Oscars 2008: the Good, the Blah and the Inexplicable February 26, 2008

So we had the Oscars after all…Despite rain or shine we sat in front of the telly for 6 hours – I am including the red carpet + the ceremony time + all the commercials… We saw all the stars clapping one another, giving boring speeches and being ‘entertained’ by hideous dancing and singing. Why do I bother watching them every year then? The clothes baby…the clothes.

The clothes made me think, ONE MORE TIME: where are the runway looks? Where are the risks? Where are the really outrageous and riske outfits? The fun? Most stars played it safe, so safe in fact, that most looked like clones.

Here are my nominations and you can be the judge of who wins the style oscar this year: The Good, the Blah and the Inexplicable. Click on oscar.comred carpet for pictures.

The Good Gals:
- Kristin Chenowerth in Armani Prive. Stunning.
- Penelope Cruz in Chanel couture. Absolutely beautiful and a lovely smile. She always gets it right
- Jennifer Hudson in R. Cavali. I loved this dress and she looked cute with her bangs, but…it was a bit tight. Watch out for the spillover effect Jen and get the dress a size bigger next time.
- Ruby Dee in Kevan Hall. Stylish, age appropriate, the dress fitted beautifully. Well done.
- Anne Hathaway in Marcesa. Divide and regal.
- Heidi Klum. Heidi you were the fairest of them all. Wow!

The Good Boys:
- George Clooney in a classic tux: always a favorite, always a classy guy.
- Collin Farrel: this guy knows how to mix bad guy looks (a bit scruffy, long hair) with a very preppy suit. Fantastic suit Collin. By Dunhill.

The Blah:
- Diane Lane, Cameron Diaz, Ellen Page, Renee Zellweger. We’ve seen you look like that before. Many times in fact.

The Bad Gals:
- Julie Cristie: How to wear red shrink wrap? With sheer pink gloves and crazy hair!!! Julie, please stop designing and focus on the movies.
- Diablo Cody: Would the devil wear that leopard Galliano? I doubt it. I can understand the print, maybe the diamante detailing. Maybe the bright red lip. But all together? And to top it off, the cut was so high up your thigh Diablo, we almost saw your undies. EW!
- Faye Dunaway: Bad plastic and bad hair. Go to the salon and chop it all off. And while you’re at it, take off that dress and never-never wear that shade again.
- Tilda Swindon: Tilda, how did you come up with this rag???

The Bad Boys:
- Johny Depp: Why?!? Why do you want to make yourself ugly when you are gorgeous?
- Wasley Snipes: what were you thinking when you put on a checked bow tie and a cheesy blue suit? That Fashion Police won’t arrest you?

That’s all folks! See you next year.

LONDON CALLING February 16, 2008

Warehouse dress

I was in London last week and that was a fun trip. I love NY for many reasons, one of them being fashion, but London fashion has this understated cool vibe, this je ne sais quoi… London fashionistas really know how to mix and match trends – no offense New Yorkers! So, while strolling the streets of London I spotted some cool looks that need to be shared:

- Punky 50s: Girls in London mix and match the hot trend of 2008 – the 50s inspired frocks, like the one featured from Warehouse, and skirts but add punk elements to it. Pair a 50s dress with an edgy leather jacket - slim and cropped and studded pumps, or wear your romantic 50s inspired skirt with a fitted top & a wide belt and keep the hemline shorter.
- T-strap shoes. They were everywhere and in all colors of the rainbow. My favorite ones were primary colored patend ones
- Slouchy trousers with cropped jacket + girlie flats and an oversized statement bag. Your boyfriend would never think of that combo.

Happy weekend.

New York Fashion Week - Women: Fall/Winter 2008/09 February 3, 2008

NY Fashion Week is in full blast. Too many shows, too many new designers and a lot of fun has been the motto of the tents. Trends that are hot now will be hot next winter too and there are some trends in the making. Feminine, girlie, sweet and preppy seem to be the way that designers want us to dress and we are moving slightly away from the 30s and 40s inspired fashion, but not too much.

Trends worth keeping in mind:

-         Hats: fur hats, fedoras and anything chapeau can dress up any outfit. Not crazy for the ‘sock hat’ as seen at Alexandre Wang, but who am I to say that?! J

-         Rich, jewel tones and colors are here to stay: rich blues, mauves, purple, and greens all made their appearances on the catwalks of Abaete, Rock & Republic and Vervier among others.

-         The cocktail dress reins. That is something you should look into investing NOW!

-         Metallic hues on clothes and accessories are so hot

-         Dresses do not resemble tents anymore – they actually show off your shape.

-         A nice tailored suit will get you a long way. Some fantastic ones were seen at the Rock & Republic show

-         Aim for the just above the knee length for this season. Sexy but flattering and you can wear it to work too

Trends for the more risqué fashionista:

-         Zippers are in: on boots,  shoes and tops

-         Romantic petticoats peeping from under your skirts: this is such a sweet yet sexy detail. Seen at Abaete, and Sari Gueron

-         Geometric patterns on tops and dresses. Everybody had a version of this trend

-         Tulip shaped skirts and dresses. But, if your hips are wide, forget this trend as it is not for you.

-         One shoulder evening gowns and tops

-         Sheer blouses and a bit see-through. They will instantly update any old skirt or pantaloon

Looks to adopt right this instant:

-         From the Rock and Republic show: pleated skirt + fitted leather jacket + red flats

-         From Alexander Wang: Brown cigarette line pants + white T + black best + boots + fedora. Beautiful

-         Buy a nice cocktail dress in a jewel color and wear it for 2 whole years

-         Wear black opaque tights with everything. This trend is still going strong

-         A nice tailored pant suit. In black and fitted please.

  

More trends to follow as the week goes on. Happy Shopping!