Blog - Sharon Haver - FocusOnStyle.com

Celebrity Style In Focus- Diane Kruger

While German actress Diane Kruger is a naturally gorgeous, elegant blonde, it's her on-the-mark sophisticated style that continues to grab our attention. Unlike many of her red carpet peers, Kruger often opts for frocks that are deliciously feminine and strike a harmonious balance between old-Hollywood glamor while maintaining a thoroughly modern, non vintage vibe for looks that exude a fresh charm and collected cool. That's not to say that the actress's style is strict or predictable, quite the contrary in fact. What makes her one to watch, channel and applaud is her flawless taste and grasp of wearing the right thing at the right time with an excellent sense of dress. We've seen her don everything from decadent evening gowns

We've all had a bad haircut & hideous color, and this time I was the unlucky receiver of a hairstylist having a VERY bad day! I turned to Gad Cohen for some advice to help YOU avoid having a bad hair day. Gad and I go way back. When I was a stylist, Gad's partner at the time, Francois Valle, was my agent, and we all shared not only many photo shoots together, but also the gift of friendship. Gad will be joining FocusOnStyle as a Contributor. Please welcome him on his first post as he shares some very important tips on how to avoid getting a bad haircut. --S.H. How do you correct a bad haircut? When I have

Being big fans of Carven, the young chicster's go-to label for individual and achingly cool pieces, as we are, you can imagine how excited we are to take in all that's set to come out for Spring 2012. From the best separates to a trove of must-have bags, jewels and shoes, it looks safe to say that til spring, we'll be pining away for the chance to nab as much Carven as we can. Take a look at some of our favorites and check out the complete range's slideshow below. A cute pairing of full-on prints looks disarmingly chic while the outfits shoes add a grounding dose of strength to an otherwise girlie look that's become the labels signature. This

"I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme." - Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen How often do we have the rare chance to be mesmerized by the beauty and intimacy of a collection so magical? Sit back and inhale the luxury of this exclusive backstage footage of Sarah Burton and the Alexander McQueen team preparing for the Spring/Summer 2012 runway show during Paris Fashion Week-captured in a short film created by filmmaker Sean Frank. MORE: Alexander McQueen In their

Pregnant Actress Bryce Dallas Howard managed to break a few maternity wear superstitions while recently on the red carpet and looked all the better for it! In head-to-toe BCBG & Max Azria, her custom dress with its high gathered waist and electric orange tie-belt poms throws that old-world idea of avoiding bright colors into the water with its sublime celadon hue while her tailored jacket highlights her baby bump rather than conceal it and makes her appear leaner and effortlessly put together. If you're expecting, think about breaking the rules with pieces that accentuate your joyous moments with bold, unexpected pops of color in simple, manageable shapes that don't force you to sacrifice looking your best at all times. -Naveed

I'll Have What She's Having: Timeless Luxury Basics Take a cue from model Miranda Kerr's easy, chic and timeless pulled together look while out in NYC and look out for classic, well-fitting separates that let the eye focus on the quality of your gear while maintaining a casual look that's ready to go and fuss-free. In her case, patent leather lady-like pumps add a dose of uptown chic to an otherwise ho-hum pairing of a white tee and skinny jeans and are an elegant alternative to something a bit more sporty while her oversized Celine leather tote adds interest thanks to its rich bordeaux hue and subtle brass details. The trick is to keep it simple yet ultra-luxe with pieces

Kristen Stewart and Ashley Greene, the starlets of Twilight's "Breaking Dawn," are being touted as striking a fierce fashion face-off against each other at the movie's recent premiere and while we think that's just a bunch of Hollywood hype for you, we have to admit that in our books, Stewart's ensemble(and date!) clearly make her the winner. For one, Greene's(above & below) strapless scarlet floor-length Donna Karan number with a swirling lace insert effect ages the young actress as its a tad too formal while having a loose, clumsy silhouette. And compared to Stewart's J. Mendel column dress with its devore velvet fabrication in a rich abstract texture with sheer panels and a come-hither slit, it also brings to mind

