Seeing Red at the 2011 Emmys

Joan Rivers of E!'s Fashion Police named Lena Headey as the Best Dressed at the 2011 Emmys.  What do you think of her long sleeve, floor length belted black dress?

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Here are MY favorites, in no particular order:

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Nina Dobrev, star of Vampire Diaries wore this red Donna Karan gown.  I think she looked stunning.  The gown hugged her body perfectly.  The diamond choker was the perfect touch of added glam.  Her hair was swept to one side.  Bombshell.

There were a lot of women in red: Kate Winslet, Lea Michele, Giuliana Rancic, Martha Plimpton, Kathy Griffin, Angela Kinsey, Connie Britton and Kerry Washington.

[caption id="attachment_233" align="aligncenter" width="419" caption="Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images"][/caption]

Kerry Washington, in a red Zuhair Murad dress, also looked breathtaking.  To me the gown embroidered with red pearls had an old Hollywood and 1920s feel to it.

[caption id="attachment_237" align="aligncenter" width="427" caption="Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com"][/caption]

Jennifer Carpenter of Dexter wore a silver embellished Tony Ward Couture gown from the spring/summer 2011 collection.  Ward said this collection is characterized by "geometric shapes and perfect cuts reminiscent of Metropolitan Architecture that float sinuously like magic, sculpt the body, and release a harmony of intense femininity."  Beautiful.

[caption id="attachment_238" align="aligncenter" width="434" caption="Photo by Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com"][/caption]

Kelly Osbourne flaunted her svelte figure in a plum J Mendel gown with a fitted ruched bodice and trumpet skirt.  Her makeup, hairstyle and matching accessories solidified Miss Osbourne's class and style.

[caption id="attachment_239" align="aligncenter" width="417" caption="Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images"][/caption]

Julia Stiles, also from Dexter, wore a lavender gray Georges Hobeila gown.  The choice to wear her curls swept to the side instead of a necklace kept her look simple and classic.  I like the lace, which is very of the moment, the diamonds and the silver box clutch.

[caption id="attachment_240" align="aligncenter" width="414" caption="Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

I love Evan Rachel Wood.  So of course I'm a little biased.  The Mildred Pierce starlet looked über glamorous in a black sparkling Ellie Saab gown.  Enough said.

[caption id="attachment_241" align="aligncenter" width="443" caption="Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com"][/caption]

The Parks and Recreation actress wore a white Juan Carlos Obando gown.  I adore the high neck, ruffles and nipped waist.  The color and trail of the dress and her short ringlets give it an old Hollywood feel.

[caption id="attachment_242" align="aligncenter" width="416" caption="Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images"][/caption]

Emily Blunt's Elie Saab gown was understated yet sexy and stylish.  The sheer midnight blue gown with a deep V neckline was embellished with sequins and tulle ruffles.

[caption id="attachment_243" align="aligncenter" width="418" caption="Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com"][/caption]

Had to throw it in there ladies.  Love that he's staying true to himself with his signature hat.

Brooch Bouquets: Trading flowers for jewels

I'm in love with vintage brooch bouquets right now.  They are growing in popularity for weddings but I think one would be adorable sitting in a white porcelain vase on top of my vanity.  Miranda Lambert carried one on her wedding day, which was made by Jennifer Rose Diehl from The Ritzy Rose of Columbus, Ohio.  The idea is to collect vintage or vintage-inspired (or whatever style you fancy) brooches, earrings and other bejeweled accessories; attach each piece to a floral wire; arrange the bouquet and wrap the wires with fabric or ribbon.  I found further instructions online here, thanks to Charming Charlie: http://www.charmingcharlie.com/blog/diy-wedding-bouquet.

You can also buy them online at several Etsy shops.  My favorites are:
www.etsy.com/shop/1amanda
www.etsy.com/shop/BluePetyl
www.etsy.com/shop/LionsgateDesigns
www.etsy.com/shop/Noaki
www.etsy.com/shop/TheRitzyRose

I think for brides the best way to make a bouquet is to collect pieces from loved ones.  For a few days I thought I was a genius for thinking of this all by myself, but apparently Mrs. Shelton had the same idea.  Ask each guest of your bridal shower to bring a piece of jewelry to the party.  You can include an explanation in the invitation and specify color or theme.  Your bouquet will be priceless!  It will cost you little but represent all of the special women in your life.

For me, perhaps this will be a hint at what to get me for future holidays...


