Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Spring Fashion Fun

Get excited, y'all. 

Tomorrow marks the big day...the Vermillion Spring Fashion Show in Raleigh! I look forward to this event (or at least receiving "runway" pics from it) every year. On Friday, I'll be sharing some of the warm weather sartorial goodness with you so stay tuned! 

In the meantime, here are some tidbits for you to nibble on in store now or available soon.

 Balenciaga leather shift with Anndra Neen necklaces

Zac Posen Gown 

 10 Crosby shift

 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, top and pant

Anya Hindmarch clutch

I can't wait to meet some of spring's hottest pastels and color blocking pieces in person and am definitely entertaining the idea of adding some Anya in my life. (By the way, I promise everything is not pink!)

Until Friday, Happy Leap Day today!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Smooth Transition: Bangles

In the South, the weather has become quite spring-like and it's time to start transitioning the old wardrobe. What's one of the easiest ways to start? Accessories!

Jewelry fanatics have always been able to count on Kenneth Jay Lane for fun and playful costume jewelry but I'm excited to share that J. Crew has joined in on the fun. If you're not into wildlife, go for an enamel chain link piece for a similar feel. It's like the casual alternative to Emma Stone's Louis Vuitton sparkler we saw at the Oscars!


The Frog Clasp Bracelet is at the top of my list! What about you?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Red Carpet Round-Up: The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Award season ended with a bang last night at the 84th Annual Academy Awards. I'm happy to report that this year's Red Carpet did not disappoint! In fact, it got the VAMP of approval- "Vamp" because nearly every starlet added some sort of dramatic accent, whether it was a red lip, gigantic bow, A CAPE or dark nail polish. 

My top three best dressed A-listers run the style gamut: Gwyneth Paltrow in white, caped minimalism care of Tom Ford, Jessica Chastain in dark and romantic Alexander McQueen and a glowing and feminine Octavia Spencer in her favorite designer, Tadashi Shoji. Gwyneth's cape came off for her onstage presentation, revealing fab, padded capped sleeves. Her glitzy cuff added Wonder Woman power to her superhero look. McQueen of the Red Carpet, Jessica Chastain, looked gorgeous with gold eye make-up and romantic Raphaelite hair. Octavia Spencer's figure looked smokin' hot in her winner-worthy silver sequins...

via PopSugar

via Stanwells

via Glamor.com

Jewel tones also reigned supreme with Leslie Mann in sapphire Roberto Cavalli, Glenn Close in emerald Zac Posen and Emma Stone in fuschia Giambattista Valli. Derek Blasberg of Harpers Bazaar excitedly tweeted that Leslie Mann was the first starlet to wear Cavalli and not look like an Italian hussy. Ha! I couldn't agree more! She appeared effortless and chic yet remained festive and sparkly. I also loved Glenn's man-repelling tux jacket worn over her ball gown. And while Emma's frock was not my favorite, the color was stunning on her. 

via InStyle

via InStyle

via InStyle

I also appreciated Berenice Bejo's gorgeous mint Elie Saab gown, despite its busy bead pattern. The pastel hue looked fresh and made me yearn for spring. We also saw a lavender pastel on Penelope Cruz in her nod to Grace Kelly

via PeopleStylewatch

Of course, our Red Carpet risk-takers must be recognized. Rooney Mara stunned in a lacy Givenchy number. I loved the contrast of her dark, blunt cut bangs against her soft, ethereal gown. Shailene Woodley also took a big risk in her white, long-sleeved Valentino Couture. Her look certainly was not one of my favorites but I appreciate her attempt to bring something different to the Red Carpet. And, finally, a sentence I never thought I'd write- Tina Fey made a fashion forward move that majorly paid off in her black Carolina Herrera avec peplum. Her figure looked phenomenal and I highly recommend she rock a structured gown more often! We also saw Michelle Williams in a Louis Vuitton peplum but I happened to like Tina's look much better.

via InStyle

via PeopleStylewatch 

via InStyle

We can't conclude this post without a nod to Emma Stone's fabulous Louis Vuitton accessories. I stared at her clutch and chain link bracelet every time I could see them, despite that gigantic bow eating her face. (Sorry, I can't help it.)

