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!
{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.}
{Cute. Eye-catching. Age appropriate. What more could you ask for from a young starlet?}
{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!}
{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!}
{Another black & gold number that killed it on the red carpet. Dramatic. Unique. Flattering. Perfect!}
{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!}
{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.}
{Another fabulous white gown curtsey of Ralph Lauren. Lovely silhouette and a flattering hue, but those earrings were what really sold me. Just stunning!}
{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:
{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!}
{Striking. Just striking.}
{I love the drama here – The deep oxblood color, the neckline, the train… There’s a lot going on, but it works for her.}
{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.}
{Wow. It’s eye-catching and dramatic, but still age appropriate and utterly flattering. Gorgeous dress!, I love the gold embellishments.}
{This peach hue suits Miss Jessica to a T. It’s classic but the styling, jewelry & bag take it up a notch.}
{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.}
{Flawless. The gown is a stunning color, suits her figure perfectly, and I adore the double straps, low back, and sheer stripe. Perfection!}
{Drama Drama Drama. When you want sophisticated, high fashion drama and glamour you know where to go – Alexander McQueen!}
{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.}
{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!}
{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?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II
Welcome to post numéro deux from the tents at New York Fashion Week, you can see the first post here and catch up on what you missed – The big names like Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, and BCBG Max Azria.
Today we’ll be focusing on the secondary lines created by tried and true designers as well as the shows for brands which most of us real people outside of the fabulous fashion industry actually buy and wear and lust after. {Please note that the word “affordable” is being used in a relative context here, we are talking about NYFW not the mall, so take that into consideration.}
Rachel Zoe:
Let’s get this started with one of my favorite collections – the highly styled collection of fabulous 70’s inspired pieces shown by Miss Rachel Zoe. Some accused it of being overstyled, but I enjoyed it for that very reason, it showed you various ways you could wear her pieces – From the handbags, jewelry, hats, belts, shoes, and sunglasses.
Pants and pantsuits were highly featured – From slouchy leather to wide leg trousers to knit jumpsuits. Lots of great outerwear was also featured – leather bombers, blazers, double-breasted satin coats – as well as 70’s staples like tunics, shift dresses, ankle boots, maxi dresses, tuxedo pants, and bohemian shirt dresses and sequins sequins sequins.
J.Crew:
When you’re discussing the wearability of the lines at NYFW, J.Crew is one of the first brands that comes to mind. They always put together a fun, chic, wearable collection. Season after season the clothes are contemporary and on-target, with price tags that us real gals can actually consider.
This season was no different and the separates, suits, and dresses were colorful and covered in great prints. I can already see where multiple pieces will fit into my outfits for Spring – The separates seriously stole my heart. I want all the blazers and all of the cropped, fitted pants in fabulous prints.
10 Crosby Derek Lam:
Derek Lam was so determined to prove that this line was full of real clothes for real girls that he cast a beauty blogger as his model for the Lookbook. These separates and suits are killer and the new line of handbags were showcased to perfection against the ‘too cool for school’ pieces.
Cobalt blue, mixing & matching prints, skins, and leather are clearly the tips to take away from this collection. Oh, and separates separates separates. These shots make me want to run to my closet and practice pairing fun pieces together in interesting new ways.
Rachel Roy:
Easy, wearable separates in breezy silhouettes, bright colors, and fun, whimsical prints. Fitted pantsuits, midi length silk shirt dresses, printed shorts, wide leg 70’s inspired jumpsuits, tailored shorts, and all over prints were all present and accounted for – And all with a hint of pink.
What I adore about Rachel Roy is how each collection has its own distinct feel, but stays in line with her aesthetic and style. Her pieces are always chic and on-trend, but still classic enough to keep in your wardrobe season after season.
Rebecca Minkoff:
Lots of white, florals, and soft colors – A very sweet, Springy collection perfect for the cool California girl. Great denim, floaty, flattering silhouettes, and a mixture of hip shirts, day dresses and separates.
My favorite part of this collection were the variety of chic trousers – They came in slim white, vertical stripes, all-over prints, classic denim, and even white washed overalls.
Milly:
The Milly show almost seemed to be a clash of the Spice Girls – Sports Spice meets Posh Spice. The pieces were made from second skin fabrics and had a fluid, athletic quality to them while the silhouettes were sleek and body conscious.
All-over prints, leather sleeves, lame touches, black mesh, reflective materials, double halter necklines, and clear plastic all gave this collection a bit of an edge that wasn’t there last season. Definitely not for the timid! This show also featured pieces the relatively new handbag line – Specifically the zipper-adorned envelope and oversized day clutches.
Betsey Johnson:
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun!”
