Thursday, December 6, 2012

I Prefer "Bordeaux"

After spotting it on numerous runways and subsequent street style blogs, the fashion authorities have dubbed “oxblood” the color of the season.  This deep shade of red, along with its several variations, is perfect for this time of year!

As a wine lover (not connoisseur –  I usually enjoy anything as long as it’s made of fermented fruits), I prefer to call it “Bordeaux.”  Making a statement with red is nothing new, but this season bordeaux is rich and infused with romance, royalty and rock.  Thankfully, this dramatic color is super easy to wear with neutrals you might already have in your closet and leopard print.  To add a little more drama, select Bordeaux pieces in leather, velvet or other luxe textures.

When I paint the town... bordeaux, I pair my velvet-like burgundy skinny pants with a sleeve-less black top, camel faux leather jacket, leopard print heels and gold jewelry.  While I'm keeping it casual I wear the same pants with an ivory 3/4 length sleeve sweater, a beige sweater vest with fur trim and leopard print smoking slippers.

Here's some more Bordeaux Fashionspiration

Blake Lively in Gucci Sept 12 Post Kate Middleton in Paule Ka from Styleite.com Post Olivia Palermo Post Rosie Huntington Whitely by INFDaily Post Street Style from jemaigrirai.tumblr PostAminta in HM Jacket from clothesandfashion.net PostKate Bosworth by Getty Post

1. Blake Lively in Gucci, photo courtesy of Getty Images
2. The Duchess Kate Middleton in Paula Ka, photo courtesy of Styleite.com
3. Olivia Palermo carrying a Miss Dior bag, photo source unknown
4. Rosie Huntington Whitely, photo courtesy of INFdaily.com
5. Street style, photo courtesy of jemaigrirai.tumblr.com
6. Aminta Iriarte in H&M jacket, photo courtesy of her blog clothesandfashion.net and Beto Ramos
7. Kate Bosworth, photo courtesy of Getty Images

Here's where to Shop Bordeaux

Faux-Leather Dropwaist Sheath The Limited 98 Post Leather bow bracelet Banana Republic 25 PostStrapless Bandeau Peplum Dress with Studded Bust by Krisp at USTrendy 40.30 Post STELLA COLORED JEAN LEGGING Express 79.90 Post Quilted faux-leather cross-body Banana Republic 59.50 Post Leather skirt HM 129 Post EVIE WP PLATFORM BOOTIE Baker's 120 Post Faux Leather Blazer The Limited 118 Post Hailey by Adrianna Papell Lace Back-Zip Dress Dillard's 130 Post Bordeaux Lips and Nails Post

1. The Limited Faux Leather Drop Waist Sheath, $98
2. Banana Republic Leather Bow Bracelet, $25
3. Krisp Strapless Peplum Dress with Studded Bust from USTrendy $40.30
4. Express Stella Colored Jean Legging, $79.90
5. Banana Republic Quilted Faux Leather Bag $59.50
6. H&M Leather Skirt, $129
7. Evie WP Platform Bootie from Bakers, $120
8. The Limited Faux Leather Blazer, $118
9. Hailey by Adrianna Papell Lace Back-Zip Dress from Dillard’s, $130
10. Estee Lauder Forbidden Apple, $25; Essie Leading Lady, $8; Burgundy & Pink Reverse French Tip by Jamberry Nails, $15; MAC Hang-Up, $15

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Polished, Perfect and Pretty, Grâce à Dior and BAZAAR

Polished, perfect and pretty.  That's the idea behind Dior's new "Dressy Nudes" look.  As a newly minted Style Ambassador for Harper's Bazaar I was invited to try the look at Macy's Dior counter.  The results?  Flawless and flirty without appearing too made up.  I especially liked the light feeling, yet full coverage of the Airfinish foundation and the flirty eye makeup.  I would love to own Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Dune and Charnelle and Rouge Dior Nude in Trompe loeil.

While I enjoyed the friendly company of the Dior makeup artist and fellow animal lover, I wish I learned more about the "Dressy Nudes" look.  I brought home the useful pamphlet and took the fun quiz to see if my personality should try the Feminine, Sensuous, Elegant or Divine look.  I was a little of all...






