Most guys have that whole school girl, cute nerd, or sexy librarian fantasy…right? Well we can mix and match different items from each one of those looks to create the ultimate hot, cute, and sexy look that we are forever coining…linerdool! Here is our inspiration…glasses, bows, knee highs, cardigans, ruffles, pleats, pearls, little skirts, buns, mary jane’s, and lipstick.

Even if you don’t actually wear glasses you can buy fake ones, no one will know! And if all else fails you can wear this ridiculously cute MyLittleThing necklace $25 instead!

Let’s start with the foundation of the outfit…the top and skirt. Lets go with a nerdy cute t-shirt from Blue Is for only $16.50! This sets the mood for something adorable yet cool in an understated way.

Now for the perfect bottoms to go with it…I love these little pleated shorts by Jean Stone $34. They look like a skirt but are actually shorts which is nice to not have to worry about showing off your britches! I dig the gold military buttons too.

You gotta rock a cardigan with this look, and I’d throw on some knee highs and sweet mary jane shoes. This yeomong cardigan $25 comes in lots of colors for many many different outfits! It is lightweight and the perfect length. The Cherry Story knee highs $18 have little bow accents which is a nice touch. I must have these KAWO t-strap mary jane’s $34 simply because the color is so fab, but the cute style doesn’t hurt either.

You can either pile your hair on top of your head in a top knot bun, or go a little more grade school with pig tails! Play it up with some vibrant lipstick maybe to match your shoes…orange lipstick is delicious! I am envisioning a ribbon in the hair tied into a pretty bow and some pearl earrings-you are all set…go get ‘em tiger! rrrrarrr!

Kate Moss has been the reining queen of all UK based music festivals. Even a few years back with her barely there shorts, high wellies, and studded accessories-she was rockin’ a timeless festival fashion that would hold true years into the future…plus she usually has a rocker boyfriend available as arm candy.

Kate Moss at Glastonbury 2008

Let’s mix her rock star look with a little bit of bohemian so you can play the part of being in a band while watching the band…start with the barely there shorts…all eyes will be on your backside anyway! These MoDN Plaid Trim Distressed Denim shorts will do the trick.

Next you gotta throw on a sexy loose tank that hangs just right. I love the graphic of the stiletto of this Spicy-holic tank and the lace overlay is a touch of perfect punk. It’s always great to have choices so have a vest on hand like this CatWorld single button version just in case you feel the need to layer.

Don’t forget the boots, most festivals are muddy so these stylish footwear options are actually functional too. Depending on what colors you are wearing, these MALL-LA Rain Boots come in the basics…black and beige.

Now for a few accessories to really put it all together. A simple straw hat by Grace keeps the sun out so you just look hot. A studded and fringed Kvoll leather shoulder hobo bag (only $58 for genuine leather!) holds everything from your camera to a water bottle. And speaking of camera’s, this adorable MyLittleThing necklace is just to cute to pass up!

With all this in tow, some wind blown hair, shades, and fresh makeup…you are finally ready to kick back, watch the show, and maybe find some rocker arm candy of your own.

The new trend is to work it in a nude dress at your next event…it’s fresh, it’s light, and it’s devilishly sexy. If you find the right shade, people might be doing double takes at you all night long…how risque!

Nude evening gowns have been making appearances on the red carpet too. From Drew Barrymore to Gwyneth Paltrow…they are all turning heads in bare-ly there hues. It is a bit of an illusion, the illusion that you have shown up to a party naked…possibly naked covered in sparkles. You will most definitely get the attention of the men in the room, as well as the women, taking a mental note to wear a nude dress to the next shindig they attend!

Drew Barrymore

Angelina Jolie

Gwyneth Paltrow

Evan Rachel Wood

Rose Byrne

Many nude dresses seem to have that 1940′s old Hollywood vibe which really adds to the glamour of the look. But I absolutely love Gwyneth’s Stella McCartney design which is a more modernized silhouette. You can rock blood red nails, shoes, lips, and clutch like Evan Rachel Wood, or add a little vintage sparkle with rhinestone encrusted jewels and accessories.

