How to Wear the Body-Con Trend

How to Wear the Body-Con Trend

Short for “body conscious” (think super tight bandage style dresses.), body-con is a huge trend right now.  Bodycon dresses have been a wardrobe staple for most ladies who love to flaunt their curves.  It has been one of the most sought after fashion trends not only on the runway but also by celebrities on red carpet events. In fact, it is slowly becoming a classic staple similar to the LBD.

From skintight pencil skirts (or bodycon skirts) to figure-hugging dresses and even form-fitting high-waisted jeans, the body-con silhouette will have you showing off your shape if you choose to partake this season.  But how do you wear it? Will it be flattering? How can you keep your look sultry, not trashy?

General Body-Con Tips:

• Don’t be afraid! The thought of tight, figure-hugging clothing probably inspires fear in the majority of women, but it shouldn’t! Most body-con pieces are actually pretty flattering, due to the fact that they suck you in, smoothing out your shape. Still self-conscious? Try wearing Spanx or even high-waisted sheer footless tights under anything you feel is too tight or short.
• Play with proportions. As I’ve stressed in previous articles, if you’re wearing a tight item of clothing, it’s a good rule to balance it out with an item that’s not as form fitting. Wearing a tight skirt? Try a colourful, loose-fitting tank tank top for balance.
• Choose what to showcase. Sure, a tight bandage dress is a great option for a night at the club, but it’s not for every day! For normal wear, it’s best to decide what assets to flaunt and cover the rest! Example: if you’re wearing tight, high-waisted jeans, put on a short sleeved turtleneck! That way, you flaunt your legs and butt, but keep the cleavage under wraps for a classy look.
• Go dark. Because these styles are so form fitting, it’s best to opt for a dark colour if you’re feeling at all shy about showing your shape. Black, dark gray, brown, navy, and even deep purples and reds are all great colour choices for body-con pieces.
• Length Does Matter. A bodycon dress has been depicted as tight and very short – almost like an exclusively clubwear piece. But in fact, some bodycon dresses can go below the knee.The catch is, make sure you wear the right length of dress to the right occasion. a bodycon mini dress is great for turning heads at a club but would not be appropriate for brunch.
• Work: Office wear doesn’t have to mean boring. Try a slightly conservative version of the body con dress – think longer hemlines and high necks. If you are still unsure, layer your body con dress with a fitted jacket.
• Pick your pairings wisely. What you wear with your body-con is almost as important as the body-con item itself! For city chic looks, pair body-con dresses with bombers, boyfriend blazers, or jean jackets. If you’re doing the body-con thing in the AM choose conservative shoes–think ballet flats or boots. Even your accessories can provide some needed coverage, so go ahead and pull out your scarf from last fall! It’s all about striking a balance between showing off your hot bod and keeping it classy.

 Check out my favourites here.

Zando - Assuili Flory Lace Dress Black/ivory R 579

Stylebop - ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Cotton-Viscose Blend Mini-Dress

 

What Do You Think?

Have you braved the body-con trend yet? If so, how do you wear it? If you haven’t tried the trend yet, are you going to pick up a bandage skirt or dress? Let everyone know what you think — leave a comment!

Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Pageant Minute: Miss World 2012--World Fashion Designer Award Competition--The Best Gowns!

Beauty Pageant Evening Gowns Good:

Gown Runway: The Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition, Shanghai China

The Biggest International Beauty Pageant in the world is happening in
Ordos Inner Mongolia China, as we speak--the 62nd annual Miss World 2012 (The finals are August 18th). Ordos isn't exactly Sao Paulo, Miami, Las Vegas or a typical fabulous destination to hold big international beauty pageants, but the host city payed a ton of money and from what I can see, they are doing a fantastic job organizing and showcasing their gem of a city in northern China.

 Miss World 2011 Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela

116
contestants from 116 nations, islands and territories are competing for
the title of Miss World, won by Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela last year. The ladies have
been in China to for several weeks, attending functions, photo-op's, rehearsals, and various events and official competitions, such as "Beach Beauty", "Sports", "Top Model", and so on.

Of the many events and competitions, one of my faves is the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" where
all the contestants model evening gowns from fashion
designers from their homelands.This contest occurred in Shanghai last week so without further pageant-gown-ado...here are my "Nick Faves" in the World Fashion Designer Award evening gowns--and don't worry kiddies, following this post I will be doing my very popular "What the HECK Was She Thinking??" posting.

