Beautifully Bohemian: Printed Dresses

Photo Credit: Norman Jean Roy for Vogue US via fgr

Bright colors & printed maxi dresses for spring! Get the model's look on the far right with this Marc Jacobs floral-print silk chiffon dress. I love the bright colors and vibrant prints! Tibi maxi dress adds a feminine twist to the boho look with its soft color palette.

Look for Less: Sleeveless Shift Dress

Wearing a white sleeveless shift dress, Gwyneth looks flawless wearing this on trend Stella McCartney dress with nude sandals.

The sleeveless shift dress has recently been wore by trendsetters like Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palermo, and Alexa Chung. This look is chic, in style, and easy to wear. Ready to try a sleeveless shift? There are lots of wonderful options for every budget.

If you don't want you arms totally exposed, opt for a short-sleeved shift dress instead, like this one worn by Eva Longoria.

Love the shape of Gwyneth's dress? For around 70 dollars, you'll be pretty in pink in ASOS' shift dress. This dress totally reminds me of Twiggy with its slightly retro vibe.

Topshop's lace shift dress is sweet and ultra-feminine. If you aren't crazy about the peter pan collar, you could always get that altered - a quick fix that would give the dress a more sophisticated look.

And, if you want the actual dress pictured above, the Modern Shift Dress worn by Gwyneth in the photo is part of Stella McCartney's spring collection, and you can buy it here. It's such a cool and interesting design. Photo Credit: via VD

Will you be wearing a sleeveless shift this spring?

Design Inspiration

Photo Credit: via Decorista

I would love to put on my makeup sitting here, surrounded by such glamour.

Don't forget, there's one day left for you to use the 20% promo code at Inkwell & there's still time to enter the YS giveaway for a $150 Rent the Runway gift card.

New YS Look for Less posts coming soon - for now, check out my latest Look for Less post

for my column over at Cheap Chica's: Look for Less: Cameron Diaz.

On a side note, are any of you excited about the Royal Wedding?

Flowers in her hair

Photo Credit: Elle Denmark via Oh Fashion Models

Such a romantic look.

Sparkling in Oscar de la Renta

Photo Credit: via glamour

Alexis Bledel has such a great sense of style! She recently wore this dress to a movie premiere. This beaded Oscar de la Renta dress from the pre-fall collection is so feminine and glamorous. The look is perfectly balanced with the simple black clutch and cutout heels.

Inkwell {with 20% off promo code!}

I recently discovered a new line that is effortlessly chic. The name of this line? Inkwell.

From now until April 27, you will receive 20% off on any Inkwell piece from their Spring '11 collection using the promo code: YSPROMO. The collection is absolutely beautiful - see the entire Spring collection & shop here.

Inkwell combines traditional African fabrics with classic American style. The silk shantung "Michelle" Dress, pictured on left, from the Spring '11 collection with it's classic A-line silhouette and hand-dyed woven mud-cloth bow is so pretty. And, I do love the flirty and feminine bow!

The rest of the collection exudes worldly sophistication. Inspired by Malian and Ghanian artists, Inkwell uses African mud-cloth from Mali. This African mud-cloth is made using a centuries old process originally created by the Bamana people. The cloth is made by hand-weaving a heavy material and dyeing the cloth with exotic plant juices, teas and mud.

Each piece is unique, making every Inkwell garment one of a kind!

The traditional tribal print "Jan" skirt, pictured below, makes a major style statement. The grosgain waistband adds an unexpected touch. Feminine details, tribal prints, classic American tailoring - sounds like the perfect style recipe to me.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Inkwell

Pretty Little Kitchen

Photo Credit: via LonnyMag, interior design by Lynn Nigro

Just looking at this beautifully designed kitchen makes me want to cook more.

Check back tomorrow on the blog - you'll find a little something just for you!

An Interview with Designer Sarah Seilbach {Edelweiss by Sarah}

Designer Sarah Seilbach takes a modern approach to vintage style, and her designs are breathtakingly glamorous. She created her own label, Edelweiss by Sarah, in 2008 - each design conveys a sense of timeless sophistication. YS asked Sarah a few questions for an exclusive interview.

1. How did you come up with the name Edelweiss for your label? Do you feel that your German heritage has influenced your label?

Edelweiss is a flower that grows in mountainous areas in the Swiss Alps. I worked at a flower shop growing up and fell in love with all things floral. I chose the Edelweiss flower because it grows around and in Germany. My heritage has greatly influenced my design aesthetic. It is who I am and part of how I create.

2. You have said that you have found inspiration through old movies showcasing that 1940’s Hollywood glamour. Any movies in particular? Any other sources of inspiration?

