Tuesday 26 August 2014

Red Carpet Review: 2014 Emmy Awards

Who doesn't love TV? With basic cable classics, HBO frontrunners, and those attention-grabbing Netflix shows, everyone had something to root for during this year's Emmy Awards. On the red carpet, it was anyone's games as traditional neutrals mingled with ultra bright hues. But that's not to say the night was filled with exclusively radiant looks. Did the Emmys Awards's Monday night time slot ruin your chances at watching the red carpet? Take a look at the best and worst looks of the night.

The Best.
Heidi Klum in Zac Posen: The Project Runway host tends to have more sartorial misses than hits; however, this breezy dress is perfection. The comfortable silhouette is refreshing in a world of skin-tight corset bodices, and the sleeves offer a dramatic, yet subtle, flair that makes this dress interesting. And how excited are you to see a relatively new Zac Posen silhouette on the red carpet? Weren't you getting sick of his traditional evening gowns?  Klum's beauty tactics for this look are on point: the soft waves play up the semi-ruffled sleeves, not to mention the natural makeup is stunning.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera: Always age appropriate and ultra-chic, it's no surprise last night's winner made it onto the best dressed list. The halter neckline and poppy pink is youthful; however, the Veep star never reveals too much skin. As per usual, the funny lady is smartly dressed; however, she never fails to shine on the red carpet. And how much are you loving her shorter locks? 
Julianne Hough in DSquared: A true vision in white. Overall, the whole look perfectly juxtaposes feminine style and tomboy chic. The starlet's short, side-swept chop is counteracted by a voluminous, ultra-feminine frock. To prevent looking like an ice queen, Hough smartly paired her crisp ensemble with some dark gems.Want to rock a monochromatic like Hough? Show a little bit of skin with a sexy slit, and opt for those white pumps.
Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier: Did you stop breathing when you saw this look? Because it is pure perfection. The silhouette and high-contrast color combination is reminiscent of an old Hollywood movie start, but the side cut-outs and halter neckline offer a contemporary twist. Similar on the beauty front, the slicked back bun is very conventional while the star's kohl-lined eyes bring back Caplan's alter ego, Janis Ian. The bold accessories are the perfect finishing touches for this ensemble. Ladies and gents, this is what red carpet dreams are made of. 
Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli: An oldie but a goodie. Though the Modern Family star wears the same silhouette to every awards show, it's never a dull moment with vibrant colors or intriguing details. This time, the metallic strips offer a futuristic flair to Vergara's traditional dress. And isn't that contract between her bright red pout and white dress major? 
Michelle Dockery in Rosie Assoulin: Leave it to the Downton Abbey star to bring something refreshing to the red carpet. The regal silhouette is given an offbeat twist with high-octane stripes. Ladies on the worst dress list: this is a perfect example of how to take a worthwhile risk on the red carpet. Whether it's color or silhouette, keep one part of your outfit classic. The dainty jewels and sleek hair make this something Audrey Hepburn would wear today.
Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli: Though this look is nothing extraordinary, there's something very refreshing about the simplicity of this dress. Compared to all the outrageously flashy ensembles, this ensemble is relatable and likable. Also, the modest slit offers a dash of sex appeal to an otherwise matronly silhouette. Plus, the gold and white combination definitely gives this look regal undertones. 



The Worst.

Kerry Washington in Prada: Once upon a time, Kerry Washington was Vanity Fair's best dressed woman. Oh, how times have changed. The too-tight-for-comfort orange column dress paired with an excessive use of sparkles was simply not up to the Scandal star's sartorial standards. Try saying that five times fast. And what's up with that black sequined slip? Awful. Though the emerald green eyeshadow brightened her face, the beachy waves and middle part looked sloppy instead of ethereal. 
Keke Palmer in Rubin Singer: Why yes, Keke Palmer, there is such as thing as too much dress and too much cleavage. Though the cobalt blue is absolutely striking against her complexion, a deep v-neck should be paired with a sleek column shape, not a outrageous mermaid tail. It's all about editing, Keke! 
Mayim Bialik in Oliver Tolentino: Yes, this dress is beautiful; however, it's too matronly for The Big Bang Theory star. While the funny lady doesn't have to wear a look that resembles Amber Rose's VMAs ensemble, the color, sleeves and lace were too Southern Belle for the Emmys. Nixing the sleeves or opting for a smooth fabric would've made the world's difference.
Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli: Giambattista Valli's latest couture collection was perfectly concocted of floral prints, retro silhouettes, and a textured finale. While collection received positive reviews, Lena Dunham's interpretation scored her less-than-glowing feedback. This year, her place on the worst dress list seems almost intentional. Before you blame her curvy figure, the actual problem is that-- surprisingly, after all these years-- she still doesn't know how to carry herself on the red carpet. Nothing begs for a place on the worst dressed list like  poor posture and a pissed off face. As "the voice of our generation," shouldn't she be sporting her ensembles with some confidence? 
Laura Prepon in Gustavo Cadile: To be blunt, Prepon's look screams gothic mermaid. Not only does that reverse color situation look a little tacky, the half collar is definitely unnecessary. Honestly, does anyone ever want that much draping and excessive fabric on the red carpet? No. 
Amanda Peet in Giambattista Valli: Yet another strikeout for the French couturier. Yes, Amanda Peet is pregnant; however, that's not an excuse to dress like she's on an episode of Little House on the Prairie. The bodice ruffles and the florals? No thank you. And what is up with that hairstyle? Are the 80's back? Someone, please advise.

