Met Costume Gala 2010

I'm feeling itchy. I need to critique something. How considerate of the Met to throw a Costume Gala so I can relax. This year's event was a stellar follow-up to the Oscars - fabulous gowns all over the place, and of course a few bombs to keep things funny. Some risks paid off, and some people wound up looking like they skinned a settee from a funeral parlor, "Gone With the Wind" style, to create their look (are you listening, Rachel Zoe? Of course you are).

But enough of this. Let's begin.

1. Twinkle twinkle, big star...

Golden, sparkly, shimmering - from ballgown to sheath, fairy dust was all over the place at the Met Gala. I always like to start with JLo.

Don't talk any smack about JLo this year. She's getting it right every time. Everything, from the classic a-line hourglass shape of this Zuhair Murad dress to the Brigitte Bardot hair, all of it makes me want to hand her the award right now, and this isn't even an awards show. And props to her makeup artist too - her eyes are practically burning holes through my computer screen. Yikes.

Nicole Richie! Yes! I'm so impressed with her transition from sulky teen frumpster to glowing Hollywood mom. I luuurve the proportions on her Marc Jacobs dress. The cinched belt keeps the draping from overwhelming her petite frame, the pewter color isn't too bright and she kept her hair loose and simple, which was very smart because an updo with this dress might wind up looking a bit like Joan Collins on "Dynasty". Worth avoiding. Well played.

Oh, I like the way you think, Gewn Stefani. This dress is from her very own L.A.M.B. line, which is an acronym for something or other, but also rhymes with DAMN, apropriately. This dress looks like she stripped down and then danced around in a giant cotton candy machine. It's sophisticated spun sugar. It's a literal interpretation of the phrase "sultry sweet". Of course she pulls this off. The woman got married in fuschia ombre. L.O.V.E.

You know, you could say this Christian Dior dress is kind of safe, but of course it appears magically lit from within because Marion Cotillard is inside it. The whole flapper-hair, vintage-y thing she's sticking to this year? I see no reason to rain on that parade. She's too lovely like this, I don't need her to go all Zoe Saldana and show up in some purple swamp monster. Keep rocking the glittery sheaths, because you can. That is all.

And last in the sparkle parade, Anne Hathaway, who I really like, but I'm kind of mad that she ripped off Miley Cyrus's Oscar look. She's better then that.

(here's Miley, in case you don't remember...)

I mean, I like Anne's version a lot better. I just wish she could have rocked it first, so Miley would be the one looking like she overpaid her stylist.

2. Short and Sweet.

...or sour. Depending who we're talking about. Sweet would be epitomized by DiCaprio-wrangling supermodel Bar Rafaeli, in Rag&Bone:

Leo should really shut up already and marry her. The woman obviously knows how to dress. Perfect proportions, fabulous texture, charming details (what is that peeking out on the bottom? So cute!) - this dress has it together. Glowing, dewy skin, legs up to there - all of it works. You get the impression that she doesn't need a giant dress to steal the spotlight.

Another short frock that worked? The lovely January Jones in YSL.

Now, the dress I like very much. The accessorizing creeps me out a little. Between the round-toe platform pumps, above-the-elbow gloves and high flying updo, the whole look winds up looking a little cold and Stepford-wife-ish to me. Then I start noticing that the embellishment on the dress actually reminds me a little of a wrought-iron gate and I just begin feeling nervous about standing next to her. Hmm.

And unfortunately, the short dresses take a dive after that.

Elizabeth Banks, who was my hero at the Oscars for her frothy grey Versace, showed up in this Gucci bomb and completely undermined my confidence in her. Booties? Lace tights? Ostrich? Or is that howler monkey? This is like Cruella DeVille goes cocktail and I do not approve.

Chloe Sevegny, long known for taking fashion risks, puts it all out there again and winds up looking like Lorraine Bracco at the beginning of Goodfellas. This dress actually makes her look hippy and squat, which is hard to do since she only weighs seventeen pounds. Way too much structure. Plus, um, I can see your underthings. It's especially weird since this dress screams "wear me to church in 1967". Unlike this next one:

Nope, nope nope. Blake Lively, this dress is too much and too little at the same time. Too much stuff in too little space. And your shoes look like a decoupage project. And I KNOW you can't sit down in that thing, so I hope at least they're comfortable, because you are definitely standing all night...

