Posts tagged Versace

FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2013

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!

Bestie-Hunting at the 2012 Emmys

As best friends, we might see the world a little differently. While the Emmys are great for fashion-gazing, we were on a mission to scope out a style bestie, obviously based on what they were wearing. Our criteria was simple, this person had to be dressed fabulously and bring something extra to the bestie table. I mean, you wouldn’t buy a skirt without asking your best friend if it looked good on you, right? Here are our top five contenders, let the games begin!

1. Sofia Vergara (in Zuhair Murad)
Always one of the most beautiful women on the red carpet, she usually plays it consistent with either an architectural dress or something pageanty by Carolina Herrera (we know, we’re disturbed by the notion too). But this emerald sequined number is a step out of her comfort zone, and on top of it she looks like a mermaid. Since we’re so over vampires and we’ve always wanted to learn how to breathe underwater (and talk to dolphins), she’s in!

2. Emily VanCamp (in J. Mendel)
Not only is she stunning in this ethereal gown, but the color makes her look just as badass as Emily Thorne (it’s always better to have someone like that in your inner circle). Plus did anyone notice the bow on her wrist? Obviously it’s a friendship bracelet, this girl knows the value of showing off your bestie love. Don’t be surprised if you see us arm-in-arm with her at the next awards show.

3. Christine Baranski (in the shortest, shiniest dress we’ve ever seen)
We know what you’re thinking, your eyes hurt. However, who wouldn’t want to be best friends with someone who doesn’t give a @$#! about her age when it comes to sequined minidresses? Plus, any style risk that we take would pale in comparison to this, making it much easier to divert ridicule.

4. Heidi Klum (in Alexandre Vauthier)
After a particularly bad breakup, one of us (no, we’re not telling who) was resigned to a week in terry cloth tracksuits before friends reminded how key it is to look our fashioniSTA best while on the rebound. Clearly, Heidi could be a friend like this, because in her barely-turquoise gown, she sends a single message to Seal: Eat. Your. Heart. Out.

5. Lucy Liu (in Versace)
We’ve loved Lucy Liu ever since her Charlie’s Angels days. (I mean, seriously, who didn’t love her then?) We loved her even more last night in her heavy metal Versace dress. We’re a sucker for sequin - the shinier, the better. We give her bestie bonus points for usability. Need to check lip gloss application? Just look down to get a perfect reflection.

~Ashley and Meredith, FashioniSTAs

FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2012

This year’s Golden Globe Awards was all about bold statements and futuristic flair. From silver metallic moments - that we saw on Nicole Richie and Lea Michele - to art deco details - as seen on Selma Hayek and Claire Danes - statement accents were everywhere. Even those who donned nude gowns for the occasion ramped up the drama with oversized skirts (Charlize Theron and Piper Perabo) and large-scale jewelry (Heidi Klum). And of course fringe hit the red carpet yet again, this time taking on celebs such as Emma Stone and Busy Phillips.

Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Freida Pinto in a teal, textured Prada. I’ll admit that I like when actresses go more timeless than trendy, and I think this gown had the best of both worlds. The classic shape was slightly modernized with the fuller silhouette at the bottom and the smaller accents, such as the belt and her stunning Chopard lattice choker. The texture was the perfect detail to make her stand out in the best way possible.


Worst Dressed: Lea Michele in a silver Marchesa concoction. Some people have been fawning over this risky move, and I’m hoping that those people get their eyes check out soon. Instead of a smart risk, this is too over-the-top, and Lea stirs up memories of Cher in Bob Mackie.


Rookie of the Night: Shailene Woodley’s Marchesa dress was an unbeatable mix of age-appropriateness and gorgeous detail. The structured bodice with the illusion neckline was a shining example of how to dress a young Hollywood actress.


Most Improved: Nicole Kidman in Versace redeemed herself a million times over from her missteps last awards season (remember the white Dior)? From the studs to the body-hugging silhouette, this dress proved why Versace is such a fashion powerhouse.

Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: My absolute two favorites of the night were Salma Hayek in Gucci and Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham. Hayek may get panned for her risky art-deco choice, but I thought she pulled it off beautifully while Winslet proved that Old Hollywood is always in style… her touches of gold were flawless and her clutch was a perfect match.


Worst Dressed: Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace — seriously, how dated! I am a firm believer that one can never be tooooo matchy-matchy, but Jolie’s hideous outfit tonight has shaken that belief to its core. The worst, however — hands-down — is Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier. That print should never hit the red carpet, nor should it ever grace a dress so formal. You took a risk, Gellar, and it failed.


Rookie of the Night: Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen — I may not particularly like her dress, but I’ll certainly remember it. Bold lines make for a bold choice, and I’m not sure if she pulled it off or not. But it certainly caught my eye! I’d also like to nod my hat to Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci… very fitting for her character, and very well put together.


Most Improved: Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann… Swinton arrived last year in a questionable Jil Sander get-up that was part dress / part boardroom, but this year she made some major strides. She clearly enjoys going for a slightly androgynous look and this year is no exception. However, she softens the blow with a fabulously wild hairdo and beautiful jewelry by Fred Leighton. Baby steps, Swinton, but you’re getting there.

Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Claire Danes – I have a love hate relationship with Claire Danes.  Yesterday it was love.  Her J. Mendel dress, coupled with simple jewelry, was nothing short of perfection, and the cut out back? Swoon.


Worst Dressed: Zooey Deschanel in Prada is my pick for worst dressed, not because of the dress necessarily, but the hair. Usually I’m all for glam throwback looks especially when it comes to hairstyles, but this custom-made bold dress deserves a simple updo.


Rookie of the Night: While I think she always looks great at award shows, my rookie of the Golden globes Goes to Sarah Hyland of Modern Family in Dolce & Gabbana.  I’m all about the lace! Sarah was able to pull off an elegant strapless dress while maintain her youthful charm.

Most Improved: Laura Dern – Known for her effortlessly hippy-ish style, she kicked it up a notch this year!  Her emerald sparkle Andrew Gn dress was just the right amount of classy and sexy, she looked radiant when accepting her award.

Stay tuned as we cover all of the other award shows this season!

FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2011

The biggest awards show is without a doubt the Oscars, and this ceremony brought out some of the best outfits of the year!  In comparison to last year’s gala, we noticed a lot more poise and polish.  Last year was a mixed bag of prints and ruffles and experimental fashion, and this year was a definite return to the glitz and glamour that is expected at such a show. We break it down from the gowns to the jewels, FashioniSTA style!

Big Time Jewels

We know that the first thing that catches your eye is the dress, but this year’s show brought out such a wide variety of shiny accessories, that we just can’t ignore them. Hailee Steinfeld’s Fred Leighton’s diamond headband was an adorable addition to her youthful, ballerina-esque ensemble. Céline Dion’s Bulgari pendant was stunning, and an exquisite addition to her streamlined gown. These jewels saved some of the outfit disasters that hit the red carpet, such as Nicole Kidman’s gorgeous Fred Leighton necklace (right) that offset her poor Dior gown choice.

But some jewelry choices were just plain distracting. Amy Adams in Cartier should fire her stylist, that necklace is not meant for that neckline, and the cuff is jewel overkill.  And wait until we get to Reese Witherspoon, her emerald earrings are just the tip of the iceberg.

