Head-to-Toe Color

Spring weather is finally here!  One of the best ways to welcome the season is with COLOR.  And, this year, color is here in a very big way.  Head-to-toe color was seen all over the spring runways and has been seen all over the red carpets.

Everyone already knows that an all black outfit is slimming.  Well, black is not the only color that can make you seem longer and leaner...if done correctly! You can wear a bright monochromatic look and get the same effect...plus you will be right on trend.

One easy way to rock this look is a colored suit - whether that be pants or shorts. That way the work of matching the colors is already done for you. Pair with a top in a lighter or more intense shade of the same color for a little contrast and choose matching shoes and accessories. Or, if you really have an eye for fashion, trying mixing different items of the same color to create the perfect skirt or short outfit.

So jump into spring and revel in color!

 

Oscar Fashion Wrap-up!

Oscar Sunday is referred to as Super Bowl Sunday around my house.  I literally start watching the red carpet coverage around noon and watch all the way to the end of the show.  It's an all day affair and one of my favorite TV days of the year.  I wish I could say it was to see who wins the awards but it's all about fashion! Couture gowns, diamonds, one of a kind shoes, embellished handbags...I love it all.  And, this year it was on different.

The best dressed of the night was Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive.  She looked absolutely stunning and really channeled "Old Hollywood Glamor".  She's a paled skinned woman but shockingly the nude color dress did not drain her.  The trick is that it was a darker nude - almost bronze - so it provided a contrast.  She kept her jewelry simple so the dress could be the star and added a perfect red lip to really complete the look.  Absolute perfection from head to toe!

Another star to make the best dressed list is Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture.  This was really no surprise since she is the new face of the Dior label.  Everyone was expecting her to wear this exact dress but I love how her stylist put it together.  She was wearing a total of 74 carats of diamonds on her earrings and necklace.  The Chopard diamond necklace draped in the back instead of the front was fabulous and her hair and makeup were perfect.

 

Also, on my best dressed list are Naomi Watts in Armani Prive, Zoe Saldana in Alexis Malbine Couture, and Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab.  All three looked like true movie stars and choose dresses that were a little risky but totally paid off.

Other starlets that looked great but didn't make the top five were Jennifer Gardner in Gucci, Halle Berry in Versace, and Kerri Washington in Mui Mui. 

 Now for the worst dressed...the part everyone loves.  I am seriously shocked at my worst dressed....Anne Hathaway - I absolutely love her and she made the best dressed at the Globes.  But, she totally failed at the Oscars.  She actually admitted to Ryan Seacrest that she picked the Prada gown only 3 hours before the show - and it shows.  It was ill-fitting, showing her side-boobs and nipples.  Then, she paired it with a Tiffany's necklace that was all wrong with that neckline.  The pale pink of the dress totally washed out her skin color and was overall just a mess.  So sad since she was one of the belles of the balls winning the Oscar.  Anne is usually styled by Rachel Zoe and looks great.  But, it looks like Rachel spent more time on Jennifer Lawrence and Anne might want to rethink her stylist for the next red carpet!

Also on the worse dressed list are Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra and Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen.  Kristen just looks like a hot-mess and needs to fire her hair stylist.  And can someone please teach this girl how to stand up straight! Sadly, I choose Amanda's McQueen dress on my wish list for the Oscars, but she changed the color from black/gold to nude.  It totally washed her out, was ill-fitting at the neck and her hair and makeup made her look 10 years older than she really is.  Come on ladies, get with it!

Hollywood's most glamous night did not disappoint and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Red Carpet Wish List

With award season underway, and the Golden Globes being a little under whelming in fashion, I thought I'd point out a few dresses that I'm crossing my fingers we see in the next few months. These are beauties and deserve their chance in the spotlight.

First up is Oscar de la Renta. I didn't think he had a great showing at the Globes and his Spring 2013 collection was amazing. Here are two of his dresses that were to die for. Hopefully, at least one makes it to a red carpet.  The first one is a metallic 20's looking dress and with a different length and beaded fringe, it would make a great statement on the carpet.  The next one is right on track with the black and white trend.  I know it might be a bit of a risk but I think they would look fabulous on the red carpet.

