FashionHap: Catch-ups - Barbie & Brandi

If you're pretty sure you've seen this dress before, I don't blame you. There has been so much use of the sheer-meets-something effect by stars in recent years, it's easy to get blasé about the look. The lighting makes this piece from Barbie (for the Star Magazine red carpet) appear to be sequined, but it's actually laced used in a similar way to sequin-covering-sheer dresses that were ubiquitous from 2012-2014. As a fan of freshness, I applaud the update of the lace and, while I'm a little over the sheer trend as done this way, this whole look is flawlessly put-together. The nude sandals, the polished-but-not-exceptionally-fancy low bun: it's all seamlessly stellar. She went with white again for her Easter style and I love everything about this dress...until we get to the loose, crinkled mock-neck. Like, what the? If only the dress had stopped 3 inches lower! Her high bun would have been dangerously refined, but workable with a different neckline. With this one, well, I'll give it a pass because the neckline really can't be redeemed, at least from what I can see at this angle.  As with her previous dress, I'm on board for the nude sandal pairing - it's a lovely look. It's safe, but safe is what you want to be for a traditional holiday like Easter. That being said, I could have totally gotten behind spiking this look with bright heels - lemon, aqua, or even a subtler statement like blush or metallic gold.
Next, we get a bevy of looks from Brandi, including dipping all the way back into February for this metallic printed dress from Blackcake Clothing. She grounded this piece nicely with black pointy-toe pumps - the right choice for late winter. Chunky-heeled sandals would do nicely for summer. A wide bracelet added a solid gleam, but Brandi really gave the look some flash with her super-fun bag: a tasseled, lightning-bolt-accented piece. I love the quirky impulse behind this choice! Next up is a foray into jewel tones with an amethyst sheath dress. Instead of the expected black, she pairs it with taupe pieces - suede OTKs and a moto jacket. The softer neutral brightens this deep hue nicely and gives it a more feminine vibe then a fierce black combo. From there, she gives us a jaw-dropper: what looks to be a sneak peek at a photoshoot (oh, I hope so!). She pairs a black mockneck bodysuit with gorgeous burgundy velvet OTKs (ssly, is it possible to get a phrase that sounds more luxurious than "burgundy velvet"?). The look gets a twist that reminds me of something Maryse would do - feminine and sexy floral lace stockings. I love the way the textures of the delicate lace and plush velvet play off the smooth knit of her bodysuit. And leaning-back pose is killer! Her fun side is again in evidence with this sunshine-y orange romper. I love love love bright colors for warm weather, so I'm thrilled by this choice :). Brandi keeps the bright vibe going by finishing the look with black booties featuring an on-trend sprinkling of stars. As with her lightning-bolt purse, I love the playful vibe of this styling!

Brandi is another of those enviable fashionistas who can do it all and she shows off that talent by going from playful to rocker in one moment. Her next outfit pairs a studded bustier with sheeny leggings for a glam-tough vibe. Her make-up palette is suitably smoky and gives this edgy combo even more impact. Fierce ankle booties with this? I think so :). I'm really time-tripping with this sequined romper - it's her New Year's outfit! - but it's so polished and chic that I had to make mention of it! This is one-piece fancy dressing 101: simple (black, romper), with a twist (deep v-front, sequins, satin accents). Finish it black pointy toe pumps and boom - done! Yes, you can be ready in ten minutes :). 'Casual with a hint of boho' is also in Brandi's arsenal. Here, she pairs a white peasant top with black leggings and sleek pointy-toe ankle booties. I love the way she gave a outdoorsy flourish to this look by adding a floral-printed bag. Note: using her bag to add a defining adjective to her outfit seems to be becoming a Brandi trademark, and one well worth emulating. Black and sequins were back on her radar in February, this time via a cutout jumpsuit with a choker-esque detail. A pretty side braid and cranberry lips added the only accents this statement piece needs! Sometimes, fashionistas just want to have fun :) -Brandi let her lighthearted side loose with this summery look. She paired an irresistible Winnie-The-Pooh tee that I just adore with rolled distressed jeans and flat espadrilles. It's comfortable, practical, totally laidback - but still has that shot of style competence about it. In this case, it's the shoes that assist that impression, elevating the look beyond what  say...flip flops...would have. Details matter :)