Dancing the Night Away

Fred and Ginger. The names alone conjure images of soft waltzes, jumping jives and fabulous ballroom attire.

I'm watching the show So You Think You Can Dance, and couldn't help but think of dance royalty Fred and Ginger. It's always fun watching dance shows like this one and seeing the range of talent and dance genres. But I still come back to Fred and Ginger with their beauty, grace and style.

Ballroom always seems to have plenty of feathers and tuxedos.

Alexis Mabille Fall 2009 Couture

Dior Couture Spring 2008

A little romance...

and a lot of fun.

I would love to dance like this!

Giambattista Valli Spring 2010

Temperly London Spring 2010

Giambattista Valli Spring 2009

Date with Degas

L'Etoile

The grace and elegance of the Parisian ballerinas continue to inspire through the works of Edgar Degas.

Dior Couture Fall 2009

Soft tulle. Elegant folds and ruffles. Whimsical coiffures.
This is the romantic world of ballerinas captured in the paintings of Degas and the fashion of designers like Elie Saab, Zac Posen and Oscar de la Renta.
Dancers in Blue

Couldn't you imagine Gossip Girl's Jenny wearing this pink and black design from Betsey Johnson's Spring 2010 collection? I love the look.

Giles and Betsey Johnson Spring 2010

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2008

I've referenced John Galliano's Dior Couture Fall 2009 collection quite a bit in the past couple of months. But I can't help coming back to it because the designs are so beautiful. The layers of tulle, theatricality and romance make the collection a perfect fit with the world of ballerinas and Degas.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2008

Zac Posen Fall 2008

Why limit tulle to a skirt when it can look this good as a dress? So lovely in Yves Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2009.


So how can you get ready for your date with Degas? First put on the music of Chopin...just to get in the mood. Then find your favorite ballet flats, ribbon necklace, diamond studs and add a splash of Lovely. The oh so dashing Degas will surely bring you a bouquet, as you are his prima-ballerina.

Take a bow:

Tory Burch flats $225-250 Toryburch.com.

Ribbon necklace $29.99 and Cubic Zirconia studs $34.99, both from Target.

Flowers from From youflowers.com.

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Perfume $52 Macys.com.


Runway photos: Vogue.com

Starlet Style: Brigitte Bardot

Paris: The city of light, love...and Brigitte Bardot.

Actress and singer Brigitte Bardot remains the epitome of the French sex kitten. She became popular during the 1960s with films like And God Created Woman.

Time magazine called her "the princess of pout, the countess of come hither." I'd say this description is quite fitting with her luscious locks, kissy lips and sultry eyes.

Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall 2009 Couture collection called to mind the spirit and style of Brigitte. Mini skirts, knee-high boots, lingerie, some teased hair and pretty pouts.

Model Lara Stone brings the look of Brigitte to the runway with her curvacious figure, full lips and teased blonde hair. Leather boots and trench coats are reminiscent of Brigitte's sometimes bad girl reputation. The use of leather adds an edge to the femininity because the leather is sexy yet also dangerous; which is just like Brigitte. She didn't follow the rules in life and love, but instead made her own way with news headlines trailing behind her.

Whether 1960 or 2009, any sex kitten knows that sheer fabrics and lingerie are a must for the perfect come-hither look. Brigitte and Lara show these style choices off quite beautifully.

Nautical gets a bit naughty when worn by Brigitte.

Brigitte made teased hair and headbands popular with her carefree beauty. You can channel your inner Brigitte with a Violet Love Headband from Target. It's only $24.99 for a set of two.

Runway photos: Style.com