Trend Report: Art Deco

Art Deco glitz and the roaring 20's has captured the attention of the fashion world, yet again.

On the spring 2012 RTW runways, esteemed fashion houses like Gucci and Ralph Lauren included 1920's inspired gowns and separates.

In terms of black tie appropriate dresses, Monique Lhuillier Art Deco Embroidered Gown cannot be beat. This 1920's inspired gown is breathtakingly beautiful in silver chiffon with Art Deco crystal embroidery. The beading on this gown is truly spectacular.

Derek Lam included a beautiful black drop-waist art deco beaded dress in his cool, contemporary collection.

And, let's not forget Etro and Emporio Armani - both of their Spring 2012 collections included 1920's dresses based on their own interpretations of the period.

The 1920's were replete with optimism, glamour and definitely a new attitude towards fashion!

Inspired by this trend? Add art deco jewelry to your look.

Wearing art deco jewelry is an easy way to try the trend - I really like Lulu Frost's art deco inspired jewelry: Lulu Frost Art Deco ball earrings (fabulous, sparkly, and under $150)

and also Lulu Frost for J. CREW Deco bangle (under $100 & ultra-versatile).

Photo Credit: Gucci Spring 2012, Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 via style.com

Couture Column: Spring '12 Couture Collections Report - Whimsical Wonderland

Photo Credit: Giambattista Valli via vogue.com

Photo Credit: Christian Dior via vogue.com

Photo Credit: Valentino via vogue.com

Photo Credit: Giambattista Valli via vogue.com

Well darlings, as I am sure you are well aware the Couture shows are always truly exquisite and I must say that the Spring 2012 Couture collections did not disappoint!

Every collection exuded an uber-feminine and whimsical feel, which was simply magical. The designs I were drawn to this season were not just the ball gowns but the chic ensembles perfectly suited for the ladies who lunch. These designs by Giambattista Valli, Valentino, and Christian Dior were truly at the top of my list.

Check out Caitlin's blog, Daily Cup of Couture, for more couture inspiration, glamorous fashion & decor, and more. And, remember to look for her Couture Column here on Young Sophisticates!

Spring/Summer '12 Jill Stuart

Photo Credit: via thisisglamorous

How fun are these pretty dresses in vibrant hues from Jill Stuart's Spring 2012 collection?

This collection is happy, playful and undeniably cool. And, the limo serving as the background gives this shoot a modern luxe vibe.

Cozy & Chic

Photo Credit: LonnyMag via georgicapond

Relaxed, casual and so very lovely! A contemporary cool breakfast table combined with banquette seating and purple pillows looks like a perfectly stylish space to me.

Look for Less: Clémence Poésy

Photo Credit: Clemence Poesy fo Glamour UK, Photographed by David Oldham, via thisisglamorous

Even during the winter months, you can look pretty in pink!

Get the look of Clémence Poésy's ultra-feminine coat for less with this ASOS Faux Fur Coat in pink - this coat is around $150, and it would be such a sweet addition to any girl's closet. Get the exact same coat in petite sizing for only $80!!

Wear your new luxe coat with this Forever 21 floral dress - it's super budget-friendly and versatile! Style the dress now with opaque tights in cream or gray (think about trying sweater tights), and wear it in the spring with glamorous heels or simple sandals depending on your mood.

50% OFF Kate Bosworth's Jewelmint {Sponsored Post}

Photo Credit: Courtesy of JewelMint (Kate Bosworth wearing JewelMint Casablanca Necklaces via JewelMint blog); via pinterest

I'm super excited to promote Kate Bosworth's jewelry line JewelMint; actress/trendsetter Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist Cher Coulter have collaborated to design the jewelry.

If you haven't yet heard about JewelMint, here’s how it works. You take a short style quiz, and then based on your style, you'll get new selections added to your showroom each month for you to shop from.

Each piece of jewelry is only $29.99, but with this exclusive promo code for Young Sophisticates readers, you’ll get half off your first month’s order, so you'll only pay $14.99 with FREE SHIPPING!

Use the code dal200 at checkout for 50% OFF your first month of JewelMint, courtesy of the Dallas Mint Brand Ambassador Team. Hurry and shop now because code works from now until 3/31/12.

Kate Bosworth is wearing three JewelMint Casablanca necklaces at the same time (cool styling) in the photo above.

And, what's my favorite JewelMint piece of jewelry? Manta Woven Bangle (pictured, above right) with its effortless style, tribal feel, and casual vibe!

And, you can watch Kate Bosworth's new fashion video where she walks through a Moroccan street market gathering inspiration for her jewelry line.

