Of all of the tops that I have ever had, my black Herve Leger top is easily my favorite. Super simple in design, amazing in fit and hold, it can be paired a hundred different ways. And, of all of those different ways, here's some of my favorites: with BCBG power skirts!
If you're new to BCBG power skirts, here's a little introduction. BCBG Max Azria manages and owns the current Herve Leger line. Under BCBG, they released a line of dresses, skirts, shorts, etc that resemble Herve Leger fabric material. The fabric blend is similar, but the thickness and hold is of a much much lower quality. Typically BCBG power items cost a fraction of what Herve Leger demands.
Anyway, back to the outfits! The Herve Leger top already shapes everything nicely at the waist. And the fabric finish of the BCBG skirt matches perfectly! When these two are paired together, you get the look of a Herve Leger dress. 😀
The above skirt is the BCBG black mini Silvie skirt (similar here). The Herve Leger top was worn on top of the skirt. Similar Herve Leger tops include these: here, and here.
And, then with a different BCBG power skirt, I instantly transform my Herve Leger top into a Herve Leger a-line dress!
The skirt above is the BCBG Ingrid skirt (available here), and it was worn on top of the Herve Leger top.
There are so many distinctive styles out there that fashion never ever gets boring. Today, let's look at some of the most-worn outfits from the impossibly perfect Taylor Swift, and learn a few of her fashion tips.
It's actually easy to dress like your favorite celebrity. Just analyze their most common outfits. You can also easily shop the entire outfit by clicking on the example links. 🙂
Shorts Outfits
This adorable blonde has a unique style that is best described as modern retro. It is very polished and extremely flirty. Let's analyze her most common shorts outfits now. 🙂
Top: Usually solid-colored or striped. Has sleeves. Usually tucked-in. (example)
Shorts: Mid-rise, around 3 inch inseam, not tight but also not loose.(example)
Bag: Handbag with short straps. Her's is the Dolce & Gabbana Sara bag. (example)
Shoes: Lace-up Oxford heels, usually of moderate heel height. (example)
Other Accessories: Possibly none, very dainty necklace, dainty earrings, sunglasses and/or signature bright red lipstick.
Casual Dress Outfits
Taylor Swift really turns up the sweetness when she wears her sundresses. She has an affinity for bows, polka dots, and hearts. With her casual dress outfits, the girly bows make frequent appearances.
Dress: A-line dress that flares at mid-waist with the skirt not being overly poofy. Floral pattern is common, and usually the neckline is exposed. Dress is mid-thigh length. (example)
Bag: Usually a large hobo bag. (example)
Cardigan: A cardigan is oftentimes worn with the dress. It will be long and will end a few inches above the hem of the dress. (example)
Shoes: Usually moderate heel. Shoe is usually more casual.
Other Accessories: Minimal jewelry, sunglasses, and/or headband.
Denim Outfits
I think these are the outfits that Miss Swift wears on her most casual days. Even then, they are still incredibly chic and polished!
Top: Has sleeves. Solid color or simple pattern. She tends to wear a lot of stripes, hearts and polka dots compared to most. If the shirt is long, it will be tucked in. (example)
Denim: Colored. Hem is a few inches above the ankle. Tight, mid-rise. (example)
Shoes: Flat.
Bag: Small/medium shoulder bag. (example)
Hair: Updo.
Accessories: Minimal.
Skirt Outfits
And, last but not least are her pretty skirt outfits.
Top: Sleeved. Solid colored or striped. Tucked-in. (example)
Skirt: Mid-rise, moderate a-line, mid-thigh length. (example)
Shoes: Heeled and usually slip-on.
Bag: Usually long shoulder bag. (example)
Accessories: Minimal.
Just a really comfy weekend outfit with a trusty Chanel bag. It's hard to fail with classic pieces. A Chanel reissue camera bag, jeans, a nautical sweater, and some taupe booties; anyone can rock this.
While the classic double flap is glamorous, the Chanel reissue bag is more modern. It's amazing how an outfit changes depending on the bag that's worn with it!
This Chanel reissue camera bag is made of calfskin, making it a durable bag that will remain beautiful for many many years to come. The style is clean, modern, and timeless. The smooth zipper at the top opens up to a roomy interior that will easily hold a wallet, cell, beauty essentials and more. The exterior flap compartments are perfect for cellphones and other frequently used items.
While the camera bag's shape is structured, it is not rigidly structured like the classic 2.55 or 2.55 reissue bags.
The bijoux chains on this particular bag is aged gold. This means that both silver and gold jewelry can be worn with this bag without any fashion clashes. Like the double flaps, the chains on this bag can be worn singled for an elegant longer strap look, or worn doubled for an adorable shorter strap length.
