The Style Files: Goodnight, I Go to Bed Dreaming of Change

A couple years ago, I saw Steel Train alongside The Postelles and Fun. My love for them had a major comeback this week when they randomly popped on my iTunes. Witty, poppy, and kind of quirky- the perfect way to start summer!

Style Spiration: Zoe Saldana 

I'm going to go all hipster on this Style Spiration- I liked Zoe Saldana before Avatar.  However, this starlet has only recently "made it" as a fashion favorite. Whether it's a different silhouette or an edgy frippery, Saldana always tries something new. As every fashionista knows, it's so easy to only wear what you're comfortable in. With every step on the red carpet, Saldana breaks down her fashion wall. Ergo, she's invincible. 

I'm obsessed with the Elie Saab couture dress Saldana rocked at a Cosmo Latina event. The applique bodice works perfectly with the subtle tiered skirt. Also, can we talk about the detailing on that heel? To die for. The bright lip and the soft hair finishes this look with a strong girly punch! (Photo Cred)

Love this blend of futurism and romanticism. The bold shoulders are perfectly balanced with the slightly trumpeted skirt. As for the jeweled embellishments- the perfect slice of glamour. The low maintenance hair prevents an overbearing red carpet moment.  Tres jo jo. (Photo Cred)

 A celebrity can have an amazing stylist and be the least chic chick out there. In my opinion, street style is the true test of fashion. Are we surprised that Saldana aced it? Nope! The dark-washed skinnies are so Parisian chic with the cutout heels. Let's not forget that the softly draped scarf is perfection. Even sans makeup and minimal hair styling, you know that Saldana is a fierce fashionista!  (Photo Cred)

At this point of the style spiration, you're probably wondering where the splash of color is. Between the raspberry hue to the peasant-like ruffles, this Louis Vuitton dress is something else. The matching jewels creates a monochromatic ensemble that anyone would kill to wear. The relaxed hair as well as the monochromatic makeup screams understated elegant. (Photo Cred)

The Weekly

• Natalie Portman at the New York City Ballet Spring Gala (Dior): Clearly, the Black Swan star could not stay away from the world of tutus and pas de beurres for too long. Simply stated, Portman looked gorgeous at this event. The navy and black color combination offers an edgy alternative to pure black. From the leather bow at the bodice to the tiered tulle, this Dior dress also offers a hint of femininity. Portman completes this look with subtle jewels, fresh makeup, and a messy updo.
• Emily VanCamp at Hollywood's Sunset Tower Hotel (Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet): Funky lace,  a feminine peplum, and a pop of color? Needless to say, I'm obsessed. The all black ensemble subdues all the fashionable fripperies. Not only does VanCamp rock the ensemble, she also conquers this look on the beauty front. Those loose waves are to die for! 
• Catherine Middleton at a Claridges' dinner (Roland Mouret): The duchess is looking absolutely regal in white. The slit and platform sandals give this look a dash of edgy glamour. I feel as if we always see Middleton in structured, printed midi dresses or princess-esque attire. It's definitely nice to see Middleton is something- dare I say it- minimalist and sleek. As always, Middleton finishes up this ensemble with her signature long locks. 

Unless you're living under a rock, you know that today is Mother's Day. I just wanted to give a shout-out to my mother- she's my rock, my cheerleader, my partner-in-crime,and my favorite shopping buddy. Everyday, she inspires me to be the best I can be and teaches me that pure sophistication never goes out of style. I love you more than anything and am so lucky to be your daughter!

 xx

Style Files: I'm a Witch and a Gremlin, You're at Home Watching Snick and Night

Last weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Fun with one of my friends. Their opening band, Miniature Tigers? Indie, well-dressed, and mildly poppy. I'm addicted. After you listen to "Boomerang," I think you'll understand why I just can't get enough of them.

The Style Files: Cheryl Cole

 I haven't wrote about my love for Cheryl Cole since the wee beginning of The Trendologist (wow, I'm getting old). I really do believe that Cheryl Cole is my celebrity equivalent. I know- bold statement, but I'm comfortable with saying it. Although she hasn't always been a fashion maven, I admire how her style has evolved into something truly remarkable.

