Now, in case you haven’t read any of my previous articles on female fashion, I care about red carpet fashion as much as I care about the latest female fashion trends in general (that is, I couldn’t care less).  Still, since Sabrina and I run this site together, we think it’s fitting that we keep things balanced by providing perspectives on female fashion from both of our points of view.

If you love red carpet fashion, then you will probably hate my opinion.  Let’s get into it.

Amanda Seyfried:

I’ve never been a fan of one-shoulder outfits or outfits that resemble a shoulder sling.  I don’t know if it’s the asymmetry or my brain’s association with an outfit that an Amazon woman would wear, but I’ve always thought dresses and tops with one shoulder strap looked weird.

The translucent material looks trashy.  I don’t know if the material is supposed to be sexy, but it’s not.  What is that thing under the shear-material?  A corset?  I really don’t know what is going on from the hips up.

Now the skirt is good.  It’s short enough to be sexy and the pattern is interesting without being over-the-top.  Skin exposure is always a plus in my book (no sausage-casing tights, please).

I realize she’s wearing fuzzy boots reminiscent of Uggs and I have no feeling on them either way.  I know that some people hate Uggs and anything Ugg-like, but I don’t care and I don’t think guys in general care.  Sure, we might think you’re a dummy if you’re wearing Uggs to the beach, but that’s your problem if you’re one of those people.

For the most part I don’t like the outfit, but I do like her hair.

Amber Valetta:
This would be an awesome-looking dress if someone ripped off the stupid square shoulders and threw them off a cliff.  I HATE SQUARE SHOULDERS.

The color of the dress looks great on her.  I know I always say that I don’t care about female fashion and all that, but I am a sucker for excellent color choice in general.

The shoes are nothing special, but sensible for the outfit.  Plus they are heels and I always like heels.

Her hair looks good (no bangs).  Given the choice, I like women with their hair down and lots of volume.  I’m sure she looks very nice with her hair down.

Overall I think this outfit looks very elegant and simplified.  Again, the shoulders are ridiculous, but I’d still give it a passing grade.

Ashley Olsen:

I haven’t seen Alice in Wonderland, but this outfit looks like some kind of Alice in Wonderland midget that would haunt my dreams.  Just horrible.

Her hair looks fine.  Her heels look fine.

But that dress… my god.  The puffy shoulders are horrid, the wide waist makes her look like an oompa-loompa and the wide skirt looks silly.

The skirt length is good, but there is no chance of this outfit looking sexy.  It just looks ridiculous.

Ashley Tisdale:

Yes!  Now we’re talking.

This is what I’m always saying: a girl should look hot, feminine and normal.  Is that so much to ask?

Her top looks feminine, great color and the smooth material gives a feeling of sensuality.

Her accessories are interesting, but not over-the-top.  Erring on the side of subtlety is usually a good thing in these wacky times.

Her skirt is very sexy.  Eye-catching, interesting and most-importantly short.

The fact that she’s wearing high heels is great, but I have always felt cheetah-print is cheesy looking and silly.

Her hair looks good.  I guess you technically could say she has bangs, but I don’t consider those bangs since they don’t cover her forehead.  Forehead coverage just looks stupid… that’s why bangs were out of fashion for so long in the first place!
This outfit is all around sexy and by far the leader of this pack in my male-opinion.

Chloe Sevigny:

Words can’t even describe the horror I am experiencing as I look at this outfit.

It looks like there’s a good dress underneath that awful, out-of-control, full-body tu-tu.  Again, translucent, gauzy-looking materials are just lame.

Her heels are fine, nothing special.  Hair is plain and understated…  given the train-wreck of an outfit she’s wearing, I wish she wore her hair down to distract me from the mess.

This outfit is just a disaster and that’s that.

Nicole Richie:

Nicole looks good here.  I like this outfit.

I wouldn’t call it a “sexy” outfit, but I would call it a sensual-looking outfit… which is sexy in a way.

It’s attention-catching, feminine and interesting, but not out-of-control or try-hard.

You really can’t go wrong with something symmetrical and feminine.

I’m anti-bangs, but I even think her hair looks good here.

Rachel Bilson:

I looked at this for a while, trying to figure out my opinion.

My determination?  I think it’s a stupid-looking outfit and it does nothing for me.

