I am not a country music kind of gal, but I don’t mind checking out the fashions worn by some of the industry’s brightest stars and making my comments on their choices of course! 

The days of atrocious and excessive fringes and sequins are pretty much long gone and instead, the country stars of today are donning glam and tasteful frocks that exude stylish confidence and appeal.  While there were some misses, the majority of the ladies looked great – even though the styling could have been tweaked a bit with a few…

Taylor Swift was very prim and fem in a frothy and tastefully sequins gown in glittering gold and champagne.  Experts say that nominees who pretty much think that they have it in the bag usually don a more conservative “pretty” look as opposed to selecting an edgy/fashion-forward piece.  I’d say that Taylor definitely planned ahead with this one.  I am also loving her retro-romantic hair that falls softly around her face and prettily finishes the look. 

STYLE TIP: when donning sequins keep accessories at bay.  The sparkle of the dress is first and foremost.  Bling isn’t necessary nor apropos with a look such as this.

Pretty girl Carrie Underwood did another metallic just right choosing an icey platinum rather than glittering gold like Swift.  The form fitting gown perfectly accentuated the singer’s petite  frame and the intricate and unique beading was quite current and a change from standard sequins.  Underwood too got her hair dead-on – full bouncy curls and easy upswept sides break up the severity of the structured embellishment and enhance the overall look.

STYLE TIP: Over-the-top dresses with excesive bling or exaggerated anything are best suited with a more fem approach to hair and make-up, while a more conservative frock lends a plain canvas for artisic cosmetics and coifs.

Gunmetal was the shade of choice for Kellie Pickler who donned this season’s popular one-shoulder look for the evening.   While I like the shape of the gown and the interesting color, I find it to be utterly unflattering on Pickler who recently changed her more complimenary blonde locks for a blah auburn that does nothing for her.  While I agree that an asymetrical look is best with an updo this one was a tad messy and did nothing to perk up the look… ALSO, Pickler’s jewelry is all wrong too.  A better choice when wearing a non-traditional neckline would be oversized chandelier earrings.  NOT a short collar necklace that competes with the single strap.

Kim Williams-Paisely in one word looked AWFUL.  The autumnal colors that made up her chiffon frock did little to make Kimmy a standout and the simple design was a snoozefest.  HAIR?  Terrible too.  The half-up, half-down look is sophisticated when done right, but in a case like this appears more juvenille than jazzy.  Quite honestly, a dress like this is entirely too casual for a red-carpet event and certainly not suitable for an actress in the public eye.  Kim has a great figure and she could have really done it up!

STYLE TIP: Short dresses can be just as elegant, if not more, than a long droopy look like Williams-Paisley’s.  An abbreviated style with a fitted bodice and full circle skirt would have been far more festive AND flattering.

Ah, another year another Stan Hywet gala on the beautiful grounds of the stately old manor.  I have attended the SH gala for the past six years and look forward to it year after year one because it marks the anniversary of my six-year-long courtship with my lovely mate, and two because it’s a chance to don a long flowy evening gown on a warm summer evening.

Since, the gala is “black tie” women must dress accordingly.  Short dresses are ok so long as they are “gussied” up and not mere daytime sundresses.  What will pass the test?  Sparkly embellishment, ruffles, interesting necklines, and a beautiful fabric.  What will not make the mark?  Cotton or linen day dresses, skin-tight bandage dresses, or business attire.  Long gowns are an obvious choice and since the summertime heat may come between you and your favorite heavy satin dress skip weighty fabrics and instead try chiffon or a drapy silk that is without excessive boning.

I must say, in the past I see a lot of “Pageant” like dresses(read: excessive sparkle, noticeable foam boobie cups, and in-your-face colors like canary yellow or brighter than bright pink) that not only look dated, but also look ridiculous on folks who aren’t on stage doing the “Lightbulb” wave.   I have also (GASP!) seen a few ladies donning straw hats on the lawn as well… hats are terrific – however are reserved for afternoon tea or for another daytime event.  So, please skip the toppers, they aren’t welcome after 5p.  The following are some basic rules to follow when choosing your attire:

1. No “Homecoming Hair” a la 1980/90 with corny tendrils and cascading curly q’s.

2.  No pageant dresses

3. Play up your best assets: Love your legs?  Go short – try a pretty sequins dress and don simple gold wrap around the ankle high sandals.  Rather show off your well-sculpted arms?  Go long in a pretty chiffon dress that will flutter in the wind.  Choose a pretty color like butter, petal pink, or chartreuse.

