Red Carpet Review: Best 8 Looks From the 2014 CFDA Awards

Rihanna knows how to add shock value. If it's not her salacious music, or her Instagram woes, the public is always in awe of what the singer wears. Naturally, heads turned when Rihanna strutted down Monday's CFDA Awards's carpet in a sheer sequined Adam Selman number. Too racy? Too perfect? Days later, and it's still tough to say; however, one thing is for sure: Rihanna's dress is a conversation piece. But don't be fooled, style savants, there were several other CFDA-approved outfits that deserve to be gushed over. Check out the eight best looks from Monday's star-studded event. 

Liya Kebede in Wes Gordon: Yes, the CFDA Awards is second best occasion for any fashion plate to throw on a beautiful evening gown, but there's something surprisingly refreshing about the model's simplistic Wes Gordon dress.  The outfit on its own looks like a young Carolina Herrera while the white sandals make this look completely fearless. Kebede's extra voluminous curls with the sleek number give this look an after hours aesthetic. Obsessed.

Olivia Palermo in Ann Taylor: The former reality star is never one to shy away from a fashion risk, as they always seem to pay off for Palermo. However, sporting a lower market brand to such a high-profile event is new for the tastemaker, yet it works. Palermo adds depth to a monochromatic look by mixing different textures from head to toe. The lace-accented shoes continue the textural look, not to mention are also super chic.With a beachy bun and loads of gold jewels, Palermo proves that she can make any brand (and perhaps any look) a smash hit.

Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen: In their own designs, the stylish duo is an obvious choice for the evening's best dressed list. Known for their perfectly coordinating outfits, each twin gives her own twist to the long-sleeved black dress and emerald jewels. The result? Two looks that are effortless, sophisticated, and expresses two different personal styles. Brava.

Joan Smalls in Prabal Gurung: From short hems to plunging necklines, Smalls is never afraid to sport something sexy on the red carpet. The model's ethereal, yet provocative, Prabal Gurung gown from Monday's awards ceremony was a bonafide hit. While the chopped bodice and high slit scream vixen, the sleek gold accessories and Smalls's bangs give this gown a fashion-forward twist. Plus, the midnight blue acts as the ultimate neutral. So major.

Olivia Wilde in Decades LA: While fringe ran rampant at the Spring 2014 collection-- Altuzarra, Emilio Pucci, and Derek Lam, to name a few-- but translating this trend to the mass audience is a challenge. However, Wilde's take on this trend is spot on. Not only is the long fringe unapologetically glam, the asymmetrical shoulder prevents tragic flapper moment. And can we just reflect that she is a new mom in that curve-hugging number. Where can we find the name of her Pilates instructor?

Marion Cotillard in Dior: Though the actress's designer choice is no surprise, Cotillard's look is everything. While the shift silhouette and two-toned shoes scream girly mod, the dimensional components give this outfit a modern flair. But of course no ensemble is complete without a face full of makeup... or is it? On the contrary, Cotillard's au natural look is oddly refreshing and allows onlookers to focus on the dress. 

Karlie Kloss in Band of Outsiders: Wild, wild west chic takes a metropolitan turn as Karlie Kloss pairs a handkerchief-esque dress with exotic lace-up heels. Zestier than the model's signature ladylike frocks, this gown is a fashion risk worth taking. Though the silhouette is relatively minimalist, the cut-outs and gentle print rejigger Kloss's personal style. Let's not forget that the semi-sloppy top knot is the perfect finishing touch.

Jessica Stam in Giulietta: Unless you haven't received the memo, jumpsuits are the new evening gowns. There's a particular easy je ne sais quoi about playsuits that are perfect for the summer. Donning a monochromatic look, Stam aces this trend. The subtle peplum and keyhole neckline create the perfect mélange of sexy and sweet, which is undeniably fashion-forward. Stam's black jewel accessories produces a high-contrast look. On the beauty front, the model's metallic shadow and sleek bun are ideal for this warm season.

All photos courtesy of The Cut.

xx

Red Carpet Round Up: 2014 Met Ball

It should go without saying, but allow me to make one thing very clear: the Met Ball is the queen bee of all red carpets. Ever. Outrageously avant grade ensembles, celebrities and industry heavyweights mingling, and a drool-worthy exhibit--what more could a complete fashion nerd need? While it is one of the very few times when the red carpet welcomes (and celebrates) outfits that dare to be different, there are always a handful of major looks and awful get-ups. Without a moment to spare, let's take a look at this year's best and worst gowns, shall we?

The Worst.

Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney: Though it's basically assumed that we will never see an off-duty Delevingne sport a regal gown, the funky "it" model has never looked so trashy!  A trouser to the Met Ball can be a rewarding risk, but full hair and a skimpy top scream more Olivia Newton John in Grease than fashion-forward. This number would've been perfect for last year's punk theme, but the night was all about paying homage to America's founding couturier! Charles James would not approve.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel: One word: too much mixed media! Yes, the Met Ball is the ultimate time to wear such a high-octane dress; however, the feathers, metallic belt, and abundance of sequins equals sensory overload. At least the Twilight star didn't add statement accessories to boot. Oh, the horror.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Valentino: A sartorial acid trip gone completely wrong, this is simply too much dress for the actress. Gyllenhaal's low-maintenance hair and simplistic makeup make it feel as if the dress is wearing her! And though a cape is always a great way to make a statement, the polka dots completely overshadow the silhouette. A classic case of trying too hard, don't you think?

