It's All About The Maxi

Miniskirts and dresses have always been the ideal statement piece to show off great legs and beautiful figures, but this Spring and Summer you can leave all those mini's behind.  Maxi skirts and dresses are this Spring/Summer 2012's hot ticket item and are flattering on all figures!  These beautiful floor grazing styles are super easy to wear and look effortless.  We are seeing floral prints, bold colors, cotton and flowy fabrics.  The great thing about this maxi trend is that you can put almost anything with them!  You can dress them down with flats and a blazer to go to work and then switch to heels and  killer jewelry for  a                                       night out on the town.






Many celebrities are getting their hands on this trend for daily life or on the red carpet.

          Both Eva Longoria and Nicole Richie out in Hollywood shopping and looking stunning.  Eva went for more of a beach look with a nude wedge and over-sized boho bag while Nicole worn a great sling back pump.  Both kept things simple with the maxi being more of the statement with some of the great Spring patterns we are seeing for 2012. 

These ladies (left to right: Lauren Conrad, Fergie, Sophia Bush, Hayden Panatierre) hit the "blue" carpet in style with light airy maxi dresses.  The ladies looked stunning in their bold colors and prints.  Love the use of belts to break up the overall patterns.  They look breathtaking but truly effortless. 

     Fashion icon Rachel Zoe is no stranger to the maxi dress and she makes it look so amazing.  Out on the town for a lunch date in a tank styled cotton maxi with a cotton vest and chunky accessories and she nails this laid back Cali look.  Taking the maxi to the night with a beautiful patterned silk maxi and leather jacket adds a bit of edge to the once perceived formal gown.  So no matter what the occasion; day or night grab hold of this super easy and amazingly effortless style.  For the latest in Spring colors, prints and materials visit us at ShopVelvetHanger.com for all the latest maxi's. 

A Trend We Are Seeing Everywhere And Totally Loving It!

This Native American inspired trend has hit the catwalk and been noticed by all.  We are seeing this Aztec Style trend printed on just about anything; making it easy for anybody to get in on this trend.  It is taking two of Spring's hot trends "Aztec" and "colorblocking" and putting them together in the most amazing ways.  Celebrities are grabbing hold of this trend first hand and totally rocking the look day and night; on and off the red carpet.

Whitney Port is no stranger to setting trends and we are always impressed and excited to see what she comes up with!  The look above, Whitney put the Aztec and color blocking trend together.  You don't have to be afraid of layering colors or patterns when wearing Aztec prints.  Just pull colors that pop together. Above Whitney pulled from the blue and yellow accent colors in her jacket to put an amazing look together.  Remember to keep your accessories simple when layering textures and colors, unless the accessory is the Aztec statement piece then keep your outfit simple and polished.  The Aztec print is popping up on shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry, and even nail wraps.  This makes it super easy to get your hands on this trend!

Below is our amazing Aztec Wedge (retail $52).  It is for sure a statement shoe.  Wear them with skinny jeans or even a LBD for a look that will knock one out of the park. 
Also pictured below, get your fingers on NCLA Nail Wraps in "Secession Strikes" (retail $16) for just a little added spunk to any outfit.

Another super easy way to grab hold of this trend is an Aztec printed scarf.  As pictured below Nicole Richie loves to spice up her outfits with scarves and it is super easy to do.  You don't have to be traditional and put one around your neck; wear them in your hair or just tie them onto a handbag!  Super cute and fun!

Spring is right around the corner so it is time to pull out the dresses and skirts or you can always go find some new ones.  Try a maxi dress or a "high low" skirt (which is another popular trend this Spring/Summer) in this fabulous print. 

