The 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards and the beautiful people January 25, 2010

EDIE FALCO

It is hard to keep up with the award shows in January and March, as it seems that by the time you are thinking of writing up about one, there is another followed by another. They are all the same, year after year, with the stars saying the same stuff award show after award show. Thank goodness we have the pregnancies, the dates, and sometimes the clothes to be able to know what event we are watching.

Let’s see who made the list of the beautiful people this time at the 2010 SAGAs:

The Fashion Forward (In order of the blog’s preference)

• Edie Falco in Bottega Veneta was one of my favourite looks. So 2010.
• Diane Kruger in Jason Wu. She was the showstopper. Divine and ethereal.
• Kate Hudson. I like a blond woman in white and Pucci is a safe bet for style and uniqueness.
• Meryl Streep in Balenciaga looked fresh and current. I applaud.
• Jennifer Karpender: Great legs, a simple white dress, cute pumps and she had the event nailed.
• Colin Firth. Delicious and I bet he knew it.
• Lea Michelle looked very sophisticated in a jewel toned Maladrino gown.
• Mo’Nique, in Badgley Mischka: appropriate, embraced her curves and looked very stylish.

The Prom Queens (In no order)

-       Christina Applegate’s gown suited her, but is was too froufrou and everything was matchy-matchy.

-       Anna Kendrick: you look too mauve dear.

-       Kyra Sedgwick you dress is talking:  “ I am the Queen of the Prom, the Queen of the Prom”

Fire the Stylist (ASAP):

1. Mariah Carey: Please dress for the body you have today. Not the one you had 20 years ago.
2. Julia Dreyfus: Please return the dress & the stylist to Gwyneth, who by the way when she wore a similar number a few award shows back was grilled by the Fashion Police.
3. Sophia Loren: Crocheting and haute couture don’t work together. You should know better after 50 years of parading in Hollywood.
4. Drew Barymore: The Lamp is missing its Shade. Please return it.

ENJOY THEM ALL. CLICK HERE.

Evening bags: A Classic Story of simple, sparkle and shine December 28, 2009

Judith Leiber

Banana Republic

Marni

An evening bag  is one of the most important items in a woman’s wardrobe. This magnificent accessory has been a prized possession since the 1700s and continues to be so today. An evening bag completes and uplifts an outfit. On occasion, it can even be  the centerpiece of  your look.

Luxurious and classic designs prevail in the winter 09/10 collections as the leading trends. Classic is what’s hot now. Clutches and minaudieres are among the favorite shapes, embellished with jewels and sequins or made by luxurious leather.

Some designs focus on beautiful crafting and stitching, or finishes with chain handles, which can take you straight from the boardroom to the party. If you are looking for an evening bag your focus should be sparkle and shine. If you like simple and chic,  black, charcoal, silver and white are the dominating colors for you. If you are more adventurous opt for rich reds, fuchsia and electric blue. Ruffles, swarovski crystals, exotic skins  are the perfect touch of glamour for those New Year’s Eve parties.

Happy shopping and happy 2010.

All I want for Xmas: A Blazer December 9, 2009

I always notice a man in a jacket. It doesn’t have to be a suit, a blazer will do. It is fashionable, grown up, masculine. It is a subtle fashion statement: the man who chooses a jacket over simple tops is ahead of the pack.

D&G black blazer

It is important for a well dressed man to invest in a couple of blazers in his wardrobe. Blazers instantly dress up jeans or cords, and spice up smart wool trousers. With blazers one can create many different outfits. You can wear a blazer with a monochromatic, a stripped or a checked shirt; with a T-shirt, a polo, or a turtleneck; you can team it with a vest, a bow tie, a tie or nothing  at all. See what I mean?

Try and invest in all time classic pieces, such as the D&G example here. It will look as good with a shirt and tie as well as the hoodie.  If you already own classic blazers, pick something a bit special, with an interesting detail or in an unconventional pattern like tartan. You’ll be admired for good taste and smart dressing. Perfect!

Blazer from Topman

All I want for Xmas: Cool knits and funky oxfords December 9, 2009

Nothing screams winter holidays aka cozy gatherings with hot cocoa and yummy treats, like cool knits and funky oxfords do. It is actually the go to combo that will take you anywhere from a casual Friday, picking up your kid from school, a shopping spree, a gathering with friends for some malted wine, to x-mas lunch with the in-laws. All done in style and still being very comfortable.

