And a little rock & roll at 2012 Golden Globes

Old Hollywood glamour met a little rock & roll on Sunday, January 15 at the 2012 Golden Globes. The display of elegant red carpet gowns in pale shades of nude, grey and white was punctuated by bursts of red, dramatic cutouts and shimmering fabric and details.  Below are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

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Salma Hayek shined in Gucci.  Her look was inspired by the 1920’s art deco patterns and architectural shapes.  Hayek's long, loose curls softened the edges of the strapless bustier and column skirt.  I think art deco style is the cat’s meow and I look forward to seeing more of the twenties coming back from geometric designs and drop-waists to pleats, fringe, beading and headwear.

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Emma Stone rocked a plum Lanvin gown with raspberry side panels.  The flowing dress with a plunging V neckline and embellished shoulders was cinched at the waist by a leather belt with a crystal eagle.  I couldn’t put it any better than the people at the Red Carpet Fashion Awards – “Very Harley-Davidson meets Aphrodite” – and I adored the juxtaposition.

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Sofia Vergara of Modern Family flaunted her hourglass figure in a peacock blue Vera Wang custom-made gown.  The swirling mermaid skirt further accentuated her curves and her long hair worn straight to one side kept it sultry by balancing the elaborate dress.

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Nicole Kidman glowed in a studded grey Versace dress that hugged her statuesque form.  I really liked how the gold studs matched the color of her long, loose curls and added some rock & roll to her typical elegant style.  I found her selection interesting because the gold studs have appeared on Versace's women and men's Spring runways and in the recent collaboration with H&M, so I'm expecting to see studs everywhere.  Bring on the rock & roll!

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Angelina Jolie was absolutely stunning in a white Atelier Versace gown.  The structured bodice, which fit her perfectly, was topped with an asymmetrical collar folded down to reveal a shocking red.  The satin skirt gathered at one hip above a thigh high slit.  Her Christian Louboutin satin clutch and full lips were the same bold red as the collar.  Her hair was pulled back in a simple bun to showcase her beautiful face.  Absolutely stunning.

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I have to admit that I have a girl crush on Evan Rachel Wood.  I think she is beautiful and genuine and I've heard that she knows how to have fun.  My kind of girl.  I also have a thing for peacocks.  So while it might not be everybody's cup of tea, I was fascinated by her Gucci Première gown.  From the top, the dress began with a sheer halter neckline with a deep V cut and a scattering of paillettes that become denser and overlap like fish scales. The glittering pieces grow larger through her hips and thighs and then turn to ostrich plumes covering the full skirt.  The shimmering green and teal masterpiece is mesmerizing, however Wood manages to wear the dress and not let the dress wear her by letting her confidence and grace shine through.

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Supermodel Elle Macpherson was stunning in a Zac Posen gown with a mermaid train.  Her bold diamond encrusted bangles and long, loose curls added even more drama.  I’m still trying to figure out how she looks younger than ever…

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Charlize Theron romanced in a blush Dior Haute Couture gown.  The deep V-neckline, wavy hair and embellished headband was reminiscent of a 1920s flapper.  The plunging neckline and high slit gave the glamorous look vavoom without giving away too much. I adore this romantic dress on Theron, who is a spokesperson for Dior.

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Helen Mirren was gorgeous in a navy Badgley Mischka dress.  She accessorized the wrap top and ruffled petal skirt with a jeweled belt and clutch.  Again, I’m wondering how she manages to look so young!

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Amber Riley, the diva of Glee, flaunted her figure in a sexy red number from Badgley Mischka.  She looks terrific in this simple shape with a sweetheart neckline and frills.  And while I think her hair looks great, I wonder what she would look like with it pulled up.

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Sara Hyland of Modern Family looked darling in a vintage Dolce & Gabbana nude lace dress with a black lace sash and side swept hair.

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Kim Kardashian, who did not attend the Golden Globes, although she has been working on her acting skills on her "reality" show, went old Hollywood glam at the after party in a Bruce Oldfield gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.  As a fan of 50s inspired glamour I was pleased that she complemented the black lace number with wavy hair and red lips.

Big lights have inspired me

Guess who’s going to New York Fashion Week!  That’s right.  This girl!  Eeeeeeeee!

Thank you to the wonderful people at Estée Lauder and Vanity Fair for selecting me as the winner of the Camera-Ready Style Contest!  I won a trip to New York, NY, tickets to a Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week show, a makeup session with an Estée Lauder makeup artist and a photo shoot with a Vanity Fair-caliber photographer.  I am beyond excited for this incredible opportunity that I will never forget.

Some of you who know me may be thinking, “Didn’t she go to fashion week last season?”  Yes, I went to New York during fashion week and attended a few shows of up and coming designers at Nolcha Fashion Week.  It was an amazing experience and I met some very talented people, who are in the beginning stages of potentially launching their brands.  New York Fashion Week is a time when across the city designers new and experienced showcase their next season’s designs.  Many of the “big” shows, of highly anticipated collections from famous designers, are at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Lincoln Square.  Which show am I attending?  I’m not sure yet…  The contest coordinators will choose.  I’ll let you know who I’m hoping for soon.

First, let me tell you about my first trip to New York Fashion Week in September of 2011…

I arrived on Thursday, September 8 just in time for Fashion’s Night Out (FNO), a worldwide celebration founded in New York of fashion, designers, retailers and most importantly, shoppers.  FNO, hosted by Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and NYC & Company, is the industry’s way of connecting fashion, especially luxury brands, to the average shopper.  Stores entice guests with free drinks, deals, celebrity appearances and unique experiences.  I planned my attack on FNO based on who I wanted to see, knowing I would absorb the scene of chic shoppers on the way.  Since my flight was delayed, I scrambled to get ready when I arrived at my apartment for the week and threw on a red dolman-sleeve top, dark skinny jeans, a statement necklace of silver chains and large black beads and black slightly pointed flats.  (I was properly warned that it’s all about flats when you’re walking all over the city!)  Then I was off to Manolo Blahnik with hopes of seeing Sarah Jessica Parker. I had big city aspirations before Sex and the City debuted but it was Carrie Bradshaw who convinced me that living in New York can be glamorous and attainable.

