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Posts tagged “Cocktail Dress

Welcome To The Red Carpet…

Each Spring we get to witness the fabulous journey from red carpet to red carpet that the celebrities embark on that leads to the Oscars. Have I seen all the movies being nominated for & winning awards? Nope. Not even close. Do you know which gowns & frocks I love and which designers are killing it? Oh. Yes.

Here are some of the highlights of late!

AllisonWilliam

{I like this because it’s a one-of-a-kind take on a standard Little Black Dress and the answer to what to wear to a cocktail party.}

ChloeMoretz

{Cute. Eye-catching. Age appropriate. What more could you ask for from a young starlet?}

People's Choice Awards 2013 - Arrivals

{I adore a man in a suit, but with an endless parade of red carpets during awards season black and grey suit after black and grey suit gets a bit… Dreary. Three cheers for a man who mixing things up and likes to try great colors & textures. Precisely as the face of Burberry should!}

People's Choice Awards 2013 - Arrivals

{Flowy and white can frequently bomb on the red carpet. Too loose, too casual, too flower child… But this one is perfection. It’s all about the belt!}

People's Choice Awards 2013 - Arrivals

{Another black & gold number that killed it on the red carpet. Dramatic. Unique. Flattering. Perfect!}

People's Choice Awards 2013 - Arrivals

{Finding the perfect jewel toned gown isn’t easy and I can’t imagine a more beautifully colored dress than this one. And that silver collar? Swoon!}

People's Choice Awards 2013 - Arrivals

{Prints & patterns are such a breath of fresh air on the red carpet in a sea of princess-y frocks and this metallic black & silver number was especially stunning. And she wisely left the statement jewelry at home.}

Taylor

{Another fabulous white gown curtsey of Ralph Lauren. Lovely silhouette and a flattering hue, but those earrings were what really sold me. Just stunning!}

Kerry

{I LOVE Kerry Washington and she’s had some killer looks during her Django Unchained press tour – But this Giles gown is one of my favorites. It’s totally unique while still looking like it was made for her. Brava!}

And finally… Some Golden Globe goodness:

LucyLiu

{I love this dress! There was lots of back-and-forth on this one from the commentators, but I thought it was fun and a breath of fresh air!}

MichelleDockery

{Striking. Just striking.}

NaomiWattsI

{I love the drama here – The deep oxblood color, the neckline, the train… There’s a lot going on, but it works for her.}

AmyPoehler

{I LOVE pants on the red carpet. And I love women in tuxedos. This is simple but totally chic and timeless. Well done Amy, well done.}

HelenMirren

{Wow. It’s eye-catching and dramatic, but still age appropriate and utterly flattering. Gorgeous dress!, I love the gold embellishments.}

JessicaAlba

{This peach hue suits Miss Jessica to a T. It’s classic but the styling, jewelry & bag take it up a notch.}

JulianneMoore

{I love black & white on the red carpet. It’s sharp and eye-catching. And Julianne Moore knows JUST how to pull off this killer Tom Ford gown.}

TaylorSwiftI

{Flawless. The gown is a stunning color, suits her figure perfectly, and I adore the double straps, low back, and sheer stripe. Perfection!}

KateHudson

{Drama Drama Drama. When you want sophisticated, high fashion drama and glamour you know where to go – Alexander McQueen!}

KerryWashington

{I’m not usually a fan of sheer hemlines but I just love this sparkly Miu Miu number. It really stood out last night – Both on the red carpet and on stage – And it looks great on her.}

NicoleKidman

{And she’s back! I used to love everything that Miss Kidman wore on the red carpet but all the white lately hasn’t been my favorite – This however is killer. It’s busy, but she’s just the woman to pull it off!}

NicoleRichie

{Such a standout dress last night – This is the definitely of an eye-catching look!}

In my humble opinion there was a winning tie here… Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta {styled by the fabulous Brad Goreski} and Taylor Swift in Donna Karan Atelier. Both looked utterly striking and were styled to perfection. Well done to everyone though, there were virtually no disasters at this stylish event.

