Red Carpet Review: 2016 Grammy Awards

Jennifer Lopez's plunging Versace number. Lady Gaga's egg-tastic entrance.  Lil' Kim's purple pasties. Let's be honest: the looks that flock the Grammys red carpet tend to be more kitschy than chic. However, instead of LED-lined gowns, this year's crop of dresses played it a little safe.  But that doesn't mean that the whole night was a total snooze-fest. Adele's silky voice made viewers everywhere sob -- don't deny it, you totally wept -- and Lady Gaga performed a heartwarming tribute in honor of the late David Bowie. And on the red carpet, there were some looks that were completely swoon-worthy. Too busy watching The Bachelor last night to keep up with the Grammys? Read on for the best looks from the music event of the year.

Florence Welch in Gucci: Quirky, embellished and colorful. A better description of Florence Welch's red carpet style or Alessandro Michele's reign at Gucci? In this case, it's both. There are so many incredible brand-celebrity partnerships out there -- Alicia Vikander with Louis Vuitton and Jennifer Lawrence with Christian Dior, to name a few -- but there hasn't been one more perfect than the union of the Florence and the Machine front-woman and Gucci. This whimsical, long-sleeved look wouldn't look good on everyone. In fact, it would probably merit a place on the "worst dressed list" for most celebrities. However, this dress perfectly captures Welch's free spirit and adds a feminine touch to her bohemian aesthetic. Here, the pretty pink hue complements her fiery red locks while the subtle v-neck offers a slight sex appeal to a borderline matronly ensemble. Chunky rings and a wavy half-up do perfectly finish this look. 

Selena Gomez in Calvin Klein Collection: As of late, the pop singer has sung about her inability to keep her hands to herself. But in this midnight blue number from Calvin Klein Collection, we can't imagine why she'd want to put her hands anywhere else. Gomez always looks great on the red carpet, and her style has recently become more sophisticated,  but there's no denying that she looked particularly sultry at last night's affair. The metallic blue hue offers something different to the red carpet while the cut-outs and plunging neckline flatter her figure. And any red carpet moment that involves the use of extra large hoop earrings is Trendologist-approved. The two things we'd change? Lifting those straps up just a smidge and switching her locks form big curls to a sleek ponytail. Regardless, brava. 

Adele in Givenchy: While it's a sad day to see that Adele has graduated from cat-eye liner and a perfectly coiffed bee-hive, her new look isn't half bad. Okay -- understatement of the year -- it's amazing. The dress itself isn't anything special, though the silhouette is particularly flattering on the songstress's slimmed frame and the subtle peekaboos right below the shoulder acts as a small way to jazz up a simple LBD. Here, the wow-factor is solely the hair and makeup. Not only is the slightly tousled lob totally on trend, it also suggests an older, more mature version of Adele. Instead of the full face we've become so accustomed to for the Brit, he natural pout and soft liner perfectly juxtapose her bold brow. But somethings never change, like her claw-like nails and ability to make listeners burst out into tears after a heart-melting appearance singing "All I Ask."

Ellie Goulding in Stella McCartney: Think of the singer's pretty in pink number as a gown mohawk. Though shown in a gorgeous color, the front is pretty minimalist and quite dull for such a notoriously crazy red carpet. The back, however, boasts a racerback that is dripping in gem embellishments and completely ups the sartorial ante. Given the extravagance, the diamond choker could've been a bit much for the look. But it's the Grammys! If not, when? On the contrary, the necklace offers a cool '90s attitude and makes this an ensemble something we would expect on the supermodel likes of Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss way back when. When it comes to the beauty regime, Goulding did not disappoint either. The nonchalantly swept hair is a breath of fresh air on a carpet filled with perfectly-maintained updos and beachy waves. Plus, that pink lip is the perfect mix between girly and barely there. 

Bella Hadid in Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture: Luckily, this year's red carpet boasted very few black gowns. But when a LBD or two did make an appearance, you can bet that they were far from boring. Take Bella Hadid, for example, who rocked a covetable number from Alexandre Vauthier's haute couture collection. While the high slit, cut-outs and plunging neckline veer into a more sultry territory, the long-sleeves creates a more modest element that makes this more of a fashion girl hit versus what a typical 20-something would wear. With very few Bulgari gems and a simple strappy sandal, Hadid kept the focus on the dress (and rightfully so). On the beauty front, the model opted for a subtly vampy aesthetic: dark nails, slicked back hair and a subtly smokey eye. Morticia Addams would be so proud. 

Which looks did you love from the 2016 Grammy Awards? Sounds off below.