Miss Sri Lanka Sumudu Prasadini: This was one of my favorite gowns from seeing the photos. This ivory gown had elements of Grecian Goddess and Sari Princess with its draped one shoulder effect. It was dramatic and elegant. Outstanding job Miss Sri Lanka and her designer. Score: 9.8

Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire: Red was a popular color for the contestants this year (it's always a popular beauty pageant gown color!). This red with silver sequin applique plunging neckline fitted gown on Miss Ireland was one of my Top Faves from this Miss World 2012 World Fashion Designer Award Competition. This is a perfect example of a gown that can work for an international beauty pageant but in a major awards red carpet as well. It fits perfectly, her hair is great and she wisely kept the accessories to a minimum. Miss Ireland must have some Good Style Gays near her! Score: 9.9



Some other Red Dresses I liked:

China People's Republic and England:  Miss China PR Wen Xia Yu (left) wore a simple red fitted gown with sheer bateau neckline and sequin applique. She looked very pretty in it. Score 8.8.



Miss England Charlotte Holmes (right) wore a copper-red colored one shoulder gown with sequin Empire-waist detail. It flowed gloriously down the catwalk/stage and looked modern and red carpet-worthy. Score: 9.0.

Miss Philippines Queenierich (love her name!) Rehman: One of the best in RED! Her gown is very Marchesa-meets-Givenchy Couture (see "Miss Nepal" toward end of this post) the Pageant Version--it looks expensive, well-made, red carpet-and-runway ready--and fits her beautifully. Score: 9.6

Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay: This red strapless number could have easily gone into "Hoochie Coochie" territory--you've got the sheer, the high slit...but somehow it worked on her.

 Gucci Fall 2011 (left) Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2011 (right)

Gucci and Givenchy Haute Couture recently (Fall 2011) showed a lot of gowns that were not lined--just like the red gown on Miss Colombia Barbara Turbay. Hers reminded me of one of those styles from the runways. I just wished the shoes weren't so "clunky" and why the mini box on them?? Too tacky-licious. Strappy heels huney. Next time. Score: 9.0

Printed Beauty: Usually it's Hit or Miss when wearing a printed dress---on the Red Carpet as well as in international beauty pageants. I think it works here on the very pretty Miss Ethiopia Melkam Endale. I LOVE the colors and silhouette of this dress. The neckline and gathered torso/bust detail is fabulous as well. Score: 9.2



Best in Ivory:

Georgia and Israel: Another popular color (or non color) in the pageant world is ivory/white. Lots of ladies wore white and these were several of the best, in my eyes. Miss Georgia Salome Khomeriki (top left) wore a one shoulder draped chiffon and satin gown. It featured a very high slit BUT it was rather hidden among all the chiffon over-layering. The gown was very Pronovias and it worked on her. Score: 9.2



Miss Israel Shani Hazan looks STUNNING in this fit-to-flare gown that hugs her EVERY curve perfectly. The gown itself isn't so exciting but it does the job of making her look elegant, it fits her well and she doesn't look HOOCHIE (Thank You!) . The six foot tall beauty almost looks REGAL. Score: 9.7

Miss Russia Elisaveta Golovanova stayed safe with this creme halter-style gown with yes--a big side slit (hello, it's a beauty pageant of course!). The gown wasn't earth shattering in style or "Wow" appeal but like I said, she played it safe. Score: 8.6

Miss Bolivia Mariana Garcia wore a blush-colored strapless gown (more pink than ivory but I chose to put her here nonetheless). I liked this gown. It could have gone "Feather KRAZEE" in a hot minute (wait 'till you see my "Oh NOOOO!!!" posting) but it didn't. I like the beaded swirl patterns on the dress as well and the gown fits her nicely. Score: 9.0

I think Miss Guatemala Monique Aparicio looks very "RetroFab" in this orange duchesse satin gown. The color pops onstage, and the dress looks expensive. I also love that she had added a retro hairstyle too-very Oscar de la Renta meets Jackie O--the Guatemalan version. Score: 9.4

Miss Mexico Mariana Berumen: One word: WOW.  From head to the tips of her stacked heel pumps: fab! The elegance of the black color, the waist-defining detail of the thin jeweled belt, the high-neck contrasted with the slit (yes, if there was one criticism, it's that slit is WAAAAY to high darling!). One of my faves (if only she closed up about four inches of that slit!). Score: 9.8

And finally, a "Wild Card" Good One:

Miss Nepal Shristi Shrestha (try and say her name FAST four times!): First off, she's very pretty. The picture above may not be a good one but there is something about this gown that made me stop and go "Oh, I think she looks HOT!" I know that maybe some of you out there might think it's a bit much but trust me darlings, you haven't see my "Oh Dear!" list yet. I like the gown because it's modern, it's sexy but not HOOCHIE and evokes a Couture-like feeling.

