The history of the little black dress

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The little black dress or the LBD is a staple fashion item in every girl’s closet (if you don’t have one, then you better get one quick!) Why? Because you can practically wear it for any occasion. The LBD is a classic, originally popularized by French designer Coco Chanel, and has been henceforth a dress women can rely on to save the day.

It was in 1926 that American Vogue featured a Coco Chanel design of “an apparently simple yet elegant sheath, in black Crepe de Chine, with long narrow sleeves, worn with a string of white pearls” (Source: Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life). Compared to the elaborate dresses from 1925, Chanel’s LBD (also called the “Ford dress”) became “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

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The LBD even survived the World War II. At this time, it was the members of royalty and elite who adopted this fashion statement. Designers also managed to create their own versions of the classic and versatile LBD so that women everywhere can have a go-to outfit that would always remain stylish and chic.

The LBD came to America, most notably by Hubert de Givenchy’s design as worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961. Since, there was always a variation of the LBD to suit the trends of the decade. It is a fashion staple that survived almost a century as an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe.

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As a professional image consultant, Lou Habash is an expert on fashion styling and wardrobe management. Subscribe to her blog for more tips on how to dress to impress.

REPOST: Workout clothes get a fashion makeover

 Gretta Monahan of The Boston Herald discusses the new trends in workout fashion in the article below.

Actress Kate Hudson celebrates the Fabletics Spring Collection.| Image Source: bostonherald.com

Fashion has been seeing a big surge in athletic trends for a few seasons. This burgeoning segment of the industry has morphed into a well-rounded lifestyle category I call “workout-wear out,” that makes it easier to be stylish in the gym and far, far beyond. Sweat is the new sexy, and being fit (or becoming fit) no longer means baggy T-shirts or cheesy logo gear. These modern options feature high fashion cuts and silhouettes, performance fabrics and a multitude of color palettes for a chic, multi-use wardrobe. Gym wear is now glam wear, anywhere and anytime, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get in on the trend. Incorporate the essentials, adding key pieces as you go. Then, play around with different combinations and accessories to create ensembles that are modern, comfy and stylish.

Caelum 
by Brooke Burke

Brooke Burke’s new athletic line Caelum features 
leggings and bras in pretty patterns and yoga pants 
with such fun details as slimming color blocking and neon, peekaboo lining. One of my favorite pieces is the Isis Cocoon open hoodie ($88). This versatile, ultra soft piece can be worn with yoga pants and a tank or a cami, some glinting necklaces and your favorite pair of jeans.caelumlifestyle.com

IMPACT 
by Jillian Michaels

IMPACT by Jillian Michaels at Kmart covers all the basics and then some, at very affordable prices. The Ruched Capri Athletic Pants ($21.99) are lightweight and feature a mesh lining to keep skin dry and cool. The subtle side ruching makes these pants, in light grey or black, stylish for both cardio class and casual weekend days. Switching up your shoes, adding some bangles or a scarf may be all you need to breeze into errands or lunch, post-workout.kmart.com

 Customized outfits 
at Fabletics

Fabletics is a fitnesswear membership 
site that offers fashion-forward gear and 
customized outfits based on customer lifestyle profiles. With the ever stylish Kate Hudson as co-founder, the collection offers multiple mix and match combos that can pull double duty when mixed with clothes you already own. The Gaviota Capri ($39.95) is ultra cool with edgy, see-through mesh panels and the Vibe Tee ($24.95), with its high-low hem, can sub in 
for your favorite T-shirts. Sign up and take 
advantage of the latest offer, 50 percent off your first full outfit. fabletics.com

Men’s picks 
at Lululemon

Here’s one for the boys: Lululemon’s men’s 
collection offers so many options, in subtle color palettes and fabrics that breathe and are easy to layer, making it a snap for the guys to go from gym to street, no sweat. From the Seawall Track pants ($118) to the slim and trim Rival polo shirt ($78), Lululemon can be your man’s go-to for both technical workout gear and casual clothing staples. lululemon.com

Lou Habash is a professional image consultant specializing in fashion styling and wardrobe management. Follow her on this Twitter account for more beauty tips.

REPOST: A Desi Makes It Work on ‘Project Runway’

The Wall Street Journal features designer Sandhya Garg's challenge-winning creation in Season 13 of Project Runway in this article below.

