February 2012
12 posts
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{Walking the Red}: Oscars
It’s the most wonderful time….of the year! Oscar day loves! That most glamorous of days in all the year for the movie industry. I was dreaming the other day, if I were walking the red, what ever would I wear. So many choices, so many beautiful gowns. Let me tell you, I had no idea how difficult a challenge this would be. There is much to consider: season, age appropriateness, lights,...
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{Crushing:} White on black
Black and white is a fairly ubiquitous combination. And due to it’s popularity it can also be quite boring; a predictable go-to. So how do you punch it up? I love the shock of a white coat or jacket over a head to toe black ensemble. It is so very chic and looks effortless.
Rooney Mara at the Academy Awards luncheon.
I already have a fashion crush on Rooney (save for that...
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{Fashion Critique}: Grammys 2012, Part Two
More Grammy red carpet fun. You know what to do.
Katy Perry, Elie Saab
Smurfette. The gown is gorgeous (you know I love Elie) but it seems to me that someone is trying to deflect divorce talk by stumping us with an out of character choice. However, if her hair was her natural color, she’d look beautiful in this.
Corinne Bailey Rae, Christian Siriano
I love, love...
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{Fashion Critique}: Grammys 2012, Part One
The Grammys - the Oscars of the music industry. You never know what you will see when the musicians hit the red carpet. And they did not disappoint. Let’s get to it shall we?
Adele, Armani Prive
Fabulous. There is not a pucker anywhere on this gown nor a hair out of place. The hem is perfect, love the 3/4 sleeves and those shoes! Not much of them are seen here but they are a glittery...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Solo in the Spotlight
Some ladies bucked all red carpet trends and walked it alone in a gown that hinted not of anyone else’s attire. So who brought frowns and who deserves crowns?
Natalie Portman, Giambattista Valli
Predictable. And I keep thinking of dried blood every time I look at this dress. Sorry world. I’m just not into it.
Shailene Woodley, L Wren Scott
Was her real...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Vintage Glam
There was a little vintage glam on the red for SAG awards. This can be difficult to do because sometimes the star or the stylist takes it a bit too far. One should never look as if they stepped out of a period publication unless you’re in a historical biopic. So who channeled it best?
Emma Stone, Alexander McQueen
Definitely a fave of the evening. I get really bored with black...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Grey Chic
Grey is the it neutral of the moment (though, personally, it’s always my go to neutral) and several lovelies walked the red in this elegant color. So who went over the top and who got it just right?
Lea Michele, Versace
The Versace is fabulous. The Lea not so much. Are we surprised that she went there? She wants so badly to be a woman in her thirties. You’ll get there...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Berrylicious
Nothing is more flattering to the skin than berry tones. EVERYONE looks great in some shade of cherry pink or raspberry. Fortunately there were several lovely gowns in these mouth-watering tones. So how did they do?
Sofia Vergara, Marchesa
Aside from being a bit bored with her mermaid uniform, Sofia always looks fantastic. And this lush berry tone is definitely fantastic. Gown is too...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Cut It Out
A few ladies hit the red carpet in gowns with angular midriff cutouts. The geometric lines are difficult for most to wear because a balance between angular and curvilinear lines needs to exist in the body itself. They can’t compete. In short, if you’re curvy, you will look doughy and dumpy. If you have a more athletic figure, then it will only serve to emphasize the existing angles. In...
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Brilliant in Blue
These ladies opted for a shocking blue hue to grace the red carpet and it was a nice change from all the black and white gowns. So who made it brilliant and who made it dreadful?
Penelope Ann Miller, David Meister
Judging by the horizontal tug of war going on across her body, the seams on this dress are struggling to keep her in it. Not to mention it wreaks of late 80s / early 90s.
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Back in Black, bodice...
Part 2 of the SAG award posts brings more black with an emphasis on a prominent non-black decorative element. Who nailed it and who failed it?
Jane Krakowski, Antonio Berardi
When at first glance a gown makes you do a double take because it appears that one’s breasts are exposed, it’s probably not a good choice. That bodice panel is exactly the same color as your skin, Jane....
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{Fashion Critique:} SAG - Back in Black
Next to the Oscars, the SAGs are my favorite awards show. It has a more casual atmosphere than the Oscars and stars don’t have to step it up quite as much as they do for the Oscars. That doesn’t mean one can get lazy, mind you. So who did it well and who failed?
