Emma Stone was back to her vibrant, bright self in more ways than one at the Friends With Benefits premiere this week, in this on-trend Giambattista Valli number. The colour-blocking piece combined colour-of-the-season punchy pink in the skirt and bright red in the bodice. She paired the outfit with simple nude shoes, a silver clutch and pretty pink lips.

I absolutely love the colours of this dress. Red is notoriously hard to pull off for redheads, but she chooses a perfect shade of red that doesn’t compete with her hair or over-power it. Pink and red is also an unusual combination, but it pushes colour blocking beyond simply complimentary colours and the result really works. The long sleeves of the blouse and the pencil shape of the skirt are both grown-up but sexy on her, and the pretty nude pumps make her legs look a mile long and compliment the look perfectly. I also love the fact that unlike a lot of young actresses, Emma is happy to embrace her naturally pale skin, even in an outfit this bright.

Of course, I have to discuss the…poufs (?)…on the skirt. While they are a little out there, I do think they are really fun. Without them, I don’t think the outfit would stand out so much, and the fun shape keeps the outfit young and interesting. However, I can definitely see how they seem to be an unusual choice.

What do you think, can Emma rock the voluminous accents and red hair/red top combo? Do we think her look is hot or just another Hollywood hot mess?

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Those of us who live in New England are extremely thankful to the designers of labels like (above) Brian Reyes, Cynthia Rowley, Giambattista Valli, and Givenchy for incorporating highly structured collars into their lines this fall, which provide some protection for our necks against freezing winds. No more ugly neck warmers! No more frozen necks!

This look is very trendy right now and definitely makes a strong statement. The structured trend is all about volume and creative construction.

One great way to rock this look is with your winter coat. Obviously it will look amazing and chic while giving you the added bonus of extra warmth! You can throw a scarf on underneath for extra warmth, or just let the oversized neckline work its magic. Here are some coats with high structured collars (click to see more):

Tops with high collars look very chic and sophisticated, especially underneath a blazer or winter coat. You can tuck em into a pair of pants for a more tailored look, or let them hang loose over your favorite skinny jeans tucked into a pair of knee high boots. Avoid any large necklaces or earrings and accessorize with some great bangles, or a big cocktail ring.

[Runway pictures are from Style.com.]

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Ruffles always look so elegant and feminine – but that’s not why I love them so much. The best part about ruffles is that they can balance out your body. Small bust and big hips? Put on a top with some ruffles and – poof – an instant chest! Need to add some oomph to your bottom half? Throw on a ruffled skirt! Seen on the runways of Givenchy, Just Cavalli, Giambattista Valli, and others, ruffles are possibly the easiest way to emphasize and enlarge areas that you want to be on display while making other ares (i.e. your waist) appear slimmer.

If you want to make your bust appear larger, here are some really cute tops. Pair em with your favorite pair of going-out jeans for a perfectly balanced outfit. Click on the picture to learn more, or to buy em. (And how could you not? They are so. cute.)

If you want to add some curve/volume to your hips while slimming your legs, these perfecty placed (read: low on the body) ruffles will do the trick. Again, click to see more:

If you’re still nervous or unsure about rocking this look, you can add ruffles with a little more subtlety. Ruffles on the shoulder are easy to pull off and are flattering for your arms, and a small ruffle on a v-neck brings all the attention to your chest. Hot.

A skirt with a long ruffle in the front is very pretty, simple, and feminine, but with a fun little twist. This look can be worn with a tight top and a pair of heels for a party, or with a more conservative top for your internship or job interviews.

Finally, if you’re just not feeling the ruffley clothes, you can still rock this trend by carrying a ruffled purse or shoes.

Just remember: ruffles stand out, so if you don’t want to show something off, don’t stick a ruffle there!