The 2013 Video Music Awards

Sunday night's Video Music Awards was both good and bad. There was Justin Timberlake's beyond epic performance and Miley Cyrus's musical train wreck. Sartorially speaking, there were definitely some highs and lows. Check out my nominees for  best and worst dressed at the 2013 VMAs.

The Worst.

DJ Cassidy: Gatsby meets old time gangster, this ensemble is not that terrible; however, it's just terrifying. Pastels and sketchy scruff? No thank you.

Sarah Hyland in Marchesa: Though the Modern Family starlet is usually one of my favorite actresses on the red carpet, this look is a major disappointment. The atypical ruffles are sloppy, not to mention they create a silhouette that is anything but flattering. The curls locks add to the flamenco-inspired outfit, which makes this outfit feel more like a costume.

Deborah Norville: Though fashionista is not on the power woman's growing resume, this number is a little too "soccer mom" for the red carpet. Also, what's up with all the accessories? Everyone should really adhere to Coco Chanel's rule about taking one thing off before leaving the house.

Miley Cyrus in Dolce & Gabbana:  This look is a lot better than the get-up she sported during her raunchy performance, but that doesn't mean this Dolce & Gabbana number is good. Instead, she looks like a slutty member of a mariachi band. Without the jeweled embellishments, this ensemble would've been effortlessly chic.  And what's with that hair? Gwen can rock a futuristic 'do (well, barely); Miley cannot.

Rita Ora in Alexandre Vauthier Couture: I always love a dramatic dress; however, this is just too much. The icy blue is too much, the feathered train is too much--make it stop! Rita Ora has always been a trendsetter, but this is a classic example of "having a dress wear you." A shorter hemline would've made the world's difference.

Lil' Kim: We're never going to see Lil' Kim in something stylish or tasteful, but this is especially horrendous. Bumble bee gone bad? I think so! And what's up with that baby pink lip? How is it supposed to work into this otherwise vampy ensemble? I'm open to any and all explanations.

Willow and Jaden Smith in Gant and Alexander Wang, Respectively: How adorable: Will Smith's kids are sporting his old Fresh Prince of Bel Air threads. Wait, they're not? Awkward. I'm always for creating a fashion statement, but this is just confusing and sloppy.

Erin Wasson in Alexandre Vauthier: I love an editorial look as much as the next fashionista, yet this is just way too much for the red carpet. It doesn't matter how fabulously fit you may be because wearing tulle and only tulle is never a good idea.  As for the headband, it's simply not award show-approved.

The Best.

Mary Lambert: Not only does she has the voice of an angel, Lambert is an expert at dressing for her body. Let's be honest: wearing a completely sequined dress is hard. With a cinched waist and modest v-neck, Lambert looks absolutely beautiful. The swept back hair is an effortless way to complete this look while the super-long pendant gives this look a dash of sex appeal.

Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace: Say what you will about this look-- the dress is too older for Gomez,  the hair isn't right, etc-- but I think this look is perfect as is. First of all, this couture dress is ideal for the VMAs: it's classy yet funky enough to wear to musical event. If the Spring Breakers star confined her hair to a sleek ponytail, this whole look would've been to severe. A relaxed down do' is a lovely alternative, plus the emerald earrings gorgeously blend into the whole outfit.

Naya Rivera in Vintage Paco Rabanne: Unlike her flop at the Teen Choice Awards, this is how to show off some skin with class.Here, the Glee star is a seductive Morticia Addams-- in the best way possible. The drama the long locks and defined liner create is inspired. J'adore.

Holland Roden in Naeem Khan: Dramatic in the most unexpected way. this regal ensemble is funky enough for the Video Music Awards. Instead of sporting leather or sexy cut-outs, Roden pumped up the volume in this high-octane number. Though I'm not a fan of the pants-skirt duo, the VMAs is the place is don this crazy trend. The berry lip is the perfect way to make a fierce (yet feminine) statement.

Allison Williams in Valentino: This outfit didn't turn heads on Sunday night; however, I love it. Since the Girls actress was only presenting, a subtly chic dress is an appropriate decision. Williams's messy updo complements the gorgeous details on this Valentino frock. Brava!

Ciara in Givenchy Couture: It's the couture collection that keeps on giving. Beyonce rocked an alternative to this dress at the 2012 Met Gala  while Florence Welch adores very similar Givenchy numbers. But on Ciara? This is pure heaven. Dresses from this Givenchy collection can look very ethereal; however, Ciara has this certain attitude that makes the whole ensemble undeniably glamorous. Not only is this gown a perfect fit, Ciara cleverly finishes this look with beachy waves and a fresh, summery face.

