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

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

No, the most wonderful time of the year is not Christmas. Silly fashionistas and stylish suaves, the most wonderful time of the year is award season. Hooray, it's finally here! While some people have been super stoked for the big football weekend, I've been counting down the hours until the Golden Globes' red carpet. If you live under a rock, let me make this easy for you: I love the Golden Globes and will always love the Golden Globes most. Well, besides the Met Ball. Anywho, I love the creativity and the collaboration between film and television. This year, I went really hard-core and had my own fashion predictions. For some, I was spot on. Others, well...nobody's perfect.

My Predictions:

• Fabulous silhouettes and barely any column dresses: On the spring runways, we saw so many gorgeous silhouettes a la old school Balenciaga: Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, etc.
• Color, color, color: If you saw the Elie Saab spring runway, you'll understand this prediction. 
• Sparkle and art-deco: Gucci had some absolutely fabulous sparkled numbers as well as de la Renta's pre-fall show.

What Really Happened...

• Neutrals: This took me by surprise, but black, white, and nude stole the show.  Actresses like Mila Kunis, Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, and Julianne Moore all strutted down the carpet in these hues.
• Sparkles: Spot on, yes? Thank you Salma Hayek and Evan Rachel Wood for helping me out here.
• Volume galore: So much volume it made me so happy! Stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar,  Julianne Moore, and Elle Macpherson ditched the column silhouette.

Now that the trend report is in, it's all about the best and worst dressed.  And leave it to me to give you my honest opinion. All in all, it was a fabulous red carpet and there were so many looks that I loved. 

THE WORST 

• Lea Michele (Marchesa): Well the impossible happened: a Marchesa dress looking horrific. I love Georgia Chapman and everything she does at Marchesa, but this truly looked terrible on Lea. I don't really think this was the right person or place to be wearing this dress. Also, I hate Lea Michele's diva-status: she needs to be tamed. She's not Beyonce and she cannot wear this. Beyonce could.
• Missi Pyle (Junko Yoskioka): Honestly, this looks like a dumb prom dress that's on clearance. I hate that bow and the tulle-esque layering. This is too cheesy I don't even want to blog about this anymore.  A waste of fabric. And it's not even styled right! 
• Kelly Osbourne (Zac Posen): I think my mom hit the nail on the head when she said that Kelly Osbourne was trying to look like Carolina Herrera. This dress would've look beautiful on Helen Miren, but Kelly Osbourne? She's purposely aging myself and I don't know why. Besides, what's up with that lavender-gray hair? Disgusting. 
• Kristen Wiig (Bill Blass): I love Kristen Wiig; however, I hate this look. While I love the nude with her chocolate brown locks, the jewels are way too bold.  It's just look like she's trying way too hard, which I don't like.
• Amanda Peet (Mac Jacobs): This is definitely not Globes-worthy. The ruffles are not chic in the slightest and the accessories are so primitive.  However, this would be great for a picnic! 
• Mary J.Blige (Michael Kors): Re-pul-sive. Yes, the halter looks fabulous on her, but what's with those feathers? Maybe this dress would look good on someone else- I'm thinking Zoe Saldana- but it's just not working with Mary J. What about jewels overload? Diaster. It's just too much of terrible things.
• Reese Witherspoon (Zac Posen): Don't get me wrong: I love Reese and I love love LOVE Zac, but this was not a good fit. The silhouette isn't too flattering and would look much better on a taller woman. Also, where is the styling? The makeup is barely there, and not in a good way.  Jewels? Where are they? I would love a killer bracelet or gorgeous earrings. Nothing! It could've been a million times better.
• Madonna (Reem Acra): No, just no. It was all so good until the skirt. The dress would've been fabulous if it was completely metallic or completed flapped fabric. But both? Not working. Also, the cross is way too big and looks a little cheesy. 
• Elle Macpherson (Zac Posen): She is so beautiful; however, Elle needs a new stylist. I'm actually confused as to how someone would think the chintzy jewels would look good with this dress. There's too much going on to even respect Zac Posen's creativity and construction.  She should've had minimal jewels- preferably a cocktail ring- and a soft updo.  Too much of everything, way too much. Major disappointment.
• Julie Bowen (Reem Acra): No, Julie Bowen, no. She literally kicked fashion-tushy at the Emmys; however, this is too much. The dress is alright, but it was styled completely wrong. I understand where her hair stylist was coming from, but the Lucy-inspired curls are awkward: a soft updo would have been a million times better. 
• Sarah Michelle Gellar (Monique Lhuillier): She told Ryan Seacrest that her daughter picked out this dress. Well, SMG, you should probably find a stylist.  I love her new show, Ringer, but this is the worst look of the night, by far. The tie-dye print was disgusting, especially with that extravagant silhouette. And what's up with that pony tail? You're not in junior high anymore. 