Nothing like a ton of 80’s glitz, glamour, and attitude to take the stage while Cindy Lauper belts out one of her most famous hits – All to celebrate the great Betsey Johnson’s 70th birthday. And believe me, that girl still knows how to have fun!
The clothes were just as loud & bright as the musical stylings and were all one-of-a-kind with a fun vintage twist and loads of layering and accessories – Basically the sartorial equivalent of Katy Perry. Just what we’ve come to expect from this unique designer.
Alice+Olivia:
Alice+Olivia is always bright, fun, and a little wild. They’re the clothes the cool girl with a great sense of humor wears because she can always find something that suits her mood and attitude. Eyelet & lace, drop waists, animal prints, sheathes, rompers, shorts suits, mix n’ match separates, and gowns – All with a little retro flare.
Not only did Miss Bendet produce yet another collection where I’d like to get my hands on each and every piece, she’s also created her first handbag line. Like the too cute shoes, they came in every color and style, one to match any outfit you could put together – From totes to oversized shoppers to mini duffles.
3.1 Phillip Lim:
This collection was all about mixing & matching and prints prints prints! Plaid, demure animal prints, stripes, and vibrant florals were mixed effortlessly with colorblocking, patchwork, denim, black leather, and sheer paneling.
The looks were all slouchy and laid-back but still fun and ecclectic through and through – Just what Phillip Lim does best.
Kate Spade:
Bright colors, retro-inspired silhouettes, and fun but ladylike separates and dresses are what the Kate Spade client expects – And this collection for Spring delivered just that.
Mod colorblocking in pastels, bold black & white checkered pieces, bowling bags, retro shades, sweet prints, oversized bows, stripes & florals, ankle strap heels, suits, and great outerwear rounded things out. While all of the pieces paired together in each look may have been fun for the show, you’d probably deconstruct these outfits to find the pieces that you wanted to add to your personal wardrobe.
Tory Burch:
This collection was all about being a world traveler – Someone who picks things up around the world, travels to exotic places, and wants her sense of style to reflect her world experiences. This was picked up not only in the handbags, jewelry, and accessories, but also in the prints, colors, and fabrics.
Sweet prints from nature, eyelet & thick lace, heavy fringe, embroidery, Native American & African beaded accents, leather working, and a plethora of florals, stripes, tie dye, and plaids. It was a unique collection but the fun embellishments and accents made it unique rather than kitchy. I can’t wait to get my hands on the mix n’ match shorts & cropped jacket combinations.
Victoria by Victoria Beckham:
This dress collection was composed primarily of structured shift dresses, knee-length sheaths, and shirt dresses in a variety of prints, colors, and materials – She experimented with delicate lace & eyelet, metallic leather, and whimsical floral and oversized dot prints.
She paired with wide strap sandals and peep-toe tennis shoes, both in a high platform that made them both sporty and Posh. These dresses – minis and knee-length – are breezy, wearable pieces, they could easily be styled with heels or flats and I’d pile on the jewelry to make the look your own.
Z Spoke by Zac Posen:
Zac Posen is all about drama – Whether its showstopping gowns ready for the Oscars red carpet from his main line or chic separates from his secondary line Z Spoke – There’s always a sense of occasion and a melodramatic undertone. And this collection is no different with the aptly themes – Coco Goes To Hollywood.
These clothes are chic, fun, and wearable. They have a cinematic quality that suits both Coco Rocha and the theme – They look like they’re made to be looked at or photographed. And luckily for us his gorgeous Z Spoke handbag line pairs perfectly with these looks. I was a big fan of the textured prints in bold colors, the styling was great too, I would wear some of these looks head-to-toe!
DKNY:
Sleek and sport may not be the first words that come to mind when you think about DKNY, but this collection was pure DKNY – Sexy, confident NYC ladies with places to go and butts to kick, stylishly of course. The collection was all black, grey, and white with the occasional canary yellow or denim piece.
One of the things that I always love about DKNY is how I can picture the pieces in my own life – The sheer blouses could be paired with a blazer and pencil skirt for a flirty work look or worn with shorts on the weekends, while the fitted, cropped pants that come in prints, solids, and stripes – which I would wear constantly – would easily go from day to night and from work to weekends. A great DKNY piece fits into your wardrobe, it goes with your existing wardrobe and helps take your looks up a notch.
Lacoste:
The Lacoste show was part traditional and part fun and new. There were basic whites and styles that the brand has shown consistently over the years, but there were also bold colors, fun graphic patterns, and the use of interesting new fabrics like mesh, clear plastic, and sheer pieces.
I especially liked the blue abstract print sweater dress, pajama dressing for men, and the sexy alligator stamped navy leather mini dress – They were all very Lacoste, but with a modern twist.
See by Chloe:
Digital Fashion Shows are becoming quite the thing and See by Chloe showed their second – a light, breezy, easy collection perfect for Spring.
