02 SepLook for Less – Anna Paquin’s Red One-Shoulder Dress

True Blood star, Anna Paquin, looked red-hot in this scarlet number.  The one-shoulder cut gives the otherwise classic yet sexy LRD (little red dress) a modern spin.  Your personal shopper, found the “Look for Less” from Metrostyle.com for only $59.99! The Metrostyle option is actually a better fabric that will prevent wrinkles, while the design is slimming through the waistline.

Although Paquin accented her the look with a black platform pump, I would suggest a nude or gold shoe, like these from ASOS.  Accessorize the look with a gold clutch and gold earrings or statement necklace. 

True Blood's Anna Paquin in a one-shoulder red number

 

Metrostyle.com Red One-Shoulder Dress - $59.99

 

ASOS Nude Leather Platform Pump

30 Aug2010 Emmys – Red Carpet Style Winner & Sinners

Each year the Emmy Awards red carpet, brings out all of the “who’s who” of television.  Surprisingly, most of the red carpet looks were mediocre, to say the least, but still managed to bring out a few Style Stars for the evening.  

Tina Fey of 30 Rock, wore a gorgeous Oscar De La Renta gown that was amazingly flattering and was definitely my favorite of the evening.  Her style is consistently evolving (kudos to her stylist!) and at this rate will soon be known for her style as well as her sense of humor.  

Runway Model & Tina Fey in the amazing Oscar De La Renta gown.

Another Style Winner for the evening was the unexpected details of Ryan Kwanten’s suit.  He hit the nail on the head with the modern and stylish twist on the classic men’s suit.  His look was a breath of fresh air among the traditional tuxedos. 

 

 Now, I must say there were some Style Sinners all throughout the red carpet, but I had to choose to highlight these offenders.  Mindy Kaling, who plays The Office airhead, was a prime example of not dressing for your body type.  Since she is short & petite, she made the mistake of wearing a voluminous dress that hit her at the worst part of her leg, making her appear to be even shorter.  I was not sure if this look was even her being serious, or her still being “on” looking for a chuckle. 

Style Sinner, Mindy Kaling of The Office

 Kristen Wiig, really tried with this number.   Without the proper curves (or artificial ones to add some umph) the dress was not filled out.  The accents on the shoulders were too much and the drab, flimsy belt makes the entire look fall flat. 

Style Sinner of the Week, Kristen Wiig

Log in next Monday and every Monday to find the weekends Style Winners & Style Sinners.  Until next time..

27 AugFriday Fashion Find: The Cuff Bracelet

Sport a Cuff Bracelet, like this one from Free People (Reg. $24, now only $9.98!) to add instant glam that transitions from your day look to night effortlessly. 

This non trendy piece exudes style and can be worn with a classic oxford shirt, like the one below from JC Penny for a chic daytime look (cuff the sleeve for an edgier take on the classic staple). 

Take this look to evening by adding a blazer or simply  adding bold earrings or a multi-strand chain necklace and heels.

Free People Cuff Bracelet

 

JC Penny Roll Sleeve Shirt - $29

25 AugCelebrity Look for Less: Kim Kardashian

Kim looks great in her geometric mini dress. Check out our look for less from Express for only $79 (for some reason, Express listed it as a “long tank” when its shown as a mini dress)
To make the look a bit less va-va-va-voom-ish, pair the number with leggings and a cropped blazer.

Kim Kardashian's Geometric lil number

The Look For Less:

Geometric Sequin Mini Dress - Express

23 AugStyle Sinner/Style Winner – Omarion and Tia Mowry

This week’s style sinner and winner both earned their titles!
Omarion walked the red carpet looking as though he was not sure if he wanted to go for a boat ride or camping. This look has us utterly confused.
As for our Style Winner, Miss Tia Mowry hit gold with this stylish oh so chic look! The asymetrical sleeved dress is modern yet classicly stylish and the nude platform heels push the look over the style meters. Kudos to Tia! Omarion, better luck next time…better yet, I would love to style you myself.

As much as I like Omarion, we hate this dishevelled look.

Tia Mowry at the Audi And Chopard Emmy Week Kick-Off Party looking fabulous! The asmetrical cut, great fitting dress along with the beautiful nude platform pumps earned her the Style Winner title this week.