1. Blue and purple bouquet from TheRitzyRose
2. Amethyst bouquet from Noaki
3. Wedding bouquet from 1amanda
4. Black and white bouquet from LionsgateDesigns

My Etsy Hearts: Feather earrings from Baronyka

[caption id="attachment_194" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Feather earrings by Baronyka"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_195" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="My new earrings"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_193" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Victorian lace earrings, Moonlight Lady lace necklace and Marilyn Monroe necklace"][/caption]

I just received my latest Etsy purchase – feather earrings from the shop of Baronyka – and I love them!  They are black acrylic, very light but substantial and less than $20.  The owner of Baronyka is Rony of Israel and according to her profile she’s inspired by “art deco, tattoos, Victorian era, and Art Nouveau and Combining vintage chic with modern techniques and materials.”

What I adore about these earrings is that you can easily dress them down (in skinny jeans, T-shirt and flats) or up (with a fitted mini, a slinky tank and bold heels).  There have been so many times when I think to myself, “I need a pair of black earrings that are more fun than hoops but not too dressy.”  These are perfect.

I also adore the Victorian lace earrings, Moonlight Lady lace necklace and Marilyn Monroe necklace.

[caption id="attachment_192" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Dress it down"][/caption]

1. Zelda Jean Legging from Express ($69.90)
2. Crochet-trim Tee from The Limited ($39.90)
3. Gianni Bini "Vanity" Flats from Dillard's ($59.99)

[caption id="attachment_205" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Dress it up"][/caption]

1. Miraculous Push-up Bra Top from Victoria's Secret ($79.50)
2. Zig Zag Banded Mini from Express ($54.90)
3. Betsey Johnson Diskko Printed Velvet from Dillard's ($129.99)
4. Tylie Malibu Runaway Neon Clutch from Amazon.com ($118)

The Charming Miss Watson

Fans of the Harry Potter series have watched Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in the films, grow from a spunky 10-year-old to a young woman of style and grace.  At 21 years old she has demonstrated her preference for Marchessa minis, ornate details and earth friendly fashions.   She will be seen next in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and 'My Week With Marilyn,’ which means, lucky for us, we get to see what she wears to many more red carpet appearances.  Take a look at several of my favorite style moments from Miss Watson.

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Rain or shine - it's summertime!

The Toledo Free Press published another article from Fashionably Kate!  This time around I'm discussing summer trends and it features some trendy selections from Sophie's Sister, a sophisticated boutique located at 133 N. Michigan St. in Toledo.  Tierney, a sales associates from Sophie's Sister, helped me pick out a few on-trend ensembles.  Unfortunately, not all of the photos made the paper, so for your eyes only, you can see them here!

Read "Warm up your wardrobe with hot summer trends" here: http://www.toledofreepress.com/2011/06/29/fashionably-kate-warm-up-your-wardrobe-with-hot-summer-trends/#

[caption id="attachment_110" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The perfect pair of flared jeans from James Jean"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_112" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A groovy black-and-white midi dress by Diane Von Furstenberg"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_109" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A Leifsdottir dress with an eclectic mixed print"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_114" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A bright graphic print Diane Von Furstenberg blouse with a white Milly skirt"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_115" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The lattice blouse from Leifsdottir with white jeans by James Jean and a DVF bag"][/caption]

Fashionable Fish

[caption id="attachment_95" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="A few fashionable Walleye players and Fashionably Kate"][/caption]

After a Walleye game my boss asked several of the Walleye players to sign my first article...

[caption id="attachment_94" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="OSCAR Night signed by the Walleye players"][/caption]

The finished product!  Thank you, Teresa!

It's a Family Affair

[caption id="attachment_82" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="It's a Family Affair - April 17, 2011 - Page 24"][/caption]

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"It's a Family Affair" - The Toledo Free Press - April 17, 2011

Writing this article about the East Toledo Family Center's Gala was a pleasure, not just because of the wonderful people I met, but also because it gave me the opportunity to tell others about the Center, which has made such a profound impact on the community.  Thank you, Betty Evans, for letting me in on the secret.

The East Toledo Family Center may be the oldest community center in the Toledo area and on Saturday, April 9 members celebrated its 110th birthday at the annual renaissance gala. 
 
