In fashion, I'm a pretty big advocate for the school of thought, "When you find a rule, break it." Style is too personal to have every fad that graces the glossies apply to everyone. Generally, style is painting a portrait of who you are inside, for the world to see outside...and that may not always be the same picture. Some days I play the girly Sex and the City New Yorker, some days I subscribe to my laid back, music loving, Chuck wearing, weekender psyche. Fashion not only changes person to person, but within the varied moods and needs of each individual as well.
The one deviation from this principle is quite possibly the crux of why I'm so passionate about fashion. You must stay true to who you are. Fashion exists to be a personalized, wearable art. To find something that makes you feel good in your skin and shine as the unique individual you are. Whether that calls for wearing white after Labor Day, black with brown, or even socks with sandals (!!!) you. be. you. I once read, "Just be yourself, everyone else is already taken." I really feel it is as simple as that.
Lately I've seen many of the fashion elite running around New York in silk scarves....but I just can't do it. I think I just have internalized that as a Mom Jean marker rather than the classic stigma I'm fully aware they carry.
Here is the silk scarf in the current (and classic) fashion :
I can completely agree this is a beautiful scarf, but every top I wear is generally low cut, so I have a hard time wearing things with a lot of fabric around the chest and neck without feeling frumpy. I do not know why...it just feels constricting.
Here is how I wear a silk scarf:
It is still a classic silk scarf, Dolce & Gabbana no less, just with some added funk and flair...like me!
Lately I've indulged my baser instincts and pulled out the fundamental Gossip Girl seasons 1 & 2 from the DVD rack for some fashion inspirationand beautiful boys to stare at while eating dinner. I find the sets are such great interior inspiration that I must indulge in a bit of artist background. The powers that be in Gossip Girl land are always looking to bring in local factoids of New York City and especially to highlight hip NYC artists that are noteworthy for the Bass, Humphrey, Van der Woodsen clans.
Here are some of the sets where some interior inspiration may just jump directly on to the walls of my living room.
To begin there is debatably my favorite, the Richard Phillips "Spectrum" print that hangs over the staircase of the Van der Woodsen apartment. It is a statement piece that sets the mod chic elegance of the whole art-filled home.
My other favorite (they constantly tie for first) is the Richard Phillips "Scout" print hanging in Chuck Bass's bedroom. I had no idea these two prints were the same artist so it is funny, although I suppose not surprising, that they are both equally my favorite.
The entryway also showcases some other great pieces that I love, but that don't quite hypnotize me the same.
The Prada sign print by Elgmreen and Dragset may be the most prominent artwork among Lily's collection as it is a bold piece directing any guests straight into the drama of their home.
This Jessica Craig Martin print is actually quite good. I like the color choice, the appropriate modern feel of the fashion world as well as the interesting crop in the composition that has taken place. The dramatic crop makes you wonder about the lives of the portrait's subjects...I like art that makes me wonder.
Well darlings, my alarm went off quite early this morning but it was totally worth it, as I got to watch The Royal Wedding of William and Catherine, Live from Times Square NYC!! Not usually a morning person, it did take some thought before deciding that getting to Times Square at 5am would be worth it, but after all it has been 29 years since the last royal wedding (and I did not get to see that one). After months of designer speculation on Women's Wear Daily, I was excited to see that Alexander McQueen (my favorite) was the chosen designer for the royal wedding gown!
I watched the royal wedding, live in Times Square NYC in the VIP tent of TLC Network! Full of English tea, scones, and beautiful modern Brit decor, the VIP tent was a nice atmosphere to view the royal wedding for such an early time in the morning.
The dress, designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, was reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding dress when she became Princess Grace of Monaco. Although the custom lace design remained very reminiscent of McQueen's signature prints, the dress was most definitely toned down from the normal avant-garde look of the line, but I believe this had a lot to do with Kate's simplistic, classic style.