Slouchy, primary colored separates, pantsuits with chic wrapped jackets, multicolored knits, drawstring pants & dresses, all paired with pointy toed low-heeled pumps and See by Chloe oversized clutches and duffle bags.
Tibi:
I can always tell a Tibi dress or blouse when I’m scrolling through the Bloomingdale’s website – Wearable clothing that’s sleek but always has some fun, feminine details that make it unique and perfect for pairing with other pieces already in your wardrobe.
The Spring 2013 collection showcased great leather pieces, some digital-inspired florals, denim, and lots of black and white. I loved the flirty separates, A-line mini skirts, wide belts, and killer ankle strap heels.
Nicole Miller:
Feminine but with an edge – That’s usually the best way to describe Nicole Miller’s always wearable collections. The pieces are always fun and flirty, but she always paires the sweet with fabrics, textures, and cuts with an edge.
This season the dark, moody florals were paired with body-con silhouettes, caged platform sandals, and touches of S&M-inspired leather and harnesses. I absolutely adored the shrunken jackets, both the zipper-adorned motorcycle jackets and the great floral blazers.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Modelinia’s Runway Report: Richard Chai Love, Jenni Kayne, And Kimberly Ovitz, Harper Bazaar’s Top Spring 2013 Trends, This Time Tomorrow’s J.Crew Spring/Summer 2013 Details, and FabSugar’s Best Bags From Fashion Week Spring 2013.
Are these “more affordable” collections the ones that you look forward to during New York Fashion Week? Can you see yourself buying these pieces from brands like J.Crew, Kate Spade, or Tibi?
New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I
Every season I’m at a loss as to how I should approach the fashion show reviews. There are so many that I don’t know where to start, how many I should try to review, or how to justify which shows I choose over others. It’s oddly stressful considering I’m sitting in front of my laptop in San Francisco and NOT running around the cobblestone streets of New York City in stilettos with a 50 lbs handbag.
So this season I have come up with a plan of attack. I’m going to publish four separate pieces for New York Fashion Week:
- The NYFW Institutions – i.e. Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg & Carolina Herrera
- The more reasonably priced or secondary designer lines – i.e. J.Crew, MARC by Marc Jacobs & Alice+Olivia
- New up & coming brands that I’m just discovering or which are new to the tents – i.e. Z Spole by Zac Posen, Thakoon Addition & Victoria by Victoria Beckham
- And finally the street style & front row fashion of the NYFW attendees
So without further ado – Welcome to the fabulous runway fashion of the New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear shows:
BCBG Max Azria:
This collection was an interesting juxtaposition of hard against soft. The dresses all had a harness-like construction on the bodice, evoking a tough, bad-girl vibe that contrasted with the softer colors and flowing silhouettes.
Black, white, grey, and coral were the colors de jour and all the looks were paired with a wide ankle strap adorned heel in black or white. The fitted, midi and maxi-length skirts were equipped with high slits in the thin, wispy floral, lace, and paisley prints, making them utterly perfect for hot summer nights.
Peter Som:
This sweet collection was filled with great prints, bright colors and pastels, florals, flowy silhouettes and just a touch of lace. It was structured and well put together, but relaxed and fun – New York City girl meets boho chic.
The prints were chic and I loved the cropped pants – of course – and the hippie vibe throughout. I don’t think that I can say it any better than The Man Repeller: “Peter Som is punk rock tea party infused with tigers and ponies.”
Derek Lam:
I heard the phrase “sporty luxury” to describe Derek Lam and couldn’t get it out of my head – That’s the perfect description for this master of chic sportswear and exquisite tailoring. These clothes were modern and chic, I can easily picture them on streets all over the world.
Interesting fabrics and textures, bold prints, and slouchy silhouettes were the hallmarks here. Knee-length skirts and sheath dresses in brightly colored leather, all-over geometric prints, separates, and the retro-inspired midriff baring tops that were all over the runways in New York all made an appearance.
Calvin Klein:
The collection that Francisco Costa presented may have been primarily black and white but it was a far cry from boring. And a far cry from the slinky pastel numbers favored by Hollywood starlets on the red carpet last season.
These looks were sleek, body conscious, and strikingly sexy with dramatic cuts and a variety of reach-out-and-touch-them fabrics and textures including lace, satin, mesh, and leather. No florals or pastels for the Calvin Klein girl this coming Spring, she’ll be breaking out killer heels and wowing everyone with her confidence and daring.
Ralph Lauren:
The Ralph Lauren show was a combination of make-believe and reality. There were costume-like pieces inspired by Spain and Latin America – fringe, matador jackets, and ponchos – and there were chic, wearable pieces that I’m sure we’ll be seeing soon on the red carpets and sidewalks of Hollywood.