As a BAZAAR Style Ambassador, I have joined "a niche nationwide network of the most influential, well-connected and chic readers chosen to represent the BAZAAR brand." Simply put, this means I get the opportunity to try new products, attend exclusive events and win fabulous prizes! All in the name of fashion.

Follow the category BAZAAR Style Ambassador to stay up to date on my stylish adventures!


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

An Emmy-Inspired Fashion Forecast

Who doesn't enjoy gaping at the fashion on the red carpet?  After watching every award show, I look forward to the next day when I click through all the pictures I can find from the event.  But unfortunately, while I try to keep a little glam in my life, there is no red carpet in my near future.  So why do I so spend too much time researching the evening gowns, glittering jewels, teeny clutches and high heels?  To dream!  To be prepared just in case my next red carpet moment arrives!  And to find hints of trends to come that I can adapt to my lifestyle.  Celebrities and their stylists are ahead of the trend curve, like psychic fashion tellers.  So I take cues from them to see what exciting direction fashion is headed and, if I like it, how I can incorporate it into my wardrobe.  So what's the prediction from the 2012 Emmy Awards?

Winter White

The "greige" dress Brook Burke Charvet wore from Tony Ward Couture hints at the variations of white to wear after Labor Day.  Yes, it's OK to wear white after the end of summer.  In fact, wear it from top to bottom and don't be afraid to pair it with black shoes.

Brooke's mermaid-cut, tulle evening gown is embroidered with Swarovski crystals.  The curved lines of Macramé enhance her hourglass shape, similar to the body-conscious dresses made revered by Stella McCartney.
Photo courtesy of Getty

Take inspiration from:

Derek Lam, Cushnie et Ochs, Reed Krakoff

Dennis Basso, J. Mendel, Valentino

Black & White



The combination of black & white is always chic and classic and here, Jessica Pare is too.  I adore this entire look, from her white Jason Wu dress and black accessories to her short, dark hair and red lips.  Lately, B&W has graced several runways.  Lucky for you, your wardrobe probably already includes pieces to create this combo.  Instead of the basic white top and black bottom pairing, try all white with black accessories like Jessica or black & white stripes, which appeared in many spring collections.
Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image

Take inspiration from:

Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, St. John

Orange



Orange, from burnt orange to bright orange to red-orange, is one of The Colors of the season!  Padma Lakshmi and Ginnifer Goodwin both glow in Monique Lhuillier numbers.  The normally neglected color that's hot for fall is easy to wear because it looks great with jeans and brown leather, plus it warms most skintones.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:



Preen, Stella McCartney, Rebecca MinkoffCarolina Herrera, Zac Posen, 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Chartreuse

Julie Bowen and Julianne Moore, who were absolutely radiant at the Emmy Awards, introduces the other color of the season - chartreuse.  Julie is wearing Monique Lhuillier and Julianne is in Christian Dior.  This color is a little trickier then the all-flattering orange.  If it makes you look off, try a hue that's more yellow or green, brighter or duller.  With the right chartreuse for your coloring, as you can see above, it can look brilliant.  I'd also like to note Julianne's full circle skirt, which, long or short, is still the dress silhouette of the latest trends.
Photos courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image and  Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Lanvin, Vera Wang, Nanette Lepore

Yellow

Now that we have fall's "It" colors, what about spring?  Say "Hello" to yellow!  Hannah Simone in Emilio Pucci and Kelli Garner in Rafael Cennamo both chose yellow dresses for the Emmy Awards, as did many designers for their spring 2013 collections.  Like orange, yellow can be fabulous, but the trick is finding the right shade for your coloring.  When in doubt, ask a friend or trusted salesperson.  You can also try patterns with yellow or yellow accessories, like patent leather pumps or a satchel bag.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Frazer Harrison/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Erin Fetherston, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors

Boho



Boho is a type of style, and even lifestyle, that effortlessly outlasts the ever-changing trends.  It may wax and wane, but there will always be girls with natural, wavy hair; long, flowy skirts, macramé and turquoise jewelry.  At the Emmy Awards, that girl was Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan.  This fall, look for distressed skinny jeans to tuck into tall brown suede boots, a (faux) fur vest and exotic patterns.
Photo courtesy of Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic

Take inspiration from:

Versace, Band of Outsiders, Burbery Prorsum, Emilio Pucci

Turquoise/Aqua/Sea Foam



Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Turquoise, aqua, seafoam, whatever you call it - I LOVE this color.  My mantle is still decorated in shades of teal.  I know, time for fall colors, but it's just so pretty.  This widely beloved color is perfect for spring and will finally be available in a variety of options as the weather warms.  Wear it with neutrals or other pastels.  At the Emmys, Heidi Klum wore an aqua Alexandre Vauthier dress and Julianne Hough was in Georges Hobeika Couture.

Take inspiration from:

Christian Siriano, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade

Baroque



Tina Fey, Emilia Clarke and Shannon Woodward brought the high drama of Baroque to the Emmys in Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Gabriela Cadena, respectively.  According to Fashionising.com, one of my favorite fashion resources, Baroque garments mirror the "lavishness of artworks, architecture and plush interior decorations" and are characterized by gilded filagree, embroidery, plush appliques, velvet, leather, heavy brocades and gold. The website's editors suggest wearing Baroque fashion in one of two ways, like a royal or a rock star, and be cautious of the quality of cheaper versions.  Look for more information about this lavish trend in a future post.
Photos courtesy of Kevork Djansezian/Getty, Getty and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:

Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana, Aquilano Rimondi, Balmain

Monday, September 17, 2012

A Wedding Adventure



On September 8, 2012 I attended an outdoor wedding at a lovely home by the river.  The decor was inspired by the Disney movie, Up, and the bride's favorite colors, purple and gray.  It was beautiful, intimate and picture perfect.  This is what I wore to the balloon-filled affair...



Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Wal-Mart
Earrings: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: My mother's wedding gift from my father
Citrine Ring: An estate sale
Toe nail polish: Nicole by OPI's Rainbow in The S-kylie (multicolored glitter) over Shirbud by Sinful (a dark gray)
Gorgeous date: Carlton in Express

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Anticipating Mrs. Blake Lively

From Martha Stewart's wedding team, Ally's home in The Notebook and a rustic barn to blush Marchesa gowns, Christian Louboutin heels and men in suspenders - Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' wedding seems simply enchanting.  Blake is one of my favorite celebrities for her exciting style, drool-worthy closet and seemingly easy breezy attitude.  I can't wait to see her one-of-a-kind couture wedding ballgown by Marchesa.  According to its designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, friends of Blake, the dress has a hand draped silk tulle bodice adorned with custom crystal and rose gold embroidery.  Her shoes were custom-designed by Christian Louboutin himself, also the bride's friend and guest of the wedding.  I can't wait to see pictures!  (See below for my guess.)

The bridesmaids wore Christian Louboutin heels, too, with their unique, custom-made, blush silk dresses by the Marchesa duo.  The groomsmen's Burberry suits were worn with leather suspenders by Christopher Bailey, a friend of Ryan.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of the event as well!  Martha Stewart Weddings magazine describes the ceremony as heartfelt, which was followed by a "fun-filled carnival hour" and personalized, intimate reception.  Carnival hour?!  Were there games and cotton candy?  As New York Magazine puts it, "We can practically feel the bridal Pinterest boards throbbing in anticipation."

We know about 70 guests attended the celebration at the Boone Hall Plantation in outside of Charleston, South Carolina; the $3,000 wedding cake, baked by Maggie Austin Cakes, was driven in from Maryland and their custom rings were designed by Lorraine Schwartz.  Florence Welch of Florence and the Machines performed but did Bette Midler, who was rumored to be in Charleston that weekend?  Did Sandra Bullock, any Gossip Girl cast members or other famous friends attend?  Did Penny and Baxter, the newlyweds' canine companions, play a role?  Thank goodness, Martha Stewart Weddings will publish the story this December!  The personalized details (rose gold embroidery & blush bridesmaid dresses, suspenders, a rustic barn, carnival theme, Florence, custom rings... oh, and Ryan Reynolds) seem like stuff my wedding dreams are made of.

