月別アーカイブ: 2015年10月

SOMETIMES it’s good to have low expectations.

When Pitch Perfect hit movie theatres in 2012, no one expected a flick about a competitive female a capala group to be a success. It was a musical. It had an all female cast. It was technically for teen girls. But it was also funny, smart and lead by a strong female cast. It raked in AU$161m worldwide at the box office and, three years after it was released, it’s been announced this week a third instalment is in the works.

It joins the list of other cracker films that became unexpected hits and classics.

MURIEL’S WEDDING

PJ Hogan’s Muriel’s Wedding was one of the most surprising hits of the ‘90s. Not only did it end up being a box office winner, it also helped catapult two relatively unknown Aussie actresses (Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths) into Hollywood.

About a sad, chubby girl from the fictional town of Porpoise Spit who dreams of success and love, the film pulled $30m internationally and scored a Golden Globe nomination for Collette. Even 21 years after it’s release, the flick remains relevant and has made a giant dent in Aussie culture.

NAPOLEON DYNAMITE

Who knew a little movie about a nerdy teenager trying to help his new dorky friend win class presidency would appeal to so many people. The 2004 flick — which was shot for just $400,000 — started out so small that Jon Heder is rumoured to have signed on as the lead for just $1,000. But nothing could stop this quirky indie film from exploding. It spawned catchphrases, Halloween costumes and figurines. Raking in over AU$56m in the US alone, it quickly secured itself as a cult favourite (that’s still kind of mainstream) for years to come.

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Jon Heder, who played Napoleon, told Paper magazine about the moment he knew the movie had transformed into something massive.

“Maybe when they called me in to take a body scan of myself so they could make figurines, I think that might’ve been the moment [I first knew it’d be a hit],” he told the magazine.

DIRTY DANCING

“Nobody puts baby in a corner.” It’s a classic line from a classic movie of the ‘80s that featured great dancing, acting and a timeless soundtrack.

Featuring smooth moves by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing taught a generation about dancing, following one’s heart and reminded us just how cool the ‘60s were. Hitting theatres in 1987, no one could’ve predicted this independent film would become both a box office smash and a pop culture classic. It became one of the highest-grossing flick’s of 1987, pulling in AU$238m worldwide. Considering the movie reportedly cost around AU$8m to make, that’s quite a profit.

MAD MAX

This little Aussie flick cost a mere $200,000 to make and went on to gross almost $100m at the box office, ranking it as one of the most profitable movies of all time. Set in a futuristic wasteland, Mad Max starred then-unknown Mel Gibson as the titular vengeful road warrior. It’s a B-movie from production to plot, but George Miller’s bleak vision, a handful of muscle cars and a whole lot of violence made Mad Max a blockbuster.

MEAN GIRLS

Lindsay Lohan in her prime stars in — most likely — her best and most liked movie yet. Mean Girls will go down in history as that one chick flick that absolutely everybody watched at some point growing up in the 2000s, whether you liked it or not.

Based on the book Queen Bees And Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, the Tina Fey-penned flick became a surprise hit when it hit the big screen in 2004. Grossing AU$182m worldwide, the film is a modern-day classic with lines that are quoted by both old and new fans. You might call it “fetch”.

THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT

With a piece of brilliant conceptual filmmaking, directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez school young wannabes on how to make a great movie for next to nothing. With a production budget of under $30,000, the filmmakers planted three actors wielding video equipment in the middle of the woods, leaving instructions on where they should go in strategically placed milk cartons. From there, the actors improvise their fright, as many things seem to go bump in the night. The result is first-hand, documentary-like footage that scared the crap out of audiences, precisely because the directors trusted people to fear the unknown and unseen — no need for special effects. The film made almost AU$351m at the box office and made way for a slew of imitators, like Paranormal Activity.

“But Fox Searchlight was really smart about trying to build this slow-building audience to capture this cult feel and make this website. We had cult-hit status early on in the summer. By the time the DVDs came out in December of 2004, that’s when it felt like, ‘Okay, this is pretty big’.”

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Alysia Rogers, 28, Medina

Production assistant for Brunswick Area Television, a cable access channel, substitute teacher for high school and middle school, video production for Parma City Schools sporting events and commentary for girl’s soccer.

What is it about the show Gilmore Girls that you love?

I love the story line and the mother-daughter dynamic. My mother and I watched it together. I love the way they fast-talk and love coffee. Their small town reminds me of my small town. They have a town square and gazebo like Medina does. I find what they wore and I search on Poshmark, Tradesy or eBay and I hunt the items down.

How do you find out what designers they’re wearing?

There’s a couple of websites. I always check Coolspotters or Worn on TV. They are sights that report what they wore on different shows and they show a photo of it. I have pieces that have taken years to find.

