Monique Lhuillier’s Top 3 Tips For Looking Red-Carpet Ready

 

Whether it’s a flashbulb-frenzied trip down the red carpet or a momentous walk down the aisle, stars like Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood, and Ginnifer Goodwin (above with the designer) rely on Monique Lhuillier to create truly memorable dresses. And with almost 20 years of experience outfitting Hollywood’s most stylish women, who better to ask for tried and true tips on looking flawless for your next event.

1. If you’re not doing it already, Lhuillier says to take a photo of yourself before you leave the house. “It gives you a different perspective while allowing you to check your hair and makeup, as well as the sheerness of your outfit.”

2. Lhuiller also stresses that proper undergarments are key to playing up your assets and disguising your problem areas. And while that may sound like common knowledge, she says, “this is where lots of women forget to make the proper investment and celebrities never do without!”

3. And finally, groom, groom, groom! The designer guarantees that if you do your due diligence—facial, hair cut and color, and mani/pedi—you’ll look, and feel, gorgeous from head to toe.

With these key tips and a new dress from tomorrow’s Monique Lhuillier sale (begins at noon ET), you’ll be set for your very own red-carpet event this spring!

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Q&A: Isabel Castañer, Empress of Espadrilles

Is there a more quintessential spring shoe than the classic espadrille? You can thank Spain’s Castañer family for introducing it into your wardrobe, and the wardrobes of countless others–we’re talking everyone from Salvador Dalí to Penelope Cruz here (oh, and a little someone you may have heard of named Grace Kelly, above). And if that’s not pedigree enough, consider the fact that the label’s current designer, Isabel Castañer, created the first-ever wedge espadrille at the behest of Yves Saint Laurent. We caught up with her to dish on Castañer’s past, future, and utterly covetable full-priced collection launching tomorrow at 9pm, exclusively on Gilt.com.

StyleFile: What do you think is the secret to castaner’s staying power? How does a shoe company stay relevant for so many years?
Isabel Castañer: Castañer has lasted so long to due hard work and a lot of joy and hope for the future.

StyleFile: What does the next generation of Castañer look like–are there children and grandchildren being trained to carry on your tradition?
Isabel Castañer: Almost the whole family is involved in the business. It truly is family owned and run, so I think that the future is definitely strong.

StyleFile: What was your initial meeting with Yves Saint Laurent like, and what did you think of the wedge espadrille when he first proposed it?
Isabel Castañer: We were at a fair with our little flat espadrilles, and three elegant men came to our stand. I was the only one in the stand who knew that one of them was Yves Saint Lauent because I had always been an avid reader of Elle. He told us that he wanted us to help him make a high heel espadrille, and that did not exist back then. I was about to tell him that we couldn’t do it, but my husband thought better and told him we could meet with him the next day. After our meeting, we began making prototypes and molds with our carpenter. Mr. Saint Laurent was very excited since the very first prototype, which did not even fit a foot! So, with his blessing we kept going and finally found the right heel. We still use it to this day. Working with him during his apex was truly incredible, and continuing to work with him through the years was, as well.

StyleFile: What’s the perfect outfit to wear with your Castañers?
Isabel Castañer: Espadrilles are so versatile that certain styles can go with a more formal summer outfit while others are perfect for jeans or shorts or summer dresses.

StyleFile: What’s your favorite vacation spot? Any place that really captures the spirit of your shoes?
Isabel Castañer: St. Tropez has been our vacation spot since I got married. Although
work does not always make it easy to take holidays!

Shop the full-priced Castañer capsule collection now, exclusively on Gilt.com.

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Style on the Go: Yosi Samra’s Must-Have Flats

Towering stilettos might be the ticket to a show-stopping look, but when it’s time to give your feet a rest, we have a chic solution. Enter Yosi Samra, the second-generation footwear designer, and his inspired collection of foldable flats — that’s right, foldable! Just as easily as you load your handbag with your wallet and sunglasses every morning, you can also add a pair of flats to the mix. Now you’re ready for whatever the day, or night, might bring!

By virtue of their ultra-flexible design (which includes a comfy elastic trim), Samra’s innovative slip-ons double over with ease to fit just about anywhere. They’re the perfect accessory for fashionable girls on the go, especially those of us whose tired toes are in need of a little vacation. The groundbreaking line is packed with desirable picks crafted in everything from patent leather to embossed suede, and in a slew of neon brights, striking prints, and subtly elegant neutrals.

In addition to features in People StyleWatch, O Magazine, and Real Simple, Samra’s artful creations have garnered an impressive celebrity following. Trend-setting stars like Anne Hathaway, Ashley Greene, Charlize Theron, Jessica Alba, and Amanda Seyfried have all been spotted sporting the chic flats.

Join Hollywood’s fashion-savvy elite and stock up on a pair — or two — for yourself! Shop Yosi Samra on January 3, starting at noon ET.

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Blush Lingerie’s Tiffany Ajmo Talks Style and Holiday Gifts

Talk about good style running in the family! Tiffany Ajmo, along with her brother Justin, has taken over Blush Lingerie, a Canadian intimates company founded by her father. We’ve come to expect styles from the brand that are sophisticated and edgy, boasting superior workmanship, luxe materials, and charming details.

With holiday gifting on the brain, we chatted with Tiffany, VP of Marketing and Sales, about the evolution of the family brand, key staples for your wardrobe, and advice for giving the gift of lingerie this holiday season. Check out the Blush Lingerie sale starting at noon ET on December 7 on Gilt.com!

Q: What are some of the main inspirations for Blush designs?
Retro yet classic, flirty yet elegant, European flair.

Q: How do you think the brand has changed over the past 50 years of business?
Lingerie is now all about fashion — the more colorful, the better! In the past, lingerie collections could not go further than black, white, and nude. Today, our best-selling items include vibrant shades of tangerine, cherry wine, etc.

Q: What is your favorite item in our sale and why?
The Vixen Chemise. It is sexy, vibrant, so unique, and is so trendy! All that being said, most importantly for every woman is that it is so comfortable!

Q: What are the 5 lingerie pieces every woman should have?
Push-up Bra, strapless bra, thong, hipster, babydoll…these items will cover every situation!

Q: How do you recommend gifting lingerie? In terms of taste, sizing, etc?
Most importantly, gift lingerie with the person in mind — of what she loves, not only what you love! Remember that the sexiest woman is one who feels great in what she is wearing!

Q: What is the most important tip for proper lingerie care?
Do not use the dryer!

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