Posts tagged style
Red Carpet Rundown: Sparkle and Edge at KAUFMANFRANCO
Feb 17th
Front Row Included: Ashley Greene, Maggie Grace, June Ambrose, Joanna Coles, Jane Krakowski (not surprising since she wore the designer to the recent SAG Awards)
Number of Looks: 38
Stand-Outs: Fringed silver sequin dresses, streamlined gowns, dark neutral leather and fur pairings
This was another show with its finger on the pulse of awards season. Always seen on the red carpet, this runway didn’t disappoint with a healthy mix of sparkle and edge. The full-length gowns were accented with cut-outs, sheer panels, feathers, and – my favorite – sequined silver fringe. Fingers crossed that the front row ladies were scoping out their next awards ensemble!
While the gowns were certainly the finale stars of the show, the luxe leather and fur accents gave this show wearable substance. Playing off a palette of neutrals, the designer used luxurious textures and a touch of sparkle to supplement the rich use of earth tones. A few notable looks included brown fur jackets mixed with either a miniskirt or skin-tight leather leggings (of which Joanna Coles, Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan and former EIC of Marie Claire, was spotted snapping multiple photos).
Moral of this story? Stock up on dark neutrals in exotic textures as a sure-fire way to shine this fall.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Runway Rundown: Red Carpet Moments at Reem Acra
Feb 12th
Front Row Attendees: Katherine Heigl, Tinsley Mortimer, Robert Verdi
Number of Looks: 35, ranging from outerwear to gowns
Stand-Outs: Use of fishnet in formal gowns, colored fur, draped sequins, Asian-influenced detailing
If you’re as awards show-crazy as we are, then you can understand our obsession with Reem Acra’s show yesterday. Tons of glitter has always been our MO, so we were thrilled to see a healthy dose of sparkle on the runway. The highlights of the show included the more traditional, perfectly-tailored, sequin gowns; the tulle peplum, red-carpet-worthy dresses; and the black-tie utilization of fishnet mesh.
The head-to-toe sparkle look also popped up at other shows – see KAUFMANFRANCO and Dennis Basso – just in time for the Oscars. But aside from your basic full-sequin numbers, we went crazy over the sheer details that used mesh overlays instead of your basic sheer fabric. In addition, Asian-inspired ornate details popped up on a number of the looks in this collection, from mandarin collars to the tulle and embroidered gowns that ended the show. The finale dress – a black mesh and tulle gown with ornate, red details extending over the bodice – was museum-worthy and red-carpet ready.
We’ll be looking for the silver draped beading gowns and the tulle and fishnet-paneled dresses on the red carpet – especially if the CBS Grammys dress code becomes a trend – perfect for fashion risk-takers with a slightly traditional palette. For the more casual crowd, kimono-inspired dresses and capes galore strutted down the runway, complete with fur details (a Fall 2013 staple). The lesson from this show? Grab your cape and your luxe-detailed pieces, with your choices ranging from fur to leather to embroidery to formal tulle.
Check out the entire collection here!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
The Top Seven Looks to Know from the Grammys
Feb 11th
Best dressed and worst dressed are fairly subjective. So this Grammys, we’re giving you a look at the seven red carpet appearances that you should know.
1. Taylor Swift in J.Mendel - A mixed bag on this one from critics, personally we like the grecian-dominatrix look, but admittedly it’s not her best.
2. Florence Welch in Givenchy - The reviews with this were all over the place, but either way it’s worth seeing this surely Jurassic Park-inspired ensemble. (And it’s worth noting that emerald green is the color of 2013.)
3. Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra Couture - It seems like the halftime show wasn’t the only boost to this former Destiny’s Child member’s career. This dress has elevated her to style stardom by critics and fans alike.
4. Rihanna in Azzedine Alaia - This was probably the biggest red carpet surprise of the night, with her pure elegance blowing the disco ball-wearing attendees straight out of the water. People are dying over this more classic look, and we are right there with them.
5. Beyonce in OSMAN by Osman Yousefzada - Bey can do no wrong, so basically everyone should know what she’s wearing. This pants option is a pseudo-fashion risk, yet not as buzz-worthy as some of the others.
6. Adele in Valentino - Yet another look that ran the spectrum of the critics’ picks. Some love this look, while others thought it was a bit dowdy and overrun with the floral print. We’re somewhere in the middle, but she definitely stood out.
7. Katy Perry in Gucci - This one is universally not liked, between the cleavage and the in-your-face spring green color. We’re right on board with that.
Stay tuned for our Oscars coverage in two weeks!