I don’t like that it looks like a strapless dress with shoulder covers added.

And I hate that it’s “hairy looking”.   I would be distracted by her hairy dress if I had to sit next to her at an event (not that I have that to worry about).

I always like heels, but these heels do nothing for me.

The good points?  Her hair looks good and matching the color of her earrings to dress is a nice touch.  Overall the outfit is a bust though.

So there you have it:  Another edition of my take on women’s fashion – complete.  What did we learn today?

• If you’ve got legs, show them off.  The more, the better.
• Err on the side of subtlety when it comes to accessories.  Guys could care less, so there’s no reason for you to look like an Incan deity.
• You can’t go wrong with something symmetrical, feminine and normal looking.
• Square shoulders are the worst creation ever.
• One-shoulder outfits look dumb.
• Cheetah-print is cheesy.
• Don’t dress like an oompa-loompah.
• I couldn’t care less if you wear Uggs or not.
• Translucent, gauzy or shear material sucks, with the exception of sexy nightgowns and lingerie.

- Eric Charles

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This is one reason I favor small e-boutiques when I need something fabulous. My newest go to is IM-HM.com (I Am High Maintenance), a small online boutique with a well-edited selection of pieces from premium designers such as Twenty8Twelve, Sass & Bide, Crispin & Basilio, Richard Nicoll, Joe’s Jeans and more.

While the selection is small, it’s still diverse and features everything from basic staples to avant-garde wow-inducers and I honestly love, and would wear, each and every item. Having a targeted selection also makes for a much more enjoyable, much less overwhelming and time-consuming shopping experience.

I could go on and on, but the proof is really in the pudding, or rather, the merchandise.

Read on for my top 10 favorite pieces and for an exclusive discount code for ANM readers.

Twenty8Twelve Theo Modal Wool Jersey Top, $125. A fashion-forward top that will update anything in your closet.

Sass & Bide World At My Feet Embellished Vest, $276.50; NOW: $193.55. The perfect way to toughen up your look just a touch.

Rachel Gilbert Lindsay Dress, $445. A standout, statement party dress that combines two of our favorite trends: neutrals and sequins!

Richard Nicoll Ella Dress with Panel Detail, $675; NOW: $472.85. A simple dress that is simply stunning and can take you anywhere from work to a cocktail party.

Sass & Bide Dizzy Heights Fringed Singlet Dress, $192; NOW: $134.75. Funky, fresh, and fashion-forward, this one’s a can’t miss.

Leonardo Salinas Layered Skirt, $182; NOW: $91. Your new go-to party skirt

Ksubi Strapless Jump Suit, $224; NOW: $156.80. Pair this jumpsuit with chunky necklaces, stacks of bangles, and wooden wedges for an updated groovy style.

Matt Bernson KM Gladiator Special, $169. I have these and so trust me when I say they go with everything. I literally live in them during the spring and summer.

Ksubi Skinny Pins Jeans, $234.50; NOW: $164.15. A perfectly distressed pair of go-to skinnies.

Crispin & Basilio Arch-Ed Vest, $392. Layer this sleek vest over just about anything to inject a sexy, androgynous-chic flavor.

DISCOUNT CODE: Take 20% off ALL purchases at IM-HM.com with the code 20panm01 (offer lasts until June 30th).

Happy shopping!

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Hats allow you to go in all sorts of directions with your look and the same outfit can go from sweet and sophisticated to rebellious and edgy with the simple switch of hat. Top off your look with a cute cloche when you want to summon the roaring 20’s, with a beret for a dose of Parisian-chic, with a slouchy beanie for laid-back look, and so on. Use a hat to tone down an amped up style or add that little something extra to a subdued one. The point is, hats can help take your look in whichever direction you chose- just check out the celebs pictured above for hat-inspiration galore!

Now that we’ve learned what hats can do, let’s check out some of the must-have styles.

Deena and Ozzy Straw Top Hat, $28. Adorable yet slightly irreverent, I love it!

Asos Bowler Hat, $34. There’s something to be said about a style that has been around since the 1800’s.

Plush Barca Slouchy Hat, $48. The perfect way add in a dose of street-chic.

Staring at Stars Short Brim Straw Floppy, $28. Your go-to hat on those bright and sunny days.

American Apparel Cotton Beret, $20. Add an instant shot of chic and color with on swoop.