Counterfeits sold as authentic items on eBay really really get me riled up. An innocent person spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a fake is just so wrong! Selling a fake as an authentic is THEFT. But, there's something that angers me even more, WAY MORE! Resale sites that guarantee authenticity even though there are fake items being sold on their site EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
There is a MASSIVE problem with counterfeits being sold online. Unlike the guy at the corner with a bunch of $40 "designer" bags on the sidewalk, it's not obvious to most people if the resale item that they're buying is a deal or a scam.
When a resale or consignment site/store accepts and sells almost every designer brand all at once, there's good reason to be skeptical of their authenticity guarantee. Authenticators have always been able to EASILY locate counterfeits on these types of sites. This is because authentication is different and specific to every single brand and item type, so it requires a LOT of time and effort to build up knowledge for each brand. And, if someone tells you that an item can be authenticated by merely handling it, you know they are full of sh**.
Here are counterfeits from 3 well-known US designer resale sites, and one European designer resale site. (*UPDATE* - Because of multiple inquiries, we are disclosing the sites discussed in this article: Tradesy, Shop-Hers, Vaunte, and Vestiaire Collective.) These sites really make me angry. They outright lie by providing an authenticity guarantee. Not only is the seller lying, but the company that's helping them sell is lying too. If the company isn't knowledgeable enough to authenticate all of the items, don't provide an authenticity guarantee!! The fakes that you see below were randomly and easily found. They were literally the first fake that I came across after doing a quick search for a few brands.
If you are a Celine authenticator, you would know that this is NOT a good fake. It is an obvious Celine phantom replica. Guess how much someone got scammed for this? $2200! Because these sites are not really knowledgeable (but proclaim to be) enough to authenticate all these brands, it is riskier for buyers and can be SAFER for counterfeit sellers!
These sites also proclaim that they will kick off counterfeit sellers. However, all of these fake sellers were very much active and had lots of previous selling history! But, keep on reading, the story gets juicier... 2 of these 5 fakes are sold direct from the site's headquarters!
This fake Jimmy Choo clutch is asking for $450. Not only is this bag fake, but it is being sold directly from their headquarters. They also stated that this item is not refundable.
Yet, another stupidly obvious fake. This site did NO homework on Herve Leger authentication. Yet, they guarantee that their items are genuine. This fake is on sale for $465.
What really gets to me is just how BAD most of these counterfeits are. They're not even "good fakes." Aside from all of the errors on the design of this bag, did Jimmy Choo EVER have a main tag like that?!? NO. This fake's price is $461.
I saved the worst fake for last. For those familiar with Balenciaga, this is a poor poor copy. It is very very obvious to any Balenciaga authenticator. But, here's the really crazy part. Not only does this bag come from their headquarters, but the fake is being sold from one of the people that work at their company!!!
There have been a few chilly nights here in California, giving me the perfect opportunity to wear classics like a white tee and skinny jeans. Check out a few of my favorite wardrobe staples.
I have an obsession with white tees. Even though they are effortlessly simple, they manage to be sexy and polished at the same time. I don't know how many white t-shirts I have, but this one from Ann Taylor is currently my favorite. It is heavenly soft. It's loose with a wonderful drape, and the details make it casual and dressy at the same time. If you order it, please know that this airy top is also sheer; wear it with a skin-colored bra.
I've had this berry-colored suede Jimmy Choo bag for a few years now. Jimmy Choo was one of the first designer brands that I fell in love with. It remains as one of my favorite designers. They are the ultimate sexy meets modern bag. The bold hardware and rich colors never cease to tantalize.
Like all Herve Leger fanatics, my collection is always rotating. Over the last year, I've let go of some of my dresses and acquired others. Here's what my beautiful HL stash currently looks like. 🙂
Right now, my collection is only 16! 16!! That's something to be really proud of. 😉 Because Herve Leger fits so magically, It's tough resisting them!
Love these dresses; they are so curve-inducing.
The green teal dress runs small and is xs. The striped Nicole dress runs small and is xs. The two other dresses with curved trim are xxs.
All of these run true to size. My black scalloped one is an xs, but I wish it was an xxs. 🙁
These are my favorite date night dresses. All of these dresses are xxs, except for the pink ombre Nanette. The Nanette is an xs but is as small as most of my xxs dresses, including Fall 2008 dresses.
It's nice to have some dresses that completely cover up cleavage. The brown turtleneck is true-to-size. The colorblock and Fall 2008 ombre run small.
Last but not least, my gorgeous flared dresses! Both the red a-line and drop-waisted brown dress run true to size.
I TREASURE my stunning collection, but it's still lacking certain pieces. Still on the lookout for another a line and top. And, inevitably, I'll pick up some other pieces along the way. 😛
Most women wear bras with their Herve Leger dresses. Traditional bras can easily be worn underneath many HL dresses. However, there are a few dresses that make this difficult. To make these low-back or thin-strapped deep-v dresses much more wearable, simply add bra cups to them. Here's how.
