Haute Weekend: Alessandro Dell'Acqua Sample Sale

Alessandro Dell'Acqua, one of our favorite designers here at Haute Mimi will be hosting a sample sale today and tomorrow. We love his romantic chiffon dresses; sensual knitwear that follow the lines of the body and sheer separates. There will be up to 75% off this seasons collections. The sale starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 8:00 PM. It is being held at 30 West 57th Street4th Floor(5th and 6th avenues). Get it while it's haute.

Right Way, Wrong Way: How To Wear The Color Orange

Contributed by Trend De La Creme
I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the color orange. On one hand, it has a warm sunny quality. On the other hand, it’s like a time machine—unexpectedly hurdling you back into 1973 if you’re not careful. With trends like “Nice Stems,” “Hippie Revival,” and “Style Tribes” making a strong statement in 2008, the color orange will become a force to be reckoned with. The trick will be finding ways to “make nice” with orange without looking like a fashion faux pas.

Wrong Way: Actual Oranges: Sure, it’s nice to brighten up your look, but there’s no reason to wear anything that actually looks like an orange (unless you’ve got a citrus fetish—but that’s for another blog.)
Brassy Orange Dye Job: Unless you were born with naturally orange locks, do not attempt orange hair. To do it right, you’ll need hundreds of dollars and an A-list stylist (and even then, it will probably still look like a botched job.) Trust me on this one. I have personal experience for which I may never recover.
Head-To-Toe Orange: Only once in my life did I see head-to-toe orange that I liked (and it was on an Oopma Loompa in the original Willy Wonka movie.) Enough said.

Right Way:

A Kaleidoscope of Color: Believe me when I say that orange mixed with other colors always works. Even strange color combinations like orange and blue, orange and purple, and even orange and red work. (Just steer clear of red mixed with yellowish oranges, unless you’re trying to look Ronald McDonald.)
Orange as a Layer: Orange will actually pop more if you pair it with dark colors (like gray) or light colors (like ivory or beige.) In my opinion, orange up top works better than orange pants or an orange skirt. But who cares what I think.
Orange as an Accessory: Even if the only other orange item is a pair of earrings or a bracelet, this color can (and will) add a lot of personality to an otherwise drab outfit.
So, now that you’ve been schooled in the do’s and don’ts of orange, you should feel up to a stroll down the orange carpet. (If you don’t, my apologies for being such a crappy teacher.) For those of you who do, here are a handful of suggestions to get you started (just don’t wear them all at once):
(from left to right)
V-Neck Orange ‘Eva’ Tunic at fashionjunkee.com
Pink Asian Flower Acrylic Earrings from kailochic.com
Candy XL Clutch from retrodelic.com
Jamie Joseph Square Orange Chaledony Ring at shoparteffect.com
Nicole ‘Drew’ Orange Wedges at zappos.com
Mark Davis ‘Bertha’ Orange Marbled Bakelite Bangle at brownsfashion.com -Jill S VANESSA

Model images – for your reference (retrieved from yahoo news images)

Shorts For Men The New Look

Shorts have been around for many years, but this season designers have introducing a tailored short. The tailored short is very different than the normal board short. This 3/4 Mediterranean look screams sophisticated man. On runways around the world, designers are pairing this look with knits and light t-shirts.
The tailored short is a must have for this summer. Remember to keep the color of the shorts simple and the texture light. Paired with a low canvas sneaker or loafer and you can't go wrong. That's haute!

Feeling Blue

One can call it what they may, but blue is definitely men's color of the summer. Making a sexy and bright appearance on the runways this winter, your now seeing a perfect bridge in the summer. Its blue men! You can't go wrong with blue...it's basic and can be paired with many different looks.

Whether used as a focal, accent, or even accessory there is just no going wrong. However, what shade of blue is it? Seeing that there a many shades of this colour, pick the shade that flatters your skintone. Ligh skin suits cooler tones while darker skin suits more warmer tones. Remember Merryl Streep's quote from The Devil Wears Prada, "It's not just blue, its not turquoise, it's not lapis, it's actually cerulean." No matter the shade just keep it Haute.

