Stealing the spotlight for the Spring/Summer ’13 season is the trusty caftan.

According to wisegeek.org, “A caftan, also spelled kaftan, is a long garment with wide sleeves that dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, located between the countries of Iraq and Iran. These Persian, robe-like garments also became popular in countries such as Russia and Morocco. Their patterns and colors are usually vivid and detailed. They are a vacation fashion staple that began being considered fashionable in western countries since the 1960s and ’70s.”

 

Caftan is a wonderful wardrobe staple for ladies who like to work a boho gypsy look, or the flower-child 70′s vibe –styling it with flower crowns, braids and waves, flats, and fringed bags.

To some, the caftan, with its iconic bright and colorful patterns, forms part of the glamorous getaway gear. The equal parts comfort and style it gives make it the perfect go-to piece for the resort season. Its lightweight floaty soft fabric allows it to be an absolute fit for travel or cruise, taking you from beach to brunch, from poolside to late night cocktails, as a swimsuit cover-up, or as a dress by itself.

Celebrities love it. Check-out just some of them below:

And, here are some of our favourite caftan pieces from S/S ’13 designer lookbooks and runways:

As if it’s not awesome enough, caftan has also charged into bridal fashion, and still makes sense, especially for a destination wedding. See below our very own Janique evening gown, which could very well be a wedding gown for a bride who likes the goddess look; and, a piece from Temperley London S/S ’13 bridal collection:

So, any chance we’ll see you in a caftan this beach season? ^^

Sources: style.com, etsy.com

Pantone Color Institute® recently introduced 2013′s Color of the Year… *drum roll*… Emerald 17-5641! We can’t necessary say we saw this coming, as the radiant hue comes on the coat tales of 2012′s go-to color, Tangerine Tango. None the less as an earth tone and natural “feel good” color, I see 2013 being a year in which my endless list of resolutions may come to fruition. Finding my core and inner chi was a topper and with soul soothing emerald’s lingering about that may not be a far stretch.

“The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum. As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally-appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

- Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®

We’re anticipating a year of much needed chromotherapy. Check out ahead of the curve emerald looks from Spring 2013 runway shows, along with cosmetics that will help you get the look!

Emerald on the Runway

Band of Outsiders Spring 2013 RTW

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2013 RTW

Kenzo Spring 2013 RTW

Proenza Schouler Spring 2013 RTW

Saint Laurent Spring 2013 RTW

Sherri Hill - Nika Formals

Emerald Infused Beauty Looks

Emerald Dust Mineral Eyeshadow

Sonia Kashuk Nail Color Fall Shades, $4.79 - China Glaze Emerald Sparkle Nail Lacquer, $3 – $6

Emerald Makeup Must-Haves

Image Sources: Vogue Collections, Cheek Chicks

Wednesday, 7 November 2012, New York City was invaded by superpowers – supermodels and superstars, that is. Forty of the hottest, most famous models clamped down the glitter-ized runway at the Lexington Avenue Armory, as equally renowned music artists performed. Angels Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, and more shared the stage with Justin Bieber, Rhianna, and Bruno Mars: that’s the Victoria’s Secret (VS) 2012 Runway Show for you. We, here at MissesDressy.com, for lack of better superlative, could only describe it as no less than super.

Aside from being star-studded, the show this year one-upped itself on the beautiful and elaborate backdrop and stage design, and with the fashionably flashy six themed segments:  (1) Circus, (2) Dangerous Liaisons, (3) Pink Is Us, (4) Silver Screen Angels, (5) Angels in Bloom, and (6) Calendar Girls.

The unveiling of its annual “Fantasy Bra” also couldn’t be ignored; the custom, blinged out $2.5 million bra (by London Jewelers), encrusted with more than 5,000 sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and other stones, and featuring a 20-carat diamond as a centerpiece, was paraded by no less than the sexy Alessandra Ambrosio.

Had enough? Neither have we. Victoria’s Secret has been doing this fun flirty fierce shows to present its new collection since 1995; it has made such a great impact that it has become a pop culture. It sure has made an impact on us, and we couldn’t have enough. So, as a little side note, an extra treat if we may, allow us here at MissesDressy.com to present you with a 13-year look back at the show’s highlight, the reveal of the million dollar Fantasy Bra (as complied by celebuzz.com).

