Fashion Scene

Last week Cover Girl took over Forever 21 at Yonge and Dundas for a very colourful soiree.

It was a tizzy of excitement indicative of any make up shout out, celebrity smack down, shopping discount hoopla; full of girls in cocktail dresses spilling over each other in their three inch heels.

As Queen of celebrity smut, Lainey dished about Lindsay's latest lesbian love affair upstairs, vivacious makeup artist to the stars, Paul Venoit and leggy CNTM winner, Rebecca Hardy took centre stage downstairs to introduce Cover Girl’s bold new lines that are pure glitter glam rock fun.

After munching on some pretty frosted cupcakes, learning some cues on how to best make my eyes pop at the beach, and purchasing some obnoxiously tight short shorts, I fled out to the city street lights with a make up loot bag (the best kind) full of delicious treats to beautify my somewhat exhausted face.

And when I say delicious, I mean just that - the WetSlicks Amazemint gloss has Crest peppermint oil in it, which means you taste fresh, smell fresh and look wet. Make up and make out.

The Cover Girl Eye Enhancers shadows offer up some playful dramarama that will go perfectly with your electro mash ups, neon pumps and gold chains.

Sass it up and have some fun! After all - isn't that what summertime is all about?

by Haley Cullingham

While I am the first to agree that skintight synthetics have their time and place, bike wear and lycra went their separate ways many years ago. In an effort to stay chic and avoid flashing oncoming traffic on your way to the Bicycle Film Fest this weekend, there are a few items to fill your basket with. No one looks better than a cute girl on a bike in a sundress, but first and foremost, buy yourself a pair of SPANX, to wear under your dress and avoid en route exposure. Unlike other flats, a pair of gladiator sandals will stay snug to your feet, and they’re comfy for pedalling. If you need to cover up, wear a belted cardigan so as to avoid looking, in the words of one stylish cyclist, like a superman. Another excellent biking trick is to put some curl-activator in your hair before you leave the house, for adorable windswept helmet head. The best way to show off those toned-and-tan biker legs is a onesie, and a pair of casual long shorts like these Levi’s 501s are comfy and, in free-bike-spirit, picnic ready. And of course, no urban bike warrior is complete without a basket to carry your purse, your booze, and your friends.

by Jen and Olga
I’m the kind of girl who puts her makeup on in about five minutes. Sometimes it looks good, other times it appears as though I’m twelve years old playing with my mom’s assorted eyeliners and lipsticks. 

Having attended several fashion shows this year and seeing how flawlessly models look, I wanted to learn the process behind a full face application.  

Perhaps it may have been more practical to ask for a clean day look, but ‘practicality’ isn’t really my specialty; so instead I said, “Make me look like nightlife circa 1985”. With all the fun bright colours making quite the splash this season, what better way to experiment than to have a senior artist at MAC, Melissa Gibson, do me up like a female version of David Bowie.  

Since I was sitting in a chair with my eyes looking up, down, shut and sideways, SDTC writer Olga took down notes on how to achieve this dramatic look…  

To start things off, Melissa prepped her work surface – the plains of Jen’s face – with MAC Wipes.  These are magic.  If you’re too lazy to wash your face (like I am), these babies certainly do the trick. 

Next it was time for Studio Moisture Cream – a super silky formula that doubles as a day or night cream – and leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.   

Now that I could see my reflection on Jen’s shiny forehead, it was time for Melissa to even out her complexion with Face and Body Foundation, which she applied with a brush.  What about our trusty sponges? Melissa assured us that brushes work a lot better, and provide the following advantages over sponges: 

      * product feels lighter on skin

      * skin looks more natural

      * no streaking

      * unlike sponge, brush doesn’t soak up product

      * provides more airbrushed look 

Just remember to wash your brushes every couple of days to avoid build-up of product – and worse – bacteria.  As a side note, Melissa used the 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush, made from a blend of goat and synthetic fibres. Bahhhhh. Okay, not funny…sorry. 

