Tantalizing Trend #2: Leather

Channel your inner biker babe this fall by sneaking a few pieces of leather into your wardrobe. Leather pants, jackets, and even dresses, are popping up in a variety of stores. For those animal lovers, there is even a variety of very well executed faux leather - not to be confused with the not so fondly named, pleather. Express clothing has aptly named their line of faux leather: (minus the) leather.

Whatever your preference is, there is something available for everyone's taste. For the less adventurous, work a leather pencil skirt, worn leather jacket, or knit and leather sweater into your wardrobe.

Take leather to the next level by donning a metallic leather mini, or a leather jacket complete with studs, zippers and chains. Experiment with mixing different textures and elements to create a truly interesting ensemble that is sure to turn a few heads.

Top Row: byCORP mini skirt, Victoria Secret pants
Middle Row: Guess Jacket, Rojas Skirt, Hue Legging
Bottom Row: Rag & Bone Dress, DVF Knit Jacket

Anna Sui and Gossip Girl

Tomorrow marks the launch of Anna Sui's newest Gossip Girl-inspired line in collaboration with Target. In total there are 19 looks in the collection - all inspired by one of the four leading ladies in Gossip Girl: Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa.

BLAIR

The daughter of a successful fashion designer, Blair Waldorf is a classic Upper East Sider. She is a romantic at heart and idealizes classic women such as Audrey Hepburn. She always steps out in style, in a well planned out, perfectly pressed ensemble. Emulate her style with classic, romantic pieces in luxurious fabrics.

SERENA

Serena van der Woodsen is the girl who's effortless style leaves her looking fashionable, undeniably sexy, yet still understated. Contrary to Blair's perfectly planned outfits, Serena looks as if she puts very little thought into her clothing, yet still manages to look fabulous at all times. Capture her style with eclectic pieces that are mixed with some classic elements.

JENNY

Young Jenny Humphrey is an aspiring fashion designer, who, unlike Blair and Serena, must use creativity, instead of money when dressing. Although Jenny is still coming into her own, she mixes young, girls pieces with contrasting rough clothing to give her look a rocker edge. Follow in her footsteps with flowing dresses, paired with leather boots are a leather jacket.

VANESSA

Vanessa Abrams finds herself un-willingly thrown into the lives of the others. Friends with Dan Humphry (Jennys brother and Serena's ex-boyfriend), Vanessa is an aspiring artist who has her own unique style. Fashion is probably not at the top of Vanessa's list of importance, so she tends to stick with earth tones and mixing feminine pieces with casual menswear.


This launch comes just in time for the season premier of season 3 of Gossip Girl; which is Monday, September 14 at 8/9c. I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the premier, and to see what happens now that Blair and Serena have finally graduated.

If you are like me, you may be hesitant to watch a TV show that is based around New York's teenage prep-school kids. However, I highly recommend you pick up Season 1; chances are you will find yourself addicted by the end of scene 1. Gossip Girl is also an excellent source of fashion eye candy, and four very diverse styles.

Tantalizing Trend #1: SEQUINS!

Oh how I adore sequins! For Fall, luster, shine and glitz are on the menu, and sequins are the main course. Dazzling the runways, sequins show up on everything from shoes to coats and everything in-between.

Clockwise from top left: Topshop Skirt, Marc Jacobs Purse, Dolce and Gabbana Pump, Marciano Skirt, Trina Turk Cardigan, Paul and Joe Dress, Alice and Olivia Legging, Foley and Corinna Blouse

If you fit into the more conservative sector, a sequin embellished cardigan or sparsely sequined top may be the best fit for you. Accessories also offer up and quick, easy a less over-the-top way to work this trend into an everyday wardrobe.

For those with a little more gusto, slip into a full sequin dress for evening, or even a sequin skirt for day. Dress it down with a casual tee or chunky knit sweater for a simple, thrown together kind of look.

Now, the all out fashionista will find even more excitement in sequins this season. I for one am dieing to snatch up a pair of black sequin leggings! The options are endless with the bountiful sequin options, and I am quite afraid that by the end of this season, my closet may begin to look a bit like a costume room for cirque-du-soleil: but I have to admit that I am okay with that.

A general rule with this sparkling trend is to approach with care. If unsure how to wear it right, stick with black or metallic sequins, and not brightly colored rainbow ones. This will keep your look chic and sophisticated, instead of product of the 80's. Finally, remember to experiment with adding a variety of textures such as velvet, leather and wool to your ensemble.

