The New "Statement" Shoes and Bags?

Just ran across this article on Kobi Levi "shoe creatures" which Lady Gaga wore in her Born This Way video.  Although the shoes and bags seem a little over-the-top, they seem well made and a refreshing alternative to the sky-high, pencil thin stilettos and chunky platform pumps that have become costume de rigueur for women of certain means. 

Reverse Pumps Anyone?

Okay, I have to admit that the first time I saw these Marc Jacobs reverse pumps, I thought they were ridiculous.

After seeing them in action on Parker Posey, however, they actually looked pretty cute. Not sure how difficult it would be to walk in them, and I would think that they may even just kill your feet because all of your weight would be on the ball of your foot, whereas with regular heels or even stilettos some of the weight is on your heels.


But kudos to Marc Jacobs for coming up with something truly original (and thank God it's not another bootie design).

The patent pair are available at at Saks by pre-order only.

Trend Alert: Lauren Moshi T-shirts and Hoodies

If Paris Hilton owns three of them and Sienna Miller is spotted wearing one, it's officially a trend, right? These Lauren Moshi t-shirts and hoodies have been popping up all over Hollywood lately. Featuring sophisticated and artful line drawings of anything from plants and animals to motorcycles sunglasses, these tanks, tees, and hoodies look great layered or alone.

Try wearing with jeans and sandals for a laid back weekend look or a black miniskirt and stilettos for a rocker-chic look. I love the generous cut, which is a nice change from the ultra-tight tanks we have grown accustomed to seeing.

Summer Wedding Attire

GOTO Fashion reader Maggie (name changed) submitted the following question:

"I have to attend my cousin's wedding in May and I don't have any idea what to wear. Her family is somewhat conservative (from the midwest), but the wedding is being held in San Diego, in the early afternoon. I don't want to look like a bridesmaid! I know I'm not supposed to upstage the bride, but but I am 25 and single and would like to avoid looking like a total frump, since these relatives haven't seen me since I lost 30 pounds last year. I am about 5'6", wear a size 8 dress, and have full hips/thighs. Any suggestions?"

Our response:
Maggie, you're in luck here. Although the family is conservative, a destination wedding is generally calls for more relaxed attire. Also, in this age, younger, single women are generally not expected to don matronly dresses simply to avoid upstaging the bride. So, we suggest you find something that fits the following:

1) Avoid super-light colors like white, cream, pale pink, and champagne. Your outfit should be bright and beautiful - consider bright yellow, which is particularly fashionable this season. You would do well to avoid the colors being worn by the bridesmaids, as well, if you know what those are. Since you have time, ask your cousin directly or see if you can find this out from someone else in the family.

2) Choose either a short dress with a full or a-line skirt or a long, slender dress. Long and puffy skirts are almost exclusively for the bride and (potentially) bridesmaids. Everyone else should steer clear.

3) Consider layering, so you can make a game-time decision about how much to reveal. Pairing a more revealing dress with a jacket or bolero allows you to adjust your look to the temperature of the environment and the expectations of the attendees. If you feel comfortable, you can take it off, and you won't be left feeling self-conscious if the event is more conservative than you thought it would be.

4) Choose something that fits well and is well made. You don't want to be uncomfortable for the duration of the wedding because you chose a dress that was too small, too short, or simply badly made. Trust us, it's no fun to constantly worry about your bra showing, your gaping cleavage, or simply being unable to breathe. Weddings are supposed to be fun (at least for the guests), so pick something that makes you feel incredible AND comfortable!

Here are some suggestions for the big event:
(click on any link below for more information)



Left to right, top to bottom:
1) Trimmed Taffeta Lorelei Dress from J.Crew, in "Sour Lemon." Orig. $245, now $179.99. Purchase at JCrew.com
2) Sophia Short Silk Dress from J.Crew, in "Fresh Clover." $195. Purchase at JCrew.com
3) Yellow Strapless Georgette Dress by Nicole Miller. $275. Purchase at
edressme.com
4) Cotton cropped cardigan from Banana Republic, in white. $49. Purchase at bananarepublic.com.
5) LINEN RAYON SPANDEX SPRING JACKET from MaxStudio, in white. On sale now for $88. Purchase at maxstudio.com

Accessory Alert: Bangles and Bracelets

I just love the new bangles and bracelets for this Spring. Big, bold, and decidedly not boring is all the rage this season. From wood and patent bangles to bright beaded bracelets, these carefree looks work with any body type and can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to dresses appropriate for casual nights out.

The best part? At less than $10 a piece, these are relatively painless indulgences.

Click on the pictures below for more information on any of these accessories:

Tragic Fashion: Dresses

London Times Silk Chiffon Trapeze Dress

In your quest for dresses to wear this Spring, don't make the mistake of wearing something like this. While I'm all for cute little dresses that show a fun and flirty side, this dress misses the mark on so many levels that it's just tragic. From the tent-like shape to the see-through material and the wide satin border at the bottom, this dress should be reserved for intimate bedroom moments only. Even the most fit women would have a hard time looking anything but pregnant in this dress.

Other horrible dresses I've seen lately:


Nine West Puff-Sleeve Floral Print Dress - basically your grandmother's mumu made into a mini dress
















DKNY Jeans Shirtdress - this dress is just soccer mom chic. If that's what you're into, then so be it. Everyone else should steer clear of this dress.