For instance: You’re on a business trip. You’re wearing your favorite tailored blazer, pencil skirt, stockings, a colorful blouse and cute yet professional shoes. You’re ready to go to the 9 a.m. meeting, until you notice that you’re missing a button. And the hem on your skirt is coming undone. Panic attack? Not this time—you, the clever fashionista that you are, packed your K.I.S. Kit.

K.I.S. Kits are basically superheroes for any wardrobe malfunction. The kit consists of no-iron crease removing spray, no-sew seam repair adhesive, press-on buttons, double-sided fashion tape and a shoe shine sponge, all in an on-the-go travel case. Everything’s carry-on approved, so getting through airport security will be a breeze. Each kit is $24.99. I’d throw in my Tide To Go pen for a complete fashion-disaster aversion kit.

Another “emergency” piece in my suitcase is, surprisingly, a bathing suit. I don’t know how many times I’ve accidentally forgotten my suit, only to be the girl sitting on the edge of the pool instead of swimming (and I love to swim). Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of simply keeping my suit in my travel bag. At all times. Wash it, dry it, pop it back in the suitcase.

Le Doux swimsuits are ultra sexy and can be seen on a handful of Hollywood’s most fashionable women, including Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. My favorite Le Doux swimsuit is without a doubt, the monokini they dubbed “Perfect.” It’s bright white and, in my opinion, way sexier than any bikini. The shape is great, with rounded cutouts on both sides and a halter top. It’s a splurge at $125, but it’s the quintessential monokini—exactly what I think of when I hear the word. Keep it on hand and always look effortlessly chic in and out of the pool.

A convertible bra is a staple piece in my suitcase, too. I’m really good at packing a cute dress and totally forgetting a coordinating bra. And I hate unintentionally showing off my bra straps! I actually just got my hands on a bra strap solution much like the one you’ve probably seen on TV, which I’ll be writing about within the next few weeks, however, a backless dress can’t be saved without a drastic solution.

Leave it to Frederick’s of Hollywood to come up with the perfect solution—the Natural Solutions Convertible Bra. You can wear it nine different ways: strapless, halter, cross front, one strap, racer back, open back, low front, low back or asymmetric. It comes with a handful of clear and elastic straps for a truly comprehensive list of options for any neckline. It’s offered in nude or black for $39.
(All photos used with permission)

-Keri

I love Valentine’s Day. To me, it’s an excuse to send silly cards to the people I love and an even better excuse (as if any girl needs one) to dress up and look great. By this time, we’ve all hopefully lost the few extra pounds we gained around the holidays, and we’re eager to show off our progress—either out in public at a club or in private (wink, wink!) with our man. And believe me, every man hates Valentine’s Day until he sees you in a special sexy outfit!

Cue the perfect little red (or pink) dress from Frederick’s of Hollywood.We’ve mentioned Frederick’s before, and for good reason—not only do they have naughty and sexy lingerie, but they offer a whole wardrobe of sassy and sweet tops, skirts and dresses to please any taste and to flatter all shapes and sizes.

For an absolutely date-worthy look, try the Origami Halter Dress (pictured left) with pleated red skirt detailing and stretch belt to cinch your waist. It accentuates your chest, too, so don’t be surprised if you catch him oogling you over dinner! Just don’t forget a pair of sparkly high heels and a cute bag to finish the look.

I’m a huge fan of one-shoulder dresses because they leave your cleavage to the imagination and really focus on your sexy hips and legs! Frederick’s Cascading Ruffle Dress (pictured right) is a body-hugging style with serious allure—the ruching hides any minor problem areas and the vertical ruffle adds a flirty touch. It’s long enough not to be naughty but short enough to amp up the sex appeal. To accessorize, opt for a statement bracelet over a necklace, which will compete with the neckline.

Heading out to the clubs with your girls on the Day of Love? The Sleeveless Mini Dress is perfect to grab the attention of everyone on the dance floor. The bloussant top balances the mini skirt banded hem nicely—never showing too much at once. The billowy draping on the top is ultra feminine, and this shoulder-baring style showcases all the muscle-toning you’ve been doing at the gym. Show it off, girl!

The Stretch Jersey Knit Babydoll Dress has body-flattering style with a flowy, asymmetrical hemline. The rhinestone detailing on the straps adds a little bling for interest and the high waistline smoothes your hips. I suggest a sparkly necklace that rests just above your cleavage and a killer pair of silver heels.

-Keri

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow night. I have the dress. I have the accessories. Now, I need some new shoes!

Like Carrie Bradshaw, I absolutely love shoes. My husband doesn’t understand the difference that a buckle, T-strap, or heel height can make and simply can’t fathom why anyone would need 7 pairs of black pumps. Sigh… men.

Even though I have lots of shoes, for this special night, I need something with a little more sizzle. Some of the sexiest, most stylish shoes I’ve found are at Frederick’s. Until this year, when I thought of Frederick’s, my mind went to lingerie only. But I have since found out (to my great happiness) that they carry a huge range of necessities – from party dresses, to accessories, to wonderful, wonderful shoes.

For New Year’s Eve, I absolutely covet the Double Wrap Sandal. One of my favorite styles, the double wrap sandal crosses at the ankle holds your foot in firmly place – a must for a night of dancing! The 4 1/2″inch enamel-plated stiletto heel is the perfect height (meaning I can still walk). And the sassy metallic silver works with almost everything in my closet.  Plus – and here’s the best part – they are on sale for only $17.99!