Tutorial 1: Adding Cups for V-neck Dresses with Thin Straps
This dress has cups added. This alteration provides slight support that make a huge difference, and avoids embarrassing "I'm too cold" moments.
You'll need:
1. safety pins
2. cups
3. needle and thread
We recommend NOT using heavily padded cups; this may lend to a very unnatural look.
First, put on the dress and pin the cups where they should be. Be careful not to prick yourself!
Now that you know where the cups should be placed, take off the dress, and simply sew the cups to excess fabric material as shown above. This allows none of the thread to show on the outside of the dress. Make the stitches large and slightly loose. Loose stitches allow you to undo the alteration easily without damaging or changing the dress.
This alteration is easy, and for those who are familiar with sewing, it only takes a few minutes.
Tutorial 2: Adding A Permanent Bra to Low Back Dresses
For really low-back dresses, even a converter may not work. If you still desire the shaping that a bra provides, just add it to your dress. 🙂
You'll need:
1. an old bra that you don't mind sacrificing
2. scissors
3. safety pins
4. needle and thread
Cut off the straps on the bra. Put the dress on and place the bra cups where they ought to fit. Pin the bra to the dress. When you take the dress off, you can measure where the bra is to check that the cups are centered.
You only need to sew the cups down in a few spots. Attach the bra to excess fabric material found on the inside of the dress, so that none of your thread shows on the outside. Make the stitches somewhat loose, so the alteration can be undone if desired in the future.
The temperature is starting to cool, and I'm trying to wear skirts and shorts as much as I can while I can. Here's what a typical weekend outfit looks like for me. A vintage Chanel bag, easy-to-wear flirty skort, and comfy beige-colored wedges.
Chanel bags have magical powers. They can instantly polish up any outfit. This bag is superb for work and for weekends. Btw, can you believe that this bag is almost as old as I am?!?
It's all about body-flattering clothes without sacrificing comfort. If this skort was actually a skirt, there would be no way that I could wear it so comfortably. Run, skip, and let the wind blow however it wants; there are no worries here. And, my beige wedges are OH-SO comfortable. The beige colored leather blends seamlessly into my skin-tone, instantly adding inches to my legs.
Recently, I came across a Louis Vuitton lock necklace selling for $225 at a store. The lock on the necklace was a standard lock that comes with many LV bags. I happened to have a spare LV lock laying around, and thought that this would be a wonderful DIY to share with everyone.
You don't need many materials to make this, and it won't take you gobs of time.
Materials Needed:
1. Louis Vuitton lock with key
2.Needle nose plier
3. 37 inches worth of gold chain - This will be broken out into 3 different lengths. 2 lengths each at 15 inches long and 7 inches for the 3rd length.
4. Some round metal rings - At least three of them must be at least 6 mm in diameter (big enough for the lock and key).
5. Necklace clasp
Please observe the chain lengths that we used. Due to the size of the lock, this necklace must be long to achieve a balanced edgy look. 🙂
Using your pliers, connect the chains with the rings, clasp, lock and key like this:
That's it! You've got yourself a trendy Louis Vuitton lock necklace!
Oh, and if your Louis Vuitton lock is dull and tarnished, put some metal or brass polish on that baby. It'll be gleaming in no time!
Hope you enjoyed this! Apparently lots of people have been selling these DIY necklaces. They can be found on Etsy as well for around $160. Here are some of our favorite variations of this necklace:
I recently went to Neiman Marcus and got to try on some of the new Herve Leger dresses for Fall and Winter. The styles that I tried are all very different. Hope that you find these reviews helpful and fun. 🙂
Unlike Herve Leger stores, sizing and dress selection is limited at Neiman Marcus. They didn't have a single xxs available, so I tried on all of the dresses that they had in xs. Here they are:
I found the fit of the Franka dress to be somewhat similar to the scoop essential. The pattern and crystals across the front were so pretty. It had a mermaid-like effect in real-life. This dress ran half size big in my opinion. It retails for $2590.
This next dress was the first Herve Leger that I've tried on that had loose long sleeves. The effect is quite nice. The hold on most HL dresses with pattern like this will be less firm. However, the fabric is still luxuriously thick and somewhat more comfortable to wear. This mini ran half size big. Retail is $1790.
This red flared dress is a perfect example of a great daytime dress. It's sweet, pretty and not too sexy. This dress also ran half size big.
The Tereza dress is one of the few Herve Leger dresses intended for a specific body type. It can be very difficult to pull off for some. The shoulders are very structured and exaggerate the shoulders. Because my frame is small, this just looked awkward. This dress ran half size big.
Lastly, is a truly classic black dress. The Abrielle has a very flattering sweetheart neckline; it provides great bust support without any flattening. This dress ran half size big.