WOW... The launch of Style Mavens was a big day for my blog. It seems as suspected, like me, you are inspired by the people you know and love! Sure, we are inundated by editorial commentary that tells how we should dress, what we should desire and what we must have, but most of the time isn't it the people who are closest to us who truly elevate our fashion consciousness?
My new friend Erika is an unassuming Style Maven...my favorite kind. I recently met her and what I immediately noticed about her was not only her radiant personality, but also how comfortable she seems to be in her own skin. I always try to help my clients see past just looking good... I emphasize feeling good and being in tune with one's self... Only then can one really truly find a sense of personal style. You see, you don't have to be a trendsetter or even a trend-adopter to be a fashionable person, you simply have to know what works for you and ultimately what enhances your already deep-rooted confidence.
When Erika and I became friends on Facebook, I noticed some great photos of her that reinforced what I already thought about her...self-assured and trend-savvy. I chose this photo of her for several reasons. First and foremost I adore her metal-toned, crystal embellished DVF gown. As you know, metallics are in big time this season (actually in my book, they are never out) and this dress is a perfect pre-season representation of what it to come. Sure, what we will see is less embellished more flat finish, high shine, but nonetheless this dress makes a big glam statement! I have and always will be a big fan of what I call "sophisticated bling"...sequins and strategically placed beading never go out of fashion. A little touch of drama is always needed to make a personal style statement and can be as subtle as the perfect chandelier earrings or as quietly over-the-top as Erika's dress. You are probably thinking how can something be "quietly over-the-top"...isn't that a contradiction? Well, the sheer genius of this dress is the color. The steel gray hue adds depth to the embellishment, quiets it and makes it seem less pop star bling and more polished shimmer.
The dress also looks great on her. My mother always told me that if you've got it, flaunt it... I teach my clients this all the time. Now this doesn't mean taking it to the extreme, but if you have great legs, wear tastefully shorter skirts; if you have a great butt, find the perfect jeans and if you have what so many women long for, a little something up top, then a hint (not a vulgar amount) of cleavage goes a long way. DVF's quintessential wrap dresses look amazing on women who have been blessed with a great shape and this silhouette was the perfect choice for Erika...you go girl!!!
If you love the idea of little radiance or luster in your life, then here are some other metallic stunners you can buy now and wear into the spring/summer. If you want to save some money, there are some great shimmery options online. A silver Graham & Spencer dress is on sale for $250 on Net-A-Porter...amazingly versatile (dress down or up) and seasonless. There is also a simple navy sequin tank from Velvet for $91 from Cusp.com (Neiman Marcus's contemporary site)...wear it now over a long sleeve white tee, with a great little jacket and jeans and then break it out on its own once the weather changes. If you don't think luminosity is for you, then I suggest this amazing charcoal Phillip Lim Ruffle Dress also from Cusp.com. A deep gray tone is the perfect way to softly emulate a metallic feel.
So take a cue from Erika and feel and look good in your style choices... Try some of the new gleaming, yet polished metallic options and wear them at any time, in any place...true Style Mavens, do what suits their mood, not what the fashion "gods" preach to them!!!!
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