Mismatched Hair Choices

One bizarre trend this season was horribly underdone hairstyles paired with fabulous dresses.  Sharon Stone looked great in John Galliano for Christian Dior, but what was going on on top of her head? She had a serious bubble with out of control wisps.  Amy Adams tried hard to channel Veronica Lake, but she was in some serious need of conditioner and the choice was all wrong for that L’Wren Scott dress of hers.  And poor Sandra Bullock just can’t seem to get a break at the salon – her Vera Wang dress was out of sight, but it looked like someone just grabbed chunks of her hair and pinned them at random.  I feel like this is how my hair looks when I’m at the spa.  But for Reese Witherspoon (right), she had the exact opposite problem – wonderful ponytail fall, but paired with the earrings and the outdated dress, it was too much.  If she lost the earrings and paired the hair with a different dress, like Hailee Steinfeld’s Marchesa, for example, and Witherspoon would have been too adorable for words.

The FashioniSTA Picks

Marisa

Best Dressed: Cate Blanchett (right) in Givenchy Couture was breathtaking. It was everything that a red-carpet gown should be - unique and on the cutting edge of fashion yet wearable so that the actress was still the focus. Her earrings were small so as not to distract from the beautiful beading on her shoulders and chest and her hair was soft and simple - a perfect match. I loved everything about this dress - the color, the beading, the cut-out, the draping - but what really made it a show-stopper was the way in which Cate wore it. She can handle an edgy dress with ease - an Oscar-worthy red carpet moment indeed!

Worst Dressed: Thank God Melissa Leo won the Oscar for best Actress in a Supporting Role so that there was something to focus on other than that atrocious Marc Bouwer dress. The heavy-handed lace, the gold foil lining, the high collar, the structured shoulder, the spider-beetle necklace (what in the world??!!)…there was WAY too much going on and none of it was flattering. I loved her in the Fighter, but I hated her in that dress.

On the Fence: Gwyneth Paltrow looked absolutely stunning in the metallic column dress by Calvin Klein Collection. It fit her to a T, her hair matched it perfectly and the way it moved…incredible. However, I was totally put off by the jeweled brooch at her hip and matching earrings. The brooch at her hip totally distracted from the clean, statuesque lines of the dress and I thought that the multi-colored stones on the jewelry were too much. Her stylist could have definitely introduced an additional color to the ensemble, but just one color would have been best. I am thinking big emeralds…

Rookie of the Year: Hailey Steinfeld’s tea-length Marchesa dress was the perfect choice for this young star. It was appropriate for the occasion and most importantly, it was appropriate for her age. She looked like a princess and I am sure that she felt like one too. The makeup was clean and simple - subtle liner and mascara and a pink lip - and the silver headband and ballerina bun kept it youthful and fun. I hope that she had a fabulous time!

Biggest ComebackSharon Stone has ended up on Worst-Dressed Lists more often than Best-Dressed Lists of late. However, she redeemed herself last night. The form-fitting black dress with feather embellishments was both classic and of-the-moment all at the same time. But, the feathers and the asymmetrical neckline placed Stone directly in line with the current trends. Her clutch was simple and added some additional texture and her hair was in a classic French twist, but with some added height for drama. I may have preferred if her makeup artist didn’t have such a heavy hand with the eyeliner (it makes her look a little crazy and, let’s be honest, Sharon Stone doesn’t need any help looking crazy…), but other than that, it was a red-carpet A+!!

Ashley

Best Dressed: Anne Hathaway in Valentino Couture, before the flash photography got a hold of her. It was the epitome of timeless elegance when I saw it on the red carpet coverage, and it makes me very sad that the photographs ruin it. Cate Blanchett’s allusion to my fave holiday - Easter - was also a breath of fresh air. Fashion-foward that works.

Worst Dressed: Florence Welch (right). Looking like what I’d imagine the wife in the attic in Jane Eyre, I’m borderline shocked that Valentino would let this loose on the red carpet. But then again, they also designed that daisy disaster that Michelle Williams wore to the Golden Globes.

On the Fence: Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier. I loved the gold sparkles with the illusion detail, but something about this felt wrong. Between the color of the dress, her skin tone, her makeup, and her hair, she just looked washed out, and a little old.

