I met Las Vegas local, Toni, at a girls’ night out event coordinated by our mutual friend. We spent the evening at First Friday in Vegas’ Arts District, and I found her to be a real-life “Sex and the City” Samantha. Not only is Toni fun and sexy, but she’s also an experienced entrepreneur with an expert knowledge of marketing and the music industry. Her style and her talent are very inspiring. Loves her!

I dig her bling. I love the way Toni layered her rock star-chic necklaces. And I adore the asymmetrical style of the stone embellishments on her blouse. Totally unique.

And what I really appreciated about Toni’s style is that she knows how to dress for her body type. She’s long and lean and she knows exactly how to complement her features. Her ability to put together an appropriate outfit for girls’ night out is spot-on! I am so jealous of her long legs. Isn’t she divine?

Last week I saw my first Cirque du Soleil show – “Zumanity.” Along with other Las Vegas bloggers, I was treated to this special event by the generosity of the Social Media Manager (who also happens to be one of my favorite shopping pals) at Cirque du Soleil. It was indeed a treat, sexually charged and fashion inspiring.

 

To me, sex and fashion go hand in hand. I can’t see having one without the other. While I enjoyed the music, acrobatics, choreography, stunts and overall entertainment of “Zumanity,” I couldn’t help but admire the fashion. Below are a few outfits I put together all inspired by the zest, zeal and style of ”Zumanity.” 

And if you are interested in seeing “Zumanity” at the New York, New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, take advantage of the special 35% discount now available through the end of May. CLICK HERE to purchase these discounted tickets. 

Inspired by the Preshow

I love Marlene Dietrich, so naturally I fell in love with the style of the Marlene-type character who flaunts her stuff during the Preshow. And the male character, Antonio, is an absolute favorite. He’s such a saucy flirt. I wanted to take him home with me!

The Marlene-like look: The Queen graphic jersey from Stylewarrior.com; Satin Pencil Skirt from bebe; N.Y.L.A. Peeker Pump from Endless.com.

The Antonio look: John Varvatos crinkled blazer available at BlueFly.com; Calvin Klein straight fit blue-black jeans; James Perse Vintage Jersey V-neck; Patton boots from Mark Nason.

Inspired by Hoops

Julia Kolosova brings schoolgirl fantasies to life. Not only can she do fun things with hoops, she’s also an aerialist. Plus, she’s super cute. Love the plaid skirt.

The Hoops look: Accordion Pleat Woven Top and Plaid Skirt from Forever 21. N.Y.L.A. Plus Bootie from Endless.com.

Inspired by Wassa

Tribal, exotic and energetic. Performed by Wassa Coulibaly, this portion of “Zumanity” had me searching for an African dance class in my area. I bet I could burn off a lot of calories. And look at her face. Isn’t she just gorgeous?

The Wassa look: Tribal Print Dress from CasualLivingUSA.com; Sam Edelman Gida sandals from Heels.com.

 

Photo credit of Preshow and Hoops: Tomasz Rossa

Photo credit of Wassa: Phillip Dixon

Costume credit for all pictured: Thierry Mugler

Films play a big role in my wardrobe and style. Over this past weekend I watched a marathon of “Lord of the Rings” and couldn’t help but imagine what Arwen, Galadriel or Eowyn – the only three female characters of the film series, and therefore, my favorite characters in “Lord of the Rings” – would wear if they lived in modern times.

It’s my theory that each female character – Arwen, Galadriel and Eowyn – represents a different facet of a whole woman. So if you find yourself inspired by the outfits in this blog post, considering mixing up pieces from the three outfits together in one outfit. The most stylish outfits, like all women, are complex and made up from contrasting yet complementary elements.

Arwen

What’s not to adore about Arwen? She’s an Elf princess with a magnetic personality and played by the gorgeous Liv Tyler. Electric colors are big for spring. When dressing for the season, let the electric attraction of Arwen guide you.

Arwen’s outfit consists of: Charlotte Russe Abstract Halter Top, Amrita Singh 12-set bracelets from Pink Mascara, Old Navy’s Gauzy Mini and Scarlett Fringe Sandals from Payless.

Galadriel

All women have an element of queen-like character. Galadriel is an honorable, beautiful, strong and just queen. She is harmony at its best, just like this outfit.

Because Galadriel is royalty, only a dress by Diane von Furstenberg will do. But she also loves nature, and needs shoes that allow her to appreciate the sensuality of mother nature. Her outfit includes: Diane von Furstenberg’s Wiletta Dress,Rebecca Norman earrings from Max & Chloe and Chinese Laundry’s Sudoku Sandals from Heels.com.

Eowyn

She’s feminine yet always ready for battle. Eowyn makes being a tomboy sexy. Experiment with muted studs and light wash denim, both of which are popular for spring and fall.

Eowyn’s chosen outfit features: American Eagle Outfitters Jacket, Shopbop Basics Tee, Topshop Cropped Trousers and Revenu Shoes by Steve Madden.

