Is this season full of anti-fashion fashion? Yes, it’s a paradox indeed, but in case you haven’t noticed, some of this season’s looks do not feature the hourglass figure, or the covetable neckline, or the long gams of a woman. Instead, some silhouettes hide everything that makes women so feminine. And yes, the trend is catching on.

The dresses from Dries van Noten, for instance, seem to hate curves, with its loose tailoring covering all assets. Devoid of print, accent, or accessories, the spring line definitely wants to make a statement by making none.

Dries van Noten S/S 2011 

Marc Jacobs also chose not to set modesty aside. With shapeless sweaters and long, formless skirts, the designer’s catwalk ensemble seems to lean towards taking the emphasis away from what makes a woman sexy.

 
Marc Jacobs A/W 2010 

Other designers took heed of this emerging trend. Stella McCartney chose long, airy outfits as part of her runway ensembles. Etro wasn’t far behind, with long dresses which begged to be noticed a little more through bold colors. Richard Nicole also believes in the love affair between the long skirt and the sweater, showing the world through his most recent collection.

Etro S/S 2011 

Perhaps the world of fashion has been so used to using clothes to draw attention to the décolletage, the derrière, or the overall femme appeal. Perhaps women have become so used to dressing to entice and tease, to make themselves objects of desire. But this season begs to differ; why should beauty depend on the sultry? Why should modesty always be set aside?

Maybe there is more to be gleaned from the mystery of this un-sexy trend. After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

The world of fashion is exactly that: a world in its own right. It has a history, it has movers and shakers, and it has milestones that are worth noting. And yes, there is also the occasional tragedy. From the consumer’s end, the tragedy often comes as maxed credit cards, empty savings accounts, and a closet full of clothes which one might never even wear. After all, shopping can become addicting – and being a shopaholic is just as expensive as any other addiction.

Have you ever had shopper’s remorse? It’s the one thing every fashion-minded girl wants to avoid. And if you love fashion, you have probably come up with several ways to make sure you never buy something which just might bring you regret the moment you get home. Rules like “never buy on impulse” or “come back for it the next day, just to be sure” probably replay over and over in your mind as you try on a gorgeous jacket that makes your look but breaks the bank. But for shopaholics, this impulse to buy is uncontrollable.

How serious is this addiction? Many people scoff at shopaholics, unaware that even this seemingly harmless addiction causes a lot of misery for families all around the world. A shopaholic may dip into the entire family’s savings just to get her shopping fix. Many husbands have left their wives simply because their addiction has gotten out of hand.

a scene from the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" 

An addiction to shopping, destroying families? Yes, it happens. After all, being a shopaholic puts quite a strain on the wallet. Many fashion-minded women assume that they are shopaholics simply because they love shopping, but this is not an accurate assumption. Any addiction is defined as a compulsion to do something, resulting in an impairment in functioning. You may love shopping and seem to spend all your money on clothes, but as long as you manage to pay the bills and never get in trouble, then you don’t qualify as a shopaholic.

However, if you find yourself stealing your dad’s credit card just so you can purchase that fur coat you saw at Lanvin, consider yourself in trouble. Never assume that it is a problem you have to handle on your own. Fashion has its tragedies, but it is also full of success stories. Besides, there are other ways to revamp your wardrobe without breaking the bank. You can start by looking for discounted items and crazy-cheap finds here at Smashion, yes?

Let’s face it – we just can’t live without our trusty Little Black Dresses. No matter how many fashion mags tell us that white is the new black, or jumpsuits are in and dresses are out, we still always find ourselves turning to that most trusted fashion companion whenever we need a style pick-me-up – the LBD.

Infinitely versatile, utterly flattering and endlessly forgiving (think of the streamlining properties of black!), the LBD is a true wardrobe staple. But this spring designers have kicked this universal item into the high style category. Big names like Prada, Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Marc Jacobs showcased stunning black dresses in the very latest style this season, and we’re loving them all.

Here’s the lowdown on our five favorite LBDs from the Spring/Summer catwalks:

Sheer is in this season, as are crochet, tassels and fringing, and this dress by Anna Sui manages to combine all those trends in one delicious package. Paired with no-nonsense black boots and a ton of attitude, this dress is all about knowing what you like and flaunting what you have.

This LBD pays tribute to the 60s revival of ladylike chic that is going on right now, with its demure high neckline, knee-length skirt and figure-hugging silhouette. The addition of sparkle and sequins helps bring the style right into 2011.

Part biker jacket, part dress, this Burberry creation is right on the money as far as the latest biker chic trend goes. Zips and buckles, studs and of course the requisite black leather make this the edgiest LBD on the catwalk and on the street right now.

Every girls wants to feel feminine and look fabulous in her LBD, and that’s what this little number by Lela Rose promises. The lacy mesh fabric and draped design look uber-girly, and the one-shoulder design is flattering without being either flashy or frumpy. The perfect combination…

Wow. Just wow. This fabulous LBD also echoes the 60s silhouette, with its simple fitted top and full-flare skirt, but the detail and styling are pure 2011. The beautiful design on classic black net is pure drama and sophistication. What’s not to love?

With winter weather almost gone, there is that brief period in between being cold and warm.  For example, one day it can be frigid and the next day, the temperature can be in the 50s.  This leaves people at a loss on what to wear without being too cold or overheating.  Here are some tips that will hopefully help next time you step out the door of your home. 

Tip # 1: Track the weather pattern

It is important to keep yourself updated with the weather.  Although the weather can change throughout the day or be predicted wrong, it is always good to know what you are dealing with for the day.  Also, you want to make sure you are prepared for whatever is thrown at you that day, like rain or a little snow shower.

Weather App. on mobile device

Tip #2: Dress in layers or rock a blazer

Because weather during this time can be very unpredictable at times, you want to make sure you will be comfortable with what you wear.  Layering shirts can keep you warm without having to use a jacket for the day.  However, if you would like to still be covered with a jacket, rock a blazer with a light-weight scarf. Not only will be fashionable, but you will still be warm without overheating in this in between weather pattern. As for what colors to wear, go with whatever you feel like.  Just because some associate winter with dark and summer with bright, does not mean you can't mix it up a bit. 

Kim Kardashian wearing a blazer and light-weight scarf

Tip #3: Wear some jeans or leggings

Even though you can always wear some jeans year round, it is still a great pick when deciding what to wear when the weather is constantly changing.  However, if you are sick of wearing jeans, wear some leggings or jeggings, maybe even a skirt if its not too cold for you.

Beyonce wearing jeggings

Tip #4: Break out the flats!

Throw those clunky, heavy winter boots in your closet, and wear some flats! With a bit of warm weather, flats can easily be worn with any outfit, whether it is casual or a going out type of outfit.  Flats are a lot better than wearing those winter boots, and will allow you to embrace the summer weather coming.

Cute and comfy flats

Tip #5: Wear a Trench Coat with a Cinched Waist

Leave the winter coat at home! With the weather being a bit warmer than winter, you no longer need to rock the heavy coat to the point where you are overheating on your way to work or school.  A good alternative would be a trench coat with a cinched waist that will create a very modern and sophisticated look to whatever you are wearing.  Also, they are light-weight which means no overheating on your way to a destination!

Burberry Trench Coat

Hope these tips help you the next time you are in doubt on what to wear!