Celebrity Watch - February 2010

Kate Winslet - the beauty in black

The always gorgeous Kate Winslet has been favouring black this season. At the Golden Globe Awards function, she wore a one shoulder black dress from Atelier Yves Saint Laurent that perfetly accentuated her perfect figure.

She highlighted the design's pearl and crystal embroidery with diamonds from Tiffany & Co and wore her hair in a chignon that looked just perfect with the dress. She looked every inch glamorous and classy.
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Kate Winslet at 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards

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How to create a chignon like Kate Winslet?
From her hair dresser: "I wanted Kate Winslet to look like a glamorous woman with a slightly undone style," said Frederic Fekkai celebrity hairstylist Renato Campora, who created the look. He mixed mousse with glossing cream to rough-up the hair, then set the entire head in pin curls. After the curls had set, he gathered all the hair at the back of the neck, set it with bobby pins, and added a touch of shine serum. The final touch? "I bent the ends with a one-inch curling iron to make them pretty," he said.

(Source)

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At the British Academy Film Awards 2010, Kate Winslet wore a sexy black Stella McCartney gown with Stella McCartney sandals and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. She showed off her svelte shape in a peek-a-boo gown with lace insets.
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Kate Winslet at British Academy Film Awards 2010

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Colour Popping

Jennifer Garner attended the 12th Annual "I have a Dream" Foundation's Gospel Brunch in Los Angeles. Jennifer wore a brilliant fuchsia Dior minidress; she paired the dress with cork-soled wedges.

Jennifer Garner
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The French actress Audrey Tautou looked totally chic at the BAFTA Awards in London. Tautou wore a lovely cocktail-length coral Lanvin dress, which she accessorized with pops of red: lipstick, pumps and clutch included. The red looked lovely with the dress, loving this shade of red.

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Audrey Tautou

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Doing the Bling

Kate Hudson attended the Burberry Prorsum 2010 Autumn/Winter fashion show during London Fashion Week clad in a Buberry Prorsum emerald mini dress and shoes from the same designer house.

At the show, Kate stole the spotlight in an ultra-short sequined green design. She wore sky high black platform heels with the dress and paired a chunky ring in black.
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Kate Hudson

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Taking shimmer tip from Kate: When wearing shimmer all over, take a tip from Hudson and add chunky accessories in a neutral hue that would add glam to the dress at the same time tone down the shimmer.

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At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in California, Taylor Swift had heads turned when she arrived in a sequinned blue off-the-shoulder sparkly gown by Kaufman Franco. Her sheath dress fitted impeccably ang her hair and makeup were a perfection. Authentic as usual. She did an updo style with wavy hair, her signature (she later opened her hair that looked equally lovely).


She accessorised her down with diamond bracelets, diamond teardrop danglers and matching blue sandals. Totally loved her long dropped diamond earrings. She looks fab!
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Taylor Swift at 52nd Grammy Awards

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Glowing in Gold was none other than the fashion forward Sarah Jessica Parker at the Halston Fashion Show in NYC. Ms Parker led the Fashion Week in a pleated gold top by Halston and cropped black pants. For accessories, she added extra shine via a sparkling statement necklace, structured thorn clutch by Cassandra LA (love the clutch, isn't it gorgeous?), and Prada studded sandals. Chain wrap bracelets and a square-cut ring complete her fashion fire.

Despite going on too much on accesories on a gold top, the black pants and sandals perfectly added the just required balance to the blingy look. While leaving the show, Sarah wore a pretty pink and bloe brocade jacket.
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Sarah Jessica Parker at the Halston Fashion Show

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Get Sarah Jessica Parker's look by adding eye-popping jewelry to a metallic blouse—just pair with a pencil skirt or slim trousers for an understated finish.
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Anne Hathaway glowed in a sequined bronze Vivienne Westwood dress at the Alice in Wonderland London Premiere. She paired her dress with gold heels and red nails. She was every inch the siren in a figure-flaunting bustier dress glowing in gold.
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Anne Hathaway at the Alice in Wonderland London Premiere

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Cartier 100th Anniversary in USA - CELEB PEEK

When its the celebration of the French Jeweler Cartier's 100th Anniversary in America you sure would find A-List guests dressed at their best. And they sure did. Let's look at who wore what, and who outshined at the Celebration.
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Eva Mendes

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Eva Mendes looked chic in a pearl coloured Azzaro dress, which she paired with the simply delightful Giuseppe Zanotti Special editon crystal strap sandals. I think I am already in love with those shoes.
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Kate Hudson

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Kate Hudson attented the Cartier 100th Anniversary in America Celebration at Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in a long black Rachel Roy Dress from their Fall 2009 collection. She finished off her look with eye-catching Cartier jewelry necklace and ring and bright red nails. I am not a big fan of the side-cut gowns or dresses, but the lady really pulled it well.

