Menswear Fall 2011: Would You Date That?

I've decided to add some fun to this blog with a new segment I call

"would you date that".

Here's how this section will work: I am going to review a plethora of looks from Menswear Fall 2011 and, to add the girly and creative touch, I'm doing to discuss the date-ability rating.

0= No Way

10= Here's my number.

So let's do this thing!

Photo Cred

Viktor&Rolf

Rating: 9

How can you go wrong with sleek? Viktor&Rolf's collection was so classy and sleek. I love how everything was so simple, yet there were pops of great color and different fabrics. Anyways, back to this specific look. So James Bond meets Michael Buble. In my opinion, there's absolutely nothing sexier than a black and white suit. Everyone can pull it off and look suave.

Photo Cred

Jean Paul Gaultier

Rating: 3

This collection overall was really quirky. But in terms of this look, I love how All-American and equestrian the sweater is, but real men do not wear skirts. That's just common sense. 

Photo Cred

Louis Vuitton

Rating: 4

Although I may secretly wish my own boyfriend embraced fur, this is definitely NOT a datable look. The pants and white suit jacket are relaxed enough to work for a bohemian kind of girl, the fur will get a guy nowhere, especially light fur like this. Dark fur is definitely more chic and luxe. If you took hints of dark fur and added it to a jacket, it's 10 material.

Photo Cred

Burberry Prorsum

Rating: 10

This is absolutely perfection. I love the shearling jacket, the pants are fitted like a boy's pants SHOULD be fitted. The color scheme is so manly but the actual outfit is the perfect amount of chic. Bravo, Burberry Prorsum, bravo!

Photo Cred

Missoni

Rating: 7

This look may not be as agreeable as Viktor&Rolf, but I think it's really hip and trendy. And  isn't everyone secretly attracted to hipsters? The plaid is so cool, and I love the multiple layers. This look definitely screams trendy without being too much...but maybe clashing might be a big issue. Seven because it's trendy, but not universally chic.

So in conclusion, I wonder if there is such a thing as a perfectly fashion forward man for all of us aspiring fashionistas.

I guess we'll have to find out!

xx

Green with Envy

Like I would be able to start this blog tomorrow. The Golden Globes haven't even started as I begin this blog post and I have so much to say! I've been sitting on my couch for three hours, attached to the television and the dresses?! OOOF! Amazing. Some look great and some...well..don't,  but that's what I'm here to talk about! 

So let's get started, eh?

THE WORST

• Jennifer Love Hewitt (Marchesa): I think she's a really pretty lady, but her outfits are just terrible. It was just too matchy and senior prom-esque. And the hair was just a battered bee's nest. There was no "pop", no "wow" factor. I don't know how she did it, but Jennifer Love Hewitt made Marchesa boring. That's just not okay. 
• Julianne Hough (Marchesa): Julianne's biggest problem is that she's trying too hard. Usually, I'd love the idea of this jeweled neckline, but I really hate it here. It's way too forced!  The up- do is really ruining it for me, I think a sleek ponytail would have made this oh so sophisticated. It's just a bit unbalanced, which is the problem. If it had a silt and paired with some fabulous shoes, I'd love. But the hair is poof and the collar is so bold, it just makes the rest of the look boring. 
• Kyra Sedgwick (Pucci): Been there, done that. It's a mix of Diane Kruger and Lea Michelle. I just don't like that. Usually, she has so many fabulous outfits, this was just not good enough. It was boring and not Globes material. This color is way too young for her. I'm just not a fan at all.  Does that sound harsh? I'm really sorry! 
• Julie Bowen (Tadashi Shoji): She's gorgeous and I'm obsessed with her on Modern Family , but not this look. I do love the color on her, but I wish the texture was either on the skirt or bodice, not both. Preferably, the skirt. For her age, it just seems like a bit too much. While she looks gorgeous, her other accessories are also lacking; a metallic bag would've looked so cool with this dress and I would prefer a darker shoe.  But all in all, it was satisfactory.
• Helena Bonham Carter (Vivienne Westwood): This is the worst outfit in the whole wide world. I repeat, this is tragic. Just to re-emphasize the fact, just look at this and cringe. I don't care how quirky you want to be, what makes us unique makes us shine, but MATCH YOUR SHOES. Nothing about this is alright, but it would've been a bit better if she matched her shoes. Does she have a stylist? She should get one. This is horrendous. I hate this more than I've ever hated a dress. This an insult.

