My current thoughts on Jen (Aniston)

I am in the middle of blogging about my trip to New York but I must comment on an article I read online today.  It's titled "Jennifer Aniston flirts with all her Wanderlust co-stars... but keeps her distance from boyfriend Justin Theroux" and it can be found here.  She's too clingy, then she's too flirty, now she's too focused on her career at a movie premiere?  I'm not a HUGE Jen fan and I don't assume to "know" anyone I've never met.  But she seems like a beautiful, funny, sweet chick.  She's best friends with Chelsea Handler, who's never afraid of speaking her mind.  So if she sucked I'm sure the world would know it.

Side note: I think that fame must suck at times for celebrities, especially the stories that entertainment reporters fabricate in the media.  Yeah, yeah, I know it's part of the deal.  The millions they earn must make it worth it.  Blah, blah, blah...  Either way, it would just suck if I couldn't take my dog for a walk without the risk of being photographed, heckled and possibly run over by a pushy paparazzo.  Or attend a premiere and be criticized for either being too distant or too lovey-dovey with my boyfriend.

Anywho, what particularly annoyed me about this article was that the writer said Jen, oh lovely, sweet Jen, "failed to shine."  I understand that the job of an entertainment writer is to take an event and add some BS to create a "story" about a celebrity.  They're fair game!  (My mother taught me to treat others how I would like to be treated.  Not everyone is this lucky.)  But who can deny that Jen was not glowing in these photos?!  He also said that her dress "looked more like something worn to a dinner party than a Hollywood premiere."  This dress by Tom Ford is perfect.  I pinned it!  Peplum + leather + black & white chevron = So chic!  Maybe a little less glam or sexy, but I welcome the change of pace.  As for Jen and Justin's matching name rings, who cares!  They're fun!

It seems Mr. Larkin changed his tune halfway through the day because he then posted this article, "One step away from the real thing! Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux pledge their commitment with matching name rings," which can be found here.  In it he said, "Jennifer shone in a grey corseted dress."  Mr. Larkin, I forgive you.  Not everyone knows fashion.  Hell, I don't claim to!  I just enjoy it.  And I imagine neither of us knows Jen.  Shame on you for pretending.  I hope you don't fail to shine again.  Especially when it comes to lovely Jen.

So this morning I had a shoot with Vanity Fair...

and now I'm off to the Soham Dave fashion show.  Here's a sneak peek from the shoot in the Gallery Met at the Metropolitan Opera House:

[caption id="attachment_571" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Getting all dolled up by Blair Patterson"][/caption]

I am indebted to the people I met today from Vanity Fair, Estée Lauder and The Met.  They were so kind and I could've listened to them talk of their lives in New York all day.  I will never forget it.  Stay tuned for more details!

The Tourists: NYC

For the past couple of days, my mom and I have been playing tourist in New York City.  Here’s what we’ve been up to…

Friday we walked a few blocks from our hotel to Lincoln Center, home of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, to see the fashionable arrive and depart the ongoing shows.  We talked to an Australian girl with awesome tights but there wasn’t much else going on at the time.  Then we ventured to Century 21.  If you’re not familiar with this haven, please add it to your To Shop list next time you’re in New York.  It has designer clothes and shoes at up to 80% off.  It's where I got my first pairs of Manolo Blahnik and Valentino shoes in September.  (Expect to see a post about these glorious acquisitions in the future.)  I didn’t get anything THAT spectacular this time but I did get a beautiful taupe dress from MICHAEL by Michael Kors and a taupe tank with a black Peter Pan collar and buttons.  At the moment, I have a thing for taupe/tan and black.

[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - Photo courtesy of Business Insider[/caption]

Then we ate at P.J. Clarke’s across from Lincoln Center, a casual, but upscale pub with a good selection and great service.  Their French onion soup is one of the best I’ve had.  And I love me some FOS.  Afterward we REALLY turned up the tourist notch by taking a cab to meet my mom’s cousin, George, at TKTS at Times Square to get tickets to a Broadway production.  After hesitantly agreeing to see "Other Desert Cities" with Stockard Channing we walked to Macy’s.

My parents watched a special about Macy’s and were fascinated to discover that some of the original wood escalators are still in use today.  Riding these historical escalators was the highlight of the trip thus far, according to my mother.

[caption id="attachment_534" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Times Square[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_543" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mom on Macy's escalators[/caption]

After I regained composure from all the excitement from Macy’s escalators, we walked to the Shake Shack for a light dinner before the show.  Mom and I shared a ‘Shroom Burger.  Delicious.  “Was there a Portobello mushroom in it?” mom asked.  There was too much Muenster and Cheddar cheese to tell.