Sources: Jamie McCarthy-Getty Images via style.time.com, Evan Agostini-Associated Press and Bryan Bedder-Getty Images via latimes.com

In some cases, its safe to judge a book by its cover. As with international online store Nasty Gal, the name definitely says it all. With a mix of edgy, fashion forward pieces the brand is a blend of all the novel items you wish were in your local vintage shop and the runway looks you fantasize about getting your hands on. It’s no surprise that the November Lookbook, entitled Light Side of the Moon, gave us googly eyes. One half sporty and one half casual chic, the collection is filled with velvet, mesh, and metallic textures along with cropped tops galore (yippee)! Not to mention the super fabulous Naomi Preizler looking pretty bad ass.

 Lynnie Sequin Maxi Dress, $178 - Versace Hooded Windbreaker, $428

Pixie Sequin Top, $38

Fila Sport Micro Mini, $58 - Zomg Platform Sneaker – Black & White, $65

Form Platform Boot, $160 – Leather Cap, $30

 Revolt Crop Turtleneck, $28 - Trimmed Tuxedo Pant, $48

Midnight Metallic Pant, $90

Image Source: Fashion Gone Rouge

We’ve seen a lot of footwear since we started our Shoesday Tuesday series. There have been furry ones, printed ones, platform ones, and even cloggy ones! But this week we’re actually quite taken aback. Why you ask? Probably because we have yet to see heels that take the term floral literally.

Famed florist, Francoise Weeks has created countless arrangements for special events and gatherings. But with her Botanical Couture designs she’s really outdone herself! I mean,  imagine flowers literally growing from your feet– pure insanity. Though we’ve yet to see anyone actually wearing these garden fresh heels and understand that of course they’re most likely creative centerpieces (gee, we’re not that dense), a fashion take on floristry is an interesting idea. Sure wearing living organisms while trucking it around town can present a few dilemmas (mostly the discomfort from slipping around on eucalyptus leaves) but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a pair of these puppies hit a runway or two. Couture fashion would never be the same. 

While you think over the immense fashion potential, flip through a few of Weeks’ gorgeous shoe creations. I can hear them laughing at my floral print pants and blouses…

Mossy Botanical Shoe

Botanical Shoes Embellished with Orchards

Peach and Green Botanical Couture

The 21st century bride no longer abides to customs and traditions of old, well at least, in terms of style. We see that she asserts herself, speaking her mind through fashion, and daring to show who she is by telling her story through unconventional styling. With that in mind, our trusty designers put twists to bridal gown designs to convey the differing personalities of their ultimate muse: the rebellious bride.

Here are our top 8 bridal dress trends, perfect for the modern brides.

1. Rouged, etc. Brides just wanna have fun; and fun they find in cheery colours: red, pink, blush, even greens and blues. The fierce fearless bride wouldn’t settle for white, and instead, would choose to be bright and beautiful in a coloured wedding dress.

Vera Wang

Mark Zunino

Douglas Hannant

Oscar Dela Renta

2. But wait ’til you see the back. For a quirky surprise and sexy drama, especially for the long walk down the aisle and the pictorial, brides put attention to the back part of the dress with beautiful lace, intricate embroideries, bold peekaboo, and detailed embellishments.

Claire Pettibone

Elizabeth Fillmore

Marchesa

3. High Fashion Neckline. Extremely high and low necklines are favored by the rogue brides to frame their face to perfection. It is also a great way to balance the amount of skin they want to show-off.

Badgely Mischka

Oscar Dela Renta

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

4. One-Shoulder Treatment. The Ms. Independent bride would most likely go for the one-shoulder design for it gives that structured geometric aesthetic while baring some sexy skin.

Amsale

Douglas Hannant

Marchesa

Monique Lhuillier

5. Lace, Lace, Lace. The classic and timeless lace gets an edgy upgrade due to its head-to-toe usage in most of the current designs. Uberly romantic brides can add a touch of whimsy to their styling with these pieces.

Yumi Katsura

Monique Lhuillier

Marchesa

Amsale

6. Trick and Treat. Illusion details in dresses are for the brides who want to give a hint of skin while staying covered up with the use of sheer materials. These also create additional graceful movements and allow a more unpredictable placement of accents like applique, sequins, lace, and beads.