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Jessica Biel

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Jessica Biel wore a floor length taupe gown which she toughened with her black biker jacket and accessorised with a plum clutch. Not liking the look. What say??
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Demi Moore

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Demi Moore wore a gorgeous black asymmetric cinche Prabal Gurung Silk Dress which she accessorised with Cartier Jewelry (bracelet and ring) andscarlet nails. Love the Cartier bracelet she is wearing and the dress is wonderful.
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Anne Hathaway
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Anne Hathaway kept it short and simple with her Jill Sander's Fall 2009 lacy mini-dress which she paired with black sheer tights and black peep-toed shoes (which appears same as those Demi Moore is wearing). She's looking stunning. You like?

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Who do you like best?
My vote goes to Demi Moore (liked Eva Mendes demure chic look too, but I am black biased).

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Source

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Snow White

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Snow White in Summer

When the temperature soaring everywhere, we're seeing White everywhere and completely love the colour.
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White looks fresh and soothes and calms you down. And the best part is, white can be paired with any colour. Plus, white is extremely feminine and very flirty, with white you'll always look perfect.

Check out some beauties in White
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Leighton Meester
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Taylor Swift (Source, Source)

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Camila Alves

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Luxe White on Red Carpets
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At the Oscars 2009.....

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From Top L-R: Elle MacPherson, Penelope Cruz in Balmain,

Jennifer Anniston in Valentino, Sarah Jessica Parker in Christian Dior Couture

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At Movie Premieres

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L-R: Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez

How to wear white:

- White dresses don't usually look good if they cling to your body, esp if you have curves. Select white dresses that billow and flow.
- Right lingerie is very important with whites. Wearing anything other than skin coloured lingerie (esp. knickers that matches your skin tone) will show.
- Invest in a good quality white. White looks really rich, provided the fabric chosen is good. Else it can really look shabby.
- Avoid white pants if your bums are your problem area, it will make them look bigger. But if you are confident carrying it and are comfortable, don't bother, wear one. White pants do look very sophisticated and classy. Click here to know How to Wear White Jeans.

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Update 26th April 2009

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Lauren Conrad outside Barneys in White Paige Jeans

Lauren Conrad's white causal ensemble is very summery and put up well. The orange flat shoes and orange bag added colour to her white jeans and white tee ensemble and is perfect for summer. She has pulled together such a simple yet chic look.


Girls, grab yourself a nice Little White Dress (LWD) instead of a LBD. Black Looks great and is my favourite, but it seems a little dull in spring and summer (esp. during the day) when everything around you is bright and cheerful. Plus, this season, the LWD replaces the LBD even on the runway.

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Stylish and Smart Dressing for the Office

The work place is where you spend the vast majority of your time, where you are most likely to encounter people who you want to make an impression on; whether it be bosses or clients. It is quite clear that the goal to getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image regardless of what level of management you are at. Thus, the styles, colors, lengths and fit of your dress will speak volumes about your personality and how serious you are about your job.

In fact, today, what you wear at work and your presentation is very important. But that is not to say that your Corporate Attire has to be boring, or you can't follow fasion or look stylish in your office attire. You can show your personal sense of style without sacrificing your professional image by choosing your threads wisely.

Dressing up for the office actually opens up whole new vistas of style, dress, and fashion opportunities with just a little thought and effort. You can also look sexy in a subtle way. So smarten up your office wardrobe and you’re bound to get noticed more quickly. Especially Let us see how........

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Building basics
Firstly, build a basic office wardrobe. Let us call it the 'office staples'. With your staples you can mix and match to create multiple looks.

- Well-fitted White Shirt(s)
- Well-fitted Black (Brown, Charcoal, navy) trousers
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) pant-suit
- Dark (black, brown, charcoal, navy) skirt-suit
- Fitted Shirts in subtle colours, stripes, checks or subtle dots.
- Cardigan
- Waistcoat
- Closed-toe low-heeled pumps
- Structured handbag

Remember, don't compromise quality for quantity. You are under constant scrutiny from your co-workers, your subordinates and your seniors, and you don't want to tarnish your image.