The good news is that the high street is full of cool knits and funky oxfords this season.

Knit from Warehouse

As far as knits are concerned, buy something in a style that works with the rest of your wardrobe, and that it flatters your body shape. If you are slim you are very lucky as anything goes. If you are a bit on the chubbier size avoid all the heavy knitting as it adds inches; try something that is softer. You can go slouchy or belt your knit if you want to seem a bit more polished. Mid length knits are fantastic with leggings and skinnies. Shorter length knits are great with skirts.

Finishing with a quirky oxford shoe gives an instant va-va-voom to your look. Try something unconventional like funky details & trimmings, metallic finishes, lace or faux-exotic leathers.

Oxfords from Anthropologie

Style: Check. Comfort ability: Check.  Fabulous darling!

Party Dressing November 21, 2009

The festive season has arrived and we all have party dressing on the brain. Shops are full for festive stuff and merriness. The toughie is what to choose if you have more than one party to go to and if some of the people you know are invited at the same parties too. You do not want them to see you in the same outfit, right? I certainly would not. But that does not mean that one would go out and spend a fortune too. The trick here is to buy a couple of smart-key pieces, mix them up with accessories and stuff you already own and voila: you are dressed.

These are the smart pieces I recommend:

1. Tullip skirt in a lame,shiny taffeta or sequins: for festive day dressing, i.e. X-mas lunch, pair it with a nice cashmere top and cute pumps. For the evening you can dress it up with a body-hugging top, or a funky tee and a tux jacket and heels. (Skirt by Vince, Net-a-porter)
2. Playsuit: if you buy something in a solid black or charcoal colour you can play around with accessories, jewellery and shoes and wear it from day to evening. (Playsuit, Miss Selfridges)
3. Little black dress: Chanel did not become a legend for nothing; LBDs are still here and more fashionable that ever. This season the inspiration comes from the 80s and Studio 54. Wear it with a boyfriend jacket and flats for day, and with heels and a fur coat (preferably faux if you don’t mind) for evening. You’ll be the belle of the season. (Dress, Warehouse)

Happy Holidays!

Men: Spring/Summer 2010 Collections’ Summary October 31, 2009

Band of Outsiders S/S 2010

Dear chaps:

Trends come and go, but this coming spring/summer you are in for serious elegance, much to the delight to the rest of us – female population that is. Slim, lean, straight and 3 buttons is what you need to have on the brain when buying your next suit. Think of the nouvelle vague and the swinging 60s in a palette of white, soft yellow, grey, brown, tan, charcoal and cobalt blue. All this can be teamed with simple, understated and monochromatic Ts, stripy shirts, a nautical top or a soft summer sweater. For the younger crowd an 80s inspired suit is also suitable and if you must you can still wear your ribbed jeans.

These were my favourite collections:

• Philip Lim: 80’s inspired, high-waist trousers. Think David Bowie in a suit.
• Michael Bastian: lean and trim shapes, 3 buttoned suits. A new way to wear your buttoned down long sleeve striped shirt is with chocolate brown long shorts. The designer also pays a tribute to the trilby hat. He also pairs nautical stripes with military pants. Preppy college boy meets rocker.
• Band of Outsiders: 60s inspired 3-buttoned suits, paired with classic white Ts and sneakers. Good for any age and you can’t go wrong. The Prada suits were also designed with the same philosophy.
• The ripped jean trend is still full on as the D&G collection demonstrated. I am not a fan unless you are a young, ribbed fellow in your 20s.
• Lovely 3 piece suits from Simon Spur, which bring up memories of the London swinging 60s, in all shades of cobalt blue and sand.
• Great shoes and accessories in the Bottega Venneta range which promise to brighten up muted beiges and grey outfits.
• Hermès delivered the understated posh-ness which the House is famous for, and which is so in tune with the new way of dressing luxuriously. The same principal goes for the Missoni collection, which mainly consists from relaxed suits paired with the famous knits. All you need to complement your outfit is a yacht.

