13 Best Red Carpet Looks from 2013

Besides the highly-anticipated fashion months, awards season is arguably the most exciting time of the year for any fashion expert. What will the nominees wear? How will the dresses differ from the original runway look? And how will this slew of award-worthy gowns differ from those from last year? Before time runs out for 2013, and we are then bombarded with a new group of evening dresses, let's take a sartorial walk down memory lane. In no particular order, check out the best red carpet looks of
the year. 

Zoe Saldana at the Out of the Furnance Premiere (Calvin Klein): Combining crop tops and skirts is one of the coolest ways to shake up red carpet glamour. My favorite example of this emerging trend? Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein, naturally.The actress can do no wrong, period. I love this blue-grey hue with her complexion as well as those tan shoes. This outfit reigns superior because she shows just enough skin and the pleated skirt keeps it classy. Brava, Miss Saldana. (Photo)

Anne Hathaway at the 2013 BAFTAs (Burberry Prorsum): This year, all eyes were on Hathaway. Sure, word broke that she's one of the more annoying actresses in the industry; however, fashion fanatics were keen to know what the soon-to-be Academy Award winner would wear to each award show. Though Hathaway mostly stuck to pastels in the United States, the starlet opted for a darker hue across the pond. Don't get me wrong- I love a frilly evening gown; however, that's the only thing Hathaway would wear until 2013. A departure from her glamazon past, this ensemble is ultra chic, modern, and portrays her as a serious actress. Plus, the pixie cut looks incredible with
this silhouette. (Photo)

Chrissy Teigen at the 2013 Grammy Awards (Joy Cioci): There are many reason to be jealous of Chrissy Teigen: her husband, cooking skills, and stellar style, just to name a few.Though this ensemble is overtly sexy, Teigen keeps it classy with minimal jewels. Plus, the lace detailing gives this look a girly twist. Thankfully, Chrissy knows how to spice up an all noir outfit-- with a punchy lip! A quintessential Grammys ensemble, and femme fatale never looked
so good! (Photo)

Kerry Washington at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards (Rodarte): Legend, or Vanity Fair, has it that Miss Washington was the best dressed celebrity of the year. Though her on-screen persona, Olivia Pope, opts for high-brow brands such as Giorgio Armani and Prada, Washington has a penchant for newer labels like Stella McCartney, Miu Miu, and Rodarte. As one of the first major red carpet events of the year, this Rodarte number put Washington on the sartorial map. The angelic white is amazing with her complexion. The fitted bodice and slick ponytail perfectly juxtapose the slightly ruffled skirt. Though the Scandal star has wowed at least a dozen more times this year, this look exemplifies her versatility and on-the-pulse perspective. Can't wait to see more fabulous looks in 2014!  (Photo)

Lea Michele at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards (Elie Saab): The pint-sized starlet knows how to make a scene. Whether she's belting a touching ballad or sporting extravagant evening wear, the Glee star isn't afraid to getting some  attention. Though this Elie Saab brings a lot of sparkle to such a petite figure, Michele opts for a nonchalant look and ultimately rocks this look. The breezy waves makes this look appropriately more casual,which is ideal because the Golden Globes and Academy Awards are two very different events. The minimal jewels complement the dress without pushing the envelope. (Photo)

Emma Watson at the 2013 Met Ball (Prabal Gurung): After years of red carpets and press junkets, it's still amazing to see how aware Watson is of the line that separates sultry and slutty. Even though this Prabal Gurung dress shows a lot of skin, it is anything but trashy. Instead, Watson is a mature starlet who doesn't need a tabloid scandal or fashion faux pas to get attention. Additionally, I love the attention to detail: the asymmetrical lines from the dress are replicated in Watson's strappy heels. (Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival (Christian Dior): It's no secret that the Academy Award winner is essentially a walking advertisement for the esteemed fashion house. Out of all the Dior dresses she sported in 2013, this white number perfectly captures Raf's forward-thinking aesthetic while maintaing Lawrence's spot as an "It Girl." While the bright pumps perfectly match the dress's details, Lawrence's choppy lob (a.k.a. long bob) keep this look fresh and relevant.  (Photo)

Selena Gomez at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards (Cushnie et Ochs): Over the past few years, Selena Gomez has transformed from a Disney Channel star to a bonafide starlet. Though she's sported every designer from Atelier Versace to Dolce and Gabbana, this Cushnie et Ochs dress puts the singer on the sartorial map. The traditional shape is revived with sultry slits and a yummy emerald green hue. With minimal accessories, nude pumps, and slick hair, Gomez looks extremely sophisticated without compromising her age. (Photo)

Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2013 Met Gala (Giles): Sarah Jessica Parker is never afraid of a fashion challenge. Between sporting avant garde hats and wearing countless colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, she's done it all. It takes a very fearless fashion to sport something so "hit or miss" to the ultra chic Met Ball. But with courage comes confidence, and the Sex and the City star's look was flawless. Instead of wearing studded threads like other superstars, SJP gave the punk theme a classic twist. That ornate headpiece? To die for. There is something so new age royalty about this look, which is extremely inspiring and reminds us that fashion should be funs and requires taking risks. An ensemble could be risky; however, the right occasion and loads of confidence can make the world's difference. (Photo)

Cate Blanchett at the New York Blue Jasmine Premiere (Balenciaga Edition): Not to sound dramatic, but Cate Blanchett could wear a burlap sack and look effortlessly fabulous. However, this Balenciaga number is indisputably the greatest dress she's worn all year.  Most actresses succumb to a column silhouette dress; however, this innovative shape makes evening wear exciting again. Though monochromatic outfits are nothing new, the appliqued details revitalizes this trend without looking too extravagant. (Photo)

Kiernan Shipka at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards (Oscar de la Renta): It's a little sad that the Mad Men actress probably has better taste than some people who are twice her age. Though it's easy to be jealous of such a chic tot, it's imperative to applaud her style. Instead of piling on the gems, Shipka smartly nixed the accessories in order to let her pale pink Oscar de la Renta number take center stage. Major.  (Photo)

Rose Byrne at the 2013 Emmy Awards (Calvin Klein): Leave it to Clavin Klein to create an unconventionally sleek ensemble, and leave it to Rose Byrne to wear it perfectly. Unlike most minimalist looks, The Internship actress juxtaposed the dress's clean shape with voluminous hair. Feminine and minimalist at the same time, Byrne proves that she's a versatile fashionista. (Photo)

Emily Blunt at the 2013 Critics Choice Movie Awards (Miu Miu): Whether she's wearing muted pastels or vibrant brights, the Looper starlet never ceases to impress me. Unlike some of her other cutting-edge looks, this ensemble is unapologetically chic and sophisticated. Though the silhouette is very traditional, the embellished collar and alternative hemline makes this outfit effortlessly chic. Blunt spices up this classic dress with pearl-adorned accessories and a punchy pout. Don't you think this is something Audrey Hepburn would wear? (Photo)

Which red carpet looks did you love? Sound off below! 

xx

The Oscars: Whoever Throws Powder on Burberry is Seriously Disturbed

As the Oscars begin- loved the opening scene, by the way- I begin writing my fashion round up. I've just compiled my best and worst dressed lists. I have to say, this year's fashion is definitely not what I expected; however, can  you ever really predict fashion? Just like the Sacha Baron Cohen-Ryan Seacrest red carpet incident, you cannot. I do have to say that the red carpet disaster angered me: I wonder what Christopher Bailey thinks about it? Anyway, let's cut to the chase and talk fashion, shall we?

THE WORST

Sherri Shepherd: Although I love the color with her skin tone, this dress is way too much. The jewels on the dress? no thank you. The keyhole neck? A major fashion faux pas. Why would she ever wear that black bra with this dress? Terrible. (Photo Cred)

Berenice Bejo (Elie Saab): As much as I love Elie Saab's 2012 Spring Couture, I just don't like how it's worn on the red carpet. It's a gorgeous dress; however, the styling is off. The hair- especially braided- with the beautiful mint color? Not feeling it.  The clutch was too matchy-matchy, which I thought was boring. (Photo Cred)

Viola Davis (Vera Wang):  Absolutely not. I hate the way the bodice fits her: she looks as if she's going to burst at any moment! And the chiffon pleats are terrifying. It just looks awkward. But, to give this review some positivity, her makeup and hair is phenomenal. I love how she's rocking her natural locks. You go girl!  (Photo Cred)

Jenny From the Block (Zuhair Murad):  I think she's getting a little too old to wear such a revealing dress.  The uptight bun isn''t a fun juxtaposition; instead, it's a little confusing.  This is the Oscars: keep it classy! This ensemble would've been great for the Grammys, but not the Oscars. (Photo Cred)

Emma Stone (Giambattista Valli): I hate doing this, but I have to: it's how I feel. As a lot of critics have been saying, I think this ensemble is too similar to the Balenciaga dress Nicole Kidman wore to the Oscars a couple years ago. It almost seems like a not as chic repeat. The chunky Louis Vuitton bracelet is overbearing. Also, I think there's too much red: the carpet, the hair, the dress, the huge bow on the dress. It's just way too much! (Photo Cred)