Juicy Couture Sequin Beret, $65. A great way to bring a bit of glam into your everyday style.

Goorin Brothers Pinstripe Fedora Hat, $44. A pinstripe fedora will never get old, seriously. Never. tobi

Forever 21 Felt Floral Cloche Hat, $14.80. An updated take on a timeless style.

- SABRINA ALEXIS

Splash image by Meagan Aguayo

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In addition to being figure-friendly, neutral shades are also high versatile and have an ethereal quality that can’t help but make you feel pretty. As is the case with black, there are countless ways to wear your neutrals.

You can keep clean and simple by forgoing the accessories like Kate Bosworth, who let her blush-colored Calvin Klein dress stand alone,  or use your nude backdrop as a foundation for fun jewelry pieces, like Nicole Richie who accesorized her chic L’Wren Scott sheath with piles of fun pieces from her House of Harlow line.

Take the monochrome route with nudes head-to-toe (a major trend for Fall 2010, fyi) or contrast these soft shades with darks or brights.  I personally love juxtaposing soft neutrals with tough pieces (think biker boots, bomber jackets, boyfriend blazers, chunky knits patterned tights and so on), like Taylor Momsen who teamed an ethereal slip-dress with a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti biker boots. The most imortant thing to remember is to stay true to your personal style and wear your nudes in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

As we transition from winter to spring, I think it’s time that we all brighten up with some stunning neutral shades.

Elizabeth and James Luna Dress, $375 (seen on Hayden Panettiere). Such a fun, easy-to-wear style that is extremely figure friendly.

Nanette Lepore Kartika Mini Dress, $378; NOW: $246. A touch of beading gives this nude dress a boho twist.

Rachel Pally Beach Dress, $180. You’ll reach for this time and time again during the spring and summer.

Kimchi Blue Chiffon Slip Dress, $68. I love this sweet, ballerina-esque style. Toughen it up with a leather jacket or oversized blazer or leave it sweet with a soft, lightweight cardigan.

Alice + Olivia Jesse Jersey Dress with Sequin Top, $440.  The sequins transform this number into a bonafide standout.

Twenty8Twelve Helnwein Cotton Stripe Top, $225. A cool take on a classic style.

MM Couture Drapey Wrap Dress, $75. The perfect year-round piece,. Wear it over a bikini in the summer and with a blazer and tights during the cooler months.

VPL Fractional Tee, $195. So obsessed with the relaxed, slouchy fit.

Vero Moda Relaxed Fit Dinner Jacket, $85. The pale-pink blazer is definitely unexpected and will inject new life into any outfit.

7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Slimmer Jeans, $225. Swap your go-to black skinny jeans with these faded, distressed ones for a fun and fresh style.

- SABRINA ALEXIS

Splash image by Santina Amendola

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I am all about the functional undergarments these days- from shape-wear to customizable bras- these things do matter and can greatly impact the way your clothes look. On the red carpet, the right underpinnings are almost as important as the right dress (something that anyone who watches the Rachel Zoe Project is familiar with).

Read on for my most essential underpinnings.

Spanx Diamond Pattern Control Top Tights , $28. I used to layer Spanx body-shapers over my tights. While this worked, it was uncomfortable- not to mention annoying to be wearing so many different layers. Fortunately, Spanx removed the middle man with a line of super fashionable tights that stay true to what the brand is known for- sucking you in and trimming your tummy and thighs!


Donna Karan Waist Embrace Body Shaper, $45.  I went to a preview for Donna Karan’s Body shaping line a few months back and they had a magician at the event. Why? Because, as they claimed, the body shapers work so well you’ll think it’s magic. I received some samples to try and and was pleased to discover they were right! I rely on these when I’m wearing something super body con or ultra thin  and flimsy to smooth out any bumps and to get a (temporary) tiny waist.

Second Base Demi Camisoles, $29 This demi camisole provides all the benefits of a cami without adding extra bulk and is perfect for wearing under low-cut tops, wrap dresses,  and tops that dip low at the sides (this style is my favorite, especially when just a touch of skin is revealed between the sleeve and the cami, so sexy yet subtle!). They come in a variety of fabulous shades and they’re the softest things ever!

