Ombre

The gradual color gradation from dark to light, or from one color to another, is called ombré. This technique has been seeing a revival in the past few years and now it is being used by mainstream labels. Fashionistas can find shoes, clothing, accessories and bags in ombré.

BCBG Striped Ombre Poncho, $138.60

BCBG Front Draped Printed Top, $110.60

Fendi Mahogany Ombre Zucchino Small Boston Bag, $668 from Blue Fly

Jessica Simpson Marsha Heels in Ruby, $57.39 from Heels.com

Some people are even ombré-ing their hair! If you are daring enough to do this, you can go more subtle starting with a natural darker color at your roots and moving toward the lighter color at the ends. You can go even more bold with platinum blond at your roots and go to black at the end! Some people, ok models, have even used this technique to add light pink or purple to their hair.

Tommy Ton/jakeandjil.com

Even guys can get in on the ombré trend. If your guy isn't too into fashion, point him to ombré pieces that don't vary in color too much. This way he can get using to wearing something considered trendy before jumping into something more fashion forward.

Diesel Koland Ombre Sweater, $88 from Blue Fly

Diesel Arkroyal Board Shorts, $59 from Blue Fly

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Photos from Blue Fly, Heels.com, BCBG, jackandjil.com

Dazzle Your Friends, Closet & Wallet with Shoe Dazzle

You probably associate Shoe Dazzle with Kim Kardashian, and therefore may have stayed away from the service. However, don't let the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star deter you from getting trendy shoes at a great price. After all, Kardashian was a stylist before reality famedom.

Kardashian came up with the concept of Shoe Dazzle because she wanted everyone to have the experience of a personal stylist, but at an affordable price. That is something I can definitely get behind.

Envy Shoe, $39.95 from Shoe Dazzle

When you join the service, just answer a few questions about your personal style and likes. The site's stylists then present a selection to you on the 1st of each month (or several days after your initial registration) which you pick your pair from. When your personal showroom is complete, you will receive an email to make your selection.

Not feeling their picks? Just tell the stylists and they will come up with a new selection for you. But, beware that you cannot go back to a previous selection once you request a new one!

Loving their picks? Get as many as you want at once, just pay the additional cost.

Chicago Bag, $39.95 from Shoe Dazzle

Shoe Dazzle is a shoe-of-the-month-type club. You pay $39.95 each month (free shipping and returns) and a new pair of shoes arrive at your doorstep! Customers can return shoes they don't like and can cancel the service at any time. Registration is free, so you can sign up just to see if the service is for you.

You will only be billed once your first order is placed. If you want to skip a month, simply select that option by the 5th of the month. Customer's credit cards will be charged on the 6th of each month. If you forget to skip a month, your card will be charged, but you will receive a store credit.

Happy Shoe Dazzle Customers

Shoe Dazzle also offers bags and jewelry, so if you just don't need another pair of shoes for that month, you have other options.

Looking for a unique, memorable gift? Shoe Dazzle offers gift cards! Any fashionista, young or old, will have a blast filling out their style profile and waiting for their special pair of shoes.

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Photos from ShoeDazzle.com

American Apparel: No "Off Brand" Employees

In February the Cornell Pi Phi Sorority came under fire after their fashion rules were revealed. The girls have specifics do's and don'ts, including no American Apparel leggings. Ironic since both organizations like to tell their underlings what to wear.

American Apparel Eyewear Guidelines, From Gawker.com

Last week rumors started flying regarding American Apparel's employees and their hiring practices (full body and close up photos required!). Now, the fashion rules have been revealed in an email sent to store managers:

(Taken from Gawker.com)

"a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.

b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.

c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-"Bangs" or "fringe" are advised against. It is not part of the direction we're moving in.

d) Jewelry must not be distracting. Please do not wear accessories with another brand's logo on it- this includes watches. No gauges whatsoever. One earring per ear is encouraged. Earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, etc. must be simple and tasteful."

Unacceptable Watch & Belt, From Gawker.com

Don't worry, they don't discriminate between guys and girls, the guys have rules too:

"a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.

b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.

c) Males should not wear makeup.

d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.

e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.

Example of Bad Eyebrows and Desired Eyebrows, From Gawker.com

Reminders about basic dress code:
a) Button-up shirts must be tucked in to trousers.

b) Sneakers of any style are not allowed. Plain white clean Keds or Keds-like shoes are allowed.

c) Please do not wear any earrings. All accessories and watches must be clean, simple, and tasteful. They cannot distract from the garments.

d) Garments must fit properly. Trousers cannot be too tight or too baggy- and must be clean. Shirts cannot be oversized or too tight. If there is an employee that does not wear garments that fit properly, please contact me ASAP so we can resolve the matter.

e) Belts must be worn with trousers that have belt loops."

Acceptable Outfit Save for Torn Tights, From Gawker.com

See more do's and don'ts, plus employee feedback and experiences here.

Perfection According to American Apparel, From Gawker.com

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My Favorite Lines Series: Anna Sui

Anna Sui, educated at Parsons The New School for Design, is one of Time magazine's five iconic designers of the decade. She is also the recipient of CFDA's lifetime achievement award; Sui is in the company of Yves St. Laurent, Diane von Furstenburg, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Calvin Klein and more.

High Neck Blouse, $237.50 from The OutNet.com

Her first runway show was in 1991 after friends Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell encouraged her work. Besides being a fashion staple, Sui is passionate about the industry and has been one of the loudest voices in saving the garment district in New York.