Lady Gaga in Prabal Gurung: Cue the sigh of relief: Lady Gaga doesn't have to wear a meat dress to steal the sartorial spotlight. Sure, this Prabal Gurung number is quirky; however, it proves that Gaga can sport mainstream clothes while boasting her avant garde aesthetic. As for the star's beauty regime, her jet-black hair adds an extra dash of drama.

Joan Smalls in the Viktor+ Rolf: Smalls looks more like a gladiator than a model, but in a good way.The shapeless Viktor + Rolf is a blank canvas, which is wonderful  for boasting the gold statement jacket and tall gladiator heels. Same goes for the beauty front: the sleek mane contrasts that sophisticated berry lip. Love!


Which looks did you love? Which ones did you hate?
I'm dying to know!
xx

What I Wore:Chic in Chicago

I love to travel. Okay, perhaps I don't love the plane rides so much (traveling with me is very much like this), but I love exploring new places. Last weekend, I spent a super glamourous weekend in Chicago. From sunbathing next to Lake Michigan to enjoying the sights from the Hancock building, I had the best time! Domestic or international, I always take the city into consideration when I'm packing my vacation ensembles. While I may whip out all my standout accessories for Paris,  Chicago was all about fuss-free threads: clean silhouettes in muted colors, to be exact. Check out some of my favorite looks from my ultra-chic weekend.

Dress: TJ Maxx. Flatforms: Calvin Klein. Purse: Rebecca Minkoff. Necklace: Vintage.

Dress: Topshop. Purse: Rebecca Minkoff. Sandals: Madewell. Sunglasses: Prada. Bracelets: Gems, Kate Spade. 

Cover up: Ralph Lauren. Swimsuit: Marc Jacobs. Sandals: Havianas. Sunglasses: Prada.

Want to score a Chicago-approved ensemble of your own? Here's how!

Alice + Olivia romper / Nude shoes, $215 / Precis Petite gold purse, $77 / Sterling silver jewellery

J.Crew j crew dress, $145 / ASOS wide shoes, $94 / Marc by Marc Jacobs leather purse / Karen Walker tortoiseshell glasses

Doublju button down shirt / Lisa Marie Fernandez bandeau bikini / Old Navy rhinestone flip flops / Shopping bag, $94 / Yves Saint Laurent round tortoiseshell sunglasses / Kiehl's sun care / Kassatex cabana stripe beach towel


xx

xx

The 2013 Teen Choice Awards

When it comes to the Teen Choice Awards, age is just a number. No matter how old you are, you're kind of dying to see which celebrities take home the coveted surf board. Additionally, the youthful red carpet is also bombarded with refreshing, high-octane looks. However, that's not to say each ensemble is sartorially superior. Check out my best and worst dressed picks. As always, no attendee is safe.

The Worst

Naya Rivera in Alice + Olivia: I'm sorry, did the Glee star think she was headed to the Sunset Strip? This ensemble is anything but sexy-- it's trashy! As popular as crop tops and bralets are at the moment, pairing this trend with low-rise jeans is a major faux pas. 

One Direction: Welcome to 2013, when dressing up as a pop group has its own set of rules: look similar,not identical. The British boys did a good job at appearing in sync; however, the faux pas run rampant. Liam, why so many layers? It's summer. Why are they all wearing hiking boots? And Harry, dating Taylor Swift doesn't mean you magically turn into John Mayer.

Abigail Breslin: Once upon a time, the Little Miss Sunshine star was one of America's brightest young stars, Though she hasn't done much since her younger years, this ensemble is a twist mix between "Old Abigail Breslin" and "New Abigail Breslin." A modest jacket paired with that super sultry neckline? Is it just me or do you also feel extremely uncomfortable?

Miley Cyrus in Saint Laurent: Quite frankly, the singer "Can't Be Tamed." Though anyone can applaud Cyrus's trim figure, this outfit isn't right for the occasion. A saucy editorial? Absolutely! But a teen award show is a whole other realm. To make matters worse, those white pumps make this outfit look even more trashy. A black pump would've at least added some consistency! 

Hana Mae Lee: I love hats as much as the next fashonista; however, the quirky attendee takes this love too far. If you're trying to great a statement A) Pick a better event such as the Met Gala and B) Choose a better hat. 

