The Bella Style's Blog

The Spring 2012 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Shows

bellastyles — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:30:59 +0000

This week were the Spring 2012 Haute Couture Shows in Paris. Top designers from Donatella Versace, Givenchy, Chanel and Armani Prive showed their collections. This was actually Versace’s first couture show since 2004. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2012 Haute-Couture Show was inspired by the style of the late Amy Winehouse. Haute Couture are designs that you would most likely see on A-list celebs at red carpet events or on stage during concert performances. The designs are 9 times outta 10 not everyday wearable. Designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel staged his show to look like the inside of an airplane while designer Elie Saab had his show based off of a fairy-tale. Take a look for yourself:.

Givenchy

Shoes by Versace

Jean Paul Gaultier

Giambattista Valli

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Here are a few video links below from the shows:

Beth Ditto and MAC Are Set To Do a Collaboration This Coming June

bellastyles — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:04:19 +0000

Beth Ditto, known for her outrageous fashion sense and singing voice, is now doing a collaboration with #1 makeup company MAC. Women’s Wear Daily reports that Ditto, who often boasts her own bold eye makeup, will create signature products to hit MAC stores and counters in June. In celebration of the partnership, Ditto will attend this evening’s Gala Sidaction Dîner de la Mode as a guest of John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. and chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, and Karen Buglisi, MAC global brand president. The MAC AIDS Fund will donate 190,000 euros, or $246,620, to Sidaction this year. No word yet on what the products will be but if it’s as great as her Evans collabo, I’m sure to be the first in line for it!

Story via The Huffington Post and WWD

OOTD: “My Fur-ry Tale”

bellastyles — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:25:13 +0000

Today’s OOTD post is gonna be short because it’s all about the boots and coat. I’ve had this Mossimo faux-fur coat for a few years now but never really had anywhere fancy to wear it until now to match these boots. For my facebook followers a while back I posted about Ashley Stewart having these faux-fur boots called “The Magpie”on sale one day for only $13.75 down from $69.50. Once I ordered mine and posted that info, they obviously went selling like hot-cakes because a few friends on my page commented on grabbing them up too at that price. I really wanted the black pair, seeing as though I have a bag to match them perfectly, but the brown was the only color left in my size and they ended up working out just fine. They are slip on with no zipper and the heel is 5 inches. They are wide-calf and fit comfortably around my leg. If you like them too, they are on sale today for only $27.50. That may not be the $13.75 price that I paid but it’s still much cheaper than the original $69.50.

Shirt, Boots and Earrings all from Ashley Stewart

Faux-Fur Coat, Mossimo for Target, Reg. $69.50 On Sale for $35 (2009)

Pants from It’s Fashion

OOTD: “Mix-Match Day”

bellastyles — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:55 +0000

Before I start off let me just say that everyone’s individual style is different and mine is often times very edgy, so please save the hate mail for someone else, lol. Now with that said, today’s post is nothing but “on the edge” fashion. My sons school does quirky little things for the kids from time to time so today was “Mix-Match Day”. Since I was having lunch with him, I decided to participate as well. Plus it gave me a chance to wear these red and black split jeans that Torrid sent me some months ago. These are another form of the color blocking trend but I didn’t want to add another ‘bold’ color to the red and black so I just kept it simple by adding white. (Well I guess the zebra print was bold enough anyway). I paired the jeans with the Ivory and Black Stripe Cardigan , which unfortunately I see has sold out. Now while I have already been wearing this cardigan almost daily because it is so comfortable and versatile, today I wore it with this red belt and put the zebra cold-shoulder tee underneath. On the front of the shirt is a huge flower but when you turn around it’s all zebra print. Pretty cool two for one, and I was definitely on point for mix-match day.