Both Nicky Reed and Liv Tyler stepped out in Hollywood in the Aztec print and looked stunning. Their looks are both very carefree but still polished looking.  As pictured above Liv belted her dress which breaks up the pattern a bit and tied in the right accessories. 
We are loving Nicky Reed's Aztec inspired maxi dress and choice of a chunky cuff bracelet.  Cuff bracelets and chunky colored accessories are perfect for layering with this pattern. 
Pick a color or style that truly speaks to you and we are sure you will enjoy the many ways you can incorporate this Aztec trend into your wardrobe.
Shop these styles and more at ShopVelvetHanger.com

Finger Pointing Perfection!

The newest trend in nails is here!  The Nail Couture LA nail wraps are setting the trend in finger art.  They are a fun way to wear some of the fashion trends of the season on your fingertips.  These long lasting nail wraps come in many different styles and colors.  Nail wraps are this season's most necessary accessory.  They are super quick and easy to do and can take any outfit to "pumped up" in a matter of a few easy steps!  We are seeing celebrities rocking this trend on and off the red carpet.

 Katy Perry loves NCLA "Flamingo" self adhesive nail foils.  She wears them on and off the stage and people are noticing! 

Lucky Magazine just featured NCLA nail wraps in their last issue showing a print which is this seasons hottest trend a "navajo print" called "Seccession Strikes" and I can say we are loving this trend too.
Grab your girlfriends and have a little mani pedit party and try some of the latest nail foils and nail wrap patterns from NCLA.  It will look like you spent hours or paid out big for this simple and inexpensive style trend.  You will have amazing long lasting nail art to show off at a moments notice. 

Another great pattern pictured above is the NCLA "Mission To Mars" pattern.
Stop by our boutique or view the collection of NCLA nail wraps online at ShopVelvetHanger.com.  We promise you will never want to use another bottle of nail polish again!

Floral Prints Are Not Just For Spring

 

We have been following this trend of winter floral prints, and are loving it! The bold colors and prints add sunshine to any cold winter’s day. Bright colors and floral prints bring change to drab  winter colors. We are seeing this pattern pop up on sweaters, knits, scarves, and hats. These floral prints are great for layering under blazers, and winter wear and can add the right balance of color to any outfit you dare to wear this winter. This season, citrus colors are hot, juicy oranges, reds, zesty lemons, luscious lime shades and punches of purples. We are also seeing the mixing of patterns and colors with floral prints so for our adventurous fashion followers you can mix a stipe or polka dot tank underneath your floral print or add a colored blazer or colored denim pant to add that extra edge. As, with most of these trends keep your accessories simple or understated. You don’t want your shoes or handbag to overpower these prints.

 Lauren Conrad knows how to rock a blazer and look super chick doing it. Wearing a floral print skirt with a simple sweater, blazer or even a little leather jacket is and easy way to add this trend into your wardrobe.  If heels are not your style try wearing leggings with flats or tights with tall boots. Just keep it simple and comfortable to your style. 

 Nicole Richie another style icon wears a beautiful layering blouse to an NYC fashion show this fall. Nicole layered it over a simple black cami and black skinny jeggings. This is where you could cross the line a bit with your shoes and add a punch color pump in one of the hues that matches your floral colors.

Rachel Bilson is no stranger to style trends and is one to follow. She takes the mixing textures or colors to heart. Here she wore a fun punch color floral blouse with a red color pair of denim. When you mix patterns make one item more of the statement. The denim here is more of the eye catcher so Rachel kept her floral print small allowing the outfit not to overpower her.

Don’t let the drab of winter get you in a funk. Mix up your greys and blacks with fun floral prints. It’s simple to do and fun to try. I promise this trend will brighten any winter’s day.  So shine bright fashionistas!!