Cole sported this J.Mendel dress at the  X Factor Finale.  While the trumpeted skirt and cris-cross necklace are reminiscent of a 1950's prom queen, the juicy red and futuristic sheen give this dress a healthy does of surrealism. The proper updo and blinged-out earrings bring this look back to its feminine aesthetic. (Photo Cred)

Favorite Cheryl Cole look, hands down. Her hair is sophisticated and sultry while the cutouts and high slit are siren-worthy.The crisp white, especially with the lace shoes, add an unexpected dose of femininity. I love this juxtaposition because it shows us that you don't have to O.D. on sultry style to be considered sexy. It's the little things that really matter.  (Photo Cred)

Cole channeled her inner glamor vixen with this Stella McCartney column dress at the 2011 Brit Awards. Sequin column dresses are so hard to pull off because, let's be honest, sequins are fun and  unforgiving. However,  the styling turned this dress from something potentially tragic into a homerun look: the semi-sheer sleeves give this  dress more dimension while the chic updo forces us to focus on Cole's tiny frame. The gold bag is genius- it blends into the look but doesn't compete with the dress. Her dramatic eyeliner ties this whole look together.(Photo Cred)

Cheryl Cole would make me love polka dotas. I always think of polka dots as a pattern that my Barbie dolls totally rocked.  However, Cole make it desirable. How? She just does! Between the oversized bow and the perky ponytail, this ensemble reeks of 1960's Britain (I guess I shouldn't say 'reeks' because I do love 1960's Britain).The contrasting polka shoes liberate the dress from all its girlish undertones and gives it a dash of Editorial. Fantastic. (Photo Cred)

The Weekly

Spring brings out the polished lady in all of us! 

• Catherine Middleton at the London premiere of African Cats (Matthew Williamson): Leave it to this British duo to create an elegant look to lust over.The stone detailing on the sleeves and neck of this dress gives this traditional silhouette a contemporary twist. The dark grey pumps and clutch stay true to the dress' traditional roots. How regal?
• Camilla Belle at the Tribeca Film Festival (Chanel): Between the poppy floral print, the fierce eye makeup, and the silver bangle, Belle makes ladylike refreshing and (dare I say it? Oh, I will) enviable. The navy Rupert Sanderson shoes matches the dress' flower buds perfectly. However, the bright white and semi-sheer sleeves steers this look down a youthful path. 
• Coco Rocha at Cipriani Wall Street (Jason Wu): I would like to thank Coco Rocha's stylist for joining two fashion powerhouses- Rocha and Jason Wu, obviously- togehter. As many people know, I'm obsessed with all things Wu. Between her lace-up booties and smoldering, supermodel look, Rocha gives the candy color skirt and flirty peplum a hardcore twist. Just so amazing.

xx

The Style Files: We Got No Money, But We Got Heart

I think I have an obsessive song disorder. Almost every week, there's a song that I can't stop listening to, hence this arbitrarily placed section in the Style Files. Right now, I'm obsessed with Walk the Moon's "Anna Sun." For some reason or another, it makes me feel like we're on the cusp of something epic happening. Big thanks to my friend, Ben, for showing me this gem.

Style Spiration: Alexa Chung

I'm pretty surprised that over the past two years of blogging, I've barely mentioned Alexa Chung. Well, ladies and gent, that's all going to change: right here, right now. The British fashionista truly exudes this understated chic vibe. She never has to over-accessorize; however, the way she puts outfits together is always stylish and quirky.

