For those who opted to do Black Friday at home this year, here is your reward. Take a look at this Nicole Miller strapless metallic dress. Original price: a whopping $999.99. Sale price: a jaw-dropping $99.99. That’s ninety percent off! Now pick your jaw up off the floor and go see for yourself.

We absolutely adore the use of accessories in our daily outfits and here at eDressMe, we are so thrilled to feature some of the hottest accessories by Nicole Miller that are essential to tide you through the rest of ‘09 and ‘10.

Kate Moss has been the undisputed queen of fashion for the past twenty years. From dress code rebel, vintage chic  to timeless elegance, she has inspired the fashion world on simple ways to inject a bit of oomph into a ho-hum ensemble! Here are some style tips on how to incorporate these exquisite Nicole Miller jewellery and accessories into statement “Kate Moss” looks!

Case in point: Redefining “effortless” chic

One style trick that has guaranteed Moss fashionistas’ praises all these years is her ability to highlight a “centre piece” in each and every one of her outfits. Just like the embellished shoulder padded jacket featured above, choose a piece that is seemingly original and less out of the ordinary. Meshing spunky/unique elements are effortless ways to intensify your simple day to day wear. Hoop on some chunky blue or cream hue accessories and a classy pair of ankle boots to complete this androgynous look!

(Featuring Brass Chain Cuff Bracelets and Black Chain Cuff Bracelets by Nicole Miller)

Case in point: Embracing the classics.

November 7, 8pm:  Fauxnique’s Luxury Items debut (commentary on “extravagance and necessity, the tyranny of comfort, and addictive properties” brought to you by the Fauxnique’s reincarnations of historical it-girls including Marie Antoinette and Coco Chanel.) At ODC theatre.

November 8, 12-6pm: The Mission Indie Mart.  40 local designers & vintage booths.  DJ’s, bands, demos, drinks.

November 9: Tiki Bar Dinner at Jardiniere.  Forget that you’re stuck in the rainy weather of San Francisco and chow down on a pupu platter, banana beef steamed cod, passion fruit tart, and lots of rum drinks at Jardiniere’s Tiki Bar Dinner.  

November 11, 1-3pm:  Padma Lakshmi at Neiman Marcus. Meet Padma and check out her new 40 piece collection, Padma by Padma Lakshmi.

November 12, 6-9 pm: High Tea at the Paul Mahder gallery.  Tea, scones, jam, and chit-chat.  

November 12, 7:30-12:30 pm:  City of Dream’s A Night in the Barbary Coast Gala.  Champagne, absinthe cocktails, tarot reading, hors d’ouvres, casino style gaming. At the Bently Reserve.  Attire: Turn of the century costume.

November 19th 2-4 pm: Nicole Miller at Neiman Marcus.  Meet Nicole Miller and watch as she unveils her fall and spring collections at the Neiman Marcus showroom.  

November 21-22, 11am-6pm: Thread Show.  Fort Mason Center @ Festival Pavilion.  Shop over a hundred independent designers, update your hair & makeup at the style lounge, three lounges, screen printing, tote bag and free mags, Clothing swap daily from 11-1.

November 27, 12-6pm: Accessories in Action at 111 Minna.  Fashion and Associated Businesses will be spotlighting emerging artists and designers with a holiday sale.  Discounted designer items, all under $100!

I’m the first to admit that I tend to fall into beauty ruts. When something works, I stick with it, in the interest of time or because I’ve been previously unhappy with other looks I’ve tried. With all the products on the market, it can be fun to experiment.  Since work is not always the best time to get experimental, we are left with mostly evening looks with which to get creative.

After the jump are my suggestions on ways to shake up your evening beauty look. If you’re heading out on the town anytime soon, you’ll definitely want to check this out.

1. Let your lips do the talking.
Bold lips are all the rage this season, so if you haven’t yet tried them, break out the lipstick tubes. Go light on eye makeup and make your lips the focus of your face, like Megan Fox did in the photo above. Use a nude lipliner (or one in a shade that matches your lipstick) to softly define your lips. Then fill in with a bold color of your choice. Plum, burgundy, and bold red are all hot this season. Go with what works for you.