Melissa was right, Jen’s skin looked dewy and radiant, and I was very jealous as I stole a couple moments to examine my own blotchy face.  In that moment, I took comfort in the fact that Jen’s skin wasn’t perfect just yet; there were still a couple more steps left to go. And so, it was time for the smallest tube that goes the longest way – Select Cover-Up, which I’ve come to swear by for the last 5 years.  It goes on smooth and you can wear it with or without foundation. 

And just like that, it was powder time!  With so many different options to choose from – sheer, pressed, loose, and mineral – its hard to pick just one. Not for Melissa. She went straight for a Blot Pressed Powder, which reduces shine without adding much colour or texture and sets foundation. 

It was now time for the best part – the eyes.  Melissa began by applying two shades of Painstick to the lid – Genuine Orange and Pink Vivid. I’ve never seen these before as they are from the MAC Pro line, and was interested to learn that they are HIGHLY pigmented, and go on with no grease or shine.  

But that was only the first step. Now it was time to really make Jen’s green eyes POP with a combination of Devil Powderblush and Bisque Matte Shadow, which Melissa liberally applied to the top lid, and used as a liner on the lower lid. 

For even more PIZZAZZ, Melissa pulled out a Bright Fuchsia Loose Shadow, and assured us that it was easy enough to work with as it adheres to skin. It can go on as sheer or intense as you like, and stays on without streaking or caking.   

To finish off the eye, Melissa applied mascara to Jen’s lashes, and Blacktrack Fluid Line along the top and bottom lashline with an angled brush. 

The rest of the make-up was kept neutral and soft.  To bring out Jen’s cheek bones Melissa used the Prism Blush – a muted rosy brown hue with matte finish.  As for the lips, she chose the most beautiful shade of lipstick called High Tea – an elegant beiged pink colour with a bit of pearl. 

Jen’s conclusive remarks: 

As predicted, this is not the ‘quick and dirty’ approach to making yourself up however – you can pull insight from some of the tips, or if you are attending a concert, Pride event, or over-the-top theme party, then go full out and have fun. 

Of course, with such dramatic eyes, it was most necessary to follow up our maquillage with a rock out photo shoot in a colourful graffiti alley.  

WORK IT, LOVE IT, DANCE IT, OWN IT!!

by Olga Barsky
What is Resort Wear? An accurate answer is hard to pin point these days. Essentially, Resort Wear a.k.a. Cruise Wear began as a smallish collection of bathing suits designed by fashion heavy hitters like Louis Vuitton and Gucci for their rich and mighty clientele. After all, they couldn’t just frolic on private beaches wearing grossly outdated summer swimsuits from the previous season.  And so, while the middle class saved their hard earned cash for family vacations in rat-infested resorts during hurricane season, the jet set crowd lost sleep over major life decisions – Prada or Chanel? 

And then, vacation destinations began to change, and Resort fashion followed.  Fabulous people were now flocking to cooler climates in search of ski hills and five star chalets.  Heavier knits were introduced, as were lounge pants, and ruffled dresses in luxurious high-maintenance fabrics.  Cruise Wear was all of the sudden ‘the shit’ and winning attention and respect of the fashion industry; it was even granted status as its very own season. 

To this day, Resort Wear remains impractical, elitist, and a little bit stupid.  At the same time, it’s an excuse to ogle at fabulous clothes that we can’t afford.  Here are some resort looks that made a splash in our panties.    

by Olga Barsky
Fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, 71, passed away late Sunday in his Paris home from a rumoured brain tumour.

More than a fashion designer, Saint Laurent was an artist and innovator whose fearless attitude and social consciousness set him apart from his peers. Among his many accomplishments, Saint Laurent democratized fashion by making prêt a porter reputable with his Rive Gauche line, and resurrected haute couture from the Sixties slump.

