Friday, April 29, 2011

Kate Middleton vs. Grace Kelly


Both were commoners up until the day they walked down the aisle to marry their respective princes. Both have been hailed as fashion icons by the press. Both looked absolutely stunning and very much like princesses on their wedding days. But the similarities don't end there.


The intricate lace appliqué bodice and long sleeves of Kate's dress mirror those of the wedding gown of Grace Kelly, when she married Ranier III, Prince of Monaco, in 1956.

Although Kate's silhouette is sleeker compared to the classic '50s ball gown shape of Grace Kelly's, both dresses share a high-waisted, full skirt and long, dramatic train, which each wore with a diamond tiara holding in place a sheer elow-length veil.


These resemblances reveal how very classic Kate's style is, and how timeless Princess Grace's bridal look was.

The only really big difference was how they styled their hair. Kate wore her brunette locks half up half down, while Grace pulled her blonde tresses up into an elegant bun.


Thursday, October 7, 2010

Stylish and Comfortable WELLIES!

It rained almost every day last week in NYC... so when I walked into Bloomingdales on Friday, I immediately headed to the 2nd floor shoe section. Little did I know that there was going to be a gazillion people crowded around the shelf with the Hunter wellies. I've wanted a pair of Hunters since last spring, but never really felt the need to get them until now. And boy have they gotten popular these days!

I bought the Tall Original Navy boot (below). I'm not someone who follows or copies the crowd, but these boots are so stylish and comfortable at the same time! Also, I've never been a fan of bright, polka-dotted rain boots, and I like how my navy Hunters are very simple and classy. The color goes really well with jeans and even my school skirt!


However, I did consider many other rain boots before buying my Hunters. Here were some of the serious contenders:

Burberry
Like I said, I really wanted to find a simple yet elegant rain boot. This Burberry studded one was on the top of my list for a while. The only reason I didn't get it was because of the color...I'm a big klutz, and I often step in mud so there would be real problems if I kept on getting these tan boots dirty. I definitely still recommend them though.

These are the classic Burberry rain boots. Hilary Duff (right) looks really stylish wearing them with her lace tights, and I bet they look great with jeans, too.

Tretorn
These Tretorn wellies are nice and simple...they might also be the most comfortable pair of rain boots out there! They are available in a variety of colors including yellow, red, and black.

Urban Outfitters
This UO Heeled rain boot was also on the top of my list. At first, I wanted to get the green boot because it is my favorite shade of green. Then I was more set on the black because I love it when rain boots don't look like rain boots at all and are so chic. I also felt like the black boot could go with any outfit. However, when I tried them on at the store, they were way too tight and I could barely tuck my jeans in. But if you have long, thin legs this is perfect!

This is an equestrian rain boot, which actually looks nothing like a rain boot. It's definitely very stylish and different from all the other rubber boots you see outside on the streets.

MORE from Hunter
Hunter boots come in a wide variety of colors (left). I know a few people who own the silver, which looks quite good on. Hunter has also come out with new collections, such as "Regent" and "Carnaby." There is even a Hunter & Jimmy Choo collection! (right)

Happy Autumn!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Fall Trendspotting: Blazers




Blazers are a must-have this season. I love wearing blazers in autumn and spring because they are perfect for the weather. I own about five, but I value each one because a blazer is such a versatile item of clothing that can be worn from day to night.

For a casual look, you could pair a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans (below).

If you wanted to dress it up just a little bit, you could trade in a t-shirt for a blouse (below). This was the outfit I wore to Fashion's Night Out in NYC on September 10. This was taken downtown at Uniqlo.

You can also wear a skirt like Leighton Meester (below, filming Gossip Girl). I adore Blair's preppy and chic style!

You can even wear a blazer over a dress (below), whether it's a girly frock or a LBD!


Credits: Chictopia, J Brand, Madewell, MailOnline

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Red Carpet Fashion - 2010 Emmy Awards


Every year the Emmys has some beautiful fashion. This year purple and navy seemed to be the hottest color on the red carpet and many stars flaunted updos. Some did it well, others not so much. That being so, I have compiled my own "Best Dressed" and "Worst Dressed" lists of the awards.

BEST DRESSED


Emily Blunt in Christian Dior

I adore everything about this look. The color is great, and the detail is intricate without being overdone. She looks so elegant and her hair really adds to an old Hollywood vibe.


Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Kim chose a stunning white chiffon gown that had a beautiful Egyptian neckline detail and full flowing train. I like how she kept her accessories to a minimum by only pairing her gown with a Lorraine Schwartz cuff which complemented the neckline. She definitely nailed it on the red carpet!


Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

In my opinion, Lea Michele dresses the most consistent at awards shows. She looks stunning here in navy, and I love the asymmetric ruffle skirt. Her hair also looks gorgeous and the Lorraine Schwartz statement necklace adds so much to this sophisticated look.



WORST DRESSED


Heidi Klum in Marchesa

Heidi Klum could've been on the best dressed list in her sparkly Marchesa LBD…if only there was more of it. This mini dress is way too short to wear to an event like the Emmys. I also don't really fancy her hairstyle.


Naya Rivera in Simin

Was Naya trying to out ruffle co-star Lea Michele? Well if she was, she clearly didn't do a very good job. The train of this dress is too busy and I didn't fall in love with the color either. Plus I definitely think she could have gone with a better hairstyle. Her neck looks bare without a necklace or straps, so if I was her I would have left my hair down.


Who do YOU think was the best and worst dressed? Feel free to share your ideas by commenting!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

On the Set of Gossip Girl Season 4


Here are a few new looks from the upcoming season of Gossip Girl:

Leighton Meester & Blake Lively filming in Paris. I love the shoes and denim blazer that Blake is wearing. So chic and well put together! Don't know if I can say the same about Leighton's outfit though...


Blake Lively filming in New York City. Blake's character, Serena, is bang on trend in another denim blazer and striped top.


Leighton Meester filming in Paris. The purple dress is gorgeous and so is the matching clutch.


Blake Lively filming in New York City. The colors of this ensemble are so pretty and I love the bag!


Katie Cassidy, who is to guest star, filming with Chace Crawford in New York City. Katie is wearing a strapless gown from the Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2009 Collection. This chiffon dress is quite elegant and although I like the matching purple clutch and pumps, I'm not crazy about the necklace she has on.

Credits: MailOnline, Google Images

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Flower Power

This summer, floral dresses have been all the rage! They were a popular spring trend, and although we are nearing the end of summer, there's still time to indulge your girly side with floral prints.


In floral dresses, I prefer a subtle print and loose fitting (see below left). I don't really fancy Melanie Slade's dress (below right) because the print is too bold and the contrast between the colors is too harsh. My advice is to avoid prints that resemble curtains or tablecloths.



Taylor Swift's mini dress is very flirty and summery. It's a perfect day look. However, to "toughen up" a young and fresh appearance, pair your floral dress with a boyfriend blazer (below right).


This navy dress (below left) is one of my favorites! I love how it is very versatile and I can wear it to go shopping or to a summer party! A way to "toughen up" this floral frock is to pair it with a leather jacket (below right). This gives it an edgy day-to-night look which I love.



This floral ensemble is another one of my faves because I like how the print is very busy and vibrant but the simplicity of the grey skirt balances it out.


Friday, August 6, 2010

Celebrity Fashion - Top 5 Favorite New Looks


5) I love every element of this glam Grecian ensemble. I adore the emerald green color of the gown as well as the way Shenae Grimes belted it. Finishing off with nude peep-toe Christian Louboutin's, she looks super stylish.

4) Spotted: Blake Lively flaunting her toned stomach in a blue Chanel dress with a transparent panel. I like how the shape of the dress is very simple but there are many details which make it stunning. Blake also wears a pair of nude platforms, and her legs look like they go on forever!

3) This dress is similar to pieces that I like to design. My favorite element of it is the ballet skirt as well as the detail and lace at the shoulder. Jessica Alba made a good choice of wearing red lipstick to match the belt. The red in the outfit and the lacy shoes make this elegant dress also very sexy.

2) Wearing a maxi dress with prints and flat gladiator sandals, Cat Deeley is precisely on trend. The neckline of the dress is very pretty and Cat's metallic accessories complemented the rest of her outfit very well.

1) The minute I saw this dress, I became obsessed with it. Jessica Alba looks remarkable in this summery Dior frock. The pink print is gorgeous and I love how the dress is both flirty and elegant. The braided metallic belt and white peep-toe Mary Janes add sophistication. I would like to design a dress similar to this so I am using it as inspiration!


Credits: MailOnline, NOW Magazine