Lovely Lavender Eyes

Yesterday, Hollywood star, human rights activists and beauty legend Elizabeth Taylor passed away.  I have to admit, I have only ever seen one of her films, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  However, I think her beauty, her marriages and her grand glamour have become the things of legends - so much so, that people "knew" her without ever really knowing her.

Taylor's most standout beauty feature were her eyes, often called lavender or violet eyes they sparkles and seem to be the centerpieces for all of her beauty photographs.  In a very Old Hollywood way, before colored contacts, fake tanning and botox, a young Taylor was lovely with lavender eyes.

To bring a little bit of that color into your own life, and just in time for Spring, here are some favorites:

Lovely Lavender from L - R:  Plissé silk-chiffon dress by Alberta Ferretti at the Outnet; Brian Danielle Pink Amethyst Pendant Necklace at Max & Chloe;  Lavender Bloom False Eyelashes by Shu Uemura; Waterford "Alana Prestige" Pitcher at Bloomingdale's; Sweet Lavender Silk Top by Catherine Malandrino; Color Design by Lancome; Natalie bandeau bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez at the Outnet; Dried Lavender in Clay Pot at Pottery Barn; Barbet Long Dress by Odylyne at Shopbop; Williams Sonoma Essential Oils French Lavender at Williams Sonoma

May we all have a reason, even if it is a rainy Thursday, to be glamorous - just like Liz.

Kiss me, I'm Stylish!

Emeralds have favor with today's leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick's day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today's hottest stars. 

Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:

Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle

They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010

Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011

Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle

These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn't it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don't have velvet rope access to Neil Lane - here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe

SAG Awards Red Carpet for Less

I mentioned that I thought the SAG Awards, in terms of grandness of attire, is sort of like High School Homecoming.  That is said with no disrespect to the Homecoming Queen - it's just that the Homecoming Queen is not a bride on her wedding day, and so the SAG Awards is not the Oscars.

Anyway, because it's like the little sister there is a sense of attainability.  Let's explore, shall we?

More Nicole Miller...

I raved about Sarah Hyland's youthful twist on orange (cute pun!) and the strapless gown from Nicole Miller does the trick for $355

Loved Natalie's chic mom-to-be white gown.  This look is easily recreated with the Vanilla Strapless Gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal and the addition of some sparkly pins and brooches.

Lea Michelle and Tina Fey's straight from the runway Oscar de la Renta were a little difficult to recreate on a budget but I think we're pretty close with a gold infused Sue Wong gown ($488) and the Nika gown (for a budget busting $788).

My favorite, in the category of "I would rock this anytime" was Julie Bowen's pantsuit jumper.  She admitted it was risky, but she neglected to mention it would be a cinch to recreate.  Halter jumpsuit from TopShop ($90) and sparkly pins and you're red carpet, or disco ready.

Shop Happy!

SAG Fashion Review

True confession: I did not watch the SAG awards.  I watched a political thriller filmed in the 1970's instead. 

Due to the magic of the Internet and the fact that my sole interest was the pre-show, I am convinced I didn't miss much, but I won't make this a habit come Oscar time.

I have a funny perspective about award show fashion.  I tend to think of the SAG Awards as Homecoming, the Golden Globes as Prom Night, and the Academy Awards as the Wedding Day.  The grandeur and the glamour increase dramatically between the SAG's red carpet and Oscar's.  With that said, I think the fashion that we see on SAG night is a bit more theoretically attainable (price tag not included) and so much easier to say "I love it, I wish I had it!".

On to the Red Carpet, shall we?  Images from Instyle.com

The best of the night:

Sarah Hyland looks as young as she is - and that is awesome.  Also awesome?  The color.

Sarah Hyland - Max Mara

I like that Natalie is sticking with simple shapes, and column dresses.  She looks comfortable and beautiful and is radiating in this dress, and still saying yes, I am pregnant, engaged, and will probably take home an Oscar in a month.