At the 2010 CFDA Awards (Marc Jacobs): This look really pinpoints everything that Alexa Chung's style encompasses. She doesn't need statement jewels or a standout bag; however, those chunky silver shoes do create the perfect amount of style tension with the dainty Marc Jacobs dress.The way this look is put together is very reminiscent of the early 20th century, when understated glamour ruled the world, don't you agree? (Photo Cred)

Street Style: Love it or hate it, Alexa Chung rocks quirky, personal style. Those high-rised shorts with the high socks? One might think this is all too high for comfort, but I kind of like the quirkiness. The simple striped tee as a neutral to make the look appear cleaner.(Photo Cred)

At the 2010 Met Ball (3.1 Phillip Lim): Pants to the Met Ball? As anyone who keeps close tabs on the Met Ball knows, this red carpet is all about avant garde dresses that are too crazy for any other red carpet. In short, it's embracing fashion as art. Wearing a simple pantsuit is such a fashion risk; however, there's no one better to make this risk than Chung. Honestly, I love the whole look: the bold lip, the western-inspired bow, the trouser effect, the chunky shoes. Chung shows us an alternative, but equally creative way, to dress for the Met Ball. (Photo Cred)

The Weekly

• Elizabeth Olsen at the NYC Premiere of Silent House (Balmain): From the oversized Balmain topper to the pastel envelope clutch, this look is everything. I love how she pairs these fun accessories and extra with a simple black dress. The different lengths, textures, and sleeve lengths give this look a disheveled vibe; however, her clean hair and makeup bring femininity and structure to the table. 
• Julianne Moore at the Game Change Premiere (Lanvin): Sure, Julianne Moore has her fair share of fashion faux pas; however, this Lanvin number is to die for.  Everything is so structured, which really works for her. I despise when she does these avant garde dresses: all she needs is something simple and sleek. I love the black and white color blocking, especially with her red hair. The variety of bracelets gives this look a dash of personal style. For the record, that fuchsia lip is incredible. 
• Catherine Middleton at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Thankfully, the Duchess of Cambridge is embracing the peplum trend. The otherwise straight silhouette works perfectly with the cute peplum.  Paired with that cute hat? Out of this world. I love when people wear navy and black together, so this look is definitely a good one.  Also, where has Kate been? I've missed her! 

xx

The Kate Debate

I've always thought that Catherine Middleton literally rocked everything she wore...until I saw her outfit at Zara Phillips' wedding. I'm not sure if how I feel about this look so, to spice things up, I'm going to have an inner debate...on this blog. This may seem schizophrenic- I promise you I don't have a problem- but it's a fun way to determine your true feelings. And if they do something similar on The Gloss, I suppose it's a fad. The Internet can't hide anything!

Wearing Jane Troughton (Photo Cred)

Pessimistic Trendologist (aka Pessy): She's not even thirty and Queen Elizabeth is wearing chicer outfits! Obviously, Catherine can rock a body con silhouette and platform shoes, but the awkward A-Line hem isn't doing it for me.

Optimistic Trendologist (aka Oppy): It's classic! And what would you expect? A pencil skirt? That SCREAMS elementary school principle.

Pessy: True, but what about Katherine Kelly's dress? It's been getting negative reviews, although I like the concept of it.

Oppy: It's a nice concept; however, Catherine is a part of the Royal Family, not an actress.

Pessy: Okay, but what about the concept of Countess of Wessex's suit?

Oppy: True, that is dressier.

Pessy: And she's a repeat offender?!

Oppy: She's being economically friendly! What a role model!

Pessy: But at multiple high profile events?

Oppy: You're right, not cool. But it's a beautiful color.

Pessy: Agreed, but those shoes? Obviously neither Christian Louboutin nor Brian Atwood will ever be her top contenders, but maybe a Manolo?

Oppy: It's a classy choice, tasteful.

Pessy: But the color is so boring! In a certain lighting, it looks like a nude pump, which makes me excited. And then it looks like a matte silver.

Oppy: It's dainty, Pessy?

Pessy: But dainty is better for the summer, don't you think? It's summer, I'd either like a nude or a light blue to match Prince Harry's suit, because she must've realized she married the less attractive Prince.

Oppy: Well...that is a fabulous hat.

Pessy: Yes, you're right.

In conclusion, fabulous hat but this is not the place to repeat outfits, especially a less-than-perfect outfit.

xx

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