Do you stick to a budget for these designer, as-seen-on-TV items?

Yes, I try to spend somewhere between $20 and $40 for tops and for dresses I try to keep in under $100. Also, my boyfriend encourages me to sell something every time I buy something. He helps me watch my bank account.

What did you do when the show cancelled?

I cried. I’m a super fan. They had a reunion this past summer in Austin. I wanted to go but couldn’t get tickets.

Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

What is your favorite season for fashion?

It’s probably fall because I like wearing coats, hats and scarves. It’s also my favorite season in general, so I’m probably biased. I also like tank tops, skirts and dresses in the summer. I used to be a tomboy, so I like showing that I’m not.

When were you a tomboy and what caused the change in your style?

I changed in college. I never wore dresses and now I love them. They’re so much easier. I was asked in college to be on-air talent for other student’s projects and when I would dress up and get compliments I soon realized that I should explore a more feminine look. Maybe there is something in that I was a tomboy who loved Barbie. I think that’s where I first discovered fashion and style. I loved dressing them up and I begged everyone to play with me. They had the best clothes and I loved the little high heels. I used to wear T-shirt, jeans and hoodies. As I got older and made more money, I realized that the hoodie look wasn’t that flattering either. I went to Cleveland State University and I was on the dance team. The other girls were girly and kind of preppy. I guess they influenced me, too. I was a nanny for three years after college and didn’t wear dresses as much as I do now that I work in a more professional environment.

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How do you describe your style?

I think that I’m girly-chic. I go through spurts where I try different kinds of looks. I still love to dance, too. My boyfriend and I take ballroom dance lessons. He’s very good. I like to try Boho and grunge, but those things feel more like a costume, it’s not really my look, but I like to experiment once in a while. It’s fun and that’s what fashion is about.

Yes it is! Where do you like to shop?

I like to shop online and eBay is a big part of it. I’m always looking for Gilmore Girls clothing. I also post things on Instagram. I can be found@GilmoreGirlsClothes. I post things I already have or things that aren’t my size or in my price range for others looking for Gilmore Girls clothing. There’s a community of us. I also go to J. Crew. I love their pants. I go to H&M and Kohl’s for the trendy stuff. I’m trying to build a good wardrobe, but you have to add a few trends so I don’t like to spend a lot.

I get a lot of my inspiration from TV, especially Gilmore Girls. I probably watch one rerun a day while I’m getting ready. I like it because it’s about relationships and it’s fun. One of the looks I brought today for the photo shoot is inspired by the show Pretty Little Liars. I don’t go quite as deep with that show, sometimes they wear really crazy stuff, but I take parts of a look and figure out what I have in my closet that can come close.

Other than Gilmore Girls clothing, what do you look for on eBay?

I like pieces that flatter my figure. I kind of have an hourglass shape and I like to show that off. I won’t look like this forever, so I like to find things that fit right. I look for the best fit, style and shape for me.

Gilmore girls went off the air in 2007 and rumors are swirling about a revival on Netflix. What do you think?

I was in disbelief, and a little leery because I have heard that many times before, “‘Gilmore girls’ might be coming back!” But it looks like it’s happening and I am super excited to see where they pick up the story line and of course will be watching the fashions. I plan on scooping up as many new Gilmore outfits as I can afford! I hope Rory (the daughter) isn’t married, I think they can have more interesting plot lines with her being single and dating. I will be interested in seeing how they deal with the actor, Edward Herman’s character because he passed away in December. I could probably go on and on…I can’t wait.

What does your wardrobe say about you?

It says that I care about how I look and that I’m invested in my look. I take time putting looks together.

Who are your fashion icons?

When I was growing up it was Rory, the daughter on Gilmore Girls. She wore cute cardigans with blouses underneath and I still like that. But, as I’ve gotten older Lorelai, the mother, has my attention. She runs an inn and dresses in business attire. I look to her fashions for dresses and a more mature look.

How do you follow the trends?

I follow several Instagram pages like Asos, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. I like to get inspiration from them. I also like to save money, so I might look for similar trend elsewhere.

Do you have any favorite designers?

I like Diane von Furstenberg. I have a few pieces including a wrap dress that was worn on Gilmore Girls. I found it on eBay for $80.

Do you have a best fashion find?

I would have to say the Marc Jacobs geometric blouse I brought with me today for the photo shoot. It was worn on Gilmore Girls in probably 2005. It might’ve taken me years to find it in my size and price range but it was worth it. It’s gorgeous and I love it.

Do you stick to any rules?