Shailene Woodley in Rodarte: Just no. As one of the coolest young actresses in Hollywood, the Divergent star looks extremely frumpy. Not to mention the grandma chic dress completely juxtaposes her edgy chop, and not in a good way. The use of seven too many fabrics, plus the forced smirk on her face, makes me wonder if this was an arts and crafts project the Mulleavy sisters did way back when.

Sandra Lee in Dara Lamb: Dressing in theme? Yes. Cheap fabric and poor execution? No thank you. This is the Met Ball-- time to pull out the top tier designers! 

Elizabeth Olsen in Miu Miu: As the sister of two megawatt designers, who let her out of the house in this condition? If the dress wasn't mediocre enough, the fit is atrocious. Since when is wearing a bra to the event of the year optional? And the steam job on the skirt of the dress is just dreadful. It's all about execution! 

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada: Supposedly at the apex of her career as America's favorite fashionista, this ensemble is a huge let down. While her dedication to the embellished flapper theme is admirable, the look is just a little too kitschy. Additionally, the clashing necklines is very distracting from an already busy ensemble. The Academy Award winner would've nailed her first Met Ball carpet with a cleaner, yet equally attention-grabbing ensemble. This evening called for a Ralph Lauren redux.

Katie Holmes in Marchesa: Shipwrecked Belle? I think so. Between the hair and the crinkled skirt, the ensemble looks insanely sloppy. Suri would've had a better dress.

The Best.

Beyonce in Givenchy: Did she wake up like this? Because the whole look is flawless. The partially sheer Givenchy gown is equal parts sexy and sophisticated. Plus, the gothic makeup and netted veil perfectly make this look Met Ball ready. And good news: Bey and Jay Z were also the evening's best dressed couple. The rapper's crisp white tuxedo jacket is an ideal match to his lady's noir outfit. As Queen B would say, "Bow down, bitches." 

Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham:  While it's nothing special, the growing minimalist in me can't help but adore this ensemble. Though the Met Ball serves as the perfect time to let your inner fashion freak loose, this is the Spice Girl-turned- designer's aesthetic. It's admirable that no event could shake her strong perspective. The sleek silhouette and soft color palette make her outfit ideal for the summer. On the accessories front, Beckham layered just the right amount of jewels. Translation? A crisp and classic look for the books. 

Stella McCartney: Out of all of Stella's Angels, the designer's outfit is ironically my favorite.  The trousers mixed with the striped asymmetrical top is innovative (and looks comfortable). The chunky bracelets on one wrist offer some balanced to this look. The natural makeup works with McCartney's nonchalant get-up while the chunky peep-toe heels and oval clutch give this look a whimsical twist.

Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta: A perfect blend of avant garde and relatable, Swift couldn't have chosen a better gown for the big night. The delicate embroidery is perfectly counteracted by the dress's dramatic train. To prevent an over- styled look, she smartly throws on dainty jewelry. As everyone knows, the singer rarely attends an event without her signature red pout, and Swift smartly uses the dress's pale pink hue as a neutral. The result? An all-star lesson in color theory.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta: Doesn't it sometimes feel as if the Met Ball should be renamed "The Sarah Jessica Parker Appreciation Ball?" Always perfectly in theme, this ensemble was bonafide scene stealer. The voluminous silhouette is balanced by a neutral black and white color combination. While she kept the jewels to a minimum, the gloves and ultra-glamorous hair supply a necessary dash of drama. Together, the look is extravagant whilst sophisticated and streamlined. 

Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss: Can Diane Kruger do no wrong? The icy hue mixed with the textured fabric stands out from your run of the mill neutral column dress. In addition, the pleated draped portion gives some more dimension to this ensemble and makes the dress Met Ball worthy. To exude a modern je ne sais quoi, Kruger opted for minimal jewels and a crisp white clutch. And let's not forget that Kruger's signature feminine makeup is flawless. But really, can Diane Kruger do no wrong? That was a serious question.

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung: What's black, white, and chic all over? Not only is the execution of this dress supreme--the button details on the back of the gown is major and the color-blocking perfectly outlines her curves-- Steinfeld does a glorious job of wearing this ensemble. Unfortunately, a lot of dress with such a young girl tends to be a red flag; however, the actress has enough confidence and fashion star-power to carry such a lavish gown. Lastly, Steinfeld's thick brow and icy purple lip creates enough drama without competing with the dress.