Photo Cred

• January Jones (Versace): If this is best dressed, I will think something's wrong with fashion today. This is completely taste-less.  Yes, she's a gorgeous woman, but this is too much. People may not know this, but it is possible for people to show some skin, look sexy, and remain classy.  Her hair and makeup looks so timeless, but this is so trashy.
• Emma Stone (Calvin Klein):  I think she looks gorgeous, but I'm just using her Klein dress as ammunition against minimalism. The peachy color blends in with her skin too much and her recently blonde hair makes her look so bland. What would've made this look so much better is a red lip or some dramatic makeup. What I hated was how forgettable it is.
• Elisabeth Moss (Donna Karan): I'm going to make this really simple: great dress, terrible accessories. This look single-handedly proves how terrible accessories can lead to a terrible look. Am I using the word terrible too much? Oh well. The makeup is too natural and she just looks really really bare. A bracelet or something would've made the world's difference.
• Sandra Bullock (Jenny Packham): Yes, Sandra's been through some terrible things this year, but that's not an excuse. Her bangs are really emo, as my boyfriend perfectly stated. This dress reminds me of a former ice skater in a retirement home. It's too old and too sparkly for being too old. Maybe she ran out of fuel after her frequent hits last year?
• Halle Berry (Nina Ricci): This whole long sheer look is really starting to get on my nerves. Halle Berry is extremely sexy,  there's no need to look like a street walker.  That's all I need to say, I believe.
• Jennifer Lopez (Zuhair Murad): Take off the cape, J.LO, you just look silly! And the makeup was TOO MUCH! And I thought you were going to be a fashionista...
• Scarlet Johansson (Elie Saab): I think I screamed when I saw this look. Seriously, it was scary. I hated the kimono sleeves and that hair?! EW!! It was just scary. I feel for her break up with Ryan  Reynolds, but once again, no excuse. She just looks so old, which I find bothersome. She is easily one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.  She needs to dress for her age and someone needs to stop teasing her hair.
• Heidi Klum (Marc Jaccobs): Trust me, I love 70's inspired dresses, but this was not chic. In fact, I really despised this. It takes a lot for a supermodel to look ugly. Congratulations Heidi, you achieved the impossible. If her hair was longer and if the dress wasn't so ugly, this look would be unbelievable. But the hair is so awkward and the dress...ooof ....it looks like it got caught is some kind of laundry disaster. I just don't understand, nobody on Project Runway couldn't do better? Really?
• Tilda Swinton (something boring): I really despise Tilda Swinton and her minimalist ways. I'm upset.