Fresh Picks

Alessandro Dell'Acqua SS08 Inspired by Araki

I loved this collection which started the sheer fabric craze. Alessandro was inspired by Araki the famed Japanese photographer. The collection displays a simple and modern take on oriental grace. See the whole collection on Style. P.S. I loved the shoes.

Nail Color Tips and Trends for Spring and Summer

Natural long nails painted with Nubar in "Pink Elegance"

The "rules" of fashion are not what they were 20 years ago, and neither are the rules for nail polish. At the present time, as long as a manicure is well-groomed and not tattered and worn, just about all colors are appropriate year round. Some colors are more seasonal than others. I myself don't use a calendar to decide on a nail color, I go with what my craving is at that particular moment. For example, dark browns tend to be put on the shelf once signs of Spring start showing. Dark browns are especially nice in the summer on well-tanned tips and toes. Focus on your skin tone to choose the most suitable color for you.

The collections that have come out for Spring have been mixed. Some companies are going all pale (Essie and Orly) while other companies are full of neons, holographic, and drab colors (China Glaze). OPI's collections usually are a mix of light and dark colors be it their Spring/Summer collections or Fall/Winter collections. Supplemental collections are more popular than ever. It seems like every month something new is coming out! China Glaze just released three collections and are already planning three more for summer. The same goes for OPI. A French manicure is always appropriate and timeless. I am not a fan of pales so I go with medium colors. Medium colors are also good for camouflaging nails that become stained. Whimsical (different color on each nail etc.) manicures are appropriate in the right setting, as well. The dark navy blue trend is still going strong with the darker purples being pulled into the craze.

Nail and Cuticle Care Tips:

Good health and cuticle care are essential to long and strong nail growth. My favorite cuticle drenching oil is Nubar Cucumber Cuticle Oil. To remove cuticles, Blue Cross Cuticle Remover is an amazing product you can try that gets rid of unwanted skin, gently. If you are in a hurry and need to get rid of cuticles at lightening speed, try Poshe AHA Cuticle Care Revitalizer.

Nail Polish Application Tips:

Start off with a nail hardener such as China Glaze Calcium Gel Fortifier or Salley Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Nail Fortifier. You can also use a ridge filler to fill in ridges and strengthen nails even more. After these two products, its time for your base coat. My favorite base coat product is Color Club Milky White Base Coat.

Next comes the lacquer: I am a habitual three-coater. Most people just do two but with my job requiring 8-10 hours a day on the computer I find three coats reduces chippage. With the first coat, I also make a horizontal swipe of the nail brush across the tip of my nail which reduces shrinkage when the polish dries. I don't concern myself too much if any gets on the top side of the nail as I have two more coats to smooth it out.

Finally, the top coat: The best of the best in my opinion is Seche Vite. It is available at retail but a bit pricey. Online retailers sell it considerably cheaper. Again because of all the typing I have to do, I use two layers. Seche Vite provides a really nice wet look and when dry is slick to the touch.

For those times when I need a polish change but don't have the time to do one, I use a sparkly top coat as a refresher which extends my manicure another day or two. My favorite for this is Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in the shade of Diamonds #5.

Here are a few examples of what that looks like:

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Diamonds #3 over CND Hot Pop Blue

Chanel Peptie over Nars After Dark

Online retailers that don't require a license:
http://www.transdesign.com/

http://www.head2toebeauty.com/

http://www.8ty8beauty.com/

Travel tips: I recently experimented with my manicure when I went to Las Vegas. Knowing I would not be able to redo my manicure, I picked a medium red with shimmer which is a timeless color and strangely versatile. I added an extra layer of base coat between the 1st and 2nd layers of lacquer and an extra layer of top coat. This makes the polish on the nail a little thicker but I had no problems with chippage and my nails looked just as good when I got home as when I left. I was unable to do a polish change for five days. The downside is the thicker the polish, the longer it takes to get off.