I never buy anything just because of the brand name. It’s important to remember that when you are in a thrift store. Sometimes you get excited because you found a designer item, but if it’s ugly or doesn’t fit right, don’t buy it. And while I look for sales, I don’t buy things just because they’re cheap and on sale. It still has to be the right fit and look. I used to do that when I was a kid. I would buy things that I didn’t even really like just because it was $5 at the Gap. Also, I never look at the size and worry about it. Sizing for all brands is different.

What are your pet peeves?

It has to do with sizing again. I can go into Eddie Bauer and buy a size 4. I am not a size 4. They’re generous with the proportions. It’s called vanity sizing. It makes us feel great to buy a smaller size. So how do the tiny girls buy anything? Is that why they now make size triple 0? If all of the designers did that we would all buy more. I’m not sure why many designers do the opposite and size everything really tiny. It would be nice if things were uniform and measurement based like in men’s clothes.

Tell us a secret about you.

I’m a little OCD when it comes to my closet. It’s organized by color and I even match the hanger color to the item. Pink shirts go on pink hangers. It’s like going into Charming Charlie every time I go into my closet. It’s a little annoying if, let’s say, I only need one purple hanger and I have to go buy a whole pack of them. Sometimes I can snag hangers from friends when I go to their houses. I’ll even trade them.

Have you ever had a fashion malfunction?

Well, sort of. Near the end of college I cut my hair pretty short. I hated it so I started wearing extensions. I just started dating my current boyfriend and didn’t mention it. They were the clip-in kind and I took them out at night. I figured he wouldn’t understand and might think it was weird. So, he was kissing me and went to run his hands through my hair and came across one. He frantically asked what it was and started to pull it out and he freaked out because he thought he was pulling out a big clump of my hair. I stopped wearing them after that. My hair was long enough by then. I guess that’s not exactly a fashion thing, is it?

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2016 is around the corner, and brides already have their plans for destination weddings set. So what’s hot for the new year?

Insiders in the world of destination weddings expect clients to travel with larger parties, and move away from the standard beach resort to more adventurous locales. And, as the market for destination weddings grows, a crucial trend for travel agents will be becoming an expert in a specific area — offering expertise in a niche market within this niche market.

1. Think outside the church

“People don’t want the traditional church,” said Brenda O’Neale, founder and president of With This Ring Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Travel Agency in Homestead, Pa. She says now the popular school of thought is “what can I do that’s really going to make it mine?”

Brides and grooms want their big day to be a reflection of themselves — which means each wedding, like each couple, is going to be unique. O’Neale has planned weddings in places like a reserved national park, unfinished churches, even a pirate ship.

She expects people to continue to move away from the typical all-inclusive resorts in places like Mexico, and instead opt for locations in the Caribbean like St. Kits, Antigua, and St. Lucia.

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But, Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, a member of Affluent Traveler Collection of Bethlehem, PA., warns some of these places can be difficult to get to, because there are only so many commercial flights available. She expects tour operators to take advantage of charter flights to get parties to where they need to go.

2. Plan for bigger groups

Whereas in the past guests at destination weddings were primarily immediate family members, Bobbi Wagner, owner of Destined to Travel LLC, an independent agency in the Avoya Travel Network, says “I’m seeing a lot of friends, and friends of friends, that are joining in, because it’s like a mini-vacation for everyone.”

Where she used to plan for about 15 attendees, now that’s jumped to 45 or 50.

Doncsecz notes that South Asian and Indian weddings, which have been booming, often are four times that size, booking as many as 100 rooms for the lavish, three-day event.

3. Build a niche

Specializing in a particular area of destination weddings will separate you from the pack, and drive up your business. Doncsecz says learning all she could about the complexities of Indian wedding ceremonies got her name passed along from bride to bride, and built her business in a new demographic.

Whether it’s a religion, a specific location, or a resort brand, become educated in one specific field. Brides and grooms want someone they can trust with the intricacies of their ceremony.

Another niche to consider is LGBT weddings. Chris Austin, vice president of global leisure and luxury sales at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, says that as more and more states legalize LGBT marriages, he sees “a growing opportunity today that wasn’t as large a year ago.”

But, at the end of the day, Doncsecz says the most important thing is to “know your client, because that’s really what it’s all about.”

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It’s that time of the year when dressing becomes a little bit more involved and more forethought is required. The days of easy-going summer wear are behind us, and the cold bitter temperatures are ahead. Transitional layering is key right now and is a necessity during the late fall months when temperatures are mercurial throughout the day. It doesn’t need to be complicated, in fact, it can be very easy just by arming yourself with the right pieces and know-how to master fall strategic layering. The Art of Manliness perfectly sums up how to approach menswear layering and what you need to think about when you’re figuring out your layering moves: “Layering is nothing more than mastering the combining of your clothing so that it functions properly (protects you, allows you to move, and is comfortable) and is aesthetically pleasing to the human eye.”