Shailene Woodley (Valentino): As much as I love long sleeved dresses, I don't like this one at all. All the ivory completely washes her out. The detailing on the bodice looks unfitted and just awkward. The updo makes this look super matronly. And no jewels? Boring! A bold lip or even a pair of statement  earrings would've made this look much better. (Photo Cred)

Anna Faris (Diane von Furstenberg): I eye this dress every time I'm in Diane von Furstenberg; however, not for this red carpet. I think this look can  either look too flashy,  oddly matronly, or awesome. Surprisingly, this dress did nothing for Faris: she looked rather heavy. As much as I love that blunt bob, it doesn't work with this styling. The longer earrings just look awkward. This dress would've been much better at the MTV Movie Awards or the Grammys, especially with a sleek ponytail. (Photo Cred)

 Natalie Portman (Dior): Love the jewels, hair, and makeup; however, I have very big issues with this dress. First of all: polka dots to the Oscars? What was her stylist thinking?  She just looks frumpy. Portman should've just stuck with Rodarte: a good 'ol Rodarte and Portman collaboration never disappoints me. (Photo Cred)



THE BEST

Stacy Keibler (Marchesa): Can we say 'Golden Goddess'?  How flawless does Keibler look in this Marchesa?  The simple silhouette is perfectly paired with the rosette and the asymmetrical shoulder. What I appreciate most about this look is the sense of balance: the hair and the rosette work together to create a cohesive and balanced look. Keeping the jewels at a minimal is perfect for this look because it's so shiny. In fact, statement jewels would've ruined this ensemble. Fantastic. (Photo Cred)

Michelle Williams (Louis Vuitton): There are no words to properly state how gorgeous she looks. This color is so stunning, but not overbearing.I'm obsessed with the subtle ruffles and the peplum: the perfect amount of detailing. Bold bracelets would've made this outfit too midsection heavy, so I love  the dainty necklace. That bright lip makes this look cohesive and entertaining from head to toe! All these components are so reminiscent of William's  Vera Wang dress at the 2006 Academy Awards, but that's alright with me! (Photo Cred)

Rose Byrne (Vivienne Westwood): So I would like to be Rose Byrne in my next life: I'm obsessed with her style and, as always, she rocked such an innovative dress. This dress is just like Anna Faris' outfit...but better. This asymmetrical neckline and the column silhouette makes black sequins sexy. Since her bob isn't as pinned to her face, Bryne's dangling earrings complement her short do. Her makeup, jewels, shoes, and clutch all worked together to form a truly glamorous and sexy look. Also, can we look at that back? Phenomenal. (Photo Cred)

Tina Fey (Carolina Herrera): I think Derek Blasberg describes this look the best. Finally, Tina Fey is coming into her own and dressing to impress. I love the peplum on this Herrera dress. The glam bun and standout blue jewels? Forget about it.However, he dark color and the flared skirt stick with her original fashion aesthetic.  (Photo Cred)

Angelina Jolie (Atelier Versace): Sexiest dress of the night? Absolutely yes.The high slit plus the structured bodice gives us the perfect mix of sultry and fashion forwardness. The lack of jewels makes this look more simplistic and relaxed. Can we talk about the bright lip and flowing hair for a second? Va va voom!  Let's be honest: you would pop your leg like that if you were wearing that dress. (Photo Cred)

Milla Jovovich (Elie Saab): Such a stunning red carpet moment. This look is seriously flawless: the asymmetrical shoulder is absolutely divine and that beading is out-of-this-world. The silhouette, not to mention the hair, epitomizes old school glamour. The phenomenal red lip spices up the monochromatic look. (Photo Cred)

Penelope Cruz (Giorgio Armani): This is my favorite Penelope Cruz look ever. The color is beautiful and that silhouette is so classic. The shoulders really show off that old school glamour. Her classic makeup, glamourous hair, and dainty necklace finish off this look with a bang! (Photo Cred)

Jessica Chastain (Alexander McQueen): Definitely one of my favorites from the night. This is so different for Chastain; however, it was a risk worth taking! I love the mix between black and gold, especially with that fantastic print. Her polished down do and fresh makeup  adds a hint of girly glamour. She literally looks perfect.  (Photo Cred)

Octavia Spencer (Tadashi Shoji): First of all, she won!  Second of all, I'm obsessed with this dress. I love the super flattering silhouette of this dress. The beading moves towards her stomach, making this dress even more flattering. White looks absolutely gorgeous with her complexion! Also, her hair and makeup is sultry and classic at the same time. How? I couldn't tell you. As a side note, I would really like those earrings in my jewelry box. (Photo Cred)