(Photo Cred)

THE BEST 

• Emma Stone (Lanvin): I was so excited to see Emma on the red carpet and she did not disappoint.  That silhouette works so well on her and that plum-raspberry duo is fantastic. The black clutch and shoes kept this look super clean. Also, the smokey eyes are incredible. My only problem with this look is that it's super similar to the Lanvin ensemble she wore to the Glamour event in November.  A different silhouette would've been preferred, but I'm not complaining! 
• Kate Beckinsale (Roberto Cavalli): There's nothing wrong about this look, I'm so impressed. It's unbelievably flattering and the jewels overload works with this dress because the dress is so simple. Plus the hair and makeup? I can't even deal with how perfect his is. 
• Jessica Biel (Elie Saab): Is it weird that I love this? Nope? Good. The high neck and long sleeves works so well with the high slit. The detailing on this dress is gorgeous. To prevent the dress from washing her out, the long hair and pink are perfect.
• Piper Perabo (Theyskens' Theory): This is one of those looks that you try so hard to hate, but secretly love. Well, it's no secret any more: I'm obsessed with this look. The updo is absolutely gorgeous and the volume of that dress? I'm literally going insane looking at it. The dress is so dramatic, yet super clean. The makeup is super feminine, making the dress standout without being abrasive.  
• Melissa McCarthy (Badgley Mischka): She looks absolutely beautiful! I love that green with her complexion and eye color. Also, this dress was really flattering on her. Adorable. 
• Sarah Hyland (Vintage Dolce& Gabbana): Definitely Sarah Hyland's best look ever. She is the epitome of old-school Hollywood glam here. The dress is absolutely gorgeous on her and I love that mid-forearm bracelet. The feminine makeup and soft up-do is ideal. 
• Ariel Winter (Dolce &Gabbana): Um, how precious does she look? This girl is only thirteen; however, she's so glam. This funky skirt, especially in purple, is super chic on her. I'm borderline obsessed with those loafer-inspired pumps. The soft waves? Divine.  It's youthful, it's quirky, and I love it.
• Mila Kunis (Dior): The new face of Dior wore her label proud last night.  She played with color so much last year, so I'm really glad that she toned it down here. However, the asymmetrical strap and the quasi-sheer bodice gives this dress the spice that it needs.  The minimal jewels and sleek hair makes this look absolutely classic.
• Natalie Portman (Lanvin): Once upon a time, someone once said that Natalie Portman was our generation's Audrey Hepburn. After seeing this look, I have to agree. The first thing I thought of, besides how fabulous this is, was Audrey. To me, this Lanvin-especially on her- is such a mix of her Funny Face and Sabrina dresses. The hair and minimals jewels are phenomenal. So classic. 
• Jessica Alba (Gucci): Beyond gorgeous. I think this light lavender- or at least it looks like lavender- looks perfect with her bronzed skin. I'm obsessed with the glitz and gorgeous, simple train. The monochromatic accessories is right on. 
• Rooney Mara (Nina Ricci): Although I'm not too crazy about her hair from a side angle, I'm obsessed with this look. It's all about the small details that make this look phenomenal. The cutouts plus the back peplum? Do I even need to describe how effortlessly chic is this? The slicked back hair and minimal jewels make this look clean and simple. By the way, loving the subtle cat-eye! 
• Heidi Klum (Calvin Klein): Although this look is a little too summery, I'm obsessed. Heidi always does a very dramatic look and a crazy updo. On the contrary, this look is more simple, which I love. the peach plus the gorgeous blue equals amazing. Also, I love love LOVE casual, down hair. Easy, clean, and gorgeous! 
• Dianna Agron (Giles): Definitely a redemption from that Emmys- mess. The silhouette is outstanding and that detailing? Incredible.  The swans and the ruffles are so fabulous and the red lip is perfect. The minimal jewels and the sleek hair keeps the focus on this fantastic dress.
• Salma Hayek (Gucci) : I will describe this look as "movie-star Jenny from the Block." The sparkles and the column silhouette equals perfection, especially paired with the "movie-star Jenny from the Block" curls.  The earrings give this look the perfect amount of glamour without going overboard. The simple makeup brings this diva look back down to Earth.
• Charlize Theron (Dior): As  Charlize says in her commercial, "J'adore Dior." The plunging neckline, plus the high slit, plus the extra hip fabric? Perfection. On most people, I'd hate this. However, Charlize has this certain sophistication and glamour that makes this look seem effortlessly chic. While I hated Michelle Williams' headband, I loved the headband look on Charlize.  Because Charlize can pull off anything, obviously. 
• Zooey Deschanel (Custom Prada): This is definitely one of my favorite looks of the night. The colored bodice is perfectly coupled with the basic, black skirt. The 60's inspired hair cut is to die for, especially with the feminine makeup. Ugh, she's adorable. 
• Sofia Vergara (Vera Wang): Fabulous. Sofia definitely has a certain silhouette that works for her body; however, her styling is improving:  more sophisticated and clean. This navy color is phenomenal and I love  the bunched fabric on the dress' skirt: so flattering! On a side note, how much do you love how Sofia says "Vera Wang." I always know this hysterical lady will be sporting "Verda Wong." 
• Claire Danes (J. Mendel): This dress is number one in my mind.  I'm literally going crazy over this dress. This is the perfect mix of glamourous and edge. All of the different textures truly made this dress a show-stopper. The hair and perky pink lip gave this look a hint of femininity.  Like can we just look at how incredible this is:

