Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Whether you’re watching the US Open or America’s Cup, a stylish spectator outfit is a must – US Open 2012 from Net-A-Porter.
Are you starting to prepare your wardrobe for Fall? A great skirt with tights & killer boots is always a fabulous option so check out WhoWhatWear’s suggestions for Fall 2012 – Market Watch: Fall Skirts.
One thing that I always look forward to when Fashion Month rolls around are the Garance Dore and Net-A-Porter Fashion Week video collaborations Pardon My French. She talks to fashion greats, reviews the collections, meets designers, interviews fashion insiders, and just generally gives you a great behind-the-scenes look at all of the Fashion Month madness.
- Pardon My French/Anna Dello Russo Dancing
- Pardon My French/Amanda de Cadenet
- Pardon My French/Lunch at Miss Lily’s
You know how much I adore a versatile piece in my wardrobe – especially when it comes to packing for a trip. Refinery 29 clearly agrees – Oxford Shirt Styling Tips: 1 Oxford Shirt, 3 Easy Ways To Style It.
One of the fun Fall trends this year will be finding pieces that have your favorite artwork translated onto them – Whether you’re a fan of the Renaissance Masters or Graphic novels, there are pieces out there for everyone! This Time Tomorrow – Wearing Your Art On Your Sleeve.
Health/Fitness:
Don’t have time for a run? Not interested in the membership fees at your local gym? Why not head online to find the perfect workout for yourself – Fit Club: The Country’s Best Virtual Workouts.
Are you looking for some healthy meals to feed your family to ensure that they’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they need? Here are some great recipes to try:
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The Wannabe Chef’s Grain-Free Muffins
No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen familiarizing yourself with new tools – or re-familiarizing yourself with tools you haven’t used in a while – is an important part of staying on top of things so check out The Blissful Chef’s Cooking Tool of the Month Series.
Medicine and bosu balls are two of my favorite gym toys – If you use them right they can keep your workouts both challenging and fun. Don’t believe me? Check out FitSugar’s Don’t Let the Medicine Ball Intimidate You — 5 Easy Moves!
MCLV Style: Symphony Gala
I had the honor of attending the San Francisco Symphony Gala last week – A fun event that includes some GREAT people watching, an amazing Symphony performance, and dinner, drinks & dancing.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Tiered Black Gown – BCBG Maz Azria, Beaded Clutch – Vintage, Ankle Strap Heels – Fendi, and Turquoise Necklace & Rhinestone Earrings from Sasha Maks Vintage}
{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view
It was a truly great night – I met fun & interesting people, danced my little booty off, and enjoyed some tasty vino. But the best part was, without a doubt, watching all the ladies mingling in their lovely gowns. Sequins, feathers, brights, white, retro, fun prints, florals, basic black… My friend and I were so busy looking around that we barely had time to talk!
A special thank you to Sasha of Sasha Maks Vintage for loaning me the gorgeous jewelry that I wore and to Magdalena of the Joseph Cozza Salon for the fantastic hair and makeup. You really need to love your stylist if you’re going to be sitting in the chair chatting for two hours. 🙂
Can’t wait to go again next year!
If you were going to dress up like Cinderella and go to the ball, what type of dress would you look for? Something bold and daring or more elegant and understated?
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?
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?
Red Carpeting
With all the exciting details to share about my recent trip to New York City and all of the work I’m putting in on the New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 collection reviews I very nearly forgot that Hollywood hasn’t stopped churning out events in the meantime. This post will cover some of the great looks from the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, 69th Venice Film Festival, 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, and various movie photocalls and premiere red carpets.
Now show us what you’ve got ladies!
Killing it! Miss Pinto decided to prove that all cut-outs aren’t tacky in this fierce embellished black & gold gown by Alexander McQueen on the red carpet in Venice.
Wow. Just wow. Who knew pink leather and gold studs could look so great?
Chic ladylike daywear. Love the black & white dress, and I adore her hair!
Absolutely stunning. I really like the addition of the thin little gold belt, helps bring the look together.
How killer is this Balmain dress? It’s a fun, fresh look that’s stunning but totally age-appropriate.
Another fun, flirty, colorful cocktail-like red carpet look was from Emma Watson who looked tres adorable in a lacy peplum Erdem number in Toronto.
I absolutely adore this look. Head-to-toe I think she looks great. It’s high fashion and retro fabulous, and a great look for her red carpet personality.
Apparently I’m loving matching short suits these days because I audibly gasped at both of these colorful retro-inspired looks.
Wow. This is such a departure from her usual fashion-foward, attention grabbing looks that I did a double take. It’s still stunning and dramatic despite the minimalism though, maybe this will her next fashion phase?
Apparently the VMAs were all about Summer white… And after Labor Day! Rebels! I love the pairing of this textured, long-sleeved mini dress with the killer lace up sandals. Well done. As usual. 🙂
Another killer all-white look from Miss Taylor Swift. Perhaps not the most youthful look, but it’s chic and classy as hell. Power to you girl!
Miss Keira’s been busy killing it on the red carpet lately. She chooses gowns that not only suit her coloring really well, but extenuate and flatter her frame and silhouette. Well done.
Swoon. Definitely the best look of the bunch. I especially love the belt. She couldn’t look more classic, more put together, or more gorgeous. The only downside of this look is that she may never surpass it. Time to retire!
Sources: Tom & Lorenzo & Cristina’s Blog – Click on the images above to visit the original source
Which look is your favorite? If you had the chance to grace a red carpet, would you play it safe to avoid landing on a Worst Dressed List or would you take some risks?
Moi Contre La Vie 