FALL 101: The Leather Pleated Skirt

I feel like an old lady when I say, "Styles from when I was young are coming back again." But it's really true.

When I was in the 8th or 9th grade, Clueless, the movie, came to movie screen. I feel, that's where I got most of my fashion sense. I loved the plaid, the skirts, the headbands, the knee sock, Mary Jane pumps, and preppy-ness. Sure, the language and slang they used wouldn't stand in 2010; with some slight changes, the Clueless fashion sense would translate well today

That's why I was uber-excited to see so many skirts, more specifically pleated skirts come down the runway this year. The ladylike/preppy look was back.

Louis Vuitton

Valentino and Louis Vuitton showed leather versions of this classic pleated skirt in mini and knee lengths.

Valentino showed a micor-pleated leather mini - similar to the one I chose (below). While Louis Vuitton showed a knee length version with more of a folded texture. I just love the leather!! It makes a boring skirt seem so modern! Both are great and fully able to be adjusted via age. So it's only fitting that you find a way to put one in your closet.

So I went to LOOKLET.com to pull together a look you can simulate this Fall. A pleated skirt (leather or not, your choice) can have edge or sweetness. Add ladylike details with Mary Jane pumps, lace tights, ant a fitted shirt. Pull together some hard accessories and you'll totally bring your look into 2010.

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PHOTOSHOOT: Old Warehouse in Gallatin - FAB!

Fab Girl Sabrina and myself had a photo shoot with on of our FAVORITE photogs - Ernie Passwaters. This woman is an amazing photographer and the fact that she is not MORE famous is beyond me. She finds the light (or makes light) in the most amazing places:

On Location: The Scary old factory

 Let me tell you, I love personal styling. I am getting better and more confident with every job. When Miss Ernie gave me a call she said she wanted to shoot a "Pam Greer/Foxy Brown/70's look" I was up to the challenge. Fab Girl Sabrina and I scouted all the vintage shops and costume stores to find the right look.

No need for a Make-Up Artist, I was ready. I worked my magic and got Sabrina all Diana Ross/Pam Greer fab:

The shoot took about 3 hours. We had 3 clothing changes and countless make-up reapplications. But the photo were wonderful. Take a look at the behind the scenes:

Look at Sabrina's face. Yup, she down in a hole, filled with random debris aka garbage. But LOOK how it turned out:

So if you need a good wardrobe stylist in Nashville, contact me! Melissa W - fabglancenashville@hotmail.com

Click here to check out more of my styling

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Fashion Forum: The best Little Black Dress

This weekend my good friend got married. I remember receiving her ultra-mod fuchsia and black invitation and opening it with glee. My excitement only heightened by the fact that the attire for the occasion was FORMAL. I hadn't been to a formal function in almost 2 years, so I knew I was going to buy something new to wear. However, as the weeks passed and some extra bills came up, I realized I wouldn't be able to buy a fancy-nancy new dress.

Saddened I talked to the soon-to-be bride who told me that the 'formal' classification wasn't set in stone and that 'dressy' was ". . . more like it". I was relieved. She suggested cocktail attire and told me not to worry.

That's when my trusty, memorable yet not so memorable black wrap dress (purchased from Lane Bryant 3 years ago for another friend's going away party) was readied to make an appearance. Ladies, I'm here to tell you that every woman needs a dress like this.

Your memorable/un-memorable dress (usually an LBD) is like a fashion 'wingman' it never upstages other dresses, knows how to settle in the background, but always makes you look good. What's a way to know you have a good LBD? Take a look below:

• Usually black - DUH
• Little to no embellishments or details
• Fits you perfectly
• It's made from a season-less material (heavy cotton)
• Classic shape (wrap, a-line, shift)
• Looks good by itself, but looks better with accessories.
• Age appropriate

Your classic LBD is a dress that most people say looks good on you, but no one ever realizes it's not new. When you wear your LBD, don't walk around in shame, however, don't pop into every picture taken at the event. In this day of Facebook and Twitter, you don't need your LBD popping up in too many photo albums. Really, having a trusty m-um-d is a way to save money and have a Lil less stress in your life.

Take a look at some potential LBD's that you may want to purchase for your closet:

More Ann Taylor...

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Celeb Style Round Up - We're on Award Tour!

It's Friday, so you know it's time for the Celeb Style Round-up!

This week was all about awards shows! The award season is coming up so you know the celebs are about to step up their game. Equally, the designers get a chance to showcase their best pieces. It's so nice! So let's get started:

The NAACP Theater Awards allowed for the pretty princesses of Hollywood cinema and Broadway theater to be showcased. (From L to R) Lisa Raye's daughter, Kai, looked cute in her blue and black cocktail dress, Naturi Naughton looked ladylike in her side-tie bronze dress, and age-less beauty, Nia Long, looked awesome in a champagne goddess-style gown.

At the 2010 Venice Film Festival, international stars shines in fab fashions. New to the scene, Kiko Mizuharo, star of the new film 'Norweigen Wood' looked awesome at the various film festival events. the chick's shoe game is fabulous! Above she's in tan 'mullet dress' from Valentino, with matching Valentino shoes. She looked cute in black/white Miu Miu dress and heels.

Then, I spotted Jessica Alba on her way the photocall for her new movie 'Machete'. I never thought I'd like the long sleeve floral dress. But Dolce & Gabbana rocked it and Jessica wore it well. This is a perfect Fall dress and I know many people will copy. Oh yeah, we can't forget to highlight the Michael Kors Buckled Gladiator pumps, very nice!

This week was the Primetime Emmy Awards. I spotted Fab Friend, Kristen Quintrall, on the red carpet in this stunning violet, sweet-but-sexy, evening gown. I'm loving the plunging neckline and the dramatic train! Yes Kristen!

Last but not least, Essence released their October cover, and I'm sure all the ladies are going crazy. Boris, Blair, and Lance - on ONE cover? That's too much sexiness for me!!

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