Anyway you can be found

It's been a while and by now the old readers of this blog have probably moved on to bigger and better things.  I completely understand.  I haven't been posting much because I have been experiencing life in the city (without a good camera) and I just haven't had time.  When I'm not engaged in some activity it's safe to bet that I am taking a nap.  Nonetheless, there is so much I want to share with you and hopefully,  when I have some time on my hands (and a better camera), I can fill you in on everything that's happening.  Meanwhile, here's a list of events that I wish I could have attended while I was doing something else:

• Ralph Lauren receives the key to the city
• Albert Elbaz teams up with H&M for Lanvin [Hearts] H&M
• WWD threw its 100th Birthday Bash
• Lucky Shops

And to amuse you, a little Style.com video about one of the coolest models in the industry.

Great Graffiti

http://blog.vincentmichael.com//

If you live in the Philadelphia area I suggest checking out the current exhibit at the Vincent Michael Gallery, PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy, featuring the work of street artist PaperMonster.  There will be an Artist Talk and Presentation on Saturday and I think it would be awesome to see his work up close.  I haven't been to a museum in a while and am experiencing an extreme need to see something new, unique, and really cool and I think this work fits the bill.  For more info check out the Vincent Michael Gallery website  and the PaperMonster Blog.

See you at the CFDAs!

The Academy Awards of the Fashion World took place last Monday (?) at Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.  SJP presented a special posthumous award to Alexander McQueen who was honored with a tribute show of his last collection.  I just spent a ridiculous amount of time clicking through the night's photos on Style.com to find pictures of the winners for you.  If you want to see all 90 photos and find out all 12 winners, just click on the links!  And (some of) the awards go to. . . 

Marc Jacobs- Womenswear Designer of the Year

Rag and Bone- Menswear Designer of the Year

Alexis Bittar- Accessory Designer of the Year 

Jason Wu- Swarovski Award for Womenswear

Richard Chai- Swarovski Award for Menswear 

Alexander Wang- Swarovski Award for Accessory Design 

Michael Kors- Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Ralph Lauren- L'Oreal Popular Vote Award

Alexander McQueen- Board of Directors Special Tribute

Pressing On

Dress and Cami: Elle (Kohl's), Shoes: Calvin Klein, Chalcedony Earrings and Jade/Freshwater Pearl Bracelet: Type 0(-)

Dress: J. Crew, Shoes: Alfani (Macy's), Pearl Necklace and Pearl Earrings: Gifts, Wristlet: Coach

This was a very busy weekend!  Of course, because I was in such a rush to get ready, (or because I was waiting for people to get ready and therefore had no one to photograph me-i don't have a huge tripod either so no timer pics) I didn't have time to take a proper photo in the 1st outfit. So excuse the cropped side photo.  But I did squeeze in these other 2 photos in this J. Crew cotton dress that is good for wearing on 90 degree days (in case you find yourself needing a dress for an event in the dog days of summer).  I also really liked these cork platform peep-toe slingbacks even though they killed my feet.  I find platforms to be superior to shoes like the ones I wore in the 1st photo because they are so much sturdier so you're not wobbling all over the place like a little kid on a humungous bike (wow, what a simile).  The Elle dress has quickly become a favorite of mine and I've found that Kohl's is really vamping up it's contemporary collections with some cute stuff.  This dress isn't available at the Kohl's near my house anymore but there is a cute zippered tank top in the same print that I really like. Hope your weekend was great!   

P.S. It's summer.

Girls in Their Summer Clothes

Photos: wwd.com, urbanoutfitters,.com, uo via fashionupdate.wordpress.com, jcrew.com

I need to go shopping really, really badly.  I cannot emphasize this enough.  I've become a bit bored with my current look and the street style photos from the Coachella Music and Arts Festival have inspired me to change it up a little bit.  I'm planning on going shopping on Saturday, for dresses mostly, but if I have the chance to snag some more boho pieces I'm all for it.  I love how free and comfortable everything looks, breezy and perfect for the summer months--or this weekend for that matter since its going to be around 85 degrees in my area!

Dance Dance

Prom was on Friday night.  I could not have asked for more perfect weather.  Furthermore, I had the good fortune to wear this BCBG Max Azria silk and satin gown, in my absolute favorite color with some sparkly earrings from Skirt and my the best pair of croco-embossed evening slides by Calvin Klein.  I must say, finding this dress was noting short of a miracle.  I walked into the BCBG boutique and walked out a short time later with a gown that fit well, was in my favorite color, and was on sale.  This was the only gown I tried on this year and I only went prom dress shopping that one time.

