Fashion in the Land of Sweets

Monday, 30 November 2009 19:00

Get lost in the child-like wonderland of the holidays with contrasting colors, cotton candy tulle, metalic sparkle, fearless plaids and never-ending silk. This year we challenge you to stray from the simple and classic, and finish '09 with a bang in mismatched patterns, colors and textures. Local ballet stars Carla Amancio and Andre Valladon show us how to pull off quirky, fairy-tale holiday wear while on their carnival adventure date at the fair. Look out for this husband-and-wife dancing duo in Dance Alive National Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker, running Dec. 17 through Dec. 20 at the Phillips Center.

By Stephanie Granada; Photos by Sean Kelly

A winsome evening gown goes even farther when paired with brawny riding boots. Dress: Alex Evenings, $179, and boots: Alfani, $109, both, Macy's; necklace: $58, Dahlia. On him: Jacket: INC International Concepts, $225, Macy's; jeans: Nudie Jeans $88, shirt and tie combo: French Connection, $89, all Wolfgang.

A military jacket takes your party dress from frou-frou to street-savy. Dress: Scala, $250, Allure Boutique; jacket: INC International Concepts, $89 and shoes: Steve Madden, $99, both, Macy's; necklace: $19.50, Wolfgang. On him: Pants, $74 and shirt $52, American Apparel; vest: Insight, $69.50, Wolfgang; boots (worn throughout): Alfani, $70, Macy's; tie: model's own.

Guys in vintage-inspired bow-ties are dreamy, especially when paired with a modern faux-leather jacket. Dress $48, leotard $36, belt $20, American Apparel; jacket: Tulle, $112, Dahlia; shoes: Steven Madden, $99, Macy's; rings $12.50 each, earrings $14.50 and bracelet $19.50, Wolfgang. On him: Pants $54, shirt $54 and bow-tie $19, American Apparel; jacket: Joyrich, $149, Wolfgang.

Layer a sheer top over a popular sparkly dress for a trendy twist. Dress: INC International Concepts, $99, Macy’s; shirt: Paul & Joe Sister, $168, Dahlia; belt, $20, American Apparel; shoes: Steve Madden, $79, and earrings: $20, both, Macy's.On him: Sweater $62, pants $74 and bow-tie $22, American Apparel; shirt: French Connection, $88, Wolfgang.

Hair: Duane Tully and Jim Dowling, Tecni Colors Salon. Makeup: Ashley Mixson and Lacy Howard, MAC Cosmetics, Macy's in the Oak's Mall. Fashion assistant: Lane Nieset. Photo assistants: Sarah Hsu and Maria Linares. Special thanks to the Alachua County Fair.