My favorite moment of the royal wedding was when Kate began walking down the aisle and you can see Prince Harry take a peak of her and tell Prince William how she looks. It was such an intimate brotherly moment that was so nice to witness.
"Be who God meant you to be and
you will set the world on fire."
- St. Catherine of Sienna
After the royal wedding, TLC's Say Yes to the Dress performed 3 live weddings as well as a fashion show with the past brides of the show in Times Square. Oh and the lovely Colbie Caillat performed! It was certainly a memorable way to experience the royal wedding. And now my dears, this fashionista is off to catch up on some zzz's, enjoy your royally enchanted day!
Long gone are his days as the cute boy on 3rd Rock from the Sun, the last few years have brought Joseph Gordon-Levittback to the forefront and aren't we so excited. I must say I have very high respect for actors who actually stick to their craft rather than playing the tabloid game, and I must tip my hat to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for doing just that.
I hadn't realized how grown-up the child star had gotten until I saw {500} Days of Summer...and was totally crushing on him at that point. Who could resist his cute dimples and adorable grin?? He has almost a boy next door quality that makes him feel approachable and respected.
And the sharp suits he has been donning lately a la Inception are beyond superb! I can't adequately describe my love for a man in a great suit...mmm...it's just a really good thing. And to add the cherry on top, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has this James Dean old school look to his style that is classic and refreshing.
{Merci weheartit for the pics}
Talented, classy, and oh so cute, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the perfect under-the-radar star that has every girl's heart fluttering once she takes notice. Keep up the good work Mr. Gordon-Levitt, I can't wait to see what you choose to take on next.
It was a sad day yesterday, as the world said goodbye to the very last Hollywood Golden Age Legend. Elizabeth Taylor, dangerously curvy, fashion icon, died at 79 from heart failure that had her hospital bound many times in the last 7 years. Known for her many (8) marriages, to the likes of Nicky Hilton (Paris's grandfather) and Richard Burton, among others, she stayed very much in the public eye up until her death.
Setting the stage at 12 as a child star in National Velvet, Elizabeth's violet eyes, and talent transitioned her into great MGM roles as she grew...grew in to a curvacious sex bomb. But MGM had yet to recognize this Golden Age Legend potential. Her first major movie was the original Father of the Bride in 1950.
She continued making many movies that she was not happy with, but MGM refused to cast her in anything higher. Finally she co-starred in Giant with James Dean in 1956 and her stardom catapulted. Her next 4 films were repeatedly Academy Award Nominations for Best Actress: Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly, Last Summer, and finally winning for Butterfied 8.
By the time Cleopatra rolled around, Elizabeth Taylor was the highest paid actress, signing a one million dollar contract...two million after overtime...in 1960! This is when she began her scandalous infidelity with co-star Richard Burton. Later Burton would become her long time husband, as well as co-star in a total of 8 movies. One in which she received her 2nd Academy Award, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.
Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for jewelry and was known for her fair share of opulence...including the 33.19 carat Krupp Diamond and the Cartier 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond. Oh and did I forget to mention the 50 carat La Peregrina Pearl Burton gave Taylor for Valentine's Day...that originally belonged to Queen Mary I of England?...yeah. So it made perfect sense when, one of the first celebrity endorsed (and most successful) perfumes, White Diamonds, was born.
A ritual girl's night commenced last night as the Oscar's 83rd award ceremony was held. Of course the only reason I watch it is for the Red Carpet Fashion...who was the best dressed and who was the worst dressed? Here's my rundown:
THE BEST DRESSED...
Anne Hathaway did a nice job hosting the Oscars and began the night in a stunning Archival Valentino gown...and standing here with the Emperor himself I'd say its a big YES!
Little Hailee Steinfeld (Supporting Actress Nom) made her Red Carpet debut in a stunning Marchesa gown. And might I say, refreshingly age appropriate, she was the essence of beauty in a lovely styled updo and clean makeup. Bravo!