On our way to the show I dashed inside Forever 21 for what I thought was a quick look at the store I know and love.  But this location has four floors!  FOUR floors of trendy, cheap clothing and I hadn’t even seen some of the items before.  I grabbed a frilly blue & white polka-dotted wrap dress, two sheer fishtail skirts in pink and black and a shiny black pleated tower maxi-dress.  Expect to see these in posts this summer.

We ended our night in one of the best ways possible in the Big Apple… at a Broadway production.  "Other Desert Cities" was the first non-musical that I had seen in New York.  It was exceptional.  I was looking forward to seeing Stockard Channing.  Yes, the actress who portrayed Rizzo, the bad ass Pink Lady in Grease.  But more importantly to me, she was Aunt Frances Owens in Practical Magic, my favorite movie.  But I wasn't sure about the play.

The Booth Theatre is small, intimate and there can’t be a bad seat in the house.  Much to my delight, Rachel Griffiths, from Brothers and Sisters, appeared on stage along with Channing.  I laughed.  I cried.  I felt what they felt.  Exceptional.  Following the standing ovation, we waited by the stage door for the actors to exit.  Mom and I were ecstatic to meet and get the autographs of Stockard Channing, Rachel Griffiths, Judith Light and Justin Kirk.

[caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Stockard Channing & I[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_547" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Rachel Griffiths[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_533" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The autographed playbill[/caption]

Saturday we traveled to Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christie’s auction house, which was unfortunately closed.  Guess we’ll have to plan another trip to NYC, mom.  We watched the ice skaters and stopped in the stores of NBC, Lego, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Girl.  Check out my new shirt from NBC.

[caption id="attachment_537" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Rockefeller Center[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_538" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The Lego Store[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_532" align="aligncenter" width="348"] Call me Kelly[/caption]

Then we went to Soho, known for its trendy shops and art galleries.  We ate at the Broome Street Bar at the recommendation of a man on the street, where we tried their famous hamburger in a pita.  It was very tasty.  On our walk through the hip neighborhood I spotted Topshop,the super trendy and fantastic British store, which also had four stories.  (FOUR!)  I’ve visited topshop.com but it was my first time in an actual store, as there are only two in the states.  It reminded me of a more upscale Forever 21 (forgive me for loving that damn store even though I am clearly not forever 21) but several pieces were more unique and better designed.  They are known for recreating designer pieces.  I ended up with a pair of very dangly gold Grecian earrings, perfect for my shoot on Monday.  TopShop is my new love.  We also visited Amarcord Vintage Fashion, which was on my To Shop list for its collection of European vintage clothing and accessories from the 1940s to the 1980s.  It had several beautiful and interesting pieces from Christian Dior, Versace and Gucci, to name a few.  I only lusted.

[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Broome Street Bar's chalkboard walls[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_541" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Broome Street Bar[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_545" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mom's burger[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_546" align="aligncenter" width="500"] In the subway[/caption]

Exhausted from our two days of being tourists, we made the long trek back to the Hudson Hotel to rest up for Sunday, the day of the Derek Lam show.  The show was amazing.  Details to come…  Thank you for following along on my adventures.

[caption id="attachment_560" align="aligncenter" width="500"] My new earrings from Topshop and a sneak peak of what I wore to the Derek Lam show[/caption]

All the Way from New York!

Hello, friends!  I’m currently in New York for fashion week, thanks to Estée Lauder and Vanity Fair!  Here’s an update of my trip:

I made it to New York on Thursday, February 9, the first day of New York Fashion Week, just in time for the Nolcha fashion shows!  I have to say, I was tickled to get off the plane and see a driver holding a sign with my name on it!  He drove us to the Hudson Hotel at 356 West 58^th in a black sedan with plenty of leg room.  The Hudson Hotel was made for the chic.  I would not have noticed the discreet entrance if it wasn’t for our car stopping and our driver saying “Yes” when I asked him if we had arrived.  The clear automatic doors slid open and past the small entryway was an upward escalator illuminated with lime green.  In the dimly lit lobby hung a classic grand chandelier, except for the images of light bulbs hanging among the crystals.  Our room has wood floors, wood paneling and two low beds with a single mattress and a single duvet.  It is also dimly lit.  The funky bedside lights have faces and there are mirrors on opposite walls that create infinitely repeating reflections.

The first group of Nolcha fashion shows begins in an hour.  I changed (into a carefully pre-planned ensemble, of course) and headed out the door to the Alvin Ailey Studios a few blocks away.  I found my seat, second row, not bad, and waited for the show to begin.  A fashion show is one of the best places to people watch.  The two fabulous ladies sitting in front of me, Cognac Wellerlane, a personality of the Long Island Exchange, and Patricia Parenti, stylist and owner of Tender Gloving Care, are fixtures of the New York fashion scene.

