In Style Gets the Scoop on Kamali Kulture: Little Black Dresses for Every Shape

Pictured: A selection of dress styles from Kamali Kulture Line (image via Norma Kamali)

This month's In-Style magazine has the low down on the forthcoming Kamali Kulture line, which will be officially announced at New York Fashion Week, Feb. 15th.   The line will feature "figure-flattering Polyester-Lycra jersey LBDs (Little Black Dresses) ranging in price from $74 to $96." Some of this designs, like the wrap dress with the sweetheart neckline, were part of Kamali's discontinued Walmart collection. I look forward to seeing the designs with better fabrics and manufacturing than the execution of her Walmart pieces.  The variety of shapes, sizes and styles in Kamali Kulture are designed to flatter a variety of figures.  "There are always situations where you need a little black dress," says Ms. Kamali. "I know that no matter what woman you put in front of me, I can find a flattering dress for her in this line." What's the secret to Kamali's figure flattery? The designer note, "It really has to do with length, proportion and what happens around the face and waist," reveals the iconic designer.   I look forward to seeing this kollection (I like the Ks for Kamali, better than Ks for Kardashians!) for sale soon on the designer's website. Like many women, my weight has been known to fluctuate and I have several Kamali dresses in my "closet of many calories" in different styles and sizes. I can personally vouch for Kamali's winning way of flattering every figure.  I like my Kamali wrap dress with sweetheart neckline when I am thinner (pictured on the right above), and I love how my Kamali scoop neck, empire waist long sleeved LBD with A line skirt flatters me when I am a bit heavier.  Stay tuned for further updates following the launch on Feb. 15th at New York Fashion week. Until then, you can learn more about Kamali Kulture in this month's In Style magazine, on page 129.

In Style Gets the Scoop on Kamali Kulture: Little Black Dresses for Every Shape

New York Fashion Week Preview: Milly Fall 2012

Pictured: A sketch from Milly Fall 2012, image courtesy of the designer.

As an unabashed Milly aficionado, I can't wait to see her Fall 2012 runway show. Judging by the recent sellout of Milly on Gilt Groupe, most of you are also fans of the French trained (Hermes) designer. That's why I sharing this sketch from the designer's office of her upcoming collection.  It looks like classic Milly style to me, bright colors, full skirts and vintage inspired accents. "My Fall 2012 collection is bold and modern: innovative technical fabrics merge with traditional couture techniques, and vibrant pops of color excite a base palette of black and white," notes Michelle Smith, Designer and Creative Director, Milly. I can't wait to see more. I'll be looking to see if there are any vintage inspired prints in this collection.   I'll be watching the designer's Twitter account (MillybyMichelle) for more news about the collection and perhaps even some preview swatches, which she has been known to share via her Twitter feed.

New York Fashion Week Preview: Milly Fall 2012

The Rachel Zoe Collection Comes to Last Call

Pictured: Rachel Zoe now discounted at Last Call (image via Last Call)

Last year celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe moved from styling clothing to designing clothing. As many of you know, the Rachel Zoe Collection is pricey and is sold at upscale department stores like Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus for upscale prices. I haven't liked the prices on the Zoe line, but I do like her updated vintage styles (60's hostess gowns, hippie blouses.) That's why it's interesting to see some of Rachel Zoe's collection on sale at discounted prices at Last Call. The line is still not cheap, but it's now much more affordable.  Each piece is about 50% off of its original retail price.

Pictured: The elegant Iman silk blouse with beading around the neck. 

Two pieces that I like on sale now at Last Call are the Iman blouse and dress. Both pieces are very elegant, and they do remind me of the graceful movements of the elegant Iman, who I had the pleasure of meeting at this year's Rodeo Walk of Style, where she was honored by Rachel Zoe.  If you are looking for a good winter coat, and price it's an issue, check out the RZ Sophia Belted Trench Coat in Ecru.  It's stunning. I'll be putting it on my Last Call watch list to see if the price drops further. Ill also look for it at the Last Call eBay Store.   That coat and the Iman pieces may eventually end up on clearance, or at least I hope they do.  What do you think of the Rachel Zoe collection? Do you like her design style in this collection or her QVC work?

The Rachel Zoe Collection Comes to Last Call

Coming Attractions: Loeffler Randall Spring 12 collection to launch Feb. 1

Pictured: Selections from the Loeffler Randall Spring 12 collection

Having recently undergone foot surgery , it's no surprise that I'm dreaming of shoes at the moment.  It's only 4 weeks until I can walk without my charming surgical shoe, so I thought I'd share some shoe styles coming from Loeffler Randall that are on my mind.  Tomorrow is the launch of the Loeffler Randall Spring 2012 collection  and while I won't be wearing high heels anytime soon, a girl can always dream right? Here's an excerpt of a recent QA with shoe designer Jessica aka Jessi Randall about the collection.   See the styles above to see what she is talking about in the interview below.

Q. Neon seems to be having a moment. How did you approach incorporating it into the collection?

Jessie: “I wanted it to be used in a subtle way that felt fresh and new. We used it in combination with exciting materials we'd never used before like neoprene and thick woven straw.”

Q. The collection includes bold prints - polka dots, jacquard and snakeskin. How would you wear a shoe with pattern?

Jessie: “I love patterned shoes! They are perfect for any outfit - almost like a new modern neutral. When you are wearing something solid or plain they give visual interest and pep to your look. I also love mixing prints so they are almost even more exciting when you are wearing pattern - to also be wearing patterned shoes. Anything goes.”