Note: this is a sponsored post.

Runway Retrospective

Hey ladies! Cristina from Fuji Files here with some runway inspiration, and quite possibly some shopping justification. I've been looking for a new piece to rejuvenate my winter wardrobe, and I found the answer in Reed Krakoff Pre-Fall 2012: gloves!

I've had them on my mind since Lanvin paired them with party frocks, but worried that they wouldn't be incredibly versatile. Reed Krakoff proved me wrong by styling a pair of gloves into every look in the collection!

Photo credit: vogue.com

Admiring this collection I was shocked by the multitude of ways they styled gloves - from shift dresses to work attire and evening gowns! There's no winter look that couldn't benefit from a pair.

I love the button-down shirt with elbow-length gloves, but there's something so sexy about a short leather driving glove that ends at the wrist. Which style would you choose?

Find more fashion inspiration on Cristina's international design and style blog, Fuji Files. And, remember to look for her Runway Retrospective column here on Young Sophisticates!

YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: via whowhatwear

For the first time, I'm choosing 2 looks as the "look of the week." It was simply too hard to pick the best look this week --- so, it's a tie!

Elle Fanning looks age appropriate and fashion forward in Rodarte. Inspired by the works of Van Gogh, Rodarte Spring/Summer 2012 collection is artistic and breathtaking. Have you seen Taylor Swift wearing Rodarte in this month's Vogue?

Rachel Bilson's dress goes in a totally different style direction. Rachel has a princess moment! The romantic nature of the gown, with the feminine feathers and silk pointy toed heels, is simply stunning.

Which look is more your style?

A New Kind of Traditionalist

Photo Credit: Ryan Korban designed rooms via thisisglamorous & via access.decorati.com

New York-based interior designer Ryan Korban's interiors could be described as "urban romantic." The aesthetic is modern and polished, with a heavy dose of glamour.

If you want to see more rooms designed by this talented young interior designer, click here and here. Even though the spaces are contemporary, Korban does include traditional design elements as well. Each space is amazingly beautiful, carefree and cool. No wonder Ryan Korban was chosen to do the interior design for Alexander Wang's studio.

Look for Less: Ashley Olsen

Photo Credits: via Olsens Anonymous

For the next few weeks, you'll need plenty of clever warm ensembles to get you through winter. Why not mix things up with a trendy, cool faux fur snood, paired with a grey hoodie and purple blazer and jeans/trousers? If you are wondering "what's a snood?," it's basically a scarf that goes in a circle.

Ashley Olsen wears a grey hoodie, purple jacket, and fur snood (in the photo above) - and she makes it all look edgy and sophisticated. Get Ashley Olsen's look with these budget-friendly, fashion-forward items (nothing over $200)!

Get the look for less with this chic ASOS faux fur snood. It's budget-friendly at less than $30. Such a good deal!!

Wear it with a Topshop grey knit hoodie (or if you're willing to spend more, T by Alexander Wang hooded poncho in heather grey), and an opened up J. Crew schoolboy blazer in navy. Such a stylish combination!

Ashley Olsen's purple blazer is pretty fantastic, but a borrowed-from-the-boys basic navy blue blazer will work for this look, and you'll get lots of mileage out of this classic and cool style staple. Finish the look with denim or your favorite pair of trousers, if your feeling adventurous.

For more styling and shopping ideas on how to pull off the whole blazer + snood look, get more ideas on this personal style blog and Vogue's The Social Shopper.

Look for Less: White Modern Lighting

Hello everyone! It's Marche' again from #eyecandy!

Recently I was scouring the internet looking at portfolios for interior designers looking for inspiration for my apartment.

Luckily, it wasn't long before I found Lauren Nelson Design. Nelson's portfolio is a lovely mix of color and simplicity. Whether she is designing a bohemian-chic living room or a traditional bedroom, her designs are absolutely gorgeous!

Her recent bedroom design is one of my favorites. I am completely smitten with navy walls. My mother actually let me paint my bedroom navy in high school. I loved the color against my white bedroom furniture and this room invokes the same feel.

I confessed my love for all things white in my last post. Of course this gorgeous white lamp caught my eye immediately. White and navy is such a classic color combination but this room's modern elements keep it fresh and fun! When decorating a space with such richly colored walls, white accessories are an excellent choice because they pop! I love this white lamp along with the simple white lampshade.

Photo Credits: via Lauren Nelson Design; via Walmart

With your all-white lamp, you'll have modern lighting in your space! Happy shopping!