Tripp Black and Red Skinny Leg Jeans $59.50 from Torrid

Red Stretch Belt $22 from Torrid

Booties by Salvatore Ferragamo

Jewelry from It’s Fashion

Fashion Déjà Vu: “Bella Styles vs. Queen Latifah in the Zebra-Print Miss Tina Dress”

bellastyles — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:41:27 +0000

I always say I like a good bargain and it seems that actress/rapper Queen Latifah does too. I’m a faithful watcher of “The Wendy Williams Show” and spotted the Queen wearing this zebra print dress while on the show yesterday. All day I have searched the internet high and low to ‘verify’ this info, but my sense of style is telling me that this is the ‘exact’ same Miss Tina dress that I purchased from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I wore it during a visit to NYC for a style symposium and interview. I’m making a point of writing this post to show that you can look great in clothing that doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune. This dress cost me only $18, as all items are less than $20 from the Miss Tina collection, and it fit like a glove.

I have purchased several Miss Tina dresses since this one because of the great fit and quality material. Now being a fuller-figured woman you must always make sure to wear the proper ‘foundations’ under a form-fitting dress like this and if you do it right, the ending results will be marvelous. It’s also really great to see designers supporting one another as Queen Latifah also has her own line of clothing out for HSN. Well even if this isn’t the exact same dress as Latifah is wearing, which I’m almost sure it is, it’s mighty close. If you like this style, and price, then you can still find more similar choices of the Miss Tina collection at Wal-Mart. Sizing goes from a S-XXL so there’s something for every shape and size!

(Above left) Queen Latifah in her zebra-print dress

(Below) Me in mine

Spring 2012 Must Have Trends: “Flaming Heels, Colored Denim, Polka Dots, 70′s Flare to Stiletto Nails”

bellastyles — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:27:15 +0000

In the fashion world you must always stay at least 6-months ahead of the next season. So with that said, I’m sharing with my readers some of the top must-haves for the upcoming Spring 2012 season. Look forward to seeing color-blocking make another return, including colored denim jeans, making a major splash on the fashion scene. 70′s styles and metallics seem to be very popular as well. Here’s my Spring 2012 vision board for beauty products, slender and plus-size clothing, shoes, bags and more…….

One surprise trend is the “princess” skirt. This showed up on runways such as that of Jason Wu. I remember seeing this trend a few years ago when Sarah Jessica Parker wore hers on the “Sex and the City 2″ movie.

Last Spring Prada had some of the most wanted trends being that of the stripe dress, monkey prints and chunky heels. This Spring the Prada shoes are a statement again. Checkout these “fireball” sandals inspired by hot wheels cars with flames:

More trends below:

To blend in with the “deep sea” trend from above, I’m lovin this Kate Spade ‘Barclay Street’ Ship Clutch, $358 from shop.nordstrom.com

And these Jimmy Choo Sandals (below) are the bizness

As you see below, polka dots will be “spotted” everywhere this Spring.

For the curvy gals, here’s a great little polka-dot trench coat from Ashley Stewart, $59.50, sizes XL-4X

Or this cute polka-dot belt from White House Black Market, $38

The colored denim jeans trend is on the top of my spring list. These can be dressed both up with a blazer or down with a tee.

For plus-sized colored denim try these aqua jeggings from Ashley Stewart, Sizes 12-26, $36.50

I’ve been eye-balling this new nail trend called “stiletto nails” since last year but just couldn’t really get with it until now. Rihanna is just one of many celebs wearing stiletto nails – acrylic nails that are filed to a point to look like stiletto heels, and then are generally painted in an attention-getting color. I plan to try these out very soon!

To polish those stiletto nails, opt for new spring shades such as Dior Scented Polish ($23), “YSL Candy Face” ($30) or the new Nicki Minaj for OPI collection

This dress called the “The Miranda” was just released today and I already have it at the top of my personal Spring wish list. It’s from designer Monif C. and is available now for pre-order. I can so see me rocking this with my stiletto nails, $228, Sizes 14/16-22/24

Since the Monif C. dress is such a vibrant hue, it can easily be used within the color-blocking trend with these “Sheri” by Jessica Simpson pumps, Sizes 5-11, $98 or either one of these Shell Necklaces from www.curvaceousboutique.com, $34.99 each. But if you wanna bring out your animal instincts, then pair up the dress with these Iron Fist Zebracorn Heels from Torrid, $39

(Remember, everything doesn’t always have to be matchy-matchy to pull a complete look together).