The Best

Skyler Astin: The Pitch Perfect star hit the right style notes at Sunday's red carpet. Astin looks casual in a pair of khakis and a simple tee; however, the black jacket is a surefire way to make this outfit sophisticated. Plus, those colorful shoes give this ensemble some much-needed flare.

Kerry Washington in Stella McCartney: Though the leading lady always excels in choosing stunning, event-appropriate ensembles, she especially hit the sartorial nail on the head at this year's Teen Choice Awards. the sophisticated silhouette is perfectly juxtaposed by Stella McCartney's punky print. But should we've expected anything less than spectacular? Both Washington and McCartney are superstars in their respective industries.

Selena Gomez in Cushnie et Ochs: A red carpet goddess, the "Come and Get It" singer has successfully made the transition from "teeny bopper" to a sleek tastemaker. This Cushnie et Ochs number is flattering, but comfortable. Those slits weren't made for a sartorial wallflower-- they are sexy and classy at the same time. On the beauty front, the clean hair gives this look a refined edge. Obsessed! 

The Jonas Brothers: Luckily, this set of singers have red carpet style down to a science. With masculine jackets, black jeans and some sexy scruff, these boys have aced the "look similar, not idea" principle.

Lily Collins in Fausto Puglisi: Though this fashionista's look may not be loved by all-- let's be honest, it's truly a fashion moment-- I'm addicted to this ensemble's drama. The zany Fausto Puglisi skirt is perfectly balanced by a streamlined black tee. As for that subtle headpiece, it's kind of genius-- the perfect way to make a statement without going overboard (a la Hana Mae Lee).

Lucy Hale: Whether she's Aria Montgomery or an aspiring songstress, the pint-sized fashionista is known for her whimsical taste. Lucky for us, Sunday's red carpet was no exception. Not only is the playful fabric combination absolutely heavenly, the bralet and high-waisted skirt leave her baring the appropriate amount of skin-- that was a stab at you, Naya Rivera. Last but not least, her wavy mane adds a dash of glamour to this edgy ensemble.

Shay Mitchell in Jenni Kayne: Take note, Nina Dobrev, this is how to rock a sexy playsuit. The simple color palette takes a back seat, allowing the plunging neckline to stand out. The funky yellow heels and beachy waves are the perfect finishing touches.

Chelsea Kane in Laura Basci: How darling is this monochromatic number? Though crop tops are usually associated with frat-hopping girls, Kane smartly pairs her revealing top with a conservative pencil skirt. Additionally, the contrast between her blonde hair and bright teal is incredibly stunning.

Crystal Reed in Carolina Herrera: What's black, white and chic all over? This ensemble. With cropped pants and defiant hair, Reed is clearly channeling her inner Megan Draper-- and it works! Instead of looking like she's at a themed party, Reed pairs this look with sleek accessories and a red-orange lip. Brava!

Bella Thorne in Fausto Puglisi: It seems as if matching prints were a hot trend! Though Hawaiian printed anything is certifiably tacky, Fausto Puglisi's palm patterns make this fashion don't a do. Surprisingly, it's the variety of colors and the flirty hem that make this ensemble coveted, not too much to handle.

What do you think of these looks? I'm dying to know! 

xx

xx

The Trendologist Loves: Mules

Deny it all you want, but you love shoes. Even if you collect a plethora of purses or statement jewels, you can't help but get a little weak in the knees when you see a stunning pair of kicks. Every style savant is different: some may go ga-ga for sky-high heels while others adore a good ballerina flat. As for me? Lately, I've been obsessed with the ever-so-sleek mule. Though the silhouette is nothing new to a shoe connoisseur, this "barely there bootie" is the epitome of forward-thinking fashion. If you too were bit by the mule bug (which sounds like some rare, but deadly, disease), I come with good news: they are going to be all the rage this fall. From Reed Krakoff to Alexander Wang, fashion's finest have gifted us with a bevy of styles to choose from.

3.1 Phillip Lim mule shoes / Lucas Nascimento chunky heel shoes, $155 / Lucas Nascimento chunky heel shoes, $155 / Opening Ceremony mule shoes / L.K.Bennett high heel shoes, $115

One of my favorite things about mules is that they are extremely versatile. The key to rocking these is to keep the rest of your ensemble's silhouette crisp. As much as you may want to wear your favorite summer dress one last time before the leaves change colors, do not pair this trend with something frilly-- you'll just look confused. From a fitted dress at the office to boyfriend jeans and a tee for brunch with your fellow trendsetters, mules can be dressed up or down.

xx