2013 Cannes Film Festival

Welcome to Cannes, where glamorous movie premieres, swanky after parties and apparently jewelry thieves dominate. As expected, the film festival is more like a fashion show in disguise: the industry's fiercest stars cascade down the red carpet in threads that command attention. While some ensembles made style mavens coo in adoration, others were cringe-worthy.  Ready for another red carpet review? I sure am!

The Worst

Julianne Moore in Christian Dior: Even the chicest celebrities succumb to a tragic wardrobe malfunction; however, Moore's fashion emergency was especially disgusting. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard of the disaster that is "toe-mageddon." It's a shame because otherwise, Moore looked flawless. I love the picture-perfect blowout with the feminine silhouette and dainty jewels. Though I appreciate her sense of humor, I hope she learns a lesson and never wears strappy sandals again.

Janet Jackson in Armani Prive: Sleek menswear with a hip hop twist? No thank you. Overall, this look is just confused. The slouchy pants and pulling blazer create a major fashion faux pas. Additionally, the dainty necklace and chunky platform heels are just too much. Instead, Jackson should've opted for a fitted suit with closed toe,pointed heels.

Rooney Mara: Ever since her breakout role in Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Mara has been applauded for her glamorous and gothic aesthetic. At the Catching Fire party, the actress sported a look that was neither glamorous nor gothic. Personally, this look gives me the heebie jeebies. I'm all for spicing up your sartorial choices, but it's important to know draw the line. For starters, the hat needs to go.

Li Yuchun: There's too much fringe, and then there's too much ombre fringe. While both are quite terrible, the latter is a surefire way to get my starmp of disapproval. Moral of the story: it's not okay for Cannes, it's not okay for the Grammys--it's not okay for any type of fesitivies.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior: Though I completely adore the cool girl's allegiance to the fashion house, it seems as if Jennifer Lawrence needs a crash course in styling. The berry lip and classic Dior silhouette are deliciously feminine, but the hair is sloppy. Translation? It's simply too edgy for this look. Additionally, this ensemble lacks a dainty choker necklace or dangling earring.

Florence Welch: Once upon a time, the Florence and the Machine songstress was the queen of the ethereal style (to a point where it was annoying). While it's great to see Welch in a new uniform, a pink gown with an embarrassing amount of polka dots is a big no. Not only does the pink look off with her coloring, this feels more like a costume than couture. Better luck next time?

Emmanuelle Seigner in Alexandre Vauthier: The deep v may have (somewhat) worked for Jennifer Lopez  way back when, but Seigner is simply too old to wear this sexual  number. If that neckline wasn't traumatic enough, I don't like how she matched her lip and dress color-- too much! 

Jessica Chastain in Versace: Perhaps Seigner should've opted for this dress instead. Though Chastain is always a vision, this Versace number looks very matronly on her. Plus, the long pendant feels a little random.

Zhang Ziyi in Giambattista Valli: What's black, white and absolutely dreadful? This Giambattista Valli ensemble. The zebra-esque pattern clashes with the film festival's elegance. And what's with that tulle trail? A ballerina costume gone wrong!

Jessica Hart in Valentino: Textured mini dresses are hard to wear. Though Hart probably believed her red sandals would make a statement, they actually prompted this outfit's downfall. So what's the take away lesson here? When wearing a frivolous dress, keep the rest of your ensemble simple with shoes that are either nude or match your dress's hue.

Audrey Tautou in Lanvin: Tautou's styling was on-point, she balanced this shimmery mini with minimal accessories and nude heels, but this dress is way too young. Chic? I say "sweet sixteen."

The Best

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior: Unlike her black and white fiasco, this ensemble works a million times better with her beachy locks. The pink shoes and neon details may initially seem matchy-matchy; however, the unconventional hemline makes this look fabulously offbeat. The "girl on fire" is back!

Fredia Pinto in Sanchita Ajjampur: Thanks to Pinto, old school glamour made a roaring comeback at Cannes. A shimmery number and a deep red lip may be too much in any other scenario, but this is Cannes. The lack of accessories give this ensemble a sense of control.

Tanya Dziahileva  in Georges Hobeika Haute Couture: A vixen in white! I love how Dziahileva juxtaposed femininity and funk.The white appliqued gown screams girly while the harsh red lip is beyond edgy. J'adore! 

