Fashion Archives - Page 2 of 3

RED CARPET REPORT – Grammy fashion

So the Grammy Awards were last night, when we get to watch the music industry’s best, brightest and greatest legends come together for a night of amazing performances and often times crazy Grammy fashion. Musicians are not like other celebrities – they don’t have to fear the worst dressed list because the same rules don’t apply to them. If Lady Gaga wants to come dressed as a purple duck we can call it performance art and a great Grammy moment because these artists are just that… artists. How they dress can be entirely who they are for that moment, that performance, that red carpet. Madonna has long been the queen of reinvention and Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nikki Minaj, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna all follow that line of fashion risk taking. They are often caricatures of themselves and they’re having fun and giving us something to talk about… Last night we didn’t get Lady Gaga, but we did get Madonna in Ralph Lauren’s menswear inspired runway look, Katy Perry in Valentino Couture look #1 fresh off the Paris runway and Beyonce bringing it as always in an incredibly sexy Michael Costello gown. Check out some of my favorite Grammy fashion wild style from the evening…

left to right: Beyonce in Michael Costello, Madonna in Ralph Lauren and Katy Perry in Valentino Haute Couture

Of course, now we need to talk about some of my Grammy fashion favorites that stood head and shoulders above the rest for their sexy, sleek glam. All that glitters was a huge trend last night and the ladies that took gold for me were Taylor, Chrissy and Ciara. Taylor Swift looked better than ever (and too the Grammy fashion gold for me last night) in glimmering Gucci Premiere, Chrissy Teigen was legendary in Johanna Johnson and Ciara… Well, a very pregnant Ciara glowed for expectant momma’s everywhere in Emilio Pucci showing us how maternity red carpet should be done! Check out these gorgeous golden glamazons…

left to right: Ciara in Emilio Pucci, Taylor Swift in Gucci Premiere and Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Finally, there had to be the sexy ladies of the Grammy’s – those ladies that took the plunge. Streamline, body skimming gowns with necklines so low one could only imagine the amount of double sided tape being used to prevent any potential wardrobe malfunctions. My other favorite of the evening was the amazing Miranda Lambert in a gorgeous Pamella Roland gown in the hot color of the awards season – red. Miranda brought exactly the right balance of sexy, chic glam (and I’m not just saying that because my bestie, and Max’s God Mom, Tiffany Gifford is her stylist). Other ladies that took the sexy Grammy fashion plunge were presenter Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys looking beautiful in blue Armani Prive. The ladies (and their ladies) looked incredible, and fortunately there were no Grammy Fashion violations (aka nip slips) despite the down to their necklines. Check out some of last nights sexiest looks…

left to right: Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland, Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys in Armani Prive.

RUNWAY REPORT… Couture fashion for the red carpet

Couture Fashion week is happening in Paris at the moment and for those of you who don’t work in fashion – this is when designers show off their ultimate most innovative, expensive and beautiful designs. For those of us who work in fashion – couture is what makes our hearts beat faster and truly is art. These dresses will not see the racks of Saks or Nordstroms – these are usually one offs many costing in the six figures – they are hand made from the most exquisite fabrics by the most talented design teams. Where you WILL see them is on the red carpet. And with awards season upon us, keep an eye out for some of these amazing designs. Couture fashion week happens just at the right time for these gowns to potentially make appearances on the biggest stars in the world. With the Grammys coming up on Sunday stylists and designers will be desperately trying to get these dresses to LA from Paris for their red carpet debut. Some of the wilder more daring (super sheer and sexy) designs will probably be the hot ticket dresses for Sunday, while the more conservative but equally stunning gowns are probably being fought over right now for the Academy Awards. I have put together some select favorites from a few of the couture fashion show so that you too can be in the know and keep an eye out to see which of your favorite celebrities will be wearing what… There were blacks, whites, nudes, pastels, reds, metallics and so much adornment you would think Liberace himself had a hand in these designs. No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked. Here are some of the most exquisite gowns from couture fashion week – who do you think should wear these looks on the red carpet? (PS – click on any of these pics to see the whole collection)

Chanel Spring Couture 2014

Elie Saab Spring Couture 2014 (there were soooooo many beautiful dresses – impossible to narrow down – see for yourself by clicking on the picture)

Atelier Versace Spring Couture 2014

Christian Dior Spring Couture 2014 (PS – Jennifer Lawrence is the face of Dior so her Oscar gown and recent Golden Globes gown were both Dior – she will most likely be wearing Dior for the upcoming Oscars)

Giambattista Valli Spring Couture 2014

Armani Prive Spring Couture 2014

Zuhair Murad Spring Couture 2014 ( a favorite amongst celebs like Jennifer Lopez – some of these incredibly sexy and revealing gowns may make an appearance on Sunday if they make the flight in time! Hope there’s plenty of double sided tape to prevent wardrobe malfunctions – a big Grammy no-no!)

