It may still be cold and blustery outside, but that doesn’t mean that prom night and the prom shopping season aren’t right around the corner. Take a walk through any of your favorite department stores and you are going to see the first signs of the upcoming prom season…right now there are already dresses, bags, shoes and accessories making their first appearances in all of the best shops (online and in the “real” world).

The first prom dresses to appear on the racks are often a sign of what the entire season is going to look like, and if you were to take a preview today you could sum things up in a few short words.

The Summary Details

What are those few short words that can describe the current trends in prom dresses? They are: short, sequins, color and netting. This year’s batch of prom dresses are all about the glamour that comes from the glitter and sparkle of sequins, but they are also about the contemporary cut and look of popular celebrity gowns too.

The Glitter

Consider the different gowns from Sherri Hill…they personify the words we mentioned. From a sheath of brown and turquoise sequins in a gorgeous sunburst design to an ultra-sexy mini dress with a single sleeve and thousands of glittering jet black and gunmetal beads, the trend is always towards sleek, lean and sexy.

The Short and Long of It

In addition to the trend towards mini dresses, there is a wonderful multi-hemline style too. You might call it flamenco or you might call it princess, but the basic fact is that the dresses are sexy and short at the front with a gorgeous “swooshing” tail at the back!

Of course, we also mentioned that netting and loads of color are part of this year’s trends in prom dresses too. This unique fabric can be found in the Jovani line of gowns that are full of patterned fabrics, bold colors, unique combinations, and all of the other materials we mentioned.

Their Long Sweetheart is a perfect example of the multi-hemline, and their Royal Glitter Cap Mini is covered in bold blue, white, and sheer beads and sequins. It has a netting bodice and back that are super sexy and yet totally appropriate for any prom. Their Mermaid gown is probably the epitome of all of the trends with a sexy, clinging bodice, floor length skirts, silver sequins from top to bottom, and gorgeous black netting skirts that give a beautiful silhouette.

The Princess in the Mini

Not interested in “vamping” it up for the prom? That’s okay, you can still stay with the trends as you glam up like a princess. Jovani has a White Sequin Mini that is absolutely adorable with a silver bodice and white netted skirt, but Sherri Hill also does princess nicely in the Black Mirrored Mini too.

Other brands to explore this season include Silent Kiss and Sky as they also use the lovely colors, sexy cuts, and fantastic fabrics that are the hottest options for those hoping to start some trends, stop their date in their tracks, and enjoy a comfortable and totally stylish prom night.

The shift from winter to summer is a challenging time for the wardrobe. After all, do you wear a few layers or do you throw on a sweater? Do you go for a heavier jacket or do you opt for a lightweight coat? How do you stay in style and remain comfortable? Fortunately, there is one part of the wardrobe this season that is going to make it  easier than ever to stay comfortable and chic…that is women’s tops, and it is all due to the current trends in printed contemporary women’s tops.

Taking a Look at the Top

It is interesting to see that “what is old is new” in the world of printed contemporary women’s tops. This is because the fashion is to “remake” shirts from artwork originally appearing on things like old record album covers, flags, and concert t-shirts from the 70s and 80s. The modern printed contemporary women’s tops are much more wearable because they have long sleeves, loose necklines that will allow them dip off of one shoulder, and a looser fit that is great for layering.

For instance, the Chaser brand has a lot of cool re-prints of old album covers, but in loose-fit, long sleeved t-shirts that can be worn like tunics or as a very breezy top over leggings or fitted pants.

Other Older Trends

What is interesting about the “old is new” trend is that it doesn’t end with reprinted t-shirt images from earlier decades, but also includes tie-dyed prints, very 80s graphics, and even “bedazzled” tops too.

Consider Kareena’s sheer covers with tie-dyed accents or with heavily beaded necklines a la “Dynasty”. There are also the trendy Lauren Moshi baseball t-shirts and “Flashdance” style torn t-shirts that truly “make” the entire outfit. Wild Fox has created some printed contemporary women’s tops that are very similar to a lot of “message” tops of the 80s too. Remember those “Relax” t-shirts or the “smiley face” images? Those have been reworked for the modern age and are now available in more contemporary “cuts” and styles.

Don’t Overlook Logos

In addition to recognizable graphics and images, there are also some traditional logo tops too. Wildfox has really “nailed it” in terms of their new takes on some of the classic logos and textual messages. For instance, their Fan Club Donavon tee lists four familiar names: Mick, Kieth, Ronnie and Charlie, but these names are a bit of an “insider’s message” because they are only familiar to fans of the Rolling Stones!