Sonam Kapor in Dolce and Gabbana: Extravagant, yet Kapor's floral number is perfect for Cannes. Unlike most of the soiree's attendees, this style maven choose to have a princess moment in a full-skirted gown. Kapor completed this regal moment outfit with perfectly curled hair and a dainty necklace.

Nicole Kidman in Valentino: After a slew of "too-young-for-comfort" ensembles, Kidman finally rocks a gown that is both glamorous and age-appropriate. The high neck and intricate details offer the perfect Grace Kelly-inspired  image. Brava! 

Kirsten Dunst in Michael van der Hamm: Fortunately, the starlet has broken away from her string of awful ensembles and looks absolutely flawless doing so. The multiple patterns are perfectly balanced by the frock's modest silhouette. Though the polished hair allows the dress to take center stage, the bright red lip proves that Dunst is still wearing this dress (as opposed to the other way around).

Emma Watson in Chanel: For the Bling Ring actress, simplicity is key. Similar to her Met Ball look, Watson donned yet another classic silhouette. Luckily, the glitzy bodice spices up this lackluster shape. To prevent a Liberace moment, the starlet paired this dress with edgy jewels.

Carey Mulligan in Vionnet: Black and white strikes Cannes once again. Though the color palette is overplayed, the sultry cutout brings something new to the sartorial table. The fresh makeup and lack of accessories allow onlookers to focus on the dress's beautiful execution. So smitten.

Sara Forestier in Giambattista Valli: Take note, Zhang Ziyi: this is how someone wears Giambattista Valli. The innovative black and white print spices up the ever-so-popular mullet silhouette. While red shoes with a black and white number tends to look tasteless, the updated t-strap shape and coordinating red lip gives this ensemble a dash of updated Hollywood glamour.

Olivia Palermo in Roberto Cavalli: The east coast fashion icon spiced up the elegant celebration with this Cavalli number. The short hem and clashing textures are super sexy; however, in true Palermo fashion, the tastemaker carefully plans her hair, makeup and accessories. The final result? A fun and sophisticated summery outfit.

What looks are you loving from Cannes? I'm dying to know! 

Photos courtesy of Vogue.and Telegraph.

 xx

The 2013 Met Ball

Though this post is a few weeks delayed, not blogging about this year's Met Gala would a major faux pas. On May 6th, the CFDA's punk exhibit opened and its rebellious aesthetic was splattered on the red carpet. From funky hair to "bad girl" threads, it seems as if our favorite tastemakers' ensembles were an extension of the exhibit. But that doesn't mean every look was spectacular. On the contrary, a handful of looks were reminiscent of a horror flick. Check out my best and worst dressed picks below! 

The Worst.

Elle Fanning in Rodarte: I know a punk exhibit calls for defiant makeup; however, this eye makeup gives me the heebie-jeebies, especially with the tie-dye dress. Instead of portraying punk, the potent dress and matching makeup creates a train-wreck.Fanning would've looked a million times better had she sported a sleek black dress and zany makeup.

Marion Cotillard in Dior: The French bombshell is known for her cutting-edge taste;however, this ensemble leaves fashion fanatics feeling unimpressed. Not only does this nude ensemble completely wash Cotillard out, it looks like something you'd find at Forever 21. And instead of adding a necessary burst of funk, the black and white shoes just don't make sense. Hopefully, the actress's "worst dressed" streak will end shortly. 

Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney: Though the gold spiked belt is absolutely righteous, the rest of the look is too matronly for both the Met Ball and Diaz. The starlet is 40 years-old, yet this ensemble automatically adds another 20 years. And that slicked back hair? No thank you! 

Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs: Spiked hair? Mesh dress? Oh, she's just being Miley. In terms of Met Ball attire, this ensemble s perfectly aligned with the exhibit's punk theme. So why is it on my worst dressed list? Even though dressing for an event in crucial, a tastemaker should never compromise his or her level of sophistication. Yes, Cyrus is prone to sporting revealing ensembles; however, this dress is on another level. Additionally, the spiked hair and fire engine pout makes her look a little crazy.