I love Hollywood glamour and the style of old Hollywood but a lot of the old films I like are actually in the 50’s and 60’s; it all comes back to what is classic and timeless. The Rear Window, A Summer Place, When a Man Answers. I also really like movies that are set in the 40’s like The Aviator and Atonement. All great costumes and cinematography. Besides movies, everyday life and people inspire me. Living in Brooklyn is also very inspiring. Travel and see new places, the list can go on and on.

3. How would you describe your design aesthetic? Vintage? Classic? Modern? Or, a little bit of a mix?

I would have to stay it is a mix of vintage and classic. My style is very sophisticated and timeless.

4. Where can readers buy your Spring 2011 collection? How would you describe this collection?

They can buy my collection on our online store! Everything is moving to e-commerce and it is great. It gives many people the opportunity to own an Edelweiss dress that wouldn’t otherwise be able to if it was only sold in NY. My Spring Collection was vintage girl’s camp inspired. I love this collection and think it is so fun and playful. Great for summer time picnics and lunches with your girlfriends.

5. Do you find yourself committed to a 1940’s silhouette from collection to collection? Do you find your collections evolving?

I am very committed to the silhouette but definitely see it evolving. I will always come back to it but that silhouette is not for everyone and I would like to make the perfect dress for every woman.

6. How did your experience at Savannah College of Art and Design shape your beginnings as a fashion designer?

SCAD was great, they really taught me how to push myself to keep working harder. I really enjoyed my experience there and I will always have a soft spot for Savannah.

Edelweiss by Sarah Studio in Brooklyn; Photo Credits: Jamie Beck (Courtesy of Edelweiss by Sarah)

7. As a Brooklyn-based designer, what are the advantages of being based in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan? Do you find yourself influenced by other Brooklyn-based designers and artists?

Brooklyn is great because it brings so many cultures and lifestyles together. Manhattan can be over run by the everyday daily grind of work and business. People come to Brooklyn to let loose and have fun, go out and listen to music. Music has very much influenced me. There are so many great venues out here and so many great bands that is hard not to be influenced.

8. The Fall 2011 collection is absolutely amazing! The color palette of black accented by different shades of classic neutrals, chic silhouettes, pencil skirts, and an overall modern approach to vintage style. What was your inspiration?

Fall was so much fun designing, I originally started with this idea of Motorcycles mixed with soft fabrics. I wanted it to be edgy but still elegant like Edelweiss. My husband has two motorcycles and we are always going places on them, it is so much fun. I wanted to take this idea of going off for a ride but mixing in a timeless feeling.

Dress from Edelweiss by Sarah, Fall 2011 Collection

9. What’s next for Edelweiss by Sarah?

I hope to eventually bring in menswear. I love men’s clothing and think it would be a great match for Edelweiss. I also hope to start collaborating with musicians in local bands here in Brooklyn.

Get the Look: Camilla Belle's Casual Look

Photo Credit: via Vogue Diaries

Camilla Belle looks casual & cool in this

pink-coral colored shirt and bright printed scarf.

GET THE LOOK:

flare jeans

cat eye sunglasses

printed scarf

pink-coral shirt

And don't forget to enter the Rent the Runway giveaway,

going on now here at YS!

Rent the Runway $150 Giveaway

Exciting news... a NEW GIVEAWAY starts now. You can enter to win a:

$150 gift card to Rent the Runway

One lucky winner will be selected on Friday, May 6. Rent the Runway allows you to rent designer dresses and more - it's a super easy process. RTR includes designers like Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, Proenza Schouler, Milly, and more!

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Like Rent the Runway & YS on Facebook. (click here and here)

2. Leave a comment on this blog answering, "what dress would you rent first with your $150 RTR gift card?" (remember to include your email if you write a comment anonymously)

And for an extra entry:

1. Follow @y_sophisticates and @renttherunway on Twitter & tweet this:

I want to win a $150 @renttherunway gift card from @y_sophisticates: http://bit.ly/g0ZtGU

2. Leave a second comment letting me know that you are following on Twitter & have tweeted.

If you win the giveaway, you could use it to rent this Badgley Mischka gown!

{Giveaway limited to US residents. Giveaway rules subject to change. Giveaway entrants limited to maximum of 2 entries.}

What dress would you rent first with your $150 RTR gift card?

Trend Report: Color Blocking

If you haven't already heard, color blocking is one of the big trends for spring 2011. The most recent collection from Gucci featured all sorts of color blocked dresses. The bronzed gold belts break up the two different colors to give the look a polished appearance.

You may have seen Camilla Belle and Olivia Wilde wearing color blocked Gucci looks straight off the runway.

The easiest way to rock this trend... snatch up a chic pair of color blocked heels, like these to die for heels from Charlotte Olympia. I am obsessed with these shoes - they're drop dead gorgeous!