please don't

4. Dress your age.  No 60 year olds in second-skin lycra and no 30-something in a dowdy drape-y nothing. This rule also applies to your shape…

5. When in doubt classic is the best way to go.  Try a strapless black column gown with dainty pearls.

The Summer Solstice party at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 20, was not only a celebration of the arts – featuring the unveiling of the Museum’s new East Wing, but also a chance for hundreds of people to attend a party.  Cocktails flowed as guests mingled and enjoyed the various entertainment throughout the evening that included a Jazz band and a DJ from New York City who spun Bhangra infused electronica to a revved-up crowd.  In the style department the majority of the attendees disappointed in uber-casual shorts, t’shirts, cropped pants, and breezy daytime sundresses – which is quite appalling actually for an event that took place after-five.  However, the stylish couple here impressed that Clevelanders certainly deserve a spot on the style map.  Casey Burry  and  her significant other Ike Karipides, Cleveland transplants from New York  City, injected a city chic vibe to the event donning summer cocktail attire that was altogether eye catching, enviable, and well-styled.

Casey, President of Tagua, a line of organic handcrafted jewelry and handbags from South America, sashayed through the fete in a champagne toned silk frock by Elia Abuchaibe for Tagua that was embellished with over-sized baubles and coppery disks.  Casey topped the whole look with a shrunken lightly quilted and shortsleeved black vintage jacket and punctuated her whole look with perforated black closed toe t-strap custom-made tango shoes that added a truly unique close to the entire look.  Accessories?  Beautiful antique-like chandelier earrings from Mexico and a vintage handbag.  Casey’s look is a melange of old and new, custom-made and store bought,  so, when she seeks a fabulous new find in Cleveland she can’t help but to dip into Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to examine the potential wares.  Those interested in checking out Tagua’s stylish wares should log onto: www.tagualife.com. 

Ike looked fresh for summer in cherry red linen Ralph Lauren trousers topped with a modernized Etro seersucker jacket – that was cut slimmer than the classic counterpoint  creating  Euro-chic appeal. Ike’s white shirt was custom-made in Singapore and his shoes were cognac colored TOD’s driving mocs that kept the whole look in perspective.  Ike’s eclectic wardrobe and style,  has been cultivated as a result of travel abroad, however he has found some agreeable pieces at retailers like Kilgore Trout in Eaton Collection (Chagrin Blvd.) and at Cuffs in downtown Chagrin Falls.  Check these retailers out for some fashionable, yet classic essentials.

So Akron, Cleveland, Canton, WHOEVER, take a few hints from this stylish couple:

1. Don’t “Play it safe” – forgo your favorite denim and wear a pair of pants like Ike in a fun color – keep everything else relatively neutral.

2. Save up a little for a on-of-a-kind custom-made piece like Casey’s fabulous Tango shoes – you’re sure to get compliments

3. Dress up!  Even if you’re just going out to dinner it’s nice to throw on some extra-special – You’ll feel better if you look better and you may even earn a compliment or two.

4. Head to a vintage shop or website (check out my examiner page for a list of good sites) and purchase a unique piece that will help you stand out. 

If any of you out there feel that your style deserves to be featured on my Ohio.com or Examiner.com page please send me a picture and you just might end up another Akron/Cleveland Style Setter!

I know that all of my dear Ohio.com readers have wondered where I have wondered off to for the past week.  While I am not into excuses, I have a good one…I have launched yet another style post on the Cleveland Examiner that went live for the first time last week.  I am fastidiously attempting to boost my page views, so I ask all of you loyal SJS’ers to please check it out.  As with See Jane, you’ll get lots of advice, shopping ideas, plus slideshows of fun fashion! http://www.examiner.com/x-13166-Cleveland-Style-and-Fashion-Examiner is the link – please subscribe!!!! And don’t worry once I get all of this down pat, I will continue to update SJS!