My only complaint? Where was Keira Knightley??? Her Chanel gowns for the Anna Karenina red carpets have been divine – I was dying to see what she was going to wear to the Golden Globes. Sob!

{Images from TLo}

Curious about last year’s stand outs? Check out Golden Girls. And Boys. for the 2012 red carpet looks from the likes of Angelina Jolie, Evan Rachel Wood, Emma Stone, and Rooney Mara.

Which fabulous frock was your favorite?


Styling 101: New Years Eve

After our sharing our tips for spicing up a chic Little Black Dress for a holiday party with fun statement jewelry {Styling 101: Holiday Dressing} we wanted to tackle the oh-so-glamorous topic of what to wear for a fabulous New Years Eve party. From formal wear for a black tie event to a killer cocktail party dress – We have ideas to inspire everyone no matter what your plans are!

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{Sasha – right- is wearing: Scalloped Link Brass Collar Necklace, Toggle Clasp Panther Necklace, Faux Gem Stone Studded Bangle, Tirfari Plaited Link Cuff Bracelet, Faux Jade Cocktail Ring & Florenza Rhinestone Cocktail Ring}

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{Caity – left – is wearing: Accessocraft Cabochon Pendant Necklace, Tasseled Mesh Chain Necklace, KJL Faux Jade Cuff Bracelet, Ribbon Cuff &  Ciner Domed Ring}

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{Vintage dresses on loan from Mystery Mister – A fabulous vintage boutique in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco}

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{You can also see this outfit on Lookbook.nu & Pose}

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{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}

If you’re attending a party or spending the countdown at a fun bar or restaurant than a cocktail dress, skirt + top combo, or a chic ladypants look are in order. Whether you’re going for dramatic colors & fun prints or basic black you can spice up your look with a bold shoe & tons of eye-catching jewelry.

And if you’re attending a gala, benefit, or other black-tie event you will be ringing in the New Year in a stylish floor or tea-length frock. Be sure to stand out from the other ladies by pairing your gown with layered gold or silver jewelry and statement pieces that’ll make your look 100% you.

Stay tuned for more exciting looks from the Styling 101 series & be sure to check out our past collaborations:

*Jewelery styled by Sasha Maksutenko, Dresses from Mystery Mister & Makeup by Christina Aguayo of Looks By Aguayo.


Styling 101: Holiday Dressing

Whether you’re looking for something to wear for a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday cocktail party, or Christmas Eve dinner – We’ve got some holiday fashion inspiration for every occasion!

{Sasha’s wearingSchiaparelli Rare Watermelon Rhinestone Demi Parure, Convertible Rope Link Necklace and Bracelet Demi-Parure, Monet Rope Bracelet, Vendome Demi-Parure, Rhinestone Flower Motif Ring & Rhinestone Cocktail-Party Ring}

{Caity’s wearing: Faux Pearl Shield Necklace, Faux Pearl Strand Necklace, Flapper Black Glass Tassel Sautoir, Bozart Rhinestone Earrings, Pavé Rhinestone Cocktail Ring & Faux Pearl Rhinestone Cocktail Ring}

{Vintage 80’s dresses on loan from Mystery Mister – A fabulous vintage boutique in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco}

{You can also see this outfit on Lookbook.nu & Pose}

This Styling 101 post is about how to dress up basic – and not so basic – black this season. The shops are filled with fabulous frocks right now but if you don’t have the time, the interest, or the disposable income to buy a new dress – Why not spice up your favorite little black dress?

Layering beautiful necklaces, piling on eye-catching cocktail rings, adding a cuff or bangles, and finding oversized earrings that suit you are great ways to add a memorable and personal twist to an LBD.

Stay tuned for more exciting looks from the Styling 101 series & be sure to check out our past collaborations:

In addition to being able to shop the Sasha Maks Vintage jewelry on her website, you can always make an appointment for a private viewing session – You’ll learn the history and background of the pieces you look at and be able to try things on to find what you love most.

Jewelery styled by Sasha Maksutenko


Emmy Drama

Nothing quite like a red carpet event to bring out the fashion drama in Hollywood! Here are my favorite picks from the main event, as well as the more low-key events that preceded it.

Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception Red Carpet:

It’s casual for the red carpet, but it’s a great Little Black Dress that’s flattering, chic, and suits her to a T so there’s nothing to complain about.

This is a beautiful color on her and the subtle draping and one-shoulder neckline both look great on her.

This is fun & sassy, two things that the red carpet frequently doesn’t see because people are so afraid of ending up on a worst dressed list.

EW Pre-Emmy Party Red Carpet:

I like that the cut and silhouette are prim and ladylike while the eye-catching color is fun and youthful – It’s a great combination.

I love a little white dress when it’s worn right just and this one is pretty spectacular – I love the interesting neckline and bust.

This is a very cute, flattering sheath dress – Someone petite like Ginnifer can really make this style work.

You know me, I’m a sucker for a cute shorts suit. The double-breasted jacket is too perfect and buttoned-up heart print blouse was a great choice.

The 2012 Emmys:

Stunning. Just plain stunning.

She cuts quite a figure in this dress – She’s just oozing old school Hollywood glamour and elegance. J’adore!

This is nothing short of phenomenal – I love the cut, silhouette, and the amazing disco-futuristic fish scale like sequins. She looks amazing!

Miss Tina Fey isn’t one of the women who usually pops into my mind when I think of red carpet all-stars, but this dress is killer. It’s a gorgeous color on her and the embellished neckline is perfect – interesting and unique but not too dramatic.

I love a print on the red carpet and I think this gown is just beautiful. She looks radiant and chic, well done.

When you want drama – You go to Zac Posen. January Jones loves a fashion-forward look and this Posen gown really served up the drama last night. Very few women could have pulled this off but she looks great.

I don’t have the slightest idea who this actress is, but I made an audible “oh” when I saw this gorgeous tangerine number that I knew I should include it!

Clearly Allison is favoring the great Oscar de la Renta right now and I have to say that I fully support that choice in this case. Wow!

Stunning color and I like that between the all-over pleating and the unique neckline it’s not a basic red gown.

Striking color and suits her perfectly. I think that the belt and collar were right on point but where’s her cuff???

What a gorgeous, unique dress. I love the detailing and I’m glad that she held back on the accessories and let the dress take center stage.

She looks great here – It’s a fun, flattering color and the style suits her really well. Good choice. Now change your hair to a color found in nature! 🙂

Fabulous color! This goes to show you that a killer color can overcome a basic – even boring – style.

Kerry Washington was another sequined stunner this year, her Vivienne Westwood gown definitely have Lucy Liu’s Versace number a run for its money!

I was thrilled by all of the stunning dresses on the red carpet this year – Everyone did such a fabulous job choosing their gowns. But if I had to pick my favorites from the dresses above I think I’d have to go with Lucy Liu in silver Versace, Julianne Moore in yellow Dior, and Allison Williams in green Oscar de la Renta. Well done ladies, well done!

Source – Tom & Lorenzo

What were your favorite dresses from the red carpet? Did you like all of the bright citrus colors and brilliant jewel tones or do you miss all of the lace and sheer fabrics from last season?


Jewelry Essentials – Pieces Every Woman Should Own

In my Real Girls Need Real Closets and Real Girls Need Real Closets – Accessories Edition I discussed the pieces that are worth putting money into in order to build a complete wardrobe. Today I’d like to focus on what jewelry should make it into your collection in this guest post for Sasha Maks Vintage.

Over the years you’ll invest in new accessories, update your collection, and pick up great pieces on your travels, of both the new and vintage variety. Truth be told, putting together the perfect jewelry collection isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a long process and while your personal style may evolve over time, the basics of what you should acquire will remain relatively static. With that in mind, here are some tips and suggestions to keep in mind while you’re shopping!

Statement Necklace:

Having a dramatic and eye-catching piece at your neck is a Must. Something that’s versatile and can work as the central focus for your look at a number of events – From casual to dressy to office appropriate.