Additionally, you don’t want to think of layering pieces as wanting to hide pieces under a big jacket or coat. Rather you want to make each layered piece a statement. Generally speaking, for autumn/winter 2015, if you’re going to wear a scarf, make sure it’s a big one that can almost double as a top layer, and make sure to steer away from plain, boring greys and blacks — instead you should be building your look off of camel tones and hints of color. This season is all about playing with different patters and textures so you can subtly stand out from the crowd. Remember this: Each visible layer should be something that could be worn on its own. If it’s too flimsy or tacky, veto it from your outfit.

Here’s your Cheat Sheet of how to stylishly rock layers for fall.

1. Bottom layer undershirt

As you begin to sort out your layers, it’s important to know that you should scale your patterns from lightest to strongest in texture and warmth. Your bottom layer, the one closet to your body, will consist of an undershirt, be it a tank, a short or long sleeve shirt. A simple cotton undershirt will do, which you can buy at any of your favorite retail stores like Gap, Old Navy, or H&M.

2. Second layer shirt pieces

When it comes to your next layer, you have two main options to choose from: dress shirts and henleys, the former for work and the latter for weekend wear. Dress shirts are the perfect choice for layering, and they set up the next layer (sweater or sweatshirt) expertly. If you’re choosing a dress shirt, this is the perfect opportunity to add some pops of color to your outfit. If you choose a bold color shirt, opt for a neutral color sweater/sweatshirt, or you can choose to wear a plain solid color shirt to anchor the rest of your outfit if you choose to wear a tie with a pop of color.

Your other option is a henley shirt, which is a masterful layering piece, a sort of distant cousin of the dress shirt, as they button up to the neck but have no turn down collar. For fall/winter opt for a long sleeve version. Make sure it’s slim fitting but not too tight — you shouldn’t be bale to fit an undershirt underneath. They come in a variety of solid colors to play around with.\

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3. Middle layer/jacket piece

Your third or middle layer should consist of one of the following: a sweater or sweatshirt, a jacket (stick to denim or leather as they’re the best layering, and are the most stylish and flattering options), and/or a sports jacket or blazer, depending upon the formality of your outfit choice. When it comes to sweaters, your options range from thick sweaters to softer fabrics like cashmere. You also have the option of wearing a cardigan sweater buttoned up. If you’re feeling extra stylish and adventurous, you can even try wearing a crew neck cotton sweatshirt as a substitute for a sweater that can be dressed up formally or down casually. Additionally, this layer is a perfect opportunity to throw some color into the mix.

If you feel like skipping the sweater all together, or if it’s especially cold outside that you want to double up, you have your choice of wearing

WAYLAND, MI — Hanna Moulenbelt wasn’t wearing a long flowing gown and high heels when she was announced Wayland Union High School’s homecoming queen — because she’s on the football team and had a game to play.

Moulenbelt, a kicker on the team, marched out to the middle of the field Friday, Oct. 16, donning her green and black Wildcat uniform and wearing cleats to receive her tiara. She strolled off with the king, Jack Marcinek, before getting ready for a tough game against South Christian High School.

“I was filled with adrenaline when they called my name,” Moulenbelt said.

She was decked out in a red dress for the homecoming dance that Saturday.

“I was taken aback, because I was convinced another girl would win. It was very exciting.”

She said she was congratulated by her teammates, who she affectionately refers to as “my boys.”

One of three girls in her family, she said she always wanted a brother, and now she has more than 30 of them.

Moulenbelt said she was glad new Coach Mike Doupe gave her a chance to win a spot on the team this year, something the previous coach was not open to her junior year. She said she had the full support of both of her parents, although her mom was worried about her getting hurt until she explained the kicker’s role.

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Doupe said she approached him about being a kicker, and he told her she had to earn the position.

“We treat her like every other player,” said Doupe, who said Moulenbelt has been pretty consistent hitting the points after touchdowns. “She gets no special treatment and participates in hitting drills and lifting like the other players.

“She is a good kid who works hard, and a lot of people look up to her, so I think that’s why she got it (queen).”

Moulenbelt said she and fellow place kicker, Austin Wroblewski, worked out this summer with Andrew Haldeman, the kicker for Western Michigan University and a Wayland High alumnus. She said she is nine of 11 with points after touchdown before Wayland’s game Friday, Oct. 23.

The team is seeking its second victory of the season and embraced the motto “Pouring Concrete” this season because they are rebuilding the foundation.

Moulenbelt, who also plays girls soccer, said the team warmed up to her role over the summer during conditioning workouts, and now they are good friends. She said it feels good to be able to inspire younger girls.

