Tortoise

Alexander Mcqueen handbags

The tortoise shell is a classic, but usually the print is limited to glasses frames, and the occasional hair accessory.  I have always loved the graphic quality of a high contrast tortoise shell, and it's similarity to a blurred leopard print (trend of the moment) makes it even more appealing recently.

A great pair of tortoise sunglasses is an essential, cateye or wayfarer preferably.

Super Lucia ($161, eyegoodies.com) and Karen Walker Derby ($180, eyegoodies.com)

Norma Kamali Square Cat Eye ($250, normakamalicollection.com) and Elizabeth & James sunglasses ($185, shopbop.com)

Once I spotted this Nixon chronograph watch, I fell in love with the idea of a tortoise shell timepiece.  Surprisingly, there are a multitude of options available.

     

Nixon 42-20 ($450, nordstrom.com) and Michael Kors Bracelet Watch ($180, saks.com)

D&G Bezel Chronograph ($215, saks.com) and Nixon ($99.95, amazon.com)

Anne Klein Chronograph ($95, anneklein.com) and Michael Michael Kors Bangle watch ($195, neimanmarcus.com)

I would be remiss if I didn't mention tortoise jewelry, perfect to mix in with other resin pieces or metals.

Pono cuff ($132, neimanmarcus.com) and Kenneth Jay Lane pendant necklace ($62.19, pret-a-beaute.com)

Hoop earrings ($26, jestjewels.com) and Prada Plex Chain Link necklace ($395, saks.com)

Tortoise shell has even infiltrated footwear.  A patent tortoise pump is versatile as well as a statement shoe--the golden combination.

Yves Saint Laurent Ideale ($520, bluefly.com) and Melissa by Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon ($150, urbanminx.com) 

DSquared tortoise heel sandal ($851, luisaviaroma.com) and J. Crew patent peep toes ($198, jcrew.com)

This Alexander McQueen clutch is truely a work of art.  Can you imagine how much better a little black dress would look when carrying this? 

Alexander McQueen Knuckle clutch ($2,145, alexandermcqueen.com)

Spring 2011: TOM FORD

Since retiring in 2004 from his reign at Gucci, Tom Ford's return to womenswear has been highly anticipated.  At long last, he showed his first women's collection under his own label in September.  It was an unconventional presentation, shown only to a small group, and modeled by a handful of Ford's celeb friends (including Beyoncé, Julianne Moore, and Rita Wilson) and select models.  Unfortunately, it was an ultra-private event, and no images from the show were released until Vogue's December editorial of the collection, and now this week, in a short video of the collection.  The clothes are beatiful, but more notable is how much fun the models and audience are having--so rare in fashion. 



The song playing in the video is by Karen Elson (supermodel and wife of Jack White), who also walks in the show.

Best Red Carpet Dresses of 2010

I know most people put out these lists BEFORE the end of 2010, but better late than never.  The following are my 15 favorite gowns as seen on the red carpet (in no particular order).

1.  JANUARY JONES IN ATELIER VERSACE

This cobalt gown was a unique and memorable choice.  January Jones is one of the few actresses that is able to pull off Atelier Versace's dramatic dresses on the red carpet.

2.  SARAH JESSICA PARKER IN VIVENNE WESTWOOD

Of all the dresses that SJP wore for the Sex & the City 2 promotional tour, this Vivienne Westwood was my favorite.  The voluminous tiered floral is very Carrie.

3.  KATE HUDSON IN EMILIO PUCCI

The striking simplicity of this Pucci dress does amazing things for Kate Hudson's figure.

4.  LEA MICHELE IN ZAC POSEN

I don't think I have ever seen this canary color on the red carpet--it works beautifully against Lea Michele's dark hair.

5.  LADY GAGA IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

The drama of this McQueen gown is perfect on Lady Gaga.  It is nice to see her in a less gimmicky get-up than usual (ahem, meat dress).

6.  KEIRA KNIGHTLEY IN CHANEL COUTURE

The ladylike shape of this Chanel dress is offset by risqué side cutouts and an open back.  The pearl detailing on the dress is phenomenal!