The Natural Clear Back Bra, $34. Finally, a strapless bra that actually stays put and doesn’t require constant adjusting! This style allows you to create a custom fit and goes on seamlessly, eliminating visible bra-lines or dreaded back-fat bulges. The low-plunge front makes it ideal for those low-cut tops and it comes with a clear adjustable halter strap for some extra support.

Cylk Body Contour Brief, $89. These briefs are perfect for the eco-conscious consumer and are crafted using a unique bamboo blend to ensure maximum comfort for you and minimal impact on the environment. They slim and smooth your figure effectively but are still comfortable and breathable so you won’t feel like your circulation is being cut off, big bonus!

Fashion Forms U Plunge Bra, $28. An absolute must for all  low-cut loving gals out there (such as myself!) This bra allows you to wear your plunging tops with confidence by lifting and shaping your bust-line. The convertible straps also allow you to wear it halter or crisscross style.

Sassybax Very Bare Strapless Bra, $78. There is nothing sexier than an exposed back and now you can rock the look without feeling self-conscious. The patented technology ensures that this bra will stay put while keeping you comfortable and well-supported. It can also be worn up to 50 times so you will get your money’s worth. Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Courteney Cox, Whitney Port and more are all big fans.

Commando Cotton Thong, $24. No lingerie drawer is complete without a nude thong or two. They come in especially handy in the summer for all those gauzy, light-colored dresses.

- SABRINA ALEXIS

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While he worked the sports-inspired angle for Spring 2010, this time around he reinterpreted the goth trend, giving it an androgynous, corporate-cool flavor, something only he could pull off. There were deconstructed suits, a plethora of pinstriped pieces, avant-garde lbds, crop-tops, cut-outs, sheer fabrics, lace flourishes, cutting-edge silhouettes, backpacks criss-crossed in front creating a bondage-feel, and innovative mixing-and-matching. High-hemlined skirts and dresses were teamed  with thigh-high socks (which, as you know, I’m a huge fan of), adding a whopping dose of rebellious sex-appeal to this season’s more grown-up sensibility.

The actual collection won’t be available for many agonizing months but you can still incorporate some of the trends and styles seen on the runway into your look right now.

Alice + Olivia Pinstripe Pleated Shorts, $198. Pair these with thigh-highs, a sheer top and a sharp blazer and you’ll look like you just walked off Wang’s runway!

Kimchi Blue Lace Cami, $24. All things sheer and lacy are taking over, invest now and wear wisely!

Asos Warehouse Pinstripe Peg Leg Trouser, $68.97.  A pair of pinstripe trousers that can be anything from cool to corporate.

Black Halo Jane Sheath Dress, $345. This gorgeously draped frock will simply command compliments. Wear it with strappy sandals when it’s warm and with tights and booties in the colder months.

Forever 21 Accordion Pleat Hem Skirt, $19.80. Pair this with a sexy top, cropped blazer, and thigh-highs to get Wag’s schoolgirl-gone-bad look.

Elizabeth and James Stretch Velvet Skinny Pants, $295. I am not really a fan of velvet but I’ll make an exception for these!

French Connection Black Studded Mini Skirt, $111. You can’t go wrong with a studded mini.Team this with a tee-shirt or tank for a cool, casual style or with a cropped blazer and sheer top for a Wang-inspired look.

MM Couture Peak Shoulder Cropped Blazer, $92. You may not have the guts, or the gut, to rock a crop-top like the ones that dominated Wang’s runway, but a cropped blazer like this one is totally fair game!

Mike & Chris Trevor Studded Drape Vest, $748; NOW: $374. Wear this over anything from a basic black tank to a flirty floral frock for that rockstar-cool vibe.

VPL Marsupial Vest, $375. The perfect way to rock the exposed lingerie trend, a major player on Wang;s runway, without looking too risqué.


TopShop Seamed Mesh Calf Skirt, $55. A seriously sexy take on the calf-length skirt (a mega trend for Fall 2010, fyi!).

Pelle Moda Shantel Platform Booties, $215. Nothing ups the ante of an ensemble like a killer pair of platforms. A style like this one can also take you from one season to the next thanks to the open-toe.

American Apparel Thigh-High Socks, $15. And last but not least, a pair of thigh-high socks to pull the entire look together!

- SABRINA ALEXIS

Splash image by Meagan Aguayo

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