“Football has taught me a lot of life lessons such as not giving up, persevering and not judging anyone,” she said. “I never watched football as a kid but listened to the boys in class talk about what an adrenaline rush it was.

“I was always in the stands cheering for ‘my boys,’ but there is way more of an adrenaline rush being on the field.”

She admits she has a secret dream of running with the ball to score a touchdown.

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JAKARTA – Jakarta Fashion Week 2016, the main fashion week in Indonesia and the largest in Southeast Asia, will open on October 24 at Senayan City, Jakarta. The Fashion Week will be a landmark for Indonesian fashion, in which hundreds of Indonesian and foreign designers, including designers from Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, will celebrate and showcase their best work, with full international coverage.

In its eighth year, Jakarta Fashion Week is receiving full support from Senayan City, a complex dedicated to high-end shopping in Jakarta. Svida Alisjahbana, CEO of Femina Group & Chairman of Jakarta Fashion Week 2016, expressed gratitude to Senayan City for their support of JFW 2016, “Support from Senayan City is very meaningful to Jakarta Fashion Week as Senayan City is a premium shopping destination that represents high-end boutiques from Italy and France, as well as various other fashion brands from around the world.

“With the convening of JFW 2016 in Senayan City, Jakarta Fashion Week will have a value comparable to the fashion brands stationed there, and this is something that is very encouraging. It is time to introduce Indonesian fashion labels to the public so that they can understand and love the creativity apparent in our local products that is no less great than those in the products of international brands.”

Veri Y. Setiady, CEO of Senayan City stated, “For the third time, Senayan City warmly welcomes the presence of Jakarta Fashion Week as a barometer, and a means of welcoming new fashion trends in our homeland. Along with the celebration of Senayan City 9 Infinite Years, Senayan City will present an exclusive collaboration entitled Capsule Collection F/W 2015 which will feature designers DanjyoHiyoji, KLE, and Hunting Fields, with creations made specifically for JFW 2016. The Capsule Collection F/W 2015 and TIKprive X Stella Rissafashion show will present at the Fashion Tent in JFW 2016 on October 29.”

More than ready to welcome fashion lovers’ enthusiasm for JFW 2016, Senayan City will also present fashion shows featuring the latest collections from tenant brands, such as Bebe, Promod, and Debenhams.

Supporting the fashion industry in Indonesia, Jakarta Fashion Week is also sponsored by the National Craft Council / Dewan Kerajinan Daerah (Dekranasda) DKI Jakarta. “The collaboration between Jakarta Fashion Week and Dekranasda DKI Jakarta is a journey we’ve been taking for years. Together with Jakarta Fashion Week, Dekranasda aims to hone the creativity of members who have the talent and desire to move forward and expand worldwide,” said Svida.

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As an organization involved in developing handicraft products, Dekranasda Jakarta seeks to encourage quality crafts, which have become an icon of the capital. Jakarta itself is a metropolitan city that has become a melting pot of various cultures, and its dynamic city life works as a source of inspiration which is translated into a variety of creative products. Yet the translation into creative products, particularly crafts, has not been explored to the fullest.

Dekranasda attempts to present a variety of innovations in product development for Jakarta’s artisans by improving the quality, design, packaging and branding of crafts, facilitating access to finance for entrepreneurial initiatives, and organizing various promotional events such as exhibitions, curations, and competitions.

Recognizing the need for cooperation with various parties who have similar values in craft development, and especially in fashion, Dekranasda is delighted to collaborate with Jakarta Fashion Week. From June until the end of 2015 in collaboration with JFW, Dekranasda and the Wanita Wirausaha Femina program are providing a series of training programs aimed at improving the competence of artisans in production and business management. In addition, JFW supports Dekranasda in curating products that will be presented at JFW 2016, with an eye to international markets. Dekranasda also participates in the Indonesia Fashion Forward program, featuring creative fashion products that represent the city.

About Jakarta Fashion Week

Jakarta Fashion Week is a platform for Indonesian fashion industry movers. As the major fashion week in Indonesia, Jakarta Fashion Week aims to provide direction for Indonesian fashion industry and demonstrate the talents and creativity of the fashion workers in the country. Throughout the year, Jakarta Fashion Week also held a variety of capacity building programs in order to develop international industry players. Jakarta Fashion Week is organized by Azura Activation, part of Femina Group.

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Sheer comes the bride.

The wedding dresses that were slinking down the aisle at New York Bridal Fashion Week left little to the imagination.

Transparent panels, thigh-high slits and plunging necklines guarantee that every blushing bride has her something nude.

“The old traditions have been broken. Brides are asking for sexy, so the designers are making it for them,” says Terry Hall, fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal. “More than half of the brides who come into Kleinfeld every single day end up leaving with illusion (see-through material) on their dress in some capacity, whether it’s a little in the back or across the midriff or down the side.”