Most notably, the YSL brand came to personify the emerging independent woman. How exciting it must have been for Saint Laurent to shock and awe his French bourgeois customers by accosting them with leggy models rocking masculine trouser suits on the runway. Also known as Les Smoking Suits, sophisticated and comfortable, they revolutionized daywear and proved Saint Laurent's savvy in understanding the woman – body and attitude. Unlike many fashion house greats of the 20th Century – Chanel, Balenciaga, and Dior – YSL sought to reassure and modernize the woman, as opposed to branding her silly and sending off to work dressed like a cake.

A man who designed to the beat of his own drum, Saint Laurent broke many a boundary in his quest to politicize the world of fashion. The designer was among the first to use black models on the runway. "He made me proud of my colour," said supermodel and muse of the designer, Mounia in a French radio interview. What's more, Saint Laurent was the first ever living designer to be honoured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art which devoted an entire show to his work in 1983.

Yves Saint Laurent was born August 1, 1936 in Oran, in what was then French Algeria. With a portfolio full of sketches, he left home at age 17 and before long was working for French designer Christian Dior, who hired him on the spot. Following Dior's death, the 21-year-old designer took his place, saving the house from financial ruin and embarrassment. It was during his Dior era, that Saint Laurent was propelled to stardom with his first solo collection, in which he nixed girdles and other constrictive women's apparel in favour of the effortlessly simple trapeze dress.

The designer's 'trapeze line' was met with much enthusiasm and he became a darling of the fashion world almost immediately. Following his success, Saint Laurent was called to serve in the French Army during Algerian War of Independence. After serving a handful of weeks, unable to cope with the stresses, he was institutionalized and later sent home, only to learn he'd been replaced at Dior.

Taking matters into his own hands, Saint Laurent started his own label YSL in 1962, which was financed by his man friend (at the time) Pierre Berge. In addition to creating beautiful clothes, Saint Laurent also found time to get into a little bit of trouble. In 1971, the designer decided to pose in the buff, wearing only his trademark thick rimmed black reading glasses, in an ad for his perfume.

Saint Laurent remained with YSL until his retirement in 2002, at which point he frankly addressed past daemons, "I've known fear and terrible solitude…tranquilizers and drugs, those phoney friends. The prison of depression and hospitals. I've emerged from all this, dazzled but sober."

Here's what Robin Kay had to say about the designer:

"My most thrilling ensemble in the late 70s/early 80s was an Yves St. Laurent black, taffeta two-piece cocktail frock that belonged to a friend’s society mother.  This was really in the days of pre-label mania, but I loved the fact that this oh-so-elegant French designer was the stylist of the suit. I have great memories of my chic appearance wearing his clothes.

In 2002, there was a rather controversial biography created on Monsieur St. Laurent which I presented at L’Oréal Fashion Week.  It was accompanied by the director, the film and him ALL en francais.  Language barrier not with standing, it had a huge impact on our journalists.

This was a style-changing designer who's efforts in the world of fashion came at a time that re-wrote fashion history, turning a corner with women’s fashion. "Le Smoking," as the evening jacket was referred to, was headline news in North America.  It offered women the style and comfort of a men’s suit with the sexiness of a plunging décoloté.  Monsieur St. Laurent  started a true fashion revolution! Brilliant!”

Robin Kay
President, Fashion Design Council of Canada
Executive Director, L’Oréal Fashion Week

I first had the pleasure of meeting Canadian fashion designer Carrie Hayes at the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels show where she caught my eye wearing a lovely dress from her Fall collection. A week later during a spur-of-the-moment trip to Collingwood, I found Carrie’s label in Butter boutique. Shortly after that I ran into Marlene Shiff, owner of Boutique le Trou at a friend’s wedding wearing a beautiful black dress with the sexiest neckline I’ve ever seen. I asked who it was by. The answer, I should have seen it coming, CARRIE. These couldn’t have all been coincidences; the world was trying to tell me something. So I did the one thing short of hiding out in bushes outside of the budding designer’s house – I sent her an email proclaiming my newfound love for CARRIE.