Reem Acra

Rafael Cennamo

Monique Lhuillier

Marchesa

7. Flattering Peplum. Clever and courageous brides opt for this haute detail to define the waist and create a vavavoom silhuoette.

Ines Di Santo

Amsale

Alfred Angelo

Junko Yoshioka

8. Transform. The smart convertible dresses are for the brides who want to make an impact on her walk down the aisle, then be able to dance without any constraint at the reception dinner. These are dresses with removable skirts, capes, and trains. Genius, right?

Oscar Dela Renta

Monique Lhuillier

Ines Di Santo

Reem Acra

Quirky, zany, edgy, mysterious, sensual, artsy, whimsical, old-soul, whichever type of rebellious bride you are, we are absolutely certain that there is a perfect wedding dress for you. For more options, check out our vast collection of bridal dresses here.

Sources: flash-screen.com, whitebowevents.com, brides.com, bridalguide.com, onewed.com, bridalmusings.com

Looking elegantly fragile and sweetly forlorn as they sat on the swings, ladies in white, nude, and black flowy fabric made up the runway for the Samuel Cirnansck Summer 2013 collection. The models, styled with loose locks and almost pale make-up, floated through the runway afterwards to showcase the lightweight ultrafeminine dresses by the Brazilian designer.

The dresses, which were said to be made 90% by hand, had a ghostly quality being mostly light and sheer in the bottom. Tulle was pleated and layered to create the hauntingly floating illusion. The dresses’ bodice were also generally see-through, strategically embellished with loads of pearls, florets, lace, and/or beads.

Disturbingly dark and romantic, these dresses would remind you of a midnight in Paris or the Goth ages; We here at MissesDressy.com were left spellbound. We’re sure you’d be too as you look at some of our picks from the runway show.

For more hauntingly romantic dresses, click here.

Sources: glamourgoddessfashion.com, Márcio Madeira for vogue.globo.com, glownshowimage.blogspot.com

Kimono is a traditional Japanese clothing. It is an outer garment, long and with wide sleeves. It is usually unlined in summer, lined in autumn and spring, and padded in winter. It’s also sometimes layered in coordinating colors. What makes it special is the artistry put in for its design. The clothing being quite expansive, allows an artist to make it a canvass for painting, dyeing, embroidery, and/or beading of patterns and pictures that stretch through the whole piece; usually of flowers on satin fabric. It is tied close with a belt called obi, which adds to its design and helps in adjusting its fit.

 A Traditional Kimono

According to fashionencyclopedia.com, “Most modern-day Japanese people have never owned or worn a kimono. Some may rent one for the several occasions in their life that call for them. Nevertheless, the kimono is the instantly recognizable symbol of Japanese fashion.” But for S/S 2013, Japanese or not, fashionistas are getting a taste of the softly exotic Kimono. A lot of  top designers have featured either the collar, the sleeve, the length, the print, the fabric, and/or the obi of the Kimono in their runway pieces. The Japanese-inspired trend absolutely gives out that chic world-edge to the over-all style. Just look at these picks from the S/S  2013 runways.

Haider Ackermann

Gareth Pugh

Emilio Pucci

Prada

Etro

Notice the embroidered dragons, floral prints, origami pleats, wide sashes, obi belts, over-sized sleeves, and multi-length layering? It’s so clever how these accents are incorporated in the designs to create that Oriental charm. For the streets, this trend has also worked because our smart stylish dames do not dare use all the beautiful details of the Kimono all at the same time. Most of them opt to style their outfit using a shorter modern version of the Kimono, a winged-sleeve, usually floral robe in girly soft fabric.

 ASOS

Why, even celebrities love this trend.

Miley Cyrus

Jenna Dewan-Tatum

Kimora Lee Simmons

Nicky Hilton

Nicole Richie

For more Kimono-inspired fashion, visit MissesDressy.com.