I loved Scarlet Johannason (as I usually do) in her fitted feminine choices, and this Dolce & Gabbana was no exception!
Oprah was full-figured perfection in her hour glass Zac Posen.
Amy Adams has quickly become my favorite Red Carpet lady. I am already a big fan of navy blue as evening luxe but this L'Wren Scott was to die for and then topped of with $1.3million of Cartier jewels...a girl could do worse!
Jennifer Hudson had my jaw dropped as she strutted the Red Carpet in this Atelier Verasace!
Her new body has definitely been the talk of the town (although I personally feel she has gotten a little too skinny) but in this classic red number it is the perfect nod to the golden age of Hollywood.
AND THE WINNER IS....
BEST DRESSED in my opinion was by far Mila Kunis in this stunning Elie Saab (go figure - he is my fav)!
Modern and interesting yet elegant and refined Mila was a supreme example of red Carpet decadence!
And now for the worst dressed...
Although I have heard mixed reviews about Cate Blanchett's Givenchy gown, I have to say I am not a fan. It has beginnings of things I might like, but the overly boxy beaded embroidery feels like its trying too hard and the empty frame on her chest that just leaves you wanting...of what I'm not sure...I just couldn't wrap my understanding around this one.
As far as styling goes, I must say Gwenyth Paltrow more than disappointed me. First in this streamlined Calvin Klein Collection and then in what could be a nice Michael Kors she seems to have just slipped into her gowns after a day of errands at the mall. Straight, forgotten hair, and an overly tanned, blond mix made me feel like she was channeling Red Carpet Barbie rather than Oscar winning extraordinaire.
AND THE WORST DRESSED WINNER IS...
Melissa Leo, Winning Supporting Actress for The Fighter, accepted her speach dropping the F Bomb, mirroring her choice in fashion taste as well. As Tim Gunn was interviewing her on the Red Carpet I was at a loss of words for the stiff doily by Marc Bouwer, she had decided as her Big Night Gown!
To end on a happy note, as I am almost never negative on my blog, please enjoy the opening video number to the Oscar's by hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco. I thought it was quite funny and perfect for the night.
Well this New York Fashion Week has been a whirlwind, but my Grand Finale of the week was well worth the wait as I got a seat at Naeem Khan! Mercedes Benz had whisked my sparkly little heels over the rainbow this week, and now I've clicked them three times and I'm back in Kansas (or my apartment) only left fond memories and achy feet! Oh la la! This girl has some serious R&R booked...I'm thinking bubble bath, mani-pedi's, and a good sleeping beauty persona....cue Prince Charming for the wake-me-up at any time!
Outfit #7 Look Out!
French Leather Dress
Teal Scarf...scavenged from my closet
Heirloom Brooch
BCBG Silver Heels
This young fashionista had the most Unique Look of the Week (in a very good way)! She styled this outfit herself creating the skirt from newspapers and even lacing up the back with silk silver ribbon. Details, Details!
I love this Tribal Chic with 80s Glam. This fitted LBD with the brushed gold accessories in everything from feather to studs to spikes...LOVE!
This is a look I am working on for the Spring: Over the knee socks are so cute and styled with heeled oxfords for classic Americana and rocked out with a dazzling feather skirt has me smitten!
Ready for your teaser? That's right, I snagged a seat at Naeem Khan and darlings I must say...this show blew. me. away. I have never loved a show more live, online, in print...anything. Filling New York's runway with timeless feminine glamour, Naeem's show was certainly the highpoint of my week and a fabulous Finale to New York Fashion Week!
Backless, flowing, and breathtaking. I can hardly wait to show you more!
And a little celeb spotting for you. Robert Verdi was appearing front row all week and I finally grabbed a shot of him coming out of the LAMB show, phone in hand like all the other New Yorker's...no doubt texting about how fabulous Gwen Stefani's show was!
I will be back to report the runways of New York Fashion Week after some much needed rest!