Orchard Scarf Print Silk Dress, $442 from Shop Bop

Sui finds inspiration from all aspects of life, including punk rock, vintage finds, her Chinese heritage, fantasy and whimsy, different time periods and eras, art, music, designers Theirry Mugler and Jean-Paul Gaultier and much more. She loves learning and researching topics she finds interesting, so inspiration is always abundant for Sui.

Painted Stripes Dress, $317.10 from Shop Bop

The Detroit native has her namesake label, Dolly Girl by Anna Sui, Anna Sui Mini and several perfumes and a cosmetics line. Along with all the clothing design work she does, she also collaborated with Samsung to design cell phones. You can even personalize your Google Chrome browser with an Anna Sui theme.

Embellished Denim Dress, $399 from Net-a-Porter

Nylon Ruffled Trench, $275 from Net-a-Porter

Anna Sui is available at various online retailers; visit her site for a store locator.

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Photos from The OutNet.com, Net-a-Porter, Shop Bop

Shades

A great pair of sunglasses can make your look standout whether you are at the beach, on a boat, or strolling through shops. A unique pair will garner tons of compliments, but will also protect your precious peepers at the same time.

Alexander McQueen Wrap Around Sunglasses in Brown, $119 from Beyond the Rack

Fendi Dot Logo Square Sunglasses in White, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Trying on sunglasses is key since there are so many shapes and styles available. If you are buying sunglasses online, be sure you can return them.

Coach Aubrey Sunglasses in Navy, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Fendi Belt Sunglasses in Pink, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Hugo Boss Solid Sunglasses in Gray Green, $69 from Beyond the Rack

Valentino Rhinestone Shield Sunglasses in Silver, $109 from Beyond the Rack

Keep your sunglasses in their case when you aren't wearing them to avoid scratches and damage. If you are prone to throw your sunglasses in your bag, beware!

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Photos from Beyond the Rack

Summer Weddings

Wedding season is upon us and the big question for the guests...what to wear? You have to take into account the time of day, the location and the couple getting married.

Time of Day

The time of day will dictate a range of appropriate attire. Weddings held before lunchtime are more casual and get progressively more formal throughout the day. There is no rule, as far as I am concerned, regarding the length of a dress, unless the invitation says black or white tie, then a gown should be worn. Maxi dresses, tea length dresses, and above the knee dresses (no micro minis!) can be worn at anytime, as long as the style is appropriate. You can wear more color and patterns during the day than at night. You can also wear strappy sandals and chunky heels.

ABS Rose Multi Print One Shoulder Dress, $149 from Rue Lala

ABS Aubergine Cowl Neck Gown, $129 from Rue Lala

ABS Black & Ivory Cocktail Dress, $129 from Rue Lala

Location

The location of the wedding also plays a part in deciding what to wear. You can wear strapless or thin strapped dresses to an outdoor wedding; you can even wear a silk jumper. Wearing a shrug or jacket may be an appropriate addition to your outfit for a church wedding, depending on the church. Wedges and more colorful footwear can be worn at beach weddings, but you may want to go slightly more conservative for garden weddings, and stick with traditional pumps for church ceremonies. A similar rule of thumb should be followed regarding jewelry and accessories: bright, colorful and chunky jewelry is appropriate for beachside weddings and more delicate pieces should be worn to more formal unions.

ABS Rhinestone Drop Necklace, $39 from Rue Lala

ABS Silk Jumper, $99 from Rue Lala

The Couple

You know your friends and you know what they like. The bride may love purple and would be ecstatic to see you and your date wearing purple. Perhaps the bride likes 50's inspired dresses and would be thrilled to see you in a dress with a full skirt. Maybe the wedding is at the beach and the bride and groom are fun loving people- a Hawaiian print could be perfect! Is the bride a shoe-aholic? Funky shoes would fit right in. If the couple mentions a dress code on the invitation, follow it (no jacket or tie required, tea length dress recommended, more bedazzled the better!).

Charles David "Sassy" Suede Heels, $99 from Rue Lala

basix Black & White Dress with Flower, $99 from ideeli

jack rogers Raspberry Maggy's Party Dress, $78 from ideeli

There are just a few things to remember: you are going to a wedding, not a club or bar; it is the bride and groom's special day, so don't wear anything that will compete with them (like a long white dress!); have fun and be yourself!

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Photos from Rue Lala, ideeli

Sara Burton for Alexander McQueen

Several weeks ago Sara Burton was named creative director for Alexander McQueen. The label promoted from within; Burton was the head designer for the women's wear line. She has been with McQueen since 1997, just one year after her graduation from Central Saint Martins. McQueen attended the same school. She was the logical choice to promote since Burton has been McQueen's go-to assistant for quite some time. Burton courageously completed McQueen's Fall/Winter 2010 collection after his death in February.

The CFDA Awards were held June 7, 2010 with great anticipation for the McQueen tribute. Sarah Jessica Parker introduced the tribute which included the entire Fall/Winter 2010 collection being shown. The collection wowed, but at the end it was all tears after a video showed McQueen waving after his Spring/Summer 2010 collection show.

CFDA winners included Marcus Wainright and David Neville for Rag & Bone (Menswear Designer of the Year), Alexis Bittar (Accessory Designer of the Year), Jason Wu (Swarovski Award for Womenswear), Richard Chai (Swarovski Award for Menswear), Alexander Wang (Swarovski Award for Accessory Design), Michael Kors (Geoffery Beane Lifetime Achievement Award), Tonne Goodman of Vogue (Eleanor Lambert Award), Christopher Bailey for Burberry (International Award), Iman (Fashion Icon Award), Kim Hastreiter of Paper (Eugenia Sheppard Award).

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Photo from Getty Images/Andrew H. Walker