The Wider the Better

Most of us women cringe at the thought of hearing the words "wide" and "leg" in the same sentence. It instills fear of fashion faux pas, weight gain, and non-flattering silhouettes. However, with the gorgeous flowing styles that are making appearances in the fashion world, wide-leg is becoming less scary and more desirable.

For this particular trend, it's important to fully commit to the style mantra "wider is better," or your impact won't be as strong. Don't just go for any wide-leg pant that you find in the store. Seek out the ones with loose, drapey fabrics and ultrawide silhouettes. A low-rise waist keeps the look modern and makes for a more flattering look than the high-waisted silhouettes which can create the dreaded mom-butt (unless of course you have a 5'10" model frame).

A fluid, lightweight wide-leg pant brings fresh style to spring and summer looks. Pair them with a simple top and sky-high wedges for an undeniably chic ensemble.

Stella McCartney pant, $1085, NeimanMarcus.com

Donna Karan pant, $895, NeimanMarcus.com

Celine pant, celine.com

Willow pant, $810, Net-a-porter.com

With the right styling and a little confidence, the wide-leg pant is a fabulous option for this season. Remember to keep them light, flowing, and long for sensational style that is sure to get noticed.

Dress on,

Lisa

Library Geek

Photo Credit: liveloveshopla.com

I have a confession: recently I've been spending a lot of time at the Library. It's a place for me to clear my head, take in intriguing surroundings, and best of all, acquire unique pieces of clothing at prices that are a steal.

This Library doesn't require a membership card, and the inventory (thankfully) lacks the inevitable mothball smell that most libraries are famous for. Instead, this Library features local and well-known clothing lines housed in a charming vintage-inspired boutique in the heart of quaint Larchmont Boulevard. What's not to love?

Stocked with plenty of burnout tees, distressed sweaters, and adorable accessories, the Library has quickly become one of my new favorite L.A. stores. About half of their well-edited clothes feature designers like J.Brand and LnA with higher-end price points, and the other half features lesser-known but still amazing lines with Urban Outfitters-type pricing. Plus, right now they are having a 50% off sale which makes every shopping trip a bit more gratifying.

Photo Credit: mondette.com

While you're there, make sure that you check out the floors by the dressing rooms that have old gadgets and jewelry embedded in the cement, and the vintage luggage (I spotted a Gucci suitcase) that completes the modern-antique vibe of the store. The staff is also super-friendly and makes you feel right at home in this shopping haven.

So if you're in L.A., or will be in the future, take some time to check out Larchmont and the Library. It has the Rock Law stamp of approval so you know it must be good.

Dress on!

Lisa

Dust Your Shoulder (Pads) Off

We say that history repeats itself, and we say that the importance of making mistakes is so that we can learn from them. If you think about it, these two concepts go hand in hand like hangers in a closet. If history is repeated, then does that mean that we failed to learn from our mistakes? I think that the true test is how the history is repeated. If it is an exact replica of an irrational mistake, then yes, we failed. However, if our mistakes are used to reinterpret history, then we have clearly learned some important lessons and taken them into consideration.

Case in point: Shoulder Pads

Some might argue that the shoulder pad was the biggest fashion mistake ever made and it contributed to the outrageousness that defined disastrous 80's style. Yet, on fall and spring runways all over the world, interpretations and nods to shoulder pads are everywhere, and this time, they are FABULOUS.

Balmain Spring 2011

photo: elle.com

Designers have examined the concept of the bulky 80's shoulder pad, and reinterpreted it into beautiful and innovative creations that will sustain this trend for seasons to come. A strong shoulder creates structure and defines a petit waist. This is what the original shoulder pads attempted to do. Where they went wrong was that the silhouettes were too overzealous and often ended up looking clownish. So before you start raiding mom's storage closet for anything with big shoulders, take a moment to understand how today's strong shoulders have learned from previous mistakes. The trick is to refine the concept and balance it with this the rest of the garment so that the finished look is flattering, aesthetically pleasing, and interesting. We've moved on from the "bigger is better" mantra and the results are modern and chic.

See By Chloe leather jacket, $795 All Saints Toralu dress, $175

shopbop.com us.allsaints.com

Another way that the shoulder pad trend is being interpreted this season is via epaulets. We are seeing everything from demure tabs and buttons on shoulders, to bold metal chain epaulets that make a strong, fashion-forward statement.

Falconier chain mail epaulet, $595

net-a-porter.com

Worn over a blazer and simple, fitted skirt, this is one accessory that has the ability to transform a look. For those who aren't quite sold enough on the trend to shop Net-A-Porter prices, keep an eye out for similar styles from BCBG coming this fall.

Finally, if you're intrigued by the trend but aren't comfortable making such a dramatic statement, try something more subtle yet still on-trend.

