Fashion Category
Divert Your Eyes: The Travesty of the ‘Spring Breakers’ Red Carpet
The movie Spring Breakers, starring James Franco with cornrows and a grill, and Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson as very badly behaved college coeds has been like Jessica Simpson’s first pregnancy–an insane amount of build-up for something that might not actually ever happen. I swear this movie has been hyped for years!
Well, the movie is finally hitting theaters today, but don’t expect to see me there. Why? Because the red carpet premieres and photo calls have been a parade of some of the most horrific ‘fashions’ I have ever seen–it’s been borderline offensive (which I’m sure the movie will be, too)! While these actresses have looked quite beautiful and fashion-forward at events in the past, it’s almost like they made a pact to try to out-fiasco each other throughout the entire media tour.
I can just hear the conversation now:
Selena: Hey, Vanessa, you know how we’re both trying desperately to separate ourselves from our squeaky-clean Disney images?
Vanessa: Yeah, Selena, that’s the entire reason why we filmed this movie that has zero redeeming qualities–we wanted to parade around in our bikinis and smoke and have sex on camera, so people could see that we’re big girls now.
Selena: Well, let’s take it a step further and try to look as trashy and old as possible at all the movie premieres!
Vanessa: You had me at trashy!
Ashley: I’ll see your trashy and old and raise you a side of trainwreck!
All three: You’re on!
First up was Paris, which was all about the boobs:
Selena took the sideboob, Ashley took the middle boob and Vanessa took the overly pushed-up boob, while Rachel Korine (I have no idea who she is, either) was fortunate enough to just kind of put hers out there in a normal way. And don’t get me started on Vanessa’s rosette-covered Rafael Cennamo gown, Selena’s super harsh makeup, or Rachel’s weird helmet hair.
From there, I’m only going to mention the most offending parties from each premiere, because honestly, none of us has time to talk about the vast amount of trainwreckery each night.
In Berlin, it’s a tie between Selena and Vanessa:
I know what you’re thinking–it’s not so bad, right? Well, upon closer inspection, you’ll see it really is. These girls need a stylist to badly!!
Vanessa looks all well in good until you get a close up:
The bold eyes and lip, the huge, matchy-matchy earrings, the long, black talon fingernails, the huge ring–oh, and her Louboutins have spikes on them. Overload!! Her stunning Naeem Khan dress is enough of a statement on its own.
And this is what the back of Selena’s pantsuit looks like–yes, the back makes it a Dynasty/figure skating hybrid. What is that nude fabric?
At first glance, everything seems peachy at the Madrid photo call, right? I mean other than the fact that Rachel looks eerily like Marilyn Manson. VH’s white Katharine Kidd ensemble is actually cute!
But upon closer inspection of Ashley, once again, we’re on total overload here:
The peplum! The interesting neckline! The one sleeve! The leather and the velvet! The see-through portion at the bottom! The diamond-shaped faux hem that looks like a napkin!
In LA, it was the unknown Ms. Korine that really stood out from the crowd. Wait, are you a twenty-something going to your movie premiere, or a forty-something going on a first date in a dress from Walmart? In her (and the dress’s) defense, from other angles, this dress is actually pretty cool, but if it ain’t good dead on, then it ain’t good!
Finally, in Toronto, they all looked gorgeous! Oh, wait, no, Selena’s dress looks like she glued a bunch of tissue paper to her crotch and butt.
I seriously wish I liked her Marchesa gown–it was stunning on the runway, but once again, Selena could use a stylist, because it just doesn’t translate well on her petite body. It kind of looks like a mythical sea creature is eating her from the knees, up.
In all fairness, there were some really good moments throughout the incessant red carpet madness of this movie. The Venice premiere was a real highlight. Selena looked gorgeous at the LA premiere.
But ultimately, these girls just look like a bunch of kids playing dress-up. And this, ladies and gentlemen (Do any guys actually read my blog? Seriously, if you’re a dude, leave me a comment and let me know!) is why stars hire stylists. All four of these girls had a good 20 opportunities to make a great fashion statement, and they bombed at least 90% of them.