Elie Saab's Haute Couture collection for 2013 was filled with stunning dresses.  It is actually hard to pick only three that would be amazing for the carpets - wondering why all those high paid stylist in LA didn't get there hands on any of these beauties?
 
And last but certainly not least are a few from a few different designers.  First is this amazing black and white number by Marc Jacobs.  I know it would be a huge risk, but I think it could steal the spotlight.  Then, there is this pinkish Chanel Haute Couture with back cut-outs - one word - Amazing!  And, lastly is this Alexander McQueen.  It's a whole lot of dress so needs to be on someone really tall but could make a huge statement on the red carpet.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will see Anne Hathway, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, or Jennifer Lawrence in one of these dresses!

Golden Globes Fashion Wrap-up

Award season has started! Hooray! It is seriously some of my favorite months of television - from the Golden Globes in January to the finale of the Oscars at the end of February - with so many award shows in between.  If you love fashion as much as I do, award season is your mother ship.  All the dresses and jewels and fancy hair.  It's a little bit of heaven on earth.

Last night kicked off with the Globes.  Most of the celebrities looked beautiful, however, I have to say I was slightly disappointed.  The Golden Globes are the first big show and usually brings lots of great high fashion.  However, Hollywood's leading ladies played it pretty safe.  Lots of red, black and white dresses ...... boring and same as the Oscars last year.  I was hoping for more color and more black/white combo like we saw on the Spring runway fashion shows.  But, there were few stand outs.  Before I say who, I think you should know what it takes to get on a best dressed list.....You have to look good! So many celebrities just care about wearing couture and looking super trendy but forget to look in the mirror on the way out the door.  It should be a head to toe look of perfection.  So, here are this years best dressed at the Golden Globes....



My absolute favorite of the night was Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen.  She looked stunning - very sexy but not over the top....which is one of the biggest rules in fashion...if you are going to show off one asset keep the others covered up - it keeps it looking classy.

Also, Kerry Washington was dazzling in Miu Miu.  And, she was right on trend with transparent features.  Anne Hathaway was the belle of the ball, winning the award and wearing Chanel Couture.  It looks a little safe but up close was so intricately beaded.  She looks like such a lady. 

Next up is Michelle Dockery in  Alexandre Vauthier.  With such a drastic neckline and color contrast, she took a pretty big fashion risk and I think she looks amazing.  Also, Nicole Kidman looked statuesque and chic in Alexander McQueen, again right on trend with transparent accents.  And, lastly is Julianne Moore.  She was right on trend with her black and white custom Tom Ford gown.  It was actually my second favorite and had a stunning open back.

With all good news is bad news.....the worst dressed! Sometimes the best of actresses can really mess up.  I seriously question their stylist taste - and all should consider hiring a new one.  So, the worst dressed are...





The absolute worse was Sienna Miller in an Erdem skirt and top.  Where do I even begin...first off this is very thin woman and she doesn't look it in this unflattering shape.  Not to mention the flower appliques were totally wrong for the occasion - it's an evening award show - not a daytime event! It's a prime example of when a celebrity thinks a runway look will look great and doesn't look in the mirror on the way out. 

Also on the worst dressed list is Halle Berry in Versace and sort of for the same reason.  She looks like she could have her bikini on walking the beach instead of walking the red carpet.  Not to mention that she is 46 years old and needs to stop dressing like she's in a beauty pageant.  Next up was Gulianna Ranic in Celia Kritharioti, a young Greek designer.  Gulianna tried to go edgy but it went all wrong.  She looked like she as a part of the Adams Family.  Last up was Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera.  Too much - that's all I can say.  If the dress wears you instead of you wearing it, put it back on the hanger! Although I do applaud her for trying to take a look from the spring runway to the red carpet - she's just way to short for the look.  This is another tragic mistake will all us ladies.  When, we love something we think we can wear it.  And, the truth is that not everything looks good on all body types.  Try to be honest with yourself.