(Photo Cred)

                             

What are your thoughts? Sound off below! 

xx

The F Word is Fashion, Melissa Leo

THE OSCARS ARE HERE, THE OSCARS ARE HERE!

I couldn't even wait until tomorrow to start talking about the fashion. Overall, I'm pleased: this year, we really got something to talk about!

I think Anne and James are doing a fabulous job hosting. I especially loved the singing!

But just for the record, I will start a Bostonian riot if Natalie Portman doesn't win. My boyfriend said he'll do something similar if Colin Firth doesn't win. If they both lose, the northeast should be very afraid!

So without a moment to spare, here's my view on the 2011 Oscars.

Click the links to see and judge for yourself!

THE WORST

• Jennifer Lawrence (Calvin Klein Collection): While her hair and makeup is awesome, I really don't think casual minimalism is the way to go for the Oscars. Especially if you are a nominee for best actress. This would've been perfect for the SAGs, or even the Golden Globes, but for the Academy Awards? No thank you. She was quite fancy for the other ceremonies, why go casual now?
• Michelle Williams (Chanel): Her hair and makeup, once again, was supreme; however, this dress completely washed us out. Light skin+blonde hair+ light dress= blob of light. She's worn a lot of light this award season, couldn't she have mixed it up? She had so many hits in previous seasons, but this wasn't good enough for me.
• Mandy Moore (Monique Lhuillier): On the surface, it's a really pretty dress,  Mandy Moore looks so old school Hollywood. But I think the separation of sparkles  and the silhouette is kind of awkward. The waist is kind of boxy and, to be perfectly honest, basically everyone has worn a beige sparkled dress to the Oscars. It's time to get a new look. Also, I really hate the earrings she wore with this. It was, once again, awkward.
• Sharon Stone (Dior): BLACK SWAN GONE  TERRIBLY TERRIBLY WRONG. I have never seen something more disturbing than that hair!  The silhouette is awesome, but the ostrich feathers and the STUPID HAIR makes this the worst dress of the night, in my mind. Sharon Stone's been around for a while, I really think she should know better. There's no excuse.
• Nicole Kidman (Dior): Nicole is a beautiful woman and I understand her intentions with this dress, but it was executed poorly. The designs were weird and the architectural aspects made her look bottom heavy. Also, I felt like a bare neck would've been better with this dress. Good try, though!
• Marisa Tomei (Charles James): Why would you ever think this is okay? I hate this dress so much! While the navy's a good color on her, it is not flattering in the slightest. The silk and tulle- is it tulle- breakdown is really awkward. Maybe if the tulle-we're going to say it is tulle- started at the waist?  will say that I do like the neckline.
• Florence Welch (Valentino): She's awesome and this dress is totally her, but I wish that she glammed it up for the Oscars. This is the Oscars, people! I feel like she always wears this light beige/yellow color and if she experimented with a different pastel, it literally would have made the world's difference.
• Melissa Leo (Marc Bouwer): Melissa Leo, not only did you drop a F-bomb, but you also taught us that yes, there is such a thing as too much lace. Maybe if this was black lace, it would've been awesome. But it's too overwhelming, especially for the winter.  Also, this dress doesn't have any movement, which is awkward.