2. Flaunt dramatic eyes.
If you normally do a neutral eye, now is the time to try something livelier. Dramatic, notice-me eyes don’t have to be black; they can easily be done in any shade you can think of. If you want to try something more timid, start with a trio of chocolate brown shades. For daring looks, go bold with plums, forest greens, greys, and electric blues, like the model on the Nicole Miller runway above. Don’t be shy; experimentation can yield surprisingly sexy results.

3. Get a lashing.
False lashes can be scary if you’ve never worn them before, but once you try them, you’ll never go back. They bring a depth to the eye that’s impossible to achieve with regular mascara, and they are alluring and flirtatious.  Jennifer Lopez is rarely photographed without false lashes, and she is a great example of how they can look dramatic yet not overdone.

4. Make cheeks pop.
Nothing perks up skin like a pop of bright blush on cheeks – just check out how it illuminates Katy Perry’s face. In addition to making you look instantly more awake, bright pink blush will help to enhance your cheekbones, and when applied right, can have a visually slimming effect on your whole face. You can rock bright cheeks with any look; just make sure to blend out the edges so you don’t look clownish.

5. Go rock-and-roll with serious black liner.
Thick black liner is so chic when done right, and makes everyone look instantly cooler. Imperfection is key, so smudge a black pencil around the entire eye, like Leighton Meester did above. If it smears, it will only look hotter; just make sure it’s thick and dark. See how sexy and smoldering this can be?

If you have a favorite nighttime look, share it with me in the comments!

Fashion Lovers here is an update on Upcoming Events at Neiman Marcus in Union Sqaure  for the Month of November so mark your calendars.

Padma Lakshmi will launch her new jewelry collection Padma by Padma Lakshmi. Come meet the designer and view her jewelry.                   

                                        When: November 11th, 2009

                                        Time: 11am-3pm

Nicole Miller will make a personal appearance as she presents her Fall and Spring Collection.

                                       When: November 19th, 2009

                                       Time: 11am-1:30pm

For other Upcoming Events check the Calendar

This is for all my designer fashionistas out there.

Campbell Soup Company and Tim Gunn from Project Runway are looking for designers to help create awareness for heart disease.

Go to Campbells Address Your Heart and design a red dress.  Winner gets a trip to NYC and the chance to walk the red carpet with Tim Gunn at the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards where your dress design will be revealed!

If that isn’t good enough for you, the chosen dress design could be featured as the next Campbell red dress. Previous red dresses have been designed by Nicole Miller and Michael Volbracht for Bill Blass.

Hurry! You only have until November 6th!

“make it work”

Claudia Schiffer wears the Marrakesh style jeans by MiH. Find a pair at Injeanious, (617) 523-JEAN

Twilight’s Tip of the Day: Ruching, when fabric is gathered in repeat patterns, is form flattering and great at hiding imperfections. You can find this design in many tops, dresses and skirts from designers like Nicole Miller and Bianca Nero.

My first What I Want Wednesday!

I am in love. Sigh. This dress is just beyond beautiful and I want it so much! I also have a code to get an additional 25% off the Sale price, knocking it down to $250. This is why budgets are the worst. Also, where could I ever wear this thing?

Let me know if you’d like the code for yourself. Then I’ll get jealous that you get one and maybe I’ll buy one, too

Betsey Johnson Queen of the Night leather wallet – Originally $110, bought for $12

I love the studs!

Nicole Miller Charms Canary Yellow Dress – Originaly $430, bought for $40

My cream leather Coach wallet is looking a little worse for wear so I’m glad I found this gawwjus Betsey Johnson wallet!  Funny thing is, I saw this wallet at Loehmann’s about 6 months ago.  I can’t recall the price because there was no one behind the counter to help me.  Ugh.  So I left.

Good things really do come to those who wait, I guess.  I’m a little worried about the metallic sheen rubbing off on the leather, but for $12, I shouldn’t complain.

And… this canary yellow so-sunny-and-pretty-I-could-scream silk dress is going to be my go-to dress for upcoming wedding celebrations!  YES something to look forward to!