Photo courtesy of  The Huffington Post and MTV

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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

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5 Best Looks from the 2014 Grammys

Is it just me, or was the red carpet a little bare this year? Where was Gaga? Where was Rihanna? And I would ask where Beyoncé was, but it's pretty clear that she was prepping for her beyond major opening performance. Forget the rock and roll-friendly threads, there were barely any looks to cringe over. As much as I would love to share a standard red carpet round, there's not enough looks to go around for each list. So let's focus on what's important: the looks that hit a sartorial high note at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Check out the ensembles that truly sang. 

Rita Ora in Lanvin: This Brit is never afraid of a fashion challenge, and she never fails to own whatever look she is sporting. She reported that a shorter hemline is new for her, and I hope she repeats this sartorial risk. The golden hue looks incredible with her complexion and blonde locks, and the overall shape plays down the high-octane metallic. Though I'm not a fan of the kitschy nail art, her golden age ringlets perfectly complement the dress's ladylike silhouette. 

Taylor Swift in Gucci: After years of the songstress wearing what seems like the same neutral colored, column dress by Elie Saab (or J.Mendel), it's hard to be super excited about something Taylor Swift wears. In her defense, she's been trying lately! That poppy-colored Carolina Herrera dress she wore to this year's Golden Globes was both feminine and experimental for the musician; however, this chain metal Gucci number is perfection.  Literally, perfection. Though the silhouette is nothing knew for Swift, the funky fabric and short sleeves revitalizes this streamlined shape. In true A-Lister fashion, Swift smartly opted for minimal accessories in a matching hue. On the beauty front, the artist excels with a smokey eye, girly pout, and flirty ponytail. Not to sound dramatic, but this is the best Swift has ever looked on the red carpet. That's right, ever. 

Giuliana Rancic in Alex Perry: As many Grammy attendees (or faithful viewers) know, this awards show is the perfect time to take a risk and rock some metallics, cut outs, sequins, and anything else the hottest musicians could possibly desire. However, the Fashion Police star stepped away from Grammys conventional with this tangerine number. Needless to say, it was the perfect way to make a statement. Though the silhouette is simple and the lace details are extremely sophisticated, the halter neckline and sheer bodice gives this shape a Grammys-approved twist. Subtle bling and a slick updo complete this look. 

Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson: Tell me you don't have a girl crush on Mrs. John Legend, and I'll say you're lying. The model is painfully perfect, and that sequined number is flawless. Though a deep neckline and high slit may sound a little salacious, Teigen's beachy waves tame down this wild. With so much dress, and consequently so many sequins, it only natural that the part-time blogger stuck to a simple pair of earrings. Brava!

Sarah Hyland in Emilio Pucci: Though the Grammys tend to be filled to the brim with musicians galore, there's always a super cool actress lurking behind the song and dance. To prevent a "Modern Family actress stole MY thunder" comment, Hyland chose a classic black and white number. While this dress isn't as extravagant as something she'd wear to a television-related awards show, her look is event-appropriate. This time around, Hyland ditched the thick brow and opted a berry lip. As a finishing touch, the funny girl aded a pair of ultra strappy sandals to her look. Love her ensembles or not, you must admit that you respect her beauty choices. 

Which outfits did you love? Sound off below! 

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Not Gonna Reach My Telephone!

While me and my friend, Emily aka cutluvandprosper.blogger.com ,were shopping until we literally dropped in London, we saw simply one of the coolest window displays. There, right in front of us, was Lady Gaga and Beyonce-esque mannequins dressed in their "Telephone" in the window of Bershka. I do believe that window displays are completely important: they show us what to expect when we enter their store. I mean, isn't it the window displays in Saks Fifth Avenue that excite us every Christmas? Everyone has flipped through Vogue or Harper's Bazaar, wishing they could emulate the fabulous cover girl or pull off a

certain trend seamlessly. But there's one

problem: you have no idea how to begin! Window displays are the perfect antidote for this problem! They say "home hither, I'll solve your fashion problems". Although Bershka has a Spanish origin, they target clothing at all fashionable teenagers. Emily and I had been to many places to shop: Brick Lane,Selfridges, TOPSHOP (my absolute favorite),and other random stores. We passed this store a plethora of times, completely ignoring its existence. The only reason we went in was because of the window display. Having just seen "Telephone" in it's entirity, I was intrigued to enter Bershka. Could I purchase all of these outfits, somehow transform my hair into Gaga's crazy locks, and poison a whole diner?! Unfortunately, that didn't happen, but I think this window display was genius on Bershka. Love her or hate her, I personally love because she's embracing originality, Lady Gaga is one of the hottest celebrities and fashion icons of our newborn decade. And "Telephone" is so hot right now; it's currently the number one downloaded music video on iTunes. Although I absolutely love all window displays because of their artistic quality and originality, this is my absolute favorite! It added both pop culture and fashion together. All of the other window displays are strictly fashion with a concept, but I think it's important to add a whimsical fashion world into reality. Now if you all excuse me, I'm going to listen to some Lady Gaga now!

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