They also converted some of the classic “I ‘heart’” messages into much more modern tees as well.

Reconsider the Cut

Lastly, a lot of contemporary women’s tops are not cut in classic styles. Consider the “fringe” tops from companies like Wildfox, or the cutout tees from Lauren Moshi. These are terrifically chic and trendy, but they are also incredibly unique “statement” pieces too.

Tops don’t have to be hidden layers at all. They can be the entire outfit when partnered with good looking leggings or jeans, or even more formal pants and jackets.

C’mon ladies! Few of us need to be told what the answer to a question like “evening wear – what’s trending now?” will be. The answer is usually going to be “sexy”, “slinky” and “stylish”…or a combination of those concepts…right? Yes and no…this is because we also have to consider colors, fabrics, cuts, and the general “themes” being chosen for the season.

Answers to “Evening Wear – What’s Trending Now?”

Okay, so “what’s trending for 2012?” is a better question, and the answers are pretty exciting. For those interested in the answer to “evening wear – what’s trending?”  we would have to say:

• Bold Patterns;
• Short lengths;
• Clingy Cuts;
• Sequins and beads;
• Bright Colors;
• Unique Combinations;
• Sheers or Netting; and
• Unusual Lines in the Skirt or Neckline

For example, you could say that most of these new trends appear in a few designer lineups. Sherri Hill’s evening wear for the 2012 season, as a good example, has all of the sexy appeal and yet beautiful colors and lines that epitomize this season’s best looks. From the unique high-low skirt on the delicately beautiful Lilac Beaded Gown to the super sexy Gunmetal Halter Mini, this designer has implemented what is trending now in every gown offered.

More Views of What’s Trending

Of course, some of the other hot designers offer up their “take” on the answer to “evening wear – what’s trending” in some pretty stylish and sexy alternatives too. For instance, Baccio Italia  has some adorable beaded looks, such as the very cool Puffy Paint Minis and the Shy Multicolor Mini. There are also the bold block colors of the Analili line, with the impressive Black and White One Sleeve or the intensely sexy Purple Geometric dresses; the flat out sexiness of the  Donna Mizani line that is full of mesh, cutouts, and clingy forms; and the gentle elegance of the Ema Savahl line with its lovely Couture Painted Mini.

Don’t Forget the Bling!

If you are not much of jewelry person, the Jovani Crystal gowns and evening wear can provide you with ample amounts of glitter and shimmer, without the need for any additional accessories. Their Glitter V-Neck is a stunner and the Mermaid Gown is truly a “show stopper”.

The Jovani line is also one of the few that uses mesh and netting in some of the most beguiling and cunning ways. They have a few distinctly “show girl” looks with nude bodices cleverly covered in sequins and lace, or adorable little tops with charming netting skirts!

Billowy is Still  Hot

Not all of the trending evening wear is cut tight and close to the figure. The Kasia De Gelaque line up is full of breezy and sexy styles. Their Lavendar, Purple Map, and Purple Flower Gowns look like garments that should belong to Greek goddesses with their elegant skirts, daring necklines and flattering sleeves.

The Pascucci line has some similar silhouettes, but is a bit more form fitted. They use lovely draping in the Ash and Msasscio gowns, and can give you the sort of elegance that is really “hot” this season.

You could say that anything called a “trend” at a club is going to be related more to the music than to anything else, but there are some major changes in club fashion from season to season. So, let’s take a look at club wear and what’s trending for this 2012 season.

The Transitional Season

The time that includes the end of winter and the shift into warmer weather is an awfully challenging time for club wear. That is because anyone heading to a club wants to be sexy and chic, and that is tough to manage if you are bundled up and wearing all kinds of  layers. It can also be a challenge to find a garment that is as revealing and sexy as you want it to be without it also limiting your range of movement. After all, you’re there to dance and not worry about the location of your hemline right?

So, if you are wondering about club wear  and what’s trending you have to explore the options that are short enough without being too risky, clingy enough without stopping you from moving around, and cool enough to keep you warm on your way to the club but nice and cool as you dance the night away.