Sources: fashionising.com, fashionencyclopedia.com, kojiki.wordpress.com, vogue.it, forthosewhonotice.com, thefrontrowview.com, snappylifestyle.com, posh24.com, fashionhedonism.com, whatstrend.com, fashionhedonism.com, fromhatstoheels.com, asos.com, curvesandchaos.com, andreajanke-accessory.blogspot.com, blog.nelly.com, fwanny-hwan.blogspot.com

Yesterday, we did a round-up highlighting some of our favorite velvet looks worn by celebs and on the runway. But we saved the best for last since shoes are always the cherry on top! The velvet shoe works like many other velvety articles as a great way to accentuate a full look. The fabric brings lush elegance to just about anything it touches, translating all the novelty in vintage style along with refinement and modernity. As key must-haves on their own, the loafer/slipper and heel are only enhanced when dressed up in velvet. Check out looks worn by hot celebs and during this season’s fashion week shows.

The Velvet Slipper

Style maven Alexa Chung always makes her way to our trend round-ups one way or another. Here she’s spotted wearing Penelope Chilvers Black Embroidered Velvet Dandy Slipper on  two different occasions (don’t you just love celeb reruns? hey, they’re people too!) Love the embroidered palm tree… what a witty juxtaposition.

Taylor Swift has mastered classic style, even in her casual wear. Here she’s wearing ox-blood and blue velvet loafers on two days out and about, with nearly the same outfit! Velvet slippers do go well with a button-up, cropped pant combo so we won’t dock any points for the rerun– can’t deny she looks fab.

The Velvet Heel

Velvet wedges! Hot, hot, hot. Ali Hilfiger‘s get-up is a perfect example of how they can spruce up an outfit. Gotta get a pair of those…

The fabulous Charlize Theron could probably wear anything and look flawless. Rich deep shades of velvet are hallmarks this season and these Christian Luoboutin Velvet Pigalle pumps pretty much show you why.

Jessica Alba‘s super cute strappy velvet pumps add a little sexy to her whimsical floral dress. Along with the color, the fabric adds the pop that dress needs!

During Fall/Winter ’12/13 Fashion Week Dolce and Gabbana sent a boat load of lush velvet down the runway. Paired with gold embroidery, the pointed toe heels and black pumps took elegance and sophistication off the map.

We can’t mask our obsession with all things velvet. We’ll definitely be snagging a pair or two and suggest you do the same!

Ah, velvet. The quintessential fall staple and one of the few fabrics pinned specifically to fall/winter seasons. Velvet is the perfect way to add interest to an outfit with it’s classic look and texture. But per usual, with any bold fabric or print, it must be worn with balance. Overdoing it on velvet can result in complete and utter disaster. Too much can create a gaudy, ultra shiny look– yikes! A few weeks ago we featured a post spotlighting our own velvet dresses, but this time we want to highlight other ways to wear the look. Some of our favorite celebrities have been seen sporting velvet, and of course top designers during Fall 2012 Fashion Week predicted the trend with fabulous runway fashion.

Celebrities in Velvet

As we all know Kim Kardashian love dresses. Short ones, long ones, colored ones, black ones, it doesn’t matter. Apparently she’s also a fan of velvet– green velvet specifically. She was spotted wearing a Gucci F/W 2012 dress (left) at her Midori event, though it wasn’t the most flattering look on her. Prior, while attending the 2012 White House Correspondents Association dinner (we were thinking the same thing.. how’d she get that invite?) she also wore a full length sleeveless velvet gown (right). This was a much better choice, and great way to show the elegant simplicity of the fabric.

Sarah Jessica Parker is also partial to a velvet accent or two. Blazers are her forte as she’s been spotted wearing them on more than one occasion. We’re not complaining though– she wears the look fabulously.  To an event at MOMA (left) she shows how velvet can enhance a polished, dressy look and also how it can jazz up a simple t-shirt and jeans (right).

Elizabeth Olsen (left) and Whitney Port (right) know how to rock a velvet pant. In Elizabeth’s case she went all the way with a velvet suit! This is obviously risky, and it wasn’t necessarily a crowd favorite, but she definitely pulled it off. Whitney also took a fashion leap, bringing back crushed velvet. Whew– such daredevils!

Velvet on the Runway

Gucci F/W 2012

That’s Kim K’s dress on the right. Looks better on the model doesn’t it?

Giorgio Armani F/W 2012

L ‘Wren Scott F/W 2012

Ralph Lauren F/W 2012

Velvet may not be your favorite fall fabric (say that three times) but it’s definitely on the fashion radar and a great way to spice up your wardrobe. Dive-in already before the season flies by!