Diane von Furstenberg, $465 Sheri Bodel Valkyrie dress, $462

net-a-porter.com shopbop.com

So before you start cursing fashion editors and designers for resurrecting a tragic moment of fashion history, take a deeper look at the positive changes that have been made to the strong shoulder trend. We have definitely learned from our mistake, and history is repeating itself in a successful and super-chic manner.

Dress on!

Lisa

Minis and Menswear

After a whirlwind of a month, I am finally getting a chance to post again. My apologies to all of my dedicated readers - all five of you.

It's nearly mid-April and by now I'm sure you have all returned to the land of short dresses, short skirts, and short shorts. At least for a few days here and there. Of course, as the new season arrives, new trends make their debut. One of my favorites for the spring and summer is pairing mini silhouettes with menswear pieces. The contrast of ultra-femme and uber-masculine makes for a playful and unexpected style that is sure to get noticed.

Body conscious skirts are still going strong, which means they are here to stay for at least a few more seasons. Snatch one up in a vibrant color or fun stripes, and wear it with a fitted button-down tucked in for an inspiring fashion-forward look.

Pleasure Doing Business James Perse

$88 at revolveclothing.com $155 at jamesperse.com

BCBG power skirt J. Crew

$148 at bcbg.com $58 at jcrew.com

If shorts are more for you, then try a cuffed pair with a fitted tee and a cropped blazer. Top the look off with some ankle boots and long gold necklaces for rockstar style.

Try These...

Current/Elliott T by Alexander Wang

$178 $98

both at shopbop.com

With These:

Silence and Noise

$58 at urbanoutfitters.com

Kai-aaikmaann

$93 at revolveclothing.com

autumn cashmere

$114 at revolveclothing.com

So take a risk and try out the minis and mens style. It's a fun way to mix things up and do something different.

Dress on!

Lisa

As Mad as a Hatter

"What a regrettably large head you have. I would very much like to hat it."

- The Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland

In honor of the nation's latest #1 movie, Alice in Wonderland, let us discuss summer's necessary accessory...the hat.

Whether big or small, short or tall, a hat will make you look splendid,

Simply place it atop your head and let follow a smile that is candid!

Ok so my rhymes might not be as good as the characters in Alice, but hats tend to put me in a spirit of fun. If you don't normally wear them, they can make you feel like you are playing dress up or even alter your persona. They shield your pretty face from the sun, hide your messy summer hair, and add life to a dull outfit. Here are some of my favorites for this summer:

Floppy - Longing to stand out in the crowd? Go for a floppy style. These always remind me of a summer in the Hamptons... or at least my dreams of a summer in the Hamptons! Instant glamour and totally fabulous.

Forever 21 woven floppy hat

$10.80 at www.forever21.com

American Apparel wool floppy hat

$40 at www.americanapparel.net

Forever 21 Hamptons straw hat

$10.80 at www.forever21.com

Staring at the Stars

Short Brim Straw Floppy Hat

$28 at www.urbanoutfitters.com

Fedora - Yes they are still in! But opt for an updated version and go for color or a wider woven straw material to stay ahead of the curve.

Urban Outfitters straw two-tone fedora

$28 at www.urbanoutfitters.com

Staring at the Stars

weave straw fedora

$24 at www.urbanoutfitters.com

Miscellaneous - Has nothing caught your eye yet? Check out these three styles below. I love the cowboy hat for the beach, the newsboy for a day on the town (the girlie floral print is the perfect contrast to the boyish shape), and the bucket hat for an outdoor brunch.

Forever 21 beaded cowgirl hat

$12.80 at www.forever21.com

Anthropologie Femme Newsboy hat

$28 at www.anthropologie.com

Pins and Needles straw hat with bow

$28 at www.urbanoutfitters.com

With extremely reasonable prices, these hats are definitely worth a shot. Be brave and try a new style - The Mad Hatter will be pleased.

Dress on!

Lisa

Netflix for Dresses

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Ruffle Party Dress

Rent $50/ Retail $275

A graduation, a charity event, a wedding, a birthday, a hot date...there always seems to be a reason for a new dress. I, for one, am usually jumping at the excuse to buy something new, and I'm sure that I am not alone in that matter. Now, I usually try and find something in my closet that would be suitable before I hit the stores, but as I sift through my dresses, remembering when I've worn each one, I often run into this problem:

Problem #1 - I've Worn That Too Many Times

Special occasions and events often mean that there will be photos taken. Since Facebook and picture websites are the common medium for photo albums these days, it feels like our lives are being constantly documented for the world (or at least our friends and family) to see. While the pictures we take might not reach as far as the US Weekly audience, it can be embarrassing to be seen in the same outfit in multiple events. After all, who wants to be the girl who's a one-dress wonder?

So I decide that a new purchase is justifiable, and I begin my journey in search of the perfect dress. However, once I lay eyes on it, and it calls to me, it is then that I often run into this problem:

Problem #2 - I Can't Spend That Much On Something I Might Only Wear Once

Due to the above referenced Problem #1, a special dress may only get one, maybe two, moments to shine before it is outworn or out of style. But it's not always affordable or reasonable to get something new. On the other hand, feeling and looking fabulous for a night can sometimes be priceless...