THE BEST 

• Olivia Wilde (Marchesa): She is such a superstar. I'm obsessed with this. Although shimmer full skirted dresses have been a bit overdone lately (let's think the majority of Rachel Zoe's clients), Wilde made it new with her super straight hair and bob. She made such a beautiful dress look edgy and rockish. Also, have you seen her shoes? SO COOL! I love how she always mixes it up and always looks fierce. 
• Mark Salling (Simon Spurr): Those aviators, that fo-hawk...I'm in love. He could probably wear anything and, with those accessories, still look undeniably sexy and chic. That's all I need to say about this.
• Jayma Mays (Alberta Ferretti): She looks sooooo sleek in this Ferretti outfit. I love the drastic neckline and back; the sheer netting makes it looks extremely awesome. The black is so striking with her red hair. Usually with black dresses, it's hard to see the detail in pictures. But the details in this dress are not only visible, but extremely striking. She nailed this.
• Amber Riley (Oliver Tolentino): A completely sparkled dress can be difficult for anyone to rock, especially people who aren't a size 00. Riley, however, looks absolutely incredible. I love how she's embracing her curves; this lady has an amazing voice and she's so adorable!
• Diana Agron (J.Mendel): She looks like an old school movie star. Incredible. Surprisingly, this color does not wash her out; instead, she looks so timeless. Even though her makeup was light, that did not wash her out either. I don't know, she seems to have a knack for not getting washed out! All in all, she looks heavenly!
• Jake Gyllenhaal (Burberry): I love a good juxtaposition. Jake's scruff with his cleaned up Burberry is definitely one of my favorites. How can you not love Jake?!  And I love a good bow tie! So Jake and a bow tie is priceless.
• Lea Michele (Oscar de la Renta): Her personality kind of bothers me, but she really looks flawless. This outfit is perfectly put together. The messy up-do works so well with the ruffled de la Renta dress. And the pink color is so fabulous! I don't think she's ever done something girly before, but I'm loving this. That green cocktail ring is such a great finishing touch. I love love love this! 
• Leighton Meester (Zac Posen): People may think she looks like an old lady in this Posen dress, but I love it! Her makeup and hair is so fresh and youthful. Also, the silt gives the look some va va vroom!
• Catherine Zeta Jones (Monique Lhuillier): A vision. This emerald looked amazing with her complexion and the silhouette was so age appropriate and beautiful. Is it upsetting I knew this was a Monique Lhuillier dress when I saw it?  Her slicked back hair and dainty jewels went perfectly with this look. Obsessed.
• Mila Kunis (Vera Wang): Once again, emerald is a fabulous color right now. I love the ruching and tiny details of this dress. What I love about this dress is how she really made this dress youthful. The one shoulder and volumized hair really made this chic edgy and chic, which works perfectly for Mila!
• Tina Fey (L'Wren Scott): A for Effort! Fey has come a long way from her days of simple black dresses. I thought the velvet was interesting and navy?! She's really growing!  It was age appropriate but something new, which I really appreciated.
• Megan Fox (Armani Prive): I didn't recognize Megan Fox when I first saw her; she didn't look like a sex symbol, but a movie star. It was so girly, which I loved on Fox: the hair, the dress, the shoes. I loved how the shoes picked up on the sparkle in the Prive dress. And the sparkle on the Prive dress worked well with her metallic clutch. This look wasn't too matchy matchy, but it all worked and made sense. It was so classy, Megan Fox should definitely try this look more often!

AND NOW FOR THE TWO DRESSES THAT CHANGED MY LIFE.

Photo Cred

This is the most perfect look ever. She wears a lot of Armani Prive, but this is her finest by far. It is so flattering and unique, even though a lot of people rocked the long look. The sparkles were fabulous and the back...to die for. Also, I love how she wore her hair down; she doesn't do it that much, but the look would've look too restricted otherwise. Can I please steal this dress?!

Photo Cred

This Versace dress has a really similar silhouette to Anne's dress, but Angelina is rocking the emerald green, which is so in right now. She always looks so minimalist and boring, frequently wearing blacks and nudes. My jaw legitimately dropped when I saw this. She looked so bright and looked...like a human. Her hair was cascading and the back was great.  I was so happy to see this dress! SO GOOD

Alright, this blog post is too long.

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

Do We Die?

So let's talk about Rachel Zoe's latest collection. Even though she's my career and fashion idol, I am truly torn about this collection.

For starters, I don't like how she posed with her models in her lookbook.

If she wants to be rolling with the top designers, she needs to have the people focus on the beauty of the clothes, instead of the designer.

Some pieces I really like, especially look four.

I really like how it stayed true to her fabulous bohemian look.

But other pieces, I believe, were trying to hard. And also, I love cohesiveness in a collection. From what I've seen, there isn't much cohesiveness here. I think that she could've focused on one idea and it would've been so much better.

But then maybe I am not understanding her target audience.

Maybe it wasn't supposed to be like a traditional fashion show, but a plethora of various looks that could work for a variety of people.

As for this copied dress scandal, I must stand up for Zoe. Are the pieces identical? Well...yes; however, I find it extremely hard to believe that somebody whose so enamored with the world of fashion to commit the top faux paus.

And, at the same time, plenty designers copy fashion houses for a more pleasant price tag. That happens all of the time after awards season. If people do not get wound up with that, why should Zoe be in boiling water?