A week later, I was seated in Carrie’s TFI nest alongside Ali de Bold, co-founder of girl-Mecca site ChickAdvisor. Over tea, we discussed everything from the Canadian fashion scene to Project Runway Canada winner Evan Biddell and the ridiculously intricate construction of the brassiere. (Perhaps that is why the boys have so much trouble…?)

The conversation and tea flowed freely while Ali and I became more and more enamored with Carrie Hayes. She’s intelligent, charming, a little shy, and has a spark in her eyes reminiscent of an anime character in love. Carrie’s in love also – with her craft. From selecting fabrics to dreaming up silhouettes, and rifling through magazines in search of inspiration, she loves it all. What’s most impressive, Carrie is a one woman show who has mastered both the business and creative end of her label.

It is in her office and adjoining studio where most of the magic happens. As a resident of TFI, Carrie, a grad of the International Academy of Design program, works predominantly out of the Incubator. There are many joys of working in the space, but Carrie is especially thankful for the nurturing environment and inspiring guests.

“You never know who’s going to stop by,” she exclaims excitedly. Premier Canadian designers like David Dixon are known to frequent the joint. They come by, “always when you’re tired and look your worst,” Carrie moans. One day she ran into Brian Bailey while wearing sweats; she’s still kicking herself for that one.

So how long has Carrie wanted to be a designer? She says she’s always known, and even has the evidence to prove it. To my surprise, she whips out all her sketches from grade six onward. They’re neatly organized in little black binders, and look mighty impressive. Stunned by the system, I immediately ask if Carrie’s a Virgo. My hunch is wrong – she’s a Libra, and has the indecisive streak to back it up.

Libra she may be, but Carrie is damn sure about one thing – her Spring ’08 collection. Having previously worked in dancewear, Carrie couldn’t wait to tap into that aesthetic once timing was right. Spring ‘08 proved to be that time, and her collection is heavily influenced by ballet (music to my ears). Other inspirations include modernism, Bauhaus, and post Art Deco; she’s especially loving clean lines, cut-outs, and criss-crosses. How terribly elegant it all sounds. When it comes to collections, designers must design well ahead of time in order to accommodate buyers. Carrie is currently working on Spring ’09, but it’s top secret, so we’ll have to wait and see.

So how does she do it? How does she know what people will want to wear in a year’s time? “Fashion is socio political,” Carrie affirms. As a designer, she feels it’s her job to stay atop social and political trends, and complete the puzzle. What’s more, Carrie’s interest in fashion isn’t limited to designing. One of her major goals is to educate people about designers and their benefits and value to society.

Back to the clothes - how does Carrie describe her label? Unique, beautiful, and edgy. More than words, this is her mantra, a filter which all her designs must get through in order to be realized on fabric. Is it different? Is it beautiful? While a garment may be unique, it may be hideous to look at, so Carrie makes sure that it is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also looks attractive on the body. Aand it has to be edgy. There’s no sense re-cycling what has already been done. This Carrie-esque sensibility is evident across her collection, and if given a police line-up of couture, the least discerning eye in the room could pick out a CARRIE in a heartbeat.

After many years working in the apparel industry and developing the intuition for her craft, thankfully she has no plans to depart from what has become her forte – day to evening wear. Carrie’s garments are consistently sophisticated, however she enjoys baring a tasteful amount of skin – the curve of the back or keyhole cutout neckline. This has made several buyers nervous, and she’s even gotten requests to modify her designs in favour of more coverage. It’s funny, looking at all the beautiful samples of finely crafted dresses hanging in her office, the last word I would ever use to describe them is vulgar!

Aside from her line, Carrie also teaches an 8-week long corset-making workshop. Corsets are super complicated to make, let alone to fit, and can take any where from 20 to 30 hours to complete. At the end of the course, students get to rock out in their creations for a high fashion photo shoot with professional photog. How cool is that?

You can check out more CARRIE at www.carriehayes.com

Pics courtesy of Ali de Bold

by Olga Barsky
Located in the heart of Parkdale, Made You Look has recently spawned a second location across the street. With more space comes more jewelry, and as long as you cross the street carefully, you can deck your wrists with bling instead of a snazzy white cast.