THE BEST

• Mila Kunis (Elie Saab): Obsessed. She is turning into such a trendsetter. This was perfection. The lilac was beautiful on her and this dress was so cool and effortless. The lace around the neckline, as well as the semi-see through areas of the dress, made this dress young and sexy. And the hair, makeup, jewels? Incredible. She has a knack for making people envious of her because she's that cool. I love her. 
• Cate Blanchet (Givenchy Couture): I'm so smitten with this art. It's not just an awards outfit, but it is art. She is the perfect person to wear this fabulous piece. I can't really re-call anyone wearing something similar o this on the red carpet, which is why I'm so pleased. I feel like a lot of people won't understand this look because it is more avant garde than your typical Oscar gown, but it's so beautiful and really interesting. And hints of yellow? Who does yellow? Cate Blanchet does, that's who.
• Scarlett Johansson (Dolce and Gabbana): A lot of people aren't fans of this dress, but I really love it. The raspberry color is absolutely incredible and I love Scarlett's take on lace. The cool and casual hair was so chic and ravishing. The back was so awesome which really made the dress for me. I do not think it photographed all that well, but I bet it looks incredible in person. I think there was a lot of hub-bub about it being see-through. But,  it's the Oscars. Stylists are smarter than that.
• Hilary Swank (Gucci): Ladies and Gents, this is how sparkles and feathers are supposed to be done. The silhouette was awesome and having a silver look throughout made the feathers more subtle instead of clownish.  And the lack of jewels was the perfect thing to counteract such a shimmery dress! In my mind, this was Zoe Saldana's Oscar look last year done right. 
• Halle Berry (Marchesa): This is the way to wear pastels! Her skin tone looks amazing with this beige and certainly doesn't wash her out. The details on this dress, as all Marchesa dresses, are absolutely incredible. She rocked the minimal jewels looks which was perfection for this outfit.
• Natalie Portman (Rodarte): I'm typing this as the Best Actress nominees are being announced: I'm really nervous. Anywho, she looks absolutely radiant. I'm obsessed with this purple color and I'm glad she's giving Rodarte (she just won YAYAYAY) some credit. Her tassel earrings are supreme. And as always, she knows how to look appropriate and classy when pregnant. I love her!

AND NOW FOR SOME ANNE: So many looks and she has seriously rocked them all. I loved her red Valentino gown when strutting down the red carpet. That train was such a red carpet moment and the epitome of glamour. Loved it.  And the red lips made it so iconic, which I loved! And can we talk about the tasseled Oscar de la Renta gown she wore? It was so retro and chic. I'm obsessed. And the red Armani Prive? The red looked incredible with Anne's dark hair and light complexion.  The beading was incredible and even though it reminds me of Armani Prive she wore in the past, the color made it something new. Even the Lanvin tux during her sing-a-long was so chic.

This is Your Moment

Finally.

I have enough time to finally talk about Black Swan.  My fabulous friend and I seriously waited all winter break so we could see it together, and the wait was worth it.

Obsessed.

It was seriously one of the best movies I've seen in a while. The plot was so addicting, I love psychological thrillers. But more importantly, it was so aesthetically pleasing. 

The ballerina clothes were so remarkable; Kate and Laura Mulleavy seriously did an amazing job, regardless of award status.

Not only were the costumes absolutely beautiful, but I think they're provoking some trend in the fashion world. Throughout the whole movie, there was a juxtaposition of the white naivety and the self-destructive black.

The white versus black comparison is very striking.

Yes, I know this skirt isn't white but mix of it and a leather vest (which is behind) is  so Black Swan.

I think my favorite outfit of the whole movie, which I'm sure many can agree with, is the white dress Natalie Portman wears to the ballet benefit. I love love LOVE the glitz paired with the white dress, absolutely insane.

Us non-Natalie Portmans can easily follow this trend with a crisp white shirt and some jewels!