Glenn Close, Zac Posen
Back away from the Zac Posen. The gown is too tight, the mermaid style doesn’t suit...
January 2012
5 posts
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{Fashion Critique}: Golden Globes - make a splash
Popular skirt trend on the Golden Globes red carpet: the mermaid. A beautiful skirt and the shape most associated with the “bombshell” image. So who did it well and who did it better?
Elle Macpherson, Zac Posen
Elle hasn’t aged a day in twenty years. She certainly won the gene lottery. Sadly, her taste in fashion has not improved in said twenty years. Win some, lose...
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{Fashion Critique}: Golden Globes - age...
What is age appropriate you say? It simply means that the clothing suits the age of the wearer. And yes it is important. It also happens to be a peeve of mine. So who got it right and who failed miserably?
GOLD STARS FOR GETTING IT RIGHT.
Helen Mirren, Badgley Mischka
Can I be as fabulous as Dame Helen when I grow up? Just goes to show you that age is merely a number and her’s is 66....
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{Fashion Critique}: Golden Globes - channeling old...
Old Hollywood gowns were all about the fabric, commonly satin. The design details came in the treatment of the fabric. Folds, pleats, tucks, draping. Think Rita Hayworth in Gilda or Grace Kelly in her blue Oscar gown. It takes a masterful hand to create these works of art and precious few can do it. So who did it well and who did it better?
Natalie Portman, Lanvin
Natalie received many...
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{Fashion Critique:} People's Choice Awards, part 1
It’s the official start of awards season and first up is the People’s Choice Awards. Green was a popular choice last night - all in a very similar value of green too which is unusual. I’m loving green right now and I was glad to see something other than red or black. So how did they do?
Emma Stone (Gucci) and Nina Dobrev (Elie Saab)
I loved Emma’s Gucci...
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{Fashion Critique:} Dragon Style
Back from a holiday hiatus! Hope yours was lovely and grand!
I’ve seen so many photos of Rooney Mara of late at premieres for her new role in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo that I *had* to do a post on her Red Carpet style. Her style is so defined and so unique I doubt anyone else could pull off a similar aesthetic with such grace and confidence.
Stockholm premiere:
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November 2011
4 posts
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{Fashion Critique:} CMA Awards, part 3
We have finally arrived at the “good” portion of the CMA Awards critique series. And after shlogging through all that bad, our retinas are in need of some good. I’ve chosen my five favorites for the good. There were several others that were fine but I didn’t love them enough to include them in the evening’s best dressed.
Carrie Underwood // Photo: Getty Images
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{Fashion Critique:} CMA Awards, part 2
Part 2 of the CMA Awards red carpet circus. Yes, circus. Don’t worry, after today my final posts on the CMAs will be all of the good to right all of this wrong.
LeAnn Rimes // Photo: Andrew Evans, PR Photos
My first glimpse of LeAnn’s dress was from the ribcage up so I couldn’t really form much of an opinion about it. And then she presented an award and I sat there...
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{Fashion Critique:} CMA Awards, part 1
Part 1? Yes - there are that many. To include them all in one post would be most ridiculous in length. Also, your retinas can only take so much.
Erin Andrews // Photo: Getty
This dress looks like it was assembled by a bunch of tweens in a peep factory. This is so far from being age appropriate. Leave the sequined, strapless minis to the younger set Erin. And cover up those gnarly...
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{Fashion Critique:} Channeling the gods
I have no doubt Emma Stone turned the head of Zeus himself in this lovely Grecian inspired dress by Lanvin. Note to Emma: beware showers of gold. The color is beautiful with her red hair which is carefree but still maintains some control. Her makeup is simple but lovely. I don’t dislike the necklace but I don’t like it either. I love that she chose a longer...
October 2011
6 posts
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{Stylish Rain Boots} yes they do exist
Need a pair of rain boots but want to look like an adult while you’re wearing them? Look no further. Stylish rain boots for adults DO exist. I like my frog-faced puddle jumpers as much as anyone, (sadly Target only sells these in child sizes) but having a stylish pair minus the cutesy print is a must. When I searched for rain boots last year, I read a lot of reviews and found there to be a...