To check out the collections go to: www.gq.com

Climate Week vs Fashion Week: thoughts on an article October 12, 2009

Oxfam gathering in Central Park 20/9/09

I read a fantastic article by  Tamara Giltsoff, an independent Sustainability Strategy and Innovation consultant. The article elaborates on the relationship between Fashion and Climate, triggered by the fact that as soon as Fashion Week wrapped up in New York on Sept. 20th 2009, Climate Week commenced.

Fashion and the environment go hand in hand and at times can be the worst enemies. Shopping for all that we desire is not, or won’t be possible very soon. The planet has no resources to make all the stuff we lust after, while as we shop guilt free for the latest trend on the high street, children and families elsewhere are dying due to over-cultivation, droughts and climate change.

The time for major changes in the fashion industry, the way we shop, consume and ‘treat our possessions’ (meaning get rid of them) is really-really close. READ MORE HERE.

The amazing Rochas Collection of summer 2010 October 8, 2009

I seldom write about a favourite collection or a favourite designer, especially during Fashion Week. There are so many nice things from different designers that choosing a favourite one is quite difficult. However, this time I fell in love with the spring/summer 2010 collection of Rochas, shown at the Paris Fashion Week. It is one of those times, that I felt that  one can wear the entire collection in a heartbeat. Fantastic colours, slip on dresses, exquisite tailoring, all styled with a flower on the waist.

A fantastic collection by Marco Zanini. Big Applause. Check it out.

How to Dress in every country: etiquette 101 September 30, 2009

Boots YSL

We all know that fanny packs are a fashion no-no in all continents and countries, but there are some people out there that insist unfortunately… Also, did you know that wearing a dark suit in a trendy Chelsea ad agency is not the right way to dress if one wants to blend in with the cool crowd? Or, were you aware that a chic dame would wear those YSL boots and gloves together for an afternoon stroll in Paris,  but the same combo would probably be out of place  in a Washington DC meeting full of lobbyists? Dress Etiquette is very important, especially when one is  globe  trotting.

YSL gloves

I read this fantastic article at www.concierge.com about Dress Etiquette, which I would like to share with all of you. The journalists did a fantastic job of writing up what to wear at work, on the street and at a party around the globe. Very useful, and it should be used as a reference every time you plan a trip anywhere. Check it out ASAP! If you don’t, don’t be surprised when you show up in a party in Greece wearing the wrong thing and getting surprised looks. You were warned

London Fashion Week – spring / summer 2010 – summing it up September 25, 2009

Luella

Ladies: What a Fashion Week this was!  We are looking forward to a very elegant, feminine and colourful spring/summer of 2010. Inspiration from the 1960s with minis, cigarette pants, A-line tops… the works.

Trends: The mini is going to be your new BBF together with A-line shirts, graphic designs, sheer blouses polka dots, and cigarette pants

Fashion East

Still going strong: boy meets girl, playsuits, layering, sheer blouses, black and white combos, nautical stripes, full skirts with boxy jackets, lace, florals, metallics.

Forget: the 80s look and anything that screams unkempt boho. It is all about tailoring and structure.

Take note as these were the best collections. This is why:

• Luella: those amazing ladylike deux pieces in amazing colours are to die for
• Jaeger and Fashion East:  great graphic design patterns
• Matthew Williamson: 60’s inspired metallic collection is so versatile and wearable I want everything
• Paul Smith: this amazing androgenous out-of-Africa collection in the most beautiful colours is just wow!
• Clements Ribeiro: I am still dreaming of those fantastic full skirts.
• Erdem: Oh! I am drooling over those yummy floral dresses and delightful lacy evening numbers.

   

  

  Paul Smith

And why some were the worst:

• Twently8Twelve: where is the inspiration coming from? Is the target group the 13 year olds?
• Christopher Kane: what’s up with the washcloth pattern on everything?
• Jeremy Scott: I am still trying to figure out why the Flintstone Look should be adopted by anyone really. Even from those with a humorous streak when dressing up. It is just ugly.

Now you know what you’ll be sporting all around in the spring to come. What you need to do from your end  is to go to the gym and work on those pins and arms. In the meantime look out for classic pieces, check out your mum’s/grandma’s closet or your fav vintage shop for anything  from that decade. Invest in anything tailored and you’ll be the Cat’s Meow.

Happy shopping!