It seems fitting, then, that El Museo del Barrio will honor the designer of Cuban descent next month during its annual gala. In its announcement, El Museo said that Rodriguez is considered one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in America.

“Latin men love Latin women, it is part of the culture, we celebrate women in a very special way and I think that is present in my work,” he said. “I do it by making them beautiful, sensual.”

Rodriguez said he has been connected to the museum, which promotes Latino, Caribbean and Latin American art, for many years. It also offers youth programs to provide young people access to education. “I am always so proud of what they have done for the community, for New York, for Latinos, and beyond the Latino world, for so many unprivileged children, families, with outreach programs,” he said.

“It’s a great compliment. I don’t know if it is necessarily true but it is a great compliment. I like to think that I have given back to the community,” Rodriguez said during an AP interview.

All his designs, he said, include his Latino heritage.

Born in New Jersey to Cuban parents, Rodriguez has been recognized for a simple, elegant, architectural style that has been worn by first lady Michelle Obama and actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba and Juliana Margulies, who often wears him on the red carpet.

Fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez has always referenced the world of art: Modern paintings are one of his many sources of inspiration.

To get Olivia Palermo’s casual-cool style, try these tips. Mix with leopard printed scarves, bags, or shoes. Sequins work well with olive, as well. Dress it up with a slim skirt, belt the waist and add a pointy toe heel. Dressing down gets a feminine chiffon blouse or flowy top, jeans, leggings or shorts.

I love this one from the Lourdes Leon collection, which you can find via Material Girl at Macy’s. It’s chic ($38!) and cheap and cheerful.

One of the must have items that seems to be on every editor and celebrity wish list this season is the military jacket.

By Sasha Charnin Morrison for UsMagazine.com. To read more of the Recessionista blog, click here.

Celebrity-sponsored style statements included Emma Watson, Lily Collins in Mulberry designs and Diane Kruger, Lea Michele in LACOSTE sportswear. 2:57 PM PDT 4/16/2012 by Elizabeth Snead

Bergdorf Goodman (in New York, call (212) 753 7300 for more information)

If you’re willing to lay out mucho dinero, Cavallari’s dress can be purchased at Los Angeles and New York Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Jimmy’s store locations.

By Sasha Charnin Morrison for UsMagazine.com. To read more of the Recessionista blog, click here.

Try to coordinate with metallic or nude accessories. If you want to add some oomph to your look, add some dazzle in drop diamond earrings or carry a lace covered clutch.

And then if you’re just in the market for a keeper that’s still cute and can stay with you, Express has entered into the ring with a gold replica of a bandage dress for $79.90 in sizes x-small to large. This rayon, synthetic, spandex diagonal one shoulder dress has a side zip and measures 34″ long from the shoulder to the hem.

The $4,700 nude silk chiffon and lace banded one shoulder cocktail dress with cutout bodice and clear crystals from Zuhair Murad’s Ready-to-Wear Spring 2010 Collection was a very sophisticated look for KC.

Kristin Cavallari revved up a lot of engines the other night at the finale for The Hills, arriving to her show’s finale bash in this season’s most dazzling trend — the nude bandaged one shouldered dress –  by celebrity fave designer, Zuhair Murad.

Neiman Marcus (in Los Angeles, call (310) 550-5900 for more information)

Details are here.

Feeling like you want to get the look with a hot dress that’s similar in color and style and you just want to do a rental for a special occasion? Rent the Runway has a Herve Leger by Max Azria version for a weekend $200 fee for a $1690 dress.

The pageantry is gone but it’s still worth a look and as we all know, Herve dresses are like wearing Haute Couture Spanx!

Jimmy’s (in New York, call (718) 266-8777 for more information)

Purchase the Express dress here.