Gwyneth Platrow (Tom Ford): Such a stunning ensemble. I love how Platrow is always willing to take  risks. What makes this look work is the straight silhouette. If there was anymore volume, the cape would look terrible. Even without the cape, this dress is effortlessly chic. That strong cuff gives this Tom Ford attire that dash of glamour that the night requires. This red carpet ensemble will go down in history.(Photo Cred)

What are your thoughts? Comment below! 

xx

The Style Files: Because We are, We are the Shining Stars

Without a doubt, Fun is one of my favorite bands of the moment. I'm so excited for their new album, Some Nights, which comes out in a couple of weeks. They recently released this song on You Tube and I love it.  Oh and another thing, Glee has nothing on Fun. Absolutely nothing.

STYLE SPIRATION: Whitney Houston 

By now, everyone's heard of Whitney Houston's tragic death. While I wasn't alive during her musical height, her legacy and talent is undeniable. Yes, Whitney wasn't famous for her fashion; however, I wanted to open up this section to honoring the great icon. 

How phenomenal does Whitney look?  The flowing A-line skirt plus the big bow screams 1980's.. .and I kind of love it.The tight curls keeps this look refreshing and youthful.  (Photo Cred)

Okay, so this look may be a little bit...outdated; however,  I'm drawn to this like a mouth to a flame. The combination of a saloon-inspired skirt and a diva-licious, sequined top is so divine.  This look could've been terrible, but Whitney's effortless approach to outfit made this incredible. (Photo Cred)

Even in her later years, Whitney could still rock a phenomenal sequined frock. The use of minimal jewels as well as the super glam hair and makeup is inspiring. (Photo Cred)

THE WEEKLY 

• Olivia Palermo at the Carlo Pazolini Party (Not Determined): Can we even talk about the edginess of this outfit? Love.  The two-toned trousers are absolutely out-of-this-world amazing. I love how Olivia mixed the leather blazer with that metallic sweater. Such a stellar combination. Even though there's a huge array of tones and colors, it's not abrasive. On the contrary, the yellow clutch provides a splash of color. Perfection.
• Solange Knowles at the Runway to Win Launch Party (Vera Wang): Oh my fashion gods, I'm literally so obsessed with this look. It's not even funny. The feminine print plus the use of peplum? Fashgasm. The perfect blend of sexiness and style.And that red lip? Beyond stellar.
• Rose Byrne at Sandro's NYC Boutique Launch (Sandro): Gorgeous. Rose is such a stylish superstar and I love this play with black and nude. The whole look is really subtle and focuses on the craftsmanship of each piece. I  also don't love her bob, so I'm liking this alternative. Fantastic.

xx

The Style Files: When I Was Young, I Took off Running

So last week, my friend and I went to see Matt Nathanson and Vanessa Carlton at the House of Blues. It was beyond amazing: Matt Nathanson is one of my absolute favorites and Vanessa Carlton's performance gave me a nice walk down memory lane. After the concert, I couldn't stop listening to "Drop to Hold You." I was never a big fan of this song until I heard it live. Now, I'm literally obsessed.

STYLE-SPIRATION: HAILEE STEINFELD

I've said it before and I've said it again, Hailee Steinfeld is the next style icon.  Her style is so edgy, chic, and youthful. At the same time!  Incredible. 

Hailee Steinfeld at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards (Prabal Gurung): It's just SO COOL. The crimped detailing of the Gurung dress is so hip, but the halter silhouette keeps it classy. I love how she has fun with her accessories: the clutch and bangles are super funky, which is so unusual for an awards show! (Photo Cred)

At the 26th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival (Alberta Ferretti): I usually hate red accessories; however, I'm so smitten with this look. The lace on that Ferretti dress is GORGEOUS, yet the short hemline keeps it young. Besides the red shoes and clutch- phenomenal, by the way- she keeps the hair and makeup simple which is a STYLE DO. (Photo Cred)

At Miu Miu Fall RTW 2011 (Miu Miu): This look is so glamorous:  I just wish I was her. The dress is beautiful and classic. But, in true Hailee style, she spices this look up with awesome shoes and a super fierce clutch. That sleek ponytail? Incredible.(Photo Cred)

I kind of hate how she's younger than me, yet she still has the best style. Now, onto the weekly! 