Long gone are the modest ball gowns and chaste veils dating back to Victorian times when marriage was seen as a sacred rite.

Today’s runway brides aren’t saving it for the honeymoon.

THEIA creative director Don O’Neill, who first raised nuptial industry eyebrows by designing crop top wedding gowns four seasons ago, is really pushing the envelope with his titillating new Fall 2016 collection.

His dresses include a completely see-through “Khaleesi” white tulle one-shoulder gown inspired by “Game of Thrones” dragon queen Daenerys played by Emilia Clarke, Esquire’s new “Sexiest Woman Alive.”

There’s also a nude tulle dress with a whispy geisha print, which O’Neill assures has a very sheer lining so that, “your grandparents aren’t going to fall out of their pews when they see you swagger past them in your dress.”

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That remains to be seen. Even the more modest gowns at Anne Barge and Monique Lhuillier risked bared shoulders or featured detachable skirts to convert the floor-length wedding gown into a flirty reception mini dress.

Designers credit celebrity exhibitionists with pushing more wedding day gowns toward wedding night lingerie, such as the mesh dress Bella Hadid wore for her 19th birthday on Wednesday, or the see-through skirt Kendall Jenner slipped into while partying in London last weekend.

And they can all bow down to the Givenchy naked dress that Beyonce wore to the Met Gala in May, where Jennifer Lopez also showed her famous curves in a very sheer, red-beaded Versace gown. Pronovias’ 2016 line of racy lace wedding gowns, which flashed plenty of cleavage and pevage alike, would be right at home on these provocative pop stars.

“A wedding is a woman’s red carpet moment,” explains Hall. “So Hollywood has such a huge influence on what the bride has in mind for her wedding day.”

O’Neill agrees that the A-list influence on brides-to-be is moving them away from traditional A-line dresses. “Girls are following [naked celebs] on Twitter and Instagram, and now it’s showing up on the Pinterest board of every bride,” he says.

So expect more engaged girls to sign up for bridal boot camp workouts once they lay eyes on Houghton’s full-frontal see-through gowns and corsets. There was even one very pregnant model in a Houghton dress that was transparent from the baby-bump up, similar to the sheer Givenchy gown an expecting Kim Kardashian wore at New York Fashion Week last month.

Inbal Dror’s nearly-naked Fall 2016 bridal collection paired high slits and transparent skirts with strategically-placed beading and floral embellishments to cover the lady bits.

Wedding couture queen Vera Wang even sent her women to the alter barely dressed in bodices with bold cutouts, and one lace floor-length lace gown that was even gauzier than the traditional bridal veil.

“Women are pushing the envelope,” says Hall. “They don’t want to look like what their best friend wore, or what their sister wore. They want to make a statement.”

And that goes for the mother of the bride, as well.

“We’re doing sexy across the board, even with mom!” says Jose Solis from David’s Bridal. “They’re playing with a sheer illusion sleeve, an illusion back, or even a slit up the skirt so that they’re not so matronly. There are different versions of sexy for everyone.”

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Last week, the Dancing with the Stars co-host, Erin Andrews, stepped out of her comfort zone in a sexy (and Backstreet Boy-approved) cutout gown. This week she’s pushing her style even further with a showstopping glittery gown. We caught up with her and her glam squad to find out the inspiration behind the bold maroon choice. (She almost chickened out and just went with an outfit repeat!)

The 37-year-old star chose a vintage YSL dress with Christian Louboutin pumps and Le Vian jewels, and though she looked super-confident in the body-hugging dress, she said she couldn’t take any of the credit. “This was all my team tonight,” she tells PeopleStyle. “Seriously: I don’t do updos. I don’t do sequin dresses. But when I put on the dress, my entire team said, ‘We love this.’ There was a debate whether I stay safe and do an outfit I’ve done before or mix it up.”

Sometimes, though, taking a risk pays off — and Andrews agreed that it did last night. “I love how it all looks,” she said. “My biggest fear is looking too old. Thank goodness I trusted my group tonight!”

Stylist Alyssa Greene gave the dress a few twists to help Andrews feel a little more comfortable in it, and they worked: “I loved how Alyssa made the dress current and edgy by simply pulling up the sleeves to give it that cool fresh look,” Andrews says. “Who doesn’t love a sequin dress with pockets?”

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Greene says that (despite what Andrews might have thought) the look was a total no-brainer for the season and her stylish client. “Oxblood and burgundy is fall’s ‘it’ color. When I saw this dress I knew I wanted Erin to wear it,” Greene says. “The color is so rich and the sequins make it extra glamorous. The contestants always get to sparkle, so I wanted Erin to have a sparkle moment too!”

