Thursday, 26 January 2012

Michelle Obama Wears Barbara Tfank Dress for State of the Union

Michelle Obama wore a blue Barbara Tfank dress to the State of the Union address.

Michelle Obama wore a blue Barbara Tfank dress to the State of the Union address.

Last night first lady Michelle Obama wore a a shiny, sapphire blue dress by Los Angeles-based designer Barbara Tfank for the State of the Union address. The silk twill sheath dress features cap sleeves and a criss cross bodice Obama accessorized with a pin by Alexis Bittar. The silhouette was chic and the bold, Democratic blue shade certainly made a statement in a room full of black suits and navy blazers.

Read more about the power of a Michelle Obama fashion endorsement

Michelle Obama wore another Tfank dress to meet Duchess Catherine at Buckingham Palace.

Michelle Obama wore another Tfank dress to meet Duchess Catherine at Buckingham Palac …

Obama has worn Tfank's designs several times before, including a sky blue, belted, floral-print dress she donned last May when she visited Queen Elizabeth and met Duchess Catherine at Buckingham Palace. FLOTUS wore the 1950s-style dress from Tfank's 2011 resort collection with a cropped pink jacket as she was introduced to the fellow style icon. Obama also wore a green printed Tfank dress with pink pumps and a pearl necklace to an award ceremony for Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger, of the US Air Force in the fall of 2010.

The first lady will make "Tonight Show" appearance later this month

Barbara Tfank started her career as a costume designer, and she made her mark while working as Prada's design consultant when she dressed Uma Thurman in the Italian label for the 1995 Oscars. No one had really heard about red carpet stylists until that point, and the lavender gown put Prada on the map. Tfank launched her eponymous label at Barneys New York in 2001 and recently dressed Adele in a black scallop edge custom dress to last year's MTV Video Music Awards. Her spring 2012 collection was inspired by some of Elizabeth Taylor's most iconic on-screen looks.

Designer Barbara Tfank in one of her creations.

Designer Barbara Tfank in one of her creations.

Last year, Obama wore a basic white 3/4 sleeve frock by Rachel Roy to the State of the Union. Just as Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and other first lady favorites have become household names, we can now expect Barbara Tfank to get a lot more attention.

Related links:
Michelle Obama wears $29 Gap dress
Michelle Obama shines at South Korea state dinner
Michelle Obama on the things that matter most to moms
Obama's State of the Union Speech: What Did You Think?

20 Lovely, Lady-Like, Sexy Lacey Items to Wear Now

Lace livens up your winter and perks up your spring.
-PJ Gach, BettyConfidential.com

vanessa hudgens ash and dan lace scarf

vanessa hudgens ash and dan lace scarf

We first saw lace making a comeback about a season ago, it's still here and we're oh so glad! There's nothing like a bit of lace to soften up an outfit, like the way Vanessa Hudgens wrapped a Ash and Dan (yes, we found it) lace scarf around a bulky sweater to make it sweet.

Depending upon the color, you can rock a lace dress or skirt day or night. We love this season's version of lace because it's so versatile! In fact, we found lace items in pastels and neon brights: two big trends for spring that you can wear both now and when there are leaves on trees!

Check out our selection and let your imagination roam.

Tops

love mode lace top

love mode lace top

1. Mint green lace top ($14.62, lovemode.com). A lace accented top in one of spring's best pastels that you can wear now.

juicy couture lace top

juicy couture lace top

2. Lottie lace top ($89.99, juicycouture.com). Who says you must wear black lace only at night? This top would look fab with bright jeans or under a blazer for work.

banana republic lace top

banana republic lace top

3. Allover lace shell ($45, bananarepublic.com). This top is seasonless. And depending upon what you pair it with, it can go from work to night to brunch to play.

super dry megan top

super dry megan top

4. Megan lace trim top ($90, superdry.com). Cute lace trim on a top that you can wear on or off the shoulder.

Dress

shop rucje flora print dress

shop ruche flora print dress

5. Flora print chiffon dress ($44.99, shopruche.com). Such a cute 70s boho dress. Wear it know with knit tights an in the spring with a sandal.

beatrice holloway miss manners dress

beatrice holloway miss manners dress

6. Beatrice Holloway Miss Manners dress ($130.68, shophouseofspy.com). Now this is a super chic sexy sweater dress!

hm lace dress

hm lace dress

7. Lace dress in lavender ($29.95, H&M stores nationwide). Pippa Middleton owns a lace H&M dress very similar to this one.

zara trf dress

zara trf dress

8. Zara TRF lace dress ($79.90, zara.com). It looks a little funy with lace up boots on the model. You can pair it with a cardi for day and heels for night.

