Posted by Tara Decoda on May 3, 2010 in
Makeover's,
That's A Good Look,
White House Fab
When America was first introduced to Michelle Obama, which was [of course] when Barack Obama began to campaign for presidency, pre-conceived notions were immediately drawn. Some people thought she came off too mean and unfriendly, others thought she was the Wonder Woman of our day, while others felt she should play her position- the background:

Me, being a fashion writer, of course immediately evaluated the soon-to-be First Lady’s personal style. I immediately wrote her off as a “nothing to see here.” Her style was button-up shirt, knee-length skirt, and a classic set of pearls. Can’t forget the infamous hair flip and the always natural face, almost seeming like she never wore makeup. But I look at the first lady now and she just has me like “whoa! Okay, didn’t know you had it like that!”
Her metamorphosis from corporate lawyer flair to stunning style icon is definitely an evolution to take notice of. In the early 2008 year, she mostly rocked a side bang with a flip and nearly never dabbled in “popping” colors. She most definitely played it safe. Read more…
Tags: Ikram Goldman, Ingrid Grimes-Miles, Johnny Wright, Michelle Obama
The red carpet for last night’s American Music Awards was just like the show– overall boring, with a few good moments. Emphasis on few. For the looks I didn’t like or thought was mediocre, I made over. Y’all know how I feel about solutions: if you don’t have a solution to the problem, don’t complain about it. Simple.

I never thought I would have to do this with my girl Rih Rih! But this Marchesa rosette cut-out dress was wrong (sorry Mariel). For her fix, I chose a dress from the same Marchesa Spring 2010 collection. This strapless short dress, with sculpted bust and waist detail would have looked stunning on Rihanna! And the white fabric dripping would have given her the spunk she goes for all the time. Yes!

While the Versace dress Shakira rocked was cute, flirty and sexy, I am tired of this look on Shakira! Every awards show, it never fails, the same strapless mini dress, just in a different color. I chose this Roberto Cavalli Eyelet-Embellished Dress for her because it was sexy, funky, but still fresh and new. With the cutout neck, asymmetric peaked hem at front, and diagonal pleat seam, Shakira would have successfully pulled off the same look she was going for with this mini dress- just better! She could throw these on with thigh high boots for an even sexier look, or rock pumps to keep the focus on the dress!

I never want to take someone out of their element. Obviously Kelly Clarkson was going for the in-season sequined/embellishment trend, she just went about it the wrong way. Looks like her grandma made it for her, and she didn’t want to tell her no. To fix this I chose this 3.1 Phillip Lim Sequined Silk Wrap Dress, which is still fun and young, but still conservative in a way. This dress would have also flattered her body better, as opposed to highlighting where she is more *voluptuous*. She could have paired this with a pair of black pumps, even the pumps she wore with her dress!
Read more…
Tags: American Music Awards, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna, Shakira
Day 1 of Teen Vogue’s Fashion U was all about the high-style guest speakers, while Day 2 was all about the students!


The students received mini-makeover’s courtesy of Maybelline, but most importantly they received their diplomas:


Teen Vogue also partnered with Maybelline, to not only give out makeover’s but scholarships to 2 lucky girls as well:

For more pictures of the event… Read more…
Tags: Fashion University, Heather Roff, Jennifer Huang, Laura McEwan, Stephanie Cross, Teen Vogue
Posted by Tara Decoda on Oct 16, 2009 in
Designers,
High-End,
Makeover's
Fab shoe designer Christian Louboutin is teaming up with the iconic fashionista, Barbie, to make shoes, dolls, accessories, diaries, and to be her godfather for a year. But first, he has to make some changes:

Before Louboutin goes in and works his magic with Barbie, he first has to resize her ankles. Yes, her ankles! Apparently, Barbie’s ankles are “too fat”. Ouch! But outside of that change, everything will remain the same, except Barbie will be flyer than she’s ever been. Here is what the partnership will include:
- Make a hot-pink “Barbie” shoe
- A customized Barbie doll and accessories collection
- Be Barbie’s godfather for a year
- Creating a “diary filled with images of Louboutin and Barbie as they explore the cobbler’s favorite things.”
This should be fantabulous, dawling! Is it just me, or is Barbie getting more work than Naomi Campbell in her prime? I’m just sayin’
Tags: Barbie, Christian Louboutin, Mattel
The bob came back with a bang, and everyone joined in on the exciting trend (even me!). It was perfect for summer, easy to manage, didn’t cost as much to maintain at the salon, and versatile. It could be edgy and sexy, or it could be classy and sophisticated. It was good while it lasted, but it’s time to switch up! Fall is back in full effect, and it’s time to do something new, and fun. I say, get it straight:





I’m talking bone straight, glossy, long hair. No bumps at the end, lumps at the top. Bone straight from root to tip, from center part to bang. It’s not nothing new, it’s not an innovative approach to hair, it’s something that has been around just as long as the bob, if not longer. It’s also easy to maintain, easy to take care of, and an easy look to implicate. So easy, you won’t have to step foot in a salon to do it (unless you’re getting a weave :-p)! And I’ll show you how…
Read more…
Tags: Beyonce Knowles, Camilla Belle, CHI, Kim Kardashian, Kimberly Kimble, Kimble, Kimora Lee Simmons, Nexxus, Organic Root Stimulator, Revlon, Rihanna, Target, Ursula Stephen, Walgreens
Because I am all about solutions, and I love giving people makeovers, I bring to you again: What They Should’ve Wore- Grammy Edition:
1. Leona Lewis

