Wednesday, September 12, 2012

FROTHY, DREAM-LIKE CONFECTIONS AND FLUID, FLOOR-LENGTH GOWNS EFFORTLESSLY TAKE THE RUNWAY AT BADGLEY MISCHKA

Mark Badgley and James Mischka's fairy-like line-up was inspired by the designers' fascination with A Midsummer Night's Dream. Sheer insets, intricate beading and brocade adorned structured frocks and flowing gowns in fawn, blush and cream. Sea foam, powder blue, plum, bordeaux and coral were welcome interruptions from the neutrals and made a statement on fluid floor-length numbers.
Ethereal creations that reign the red carpet may be the design duo's specialty, but there were also plenty of picks for the pretty-young-things in the work place. Soft peplums and scalloped hems paired well with fluid trousers and tweed blazers, while shiny full skirts were daytime-appropriate when coupled with a tucked in blazer boasting silk lapels and a gold thread-laced tank.
Whether heading to the office or hitting the red carpet, Badgley Mischka's PYT's are sure to have plenty of arsenal in their closets to be glamourous, every single time.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

EDGY DETAILS ROCK FEMININE FROCKS AT BCBG MAX AZRIA AND ERIN FETHERSTON

There's nothing like spring in NYC in September! The Spring 2013 collections that kicked off New York Fashion Week today were budding with easy silhouettes in delicate fabrics and juxtaposed with hardware, leather and cheeky prints for a charming mix that is both effeminate and enchantress.
At BCBG Max Azria, models exuded subtle sex appeal in slinky sportswear-esque numbers with sheer insets and bondage-inspired panels. Removable leather harnesses radiated fierce femininity on ankle-grazing crepe creations, while the muted geometric motif that cropped up was a refreshing substitute for spring florals. Pops of coral, blue and pale pink punctuated the mostly white, black and gray line up for a collection that is sure to let out the BCBG girl's inner goddess in one way or another, harness optional.
Erin Fetherston's presentation featured up-and-comer Alexandra McDermott in frothy pink confections, monochromatic mod-inspired shifts, and separates in cheeky prints. Always one to wax whimsical, Fetherston incorporated hardware and leather to toughen up her damsels' duds. Her girly/edgy mash-up was fully realized with a silver grommet-lined pink leather jacket paired with shiny leather leggings. Keeping up with the fanciful fun, a sequined zebra decorated a simple black shift while lipstick-lined lips covered mini dresses and separates. Ethereal floor-sweeping gowns in vibrant tangerine and canary and a fitted nude pantsuit were pleasant interruptions from the mostly black, white and blush-colored collection. Whether or not Fetherston's lovely ladies are inclined to test out her newest eclectic offerings, they are sure to have some pretty pickings to carry them through the spring.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

CIAO ANNA...

R.I.P. Anna Piaggi, the eccentric, blue-haired fashion journalist who made her own sartorial rules.

Monday, July 23, 2012

DRUGSTORE BEAUTY BUYS THAT OFFER MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Adore Dior? Mad about MAC? Beauty mavens who love ‘em are loyal to the brands’ theatrics and ability to transform a look from basic to bold. Though designer beauty products are a bit more accessible than their fashion counterparts, they can still break bank when you have to replace them every few months. The good news is, you can paint your face with affordable drugstore options and still create the dreamy, dramatic Dior or MAC effect.
DiorShow mascara is a cult favorite among the celeb set. Renowned for its ability to lengthen and condition, DiorShow offers falsies in a tube without the glue or the aggravation. Sound too good to be true? The average price for DiorShow mascara is $24.40, which can be steep for a tube you’re going to have to toss after a couple of months. A more affordable option for beauty addicts who crave the same results without cramping their cash flow is Maybelline Great Lash mascara. A beauty veteran, Great Lash has been thickening and lengthening lashes for over 35 years. Easily identifiable with its iconic pink tube and green cap, it costs only $5.00 and is sold at most drugstores. Actress Kate Beckinsale divulged to InStyle that Great Lash in Very Black is her must-have beauty buy because it doesn’t flake, cake and is “really cheap and you can get it anywhere.” With endless designer beauty products at her disposal, the fact that the Brit beauty chooses a drug store bargain makes her seem just a little more human.
Dior’s Crayon Eyeliner is a fan favorite for its ability to linger on lids. Precise, waterproof and easy to use, the product is a beauty no-brainer if you have the bucks. An affordable option that counts actress AnnaSophia Robb as a fan is Revlon’s ColorStay Eyeliner. Versatile and inexpensive, the liner glides along lids easily and can be layered to up the dramatics. Robb told Seventeen she applies the cheap find in the morning to look fresh and smudges the liner at night with a cotton swab to achieve a smoky eye.
Makeup aficionados love the confident and cheeky lineup in MAC’s beauty boudoir. The eye shadows’ rich pigments and smooth finishes are undeniable, but can cost a pretty penny to the price conscious consumer. L’Oreal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Bright Duos contends with MAC’s assorted shadows when it comes to quality and pigment, and at $7.99, all of you shadow junkies can stock up. Available in ten different cheekily named duo shades, HiP offers crease protection and easily contours and blends for a MAC worthy look.
MAC’s creamy blushes are a hit for the just-got-back-from-the-beach dewy finish they lend to faces. For a blush that has similar coverage and imparts that natural MAC flush, try CoverGirl TruCheeks. Makeup artist Craig Beaglehole tested the bargain drugstore find ($5.99!) on clients for a week and found that the blush trio worked great for highlighting and contouring cheekbones.
Head to your favorite drugstore locale with an image of the look you’re going for and an open mind. Whether you’re a Target gal or a CVS chick, you’ll be sure to find a few drugstore delights that will tickle your fancy without spending a fortune.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