3. Best of the worst...

...starting with pantsuits.

Of course Tina Fey chose to jump on this bandwagon. How can someone be so smart in one area and so clueless in another? You'd think she'd have a circle of close friends who'd stop her from going out in a mess like this. From the lovely pear-shaped silhouette to the Cleopatra eye makeup, this is like a symphony of don'ts. That zipper gives new meaning to the words "completely unneccesary". Ouch.

Rachel Zoe in the previously mentioned Marc Jacobs. It smells musty even from here. Draped, mustard colored velvet - who knew that wouldn't work out? Enough said.

Newly single Usher and date Tamara Mellon. Excuse me, but I think you popped a button. There, and there...and there...and there...and there...thank goodness your Jimmy Choo gladiator stilettos appear to be indestructible.

I'm growing faint from hunger, but I COULD NOT ignore Maggie Gylenhaal, which was obviously her aim.

This is what happens when acid-washed jeans and trash bags have a baby. It looks like this. The top calls to mind some sort of stripper-friendly overalls and there's some toxic substance melting out the front of the skirt. Gracious. At least she's not apologizing with her posture. Although an apology is, perhaps, in order.

Okay, and one more - I couldn't resist. I was just proud because I actually WORE this dress when my middle school did a scaled-down production of "Showboat". It's nothing without the hat though. I gave Vera Farmiga some consideration after her crazed ruffle moment at the Oscars, but this is really asking a lot.

And FINALLY - the most epic battle of the evening - Oprah vs. Gail, who screwed it up worse?

Yup, Gail wins. Maybe at the last minute, Oprah realized how awful her gown was so she forced Gail to dress like a cocktail wench at Medieval Times. Not a bad ploy when it looks like your own dress is trying to drag you the underworld as you're walking the red carpet. When you have friends like Oprah, apparently you have to take a dive for the empire once in a while. Small price to pay...

All About the Details.

Details, details, details. There are a few this season I couldn't ignore. Sometimes, one FAB detail makes a dress. You may have to pare down accessories, but its worth it. You can be sure that people will remember a dress like this:

This one is actually a long version of a dress worn by the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker in the first SATC movie:

...to be fair, Carrie Bradshaw is no shrinking violet. Neither is that pie-sized bloom on her shoulder. I actually like that Faviana adapted this dress with more length and SLIGHTLY less flower. It's more balanced and wearable that way. But the reason we love SJP is that she doesn't do anything halfway.

Or how about this stunning back detail? Be bold and delicate at the same time with a fluttering butterfly perched on your dress...

BG Haute Evening Collecion. Flirty, flowy, garden fairy chic. Mystic and otherworldly purple + sexy satin and light-as-air chiffon = unforgettable.

Of course, detail doesn't always need to be focused in one place. Sometimes, detail thats carefully spread throughout a dress can be just as effective, as it is on this Scala dress:

The delicate crystal webs that spread across this dress remind me of raindrops on a window pane. Of course, that random effect is the result of careful, DETAILED design - well considered and well executed. This dress would sparkle beautifully at a nighttime event.

And, of course, the ultimate accessory, earrings. Want to see my current earring lust?

Now I just have to convince Harry Winston to lend them to me. Otherwise I'll happily settle for one of those lovely dresses.

Link to these looks at www.faviana.com, www.scala.com, www.bghaute.com and www.harrywinston.com.

Hello, Sunshine!

Prom 2010. So, we've talked about prints. We've talked about cuts, details, shoes. What haven't we covered? COLOR. And this is a biggie. Every year, one or two colors arrive on the scene and become hot commodities. Last year, there was a beautiful bright turquoise that made a strong debut and was quickly snapped up by early-bird prom shoppers. This year, the on-trend color that has already had a big influence is sunny, juicy, golden YELLOW. The color of pineapples, canaries, sunshine and spring.

POW. Right? Talk about 'lighting up a room'. This BG Haute dress definitely rocks the yellow trend. I love the jewel-encrusted bodice, too. The whole thing is very Mediterranean-princess. Of course, the lovely backdrop doesn't hurt either. The color warms up olive-tone skin and looks AMAZING with a tan. (A natural tan. Nothing looks good with crispy orange. Go to the beach, but don't turn yourself the color of a pretzel.)