I absolutely loved the flowing, ruffle-adorned maxi dresses and skirts in stripes and bright florals, as well as the vaguely Parisian looking prim A-line skirts paired with fitted jackets, and the double-breasted, oversized suits with dramatic shoulders.
Ole!
Thakoon:
If I had to pick a single word to describe the Spring 2013 collection presented by Thakoon it would be beautiful. The cuts & silhouettes were flattering, the fabric & textures were interesting, and the prints & details were nothing short of divine.
From pretty, colorful, whimsical prints for daytime outings to daring but still utterly chic lace, eyelet, and sheer fabrics for nighttime.
A collection like this one really illustrates the difference between a designer like Thakoon and one like Lee McQueen – While I’d call them both artists the wearability of a collection like this one is unparalleled. I wait with bated breathe for the McQueen shows and gasp at the artistry and showmanship, but I can picture every single piece of this collection in my wardrobe, not something most of us mere mortals can say about McQueen.
Diane Von Furstenberg:
Who knew being a techie could be so darn stylish? DVF went geek chic this season and sent her girls down the runway in brilliant colors, prints, and flowing caftans paired with the brand new Google Glasses.
Glasses aside this collection had a classic DVF feel – Great 70’s styles & prints, flowing silhouettes that would be right at home in Saint Tropez or Marrakech, and eye-catching accessories like oversized earrings, brightly colored sunglasses, and matchy-matchy handbags. The whole collection had a delicious retro vibe that made me nostalgic for the heyday of Miss Diane herself.
Victoria Beckham:
I always look forward to the Victoria Beckham show, I adore her personal style and that chic, timeless style always shows up in her collections. And while I love – and would die to own – all of her sexy, second skin sheath dresses, I was thrilled by the amount of separates and slightly less body conscious pieces that she sent down the runway for Spring.
Everything was still sleek and sexy, with little color or prints per her usual aesthetic, but somewhat more relatable for the non-Hollywood set. I especially liked the A-line skirts and high-necklines, and the black, white, and the brilliant orange color scheme suited the austerity of the designs.
Well done!
Tommy Hilfiger:
Stripes! Stripes! Stripes! But we’re not talking about your basic, boring stripes for Spring, these are chic, retro stripes adorning flowing suits, maxi dresses, and separates in red, white, and navy.
The devil was in the details of this collection – The drama of a double-breasted, oversized suit jacket, delicate chevron prints, bright piping on a two-toned blazer, contrasting denim on denim pockets, thick weave cable knit sweaters, gold rope detailing, and flowy silk shirt-dresses. You’ve got to admit, nothing says All-American quite like Tommy Hilfiger.
Jason Wu:
Jason Wu may be best know for dressing Michelle Obama, but when a runway show starts with Carolyn Murphy strutting her stuff in a black leather mini dress you know the collection is heading in a different direction than usual.
While the primarily black & white collection was filled with leather & lace, his red lipped models also wore some killer separates and pieces with exquisite tailoring. But even the prim looks amped up the sexiness with mesh, sheer panels, studs and animal prints.
Donna Karan:
City girl Donna Karan presented an unusually soft and sweet collection pulling inspiration from the ballet which gave the pieces ethereal undertones that were further emphasized by the pale color palette.
The soft, gauzy looking fabrics, flattering drapping, sweater-sets, and pastel satins were sugary sweet and picture perfect for good-girl actresses like Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Greene, or Nicole Kidman. Among the draping and flowing fabrics were two numbers that caught my eye though – A sharp white sheath dress with a matching cropped jacket and a sexy sheer panelled navy gown perfect for a siren like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley during her next red carpet appearance.
Zac Posen:
Calling all supermodels!
The Zac Posen show was the place to be when the audience was surprised by Naomi Campbell, Angela Lindvall, Karolina Kurkova, and Coco Rocha all hitting the catwalk in his gorgeous, retro-inspired designs.
The dresses were phenomenal – From floral fifties inspired day dresses with sweetheart necklines to second-skin suits with his trademark dramatic bodice cuts, to sleek gowns in satins, florals, and chiffons. I could picture the likes of Eva Mendes and Emma Stone wearing the chic, but prim daydresses, and I guarantee that the rest of these gowns will be all over the red carpets come awards season.
Marc Jacobs:
There’s a reason that no one could stop talking about the Marc Jacobs show – It was amazing. Fabulously retro and evocative of the stylish Warhol girls of the 60’s, without appearing costumy or over the top, the kind of clothes you can really picture yourself wearing.
Loads of stripes – from thick to thin & horizontal to vertical – interesting lengths, cute separates, matching handbags, low-heeled shoes, and chic outerwear. I loved the long jackets with the high collars, the tiny shifts that us non-supermodels would need to wear slim trousers under, and the adorable pointy toed kitten heels.
