Couture Coverage: Fall 2010

It was in the details during the Couture fashion shows. Everything from luxurious fabrics, to over-the-top accents, to TDF shoes rocked the catwalk. Here are some looks from my favorite shows:

VALENTINO

Bows, feathers and wispy flower details were everywhere in this collection. I adored the drop waist party dresses and the bow kitten heels. It looks like pointy shoe heels are finally making a comeback! Even the gloves the models wore had bow accents:).

CHANEL

While I'm not a huge fan of Chanel's clothes (they're just not my style), I loved the accessories and metallic shine in this show. Signature pieces like pencil skirt suits and jackets of course made the runway, but they were reinvented and made more modern. I liked how the boots came in different styles and matched the outfits. Very high class and glamorous; what else would you expect from Chanel??

ELIE SAAB

OMG I absolutely fell in love with this collection! Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers to begin with, but he topped his games this time with amazing gowns that should be hitting the red carpets to come. All the jeweled details, airiness and great shapes in the dresses would make any woman look and feel beautiful. I can't wait to see which celeb wears one of these pieces first!

ARMANI PRIVE

I classify this collection as the 70s glamour girl. I loved the wood accessories and hard structured bags (very classic). All the models who weren't already blond wore blond wigs, styled in a glossy side swept way. The colors were very luscious and rich which made the whole collection seem prestigious and expensive (which it of course is!).

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER


In true Jean Paul fashion, his collection featured his infamous cone shapes and over the top style. It had a very old time elegance about the whole thing, featuring sixties makeup, silk turbans, dark moody garments, and parlor room feels. I loved how the show ended with the bride model playing the violin....very much a signature twist:)

CHRISTIAN DIOR


This collection was BY FAR my ultimate favorite. Being an avid flower lover, I lusted over all the bright colors, voluminous petal dresses, and whimsical hair and makeup. The whole thing reminded me of the scene in "Alice in Wonderland" where she meets all the talking flowers. For me the models were these visionary flowers, gorgeous and naturally elegant. And I must say, if I had a pair of those strappy vine like heels, I think I might be set for life!

(photos: style.com)

Street Style: NYC

Went to the city this past week to see the new Broadway musical, "Promises, Promises". The show was great but the street styles I saw on the way there and back were much more interesting and eye catching. A complete 180 from the cold weather garbs I noted back in March, the Big Apple was blooming with floral prints, sky high wedges, ripped denim, and neutral accessories. It was hard to stop staring in each which way at all the fabulous outfits walking the streets......everything from punk, to classy, to urban chic. Gotta love the big city life!

(images: shopstyle.com)

New Buys: Baltimore Bargains

So I went to the Inner Harbor today for a nice day trip with my mommom and youngest sister, Kira. Of course shopping was on my mind as soon as we got there, especially after I spotted the awesome Urbanoutfitters and The Gallery Shopping Mall across the street. After sightseeing, riding the water taxi and walking around Fell's Point, we finally ended the hot day by indulging in some good old bargain hunting.

First stop was the UO which had a pretty good sale section that included prices as low as 10 bucks (which is decent considering its UO). I spent an hour searching and deliberating until I decided on two items: a lovely 50's inspired swing skirt by Urban Renewal and a rainbow speckled scarf. This all totaled under $20 dollars! Even the saleslady congratulated me on my great finds. So far so good...

Next we went to The Gallery next door, a four story shopping complex. It must have been sales day or something cause every store had major markdowns. So what started out as a quick window shopping venture quickly turned into a serious deal finding adventure. Knowing that I needed more interesting shoes in my wardrobe I got a pair of brown laceup heels from Aldo (which they are shipping to me since my size wasn't in stock), and an amazing pair of LelaRose navy maryjane wedgeels (wedge/heel) from Payless. I even scored a matching LelaRose handbag for only 11 bucks.

