16

Jan

Best Dressed: 2012 Golden Globes

*Yawn* 

That sums up last night’s fashion at the Globes.  I saw so many subdued and severe teal, burgundy, navy and dishwater (that dingy marriage of  lavender and beige) trumpet gowns that watching quickly grew boring (best of the crew: Sofia Vergara’s navy Vera Wang).  

Julie Bowen (Modern Family) was lovely in her Grace Kelly-esque Reem Acra nude chiffon gown with jeweled cap sleeves and softly curled hair.  Effortless – although I wish her coiffure had been a touch looser.  Dianna Agron (Glee) was HAUTE in a Giles Deacon fire-engine red laser cut, tiered gown with swan detail, matching pout and minimal jewelry.  Heidi Klum definitely made it work with a simple but deadly beige minimalist Calvin Klein gown with turquoise detail and simple hair.  Paula Patton was a ray of sunshine in Monique Lhuillier.  And Salma Hayek was totally gorgeous in black and gold Gucci with an Art Deco feel (her husband is owner of the luxury goods company which owns the label). 

Double-faced linings were popular, as seen on Natalie Portman in pink and scarlet Lanvin and Angelina Jolie in blood red and white Atelier Versace.

And I’m calling worst dressed a tie between Lea Michele’s pewter Marchesa gown that looked like it was screaming “HEY! Look at ME! I’m wearing a flesh-eating disease!” and (the newly engaged?) Jessica Biel in her Miss Havisham by Valentino wedding gown. Thumbs down.

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Congrats to Alabama native Octavia Spencer on her Best Supporting Actress win for The Help!

All images via InStyle

14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Random Acts of Fashion/The Look/Who Wore What Where

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13

Jan

Raven Symone, Get Your Life

We get it. You’ve lost weight (congrats!). You’re no longer cute little Olivia from The Cosby Show.  We salute you for being a mogul.  But these pum pum shorts and Pretty Woman boots?  No ma’am.  You’re too fabulous for this haute mess!  [Sidenote: the ‘fro on your companion is everything!]

Images via YBF

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/Learn From My Mistakes!/Something in the Milk Ain't Clean

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13

Jan

Best Dressed: 2012 People’s Choice Awards

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The People’s Choice Awards are a little tricky.  They’re not quite the Golden Globes or the Oscars, so hitting the red carpet in a dramatic gown is a misstep.  But looking like you just rolled out of bed is inappropriate as well.  Better to err on the side of a look that is smart and sophisticated without trying too hard to look glamorous.  Ginnifer Goodwin succeeds in a well-chosen sleek,  shocking Schiaparelli pink cocktail dress with bell sleeves by Roksanda Ilincic, waved flapper hair and lace booties.  Haute!

The bad news is there’s a three-way tie for worst dressed (proving that the LBD isn’t always one’s BFF), as Pauley Perrette (NCIS) looks like she escaped from 1995 in a high pony and unfortunate Mary Jane pumps, and  I’m not exactly sure what event Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) is dressed for.  That’s a shame, because she looks fab in a recent InStyle shoot!  And then Lacy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) came dressed as the Gulf Oil Spill.  Maybe next time, ladies.

Images via MSN

 

 

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Random Acts of Fashion

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12

Jan

Change is Good

One of my very elegant grandmothers once told me:  “If you do what you always did, you’ll get what you always got.”  Now, she was giving me advice on finding a man (which is a post for another day and a whole other blog), but the same applies with fashion.  If your look needs a serious shot in the armoire, now’s the time to try something different.  I’m not suggesting you tattoo your neck or decide to wear a tutu every day.  But I’ll give you an example:  I’ve never, EVER shopped in Talbots.  I always peeked in the window as I passed by, but shop there? Never.  Why?  Because I always thought it was for someone far older, far wealthier, far more something [insert another totally off-base assumption here] than I happen to be.  But this recent photo shoot for O  Magazine  made me see the women’s store in a new light.

In search of the pink pants pictured, I stepped into Talbots at the Summit earlier this week.  And while some of the items were not my taste (which is probably going to be the case wherever one browses), I did find several pairs of  kicky flats festooned with bows, a bright turquoise suede clutch, and other pieces that fit my lifestyle, budget and aesthetic. (The  fact that the store was in the middle of a serious sale didn’t hurt, either.)  I left the store empty-handed, but it occurred to me: what have I been writing off that I should be trying?

