Confession #1

Forgive me Father, for I have sinned...

It has been what seems to be days, weeks, perhaps... even months since my last visit... Where should I begin?

Remember how we say, ""As winter approaches, we pile on the layers" ? Well... not only are we talking about the number of articles of clothing we wear to avoid catching a cold, we're talking about various trendy pieces... 

Little Black Dresses, Matte Leather, Luxurious Faux Furs, Romanticized Ruffle Blazers, Hard Metal Accessories, Heather Grays, Cozy Knits, and a Clash of Color Dynamics... 

Little Black Dresses: Never Old, Always New

Photos: JustJared, Starstyle

Nina Dobrev opted for a slinky, black number for the Scream Awards. It's all about the accessories! With simple, black dresses... accessories and hair are key to making the basic look pop. Add edge to the look by adding heavy duty chain embellished accessories. Note that Dobrev still kept the look clean by limiting her accessories, making the focal point of her outfit her statement heels and chain draped clutch. She softens her look by keeping her hair in in soft curls, looking sexy rather than rough-tough.

Head-to-toe black is never outdated, rather a staple for the sophisticated. Dash up the look with a sudden dash of color as Olivia Palermo demonstrates with her Hermes orange-tan croc Jige clutch paired with gold chunky accessories.

Tidbit: What I love most about this look? The padded shoulders on her winter-worthy dress. Contrary to popular belief, shoulder pads aren't just for business types or blazers... believe it or not they actually serve a purpose! The plus side of padding the shoulders? It actually adds structure to your shoulders giving a slimming and lengthening effect-- making your neck look slimmer and longer. Try it, you will see what is all the rage...

Victoria Beckham keeps it simple with one staple focus: her perfectly tailored-to-fit black dress. Cinching the waist with a medium width belt in a matching color helps accentuate and slim her waistline.

Matte Leather: Take Out the Shine

Rachel Bilson: Break out those leather shorts again (please, matte it. Any shine would be borderline Julia Roberts a la Pretty Woman hookerish). Break the tough chic look with a flowy blouse, preferably with a feminine accent like subdued ruffles or subtle floral prints. Pairing the shorts with black booties keeps the tough in the look, while the wavy hair and feminine top keeps the look fresh, youthful, and downright girly...

Olivia Palermo: Again, add a touch of sophistication and youth to the look with playful colors. I love the balance of masculinity and femininity in this look. She has the tough exterior of the matte leather dress and bullet-inspired chunky necklace while keeping the balance of sophistication with her suede canary-yellow, broached pumps and orange-brown croc print clutch.

 Luxurious Fall Furs

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: This Victoria's Secret model turned Transformers hottie's fashion sense has caught my eye for the past few months. With layering techniques meant for professionals, she dares to be different and is always mixing different textures and colors to make a look all her own. 

Tidbit: Add a faux fur piece to your day look.. whether a vest, fur-trimmed coat, or scarf... it'll instantly add a luxurious vibe to the look.
  
to be continued...

xo Qbee