Melange: When Divas & KOs Go For Gold

With wearing gold being in the headlines every day due to the Rio Olympics, I thought it would be fun to take a look at how gold fits into a wardrobe ...even when one isn't able to pull off a full-in-double-back and stick it ;). The ladies of WWE and TNA have definitely managed to find some use for it! And why not? Gold conveys so much: luxury, glamour, fierceness, boldness. It's metallic shimmer enhances nealry any combination, but it's powerful enough in it's own right to provide the statement for an otherwise simple look. Barbie's shining monokini would definitely catch some eyes at the beach, but it's her pointy-toe pumps that win big with me! Shoes are one of my favorite ways to do metallic; they act as a neutral that's not black, bringing brightness and a touch of glam to any outfit. They're easy to blend as well: coordinate with your jewelry, or the color tone of the outfit. Sasha's statement dress is a flawless choice for cocktail hour. The gold really enlivens the black bodice and classic silhouette. Since weddings have been front and center around here lately, if you're wondering about this piece: yes, it could be worn to a night semi-formal or black-tie optional event ...I'd suggest going for a statement necklace that doesn't say "BOSS", though ;). Eva's metallic gold pants really spiked her crop top+skinnies pairing and would be a fab option for a night at the bar. I'm also a fan of her gold-accented sandals; the metallic bar is looking like it's a thing right now and the fierce flash it creates makes a strappy sandal like this super-versatile. Michelle let her glam shine with this sequined tank top. A sequined piece or two is always a good thing for a girl to have in her wardrobe for adding formality to everything from denim to pencil skirts. I especially love how Michelle paired this top with pearl accents - the creamy shimmer plays well against the bright sparkle of the gold. Barbie also showed her love for gold with this elegant metallic embroidered dress. Gold goes through various iterations from the bold, over-the-top sheen of lame to subtler usages, such as this. If you're building a wardrobe, stay with something along these lines - artisanal elegance will remain chic and current long after many envelope-pushing trends have faded. Eve went for the gold in this lace-up-detailed bikini and rocked it - proof that gold works as well in two pieces as in one. If you're mixing solid gold separates in real life, you can soften the blaze of the metallic by topping them with a neutral blazer or cardigan. Conversely, you can bring massive sparks to an all-neutral look by topping them with a gold coat, a la Maryse. It's amazing how many shades can be enhanced by gold: black, navy, red, burgundy, ivory, white, almond and khaki can all handle a shot of golden glimmer quite nicely. If a true "glimmer" is all you're craving, try doing gold Brooke's way: with delicate jewelry. Consider a body chain with right outfit (generally simple canvases that let the detail of the chain stand out), or multiple, layered slim necklaces. Lana proves that gold isn't just for pumps: metallic sandals are definite requirements for summer, and all-season dressy events. Pair them with a gown, pair them with destroyed denim..or get crazy and pair them with a strappy, bandage monokini as you lounge poolside at a five-star resort, sipping champagne and plotting which corner of the universe you're going to take over next :).  In many cases, raw, gorgeous gold is best done in controlled brush strokes, rather than with a paint roller, but sometimes, letting your gold flag fly is better yet! Maria always leans toward making a yuuuge statement, so  her choice of a full-on sequined mini dress is just what we'd expect from her fashionable Ladyship. Proms, holiday and late night parties and being leader of the KO's division all lend themselves to unadulterated glamour. Then again, maybe you want to play up gold's luxury in your look. For that, take a tip from Taryn and pair it with rich, seductive fur - a vest for spring and fall or a coat for winter. If you're feeling like a rock star, keep following Taryn's lead and add  a black fringe necklace or dark, grunge-y hematite pieces and a pair of OTK boots. If you're feeling more "heiress", go for a crystal jewelry and classic sandals. Either way, show some Olympic spirit and go for gold in your fashion!