Michael Kors:
Another show that emphasized stripes and had a Mod feeling to it was Michael Kors, which was brightly colored, bold, and very sporty. While it may not have been innovative, this collection showed piece after piece of very wearable clothing – For both men and women.
Stripes, colorblocking, contrasting collars, flats, wide low-slung belts, matching suits, tank & shift dresses, and separates all made lovely appearances. I may not be able to live without the green tunic & matching shorts set, it’s one of my favorite looks so far from the NYFW collections.
The menswear was fabulous – Full of color, great silhouettes, and classics styles. The men also got the stripes treatment and he showed great suits, white boat shoes, separates in the form of slacks, shorts & sweaters, and killer outerwear.
Carolina Herrera:
This light airy collection was filled with pale hues – from peach and aqua to olive-green and daffodil yellow – All perfectly ready for Spring. There were shorts, midi length skirts, trench coats, maxi dresses, gowns, and some sweet separates.
As gorgeous as CH’s gowns always are, the separates and short coats were what really caught my eye. They were chic and well-tailored, but more approachable than her collections have been in the past. The wide strap heeled sandals worn by all came in every color imaginable and thin belts cinched all of the waists. And interestingly enough, not a piece of jewelry could be seen!
Oscar de la Renta:
What I love about ODLR is his consistency – Each show will inevitably cater to a handful of crowds, from high-powered businesswomen & ladies who lunch to the fashionable young things & “It” girls that compose the celebutant set.
The splashes of colors in this collection were shocking yellow, pink, and teal – An interesting choice that worked surprisingly well. The collection was vibrant and fun with lots of beautiful textures and fabrics, and a great separates that I can imagine a few fashionistas in. Personally I’d be first in line for the thin striped dress paired with the black & white plaid coat and the sequin encrusted retro tunic & slim cropped pants – Tres chic!
Jill Stuart:
I’m always excited for a collection that pulls from Kim Basinger’s Veronica Lake look-a-like character in LA Confidential as it’s inspiration – The old school, golden age of Hollywood was such an extravagant and glamorous period fashion-wise.
You could really see that in the boudoir-feeling of the silks and slinky satins, and in the sequins, lame, and metallic brocades. While this wasn’t a “real woman” collection, there were beautiful dresses, gowns, and a few separates that will cater perfectly to a certain set.
Alexander Wang:
Wow.
Cut outs, netting, mesh, beading, lucite, sheer fabrics, leather, and garments that glowed in the dark when the lights went down. Cool club kids of the world unite! The pieces were minimalist and simultaneously dramatic and eye-catching, a feat few designers can manage.
Architectural and structured, but still fun and irreverent, all of the looks were paired seamlessly with strappy sandal-boot hybrids in black, white, or clear lucite. Definitely not looks for the average woman to wear walking down the street, but something that the cool girls that love Wang dearly can wear for a night out on the town.
{Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Sartorialist, & Tom & Lorenzo}
Previous NYFW Collections: New York Fashion Week Fall 2012, Pre-Fall 2012 Part I, Part II, Part III, and NYFW Spring 2012 Round-Up.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Man Repeller – NYFW Day I, The Sartorialist – Boy by Band of Outsiders, Tom & Lorenzo’s Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013 Collection, Late Afternoon’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Diary, or check out IFB’s Spring 2013 Pinterest Board.
What’s your favorite collection that I’ve reviewed so far? If you could go to New York City for Fashion Week what would the number one show on your list to see in person be?
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 Finder – Nonoo – Letticia Floral Shorts, Jaeger Sleeveless Silk Blouse, Suuna Black Arabella Ladies Sunglasses & COGGLES EXCLUSIVE Lorelei Black & Blue Shoes}
Summer Casual – Inspiration 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 Finder – Fluoro 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 Finder – Leiby 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 Finder – Emerald Sarong Knot Cocktail Dress by Halston Heritage & ASOS HYLA Strappy Heeled Sandals}
Cocktail Fabulous – Inspiration 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 Stunner – Inspiration 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 CMT Music Awards
I love a good red carpet, and we’ve had plenty of those lately (2012 Cannes Film Festival, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2012 amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS, 2012 MTV Movie Awards, and the 2012 CFDA Awards) but there’s something especially fun about the red carpet for a musical event. Musicians tend to push the fashion boundaries more than actors do, which can lead to quite the pectacle for us to enjoy.
You’ve got to admit, Miss Carrie knows what works for her! She’s got a great figure and while she loves to wear romantic floor-length gowns, she knows the power of a sparkly mini for a country event.
You can see the stunning pale blue Oscar de la Renta gown that Carrie wore to the 2012 Billboard Music Awards a few weeks ago over here. She definitely knows how to keep us on our toes!