CELEB STYLE: ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY EFFORTLESSLY NAILS OFF-DUTY CHIC

Brit beauty and model-turned-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has graced magazine covers and red carpets in glamorous designer duds, but it’s her off-duty airport looks that have us wishing she’d take off more often. Always effortlessly casual and cool, Rosie’s arsenal of airport essentials usually includes a fitted leather jacket, distressed denim, an oversized scarf and a statement tote. Never one to disappoint, Rosie is ready to take flight in yet another airport-ready ensemble in a black motorcycle jacket, basic grey tee, a printed scarf and perfectly worn-in, whiskered and cuffed boyfriend jeans. We love that she grounds her look with comfortable chain-strap Yosi Samra flats, a large slouchy tote and oversized aviators. Get inspired and shop my picks to channel Rosie’s casual chic look for your own off-duty days.
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

THIS WEEK'S BEST DRESSED

Style mavens were out in full force and they were perfectly-frocked and well-heeled. Simple elegance ruled on actresses Camilla Belle and Ruth Wilson, who chose solid palettes and fit-and-flare silhouettes. Models Natalia Vodianova and Harley Viera-Newton both made appearances in their designer-best, while industry veteran Lauren Santo Domingo hit a style note in the season's "it" color, mint green. Click through to take a look at this week's best dressed.
Camilla Belle wore a cream fit-and-flare Reiss dress and YSL cap toe pumps to the Tribeca Film Festival jury lunch at the Tribeca Grill Loft.
Harley Viera-Newton showcased spring's chic pastels in Dolce & Gabbana at Chanel's Tribeca Film Festival dinner.
Lauren Santo Domingo wore a feathery mint green Oscar de la Renta frock to the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence Gala honoring Bill Cunningham in NYC.
Natalia Vodianova in Christian Dior Couture in Shanghai.
Ruth Wilson wore a tulle bustier McQ Alexander McQueen dress with velvet appliques, Alexander McQueen Mary Jane pumps and a Alexander McQueen clutch at the Olivier Awards in London.

Monday, April 30, 2012

CELEBRITY LOOKS OF THE WEEK - KATE, KOURTNEY, COBIE AND MORE!

This week's fashion roundup has celebrities in their finest red carpet-ready frocks. We're loving that effortless chic seemed to be the theme that hit the latest movie premieres and industry events from NYC to Shanghai. Jennifer Lopez and Leighton Meester took their fashion know-how out of the states in a body-con number and a floaty confection, respectively, while Kourtney Kardashian fittingly bathed her bump in a feminine black baby doll dress. From Kate Beckinsale's thigh-grazing slit on her little black stunner to Cobie Smulders' floor-sweeping tangerine number, this week's looks have me wishing I had some red carpet events of my own to go to. Click through to see the top celeb looks of the week.
Kate Beckingsale wore a J. Mendel number and nude Nicholas Kirkwood heels to the Cancun photo call for her new movie Total Recall.
Jennifer Lopez attended a press conference at Boulevard3 Club in color-blocked, second-skin Lanvin with crystal snake wrap and Giuseppe Zanott ankle-strap pumps.
Kourtney Kardashian stepped out in a black Gomez-Garcia baby doll dress and neon accessories for the E! Upfront press conference in NYC.
Cobie Smulders turned heads at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC in a tangerine Reem Acra gown with embellished cap sleeves, a Judith Leiber clutch and gold accessories by H. Stern and Ippolita.
Leighton Meester rocked a black lace and tulle Marchesa frock with satin pumps and Harry Winston jewels at the opening of two Harry Winston stores in Shanghai.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

RALPH LAUREN GOES FOR THE GOLD WITH A 2012 TEAM USA OLYMPIC COLLECTION

Ralph Lauren unveils the closing ceremony uniforms for the nearly 800 athletes of the US Olympic team, which they’ll wear in London this summer. Mostly all white, Lauren’s latest collection consists of vintage-inspired polos, shirt-dresses, button-downs, sweaters and pants. Accessories include patriotic-inspired jackets, luggage, glasses, newsboy caps, booties, belts and beach towels. This marks the third time Lauren’s signature Americana sportswear has hit the Olympics. The designer outfitted the athletes in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Lauren’s involvement is part of an agreement between Polo Ralph Lauren and the US Olympic Committee. The Ralph Lauren 2012 Team USA Olympic Collection will go on sale online and in stores on May 15. Select pieces are on sale now at RalphLauren.com. Polo is reportedly paying 10 percent of royalties on sales of merchandise featuring the Olympic seal to the US Olympic Committee. The opening ceremony parade uniforms Lauren created for the US team will be revealed in July.

