Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 6

On the final day of Milan Fashion Week, Giorgio Armani's well-styled frock was my favorite:

Giorgio Armani Fall 2012

Best of the Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

I couldn't summon up the energy to do an Oscars rundown yesterday, because the red carpet left me a little bored.  Yes, there were actresses that looked good, in the sense that they wore something figure-flattering and pretty, but I wanted to be wowed.  Where were the dramatic gowns?  Where were Tilda and Cate Blanchett??  Nevertheless, I am drumming up my favorites from the night.  Keep in mind, even my top picks would get a B- if I were grading them. 

GWYNETH PALTROW IN TOM FORD

Looking sleek and modern, Gwyneth was my favorite of the night.  As a fervent cape lover myself, I was delighted to see her rocking one on the red carpet.  How chic!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

STACY KEIBLER IN MARCHESA

Angelina did not have the sense to wear this stunning Marchesa number that I recommended for her, but I'm glad someone else snatched it up!  There is no better time to dress like an Oscar statue than when you are attending the Oscars with George Clooney.

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa Fall 2012

JESSICA CHASTAIN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Jessica brought out the big guns for the Oscars--McQueen!  The gold embroidery looked fantastic against her red hair.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

MICHELLE WILLIAMS IN LOUIS VUITTON

This peplum dress looked sweet and feminine on Michelle, and was extremely flattering.  The brooch at the waist may have taken it into the "overly-precious" category though.

Michelle Williams in custom Louis Vuitton

MILLA JOVOVICH IN ELIE SAAB

Milla brought the old Hollywood glam in a gown from one of my favorite Elie Saab Couture collections.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture Fall 2009

EMMA STONE IN GIAMBATTISTA VALLI COUTURE

Love this dress, but I wish Emma had worn something a little more unique.  This look is a bit too reminiscent of Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga at the 2007 Oscars.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2012

As for Rooney Mara, she was my biggest letdown of the night. Yes, she wore Givenchy Couture, but it was not the most exciting dress, and the fit was terrible. Here's to hoping she turns it out at the next Oscars!

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 5

This quirky colorblocked look at Marni was my favorite on day 5 in Milan:

Marni Fall 2012

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 4

For his final season at Jil Sander, Raf Simons presented a beautiful, moving collection.  This look was my favorite of day 4:

Jil Sander Fall 2012

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 3

This backstage photo of the flashy Versace finale gowns wowed me on day 3 of fashion week in Milan:

Backstage at Versace Fall 2012

Let's Play Barbie: Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Because I love to play pretend stylist to the stars, I am bringing back my "Let's Play Barbie" feature for this year's Oscars.  Of course, all of the actresses will be hitting the red carpet in gowns fresh off of the runways.

ROONEY MARA

Rooney is the actress I am most excited about at this year's Oscars.  She needs something with a slightly weird, creepy undercurrent, but that still says Oscar nominee.  Luckily for her, I have found a few dresses that fit the bill.

Rooney Mara, Givenchy Couture Spring 2012, Armani Prive Couture Spring 2012, and Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012

EMMA STONE

Emma is always switching up her red carpet style, and I don't believe she has worn British designer Giles or a white gown yet...which means that it is time!  She should ditch the headpiece, obvs.

Emma Stone + Giles Fall 2012

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Michelle Williams always looks "cute", but the last time she looked drop dead gorgeous on the red carpet was at the 2006 Oscars when she wore a mustard pleated Vera Wang gown.  How glorious would it be if she ditched the crewneck and long-sleeve gowns she favors, and wore this voluminous Giambattista Valli?

Michelle Williams + Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2012

OCTAVIA SPENCER

Octavia's style hit a high note at the Golden Globes when she wore a lavender v-neck gown. I would love to see her in a similar neckline and soft color, punched up with some statement jewelry.

Octavia Spencer + Badgley Mischka Fall 2012

DIANE KRUGER

This Jason Wu dress was probably my favorite "potential red carpet gown" on all of the spring runways, and yet, no one has worn it yet! Hopefully that means it is being reserved for the Oscars. Diane has the sartorial panache to pull of this show-stopping gown.

Diane Kruger + Jason Wu Spring 2012

ZOE SALDANA

Zoe always wears something bold, fun and youthful.  I'd love to see her in this gorgeous frothy Oscar de la Renta.

