Mary Kate Olsen (source)
Leave your chain wallets and spike-studded go-go boots back in 1997…the new goth is more fabulous fierce than Marilyn Manson couture. For Fall ‘08, instead venture to the dark side with caged high-heels, dark textured tights and vintage inspired lace. Oh yeah, and a latex mini for the truly daring.
Surprised that goth has made a comeback? Don’t be…Mary Kate Olsen has been doing it since last year, and black and navy nail polish were also big back then as well. It was only a matter of time, really. While this look is not ideal for everyone (I’m more into color, thank you very much), brave fashionista’s can really take advantage of this vampy style and go all-out, or just add a few macabre elements to their current look.
If you are ready to add some dark details to your fall wardrobe, check out these must-haves for inspiration:
Caged High-Heels
Giuseppe Zanotti Patent T-Strap Caged Stilletto, $625.00
Steve Madden “Madalynn” $109.95
You can go one of two ways with the “caged” sandal look, a direct spin-off from this summer’s uber popular gladiator sandal. The more hesitant can go the vampy route and look for vintage-inspired styles like this Giuseppe Zanotti sandal. The t-strap gives it a 1940’s vixen feel, and a shoe like this will give you a lot of mileage. Fierce trendanista’s can try the chunkier look like with the Steve Madden “Madalynn.” These are really popular right now with celebs (some are even pairing them with maxi dresses, but I don’t know about that one…).
Textured Tights:
Free People Crochet Tights, $38.00
If you buy one item for your fall wardrobe, I beg you to buy some dark textured tights. Tights are an inexpensive way to add interest to anything you already have in your closet, and look extra fierce when paired with a caged sandal (see above). Go get some right now, I mean it.
Rummage through your wardrobe and pull out your black wrap dresses, billowy white shirts, vintage cardigans, pearls, cameo pendants, chunky black or white rings and leave color out of this look. Top it all off with a handbag that’s heavy on the hardware and you’ve got one smokin’ “new goth” ensemble. Try it out for yourself, unless you’re afraid of the dark, that is.
Blake Lively (source)
Jenny McCarthy (source)
Alexis Bledel (source)
Rachel Bilson (source)
One of the most unexpected and surprisingly fresh trends of late summer seems to be the one-shoulder dress. Across the board, this vampy look is making waves with all types of celebrities. Whether they are going for an avant-garde look, or merely something youthful and fun, celebs are making this revolving trend their own again.
My favorite new twist on this hot again trend is the belted look. Blake lively turns an average blue dress into something fabulous with a simple cinch of the belt. For a more off-beat look, opt for a cap sleeve, like on Rachel Bilson. One of my favorite ways to wear the one-shoulder look is the "Grecian goddess" style, like on Jenny McCarthy. Gauzy fabrics and pleated gathers make for an ethereal yet sophisticated look on a one-shoulder dress.
Want to try this hot celebrity trend? Here's how to wear one-shoulder dresses:
Fun:
Look for bright colors and flirty details, while keeping it simple all at the same time. This trend will work best with a solid color (a print will make this style look dated). I absolutely love this one from Juicy Couture...it makes me want to go dancing!
Juicy Couture (source)
Basic:
Yes, a one-shoulder dress can be basic, I promise. If you are hesitant to try this trend, go for a simple sheath in black first. This is perfect paired under a shrunken tuxedo jacket for work; nix the jacket for happy hour for a great desk-to-dinner look.
Vince One-Shoulder Dress (source)
Still wondering what to do with that one-shoulder top you've been kicking around your closet since 2002? Resurrect it! If it is a solid color (black and white are going to work best), pair it with a pencil skirt in a matching or complimenting color and cinch in the middle with a belt. Voila! Instant dress! Try this trend out now while the weather is still warm, and let us know what you think of this look.
