Trend Report: Waspy Waists

Hallelujah! It’s official, the battle between the defined versus the undefined waist is over! Accentuating your waist and creating curves is a classy (and sexy) fashion trend this fall, and in my opinion is always in style.

Earlier this month The Cut revealed the hottest upcoming trends and defining your waist made the list as as one of the top 9 trends of the season, “The waist is in for fall. Belts will come large, thin, and corseted — a little something for everyone. Balenciaga’s waist is sashed, feminine, defined, and girlie. Lanvin showed a skinny belt that was a nice color contrast with the dresses. Ann Demeulemeester’s corseted version has a twinge of S&M: slightly naughty and dangerous. If you needed any confirmation, Michelle Obama’s already wearing buckled belts frequently.”

Here is a gorgeous and sleek interpretation of how to clinch your waist by Oscar de La Renta.

One fashionista loves the idea of this Fall trend and describes it as, “So Mad-Men-meets-June-Cleaver but with a modern sensibility.” I couldn’t have said it better. “Belts that emphasized the waist, volume that’s been controlled via pleats, darts or tucks and skinny pants are all part of a bigger trend: the sleek silhouette.”

Let me also point out a trend: Michelle Obama as a new fashion icon. Her style caught our eye during the campaign and now she is bringing classic looks back into the White House and into our closets. You can’t ignore her power and grace in her array of J. Crew threads; we can’t keep our eyes off of her! The truth is, a sleek silhouette and a belted, clinched feminine waist is far from a new discovery. Michelle Obama is bringing back a 50′s sense of style that we haven’t seen executed so well since Jackie Kennedy.

And I can’t be happier! I hope this is the end of the bag-like dresses that hang shapeless from our bodies that don’t even look that appealing hanging from the walls of our favorite stores.

And I cannot talk about the skill of clinching your waist without mentioning one of my favorite fashion icons: Grace Kelly who effortlessly always looks fabulous and divine. Some of my favorite wardrobe selections comes from the movie Rear Window, a classic Hitchcock thriller where Kelly paired with James Stewart as well as some gorgeous dresses.

Here is just one amazing dress she wore in the flick:

I personally was inspired by Mrs. Obama and Ms. Kelly two weeks ago while shopping for a daytime wedding,  always a difficult task (especially with the ever-changing weather in Texas). I ignored my urges to select a dress from the popular colors this spring and instead chose a classic, yet unexpected piece doing some last minute shopping. My eyes fell on a sateen stretch color block dress by DKNY and I had to try it on. It was strapless– a risk for sure– but grabbed my size and carried my new find determined to the dressing room.  Amazingly, it fit perfectly. When does that happen? The store attendant said it was sassy, and it was.

Simple and classy. White on top with a black accent around the waist that hit at the perfect place. The bottom was slimming and the best part is that it has pockets, how fun.

Well, maybe the best part was that it was actually on sale, further justifying my purchase that I had already been running through all the different examples of how I could re-use this classic dress. Which meant I could buy a fabulous pair of  Marc Fisher “Samelia” pumps: black leather ice snake to be exact. I realize I am sounding a bit like the character from Confessions of a Shopaholic, but with my savings from the dress it’s as if the shoes were free!

Mr. Fisher describes them as, “ A glam pump that’s perfect for making an entrance.” And did I ever. I little flare on my feet to pair with my DKNY waist clinching love. If I felt any better I would have been the bride.

XOXO

Style Icon: Michelle Obama

The day after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the headlines weren’t just about the new milestone our country had just experienced … it was about Michelle Obama’s dress on that historic night.

I applaud our future first lady for this choice and others she has made, that push the envelope and introduce the country and the world to designers they wouldn’t have necessarily come across otherwise. Her bold choices are a sign of independence, confidence and gusto … BRAVO !!

The future of our country seems to be laying in the hands of Obama …Mrs. Obama that is.What will decide this future? The dress she dons on January 20, 2009 for her husband’s inauguration. Of course, we all know what you wear makes a huge impression, but to have so much riding on it is unprecedented. Her choice will signify hope, promise, and for sure influence women everywhere in their fashion choices. Designers will use Michelle as a muse, and inspiration will trickle to the runways for seasons to come.

Oscar de la Renta

Many believe her choice should be an American designer, and I agree. It should stimulate excitement for the garment industry in the US, which is especially feeling the strains of the economy. There is a very delicate balance to focus on. The coveted choice Michelle makes shouldn’t be too over the top, alienating the more conservative mass, yet with her obvious youth and spunk … a fun, fabulous, slightly risky pick would be perfect.

Oscar de la Renta has been a first lady favorite for years, with Laura Bush as a huge fan and before her Hillary Clinton.

Tracy Reese

There’s Diane von Furstenberg,  Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Rodarte, Nicole Miller, amongst others.

Tracy Reese would be an amazing choice; being a successful, accomplished African-American woman, very similar to our future first lady. Not to mention her designs are simply stunning.

Nicole Miller

Michael Kors has national recognition with his Project Runway fame; his designs are clean, classy and crisp, sophisticated and spectacular. He also is accessible, with a bridge line Michael Michael Kors … making him attainable for the masses, and the pick I am pushing for !!

Carolina Herrera

Quelle colour? Michelle looks amazing in most tones. Purple seems to be her color of choice. Blue would be absolutely appropriate, Red might be too much after her election night pick, and Black might be too basic.

Rachel Roy

In this case, and always: Understated elegance is always best.

She also has her two daughters to keep in mind, Sasha and Malia. They always seem to blend perfectly, with few words; their wardrobe often speaks to their individual and unique personalities.

Rodarte

Now that the election is over, and our choice for president has been made, the question is: What will Michelle wear? I can’t wait to see for myself …

Article written by Alana Kelen, Head stylist for VH1

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