Zoe Saldana + Oscar de la Renta

ANGELINA JOLIE

After many a sack-like dress, Angelina hit her stride at this year's Golden Globes when she wore a fitted gown.  This Marchesa dress combines draping and a neutral color--two of Angelina's signature elements--for a bombshell look.

Angelina Jolie + Marchesa Fall 2012

CATE BLANCHETT

Let's face it--Cate can wear anything she wants and look stunning--but I would love to see her in this dark, dramatic Gucci.

Cate Blanchett + Gucci Fall 2012

TILDA SWINTON

Tilda Swinton is going to bring the avant garde (and the awesome), per the usual.

Tilda Swinton + Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2012

CHARLIZE THERON

Charlize Theron loves her Dior Couture gowns, but without designer John Galliano at the helm of the fashion house, there isn't much in recent collections to choose from.  I would love her to switch things up and have a dramatic Versace moment.

Charlize Theron + Atelier Versace Couture Spring 2012

VIOLA DAVIS

Viola looks stunning in color, so I think the bolder the better for the Oscars.  She could really make this canary yellow number sing.

Viola Davis + Elie Saab Spring 2012

JESSICA CHASTAIN

Jessica rarely lives up to her potential on the red carpet, which is why I'd like to see her take things to the next level with a Chanel Couture gown.  The colors of this gown would look fantastic against her hair and skin tone.

Jessica Chastain + Chanel Couture Spring 2012

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 2

Prada, the most highly anticipated show in Milan, delivered my favorite look of day 2:

Prada Fall 2012

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 1

Gucci's dark, dramatic show kicked off Milan Fashion Week yesterday.  This stunning gown was my top look of the day:

Gucci Fall 2012

London Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 5

This breezy printed Mary Katrantzou dress stole my heart on day 5 of London Fashion Week:

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2012

London Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 4

This silver sparkly number at Peter Pilotto was my favorite look of day 4 in London:

London Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 3

Here's another bright, printed look from London Fashion Week, this time courtesy of Jonathan Saunders:

Jonathan Saunders Fall 2012

London Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 2

Quirky prints and rainbow-colored fur caught my eye at Moschino Cheap & Chic on day 2 of London Fashion Week:

Moschino Cheap & Chic Fall 2012

London Fashion Week Fall 2012: Day 1

You can always count on the London designers to bring out color and prints in full force.  On the first day of London Fashion Week, this clash of patterns at Basso & Brooke was my favorite look:



Basso & Brooke Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 8

On the final day of Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week, classic American designer Ralph Lauren showed my favorite look.  This has "Oscar dress" written all over it.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 7

How gorgeous is this shot?  Models Daria Strokous, Frida Gustavsson, and Ruby Aldridge strike a pose backstage at the Michael Kors show.

backstage at Michael Kors Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 6

Here's my favorite look of the day, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta:

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you are wearing red today, you are right on trend.  In addition to being totally Valentine's Day-appropriate, red has been popping up everywhere in the New York Fall 2012 collections.  Bonus points for red leather!

Red looks on the fall runways:  Diane von Furstenberg, Peter Som, Jason Wu, DKNY, Donna Karan, Derek Lam, and Thakoon

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 5

This look from Marc Jacobs' enchanting show landed my top spot for day 5 of Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2012

T by Alexander Wang Spring 2012 Campaign

After Alexander Wang's hypnotic campaign video for his Spring 2011 T line (featuring Diplo and model Ashley Smith), I have been eager to see what, if any, videos would follow. He upped the ante this season by featuring South African "Zef rap-rave" group (not completely sure what that means), Die Antwoord, in the T by Alexander Wang campaign. Check it out:

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 4

The body-conscious cut and interesting color combo made this look my favorite of the day:

Victoria Beckham Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 3

Prabal Gurung's show was one of the highlights of day 3 of fashion week.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 2

Favorite look of the day:

Peter Som Fall 2012

NYFW Fall 2012: Day 1

Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week officially kicked off yesterday at the Lincoln Center, and so the frenzy begins.  To keep you posted on the latest from the runway, I am trying out Look of the Day posts.  You've got the rest of New York to look forward to, then onward to London, Milan, and Paris!



Creatures of the Wind Fall 2012

Rings on Her Fingers

Besides mixing and stacking, I have never considered wearing rings to be a real styling opportunity.  I love a good cocktail ring, but I usually keep my ring style pretty simple.  That is about to change. On the umpteen fashion blogs that I follow, there is one trend that has caught my eye that I can't stop thinking about, involving, you guessed it, rings.

Well, it's actually a two-part trend. 