With a little luck, this parade of atrocities won’t haunt them for years. I don’t think I’ll be so lucky.
♥
Peace, Love and Bad Fashion Choices,
Emily
A First Time for Everything
Carine Roitfeld and Ashley Olsen at the show
Everyone knows I’m a huge H&M fan, and I’d even wager that a good 40% of my wardrobe is from the brand. Affordable, well-tailored, quality fashion is my cup of tea, and they’ve gotten that down pat. So it is pretty exciting that H&M’s first-ever runway show took place yesterday at Paris Fashion Week–that’s the big time, people! Stars like Chloe Grace Moretz (who is quite the little style maven–love her fashion sense!), Ashley Olsen and Emma Roberts turned out for the show, which was held in the garden of Musée Rodin in a specially constructed venue that was decorated to look like a 70s Parisian apartment.
Here are a few of my favorite looks from the show (available in stores September 5), and you can watch the show yourself, below!
Gorgeous mod outerwear!
Boho fun!
Boho outerwear fun!
♥
Peace, Love and Moving Up in the World,
Emily
Hair Trends from NYFW Fall 2013
Now that the NYFW fall shows are behind us, it’s time for a quick rundown of some of the hair trends you can look forward to this Fall.
One of the main things I noticed at the shows this year was lots of contrast when it comes to hair. There were super sleek styles and big voluminous curls. Deep side parts, and dead-center parts. Which means there will be lots of wiggle room to play with styles this fall! Yay!
First up, let’s talk center part. It’s coming back in a big way, and at first, I was apprehensive. It seems so Marcia, Marcia, Marica. But that’s the beauty of trends–they always cycle back around in some slightly fresh way that gets us all back on board again! Designers sent their models down the runways with center parts on sleek hair, textured hair, and various updos, and after seeing all the variations, I’m totally excited to move my part back toward the middle.
At Jason Wu, sleek, geometric updos began with a precise center part:
At Carolina Herrera, a center part was the foundation for a double-twisted, 40s-inspired look:
While Tommy Hilfiger (L) kept the models’ center-parted hair sleek and down, Derek Lam (R) opted for a textured look with his center-part.
I’m also super excited to say that braids aren’t going anywhere! It’s been more than a year since the braid went from child’s play to a fashion statement, and they are still all the rage. My favorite from the fall shows was the messy braids/rosette look at Rodarte. So fun and simple! Totally going to try this soon.
And here are side and front views:
But my overall favorite look (makeup included) was Diane von Furstenburg. The voluminous waves (a slightly disheveled version of the style of the season–perfect mermaid waves). The raspberry, semi-matte lips. The barely there eye makeup. The result was the most gorgeous models I’ve ever seen. All that, compounded with the fact that Diane had her models smile as they walked down the runway–the queen of fashion strikes again! Check out these stunning ladies, and tell me you’re not inspired!
I’m going to go exfoliate and work on my contouring skills!
So start perfecting these fall trends now, and then break them out come Aug/Sept!
♥
Peace, Love and Fall Hair Trends,
Emily
SAG Awards 2013: Superlative Style
Instead of doing an in-depth best/worst round-up of last night’s SAG Awards, I’m doing it superlative style. Check it:
Best Weight Loss: Jordin Sparks looks good!
Most Improved from Her Character: Jenna Fischer is so lovely in a very ‘real’ way, and I love seeing her glammed up instead of looking like frumpy Pam!
Cutest Couple:
I just love these two. One of my favorite things about Breaking Bad is that Jesse still calls Walter “Mr. White”. Such great writing/character development!
No, seriously, I will be so sad if Freida Pinto and Dev Patel ever break up, because I think they are the cutest thing ever!
Most Improved From Last Red Carpet: Jessica Chastain looks stunning in this red Alexander McQueen gown and her barely-there waves, but let’s be honest: Anything would be an improvement from the ill-fitting dress and ram hair of the Golden Globes!