What are your predictions for Blake's wedding dress?

Here are picks from Glamour's Kim Fusaro:

1. Marchesa
2. Kenneth Pool
3. Monique Lhuillier

Here are "Blake Lively's Best Silhouettes" from Instyle, which may resemble The Dress:



After reviewing the Fall 2012 Marchesa collection, I think her ballgown may draw elements from the following:

The Silhouette and Embroidery



The Draped Tulle and Embellishments



The Lace and Embroidery



The Silhouette and Embellishments

Monday, September 10, 2012

2012 MTV VMAs: Sexy & Sleek but Short?

The style at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards was characterized by sexy and sleek silhouettes.  But while the celebrities were chic, unfortunately the line of stars fell short.  Does anyone go to this thing anymore?   Luckily, I managed to find some inspiring looks and hints at evolving trends worthy for fall, so here goes…

[caption id="attachment_1415" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Photos courtesy of Getty and Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Rihanna debuted an equally sexy and adorable pixie cut with red lips and a back-baring white dress from Adam Selman.  While I wasn’t crazy about the shape of the front of the dress – it seemed a little sloppy – I adored her new hair, the simple and sultry makeup and her beautiful back.  I welcomed the more refined turn for the normally edgy pop star.

[caption id="attachment_1417" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP[/caption]

Also in white, Taylor Swift was Miss Sophisticate in a J. Mendel suit and strappy, metallic heels with her hair worn long and straight.  Ignore the old "no white after Labor Day" rule as winter white will be hot this upcoming season.

Both Taylor and Pink brought a change of pace when they stepped on stage in black shorts.

[caption id="attachment_1408" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic[/caption]

While Taylor’s red and white striped top and pony tail were much more youthful then her menswear-inspired suit, she kept the androgynous look with a pair of deep red oxfords.

[caption id="attachment_1402" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Lester Cohen/Wire Image[/caption]

Pink’s pinup worthy getup of fishnet stockings and ankle strap stilettos also had a dash of masculinity with a pair of suspenders.  Menswear will also be on-trend this fall.  When wearing masculine attire, keep it sassy by choosing well-tailored pieces and tall stilettos.

[caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Jeff Kravitz/Film Magic[/caption]

The dress Pink arrived in with husband Carey Hart was a silver, long-sleeved number by Stella McCartney that fit her slender post-baby body immaculately.  Her cropped wave of hair topped the glamorous, rock star style.

[caption id="attachment_1399" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Reuters/Mario Anzumi/Landov[/caption]

Miley Cyrus rocked a similar look from the hair style to the dress silhouette.  But her long Emilio Pucci dress was low cut and had sheer panels.

[caption id="attachment_1394" align="aligncenter" width="290"] Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Rihannna’s BFF, Katy Perry, looked especially pretty in a black floral Elie Sab dress with sheer skirt.  I loved her long, wavy black hair, which had a slight retro feel, and smoky eye makeup.  Her sexy look was less playful, more “Hey, boys,” than usual and she looked adorable whispering to RiRi during the show.

[caption id="attachment_1395" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Kirkland/Picture Group[/caption]

I was most impressed by Ke$ha.  She looked the best I’ve ever seen!  She looked beautiful with sultry makeup and a retro wave in her long peroxide blonde hair.  Her lace dress with “some glitz on [her] bits” was more subtle, yet still sexy, than usual.  Black lace continues to be chic, especially since an updated spin on gothic style is gaining popularity.

[caption id="attachment_1396" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo courtesy of Getty[/caption]

Lastly, I must mention the lovely, limber U.S. Gymnastics team.  McKayla Maroney, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, Gabby Douglas and Alexandra Raisman looked gorgeous and so happy to be there.  I adored the light pink dress McKayla, aka my lookalike, wore by Erin Fetherston.

[caption id="attachment_1392" align="aligncenter" width="435"] Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Wire Image[/caption]

Gabby was on fire when she graced the stage alongside Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj.  America's Golden Girl lept, flipped and smiled during Keys' inspirational song "Girl On Fire" in a sparkly top and leather-like leggings.