Made You Look encapsulates the jewelry of over 100 local jewelry designers who work with a wide variety of materials. There’s a little bit here for everyone as pieces range from affordable accessories du jour like lucid bangles, to one of a kind engagement rings, and out-of-the-jewelry-box creations like funky fabric broaches and plastic horse necklaces.  

What truly separates Made You Look from the rest is the concept behind the three-in-one space: store, workspace, and gallery.  Owner Sarah dreamt up this idea for a school project, and after being encouraged by classmates and faculty, decided to give it a go.  She wanted to provide a nurturing environment for Toronto jewelry makers to not only showcase and sell their pieces, but one where they could bounce ideas off one another, and have a sense of belonging. And she did. 

At any given time (the workspace is open 24/7), expect to see several jewelers working away…and you can stay and watch if you’d like. Maybe you can even talk one of them into customizing a piece just for you? How cool would that be! 

Made You Look
1338 Queen St. West
416.463.2136

Made You Look Accessories
1273 Queen Street West
416.516.9595

www.madeyoulook.ca  

We couldn’t help ourselves and had to post immediately. This ensemble has sparked quite the debate around SDTC headquarters.  While we are unanimously gaga over SJP’s Alexander McQueen dress, the Philip Treacy hat is a whole other story.  With a chalk line drawn down the center, the office is officially at war. The left side of the room has been overtaken with Pro-Hatters who, Sharpies in hand, are manically scribbling WE HEART HATS on poster board, sticky notes, and other available surfaces. On the right, we have the Mad-Hatter-Haters who are busy rehearsing angry chant with accompanying clapping and desk pounding.  A tad dramatic perhaps, but the hat warrants such behaviour. Is it a rose garden? Fruit platter? Science project documenting insect species found in South American rain forests? What are your thoughts SDTC readers, and more importantly, would Carrie approve?

by Bam Bam
The MET Costume Institute Gala is an annual feast for the eyes that brings together A list celebrities, models, designers, and fashion insiders decked in above and beyond Oscar worthy couture.  This year’s $7,500 a head extravaganza was in celebration of the newest MET exhibition – SUPERHEROES: FASHION AND FANTASY, and honoured Italian superstar designer Giorgio Armani.    

American Vogue’s Anna Wintour took the action hero theme and ran with it, or rather had her assistants do the running for her. She showed up in the evening’s most daring gown – a Space Odessey inspired, Chanel chic voluminous concoction designed by Mr. Lagerfeld.  

The usual suspects - Victoria Bekham and Jennifer Lopez – really dropped the ball on this one. Even with her killer post baby bod and style team at her whim, J Lo managed to look frumpy and tired. Posh on the other hand, concealed her malnourished frame in some sort of floor length vintage stripper robe, the kind that gets taken off during the second song to reveal latex g-string. Newbie style icon Katie Holmes dazzled from the neck down in a gorgeous red dress and unexpected blue pumps. Unfortunately, her face was a disaster with layers of caked on bronzer making her look like a shiny Curious George doll. 

Here are some red carpet looks that caught our eye: 

Anna Wintour in Chanel.

Canadian model Coco Rocha with Anja Rubik – both in Emilio Pucci.

Diane Kruger in Alberta Ferretti, Joshua Jackson in Yves Saint Laurent.

Eva Longoria in Marchesa.

Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen in Diane von Furstenberg with Christian Louboutin (brilliant – check out his shoes!!!) in Tom Ford.

Clive Owen in Giorgio Armani. What a stud.

Caroline Trentini in vintage Thierry Mugler. Recipient of best ‘little black dress’ award. Hands down.

The Daily Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander in Manish Arora.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Peter Som. LOVE!

Zac Posen with Kate Mara in Zac Posen.

Christina Ricci in Givenchy Haute Couture. Stunning!

Jessica Stam in Proenza Schouler and Jimmy Choo shoes. 