And if you're not believing a word I say about black and white ruling the world, let's  take a look at some couture, shall we?

Photo Cred

The simplicity of this Valentino and the embellishments around the neckline is a minimalist take on that Black Swan dress I am obsessed with! 

Photo Cred

I love the black versus white situation here. The sleek look is so devious here! 

Alexis Mabille was filled with white:

the following pictures have Photo Cred.

The last two looks for this collection are  sooo Black Swan: similar silhouette but different color. I'm telling you, black and white are ruling the world! 

Photo Cred

The white is so innocent and then...

Photo Cred

The black is its alter ego; sleeker, more sophisticated, more experienced, more devious.

If you haven't seen Black Swan yet, I tell you to stop reading this blog right now (which is perfect because this post is over) and go to your nearest movie theater. ASAP.

xx

The Weekly: The World Looks Good to You, As it Should to You

On Friday, we celebrated my fabulous friends' birthday classily (I don't think classily is a word, but we'll go with it). Ever since then, I've been thinking about the obsession with classy. Of course we all want to be like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, who doesn't? But there was a time, not too long ago, where America was more infatuated with ripped jeans and Juicy Couture tracksuits.

AKA THIS:

Photo Cred

Nowadays, there are so many books that act as a "how-to". Derek Blasberg's Classy is just one example; he tells readers that classy is not the way we dressed, but the way we act, naturally (but I think style is the most obvious quality).  It's a shame that we actually need these books to tell us how to be classy, even though they're so much fun to read which is why some of the classiest even have them.  Anyways, all of this made me want to compile a list of the 10 classiest women (celebrity wise, I'm sure that there are plenty of classy women all over the world)  of the 21st century. 

So here we go:

10.  Rachel Bilson: In addition to never hearing about her in the tabloids, she has a sophisticated taste for being so young. What I love about her is that she is so fit, but doesn't find a need to wear Miley Cyrus apparel.  She attends the hottest fashion parties and also dresses the fierce.

09. Beyonce: Speaking of fierce, how could you not love Sasha Fierce. She reeks, yes reeks, glam! Even though her outfits are definitely sexier than my other classy ladies, she has maintained such a good image in the public eye. Let's refer back to the Kanye West fiasco?

08. Katie Holmes: Maybe she's too quiet to be scandalous, but Katie Holmes reminds me of a Hollywood version of Jackie Kennedy and, no, her  acting gig as Jackie O has nothing to do with it. Though I hate minimalism, her clothes are simple enough to be so chic. But, at the same time, she's always taking fashion risks without pushing the envelope.

07. Posh Spice: Do I really need to say anything else?

06. Blake Lively: Even though I mildly hate her for being a fashion icon, she is a class act. Does she reveal her boobs a little too frequently? Yes, but one must give her credit for styling herself without abusing her assets. She's come a long way, you must give her that! And when a person is  BFFs with Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld,  you can't help but think that they are classy.

05. Kate Hudson: I've admitted so many times it almost gets old, but I love Kate Hudson.  In my mind, she single handedly proves that you can be both bohemian and classy. She's always so chic, but her "loving life in all situations" personality truly sparkles and provokes class.

04. Anne Hathaway: In the eye of fashion, she is truly a vision always. I love how she is so cultured and wise, she studied at Vassar! And remember when her boyfriend stole all of that money? She was witty and handled it perfectly! 

03. Reese Witherspoon: The definition of an "All-American Girl". She went from goofy Elle Woods to an Academy Award winning actress. With many highly publicized breakups, she's handled them all with so much class. And all of her charity work is so admirable too!

02. Emma Watson: Even without being a fashion superstar, Emma would have had it made as Hermione. But what I love most about her is her seemingly un-superficial ways. She goes to Brown! Seeking a higher education once you're famous is so rare;however, when it occurs, you can't help but give someone so much respect. And do we ever hear about her ending up trashed at a random frat? Surprisingly, no! 

01. Natalie Portman: I'm definitely blogging about Black Swan sometime soon because I'm so obsessed. Natalie Portman is such a great actress! Even though she doesn't always have the best outfits, she is such a professional. Also, she's frequently thought of as the next Audrey Hepburn, she has to be number one! 

So that was fun...now onto the weekly! 