Trashiest Use of Boobs: Naya Rivera.
Worst Use of Everything God Gave You: The hair. The makeup. The pointy/poufy bodice of her dress. January Jones looks like she’s dressed up as Dracula’s bride for Halloween.
Best Grandma Impression: Julia Stiles–EEK!
Best Use of the High/Low Hem Trend: Marion Cotillard looks divinely French in this Dior Haute Couture gown. The crisp white and blue. The pockets. The bow. All finished with that perfect bob! LOVE!
Worst Use of the High/Low Hem Trend: Anne Hathaway’s skin looks gorgeous. That’s me trying to say something nice (and this picture doesn’t show half the horror of this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture number).
Best Risk: Ellie Kemper followed the sea-foam green trend with this unique Reem Acra gown, but the design itself is a huge risk–that I think worked! I wasn’t immediately sold on the mock-bow sash, but it actually works, and she just might be my fav of the night!
Who are your SAG Awards superlatives? Let me know!
♥
Peace, Love and Award-Show Fashion,
Emily
Golden Globes 2013: The Best and the Worst (and worst)
I don’t know if I’m in a bad mood, or if I’m just getting cynical after covering so many awards shows, but I was/am so underwhelmed by the red carpet looks last night! I almost feel like the stars are bored with the whole thing and just not trying.
But, much to my surprise, my best of the night was Jennifer Lawrence: The young Oscar-nominee picked the perfect shade of reddish/orange for her skintone, plus, the belted gown was beyond flattering to her figure.
And I love her messy updo, complete with a few random little braids, and her subtle brown smokey eyes.
And now, the problems of the night:
Lea Michele’s crazy dark spray tan. I mean at least it’s not orange…..
Halle Berry’s tacky ‘JCPenny does the Golden Globes’ dress:
Julianne Hough looks stunning from head to toe, but Ryan Seacrest’s matching hair poof? Make.it.stop.
Alyssa Milano singlehandedly disproves my theory that canary yellow is always a ‘do’ on the red carpet:
And then the worst of the night, Jessica Chastain. I adore her raspberry lipstick, but the ram-inspired hair and the dreadfully unflattering bodice of the dress are working so hard against her, it’s hard to even focus on the lips!
In closing, I leave you with Julianne Moore’s husband, who really should hang out with Olympian McKayla Maroney, because dude is not amused by the Golden Globes!
♥
Peace, Love and Award-Show Fashion,
Emily
Isn’t She Pretty in Pink?
I feel like I’m on a lifelong quest to find a really deeply pigmented pink eyeshadow. I have plenty of rosy pinks and pastel pinks in my arsenal, but I want a shocking fuchsia that is a major statement-maker. But I have yet to find something that not only goes on that intensely, but then also stays true to color as you wear it.
So imagine my elation when I saw this walk down the runway in Donna Karan’s Spring 2013 RTW show this week:
Intense, MAJor pink eyes–and not the kind you get from daycares!
I couldn’t wait to get that email in my inbox detailing the exact products that were used. And while it was no surprise that M∙A∙C was the brand behind the bold (their products have great pigmentation), here’s what I wasn’t expecting–it was actually lip products that were used on the eyes!
Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury used M∙A∙C Lip Pencil in Magenta to line the eyes and lids, and then brushed M∙A∙C’s Chromaline gel liner in Process Magenta on the lashes in the place of mascara.
Of course, this is a bit more dramatic than most people are going to want to swing on a daily basis (myself included), but with a little modification, you have yourself a fab pink-lined look!
So the moral of the story? Think outside the makeup box! Don’t get trapped by labeling–if you want a bright orange eye and don’t have an orange eyeshadow, grab that cream blush and go to town on your lids. As for me? I’m going to rediscover my lip liner!
♥
Peace, Love and Getting Creative,
Emily
Met Gala 2012 Recap: Fashion
I had every intention of tweeting my favorite Met Gala looks this morning, but what was I thinking? It’s the MET GALA for heaven’s sake! There is just too much to talk about, and I decided to spare you all from getting hundreds of tweets from me in your feed by doing a blog post. However, we’re still going to do this Twitter-style with just quick thoughts on each look. Here we go!