Sequins, Leather and Boots, Oh My!

For the first time in quite a while, I am completely in love with the seasons trends. Heavily inspired by the 80's, Fall/Winter 09 trends are all about textures and detailing.

Shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in fashion in a long time, this season has a wide variety of trends making their way to the runway. From skinny pants, to trouser style, to 40's inspired, to 80's harlequin pants - there is something for everyone this season. It is all about playing with fashion, mixing prints, patterns and textures, and making a bold statement with clothing.

Below are some of the top trends for Fall, which I will expand upon as the season continues to progress. As with any trend, mix these in with the current classic pieces in your wardrobe to keep your ensemble from looking like a costume.

1. Sequins! A fantastic way to add some glitz and glamour to any wardrobe, expect to see sequins everywhere for Fall.

2. Leather - After spending much of last Fall searching for the perfect pair of leather pants, I am so glad to see that leather is at the fore-front of fashion this season.

3. Boots - Ankle boots, knee boots, and my favorite, thigh-high boots are the shoe of choice this season.

4. Boyfriend Wear - Last Fall we saw the boyfriend cardigan, Spring brought the boyfriend blazer, and now we include the boyfriend jean to round out the list of fashionable boyfriend wear.

5. One Shoulder - Exposed shoulders were all over the runway, and they are a great way to add some sex appeal to an understated outfit.

6. Strong Shoulders - Blazers, shirts and dresses are showing more than your average shoulder pads, a fall back to the 80's, shoulders are getting wider this season.

7. Ruffles - Back for another season, ruffles are making their way into bags, shoes and coats for Fall.

8. Jumpsuits - A controversial trend, I'll let you in on some chic jumpsuits that you're sure to fall in love with.

9. Detailed Tights - Textures, embellishment and colors give tights a make-over this season, and add instant pizazz to the plainest of outfits.

10. Velvet - An ultra luxurious fabric, velvet adds another texture to the list this Fall.

11. Fur - Fur vests, jackets and detailing were all over Fall runways. Protect the animals and opt for faux fur instead of the real deal.

12. Statement Coats - Coats aren't just for keeping warm - use them to make a statement with shapes and detailing.

Oh Blog, How I Have Missed You

I have a confession. . .I have been a bad blogger. I let my poor little blog fall to the wayside, while focusing on a larger project.

In May I took a position as the Fashion Editor for EF Magazine, an online Atlanta based fashion magazine. Not only was the magazine Atlanta based, but it had a strictly Atlanta focus. Every person, boutique and designer featured in the magazine was local to Atlanta, which was a nice change from the many Atlanta fashion magazines who lack the strict Atlanta focus.



With a team consisting of a wonderful editor, bookings editor, and graphic coordinator - we were able to grow the magazine to over 100 pages of fabulous-ness. Unfortunately, the magazine industry is currently an unsteady one, and the owners put the project on hold for now.

Having just wrapped up the September issue, I am now moving on to more exciting endeavors, and will keep you all updated as I go.

In the meantime, I am back to my blog in full force, and could not possibly be more excited about the upcoming season of flashy fall fashion!

SEEING RED. . . .SOLES

Shoes Pictured from Saks, Neiman Marcus or Net-a-Porter

There is nothing like fabulous shoes to get me motivated and cure my writers block. . .especially when those fabulous shoes happen to from Christian Louboutin!

Since opening his first boutique in Paris in 1992, Christian Louboutin has flown to the top as one of the most coveted shoe designers of the century! His signature red soles are the epitome of style and wealth. The red sole itself came about as a "happy accident", Louboutin explains.

"I did not really choose the red sole. It’s more like the red sole came to me and had to stay with me. It started as a happy accident, which I kept. I was very inspired by pop art so all my drawings were really full of colors. So the first prototype arrives. It’s very very very very similar to my designs so I was very happy. But something was missing. Thank God I had this girl with me who was painting her nails. Grabbed her nailpolish… thank you to Chanel for that! (laughs)… I grabbed the nailpolish and I painted the sole. I started immediately in my shop to have the red sole the same season."

Thank goodness for that "accident", it is the red sole that has helped sky rocket the Louboutin brand and make his shoes so easily recognizable. Unfortunately. . .the red sole comes with quite the lofty price tag of $500 to more than $1000 a pair!