-E&I

This Sat, Sun & Mon at Helena’s in Arlington all winter coats are 20% OFF. See chic styles from Tulle, Kensie, and Fillmore. http://www.helenasofarlington.com/

Nicole Miller up to 75% off during Twilight’s Monster Madness one-day sale Saturday, October 17th from 11 am to 8pm http://bit.ly/2zN22l

Moxie Columbus Day Sale: Starting today (thru Monday) take 25% off boots, bags and coats at Moxie in Boston and Wellesley.

Admire Stil’s new fall collection Thursday, October 15 during @fashionboston’s Fashion Feast with Alexandra Hall and the Boston Ballet. http://www.fashionboston.com

Just in at Injeanius: New Michael Stars t-shirts. Supima, Modal, Shine & Thermal. Check out new styles, new colors and new fabrications from our favorite t-shirt designer. Great for layering!

Boldfacers’ Street Chic pop-up store will feature mini-boutiques, live performance art and DJ music. Sat, Oct 17 11a-6p http://bit.ly/Rbweo http://bit.ly/Rbweo

Wild Child Columbus Day sale through Monday: 20% off all clothing (Catimi, Petit Bateau, Joules & more) www.wildchildgear.com

There are days when a girl needs to get out of her jeans and trousers and into a nice pair of black tights. Or colored tights. Any tights, in fact. Even (though perhaps not a great choice for a petite) those leopard print tights. Only maybe, though.

Today I thought we’d take a look at some dresses that’d not only flatter a petite frame, but would go fabulously with some tights.

First up is this BCBGMAXAZRIA Petites’ Matte Jersey Block Printed Dress found at Bloomingdales:

BCBGMAXAZRIA Petites' Matte Jersey Block Printed Dress

The next dress is more work appropriate and a return to my favorite combination of colors.

Nicole Miller Petites' Sleeveless Ponté Colorblocked Dress

Finally, a dress that can even (kind of) work for a casual weekend:

Free People Fringe Shift Dress

Tomorrow, more petite and more belle!

A Plus,
Petite et Belle

Nicole Miller Disc & Drop Earrings            Item #121            Price $38
Retail Price $70

Silver plated brass oval earrings with three crystal drops. Earrings measure 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Fishhook closure. Don’t forget about the matching  Nicole Miller Cuff!

• Color: Silver
• Material:  Silver plated brass & crystal
• Origin:  Imported

Nicole Miller Ornate Cuff                Item #120                Price $87
Retail Price $175

Silver plated brass textured cuff with three faceted crystal accents. Cuff measures 2.75 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches wide. Hinge closure.

• Color: Silver
• Material:  Silver plated brass
• Origin:  Imported

*Side note… this one will be really hard to part with. When I pulled it out of the bag, it totally WOW’d me! Major congrats on the person who purchases this one!!!

Nicole Miller Chain Hoops              Item #119              Price $30
Retail Price $55

Silver plated brass braided chain hoop earrings. Earrings measure 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.2 inches wide. Latch closure. 
These earrings are a PERFECT match with the Nicole Miller Braided Bracelet!

• Color: Silver
• Material:  Silver plated brass
• Origin:  Imported

Nicole Miller Braided Bracelet              Item #118              Price $72
Retail Price $180

Silver plated brass bracelet with braided silver strands of chain.
Bracelet measures 7.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. Magnetic closure.

• Color: Silver
• Material:  Silver plated brass
• Origin:  Imported

The recession is bad news for anyone looking to get a job, save some money or sell a house. But it’s great news for fashionistas! Stores that were once dowdy and just screamed “crazy cat lady” are bringing in new designers to create chic lines at lower prices.

Take JC Penney. When was the last time you stopped in there (not counting those post-Starbucks bathroom emergencies)? I know: never. Because their clothes were cheap, outdated and just not cute. Well, that’s not the case anymore! JCP now sells several lines by popular designers (Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, and Allen B. Schwartz, to name a few) and they not only have stuff that is totes cute, it’s totes affordable as well.  I can’t wait to add some of these pieces to my closet…

It’s no secret I am lovin’ all the plaid that’s out right now, and I think this shirt is particularly cute.  Reminiscent of a  lumberjack, with just the right amount of girliness to look feminine and fab.