16 AugFall 2010′s Most Wearable Fashion Trends

This fall, there are so many great fashion trends that are ready and able to be incorporated into your daily wardrobe. Some you may have and others you may have to purchase. Check out some of this fall’s most wearable trends:

Camel
Camel colors ruled the runways and can rule your real-way by rocking a camel-hued coat, pencil skirt, or slacks. Love this trend? Then sport a camel colored monochromatic scheme and look as though you walked off the set of a fashion shoot. Blend softer and darker shades of camel to look pulled together and classically chic.

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2010

Textures
Whether it is faux fur purse or a lace dress, textures were all over the F/W 2010 runway. Have fun with your wardrobe by blending a textured item like a tweed jacket with your jeans and heels. Also, tweed is a classic texture that will not go out of style. Another great texture I have seen on the runways is shearling – I love this accent on bags, ankle booties, and of course winter coats.

 

Aigner Fall 2010

Leopard Print
This is my favorite print – its sexy, classic, and will never go out of style. Add an unexpected hint of sexy to your look with the leopard pump or clutch. For a more daring option, snag a leopard print pencil skirt or blouse.
 

Dries Van Noten Fall 2010

Christian Louboutin

Lace-Up Booties/Ankle Boots

My new obsession has been finding a great pear of military inspired lace up booties/ankle boots to sport with skinny jeans, leggings, minis and tights, well…everything! Don’t worry though, ladies, the over the knees are still very much “in” as well.

Diane Von Furstenburg Lace up Booties

ASOS Lace Up Bootie - Under $100!

14 JulWe Are Looking for a Few Good Men (for FREE Wardrobe Styling)!

Is your boyfriend’s/husband’s/father’s/brother’s wardrobe a total disaster?
A-line Style Services is looking for a few good men in need of some special style attention. We are offering a Chicagoland gent a FREE Wardrobe Consultation including a “Closet Audit” and expert, personalized style plan.

What to expect with the Closet Audit/Consultation:
Ms. Martell, the founder of A-line Style Services will go thru your wardrobe to find what should stay, what should go, as well as find new ways to wear pieces you already own. Its like shopping within your closet! You will also receive free closet organization services, which will allow you to get dressed faster & easier.

This lucky guy to receive free Men’s Styling Services, would need to allow the A-line Style Services camera man in their closet to capture the consultation.

For more information on our services or to nominate yourself/someone else for Men’s Styling, please email tamika@a-linestyleservices.com or visit www.a-linestyleservices.com for more information.

12 JulCheck out our Video Makeover! Fun & Fabulous~

06 JulThe Skinny on Body Shapers

We have all seen or heard about it – the Body Magic, Body Shaper – Loose up to 3 sizes in 10 mins! Virtually wherever I go, I am approached to sell, try, use, the body shapers (Body Magic, Ardyss, etc) so felt utterly compelled to blog about my true thoughts regarding these products as a professional wardrobe stylist.

Firstly, anyone that knows me or my company knows that I embrace women with curves, plus size women, etc – I am a size 12 myself.  However, I also am an advocate for being healthy at your size (physically, emotionally, mentally).

Honestly I am very turned off with the whirlwind popularity of these undergarments.  As a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper, I would only recommend one if it was a particular dress a client needed to wear, and it would smooth out her shape/frame – even thin women may need one, if the dress is made of an unforgiving material such as satin or if the dress is one size too small.

If your clothing is your correct size and flattering to your figure, body shapers are not necessary!  I would never want a client or anyone I know for that matter to wear one everyday.  These garments are a means to an end – a short one and are not a replacement for good old fashioned diet and exercise.

I do feel that body magic, undergarments, girdles, etc do have their place in certain times in our lives.  In the fashion world, they have their place in fashion shows and fashion shoots.  In the real world, they have their place with getting your best shape in a hurry for a special event gown or a hot date with that David Beckham look-alike.  Unfortunately, I have seen too many women rely on this contraption aka undergarment with their everyday lives and it saddens me.