Guess what? TOMORROW Gilt Groupe is having a Christian Louboutin sale!!! This is nearly unheard of. . .I have scoured ebay as well as clearance sales at Saks, and it is nearly impossible to find a decent Louboutin for less than $250! Based off the wonderful pricing on past Gilt sales, I fully expect most shoes at the sale to be priced at less than the $250 mark!

Follow the below link to sign up with Gilt Groupe!

http://www.gilt.com/invite/lprattes

TIP: Louboutin's tend to run atleast a half size to full size small. . .so if you are typically a 7, order a 37.5 or 38!

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Louboutin myself when he came to Atlanta for an event at Jeffrey's this past October. He signed the bottom of my coveted Louboutin's that I bought in Paris 4 years ago at his flagship store! On my shoe he wrote: "Pour Lauryn, Devine. Louboutin"

I spoke with him in French for a few minutes, and just by that brief meeting I can tell what a kind and friendly man he is. I, along with my shoes, was featured in The Atlantan as well as Atlanta Peach Magazines. It was an experience that I will never forget!

GO GREEN FOR ST. PATTY'S DAY!

Eco-friendly clothing: the first word that comes to mind is burlap sack. However, eco-friendly clothing has come a long way. Eco-friendly fashion designers now produce stylish, fashion forward clothing lines that look the same as any other clothing.

What exactly does eco-friendly mean? Eco-friendly means that the clothing is made with organic materials that can be replenished as quickly as they are depleted.

We all need to do our part to help our environment. So when buying basics, such as tee's and tanks, why not buy an eco-friendly version? As you can see though, eco-friendly clothing can be super chic as well!

There are a variety of websites to buy eco-chic clothing. A few of my favorites are:

• Verdessence
• Embodies
• Nimli
  

All Things Green!

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner I have one thing on my mind - the color green! Typically when I'm trying to find something green for St. Patty's day I have such a hard time, but not this year. I found a variety of fabulous green items that range in price as well as style.

So what does this influx of green mean? It means that green isn't just for St. Patrick's day anymore. Green is definitely a hot color for spring this year, and I love the cheerful addition that it adds to an outfit.

Check out all the great options below!

1. Banana Republic Top 2. Anthropologie Belt 3. Tory Burch Sandals 4. Express Skirt and Top 5. Single Dress 6. Newport News Coat 7. Urban Outfitters Skirt 8. Tracy Reese Dress 9. Karen Kane Shirt 10. Old Navy Cardigan

So, when wearing green what can you match with it??

Green pairs really well with yellow. You can also pair green with navy, white, black or any other neutral shade.

If you are wearing a green skirt look for a shirt with a pattern in it that also pulls in some green. Look for a shirt with a larger pattern that includes white which will not overwhelm the skirt.

Wearing a green top? White shorts, pants or a skirt look FABULOUS with this! You could also pair it with jeans, or black.

When it comes to shoes I am a huge fan of a nude shoe when wearing a bright color like green. A nude pump or sandal will also help make your legs look longer and leaner!

Swimsuits for YOUR Body!

Well girls. . .it's official. . .swimsuit season is quickly approaching. The sudden influx of people at the gym certainly gives that away! The hunt is on for the perfect swimsuit this season, and I have compiled some guidelines for choosing the best swimsuit for your body type!

All of the suits below are from Victoria's Secret. Not only do they have one of the largest collections of swimwear, but I love how easy it is to mix and match tops and bottoms, and how most bottoms come in a variety of cuts. This makes it extra simple to find the best suit for YOUR own body. Another perk of buying top and bottom separately is sizing. Most of us aren't perfectly proportioned, which means we might wear a different size top than we would bottoms!

Large Chest

For those whose chest is on the large side, finding an appropriate swimsuit can be a problem. Both of the above swimsuits are great, and stylish options for women who have a large chest.

The black swimsuit to the left is a great option for those who need a lot of support. The cups have an underwire as well as removable padding, making the suit fit more like a bra than a swimsuit. Note that the halter is thick, instead of a thin string. This gives more support, and is more comfortable than having a thin string cutting into your neck and shoulders.

The suit on the right also lends support. Note the thick band below the cups. . .this helps keep the suit in place, give you support and keep the girls locked and loaded. If you want a triangle style suit, look for styles like this one that have that band under the chest, this will also help prevent "under boobage" from peaking out the bottom!