Or, if you’re fighting the snow, Frederick’s Pointed Toe Sequin Pump is a great option. These shimmering, sequined 4” pumps instantly jazz up a simple LBD. Available in basic black and sparkly silver, these pumps are only $34.00 and are guaranteed to become the go-to shoes for festive evenings.

A trendy option that takes the gladiator look to a whole new level is the Strappy Satin Stiletto. Sleek satin straps and a 4 1⁄2″ heel paired with a short skirt and he won’t be able to take his eyes off of your legs! On sale now for the super low price of only $19.99 (previously $39.99).

One of the best things about Fredericks, though, is the entire selection of what they call shoe solutions (I call them salvation!).  Gel Heel Guards, Cushioning Insoles, Ball of Foot Gel Cushions and Anti-Friction Blister Balm will ensure that you ring in the new year feeling fabulous in your new heels!

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Fashion Picks

New Year’s Eve Style

December 2009

If you love dressing up for special occasions, there’s no celebration quite as exciting as New Years’ Eve. The glitz, the glamour, the sequins! Mini dresses and high heels abound in every girl’s hopes of beginning a stylish new year.

Whether you have plans to enjoy a fancy dinner and champagne celebration out in the city, or spend the evening at home entertaining friends with fine wine, or even if you don’t have any plans yet, looking fresh and fantastic is always part of the equation. No matter your style and body type (and despite the fact that you may have overindulged on edible goodies a bit this Christmas), there’s a dress that will make you feel sexy and turn a few heads this NYE. And there’s still time to snag a great dress for a great price!

Thanks to the masters of sexy at Frederick’s of Hollywood, who are most well known for their edgy, feminine and naughty lingerie, there’s a wide variety of stunning and affordable clothing fit for the naughty and the nice. They have tight and flowy dresses, classic styles and sexy detailing, and they’re having a great sale right now—up to 70% OFF!!

The stretch satin dress is ultra feminine with ruching on the bust and down the front for a flattering fit. The back shows a hint of skin with a satin bow to finish the look. It comes in a few different colors, my favorite being charcoal, which just so happens to be on sale for $49.99 right now! The fabric does have a little give to it, but keep in mind this is a more body-hugging style, so pay close attention to the handy sizing chart.

For the envelope-pushing fashionista, a statement LBD is more your style. This deep V-neck dress has retro 80s-style shoulder detail, but ruching on the bust keeps it fresh. Also be conscious of the slim silhouette of this one. Keep your accessories on the demure side to balance the strong shoulders and prepare to get a lot of stares.

To accent your “top,” try a halter dress with flowy chiffon. The paneled satin bust gives structure while the open back provides instant sex appeal. The loose chiffon will soften your curves and make you look gorgeous! It comes in black or red at $69 and in hot pink or purple for just $39.99. Don’t be afraid to wear a statement accessory with this one, like some sparkly, long earrings or a chunky cuff bracelet.

I don’t care what anyone says—flappers did it right. For a surprising and trendy NYE, this ombré fringe dress starts the party and keeps it going until well past midnight. Plenty of wiggle room in the accessories department—go for long strands of pearls and rhinestones or stack tons of silver bangles up your arm. Just imagine how great you’ll look shimmying on the dance floor!

Lastly, I have to highlight the dress that I bought from Frederick’s—the goddess dress. Talk about back detailing, this dress is amazing! The deep V-neck is flattering to your bustline while the high waist is flattering to your waistline. The horizontal and vertical black bands are a surprising twist to the typical open back. The fabric is a polyester/spandex blend that’s smooth to the touch with lots of give. I plan to wear it with footless tights and high heels in a surprising color—purple!

Reminder: If you choose a style with an open or strappy back, don’t forget a coordinating versatile bra!!

Note: No samples were received for this review. Images are from www.Fredericks.com.

-Keri

Lingerie is never a gift cliché. Let me said that again, guys — never!

But, as much as I adore it, beautiful lingerie is often quite expensive. So I was thrilled to learn about Hollywood Goddess Gifts from Frederick’s of Hollywood.

Glam is always my style and each of these beautiful pieces is priced under $40!

One great gift idea from this collection is a short, plushy robe in trendy black and white zebra and piped in bombshell pink. So cute and extremely useful! This robe is a steal at only $39.

There are also Ellie boy shorts. These come in an adorable array of patterns and colors and will only set you back $25 for 4 pairs. Definitely on my gift list! And the Pin-up bra and boy short set comes in sexy black, piped once again, in bombshell pink.

But my absolute fave is the three-piece piped pj set, pictured. This satiny three piece ensemble includes comfy pants and top, plus matching boy shorts. There are two choices of colors — hot pink piped in black or red piped in black. I absolutely love these! They are extremely well made and will last for years. The satiny finish feels luxe, but these pjs are actually machine washable (delicate) – a time-saving must for busy women everywhere! They are available in sizes small through x-large

Although I already have the pj set, I took a brief visit to the Fredericks web site to see what else I might add to my Christmas list. And I found lots!

In addition to the Goddess Gift Collection, there’s a Glamorous Gift Guide which includes luxurious lingerie, party girl dresses, sexy sleepwear, Santa’s favorites, plus size, and stocking stuffers There is also a sale section of items that are up to an amazing 70% off  – just in time for the holidays. You’re sure to find fabulous clothing, shoes and accessories – and at incredible sale prices.

Fredericks makes it easy to set up a Wish List. Just set up a free account, choose sizes, colors and styles.

Now you can let him know exactly what you’re dreaming of this Christmas!