So what's a girl to do? Here comes RenttheRunway.com to the rescue! Rent The Runway is a website of designer dresses that customers are able to rent and wear for 4-8 days for a fraction of the retail price. You browse through the delightful inventory, make your selection, and the dress will arrive at your door ready for you to wear. Once finished, you simply send it back in the pre-paid envelope and they take care of the cleaning. They'll even send you a second size for free just to make sure it fits.

Alice + Olivia Badgley Mischka

Sequin One Shoulder Dress Organza Origami Dress

Rent $50 / Retail $500 Rent $50/ Retail $530

With rentals starting at $50, this is a great way to go if you are in need of an amazing dress but don't want to spend the dough. There may be a waiting list when you sign up, but I only had to wait two days before my membership was activated, so don't be discouraged.

Go to www.renttherunway.com to get started, and you'll never be caught again without something fantastic to wear.

Dress on!

Lisa

Oscar Fashion 2010

Last night marked the 82nd Academy Awards aka The Granddaddy of the Red Carpet. As usual, there were some hits, some misses, and some fantastic moments on the stage (Alec and Steve were spot on and still kept it classy). Even though I was SHOCKED that Avatar lost to The Hurt Locker for Best Picture, I still thought overall the night was charming. I never found myself too bored or wondering how much longer I had to endure the broadcast.

I especially loved how the nominees for Best Actor and Actress were introduced by their peers with a light anecdote about previous films they have done together. Tim Robbins' introduction of Morgan Freeman was hilarious...as Tim was reminiscing about what an amazing actor Mr. Freeman is and how close they became working on The Shawshank Redemption, he said, "I'll never forget what you told me about friendship at the end of filming that movie. You said, 'Friendship is when one friend will get the other a cup of coffee. Now do you think you could do that for me, Ted? It is Ted, right?' " Who knows if it's a true story but it was pretty damn funny.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the Fashion! Here are The Rock Law of Style's coveted winners and the dreaded "There's Always Next Year" crew.

First up is Best Dressed. And the winner is...

Sandra Bullock

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Sandra looked absolutely stunning in this Marchesa gown and was the epitome of Hollywood glamour. The dress along with the simple yet flawless hair and makeup made her my favorite of the night by far. On top of that, she took home the top prize of Best Actress, which truly made it her evening. She dressed to win, and win she did! Congratulations, Sandy B!

Other nominees for Best Dressed included:

Cameron Diaz in gorgeous Oscar de la Renta and bright red lips. Dressed by Rachel Zoe.

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Demi Moore looked amazing in her Alterier Versace nude gown. I swear the older she gets the better she looks! Also dressed by Rachel Zoe - great job Team Zoe!

Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Carey Mulligan was super cute in this quirky yet beautiful Prada number that completely embodies her personality. I love the asymmetrical hem - short in the front and a long train in back.

Photo credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Rachel McAdams held her own in this muted print by Elie Saab that proved she is a true star.

Photo credit: Steve Granitz/Wireimage

yahoo.com

And finally, Vera Farmiga stood out in her berry colored Marchesa gown. The color was incredible and quite refreshing in the rather dull color palette that most others opted for. I know a lot of people weren't crazy about this dress, but I liked the risk. Plus, it is similar to the Marchesa gown I chose from NY Fashion Week as Oscar Worthy...so I'm a bit biased!

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Now on to the, "There's Always Next Year" crew. Sorry, ladies, but someone has to say it!

Worst Dressed - And the winner is...

Faith Hill

Photo credit: Kevin Mazur/Wireimage

yahoo.com

Faith Hill's cheesy lingerie look was such a flop that I couldn't even find who it was by. I guess no designer wanted to fess up to that inappropriate disaster! Next time keep it classy, not trashy, Faith.

Zoe Saldana was another example of a gorgeous woman gone wrong in the dressing room. While the top half of this Givenchy gown is absolutely fabulous, the bottom half just does not belong! High slit, ombre shading, train, and Spanish dancer ruffles with a gold beaded bodice?! Really, Givenchy? Really?

Photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

yahoo.com

Charlize Theron turned heads in this Dior gown, but not in a good way. The Madonna-esque swirl cones were just plain unattractive.

Photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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Mariah Carey is no stranger to the worst dressed list, but this look was boring, unflattering, and I'm giving it the generic "Dillard's Prom Dress" stamp. It just does nothing for me - surprising considering it's Valentino.

Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

yahoo.com

As this Awards season comes to a close, I will say that overall we have seen some amazing looks. While not everyone can be a winner on the red carpet, all of these ladies do have an insane amount of talent, and I applaud them for that. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, and thanks for reading!

Who did you think was the Best Dressed at the Oscars this year? Vote on the right side of this post.

Dress on!

Lisa