So now that I have said my part as a professional stylist, hopefully I will not be approached to sell these pieces to my clients~

What are your thoughts on body shapers?

Obviously she is already a size 2/4 naturally, yet marketing the body shaper~

30 Jun7 Essentials to Have for Classic Style

Style is something that is timeless.  With that being said, every woman needs the following items for their names to be added to the everlasting list of stylish women.

The Trench coat – Sherlock Holmes was not the first, and will definitely not be the last to sport a trench coat.  Cinching your waist and transcending your style, revert to a trench coat as to your go-to chic essential for the crisp air in the spring and fall months.  You can also snag this look with your raincoat or winter coat as well to keep this look throughout the year.

The Suit (Which includes the classic must have – The Blazer and the Slacks) – Suits can be used for so much more good than just getting your dream job.  They can be a timeless way to rock  masculine-femininity style!  Bring out your inner Diane Keaton suit in cream suit like below.  Also, a monochromatic suit can be a great way to look pulled together – add extra sass and attitude with a hat, vest (making it a 3 piece suit), or even a tie! Just be sure to not OD on the masculinity so you don’t get mistaken for a sir:-) I love to roll up my jacket sleeves and pair my suits with a killer pair of heels.

Diane Keaton in White Suit in 2007

Rihanna In Pantsuit

The Pencil Skirt – Bring out your inner Marilyn Monroe! This body hugging piece can be flattering on all figures.  For hourglass, straight, and athletic shapes, sport a shirt tucked in with a belt to accentuate or cinch in waist.  For apple shapes accentuate your legs, but and hips with wearing a flowy top over the skirt that hits at the hip.  Belts can be worn to accentuate and/or cinch in your waist line as well.  To appear taller in skirts & dresses pair with nude colored heels to elongate the leg.

Marilyn Monroe in a Pencil Skirt

Plus Size Model in Pencil Skirt by Kiyonna

The Jumpsuit – Jumpsuits are a staple piece that is consistently on the fashion runways.  They are great options for every season and are great options for vacations.  They are a more fun and casual option to the suit and come in a variety of prints, lengths, materials, and sleeve styles including sleeveless, long sleeve, halter, etc.  Want to show more leg? Go for a romper, the short version of the jumpsuit.

Variety of Jumpsuits Straight off the Runway

The Shades – Jackie Kennedy Onasis is the sunglasses pioneer for me – she put the big framed shades on the map and will always be one of the most stylish women that ever lived.  Try on a variety of styles to find what shades are most flattering for your face shape, size, and structure.  I never spend over $20 on my shades because I lose, break, or scratch them – you can find a stylish pair of shades for $5 – it all depends on how you wear them.

Jackie Kennedy-Onasis

The LBD – Thanks to Chanel, the little black dress is the go-to piece for cocktail parties, dates, and other events.  Every woman must own one – no exceptions! Depending on your body type and style, your ideal LBD can be found.  If you want to mask a tummy, opt for an empire waist style.  Hourglass shapes can wear just about any style and are most flattered with waist accentuating styles.  Larger chests can be flattered with a v-neck, wrap style, or boat neck LBD. Love your shoulders? Go for a halter or strapless LBD.  For pair shapes, go for a bias cut LBD. Pair with a bold colored clutch and shoe for a modern approach to the classic.  Take your LBD from day to night by pairing it high heels, statement jewelry, and a clutch.

Audrey Hepburn in her Chanel LBD for Breakfast at Tiffany's

Modern Approch to the LBD: Peplum Style LBD

Bold Addition - Jade Green Heel

Hard Shell Gold Clutch

The Statement Accessory – Every woman needs an accessory that plays up their own personal style.  This piece can be a costume cocktail ring to a family heirloom like a broach.  A bold necklace, pair of earrings, bracelet, whatever piece speaks to you.  I have a love for snake accessories so my statement piece is similar to this snake ring:

Snake Ring - JC Penney

Other honorable mentions include:

The Sundress

The Sheath Dress

The Dark Wash Jean

Do you have any classic style must haves?

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iVex7kOux5Y/SrkP0vKaXCI/AAAAAAAAAiI/5ggUtojORtA/s400/pantsuit1.jpg

Rihanna in Pant Suit