Can I just say that Leslie Mann’s beauty might be the most underrated in Hollywood? The woman is stunning, and she never gets included in anyone’s Most Beautiful lists. That is a crime! Last night, she looked like an absolute dream in Nina Ricci.
I also love Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan. The dress looks like liquid gold (a big trend last night and at the Oscars if you recall), which is never a bad thing! Well, unless you’re Viserys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, of course.
While I’m not always a big fan of Kirsten Dunst’s fashion risks, I actually love this retro-inspired Rodarte dress. It has this ‘Bonnie Parker goes to the opera’ thing going on, and I’m totally into it!
Another unique look I love is Jessica Stam’s ice blue Dior Couture gown. On someone else it might lean too warrior princessy, but on Jessica, it’s fab!
I think Katharine McPhee nailed it in this orange Elie Saab gown and the simple gold jewelry, but her frizzy hair is a mess! Boo.
I love Dakota Fanning, which is why it pains me to say her Louis Vuitton gown is just not working. The thing is wearing her, and she has a little girl playing dress-up vibe going on. Perhaps a little bit more altering of the bodice would have made this look work.
And speaking of dresses wearing you, how about Christina Ricci in Thakoon? If there was ever a place to take a fashion risk, it’s the Met Gala, but with her tiny frame, I’m afraid Christina just can’t hold up this mass of a dress.
Another sizing issue comes in the form of the fabulous Diane Kruger, which kills me, because her vibrant Prada gown could have been my favorite of the night if it just fit! I know the gown is supposed to be loose, but if I think something is too loose (I subscribe to the Rachel Zoe method of dressing: Loose=better), it’s too loose! A bit of nipping at the waistline and the bodice and this would have been everything it should have been.
And then there’s Cameron. Sigh. Despite having the perfect athletic body, she manages to look wide in this Stella McCartney gown, and maternal to boot. And then there’s her hair. Feeling nostalgic for your There’s Something About Mary ‘do, Cammy?
And finally, drum roll, please: My favorite look of the night is Karlie Kloss in this completely amazing Jason Wu gown. The fuchsia and black lace combo is total perfection.
And there you have it! If you missed Part 1, I previously blogged about the best/worst beauty looks of the night, so go check it out!
♥
Peace, Love and Designer Gowns,
Emily
Come Sail Away
I’m thrilled that the nautical stripes of the sailor trend are sticking around for another season! There’s nothing quite as chic as a crisp black and white stripe. And, if you take one of these fabulous pieces and combine it with a bright burst of color, whether it’s with a bright yellow ballet flat or a pair of green cropped pants, you’ll be perfectly on par with spring’s trends!
1: Collarless Trench from Asos.com
2: Alice + Olivia Kayden Striped Sweater
3: Kate Spade Striped Bow Jacket
4: MM Couture by Miss Me Striped Panel Miniskirt
♥
Peace, Love and Stripes,
Emily
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
But sometimes, you can. And that’s fun. Allow me to tell you a tale.
It all started when a local boutique Tweeted me with a link to their blog (http://fabrikfiles.blogspot.com/). On said blog, was a dress I simply adored, and the hubs said he would make it my birthday gift. Three days later, I went to the boutique, only to find they were completely sold out of the dress, as were the shop’s other two locations. Although the sales associate took my information and promised to call me if more came in, I simply couldn’t wait.
Inspired by the sheer fabulousness of the one-shoulder floral MM Couture by Miss Me dress, I went on a internet hunt. It was sold out everywhere! And, even though Miss Me offers ecommerce on their site, the dress wasn’t available there either.
So, in an uncharacteristically desperate move, I emailed Miss Me customer service and asked if they could help me locate the dress. Within an hour, Jovita, an actual human with a personal signature, emailed me back asking for additional details (what size I needed, etc.). The very next day, Jovita had found the dress in the size I needed at a boutique in Alabama. I promptly called the boutique, CK Collection, and within 10 minutes, I had the dress ordered and on its way to me.