{Monet Enamel Fan Necklace 1970s – $225}

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderNonoo – Letticia Floral Shorts, Jaeger Sleeveless Silk Blouse, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses & COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes}

Summer CasualInspiration for this look: Olivia Palermo’s fabulous floral shorts look from Verona, Italy photographed in July of 2012. A statement necklace can be the focal point of a basic or monochromatic look, or just another fabulous piece in a fun, vibrant outfit like this one.

Cuff Bracelet:

A cuff or wide bracelet allows you to throw on a single piece of jewelry and call it a day. This acts as an understated but dramatic piece that can complete a look without a lot of effort.

{Silver-tone Wide Ridged Cuff 1970s – $135}

 

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderFluoro Stripe Double Breasted Knit Coat by M Missoni, Black Peep Toe Booties, Diva clutch plain black leather from Boticca, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses, Mixed Chain Collar Necklace & ‘Betty’ thin leather dress}

Punk Princess – Inspiration for this look: Punk and edgy are two ways to go with a thick silver bracelet, so take inspiration from Brooklyn Blonde and try something new & exciting by pairing unexpected pieces. Unique styling, like these peep-toe booties and the sleeveless trench, make a look fresh and unique and 100% you.

Evening Earrings:

Whether you’re wearing a simple suit and attending a work function or a fun Little Black Dress for a cocktail party, you need a pair of killer earrings to punctuate your look.

{Trifari Beaded Ball Drop Earrings 1960s – $165}

 

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderLeiby Wide Leg Jumpsuit With Belt, Fatale Natural Shoes, ASOS HARLOT Stiletto Leather Sandals, Lipsy Playsuit With Scallop Edge Hem & Blue, Jade, Noir & Sand Jersey & Silk Jumpsuit}

Retro Luxe – Inspiration for this look: The beautiful & fashionable Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon’s fun Summertime look. Depending on the size, style, and color, dangling earrings can easily go from day to-night, the key is to pick the right outfit to complement them.

Cocktail Ring:

A one-of-a-kind cocktail ring is an absolute must have. You need a piece that is fun and flashy, that makes you feel glamorous and acts as a great conversation starter.

{Rhinestone Cocktail-Party Ring 1960s – $95}

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion FinderEmerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress by Halston Heritage & ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals}

Cocktail FabulousInspiration for this look: Katie Holmes’s September 2012 cover for C Magazine, photographed by Matt Jones. A fun ring is very versatile, it’ll work equally well for girls night out, after work drinks, or a cocktail party.

Personality Piece(s):

Whatever your style, whatever your taste, you should have a stand out piece of jewelry in your collection that is 100% YOU. It doesn’t matter what it is, it could be s a fabulous pair of drop earrings, or a handful of stunning bracelets for stacking, or a simple pearl necklace that you inherited from your mother.

{Left: Christian Dior Faux Coral Demi-Parure 1970s – $1250, Top Right: Snake Bangle 1970s – $135 & Bottom Right: Faux Jade Cocktail Ring 1960s – $135}

Me? I’m obsessed with classic gold vintage pieces and animal jewelry like the pieces above. They suit my classic style and act as great finishing touches for my outfits.

{Inspiration Board on ASOS Fashion Finder – Left Outfit: Cream Asymmetrical Tie Blouse by DKNY, Black Leather Exposed Zip Skirt by McQ Alexander McQueen & Reiss Lotta BUCKLE SHOE BOOTS, and Right Outfit: White Poppy Blouse by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Black Full Flippy Skirt by Halston Heritage & Red Bow Front Patent Pointed Court by Moschino Cheap & Chic}

Black & White StunnerInspiration for the look: Donna Karan Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear & Temperley London Pre-Fall 2012. Perfect for a work party or a formal evening, the cut, silhouette, and lengths can be adjusted to suit the appropriateness of a given outing.

All jewelry from Sasha Maks Vintage – Original post on the Sasha Maks Vintage Blog


2012 MTV Movie Awards

Happy Wednesday!

Ready for some low-key and fun red carpet attire? You can always count on an MTV event to bring out the stars, and for those stars to bring out some interesting, eye-catching fashion.

Not sure how to wear a cocktail dress? Here’s an official How To. Follow it to the letter.