This skirt is a great addition to your fall wardrobe, as it can be worn bare-legged or with a pair of tights.  Because of the simplicity of the skirt, you can have some fun by amping things up with a funky printed shirt, bold accessories or textured, printed or bold colored tights.

I love the print and details (belted waistline and ruffles) of this dress and, again, it’ll transfer over to colder weather with tights and a cardi or sweater coat.  It’ll look great with flats, boots or a pair of menswear inspired oxfords.

I think this tunic is totally adorable with its cut and flowy chiffon. Or perhaps because I have an affinity for owls thanks to Harry Potter…

Flowy tanks are not only trendy, they’re versatile and they’re great for these transitional months because you can easily layer with ‘em.  This’ll look especially cute with a boyfriend blazer and the bonus is that you can slip it off when you’re in a warm place and still look totally stylin’.

Fall/Winter is all about neutrals, which means grey jeans are a great way to wear denim with a bit of a twist. You can rock grey with black or the popular jewel tones of the season.  And hey, who doesn’t love jeans that are under $15?

Winter is fast-approaching and soon it’ll be time to bust out the scarves, mittens and hats soon.  Houndstooth is a timeless print that translates over for every season and is a great way to add a bit of oomph to your cold weather ensemble without going overboard. And you can get it in four different colors, which makes it that much cooler.

I’m all for wearing an all-black ensemble out to the bar, but only if there is something fun and fabulous to spice it up. Like this bag. Snakeskin, a metal handle, and a hot mixture of gold and black is the perfect combo to add some va-va-voom to your otherwise neutral look.

Check out all the photos here !

Lindsay Kin wearing a vintage Bob Mackie © Tony Powell

Sunday’s fashion shoot at Meridian Hill Park and later – 35th & Reservoir in Georgetown –  was like a dream come true. I never really thought I’d be able to assemble a first-rate group of hair and makeup artists, or work with models and designers that I admire without having deep pockets or Leibovitz as a last name. But with lots of honest hard work and plenty of gentle begging I was able to do just that.

Andrew Paterini wearing Andrew Nowell and Stefanie Ball in a gown by Carmen Marc Valvo © Tony Powell

Stefanie Ball and Andrew Paterini © Tony Powell

With my website launching on my birthday – November 14th – I needed one more photo shoot to complete my fashion gallery (for the time being) in time for the launch. My good friends Susanna Quinn and Lily Mazahery were gracious enough to lend me current and vintage couture dresses from their personal collections just for this photo shoot. With dresses by Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Bob Mackie, and Carmen Marc Valvo, I was entrusted with clothing worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Lindsay Kin, Brooke Monahan, and Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

The hair and makeup team for this shoot were all new to me but it felt like we’ve been together from the start.

Lindsay Kin wearing Nicole Miller, Andrew Paterini, and Brooke Monahan in vintage Vera Wang © Tony Powell

I saw Shana Janelle Swain’s makeup before I ever met her, at a fashion show I photographed at K Street Lounge over the summer. Eduardo Bravo is a very popular hairstylist in Georgetown, and hair & makeup artist Myken Garcia was introduced to me by styling wunderkind James Cornwell backstage after the Fashion Fights Poverty (FFP) runway show last Friday night! One of the most talented and kind people I know, clothing stylist Anais de Viel Castel, agreed to help me bring the clothes to life. We started at Washington Life at the exact same time 3 years ago and have been friends ever since!

Crystal Hannon wearing a dress by Studio D Maxsi © Tony Powell

Two other meaningful things happened that night, at FFP. When I saw through my lens, model Lindsay Kin, walk down that runway in the  Chinese Ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel, I knew right away I had to work with her. She was wearing clothes by Studio D Maxsi, and as soon as that set was over I left my camera (something I never do) to race back to meet both model and designer before being swallowed up by the next wave of outfits and models to go out on the runway. I had been waiting to meet the right model to wear the red Bob Mackie dress that leads this posting. When I met Lindsay I knew she was the one. She was kind enough to oblige and I can say that never has an idea in my mind been so easily transferred to the real World. I almost didn’t go the runway show that night…the organizers were very busy and I didn’t know if I had place from which to shoot. That’s the beauty of staying open, of moving towards fear, not running away from it. I went that night despite the fear I wouldn’t have a place to get a good shot. It turns out that FFP founders Sylvie Luanghy and Kadrieka Maiden not only had a place for me, it was the best center spot in the house…and I almost stayed at home.

