Mara Hoffman Takes Flight!

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Rise embroidered cream linen shift dress with striped bodice and black knit turtleneck

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Belted Starbasket chiffon gown with long sleeves

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Tufted chiffon landscape long-sleeve gown

Mara Hoffman presented her 38-piece Fall 2015 collection for MBFW/NYFW at Lincoln Center, the Salon. Generally when I think of Mara Hoffman, I think wild, graphic, psychedelic prints. She still threw in some bold prints, but I thought this presentation was a bit more tame, a more reserved Mara Hoffman if I dare say. It still had the Mara Hoffman signatures and touches so I’m still on board! And it was such an honor to be at this runway. My 1st time for Mara Hoffman and I definitely hope to be there for many more shows & seasons to come!

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Cream tweed cross front Luke suit

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Triad CDC Gown

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Riser embroidered cream linen shirtdress with black, peach, blue, teal stripes

Aviation was a bit of an underlying inspiration with this collection. The runway show music was of the same nature, taking flight, gears grinding, sounds of a plane taking off. You could also see it in many of the pieces, whether it was the styling, very reminiscent of this stylized trend, especially the tall tan boots, which I loved BTW, or the knit shawls! But a lot of the prints too had the same vibe.

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Triad CDC Gown

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Trapunto twill coat with Starbasket Jacquard knit shawl

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White Trapunto star vest with black and cream tweed jumpsuit

As I mentioned earlier, this was a tamer Mara Hoffman than I’m used to seeing. There were still some vibrant pops of colors though, mainly in the more wild prints, tangerine, lime green, and red. But a lot of the prints and/or colors, were a bit more subtle, somewhat more muted, deep purple, light teal, soft pink, just to name a few. I really liked these lighter, softer color choices. It showed a different side for me to Mara’s work, and that is always a great aspect to have as a designer. I loved seeing her be forward thinking and innovative for this upcoming fall season!

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Blue Connector crepe strapless jumpsuit

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There were so many standout pieces in this collection. I loved the blue/purple/grey jumpsuit, the mixed media black sheer dresses, the ivory look below, and the black/ivory/rose pink satin dresses, just to name a few! There is just so much one could do with these looks. You could layer them up, pair them with knee-high boots as we saw here, and make it work for the colder east coast vibe. Or, you could un-layer the looks, so to speak, pair with some flats or sandals, and then BOOM, you are ready to hit up the West coast! These are high fashion RTW looks, daring and oh so very bold. A burgeoning fashionista would no doubt want a few of these pieces to make sure she stood out no matter her destination!

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Crepe back satin dress with front and back keyhole in ivory

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Blue Connector Ponte cross front dress with an open weave turtleneck

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CDC connector buttondown and full skirt

Special guests in attendance were actress Juliette Lewis, Jeannette McCurdy, Teen Vogue’s style editor Andrew Bevin, singer Kate Nash, fashion stylist Madison Guest, Victoria Justice, Nana Meriweather.

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Tufted chiffon landscape fitted bodice midi gown

Show credits —

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Black brushed cotton apron dress with Tessellate turtleneck

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Tessellate CDC Maxi Shift Dress with long sleeves

So remember — Keep your feet on the ground, hands in the sky, and allow the force to be with you at all times! 🙂

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What’s Hot for Prom 2015?!?

That is the question and we are waiting on all of you young and beautiful ladies to give us the answer! This is the first of many Prom 2015 posts to come. And so first up is a poll, showcasing some popular trends for Prom 2015. We want to know the verdict straight from all of you readers, fans, and the like — What are you loving for Prom 2015?!?

Fashion Nexus is super excited to be collaborating with Mac Duggal for the upcoming prom season! Mac Duggal is a modern, high-end, luxurious dress and gown brand. Featured in this poll are some of Mac Duggal’s most popular looks. So again, let us hear your voice. Which dress do you love the most?!? The poll is at the end of this Top 10 list, so don’t forget to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

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#1 — COUTURE SHEER PLATINUM LACE GOWN

This breathtaking gown features both an elegance and a vintage flare, from the beautiful sweetheart neckline to the all over lace applique. Sheer illusion cutouts peak out on the sides and front as more lace trims the edges. The open back looks absolutely amazing with lace that wraps around. Just when you thought this dress had it all, a lovely tulle skirt jets out above the knees with more lace detailing sporadically interspersed.

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#2 — LACY SWEETHEART NECKLINE GOWN

This full on lace dress looks striking with floral embellishments, in both black/nude or lemon multi-color. The sweetheart neckline features a lace appliqué along the front and back. Exposed corset boning looks severely chic and sexy! Crystals sparkle on the lace for extra shine and shimmer. The skirt flares out above the knees and features layers of tulle on the sides.

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#3 — FITTED BEADED JERSEY DRESS

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This black or nude number features a high bateau neckline, shimmering with layers of sequins that wrap around to the completely open and low back. An intricate sequin pattern continues to swirl along the bodice and onto the sheer illusion waistline. All along the overlay skirt more vine pattern lines of color-matching sequins sparkle.