By SDTC Intern Whitney Hanmer

So there are three weeks left until my prom.  I have my dress and shoes and I've booked my hair appointment...but I am still dealing with two issues that seem to stir up a lot of social drama in high school. I haven't got a prom date and I haven't made pre/post party plans.  Since the beginning of grade nine, my closest [male] friend and I had planned to go together, but he has just started dating another girl so she will be going with him.  I'm not upset because the girl happens to be one of my dearest friends as well, so I'm happy for the two of them.  But since they only met at my birthday three weeks ago, I was not prepared to go stag. I've relied on that back up date for four years... 

So what are the rules in regards to 'asking'?  Is it awkward for a girl to step up and ask the guy?  Will it embarrass him?  Since we’re in 2008, I'm hoping that there are no longer sexist social stigmas for dating.   But to be completely honest, as a female, I don't want to do the 'asking' part.  Call me an essentialist, but I think that the guy-asking-the girl is classic and traditional, and I like it like that.  

I’m not shy, so lets say I hypothetically gave in and decided I would ask a guy.  Who would I even want to ask?  I have a few options.  There is my ex-boyfriend (from another school), a guy who I have been flirting with but don't know very well (also from another school), or I could randomly pick one of my completely platonic male friends (from another school.)  Note that none of these boys attend my school so the fact that I asked them to prom would remain our little secret.  Prom is so stressful!  I mean, other than your wedding, high-school prom is the most exciting formal event you anticipate.  I have high hopes for my prom experience - I think that everyone does.  

There are a million movies that involve prom, glamourizing the experience or on the contrary, showing the absolute worst experience possible.

Common themes of the cliché prom experience:

1. The moment where the girl walks down the flight of stairs in her dress, as her date gazes at her romantically.  
2. The limo scene with the characters and their closest friends, screaming out the roof and taking pictures.
3. The crowning ceremony for prom queen and king, when the most popular couple steps up to make an annoying speech.  
4. The drunken after party, with every single person jammed into one house / hotel.  
5.  Of course, as every teen movie must include: the scene where the main character losses their virginity.   

Reasons why my prom will be NOTHING like these movies:

1. Because I don't have a date yet.  
2. Because I don't have limo plans yet  
3. Because, fortunately, our school doesn't do the whole prom queen/king ceremony.  
4. Because I don't have plans for the after party yet. 
5.  Welllll...because my  older sister once told me, "anyone who puts pressure on themselves to make prom night, the night...is kind of lame..."  

In conclusion, at this point in my prom making plans I have no idea what to expect. 

At least I have my dress - my absolutely gorgeous, dream prom dress.  I was fortunate enough to find my dress at the beginning of March.  Two of my friends who had prom last year, came with me to be my personal shoppers.  We went to Queen Street, Fashion Crimes, and I spent about four hours trying on every dress in the store - or at least all the short dresses.   When we reached a point of complete exhaustion, we decided to call it a day.  But as we got ready to go I had a thought.  Why didn't I try on anything other than short dresses?  I had originally imagined a long dress...I shared my epiphany with the girls, and they ran off to go browse, returning with one random long dress off the rack.   I am SO glad they found one for me to try on because I loved it, and bought it on the spot.  One of my closest girl friends has yet to find her dress.  She said "even if I have to wait until the day of prom, I want to wait until I find the perfect dress."  I support her in this daring statement.  When you have imagined your dress for so many years, you shouldn't settle on just any dress.  You really have to love it.  So I have done some research that can hopefully assist those in their last minute prom rush. 

1. Anne Hathaway  "Not-so-Mellow Yellow"

This dress is a safe style choice for this year as its short, strapless, and empire waisted - very popular.  So in one respect, the dress is safe.  However, the bright yellow is bold and takes lots of confidence to wear.

We love: the cant-go-wrong style and the colour.

Advice: have fun with your hair and accessories.  This dress is like blank canvas so your hair or your accessories (you don't want to over do it with both) are very flexible.  Have fun with it.