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog, #eyecandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

2012 Golden Globes: Best Dressed List

Photo Credit: Emma Stone in Lanvin, via L'union Street

Photo Credit: Charlize Theron in Dior via glamour.com

My top three favorite Golden Globe gowns would have to be: Charlize Theron in Dior, Emma Stone in Lanvin, and Salma Hayek in Gucci.

These are three very different gowns - spanning the spectrum from soft, feminine Dior to dark, dramatic Lanvin, to metallic, embellished Gucci. The Gucci dress had an art deco feel to it, and if I was forced to choose an absolute favorite - I'd have to go with the Gucci gown.

Honorable mentions go to the following starlets:

• the beautiful Viola Davis (stunning in a sexy slitted Pucci one-shouldered gown);
• Jessica Alba (looking totally elegant in glamorous Gucci);
• Sofia Vergara (gorgeous in a navy blue Vera Wang strapless gown);
• Natalie Portman (making her triumphant return to the red carpet in an avant-garde hot pink Lanvin number);
• and the magnificent Nicole Kidman (wearing a studded Versace halter dress).

What were your favorite red carpet looks at the 2012 Golden Globes?

Valentino Spring/Summer '12

Photo Credit: Valentino Spring Ad Campaign, photos by Deborah Tuberville via Studded Hearts

These images from the Valentino Spring/Summer 2012 ad campaign are interesting, artistic and romantic... see more images of the latest Valentino campaign here. Happy Friday!

Trend Report: Peplum

Familiarize yourself with one of the biggest trends for spring: peplum.

A short list of some of the designers including peplum accents in their spring collections: Thakoon, Giorgio Armani, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Many of you might be wondering, what is peplum? It's pretty simple actually - peplum where a short piece of fabric flares at the waist of a garment (such as a jacket, blouse, dress - or even a skirt).

Get the look with this sophisticated Alice + Olivia peplum dress - this dress will be your new go to LBD. The inclusion of the peplum accent adds a playful, fun vibe to the otherwise basic black sheath.

Rodarte included peplum accents as a final touch to its dreamy Van Gogh inspired printed dresses and separates.

The Rodarte look (pictured at left) is impeccable with a strategically placed cutout, cool print, and asymmetrical hemline - the flirty peplum is the icing on the cake for this runway look.

Get the look for less with this Modcloth peplum skirt in basic black - style it with a brightly hued top and heels. At around $50, it's a budget-friendly way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.

Also, check out the selection of peplum shirts and dresses at ASOS - lots of affordable, great options, like this pretty red dress with peplum.

Peplum first became popular in the 40's and 50's - with designer Christian Dior incorporating peplum into collections more than half a century ago. Peplum is definitely back in style today!

Photo Credits: Rodarte SS '12, Giorgio Armani SS '12 via style.com

On a side note, I've updated the site's ABOUT page - you can see it by clicking on the YS symbol on the top right of the page. Learn more about the site's contributors, how to reach me with style questions or comments, and more. Have a fabulous day!!

Design Inspiration

Photo Credit: Design by Robert Leleux, via LonnyMag

This contemporary cool bedroom has such a playful, vibrant look.

I always love a little bit of zebra print added to a living space! A zebra rug makes quite the style statement! The lamps in this room are also pretty lovely as well.

I know that I have already mentioned Jason Wu for Target's collection will be available in stores and online on February 5, 2012. If you haven't already, mark your calendars!

Target has finally revealed Jason Wu for Target lookbook. Lots of fantastic looks - including functional, pretty dresses and chic handbags and accessories.

YS Look of the Week

Photo Credit: Rooney Mara, Startracks via Real Style Network

It girl Rooney Mara attends a Girl with the Dragon Tattoo premiere in a black dress from the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012 collection. The embellished details and bell shape of the skirt make the look.

The black leather belts and simple strappy heels add minimalist details to balance out the look. Rooney Mara's hair and makeup is also perfect: bangs parted to the side combined with an easy updo and bright red lips completes the overall look. Striking and beautiful.

Runway Retrospective

Hi ladies! Cristina from Fuji Files here with some winter inspiration to get you through the rest of the season in style, post-sequin party dresses.

Winter coats and layers can often leave me feeling shapeless, but Burberry's Pre-Fall 2012 collection is full of ladylike silhouettes that look both warm and figure-flattering.



I find that feminine accessories make all the difference in these looks, from the bow belts (adorable!) to the dainty gloves, fur collars, and clutches. I'm already devising a DIY plan for a bow belt to cinch the waist of my winter coats!

Photo Credit: vogue.com

Now, off to find a pair of pants as timeless and flattering as those flares!