 


And, finally, one last piece of glitz before we go. Milla Jovovich was the one of the first glamazons to arrive but certainly made a lasting impression. Her silver beaded Elie Saab gown fit her perfectly and added every bit of drama the Oscars deserves.  

via National Confidential

Thank you, Hollywood, for the va-va-va-vamp last night. I see many capes and peplums in this spring's future. We shall see how the Red Carpet translates to real life...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Look for Less

I loved this Thakoon sweater when it first arrived on the scene as Pre-Fall collection piece. 

But then...

 via Style.com

This J. Crew pullover arrived in stores. Awfully similar, don't you think? While I'm not sure what the Thakoon price point is, I'm fairly certain it won't be $90 like the J. Crew version.

via J. Crew

What do you think? Would you go for this look for less? Or buy the real deal?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Marni X H&M





If you haven't been completely inundated by high-low designer collaborations by now, then here's another one to excite you. Marni for H&M makes its debut on March 8 and, for the first time in a long time, I'm pumped about a high-low collection! (Sorry Target.)

Marni clothing has never been a brand to offer much sex appeal. Bookish, artsy girls (think Sofia Coppola and Rashida Jones) are usually drawn to Marni for its daywear. The Marni appeal tends to revolve around geometric patterns, interesting fabric choices and wearability. 






However, when it comes to accessories, Marni has easily outdone every other designer by combining blocky organic materials with crafty synthetics. For that reason, I'm particularly interested in getting my hands on several Marni X H&M necklaces, bags and bangles...and maybe a sequined collar. With the entire collection's price point below $120, Marni necklaces finally won't break the bank.






So what do you think of the Marni X H&M collection? Are there any pieces you would buy? Stay tuned after March 8 to see what I got away with and how I've played with it...tips invited.

all images via Refinery 29

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Mardi Gras

Images via Brown Eyed Baker, Pop Sugar and Pinterest

Hope your Fat Tuesday is full of fun, food and friends!

Monday, February 20, 2012

NYFW Recap

Hello lovely readers! I apologize to you for the time lapse since my last post. New York Fashion Week was in full swing and I found myself hypnotized by live stream fashion shows and photo recaps. Of course, I thought of you the entire time and have composed a little Fall 2012 trend report that I hope you will enjoy!

First fall observation: Burgundy is the new black. Your LBD now stands for little burgundy dress. The soft, autumnal shade rifts on last fall's merlot tones but paraded out in more sophisticated cuts this year. 

Left to right: Rodarte, J. Crew, Lela Rose, Tory Burch

Along those sophisticated lines, spring's ladylike trend totally translates to fall and winter. Don a peplum or a floral print but whatever you do, be sure your hem line hits at the knee and no shorter.

Left to right: Preen, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, 3.1 Phillip Lim

If your look requires a little more edge and you got on board with mixing prints, Fall 2012 is all about mixing textures. Wear fur with tweed and silk. Put on python with a knit and something sheer. The texture of the material is pattern enough to mix it up this fall.

Left to right: J. Crew, Tory Burch, Sachin + Babi, rag & bone

Finally, metallics are back with a vengeance but this time keep your sheen a warm hue. Copper, brass, gold and bronze blend well with burgundy and push its silver sisters to the back of the closet.

Left to right: rag & bone, Lela Rose, Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler

Did you have any favorite looks or trends from Fashion Week? I for one cannot wait to get my hands on some of those rag & bone pieces and that emerald sequin peplum top from Tory Burch. In the meantime, we can find ways to work in next year's hot looks today...until we can get our hands on the real deal come September.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Stay At Home Glam

Weekends at my house tend to be filled with one activity: CLEANING. And while I'm making attempts to hone in on my homemaking skills (thus, decreasing the amount of time spent doing said activity), I'd be much more tempted to spend time cleaning if my uniform looked a little something like this...


