I’ve been slightly obsessed with cold shoulder tops lately. Cut out shoulders transform an otherwise simple piece into something a little sexier, a little edgier. The peek-a-boo shoulder adds a fun and flirty feel without showing too much. It’s subtle, but sexy. The look was initially introduced in the nineties when Donna Karan debuted her iconic “cold shoulder” dress on Hillary Rodham Clinton who wore the dress to the inaugural ball. When asked about the gown, Karan said that no matter what women think about their bodies, they never complain about their shoulders. And she’s right! The trend regained momentum more recently during spring 2012 fashion week when designers like Richard Chai LOVE, 3.1 Phillip Lim and BCBG Max Azria rolled out various interpretations of the shoulder splice.

Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the look. When it came to designing my spring collection for my LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl’s I was inspired to create a few easy-to-wear flirty blouses. And Donna’s famed cold shoulder made the cut.

Pin It

I adore this blouse (pictured above) because I’m a sucker for floral prints and chiffon. When I designed it I wanted to create something feminine that would turn heads, which is why the shoulder splice was the perfect finishing touch. I love wearing this blouse over a camisole with dark wash jeans.

What do you think about the cold shoulder look? How would you wear the Floral Chiffon Top?

XO Lauren

You might also like...
FabSugar: How to Wear A Trenchcoat
Ladylike Laws: Proper Party Girl Etiquette
Dress Coding: Meet the Parents
3 Ways to Make Him Fall For You

Photo: Kohl’s
Source: Answers, Style.com

Pin It

It’s easy to look frumpy during the winter when you’re hidden beneath layers upon layers of clothing. But you don’t have to be a fashion victim just because the mercury dropped. Instead, take a cue from Burberry Prosum and Diane von Furstenberg and belt that bulky coat of yours! Defined waists are coming back in a major way for 2012, which makes belted coats the perfect transitional piece for this trend. I love the belted look because I think it’s a nice way to create a waist when it’s cold. And I love the understated femininity of the look as well. As a matter of fact, I even designed one for an upcoming Paper Crown collection (stay tuned!).

The belted look can be achieved a couple of ways: Simply cinch your coat or jacket at the waist with your favorite belt or buy a pre-belted (or waist-tie) coat/jacket. You can even work this trend with a closed blazer and cute belt too. The belted coat works for all body types. It’s universally flattering and adds the ultimate chic-factor to drab winter wear. The best part? It’s a cinch!

Here are a few of my favorite belted coats:

• Topshop Military Belted Coat
• Urban Outfitters BB Dakota Romain Belted Coat
• Vanessa Bruno Camel Belted Coat

Which one is your favorite?

Also, how do you feel about the belted coat look?

XO Lauren

P.S. Want to see what the original cover concept looked like for the first L.A. Candy book? Click here to see the sketch I did (and just found)!

You might also like...
Ingredients... For a Perfect Winter Wardrobe
Odds & Ends: How to Tie a Tie
FabSugar: How to Wear a Trench Coat
Dress Coding: Meet the Parents

Photo: Nina Ricci