The awards shows have begun, and Fashion Week is just around the corner.  This means we’ll soon be bombarded with images and posts of Best & Worst Dressed list and rundowns of the major collections.  While I’ve never posted recaps from these fashionable weeks (and don’t plan on starting!), you can guarantee I’m peeking through the photo galleries as they come up.

Most of the time, the red carpet and fashion shows just give me a little taste of “Things I Want But Can’t Have.”  Frankly, I don’t like spending my time going COVET COVET COVET when their unattainably and unbelievably out of reach.  (Michael Kors watch? Attainable with some savings & sale shopping.  Cartier vintage jewelry? Not even in my wildest dreams.)

When I’m not struck by a case of the covets, I use these sources as what they’re meant to be (for the average gal)–inspiration.  For those of us who don’t always know what our style is, who are looking to incorporate fresh flavor into our wardrobes, or who need a sartorial pick-me-up, the runway and red carpet are a great place to look!

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Your Favorite Cuts & Fits

I’m gonna start with three VERY different outfits, but all three that I love– and feel are very me.  Christian Dior here, fun, playful, and whimsical.  Mila Kunis at the Golden Globes in a very classic, yet understated dress.  And Alexander McQueen–who need I say more?  Yet, at the heart of these outfits, we find similar structures: a fitted, structured bodice and, in the first two, fuller skirts.  The McQueen outfit provides a more streamlined silhouette, but you do begin to find weight towards the bottom of the skirt.

Look at your favorite picks each season– and what common elements are you finding? Are you drawn to the avant garde? The loose and elegant? Fitted skirts and plunging necklines?

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Your Favorite Colors & Prints

Hey– did you know I’m an avid fan of your wardrobe having a color palette?  Especially if, like me, you’re a color FIEND?

Sometimes a gal doesn’t know where to start though– where to narrow out colors, where to find the ones she truly wears.  I’m attracted to, and feel best in, jewel tones and vibrants.  I stay away from citrus-y oranges and yellows (though love to embrace a little chartreuse!) and pastels.  Not a surprise? I’m not attracted to those colors on the red carpet or the runway, unless it’s SPECK-TACULAR.  Same goes for prints.  I’m mad crazy for leopard print, polka dots, and stripes.  I don’t often buy florals or abstract prints.

Start hoarding those images in a folder, and figure out what colors you love– and which pretty prints!

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Teach You About… Textures, Details & Accents That Attract You

Great outfits come from great details.

Great details can also bring to life the most basic pieces– the perfect studding on a top, the peplum on a skirt.  Details take the boring and ordinary to extraordinary.   Imagine Rachel Evan Woods dress if it were just a basic silk– beautiful, but ordinary.  Or Nicole Kidman’s without the intricate studding and channels.  Betsey Johnson shows us we can mix textures and a bit of pattern to create a look that’s over the top.

Runways and red carpets are great for figuring out what details you’re attracted to–whether ruffles, studs, sequins or feathers (all of which I love).  Then it’s a matter of integrating those in to YOUR personal closet.

Runway & Red Carpet Style Can Help Find You… A Style Icon

Crazy, no?  It’s hard to find a style icon if you’re not obsessively watching what celebs wear out on the street.  And those fab fashion shoots?  ARE ALL PUT TOGETHER BY A STYLIST.  Soooo…sheeetttt. How DO you find a style icon?

This is why I love the red carpet– it’s like seeing the best version of a performer.  While many have assistance by a stylist, the red carpet is often where you’re finding them representing themselves–best or worst dressed lists and all.  I love the red carpet because you can find out who are risk-takers, who always play it safe with pastel strapless dresses, and who uses each event as an opportunity to be share another side (Rachel McAdams, Emma Stone– I’m looking at you!).  If you search through each event as it happens, I’m sure you’re going to notice yourself attracted to the same performers over and over… and what do you know? You’ve got an icon.

I’m mad crazy about Emma Stone– and a quick look above probably shows why.  She picks amazing colors and simple silhouettes with a unique twist.  She realizes the details (the lace and shape in Tom Ford, her belt on the right, and the power of a hot pink lip against a black and white gown).

There’s no doubt in MAH MIND– if we were besties (which I think we could be), that I’d ALWAYS be going, OOOH GURL. WHERE’D YOU GET THAT?

 Do you use the red carpet or Fashion Week season to give your style a boost of inspiration? What are your tips for beginning the process (lawd knows I find all the designers at NYFW overwhelming!)?

All images via Elle.com.

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I have loads of wonderful girlfriends who I love to treat during the holidays.  But as with anyone, what do you get the gal who has everything (when you can’t buy them Fluevogs)?  This year I decided to try my hand at handmade fascinators, each one adorned, decorated, and bedazzled to suit the lady’s fab personality.

Each hat is made of a teardrop buckram base– and is apparently one of the most difficult hat shapes to pattern to! It looks so easy and uncomplicated; thankfully I have the wit & wisdom of a costume shop to help me through those moments when I’m throwing hats across the house.  Many are covered in silk dupioni, with vintage lace, embroidery, feathers, and odds used to decorate each of them!