The Look For Less: “2012 Golden Globes Edition”

bellastyles — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:29:09 +0000

So everybody and their mother has posted a fashion blog about the Golden Globe Awards that took place this past Sunday night. I originally said to myself that I wasn’t gonna do a blog with my commentary on the event, but I just happened to come across some “looks for less” of a few of the red carpet gowns and I just had to share them since I love a good bargain. Plus, if any ladies are looking for similar styles for the upcoming prom season, here are a few Golden Globe looks for a fraction of the price.

All clothing is available from www.unique-vintage.com

(left) Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham, (right) Mignon Keyhole Dress $258 Sizes 0-16

(left) Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci, (right) Faviana Mesh Gown $398 Sizes 0-12

(left) Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier, (right) Yellow Ruched Taffeta Gown $330 Sizes 0-18

(left) Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture, (right) Black Mermaid Gown $196 Sizes 4-18

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for 2012

bellastyles — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:03:32 +0000

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I’d like to share some items that I think would be great gifts for your significant other, friend, wife, mother and so on. I have everything featured from lingerie, perfume to gadgets. You’re sure to find something that may suit your gift list:

Ladies even in the winter we must still keep our feet looking fresh and smooth. I mean who really wants to cut up their nice sheets with rough feet? If you you plan on giving someone a gift certificate for a pedicure my first idea is for you. For those winter time pedicures instead of freezing your feet off with those salon slippers, try these “Bootie Pies” pedicure boots. You simply slide them on right before you get polished and flip down the tab. Only $88, size 5-11, www.bootiepies.com

If you happen to be doing an at home pedicure with your “Bootie Pies”, then you’re gonna need salon worthy products. I suggest this Jasmine Vanilla Sugar Scrub from www.bathandbodyworks.com. When I say that I absolutely love this product, I mean it. I have been using it for years. Not only can you use it on rough heels but on your entire body. You instantly feel the dead skin falling off as you scrub and once you rinse, you won’t even have a need for lotion. The exfoliants & jojoba oil in this product leave skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. $16, 32 oz.

Then once your feet are all pretty and soft, why not slip into these cute pumps from Hello Kitty for Torrid. The peep-toe has the signature Hello Kitty emblem on it making these so adorable. (P.S.- I have these already and plan on doing a review soon). $95, Sizes 6-11.

If you’re looking for a practical dress as a gift and are on a budget, then this Belted Shirt-Dress in Rust from Miss Tina for Wal-Mart is the thing. It’s from the new Miss Tina Spring collection and is only $18.98. Sizing goes from a S-XXL. A shirt-dress is appropriate for just about any age bracket and body shape and size.

If you’re in need of a great new bra, then try this one by “Leading Lady”. I recently had the opportunity to try this baby out and the seamless structuring was very smoothing under my blouse. I like the wide shoulder straps and the front-closing snaps on this bra didn’t disappoint. Comes in Nude or White, Sizes 38C-46H, $39, www.leadinglady.com

Now Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gift the gift of scents. I personally prefer to receive them in sets as I like to layer my fragrances. I may have told this story before but I fell in love with the Victor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” Perfume while on a flight from New York. The stewardess had it on and every-time she walked the aisles serving passengers, the scent was a pleasant refreshment. (Which is a good thing when you’re on a small plane because odors can tend to really linger among passengers). Anyway I just had to ask her once we landed what her wonderful fragrance was and that’s how I got hooked on it. Nordstrom has the whole set for $182.

