Bringing the disco ball to life… summer sequins, learn them, love them!!

That’s right, I said it and I don’t apologize – sequins might be my favorite new trend for the summer.  The MTV Movie Awards were last weekend in LA, and since my fashionable butt was watching all the red carpet action in said city,  I feel it’s necessary to pull my favorite look of the evening and take it from the red carpet to your closet.  I already know what most of you are thinking, sequins? Really?  You probably have visions of froofy dance costumes circa the fifth grade talent show or the outfit trapeze flyers wear under the big top.  But fear not fashion students, sequins don’t have to be scary.  In fact, they can be totally fabulous if you choose pieces that are subtle and well accessorized.  If you choose a heavily sequined dress, tone down the sparkly baubles and if you choose a fully sequined bag, choose a dress that has hints of the sequin shine.  Let’s have a look at my favorite MTV award-show look – Ms. Sienna Miller.  She chose a superb hunter green sparkled mini-dress with  chrome t-strap sandals and an understated white envelope clutch.  The dress + sandals +  the clutch = a winning combination for the event and a permanent place in my “style envy” book.  Her wavy wind-tossed blonde locks and the neutral matte make-up ensure that all attention is focused on her brilliant green dress and her ridiculously gorgeous gams. She has perfectly off-set the bold dress by adding accessories that enhance her main piece without creating unnecessary distractions.  Take notes ladies, Sienna has passed “Sequins 101”.   Props to you Ms. Miller, I am a huge fan.

By this point I hope you’re itching to try this look on the next girls night out, so I’ve taken the liberty of doing some online shopping (don’t worry, it was my PLEASURE) to find an equally dazzling sequin dress (that works within your budget).  I’ve also made sure to provide some guidance on shoes and accessories – I know it can be difficult for a regular night out, I can only imagine the stress you might feel when working with a dress full of sparkles!  Accessorizing can be quite the balancing act and you do NOT want to be the girl who looks like she rolled around in a second-graders glitter/glue project.  Drum roll please…..

 Start with this darling mini-dress from my favorite UK stop – asos.com.  It’s got a $143 price tag, but worth every penny.  This all-over sequined piece is a member of the Asos BLACK line and its presence in your summer wardrobe will guarantee your position as center of attention. The embellished shift features a plunging V-back (steals my heart!) also so when you turn to walk away, all eyes will remain locked on your high-fashion frock. 

 

I chose a pretty sassy shoe for this dress, but my thought was, if we are going for it – let’s go all out.  This strappy black pump  (from my main  man Steve Madden) will provide a strong anchoring element to the light silver/white combo on the dress.  Plus, multiple straps will create a peek-a-boo effect around your ankle and your legs will look miles long – a la Sienna!  This shoe is uber feminine and screams “sexy” in a very rock ‘n’roll way.  They are the perfect topping to this sequined sundae and I promise you will wear these over and over since they transition beautifully from summer to fall.  Great on a tan leg when the sun is shining and functional with a pair of patterned tights when the leaves begin to change.

Finally, the question that plagues those of you who fear the journey into your jewelry box – how much sparkle is TOO much sparkle?  I chose two pieces that I think compliment the super sequined dress perfectly.  One has mega-personality and provides a punch of color to this otherwise neutral get-up, and the other is a cocktail ring big enough to punch some lights out.  The snake bracelet by Betsey Johnson has sporadic gems along gold enamel so you’ll get a shiny, colorful pop without overwhelming your dress.  Then, top the whole look off with this super-sparkler - a cocktail ring in the same shades as the dress.  This bauble promises to provide the finger bling you crave without throwing you into the “overdone” category.

For those of you who aren’t ready to run full speed with the sequin-obsessed, here are a few items that will allow you to introduce this trend into your look at a slower pace.  Beginners, try adding this sequin clutch to your fav LBD or the sheik white suit (with a black  lace cami) hanging in your closet – toss on a pair of sky-high metallic sandals and you’ll be ready to paint the town pink!  Intermediates, try this sequin animal print top.  It’s definitely a little risqué, but pair it with skinny black denim or leatherette leggings and it will seem trendy as opposted to overly distracting.  Careful girls, this top will cost you, but if you utilize some things you already own, the charge won’t feel so intense! 

You are now armed with the potential to be fashionably dangerous! Go shine! xoxo,