Valention Spring Couture 2014 (could someone wear the operatic music score number he opened with for the Grammys?)

GOLDEN GLOBES RED CARPET STYLE REPORT

Last night was the Golden Globes and all the stars were out in their black tie best to celebrate the occasion. I think its fair to say that the evening was full of plenty of glam! I of course wanted to do a Golden Globes red carpet style report to discuss the trends and best dressed of the evening. My best dressed of the evening was new comer and instant style icon, Lupita Nyongo’o in a stunning red Ralph Lauren caped gown. Which brings me to my first big trend – the color red. Various shades orangey undertones to deep red with blue undertones – these ladies put the red in red carpet!

left to right: Lupita Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren, Amy Adams in Valentino Couture, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez and Emma Watson in Dior Couture

I would like to do an extra shout out to Emma Watson for her fashion risk of wearing a look that was dress in the front but layered over trousers and open in the back – it was daring, yes, but modern and completely age appropriate – she was absolutely one of my favorites!

Another huge (unsurprising) his of the evening was black. No ordinary black, there was lace, tulle, beading, embellishment, gold accents and plenty of curvy silhouettes. These were not your safe little black dresses – these were statement dresses (hello Sofia Vergara and Cate Blanchett – 2 more favorites). These ladies put the black in black tie fabulous!

left to right: Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive, Sofia Vergara in Zac Posen, Emma Roberts in Lanvin and Juliana Margulies in Andrew Gn

Another white hot trend was shades of light (as I call it). The golden globes red carpet style could be seen from the moon it was emitting so much light. There was white, cream, pale golds, nudes and silvers – whatever creative name you want to put on it – these gowns were glorious, ethereal and glowing. 2 of my favorites Naomi Watts (in Tom Ford) and new comer Margot Robbie (in Gucci) absolutely killed it in their body skimming light gowns. Once again, there was nothing basic about these shades of light – there was lace, organza, beading and all the adornment you could expect from the biggest stars on one of the most prestigious red carpets…

left to right: Naomi Watts in Tom Ford, Margot Robbie in Gucci, Emilia Clarke in Proenza Schouler and red carpet darling, Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture

While we’re talking about color, I need to talk about the color green – it wasn’t everywhere but it was pretty and present and in various hues and silhouettes. I say silhouette because green was the color that two of my favorite expectant (and incredibly glamorous) ladies chose to style their bumps. I am talking about Kerry Washington in the palest green Balenciaga and one of my very favorites of the night, Olivia Wilde in a sparkly Gucci gown. I hate to use so many lame puns – but I was green with envy!

left to right: Olivia Wilde in Gucci, Kerry Washington in Balenciaga, Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham and Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein

Another hot Golden Globes red carpet style trend was color blocked gowns! Color blocking has been a popular trend for a number of year but seeing it at the highest level in these incredible gowns was jaw dropping. Yes, there was lots of black and white together – but the use of colors – both contrasting and tonal was magnificent and fresh. Amy Adams absolutely killed it in Valentino Couture gown – another of my favorite looks – which featured 2 of the hot colors of the night – red and red! This was definitely a big red carpet trend and great for ladies who are torn on what color to wear…

left to right: Sandra Bullock in Prabal Gurung, Julie Bowen in Carolina Herrera, Taylor Swift in Carolina Herrera and Aubrey Plaza in Oscar de la Renta

Finally, I want to talk about the surprise scene stealers of the night… I’m talking about shoes baby! That’s right, most shoes don’t get much air time at these black tie red carpet events… These gorgeous heels are usually hidden behind layer so fabric which musty be frustrating for shoe designers and uncomfortable for the celebs wearing these incredible shoes without getting to show them off! This year we got lots and lots of shoe sightings on the Golden Globes red carpet thanks to some thigh high slits (thank you Amber Heard and Margot Robbie) but designers were definitely experimenting with some high low hemlines. Everyone from Sandra Bullock, Zoe Deschanel to the expectant Drew Barrymore showed some ankle and shoe love in these high low hemlines. Furthermore, there was more tea length than usual (which cuts just below the knee) which Sarah Paulson showed off in Marchesa as did Emma Thompson who actually came out to present an award carrying her sky high Christian Louboutins proclaiming the red was actually her blood. So, congratulations to all those amazing shoe designers out there who finally got the exposure they deserve at these black tie events!

clockwise from the upper left: Amber Heard in Atelier Versace (and Jimmy Choo shoes), Sandra Bullock in Prabal Gurung (and Jimmy Choo shoes), Michelle Dockery in Oscar de la Renta (and Christian Louboutin shoes), Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhuillier (and Roger Vivier shoes), Elizabeth Moss in J. Mendel (with Stuart Weitzman shoes) and Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung (with Christian Louboutin shoes)

Golden Globes red carpet madness!