Here is a super cute nude dress option for “real” girls. Not as dressy, and more flirty…but still so very sexy. Tokyo Fashion Flutter-Sleeve Lace Overlay Chiffon Dress $25.60. Can’t beat these prices! Dress it up with some glitzy jewelry, those amazing Michel Para embellished nude satin pumps $90, and an up-do. You could also opt to dress it down like the girl in the photo…this would look so good with a wide belt. Either way, this dress is sure to make all eyes on you! Do you think you can handle it?

Lady Gaga

Chanel also took it a step further by setting the mood with a barn-like runway so that the models seemed to wander through the countryside to show off the ready-to-wear designs. Impressive Chanel, impressive. Loving those clogs!

All the top celebrities were there, and although the collection the was geared more towards slightly cooler weather, it is warm in the City of Lights right now, so many of the stars donned light and layered Chanel Couture.

Blake Lively, Milla Jovovich, and Jessica Alba at Chanel

One thing is for sure, the prairie look is definitely “in” and you can start to wear this look right now. Because this style started to become big last year with the launch of Marc Jacob’s and Ralph Lauren’s 2009 line, the challenge now is to make this style new, fresh, and your own. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with other non-prairie items, you don’t want to look like a rerun episode of “Little House on the Prairie”.

Marc Jacobs 2009

So hear is our take on the prairie look and how you can get it…and for much less then at the house of Chanel. Center stage we have an adorable chiffon Tunic Dress and Belt Set by Catworld available in cream, beige, and black for an amazing price of $22. Can’t beat that! But I also love the look of this Bell Sleeved and Lace-up Belt set also by Catworld for the same price. Decisions decisions! Followed by the cutest Layered Lace Trimmed Navy Tunic by ageha@shibuya $24. There is also the most amazing plaid skirt by BBon-J $68, you gotta have a little plaid on the prairie! Lace-up Platform Clogs by KAWO $35 add a stylish twist. I love the traditional straw material of this Kvoll bag $40, but in a hobo shape that is usually reserved for leather. You can wear it over the shoulder or sling across like a messenger bag. Flirty feather earrings by Truffles $22.50 are the perfect accessory. Messy hair piled on top on the head maybe with small braids intertwined throughout would complete this look. Stash a floppy hat in your purse to block out the sun…keep your makeup natural and you are all set to go milk the cows, run through the meadow, and feed those chickens!

Some say it started about a decade ago and has gained momentum with the popularity of the vampire saga “Twilight”. But the Cullen’s really don’t fit the “Goth” bill anyway, they are more of the sugar and spice type vampires comparatively. Regardless, there does seem to be a fascination with all things supernatural…I mean who wouldn’t want to be able to read someone’s mind, jump over buildings, or cast spells? It’s pretty exciting if you ask me!

Here are a few things you can add to your wardrobe to bring you elements of…the dark side. I took inspiration from another book turned film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. You should definitely check it out, it was just released to DVD. It’s a hauntingly beautiful and thrilling Swedish film. Lisbeth is part biker chick, punk rocker, goth, and graceful pixie all in one.

First up we have a wicked hooded sleeveless pullover by “alicegohome”$52…it’s absolutely perfect for creating mystery and a little drama. It is paired here with a skirt of the same material, but I would put it with some tight rockin’ slashed leggings by “Puffy“ $18, and these amazing “Holly Shoes” lace up boots $72, but you gotta leave the laces a little undone. See below…

No Goth inspired outfit can be complete without accessories, that’s for sure. We don’t want to go too cutesy, but don’t want to go overboard tough either. Let’s do this awesome layered ball chain necklace $45 and industrial cool gear bangle (how great are they?! would be so fab stacked!)$42, both by Kamsmak. Small silver stud earrings of skulls and spikes would work best, multiple holes would be even better!

Complete the look with spiky hair if it is short or a spiky ponytail with a little bouffant if it is longer, smudged black eyeliner (but not tooooo much), lots of mascara, and a dark lip stain like Revlon Just Bitten Plum Wicked. $4 (deal!) Don’t forget your dark nail polish and you are now ready to rock your semi-goth/semi-punk but all hotness look!

The much anticipated M.A.C. line was inspired by what would happen if Alice fell down the rabbit hole and met a Makeup Artist instead of the Mad Hatter! The line is available in the US, Canada, and online now, but won’t be available to Japan and Korea until August 2010. It boasts 3 new Nail Lacquers, 3 new Pigments, and 3 new Dazzleglass Cream Lipglass. The new love of my life is the Lacquer “Military”, it’s a fantastic matte gunmetal colour with silver sparkles. Matte nail polish is so hot right now!