What I love about this gown and my gown from last year are the subtle design details.  I like to focus on the construction of the gown, when I choose what to wear.  The pleating on this gown is beautiful and the silk stripe down the front has a lengthening effect.  Another thing I loved about it was that it came with straps, which I attached before hitting the dance floor.  I was so nice to dance and not worry about my dress falling down.  I finished off the look with a slightly messy up-do and wore Maybelline Stiletto  liquid eyeliner with subtle pink Lancome shadow and Honey nude lipstick by Kohl's brand Flirt.  
   

Promonition

Prom is fast approaching.  I can't wait to dress up and see what my other friends will be wearing.  Pre-prom is such a stressful time, there is so much to prepare for and choosing the right dress is sometimes very difficult.  I have had the good fortune to have only tried on 3 dresses for both of my school's proms.  I wore this Nicole Miller Collection Crepe Du Chine Gown last year.  As soon as I put it on, I know it was the one.  I tried on one more after that just because, but it didn't even compare.  I wore my J. Crew pearl necklace, which has now become one of my signature jewelry pieces, and the Guess by Marciano heels you saw in my New Year's post.  Although I am not sure I love this year's gown as much as last year's, I can't wait to show it to you!

Middle Image: nicolemiller.com

Weekend Yeah!! Part II

 

Dress: BCBG Paris, Shoes: Villager a Liz Claiborne Company, Earrings: Kenneth Cole New York, Bracelet: Heigh Ho Silver  

I wore this outfit to a dinner last Sunday.  I was a bit overdressed but I bought this dress a while ago and really wanted to wear it since the weather was just perfect for it.  I love the way the fabric shimmers and how the skirt flows and flares with each step.

And I would like to call it beauty

Long sleeve top and tank: American Eagle Outfitters, Skirt: Juicy Couture, Shoes: L.A.M.B., Scarf: Collection Eighteen, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley

Today was my first day of Senior Inquiry at the great Bryn Mawr Boutique, Skirt . I'm so tired now that I am going to take a nap. I'll try to post about my experience later this week. I am in love with my new scarf though. It has taken me a while to find one that I really like because it seems like everyone and their mom had a flowered or buffalo plaid one. I got this one at Marshalls last Friday. What do you think?

Oscar Fashion

Anna Kendrick looked demure in this light, ethereal Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. This was one of the more successful Oscar looks that debuted on the Couture catwalks in January. Rachel McAdams also wore Elie Saab, a billowing watercolor print gown, and she looked great to.


Not only was Sandra Bullock the best actress winner, she was also a winner on the red carpet in this antique beaded Marchesa. The dress was heavy, but it was totally worth it. Simply stunning.


Gabourey Sidibe, also in Marchesa, saved her best look of the award show season for last. This cetrainly was, in her words, "the money look." The color and cut of the dress were perfect for her.


Elizabeth Banks went with Versace and what a good choice! The ruffles on the skirt and were fun and flirty and the swirled, gathered fabric drew attention to her small waist.


Cameron Diaz looked stunning in shimmering gold Oscar de la Renta. Keeping the hair and jewelry simple with just a pop of bright red on the lips were key to pulling off this look.


In an awards so season when many celebrities played it safe, Jennifer Lopez did not fall into the bland trap by donning a sweeping Armani Privé gown. Surprisingly, she claimed that one of the reasons she loved this dress so much because she could walk in it despite its abundance of fabric. (Photo: x17)


The best dressed of the night, in my opinion, goes to Carey Mulligan who sparkled in Prada.

There were a few more looks that I liked (such as the always classy Kate Winslet in YSL) but the prevailing trend on the red carpet was toned down. I applaud those who took risks, but found that some of these risks did not pay off. Zoe Saldala's Givenchy Haute Couture gown, while breathtaking on the runway, just looked too busy on the red carpet. Sarah Jessica Parker wore Chanel Haute Couture, but although it was draped nicely, the yellow color made her look more like a Oscar statue than a shining celebrity. I think she would have faired better in one of the white or pink versions. Charlize Theron's custom made Christian Dior was a great color but the large rosettes that covered her bust were awkward and distracting. Miley Cyrus, in Jenny Packham, appeared to be slouching the entire night and the bust of her gown seemed disconnected from the skirt. Vera Farmiga was another Marchesa fan and her dress made the biggest statement of the night with the biggest ruffles. I'd never wear it but it's good to see someone who's not afraid to wear what she loves. Congrats to all the winners!