And what's more fun then head-to-toe yellow? Head-to-above-the-knee yellow, like this:

The possibilities are endless with this cut and color. Wear it to a prom, a formal, a dinner party, a cocktail party, a wedding, a shower, need I continue? Add chandelier earrings, pile on the stackable bracelets, buy shoes that could actually get noticed. Please do it or I will. This dress is too cute for its own good.

Anyway, yellow is it this year. You don't have to believe me, just take it from the perpetually sunny Heidi Klum at the 2010 Project Runway fashion show.

She's always ahead of the curve. Of course.

Link to these looks at www.bghaute.com and www.scala.com.

Oscar Breakdown 2010!!

If there's one sure sign that spring is on the way, it's the arrival of the Academy Awards. I was lucky enough to watch the Oscars last night in a cushy screening room with some good friends, some St Germain cocktails and practically life-size visuals of all the gorgeous gowns that made their way down the red carpet last night. The 2010 Oscars were a contrast to last years somewhat restrained event. This year, everything was oversized, exaggerated, and all about drama. Ten films were nominated in the "Best Film" category as opposed to the ordinary five, the show ran over three hours and though last year's dresses were often muted in color and design, this year the red carpet was ruled by oversize details, flamenco-inspired ruffles and glittering gold. But enough of this generalizing. Let's get down to business...

Trend #1 - Details, details.


Now, Jennifer Lopez doesn't step onto a red carpet without knowing she's going to turn heads one way or another. I've discussed this in the past. That said, her 2010 Oscar dress by Armani Prive provoked some heated discussion last night. I've come to the conclusion that I love it:

There was some concern among my friends that she had stapled a second dress to her left hip in case something happened to the first one over the course of the evening. I agree, it seems a bit odd, initially, to create a bustle on the side of a gown rather then the back, but it really serves the same purpose - it exaggerates existing curves to create a kind of inhuman but lovely silhouette. Why not? I also love the sparkly blush color. So, it looks a little Barbie-ish. I like Barbie. What.

PS, I'm glad that JLo thought to rescue Armani Prive from Lady Gaga's clutches (remember that satellite-inspired thing she wore to the Grammys? With the RINGS? That was Armani Prive. Yikes.)

Ahem. Another of my absolute favorites from last night was Penelope Cruz, of course...






I adore the romantic pleating on this dress, although I'm forced to admit it's a teeny bit bulky. The richness of the fabric, however, and the just-slightly asymetrical neckline - all of these little details add up to one fabulous dress, which is especially impressive considering how easy it is to go completely wrong with design choices like this. Not to mention the color. Yum.


It reminds me of this lovely style by Dessy Collection:








And I couldn't resist either the bubbly attitude or the lovely blue Marchesa gown worn by "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe:





This gown is an example of a few clever design choices coming together and getting it right: the lightweight chiffon and empire waist are perfect on a full figure like hers. The delicate cap sleeves provide just enough coverage on the top of her arms, and the embroidered florals draw the eye up, lengthening the torso and creating focal points so she's not lost in a sea of fabric. And again, ruching, ruching ruching. Its my favorite. Slim, curvy, tall, short - ruching is everyone's friend.




I'm going to end this bit with my least favorite detail on a dress from last night. Or rather, two details.





Well. We know where everyone was looking during Charlize's interviews last night. The shape is lovely, the color's not bad, but there's something really alarming happening in her chestal section. She's so pretty, I'd rather people looked at her face. Joan Rivers remarked that it looked "like the designers still had their hands on this dress". All I know is that I'm suddenly craving Cinnabon.





Trend #2 - the Good, the Bad and the Ruffly.


I'm going to be nice and start with my favorite version of the ruffly mermaid cut that was everywhere last night. I though Elizabeth Banks looked stunning in this cool silver Versace:





First off, the color really stood out amidst all the golds, champagnes and blush tones everyone was wearing. I was glad someone went with a lovely, silvery grey. The ruffles at the bottom rise upwards like a mist - the lightness of the fabric here really helps, it looks like some sort of mix of chiffon, netting and perhaps organza. The extreme volume at the bottom is balanced by a super-sleek and fitted drop-waist bodice. The simple sweep of the seams here are dead sexy, adding curve and shape without adding any extra fabric or bulk. LOVE. Another nice example of this style was Demi Moore's Atelier Versace:





Apparently, Versace does this cut really well. She made the whole shape work on her, and I love the way this color is actually built from different shades of blush and rose, which are subtly layered to create the final hue. Well done. My only *tiny* complaint is that I actually wish she were slightly less tan. Somehow the color of Demi plus the color and design of this gown give me this uncomfortable mental image of a huge peeling sunburn. Ouch.


