Nathaniel Paul Holiday 2011

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited to the preview of the Nathaniel Paul Holiday line. It was great to run into friends I haven’t seen in awhile like Tomeka Munroe of Fashion Steele NYC and Avril Lemieux of Alicat Avril Lemieux and Stephanie Lacabra, who had also modeled in Avril’s show with me during NYFW.

Anyway, I finally went out to my first NY Fashion Blogger Meetup event and I must say it was a blast. Nathaniel Paul, who’s website boasts he’s been sewing since he was 5, designs for women of all sizes. His dresses are intricately detailed and flatter every body type, making them uniquely satisfying to a broad spectrum of customers.

As you can see, the gowns and dresses are gorgeous! My favorite is “The Edith” as I love it’s subtly sexy cutout and the draping. I also truly love the backless gowns shown.

Among the beautiful presentation, drinks were served courtsey of Ty-Ku in the forms of Sake and Sujo cocktails. Baked by Melissa cupcakes were passed around, and I completely fell in love with the peanut butter and jelly one!

As for personally, I had come straight from school, so I look like shiza standing next to stunning Tomeka and Janique of HerGoodyBag.com

Bringing Sexy Back

Yigal Azrouel dresses as seen on RentTheRunway.com

Backless shirts and dresses have been popping up everywhere, a trend that I’ve been waiting for to explode.
I LOVE my back; its one of my few features that I love to show off and think it can be done so tastefully by anyone. 2 years ago I bought my first open backed shirts; a crocheted back solid off the shoulder top from Forever 21; I was so in love I bought it in black, gray, and mustard. When shpping for dresses for this upcoming spring, I’m finding it easier to find dresses that allow me to showcase this area of skin tastefully.

I’m seeing backless and semi-backless tops and dresses everywhere. American Apparel makes backless everything; dresses, tops, leotards, all in a number of styles from tank to long sleeve. These cost about $40-$80, but if you’re lucky and happen to hit up an AA rummage sale, you can find these dresses for $12 a pop, just like I did!

open back dresses from American Apparel online store

Another backless trend I’m seeing is the DIY cut up back. I first noticed this trend being done by a number of emerging fashionistas on lookbook.nu. Now, this post is going to be media heavy, but there’s jsut so many cute options!

image from Lookbook.nu

I decided to create my own looks as well, inspired by the ones seen on the collective fashion website:

Now, before you say “ohemgee Sahra copied!” try to remember that there is no such thing as complete authenticity (look up Jean Paul Sartre if you’re unsure).  if you’re not feeling creative or don’t have the time or energy, forever 21 and TopShop have pre-made ripped tanks for purchase from $12.50-$55.

as seen on RentTheRunway.com

Dresses, shirts, and tanks can all be worn in various open backed styles, from classy to grunge-trashy. If you plan to DIY, bring some flavor and add some elements of personal style!
Now, go show some skin and bring that sexy BACK!