Headed to Nolcha

At Nolcha

The 12:30 line up (which means it actually begins at 1:30) included Farasha, Megla M, Carlos Luna, Teresa Rosati and Vassilis Zoulias.  I was really looking forward to Carlos Luna’s latest collection because I saw his spring 2012 line at the Nolcha Fashion Week in September.  This time I happened to sit by one of his friends and we both oohed and ahhed during the show.  He presented a handful of pieces I would love to add to my repertoire.  I feel the same way about a few evening dresses from Teresa Rosati.  My heart skipped a beat when the last show from Vassilis Zoulias began and I saw the dresses, outerwear and bird-adorned hats inspired by the 40s and Christian Dior’s “New Look.”  I’ll give a trend report and more detailed reviews on my favorite collections soon.

Afterward I met Kia, who is beautiful, funky and a huge fan of leopard print - we both agree it should be used as a neutral and can match anything.  She’s the one who fills me in on Cognac and Patricia.  Oh, the stories she could tell about the BFF’s antics...

Kia and Cognac

The 3:30 lineup included Antonia, Castro-Rojas, Riza Manalo, Rebeca Tiago and Baruni.  For me the standout designer was Rebeca Tiago.  This smart cookie had beautiful young women dressed in her designs in the audience.  One of them was the beautiful Adrienne Bailon of The Cheetah Girls and 3LW.  She looked beautiful.  With her was the gorgeous Julissa Bermudez, best known for co-hosting BET’s 106 & Park.  Tiago also sent some models down the runway wearing necklaces with her name on them, further cementing her brand into the minds of the audience.

Julissa Bermudez, left, and Adrienne Bailon, right

Girls in Rebeca Tiago designs

Rebeca Tiago, Adrienne Bailon & Charlyn Castro-Rojas - Photo courtesy of Adrienne Bailon

The last Nolcha show I attended was of Danilo Gabrielli.  As I entered the event, I had to walk around two cameramen filming four women sitting in the front row.  After I sat down I realized that they must be the Real Housewives of New York.  More cameras joined as they talked animatedly with one another and occasionally greeted a friend.  When the show began, I was pleased to see that Gabrielli’s collection also took inspiration from the 1940s.  I later learned that LuAnn de Lesseps, one of the cast members, is an old friend of Gabrielli.

The Real Housewives of New York

Gabrielli greeting LuAnn de Lesseps after the show

The Real Housewives of New York with Gabrielli - Photo courtesy of Major Dilemma

After the show I grabbed a quick (read: free) sip of champagne mixed with Cavoda Pink vodka (read: yum) and stepped into the elevator with LuAnn de Lesseps entering after me.  When she wished aloud that she had grabbed a bottle of water, I gave her mine.  She thanked me, we laughed and that was my brush with a New York celebrity.

Some of the things I heard people say on Thursday really made it clear to me that I was truly in New York for fashion week.

“That collection was not cohesive.  I wonder if anyone ever taught them how to put a collection together.”

“Just beautiful!”

“Oh my God, the models were too skinny!”

And my favorite…  Said to me: “You were awesome in the show!”  Oh, that one made me laugh!

A girl can dream… But these days I’d rather be on this side of the runway.  Front row.  Wearing a piece from the presenting designer’s latest collection.

Big news from New York

As part of the Estée Lauder and Vanity Fair Camera-Ready Style Contest I won a photo shoot with a Vanity Fair-caliber photographer in New York City.  It was recently revealed to me where the shoot would take place.  I am thrilled to announce that I will be striking a pose in the Gallery Met at the Metropolitan Opera House!  Now if I only could decide what to wear...  My makeup will be done by an Estée Lauder professional but my hair and wardrobe is my responsibility.  Any ideas?

The It List: 2012 SAG Awards

Love Lace

Lace, as a trend, has evolved over the past few years but has stayed mainstream among all types of well-dressed ladies, including actresses walking the red carpet.  So it's refreshing to see Michelle Williams wear the dainty fabric as a unique detail on a dress with a modern cut.  Expect the novel trend factor to wear off, but such an elegant look will always be "in."

[caption id="attachment_432" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Michelle Williams in Valentino and Roger Vivier shoes - Photo courtesy of Jeff Vespa/WireImage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_438" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Stacy Keibler in Marchesa - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

The oversized lace pattern, irregular V-neck hem and full skirt on the first option and the lace back and high collar on the second choice, set these lace numbers apart from the rest.