Photo credit: latimes.com
FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards 2013
Jan 28th
Ah, the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The awards show with a little more street cred than the commercial Oscars, but just enough class to make the red carpet an interesting mix. You can always tell when a celeb is saving her (or his) big fashion coming out moment for the Oscars, which makes this event a truly stylish warm-up. Here we count down the top five best style stars of the night.
5. Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta.
This was the absolute best choice Tina could have picked having just come off her moment at the Golden Globes. The elegant shape and flattering color was pushed into the “best dressed” category with that belt that only Oscar the Great could have designed.
4. Nina Dobrev in Elie Saab.
This is someone who gets it right every time she steps onto any type of carpet (I’m pretty sure she looks even good when she goes to Ikea). Hot pink is a pretty daring color, especially with the abundance of red, but the sleek silhouette with the subtle cut-outs made this look a home run.
3. Viola Davis in Monique Lhuillier.
One of the more under-the-radar stars at this year’s SAGs, it would have truly been a shame to have not noticed her on the carpet. She looked pretty amazing last year during the wave of The Help, but she managed to parlay her style stardom into this year’s awards as well.
2. Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior.
This look was so fantastic I literally couldn’t breathe. From the polished architectural details to her asymmetrical haircut, there is really only one word for this: obsessed.
1. Navy Blue on Everyone.
No seriously, everyone wore navy blue. Which means Carmen Electra and Jessica Lange were both wearing the same color. The other notable list of celebs donning this color included Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen, and Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood. Clearly navy came in as the winner of the evening, with the biggest comeback since school uniforms were invented.
See you all in two weeks to dissect the Grammys!
Photo credit to: highlighthollywood.com, gossipcenter.com, popsugar.com, hollywoodreporter.com, digitalspy.com, cocoperez.com, movies.yahoo.com
Inauguration 2013: Favorite Fashion Moments
Jan 22nd
As I tuned into the Inauguration festivities, I couldn’t help but intently focus on what the key players were wearing. From the FLOTUS outfit changes to Beyoncé’s tune-belting ensemble, this ceremony only proved that politics and fashion are no longer mutually exclusive. Here are our top five style moments from the ceremonies:
5. Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Reception in Michael Kors - A repeat outfit from 2009, this black sequin dress is further proof that the First Lady is a woman of the people. How many of us go to a little black sparkly dress for a black tie event and try to economize their closets?
4. Sasha and Malia Obama on Inauguration Day in J. Crew and Kate Spade - Wearing shades of purple, theFirst Kids (Disney throwback anyone?) proudly donned American designers and looked adorably chic. There’s nothing I love more than sisters who wear matching outfits or who have the foresight to alter a look just by changing buttons on a coat.
3. Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Ball in Jason Wu - Since Michelle really only had three color choices, I love that she went with a twisted halter neckline and a flowing shape. This really shows that women of all ages can wear bold colors without looking matronly. Plus is it just me or does this remind you of a modern take on Motown’s full-length, red sequin dresses?
2. Beyoncé and Jay-Z on Inauguration Day - Let’s be honest, we care about what Jay-Z wore to the point where he looked presentable next to the former Sasha Fierce. B’s intricate Pucci gown was understatedly ah-mazing, and I’m so glad that someone new has become the ambassador to emerald jewelry.
1. Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day in custom Thom Browne - This whole look just works. From the impeccable tailoring to the accented jewel belt to the gloves that matched her daughters’ outfits, Mrs. O did everything right with this. She directed enough attention to herself without taking over the event and she balanced the line between fashion-forward and conservative perfectly. And if I had the chance to go custom-made, I would jump at it.
Tell us what was your favorite look on our Facebook or reach out to us on Twitter!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Photo credits: Glamour.com, Philly.com, Bellastyles.com, Newswhip.com, HuffingtonPost.com
FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2013
Jan 14th
With another award season officially kicking off last night, we are here to weigh in on the best and worst dressed starlets hitting the red carpet. First up: The Golden Globes! From the sparkly style stars to the oh-no-it-hurts flops, Kristen, Ashley and Meghan tell us their picks of the night. Stay tuned for our takes on each awards show this season, and tell us your highs and lows on Facebook and Twitter!
The Best of the Best
Kristen’s Pick: Miranda Kerr in Zuhair Murad
I think Miranda was the epitome of old school Hollywood siren (even if she isn’t an actress…) in this is burgundy Zuhair Murad gown. If anyone could pull off a high slit and plunging neckline without making it look like they’re trying too hard, it’s her.
Honorable Mention: Kate Hudson knocked it out of the park in this McQueen number.
Ashley’s Pick: Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen
This entire look is completely flawless. From the intricate embellishment to the effortless blowout, Kate’s team was able to make her 100% relevant in this look. She was able to look completely put-together and fashion-forward without looking fussy or bizarre. I can’t even put into words how much I love this whole ensemble, it’s utterly breathless.