Nail Lacquer colors that I recommend for Spring and Summer:

1. CND "Studio 54"

2. Color Club "Blue Light"

3. Finger Paints "Make a Scene"

4. CND "Hot Pop Orange"

5. China Glaze "Linger"

All images used with permission and curtesy of Carla Gaughan on Flickr.

- Carla Gaughan

African Escape in Style

Image sources: www.flickr.com, Expedia UK, www.style.com

Sport Luxe Featuring 55DSL

Every now and again a diva needs to feel casually, comfortably chic. 55DSL offers amazing and sporty fashions that are easy to wear, yet still make you feel as though you are surrounded in luxury.

"55DSL's Spring/Summer 2008 collection is vividly colourful and graphically bold, reflecting their sportswear heritage. It's a practical and immediate collection, easy-going in character but balanced by strong military styling and technical detailing to ensure that there's always a subliminal aggression."

55 DSL
281 Lafayette Street
Soho, NYC, 10012
http://www.55dsl.com/

Pucci Printed

Though Paris, France is often considered the European home of all things fashion, Italy has produced quite a throng of haute couture clothiers. Dating back to the 1800’s, Italy has been the home of expensive, genuine designs, and particularly leather goods. Italian fashion exploded in the early 1900's!

Emilio Pucci changed the worlds view on Italian fashion forever. Originally a ski wear designer, Pucci’s introduction into the couture world was somewhat unexpected. After his ski wear designs appeared in “Harper’s Bazaar” in 1948, the exposure prompted Pucci to create a women’s haute couture line. Featuring silk dresses with pop art designs that were funky, bold, and colorful, Pucci became an instant “it” designer. Throughout the following decades, Pucci created a lingerie lines, swimwear lines, and even a designed stewardess uniforms for an international airline! No matter what the design may be, they were all quintessentially “Pucci,” with colorful kaleidoscopic flair.

With boutiques all over the world, desirable clothing and accessory lines (there’s even a Pucci PlayStation device carrying case!) Pucci’s legacy has definitely lived on since his death in the early 1990’s. It continues to be one of the most recognizable brands today.

Pucci air hostess uniform a: picture circa 1965

A look from Emilio Pucci Ready-to-wear Spring 2008

Girly Gladiators

Roman inspired gladiators for your fancy.

Ancient Roman sandals, also known as the "caligae or caliga (singular)" were worn by practically everyone during their time in history. Updated versions of one of the most useful sandals have been debuted in the past seasons, for an ultra gorgeous-utilitarian, and modern trend. The design of these sandals are practial, but can be modified in many ways, which enables them to forever be hip and in style. What is your favorite, flat or sky high?

Don't like what you see here? Not enough feminisim or modernism, or just not enough color? Check out more styles at Barney's.

Elie Saab

Everyone always asks me who my favorite designer is, well here he is. Elie Saab stole my heart from the moment I set my eyes on his designs. He's not afraid to indulge on the decadent side and creates the most incredible couture. It is exotic glamour defined. In a world where everyone is literally identical Elie's designs take us back in time to a place where actual luxury existed. There really is no comparison and there is no other designer who can really take his place in my books. Like Jillian says about Middle Eastern designers like Elie and Zuhair, "This is fashion, this is what it's all about."

Footwear Fantasy

These are the most outlandish and stylish shoes that are innovative, as well as trend setting.

See more of my Footwear Fantasy list at ThisNext.

Must Have: M Missoni Dress

That's Haute

Shoes By Barbara Bui

Interview With Designer Meghan Fabulous

“Fashion is the driving force of my life. It is my air, water, and food that keeps me going everyday." -Meghan

Meghan is no stranger to the fashion industry. Her clothing has been featured in top fashion magazines of the likes of WWD, Elle and Glamour to name a few. Taking inspiration from different cultures, Meghan has fused exotic elements with classic sophisticated silhouettes to create a signature look that speaks volumes. The designs are exotic, feminine, sexy and most all fabulous! We had to get the scoop on Meghan's design principles as well as the dish on what she thinks is haute. Here's the interview.