Marchesa Fall 2012 (left) and Beyonce in Givenchy Custom, Met Ball 2012

It reminds me a lot of Marchesa (above, left) and the Givenchy gown Beyonce wore to the Met Ball (right) earlier this year. Miss Nepal's gown is a good Knock-Off of both combined! Score for Miss Nepal's gown: 9.5



Up Next: My "Oh NOOOO!!!!" List from the Miss World "World Fashion Designer Award" Competition...




Here's a Sneak Peak of the MESSES:

 Feathered Vegas Gay Pride Float on Miss Ukraine

Oh Huney: Miss Mongolia is SERVING Nefertiti Mongolian Goddess!

***STAY TUNED to the rest of the Hot Messes!

Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor--My Recap!

Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor--My Recap!

What a Night!!!

Fifth Avenue Boy: Nick Verreos posing in front of the Project Runway/Lord & Taylor Collection Window Display (violet-blue dress design in the background by Nick Verreos)

Last week, I flew to New York City for the NY Fashion Week Project Runway Tenth Anniversary festivities as well as to unveil the ten piece "Project Runway Collection at Lord &Taylor" which, of course, included my dress design. First up was the Project Runway VIP 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship. As you may know, I was asked--along with eight other Project Runway designers plus Christopher Palu who won the "Lord &Taylor Challenge" a couple of weeks back--to design a dress for the exclusive 10th Anniversary Project Runway Collection to be sold at Lord & Taylor exclusively. I was the "Season 2" pick for the line.

 Presenting Project Runway: Nick Verreos--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

I flew to NYC with my NIKOLAKI partner-for-life, David Paul. After settling in, we got ready. I put on my never-worn-before Dolce & Gabbana Collection black and white mini polka dotted tuxedo silk satin jacket, pink dress shirt and pocket scarf, skinny jeans, Gucci boots and was ready to go! (Thank you David for styling me so fabulously!).

Taxi Mates: (Left to right)fashion designer Gordana Gehlhausen of Season 6 Project Runway, David Paul of NIKOLAKI, Nick Verreos--Lord &Taylor Fifth Avenue Flagship Window Display

David and I took a cab from the hotel with the ever-so-lovely Gordana Gehlhausen, Project Runway alumna from Season 6 (LOVE HER!). It was a very hot-and-humid NYC early evening and the taxi we took LIED to us--telling us it had air conditioning but really, it was just blowing hot air (in other words, I was SCHVITZING!). After arriving at Lord & Taylor, we posed for photos outside in front of the beautiful window displays featuring our dresses, which I'd never seen before--in person that is.Then, we high-tailed it inside to the party.

Figure Skating Queen Alert: Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and Nick Verreos doing media interviews--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

The party was in full swing on the second floor as we arrived. I knew that this was a very VIP party when I saw a very long "red carpet" step-and-repeat with lots of media, photographers and various press. I did interviews in both English and Spanish for several entertainment shows. At one point--out of the corner of my eye--I spotted Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi whom I would later get to say "Hi" to inside the party. She was in NY for the launch of her new activewear line Tsu.ya by Kristi Yamaguchi.

Best Dressed: Lord & Taylor President Bonnie Brooks and Tim Gunn (left photo); Bonnie Brooks and Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia (right photo)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

VIP Guests: Also there was Project Runway Mentor Tim Gunn (he was so sweet when saying "hello" to David and I and asked about our little Benny!!), Lord & Taylor's President Bonnie Brooks (who was a Guest Judge during the "Lord & Taylor Challenge" a couple of weeks back), as well as Marie Claire Fashion Director, the UBER chic Nina Garcia. Tim, Bonnie and Nina were doing a Champagne toast to the Tenth Season of Project Runway with ALL of this season's designers--who were also there at the party. It was all captured by a bunch of cameras who were filming this soiree for a future episode of Project Runway (I assume the Finale one perhaps?).