This one has a twin– for two huge Saints loving fans in my life. Photos don’t do justice to the colors reflected  in this vintage lace!

For a super fab girlfriend– a vintage inspired fascinator! It’ll go spectacularly with her two-tone hair and sky-high shoes.

The following two are probably two of my favorites.  They’re patterned off the Sublime Stitching The Black Apple pattern (which I picked up from Miss Malaprop).

I love the eerie, creepy Bavarian children vibe of the design, as if they’re Children of the Damned surrounded by books, birds, and candy-colored houses.  (The first is meant to look like the friend’s young son, making it more creepy!)

Making these were such a blast– it was fabulous using up so many of my odds and ends in the craft closet, building something new, and hopefully having girlfriends squeal with delight at the pieces.

Did you go the homemade route at all this holiday season? Have any great tried and true tutorials for me to try?

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If you’re following me on Facebook or Twitter, you probably saw me begging for votes in the Very.com Facebook Blogger competition– and while I didn’t win 20 years worth of free clothes, I did get a bit more British-mania.

Very.com is the latest British retailer offering their American shoppers easy ordering, cheap or free shipping AND returns, plus– a 5 day ship period! (Holy crap. I wish everything took 5 days to ship from the UK!) Add to that plus-size, petite, and maternity selections (fashion for all ladies, yo!).  I love when companies make it easy for girls all over the world look good–regardless of size.

I hope their plus-sized selection grows– and pieces seem to go fast, because a sweatshirt and some leopard print heels I fell in love with on Sunday are already gone! But the selection is good, with at least a few pieces I could see myself coveting…

Oh So VERY Ashe:
So Fabulous Print Square Top ($38);  So Fabulous Lace Sleeve Tunic ($55);   So Fabulous Floral Jersey Blouse ($43); So Fabulous Harem Pants ($49)

And because it’s the holidays (and I can’t justify buying myself anything during this time unless there is a sweet deal attached), sign up below to receive 20% off your first order!

Do you get excited when international retailers make it easier to shop? What are your favorite shops that ship quick & easy all over the world? (And let’s face it, do you get as excited as I do buy British shops? It’s always a nice & refreshing change!)

Disclosure: According to FTC policy, this post was compensated for by Very.com, but all details are Ashe-approved!

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The other day Ginger shot me a tweet that asked for recommendations for Little Black Dresses of the plus-sized variety– while I shot off a few places to check out, I realized that with the holiday season (and thus holiday parties) coming up, that a list of Little Black Dresses for plus size gals would be awesome.

Now I have to admit–I don’t believe there is ONE LBD that can go from black tie to office.  So this list includes party dresses, a few day dresses, and a couple that can make their way from work day to wedding guest.

Show Off Sexy Shoulders in your Little Black Dress:
City Chic One Shoulder Sequin Dress ($78); Torrid Off-Shoulder Sheath Dress ($58.50); Eloquii Lace One Shoulder Dress ($128); Torrid One Shoulder Cape Dress ($64.50)

Baby It’s Cold Outside…Long Sleeves & Sexy.
Igigi Francesca Dress ($160); ASOS Curve Midi Dress with Chiffon Sleeves ($62.90); Igigi Milla Dress ($170) Igigi Milan Dress ($130)

Sweet, Sexy, and Strapless Black Dresses
ASOS Curve Jacquard Party Dress ($116.81) Torrid Black & Lace Splice Dress ($74.50)  eShakti Inverse Pleat Sheath Dress ($56.95) eShakti Ruffle Wrap Dress ($59.95)

Whether 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s… Vintage Inspired Little Black Dresses…
ASOS Curve Lace Dress (with Back Panels) ($89.85); Torrid Stop Staring! Tiffany Dress ($120.50); ASOS Curve Lace Dress with Tulle Skirt ($107.82); B&Lu Raquel Dress ($69)

Ashe’s Favorite 4 Little Black Dresses
City Chic Roxanne Dress ($78; I have this dress and LOVE it!); Eshakti Beaded & Tulle Little Black Dress ($69.95);  Eloquii Batwing Dress ($118); ASOS Curve Lace Dress ($80.87)

Which dress is your favorite? Have any other great little black dress options for the plus size lady?

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Before Fall even started (and let’s face it, it HASN’T here in New Orleans), all I’ve wanted to wear is intarsia sweaters.

CUTESY SILLY ANIMAL AND HEART PRINT INTARSIA SWEATERS.  It all started with finding this horse sweater on Torrid (which is sadly sold out).  And now it’s all I want to wear this winter.

Obviously it’s not clear whether I’m a 8 year old girl, an 18 year old punk, or a lazy 28 year old.

Grey Swan Sweater – Dorothy Perkins; Navy Swallow Cardigan – Dorothy Perkins; 
Angora Heart Sweater – ASOS

Angora Heart Sweater – ASOS;  Sausage Dog Sweater – Dorothy Perkins;
Cream Poodle Sweater – Dorothy Perkins;

I’m also not the type of girl to dress twee, so I love that while these have cute images, they also have great silhouettes, slim cuts, and really simple shapes.

And sometimes a girl just has to embrace a bit of twee.

ONE OF EACH, PLZ!

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