Friday, February 13, 2009

(Such A) Passion for Fashion

Passion for Fashion
From a casual night with the girls to a formal affair with your man, use these fashionista tips to ensure that your Valentine's Day attire is nothing less than chic.

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No matter if your happily hitched or single and searching, use these Cupid couture tips to make everyone fall in love with your wooing Valentine's Day wardrobe.

Cupid may be stupid, casual doesn't have to mean throwing on an old sweater and jeans to toast your favorite Hallmark holiday. Instead, try dressing it up a bit by adding a romantic-inspired ruffled blouse in fiery red to your best-fitting dark denim. Red is generally a universally flattering color, so unlike its popular pale-pink Valentine color counterpart, you can wear it and not be completely washed out.

For added pop, layer on a big, bright glittery necklace with bold gemstones and brass or gold links. Try "Millie's Eating Contest" by designer Rachel Leigh (yes, that's the name of the necklace!). You can find the necklace at Madeira's The Wardrobe. Keep the rest of your jewelry to a minimum, and finish off your look with either strappy black sandals (no snow) or high-impact, pointy boots (snow).

Take your sexy self to Bar Louie and celebrate with their "Top Gun"-themed event. If you're really inspired, add aviators a la Kelly McGillis. Or, ruffle some feathers with a cream ruffle Geren Ford dress with a black bow cinch waist, also at The Wardrobe, when you drop in on all 020909FASHION2.jpgthe singletons enjoying the annual CincyUpdate Jilted Lovers Party.

If a formal date is on tap for V-day, guarantee your man's gaze never leaves you by taking the little black dress to the next level. Instead of a plain black dress, try a white dress with strong, black geometric stripes and patterns. The majority of designers at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week showed black on white dressy looks in everything from pantsuits to cocktail dresses.

Add a pashmina wrap for warmth, and instead of jewelry, consider carrying an oversized statement purse. Clifton's Mustard Seed boutique has an authentic Hermes Birkin Bag for sale right now (originally $60K, a relative steal for $15K), but if Hermes is a bit rich for your budget, local designer Missy DeGroot creates true arm candy with her bold purses in a rainbow of colors and styles. Choose a bag in fire-engine red to add a splash of color to your ensemble. Now that you're glam to go, make reservations to see the Cincinnati Men's Chorus perform "That's Amore" at Below Zero lounge…a night complete with appetizers and sparkling wine .

Romance is in the air and all over Cincinnati, restaurants are rolling out 020909FASHION.jpgthe red carpets for couples seeking to enjoy a candlelit dinner date to celebrate Valentine's Day. If you're in the mood for love, opt for a feminine and sexy dress in a soft fabric. Magenta is a great transition color from winter to spring, and in a pretty fabric like silk or satin, is so versatile. Snap Boutique in Hyde Park carries a sweet dress, perfect for dinner dates. Keep it soft by pairing it with either long, silver chain necklaces, or one elegant pearl necklace. Slip on a pair of matching heels, and you'll have an elegant look worthy of new fashion icon Michelle Obama. Brown Dog Cafe in Blue Ash is offering a special love-themed menu for Valentine's Day, but be sure to make a reservation as seating is extremely limited!

From a night out with your best girlfriends to a date with your sweetheart, this Valentine's Day dress to impress in fine fashions from any of Cincinnati's chic boutiques, and be ready for any type of date that may come your way.

 
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