Friday, March 30, 2012

SPRING TREND AWAKENING: EVERYTHING'S COMING UP FLORAL ON PANTS

Wardrobes are sure to flourish this spring with the prettiest floral arrangements popping up on skinny jeans, cropped pants and slim-cut trousers. Wallflowers will no doubt transform into sartorial trendsetters with this blossoming trend that was seen scattered on limbs on the runways of Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang in watercolor washes and abstract designs. Paired with matching full-bloom tops and bright accessories, the look was as intoxicating as a spring garden. To take the trend from runway to real way, stick with prints proportional to your size. Tall gals can pull off a large print while petite ladies should stick to a ditsty floral. Balance your bold bottoms with a simple, monochromatic top and a blazer in a color that runs throughout the floral motif. Then ground your floral-adorned stems with flats or heels in a bright hue that picks up another color in the print to create a standout spring ensemble. Read on to shop through the prettiest picks that will be sure to put a little bloom in your step, no green thumb necessary.
Aquilano.Rimondi Floral-Print Capri Pants ($357.00) Pair floral cropped pants with a motif matching top to rock a runway-worthy look.
Heritage 1981 High-Rise Floral Pants ($19.90) A high waist and playful pleats take floral trousers from casual to cool when coupled with a denim shirt and ankle booties.
ASOS Skinny Pants in Floral Print ($63.63) A basic tank and strappy heels anchor the bold print on floral skinnies.
Zimmermann Multicolored Floral Dreamer Track Pants ($210.00) These are anything but your average track pants when layered with a tank and fitted blazer.
Christian Wijnants Floral Print Trousers ($524.00) Punch up neutral floral trousers with a neon tee and equally bright-hued heels.
Current/Elliott Stiletto-Haystack Floral ($214.00) A neutral-hued henley shirt and earthy gladiator sandals give floral sherbet shades a down time vibe.
Forever 21 Floral Cigarette Pants (19.80) Accent ditsy floral print cigarette pants with a feminine tie-waist blouse and ankle strap platforms.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Horizon teal floral silk pants ($430.00) Silk floral pants are not just for the boudoir when paired with a crop top and stacked heels.
Kookai Floral Capri Pant ($136.34) Tropical-inspired florals scream spring when married with a cropped lace tank and wicker wedges.
J Brand Luxe Twill Mid Rise Capri Mini Floral Print in Sugar Cane ($203.00) Take mid-rise capris to new heights with wooden platforms and a loose button down.
3.1 Phillip Lim Slim Floral-Print Pants ($295.00) Go back to basics with ankle-grazing floral pants and your favorite crew neck tee.
ASOS PETITE Floral Print Pant Suit ($118.16) A matching floral print pant suit can be overwhelming. Stick with prints proportional to your size and ground the look with a sleek heel.
Alice + Olivia Pants - Five Pocket Capri ($124.60) Candy-colored capris are a delectable combination when coupled with a sheer blouse and T-strap platforms.
girl. by Band of Outsiders Floral Drawstring Pants ($325.00) Lightweight jersey and a drawstring waistband lend these flower motif pants an air of effortless cool.
Peter Som Floral Tweed Trousers ($865.00) Take your florals from the office to after-hour cocktails in a pair of slim-cut tweed trousers.
Joe's Jeans The Skinny Blooming Floral Jeans ($179.00) Show off your artsy side in abstract floral denim. Stick with neutral add-ons to keep the focus on your florals.
Paige Premium Denim Skyline Chello Floral-Print Ankle Peg Jeans ($189.00) Streamline tapered multicolored floral jeans with a basic v-neck tee and stacked platforms.
7 For All Mankind Jeans - Skinny Jeans in Garden Party Floral ($151.20) Keep a busy floral print the focal point of your ensemble by topping them off with a scoop-neck tee and neutral-hued shoes.
Rich & Skinny The Legacy Floral Print Jeans ($121.99) Cotton candy colored floral prints lend a feminine vibe to skinny denim.
J Brand Large Floral Capri Skinny Jeans ($203.00) A cherry blossom motif on cropped skinny jeans marries masculine and feminine when paired with a fedora and oxfords.