So my day was a great success: I had a good time with the family, prevailed after almost getting lost in Baltimore's confusing streets, and made off with awesome buys totaling only 70 dollars! Can't wait to pair these new items with my growing closet:)

(brown heel pic: aldoshoes.com)

Spotlight: Tiffany Glass

This past week in Richmond I visited the "Tiffany: Color and Light" exhibition at the Fine Arts Museum. Now I only thought of Tiffany as the famed jewelery store in Manhattan that was known for their adorable teal boxes and beautiful engagement rings. So I went to into the gallery thinking I was going to see necklaces, rings and bracelets.

But instead I found rooms and rooms of gorgeous glass work. Tiffany & Co started out as Tiffany Glass designed and created by the great artist Louis Comfort Tiffany in the early 20th century. Boy was it amazing to see all the delicate glass bowls, illuminated lamps, and floor to ceiling stained glass windows.

Just the elaborate history and beauty of it all inspired me in so many ways. Hence this post. Using such Tiffany signatures as watercolor, sheerness, light, vibrant color, gold details, flower designs and shiny materials, I created a collage of my favorite pieces.

(photos: shopstyle.com; vmfa.state.va.us; tiffany.com)

Riches in Richmond

Downtown Richmond and all its historic glory. Great shops and cafes!

My new favorite vintage store is Bygones. Awesome things from all the decades, especially the glamourous 50's. Love these lace up boots!

Some more shops in Carytown.....

Richmond Ballet and the Civil War Museum:)

Summer Trends: Resort 2011 Coverage

My top 5 summer trends featuring looks from the resort 2011 collections:

What to look for: Neons, surf wear, body-con, straw and beads, jelly shoes, cut-out swim suits, geometric prints, strappy sandals...

Color of the moment: Coral Pink

What to look for: polka dots, clevage baring tops, corsets, brunch jackets, flower racing hats, bow heels, deep red lipstick, stripes, lace, long full skirts, pointy toe shoes...

Color of the moment: Rich Burgundy


What to look for: kakhi ankle pants, army inspired wear, ethnic prints, bold patterns, leather, rompers, unique vests, messenger bags, wedges.....

Color of the moment: Olive Green

What to look for: flowy blouses, paisley prints, high waisted bell bottoms, shirt dresses, men's blazers, cool shades, flowers, sleek maxi dresses, tie neck tops, gladiator sandals, fur vests....

Color of the moment: Sunshine Yellow


What to look for: crisp white shirts, tweed jackets and bottoms, fedora hats, stripes, quilted bags and flats, boyfriend jeans, tennis shoes, chunky wedges, antique necklaces.....

Color of the moment: Dove Grey

(runway photos: style.com)

Surfing and Styling

My sketch for Teen Vogue's Fashion University 2010.....can't wait for October!!!

CFDA Awards: Red Carpet Standouts

It was a fabulous night full of fabulous people wearing fabulous fashion. What more can I say?!

(from top left): Bee Shaffer in Thakoon with queen bee mom, Anna Wintour; Rachael Wietz in Jason Wu with the designer; Ed Westwick looking dapper; Sophie Buhai in her own Vena Cava creation; Victoria Traina in chic leather; Kate Mara in Brain Atwood heels with the designer;
Jenni Kayne in her own goddess-esque design; Jessica Biel in DVF; Allure's Linda Wells; SJP in a breathtaking Alexander McQueen

(photos: style.com)

MTV MOVIE AWARDS: Red Carpet Fashion Titles

"Not Quite Right"- Kristen Stewart; the dress is cute enough for her petite frame, but the fake ponytail and lack of a wow factor makes this look fall short.


"Too Cutesy"- Jessica Biel; this pink, white and pink mini is adorable style wise but on Jessica it isn't meant for her curvaceous body. She should learn to embrace her toned physique and try more sexier chic looks. Even her hair seems too simple for the red carpet.


"Looks like a Cheap Club Dress"- Stephanie Pratt; Even though I'm envious of her long limbs and trim body, I am not in the least envious of this stripper mall esque dress.
Yes neon is a hot new trend, but neon, lace and tacky designs don't cut in on the red crapet. Her over done makeup, expected black pumps, and pin straight hair all are meant more for a night partying in Las Vegas, not at the MTV M
movie Awards.