My mom and I jumped on the subway, pretending like we were pros except for the MTA map I triple checked, and headed to Midtown.  There was a crowd of fashionably dressed women standing outside the large window next to a plate that read “Manolo Blahnik, Office Entrance.”  Just as we arrived, a silver sedan paused and Sarah Jessica Parker stepped out wearing a leather Prabal Gurung dress and white pointed-toe Manolos.  She briefly paused for photographs and then entered the discreet brick building to celebrate her collaboration with the legendary shoemaker, a redesign of the Carolyne.  My goal was achieved – to see SJP in NYC.  Next stop: Tiffany & Co. to see Leighton Meester, star of Gossip Girl, perform with Check in the Dark.



Meester, dressed in a cloudy sky printed Carven maxidress, jammed with the folk rock band under the disco balls on the fourth floor.  From Tiffany’s we took a stroll down 57^th Street past Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Miu Miu, Chanel and Dior to the subway.



We arrived at the door of Jeffrey New York shortly after 10 p.m. and with ample time to wait for Harry errr Daniel Radcliffe to arrive.  We waited impatiently while only certain people on an enigmatic yet dogmatic list were permitted inside and a few privileged early arrivers made their exit.   One of the guests leaving early was hip hop mogul, Russell Simmons.  Finally the doorman turned away a hopeful with an unconvincing story and announced that no one else would be let inside unless he or she was the editor of a fashion magazine.

“What about a fashion writer from far away?” my mom shouted.

“How far?” the doorman asked.

“Toledo, Ohio,” she replied with a smirk.

I think he was so amused that either this lady had the gumption to yell this at him or that she replied with a place like Toledo, Ohio, but either way he said with a smile, “Come on in.”

I hadn’t even heard what happened but as my Mom pulled me toward the door I asked, “Can my mom come with me?” I asked.

“Of course,” doorman said.

Miraculously, we were in, both doubled over with laughter, and just moments away from seeing Daniel Radcliffe!  As we waited, a well-dressed woman wearing sunglasses and a short bob brushed by me and after she passed I realized it was Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue.  Jeffrey New York was the place to be.  Moments later the stars of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Mr. Radclife and Rose Hemingway, swept through the crowd. The grinning, fair-faced actor, who I fell in love with as a wizard, greeted the long line of fans, giving me ample time to take more than enough pictures.  We also got a taste of the renowned excellent customer service from a very kind salesman as we browsed the Manolos and Louboutins.



Carrie Bradshaw, a Gossip Girl, the pioneer of hip hop, the Devil (who) Wears Prada and The Chosen One… and that was just my first day in the Big Apple.

Monday came the reason for my trip: fashion week.  I awoke early, ate my breakfast, put on my perfectly planned ensemble – a brown dress with pink metallic ballet flats and a thrift store find choker of pink and gold – and headed to 18^th street.  Being from Ohio I was one of the first to arrive at Nolcha Fashion Week, which gave me time to browse the exhibition prior to the show (get fake nails applied thanks to the ladies at Kiss) and mingle with the designers.  The agency behind this event is an award-winning global platform advancing the business of independent fashion, beauty, consumer and lifestyle brands through  'out-of-the-box' thinking, industry connections and event production.



I took my seat next to a distinguished gentleman named Frank, who thought I was just perfect for his son, and waited for the lights to dim.  My first fashion show in New York began with Carlos Luna, a Columbian born designer who began his label this year.  His line was characterized by sheer panels, color blocking, excellent tailoring and light weight fabrics that moved and draped beautifully.  The palette of the silk garments included aqua, royal blue, red and coral.  The high-necked, sleeveless, floor length gown with high slits in either coral or aqua is something that I would wear to a black tie affair this spring.



One of my favorite lines was presented by Eredappa Hart.  From Nigeria, Hart combined African Ankara fabrics of intricate and vibrant patterns with beadwork and classic European lines.  The result was an exquisite collection of cocktail dresses and suits completely covered with beads that shone brilliantly under the lights of the runway.  The feather-like patterns of green, blue and pink added welcome variety to the sun-inspired collection comprised mostly of bright yellow, white, black and brown.  While tribal prints are presently on trend, the authenticity and beautiful intricacy of the beaded African patterns make these pieces continually unique and stylish.



The fashion forward style of Zula Studio was one of the most memorable of the day.  Russian designer Zula Khramov, inspired by the movie Avatar, used woven fabrics, unconventional shapes and bondage elements.  Contrasting soft, shiny, sheer and reptile-inspired textiles made the collection even more eccentric.  From stilettos to skirts and neutrals to neons, snakeskin made a major comeback this fall.



Amelia Boland, a young designer from New Zealand, unveiled a feminine collection inspired by the clothing of children and dolls and the effect that their proportion has on the womanly shape.  The sheer fabric, high stockings and baby doll shapes gave the whimsical frills, oversized bows and velvet an edge.



Most of the designers at NOLCHA fashion week are just beginning their fashion careers.  “This is a stepping stone for me,” said Devon Thomas of presenting her second collection.  For Thomas, it’s a stepping stone for her dream of becoming a fashion icon.  For me, this experience was an eye-opening milestone toward many goals, some of which I just discovered in the fashion capital.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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