So, how do you spice up your winter wardrobe?

Find more fashion inspiration on Cristina's international design and style blog, Fuji Files. And, remember to look for her Runway Retrospective column here on Young Sophisticates!

Parisian Opulence

Photo Credit: via ELLE DECOR

The French inspired living space (pictured above) could be described as Parisian opulence reinvented. The Manhattan apartment designed by Robert Couturier is drop dead gorgeous. The use of the color red adds the right amount of decadence to the majestic space. See more pictures of the living space at Elle Decor.

In fashion news, have you heard about Jason Wu's collaboration with Target? Jason Wu is known for elegant and sophisticated designs- and on February 5, his ladylike designs can be yours at a budget-friendly price! So, mark your calendars!!

Minimalist Luxe

Photo Credit: via pinterest; via net-a-porter

The minimalist vibe of the cream and white dress (pictured above) contrasted with the rich brown leather bag hits all the right style notes. From a beauty perspective, the clean ponytail, barely there makeup, and plain Jane nails add interest to the overall look.

Get the look with a similarly structured bag: Tory Burch Robinson Saffiano Satchel. This bag comes in a light brown, almost camel color leather. Classic and cool. Pair it with a simple black long sleeved dress - like this Zara dress (which is on sale for around $30!!).

Wanting to splurge on this luxe look? Invest in a timeless Celine shopping tote in black calfskin. Wear it with this perpetually cool Stella McCartney two-tone jersey dress.

Look for Less: White Dining Chairs

Photo Credits: via decorpad; via z gallerie

Happy New Year! I hope all of you are enjoying 2012 so far. What better way to start a new year than with a fresh Look for Less post? I am a lover of bold colors but I always resort to the same palette for my home, white. It’s so clean and simple. Using white in your home let’s your colorful accessories take center stage. In my apartment I don’t have a designated dining area because I usually end up eating while working on my computer. But when the time comes, all I want are white upholstered dining chairs.

This breakfast nook (pictured above) is simply divine! I love the built in bench, rustic chandelier, and dark wood floor. Most of all, I love the dining chairs. They fit the color scheme perfectly and offer a lovely contrast to the dark floors.

When it comes to upholstered dining chairs, Z Gallerie by far offers the best selection. The store's Scallop Dining Chair (pictured at left), Marseilles Dining Chair, Waterloo Dining Chair, and Lola Side Chair are just some of their gorgeous options in their beautiful collection of dining chairs. Although beautiful, buying multiple chairs could easily become pricey.

Target and Ikea both offer inexpensive options that are just as chic.

Target’s offerings come in pairs. Their Broome Side Chair Set is tufted with a traditional silhouette.

As the name suggests, they would make just as attractive side chairs. Perfect for those of you who look for versatile pieces as much as I do.

For those of you wondering how you would ever keep white furniture clean (and in the dining room of all places), try these Palma Faux White Leather upholstered dining chairs from Target.

They are not only affordable, but they would be much easier to clean.

Ikea’s Henriksdal Chair is a contemporary option that can easily be slipcovered when you are ready for a change. It may be best to slipcover the chair in white (even though it already is white) so you can just toss the covers in the wash when they get dirty.

If you love white in your home like I do, you should give upholstered white dining chairs a chance!

Get more of Marche's tips on interior design, fashion and more at her fabulous blog, EyeCandy. And, remember to look for her interior design column here on Young Sophisticates!

Style Inspiration

Photo Credit: Tom Munro for Harper's Bazaar UK via front-row-view.com

Rosie Huntington-Whitely wears retro 60's inspired clothes in the January issue of Harper's Bazaar UK to stunning effect.

All of these looks feel relevant and fresh, while harkening back to 60's mod.

Double Take

I'm a gal who tends to stick to what I know. Classic silhouettes, clean lines, preppy touches. But when I came across this tough-meets-fem look, it was love at first sight. Flowing fabrics and a ladylike draping come head to head with a tough as nails jacket and accessories. This look would be perfection once the weather warms up a bit more.

Here's how to re-create it on a blow out or on a budget:

Silk Shirt: Splurge | Save
Pleated Maxi Skirt: Splurge | Save
Studded Leather Belt: Splurge | Save
Leather Jacket: Splurge | Save

How amazing is that Valentino shirt? Even beyond this look, the possibilities would be endless with that beauty! Which splurges and saves do you prefer?

Victoria shares her love of all things food, interiors, design and style on her lifestyle blog, vmac+cheese. And, remember to look for her Double Take column here on Young Sophisticates!