The new face of Donna Karan wore a sequin and feather adorned nude dress by who else, Donna Karan Atelier.
This gold Reem Acra gown is gorgeous! I love that she picked a dress that makes her look statuesque for her hosting duties.
This is a great, simple look for the band. Nothing too wild and crazy, just black & white basics. Well done.
MET Madness
It’s that time again…
Time for my favorite fashion event of the year. It’s my version of prom! Last year’s event was held in honor the (then) recently deceased Alexander McQueen and the red carpet was amazing.
This year there were so many gorgeous women on the red carpet – fashion insiders, celebrities, models, actresses – that it was hard to narrow down my favorites.
Hollywood Dolls:
{Rooney stuck with what’s worked for her over the last few months of red carpet appearances. Dramatic. Bold. Givenchy! There was lots of white on the red carpet this year so her lacy black gown stood out all the more.}
{Bombshell alert! Amber Heard’s Zac Posen gown was striking and oozed with old school glamour. Love!}
{Elegant but eye-catching at the same time, that’s what Giambattista Valli does best!}
{Sleek & sexy. Gwyneth Paltrow put women half her age to shame in this fierce little Prada cocktail number. I love the embellishments here – the pocket on the dress, the low-cut back, and the jewel-encrusted stilettos.}
{This was a great choice for her. A beautifully cut dress in the perfect color, soft, sweet makeup, and loose curls framing her face. Just stunning.}
{Kirsten Dunst has long been a fan of Rodarte and they served her well again last night with this one-of-a-kind retro inspired dress. The look was definitely unique, but I think she looked phenomenal!}
{I’m always excited to see what Miss Cate will show up on the red carpet in, and she didn’t disappoint last night. Alexander McQueen with black feathers and a fishtail train? Only a few women in the world could pull this off.}
{Nina has been stepping up her game on the red carpet the last year or so, really making an impact, and this Donna Karen gown is another great choice.}
{Wow. Renée Zellweger usually wears Carolina Herrera but this Pucci gown is stunning! The low back and dramatic train are gorgeous.}
{Wow. Just. Wow. Love it all. Color, fit, fabric, accessories. Fierce!}
{Claire Danes’s sexy white wrap dress was perfectly complemented by her teal envelope clutch and sleek updo. Well done.}
{Bombshell! Camilla Belle was a vision in a sexy silver Ralph Lauren gown. Simple and elegant. I like that she went minimal on the accessorizing.}
Model Muses:
{When I think about the MET Gala this is what I picture. Daring fashion. Avant garde styles. Fashion with a capital F. Well done ladies, well done!}
{Drama Drama Drama. Chanel Iman and her sexy plus one were all about black & white drama.}
{Coco’s brightly colored vintage Givenchy and matching pink curls were definitely eye-catching. Are you a fan?}
{Veteran model Amber Valletta’s Prada gown was perfect, with both color blocking and pleats, it was right on trend for Spring!}
{I think Constance may have stolen Tilda’s dress, but that’s ok because she killed in it! Love the color and fabric combinations, the silky teal with the royal blue pleats are perfection!}
{Lace, asymmetrical silhouette, and brilliant pink – Jason Wu definitely wanted Miss Karlie Kloss to stand out this evening!}
{The face of Burberry Body rocked her long-sleeved, retro Burberry gown. Only Rosie could make sequined stripes look this good!}
{Victoria’s Secret stunner Candice Swanepoel positively glowed in her custom cobalt & black lace Rag & Bone gown. J’adore!}
And my favorite – Diane Kruger. I know she’s an actress but I always think of her a model. She’s got phenomenal taste and a flawless sense of style, something I usually associate with models who spend their time surrounded by fashion editors, photographers, and designers.
{DRAMA. Purple feathers, a train, and killer jewels? Miss Diane clearly wanted to make an entrance last night. I hate hate hate to find fault with her, but I think an updo would have been the perfect final touch to this.}
And what would I have worn?
I narrowed it down to these choices over the weekend. And these choices clearly show my multiple personalities. Part of me wants to go for old-school, golden age glamour, and the other part of me thinks that an event like this one calls for no holds barred, serious drama.
{This gown in Valentino red would be a fabulous choice – Bold but classic and flattering.}
Or something a little more dramatic and high-impact.
{I love the drama of Zac Posen gowns and this is a phenomenal color. If it had a keyhole or open back to offset the high neck and cap sleeves I’d be all over this!!!}
What was your favorite dress this year? What would you have picked for yourself?
Awards Awards Awards
No time to chat, lots to see!
12th Annual AFI Awards Luncheon:
Claire Danes looked stunning in chic white Donna Karan. The belt & pumps were a great touch of color and I like how the look is low-key and elegant rather than in your face. You can always count on Donna Karan for that!
