STYLE STAR: Sarah Jessica Parker

I think every women and some men in the world know that Sex and the City 2 premiered this past week. And with the enormous success of the series, the popularity of the first movie and the months of hype and movie promotions from its stars, many thought that the sequel would be amazing. However all that seemed to shine was the fashion and the red carpet styles, not the movie iteslf. Many movie critiquers, including Robert Ebert, were on the majority very disappointed in the film. Over the top clothing (though loved by the fashion industry, but not understood by mainstream America), tacky cliches, and a

less than good plot line, were among many complaints from fans and reviewers alike.

Coming from someone who has never watched the show (I was only a preteen when the series was popular), but has fell in love with the fashion featured on SATC, I was shocked to hear these comments. These movies were such a long awaited thing that fans all over were looking forward to. Personally with the success of the first movie, the franchise should have just stopped there on a high note. But saying that, we fashion lovers would never have seen all of the fabulous red carpet styles shown before and during the movie if there was no sequel. So I guess it's all just bitter sweet in the end.

But getting to the point of this post, Sarah Jessica Parker! SJP has been one of my fashion icons on and off screen for a while now. She always puts a unique spin on fashion, mixing prints, wearing daring colors, and promoting fashion greats like Alexander McQueen and Halston. Sparkle, billowly shapes, and tons of avant grade appeal are interests shared by her and her character, Carrie Bradshaw. And the greatest thing is that she is so down to earth when not working. You can see her walking the streets of NYC in downtown causal wear like stripes, the recently popular khaki pants, cozy scarfs, ankle booties and bright bags. So whether spending time with her three kids, running errands, glamming up on screen or strutting the red carpet, SJP never fails to impress. And with a slim body, a great long career, and fashion insiders on constant call who can blame her for always looking top notch?!

(Photos: people.com;

Info: fashionista.com)

Sex and the City Style

Miranda

Platforms by Giuseppe Zanotti
Shoulder Bags by Chloé

Cynthia Nixon's character, Miranda, like to take fashion risks but also manages to keep it classic at the same time. Geometric prints, gold accents, polished fabrics, and pops of color is her signature.

Charlotte

Cocktail Dresses by Spiegel
Pumps by Manolo Blahnik

Charlotte is the perfect demure and sophisticated fashion role model. Pretty florals, light colors, youthful accessories, and dainty southern charm fit her fashion persona.

Samantha

Cocktail Dresses by Gucci
Sandals by Jimmy Choo

Samantha has such a fiery personality and sexuality about her that is often time reflected through her clothing. Shades of luxurious red, animals prints, expensive jewelry, and tight body hugging cocktails dresses are her fashion go-to.

Carrie

Cocktail Dresses by Halston
Platforms by Prada

The queen of Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker always brings high fashion and class to her character, Carrie Bradshaw, as well as in real life on the red carpet. Her style is epitomized by a dramatic eye, fierce sky high heels, billowy shapes, light hues, and of course a flower to top it all off. And with the sequel being filmed in Abu Dhabi, Carrie is bringing the cool desert vibe to the states with mixed prints and bright patterns.

Best of Cannes 2010

This past week at the Cannes Film Festival as provided us with a plethora of fashion and great looks from our favorite celebs. Michelle Williams always looked breathtaking in flattering minis and sleek cropped hair (love her new cut!).

My personal style icons, Diane Kruger and Camilla Belle though not promoting films, appeared right on trend in long gowns in great hues of navy and bright pink. Naomi Watts stepped up her game in a variety of looks, my favorites being
a bejeweled cream strapless gown and a fun printed DVF drop waisted dress.

Previous Oscar winners, Marion Cotillard and Cate Blanchett bore wore daring looks. I love Marion's sparkle jumpsuit and sulty accessories; Cate also looked stunning in a regal showstopper ball gown by late designer Alexander McQueen (its print is so unique and the peak of tulle at the bottom is a nice touch). Only these two A-listers can pull of such high fashion ensembles...kudos!

And finally Famous Brit Kate Beckinsale stole the film festival in many fabulous gowns throughout the week. The top runner, a gorgeous Marchesa icy blue wrapped tulle gown that hugs her perfect curves. A towering up do and lovely jewelry takes this look home. Kate definitely ruled the red-carpet these past days.