I am pleased to say, I now have the dress in my possession, it fits perfectly, and I cannot wait to wear it to a wedding Memorial Day Weekend.
The moral of my story? Patronize Miss Me. They have stylish, affordable clothes and impeccable customer service. Also, if you are ever in Fairhope, Alabama, shop at CK Collection, because they too, have a level of customer service that is hard to come by these days.
And, I suppose the final moral is, shopping is not for the faint of heart. You must never give up until you’ve exhausted every option. Dedication yields a fabulous wardrobe. Oo-ra. ♥
~Peace, love and shopping success, Emily
SAG Awards Fashion
I was thoroughly disappointed by the fashions of this year’s Golden Globes. When my style-icon Heidi Klum looks bad, you know it’s a bad night. In fact, my favorite part of the evening was all the cute boyfriends/husbands who held umbrellas for their ladies:
Which is why this weekend’s Screen Actors Guild Awards was such a breath of fresh air. So much better overall, ladies! Here are a few highlights:
I love Jenna Fischer (i.e. Pam Beesley Halpert from “The Office”), which is why I hate that she so often looks like a red carpet novice. You’ve been doing this for quite a few years now, Jenna, you should be a bit more polished. And polished she was at the SAG Awards! She’s on-trend with the jewel-tone, and the blue is divine with her skin tone. Add the polished updo and fabulous earrings, and she’s a total A+!
Helen Mirren is amazing. The New World collectively didn’t even know who she was until four years ago when she starred in “The Queen,” but she has managed to become more and more beautiful every award season–at 65 years old, and without visual facial work! At the SAGS, it was not so much her dress, as her make-up and updo and her general exuberance. She is a beautiful, youthful woman, and I want to look like her when I grow up.
Kyra Sedgwick annoys me. Although I’ve never actually seen an episode of “The Closer,” her cheeseball Southern accent in the previews makes me what to stab myself in the eye with a shrimp fork. Her face is also way too “corrected” for my taste. Here, however, she looks exquisite. I love the thick fringe with her updo, and the grey accent on the white Vera Wang is perfection. Plus, she has gorgeous posture. You just won some points, Mrs. Bacon. Congrats.
Sandra Bullock is my favorite of the night. I love red carpet looks with sleeves, but it is a risk that often doesn’t work. The drape on her Alexander McQueen gown is impeccable, and the keyhole and sequin detailing in the front is to die for. Her body is also amazing. I think of Sandy as the “every girl” and since every girl isn’t pooch-free, I’m thinking Ms. Bulluck may have skipped a few meals prior to the show. It worked.
Diane Kruger has easily established herself as a fashion icon in recent years for her fashion-forward styling, and I share her devotion to Jason Wu. Does anyone else find this Wu to be slightly reminiscent of Michelle Williams’ Vera Wang dress at the 2006 Oscars? The dresses are really quite dissimilar, but I think it’s the color along with the bright red lip that conjures up the memory.
I always love seeing photos of Julie Benz out and about, because she always looks so haggard on “Dexter,” and it’s nice to see her fixed up. I absolutely love her bold eye, messy-but-styled updo and asymmetrical styling of the gown. What I don’t love? That as I was just searching to find out who designed her dress, I had the most recent season of “Dexter” completely ruined for me (The hubs and I are a season behind. We watch TV on DVD.). My day has seriously just been ruined.
Finally we have Betty White. I am obviously not a fan of the applique action on her dress, but she’s 88, so we’re going to let it go. I love the ice blue color, but including her has nothing to do with her dress. I love this lady’s spunk. When she was on the red carpet before the show, she said: “Anytime anybody asks me in the business, ‘What haven’t you done that you’ve always wanted to do?’ I would say Robert Redford.” That, my friends, is what you call classic.
That’s for bearing with the long post! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with me? Disagree? ♥
~Peace, love and red carpet style, Emily