For her beauty look, her team (makeup artist Lisa Ashley and hairstylist Ryan Randall) played up the glitzy vibe, giving her a double cat eye, extra long lashes and a sexy textured updo.

Ashley tells PeopleStyle that fashion isn’t the only area that Andrews approaches gingerly. “When it comes to Erin and makeup, I have to take baby steps,” Ashley says. “In the past, dark eyes and deep-colored lips were a no no. Tonight she rocked both!” (The eye was achieved with a mix of eyeshadows, used both wet and dry.)

Randall echoes his colleagues: “Erin is a great collaborative partner. That being said, for tonight’s show, she agreed to give up some control and let us have some fun.” That meant a sexy, messy updo to play off her glam dress. “One little problem: She doesn’t love an updo. I have to say, after talking her off the ledge, we came up with a twisted, knotted, textured situation that was absolutely stunning,” he says. “Fashion-forward, fresh and still age appropriate. And kudos to Erin for allowing us to push her limits. Love you!”

Dying for Andrews’s look? Round up Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray and L’Oréal Elnett Hairspray and start pinning. “In the end, I think she felt sexy and empowered,” he says. “Trying new looks can be risky, especially on live TV, but this one paid off big time. You got a new Erin Andrews tonight, and we loved it!”

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When I was little, I was a flower girl in a couple of weddings. Back then, I just thought weddings were pretty. Pretty flowers, pretty dresses, pretty girls. Just pretty.

As I began growing up, I would start putting myself in the bride’s shoes. What would my wedding be like? Who would I marry? Who would my bridesmaids be? What would my dress look like?

After I myself got married, I would go to weddings and reflect on my own marriage. I knew what it meant to be married. I would think about my husband. I would remember the feeling of being the bride. I would think about how excited the bride must be. How nervous. Unsure of what the future would hold as her role would change to wife instead of girlfriend.

This week, that all changed. This week, I realized that I am relating less to the bride, and more to someone else.

This week, I was at a wedding and I watched the family being escorted in. It was the typical walk in—the sweet great-grandparents, followed by grandparents, siblings, and then boom– the mother of the bride walked in.

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I thought to myself “Oh she looks gorgeous! I wonder if the grooms or brides moms stress over their diet, hair, nails, and dress before their child’s wedding…” Then it hit me. I got the chills. One day I will be that mom. I will be the mom watching as her son gets married. I will be the one giving his heart to another woman.

I will be the one spending hours praying over my son’s wedding. I will be the one who hopes the bride will involve me. Hoping that I get to be there to watch her pick a dress. Watch her take bridal pictures. Help decorate. That young bride will be the girl I have prayed for, for years and years.

Someday it will be my time to be that mom.

And I feel that time closing in on me. I know it is still years away. But years turn to months, which turn to weeks, which turn to days, to hours, to minutes. It will be here before I know it.

I’ve never put much thought into it. I knew that the moms spend time on the wedding, but now I’m realizing that the moms spend years on the marriage itself. They spend years pouring their love, kindness, discipline, into that future bride or groom. Years are spent investing into their child’s future marriage.

And I realized as I watched that mom walk down the aisle this week that much more goes into preparing for your child’s wedding than just hair, nails, makeup, dresses and diets. I am preparing my child right now. My husband and I are raising him to be a husband, friend, servant, lover and more.

So while my time to be that mom may seem distant, I know that what I am doing right now will have a lasting impact on who my son will become when it is his turn to walk the aisle.

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Whether you’re having an off day or you’re just looking for that last finishing touch, it’s a good idea to have an arsenal of pieces that will make you feel more put together in a snap. Think what a savior it would be to have at least five shining items in your closet that you know, no matter what, will instantly polish up your look and make you feel more fashionable and fabulous. It can cut down on a lot of stress (and a lot of clothes on your floor) during those mornings where nothing fits or feels right, making you reach for your trusty boyfriend jeans and declare you own nothing worthwhile. Or it can add that last touch to an outfit that takes it from a pretty look to something truly inspired.

Everyone has their own preferences and quirks when it comes to personal style, but there are a few staples out there that we can all agree really add a little summin’ summin’ extra to an outfit, no matter what your aesthetic. Here are seven pieces that will instantly make you feel more put together, with everything from obvious staples like blazers to not-so-obvious pieces like sunnies.

1. A Black Blazer

Whether it’s to dress up casual pieces like boyfriend jeans or flannel shirts, or if it’s to add the finishing touch to an elegant outfit, the black blazer is a sure-fire way to instantly feel more put together. Not only is it a staple, but it’s the quintessential item of class and polish. According to Alyssa Garrison at xoJane, “Whenever I want to look a little more serious and covered up, I always reach for a blazer… I have two styles in my closet at the moment: a loose, black crepe blazer that’s perfect for dinners and weddings, and a more classic suit-style tailored boyfriend blazer that works well in professional situations like interviews.” If you’re going out to grab dinner with friends or heading to an important presentation at work, a black blazer will do the trick to instantly feel more put together.