Sandhya Garg, left, with a model who wore her creation on Season 13 of “Project Runway.” |

Image Source:wsj.com

Zac Posen ‘LUVS’ her. Tim Gunn is intrigued. Heidi Klum has never seen anything like it before.

Welcome to the drama of “Project Runway” and Indian-born designer Sandhya Garg, who created ripples with her debut on Season 13 of the reality show on Thursday night in the U.S.

Ms. Garg, who studied fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and has worked in India, derives a lot of inspiration from the country. The first piece she created – a dyed, fringed dress with ripped shoulders – on the immensely popular show won the first challenge of the season. She said it was inspired by an Indian spring festival.

“Project Runway” is an American reality-television series hosted by Ms. Klum, a model. Mr. Posen, a fashion designer, and Nina Garcia, a fashion editor are judges. Mr. Gunn, a fashion consultant and former faculty member at Parsons The New School for Design, serves as a mentor for the designers.

So what do we know about Ms. Garg?

She is from Birmingham, Alabama, and her collections are produced in India.

On the show, she said she wanted her clothes to say what Indian women can’t say out aloud. That makes sense if you read closely the print on a color-blocked, cotton knit pair of pants she calls “Hindi Abusive Print Leggings.” The pants, which sell for $764, are emblazoned with the Hindi phrase “Ullu ka patha.” It means “son of an owl,” and is used by women in India to chide men who they believe lack wisdom and act stupidly.

Can we expect Ms. Garg to step up style-wise?

She has a lot going for her – including being able to dye cloth on a show with a ticking clock (that stuff is time-consuming), the ability to work wi

She’s been part of the Indian fashion-show circuit since 2012 and this year started showing her work in the U.S.

A word of caution: Yet untested is Ms. Garg’s ability to deal with cattiness on “Project Runway.” One of the contestants on Thursday night said Ms. Garg’s winning creation looked like a “stained curtain.” But if her Abusive Print Leggings are anything to go by, Ms. Garg’s art of snipping should naturally extend beyond her scissors.

For more news on the fashion front, visit this Lou Habash blog.

REPOST: GQ's Spring Preview 2014: Do the Continental

What's in for the gents this 2014? Read some style tips from GQ.com: 

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Every few years, men's style makes a dramatic shift, and right now a new breed of more worldly clothes is taking over. The new direction is less all-American prep and more European-refined—and very global in spirit. Which is why we tapped Bradley Cooper to lead our annual spring preview. You know the guy who once made playing jerks look too easy? Well, he's now an international box-office draw and Oscar nominee. (Speaks French, too!) Here, he kicks off our journey through the new world of international style
1. The Olive Suit: Italy's Answer to America's Khaki Fixation
Spring will be here faster than you can say "God, winter blows." And getting your head around how you want to dress in 2014 is the best way to avoid looking the same as last year. For inspiration, let's put down The Official Preppy Handbook and look across the pond. Take this cotton suit: It's got all the advantages of that old American standby, khaki (versatile, lightweight, totally not gray), but with a molto Italiano twist. If khaki is the Budweiser of suits, this is the Barolo.


2. White Jeans: Don't Let an Espresso Stain Stop You 
When we say Continental style, we don't mean Euro dudes in rhinestone tees and acid-washed jeans—we mean Europeans who have shown us how to wear jeans and T-shirts smarter and sharper than we ever imagined. How? They start with white jeans, then class them up with buttery loafers and expertly tailored blazers. This is the year we admit that sometimes the Old World does denim better, and rethink our approach.

3. The Polo That Says "My Country Club's in a Whole other Country" 
If you're still wearing polo shirts that look like glorified T-shirts with collars, you're missing out. Designers all over the world have taken the easy-to-wear concept, recut it so that aging golf duffers wouldn't recognize it, and refashioned it in slim-fitting cashmere or gradient colors. Other instant upgrades of the "Do the Continental" variety: Swap your chinos for slim slacks and slip into a pair of tassel loafers.

4. The Hottest Trend from Japan Since Sushi
Yes, we're calling this global style moment "Do the Continental," but inspiration is also coming from outside Europe—like the indigo trend from Japan. So what the hell is indigo? It's a warm navy color that looks like somebody spilled a little purple in the dye. The Japanese are addicted to it, dipping jeans and sweaters and bandannas in the stuff. But in the global era, regional trends don't stay regional for long, thanks to the World Wide Web and the time-honored tradition of designers jacking one another's shit. That's why indigo is suddenly in stores around the globe—and why regular ol' blue looks a little flat.