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Smart Dressing

With your basic wardrobe, add some fashion elements and trendy twists to give your office attire an edge. Mix-and-match your tops and bottoms and accessorize with jewelry, scarves and shoes. .

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Colours: Colors play a big role in creating a professional image of a person. Traditional career colors include white, navy, gray, black and blue and these colors go well with formal pants and skirts. However, you can even choose feminine colors like light blue, light purple, soft pink and ivory. Bright and loud colors like hot pink are much riskier in the office and should be avoided. But if you are creative and bold you can try them. However, avoid any kinds of prints and patterns – only monochromatic tints will be fine.

Layering: Layering clothes allows you to mix and match a wider variety of different styles, and adds more dimension to your outfit. Sweaters, vest or jacket over formal shirts and blouses creates multiple looks using same piece of garment. It's easy to layer as the weather gets cooler but layering works even during the hot or humid weather by choosing cottons. Put thought into your combinations. Mix and match trendy scarves, casual or formal outerwear, cardigans, waistcoats and sweaters to achieve a fashion-forward look.

Layering will especially be useful when it's 40 degrees outside and your office is 20 degrees. You need to be prepared.
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Jacket: It's the workwear essential. Every woman should have a black suit in her closet. A sharply tailored jacket gives a power punch to any outfit. It is apropriate for job interviews, client meetings and corporate functions. This piece of clothing can be worn off-the office also. In fact, a smart suit goes straight from boardroom to bar/party - just add or delete a pretty feminine blouse and mix it with right accessories.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label (Black Jacket) - $835

McQ, Cropped Wool Jacket - $750

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Petite Jacket - $1,070

French Connection, My Lady Jacket - £100

All Saints, Nemi Tessimax Jacket - now £52

Topshop, One Button Jacket - £45

Mango, Suit Jacket (ref. 81100179) - £60

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MANGO, amongst the high-street brands, has one of the best collections of jackets and pant/skirt suits.

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Check the latest Hollywood trend, tuxedo/suit at the red carpet.

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Angelina Jolie at Benjamin Button Berlin Premiere

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Anne Hathaway at Bride Wars Premiere

Anne Hathaway kept things chic and minimal, at Bride Wars US Premiere, in a tailored tux jacket and skinny trousers, accessorised with blinging diamond earrings, a sky-high pair of Louboutins and a diva-tastic up-do. Her look can easily take transition from the office to the bar and exudes that perfect mix of sexiness and sophistication.
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Shift Dress: A shift dress is a very intelligent piece of clothing in your wardrobe. With a formal jacket or a collared shirt inside you can wear it to the office and just the dress with quirky accessory and dressy sandals can be worn for the party straight from the office.

Learn more on layering and shift dress

Smart Dressing - different looks with same wardrobe

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Accessorizing: Get creative and use accessories to revamp your old office wardrobe.

The easiest and smartest way to look stylish and break the monotonous everyday look is to accessorize. Dress up your office clothing with carefully selected accessories and jewellery and make an impression that's both professional and stylish. A smart belt, stylish bag and minimal jewellery can take any outfit from boring to beautiful.

Use these accessories to brighten up your look and make a chic statement:

- Scarf: most important piece of accessory that can instantly pep-up your look. They add color and style to any outfit and can change the look of an ensemble almost immediately! They look feminine, sophisticated and trendy all at once. Add a splash of colour using a scarf to your simple black and white ensemble.

Learn more on scarves

SCARVES - fashion item to pep you up INSTANTLY!!!

- Brooch: A brooch will give a splash of elegance to your office attire or an otherwise ordinary drab and forgettable outfit. For the corporate woman, the choice of brooch should be more sleek and elegant. Perhaps something made out of a precious metal with several semi-precious or precious stones. It can be worn on the lapel of your suit or as something to tie a bow together. It can also be used to tie a scarf. Did you see how Michelle Obama is making fashion statement with Brooches? The central focus of her look is often a bold, jeweled brooch. If you don't want to buy a precious piece, check out Aldo Accessories, they have some good brooches.