Megan Fox looked smokin’ hot at the MTV music awards in her thigh skimming frock and towering platforms and she nailed her accessories right on too – not shying away from gold even though her dress was adorned with silver.  So how can you replicate this fabulous look for less?  Quite easily actually.  I found this full skirted shortie on asos.com for a mere $53.00 and came across these uber high heels at Bebe again at an easy to swallow price of only $128.00.  Why does this look work?  Typically one should shy away from a short dress and chunky simply because the proportion is a bit too sex-pot and not chic.  This however is ok, because the dress has a definitely feminine vibe as it is adorned with beautiful (girly) flowers and has a dainty full circle skirt.  The prettiness of the dress perfectly offsets the trannie-like vibe of the platform and creates an eye-catching balance.  Yes, Megan looks sexy, however she still looks pretty and current.  STYLE NOTE: NEVER WEAR sexy stripper-like shoes with a tight bandage style dress – WAY TOO OVER THE TOP!

Who else gets a style star after waltzing the MTV red carpet?  I was quite partial to the easy breezy appeal of Vanessa Hudgens (Photo courtesy of MTV.com) melon-hued satin frock and totally dig the boho vibe that her uber long gold necklaces lend to the entire look.  What else is a style surprise here?  The subtle peek we get of her black sturdy sandals and deeper hued clutch – both dark colors contrast nicely with her sorbet colored frock and give her a nice MTV style edge.  While this charmeuse gown is harder to come by, Hudgen’s fab shoes were not.  I found a similar pair on stevemadden.com for about $189.00 and scoured the web for some cool long necklaces too and found these gems at asos.com.  The long pendant style necklace is a cheap thrill at only $15.00 while the shorter disk style necklace comes in at $30.00.  Just think about how much use you’ll get out of all this stuff!

Sorry for the delay in this particular posting, but I just couldn’t bear to ignore it all together since providing pics of some of the most fashionable people at the prestigiously attended Met Gala in New York is downright important.  In many ways the Met Gala brings out more fabulous fashion finery than the Grammys, Emmy’s, SAG’s, etc… Fashion elite attend this yearly event as do models, actors, and just the creme de la creme of high society so it goes without saying that no expense was spared when choosing one’s grand attire for the soiree. 

I could sit and sift through my closet and drawers for hours coming up with various combinations … I love finding old items that I forgot I had and mixing and matching them with newer items recently acquired!  Conversely, I also like surfing the web and finding cool accessories and other such things and fantasizing about how I would wear them together.  So, in the spirit of my “hobby” I am dedicating this particular posting to cute ensembles that are worthy of a fun-filled weekend.  I hope you all find some inspiration!

Lunch With The Girls

Dinner With Your Man

Mother’s Day Brunch

Those who know me, know my love for the reality series “The Real Housewives” on Bravo TV.  The New York City crowd didn’t disappoint this season with loads of drama, cat fights, and of course gossip.  Many times I find the fashions on these shows to be a bit garish at best.  Anyone familiar with this series knows that the Atlanta group (Nene specifically) wore in your face, nipple baring dresses, while the Orange County ladies donned couger-esque, second-skin Cache head-to-toe… Quite simply, many of the ladies look cheap, and not like well-to-do “housewives” with distinguished zip codes. 

So, moving on to NYC…  I find Alex and Simon’s fashion sense that they call “Adventurous”, “Utterly ridiculous” and the Countess LuAnn’s classic style “non-descript” , however, many of the items worn by Bethenny and Jill, the notorious best buddy twosome, were pretty, stylish, feminine and very NYC.  Bethenny is actually my favorite and she hit a home run with me on last night’s finale when she donned a very Audrey Hepburn-like dress, pearls, and black full-length leather gloves.  LOVELY!  Steal her pretty look below and you’ll look not only like her but also the fabulous actress who inspired her look.

As we e anter the month of May, the air becomes a bit more friendly, the sun shows its lovely rays, and dum dum da dum… We begin wedding season.  Brides-to-be choose springy summer months for obvious reasons in Ohio – nicer weather and for some a freed up schedule.  So, what do you do when you get the invite and it says, “Black Tie Optional” or doesn’t state a dress requirement at all?  Well time of day dictates a lot.  Perhaps the happy couple elects a daytime luncheon/brunch on Sunday.  For an occasion such as this a pretty summer floral dress would be appropriate and even a hat. Choose bright or pastel colors that reflect the festiveness of the event and carry a girly clutch to close the deal.

Should your lovely invite states “Black Tie Optional”, “Black Tie Preferred”, or “Black Tie” women need to wear their finest attire.  A full-length gown is acceptable or a lovely satin dress with beautiful details like crystal embellishments or ornate ruffles would be the way to go.  It should go without saying, but hair, make-up, and accessories must be spot-on as well.  Your man should don his tuxedo, however if the invitation states “optional” it’s not a requirement to rent a tux if they don’t have one.  HOWEVER, they must wear their best suit.  Sport coats for an event like this are unacceptable.