The Latest Offerings

In our quest to learn more about  modern club wear and what’s trending this season, we uncovered a few very reliable designers. The Sky brand is definitely “one to watch” as it uses some of the sexiest cuts and styles that are also ideally suited for the club scene. Their “Halter” dress comes in some of the best colors around, and is drop dead sexy without being impossible to wear on the dance floor. There is also their many other “minis” that include the boldly printed Galanzo, the goddess-like Goman, and the perfect LBD (little black dress) that is their Gracie Dress.

Bold Club Wear is What’s Trending

In addition to well-designed solids, there are also the wild prints of the Silent Kiss line too. They have some incredibly appealing fabrics in the hot colors for the season. Saturated tropical hues and patterns fill the front panel of their Ponza mini while sexy blocks of printed fabric appear along the front of their Python dress. Their Silver Metallic mini is all about the movement, but is a remarkably “wearable” dress for other spots outside of the club too.

The More Formal Spots

If your idea of club involves more “bling” than thumping bass, the Sherri Hill line of dresses is going to appeal to you. The use of sequins, glimmering silks, and a lot of decorative accents makes most of the mini dresses in this lineup the ideal solutions to the question of “club wear – what’s trending now?”

The impressive use of sequins in the Pink and Turquoise Mini and the Strapless Beaded gowns make it easy to forget about the jewelry and just count on the dress. The Sleeved Black mini also eliminates the need for accessories thanks to the heavily beaded cuffs.

Finally, the Savee Couture line is known for its micro-minis that come with loads of style and class as well as tons of sex appeal suitable to any club setting.

The Buy American trend is easy to explain. American workers are required to have certain work conditions, wages, and other conditions that are not guaranteed in other parts of the world where labor is cheaper. American made goods are also supporting our economy, and it is certainly in need of supporting these days. Your clothing can provide work for American workers and pump money into the American economy.

It sounds great in theory, but how feasible is it really to buy American when you head to the store, and is it possible at all when you want to buy fashion-forward and trendy clothing by your favorite high fashion brands? The answer may surprise you.

What’s the Problem?

Maybe you don’t understand what the big deal is about buying non-American goods. After all, other countries need the work, too. And if your favorite sweater keeps looking good, why should you worry about where it was made?

If you think about it for a little bit longer, the answer will come to you. First of all, while it’s true that other countries’ economies need stimulating as well, you should care about pumping money into the one you live in. That makes things directly better for you and your community. Secondly, American workers are guaranteed certain freedoms and conditions, as well as wage limits, which other developing countries don’t guarantee their workers. Sweatshop labor is not okay, and you shouldn’t put your money toward supporting it.

Shop With Care

Just because you find something with a Made in the USA label on it doesn’t mean the risk of sweatshop labor still isn’t present. You’ll hear about US sweatshop raids occasionally, where illegal immigrant workers or worse, slaves, work in horrible conditions to make clothing and no one is the wiser, thanks to that American flag on the label. The only way to ensure that your clothing is truly sweatshop free is to look for a “union-made” label as well, or a “UNITE” label, which means that the manufacturer guarantees union and fair-trade practices.

Haute Couture At Home

If you’re worried about how this is going to cut into your high fashion wardrobe, don’t be. Many of your favorite designers make their home in Los Angeles, Calfornia, where a substantial percentage of the high fashion clothing manufactured in the country is made. You can also find high fashion gems in Miami, Chicago, and San Francisco.

If your favorite designers are not American, you may need to do a little research into the conditions in that country. The important thing is that you are not contributing to sweatshops and the slave labor industry, which are both a very real threat to workers around the world today, even in this country. You can’t be too careful, especially knowing that your continued support could allow those practices to continue. Research your favorite brands to make sure that they endorse good working conditions and fair-trade or union workers. Find American made fashions at Icara Style. You can find Frankie B jeans and Sky brand dresses that will turn any head, all minted fresh in the U.S.A.

The search for the perfect little black dress has never been more fun, and with the fashion options out there for you to try and discover today, you’ll be sure to find the best flirty little dress for your next outing with the girls. You want to make sure that you look your sexiest when you strut into the club, so check out the latest trends in club wear for the hottest little dresses on the market. You can shop all the latest styles at Icara Style.

Don’t Shun Comfortable

You may be under the impression that in order for your sexy little dress to be truly sexy, it shouldn’t be comfortable. Fashion is pain, right? Wrong. You can find some truly breathable and soft dresses with lots of flexibility and flow that will still make you look fantastic out on the dance floor. Look for something with lighter material that will hug your curves in the right places. You will want to look for something shorter, perhaps with a flared skirt that will show off your legs when you want and hang down to cover you up when you don’t. Analili makes comfortable and flashy dresses that will be at home in any club setting, and you can find clinging and sexy looks from Boulee and Donna Mizani at Icara Style.