A Moment of Figure Skating HEAVEN:

Triple Axl Love: Nick Verreos with Olympic Gold Medalists Kristi Yamaguchi and Sarah Hughes, Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

I was BEYOND excited when upon arriving at the party--and after a little bit of mingling--Olympic Gold Medalist Sarah Hugues saw me and we then began screaming like 15-year-old school girls (OK, I did!!). She then turned and motioned to someone else to come...and would you believe it, it was Miss Kristi Yamaguchi, of course! Well, I almost had a Triple Lutz Heart Attack! If you know anything about me, you might know that I'm a BIG Figure Skating Fan (remember the "Make a Costume for Sasha Cohen Challenge" from my Season of Project Runway?) and I especially love to comment on the costumes. I've had the pleasure of doing Figure Skating Costume commentary for the Torino Winter Olympics (2006), Vancouver Winter Olympics (2010) and many national and international figure skating competitions for NBC, Universal Sports and ICE network.

Fashion Pairs: Nick Verreos and Sarah Hughes--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

It was so wonderful seeing them. We talked fashion, Project Runway and some figure skating DISH. I even teased Kristi about how "HUNKY" her husband is (he was blushing!) Both of them--as you can see from the pictures above--looked AMAZING and PS: Sarah, those fuchsia pumps were DIVINE! Running into these two Goddesses of Figure Skating made my night. Oh, yeah, and David's too: he REALLY REALLY loves Figure Skating!



Who Else Was There...Season 10 Designers:

Season 10 Designer Alicia Hardesty and Nick Verreos--I was one of the Casting Judges for Season 10 in Los Angeles, and Alicia was one of the contestants we advanced to the next round, so I was happy to see her and congratulate her for getting on the show!

Girls Night Out: Nick Verreos with Season 10 Designers Beatrice Guapo (left) and Lantie Foster (right): they were so sweet. Luv them--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Face Scrub: Nick Verreos and Season 10 Designer Kooan Kosuke: It's pretty obvious that Kooan was having A LOT of fun at this party--he was a HOOT and a half (and I got a surprise and unexpected facial exfoliating treatment from his hair while posing with him!)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Project Runway Alumni from Past Seasons:

The party which really was a "celebration" of reaching the ten season mark, was sort of a "reunion" of sorts since there were lots of designers representing all the previous nine seasons. Besides keeping in touch via email or texts, I don't get to really "hang out" much with many of the Project Runway alumn so it was nice seeing so many of them in one room. Here are some that I was very happy to see:

 Social Butterfly: Nick Verreos with Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

 

 Pastel Perfection: Season 6 Finalist Althea Harper--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

 

 PR Boys: Nick Verreos with designers Michael Costello (Season 8) and Bert Keeter (Season 9) 

 

Three's Company: Nick Verreos with designers with Uli Herzner (Season 3) and Gordana Gehlhausen (Season 6) (right photo)--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Group Fab: (Left to right) Bert Keeter (Season 9), Uli Herzner (Season 3), Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, Nick Verreos and actress and model Yaya DaCosta--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Season 2 Duo: Nick Verreos and Andrae Gonzalo--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

Where's Andrae?? Well, kids, as you can see, he was at last week's bash! I had not seen Andrae in AGES-since he left LA to move to NYC--so it was nice to run into him. In case you're wondering he still has NOT gone to Red Lobster with Tim Gunn (if you are a TRUE fan of the show, you'll understand).



TRUE All Stars--Project Runway Winners Snapshot:

Project Runway Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll, Season 9 Winner Anya Ayoung-Chee, All Stars Season 1 Winner Mondo Guerra, and Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson--Project Runway 10th Anniversary Party at Lord & Taylor NYC

After much socializing, reuniting, who-are-the-finalists? DISHING and Figure Skating Goddess LOVE...I almost forgot to actually check out my dress at the Lord & Taylor Project Runway Collection section, so...I got this close-up photo:

Nick Verreos for Project Runway 10th Anniversary Collection Dress, available exclusively at Lord & Taylor

Watch a fun video highlighting the night:

***Up Next: The BLOG Recap of my Special Appearance at Lord & Taylor for Fashion's Night Out NYC and Project Runway !!