Surveying Marc by Marc Jacobs and his mainline collection together we've culled a covetable, colorful assortment of goods that are certain to add a boast of riotous cheer for you and your loved ones just in time for the holidays. Above, a bright metallic contrast tote from Marc Jacobs. Highlights from Marc by Marc Jacobs: An assortment of ultra-girly jewels is certain to dazzle those in your life for many a season to come thanks to their quirky takes on classic, irresistible shapes. SHOP: Marc by Marc Jacobs at Shopbop and MarcJacobs.com This bold contrasting bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs marries a classic top-handle frame with the ease of a carry-all shoulder purse while adding a much needed burst of techno-pop

"Happy Everything" Lord & Taylor Holiday Window Unveiling

Retail Remedy: There's nothing that says holiday shopping more than the launch of Christmas windows Of all the department holiday windows in New York, Lord & Taylor is a perennial favorite as one of the most classic and heartwarming. This year's theme being “What is Christmas Made Of?” The store asked children from Women In Need shelters and local schools to draw what they believe Christmas is made of. The mechanical holiday windows were inspired by their art and feature 125 of the original drawings. MORE: Holiday Windows One of my favorite snippets from the store's window, pictured right, is "Holiday is for Everyone, " featuring a rather chic woman in a red jacket trimming the tree with a Chanukah menorah

Take a cue from actor Peter Facinelli's Roberto Cavalli suit that he recently donned for the premiere of Breaking Dawn and look for suiting that offers a modern take on the rather traditional and fixed elements associated with men's suits. His suits angular notched lapel adds a subtle, architectural verve while his dotted scarf makes for a handsome pairing with the suits sateen lapel while appearing not be trying too hard. -Naveed Hussain Some natty alternatives on men's suiting to consider: More D&G...

Gorgeous designer dresses at fantastic savings: YES Dealing with crazed crowds and internet crashes: NOPE Scheduling your day for a "flash" online sale: FORGET IT >> READ: Discount Designer Style Tips- Life secrets for looking great on the cheap It's sample sale time in New York, but there are some warehouse-friendly prices online too. I pulled a few timeless chic pieces for you to think about... click fast, they may sell out! There's plenty on sale at Barney's, but I'm loving the easy, asymmetric elegance of this Carven dress. Top it with an oatmeal merino wool cardigan now, and wear alone come Spring. Carven Asymetric dress- on sale from $490 to $199. Shopbop's got plenty on sale, including this classic Gryphon

Naveed and I popped by The London Show Rooms in New York last week to take a close-up and intimate look at some of London's brightest designers. As always, we were mesmerized with the up close privilege of ogling at some incredible construction, innovative design, and left with a wish list days long from the generous talent of these young designers from "across the pond." I guessed right on wanting to see Cate Blanchette wear Felicity Brown, as, ironically, she's the line's muse. From my lips to Cate's next red carpet would be divine! --S.H. Shortly after the rigid snooze-fest that we've come to think of New York Fashion Week as comes to a wrap comes The London Show Rooms, an annual

The elegant, controlled theatricality of Dita Von Teese's work, lifestyle and sense of dress made for a fitting match as she escorted designer Jean Paul Gaultier to the opening of his retrospective at the Dallas Museum of Art this week. We're loving her JPG gown with its asymmetrical military inspired bust and haute Parisian dose of subtle flair. -Naveed Hussain

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The Blog Posts...

Celebrity Style In Focus- Diane Kruger

How to Prevent a Bad Haircut and Horrible Color

Complete Carven- Everything You’ll Want From Spring 2012

Behind the Scenes at Alexander McQueen- The Beauty, the Splender, the Drama

Celebrity Maternity Style- A Pregnant Bryce Dallas Howard Shines in Custom BCBG MAX AZRIA

Get The Look- Miranda Kerr’s Polished Street Style

Glamour Girls- “TWILIGHT- BREAKING DAWN” Premiere

On the Marc Holiday Treats for Everyone from Marc Jacobs

Holiday In New York- Lord and Taylor Christmas Windows 2011

Peter Facinelli in Roberto Cavalli at the Breaking Dawn Premiere

Designer Deals- Timeless dresses are on sale now, so don’t wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday

London Fashion Visits NY- The Best of London S/S 2012 at The London Show Rooms

Dita Von Teese & Jean Paul Gaultier at the Dallas Museum of Art

Female Entrepreneurs: Helping You & Your Business Get Out There!