• Rachel Bilson at the Bulgari Benefit for Save the Children and Arts for Peace and Justice (Zac Posen): I know this happened a while ago, but I love this.  The color scheme on this is- coral,  torquoise, and tan- is so soothing,  Also, this  Posen fits her like a glove! I love the different fabrics, it creates some understated drama. No wonder she's on my classy list! 
• Selena Gomez at the Warner Brothers 68th Annual Golden Globes After Party (Catherine Dean): There must be something with this coral color, because it's absolutely fantastic. She looks so simplistic and put together; the skinny belt definitely makes this dress spicy, but still really simple. I also love how she did a nice up-do, it makes her look so sophisticated.

xx

The Weekly: The Stars are Falling From the Sky

So a bunch of things happened this week. For example, I tried to make a mood board. It was my first time making a collage with that goal in mind. The whole look I was going for was hippie whimsy. I'm thinking lace, natural colors, and accessories galore.  One of my major sources is the new Free People catalog. I wish I had more time to complete it but so far, I'm loving it.

Next subject of business: I am such a Maxxinista at the moment. I could literally write a whole post about it but this is the weekly so I'll cut it short. At my local TJ Maxx, there's this "Runway" section and I've really gone all out; Halston, Ralph Lauren, Joe's, and the list continues. Yesterday, however, I bought the most fabulous faux fur ever.

Stop and observe the amazing-ness.

One of the best style tips is the up-scale/down-scale mix. Pair off a classy expensive piece with less expensive accessories.

And always do Faux Fur.

AND THE GLOBES ARE ON TONIGHT! The Golden Globes are my absolutely favorite award ceremony: I love the mix of television and film. Also, the less Oscar-worthy films are given a chance to win an award or two. I'm thinking tonight, we are going to see blush tones, asymmetrical shoulders and mullet hemlines. But more about that tomorrow! 

For now...onto the weekly! 

• Michelle Williams at the  New York Film Critic Circle Awards (Wren): I love this! You rarely see someone in a shirt and skirt combination anymore. But Williams did this in such a chic way it looks like a dress. I love the mixing of patterns in this intense; the two fabrics are different enough but the color scheme makes it work. I think everyone should try mixing patterns like Williams did because this is awesome! Here minimalistic jewels worked in this intense, I suppose, because the dress is so shiny. But I think a few bracelets would have looked really great. All in all, however, she looks fabulous.
• Demi Moore at the No Strings Attached Premiere (Carven): Without a doubt, Demi wears a lot of black; however, she always finds a way to make it new and exciting (a la Balmain and, in this case, Carven). The zippers on this dress is so amazing, I'm obsessed! She keeps spicing it up with adding the studded clutch. This is extremely appropriate because she's not a star of No Strings Attached, but she still looks absolutely incredible. In this case, I love how she kept it all black. Having a colored shoe or clutch would break it up too much a de-chic the outfit. She always looks absolutely  stunning.
• Ed Westwick frolicking (I have no idea): I love love love LOVE this indigo and black ensemble Ed Westwick is rocking. It's totally Chuck Bass, and how can you doubt Chuck Bass' incredible style? Oh that's right, you cant. His matching is impeccable but it's not irritating. He looks fabulously effortless, which I'm loving. I don't know really what to say, because I don't judge menswear all that much, but I love it when a guy puts effort into his outfits.
• Hilary Duff at a Kentucky Derby Prelude Party (Something sexy): Va va vroom!  Hillary Duff is definitely no longer Lizzie McGuire. I think I love this outfit so much is because it's so out of character. She'll usually wear something that much more demure. But she looks so sexy and is really embracing her youth, which I love. The whole outfit screams body-con but the mixing of fabrics really breaks that up and is uber flattering, instead of potentially scary (what I think of body con usually). Since she went sexy for this look, it was so smart how she showed off minimal skin. She's learning and growing as a fashionista, which I really appreciate.
• Natalie Portman at the 2011 Critic's Choice Awards (Gianfranco Ferre): FINALLY. Natalie Portman wears something pregnancy chic! I suppose comfort would be number one when dressing up, but her past outfits have been hideous. Thankfully, she pulled out something spectacular for the lacking Critic's Choice red carpet (I don't even want to speak about the looks). Black and white is always an extremely chic away to go and,because of her tiny frame, the volumized silhouette was flattering on her. She kept it clean and uber chic. Bravo, Natalie, welcome back to the world of fashion!

xx