Versatility Is Key

Think about alternate uses for your flirty club dresses when you go shopping. That gorgeous dress doesn’t have to be exclusively for use at the night club. You can find many dresses that are convertible for other more formal occasions if you think creatively. Plunging neckline too low for work dinners? No problem. Find a cute little tank that will cover up your décolletage. Fun and flirty skirt too short for comfort around your in-laws? Consider a thick pair of leggings or brightly colored tights to make your sexy look simply fun and flirty. You’ll be surprised at how a few changes in accessories can also adjust your look. Experiment with shoes and jewelry to add a whole new mood to your sexy club clothes.

Don’t Forget the Lingerie

What you wear underneath your flirty dress is every bit as important as the dress itself, so you should consider shopping for lingerie at the same time you buy that hot little number you’ve been eyeing up.  You should take into account the cut of the dress and the neckline when you shop for sexy underwear. Remember that you don’t need to get carried away. The hint of something sexy underneath can be much more attractive than flashing everything you’ve got.

Shop for You, Not a Magazine Model

One thing many women forget when shopping for their sexy flirty club dresses is that they need to be comfortable and fit the clothes they buy. The impulse is to buy something tight and slinky, but that may not work on your body type. You can still look hot and sexy in the latest club wear without having to buy clothing that doesn’t work on your frame. Shop for you and you’ll always end up happy.

When you want to rock Heidi Klum’s latest look, or mimic the fabulous Katy Perry at your next party, you want to make sure you do it right. There are brands that pay close attention to the kind of things that the hottest celebs in Hollywood are wearing on the red carpet, and then make styles that you’ll love to wear out and about.

Jovani: From Cocktail to Couture

Every year this innovative brand adds more than 400 styles to its ever expanding collection, and many of their styles are plucked right from the runway. You’ll find Oscar worthy dresses that will make you swoon, and little cocktail dresses that are perfect for whatever occasion you can dream up. Whether you are looking for the more vintage stylings of Katy Perry or the sexy glam look of Kim Kardashian, you can find it with Jovani.

Style and Comfort With Paper Denim and Cloth

A good pair of blue jeans is essential to any wardrobe, and you won’t find a more sought after designer jeans trend in Hollywood today than Paper Denim. Even though this company has only been around a relatively short time for the fashion world, it has taken designer jeans by storm, and you’ll find the styles of Paper Denim and Cloth gracing the derrieres of celebrities and trend setters from coast to coast. These jeans don’t come cheap, but the quality and comfort you get are worth it. These jeans have been seen in fashion magazines from Elle to G.Q., and have been sported by celebs like Lauren Conrad, Reese Witherspoon, and Hilary Duff.

Red Carpet Ready in Silent Kiss

When you want to maximize your star power for a price that won’t break the bank, try shopping the celebrity styles available from Silent Kiss. This designer brand is famous for its celebrity inspired evening wear. When you want to make a splash at a party or find the perfect little dress to rock on an evening out, search through the Silent Kiss dresses available exclusively at Icara Style for an outfit that will make even the trendiest fashionista green with envy.

Get the Look

Of course, while there are some brands that exist to mimic the look of famous celebrities, you can easily shop for individual pieces or for a general style among your favorite brands. You just need to start paying attention to what is hot in Hollywood. Start by finding a fashion muse. Is there a celebrity who dresses like you wish you could? Find someone who embodies your favorite bits of fashion and then go out on a mission to find similar looks. Here’s a tip: start by making sure your wardrobe is stocked with basic pieces. You should always have a great pair of jeans, a versatile jacket or blazer, and some basic tees. Round out your wardrobe with fabulous accessories and shoes for a daily wardrobe that will have you looking just like your favorite stars. For a fancier look, browse red carpet photos and try to find brands like Jovani and Silent Kiss that provide you with affordable imitations. You can find it all at Icara Style.

If you wanted any further proof that the 70s and 80s were enjoying a comeback, you’ve got it. Denim is back and it’s hotter than ever. When you look around, you’ll notice that denim trends reach far beyond your blue jeans. In fact, denim is the year’s hottest new accessory, from purses to jackets and beyond.