This is a great look for a summer show. Bright and fun!

I’m not sure if this is actually a dress or not, but I like the separates feel to the look. It’s summery and sweet, perfect for a Nickelodeon star!

Perhaps a slimmer fit would have shown off her killer figure better, but that doesn’t keep it from being a great, stand-out look. Her personal style has definitely been evolving over the last few months, exactly as it should be for her age!

Fresh, young, and perfect for the event. The mixing of colors and patterns and the zipper detailing make it a great choice. Also, love her haircut, very flattering.

Sort of space-age looking, but really cute. It’s fun and interesting, and suits her build really well.

With The Great Gatsby coming out soon I’m sure that these beautiful 20’s style dresses will continue to make the rounds. This is a great choice for her coloring, she looks beautiful.

Source & Source

Need some more 20’s glamour to get your day started? Harper’s Bazaar has the goods!

Check out Karl Lagerfeld’s photoshoot for Bazaar featuring  Joan Smalls, Arizona Muse and Saskia de Brauw in this season’s Jazz Age inspired fashion from Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren, J.Mendel, Chanel, Valentino, Alberta Ferretti and Tom Ford – Cafe Society.

Or see how real ladies channel this trend in BAZAAR Boards: Gatsby’s Girls.


Looks of the Week

How was everyone’s weekend? Did you have a good Mother’s Day? While I didn’t get to see my mother yesterday, I did get a chance to spend some time with my boyfriend’s mother and his sister who just gave birth to her third daughter two weeks ago. Quite the family day!

But today we’re here to discuss street style. Here in San Francisco it regularly goes from bright, sunny, and stunningly warm to foggy and rainy in 12 hours, so there’s no way to dress consistently during the Spring and Summer, it’s all about layering and keeping a sweater or umbrella in your bag. Here are some looks that run the gamut in terms of skin coverage so hopefully no matter where you are in the world there’s a look that you can emulate, enjoy!

I’m MAD about this look. A fabulous retro-inspired dress in a fun, eye-catching print is a great way to go. And those floral sunglasses are the icing on the fabulous cake!

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I love love love how she paired a flowy, hippie-style maxi dress with a cropped leather jacket, it gives it an edge. Biker Chick Chic!

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Olivia’s low key floral frock is perfect for Summer weddings this season. It’s flattering and pretty, and can easily go from day to night with the right jewelry and heels. She wears it perfectly here with ankle strap Boutique 9 heels.

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Just wow. Gorgeous color against her skin, unique dress with beautiful embellishments, and great, great accessories.

Gorgeous – Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Satin Knot Clutch

SEXY – She spices up her look with hot pumps – Brian Atwood ‘Claudia Bis’ Platform Pumps

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And if you’re as big a fan of Miss Zoe as I am, check out The Frugal Fashionista’s breakdown of some of her best outfits over the years. Tres chic!

zoe saldana whole foods, zoe saldana style, zoe saldana the conversation

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Interested in trying out the printed jeans trend? This is a great, subtle way to work the trend without getting too overwhelmed. Love that she paired the high-impact pants with a simple T.

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Too cuter! I love the retro patterned shorts paired with the chic gold polka-dotted blouse. That adorable mint green Prada bag is the perfect finishing touch!

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I LOVE this look. The mixing of the retro prints is just too cute. She looks like a chic Amy Winehouse!

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Want to try a new spin on an old class? Spice up your Little Black Dress this Spring and take Brooklyn Decker, Be Frassy’s Audrey Rogers, or model Anne V as your inspiration.

You can keep it classy in a knee-length dress, but it doesn’t have to be boring, you can easily find one with fun embellishments and details that will make you stand out in a crowd.

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Sexy sheer lace can be taken to the next level with a fun flared skirt. Some kick @$$ bright pumps are the perfect finishing touch.

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A jersey dress is a great way to stay cool as the temperature rises, and Anne V shows us here that you don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of glamour if you go with a demure hemline. Wow!

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And if you’re still dying for more street style, check out these best dressed round ups – Vogue UK and Mr. Blasberg’s Best-Dressed List for Harper’s Bazaar.

Have a great night!