- Jewellery: Earrings, bracelets and bangles. Wear simple and elegant earrings at office. Too loud, colourful, funky or street style maybe your choice, but they are a no-no for the office. They should not be too long or too ornate. Hoops and studs are great as office wear as these do not look flashy and still make a style statement. Remember this rule for your office jewellery, less is more.

- Necklaces: a pear or beads string is the best necklace pick for the office. Don't wear anything too extravagant or loud as the office wear has to be smart but subtle, unless your profession demands something 'loud'.
(I have taken it out from jewellery because a necklace can make or break your office outfit, and hence needs different categorisation)

- Bag: Carry a smart bag. A medium-sized tote is always sleek and businesslike. Don't buy anything too small, as your stuff will not fit, or too oversized, as it will look messy. Pick proper structured and formal handbags as slouchy bags give a shabby and a sloppy look.

- Belt

Shoes: Put your best foot forward. Everyone knows that a pair of shoes can either complement your look or kill it. So invest in good quality shoes and keep them buffed and shined. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, very high party heels, and any casual shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office.

A smart tip - if you routinely run down your heels or scuff the toes by pounding the pavement, it may be a good idea to wear a pair of inexpensive shoes (a flip-flop or sneakers) during your commute to and from work and change into your formal shoes at the office.

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THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT - accessorised
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The best item of your office wardrobe, Classic White Shirt, worn smartly can make you look professional, smart and chic.

The white shirt looks great tucked in. Wear it with trousers (any colour) or with a pencil skirt.
Accessorize it with a nice necklace, smart belt and shoes. You can layer it with a cardigan, a formal vest or waistcoat.
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Meryl Streep (below) is looking every bit elegant in her White shirt paired with a jacket and worn with great accessories - the necklace and red belt.

You can get Anne Hathway's look by layering your white shirt with a black knitted round neck top or a sweater. Wear a long pearl string, do your hair in a high pony and you are ready to take over the world.
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Meryl Streep (left) and Anne Hathaway (right) from a still of Devil Wears Prada

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Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway

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Makeup for office: Go easy on the makeup, of course unless your work demands otherwise (like the aviation and hospitality industry). If you want to be taken seriously at work, accentuating your natural beauty is the best way to go. It should be noticeable but not distracting. Glitter, loud colours are an absolute no-no. Emphasize skin care, and opt for a cleaner, subtle and polished look.


Tips to Remember

1. Fit is everything when you want to look perfect.
- Pants should be fitted, but free of visible panty lines. You can get good quality no visible panty lines (no VPL) knickers from Marks and Spencer or La Senza.
- Skirts, especially straight styles like pencil skirts, should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably.
- Jackets should be able to be buttoned.
- Blouses shouldn’t expose too much of your body.

2. Office is not the place to show too much. You don't want to tarnish your image to just get a few stares. Save your revealing clothing for a night out on the town.

3. Invest in good quality accessories don't buy cheap looking stuff.

4. Don't choose Jewellery that is too bright as anything that attracts too much is distracting.

5. Keep the colors simple, just mixing one or two together. Break up blacks and grays with a splash of color. Try a coloured scarf, beaded necklace or sweater set.

6. Avoid printed shirts in the office.

7. Ensure the proper ironing of your clothes and avoid wearing wrinkled clothes as they present a highly casual and an unprofessional look.

8. Other important consideration should be given to your personal hygiene including clean manicured nails, clean polished shoes, styled and neat hair, subtle perfume and deodrant and applying a light and subtle make-up.

Make sure that everything creates the right look down to the smallest detail. Dressing for the office is all about striking a balance between looking good and stylish and looking competent, organized and ready for business.

Most importantly feel confident, as carrying yourself with a right attitude is what contributes to making the right impression.

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Little Black Dress - Reinvented

A Little Black Dress, LBD, never goes out of fashion and is a must-have for every wardrobe.

In its new reincarnation, the Little Black Dress is everything but not so simple. The range of hot new little black dresses is made from luxe fabrics, but using more modern cuts and detailing.

Lace detailing, jewelled embellishments, layered fabrics, one-shoulder, puffed sleeves, plunging neckline, halter style, drop waists, military lines and sexy detailing make these dresses contemporary and give them a fashionable twist. In many cases they can be worn a number of ways making them true investment pieces.
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To make the most of your little black dresses, team them up with a variety of accessories suitable for different occasions. Wear the right shoes, handbags and jewelry to go with your dress.