Emma Stone in Thakoon: For the Met Ball, this dress is unusually plain to be on a best dressed list; however, what's not to love about sexier and sleeker side of the funny lady than we've seen in a long time? The different shades of pink makes the girly color modern, not to mention the high slit and cropped provide fun alternative to an otherwise basic silhouette. Stone completes this look with a youthful side braid, which was one of the evening's surprising beauty trends.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in Vintage Chanel: Impeccably tailored? Check. Event appropriate? Yes. A strong runner up for "Best Dressed Couple?" Naturally. Even though the designing duo have two different aesthetics, their ability to wear dresses that play off each other without perfectly matching is impressive. With natural makeup and slicked back hair, the stylish sisters have earned their title as fashion plates.  

Dree Hemingway in Proenza Schouler: Call this look "too basic for the Met Ball," but I'll refer to this look as lovely. Could the model/ actress have worn a jaw-dropping gown to the event? Yes. Should she have? Perhaps. However, I love how the crisp silhouette is juxtaposed with old Hollywood curls and a red pout. Plus, the craftsmanship of this dress is so superior that it completely justifies Hemingway's no frills choice.

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture: Though the Vogue Editor in Chief always sports an outfit that is both classic and au courant, Wintour hit this look out of the sartorial ball park. Simply put, the dress is phenomenal. Not only do the details photograph beautifully, the dress's color palette is remarkable. In true Anna fashion, she smartly styled a statement necklace to give her look some extra pizazz. 

All photos courtesy of The New York Times.

Which outfits did you love and which ones were a little much? Sound off below!

xx

Red Carpet: A TWO FOR

Well this was a prominent week in the world of fashion: The MTV Movie Awards were this Sunday, stars strutting some chic fashions down the carpet. And as we all know, or should know, yesterday was the 2010 CFDA (congratulations to all of the winners... you all rock). So obviously I have a bundle of best dressed/ worst dress shenanigans to do. But since it's TWO events, and I'm feeling quite optimistic, I have decided to only do the best dressed this time. I mean...who wants to look at a bunch of plain or disgusting outfits over and over and over again? not me. So enjoy, ladies and gents.





THE 2010 MTV MOVIE AWARDS

• Jessica Biel: I loooooved this so much. It reminded me of this black, pink , and white Nanette Lepore dress (which i can not find a corresponding link) from four years ago but so much better. She looked gorgeous and I thought the dress (or skirt/blouse combo) was the perfect combination of classic and fun (the blouse and feathered skirt, respectively). It was like a trendy Audrey Hepburn!


• Miranda Cosgrove: Although I am not her biggest fan, I thought she looked very pretty. The cut and hem line was age-appropriate but the crossing on the bodice gave it that extra spice it needed. Although some disagree with the color, I think it was perfect in a sea of blacks and metallics.


• Christian Siriano: Why is this guy so cute? I don't believe the MTV Movie Awards should be taken as seriously as the Oscars so people should have fun, but look glamourous and classy. I think he nailed it: the black shirt with the white writing was funky, but the black suit gave it a sense of class.


• Elizabeth Reaser: WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD PLAYSUIT!?! I almost didn't see this one but THANKFULLY that changed. Although I typically dress feminine, I loved the strong sense of masculinity in this piece. It was sexy, sophisticated, PERFECT for this kind of award ceremony! I don't know who you are , Elizabeth Reaser, but I'm watching you!


• Sandra Bullock: I don't really get people when they say they don't like Sandra Bullock: she's an amazing actress, a strong individual, and an up and coming fashionista. Despite her Johnny Weir appearance at the Oscars, I love seeing her fashion growth during the awards- and this one did NOT disappoint! I love sparkles and drama so this long sleeved mini with an incredible plunging back was AWESOME. And when Betty White makes a comment about your dress... you know it's worthwhile.

...they weren't as exciting as I hoped they would be...moving on!





THE 2010 CFDA


In my personal opinion, I thought the celebrities on the carpet really stole the spotlight.

• Gwyneth Paltrow: Classic. I loved the simplicity of a long, black evening gown and the unexpected sparkles: the perfect combination. And when you have Michael Kors on your arm, everything is quite alright.


• Liya Kebede: Eclectic, off-beat, but very chic. I loved the combination of the two metallics ( it seems to be making a come-back). The quirky hemlines and bodice pushed the envelope, but it was absolutely delightful!


• Whitney Port: I'll admit, I am a major fan of The City. I like Whitney Port and the clothes she generally wears (and Olivia Palermo...even though she's kind of rude). I LOVED THIS DRESS. A major concept of Whitney's whole persona is to be sophisticated and youthful; she absolutely nailed it.I loved the silhouette combined with the silver shimmer.
• Alexis Bledel:I've never really thought of her as a fashionista but I think this dress gave the perfect blend of edgy and classy. The one shoulder and glimmered fabric was daring, but the mini-dress hem line was quite expected. I just loved it.
• Rachel Zoe: In the words of Zoe, this was "BAH-NAN-AHS". She looked absolutely incredible. I loved that deep saphire, the plunging neckline, and the high cut. I LOVED IT I LOVED IT. I'm a sucker for long sleeves and I loved the vintage vibe of this dress. Everyone else's outfits were innovative and new, but this one genuinely seems timeless to me!

xx