Courtney Caldwell © Tony Powell

Andrew Paterini © Tony Powell

There are not many things more exciting to me than Fashion Week.  So much fashion packed into so little time! It’s mind-blowing! I know its hard to think of what next spring’s trends will be when we are just getting into fall, but I there are actually a number of looks that are popular now, for the fall, and into the spring, so you can reuse pieces season to season!  And with everyone seemingly on a budget, its always nice to know the clothes you buy now can last you atleast another year, if not longer!

Here are some trends that are popular now for fall, that I also saw on the runways for spring!

Trend: Cute Minis

Believe it or not, mini dresses are in for the fall.  This works especially where we are, since it never really gets THAT cold.  Wear them with tights and layer under cardigans, jackets or coats.  Take those layers off for the spring and voila! Get a mini you can wear now and later!  They were all over the runways.  Here are some of my favorites: (Hold your mouse over the picture to see the designer) 

Trend: Grecian Inspired Draping

Mini’s not your thing? Try this look, it is flattering on all types (as seperates or a dress!) and was just as popular on the runway! 

Trend: Metallics

Don’t be afraid of the shimmer! There are many different options here on how to style it and not over do it! 

Trend: Sequins & Glitter

I wasn’t sure if this trend was going to last, but alas, I was wrong!  With the right pieces it can be fun!

Trend: Jumpsuits/Rompers

This is a trend that I know surprised a lot of people with it’s comeback, but  it looks like it’ll be here for a little while longer atleast!

Trend: Harem Pants

These are also here to stay, which makes me happy because they are so comfortable! and who doesn’t love that?

Trend: Asymmetric Dresses

Whether they are asymmetric in construction or fabric, this style dress is in for the fall and beyond!

Trend: Ruffles & Bows

These little details can make you feel so flirty and romantic.  You can wear them so many ways; from just one bowtie to a whole dress of ruffles.  And they look great in the workplace, love that!

The next couple categories are staple pieces that we can wear practically year-round, and they will never go out of style! These were the most popular on the runways:

Staple: Cool Jackets

This is a great time to think about buying jackets, because it is just beginning to cool off.  Because of our beachy atmosphere, any of these jackets can be worn for spring or fall. 

Staple: Cute Shorts

We can’t deny we love shorts here.  On the runways I’m seeing some super-cute ones though!  And I’m not talking about really short, up-the-butt shorts, but more like pleated, feminine, and flowy.  These are perfect to pair with tights for fall!

Staple: Maxi Dress

This is another beachy classic that we can wear year-round.  Wear them under cardigans or jackets when the weather gets cool.  There were actually way more on the runway, these are just my favorites!

Staple: White Suit

Since the rule, “no white after labor day,” apparently no longer applies, grab yourself one of these.  If you don’t feel comfortable in an all white outfit when its not summer, wear the pieces seperately with more season-appropriate layers.

I also saw a few styling trends on the runways that are always under the radar and never go out of style.

Styling Trend: Strong vs. Feminine

This a great way to balance any outfit.  Wearing a strong, structured jacket or shoes with a feminie dress or skirt is a great way to find the median between being girly and edgy.  When it gets cooler, substitute the jacket for a chunky sweater and it’ll have the same effect.

Styling Trend: Mixing Patterns

This is one of my favorites!  It can be tricky, though, to find the patterns and colors that work together without looking like you got dressed in the dark.  Mixing bold colors could be easier and has the same essence.  Take these as inspiration:

Looking ahead to Spring, there were a few new trends on the runway.  Just thought you might want to keep these in mind:

New Trend: Satin & Silk Like Fabrics

Surprisingly, this was all over the runway!  These fabrics could definately be worn for fall here, too.