Biggest Comeback: Celine Dion in Armani Privé. Although she’s never been a worst-dressed offender, I can’t recall the last time I saw her on a red carpet. She made her big comeback in the best way possible, by wearing a killer dress (she had twins recently?!) and paying homage to her last Oscar appearance with her “Heart of the Ocean”-esque pendant.

Rookie of the Year: My girl crush on Selena Gomez grows every time I see her on the red carpet. Although she wasn’t part of the Oscars until the Vanity Fair after party, she looked AMAZING in a red Dolce and Gabbana gown. Her hair, makeup and accessories were the perfect complements to the dress, her overall look was just stunning.

Leslie

Best Dressed: Halle Berry (right) in Marchesa. She looked radiant in a nude strapless crystal corset gown. It had has silk tulle ruffles that made it look like she was floating on a cloud. Halle Berry never disappoints me and this dress proves it.

Worst Dressed: Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana. The purple doily looking ensemble was terrible, I personally think she’s beautiful all the time but that gown did nothing for her and her figure.

On the Fence: Amy Adams in L’Wren Scott. The royal blue sequin gown was to dieeeeeeee for but the accessories through me for a loop. Granted they were Cartier but the emerald green necklace and bracelet on blue??? No idea what she was thinking but none the less she was wearing a spectacular dress.

Rookie of the Year: Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa. Truly a pretty little ballerina moment. I thought it worked really well for being that she’s fourteen, it was modest and a great approach to the Oscars. I’m sure we’ll see more of her in the future.

Kim

Best Dressed: Matthew McConaughey’s better half Camila Alves (right) in Kaufman Franco… I know, I know, not exactly who you would expect, but that dress was JUST TOO GOOD.  The Oscars are all about polish, and that Camila was the essence of sleek.  Same could be said for Jennifer Hudson in Atelier Versace.  Execution?  FLAWLESS.

Worst Dressed:  My biggest “ugh” of the night went to Mark Ruffalo’s wife, Sunrise Coigney in Jean Paul Gaultier.  What…was…that?!  Oh, and Reese Witherspoon?  I think I saw your dress when I was perusing the Cosmo Prom Issue back in 1996…only then it was made by Zum Zum and not Armani Privé.

On the Fence: Cate Blanchett in Givenchy…in the end, I liked it, but it just seemed a little too “walking art” for me.  Jennifer Lawrence donned a Calvin Klein sheath, and she looked jaw-dropping sexy.  But for the Oscars?  It felt a little too casual.

Biggest Comeback: Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang.  That dress was so gorgeous on her, and if you recall the walking nightmare that was her Golden Globes outift, I think we can all agree that Bullock is back on track.

Rookie of the Year: Hailee Steinfeld — at 14 years old, she drew that design, brought it to Marchesa, and they made it for her.  Rookie?  Welcome to the Big Leagues!

Stay tuned for bigger and better things from the FashioniSTAs!!

Golden Globes Fashion Trends Breakdown

The Golden Globes marks the first big award show of the new year, making it part of the season of fashion holiness. This year a plethora of celebs graced the red carpet, some in outfits that made me want to be a better fashionista, others in ones that looked like a child put it together…in the dark. Check out the hot trends that were on hand that evening, and then stay tuned for our FashioniSTA Police Files as we break it out down who we think wore it best and who needs a fashion detox in a confined style boot camp.

Sunrise, Sunset

A big theme of the Golden Globes fashion parade was an array of orange, pink and red shades. From Emma Stone looking very California girl in a sherbet-colored Calvin Klein t-shirt dress to Sofia Vergara in a red/fuchsia Vera Wang corset gown, the spectrum was bright with stars who at least tried to push the envelope. January Jones was also a lady in red, wearing a fringed and very revealing Versace number, who ended up bearing a striking resemblence to Wonder Woman in some of her photos. On the pink side of things, Lea Michele donned a cotton candy pink, ruffled Oscar de la Renta – which bore a striking resemblance to the other ruffle dresses she wears, Julianne Moore attempted a one-shoulder look in  and Natalie Portman styled her baby bump with a Viktor & Rolf pink silk draped gown, with a large, red rose protruding from her chest as a bonus – did anyone else think of Beauty and Beast? I mean, who doesn’t love a good Disney allusion?