Shop these trends and more at ShopVelvetHanger.com

Fearless Fashion - Wearing Leopard Print

This timeless yet very youthful print has been turning heads for years!  Leopard print, made famous by designer Norman Norell in the 1940's, has been a symbol of luxury and glamour for decades.  Worn by Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe or political wives like Jackie Kennedy.  The animal print became a staple for most women and was worn in many different ways.  There are three distinct ways to wear leopard print: a hint, a little more and an all over print.
A hint of leopard print is easy to do and a fun way to add a hint of surprise to an everyday outfit.  You can add a leopard printed scarf, handbag or shoe.  Leopard printed ballet flats with a pair of pencil leg denim pants and a simple blouse or sweater is a great look for day or night.  Ashley Olsen adds a leopard print scarf to her blazer and plaid skirt.  Another fun way to play with fashion is to "mix patterns" as she did with the animal print and plaid.Kristin Cavallari and Carey Mulligan add a sexy little leopard print pump to their sleek and simple dresses.  Kate Bosworth and Taylor Momsen put a girly spin on their edgy outfit with a leopard print handbag.

 The second way to add animal print is a little bit more of a statement with a jacket, skirt or legging.  You still want to keep your outfit balanced, in doing this you will need to keep the other half of your outfit simple.  This is still very easy to do.  Pair a leopard printed jacket with a simple pair of denim or dress pant as our other Olsen twin Mary-Kate did with her leopard jacket and wide-legged dress pants.  Kate Moss paired her leopard print skirt with a little black jacket combo.  Kim K also paired her leopard skirt with a black turtleneck and kept the accessories simple with a small black handbag and black pump.  Both of these trends can work in or outside of work, again as a daytime look, or dressed up with the right accessories for night.

The third and most daring for this trend is all over leopard print.  Designers and celebrities are getting more daring with the all over prints.  We are seeing more formal gowns in the famous leopard print but it is still done with great beauty and sophistication.  Rachel Bilson and Nicky Hilton both dared to cross to the wild side on the red carpet and looked stunning.  You can also wear full animal print in two different color blocks.  Rihanna wore a leopard print dress in two different color blocks with a red tone on the bottom breaking up the allover print.  You can easily do this with a fun chunky belt if you find an allover printed dress you love.  Just remember to keep the accessories simple. 

This is the most fearless you can be in fashion but go for it if you have the chance.  Whether you try it with a hint, a bit more, or allover leopard print as always enjoy your walk on the wild side!
Shop Leopard prints and more at ShopVelvetHanger.com

Not Just For The Tought Bikers!! Skull & Bone Fashion Trend

Skull and Bone fashion is all the rage this Fall and Winter Season (and it's not just for Halloween)!  This trend has taken Hollywood by storm being seen on the likes of Nicole richie, Madonna and Mary-Kate Olsen.  The infamous Skully has may styles from the very edgy Day of the Dead "Sugar Skull" or the skull and crossbones with bling and bows.  Just keep in mind skulls don't have to equal goth; enjoy colors and the preppy styles they have to offer.  Don't be scared to take a chance and have a blast with this ever so stylish trend.

You can easily add this preppy Kersh skull and crossbones sweater (pictured above) into any wardrobe.  Pair this sweater with a comfy cotton t-shirt with skinny jeans or leggings and boots.  This look is very stylish and edgy without trying too hard.  Fashion should always be carefree and fun and with the added element of the Skull like in this Twisted Heart sweat suit (pictured below) you can't go wrong.  You are sure to have heads turning.

Wearing a blazer over leggings is a hot trend his Fall.  Pair it with skull and bones!

Paris Hilton channels the more edgy side of this style pairing her pink skull t-shirt with a little black leather motorcycle jacket.  She is still able to make this style look very feminine with picking a pink color tee as the statement in this very masculine look.

Rachel Zoe has a bit more fun with her colorful "Sugar Skull design" and keeps it simple with black jeggings.

Dress up your skull and bones look!  Pair a fancy black dress with skull apparel!  Many companies are now making skull scarves and cute jewelry.  Alexander Mcqueen was one of the first to mainstream this skull trend with his beautiful silk skull scarves.  They add just the right touch to any outfit.  There is a style out there for everyone to try this ever so popular yet cute trend.  Be bold and enjoy the many faces that this little skully can take form in.

Shop these skully styles at ShopVelvetHanger.com