Skirt and shorts

cache lace skirt

cache lace skirt

9. Lace skirt ($59, cache.com). Make a date night statement with this skirt.

free people lace shorts

free people lace shorts

10. Free People lace shorts ($78, piperlime.com). You can make it winter worthy with a chunky sweater, tights and ankle boots.

silence & noise lace skirt

silence & noise lace skirt

11. Silence & Noise lace mini skirt ($59, urbanoutfitters.com). Neon to wear now and later.

babakul ali shorts

babakul ali shorts

12. Babakul Ali washed satin lace shorts ($57.20, pinkmascara.com). Romantic and reminiscent of vintage lingerie.

Accessories

black lace wrap

black lace wrap

13. Black lace wrap ($189, ashanddans.com). Here's Vanessa's wrap!

fashion bug lace satchel

fashion bug lace satchel

14. Metallic lace print satchel ($18.49, fashionbug.com). This bag hits three, yes, three trends. Lace, metallic and satchel. And the price can't be beat.

forever 21 lace belt

forever 21 lace belt

15. Forever 21 floral lace belt ($2.99, forever21.com). Like the lace trend, but feel a bit overwhelmed by it? Add a dash of lace to jeans and a tee with this belt.

rylie floral clip

rylie floral clip

16. Rylie floral indie hair clip by Petit Plume ($26.99, shopruche.com). Lace and dots for your hair. So sweet!

Shoes

rodarte opening ceremony bootie

rodarte opening ceremony bootie

17. Rodarte for Opening Ceremony lace up crochet bootie ($183, openingceremony.com). Perfect for dressing any outfit up.

asos stacey lace platform heel

asos stacey lace platform heel

18. ASOS Stacey lace effect platform heel ($51.92, us.asos.com). Height, trend and cuteness in one shoe.

aruna seth ballerina

aruna seth ballerina

19. Black Chantilly lace Ballerina ($535.25, arunaseth.com). Feminine pieces of art by a shoe designer whose wares are in Pippa Middleton's closet.

sole society bella bootie

sole society bella bootie

20. Bella lazer cut lace bootie ($49.95, solesociety.com). Modern lazer cut bootie rocks out winter and spring with each step.

More BettyConfidential.com

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Kate Moss Is the New Face of Mango

Miranda Kerr, Wonder Woman!

From Runway to Realway: Fringe Boots

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5 Ways to Update Your Look for Under $20

Update your look!


With daily responsibilities pulling us in myriad directions, it's easy to get into a style rut, returning again and again to the same old outfits. Fortunately, if you turn to any of the following five tips, it's just as easy to freshen up your style without spoiling your budget.

Shop Your Own Closet


When we get busy, we usually grab whatever is in the front of the closet and wear it in the same old ways. But, chances are you have a bunch of fabulous clothes hidden away and just waiting for you to pull them out and breathe new life into them! Take an afternoon and really see what you have. Go through everything in your closet-clothes, shoes, handbags, everything-if it doesn't fit anymore, if it's worn or pilled, or is now hopelessly out of style, it needs to go. Then have fun and experiment with what's left. Try on your fancy blouses with jeans, your tees with work skirts, blazers over tanks. Take your suits and turn them into separates. See how you like a belt cinching your waist over a sweater or a pair of brightly colored pumps with neutral outfits. Not everything is going to work, but you can probably create dozens of new ensembles with what you already have in your closet! Another way to get ideas: Grab a fashion magazine or browse style blogs to see how other women are layering items. Then try imitating their styles with your own clothes and accessories!

SEE MORE: Engagement Rings You Wouldn't Say "No" To

Opt for a New 'do
A new hairdo can do wonders for updating your look. But, if a pricey haircut is outside your budget, you can still change things up. If your hair is straight, curl it a few times a week; if it's curly, try straightening it now and again. If you always wear your hair down, try some updos. If you generally like your look, experiment with trendy hair accessories or a fun clip-in feather.

SEE MORE:
The Best Haircuts with Bangs

Get a Makeover
If you are tired of your everyday makeup look, head to your local mall for a free makeover. Nearly all cosmetics counters provide makeup applications free of charge with the hope you'll buy one or two items afterward. If you're unsure where to start, walk around the department looking for the artist who's wearing the best face and approach her. Tell her you're looking for something new and let her guide you. Be specific, though, because one woman's "neutral" can be another's "OMG too much!" Ensure you don't spend too much by pick up the least expensive items at the counter and look for duplicates of the others at your local drugstore. If you don't want to commit to the makeover, simply pick up a bright new lipstick or funky nail polish!

SEE MORE: Plan Your Jason Wu for Target Purchases!