Unfortunately, there were two decidedly awful interpretations of the Ruffled Mermaid: #1, Zoe Saldana's crazy, grape-soda inspired mess by Givenchy:




Maybe this look would fly on Pandora, but not here on Planet Earth. It looks like some sort of purple swamp monster is trying to climb up her leg and hijack all that valuable bling encasing her torso. Ick. In addition, I'm sure whoever it was that had to vacuum the Red Carpet the next morning has a special hatred for this dress.





Then, there was Vera Farmiglia in this Marchesa bomb:




Somewhere, Charo is naked. I wanted to like this dress because Vera is so beautiful, but I can't deny that she appears to be under attack from a posse of giant pink coffee filters. Also that matchy-matchy shade of fuschia lipstick looks wholly unnatural.





If ruffles are your thing though, consider taking a look through Jim Hjelm Occasions' Spring 2010 collection. There are some lovely, more wearable ruffles happening in there, as seen on this sophisticated example:





Take a risk, try a little ruffle. Just practice restraint.





Trend #3 - All that Glitters...

...is gold. And gold dominated the Red Carpet this year. First shining example, Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock, wearing Marchesa:





Talk about lighting up a room! Gorgeous proportions, delicate shoulder detail, perfect red lipstick. I don't know how you can pull off this much shine without looking like an Oscar statue yourself, but somehow Sandy did it. Apparently it takes a flawless body and a fantastic personality. She worked both.




Cameron Diaz opted for a slightly more toned-down version of glittering gold in Oscar De La Renta:





I like this dress. Maybe it's a little safe, but better to be safe then wearing purple roadkill, in my opinion. The cut is classic and flattering, and I enjoy the sprinkling of gold and silver pailettes that cascade down the bodice onto the skirt. Fairy-like without being too princess-like. Very classic Hollywood, especially with that hair. Her afterparty dress was a stunner too...




And, shocker, Miley Cyrus has finally bridged the gap between teenybopper and pole dancing bad girl. She looks young, elegant and (gag, awful phrase coming up) age-appropriate.





This dress is, dare I say, understated? Go Miley. My only gripe is that it's actually so simple that I'm almost reminded of a petticoat and I want her to put something over it. It's supposed to be lingerie-inspired, but lingerie IS supposed to go underneath something, right? Maybe a little sparkle or a single stunning detail would have pulled this look together for me. And I'd really like her to stand up straight. Posture, posture....




Anyway, if you're looking for a little golden glitz of your own, how about this shining example from Scala?






Prefer head-to-toe gold? BG Haute has you covered.





(I know this is supposed to be about the Oscars, not the Grammys, but this dress absolutely screams Beyonce to me. She knows how to rock a gold dress.)







Trend #4: Paging Prints Charming...


Moving on, only two lovely ladies brought prints to the Red Carpet this year. One was Rachel McAdams, in a wistful, romantic Elie Saab:




I love the flowy cut, the full skirt and the watercolor print. The whole thing has a lovely antiqued feeling to it, and I'm glad she kept the accessories minimal so the gown could take center stage. Classic upswept hair kept things clean and simple too.




The other notable print of the evening was Maggie Gyllenhal's column-style gown by Belgian ready-to-wear designer Dries Van Noten:




In total contrast to Rachel McAdams soft print and classic cut, this dress has narrow, body-hugging lines and an outrageous print. I think she's making it work, but I have to admit that if it were me, I'd pick the Elie Saab. It must be the girly girl in me. If you're braver then I am, you might consider this similarly bold print from Faviana:







Final Curtain: A is for Academy Awards. And Awful.


I've saved the most fun for last. And now, the Worst Dressed.



Third Runner-Up: Diane Kruger in blah, lemon-pudding colored Chanel.





1. This appears to be three different dresses, stapled together.


2. I have something that looks like the middle portion living in the back of my fridge.


3. I would, however, like to see this dress do battle with Zoe Saldana's purple Swamp Monster. Or maybe that funky swan dress Bjork wore years ago...