Q. What LR styles do you most want in your closet this spring?

Jessie: “The neon FAWN sandal with the straw foot bed. The DITA in woven jacquard with the rope closure. The CHLOE wedge in nude. The FILIPPA mignon flat sandal in bottle green snake - obsessed with that green!”

What do you think readers? Are you lusting for any of theses styles?  The shoes will be available for sale tomorrow on www.loefflerrandall.com and in department stores. Prices range from $175. to $425.00, which is not anywhere near as reasonable as the collection Loeffler Randall  did for Target a few years ago.  I'll let you know when they go on sale, or I spot coupons for them.

Coming Attractions: Loeffler Randall Spring 12 collection to launch Feb. 1

SAG Awards Favorite Pucci on Sale at Gilt Groupe Today

Pictured: Kyra Sedgwick on the red carpet at SAG (photo : Lester Cohen /Wire Image)

 Didn't Kyra Sedgewick look stunning last night on the red carpet at the SAG Awards? Kyra was wearing a blazing red Pucci gown with cut outs to show off her new tattoo.  I had the pleasure of meeting Kyra a few weeks ago on the set of The Closer.  She's a sweetheart, very down to earth and accessible. The whole crew that works on The Closer is a delight and it shows in the finished product. Kyra is very tiny in person, smaller than she appears on the show as Brenda.  She has the right small physique for this figure bearing Pucci gown.

If you like Pucci, you might want to check out items from the designer at shopping club Gilt Groupe today.  They have a great sale on Emilio Pucci, including tops, gowns, shoes and trousers.  There are both trademark Pucci prints and comfortable solid jersey tops and dresses to choose from. Pucci is timeless.  If you see pictures of Marilyn Monroe from the early 60's wearing Pucci, you know those garments look quite contemporary.  If you're not a member of Gilt Groupe, click here to use my invite to sign-up.  First time customers will get 25% off their purchase prices by using code: myextra25off at checkout.

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I do earn a small referral fee if you shop and buy using my Gilt Groupe invite.

SAG Awards Favorite Pucci on Sale at Gilt Groupe Today

SAG Style Watch: Screen Actors Guild Awards Style Watch

Pictured: Jessica Lange in David Meister gown (images via Getty Images& DavidMeister.com)

How many of you watched the Screen Actor's Guild Awards tonight on TNT? I really liked the show, both because I thought some great actors were honored and because of the amazing styles on the red carpet.  There were a lot of darker colors tonight on the carpet befitting a winter awards show, event thought the sun was shinning here in Los Angeles and it was a sunny 70 degrees.  One of my favorites on the carpet was Best Dramatic Actress winner Jessica Lange in a customized espresso sequined long sleeve evening gown by David Meister.  The dress is available off the rack at the designer's website for $660.00, making it a savvy choice both for its sophisticated lines and its price. I like the dress because its style is timeless and the cut will look wonderful on many shapes and size.  Many actresses were wearing David Meister tonight, including Glee's Jane Lynch and Diane Laine, who both wore brilliant blue gowns.

Commentator Ross Matthews showed savvy style in his H&M ensemble. "Yes, it's true! " he tweeted.  "I really was wearing an @HM tuxedo on the SAG Awards red carpet!" He is The Recessionista on the red carpet this season.

Pictured: Michelle Williams in Valentino

Credits: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Nominee Michelle William looked simply beautiful with her gamine short hair ala Mia Farrow in a Red Valentino Gown.  She wore no jewelry around her flawless face, letting her face be her best accent.  It was a looked that worked.

Pictured: Kelly Osbourne on the Red Carpet (image via MissKellyO on Twitter.)

 Kelly Osbourne seemed to channel Jean Harlow on the red carpet with her 1930's old Hollywood look. The dress was cut to hug all her curves in the right places. "Thank you much @BadgleyMischka I looooooove my dress so much! ," tweeted Kelly from the red carpet. 

I asked costume designer Greg LaVoi what he thought of the SAG Award fashion styles.  "I loved Kyra's (Sedgewick) Pucci, Michelle Williams' Valentino and Octavia Spencer's Tadashi (Shoji) ," says Mr. LaVoi, the costume designer for TNT's The Closer. "Alexander McQueen on Emma Watson was beautiful in an Irene (Lentz) kind of way."  What didn't the noted fashion expert like? " I did not like Natalie Portman's gown or Meryl Streep's Biblical homage..." says Mr. LaVoi.  Meryl was wearing Vivenne Westwood and Natalie was wearing a Burgandy Giambattista Valli gown.

What do you think readers? Would you want to wear any of these red carpet styles if they were affordable for you? If you check out RueLaLa tonight they have Donna Karan, Nicole Miller and Theia on sale.  Over at Gilt Groupe there are also some gorgeous long gowns befitting your own red carpet occasion. And if you want the Alexander McQueen look ala Emma Watson, click on over to the Outnet.

SAG Style Watch: Screen Actors Guild Awards Style Watch

First Look: Marni for H&M Advert

The first ad from the Marni for H&M collection has been "leaked" (right) and is turning up all over the Internet on FashionSpot, Fashionista and of course, the Huffington Post.  The ad (shown above) shows a print blouse for 65 Euros. I presume the pants in the shot are also Marni, but they are not labeled as such, or shown with a price.  Look for videos by director Sofia Coppola set to launch soon to convince us all that we need Marni at H&M.  For myself, I need no convincing and I hope H&M makes enough for major markets.

First Look: Marni for H&M Advert