Commit to a Workout Routine
Regular exercise can change your look even before you shed a pound, thanks to the newfound confidence and healthy glow imparted when you break a sweat. Yes, finding time to work out regularly can be challenging. However, keeping yourself in shape is not only one of the most beneficial things you can do to stay looking fabulous, it's essential to your health! Look for gym memberships that are month-to-month with a minimal initiation fee or pick up a low-cost workout DVD you can train with for several months. Better yet, investigate your cable provider's free on-demand offerings!

SEE MORE: The Hottest Nail Polishes of the Season

Swap Your Unwanted Clothes
After you've shopped your closet, as suggested above, post your unwanted clothes and accessories on a fashion swap site like Swapstyle.com, Clothingswap.com, or Rehashclothes.com. Not only can you snag killer items free, you're doing a good deed by ensuring old clothes go to those who will appreciate them, not straight into a landfill!

More from Kaboodle:
Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
Cheap and Easy Ways to Decorate Your Pad
Punch Up Your Décor with Color

The Most Awesome Coffee Mugs and Tea Cups
Subtle and On-Trend Animal Prints
LBDs for Every Occasion
The Most Comfortable (and Fashionable!) Flats


Connect with Kaboodle:
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Runway to Realway: Pajamas

From Runway to Realway: Pajamas

From Runway to Realway: Pajamas


From Runway to Realway: Pajamas by polyvore-editorial featuring a short sleeve pajamas

Think pajamas are better left for the bedroom? Think again! This season, pajamas have made a major appearance on runways. Designer Rachel Roy made fashion headlines when she wore silvery-blue pajamas on the red carpet at a movie premiere. But what designers and celebs can get away with wearing in their rarefied anything-goes milieu doesn't always translate to workaday reality. What's the best way to bring this super-comfy runway trend to the real way?

Just add slouchy silk shirts with notched collars and piping - the classic pajama look - to a pair of tailored trousers or tucked into a skirt for work, or over a pair of skinny jeans for a more casual look. You can even wear the shirt open, like a soft jacket, over a tee.

Would you wear pajamas outside the bedroom?

The World's Most Expensive Kid + Baby Clothes

Peruvian pom-pom hat

Peruvian pom-pom hat

It's fairly innocent looking, but this darling hat will set you back a whopping $106. If your kid is anything like mine, that $106 will be quickly thrown off the stroller, left at a playground, or covered in grape jelly within the day. And yet, you can't deny it, the desire to spoil our children and outfit them in the very best is a strong one. Hence, even in a recession, there exists a $106 dollar hat for your six-year-old.

Based off an informal poll of my Twitter followers, the consensus seems to be that $50 per item seems to be the very top of the baby wardrobe budget (for me, personally, I stop at the $40 mark). What about you? How much would you be willing to spend on a single item for the apple of your eye?

Check out a collection of the most exorbitantly priced baby clothes I could find on the web (and I'm sure I am missing some gems!). Give them a gander and let me know, how much would you spend on a single item for your baby's wardrobe?

Infant's Rachel Dress in Liberty Phoebe Magenta

Infant's Rachel Dress in Liberty Phoebe Magenta


1. Infant's Rachel Dress in Liberty Phoebe Magenta, $204
Owning a Liberty print has been a lifelong ambition of mine. Why not fulfill her dreams while she's young?
Buy this dress

Related: Cute or Cringe-Worthy? 12 babies dressed as Lady Gaga

Infant's Jessica White Dress and Bloomer

Infant's Jessica White Dress and Bloomer


2. Infant's Jessica White Dress and Bloomer, $142
For $142 can I have the baby, too? She's a beauty!
Buy this dress and bloomer
Girl's Destiny Gown

Girl's Destiny Gown


3. Girl's Destiny Gown, $625
Hi, I shall wear this ball gown out in the backyard. Possibly, we shall go in the sandbox.
Buy this gown
Infant's Dior Vestiaire Sneaker Print Tee

Infant's Dior Vestiaire Sneaker Print Tee


4. Infant's Dior Vestiaire Sneaker Print Tee, $116
Yes, $116 for a beige infant's t-shirt.
Buy this tee

Related: The 10 best lovies for babies

Girl's Fendi Ballerina Flat

Girl's Fendi Ballerina Flat


5. Girl's Fendi Ballerina Flat, $380
If my little girl owned a nearly $400 pair of flats, the only place she would be allowed to wear them would be to bed!
Buy these flats
Girl's Milly Minis Multicolored Banded Tunic