Giving the term "spring cleaning" a whole new meaning, designers have rolled out the domestic goddess look for a demure take on feminine silhouettes. The basis of this spring style: fit and flare dresses in candy colors or soft prints. Pairing them with classics- pointy heels or flats, vintage inspired jewelry, natural make-up and polished coifs- drives the look home. Of course, I'd never be opposed to seeing a little black leather jacket and smokey eye with a damsel-ish dress but that's just me.


Best news of all- these dresses come in a wide range of prices. You can spend oodles or you can pinch a few pennies! 


If staying at home gives us an excuse to dress up, then you can call me Betty Draper...or whatever her new last name is!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Film Premiere Prance

"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" premieres nationwide today! I worked on this film last year and we built some INCREDIBLE sets. I am so looking forward to seeing how they turned out! 

Some of the scenes were filmed in Hawaii and some in North Carolina. Sadly, I did not get to work in Hawaii but I'll offer an "aloha" to The Rock anyway...

In my daydreams, we have a film premiere tonight with a Red Carpet and crew celebration. IF that was what I was doing tonight, this glitzy look would be my go-to.

3.1 Phillip Lim Dress
Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pump


Will you see "Journey 2"? Let me know if you do!


Hooray for Hollywood...via Hawaii and NC. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I'd Rather Be at Fashion Week


Inspired by the look at bottom left-

If I just so happened to have my dream job as a fashion editor (and my dream bank account), I'd definitely take a style cue from my favorite New Yorker, Shala Monroque, when attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. (Sorry, Carrie Bradshaw.) This Nanette Lepore get-up ushers in the neon trend in a sophisticated way while the contrasting python skirt offers a nod to the colorblocking trend. Taking a cue from Ms. Monroque, I'd add a pair of statement shoes and a big old necklace. Don't forget the jacket- it's winter up North, after all!

Mark your calendars, fashion followers. Fashion Week starts tomorrow!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Strike a Pose Sunday

 via E! Online

The football. The food. 

The fashion. 

Wait, what?

Whether you're a fan of Madonna or not, you couldn't help but be somewhat mesmerized  by her high fashion get-ups during the halftime show. I wouldn't say that I'm a major Madonna fan- and I wasn't exactly thrilled about her OTK boots- but I was absolutely drooling over her Egyptian entry and gilded headdress. Vogue, indeed!

To the fashion world's delight, we learned that Madonna wore Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. The aforementioned head piece was designed by none other than British power milliner Philip TreacyReportedly, Madonna wore the Cleopatra-inspired costumes below as a tribute to Elizabeth Taylor. 

via Barneys

via Barneys

via Barneys

Did you watch the big game? Were you pumped up for Madonna's halftime show? Regardless of her dance skills or lip singing, her choice in attire was a winner.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

You're Making Me Blush

Chanel 2.55 Bag

Reportedly, Jason Wu's collection for Target was inspired by French New Wave films and 1960s American actress Jean Seberg. Upon first online glance, I felt only a moderate amount of desire for these pieces. Yet, being a self-confessed Francophile and remembering one beautifully tailored Wu Resort piece I tried on months ago, I found myself in Target this afternoon and, ultimately, the proud new owner of the top above. 

Jean Seberg via Ask Actor

We're all well aware by now that pastels are a huge look for spring. Blush will be beautiful with ivory, white and khaki for a classic warm-weather look. If you're feeling extra bold this summer, a gorgeous mint or orange short or skirt creates a serious color block moment. But blush tones feel invigorating and unexpected now with bordeaux, gray, black and denim.  

If you're not sold on blush for now and later yet, here are a few doses of inspiration for you:

 via Glitter Guide

 via Target

via Tumblr

Now to get my hands on a Chanel quilted bag of my very own...