Get Happy With Spring Florals

Michael Kors spring 2014.

Spring is so delightful because it's a time to embrace change and new beginnings.  That's what makes fashion at this time of year so much fun.  This season, flowers are not only in full bloom in nature, but in fashion too.  Floral patterns always make an appearance in designer collections with the arrival of spring.  This season the tradition takes on a new modern take by way of saturated color, texture and unexpected combinations.  

Vibrant color palettes of pink, yellow and orange make bold statements especially with dresses using modern cuts, necklines and cinched waists.  By contrast, dark florals in black and navy give the woman with edge an opportunity to be feminine without sacrificing her taste for deeper more masculine hues.  

Michael Kors had a very ladylike collection of dresses, skirts and matching tops in patterns that ranged from tiny delicate flowers to large petals.  Collections like Red Valentino and Josef Ribkoff incorporated big flowers in bright colors like fuchsia, bright blue and yellow.

Red Valentino spring 2014.

Floral printed pants, blazers and shirts are also a way to mix the pattern into your wardrobe without going overboard.  Wear the pant with a simple top and solid jacket.  Or choose a floral, tailored blazer to wear with a pencil skirt to the office.  That way you can capture the feeling of spring without being to extravagant in a conservative office environment.  

J.Crew Spring 2014 floral pant.

Gwen Stefani Launches Accessories Collection

Gwen Stefani launches new accessories collection: gx by Gwen Stefani 
available exclusively at ShoeDazzle.com/gx. (PRNewsFoto/ShoeDazzle)

Singer/Designer Gwen Stefani has launched a collection of accessories exclusively available on the Shoedazzle.com website. "I'm so excited to be launching my new accessories line gx.  The collection is fun, stylish and has some attitude.  The idea behind gx is to design high quality and amazing product that I can't wait to wear but at the same time is really well priced."

The collection of shoes and handbags are priced from $69.95-$110.95.  The designer has created items that bring together many elements we see in her personal style and in some of her previous clothing collections.  A mix of tribal, pop, punk and street style are all major influences in her latest endeavour.

Rachel Zoe is the Chief Stylist of ShoeDazzle and spoke of Stefani's new venture with the brand. "I couldn't be more excited for the launch of gx by Gwen Stefani for ShoeDazzle.  Gwen is an incredible friend and designer.  Her style has always been a huge source of inspiration for me."  Stefani's personal style certainly shows through in some of the items.  She has always been a trendsetter and brings her sense of style to the table using African influence, mesh and lace up details along with this season's trend of black, white, red and cobalt blue.  You'll find platforms, wedge sandals and a variety of handbags that combine zippers, details, and patterns giving that modern edge she is known for.

Photo: shoedazzle.com/gx

ShoeDazzle was Co-Founded by Kim Kardashian, Brian Lee, Robert Shapiro and Eng in 2009 as a fashion subscription service where clients have a personalized experience of boutique shopping.  VIP members get special pricing after they pay a $39.95 monthly membership fee.  New exclusive collections are debuted every month on the website.  The company currently serves over 20 million clients and is the largest online fashion subscription service since it merged with JustFab Inc last year.

CLICK HERE TO SEE COLLECTION on www.shoedazzle.com/gx

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2014

It's been forty years since Diane Von Furstenberg created the iconic wrap dress that's become a staple in many women's wardrobes.  She celebrated with an exhibit that opened earlier this year, The Journey of A Dress, in Los Angeles.  Her fall 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week was a continuation of her journey.  The collection was full of bold patterns and metallic wrap dresses with deep-v necklines throughout.  Patterns seemed to have a 70s inspiration synonymous with the days of Studio 54 when she was in the early days of her career.  Annie Clark of St. Vincent performed through the runway show closing with with models all wearing gold metallic dresses and dancing to the music on stage.  

Diane Von Furstenberg's Journey of A Dress

Diane von Furstenberg's Journey of a Dress exhibit was opened last month to celebrate the 40 years since she introduced her iconic wrap dress.  The free exhibition runs until April 1, 2014 at the Wilshire May Company Building in Los Angeles.

Diane Von Furstenberg with actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Watch this video featuring Coco Rocha and Andy Cohen as they chat with Diane about the wrap dress and celebrate with celebrities who came out to the exhibition in January.

Diane at age 23 when she made the official announcement in
Women's Wear Daily of her dress that revolutionized women's fashion. 

David Beckham #Uncovered or #Covered Super Bowl Commercial

H&M Launches David Beckham Bodywear Spring Collection with ad debuting at Super Bowl XLVIII. (PRNewsFoto/H&M)

Since H&M launched David Beckham Bodywear in 2012, the brand continues to be one of the most popular staples for men in their stores worldwide.  This year the company is launching Beckham's Spring 2014 campaign with an action-packed commercial directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, scheduled to air during Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014.  

In the highly anticipated commercial, Beckham is seen getting accidentally locked from a photoshoot on a rooftop with no way to get down but to go through a series of stunts to find his way back.  Beckham actually performed his own stunts for the commercial and did quite well. "I loved working with David for his new campaign," Nicolas Winding Refn said. "He is a natural in front of the camera and was fearless when performing his own stunts."  The teaser, which was released this week, featured two versions where he is either #covered or #uncovered.  Fans are asked to vote for their favorite and the winning choice will be broadcast during the Super Bowl.  Voting starts on Monday January 27 and runs until midnight February 1.  

"It was so exciting to work with one of my favorite directors, Nicolas Winding Refn, on my new campaign for H&M." Beckham said. "Nicolas pushed me hard to create an action-packed film, which shows off this season's new heritage-inspired bodywear at its best."  The new collection features  nine new pieces that include long-sleeve raglan tops, long-sleeve Henley shirts, vests and trunks.  These will be added to the staple pieces which are carried all year in stores.

Voting for the ad is also taking place in H&M stores where fans can cast their ballots. For those die-hard fans who want to see Beckham in the flesh, he will be making an in-store appearance at the H&M Flagship store in Times Square New York on February 1.   

CLICK HERE TO START VOTING: http://www.hm.com/us/david-beckham-spring

(Note: the link will not work until the voting begins January 27)

Photo: Courtesy H&M

 

2014 SAG Award Style

Kerry Washington in Prada.

The 2014 SAG Awards took place on January 18, 2014 and as usual the celebrities didn't hold back when it came to their style on the red carpet.  Kerry Washington opted to expose her baby bump by wearing a crop top by Prada.  It was a fuchsia embellished top worn with a high-waisted deep blue skirt.  The actress walked confidently and proudly showed off her pregnant figure while likely ruffling some feathers for going against tradition when it comes to maternity wear.

Julia Roberts also had people talking when she chose to wear a red Valentino jumpsuit.  This isn't the first time someone has worn a jumpsuit to the event.  Rose Byrne did it bravely at the 2012 SAG Awards in a white Elie Saab.  Rising star Lupita Nyong'o did it again by looking flawless wearing an aqua Gucci gown with floral detailing at the neckline.  The actress has been making headlines for her performance in 12 Years A Slave as well as for her sense of fashion.

Sofia Vergara stayed true to her style and was sizzling on the red carpet in a strapless, low-back Donna Karan Atelier.  The Modern Family star told E! "I'm wearing Donna Karan and I feel very, like, sexy. Very Jessica Rabbit.  Like an old Jessica Rabbit."

Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci

Julia Roberts in Valentino. (Photo: Getty Images)

Mindy Kaling in David Meister. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior. (Photo: Getty Images)

Sofia Vergara in Donna Karan Atelier. (Photo: AP)