First, there is the above-the-knuckle ring.  I love this, because you can take a ring that you ordinarily wear on your ring finger, move it over to above the knuckle of your index finger, and voila!  A completely new look.  The style looks amazing when another ring of the same style/size is worn just below the knuckle of the same finger.  I am obsessed!  The ultimate ring designed for this style is the Repossi Barbere.  Unfortunately, it costs an arm and a leg.  I am on the hunt for a knockoff.

The second ring style involves wearing one ring on each of your fingers.  I have been eyeing this Maison Martin Margiela ring set for a while, but a cheaper alternative is buying 4 of the same wide band ring, and creating your own set.

Another option is combining the two styles...why not?  A couple below-the-knuckle rings here, a couple above-the-knuckle rings there, and you have something totally unique and cool.

Runway Beauty D.I.Y.: Louis Vuitton Spring 2012

It's been a while since I've done a beauty D.I.Y. post, but I couldn't resist recreating the feminine beauty look on Louis Vuitton's spring runway.  The models' makeup was dewy with a major emphasis on lashes, and hair was coiffed into messy bun/twist hybrids topped off with sparkling headbands.  I have a feeling that the headband is making a comeback this year, as already evidenced by Charlize Theron and Michelle Williams' Golden Globe hairstyles.

HAIR:
The hair was MUCH simpler than I expected.  I prepped my tresses with my new favorite product, Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray, which built up some volume at the roots and imparted a dry, piecey texture, perfect for the updo.  After several sprays and some teasing at the roots, I finger combed (you don't want to brush out the texture) and pulled my hair to one side, bobby pinning straight up the back to hold it in place.  Then I started my twist, coiling up the base of my head toward the crown, covering up my row of bobby pins.  Instead of leaving the ends to stick out at the top, I wrapped the twist around and back down to the base, and pulled the body of the twist to overlap, leaving some ends to stick out haphazardly.  Then I secured with 3 spin pins--these work wonders!  I added a couple more bobby pins as needed, but left things pretty messy.  To finish off the look, I turned an old rhinestone necklace (from high school prom!) that I found in the back of a drawer into a sparkly headband.  Thank goodness I save weird stuff.

MAKEUP:
The beautiful runway makeup was created by guru Pat McGrath.  The skin was extremely dewy, so I began by using a luminizer all over my face.  I think I overdid it, because my face is looking more oily than dewy in these photos.  I used my usual liquid foundation next, and then went back in with the luminizer over cheekbones, under the brow bone, on the inside corners of my eyes, and at the cupid's bow of my lips.  I used a sheer pinky peach blush on the apples of my cheeks and slightly contoured my cheekbones.  For my eyes, I found that the Dior Rosy Tan palette provided the perfect range of colors.  I used the shimmery beige all over the lids, the darkest brown to contour the socket line, then the lightest pink to highlight the center and inner corner of the lids.  This was followed by a bit of dark brown liner, just on the upper lids.  For the lower lids, I just softly lined with the dark brown eyeshadow.  Next, I applied mascara and pulled out the false eyelashes.  This was my first time applying false eyelashes, so I don't have any real words of wisdom, except to make sure the glue sets up a little before trying to adhere the lashes.  For the Louis Vuitton show, Pat McGrath's team of makeup artists sewed together TEN pairs of false eyelashes for each model.  My lashes look puny in comparison.  I finished off the look with some quick brow grooming, and a little bit of peachy lip gloss.

Pajama Party!

Viviana Volpicella of Vogue Nippon, Christine Centenera of Harper's Bazaar Australia, and Marina Larroude of style.com

Pajama-style separates have made appearances on the runways for the past couple of seasons now, and all of the coolest girls in fashion have even taken the look to the street.  The style is all about the insouciance that comes from wearing a loose, silk button-down shirt or billowy pair of printed pants.  I am not a fan of the full-on, Hugh Hefner look (pajama shirt + pajama pants + velvet slipper flats), but incorporating one of the pieces into an outfit evokes an easy chicness.  The key is to accessorize with sky-high heels and a bold piece of jewelry, to avoid that just-rolled-out-of-bed look.


An untucked pajama shirt is perfection over a pair of leather pants or bright skinny jeans.

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew, Olatz, Tucker, and Bodas pajama shirts

A pair of printed wide-leg pants looks submlime when topped off with a tank top and blazer.

Clover Canyon, 10 Crosby, By Malene Birger, and Marc by Marc Jacobs pants