New Trend: Variation on the Classic Shift

I saw a bunch of different looks that took the classic shift dress shape and added some sort of twist.  Whether it be extra detailing, a little bit more sleeve, a lower neckline, a different hemline, or a more relaxed fit.  It’s a good way to update one of your staples.

Finally, I just wanted to share with you some of my personal favorites from New York Fashion Week.  In these I can’t really tell what exactly is going on, or how the designer exactly constructed the pieces,  but I like it : )

And these are just so freaking cute I would seriously wear them straigh off the runway! (wouldn’t that be nice??!)

Well, I hope you enjoyed your little Spring preview from New York Fashion Week.  Next up is London.  We’ll see if they can keep up with the competition!

One very interesting trend that popped up a lot for spring was the use of sheer paneling and cut-outs. I personally like the sheer trend because it’s a subtle kind of sexy that is substantially revealing without leaving you totally exposed. Last week I went out in Hollywood and all the girls were wearing strapless and backless and sleeveless and that made me realize that perhaps less isn’t always more.

Sheer can be just as sexy:

L-R: Yigal Azrouel, BCBG Max Azria, Nicole Miller and Threeasfour

Nicole Miller and Charlotte Ronson

Chado Ralph Rucci and Michael Kors

Conclusions:

• Sheer is sexy.
• Sheer is chic.
• Sheer is in for spring. Wear it.

as i am now in a resort culture, my first fashion entry coming back from a dry spell is reasonably one about resort collections.

it wasn’t too long ago when the fancy term “resort” made its way into the glamorous jargon of annual fashion events, squeezing itself among the blur of fabrics that are “spring-summer” and “fall-winter”.

so what exactly is the resort collection?

though the term gained solid existence only in recent fashion history, resort wear itself goes far back when the wealthy jet-set formed a viable market for high fashion appropriate for escaping the bitter winter as they fly off to warm tropical climates. it used to be primarily made up of light materials, gossamer fabrics, billowy hats, open footwear and multifarious swimwear, but designers have now considered the other side of the jet-set who run off to aspen rather than the bahamas by including toasty materials, furry hats, snug boots and warm gloves.

my favorite pieces from resort 09 collections:

badgley mischka

badgley mischka

badgley mischka

badgley mischka

luca luca

luca luca

luca luca

luca luca

narciso rodriguez

narciso rodriguez

narciso rodriguez

nicole miller

nicole miller

nicole miller

nicole miller

nicole miller

nicole miller

nicole miller

rag & bone

rag & bone

rag & bone

while girls in many countries blessed with year-long sunshine prefer their wardrobes to consist mainly of jeans and shirts, i think it would be a fine idea to introduce some dresses and hats (yes, hats. why is it that not many women wear hats in the philippines?). i like jeans and shirts too, but i find myself wearing dresses more often here in fiji. they are more comfortable under tropical heat, plus they are easier to pack and wash. and i always wear a hat.

don’t forget your sunscreen.

I am very jealous of anyone who  resides in Virginia right now.  Apparently, the one and only Tim Gunn will be around the VA area for a Kensie Fashion Show. That shall be lots of fun. Kensie is so girly and fashionable already! Adding Tim Gunn to the mix was a wonderful idea. There will also be other runway shows at Tyson’s Galleria throughout the day so be on the look out for Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller. Don’t miss out! Here’s the invite- the RSVP phone number is at the end:

JOIN TIM GUNN, LIZ CLAIBORNE INC. CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER AND PROJECT RUNWAY CO-HOST, FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FASHION AND STYLE! TIM WILL SHARE HIS EXPERTISE AS HE HOSTS A FALL 2009 FASHION SHOW, FEATURING KENSIE, FOLLOWED BY A COCKTAIL RECEPTION.

PLUS, SHOP KENSIE AT MACY’S BETWEEN 9.12.2009 – 9.19.2009 AND WITH ANY TOTAL KENSIE PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION HOLIDAY GIFT AND BE PROFESSIONALLY PHOTOGRAPHED WITH TIM GUNN!*

Call (202) 625.8370 to RSVP, For more information visit this website. For the full schedule go here.