7.  ANNA KENDRICK IN ELIE SAAB

This is the perfect dreamy, romantic dress. 

7.  CAREY MULLIGAN IN AZZARO

Carey Mulligan was sartorial perfection on the red carpet this year, and this prim Azzaro dress has to be one of her best looks yet.

8.  CHRISTINA HENDRICKS IN ZAC POSEN

This lilac feather-trimmed dress highlights Christina's figure and red hair to a tee.

9.  FAN BINGBING IN LAURENCE HSU

The traditional dragon print of this one-shoulder mermaid gown pays tribute to Fan Bingbing's Chinese heritage.

10.  EMMA WATSON IN RAPHAEL LOPEZ

Emma Watson looks so sassy in this lace and feather dress.  I cannot imagine anyone else pulling this look off as well.

11.  EVANGELINE LILY IN EMILIO PUCCI

This is such a fun dress!  The ombre coloring, lace-up back, shoulder fringe and scalloped hem sound like a strange combo, but work together to create a modern look.

12.  CATE BLANCHETT IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Cate Blanchette looks regal in this Mcqueen gown.

13.  ELLE FANNING IN MARCHESA

This girlie trapeze dress is so cute and age-appropriate on Elle Fanning.



 14.  SARAH JESSICA PARKER IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

This abstract floral printed gown has more of a bohemian vibe than SJP usually goes for.  The cut of this dress is flawless on her.

15.  SUSAN SARANDON IN DONNA KARAN

This is one of those classic dresses that works for a variety of body types and ages.  That being said, Susan Sarandon looks drop dead gorgeous, and the sunglasses are the perfect finishing touch.



Happy New Year!

I have fallen behind on blogging, but that is sure to change in 2011!  Let's start the new year with something fabulous and Diorific--this short film for Lady Dior handbags.  Marion Cotillard mezmerizes as Lady Grey, a glamourous performer and muse, dressed head to toe in Dior couture.  The film is a touch cheesy, but the opening sequence is captivating--definitely worth watching.

Runway Beauty D.I.Y.: Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs's spring 2011 beauty look played off of his glammed out 70s inspired clothes.  The eyes were a dramatic hunter green, offset by soft rosy cheeks and matte wine-stained lips.  This look would be perfect for any upcoming holiday parties, and I love the green smoky eye as an alternative to basic black.

To recreate the look, I began with my usual foundation and concealer routine.  The skin at Marc Jacobs had a bit of a dewy glow to it, so I used liquid foundation and did not set it with powder.  I made some attempt to conceal my eyebrows (the models at Marc Jacobs had theirs bleached), which wasn't so successful.  For a soft pink flush, I used a light dusting of Nars Orgasm blush, which was actually used on the models for the show.  Next, I focused on my eyes, using a green YSL palette (one of my favorite palettes--highly recommended).  I applied a thin layer of the darkest green all over my lid, then applied a heavier layer at the outer corner, into my crease, and under my lower lash line.  Next, I used a bright chartreuse color (sounds scary, but is actually quite flattering) on the inner half of my eye, bringing it around the inner corner.  Finally, I lined the waterline of my eye with a black liner and applied mascara.  For my lips, I used a sheer wine lipstick and blotted to get a matte finish.

I did not even attempt the giant frizzy hair, seeing as it required this preparation:

Camel Perfection

I hate to repost from another blog, but I saw this look on The Sartorialist and fell in love.  THIS is how you pull off the camel, cape, and lougewear pant trends all in one fell swoop.  Also, the bangs?  To Die For. This girl's effortless chic ensemble looks current and comfortable, and thankfully, easy to replicate. 

The base is a pale camel sweater in a lightweight knit paired with darker camel knit lounge pants.

J. Crew cashmere sweater, $168                                                     Mango pants, $65.34

A short grey cape, black suede pumps, and beige satchel finish off the look.

 

Nordstrom capelet, $118                                                   Pour La Victoire Irina pumps, $250  

Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel, $498

The pieces aren't as important as the palette--you can try this with any camel, grey, and black separates, as long as they have a soft, drapey quality.