Flashback to one of my first posts on red carpet trends… Its the Golden Globes today and Max and I are gearing up for some red carpet fun. My prediction for the Golden Globes red carpet trends remains the same as it was several months ago – black, shades of white (from diamond white, to ivory to the palest colors) and shades of coral (from the pinkier to the more vibrant red orange hues) as well as lots of sheer, lace, embellishment and sexy! See below for some of my favorite dresses from the F/W 2014 collections for looks I’m hoping to see on my favorite celebrities on the Golden Globes red carpet. I’m looking forward to seeing what stylish mom nominees like Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Kate Winslet will being, not to mention those hilarious moms hosting the show – Tina Fey (a fellow greek) and Amy Poehler… And of course, one of my favorite fashionistas – Kerry Washington is fully pregnant – how will she chose to style the bump? I’m looking forward to all the Golden Globes red carpet hits, misses and bling!

left to right: Elie Saab, J Mendel and Roberto Cavalli

Golden Globes red carpet trend predictions

left to right: Marchesa, Naeem Khan and Naeem Khan

left to right: Monique L’Huillier, Calvin Klein and Elie Saab

MOMMA NEEDS… sparkly dresses for the holidays

Its holiday time ladies, so here it is, more party dresses for us! I’m focusing this post specifically on sparkly, shiny metallic dresses for all of your party needs – just because your a momma doesn’t mean you can’t be dazzling. Nothing transforms you as quickly as a sparkly frock, its amazing what a little shine can do. It may sound crazy, but dressing up is good for the soul. There are so few opportunities to do so and putting on a beautiful dress and doing your hair and makeup can truly breathe new life into you… The chance to not just be a mom for an evening but to be the glamorous woman we forget we can be most of the year. It seems so daunting, but try to enjoy it, and I’ll help out with some of my top dresses at every price point! PS – stay tuned, I will be following this up with a post for holiday style options for our little ones in a bit..

BREAK THE BANK:

Saint Laurent dress $8490

Donna Karan dress $2495

Herve Leger dress $1550

Marc Jacobs dress $2100

UNDER $1000:

Vivienne Westwood dress $765

Haute Hippie dress $795

UNDER $750:

Issa dress $725

Sue Wong dress $508

Alice and Olivia dress $596

UNDER $500:

Shoshanna dress $360

Parker dress $374

Ali Ro dress $308

BCBG dress $398

Aidan Mattox dress $365

UNDER $250

Club Monaco dress $198.50

Zara dress $119

Topshop dress $140

MICHAEL by Michael Kors dress $175

UNDER $100:

Asos dress $88.99

Nasty Gal dress $68

Aqua dress $75.60

UNDER $50:

Forever 21 dress $22.80

BB Dakota dress $46

MOMMA WANTS… the victoria beckham dress!!! what we really really want

Clap. Clap… Clap. Victoria Beckham, you are not just a spice girl. Victoria Beckham you are not just wife to one of the hottest men on earth and not just mother to his FOUR beautiful children… You are, in fact, a messenger sent from another world sent to give women what they want… the perfect little dress. Equal parts ladylike and sexy. Black, white and every color in between, you are KILLING IT! I covet everything you come out with. So, I have one request. Mother to mother. Do a diffusion line!!!!! I hear H&M do some killer collaborations (wink wink). Your insane eye should not be reserved only for those able to spend in the thousands for the perfect dress. I salute you and for those who are not familiar, here are some recent hot dresses from the posh one herself, Victoria Beckham (ps – a moderately price kids like wouldn’t go a miss either)…