5. This Spring Your Sneakers Have a Higher Calling
In Milan, wearing a jacket and knit tie isn't "dressing up"—it's just getting dressed. So try this: Before going out one night, throw on a shirt, tie, and patterned jacket, but then add a pair of logoless canvas or leather sneakers. You'll be surprised where the look will take you, but we guarantee you'll be appropriately dressed regardless. Hey, any bon vivant worth his passport stamps is ready for anything, anytime—and this look does it all.


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Read more tips on fashion's ins and outs over at my other blog, LouHabash01.livejournal.com.

REPOST: The 10 Winter Layering Fashion Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Winter is the best time to experiment on layering. Take advantage of the cold months by knowing how to do it stylishly by following some tips from Glamour.com.

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These layer-friendly fashion essentials are the building blocks of a solid, stylish wardrobe—10 gotta-have-'em pieces that will get you through even the coldest of cold-weather seasons. Read on for more outfit ideas than you could imagine.

Must-Have Layering Piece: Skinny Jeans
Choose a pair of skinny jeans in a goes-with-anything color like black or dark blue and you'll be in the clear. Running errands? Tuck them into a pair of boots. Lunch with the girls? Borrow a page from Ashley Madekwe's style playbook and wear them with ballet flats and a leather jacket. And if you're heading out for a night on the town, pointy-toe heels and a drapey top will be your go-to look.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Cashmere Sweater
Nothing says off-duty prep like Kristen Stewart's crewneck cashmere sweater and blue oxford combination. Not your cup of tea? The wardrobe mainstay also goes with everything from skirts and printed trousers to leather pants and shorts.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Tissue-Thin Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
This easy-to-style shirt is not only the ideal layering piece, it also works almost any time of year. Beyoncé wears a hot pink tee on its own with wide-leg pants, but as the temperature drops, you can wear it as base under a chunky sweater.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Chambray Button-Down
Sick of the same old white button-down? Sub in a chambray blouse and spice things up! Make like Emma Stone and do denim on denim with a pop of color for a modern version of the Texas tuxedo.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Bright-Color Coat
From October to March, your outerwear is the first thing that everyone sees, so why not make a statement? Olivia Palermo's jacket adds a pop of color to an otherwise neutral-hue outfit.

Must-Have Layering Piece: Knee-High Boots
Warm and chic—two qualities we look for in cold-weather footwear—come together with the perfect pair of knee-high boots. Pippa Middleton's style is excellent for trolling the weekend farmers' market, while stacked-heel versions are appropriate for dressy occasions.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Knit Sweaterdress
For those days when you simply cannot imagine pulling on another pair of pants, go for a sweaterdress. Choose a formfitting one, or rock a more relaxed version like Ashley Tisdale's with the aforementioned layering essential knee-high boots.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Printed Scarf
Whether you choose a zigzag pattern similar to Jessica Chastain's or a classic leopard print, a printed scarf is sure to function as your windy-day BFF.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Sleeveless Shift Dress
Naya Rivera's flawlessly tailored version of this closet workhorse fits in at both the office and a cocktail party after work. Pair a shift dress with a bright bag and look-at-me pumps to complete the sophisticated outfit.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Tuxedo Blazer
Less masculine than a boyfriend blazer and more polished than a leather jacket, a tuxedo jacket can be layered over a gown, worn with a blouse and shorts, or paired with matching pants to make a killer suit, like Janelle Monae's.

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Fashion is not just about clothes, but also about attitude. Learn it from the pro, Lou Habash, by following her on Google Plus.

REPOST: 3 VMAs fashion statements that weren't awful

Music Awards is as much a celebration of music and music videos as it is about over the top fashion statements. Find out what's hot and what's not in this Los Angeles Times article. 

Image Source: latimes.com

What a train wreck of desperation the MTV Video Music Awards were Sunday night, right?

I'm not going to continue to pile on Miley Cyrus. The girl is 20, lest we forget, and if we're not careful, she's going to end up like Lindsay Lohan.

But her look--on the red carpet and onstage--just reinforced that the whole show was about bumping and grinding and butt jokes and bare midriffs and above all, trying too hard.

Taylor Swift, poured into that navy blue Herve Leger column dress, had an unpleasant air of being above it all. So did her pal Selena Gomez, who looked like Swift's mean girl partner-in-crime, dressed in a navy blue Versace column gown. Did they conspire to dress alike?

