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 Style Files: 'Cause You Moved to West LA, New York, or Santa Fe

I really do love Train. This band's music is always really epic or just super fun. Their latest song, Drive By, is really upbeat and always makes me want to bop.

Style Spiration: The Olsen Twins

Ever since my beyond amazing New York Fashion Week experience this season- more on in an upcoming blog post- I've become obsessed with the Olsen Twins. They exude innovation and style, which I admire so much. Also, they've really transformed from boho chic into sharp dressers; yet, they still maintain their own personal style. It's a very complex formula, but they always perfect it. I find it incredible that they've evolved from being those cute kids on Full House to true staples in the industry. 

At the debut of their Hollywood Star: Although they're notorious for dressing "granny chic" (who isn't every now and then?), I think that both Mary Kate and  Ashley have a knack for dressing age appropriate whilst looking undeniably chic. Let's look at Ashley's outfit (is that Ashley? I couldn't tell you) as an example, shall we? That purple haltered dress screams fun-loving. Pairing the dress with the uber luxe dangling earrings? So fabulous and dresses this look up. This already awesome look is finished up with that navy heel. So fashion forward.(Photo Cred)

At Spring 2012 RTW in New York: Usually, wearing sunglasses during a show is so silly...unless you're Anna Wintour. Even still, it's a little silly. Regardless,  this dolled up duo pulled off this look in a way that didn't bother me. The monochromatic look is still fun because they both mix strong separates that stay true to their personal style.  The light lip and wavy hair makes this look fresh and not snobby. (Photo Cred)

In Chanel: What I love about Mary Kate and Ashley's style is how they both dress as individuals; however, their looks are always cohesive with the other's. These two ensembles are so different, but they complement each other instead of clash. The disheveled hair ties the two looks together. I should also take this time to mention that I'm mildly obsessed with that black Chanel dress.   (Photo Cred)

Mary Kate in Christian Lacroix(Photo Cred)

Ashley in The Row(Photo Cred)

Their looks from the 2009 Met Ball perfectly portrays their fashion success. They both know to have fun with fashion and pick beautiful pieces. The simplicity of Ashley's white dress complements all of the fripperies in Mary Kate's Lacroix dress. Also, Ashley's earrings as well as the silver back chain works well with the silver Lacroix. Perfection.

The Weekly

• Dakokta Fanning at Proenza Schouler AW 2012 (Proenza Schouler): This look is revolutionary for Dakota Fanning: it really shows us that she's a woman and a force to be reckoned with. The sharp construction of this sheath dress is super powerful, while the bright florals makes it not as threatening. The chunky black shoes work so well with the solid black sleeves. But the slightly undone hair shows us that she's still willing to have fun with her fashion choices.
• Jennifer Aniston at the Wanderlust premiere in LA (Tom Ford): This is such a crucial fashion moment for Jennifer Aniston. She always wears the same sexy, short dress so this was a huge change. Leather trim? Peplum?  Chevron? Incredible. She keeps this standout piece simple by rocking black shoes and straight hair. A major improvement.
• Blake Lively at the Noon by Noor Presentation (Noor): Blake Lively's been all about clean and fashion-forward silhouettes lately. I kind of love it. The innovation of a tuxedo dress works perfectly with the crisp black and white color combination. The pink lip gives an appropriate amount of color, while the metallic shoe makes this look funky and shows off her personal style.
• Lea Seydoux at the Berlin Film Festival (Elie Saab): I think sometimes people don't take me seriously when I say that a look took my breath away. But I am serious, for the record. Exhibit A? This dress. Everything about this look is so reminiscent about the 1970's and Cher. The long hair? The long sleeves? The dramatic, yet ethereal lace? The gold hoops? Perfectly simple and beautifully styled. 

xx

The Weekly: Some Good Fun

As a break of my continuous study session, which will come to its grand finale on December 16th, I went to a concert on Friday where I saw three INCREDIBLE bands.

The Postelles

Steel Train

Fun.

Absolutely fabulous. Totally the type of music I love and we were pretty DAMN close! 

When at the concert, I kept analyzing their hipster/I-don't-really-care-but-I-kinda-do ensemble. Though it's second to Michael Buble's style, I always need a Michael Buble shout-out, I think it's pretty cool. This guy from Steel Train, that guy, wore a retro Mickey Mouse shirt and I was smitten. I'm apathetic to Hipsters, as a society, but I love when people have FUN with what they wear. To be honest, life isn't about being serious and neither is fashion.

Photo Cred: http://mogmusicnetwork.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMG_0558-final.jpg

BEHOLD THE SWEATSHIRT! Don't you want to be best friends with this fellow? Contrary to popular belief, fashion is about giving yourself some personality and EXPRESSING! 

But here's my question, when this look wasn't cool and the boy band gel-ed hair was in, what were band mates wearing?

Photo Cred: http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/wallpaper/images/800/boyzone.jpg

Now...ONTO THE WEEKLIES

• Mila Kunis at the Black Swan Premiere (Ellie Saab with  Louboutin Shoes): I will take this moment to tell you how bad I want to see Black Swan. SO BADLY! Who doesn't like twisted psychological thrillers with a few changements here and there? Nobody, I tell you! Anyways, she looks absolutely AWESOME. You know what else is awesome? This look. Mila is such a beautiful and young star so having that mix of sophistication and sex appeal is PERFECT for her! For example, she rocked the gown and sleek up do, but the overall silhouette gave it some va-va-vroom. The pale pinky lavender looks incredible with her complexion and topping it off, I love the Loubs! I think it's great, also, that she didn't take this time to over-acessorize this look: it makes her look understated but timeless.
• Nicole Kidman at the Rabbit Hole Premiere (Clements Ribeiro): Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed. First of all, I love the midnight blue in contrast to her orange-ish hair. It's so striking! Even though Nicole Kidman is so beautiful, everyone tends to forget that she's a growing lady. Consequently, this dress is so age appropriate. All of the lace and hidden sparkles make the Ribeiro dress look chic and fabulous on her, but the hem line stays true to her age. And I love how she paired this blue dress with tan shoes, the contrast throughout look incredible. I remember watching a red carpet show many years ago and someone said that Nicole Kidman would look great in anything...yep, still true.
• Selena Gomez at the Grammy Nominations (Asos): Say what you will about Selena Gomez, but I appreciate how she dresses like a classy young lady instead of a piece of trash. I love the asymmetrical hem on this Asos dress, it makes a potentially matronly dress look hip and YOUNG. I think this juxtaposition of young versus old is especially seen in her hair versus her shoes: the hair is so old school pin-up while the shoes are super young. If I was Selena Gomez, however, I would have picked something a little more flashy that stays in the black family. But overall, she always looks like a class act.

xx