Last Dance

Dress: DKNY Jeans, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Headband: Express, Earrings: Charter Club (Macy*s), Bracelet: Gift from a friend

Last night was the father daughter dance at my school, the last one for me. I have to upload a photo of the fabric of this dress, it features embossed flowers with little silvery threads running through it. I decided that instead of wearing a necklace, I would sport the bling in my hair with this bejeweled gray satin ribbon headband. The earrings, bracelet and my favorite snakeskin evening shoes finished the look.

The Oscars are tonight! Check back tomorrow for my favorite looks from the red carpet. Anyone have any predictions?

Read into It

Have you ever walked in the bookstore and gazed at a beautiful coffee-table book that detailed the life and work of your favorite designer? Did you ever decide that you were going to purchase one of these books only to find that it had at $95+ price tag. Did you ever place the book down and walk out of the store with a small tear in you eye? I know all about that. I also know that some of the best fashion books are quite affordable. In honor of World Book Day I am showcasing The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman and Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers by Laird Borrelli. These books offer a lot of inspiration for not a lot of money.


As soon I found out that Schuman's book was available for pre-order at Barnes&Noble.com I quickly grabbed my gift card and logging into the site. I purchased it at a discounted price at 11:45 pm on a night in July and waited eagerly for it to arrive in August. This fabulous paperback contains many of Mr. Schuman's greatest photographs and is only $25. Even if you don't have a computer at the ready, you can revisit the looks that drew you to his blog in the first place. Anytime I am looking for outfit inspiration this book is one of the first sources I consult.



Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Illustrations

I purchased Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers on a trip to NYC a couple of years ago. It is quite an impressive compilation of fashion sketches by some of the world's leading designers and those that are lesser known. For someone who enjoys sketching, it was interesting for me to see the different styles and mediums that these designers use and the role sketching plays in their design processes. Not only does this book contain illustrations, it also includes blurbs about the designers and their backgrounds. At $40 this quality hardback is a good value. These books may not have many words, but they provide the reader with infinite inspiration.


That is a good book which is opened with
expectation and closed in profit.
~ Amos Bronson Alcott ~

*And the collection I raved about in my last post is Pucci, but you already knew that didn't you?

Winter Ball

Lace Party Dress: Jill Stuart for Bloomingdales, Shoes: BCBG Paris, Earrings: J. Crew, Bracelet: Alfani (Macy's)


Stained-glass drop earrings Photo: J. Crew.com

The night I have been waiting for since I bought this dress 2 weeks ago finally arrived! Friday was my school's winter Semi-Formal. This was probably the first time that the exact outfit I planned in my head was the one I ended up wearing. I even bought the exact pair of shoes I'd envisioned (this never happens)!

The theme for the dance was Old Hollywood. I wanted to my look to evoke old Hollywood glamour; that's why I chose a lace dress, red lips (Flirt! High Wattage from Kohl's- extremely long lasting) and large chandelier earrings, but I also toughened up my look with with zippered and buckled cutout leather booties.

This dress is amazing; it is so flirty and fun to dance in. The earrings are quite heavy and I was afraid that dancing in them wouldn't be a good idea, but I kept them on all night and had no problems. It was a great night for fun and fashion!

Score

Alexander Wang S/S 10



Thakoon S/S 10



Balenciaga S/S 10



Norma Kamali for Walmart

Photos: Style.com and Walmart.com

Super Bowl XLIV is on tomorrow night! In commemoration of this great event, I am sharing with you some of the sporty looks from the spring runways and a low priced designer activewear line from Walmart. And as a special treat, I've found the coolest NFL gear to help you root for your favorite team in style.



Kathrine Baumann Indianapolis Colts Mini Helmet Purse

This purse is covered with more than 5,300 Swarovski Crystals



Junk Food T-Shirt



Kathrine Baumann New Orleans Saints Mini Jeweled Football Purse

Photos: nflshop.com

This purse contains over 3,200 Swarovski Crystals

No one will question your devotion to your team with one of these bags! Enjoy the game and the commercials.