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DIY: Miu Miu sneakers
I’m sure by now many a gal has seen Miu Miu’s glittered and bejeweled sneakers. On the off chance that you have not, behold:
Fun yes? I’m quite partial to the glitter and studs myself but not so much the price tag ($500+). So when I stumbled on a great DIY to recreate a pair of these for yourself, well of course it’s a must share. Before I share the link, I do have one...
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Fashion Critique: Michelle in Mint Dior
How sweet and lovely is Michelle Williams in this mint colored Christian Dior confection? She can be quite hit or miss with her red carpet choices and I like to see ladies get it right. I love the light, natural makeup because it works for her. I dislike when “experts” try to force their style onto someone. Style is about what works for the individual. What works on one...
September 2011
5 posts
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Fashion Critique: Seeing Red
I’m going to keep this simple: I am sick of red on the red carpet. All of these women look lovely and I am not going to nitpick. Well…maybe a couple: Kate, we’ve been through this. Your dress is too long. Let’s get that fixed by the Oscars shall we? Lea and Adrianne, hire a tailor. That a designer would let you out the door in an ill-fitting dress is beyond me but, alas,...
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Seasonal Color: chartreuse at NYFW Spring 2012
Chartreuse was a hot color for Spring RTW 2012 during New York Fashion Week. I must say I am thrilled as it is a favorite color of mine. It featured heavily at Christian Siriano and Oscar de la Renta, highlighted below.
Chartreuse isn’t the easiest color to wear next to the face so I was happy to see it on everything from dresses to accessories so women can choose what works for their...
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Live-Stream Guide to Spring 2012 Fashion Week via...
Re-posting this from Vogue and Coffee. Great handy guide to live streaming of the Spring 2012 fashion shows.
• Nicholas K: 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, at youtube.com/liverunway
• BCBG Max Azria: 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, atbcbgmaxazriagroup.com
• Richard Chai: 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 8 at youtube.com/liverunway
• Cushnie et Ochs: 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 8,...
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Fashion Critique: Pretty, Pretty Pale
I have a crush on this Prada. Actually I’m crushing on this whole look. It’s beautiful. The simplicity is divine and I really like that Gwyneth matched the handbag so precisely. Anything else would detract. The only complaint I can find (and let’s face it, I’m getting really nit-picky here) are those ridiculous platforms - you know how I feel about...
August 2011
13 posts
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Fashion Critique: Julianne, Julianne
Sigh. Bad photos aside, this is just a train wreck. Where do I begin? She looks as if she greased her face with butter right before she walked out of the gym.
The hair? Too severe. The makeup? It appears she may have applied some mascara but not much else. The glare from the lights make it difficult to be certain. Julianne, as beautiful as you are, don’t go to a...
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Seasonal Color: mustard, gold, saffron
Jacket - J. Crew
Handbag - Etsy
Shoe - bhldn.com
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Fashion Critique: Clown ruffles or Franken-dress?
These lovely ladies ensembles have been making the round on all the fashion sites and I can see why. Both are interesting choices.
Zooey Deschanel’s (left) Stella McCartney dress has been compared to clown attire. Black and white on it’s own is a bold combination but the addition of a ruffled collar and peplum heightens it. I actually like the dress but I think the whole look...
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{Documentary} A shoe in...
Love shoes? Of course you do. How about a documentary about women’s love affair with shoes? I thought you would like. Check out these short videos by the team creating the shoe doc culminating in the trailer for the film below.
Manolo Blahnik Takes Us Inside His Studio
Music to my ears: platforms are over. I sincerely hope so. Nothing like a ridiculously over-sized shoe sole to weight...
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Local focus: Blowdry Bootcamp at Lucy Pop Salon
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about attending Lucy Pop Salon’s Makeup Bootcamp, learning some super tips and the great time I had with participants and staff. Recently I attended a second bootcamp at Lucy Pop, this time focusing on hair styling techniques.
Yet again I had a great time and learned a lot. My stylist for this bootcamp was Marwa and she was just...
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Local focus: Makeup Bootcamp at Lucy Pop Salon
Recently I had my first experience with the staff at Lucy Pop Salon (don’t you just love that name?). I signed up for their two bootcamp events they were doing in July. First up: Makeup Bootcamp - South Beach. The focus of the session was to teach us how to do a nude, beachy look for daytime and then transition it to evening. I went with no expectations...
July 2011
4 posts
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