to go home and change in between. What's a girl to do? All you need is a wrap dress, a boyfriend blazer, and other simple items! With the right outfit, adding and subtracting jewelry and other accessories, you can fit right in at the museum yet still look beach appropriate later. Check out my slideshow to see how it's done!

Tags : wrap dress , sunglasses , style , scarf , jill stuart

From The Barre To The Street: Ballet-Inspired Style

Lisanne Silverman on Mar 20, 2009 1:24 PM PDT

One of my first kiddie memories is being plunked down in a sea of fidgety, tutu-clad three-year-olds, also known as toddler ballet class. I promptly wailed and broke for the studio doors (but not before demanding a gold star sticker... I didn't get dressed up for nothing). Twenty years later I can count the number of ballet classes I've taken on a single hand, but I must say there's something so inherently chic and graceful in wearing tights and ballerina flats. What's more, the typical color palette associated with ballet is to die for- dusty pinks, heather greys, nude tones, and basic blacks look their best on drapey chiffon, mesh, and lace fabrics. Try pairing a wispy pink dress with a leather jacket or killer heels to toughen up the look a bit, or try a pair of embellished flats- a studded pair should do the trick. A wrap sweater is the simplest way to add ballet-inspired style to your look and pairs wonderfully with more structured bottoms, and you definitely don't need to know your plies from your pirouettes in order to fall in love with this frilly cross-back dress by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. Click the slideshow for more of my favorite ballet-inspired looks, and if you want more inspiration, may I suggest Center Stage.

Tags : alexander wang , american apparel , ballerina , ballet , jill stuart

New York Fashion Week Runway: Jill Stuart Mixes Glamour And Goth

Sabrina Newman on Feb 21, 2009 8:17 AM PST

I will be dreaming about and longing for just about everything seen on the runway at the Jill Stuart Fall/Winter 2009 presentation until they hit the racks because the entire collection was THAT amazing. The inspiration behind this latest line was iconic women of music and as such, the looks were sexy, fierce, and totally cutting edge. In stark contrast to last season's soft, ballerina-esque styles, this collection had an over-arching gothic feel to it, but in a way that was super sexy, not scary. Black was the dominant shade with gorgeous silk dresses, sexy skinny leather pants, beaded frocks, sheer tops and much more presented in this timeless color. On the other side of the coin, this collection stayed true to the soft, ethereal aesthetic Jill Stuart is known for with flirty styles made from delicate fabrics in soft shades of ivory and white. However, these softer styles were not exempt from the rock-star influence and were toughened up with bondage-like shoes and don't-mess boots. Whether you want to go naughty and dark or feminine and light, this collection definitely has you covered.

Color Palette: black, ivory, white
Trends: fancy fedoras, velvet, knee highs, voluminous ruffles, micro minis, rosary beads
Celebs: Paris and Nicky Hilton, Amanda Bynes, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jessica Stroup, Kristen Bell, Adrianne Palicki

Tags : new york fashion week , jill stuart fall 2009 , jill stuart , fashion week

Chic Clutches For All Of Your Holiday Parties!

Kristin on Dec 5, 2008 12:18 PM PST

When you hit all the parties sure to be dotting your schedule this holiday season, don't forget that perfect clutch to carry all your essentials. Whether you're going to an office party or enjoying a night out with friends, a clutch is always a sophisticated and charming choice. This season, choose between patent leather or textured black, metallics, brights, and jewel tones. Some come with a strap, like this purple satin Jill Stuart bag, so you can tuck it under your arm and have your hands free. Others come with a little wristlet strap, like this metal mesh Felix Ray clutch. And if you're the fidgety type, a classic shape like this silver Lauren Merkin will give you something to do with your hands. No matter what, a clutch is the best complement to that party dress and might even steal the show! Check out the SLIDESHOW for some great picks from the Hive!

Tags : purses , purse , party clutch , party , jill stuart