Lily Collins in Vivienne Westwood: Silly Lily, rain ponchos are never chic. Though I appreciate the  use of diverse fabrics, this whole ensemble is just wrong. If  you weren't deterred by the full skirt,  Collins's stringy locks suggest that Mother Nature rained on her sartorial parade.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Valentino: Though this frock is an improvement from the actress's barely-there look at the Iron Man 3 premiere, it's just not right for this occasion. To be blunt, there is nothing about this ensemble that screams Met Ball. Even the infamous Tom Ford cape attire better captured Vogue's ultra-glam aesthetic (not to mentioned that hot pink hue would've been perfect for last year's gala). But above all things, Paltrow is on my worst dressed list for her sourpuss attitude towards the Met Ball.  If you think being at a soiree with fashion's biggest influencers is unfun, there is seriously no hope for you.

Kim Kardashian in Givenchy: There's not doubt that the reality star has received negative press for her inflatable pregnancy; however, her poor choice of ensembles doesn't help smother the criticism. Most of the time, Kanye's baby mama is dressing as if she weren't pregnant. The result? Her style choice are unflattering and look quite uncomfortable. Instead of wearing skintight threads and busy prints, Kardashian should focus on sporting pregnancy-friendly outfits: comfortable shoes, airy silhouettes and empire waists. Though this look is less-than-perfect, I will defend that infamous floral glove. Some think it's a style don't, but let's forget she's at the Met Ball. This wouldn't be appropriate for the MTV Movie Awards, yet the Met Ball demands crazy accessories and creativity.

Zooey Deschanel in Tommy Hilfiger: So now we know why The New Girl star has bangs. Not only does her new do destroy the quirky girl reputation she's worked so hard to secure, she looks matronly. Though this blue asymmetrical dress is darling, it's not right for this event. We're never going to see a punk Deschanel; however, her outfit from the 2012 Golden Globes is more appropriate.

Florence Welch in Givenchy: There's a fine line between being a fashion icon and being predictable. Whenever the Florence and the Machine frontwoman steps onto a red carpet, I'm expecting her to wearing an ethereal Givenchy number. And she did just that at this year's Met Ball.  She shouldn't diss her personal style; however, fashionistas and fashionistos everywhere are getting a case of déjà vu.

The Best.

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors: As always, the model extraordinaire makes us a little self-loathing in this barely there  Michael Kors number. The dark berry lip and studded clutch offer a dash of vampy glam while the cutout dress keeps this look summery and fun. My only piece of criticism is that Kerr should've pulled her hair into a tight ponytail--the added drama would've made this look absolutely perfect.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles: Truly, this is what the Met Ball (and fashion) is all about.  From the clashing patterns to the ornate faux-hawk,  the fashionista embodied the funky theme without losing her style integrity. I'm so glad she makes unexpected sartorial choices after all these years because she continues to teach us that fashion should always be fun.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy: Though Mara's onscreen alterego, Lisbeth Salander, would've fit in perfectly at this year's gala, the emerging actress looked absolutely flawless. As my favorite Givenchy look of the night, Mara's feminine frock was perfectly juxtaposed by the gothic lip and slicked back hair. The result? Punk with class. Brava.

Sienna Miller in Burberry: Adhering to punk's literal interpretation, Miller's surplus of spikes is darling. Though this concept could be executed just about anywhere, this ensemble reminds us that the use of accessories can actually make a look go from drab to fab.

Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung: Seriously, can Emma Watson do any wrong? Though this dress is similar to Kerr's outfit, the Bling Ring gives this revealing silhouette a classic twist. Her look may not be very "punk-inspired," but I think she looks stunning.

What were you favorite and least favorite looks from the night? Sound off below!
All photos courtesy of Vogue.com.

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: Tie Dye

Gone are the days when tie dye was associated with free love, crunchy silhouettes and Birkenstocks. This spring, some of fashion's brightest stars have given this psychedelic print a much-needed makeover. From multicolored marble to two-toned tie dye, this latest craze offers a slew of styles that tastemakers will love. The hippie movement has never been so on-trend.

Miu Miu

Tory Burch

Versace

House of Holland

Though the tie dye trend is taking the fashion world by storm,there's a fine line between snazzy style and a groovy flop. The key to pulling off this trend is to make your overall ensemble as clean as possible. Allow your marble piece to stand out by pairing it with sleek shapes and solid colors. Though pairing clashing tie dye pieces together adheres to the mixed media trend, there is such a thing as too much tie dye. If you're dying to comine two tie dye separates, take a lesson from Miu Miu and pair the same two-toned tie dye together-- the trend will take on a polished look.  Unlike other trends, nix the tie dye accessories-- it's too childish and kitschy. Instead, opt for bold extras in a crisp neutral or black. 