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#4 — 2 Piece Short & Flare Dress

With a lace appliqué featured throughout the nude dress and atop the skirt, light-catching sequins glitter along the floral embellishments. From the wide straps to the sweetheart neckline, the crop top features a corset bodice for maximum hold and comfort.

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#5 — PLATINUM GOLD 2-PIECE DRESS

Crop tops are of course all the rage! This phenomenal 2-piece also comes in royal blue and black. It’s super-stunning as is sparkles and shimmers from head to toe. The high collar sheer neckline and capped sleeves are embellished with color-matching sequins and stones. A slight chevron stripe style beading flows along the sheer skirt.

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#6 — BELTED GOWN WITH EMBELLISHED BODICE

With color matching stones and silver beading along the strapless sweetheart neckline and bodice, you will look picture perfect as you make a grand entrance in this Jade ball gown. A satin wrap around belt is featured high along the waistline with a silver rhinestone clip in the center. Layers of jade colored tulle create an expansive ball gown skirt that elegantly falls to the floor.

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#7 — RUCHED BODICE HALTER TOP GOWN

This gown comes in bright neon coral or royal blue, featuring a bateau neckline with crystal embellishments around the neck that then lead into the back. More crystal stones continue to decorate the sheer neckline. The bust is fabulously ruched. The skirt features a chiffon breakaway skirt over silk material with a high leg slit.

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#8 — CLASSIC CUT HIGH SLIT DRESS

Flowing and angelic, a prom dress has never looked this demure and this elegant,  offered in mint green, coral, or white! The gorgeous bodice is embellished along the strapless sweetheart neckline with sequins and AB stones that perfectly capture the light. Elegant beading clusters around the center, as ruching is revealed all along the empire waistline. The long flowing skirt sweeps across the floor, while a breakaway chiffon skirt layers over. A high leg slit is the final touch for this exquisite gown!

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#9 — HIGH SLIT DRESS WITH EMBELLISHED BODICE

In such striking colors of red and black it’s no wonder that this long prom dress is a royal gem! A modest bateau neckline features an intricate design of silver embellishments. AB stones and silver sequins sparkle along the front and then trim the open back. A sheer illusion bodice leads into a stretch jersey skirt and high leg slit on the side.

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#10 — CHIFFON FLOWING DRESS WITH SHEER LACE BODICE

Spring has sprung with this gorgeous gown in the three fabulous colors — red, ivory, and sunshine yellow! Taking a cue from simplistic styling, this beautiful prom dress features a bateau neckline, sheer bodice, and chiffon overlay skirt. Lace trims the edges along the neck and sleeves, with a lace appliqué that embellishes the entire bodice. A ruched empire waistline ties into a neat bow in the back to show off the spectacular circular opening. However you do not have to tie the bow up in the back as it can hang down long.

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 TIME TO VOTE!! HAVE AT IT & ENJOY!! (Once you vote, you will be able to see the results, Just click “Back” to head back to Fashion Nexus!)

Which dress is your fave?!?

 
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Who Shined on the Red Carpet for the 2013 CMA’s?

Amidst all of the sparkle and shine and  flowing floor-length gowns, here is my best of the best list for the 2013 Country Music Awards, this past week.

153_1849_350       KELLIE PICKLER

Kellie looks glamfab in this black, asymmetrical and angular strapless gown, by Georges Chakra. The dress is floor-length couture. The detailed touches make the dress, such as the sparkling fitted bodice.

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MIRANDA LAMBERT & BLAKE SHELTON

The couple looks like perfection in their shades of blue ensembles. Miranda chose a daring and shimmering floor-length gown in cobalt blue with a plunging neckline that is by Roberto Cavalli.

153_1841_350                   THE BAND PERRY                                     kimberley-perry-290

This dominating country band always looks great together. Kimberly looks effortlessly gorgeous as always in this champagne, cap-sleeved beaded gown from designer Johanna Johnson. I love the floral embroidery that is beaded across the dress.

153_1843_350                                                     CHALEY ROSE

I’m not sure who designed this floor-length, capped-sleeve gown, but all of its shine and sparkle still caught my eye. Chaley looks amazing, the color is so rich in tone and it has such an amazing fit.

153_1853_350       JANA KRAMER

Jana stood out to be with this bold and unique gown selection by Theia. The billowing green, purple and blue floral skirt is just so artistic and fresh. You don’t always need the sparkle to shine!

153_1852_350     HUNTER HAYES

Hunter looks quite dashing in shades of black. There were some standout couples and groups on the red carpet this year, but Hunter was a solo standout man for me.

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CAROLINE BOYER & LUKE BRYAN

We have another stunning pair, also in shades of blue, but nonetheless, the two still look great. I love Caroline’s floor length gown that has a fitted bodice, but also peplum is added to the mix.