HM: What are your three favorite fibers or textiles to work with?
MF: Mostly silk fibers, it’s SO luxurious and feels great against the skin. My three favorite qualities of silk to work with are charmeuse, crepe De chine and silk twill.

HM: What is your fashion philosophy (what are your strongest feelings about fashion)?
MF:We are not saving babies or finding the cure for diseases, it’s just fashion and it shouldn't be taken so seriously.

HM: What are some of the first things you think of when you start to create a design?
MF: Color First!!! It seems that everything falls into place after that; my vibe, design inspiration, etc.

HM: Do you believe that any woman of any size can look sexy and glamorous?
MF: Sexy and glamourous is a state of mind- any woman has the power to feel amazing, it’s all in her confidence. I feel that my clothes only accentuate a women's strongest features which help her feel sexy, confident and glamourous.

HM: What fashion designer or label do you admire?
MF: Elsa Scaparielli, John Galliano for Dior, Biba, just to name a few!

HM: Will you ever create a fragrance line?
MF: Definitely, I think a fragrance completes a designers’ vision. This is what my woman/customer/ muse should look, walk, talk and smell like.

HM: What is glamorous to you?
MF: The most glamourous think is confidence.

HM: Speaking of your fashion designs, are you working on or thinking of anything new and innovative for the future?
MF: I am trying to create my own new blend of silk that is environmentally friendly.

HM: What do you hate seeing on a woman's body?
MF: I wear Meghan everyday, lots of color because I like to show on the outside how I feel on the inside. I also try to highlight a provocative feature like my legs or my cleavage.

HM: Do you have a favorite fashion icon?
MF: Barbie! I worship her.

HM: What is your favorite type of dress to create?
MF: Colorful, stylized, sexy with many intricate details.

HM: What kind of woman wears your designs?
MF: A sexy, sophisticated confident woman that appreciates finer details and can be the center of attention.

HM: How has your cultural background effected your designs?
MF: I grew up in Southern California on the Beach and you can see the ocean influences in my designs. From the sexy cuts to the fun colors and cool lightweight luxe fabrics. California is really is a Mecca of all cultures and I draw from all of them: Hispanic, Asain, European and African.

See More of Meghan at www.MeghanFabulous.com

Exotic Tunics by MICHAEL Michael Kors

Available at Vivre ($100.00)

FASHION

Ali Ro a New Fave

Ali Ro is a fresh new contemporary line that I have fallen head over heels for. Every dress is vivacious, hip and impeccably produced. This look especially caught my eye seeing as it goes well with my exotic glamour aesthetic. Discover Ali Ro today http://www.ali-ro.com/ -M.M.

Spring IN With Rosettes

There’s something so precious and lovely about rosettes that their mere presence screams “garden party!” And while they have longtime been considered adorable summer decorum for the Babies-R-Us crowd, designers have taken the ruffled little rounds to new heights. On the runways for their Spring 2008 ready-to-wear and resort collections, Giambattista Valli and 3.1 Phillip Lim (who defined the trend last year with the ever so popular-and often sold out- tee shirt dress) featured wearable pieces with rosettes, but with a more exaggerated couture look. John Galliano accentuated voluminous dresses with rosettes. But these little flowers aren’t reserved for only dresses. Marc by Marc Jacobs sells leather flats and spiky heels with the 3-D roses, and Betsey Johnson featured an ornamented, pink chiffon headband. Although rosettes are seemingly Spring-like, the trend will certainly blossom far into the fall! Rosettes are sweet, girly and totally chic in metallic colors, patent leather, and over sized proportions.

-Jillian Bietz