Adorable! Such a complimentary combination of colors and fabrics on her. And great shoes!
Evan Rachel Wood was quite a sight in a fitted red pencil skirt and pointy-shouldered printed blouse from Roland Mouret. I love that she unbuttoned her blouse to reveal a lacy black bra. Feisty!
Charlize Theron looked prim and proper in a gorgeous Stella McCartney dress. The pop of cherry red lipstick keeps all of the yellow from being too sweet.
Octavia Spencer was a vision in white. She accessorized perfectly with a leopard clutch, thick bangle and metallic pumps. Perfect for an afternoon tea.
Felicity Jones stood out in pale Dolce & Gabbana, the ribbon shoes and neutral envelope clutch keep it from being too plain,
White seemed to be the color de jour in the days leading up to the Golden Globes and Miss Elizabeth Olsen was another who tried it out. I love the layering of this look, the oversized boyfriend blazer over a shift dress, paired with long necklaces. And I love love love this top handle handbag. Need!
Felicity Jones was a vision in lacy, layered Valentino. Such a beautiful dress!
The 2012 Art Of Elysium Heaven Gala:
Amber Heard amped up the glamour with this Old Hollywood knockout look from Donna Karan. She wisely let the dress take centerstage and steered away from over accessorizing.
Kirstin Dunst tends to favor looks with a bit of quirk, so while the sheer black overlay on this Valentino gown might have appeared matronly on another actress, it somehow works on her. Another reason I included this look was because her makeup looks flawless, I've never seen her look better.
The white Valentino gown that Ali Larter donned was anything but boring and her earrings and clutch really stole the show. Absolutely gorgeous.
Minka Kelly was hard to miss in bright, bright Oscar de la Renta. The basic silhouette of this gown and the simple gold accessories were important since they let the extraordinary color of the fabric take front and center.
Sorry to tease, I’ll be back later today with the Golden Globes!
Pre-Fall 2012 Collections: Part II
Welcome to Part II of MCLV’s reviews of the Pre-Fall 2012 shows, you can catch up on Part I here.
The Burberry Prorsum show was full of clean lines, dark hues and great details, for both men and women. There were beautiful purses, hats, gloves, shoes and belts in yellows and reds, and of course to die for coats and jackets. This was one of my favorite of the Pre-Fall shows, not only could virtually everything transition directly to the street, most of the pieces are timeless and could be worn season after season. (See what Tom & Lorenzo have to say about this collection here).
This 40's style dress is flattering on a lot of body types and the contrasting belt and suede booties are a great touch. And while the slim fitting suit that he's wearing is hard for most men to pull off, the jacket is divine.
A beautiful double-breasted coat with a fun yellow bow belt, fur collar, tights and moccasin inspired booties - A perfect fall look. I can absolutely see someone walking down Park Avenue in this!
Quite the chic couple! I love his sweater layers in chocolate and tan with almost a Peter Pan collar underneath, and her belted puff coat with dramatic shoulders over a rust colored sheath dress.
This is a great white dress with interesting zipper details. The belt and strappy boots add just enough flare to keep things interesting.
This is what Mr. Kors does best, creates a fun, "themed" look, composed of fairly basic pieces. A beautiful black, capsleeved dress is taken to a whole new level by adding a leather bustier, thick belt and dramatic gladiator-style platforms.
This coat is just the sort of thing that I've come to expect from Rachel Roy, clean lines, flattering cut and ready to be worn.
Talk about versatile, this belted, black & white tuxedo-inspired dress has a touch of sparkle that would easily take it from day to night with a change of shoes. Just add tights and a blazer for work!
This simple sleeveless black shift is anything but boring with slashes of burnished yellow at the hem and beautiful boots. Can't you just picture Tilda Swinton wearing this when she runs errands?
This suit is expertly styled with a fur scarf, burgundy velveteen belt, knit turtleneck and burgundy suede booties.
This look is ALL about the drama. The dramatic color pairing, the dramatic bow-belt, the dramatic A-line silhouette of the skirt, the dramatic deep v-neck blouse. While the bow might be a little much, one can't help but think that this would be a great holiday party look!
This belted navy and black pleated silk dress was classic Donna Karan. Chic and minimal, ballet-style crisscross patent leather heels completed the look.
This sheath is the definition of perfection, I can't imagine a more beautifully made, perfectly fitted work-dress. I'll take one in each color please!
Old school glamour with a modern twist. You would have trouble getting me out of this once I had it on. And that bracelet would never come off. Ever!
This combination is so Zac. A conservatively cut, well-tailored grey blazer paired with a bright blue, ribbon covered puffy A-line skirt.