Victoria Beckham dress $1895 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $1895 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2150 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2195 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2350 available at www.netaporter.com

victoria beckham little black and blue dress

Victoria Beckham dress $2350 available at www.netaporter.com

Victoria Beckham dress $2695 available at www.netaporter.com

RUNWAY REINVENTED… bambi gets high fashion

Designers find inspiration from many places… The designer’s own archives, street style, movies, art and often their own childhoods. Givenchy designer, Ricardo Tisci, often uses graphic prints in his designs which sets the fashion world on fire and sends fashion editors and celebrities alike clamoring to get his latest “it” piece. His growling rotteweiler print tops sold out immediately when they came out years ago and inspired countless knock offs. Well, for his Fall/Winter collection he sent out a new print inspired from his youth – a bambi print fused with the image of a lady. Once again celebrities and the fashion elite went nuts over the look and it has already been photographed on countless celebrities and been featured in every magazine that could get their hands on it. Furthermore, Kim Kardashian instagrammed a picture of a miniature version of the top which Tisci (longtime friend and collaborator of Kanye West) sent for baby Noth. So, once again we have the age old circle of fashion of who inspires who… Perhaps our children might be more stylish than we are – setting trends before they even become trends… Here are the Givenchy pieces that have hit stores and some options for our little ones to keep up with the trend (before they start setting the next ones)…

Givench sweatshirt $1219.05

Givenchy sweatshirt $1375 WAS available at www.netaporter.com ***SOLD OUT

Givenchy bambi t-shirt $653.12

Givenchy clutch $2340 available at www.netaporter.com

H&M t-shirt $9.95 available at www.hm.com

Zara t-shirt $17.90 available at www.zara.com

And, while its not the bambi print, here is another Givenchy combination print top that actually IS still available to buy (for now) and a few other inspired ways for us to get the look…

Givenchy t-shirt $570 available at www.netaporter.com

Zara sweatshirt $59.90 available at www.zara.com

Zara sweatshirt $35.90 available at www.zara.com

MOMMA LOVES… the most fabulous shoes

This is for all my fellow shoe addicts out here. This isn’t about practical footwear – this is about fantasy, whimsy and imagination. These are the shoes that made me stop in my tracks and fall in love. These are not necessarily the shoes you buy, they’re the ones you dream about… and every now and then when you can’t stop dreaming they end up in your closet. That’s okay. I always say, its good to want things. Its not the worst thing in the world to find a pair of shoes inspiring, intoxicating and to occasionally make a guilty purchase. These are conversation starters… They are inspired, divine, expensive and far closer to art than just an accessory. These are the shoes that Carrie Bradshaw would be coveting this very moment. For your footwear fantasies…

fantasy shoes happily ever after charlotte olympia

Charlotte Olympia happily ever after pumps $845 available at www.netaporter.com

Sergio Rossi butterfly sandals $1150 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

ruffled pumps whimsical shoes nicholas kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood ruffled pumps $950 available at www.netaporter.com

crystal shoes high heels Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin crystal daffodil pumps $6395 available at www.netaporter.com

amazing shoes fantasy sandals Giuseppe Zanotti

Giuseppe Zanotti gold wing sandals $1595 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

Givenchy rose camouflage sandals $950 available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

MOMMA WANTS… the little bright dress

Okay, so I have a Roland Mouret dress in black. It is my go-to little black dress and with good reason. NOBODY cuts like Roland Mouret… when I put on that dress I feel like a million dollars. I look like a million dollars. It was THE dress that post baby made me believe I got my body back (and ladies, they say it takes 9 months to put it on, 9 months to take it off – it took me a year). So, here are some beautiful bright numbers that make me smile and fantasize. Will, I buy any of them, probably not – I’m going to have preschool to pay for in a few years. But it’s something to aspire to, dream of and have on my wish list. Trust me, you will see these pop up again in the upcoming months when I do pages on the best Holiday dresses because he’s always one of my favorites!

Roland Mouret dress $2550 available at www.netaporter.com

Roland Mouret dress $2285 available at www.netaporter.com

MOMMA NEEDS… the leather leggings (or at least leather like)

It may sound crazy – you may think you can’t wear leather leggings – but you can and you will feel comfortable (because they’re leggings) and you’ll look amazing (because they’re leather – or at least look like leather). I wore my Helmut Lang leggings during pregnancy with a tunic top and a little blazer for a night out and even more significantly, I wore them in the few months post baby (when I still had the post baby pouch) and they made me feel human again because I could look in the mirror and feel good about what I saw. Furthermore, I frequently wear them now and they’re one of the go to staples in my wardrobe. Yes, the Helmut Lang leather leggings are expensive but when I think how often I wear them, how many compliments I get and that they’re still as relevant today (he does them every year) as they were when I bought them 2 years ago for me they were a great investment. That said, see below for some alternative leather legging options as well as leather like options that will give you the same look for a fraction of the price (side note – for those women currently pregnant – the Asos leggings below also come in a maternity option!).