Tye dye dress, $23 / Raquel Allegra tye dye shirt / Proenza Schouler tye dye t shirt / House of Holland tie dye top, $375 / Object Collectors Item pullover sweatshirt, $63 / Band of Outsiders tie dye jacket / Scotch & Soda tie dye jacket, $510 / Royal Spades bleached jeans, $180 / Oh My Love tube skirt, $44

What do you think about this trend? I'm dying to know

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: Pretty Pastels

Step aside emerald green, pretty pastels are at the vanguard of this spring's color wheels. Sherbets, blush and sea glass green flooded the catwalk. Keeping in theme, these feminine hues are frequently paired with playful silhouettes. What's old is new again, as we revisit the ladylike aesthetic of the 1940s and 1950s. For a modern twist, several retailers interpreted the trend for a younger crowd: mini skirts, textured flats and crop tops. The result? A phenomenon that fashionistas of any age can enjoy.

Karen Walker

Alice + Olivia

Chloé

Valentino

J. Mendel

Monique Lhuillier

Unlike some of this season's other trends, pastels are a low-risk craze. Take a note from spring's hottest collections and mix these gentle hues with girly silhouettes and detailing: ethereal fabrics, lace and classic shapes. If you're not ready to forgo your urban threads, invest in some pastel gems. A nice chandelier or statement necklace in one of these colors is so de la Renta. For a dash of drama, add thin, black accessories such as a skinny belt or a pair of strappy sandals. The fetching contrast is sure to gift your ensemble with a Parisian je ne sais quoi. Feeling extra creative? Sport these girly shades together, as seen in Karen Walker's collection. It seems as if color blocking just got a breath of fresh air.

Nina Ricci see through dress / Topshop sleeveless top / Topshop / Marni , $285 / McQ by Alexander McQueen platform high heel pumps / Clarks flat shoes, $70 / Dolcis shoes, $39 / White House Black Market / Teardrop necklace / TOPSHOP Mint Baby Cord Skater Skirt

How will you sport this trend? Sound off below!

xx

Gift Guide: Mother's Day 2013

Now that we already know where we're getting our Mother's Day cards from, let's start thinking about the presents. If your mom is anything like you,  she needs to be surrounded by all things glamorous. So why not treat her extra special this year? Whenever I think about what to get my mom for Mother's Day, I focus on products that will make her feel relaxed and/or like a Queen. My mom does so much for me, so Mother's Day is the perfect time to pamper her. Check out my favorite gift ideas for this special occasion.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream ($27; www.kiehls.com): The megawatt skincare company is a favorite amongst tastemakers. And if it's good enough for fashion's finest, your mom is bound to adore the brand, too. I'm personally obsessed with this face cream: it always leaves my skin super hydrated. If you want to go the extra mile, make your mom a mini Kiehl's gift bag-- I suggest the Creme de Corps Light-Weight Body Lotion and the company's iconic lip balm.

Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Candle ($65; www.jomalone.com): If your mom already has a set beauty regime, a luxe candle is the ultimate no-fuss gift. Not only does Jo Malone have most mothers' stamps of approval, fig and cassis are an unstoppable duo. Feeling extra giving? Throw Jo Malone's Wild Fig & Cassis cologne into the mix.

Chloé Eau de Parfum ($90; Sephora): As one of my mom and my favorite scents, this fragrance is a perfect way to embrace the sunny months ahead.  If the adorable packaging isn't enough of a gift, the delicate blend of honey, amber and pink peony (in addition to a slew of other scents) is simply scrumptious.

Ugg Alloway Slipper ($90; Ugg): If you want your mom to spend Mother's Day relaxing, she has to dress the part. A stylish pair of slippers is perfect for the occasion. The brand's signature shearling combined with a sleek silhouette? Who wouldn't want these? I'm personally obsessed with the black option-- they look super rich. 

Carolee Flex Bracelet ($75; Bloomingdales): Okay, this isn't necessarily a "pamper-ready present"; however, doesn't everyone feel at ease when they see pretty jewels? The dainty silhouette is juxtaposed with a string of glitz.  J'adore.



xx