Girl's Milly Minis Multicolored Banded Tunic


6. Girl's Milly Minis Multicolored Banded Tunic, $160
Back in my day, your beach cover-up was your towel.
Buy this tunic

Related: 16 hilarious (and totally inappropriate) baby onesies

Infant's Armani Jr. 3-Pc Suit

Infant's Armani Jr. 3-Pc Suit


7. Infant's Armani Jr. 3-Pc Suit, $385
Each piece in this three-piecer carries with it a price tag of at least $120. W-O-W. (This suit costs more than my wedding dress!)
Buy this suit
Boy's Striped Cashmere Scarf

Boy's Striped Cashmere Scarf


8. Boy's Striped Cashmere Scarf, $130
$130 for an item that I will inevitably run over multiple times with the stroller.
Buy this scarf

- By Natalie Holbrook

For 12 more of the most expensive kid and baby clothes, visit Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE

The most age-inappropriate baby gear (what were they thinking?!)
9 chic ways to wear your baby
The world's most luxurious baby gifts...EVER
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Get updated on must-have mom and family products. Follow Family Style on Facebook and Twitter.

The Budget Fashionista: 10 Stylish Picks from Forever 21

What to buy from Forever 21...

What to buy from Forever 21...

Every now and then I'll go into Forever 21 and they'll just be killing it - great fits, great materials, great quality, and right on trend. It is serious excitement for me when that happens. Other times I'll go in, and it's a dearth of bad clubbing attire, and I just feel depressed.

I generally consider myself a Forever 21 pro. Having been a student or the wife of a student for seven of my eight years of marriage, I have gotten really good at spotting the diamond in the rough of cheap poly blends at Forever 21.

Forever 21 is a great way to safely try a trend you're not sure about just yet. If it turns out to be a bust, you're usually only out about $25. It's also great for when you decide you are really into a certain trend, and you want to buy in bulk without feeling overly ridiculous about it ... or is that just me and my striped shirt obsession? Here are 10 great pieces you should buy at Forever 21 right now!

Polka Dot Calf Skirt

Polka Dot Calf Skirt


1. Polka Dot Calf Skirt
Pair this fun skirt with a silky white blouse and wedge booties for a hip work-day outfit!
Buy this skirt

Related: 12 ways to rock the fur trend

Classic Cape Coat

Classic Cape Coat


2. Classic Cape Coat

Tap into this season's cape trend with this lovely pick! We suggest pairing it with red skinnies for an extra burst of style!
Buy this coat
Longline Geo Cardigan

Longline Geo Cardigan


3. Longline Geo Cardigan
Wear it seamlessly from kicking around the house to lunch with your girlfriends to date night dinner.
Buy this cardigan
Leopard Boyfriend Cardigan

Leopard Boyfriend Cardigan


4. Leopard Boyfriend Cardigan
I've been iffy on the leopard print trend, but this cardigan is slouchy and not too gaudy ... the perfect cardigan to try out this trend with!
Buy this cardigan

Related: 28 funky ways to wear neon

Faux Fur Trim Knit Vest

Faux Fur Trim Knit Vest


5. Faux Fur Trim Knit Vest

If you're interested in the fur vest trend but aren't ready to take the plunge, this knit vest makes for a nice toe dip!
Buy this vest
Wool Blend Southwest Jacket

Wool Blend Southwest Jacket


6. Wool Blend Southwest Jacket
This geometric-meets-Native American printed jacket is a gorgeous statement piece for cold winter days!
Buy this jacket

Related: Coming Soon! 10 spring collections we can't wait for

Crochet Knitted Shift Dress

Crochet Knitted Shift Dress


7. Crochet Knitted Shift Dress
This bright, crochet shift dress has us wishing for warmer weather!
Buy this dress
Patterned Skinny Jeans

Patterned Skinny Jeans


8. Patterned Skinny Jeans
We can't get enough of these camel skinnies featuring funky printed pockets. Pair with a plain white tee and booties for the perfect Saturday afternoon outfit!
Buy these jeans

Related: 10 ways to wear a headscarf

Longline Denim Jacket

Longline Denim Jacket


9. Longline Denim Jacket

This long denim jacket is just the coat to keep warm with as winter turns to spring!
Buy this jacket
Colorblock Pleats Skirt

Colorblock Pleats Skirt


10. Colorblock Pleats Skirt
This pretty colorblock skirt is just the piece for you to tap into the cool and stylish '70s trend!
Buy this skirt

- By Natalie Holbrook

For 10 more stylish picks from Forever 21, visit Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE

17 fashion trends we hope disappear in 2012
Gorgeous party dresses under $50
10 awesome ways to refashion a t-shirt
The hottest makeup, hair, and nail trends this season
The 10 worst-dressed celebrity kids

Get updated on must-have mom and family products. Follow Family Style on Facebook and Twitter.