Dressed in their finest birthday attire, guests swayed to music by the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band.  Demonstrating the significance of family at the East Toledo Family Center was band leaders, Raymond and Betty Heitger and their daughter, Nicole Heitger.  Nicole is the center’s family resource director, as well as the gala’s gifted vocalist.
 
Displaying their dance talent were members of the University of Toledo’s ballroom dance club including Hannah Fish and the club’s president, Kaylee Jones.  Fish stood out on the dance floor with a 1920s inspired black feather from Claire’s in her hair, showing that accessorizing can be easy and inexpensive.  Fashion elements from this stylish decade graced runway shows this year, foretelling that beadwork, sheath dresses and fur or feather details will be coveted. 
 
Wearing a sharp blue suit and scarf tied around her neck, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented a congressional proclamation to the East Toledo Family Center acknowledging its 110th anniversary and the tremendous impact its services and people has made on east Toledo.  Kaptur is a longtime supporter of the center and believes it should be a model for nonprofit employees to learn how to operate community organizations.
 
Following the certificate presentation, Allison Brown of Fox Toledo News welcomed guests as the honorary chairperson.
 
“I definitely sense that feeling of family that everyone has talked about,” Brown said of her experience with the center’s community. 
 
A big part of that family includes Helen Michael, who received the Century Award on Saturday evening.  Michael began volunteering at the family center in the early 1940s when it was called the Neighborhood House.  Located just a couple of miles from today’s facility, only a playground divided the house from Michael’s home.  Her late husband, Gordon, and many of her family members were also involved with the center.  The 96-year-old dazzled as she accepted the prestigious award Saturday evening in a purple glittering jacket and matching satin pants.
 
Michael’s granddaughter, Deborah Skergan, also looked polished in a white sleeveless top adorned with black-trimmed rosettes and a black skirt with a ruffled hem.  A black and white ensemble is a simple way to look chic and this classic style will become even more attainable since many designers recently featured it in their collections. 
 
Another black and white dress that caught my eye at the gala was punctuated by bright yellow.  Jackie Langlois wore a floral dress with a yellow cardigan and black opaque tights while her husband, Bob, wore a matching yellow shirt.  Mrs. Langlois’ advice for color coordinating is always to find the dress first, then your date’s shirt and tie.
 
However, the most remarkable fashion statement was worn by Gala Chairman Richard Fisher.  His white jacket was painted to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the East Toledo Family Center by Linda Sattler, a local artist and instructor.  Fisher is proud to wear the center’s vibrant history on his sleeve.
 
“This organization began in 1901 to help immigrants assimilate into American life,” said Fisher. “It was formed as a support system and bloomed into the wonderful organization it is today.” 
 
Fisher and his wife, Sandy, have helped with the gala, which raises funds to provide quality programs and services to enhance the lives of individuals and families by meeting emerging needs, since its inception 14 years ago.
 
“We help seniors shovel their snow, we help the person who has just lost their job and we help struggling students learn and grow,” said Kim Partin, executive director of the center. 
 
Partin looked elegant in a fitted dress with a lace top and black tiered skirt.  Lace continues to be fashionable, as well as sheer fabrics.  For an up-to-date interpretation, try an antique inspired design, like Partin’s, or a completely lace dress.

Fashionably Kate

Irish Angel? You be the judge.

[caption id="attachment_40" align="aligncenter" width="437" caption="Cover of St. Patrick's Day edition"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_37" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Ay, ay, Captain. With a group of U.S. Coast Guard servicemen at Blarney"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_38" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Showing green with Bunker's bartenders"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_50" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="... I'm Irish"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_34" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The Real Deal - Celebrating at Shawn's Tavern"][/caption]

I helped the Toledo Free Press find where to go on St. Patrick's Day 2011.  My Irish compass took me to The Claddagh, The Blarney, Mulvaney's Bunker and on the day of - Shawn's Tavern.  For the Green Day edition, visit http://issuu.com/toledofreepress/docs/star_030911 and turn to page 14.

Getting my stilettos wet

It all started when I sent the editor of the Toledo Free Press an email telling him why his paper needed a fashion-focused column and why I'm the one who should write it. He took the bait. Now I'm writing for the weekly paper, attending local events and beginning a blog.

This is my first article, which discusses the beautiful gowns and formalwear trends found at Hollywood’s Oscars and the American Red Cross of Toledo’s “Oscar Night.”

Read the full article on page 11 here: http://issuu.com/toledofreepress/docs/tfp_030611/1