Get some cue from the celebrity styles below......
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Natalie Zea at the DIC and Instyle Magazine 8th Annual Diamond Fashion Show

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Natalie Zea looks chic in her puffed sleeves LBD that is cinched with a blue belt and paired with gladiator heels. Like her hair pulled up in a pony, which shows her face. You can wear a cinch-belt in colour and matching shoes with your LBD.

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Left - Lindsay Lohan at Grand Opening of Atlantis, The Palm Resort Dubai

Right - Celina Jaitley at EMI Music Launch

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For a sexy avatar, a halter LBD would be perfect.
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Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Preity Zinta (right)

LBD looks fab with a jacket!!!!!!
Pair your LBD with a jacket like Gwyneth and Preity above or a shrug. A tuxedo jacket will suit well for the red-carpet or evening party. For a more casual look team your LBD with a plaid or denim jacket and over-the-knee boots (image on right).
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Make your LBD work over-time - a simpler LBD can be worn at the office and the same with a formal jacket can be carried to an evening party. For the office wear it with a tweed jacket and then take that jacket off and put fishnets on and wear it to dinner

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Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) in three different styles of Little Black Dress

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SJP shows her fashion credentials in different, yet each applauding, styles of Little Black Dress. The twisted versions of the classic LBD she is wearing is perfectly styled with the right accessories and hair-dos.


The new avatar of LBD from Balmain's Spring 2009 collection

Anne Hathaway takes the LBD to the next level of sizzling hotness in this Balmain corset dress while Sarah Jessica Parker's Balmain LBD is a fabulous choice to which she adds a rock-chic element.

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Left - SJP at New York City Ballet's Opening Night Gala

Right - Anne Hathaway at 20th Anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

Image Source

SJP is wearing Balenciaga point sliver shiny booties and opaque tights with the dress and to finish the whole look, she opted for a very simple ballerina hair by pulling all her hair back. Anne choose black Christian Louboutin platform pumps, casual wavy hairdo, classic red lips and accessorised with Cartier jewellery. Both women looked amazing. Like their complete ensemble.

Update: 7th Feb 2009

UPDATE: Diane Lane at 2009's Critics Choice Awards

Diane Lane shimmered in her sequin LBD at 2009 Critics Choice Awards. The satin detailing on the neckline and the waist added sophistication and glam to the dress. For accessories, Diane chose diamond-crusted earrings and a black patent clutch and black sandals. Sophisticated yet sassy, like her style.


How to wear your perfect Little Black Dress (LBD):

- Black always looks good and suits every girl provided you wear the right cut and fit. Choose a style that fits you perfectly, you don't want super mini-dress that doesn't fit right.

- If you don't have a LBD, choose a dress that can be worn both day and night by changing accessories like shoes, jewellery and fashion belts. However if you already have one basic pair, then definitely a new avatar of LBD would be a smart buy.

- Choose a classic style that will not fade out as fashion trends change.

- Choose the perfect length. I'd say a knee-length dress is best because it serves for multi-occasions.

- For the day add dash of color and for the night a hint of sparkle with jewelry are all that you need to get going. The simpler the dress the more accessorising you will require, while for a dress that speaks for itself opt for simplicity in accessories and keep it minimal.

- For a modern twist wear your LBD with opaque black or patterned leggings or tights (see SJP above).

- Choice of hairstyle is very important with the LBD. If your LBD is short and sexy, contrast with a simple ponytail or a chignon. If your dress is more conservative, go for a soft, sexy haircut such as a loose bun with strands pulled out. A black head-band to match your LBD can look chic and smart, especially with a few strands of hair pulled loose at the front.


Beautify Picks:
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1. BCBG Max Azaria Satin Halter Tiered Dress (left) - for $200, Buy
2. ASOS Lace Insert Long Sleeve Backless Dress (center) - for £35, Buy
3. Warehouse Frill Front Dress (right) - for £59, Buy


Perfect Accessory with LBD - PEARL STRING
A picture of Hepburn standing elegantly on the corner of Fifth Avenue, New York wearing a chunky pearl necklace, but a slim little black dress and holding on a coffee-to-go cup, is probably one of the most memorable images and an epitome of style.

String of pearls look gorgeous with a LBD and it is one accessory and style that would never go out of fashion.

Tip - trick is to layer pearl string with multiple strands while pairing with your little classic black dress.
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left to right - Ashlee Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow

Image Source

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If you don't already own one, it's time to add a little black dress to your wardrobe.


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