In summary, there were plenty of other leading ladies that looked good that didn't make the list .... Amy Adams, Jennifer Gardner, Zooey Deschanel, and Jennifer Lawrence! But, to me, it was more of the same thing we've seen over and over again on the carpet.  I sure hope everyone steps it up for the SAG awards and of course the Oscars!

Sun-Shiny Day

With all the rain and cold weather, not many of us are thinking of spring time and spring fashion trends.  But, it's exactly what we need to do.  In the midst of the rain, think of a "sun-shiny day" because that is exactly what one of the hugest trends for spring will be....yellow!

The spring runways were filled with yellow from top to bottom.  Actually, Louis Vuitton's entire spring ad campaign is based around yellow.  Everyone from Louis Vuitton to Gucci to Prabal Gurung featured yellow on the runway.  And, with award season starting tomorrow, I'm predicting lots of yellow on the red carpets!



So, how can you incorporate this trend into your wardrobe without looking like Big Bird?  There are a few options - you can go small with just a scarf or shorts.  Also, yellow jeans and capris will be huge for the spring.  If you are really brave, go for a yellow dress. Just remember to wear it with confidence.  And, remember....nude or metallic shoes will always look better than a bold black shoe.



So, embrace the upcoming sunshine and start prepping your wardrobe for the spring!

Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year again - Christmas!  Hooray! However, some of us can get really overwhelmed when it comes to shopping.  So, here is a short list of great gifts this year...

 

For the trendy girl, cat-eyed sunglasses are all the rage.  Celebrities have been sporting them for months.  My top three pics are these Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and YSL ones.  All a little different and unique but all so chic and any trend-setter will love them!

 

For the busy girl that is always running around town in her casual clothes, a great find are these Frye flats.  Everyone knows Frye boots and how lusciously soft they can be.  Well, these flats are just as soft and yummy and are only $128.  They are extremely comfortable and the perfect addition to any casual outfit!

For the name-brand loving girl, Chanel has come out with a new fragrance this year, CoCo Noir.  It smells great and if packaged beautifully.  And at $98, it's a fraction of the price of anything else Chanel so any name-brand lover will cherish it!

 

For the party girl that loves to go out on the town, this silver, almost pewter, Cole Haan wristlet is a great find.  It's not sooooo small like most wristlets that you can't fit all of your stuff in.  It's a little bigger so you can put your smart phone and make up. She can even fit a small camera to capture the night out!  And, at only $68 it's a great gift.

For the luxury loving girl, this Rowallan of Scotland Jewelry Box will look like her very own treasure chest.  It's leather covered, has 12 drawers, and has a lift-out travel box for all her special pieces.  It is pricey at $525 but Louis Vuitton's version is over $5000 so it is actually a steal.  Any woman would feel like a queen with crown jewels with this case!

For the wine lover, why not give a gift that keeps giving.  Gift a membership to a winery and every month, she will receive a shipment of wine.  One of my favorite vineyards is Frank Family but there are so many to choose from with all types of price ranges.  Any wine enthusiast would love this gift!

 

Now moving on to a hostess gift....so many of us spend nights or weekends at guests houses over the holidays and we go to so many holiday parties that we need ideas for hostess gifts.  One great find is this hand lotion by Gianna Rose for only $22.  You can get it personalized with the families last name's initial for a special touch.  It will really show the hostess that you thought ahead and really appreciate their hospitality

 

We certainly can't forget the men in your life.  For the sports-loving man, a travel table tennis set from Restoration Hardware is sure to be a winner.  It comes in a great box so he can travel with his ping pong set to any party or vacation.  Sure to be hours of fun and at only $35 it's a great stocking stuffer. 

 

For the handy man, the new Cabela's Leatherman one-hand tool has plenty of his gadget needs.  And, it's only $70 so it's a great gift.  

 

Lastly, for the bourbon drinker, get him his own personalized bourbon barrel from Maker's Mark.  It's a little more pricey at $100 but he will sure to feel like part of the distilling process with a barrel with his name on it to hang in his bar.

 

So start your holidy shopping and have a very Merry Christmas!