It sure was sweet to take a look at some of the collections featured at Milan Fashion Week. There was lots of dazzling bling and pretty fabrics and colors. Out of the long list of designers who presented in Milan I was particularly taken by both the Blumarine and Dolce Gabbana collections that were ultra luxe, not to mention lots of fun!
Beginning with Blumarine – the pop art Andy Warhol backdrop with lots of 
bright pinks, orange, and yellows sure was eye-catching and the sassy leopard print mini dresses, coats, and shoes were entertaining. What I love most about this particular designer is her use of vibrant hues, perked up neutrals, feminine trims, and extra-special details. In the instance featured to the right, an everyday camel colored jacket helps to downplay the razzle dazzle of the thigh-skimming dress and the neutral animal print glads tie everything up just right.
Want more bling? Take a look at the sweet shoes paired with this dynamic midnight and black hued plunging neckline feathery frock. If there is anything that we can learn about the fabulous styling of this look it is: Be not afraid of mixing black and blue. So many times I hear women and men alike gasp in horror when they even THINK about pairing black with blue or even brown with black… There are no RULES. Try mixing and matching things that “go against the grain” and you may come up with a new favorite ensemble. Need an idea? Try a beautiful navy blue sheath paired with a shiny black patent Mary Jane Platform – super sophisticated!
Perhaps the exaggerated above the knee hemlines are the fashion industry’s
way of saving money on fabrics – or maybe they just love the sexy look?! I love this winter white skin-tight little one featured right. We saw a couple of these pretty sculpted looks on the red carpet at the various awards shows recently! Again, take a look at those gorgeous shoes – which I would stalk her for – which are just funky enough to un-pretty her sweet cocktail number just a tinge.
S
o onto Dolce… I love the 1940’s nod with the structured shoulder and fur… Not to mention the sleeked back, deep sided parted hair and red lips. The color palette was again a bit noir but still fabulous to look at but as D&G is known for, they always have to inject some sort of effulgent or metallic color. Out of the whole collection this was the sole golden piece. I love the abbreviated hemline, thick tights, pouffed shoulders and awesome fringy/ruffled neckline.
I did say that good ole Dolce likes to do the bright hue… Take a look at this electric magenta dress with loads of pleating, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and perfect pencil skirt. I could die for this piece that would suck in all the bad parts and leave a gorgeous silhouette on just about anyone. With a dress like this style with caution. Hair and make-up shouldn’t be too dramatic. A simple chignon would do the trick and a dab of deep dark rouge on the pout!
And finally, this was another Italiano who loved the black and blue combo. 
I just had to show off this pretty woven circle skirt dress and out to there fuzzy accoutrement. This is THE way to style up a look. As you see here this pretty frock is made even more amazing with a full-on foxy shrug on the shoulders, nipped in waist, thicker than thick tights, demure black leather gloves to the wrist, and of course, let’s not forget the shoes… Showstopping suede towering platforms that show-off gem buttons.
This time of year, when we are still coveting our layers look to D&G for inspiration. Pile on the fur, don’t forget the gloves, and paint on a pretty mouth – you’ll be ahead of the gang!