The styling of this look is pure Fendi. A demure tan pussy bow blouse paired with a navy pencil skirt with circle details, with what else, a gorgeous handbag with flames on it.
This look is sort of "ladies who lunch" meets "school-girl." I love that the tan accessories are separate from the black and white of the central pieces.
Looks of the Week
Jennifer Hudson looked PHENOMENAL at the Michael Kors Celebration of American Fashion
One of the things that initially made Freida such a standout on the red carpet last year was the oh so flattering jewel tones she sported, but after seeing this I'm not sure what I prefer on her. Love the dress, love the styling, love the hair & makeup.
- While Carrie does look a little bit like she’s auditioning for the role of Oscar, you have to admit she’s spot on for an event like the CMAs. A beautiful dress with a flattering cut and enough shimmer and shine to stand out on the red carpet.
Jennifer Nettles wore my favorite dress of the CMAs, it was dramatic enough for a country affaire but still stylish and chic. Love her hair.
Sofia Vergara looked - to quote RZ - BANANAS at the Latin Grammy's. Whoa, this woman has a KILLER figure.
Zoe also attended the Latin Grammy's and stole the show in this gorgeous green gown. I would wear this is a heartbeat!
Jaime King looked chic and elegant, nothing fancy or innovative, just pure glam all the way!
Ashley Greene looked stunning and statuesque at the Breaking Dawn premier in custom Donna Karan.
- I don’t even know where to start! I love the suit w/ the vest & rolled pants, I love the shirt w/ the cuffs protruding slightly, I love the fun tie, I love the bag and those socks KILL ME. Seriously, can The Sartorialist start listing phone numbers for his males subjects? I want to go shopping with this guy!
To me fall is a time for change. The seasons are changing, why shouldn’t we? And in true MCLV fashion, I made a drastic change in the form of cutting bangs into my long blonde hair and dying it dark, vibrant red. I’m ready for Fall now!
Are you in the market for a new look? Check out these hippie and mod inspired cuts or some seriously cute braided hairstyles for a whole new you this season.
The Art of Lingerie
I’ve loved lingerie for as long as I can remember. I used to steal borrow my mom’s slips and nightgowns when I was little and when I got older she used to bribe me to go to the dentist with trips to the Nordstrom intimates section. That lasted through college actually… 🙂
I’m not sure what first intrigued me about lingerie, perhaps it was the bombshell glamour evoked in the movies I grew up with. Grace Kelly’s nightgown in Rear Window, Take Back Your Mink from Guys & Dolls, Natalie Wood in Gypsy, or Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot.
What I can say for certain though is that my love affaire with lingerie was consummated, if you will, when I lived abroad. It was everywhere, much more prevalent and “acceptable” than in the US, and I just couldn’t get enough. I wandered into all the little shops I could find in Paris, Madrid, Milan, and Rome. I still have a handful of the pieces that I found while I was there, including a gorgeous lavender dressing gown.
And regardless of what first inspired me this has been a love affaire that’s lasted 29 fabulous years, and at this point I have nightgowns, separates, slips, matching sets, and dressing gowns filling up my closet and an entire bureau stuffed satins, silks, and lace.
In my experience lingerie can serve a woman in two distinct but interconnected ways – the way it makes her feel and the way it makes her look.
The right cut, color, fabric, and style can make you feel beautiful, glamorous, and sexy. And I’m not just talking about pieces that you’re wearing for someone else, I’m talking about the simple pleasure of sleeping with the feel of satin against your skin or feeling soft lace wrap around your ankles when you take a step. It doesn’t have to be about anyone but yourself!
In addition to making you feel fabulous the right undergarments can make your clothes fit and look even better. It doesn’t matter whether you favor Lily of France, Victoria’s Secret, La Perla or Agent Provocateur, it’s about finding pieces that complement your body type, personal style, and the clothes in your wardrobe. And for whomever invented shapewear (Spanx anyone?) deserves a medal, those glorious garments can hide all manner of sins.
However, despite my love of lingerie the “lingerie as clothing” trend is one that I must caution you to be careful with. Outside of Halloween it can be hard to pull off wearing stand alone pieces as clothing a la Easy A.
That being said, you can evoke the same boudoir feel by wearing a lacy cocktail dress, pieces with sheer panels, satin and silk, or even by layering a bustier in your look.
The lacy layers of this dress make it simultaneously sweet & naughty
Source Needs some inspiration for adding a sexy, boudoir flare to an outfit? Check out Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2011 Boudoir runway show or these sumptuous advertisements that were influences by beautiful, retro lingerie. 
With the luxurious cuts, delicious fabrics, and just a hint of bedroom glamour, these clothes are a treat for the senses and a great way to indulge your lingerie fantasies in the real world. Do you love lingerie too? How do you feel about daytime wear?
Moi Contre La Vie 