LBS Fashion: Spring Formal Dresses & Red Carpet Trends

Spring is upon us! I always get excited when Daylight Savings time sets in because it means we're one step closer to warm weather and mini skirts. Aside from the fact that we lose an hour of sleep, it's a signal that summer is just around the corner (*does the Harlem shake*)

Hand in hand with the spring comes the spring formal occasions we now have to prep for, and the pretty dresses that go along with them. Whether you're gearing up for senior prom, a springtime wedding or a charity gala, here are four great spring trends, inspired by this past Award Season's red carpet looks for every budget and body type:

1. The Lace Show Stopper

I spotted tons of lace on red carpets this season, from Sandra Bullock at the Oscars to J.Lo and Nicole Richie at the Golden Globes. Here are some super chic lace dress options:

1. Atria, $158.00 | 2. Tadashi Shoji, $418.00 | 3. Morrell Maxi, $262.00

2. The Thigh-High Split

As risky and daring as it is, this dress option is perfect for those who are willing to show a little leg without restraint. We saw it everywhere from J.Lo at the Grammy's to Eva Longoria at the Golden Globes and Jennifer Hudson at the Oscars. Here's are some ways to get the look:

1. Mac Duggal, $338.00 (great for curvy girls!) | 2. Alyce Prom, $270.00 | 3. Jasz Couture, $498.00

3. The Peek-A-Boo Dress

Leave a little to the imagination with a peek-a-boo dress that boasts cutouts and/or mesh in unexpected places. Emily Blunt did it well at the Golden Globes and Rihanna turned heads at the Grammy's with this look. Check out these options:

1. Dave and Johhny, $242.00 | 2. Jovani Couture, $400.00 | 3. Tony Bowis, $318.00

4. The Sequined Cutout

When you're sparkling, you can't help but have a good time. That's why sequins are always a favorite when party time rolls around. Here are some options a la Naomi Watts at the Oscars and Anne Hathaway at the Costumer Designer's Guild Awards that will help you shine:

1. Party Time, $398.00 | 2. Primavera Couture, $279.00 | 3. Primavera Couture, $289.00

Now I just officially need a red carpet event to go to. What formal events do you guys have on your calendar? Share below!

This post is sponsored by MissesDressy.com. All opinions expressed above are my own and do not reflect those of the company.

LoveBrownSugarTV: Summer Trends 2012

Last night I had the opportunity to host a live chat with Wave45 TV all about Summer Trends of 2012. It was my very first time doing a livestream so I was a little nervous (and slightly awkward) but I had a great time overall! If you'd like to see what I discussed, you can watch it below. I'll be doing a chat like this with Wave45 on a biweekly basis so stay tuned for upcoming topics. Also, if there's anything you guys would like to see me talk about in future livestream shows, let me know in the comments section:

Video streaming by Ustream

LBS Luxe List: 10 Spring Shoe Styles I Adore

The weather is warming up here on the East Coast! You know what that means. Time for rising hemlines and open toe shoes! This week, I'm giving you guys a taste of what I'm excited for in stores this season. Look out for my LBS Luxe List Spring Fashion guides all week long, from my favorite carry-alls to the best spring bling! As a shoe fanatic, I had to start with footwear. So here are the Top 10 Spring Shoes that I can't wait to slip on:

SHOP LoveBrownSugar: Retro Printed Blouses

 SHOP LoveBrownSugar has been restocked! This week's specialty boutique features ladylike printed blouses in unique prints with a mix of florals, chainlink and 70's style. Check it out:

Spring Trend: Prints-A-Porter

 

So here I am stating the obvious: prints are big for spring! The lovely Georgie Badiel, who I had the opportunity to meet last February at Tracy Reese's show, modeled some amazing printed looks in UPTOWN's January 2011 issue.

I'm so looking forward to busting out the ladylike printed dresses in flowing silhouettes and pairing them with printed espadrilles and nude platforms. So chic!

Check out the full editorial spread over at UPTOWN Magazine.

Will you be rocking mixed prints this season?

Spring Fashion Trends: Milk & Honey

 So I haven't done any shameless promotion on here in a while. Ever so often I like to pop in and let you guys know what I'm up to over at Honey. This week I had the privilege of compiling Honey's spring fashion trend story. A major privilege for me. I'm honored. Check out our spring fashion editorial affectionately entitled "Milk & Honey"...

 Stay on trend with a little Honey flavor. Leisure suits were huge on the Spring 2010 runways from Richard Chai to Adam and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Stay on trend with a neutral bottom, but give the look a tribal twist and rock a printed blazer up top.

  Continue the printed trend with another popular silhouette for 2010 – the cropped jumper (left above). Seen on the runways of Honey faves like Charlotte Ronson, Marc Jacobs and DKNY, the cropped jumper carries effortless chic appeal. Add a leather jacket and straw fedora for good measure. Not only is the maxi dress flattering for almost all shapes and sizes, a delicately tailored vest on top adds menswear-inspired edge.

Accessories are everything. Quickly take a plain oxford and cutoffs look into a Hollywood- ready ensemble with over-sized shades and a patterned scarf up top (below right). Never underestimate the power of a statement piece. Bold boyfriend blazers in painted prints give life to an understated ensemble (below left).

Ripped jeans are not only a Honey fave around the office, they are a huge trend this season. Adding bright pops of color to a light colored pair makes an even sweeter impact...

*Sidebar: I absolutely love this products shot...these bags are awesome:

For more pics and spring trends, and more of my fashion features check Honeymag.com! My byline reads "By C.Brown"