What did you think of these looks? Sound off below!
Photos courtesy of E! Online.

xx

Monday 25 August 2014

Red Carpet Review: 2014 Video Music Awards

The VMAs never fail to secure some of the most historic music performances. Britney? Miley? Naturally, Queen B's performance, and Blue Ivy's very special appearance, was nothing short of fantastic. But the red carpet fashion? Always a hit or miss. Memorable? Yes. Stylish? Debatable. In case you missed the red carpet, check out which looks hit a sartorial high note and which ones you'll be dying to forget.

The Best.

Chanel Iman in Balmain: From Kim Kardashian to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Olivier Rousteing has been getting some major star-power. And let's just add megawatt model Chanel Iman to the list, shall we? Needless to stay, this ensemble is pure bliss on her. The modest midi length gives an otherwise sexy texture a sophisticated twist. The natural makeup and minimal accessories allows the dress to be the focal point of this look. Fortunately, Iman's powerful stance prevents this look from wearing her.
Solange Knowles: Perfection on so many levels. Knowles is never one to stray away from a fashion challenge, and this is a risk that absolutely paid off. In total, this look is the perfect blend between Diana Ross's seventies reign and le smoking. The embellished suit offers a feminine touch to a masculine silhouette.  The outrageously glamorous look is carefully balanced with a fresh face and no jewels. Flawless.
Kylie Jenner: Not convinced that the Kardashian/Jenner clan is killing it on the red carpet? Please take a look at the youngest of the pack's ensemble and reconsider. Dressed well beyond her years, this silky dress is ideal for the end of summer. Though the high-slit and deep neckline offer a VMA-approved sex appeal, the long sleeves and floor-sweeping hem prevent an classic case of inappropriate teen. For once, Jenner nixed the gothic lip and opted for something a little more conventional. Obsessed.
Rita Ora: The songstress didn't leave much to the imagination; however, this red silky gown perfectly walks the line between sultry and too sexy. However, leave it to Ora to be insanely fearless enough to sport this look. The matching lip is spot on and that bling-ed out choker brings the ultimate feminine touch.
Sarah Hyland in Kaufmanfranco: The Modern Family star is always a joy to spot on the red carpet for one particular reason: she always deeply considers the full look. Case in point? This outfit. The asymmetrical getup is perfectly counteracted with Hyland's uniformed middle part. The multiple arm bracelets keep this outfit extremely fashion forward. As for the berry lip-- isn't it the best contrast to that gorgeous blue?


The Worst.

Taylor Swift in Mary Katrantzou: While Taylor's increasingly fearless taste is commendable, this printed bodysuit is simply trying a little too hard. It's one of those outfits that you can tell was styled with the intention of being an iconic VMAs look; however, Swift's ensemble during her VMA's performance would've been more fitting for the occasion. And let's be honest, Queen B's bodysuit reigns superior.  On the accessories front, the bordeaux booties do not complement the bodysuit- the pairing is random. A for effort, but didn't we all know Taylor's outfit was trouble when she walked in? Bad music pun?

Amber Rose in Laura Dewitt: The red carpet regular has never been known for her stylish ensembles; however, this look is truly on another level of awkward. While a very Josephine Baker-inspired ensemble is almost expected at any music-related awards show, this is just too much skin! Cover up!
Victoria Justice in Alice + Olivia and Lublu Kira Plastinina: A few weeks ago, the starlet nailed a flawlessly ethereal ensemble at the Teen Choice Awards. What went wrong? While the strip of exposed skin is perfect for this occasion, the textured mullet skirt is a tad outdated and immature. And to make matters worse, the usually tongue in chic Edie Parker bag and ultra-polished shoe look cheesy with this unsophisticated look. Better luck next time.
Rita Volk: What happened to the rest of her dress? Paired with the red shoes, this outfit looks a little trampy.

Which looks did you love? Sound off below!
All images courtesy of The Huffington Post Canada
xx