Archive: July 20th, 2007

Giulio Marcocchi/Sipa; Mike Emory/Andy Athineos/BEImages

Stunning style starts with knowing your shape — and playing it up! Just look at the difference between Jessica Alba in an Alexander McQueen sack dress and a curve-hugging Dolce & Gabbana dress. The brand new August issue of StyleWatch (on sale now!) dishes expert advice on shopping and dressing for your body, using your favorite celebs to show what works — and what definitely doesn’t. Here’s a few more tips and tricks from fashion pros to help you find your perfect look:

“The right seams can find the small parts of your body and accent them, whether it be a seam under the bust or in the hip. Seams can create curve and shape for your body.”
-Sam Saboura, author of Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies

“Be honest with yourself. Find something that works for you and don’t be afraid to buy ten of it in every color. Dressing well is less about following trends than finding what looks good on you.”
-Danica Lo, author of How Not to Look Fat

“For each of us there is a place just above or below the knee where our legs look their longest and leanest. Know your length and don’t be seduced by seasonal lengths that aren’t flattering for your silhouette.”
-Kendall Farr, author of The Pocket Stylist: Behind the Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look

“I tell women that a piece hanging on a hanger can look very different on your body. And every designer fits differently so you always have to try it on before you buy. If you buy a piece of clothing and it slightly doesn’t fit in some areas, don’t hesitate to take it to a tailor.”
-Alison Deyette, co-founder and Style Director of stylebakery.com

Photo: courtesy antoinetteleedesigns.com

Antoinette Lee Designs crafts handbags with careful detail and workmanship. Stars like Nicole Richie and Keri Russell can be see toting around her luxurious pieces. Use the promo code PEOPLE07 to receive 25% off your next purchase. Offer expires August 3, 2007.

What we love at antoinetteleedesigns.com now:

Cherry “Anna Stitch” bag, $418. With discount, $314.

Lalo Yasky/WireImage

Zac Efron had the crowds swooning at the Baltimore premiere of Hairspray the other night. But more than a few fans may have been wondering what’s up with his hair, which is slicked back 60’s style in the movie, but looking a little long these days. Efron tells PEOPLE “When I’m not filming, I just kind of let it grow, so this is the result of a few months of unemployment.” What do you think? Should Zac Efron cut his hair?

Giulio Marcocchi/Sipa; Mike Emory/Andy Athineos/BEImages

The August issue of StyleWatch hits stands today and it’s all about loving your body. What better inspirations for this than our two covergirls, Reese Witherspoon (a petite 5′2″0 and Queen Latifah (a regal 5′10″). Both stars know how to work their shapes by following three crucial rules. One: Be confident. Two: Stay simple. Three: Stick with what works. To see how these two ladies translate this fashion wisdom into their real lives, click through to their galleries. And be sure to pick up an August StyleWatch to get amazing advice on how to dress for your body.

Click here to see Reese Witherspoon’s style gallery.

Click here to see Queen Latifah’s style gallery.

Photo: courtesy vivre.com

Despite the wintery looks in stores, summer’s not over yet. So if you’re still craving cute, lightweight clothes, take your search to the Web. Not only will you find clothing and accessories perfect for the warmer months, you’ll also bound to score some great deals. And don’t forget to check out the August issue of Stylewatch for even more options.

Swimsuits
St. Tropez golden-ring deep-V halter tank, J.Crew, $59 (originally $85)
String bikini halter top, Old Navy, $7 (originally $17)
String bikini bottom, Old Navy, $7 (originally $17)
Carol Wior “Slimsuit” side-ring halter, Nordstrom, $55 (originally $110)

Best site for swimwear bargains: www.swimoutlet.com

Light Dresses
“Ursula” strapless dress, C&C California, $29(originally $94)
Crossover knit dress, Forever 21, $16
Mercer silk belted dress, Sunner, $124 (orginally $247)

T-Shirts
Women’s “Boyfriend” tee, C&C California, $23 (originally $46)
Short-sleeve jersey tee, Gap, $10 (originally $20)
Puffed sleeve scoop neck top, Aeropostale, $9, (originally $17)
Most comprehensive site for tees: www.americanapparel.net

Accessories
Weave sandal in white, Mystique, $48 (originally $79)
Corsica sandal in red, Luiza Barcelos, $29 (originally $69)
Medium rugby stripe boat and tote bag, LL Bean, $16.95 (originally $22)
Woven beach and pool tote, $21 (originally $29)
Reversible beach hat, $18.99 (originally $38)
Big brim beach hat, $14 (originally $24)

CHRIS B.-JSM-BM/Bauer-Griffin

Please tell me where Rachel got that dress from! It’s so cute!- Lindsay

We haven’t seen Rachel Bilson out and about in awhile, but when we caught her shopping in L.A. we were extremely excited at how comfy, yet stylish she looked. The former O.C. star kept cool in a Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent tunic dress, showed-off the Abbey bag by Zac Posen in amethyst, and topped the look off with a pair of Moschino’s heart cut-out sunglasses (that aren’t even out yet!). What’s better, we found Rachel’s whole look for under 80!

Get Rachel’s Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress, $225, for real at livenatty.com or try this Lux slubby t-shirt dress, on sale $30 from $48, at urbanoutfitters.com.

For Rachel’s Zac Posen Abbey bag, $1500, check out eluxury.com and for a more affordable option try this NYC by Perlina Dome Satchel, $40, at target.com.
Complete the look with this simple brown belt, $6, at mandee.com.