THE WEEKLY

• Amber Heard at the premiere for The Rum Diary (Elie Saab): Well, this is the epitome of old school vixen. She looks absolutely incredible. The dress is outstanding and the high silt is sexy without crossing the line. The up-do keeps this look classy, which I love. I'm really glad she didn't accessorize this look very much: the lack of jewels keeps the focus on the amazing silhouette. 
• Rose Byrne at CAA's Young Hollywood Party (Manning Cartell): I'm obsessed with Byrne's bohemian vibe. The way her bob juxtaposes the tiered skirt and cross-body bag is genius! I do wish she had cooler shoes, since she didn't have funky jewels. Regardless, this look is lovely! 
• Charlize Theron at an Africa Outreach Project event (Dior): Unbelievable. This sheath is so classic; however, the detailing gives such a classic silhouette some funk. The accessories are intricate, yet they don't overpower this awesome dress. Keeping her hair and makeup simple is also a major STYLE DO. Fabulous! 

xx

The Style Files: Slicker Than the Guy With the Thing on His Eye

I like to say that my life is created of one to two week phases. The phase I'm currently in, you ask? My rapper phase. Yes, I am happy to say that I learned Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass." Rapping it, unfortunately, is almost like an addiction: I practice in my car 97% of the time I'm driving. Sad, but true. So why not make it my music highlight for this edition?

If you think I'm not talking about the Kardashian Wedding..you're absolutely out of your mind slash wrong!

So maybe I'm obsessed with the Kardashians. Maybe I am one of those freaks who considered the Kardashian wedding the American equivalent to the Royal wedding. Who cares? It's true. Since we really don't pride our politic figures as much as we should, we turn to our reality television shows and celebrities. Anyways, I was totally all over the Kardashian wedding last weekend. Instead of doing a classic "Style-Spiration" section...it's Kardashian take-over.

For me, this wedding was very "love/hate."  

LOVE.

These are perfect bridesmaids dresses. Seriously. I love how all of the Kardashian sisters have different figures; however, this dress is incredible on all of them. Obsessed. I was upset at Pippa Middleton for wearing an ivory bridesmaid dress, but I'm over it now.(Photo Cred)

 I saw Kim in this dress in an issue of People, but I can't find this online. Anywho, I love this for Kim: in my mind, it's the epitome of Kim Kardashian. It's extravagant, yet shows off her figure. The silhouette is both unique and timeless. I wish she wore this for the whole wedding! (Photo Cred)

Cutest baby ever. (Photo Cred)

HATE.

Sag City. (Photo Cred)

I'm apathetic about the dress; however, the styling really grinds my gears. the whole look is so unbalanced it's bothersome. That's al.(Photo Cred)

White, Kris? Really? Where's your manhood at? (Photo Cred)

I understand why she'd want a Cinderella dress to complement her Cinderella wedding; however, I really don't like this on her. She has a great figure and she's hiding it. I feel like it makes her waist look larger, her boobs like HUGE, and her tush just isn't there. I think that a Cinderella dress is perfect for someone who doesn't have Kim's curves. With Kim, however, it looks like she's hiding something. And don't even get me started on that head piece. Okay, I'm getting started. IT'S SO DUMB AND MAKES THIS LOOK TRASHY! And who in their right mind wants to trash a Vera dress? Crazy.(Photo Cred)

If that bow is obnoxious from a zoomed out shot, think how terrible it is up close and personal. I hate Kris Kardashian, I really do. She really bothers because she always has dollar signs in her eyes and thinks it's the Kris show. It's completely inappropriate for her to white this fancy white dress, she's too old and...too annoying. Even this in black would've been chicer and age appropriate.

Okay so maybe it was more HATE with a teeny bit of love. I do, however, love the black and white theme: extremely classic! 

Okay, enough of the Kardashians...onto the weekly!

The Weekly

• Lake Bell at A Good Old Fashioned Orgy screening (Cushnie et Ochs): So I'm kind of obsessed with this whole look: it's very sexy, fierce, and all around cutting-edge. The cutouts on this dress are so youthful and edgy; however, the crazy updo and the pointy pumps make this look more polished. Ergo, it's classy. I kind of wish she replaced that bangle with a sharp cuff, but the sharpness of the hand bag is PERFECT.
• Rose Byrne at Letterman (Dolce and Gabbana) : I'm mildly obsessed with Byrne ever since I saw Bridesmaids. I'm so smitten with THIS look! She nailed- well almost, if she wasn't wearing that small pendant- talk show gear. This dress shows leg, simple in silhouette, and a fun print. I also love how it's belted. Absolutely genius. Keeping it simple with a retro updo and black platforms is supreme. In love!

Hope everyone is taking proper precautions with Hurricane Irene

xx