So Rich So Pretty (Frost), Morning After (Creme), Military (Matte with Silver Sparkles)

The pigments are amazing, they are like pure colour. You can wear them as eyeshadow, mix them with clear lip gloss, clear nail polish, or even use them as face/body paint. The shimmery white pigment “If It Sparkles” looks to die for as a luminous cheekbone and eyebrow bone highlighter-simply gorgeous.

If It Sparkles (White with Pink Pearl), Partylicious (Turquoise with Silver Pearl), Later. (Black with Purple Pearl)

The Dazzleglass is a new creamy, sparkly, yummy, shiny wand tipped gloss. “I.Want.Candy.” is an awesome hot yellow with multi-dimensional pearls that looks delicious over any lipstick and will transform the color into something quite edible!

Sparklicious (Creamy Pinky White with Pearl), If It's Pink...(Hot Pink with Pearl), I.Want.Candy. (Hot Yellow with Pearl)

So get it while you can! Lot’s of stores are sold out already.Order online if you are International and if you live in Japan or Korea, mark your calendars for the August launch! In the mean time, here is an Alice+Olivia inspired look for you to check out based on Devon Aoki’s outfit by the label…

Devon Aiko at Alice+Olivia Spring 2010

Orange double breasted jacket by MINISCANDAL, perfect fit dark Bluemint Skinny Jeans, adorable youareagirl dotted scarf, equestrian AJITO cross messenger bag, ridiculously awesome KAWO peep toed boots, and pretty red lipstick like Chanel Shanghai Red which is smooth, creamy, and lasts for hours!

]]> http://www.asianfashion.com/blog/aliceolivia-hearts-m-a-c-cosmetics-with-a-new-collaborative-line.html/feed/ 0 http://www.asianfashion.com/blog/no-sew-diy-slouchy-cutout-sleeve-dress-or-top.html http://www.asianfashion.com/blog/no-sew-diy-slouchy-cutout-sleeve-dress-or-top.html#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:00:29 +0000 christine http://www.asianfashion.com/?p=1818 I am a big fan of any DIY project that is no sew. I’m all about instant gratification, aren’t you? My most favorite black tee is just a men’s Hanes pocket tshirt that come in those packs of 3. I bought a medium so it is loose, and cut off the crew neck making it more of a scoop neck, cut the sleeve hems off and rolled them once, then trimmed the bottom hem up about 3 inches. It looks slightly punky with raw edges and slides ever-so-slightly off the shoulder…perfection. The key is really sharp scissors so you don’t get the shirt all weirdly frayed.

So this project lead to another one which involves a men’s thin knit long sleeved sweater, white chalk, and sharp scissors. It’s time to rummage through your boyfriends clothes, he won’t miss it, right?? If you can find one long enough to be a dress, awesome, otherwise it will have to be a top. This deepstyle vneck pullover is perfect, and such a steel at $30. I would get it as big as you can-XL would work well.

Next you decide how you want the the cut outs to be. Squared off at the shoulders? Rounded and long? You can choose. I personally like the rounded and long. There is something really sexy about it. Mark your cutting line on the sweater with your white chalk. This is optional, but you can also pin it along your chalk line so that you can cut the sleeve without having to worry about it moving around. And just a note, you can cut bigger but you can’t cut it smaller. What’s done is done, you know? So be on the conservative side when making your marks because you can always take off more later.

squared off shoulders

long and rounded shoulders

And there you have it. A super cool and fashionable new top made by you in a matter of minutes! You can try it on and adjust as needed with more snips of those trusty scissors. I would pair this with some rockin’ distressed leggings like these from F-DNA, fierce KAWO cuffed platform sandals, and a funky MyLittleThing double keys necklace.

If you wanted to get really adventurous, you could look for unique patterned or striped sweaters too. I love this Mana Nono Skull pullover. That would look amazing with the sleeves cut out.

Just so you can see what your masterpiece might look like, here is a commercial cut out sleeve dress. I have a sneaky suspicion that yours if going to look way hotter! Good luck! Feel free to comment if you have questions or if you try this project, we would love to hear from you!

