It’s a season of king cakes, parades, and purple, green, and gold. But let’s not forget the glitz and glamour galore! It wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without the glitz and glamour of the Mardi Gras Balls. Here are a few things to remember when preparing for your big night to standout in the crowd and dance the night away:

1. You don’t have to stick to the traditional seasonal colors; add a punch of color and style with with vivid hues or soft pastels. Either way will have a huge impact.
2. Be prepared with a change of shoes by putting a stylish pair of jeweled ballet flats in your clutch. Who says you can’t maintain comfort and style, even when you’re rocking out the night on the dance floor!
3. Accessories can make all the different in completing an outfit. Glam it up with a fabulous pair of dangle earrings, a statement necklace or a great cuff. It’s your night to walk the red carpet.
4. Give your makeup extra attention and staying power by using a lip primer before applying your favorite lip color. There’ll be no need for frequent touch-ups!
5. Trying to figure out how to stay within budget and still have variety of looks that can be worn for the half dozen balls you’ll be attending in a 3-day period? Consider purchasing a two-piece set, such as a basic black skirt that can easily take on a new look with a quick change of the top. Very helpful to keep you in budget without having to repeat a look.
6. Mardi Gras nights often can be quite cool, so remember to carry an evening shawl or sparkly bolero jacket that will complement your evening gown.
7. Pay attention to small details; such as a signature style manicure that you can achieve yourself with the help of peel and stick nail art decor. Everyone will think it was done by a professional manicurist!

As the season continues in full force, let’s not forget the most important part for being a fashion diva…..being the Belle of the Ball!

A woman with a pear-shaped figure has narrow shoulders, a relatively small bust, tapered waist and comparatively large hips and thighs. If you have a pear-shaped figure, shop for a dress that accents your upper body and draws the eyes away from the hips and thighs to create an illusion of balance.

Neckline Highlights

A dress that highlights the neckline, such as a halter dress, will draw the eye to your slender neck and shoulders. The bottom part of the dress should skim over your hips and thighs, not cling to them.

Empire Waist

A dress with an empire waist and a fitted bodice draws the eye to the petite upper body of a pear-shaped woman. The skirt should flare only slightly or hang straight with little volume.

Strapless or Spaghetti Straps

Strapless dresses or spaghetti-strap dresses give the illusion of broader shoulders and thus balance out the body so your figure looks less bottom-heavy.

Embellished Tops

A dress with an embellished bodice and a plain skirt puts the emphasis above the waist and minimizes your fuller hips and thighs.

Snug Waistline

A dress that caresses your waist and flares out slightly at the hips creates the flattering look of an hourglass figure. Take care that the waist is not too tight.

Model and Victoria’s Secret Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio is set to launch a new fashion line as reported via Glamour on Monday. Alé by Alessandra Ambrosio will debut on March 17.

Ambrosio partnered with Planet Blue, a Los Angeles-based boho line, and the collection is infused with Alessandra’s style. Expect beachy and bohemian type mini dresses that flow, ruffled skirts, convertible tees, and sexy jumpsuits, which according to the Brazilian supermodel is a “reflection of her lifestyle: Malibu meets Brazil.”

Alessandra Ambrosio, 32, detailed her new fashion endeavor in the recent Glamour interview, and labeled her clothing line, “bohemian chic.”

It’s comfortable. It’s sensual. It’s feminine. It’s very flowy with soft fabrics. The palettes are nude to cayenne and some midnight blue colors that we did for the nighttime. And there are different prints: from paisley to hand-dyed tie-dye. There are dresses, jumpsuits, and a little black dress, but it’s not your normal little black dress. And every girl needs to have one in her wardrobe.

Ambrosio’s fashion tip to accessorize the little black dress depends on the mood you’re in on any given day: basically anything goes.

The clothing line, Alé by Alessandra Ambrosio, the smoldering Victoria’s Secret Angel, will range from $60 to $260 and is available on March 17 at Planet Blue.