Ok, so your invite mentions nothing about dress code and the blessed event takes place after 5p on either Friday or Saturday night.  What to wear?  The general rule of thumb is dress up more than you think you should.  Ladies: Cocktail dresses are a great way to go.  Should you despise frolicking in a frock though you may choose a beautiful pair of silky trousers paired with a chiffon top again with special details.  A tank top and black pants is a no-no.  Men, since it is after 5p a sport coat and nice pants is the most respectable way to be dressed.  Khakis and a polo-style shirt are entirely too casual for an event such as a wedding and bottom line insult the hosts of the party.

So, unless the nuptials you are attending state “Hoedown” or “VERY casual backyard picnic” skip shorts, jeans, cut-offs, wife beaters, tee-shirts with inappropriate slogans or beer bottle graphics, and tennis shoes.  Remember, a wedding is a very important day to the bride and the groom and when guests arrive in jeans or something else worn on a lazy Sunday afternoon they are showing the ultimate disrespect to those who planned this day so carefully.  Choose your attire wisely and you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but the merry couple with appreciate your efforts.

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’sway 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.

So 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!

I always get a little nostalgic when London Fashion Week rolls around… It takes me back to the days when I lived in the jolly UK and passed by the glorious white tents and watched as the glamour-pusses made their way past the gatekeepers into the lively shows.  London isn’t always getting oodles of accolades from the fashion press, with Paris, Milan, and New York reeling in the highest of accolades… But, one can’t discount the creativity of the designers who show in London.  Rarely “playing it safe” these designers are noted for comingup with strange silhouettes (at times) and collections with a punk-ishfeel – but who better than the English to re-invent that signature style, since of course they started the whole punk era themselves.

So what about the London collections then?  Color was less than prevalent with black and other somber colors ruling the catwalk.  Julien Macdonald, a British fashion name stay, stuck mostly with dark ink tones and deep and subtle metal but injected a smidge of color with some emerald and cobalt pieces.  Shoulders were structured, dresses were shrunken up, slits were borderline indecent, and tops/tunics were ripped up and deconstructed.  A nice added touch was a glimmering shattered mirror effect on the gown shown here!  Definitely a severe collection and not for the mild mannered… This is the true taste of Julien Macdonald.

Paul Smith is another big name when it comes to British fashion.  When it comes to this “King of stripes” collection I was not at all disappointed in the sheer supple-ness of the fabrics shown and the quintessential autumnal colors like rust and olive with pops of pink and turquoise that sweeten up the military-inspired deal (gee wonder where he got inspired??).  Who wouldn’t want to bundle up in one of these fabulous funnel-neck collared coats?  Or better yet, wrap up your legs in these phenomenal cable-knit tights that come in a full gamut of colors and look simply perfect with tie up ankle boots. What can we learn about styling from Mr. Smith? 

1. Don’t be afraid to throw together “like” colors.  You see here the subtle bronze pattern in the coat is made more noticeable by donning a pair of tights in a similar hue. 

2. Cinch the waist.  A fabric such as the one shown above could border on masculine, however a slim belt at the waist forms an immediate fem silhouette.

3. Pump up dark hues by interjecting a bright color.  Those clunky booties are WAY more interesting with pink shoelaces (not to mention immediately more current).  Don’t be afraid of color.

4. I know you’re all waiting for this one… Yes, you can mix patterns especially those in the same color family.  In this instance, Mr. Smith caught my eye by throwing on a sassy leopard print muffler.  Love it!

Ah!  How I love the shape of this look pictured to the right.  Again, the masculine undertones of the color have been juxtaposed against the most girly shape – the circle skirt, and a buttoned up cardi with fun beads at the shoulders dare I say a cheeky way of re-interpreting the sturdy golden, draped braids that make up the British military uniform?  The whole of this look is punctuated again with those pesky socks – this time worn with closed-toes.  On this model I think it works, however if I put this whole outfit on and gave the old anklets a whirl, my short legs would only look stumpier and no one would appreciate my stellar skirt and darling sweater because of my silly socks.  Remember my fashionable fans, not always do  the runway looks work for everybody.  You’ll only hit the height of style if you learn what shapes work on you… You can still try out all the new trends but you MUST formulate it to your bod or it simply WILL NOT work. Cheers!