High End Denim and Bling

You’ll find that rhinestones and fur accents are all the rage when you step onto the street this season. Some jeans feature flashy rhinestone roses, hearts, and even Celtic chains on pockets and down the sides of their jeans. You’ll love the belts that come with these fabulous leg wear as well. They vary in width from a basic one half inch wide to a bodacious four and one fourth inches wide, and you’ll find the same wild embellishments with crystals of all colors.

Denim Plain and Simple

The flip side is that many designers are going super plain with their designs, so you’ll have to choose between outrageously sassy or sleek and sophisticated. Choose both to have jeans for casual Friday at the office and jeans for a crazy night out with your girlfriends! You can find beautiful, higher waisted and slimming jeans with NYC Jeans or Frankie B Jeans. Choose from trouser legs or skinny jeans, in a variety of colors that will flatter any girl.

The Universal Denim Skirt

Your wardrobe isn’t complete without a simple denim skirt. You may be surprised, since denim skirts haven’t always been seen as the edge of fashion. Today, however, designers are reconsidering this comfy and stylish skirt, and even celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Claudia Schiffer sport the trend.

The denim miniskirt isn’t the only option, these days. You can find hip styles in a variety of lengths and flares. Consider a long, retro button down skirt for easier movement and comfort, or shorten the style on a warmer day with a pair of colored tights. You can find denim in floaty, layered styles or straight and tight to the leg. There are so many options, you’re sure to find the denim skirt you love.

Love The Jean Jacket

Your jean jacket is fashionable again, so dust it off and get ready to sport it around town! The best thing about the denim jacket is that it is a true fashion classic. While there are years when it isn’t the most popular kid on the block, it is guaranteed to come back with a vengeance in a few seasons.

Choose your jean jacket carefully, because you’ll want to make sure your choice goes well with your body type and will hold up over time. You can choose from a classic style, to bomber jacket, or even over-sized. You don’t have to go with a classic-washed denim, either. Acid wash is enjoying a comeback this season, but you can never go wrong with faded blue or dark denim. Remember to avoid anything with synthetics because they will go out of date faster. Your jacket should be one hundred percent cotton.

To find your personal style in denim, visit Icara Style at www.icarastyle.com.

Graphic tees are a trend that isn’t going away, and for teens and young adults there is no better way to make a statement in a comfortable and fashion forward way than a few great graphic tees. These shirts are usually solid colors with intricate and often ironic or entertaining images printed on the front, sleeves, or back of the tee. These shirts came into style in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but they have remained a vital part of the young adult fashion scene. Today, many hipsters take advantage of the graphic tee as a way to make a statement and call attention to various social commentaries. You can find fun and funky graphic tees from Chaser, and Lauren Moshi at Icara Style.

Novelty or Vintage

The graphic tee comes in many different styles, and you may feel yourself drawn to a particular kind of graphic tee. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answer, particularly because the graphic tee is all about being an individual. You can find these shirts at mainstream departments stores and in higher fashion, hipper stores as well. You can even find them in niche online stores, or design your own if you feel creative.

A novelty tee is one printed with a humorous or obnoxious phrase, and these graphic tees are particularly popular among young men. You can see many fashionable celebs sporting these novelty tees under blazers or button down shirts as a way to dress down a sporty look. Vintage tees hearken back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s in fit and style, particularly in the kind of print they employ.

Comfort and Style Combined

One of the best parts about incorporating graphic tees into your casual wardrobe is that they are always soft and comfortable, made for anything from lounging on the couch to running around town. You can find 100 percent cotton tees and tees with a little bit of stretch to them, depending on the fit you favor. The bottom line is that you can look great and feel comfortable with these fashion forward shirts. Best of all, they are affordable!

Self Expression Defined

You can make a statement with graphic tees, and in fact, many prefer to do so. While you can definitely find random shapes and designs on graphic tees that will make you happy, many people use these shirts to send a message. Whether that message involves your favorite comic book character or something more relevant to current events like saving the environment or using recycled materials, you can find a graphic tee with the message you want. Have fun with it! This is a chance for you to express yourself in a fun and easy way, so don’t go with something standard or boring.

A Great Accessory

When you put on your graphic tee, remember that it doesn’t have to be the centerpiece to your outfit. Many people prefer to use the graphic tee as an accent to the overall look they want to convey. Wear it underneath a blazer, sweater, or jacket to make a formal look a little sassy. Pair it with your favorite skinny jeans and a pair of knee-high boots for something more casual.

The Icara Style website has launched and is ready to accept orders, check it out at www.icarastyle.com!