Runner Up #2 - Faith Hill in Mysterious Gothic Mess....




I did some digging, and so far nobody's admitted to designing this bomb. It's a mystery.


1. There's something both grandma-ish and dominatrix-ish about this dress. Not a good combination.


2. That's not a hip-slit, it's like a belly-button slit - very dangerous.


3. I don't care if your husband can sing - he can't do hair. Don't let him experiment on a night this important...







...and the winner, SJP. In a Chanel sack, straight from the runway.






1. Lemon yellow was clearly the color of failure this year.


2. A stumble could easily result in the first Red Carpet strangulation on record, and the potential for stumbling is so high when you're obviously about to enter a sack race.


3. If strangulation somehow doesn't occur, I'm still worried about the possibility of her being stabbed in the neck by that lethal-looking floral detail. Either way, this dress is redefining 'fashion risk'. Too dangerous.



And, you can't see it in this photo, but her hairpiece looked like a brioche. Perhaps pastry inspired details will be showing up all over the runways for spring 2010...




However if you really want to be remembered at any black-tie event, take a cue from Ben Stiller and just go like this:





Now that's what I call a statement. Worth some kind of award, for sure.




Link back to these looks and more information at www.jimhjelm.com, www.lazaro.com, www.scalausa.com, www.faviana.com and www.bghaute.com.

Spring Shoephoria! Part 1...

I don't care if it's been raining for two weeks. It's spring, and that means shoes. I don't mean Ugg boots, or rain boots, or anything else remotely sensible that keeps my feet warm and dry. I mean strappy sandals, wedges and espadrilles in every color BUT black and brown, I mean open toe pumps and satin evening shoes with dazzling details and ooh-la-la embellishments. Shall we take a look at my dream shoes? They may never be in my price range, but a girl can dream. I give you, Stuart Weitzman's "Pomposo":

I admit, it's possible that I am in love with these because they are the least practical thing in the world. Strictly esthetically speaking I think they might be the ultimate bridal shoe, but hiking around all day in three inch heels and a rosette the size of a golf ball might get uncomfortable after a while. They also come in a beautiful red, which is how an Asian bride I know purchased them to go with a traditional Chinese dress she changed into at her reception. STUNNING, and she can totally wear them later. Here's a photo of the lovely Sarah Bareilles rocking the red version:

So, maybe I don't have a recording contract and thus will never be able to buy these shoes that I desperately need in BOTH colors? What on earth to do? I've already imagined myself entering my next black-tie affair with dainty rosettes on my toes. Well thank goodness for this "Flower" style from Coloriffics:

Identical? No. Inspired? Yes. There are some details on these I even prefer, like the nice little platform which gives a boost of extra height without killing my arches. Also, the floral detail is REMOVABLE, so really you have two very different looks in this shoe. Another bonus? These are dyeable. Order them in white or ivory, wear them, then dye them any color you want, and wear them with OR sans flower. The pricetag on these is already a lot better then the Weitzmans, and when you consider how many ways you can wear these shoes, they practically buy themselves. Thats how I rationalize it, anyway.

So, sticking with the bridal shoe theme for a moment, what about these fabulous "Elia" heels by Badgley Mischka?

Mmhmm. Now look at this "Joyce" style from Touch Ups...

Not to brag about my knock-off spotting abilities, but these ARE pretty similar. And again, dyeable. Get married in white, take them on your honeymoon in turquiose. YES.

Now let's think summer wedding. Let's think pretty, cage-woven sandals like Calvin Klein's "Kaden".

Or, perhaps, this version from Pink for Paradox London, called "Summer":

I could play this game all day. But the point is, no matter what your shoe inspiration is, no matter what your budget is, you can have it. You just have to look.

And in closing, here are three of my favorite lovely and WEARABLE styles from Coloriffics and Touch Ups, just because:

A comfy wedge with sparkly details, 'Victoria',

...a sexy kitten heel for just a touch of height, 'Samantha',

And "Izzie", a t-strap with fabulous crystal accents - bling that stays put through the last dance...

Now get your umbrella and go shoe shopping. I don't care how cute your rainboots are, their days are numbered...

Link to these looks and more information at http://www.benjaminwalkcorp.com/?pg=home, http://www.paradoxlondonus.com/Pink/Home.htm, http://www.coloriffics.com/ and http://www.blogger.com/www.zappos.com.