RED (WHITE & BLUE) ALL ABOUT IT!

AHOY, DARLINGS!

With the Memorial Day weekend nearly upon us, we are FINALLY able to bust out all of our preppiest, yachtiest looks.

Nothing says sexy sailor, on or off the boat, more than red and white wardrobe pairings. Toss in a little navy for fun, if you like. But please refrain from literally nautical nods, such as large anchors emblazoned all over your attire (though oceanographic hosiery a la Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture is acceptable - see detail photo at right of jellyfish-adorned legwear, courtesy style.com).

We’ll start from the ideal underpinnings and sail on from there: try this Lisa Curran mod striped bandeau bikini (at top left), available at shopbop.com with free ground shipping, always!

Or, even more naughty-cal, sport a Jessica Simpson striped halter top and denim cheeky boyshort bikini (at right), currently on sale at victoriassecret.com!

Layer on top: a playful sundress! Try either of these two amazing red and white dresses at left from Ron Herman’s L.A. Boutique: Ella Moss pleated stripe dress (top) or Jill Stuart Robin floral print frock (bottom). Go to ronherman.com. Alternatively, don this Juicy Couture scallop dress, with adorable self-belt, available at shopbop.com.

Stow your Ray-Bans, Bain de Soleil and MAC SPF lipgloss in this delectable Foley + Corrina patent and canvas mini city tote (at right), a style recently popularized by Gossip Girl. Go to shopbop.com.

No matter what, you MUST have a seasonally appropriate wrap, like this Brooks Brothers red and navy linen scarf (at lower left), for purchase at brooksbrothers.com. So chic!

Now you are truly seaworthy!

NOW, STRIPE!

ALLOVER STRIPES are ubiquitous these days, despite the average fashionista's innate phobia . . .

First, and most striking, is Lanvin’s jailbird stripe dress (at right, via style.com), which reminds me of a super villain’s costume. Though padded and horizontally striped (a seemingly killer combo!), CoutureCarrie thinks we might just be able to pull it off, given that (1) it has an hourglass shape; (2) the sleeves are three quarter; and (3) the pattern is jostled at the waist by a playful marsupial pocket.

Tracy Reese’s take on the trend combines a sheer striped “swishy” overlay with a black slipdress (at left). The look is elegantly belted at the waist with a wide white cincher – a splendid idea when wearing horizontal stripes, as it breaks up the monotony and creates curves. Go to net-a-porter.com.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s red and white striped ensemble for Spring 2008 is quite fetching, though one would do well to lose the pirate chapeau and extra-long belt when translating from runway to street! Pic courtesy nymag.com.

This Elie Saab variegated stripe gown seems a bit more wearable, perhaps because of the airy feel lent by its wisps of chiffon (photo at left via nymag.com). The added hint of color at the bust line saves this frock from awning overkill. Lovely for a black tie summer wedding, don'tcha think?

This gray and putty striped minidress from the Chanel 2009 Resort Collection is more subtle, for those who are still leery of the horizontal stripe (runway shot at lower right courtesy style.com).

Couture Carrie's advice for wearing allover stripes? Be sure the look is fitted, or create your own curves by cinching the garment at the waist! But don't be afraid of the horizontal stripe, darlings! It is really quite "arresting"!