Natalie Portman - Azzaro

I included this dress in my Spring 2011 Runway favorites and I love it still.  I think this is the way for Lea to go - she already gets a bit of a bad rap for being a diva, so I think keeping her gowns simpler, and train free sort of diminish that "dressing for the part".  I love the shine and the shape, and her more relaxed hair.  The only thing I would change are the shoes which seem a little overwhelming with this dress.

Lea Michelle - Oscar de la Renta

Call me crazy, but I love this.  I love everything about it.  I am sure Julie Bowen will get dumped on for wearing a jumpsuit, but I think it is pretty close to awesome on her.  Also awesome the major diamond jewelry and girl next door hair.  Yes, if this was my jumpsuit, I would wear it.

Julie Bowen - Catherine Malandrino

I am not typically a fan of Tina Fey's sartorial style (or her thank you speeches when she wins, for that matter), but last night Tina Fey looked radiant.  I love the simplicity of the sheath, column dress instead of the more A-line, or retro fitting dresses she normally favors.  I love the texture and color, which has so much more pop and pizazz than her normal black, and her hair and makeup are beautiful.   

Tina Fey: you are the winner!

Tina Fey - Oscar de la Renta

In the Oops category:

Great face, great hair, wrong event.  I think Angie thought this was Oscar Night.

Angie Harmon - Monique Lhuillier

I've read quite a few interviews lately where Amy Adams (who just had a baby) has to feign laughter when the reporter asserts, "Who knew you even had sex, Amy?"  I suppose because Adams rarely plays the sexy leading lady role the press doesn't think she could be sexy in real life.  I think Adams is great, and I think this dress would be great too if it was a half size larger.

Amy Adams - Herve L Leroux

I just wish these two had switched dresses.  The gothic black lace on Nicole feels too hard, and the prim and proper gold lace on Jones feels too stiff.  Please call each other first.

 

 Nicole Kidman - Nina Ricci  January Jones - Carolina Herrera

Congratulations to all the winners!  And now we wait for fashion's biggest night, OSCAR Night!

Go Green

On the flight home from India I watched "The Joneses" a film starring Demi Moore and David Duchovny.  If you have never heard of it, do not feel badly, it did terrible in theaters.  Anyway, in the movie Demi Moore wears a hunter green silk dress, and pretty much since that time I have moved hunter green to the top of the list of colors I need to incorporate in my wardrobe.

Demi and I have similar skin and hair coloring and so this seemed like a good model that it would work.

It seems that I am  not the only one who saw "The Joneses"...

Obviously when Angelina wears anything beyond black or white that is a style victory, but I don't love this dress or her hair.  The hair bothers me because frankly that's what my hair looks like when I do a 15 minute blowdry and I feel like the Golden Globes deserve better than that.  Regarding the dress, I like the color and the shoulders were very on trend, but somehow, I feel like the waist cinching reads very 80's and not 80's inspired.

Angelina Jolie in Versace via People.com

Mila Kunis looks sweet.  I like the hair, she's glamorous. But, I don't loooove it.  The dress has interesting texture, and the rumor is that it was put together 4 days prior to the show - so that is impressive, as well.  It's just not my favorite green gown of the night.

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang via Instyle.com

And this is the winner!  This is the green gown that would make me a green-eyed monster.  I think Catherine Zeta Jones looks marvelous, and glamorous and old Hollywood.  The color is so deep and made richer by the unique texture of the gown.  I like how she styled her hair and makeup and kept it simple and pretty.  Also, the more I stare at the picture it reminds me of Scarlett O'Hara in the drapes, minus the finials and fringe, of course.  I love that she wore a true movie-star gown for her husband's return to health and the stage.  Maybe the green will signify good luck!

Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhuillier via Instyle.com

The Golden Globes, a kickoff to Awards Season

This Sunday is the Golden Globes - and the first "real" award show of the season.  For me the viewing begins hours before the first award is given with the pre-show.  Nothing beats a glamorous red carpet, and because the Golden Globes are more fun* than the Academy Awards the celebrities tend to have a bit more fun.