My challenge to you this week is to stop in a store you’ve never considered.  Try something on that you previously thought was too daring, too colorful, too young, too old or out of your league fashion-wise.  If you only buy high-end, saunter into Forever 21 for something fun and frivolous.  And if you stick to fast fashion that is heavy on trends, consider an investment piece that you could own forever.  You might be pleasantly surprised.

Or you could play it safe, blend in with the wallpaper and remain age-appropriate.  How’s that working out for you?

Riiiiiight.

Image via Talbots

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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11

Jan

Baby, it’s Cold Outside…

…and the days of running around without a coat, shivering in our work or partywear are SO over.  Catching the flu because you’re inappropriately dressed for the cold is definitely not what’s haute in the streets! So what’s a chicster to do?  Make sure your outerwear is every bit as fab as your outfit, of course!

The past few days have been blessedly warm(er), but slow your roll before you replace your boots with flip flops.  Now is the perfect time to catch deals on winter coats and accessories, according to Frugal Living.  But don’t settle for just any old coat; make a statement!  MSN offers old Hollywood as inspiration, and I {heart} a vintage (or vintage-inspired) coat, like the Kate Spade swing coat shown.  Similar wool and cashmere versions with quality linings with fur or “fur” collars and cuffs can often be found at your local thrift or consignment shop.  I scored a camel-colored mid-century model with mink trim and three quarter sleeves at Hanna’s Antique Mall last year that is adorable.  I love that these coats often have linings embroidered with their previous owner’s initials; it kind of gives each piece a story.

If you’ve got a good, heavy winter coat, why not try a smart, all-weather trench that can carry you into spring,  something in an unusual color (a white coat against an all black outfit is so chic!),  or invest in a dressier evening coat?  Many veer to furs or wraps for after five, but a satin opera coat or velvet cape is just as lovely.  And don’t forget your gloves and scarf as a finishing touch!  If you’re feeling particularly crafty, P.S. I Made This has super-cute Lanvin-inspired ear muffs you can make (whip up the faux version, so you don’t end up in PETA’s doghouse with Dr. Dre and Oscar De La Renta).

Image via Kate Spade

14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio

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10

Jan

Recommended Reading: A Belle in Brooklyn

While I’m not sure being born in Maryland allows one to qualify as a Southern Belle, this book is a must-read for any woman (i.e. adult, grown lady, not your baby cousin), single or otherwise.  With humor, candor, and the willingness to tell (almost) all so readers can learn from her mistakes, Demetria L. Lucas proves she is definitely the “go-to girl for relationship and dating advice.”  She definitely shows that all women aren’t busted and disgusted when it comes to relationships, nor are we all blue in the face from waiting to exhale.  As the relationships editor for Essence,  Lucas’ daily Real Talk blog posts edify, entertain and make us think, but this book was like settling in for a good session of girltalk.  You will laugh, you very well may cry, and if you have lived life at all you will probably see yourself in its pages.   And if you currently find yourself  out on a limb, on an emotional ledge or are a hot mess when it comes to dating, please stop the madness and get this book.  Read it.  And do better.

Being (love) crazy over the age of eighteen ain’t chic. 

Image via ABelleinBrooklyn.com

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14 years ago Short URL 2 Comments

C'est Si Bon/Haute off the Press

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09

Jan

Where Y’at?!

Aiiiieee!  My family’s most memorable trip to NOLA has to be the weekend our vehicle was stolen while we shopped in the French Market (we can laugh about it now).  The seductive City That Care Forgot with its beignets, bounce music and bon temps beckons like a long-lost love every time I visit and like the tourism ad promises, I’m just different there.   If you’re in the Crescent City for the mother of all rematches between Alabama and LSU today, hopefully you have accessorized your team apparel with beads, a go cup, and a second line parasol.  To maximize your fun, here are some of my favorite places to eat, shop, stay and play in the Big Easy. 