"Loves her Heels"- Amanda Seyfried; she is one of my favorite actresses and style icons nowadays and while most would shun her for always wearing those black strappy heels, to me it shows that she is down to earth. And paired with a lovely lace dress that fits her body perfectly who can fault that? Keep being yourself Amanda!


"Most Refreshing"- Eva Mendes; Eva's one shoulder sequin animal print dress is too die for. Her shoes, accessories and blown out hair match wonderfully with the whole youthful yet sexy look. It probably one of my favorite of the night because coming from Eva, this is unexpected. Also her look is very appropriate for an event like this.


"Oh Katy, Really?"- Katy Perry; we all know that Katy Perry likes to stand out in a a crowd, but really....is the blue wig necessary? Everything from the much too revealing sequin super short mini to the scary neon nails screams attention, and not the good kind I assure you.


"Why Even Bother?"- Lindsey Lohan; I don't know how she even gets invited to these events when she is such a Hollywood disaster. And this Pamella Roland jumpsuit just makes matters worse for her body, revealing side boobies, and covering up the ankle monitor we all know that's under there. Seriously people, can we not waste a red carpet on Lindsay when she always dresses like shes going to go out on the town right after?


"Retro Goddess"- Scarlett Johansson; omg love this Dolce & Gabbana green lace cocktail dress. Its is so fitting for Scarlett's sophisticated and refined style, and shows of her hourglass figure to perfection. And with sexy wavy and sultry makeup, this actress is oozing confidence.

"On The Fence"- Cameron Diaz; while I absolutely adore this DVF floral cap sleeve mini, I am not sure if its right for Cameron. In my eyes, Cameron should be dressing more her age in chicer designs and tighter shillouettes that show of her rock hard body. But this look makes her appear a little frumpy. Also her booties are quite boring...I wish she would have chose a sparkly pump or strappy sandal instead. I just think she could be done much better than this.

"All Over the Place"- Anna Kendrick; the dress is too short for its shape, the shoe not right for the whole look, and the hair a complete mess. I mean the hair looks like it was only curled and then she slept on it overnight! Usually I love everything this up and coming actress wears, but sadly I am disappointed over all with this train wreck look.

"Hurts My Eyes"- Audrina Patridge; OMG, really Audrina? Don't you know that the metallic and sequin phase of fashion has long passed? This look is way over the top and don't even get me started on the heels....looks like she's wearing layers of handcuffs around her ankles. And while the black clutch isn't a disco ball like the rest of her outfit, it still can't save this eye sore.

"Yawn"- Julianne Hough; I think this girl is absolutely gorgeous but with this look you can't even tell because it appears like she's going to a funeral. Why anybody wear black to the MTV Movie Awards is beyond me. And its not even a daring black dress....its a very typical body con mini with over used black pumps and the usually gold accessories. The only thing I like about this look is the interesting detail on the bag.

"What is this?"- Jessica Alba; I don't even know what to think of this look. Is it a top and pants, a dress and leggings, a tank and skirt? There is so much going on that I am just confused at the whole outfit. Its like Jessica bought a bunch of black items that are alright individually and then decided to wear them all together. Usually known for color and high fashion dresses, Jessica just leaves me very puzzled with her ensemble choice.

"Too Die For!"- Whitney Port; Now I'll be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Whitney's style choices as of late, but on this occasion she definitely dressed to the nines. I am so in love with this canary yellow detail mini, oversize clutch and amazing nude cage booties. The dress does wonders for her shape, giving her envious curves. The hair, the makeup, and the whole look just works perfectly together. Sometimes Whitney's style pairings can be questionable, but tonight in the mist of so many fashion misfires, her ensemble rules the red carpet!! Kudos Whitney, you may have made me a fan:)

"The New Gaga"- Christina Aguilera; no people that isn't Lady Gag walking the red carpet in a dramatic black gown. It seems that Christina is trying to reinvent herself into a more edgier and bolder artist...everything from her new album to her recent fashion choices has shown a different side to this once Innocent, then dirty, then retro singer. But unfortunately for Christina Gaga already has the showstopper crown when it comes to style on the red carpet. So while this look does stand out and looks beautiful on Christina, I juts wish she'd have her own identity and not be a copy cat like many artists nowadays. Great dress though:)