I will definitely do a recap of the awards next week,  but in the interim I reviewed the designers Pre-Fall collections for 2011 to get a hint of what we might see on the red carpet.  Here are my picks for the actresses in the Best Actress in a Drama category, all images from Style.com.

Halle Berry in J. Mendel - this dress is easy, its graceful, and it will still highlight the best of Halle Berry - plus I think she radiates in metallic tones.

Nicole Kidman in Carolina Herrera - Nicole Kidman often goes for the lady look, and few do "lady" better than Carolina Herrera.  I really don't expect this to be Nicole's year so this might be too much dress for her, but otherwise I think she would look lovely in it.

Jennifer Lawrence in Naeem Khan - I had to Google Jennifer Lawrence as I have never heard of her... In any case a lot of what I saw was a bit more bohemian and very textured.  I love the color and the texture of this gown and that it is very formal, without being a ball gown a la Penelope Cruz.

Natalie Portman in Reem Acra - Natalie is a mom to be, but has never been shy about her fashion choices.   In her most recent public appearance she has been all Mary Quant, short dresses and high collars, so with that in mind I loved the detail on this collar and the ease of the dress.  I don't know what she will wear, but I know it won't be tulle, and hopefully not black.

Michelle Williams in Derek Lam - Michelle is a fashion darling, she always looks timeless and chic, and I love her platinum pixie haircut.  She tends to favor more vintage styles and I liked the retro vibe of this gown and the bold color. 

See you on the Red Carpet!

*They sit with friends and drink all night long...

A Baby in the 80's

Growing up I probably watched way too many TV shows and movies that were too mature for my age.  I watched soap operas with my mom, I watched movies with my dad, and prime time soaps with my little sister.  

Twenty or so years later I am all grown up and some of my favorite stars from the 80's are still on TV.  I look dramatically different, some of them for reasons unknown I am sure, not as much.  But at least they are keeping me feeling young at heart.

John Stamos as Uncle Jesse

John Stamos as Dr. Carl in Glee

Tim Daly in Wings

Tim Daly in Private Practice

Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing

Jennifer Grey in Dancing with the Stars

Well, now you know what I have been watching on TV lately, blame it on the DVR.  I am pulling bigtime for Jennifer Grey on Dancing with the Stars, but otherwise how fun is it to see your childhood stars on TV again?  Now if only I could find "A Different World" reunion special...

What are you watching on TV?

Madonna, The Mother of Reinvention, an Icon

Madonna has never been my icon, but there is absolutely no denying that the Mother of Pop Music is also the Mother of Reinvention.  In the span of her career no other artist has transformed their look so seamlessly, and stayed so true to their personal style.  Who would A Virgin could become a Geisha and then a Disco Cowgirl.  That is Madonna.

There is a ton of inspiration to be found in Madonna, and not just for Halloween.  Certain signature staples like a structured corset black dress, sequins, and fishnet stockings have always been Madonna. 

In the 80's Madonna rocks leggings, layered jewelry, virginal white and then bold neons, oversized hair accessories and lace.  Watch out for the lace, it becomes a signature.

Madonna in the 80's

Madonna in the 80's by dailybatch featuring lace socks

 

In the Mid 90's Madonna identifies with another platinum icon, Marilyn and then she finds Tom Ford.  It is almost safe to assume that in the 1990's Madonna saves Gucci from financial peril.  Nearly fully covered in a shirt and pants, she still oozes Madonna.  She also begins to infuse a vintage aesthetic to her wardrobe as she films and later promotes Evita.

 

Madonna in Gucci in 1995

Madonna 90's by dailybatch featuring high heel shoes

Madonna discovers Kabballah and Yoga.  Brittney and Christina want to also be like a Virgin and thus Madonna goes back in time and back to the gym to look the youngest and be the most fit.  Her wardrobe in the early 2000s is inspired by disco glamour (color, sequin), and fitness (track suits, leggings, leotards).