For the budget version, Zara, Nine West, and ASOS all have some really cool options for color block heels. My favorite wallet-friendly color-blocked pair that I've seen so far are from Zara (pictured below).

Photo Credit: Gucci S/S '11 via style.com; via j'adore

What do you think of color blocking?

Retro Glam

Photo Credit: via sweet jacobs

How fun are those sunglasses?

Style Q&A: Perfect Beach Cover-Up?

Dear Young Sophisticates,

I am looking for a cover-up that I can wear at the pool when the weather warms up more and also to the beach (for an upcoming summer trip). Preferably in a print, but I am open to other suggestions. It's hard to find a good cover-up.

I can certainly sympathize with your search for the perfect cover-up; it may seem like there are limited options, but you'll hopefully find something you really like.

One option that you might really like is a vibrant print cover-up. This goes well with a solid color or printed bathing suit. Of course, you can mix prints, like the model pictured on left from Diane Von Furstenburg's resort 2011 collection. Keep in mind when mixing prints that: one color (or more) should be repeated in both prints and mix prints of different scales (e.g. mixing the small print on the bathing suit with a large-scale print on the cover-up).

For printed cover-ups, DVF printed cover-ups are hard to beat; they're fabulous - like this one.

And, how effortlessly chic is this striped cover-up - totally on trend with the nautical inspired look.

White, sheer, eyelet - if this sounds good to you, Anthropologie eyelet cover-up will be your new favorite item at under $100.

If you are on a tight budget, and these designer cover-ups are out of reach, I would recommend heading over to Target and picking out a cute cover-up there or using a cotton dress as a makeshift cover-up - no one will be able to tell the difference.

Photo Credits: via style.com; Anthropologie

What kind of cover-up will you be wearing this spring and summer?

Look for Less: Botanical Print Dress

For those of you that unapologetically love all things botanical, rejoice! Florals are back in a big way!

Runways have been filled with floral pieces, including spring collections of designers such as Erdem and Paul & Joe.

Whether you opt for a literal floral print (like Kristen Bell) or something a little more abstract, the result is a whimsical and feminine look.

For under $100, this Jessica Simpson Collection sundress is the way to go for any casual occasion - the perfect everyday floral frock.

And I know it's not a dress, but as a great dress-alternative, the Topshop playsuit, for the fashionably fearless, is within reach at only 70 dollars.

If you aspire to be boho-chic, this ASOS kimono dress gives off a relaxed and cool vibe.

Kate Spade's multi-color dress is girly, colorful with a fresh & fun floral print on it. If you opt for a more abstract take on the botanical print trend, you might like this Anthropologie dress.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Missoni via daylife.com

Will you be wearing a botanical print dress this spring and summer?

Ladylike

Photo Credit: via VC

Wishing you a very happy weekend.

Look for Less: Light Pink Shift

How amazing is this dress? This light pink shift dress from Victoria Beckham Spring 2011 collection is to die for! And the seriously in style blush satin pumps are gorgeous!!

Eva Longoria gets this look totally right with the soft makeup and loose curls. Eva is wearing red carpet-worthy Brian Atwood Maniac Satin Platform Pumps.

The dress is so simple and chic - it looks completely sophisticated worn without jewelry. As much as I love accessories, this dress works so well without any extras. It gives off such a modern, cool vibe.

And, now the best part of course, is that you can get this same look for $150.

Michael Kors delivers the same high-end look with a light pink dress at a fraction of the cost; it has a similar look and feel of the dress Eva is wearing (pictured on left) - in a very pretty color.

And for designer shoes for under $150, these Badgley Mischka peep toe pumps will work well for any occasion - you'll definitely get a lot of use out of these this spring and summer.

For more ideas on how to style a shift dress, read Look for Less: Short-sleeved Shift Dress.

You can wear: tiny pleats

Photo Credit: via wildfox

This pleated metallic gown is absolutely beautiful. Kate Hudson looks stunning!

Take inspiration from Ms. Hudson and try wearing tiny pleats - small pleats are a big trend right now. If you like the pleated detail, check out this red Halston gown. Such a beautiful designer gown!

And for a total bargain, this Urban Outfitters babydoll dress includes pretty little pleats for only $30.

Runway Inspiration: Gianfranco Ferre

Photo Credit: via style.com

In love with every single one of these runway looks from Gianfranco Ferre's Spring 2011 collection... such a talented designer! And, how cool are the lights in the background?

Which runway look is your favorite?

Color Palette: Black & Orange

Such an unexpected and beautiful color palette - orange with black.

The coffee table pictured above is from Albrizzi - so modern and cool. And, I love the bouquet of fresh flowers on the table.

The color palette of black and orange works so well together in the outfit pictured below. The black top, the orange skirt, and those glasses - obsessed!

Photo Credits: via kkerrdesign; via LPH