Honorable Mention: Kerry Washington rocked the sheer, nude and embellished trends all in one perfect Miu Miu package.
Meghan’s Pick: Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta
The always beautiful Jessica Alba looked maj in this Oscar de la Renta gown. The peachy color looks great on her olive skin and the breathtaking necklace breaks up the matching lipstick. Her soft curls pull the whole look together! She could have left the fluffy bag at home but I won’t hold it against this best dress nominee.
Honorable Mention: Nicole Richie’s blue patterned Naeem Khan dress looked stunning with the matching eye shadow.
Wayward Worst
Kristen’s Pick: I’m sorry but someone has to call the fashion police on Giuliana Rancic. I am usually all for classic, Downton Abby style dresses but Giulianna looks like she’s channeling Helena Bonham Carter in this goth-gone-wrong Celia Kritharioti dress. I can’t imagine G got Joan’s approval on this one.
Honorable Mention: Halle Berry is a babe, but this Versace dress was a fail.
Ashley’s Pick: It physically hurts to put Jessica Chastain in this category. I would like to officially go on record and say that I am obsessed with everything about her, all except this Calvin Klein dress. She’s a gorgeous canvas, but the fit and the hair choice served her a serious injustice.
Honorable Mention: Sienna Miller’s ode to wallpaper Erdem skirt and top.
Meghan’s Pick: Lucy Liu can pretty much pull anything off. This dress, not so much. While the silhouette isn’t horrible, the floral pattern and colors are. I do like the fullness of the dress and the fact that it has pockets (I always love leaving my bag at home).
Honorable Mention: Julianne Hough’s horrific Monique Lhuillier dress and poor makeup ensemble.
We’ll see you all in a couple weeks for our SAG Awards picks!
Go and Put Your Name on It (Or At Least Your Initials)
Jan 11th
I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many monograms. If I have the option to monogram something, I will absolutely take advantage of this. From pillows to necklaces to duffles, there’s no limit to what you can mark with your initials!
For traveling, I love this Large Sailcloth Duffel by J.McLaughlin. This bag is so classic, and the monogram is the perfect compliment. I love the navy, leather, and sailcloth combination. Plus there’s nothing better than incorporating nautical touches into your year-round essentials.
For everyday, you can’t go wrong sporting your initials on your jewelry. This necklace combines two of my favorite things: tortoise shell and monograms. I love tortoise shell because it’s so versatile and you can wear it with anything, and it definitely jazzes up any outfit. If tortoise shell isn’t your style of choice, going with a clean silver or gold never fails, or you could mix it up and go with a colored plastic material (our friends at Chic Streets carry tons of colors, just check out their Facebook to inquire about ordering). Since the shape is such a classic, you can definitely take risks with your color choice!
Scarves are the perfect compliment to any outfit, and adding a monogram is the perfect way to take your outfit to the next level. I love how this scarf from Marley Lilly comes in so many different colors and styles of monograms. Perfect for coordinating with a basic tee and jeans, or throwing over a strapless dress at a summertime wedding. My personal favorite is the circle block monogram for a classy and clean look.
~Molly, fashioniSTA
Happy Birthday, Kate Middleton!
Jan 9th
Whether she’s donning a wedding dress or remixing one of her previously worn outfits, we can’t get enough of Kate Middleton. Over the past year, we’ve seen her go from casual (in the South Pacific), to glam (in a custom-redesigned Matthew Williamson), to modern (hello, bangs!). We personally can’t wait to see how this soon-to-be mom ups the ante of maternity wear, but until that happens we’ll be celebrating her birthday in style (with our own fascinators, of course). Happy royal birthday!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
(images via Grazia, thebump.com, International Business Times, and trendmix.com)
Countdown to NYE: Part 3, Lounging Up
Dec 30th
While we love a great glittery New Years Eve party on the town, we know that staying in for NYE is so underrated. Have plans with a cushy couch, faux fur throw, and take-out this upcoming Monday night? Not to worry, you can still look (comfortably) fabulous as you usher in 2013 with Carson Daly on NBC.
Even when staying in, festive sequins are a doable feat. Try a sequined sweatshirt (like this one by Three Dots). Pair it with a comfy pair of leggings or cashmere lounge pants, and you’re ready to chicly welcome the New Year. If you want to keep sequins out of your at-home wardrobe, try a luxe cashmere tunic in a festive color with your skinnies and Minnetonka moccasins for an equally perfect look.
Whatever your look for an at-home New Years Eve, don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite bubbly (or mocktail!). And check out our New Years Eve tips as we countdown to the start of 2013 on our Pinterest board and daily Twitter inspiration!
~Meredith, fashioniSTA