Korean fashion style 2009, as in the previous years, has largely been affected by European, particularly British fashion.  Koreans have a penchant for following British fashion trends, just as Japanese fashion trends lean toward adhering to American styles.  Thus, as brands such as DKNY, CK, and Nike are popular in Japan, so is the popularity of Top Shop, Burberry, and Gucci in Korea.  In Korea, the popularity of the long, loose tee shirts with English text as designs are still up this year.  While this trend continues, another trend of exposing body parts such as emphasis on the chests, wide neck holes to expose the shoulders and short lengths to expose the midsection has also been noticed.  Tight and revealing t-shirts are seen as the antithesis to the loose and comfortable t-shirt trend of the past years.  This trend has also given birth to another trend – layering of plain cotton tees with lacy undershirts to be paired with short skirts and chunky boots with high heels, and accessorized with vintage jewelry such as prominent brooches and necklaces with gem pendants.  This trend is partly based on the Gothic Lolita street wear style in Japan, or at least the Lolita part of it.

Yellow has been announced as 2009’s color for fashion.  The preferred shade has been assigned to Mimosa, which is a warm and bright shade of yellow. As in Korean and East Asian cultures, yellow is a symbolism of wealth, so the pronouncement of yellow as the chic color of the year has been widely accepted, as the trend is supposed to combat 2008’s financial woes.

An American trend currently getting a healthy following in Korea is the adherence to geometric and grid prints.  Dresses, tee shirts, and even shoes and bags have adapted angles and repetitive figures as the hottest design trend of 2009.

As for accessories, geometric designs have been lent to trendy hair bands, belts and neck scarves.  These accessories are currently drawing a lot of following, pairing them with oversized and opulent vintage jewelry.

For foot wear, the trend a few years back of jelly shoes are back.  Chunk is replacing sheer height this year, as the trend is leaning towards high and chunky clog heels on jelly shoes, whether in sandals, casual slip slops, or even in close-toed shoes. Lastly, hairstyle in Koreans has been greatly influenced by television trends.  Women’s hair is now dominated with bangs and soft curls that fall just inches above the neck, as popularized in the Hallyu soap opera Chanranhan Yusan or Shining Inheritance, particularly by the actress’ Han Hyo Joo’s character Go Eun Sung.

Womens Korean Fashion

The clothing and textile industry is probably the third or fourth largest worldwide, and issues of both human rights in the labour market and environmental impact of production are being addressed by many organizations. In the fashion industry, everything from jeans to lingerie and jewellery to footwear, plus cosmetics and other beauty aids are ‘going green’. In textile production, materials made of organic substances are being used to create totally desirable garments, with the keywords ‘organic’ and ‘luxury’ forming the mottos of leading designers around the world.

Just for starters, the use of organic cotton, hemp, wild silk and bamboo is coming into vogue. The idea that clothing made from completely organic materials was shapeless and unflattering has been beautifully debunked with some of the new designs by such prominent names as Dorothy Perkins in the U.K. and Levi Strauss in the U.S. Other countries, notably India, China and Africa are becoming involved in the green movement, with increasing emphasis on organic products and fairer labour laws.

One example of the wave of eco-consciousness is the Ethical Fashion Show, which has now become a yearly event in Paris. The show is meant to supply a forum where both established designers and up-and-coming newcomers can exhibit and trade information. It’s a very interesting challenge for everyone in the industry as they try to meet the changing demands of their customers. Clothes have to look good – that’s still a big #1. Artistry and style are major components in any successful line of clothing, but now the eco-challenge is making itself felt as well.

The fashion world is rising to the challenge with such items as organic cotton tee shirts sporting environmental messages and ultra-chic dresses made strictly from recycled vintage clothing, but these represent only a very small aspect of the whole picture that is developing. All over the world, leaders in the fashion industry are beginning to take steps towards creating new and enticing products that are satisfactory to all sides of the ‘ethical fashion’ issue.

Resources: Ethical Footwear

If you like your chic dresses or designer shoes you will be able to find what your looking for.

Fashion from top creative designers including,

• Seconds
• Black Queen
• Ellie’s Cabinet
• Smile Land
• N.Y Milan
• Maypin
• Twizzit

Click here to visit the Womens Fashion Brands