2. Gwen Stefani  "Dare to be Different”

This dress is for those who, like Ms. Stafani herself, are willing to take a fashion risk.  Chances are, no one will show up in the same dress as you.

We love: its uniqueness.

Advice:  wear this dress with confidence because it is much more daring than the average prom gown.  If you’re not sure – don’t do it. There’s nothing more unattractive than a girl who’s visibly uncomfortable in her clothes. 

3. Jessica Alba  "Reigning Queen of Prom"

With this dress, you are certain to receive compliments.  It is so incredibly classy, like a modern day princess dress!  The design, the fabric, the colour...simply beautiful.

We love:  its classiness.

Advice:  keep your hairstyle and accessories minimal.  Small diamond earrings and a bare neck would be best.  

4.  Sarah Jessica Parker  "80's Throwback"

As SJP so beautifully demonstrates, the structured silhouette of this dress will give you a sexy, feminine figure.  Yes, the graphic print on this dress is very different, but that's not what makes the dress so amazing.  

We love:  the way it shows off our hot female curves.

Advice:  wear your hair down, lose curls would look best.  With such a structured body, you want to avoid pulling your hair back and looking too overdone. 

5.  Scarlett Johansson  "Movie Star Glam"

This dress is a spin on the old Hollywood look.  The style and low cut neckline keep it classic, while the metallic sheen modernizes it immediately.

We love:  the showcase of the chest. If you’ve got it – flaunt it! (But keep it classy).

Advice:  this is a great choice for ladies who are on the busty side.  There is a lot of support, but still make sure that you use a good bra or an alternative such as tape (a wardrobe malfunction is the last thing you want on prom night...).

6.  Carrie Underwood  "Ultra Femme Flowerchild" 

The colours in this dress are amazing! A gown like this is perfect for prom and can easily be doubled as a dress for a spring/summer wedding.

We love:  the flirty quality of the draped fabric and playful floral pattern.

Advice:  when a print is what you’re after, make sure to keep your proportions right.  Its easy for a printed dress to overwhelm a smaller frame. Wear your dress, don’t let the dress wear you!!!

7. Rihanna  "Fuchsia Under My Umbrella" 

This dress screams "look at me!"  All eyes will be on you if you decide to go with a less-traditional style like this. Are you ready for the all the attention?

We love:  the HOT pink sheen.

Advice:  don't try to match the colour of your dress to your shoes or accessories or you will look too costumy.  Instead, opt for basic black or mix it up with a satin blue pump or yellow earrings for a funky look.

8.  Rihanna  "Dress to Impress"

This dress is formal enough for prom but it is also transitional if you plan on going out to a club afterwards and dancing the night away. 

We love:  the contrast of fabrics.

Advice:  this isn’t a dress for everyone.  If you’ve got a shorter torso, your top half may look too segmented with all the different colours and prints going on. 
 

9.  Kristen Bell  "Nearly Naked"

You need a lot of confidence [or an incredible body] in order to pull this dress off.  The colour is so natural that, at first glance, it almost appears you are wearing nothing at all.

We love:  how it only covers the essentials.

Advice:  wear underwear!!!

10.  Kristen Bell  "Sensual Shoulders"

Who knew shoulders could be so scandalous?  Unlike KB’s other dress this one shows little skin, yet remains beautiful and very sensual.

We love:  that such a simple dress can be so sexy.  

Advice:  don’t over-do it with a heavy shoe.  With a sleep column look like this, opt instead for an elegant strappy sandal or even (dare we say it) a non-rubber flip-flop if you’re feeling particularly casual.

11.  Natalie Portman  “Vintage Vixen”

This dress is a classic sexy choice.  A little black dress that will never go out of style, and will impress any fashionista, from any generation.

We love:  everything and anything Natalie Portman wears. This dress is no exception.

Advice:  if you are 'blessed in the chest', try and avoid dresses with a corseted top.  You want to be comfortable, which excludes readjusting yourself all evening.