Madonna in 2005

Madonna 2000's by dailybatch featuring an asymmetrical jacket

Today, at 52 years old, she is Mother Madonna.  She is still a rock star, but she has added to her resume fashion designer with daughter Lola, humanitarian, and she continues to be a filmmaker.  Her wardrobe today is a sophisticated representation of the past three decades.  She still favors body conscious fits, sexy details, ultra feminine pieces but it has a more practical presentation to keep up with her travels and life.

Madonna and Lourdes

Madonna Today by dailybatch featuring tweed pants

"The history of women in popular music can, pretty much, be divided into before and after Madonna."  - Susan Sarandon

Editing the Red Carpet

The 62nd Emmy Awards are now just a faint memory and now exists for the Fashion police and blogosphere to criticize and joke about.  Here's my attempt to tackle the Red Carpet's best, worst, and just-off looks, all images via the Huffington Post.

Back in Black

Black for formal wear is so classic so it is always interesting to see how celebrities and their stylists keep it ineresting.  I think some fared better than others.

Rarely do I not swoon for Marchesa, but Heidi's dress feels just a little small, and a little extra short.  I wish she would have given herself an extra in every direction.  Mindy Kaling is a very petite lady and I feel her bad-ass ballerina is overpowering her, without the ruffle at the top, I feel like she'd be wearing the dress and not the other way around.

 Kelly Osbourne looks glamorous and still very comfortable in black.  The fit on the bodice is gorgeous and the skirt is beautiful.  Julia Louis Dreyfus is in the winner's category simply because she continues to look radiant, healthy, and the dress fits gorgeously.

Fashion that Makes You Gleeful

The trend color of the night: Navy.  The best dressed in navy, Jayma Mays and Lea Michelle.  I like the relaxed tresses, and I love Lea's jewels, but when in the fit category I give the win to Jayma Mays all the way. 

 Jenna Ushkowitz seemed to fly low on the fashion police's radar, but I loved this look.  She looks young, which she is, and still trendy and current.  I don't love the mix of accessories, and would have preferred all gold - but otherwise she looks fabulous.  Okay, this pains me.  Naya Rivera is beautiful.  This dress' color is beautiful.  But, it is too over the top, too much skirt, too much hair, too much drama.

Can We Edit This?

I wish both Dianna Agron and Keri Russell's dress had been shorter.  Agron's at a tea length would be more Audrey/Grace and less Scarlett O'Hara.  Keri is very much modern Baby (Dirty Dancing), I just wish it was shorter, and fit better at the bodice, it looks about a size too large.

Things I loved

Emily and John, Kevin and Kyra, Stephanie Carter, Susan Sarandon and Eva Amurri.  I love the sweetness of the newlyweds, the jewels and color of the long marrieds, the glitter of Jennifer Carter, and the mother-daughter love of the ageless Sarandon/Amurri.

Things I am feeling Ehhh About

Maria Menounos dress feels like a poor man's Sandra Bullock's Marchesa.  Lauren Graham is a beautiful woman, this dress does nothing for her and is more matronly than it needs to be.  January Jones reminds me of Anne Hathaway when she was everyone's fashion muse, edgy and overdone, it is just not believable for me.  Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen, I wish she would have lost the feathers, it feels like one detail too many.

Who Shouldn't Have Been Invited:

I feel like there are no words.  This is neither a Mad Men Costume Contest, and I assume Stephanie Pratt's house wasn't on fire, so I cannot understand why she is not wearing bottoms. 

Winner of the Red Carpet Game:
I didn't care for Claire Dane's speech, but I loved the honey hair, makeup and glittering gown. This was a dress I would want, and would wear, even if it was just while sitting on the couch while watching the Emmy Awards next year.