Farewell Oscar

With a career in fashion that spanned more than 50 years, it's impossible to name all of the ways that Oscar de la Renta has had a positive impact on the world of fashion. His talent was unparalleled and he was known for being a warm person and a true gentleman. He died yesterday at the age of 82. He will be missed but his art will live on forever.

Carrie's Dress from the Russian

Shirt Dress from Fall 2014

Emma Watson's Premiere Dress

Oscar was a favorite of Jackie Kennedy

He designed gowns for many First Ladies

and Amal's dress for her wedding to George

photo credits: HBO, stylebistro.com, Getty, AP, White House, VOGUE/Annie Lebovitz

One Dress Three Ways - ModCloth Rainy Day Rendezvous Dress

There are a few absolutes in my fashion world. I love companies that sell the same item in many sizes (XS - 3X). I love good quality for a good price and I love pieces that can be worn many ways. This dress from ModCloth, fits that bill. It comes in sizes, XS - 4X! Bonus that the shape will be flattering on all body types. At $114.99, a dress that you can wear many ways and many seasons has a great price per wear. Did I mention that it's machine washable!? Yay for no dry cleaning! I'd wear this dress on the weekends, for a date night and to work. It could go anywhere. Just change up your extras and accessories and your set.

Changing up the mood of this dress is all about what you add to it. It's such a pretty beginning and would be beautiful on it's own. Unfortunately, right now we are in the throws of winter and I'm thinking cold weather and knew I had to layer. Later this spring and summer, I picture this dress with some strappy sandals.

 

For the weekend I'd make the dress more casual by adding a great leather jacket, some flat loafers and a cross body bad that would be great for errands and shopping. Then I'd add a watch and funky skull bracelet, just to couteract the feminine flowers and some fun earrings.

For date night or a night out with friends, you could add a pretty lace jacket, a fancy clutch, statement making jewelry and pretty blue heels. Play up the feminine qualities of the dress. I'm loving that this clutch mimics the flowers on the dress.

For work you can make this pretty dress professional by adding a cardigan. I decided to layer it under the dress instead of over. A versatile bag will let you go from work day to happy hour. These navy wedges are pretty but comfortable and classic jewelry adds a sophisticated but professional touch.

ModCloth has so many fantastic dresses, in lots of styles and sizes, including plus sizes. There is something for everyone.




NOTE: The opinions expressed here are my own. I've been a huge ModCloth fan for a long time. This post is part of ModCloth's Uniquely You campaign. I was not provided compensation for this post but it is part of a contest.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#8)

"I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." — Alexander McQueen

 

 

The world lost an amazing talent and visionary when Alexander McQueen took his own life on February 11, 2010.  His thinking that you can see beauty in things that many find ugly or strange is a great lesson.  I think beauty can be found in all sorts of places. I have long been in love with his Gothic style and use of skulls in his designs. I've been trying to recreate his knuckle clutch and I'm still working on it.
 

The coolest cuff links ever!

Feathers and more feathers, WOW!

The details in this ruffle dress are amazing.

You might recognize the peacock dress above from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Fleur Delacour wore it as her wedding dress when she married William Weasley.  I personally love this dress.  I think it would be an amazing wedding dress and I may have to take some cues from it when making my own.

Lest you think that McQueen only designs gowns and red carpet attire, here is a dress a Real Girl could wear to an event.  A Real Girl with a huge fashion budget, I might add.

 

The house of McQueen also created Kate Middleton's dress for the royal wedding. Sarah Burton from the house of McQueen and protege of Alexander was the designer. 

 

 

Do you love McQueen? 

Can't Wait - Jason Wu for Target

Timeless and modern are the two words I'd use to describe Jason Wu.  His much anticipated collection for Target will be launching February 5th.  After the craziness that surrounded the Missoni collection, I'm hoping that this launch will be a bit less eventful.  In case you don't know Jason Wu or at least think you don't know him, let me remind you.  He has created some amazing pieces that have been worn by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, including her Inaugural Gown.

I got a little sneak peak today of his collection for Target and had to share it with all of you.  Jason has said that his goal was to create new pieces and not to copy pieces in his current collection. I like that idea.  You'll get a piece that is quintessentially Jason Wu but it will be new and fresh. The dresses are adorable but unfortunately, the won't be available in plus sizes.  Yaaay accessories! I can't wait to see what else will be included in the collection.