true 1 8 Zoe Saldana looked gorgeous in a violet vision by Givenchy! But if you--like me--have neither the occasion nor the budget to strut your stuff in Oscar-calibur gowns, there are still some inspirational fashion lessons to glean from the masters of glam who create them! I've asked the stylists to select their favorite dresses from Hollywood's biggest night and offer some suggestions for 'dressing down' the winning looks for everyday wear! <br><br> <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/ZoeSaldanaOscar.jpg" /> <br><br> - Don't be afraid to mix different shades of the same color! Just make sure the hues are obviously different; that way it won't look like you were trying to go matchy-matchy. With so many, easily discernible hues, purple is the perfect color for tone-on-tone looks that don't appear washed out! <br><br> -Keeping darker shades concentrated in the lower half of your outfit will anchor your look and brighten your complexion! <br><br> -Your Mariah boots offer a very literal translation of the gown's billowing ruffles, but you can hint at movement with metallic details, pleats, and even frayed denim! <br><br> - The section where the bodice meets the skirt is a clear source of intrigue. Look for pieces that juxtapose shiny details, like sequins, with matte finishes, like jersey and denim. 2010-03-09T13:30:06-08:00 2010-03-09T15:15:00-08:00 27 dress_down_the_gown_zoe_saldana 2010-03-09T16:00:00-08:00 2010-03-09T16:54:46-08:00 181180 true 1 8 <img height="300" src="http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/fit-in-your-jeans-by-friday-pic.jpg" /> It's 'Fitness Friday' so here's a list of reasons why a Friday workout is so great! <br><br> 1. The gym is empty! That means there's no waiting for equipment, no creepy lurkers, and no need to stay cute while you work up a sweat! It also means you can probably get your workout done in a fraction of the time. <br><br> 2. It's a great warm-up. I'm sure you have some killer dance moves to debut tonight; but if you plan on dipping it low later, you might want to limber up first! <br><br> 3. Cardio doesn't stop when you hop off the elliptical; a little exercise will keep burning extra calories all night long, even if you plan on a decadent dinner post-workout!<br><br> 4. Detox. Not only will a good sweat clear your pores and make your skin radiant for your evening plans, but physical activity will purge a week's worth of stress and anxiety so you can really let loose! <br> <br> 5. Boost your confidence. Whether you workout all the time or can't remember the last time you saw your gym pass, even a swift workout will help you feel fabulous in the outfit you've chosen for tonight!<br><br> Ultimately, it's about being healthy; and your fitness is as important as the fit of your ShoeDazzle shoes! <br><br> Have a great workout and a great weekend! 2010-03-05T13:03:31-08:00 2010-03-05T11:00:00-08:00 26 fitness_friday 2010-03-05T15:00:00-08:00 2010-03-05T15:27:55-08:00 181180 true 1 8 <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/Akikoinspiration.jpg" /> After noticing a bit of, shall we say, apprehension in the responses to the Akiko post, I've asked the stylists to offer a few pointers on how to wear this smart, little heel. <br><br> - Bring Akiko out of her shell with military inspired pieces.<br><br> - Look for pleated, layered, and geometric pieces that echo Akiko's most notable features. <br><br> - Stick with solid colors in gradation. The reflection of metallic fabrics and the sheen of leather will give your look sophisticated depth without appearing busy. <br><br> - Bring a touch of nostalgia to your look with Henley tops, mildly distressed finishes, and creamy --rather than stark white-- tones. <br><br> - Keep it simple; Akiko was designed to bring subtle interest to understated, but detail-oriented looks. Accessories should be minimal and thoughtful. <br><br> Totally appropriate for National Grammar Day, Akiko dots the i's and crosses the t's of succinctly chic, neutral styles! 2010-03-04T16:34:13-08:00 2010-03-04T14:00:00-08:00 25 the_key_to_akiko 2010-03-04T17:00:00-08:00 2010-03-04T17:55:02-08:00 181180 true 1 8 <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/RedQueenWinner.jpg" /> I don't know about Alice, but when <b><i>Alessandra</i></b> goes for 'wonderful', she --like most of you who took the FaceBook poll-- draws inspiration from our favorite, red-hot royal! But before you lose your head in every shade of crimson you can find, why not take a blue-blooded approach to the Queen of Hearts' temperamental style? Arterial hues will definitely keep your look from flat lining this season; use Alessandra's magenta to complement both your bluest blues and your reddest hues for looks that are ...well... palpitating! Granted, deep, dark colors in spring might seem like complete nonsense; but in frilly, flirty styles, burgundy and indigo can be as dainty as pastels. Look for playful items with a drop of formality: denim dresses with full-bodied ruffles, bright coats with brass, military detailing, and youthfully shaded, grown-up accessories. Let curiosity get the best of you as you draw unexpected inspiration from what promises to be one spectacular movie! 2010-03-02T15:30:55-08:00 2010-03-02T14:00:00-08:00 23 alessandra_in_wonderland 2010-03-02T18:00:00-08:00 2010-03-02T18:14:54-08:00 181180 true 1 3 <img src="http://cdn.shoedazzle.com/images/blog/post_images/WinterSheers.jpg" class="no_wrap" /> Romance is all well and good, but when the Valentine's date dinner candles have long since fizzled out, you better be ready to keep the fire burning with a smoldering hot wardrobe! This season, dark, sheer fabrics abound, and the simultaneously skimpy and full-coverage looks they can create remind all of us that we don't have to wait for summer-- or even spring--to embrace the joys of the flesh. Unless you're the most daring of divas, layers are key to keeping these looks wearable. Follow Leila's example; this demure but sultry pump combines sheer lace over ivory satin for a naughty-and-nice look that appears lingerie-inspired without actually revealing anything! Try to look for pieces with texture, movement, and strategically placed opaque elements to further obscure the view. That should keep your admirer's heart racing and mind wondering how much is really left to the imagination. Seductive and deceptive, this trend is sheer perfection! 2010-02-23T02:18:53-08:00 2010-02-23T01:00:00-08:00 21 sheer_perfection 2010-02-23T12:00:00-08:00 2010-02-23T09:53:46-08:00 181180