Lina LecaroLos Angeles Fashion Week is still but a blip on the stylemonger radar — compared with New York's big bang last month — but that doesn't mean our local fashionistas and designers aren't donning or doing anything creative, fresh or fun here. At Concept FW this past weekend, held at Ace Gallery on Wilshire, the shows and installations for the most part offered wearable yet arty pieces styled and set up with imagination and panache. And that goes for the crowd as well.
Last night, Vibiana was the locale for the retro-inspired looks of Stop Staring, a company that epitomizes a more streamlined style statement and one that L.A. ladies are known for: Va-va-voom!
In fact, shooting the ensembles at Concept and Stop Staring was an exercise in the polarity of L.A. women's fashion sensibilities. It highlighted the two main ways most of us choose to express ourselves here: (1) sexy, glamorous and very put-together, and (2) edgy, mismatched and kinda all over the place.
Check out our top 10 hottest looks (from on and off the runway) to see how each diverse style is done right.
10. Mad for Plaid
Credit: Lina Lecaro
In a sea of skinny jeans, a plaid flair looks positively pop-tastic. We especially like the peek-a-book lacing down the sides.
9. Fair Lady
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Pretty full skirts are due for a comeback, especially if they show off a teeny-tiny waist. The messy braid is an unexpected complement here.
8. Pretty In Punk
Credit: Lina Lecaro
On the other end of the spectrum, this '80s-inspired, form-fitting frock from Jen Awad (who showed at Concept Saturday night) shows the right amount of skin … and ink.
7. Saucy Secretary
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Is there anything more seductive than a gal in a tight dress, sassy makeup and smarty-pants eyeglasses? We think not.
6. Hip Hair
Credit: Lina Lecaro
The “Ombre” look (dark on top, light on bottom) is a cute alternative to the chunky highlights and skunk stripes of yore. One-length super-long hippie hair looks right with the neo-grunge looks younger gals are rocking a lot lately, too.
5. Rainbow Bright
Credit: Lina Lecaro
Speaking of hair, we're still fans of crazy colors (even though pop stars like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have co-opted it). It's a way to stand out no matter what you wear, and this gal's simple black and white outfit proves it.
4. Wild Thing
Credit: Lina Lecaro
A gal who just goes for it will always be a style winner in our book. Even in trendy feathers, this lady stands out from the flock.
3. Quite a Catch
Credit: Lina Lecaro
The “three F's” never fail when it comes looking retro-foxy: fishnets, flower in the hair, form-fitting dress. At the Stop Staring show nearly every chica there was working a variation on this look … and it worked for all of them.
2. In the Abstract
Credit: Lina Lecaro
At first glance this get-up seemed rather ridiculous to us — like something Mrs. Roper from Three's Company might wear. But after soaking it in and watching this confident lass pose for a few different fashion-blogger cameras, we changed our minds. From the hair to the bag to the shoes, this loud get-up defies the rules and somehow looks chic.
1. Nice Lines
Credit: Lina Lecaro
One of the highlights of the Stop Staring show, this femme fatale look is a perfect example of how to be sexy without being trashy. It's something not all gals in L.A. know how to pull off (especially in the clubs). Take notes ladies, because this is how it's done: body-hugging dress, loose hair, red lips, sky-high shoes and a come-hither gaze.
L.A. Fashion Week continues at Sunset/Gower Studios this weekend. See info. here.
Slideshow featuring more hot looks up soon…
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