EAT:  New Orleans is a foodie’s gastronomic paradise.  Stop by Central Grocery  for its lipsmacking-good, authentic muffulettas.  Deanie’s is known for its generous, mouth-watering servings of Gulf seafood goodness.  Dooky Chase – the New Orleans bastion of Creole food run by Queen of Creole Cuisine Leah Chase – is a must-do.  For pricier fare, try Commander’s Palace or Mr. B’s Bistro.  Visit legendary Cafe du Monde and bite into a delicious, piping hot Creole doughnut covered in powdered sugar…chase it with a swallow of cafe au lait (go on, make a mess!).  Want a burger?  Head over to Port of Call.  And it’s King Cake season, so head over to Manny Randazzo’s for one (plain or filled with a variety of tasty fillings).  Eschew dry grocery store brands and have a real slice of heaven!  Versions from Gambino’s will do just as well.

SHOP: Although Fleurty Girl is definitely biased toward purple and gold, the shop has cute apparel, accessories and home decor for  Southern belles and Saints fans alike.  Be sure to check out Hazelnut, an eclectic gift and home decor boutique owned by NOLA native Bryan Batt, of Mad Men fame.

STAY:  Surely you didn’t come to New Orleans to sleep!  But hands down, I recommend the W (French Quarter or Poydras locations). Period. 

PLAY:  NOMA is closed on Monday, but drop by Tuesday in Tide or Tigers regalia and receive 1/2 off admission. Or catch the St. Charles streetcar and ride it to the very end to view the lovely Garden District.   After hours, the W Hotel’s super-chic Whiskey Blue bar (on Poydras) is THE place to post up and people watch.  Or make your way to The Howlin’ Wolf to catch Rebirth Brass Band on January 9th.  No trip is complete without a New Orleans Original Daiquiri (CRAWGATOR.  Enough said.).  The more adventurous imbibers should sample a sazerac at The Roosevelt or dash into the Old Absinthe House for a cocktail.

A final word of advice?  Don’t pet the nutrias…or the honey badgers!

Images via Google and The Knot

14 years ago Short URL Comments

C'est Si Bon

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06

Jan

Calling All Target Shoppers: Jason Wu Collection Launches February 5

Let's Get Ready to Rummmmble!

Jason Wu, whose cutting edge (pun intended!) designs and the inaugural gown he designed for FLOTUS Michelle Obama have made him a darling of the runways, recently announced plans to release an apparel and handbag collection via Tarjhay.  If the haute mess that was the Missoni for Target release is still fresh in your mind and you are dead set on owning a piece without spending your 401K with Ebay carpetbaggers (I rebuke you, hot pink Versace for H&M dress!), you have one month to make like the Christmas Champ and appropriately plan vacation time, map out your plan of attack for storming the store, practice your best shopping cart drive-by, and plot your chic sleepover in the store parking lot (just kidding; I’m sure the po-po will relieve you of that notion).  For more images, click here.

Jason Wu

Pieces range from $19.99 to $59.99 and Target has graced us with this teaser:

Images via ology.com and Target

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14 years ago Short URL 1 Comment

Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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05

Jan

Caped Crusaders

Plaid "Sophie" Cape by Kate Spade

Snuggie and Forever Lazy wearers take note: this is the hautest way to keep warm!  Wrap up in a super cute cape and add a touch of drama to your looks for work  or play.  Layer it over a long sleeved blouse or tee and skinny jeans or cigarette pants plus your flat boots, loafers or ballet flats  to pull off this polished look.  I have a feeling this camel version by J. Crew will make its way into my closet.

Images courtesy of Kate Spade, Net-a-Porter and Snuggie Humor

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Random Acts of Fashion/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

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04

Jan

Bebe Goes Bridal

In “Not Sure How We Feel About This Information” news, Bebe  is going the way of J. Crew, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor and is expanding its designs to include bridal wear.  According to NY Magazine  and Women’s Wear Daily,  the line – known for mostly club tops, body conscious dresses, terry tracksuits, eponymous tees and impossible platform heels – is planning to feature more office-appropriate separates and bridal wear.  Before images of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding-style dresses run rampant in your head, what’s exciting about this news is that Rami Kashou, Project Runway IV runner up and perfector of the draped Grecian gown, is heading the line, set to debut in March. 

Prices range from $950-$2500, far more than its standard separates cost, and you can view a few of the bridesmaids options here.   I find the line kind of ho hum and would pass.  Would you rock Bebe down the aisle?

Image courtesy of Bebe

14 years ago Short URL Comments

Shopping is My Cardio

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