[caption id="attachment_453" align="aligncenter" width="170" caption="JS Collections at Dillard's"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_480" align="aligncenter" width="207" caption="Body Central"][/caption]

Bold and Blue

Shades of cobalt graced the SAG Awards and is quickly becoming my favorite color of the moment.

[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein Collection - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_416" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Diane Lane in David Meister - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_422" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Jane Lynch in David Meister Signature - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

When selecting a cobalt dress, look for a vibrant blue that really pops, like this one:

[caption id="attachment_481" align="aligncenter" width="155" caption="Caché"][/caption]

All That Jazz

I am so excited that fashion powerhouses like Badgley Mischka, Gucci, Christian Dior, Chloé...  are reveling in the roaring 1920s!  Now we can all pretend we're living The Great Gatsby.

[caption id="attachment_467" align="aligncenter" width="208" caption="Ashlee Simpson in Jenny Packham - Photo courtesy of Getty"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_441" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_436" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Shailene Woodley in L’Wren Scott - Photo courtesy of Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_415" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Bérénice Bejo in Ralph Lauren Collection - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

While fashion from the twenties is the next big revival, there aren't many options available off the rack just yet.  I did find this blush pink gown from Caché.  Search for loose-fitting pieces with beaded embellishments and drop-waists.  Until then, try a flapper headband, like this one from BaroqueAndRoll on Etsy.

[caption id="attachment_478" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Caché"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_485" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="BaroqueAndRoll"][/caption]

Berry Sweet

Shades of berry were oh, so pretty on the red carpet.

[caption id="attachment_433" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_437" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Sofia Vergara in Marchesa with Lorraine Schwartz jewels and a Thale Blanc clutch - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_426" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Julie Bowen in Temperley London - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_417" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera - Photo courtesy of Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

[caption id="attachment_462" align="aligncenter" width="257" caption="Express Ombre Stripe Bandage Dress"][/caption]

Pretty in Pale

Gowns (and a jumpsuit) in pale colors of white, silver and other pastels did NOT pale in comparison, but rather stood out as an elegant sigh of relief.

[caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Kelly Osbourne in Badgley Mischka - Photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison-Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_435" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Rose Byrne in Elie Saab Haute Couture - Photo courtesy of Kyle Rover/Startraksphotocom"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_430" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Lea Michele in Atelier Versace with Casadei shoes - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_424" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Judy Greer in Collette Dinnigan - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_434" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji with Irene Neuwirth jewels - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

[caption id="attachment_472" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jason Wu for Target"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_482" align="aligncenter" width="275" caption="Windsor"][/caption]

Greek Goddess

We've been seeing more Grecian gowns lately, from the ladies below and also on Vanessa Hudgens at a recent movie premiere.  Who doesn't enjoy feeling like a goddess?

[caption id="attachment_440" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Viola Davis in Marchesa by Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_439" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Tilda Swinton in Lanvin - Photo courtesty of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

Grecian style, which gained popularity in 2009, is characterized by one shoulder strap, flowing fabric and draping.

[caption id="attachment_475" align="aligncenter" width="201" caption="Jennifer Lopez at Kohl's"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_477" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Caché"][/caption]

Cut It Out

What's sexier than upexpected peeks of skin on unusual places?  Mrs. Bacon used her cut-out dress to flaunt a family tattoo.

[caption id="attachment_429" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_414" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Amber Heard in Zac Posen - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

[caption id="attachment_479" align="aligncenter" width="194" caption="BCBGeneration at Macy's"][/caption]

White On Black

The classic white and black combo was represented with a white top and black bottom on the ladies below, as well as Kate Winslet at the Golden Globes.

[caption id="attachment_418" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Emilia Clarke in Chanel - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_431" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Maya Rudolph in Naeem Khan - Photo courtesy of Jeff Vespa/WireImage"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_468" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Paz Vega in Carolina Herrera with Bulgari clutch and jewels - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images"][/caption]

Off the Rack Option

[caption id="attachment_471" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="White House/Black Market"][/caption]

I also must mention...

Emma Stone - She does no wrong.  I adore her Victorian-inspired Alexander McQueen dress with a matching custom-made clutch.  It’s covered with the same black lace as her dress and the knuckle handle is embellished with the iconic McQueen skull and two unicorns.  I covet a McQueen clutch, but as a fan of unicorns, I especially want this masterpiece.

Lucky me found a similar clutch with an emellished knuckle handle at T.J. Maxx.  I wore it with the navy lace dress to the auto show preview.

[caption id="attachment_419" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images"][/caption]

Glenn Close - While I'm not sure how I feel about this sexy corset dress on Glenn Close, I would love to wear it myself.

[caption id="attachment_420" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Glenn Close in Zac Posen - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage"][/caption]