But I definitely want to hear a statement from her!

I can never bash Rachel Zoe, nor would I want to, because I respect her as a stylist and a fashionista

but

I just miss the good 'ol days!

That's all.

xx

The Weekly: What'chya Gonna Do When They Come For You

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with fashion but 

yesterday, my boyfriend and I watched Cops 

and we loved it.

Anyways...

there were some pretty good looks this week, so, without a moment to spare

onto the weeklies!

• Kim Kardashian at a holiday party (Tadashi Shoji): LOVE. The metallics are so holiday chic and the asymmetrical shoulder is so in right now. I love how the metallics are different tones, separated by a black belt or else she would have looked very Vegas-drag-glam (not that there's anything wrong with that, just not for a holiday event). Her matte accessories are smartly paired with this dress and the fit is impeccable. I think sometimes, Kim wants to be sexy but forgets that a flattering piece matters more. In this case, this dress is both fabulous and flattering on her.
• Diane Lane at a LA Pres Conference (unknown designer): SO AGE APPROPRIATE! She looks so classy and chic. Even though it's a bit minimal, sometimes that works better for someone who is older. The blue looks absolutely incredible with her dark hair and matching her dress with cream points is great. She looks smart and fashionable at the same time!
• Lady Gaga at the Consumer Electronics Show (Sally LaPointe): As we all know, Lady Gaga is...an interesting fashion icon. Even though it seems like this outfit is more oppressed than her others, I think she looks absolutely fabulous. Long skirts, I think, should make a come-back. They're classier than minnies  and undoubtedly chic. Anyways, she pulls off this long skirt well ad the jacket creates an interesting silhouette. She looks very, dare I say it, normal? But the veil gives it enough Gaga to make this look chic and unique.

Well, that's it for now! 

xx

It's the People's Choice

So the 2011 People's Choice Awards seemed interesting.

Some Valid Points on Media: Pretty Little Liars should've won, TWILIGHT NEEDS TO STOP WINNING, Modern Family should've won, and I'm really glad Lie to Me is getting some attention.

I didn't get to see the actual ceremony, since I'm still in London but of course I watched the red carpet. It was extremely awkward. Especially when the anchors didn't know who Bella Thorne was. I don't know who she is, but I'm not a Hollywood reporter.

Like every award show, there was good fashion and bad fashion.

And obviously I have some thoughts.

THE WORST:

• Natalie Portman (Jason Wu): I don't want to do this to neither Portman nor Wu, but this is terrible. With all of the Black Swan attention she's getting, you would think she'd dress chicer. I know she's preggers and everything, but it looks like she is going to the beach; it should have been a bit more tailored. And it's just so boring. Barely any makeup, barely any jewels. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! She always does something awesome on the red carpet, so I'm majorly disappointed.
• Leighton Meester (Vionnet): Meester's issue is that she always tries to be quirky. Sometimes, it works and I love it. Other times, most times, it's not that great. The fabric, especially for an awards ceremony, is too casual. It looks like she's coming from a local pub. Her makeup looks really good, but I can't get over that dress. It looks so flawed. So messy. I think if she really wanted to make a splash, while being quirky, it should be a work of art.
• Khloe Kardashian (McQueen): I usually love Khloe, but she made McQueen look gross. First of all, she went red? I don't like it one bit!! Also, this is the least flattering dress for her body type. I HATE when people who I heavy chested wear flowing pieces, it makes them look large, most of the time. She has a lot of curves and I respect her confidence, but I think a fitted dress would've done her better. And please, Khloe, cover your boobs.
• Kate Walsh (David Meister): I didn't know Kate Walsh was having her sweet sixteen?! Seriously, totally NOT age appropriate. I utterly despise this look. The color's gorgeous on her, but she should be doing something a little more...sophisticated. An evening dress? Or if she wants to go short, GO SEXY!  And accessorize, please! Some jeweled bangles or a cocktail ring would've made a big improvement.
• Amanda Michalka (I don't even want to know): UGLIEST DRESS ALIVE. This is disgusting. The shear part of the skirt. The awkward key hole. The chorus black and white look. There is no way this dress could be fixed. "AJ", ANYTHING but this dress would be better. I don't even want to go into details in fear my computer will combust. 
• Robert Pattinson (I don't want to know, again): Pretend like you care.