What was wrong with this picture? Well, this ill-fitting nude gown, blonde hair and tan skin was just a tad too much. Now don’t get it twisted, she should very well pull out all stops because she was a nominee and have every right to. But perhaps this Oscar de la Renta dress and shoes, and Kenneth Jay Lane collar necklace would have done the trick. Perhaps a bun too, we’ve never seen that on Leona. This outfit is fit for a nominee and the pulled up style on the leg would have added an element of sexy-ness to the usually boring Leona. This would have definitely turned heads. Problem solved.
2. Keyshia Cole

What was wrong with this picture? Well, this half mini-dress/half sheer gown pressing against her breasts was just not poppin’! Keyshia is just all too fabulous for this. This Tadashi gown with the split up the leg would have gave her the element of class and surprise she was obviously going for, and it wouldn’t surpress her breast neither. It would have done the job of balancing out her figure that she always seem to miss. The Giuseppe Zanotti fishbone sandals would have been the best part of the slit, and the ring with crystals around it and black stone in the middle would have summed up the black and silver theme.
3. Solange Knowles

What was wrong with this picture? Well, that dress did nothing for her body and it wasn’t Grammy appropriate. This Tibi dress is playful and bright, which is much of what Solange has made her signature. The ruffles going down the center and sheer sleeves would have been beautiful against her skin and complimented her style. Silver wasn’t even an option for this look so of course it was paired with gold Jimmy Choo’s and gold Leiber clutch with pinkish stones all over.
4. Paris Hilton

What was wrong with this picture? Where should we start…. the outdated Versace dress? Or just the fact that she forgot she was at the Grammys? Whatever reason you want to start with, this Temperley London 20’s inspired mini dress with the fringed bottom solves the problem. It allows Paris to keep the mini-dress party girl look she was going for, but just a lot more Grammy appropriate. And not to mention the Givenchy sandals adds a pop of color and some edge. Now, THAT’s hot!
To see the other 4 celebs of What They Should’ve Wore Read more…
Tags: Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Paris Hilton, Paula Abdul, Paula Patton, Solange Knowles, Tennille, Tiny
As I previously posted before, I have decided to finally step out and become a Wardrobe Consultant. Apart of my job is to perform Wardrobe Makeovers and in honor of my new profession– my first “subject” will be Lindsay Lohan:

LiLo, as she is affectionately called by the press, has fell off the fabulous ban wagon in recent years. There was a time (most notably when she was a client of A-List stylist Rachel Zoe) when Lindsay seemed to never have an off day. But lately, she seems to not care. I, Tara Decoda, propose to perform a makeover on Ms. Lohan to take her back to the fabulousness. Shall we begin?

For the first look, we are using an age old fashion trick: mixing designer pieces with trendy inexpensive pieces. I paired a fun 3.1 Phillip Lim mini dress with a Forever 21 necklace, then completed the look with a jeweled pair of Sergio Rossi sandals that is sure to add some spice to a rather casual day look. This look would be perfect for a typical day in Hollywood walking around– but for us regular folks, this look would be perfect for a lunch date (not with the girls
.

For this look, we’re taking it back to the classic combination of white and silver. This Preen fran bandage dress replaces the over worn Herve Leger bandage dresses, while still keeping the same effect. The 5 in. Giuseppe Zanotti fishbone sandals adds a sort of rebel, daring edge to a rather clean, sexy (but sophisticated) look, not to mention the Lee Angel bracelet (inspired by Marilyn Monroe) adds a touch of class but is not too distracting. Not to mention the actresses natural red tresses would perfectly off set this all white look. Perfect for a red-carpet, Young, Hot, Hollywood gathering.

This Diane von Furstenberg dress has a very beach party vibe that has become the designers signature, and once you pair it with these Jimmy Choo t-bar sandals– you can’t go wrong! Also shown in this look is a Kenneth Jay Lane textured cuff, doubled up. Perfect for a beach party in the Hampton’s!

Who wants to wear dresses every day? For this look, I paired a printed bow front blouse with a pair of mid-rise super slim Diesel jeans, and to add a pop of color I threw yellow Tory Burch patent flats in the mix. But if your Lindsay Lohan, a casual stroll in LA means you will be making some stops in a couple stores to shop. So this means you will need a over sized bag! This Miu Miu bag is a perfect color for the perfect ‘fit.

For this look, a night out in Vegas was on the brain. This Matthew Williamson sequined dress screams night out on the town! I chose to pair it with Jimmy Choo peep toe platforms and matching Jimmy Choo clutch, which allows the dress to get all the attention. But wait a minute! The Roberto Cavalli large geometric ring can possibly be a scene stealer– if it were something bigger, such as a bracelet or necklace. You don’t want to take too much attention away from the dress, but without jewelry some people feel naked. Fab look!

What I never want to do is take someone out of their element, thus making them uncomfortable. Comfort and confidence is key when dressing. Lindsay was one of the founding fathers of the major leggings trend, and she also has her own over priced leggings line. For this look, comfort was key. I chose a sequenced Les Chiffoniers leggings and chose a Thomas Wylde tie dye top to pair with it. The red bottoms on the classic Christian Louboutin pumps classed it up, and for the accessories I chose a Erickson Beamon studded cuff. Lindsay lately has chosen to embrace the casual, dark glam, edgy look and instead of trying to abandon it, I chose to embrace it. Just a little more polished. Perfect for a night out partying at one of Hollywood’s hot spots, or chilling in the DJ booth with her lady friend.
There goes a few options for Lindsay’s makeover. 2009 is coming and it’s time for a change, in every sense of the word.
Tags: Lindsay Lohan