RESORT2010/11: Chanel

Chanel's show in Saint Tropez showed a great range of themes, all stemming from the casual cool 70's Rivera vibe exuding from the breathtaking city. Of course Chanel's staples, tweed and classic minis, were showcased, but new inspirations like flowy beach dresses, gladiator sandals, white wash jeans, ruffles and solid color jumpsuits also made an appearance. Overall the effect was quite lovely and refreshing as models walked freely down the makeshift runway (a side street), some even with bare feet. This is a huge step for Chanel, for gone are the days of super skinny model muses and stiff uptight presentations. Now the headlining fashion house is embracing a variety of models in different sizes and shapes, which in my opinion opens up their consumer demographic and appeals to a bigger audience. And Chanel's designs are following suit with a more extensive range of apparel and accessories. For a designer label that was here since the beginning, it definitely won't be going anywhere soon with the media it's been getting lately thanks to both Karl and his pose of celebrity fans. Count me in as well!

(photos: Style.com)

Chanel in Saint-Tropez

Chanel had a double debut these past couple of days with the showcase of both their Resort 2010/11 presentation and the premiere of the short film "Remember Now", directed by Karl Lagerfeld himself. The film which starred many a famous model, such as Heidi Mount, Madeglena Frackowiak just to name a few. It even had a cameo from Chanel's favorite front-row celeb, Leigh Lezark and several other beautiful Europeans. Remember Now was all about the luxurious and spontaneous life of the elite party-goers in the gorgeous city of Saint-Tropez and how living in the moment is what matters. Dressed in lace, fur, and dripping in delectable jewels, the film's stars looked like they had a great time making the movie. Viewers beware, this short will make you wish you were right there with them....especially when Karl the king makes an appearance at the end.

The official Resort 2010/11 runway pictures have not been posted on style.com yet, but from the few shots I've seen from redcarpetfashionawards.com and Chanel.com, the show looks to be quite different then what we've seen from the label in the past. Of course Chanel always has a way of reinventing itself while still maintaining is classic staples and chic appeal, so this does not come as a surprise to me. Personally Chanel isn't my favorite designer label and doesn't suit my style but I have loads of respect for Karl and what he does each season. He knows how to put on a showstopping performance, keeps to a specific theme and manages to still design youthful clothing and accessories that any fashionista would be proud to own now and into the future. With Saint-Tropez as the backdrop for this runway show, its sure to be one to remember. Once the pictures come out, I'll post another entry on that as well as when all the other Resort shows start.

The Costume Institute's American Woman Gala

Silver Siren:

Nicole Richie unearths her glamorous side while still keeping her Bohemian vibe in this liquid like gown by Marc Jabobs. Her dark hair and makeup match perfectly against the fluidity of the dress. You can always count on Nicole to stay true to her self!

Plum Perfect:

The catwalk's fiercest model, Karlie Kloss, looks stunning in her purple Donna Karan gown, swept back hair and gold statement necklace. So classic and refined, Karlie stands out on one of fashion's toughest red carpet.

Versace Vixen:

Alessandra Ambrosio's drop dead gorgeous figure is shown to its best in this pale pink Slinky Versace gown. Sexy makeup and a striking pose can only be pulled off by a veteran model like her.


Lady in Red:

Camilla Belle is one of my favorite celebs in terms of fashion. She always is changing it up and can pull off looks ranging from sexy to risky to classic. At the Met Camilla choose this beautiful eye-popping red gown by Jason Wu (pictured next to her). With her dewy makeup, olive complexion and savvy style sense, Camilla is statuesque at every red carpet she walks down.

Dreamboat:

Emma Watson is such a fashionista, and I always look forward to seeing what she'll wear next. Here she wore Burberry, the design label she models for. I adore the one-shoulder and slightly ruffled structure and her hair/makeup pulls the look together nicely. Even though she isn't an "American Woman" per say, Emma certainly is a fine British woman and definitely one to watch.

Calvin's Angels:

Calvin Klein is for sure a classic American line, so it was fitting that it be worn on this red carpet. Always stylish Zoe Saldana and Diane Kruger wear their gowns so well here. I love the long sleeves, luxurious solid hues and simple yet stunning accessories.

Short and Sassy:

OMG, Gossip Girl here....S at the Met and boy does she look good. Blake Lively, wearing an intricately detailed Marchesa mini, shows off her stems and her toned figure. With a bod like hers, no wonder she choose to go short. And at a red carpet where so many went with the floor length gown, this look is absolutely refreshing and memorable.

(photos: style.com)

UDress Spring Launch!

The spring issue of UDress just dropped this past weekend! Here is the fabulous cover of our "future issue" and some of the photo-shoots I styled. The last pic is of the outfit I wore that day to the release event. Check out udressmag.com or join their facebook group for more info!