Emerald City

Having four big-name actresses wear a usually absent color makes people go gaga for green, which would explain why pretty much every media outlet is making us believe that every dress down the red carpet was this shade. Catherine Zeta-Jones (in Monique Lhuillier), Angelina Jolie (in Versace), Mila Kunis (in Vera Wang), and Elizabeth Moss (in Donna Karan) all showed up wearing this emerald jewel-tone, which is a nice change from the usually-muted tones that make it down the carpet. This was a great way to bring a little holiday spirit into the new year, and while I had been missing my Christmas tree, I think I can safely say I’ve gotten my evergreen fix. Big stars in gorgeous gowns? Sounds like a pretty fabulous Christmas gift to me.

Vintage Frocks

Going vintage is always a great way to stay classic on the red carpet, but go too far, and it can look like an old-school nightmare. From Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab to Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham to Leighton Meester in Burberry, there was no shortage of flowy, embellished dresses, with the occasional retro-print thrown in there - see Michelle Williams in Valentino or Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs. Maybe it’s just fashionista delirium, but some of these looked like they belonged in the back of a closet at a retirement home. There’s nothing FashioniSTAs love more than a good vintage (or vintage-looking) find, but we could be on the fence about some of these looks, whether or not it’s just the styling that went awry.

Glitteratti

No awards show would be complete without celebs in sequins. Olivia Wilde wore a Marchesa black tulle number that looked like it could single-handedly restore the American economy with all that gold sprinkled on it, combined with the serious sparkle she had on her shoes. Amber Riley (in Oliver Tolentino), Anne Hathaway (in Armani), and Carrie Underwood (in Badgley Mischka) also went with sequined gowns, providing a little extra sparkle on the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez pushed the glitter envelope with a Zuhair Murad encrusted capelet over his white, demure, yet body-skimming gown, and while different from her sexy style that we know and love, this can be considered the style of “Mommy J.Lo.”

Hungry for more Golden Globes fashion? Who isn’t?! Stay tuned as the FashioniSTAs give you their insider opinions on who walked the walk in the right dress, and who needs fashion rehab.

Spring 2010 Trends Report – Part 1

Spring is the time when all things seem new and fresh, when new life is breathed into our dead and dormant surroundings. The weather gets warmer, the sun comes out, baby animals are born and plants and flowers begin to bloom. Much the same happens in the world of fashion. Whites and colors are reintroduced, lighter-weight fabrics welcome warmer temperatures and new, fresh fashion ideas are born. Spring 2010 is no different and it promises to be an exciting one. There was no lack of variety on the spring 2010 runways and there were almost as many trends as there were catwalks. In response, we have selected the most reality-ready trends in order to make your spring shopping trip a more-focused and successful one.

Enjoy our first installment below and keep checking back in the coming weeks to catch all of the trends…

Pale Hues

The predominant colors of the season are barely colors at all. Nudes, soft neutral tones, pale pinks and muted blues showed up in almost every designer’s collection. Keep your look monochromatic or go multi-tonal – the choice is yours. Check out the spring collections of Bottega Venetta, Burberry Prorsum, Marc Jacobs, Celine and Chanel for inspiration.

Pale Hues

Underwear as Outerwear

Underwear as Outerwear

Items that were traditionally meant as “under-things” and intimate wear are having their moment in the spotlight. While interpreted very literally at times on the catwalk, the best way to translate them to reality is to select subtle accents and combine them with more modest pieces. Look for lace, sheer fabrics, sexy cutouts, slinky silks and bra, slip and negligee detailing when doing your spring shopping. Look to Marc Jacobs, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, BCBG Max Azria, Christopher Kane, Bottega Venetta and Jil Sander for direction.

~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around