Rita Ora, who is usually impeccable, looked like she was trying too hard to be the evening's fashion star in her over-the-top Alexandre Vaultier gown, dragging a duvet's worth of feathers behind her. In Brooklyn, are you kidding me?

And Katy Perry's leopard print Emanuel Ungaro dress was a rerun, first seen back in May on Coco Rocha at the Met Gala. She deserved better (and a better fit; the dress was a bit snug, skewing spots every which way).

Lady Gaga's technical black satin Prabal Gurung gown was haute in a trashy-luxe way, but kind of got lost with all her hair and cleavage.

My favorite looks were on the kids who weren't trying to look twice their age or sell themselves as sex objects. Also, going casual seemed like a smart thing to do. This is MTV, after all, not the Oscars.

Willow Smith's drop-crotch overalls had attitude, paired with a Runaways T-shirt.

I also liked 16-year-old Becky G's "urban girly" look, as she called it, with a schoolgirl skirt and red knit cap emblazoned with the slogan, "Ain't No Wifey." Ha!

Grimes rocked a pair of '80s-baroque Versace pants with a black T-shirt and chunky gold chain necklace.

All three looked like cool customers.

Be updated on the latest fashion worldwide by following this Lou  Habash Twitter page.

REPOST: The Best Jeans for Your Body

Choose a pair of jeans that will flatter your body type. Get this from this Health.com article.

Image Source: health.com

Jazz up your jeans

From Health magazine We asked these seven readers to share their denim dilemmas, then we matched them up with the perfect problem-solving pair. Take a look, and discover the ultimate new pair for you.

Jeans that work for work 

Image Source: health.com

Liza Sheker, 36, actuary

Dream jeans: Ann Taylor Denim Modern Bootleg Jean in Dark Evening Wash ($85)

Why they work: Dark, tailored jeans are thoroughly professional (not to mention slimming). Pair 'em with a silk top or blazer for a foolproof, casual work look. Opt for boot cut, which looks sophisticated with fall boots and office-appropriate heels.

A pair that flatters the thighs

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Serena Tong, 28, finance manager

Dream jeans: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Bootleg Trouser Pant ($108)

Why they work: Trouser-style jeans are cut wider through the upper leg, so they’re a great choice if you want to streamline legs and hips. The extra stretch in this pick helps smooth and slim, particularly in the thigh and rear area.

Jeans that stays up when I bend down 

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Maggie Zembruski, 34, consultant

Dream Jeans: Paige Premium Denim Skyline in Eclipse ($168)

Why they work: This mid-rise jean falls just below the belly button and stays put around the waist, thanks to a blend of cotton and luxury fiber (Dow XLA). The stretching power of XLA keeps this jean’s shape longer—no unflattering bagging when you bend down or sit.

A pair that can handle your curves 

Image Source: health.com

Vanessa Griggs, 34, photo producer

Dream jeans: Cj by Cookie Johnson "Grace" Jeans ($191)

Why they work: This style’s incredibly forgiving boot cut helps balance out full hips and thighs. And the near-magic cotton-and-elastin blend offers up just the right amount of stretch, hugging skin without leaving any unsightly bumps.

No more muffin top 

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Maggie McCormick, 38, at-home mom


Dream jeans: Riders by Lee Tab Watch Pocket Jean ($20)

Why they work: The built-in tummy control panels in these surprisingly stylish higher-rise jeans help eliminate stomach bulge, while hidden elastic in the waistband prevents gapping. And check out the incredibly low price!

Rear-raisers

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Aretha Burke, 40, lifestyle blogger

Dream jeans: MiracleBody by MiracleSuit Samantha jeans ($110)

Why they work: The strategically placed embroidered pockets sit higher on the butt, drawing the eye up—and giving the area a visual lift. These jeans also contain 4 percent Lycra, which provides extra holding power in the rear ... and all over.

Closing the gap

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Zovig Garboushian, 31, marketing services director

Dream jeans: Gloria Vanderbilt Cherise Jean ($40)

Why they work: Look for a narrow, mid-rise style with a slightly higher cut in the back of the waist to prevent gaps. These trouser-style jeans have just enough stretch to keep the denim snug on your body.

Are you having a fashion dilemma? This Lou Habash Facebook page will help answer your fashion queries.