Small Chest

A small chest is one of the easiest problems to fix when looking at swimsuits. The Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra Suit collections makes it even easier. The suit on the left is part of this collection, and includes padding to help the girls out. Adding a pattern to the chest helps emphasize it as well.

Another perk of a small chest is the ability to wear a bandeau top! Because people with a small chest don't need extra support, a bandeau top works perfectly without falling down!

Another way to make a small chest appear larger is ruffles. Victoria's Secret has several suits with ruffles on the top. This is an easy trick to add size to your chest!

Wide Hips/Big Booty

A Pear Shape is one of the most common shapes of women. . .and one of the most common complaints. Well, you can't change your shape, but you can use these tips to help take the focus off of your lower half.

Both suits have something in common: attention grabbing tops. The suit on the left pairs a solid bottom with a detailed top. This brings the attention away from your hips and up towards your face. Likewise, the suit on the right has a pattern on the bottom, but the sequined top still draws the eye upwards. Almost any suit at Victoria's Secret can be mixed to work like this. Just find a top you like, and then check out the solid bottom options in a matching or contrasting color!

Another great thing about both suits is the tie bottoms. Suits without tie bottoms tend to be a problem for pear shaped women as they usually cut into your sides. When selecting tie bottoms make sure that they offer full front and back coverage. Nothing makes your hips look wider than a small front portion and a foot of tie wrapping around your sides. Note how on both these suits the front panel extends all the way to the hips.

Stomach

The absolute BEST way to hide a tummy is to wear a one piece or a tankini. The good news is that both of these have come a LONG way over the years, and now are not only trendy, but really cute! Look for detailing around the bust and hips to draw the eye away from the stomach.

If you really are set on wearing a bikini, look for bottoms that are a little higher cut. This doesn't mean mom bottoms, but just avoid a scoop bottom.

Petite or Strait Figure

If you are petite look for swimsuits that don't cover you up or overwhelm your small size. Go for smaller patterns as opposed to large patterns.

For strait figures the suit on the left is perfect! The ruffles on the top and around the hips help to add curves and give you a more hourglass figure. Look for detailing like this that will help add some shape to your strait figure.

Everyone

1. Buy your size: All too often I see women wearing swimsuits that are a size too small! Just go one size up to avoid muffin top, and other bulging that isn't flattering.

2. Try on, try on, try on: There are SO many different styles out there that you have to try on different things to see what will work best for you.

3. Mix and Match: We are all built differently. Mix and match different tops and bottoms to find the fit that works best for your body. Small chest, big hips? Go for a ruffled, print top and match with solid, tie bottoms!

Rants and Raves!

Last night I went to the Fox Theater in Atlanta to see my wonderful cousin, Colt Prattes, perform in A Chorus Line National Tour! The show was fantastic, and Colt was amazing! He plays the part of Al, a Broadway dancer auditioning for a part in. . .the chorus line!

Middle Row, Left Headshot: Colt Prattes
Bottom Row, Rt Headshot: Hollie Howard

A 2 hour show with no intermission, the show is very different than other musicals. The cast spends 90% of the show in a call line at an audition while the director goes down the line asking questions regarding each characters backgrounds. The audience hears the stories of each character, and why they decided to be a dancer. The show covers topics from homosexuality to gonorrhea to tits and ass. This is one show you don't want to miss!

If you are in Atlanta be sure to get tickets for the show, they will be at the Fox Theater through Sunday, and then they are off to Washington, DC. If you aren't in Atlanta check out their website for shows in a city near you!

Look like a Celebrity, for less!

The Oscars were just over a week ago, and already designers have come out with cheaper versions of the gowns celebrities wore on the Red Carpet. Typically these gowns are called "Celebrity Inspired". . .but I have to say, there is nothing inspired about these. . .they look IDENTICAL to the real deal.

Most of the gowns worn by celebrities on the Red Carpet retail somewhere between $10,000 to upwards of $150,000 (Penelope Cruz's vintage Balmain)!!!! Edress Me has these celebrity look-a-like gowns that will cost you only $200 to $400! I am blown away by Edress Me's version of Eva Longoria Parker's red Reem Acra for the Golden Globes. They also have a more body friendly version of Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa gown she wore for the Golden Globes as well!