2. A Good Leather Belt

Belts are the epitome of finishing touches: Half the time you don’t really need one, but when you remember to put it on, it makes all the difference. Whether it adds a subtle pop of color, breaks up the line of an outfit, or contributes a subtle detail (like a tassel or a sheen of metal), cinching a well-made leather belt around your waist can instantly elevate your look to more stylish grounds. According to Joyann King at Harpers Bazaar, “Insouciance is something we’re always pursuing in the style department, but in the case of looking like you know what you’re doing, tuck in any shirttails or a baggy sweater hem and cinch your waist with a chic belt for maximum impact.” A small styling move, but it packs a punch.

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3. A Chic Scarf

A good scarf can make all the difference when it comes to elevating a look. Just think back to your lazy-girl outfits. Say you’re meeting a friend for coffee but you really, really don’t want to get out of your leggings and sneakers. How do you make your outfit not look like you were indoors watching Netflix all day? Shrug on your denim jacket and add a cozy knit infinity or a big, patterned scarf into the mix. In a snap it makes you feel more pulled together and stylish. According to Michelle Scanga of WHoWhatWear, “Pair an eye-catching scarf with your favorite blazer for a quick outfit update. We promise this trick will lend you a polished and cool vibe.” It’s a simple update, but it goes a long way in terms of polish.

4. A Button-Down Shirt

While button-downs have a tendency to make us think of meeting rooms and sensible office pumps, a good collared shirt can go a long way. Not only does it look very Calvin Klein tucked into jeans, but it adds a pop of polish when paired underneath dresses and pinafores, and balances out quirkier pieces like overalls and statement print skirts. And if you find one with a chic, strong-lined collar, than you’ll always look put together and classic.

And if you’re not quite sure you can pull off the serious vibes of a button-down? There’s always a work around when it comes to styling something to fit your style. According to Hannah Weil McKinley at POPSUGAR, “While a button-down can feel stiff, rolling up the sleeves gives it an easy nonchalance. It’s the easiest way to inject a little cool factor into even your most classic shirts.”

5. Statement Sunglasses

Whether it’s a cool and classic pair like wayfarers or aviators, or a bold and statement making set like cat eyes or colored frames, a great pair of sunglasses can make all the difference when it comes to feeling more put together. Say you’re wearing a slightly frumpy outfit — it’s plenty cute, but has the potential to cross over to grandma chic territories. Give it a boost in terms of polish and refinement with classic shades to keep it anchored in chic territories. Or say you didn’t have enough time that morning to go all-in when it came to pulling yourself together, and all you could manage was to pull on jeans and brush your hair. Sunnies can instantly help. According to Michelle Scanga of WhoWhatWear, “No time for makeup? Shield your ‘sleepy eyes’ with a pair of your favorite sunglasses and the issue is instantly resolved!” It’s a small accessory, but it really helps.

6. A Well Tailored Outer Layer

There’s nothing worse than putting on a lumpy, dumpy jacket around your shoulders when the weather cools. When it’s cold outside, 50 percent of the day your outfit will be your coat so it makes sense to find a sharp, tailored one to make you feel instantly chic. Just think of the difference: How do you look in a baggy, shapeless peacoat, and how do you look in a clean-lined, close to your body wool jacket? It’s like a before and after picture, and it instantly makes your outfit look more expensive and put together.

According to Joyann King at Harpers Bazaar, “A tailored jacket is an editor’s secret weapon. It elevates denim, polishes flow-y dresses, looks chic thrown over the shoulders and takes slim pants to the board room.” If you want to instantly polish your look, invest in and add a well tailored outer layer into the mix!

7. A Killer Pair Of Boots

All you could be wearing is a knit sweater and a pair of jeans, but if you throw in a pair of beautifully made boots into the mix, you look like an instant street style star. We all know shoes go a long way when making or breaking an outfit, and if you have a sharp pair of boots at arm’s reach, you can be certain you’ll always look put together, no matter how casual the outfit.

According to style blogger Audrey of Putting Me Together,”One thing I really appreciate about ankle boots is that they can add some grounding and character to an outfit that ballet flats can’t always do because of their texture. Leather and suede in a sturdy boot shape has a nice weight to it that a sleek ballet flat doesn’t have, you know?” While ballet flats and sandals always look nice with an outfit, there’s something about a well made pair of boots that take it to another level.

There’s no reason why you can’t feel your most stylish every day if you have a closet full of finishing touches.

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