Tutorial: how to make dreamy organza straps

Shimmery, translucent, wing-like ribbons at the back of a strapless dress can add an ethereal, sylphlike touch that can make an ordinary evening gown into the showstopper of any event.

Here's how you can make this look yours:

1. Find a length of organza in a colour that complements your dress: things to look for and think about are shine, length, width of the ribbon and whether you prefer the organza to have only one colour or flicker through a range of them as you move (multi-hued organza).

2. Cut out two equal lengths of organza to serve as your straps: you can choose to leave them long, giving a dreamy look that hints at wings, or shorter for a chic, sophisticated touch.

3. Sew the two organza ribbons onto the dress at the front (onto the inner lining of the dress- sewing it on the outside only serves as a visual distraction).

4. Put it on, tie a bow with a whimsical flourish (halter top style) and enjoy!

Do you want more tutorial posts for making certain styles or trends work for you?
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the Rose

The Pre-raphaelite Fascination

Preraphaelite art has always held an irresistible charm for us at Wild Rose and Sparrow. The luminous colours, the petal-light, flowing fabrics and mythological themes transport us to other worlds filled with ethereal beauty and forlorn, forgotten places.

Peopled with lithe nymphs, tragic heroines, powerful enchantresses and beguiling sirens, preraphaelite art transcends the everyday world and draws on the literature and poems of Romantic authors, as well as greek and roman myths for its themes. For the first time in European art, women were being viewed as strong and as the wielders of their own destinies.

This pre-raphaelite fascination has translated to our world in flower-strewn hairclips, delicate, graceful scarves and rich, saturated fabrics that have all of the rustle and texture of a J.W.Waterhouse painting.

What art movement do you think would make a good fashion trend? Leave us your response in the comments box.

Green envy: How to wear this season's freshest look

After this way-too-long winter, the latest fashion trend is like a fresh spring wind in the air: green is the colour of the moment, thanks to Pantone and many of fashion's biggest designers. Its vibrancy evokes life and luxury. However, this shade can sometimes be overwhelming to wear.With great trends come great responsibilities. Here are a few tips on how to wear this spring's most fashionable colour:

-  Do NOT overdo it! Wearing an emerald dress with dramatic jade green eyeshadow will make you look like a citizen of the emerald city. Instead of letting the trend wear you, wear the trend: small accents of green in an otherwise coloured outfit or one bold green statement piece paired with neutral or complementing colours will really flaunt your style savvy.

-When it comes to green, there is always a hint of drama that follows, so why not enjoy it? Instead of a discreet swipe of olive green eyeshadow, why not a luscious peacock feather inspired look, or take the gorgeous metallic shades of a beetle's shell as your palette?

-Green has a huge versatility, and can evoke any style. Try our bold, emerald green dress reminiscent of Pucci's prints to make any outfit pop! For a cleancut, preppy look, try pairing a white dress with Laduree mint accessories.

-For a look of effortless chic, try one of our braided pearl and semiprecious stone necklaces or rich, jewel toned scarves.

-For a wistful, romantic look, try our peacock and Swarovski jewel fascinator pinned in a loose updo or relaxed braided style.