Now for the diva on the go you must stay up to date at all times. But there’s only so much you can do, and see, on your phone. That’s where this little gadget comes in. It is the Nextbook Tablet. Small enough to fit into an average size purse but large enough to read ebooks, emails and movies on the 8.4 inch screen. Available at www.kmart.com for $199

Need the perfect gift to give maybe your single female best friend? There’s nothing wrong with relationship advice books. Give the gift of Tionna Smalls new book, “Men Love Abuse”. (Also available for tablets and ereaders). Available now for tablets and in print January 27th. $14.99, www.talkdatishbooks.com

(Personal Plug: I styled Tionna for this bookcover)

Now to curl up and read your new book, you probably want something comfy to slip into. Try this little number from Lane Bryant. It’s the Sheer mesh Babydoll for only $39.95. Available in sizes 14/16-26/28. (Or enter my “Valentine’s Day Giveaway” for your chance at winning a new lingerie set from Lane Bryant)

OOTD: The Zanda Rhodes Necklace Tunic Dress from Simply Be

bellastyles — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:46:02 +0000

Last night I finally got to play dress up for the first time this year for my BFF’s birthday party dinner. I wore this dress that I have been saving for over three months now by Zandra Rhodes for Simply Be. This was supposed to have been my New Years Eve dress but since I opted for staying in this year I didn’t get a chance to wear it then. I first fell in love with this piece when the collection debuted late last year. I had my friends over at Simply Be to send it to me so that I could review it for my readers. What attracted me to this dress were the Elvira like sleeves or wings as I like to call them. I knew this outfit would be a head turner. A waitress in the restaurant even stopped by our table during dinner and said she couldn’t help but tell me how she liked how my dress sparkled every time she walked past the table. This dress is made of viscose material and is only 35-inches long and since I’m not used to wearing really short skirts or dresses I opted to wear Torrid’s black opaque tights with it and my Charlotte Russe black pumps to camouflage the length . (A little trick I learned from watching Wendy Williams do this technique quite often.) Since it was really cold out last night it was either gonna be pumps or booties regardless, but for the summer time I have these Viva La Diva Sandals in black/gold to pair with it. Being that the dress already has a necklace print made into it I kept my jewelry minimal by adding only some bangle bracelets ($19.50) and chandelier earrings ($14.50) from Ashley Stewart to complete the ensemble. I absolutely loved how the final look came out and can’t wait to wear this baby again!

P.S. I just realized the dress is on sale now for only $47 down from $125 when it first came out. So grab it up and send me your pics of how you hooked yours up!

www.simplybe.com

The Bella Styles and Cacique for Lane Bryant “Valentine’s Day Giveaway”

bellastyles — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:59:49 +0000

Hey ladies, are you looking for something sexy to wear for your man this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe you just want to celebrate you and get some new lingerie? If so, then I have the perfect giveaway for you. On behalf of myself and Cacique for Lane Bryant, we’re doing a Valentine’s Day giveaway for one of my lucky readers. You will have a chance at winning one of five lingerie sets of your choice. Even though all items in this collection are already at the low price of $50 and below, wouldn’t you rather win them instead? All you have to do is follow me (@bellastyles) and Lane Bryant (@lanebryant) on Twitter and tweet this phrase, “I just entered the @bellastyles and @lanebryant Cacique Valentine’s Day Giveaway. RT for your chance to win”. One lucky winner will be chosen. So the more you tweet it, the better your chances will be. (If you’re not on Twitter, the contest is also open to Facebook fans. Follow me at www.facebook.com/bellastylescompany and Lane Bryant at www.facebook.com/LaneBryant and post the phrase,“I just entered the Bella Styles and Lane Bryant Cacique Valentine’s Day Giveaway. Repost for your chance to win”). Be sure to ‘tag’ Bella Styles and Lane Bryant in your repost. The winner will be chosen on Sunday, February 5, 2012. Good luck ladies and tweet away!!!