THE BEST:

• Raven Symone (Not Available): While I have mixed feeling about this look, I decided to put it on the best dress list because she's doing something many people failed to do at this award show: dress for her body. Yes, she may not be a size 00, but she it figuring out what works best for her. This complete black ensemble is really slimming for her. The different fabrics and ruffles definitely contribute to making her look slimmer. In addition, her hair and makeup is so sleek and chic. A major improvement!
• Vanessa Williams (Tadashi Shoji): She looks beautiful and completely age appropriate! The metallic dress is so chic and winter appropriate, which I'm loving. It's great that she showed skin but didn't go overboard. Williams kept it classy, which is great. Also, she had the perfect accessories and her shoes spiced it up. Perfect all around!
• Nikki Taylor (Donna Karan): Long sleeved dresses are so now, I love how she dressed for the chilly winter weather but still looks undeniably chic. The statement necklace makes the look exciting and pulls it all together. She kept it simple which is appropriate for the event and the long outfit.  I just wish she'd take the bump-it out.
• Katy Perry (Betsey Johnson): Do I like this dress? Not really. BUT, it's perfect for Katy Perry. It covers enough and the below the knee hem-line makes it grown up. She's not trying to be a teenager, but a fun married lady. The lack of accessories works really well here because the dress is so undeniably busy.  Unlike others, Katy Perry knows the fine line between girly and dressing like a little girl.
• Jennifer Aniston (Dolce and Gabbana): At first, I really didn't like it; I felt like she was trying a little too hard. But after looking at this look more and more, I really like it. Red carpets are typically the place for great evening gowns; however, the People's Choice Awards are a bit more casual. I like how Jen took advantage of that and wore this fitted suit. Like Vanessa Williams, this look is extremely age appropriate. The cleavage showing vest is both classy and sexy. She's got a great figure, which I think she knows, yet she's not trying to look like she did in her twenties.  And  the gold accessories are perfect,  I love black and gold together! 
• Selena Gomez (Paule Ka): AMAZING. This blush pink looks incredible with Selena's complexion. The hair looks great. The fashion forward asymmetrical shoulder is so chic.  With something so dramatically simple, I'm not bothered by her lack of accessories; however, a cocktail ring would've been nice. She always dresses classy and never shows too much skin. Her dresses seem to fit like a glove, but not too snug! She's a beautiful girl who dresses beautifully.
• Selena Gomez (Irina Shabeyeva): Once again, everything is so right with this look. What I love most is how different it is from her first look but still phenomenal. I love the idea of a long dress with a irregular hem-line, it's sophisticated and young at the same time. The print is really cool and the strappy heels and gold earrings make the masses not focus on the dress, but Selena's entire look, which is something really incredible. You would think with two dresses, they'd either be mediocre or one would be horrific. But she has something in her that can come up with fabulous looks all of the time, which I really admire.

xx

A Spontaneous Journey

Today, I went to the Tower Bridge with my lovely boyfriend. As we were on our way to this iconic sight. we saw a sign: "Fashion and Textiles Museum" it read. Obviously, more like reluctantly on my boyfriend's part, we had to go. A stroll, a lot of pulling on my part, and eight pounds later, we were there.

There was a Susan Timney/ Timney- Fowler Exhibit.

Even though the exhibit was a bit small, it was extremely visually pleasing.

A bunch of fabrics for the feel! I loved how each one was so diverse but, at the same time, suggested some cohesiveness.

A nice close up.

This was so whimsy, so Alice In Wonderland. If you look closely, my reluctant boyfriend is sitting on the steps behind the chairs.

There was a great display of silk shirts as well, but an intimidating security guard was sitting in the corner so I wasn't going to risk it. 

Also,

There were some great Zandra Rhodes pieces.

So retro.

Cut, color, print- LUVS IT.

It's so 20's  flapper meets distressed 50's housewife on "date night" with her husband.

Her prints were apparently considered too outrageous to sell. 

Some designs!

xx