BRIGHTEN up your day with a little COLOR!!!

It's everywhere this season and after a long and dreary winter nothing could make me happier than adding some COLOR to my wardrobe!  I'm not talking pastels but with color this season brighter is better. Whether it is a smidge in the form of a handbag or head to toe brights, color is key this season and for the first time in a long time is a trend all on its own!

The assortments are so vast this season and color is everywhere but how to do it right? Keep these things in mind and you can successfully BRIGHTEN up your day with a little (or a lot of...) COLOR!!!

1. Head to toe?  There are no rules against wearing a great bright colored top with a different colored bottom. It is just about doing it right.  Pair a lighter bright blue skirt with a tucked in loose fitting orange colored tunic but neutralize your accessories! Go for nude colored patent pumps and a light beige skinny belt.  When going bright head to toe keep your accessories toned down!
2. Add some color to your work day! Is your work wear 99.9% black and grey?  Brighten up your wardrobe (and day) by pairing black trousers with some bright deep blue or purple pumps or substitute your normal day bag with a red clutch or handbag.
3. Be confident! You will definitely stand out in a crowd in color but embrace it and be comfortable.  Bringing some color into your wardrobe will boost your mood and therefore your confidence!

Here are some of my most favorite colorful finds out there now for $90 and under!  

Top Shop Red Pleat Frill Dress $90

Urban Outfitters Sparkle and Fade Ponte Skirt $39

Anthropologie Boldly Brushed Peasant Top $68

Piperlime Steve Madden Russhh $90

Zara Dress w/ Pockets $39.90



Forever 21 Satin Silk Bloom Maxi Dress $24.80

From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted). All photos are used for comment only. No photos are used for commercial use.

Embrace Being a Lady This Fall...

HELLO AGAIN!!! agirl2shop4u is alive and well.  She has just been MIA in her recent move to Hong Kong (more to come on agirl2shop4u in Asia ;)) but she is back!!!

For now let's get straight to the trend for Fall that has been on my mind lately and we are seeing it from big name brands all over the world. What I like to call Ladylike and Lustful at the same time.  No more is the "dirty" casual glam rock of the highest priority on the fashion list however this season it's all about embracing being a lady.

The fashion house that embodied all that is Ladylike and Lustful in Fall 10 is Prada. A nod to the 50's and what it is to dress like a woman.  All looks that went down the runway were classic: bold silhouettes in dresses, full skirts, and just a touch of ruffle. Looks that embraced the figure of a woman while also showing just a little bit of skin. 

Prada F10 Runway Looks

Prada Display Window in Central Hong Kong

So now the question...how to apply this look to your wardrobe?  What to look for?  And...above all where to find it at the right price?

Personally in these adding pieces to my fall wardrobe I look for 2 things:
1. Dresses in bold silhouettes that accentuate the figure
2. Full A-line skirts with feminine appeal

Here are a few of my favorites anywhere between $30 and $240...

DRESSES

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Dresses with higher neckline and boat neck should be shorter in length while dresses with lower neckline should be full in the bottom and longer in length

Anthropolgie Traced Twirls Dress $158 

(Removable halter strap so you can wear it two ways!)

Nordstroms Maggy London Silk Dress $148

Urban Outfitter tba Silk Organza Evelyn Dress $240

laroux's closet Any Way It Dress $39

SKIRTS

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: A-line, A-line, A-line!  The more volume the better! Pair it with a tucked in button up woven with military inspired pockets and rolled sleeves OR with a camisole and cardigan. 

American Apparel Interlock High-Waist Skirt $34

Anthropologie Melded Gauze Skirt $128 

(Wear it anyway you want!  This skirt has bendable metal so you create the shape)

Nordstrom DKNYC Crinkled Chiffon Ruffle Skirt $89

From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure-- Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only.  No photos are used for commercial use.

All Eyes on San Francisco Designer Danielle Pettee

Danielle in her SF Studio

"Leather to me is like diamonds." The words of Danielle Pettee as we sat in her San Francisco studio late last week looking through her new line just recently shown in Charity Fashion Show, the largest fashion show on the West Coast.  I couldn't agree with her more.  For me her dresses were love at first sight not only because they are absolutely fashion forward but the detail and craftsmanship alone is why I decided I had to have one.

In this most recent collection Danielle's hand painted fabrics and leather detailing make each and every piece one of a kind.

My favorite piece from the collection and personal purchase

Incredible leather detailing

Handpainted fabrics throughout the collection

Feminine on edge detailing

The designers most recent collection and wall of INSPIRATION

For your next custom dress needs be sure to contact Danielle the Dressmaker 

From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only. No photos are used for commercial use.

Get on Trend! Put Some Shape In Your Shoulders!!!

If you are anything like me your favorite part of watching any awards show is the outfits.  Let's take the Grammys for example.  Yes Elton John and Lady Gaga's duet along with Beyonce's wild solo performance were amazing but what I LOVE most are their outfits. 

I've been experimenting alot this season with puff shoulder dresses, tops, jackets, anything I can get my hands on and couldn't help but notice what a trend this was for the big timers at the Grammys:

                   Beyonce in Giorgio Armani Prive                     

               Lady GaGa in
       Giorgio Armani Prive                                                       

                                                                                  Celine Dion in

                                                                           Aqua.Rimondi

FEAR NOT LADIES YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A CELEBRITY TO WEAR PUFF SHOULDERS!  Have some fun with your wardrobe and PUT SOME SHAPE in your shoulders!!!

Just remember since you are adding volume to the top half of your body you should try and keep the color palette below the waist as DARK and as FITTED as possible.  A strong shouldered piece DESERVES to be center of attention (as do YOU)!

Fortunately for us there are numerous options out there that won't empty your pockets!  Check out my favorites for under $200!

TIP: Add some excitement to your piece!  Buy it in a print!  My personal favorite (and of course it is from F21) is worn by my friend Ana below (looking fabulous as always...).  Pair it with a solid black legging or skinny denim for the perfect going out look...

       
F21 Leopard Print Sweater Top $33

TOPS

  Arden B. Puff Shoulder Tunic $34 

      F21 Puffy Sleeve Cardigan $20       

Top Shop Lace Blouse with Back Zip $68

bebe Super Shoulder Jersey Top $49

DVF Bea Top $185      

DRESSES

Kardashians by bebe One Shoulder Pleated Dress $129

Urban Outfitter Silence & Noise Silhouette Dress $58

                                               

                                              F21 Lace Top Dress $20

Top Shop Tuck Sleeve Dress by Rare $70

French Connection Wendy Dress $198

 From one fashion enthusiast to another don't forget everyday is a new adventure--Dress like it!

DISCLAIMER: agirl2shop4u does not claim credit for any images featured on this site (unless otherwise noted).  All photos are used for comment only.  No photos are used for commercial use.