Someone once said, “Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don’t.” How true. Yet, how challenging to keep this in mind during what’s been a rough economical year. Still, the fact remains that Thanksgiving is about being grateful for what you have. So, instead of going out to buy a brand new outfit for a dinner of turkey and stuffing, I challenge you to work with what you have in your closet right now. Here are a few ideas.

Over sized button down shirt, leggings and ballerina flats, accessorized with a belt. This is your chance to raid your brother’s/husband’s/boyfriend’s closet for a patterned men’s shirt. Flat boots would also look great with this look.

Alex Cannon shirt from Smartbargains.com, leggings from Urban Outfitters, Bella Ballet flats from Payless and belt from jessieskillman at Etsy.com.

Roomy dress, slouchy sweater, skinny belt with patterned tights and oxford shoes or ankle boots. Do you see a pattern here? I’m suggesting wearing loose clothing, so you can chow down in comfort (and style).

Velvet Torch dress from 15DollarStore, 4 Button Cardigan from Spun, belt from juliaclairevintage at Etsy.com, Trellis Tights from Urban Outfitters and Liz Claiborne Raleigh shoes from OnlineShoes.com.

Plain t-shirt, your favorite cropped jacket, trouser pants and peeptoes. So easy to put together. Add a bright scarf or chunky necklace around your neck for a little drama. And, if you’re really feeling bold, why not add a cute hat, too?

T-shirt from Target, cropped Only Hearts jacket from Shopbop, Battery Park Denim Trousers from New York & Company, San Diego Hat Co. plaid newsboy from Indigo Sky NY and peeptoe pumps from Forever 21.

Here’s to gratitude, quality family time and yummy eats and treats. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

My favorite part of this outfit is my wide-legged pants. They’re a great feeling, linen and cotton blend which I bought at Dillard’s during one of their spectacular sales for only $7. See…you don’t have to spend a bundle to look like a million bucks. And the pearl strands are faux. They’re screen-printed onto the shirt. Cool, huh?

Sharagano

While I wasn’t terribly impressed with the Richard Chai for Target collection (I guess no one else was either because it’s already on clearance), I do love this skirt. It’s polyester, but so well-made that it has the sheen and feel of silk. And, I am so happy that it has pockets!

(P.S. Can you see my hair getting longer?)

Top:
Plissé

Skirt:
Richard Chai for Target

Shoes:
Studio 9 by Nine West

I totally believing in mixing things up. There are fashion slaves out there who would never mix a luxury brand such as Loewe with an urban brand such as Baby Phat, but they merely lack the creativity I have. Never dress like the mannequin. Never dress in one brand head to toe, even if you’re walking the red carpet. The most interesting outfits are the ones styled by thoughtful imagination.

Just a few days ago I blogged about my Payless experience. Here are my purple Koko Payless shoesin action!

Dress:

This dress was a bargain at only $125 and from Hautelook.com. Love the print and the front pockets. Add some boots and a cardigan, and I’m sure I can continue to wear it through the fall. My Outfit of the Week showcases two of my favorite designers, whom I adore because their designs are both bold and classy.

My good friend Irene T. has unleashed herself from the shackles of the corporate world, left the country and is off being adventurous and experiencing the world. She’s a creative, wise, strong woman and recently assigned me this Fashion Impossible via Twitter:

“Hey you. As you know, I am in Belgium. Do you mind giving me some tips of hats cool to wear to a wedding reception? The complete outfit.”

Irene T.

The first thing I did was check the weather in Belgium. The temperature ranges between the 50s and 60s, and it’s a bit rainy, so I suggest hats appropriate for cooler weather. And, you know I’m a bold gal, so my first suggestion is bright and well…bold.

Boiled Wool Cloche Hat

Image from New Urban Hats (Seriously Stylish Hats)

Michelle Satin Dress

Image from Delia’s.com.

And the pièce de résistance:

Drea Animal Cardigan

Image from Delia’s.com.

Because of the oversized bow on the satin dress, Irene should keep the cardigan unbuttoned and just use it to keep warm. But when she’s shaking her money maker on the dance floor, the cardigan should be left behind. This look has a bit of retro feel, so I’d wear a pair of black patent Mary Janes with it. CLICK HERE to see an example from DSW.

But if I know Irene, she’ll probably want something more demure and understated, so my next suggestion is this:

Chloe Beret

Image from Hatagories.com.

And two dress options, both from Isaac Mizrahi for Target and both are navy, matching the navy and cream color combo from the silk tweed beret.

Lace Ruched Dress

Taffeta Couture Dress

And with either of these navy dresses, Irene can wear a cream colored cardigan or pashmina. A sleek pointy toe pump stays consistent with the lady-like femininity of the outfit. CLICK HERE to view the pair I recommend.

Got more recommendations for Irene? Please leave a comment. Got a Fashion Impossible for me? Please email me at lollieshoppingblog@gmail.com<
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Have fun at the wedding reception, Irene!