Elements of Style Blog

I assume most of you know about this site by now, but just in case you didn’t I wanted to post a out it because I think it’s pretty damn genius. Rent the Runway acts like your most stylish (and loaded) best friend’s closet, allowing you to rent dresses for special events that you may not be able to afford purchasing.  Perfect for weddings or formal black tie affairs, this new concept is allowing all of us to feel a little more like movie stars.  I for one know that I’ve bought many dresses for weddings that I never wear again just because I wanted something new to wear that no one had seen.  This may be the solution to that money-sucking problem! Here are my current favorites available on RTR- join here to start browsing! I think I will give it a try for a big event I have coming up and will certainly report back on how it works!

This polka dot number from Prabal Gurung is AWESOME:

This Yigal Azourel gown is TO.DIE.FOR.

A couple gorgeous Lela Rose numbers:

Curious about the whole Herve Leger dress fad? I am! I assume it’s like full body Spanx! This one is my fave (with a nice summer (faux) tan)…

Ladylike frocks from Tuleh and Doo.Ri

Black tie gowns from Badgley Mischka:

Bold blue hues from Temperley London and Christian Cota:

Be a golden goddess in  Yigal Azourel or Alice + Olivia

Loving this party dress by Matthew Williamson- retails for $2,5000, rent for $250

Nude is a big trend for spring, rock it out in this amazing Nicole Miller gown or sassy Christian Siriano number!

I personally am quite enamored with this one shouldered Catherine Malandrino piece- love the leather and chain strap playing of the sweet floral print fabric!

So, in true form, I hate everything I over-packed and none of it seems to be LA appropriate.  In fact some crunchy hippie in Venice Beach yesterday actually laughed at me with his girlfriend in my DVF dress and wedges! I was fresh out of a meeting so a bit dressed up for Venice, but what’s with the judgment??? It’s DVF, you need to show some RESPECT, son!

So I put together some various LA outfits, from the flashy “club” looks to a low key daytime style. Maybe if I wore these I wouldn’t be the east coaster sticking out like a sore thumb. :)

Shopping by elementsofstyleblog featuring Seven For All Mankind jeans

Beachside Dinner by elementsofstyleblog featuring Missoni dresses

Dancing Queen by elementsofstyleblog featuring L.A.M.B.

I really never thought I would ever utter the following sentence: Victoria Beckham’s spring 2010 line is one of my favorites from Fashion Week so far. Yes, Posh Spice- she of the glossy pout, rail thin frame and trendy haircut has put out a classy, sleek, modern line that I would happily wear if asked. (Is anyone asking??)  I have always leaned towards classic clothing- great simple lines, solid colors (or all black) with a hint of sex appeal. As one of my friends said to me, “You don’t do ‘cute’”. And I don’t. I’m not one to don girly, frothy things, headbands with bows or a plethora of polka dots. It’s just not “me”- sometimes I want it to be me and I try but it always ends up looking like a costume. So I commend you, Mrs. David Beckham. Hot hubby, hot line- now please just eat a cheeseburger.

The Spring 2010 collections clearly show that military inspired styles, particularly jackets, are going to be BIG. And I mean BIG.  It can be tough to picture rockin’ a military jacket if you instinctively feel like you are going to look like a total poser in one.  So I put together two looks, one for colder temperatures, and one for the warm breezes of spring to show you how you can wear it without looking like you were given marching orders.

NOW

Military Chic 2 by elementsofstyleblog featuring Crumpet sweaters

THEN

Military Chic by elementsofstyleblog featuring Splendid tops

I figured that some of you might be looking for Valentines Day outfits so I put a few together- for those going out all fancy-like, a more casual look and one for those who might be cursing an ex this year. Hey, we’ve all been there-you might as well look cute doing it.