An Emmy-Inspired Fashion Forecast

Who doesn’t enjoy gaping at the fashion on the red carpet?  After watching every award show, I look forward to the next day when I click through all the pictures I can find from the event.  But unfortunately, while I try to keep a little glam in my life, there is no red carpet in my near future.  So why do I so spend too much time researching the evening gowns, glittering jewels, teeny clutches and high heels?  To dream!  To be prepared just in case my next red carpet moment arrives!  And to find hints of trends to come that I can adapt to my lifestyle.  Celebrities and their stylists are ahead of the trend curve, like psychic fashion tellers.  So I take cues from them to see what exciting direction fashion is headed and, if I like it, how I can incorporate it into my wardrobe.  So what’s the prediction from the 2012 Emmy Awards?

Winter White

The “greige” dress Brook Burke Charvet wore from Tony Ward Couture hints at the variations of white to wear after Labor Day.  Yes, it’s OK to wear white after the end of summer.  In fact, wear it from top to bottom and don’t be afraid to pair it with black shoes.

Brooke’s mermaid-cut, tulle evening gown is embroidered with Swarovski crystals.  The curved lines of Macramé enhance her hourglass shape, similar to the body-conscious dresses made revered by Stella McCartney.
Photo courtesy of Getty

Take inspiration from:

Derek Lam, Cushnie et Ochs, Reed Krakoff

Dennis Basso, J. Mendel, Valentino

Black & White

The combination of black & white is always chic and classic and here, Jessica Pare is too.  I adore this entire look, from her white Jason Wu dress and black accessories to her short, dark hair and red lips.  Lately, B&W has graced several runways.  Lucky for you, your wardrobe probably already includes pieces to create this combo.  Instead of the basic white top and black bottom pairing, try all white with black accessories like Jessica or black & white stripes, which appeared in many spring collections.
Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image

Take inspiration from:

Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, St. John

Orange

Orange, from burnt orange to bright orange to red-orange, is one of The Colors of the season!  Padma Lakshmi and Ginnifer Goodwin both glow in Monique Lhuillier numbers.  The normally neglected color that’s hot for fall is easy to wear because it looks great with jeans and brown leather, plus it warms most skintones.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:

Preen, Stella McCartney, Rebecca MinkoffCarolina Herrera, Zac Posen, 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Chartreuse

Julie Bowen and Julianne Moore, who were absolutely radiant at the Emmy Awards, introduces the other color of the season – chartreuse.  Julie is wearing Monique Lhuillier and Julianne is in Christian Dior.  This color is a little trickier then the all-flattering orange.  If it makes you look off, try a hue that’s more yellow or green, brighter or duller.  With the right chartreuse for your coloring, as you can see above, it can look brilliant.  I’d also like to note Julianne’s full circle skirt, which, long or short, is still the dress silhouette of the latest trends.
Photos courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image and  Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Lanvin, Vera Wang, Nanette Lepore

Yellow

Now that we have fall’s “It” colors, what about spring?  Say “Hello” to yellow!  Hannah Simone in Emilio Pucci and Kelli Garner in Rafael Cennamo both chose yellow dresses for the Emmy Awards, as did many designers for their spring 2013 collections.  Like orange, yellow can be fabulous, but the trick is finding the right shade for your coloring.  When in doubt, ask a friend or trusted salesperson.  You can also try patterns with yellow or yellow accessories, like patent leather pumps or a satchel bag.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Frazer Harrison/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Erin Fetherston, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors

Boho

Boho is a type of style, and even lifestyle, that effortlessly outlasts the ever-changing trends.  It may wax and wane, but there will always be girls with natural, wavy hair; long, flowy skirts, macramé and turquoise jewelry.  At the Emmy Awards, that girl was Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan.  This fall, look for distressed skinny jeans to tuck into tall brown suede boots, a (faux) fur vest and exotic patterns.
Photo courtesy of Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic

Take inspiration from:

Versace, Band of Outsiders, Burbery Prorsum, Emilio Pucci

Turquoise/Aqua/Sea Foam

Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Turquoise, aqua, seafoam, whatever you call it – I LOVE this color.  My mantle is still decorated in shades of teal.  I know, time for fall colors, but it’s just so pretty.  This widely beloved color is perfect for spring and will finally be available in a variety of options as the weather warms.  Wear it with neutrals or other pastels.  At the Emmys, Heidi Klum wore an aqua Alexandre Vauthier dress and Julianne Hough was in Georges Hobeika Couture.

Take inspiration from:

Christian Siriano, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade

Baroque

Tina Fey, Emilia Clarke and Shannon Woodward brought the high drama of Baroque to the Emmys in Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Gabriela Cadena, respectively.  According to Fashionising.com, one of my favorite fashion resources, Baroque garments mirror the “lavishness of artworks, architecture and plush interior decorations” and are characterized by gilded filagree, embroidery, plush appliques, velvet, leather, heavy brocades and gold. The website’s editors suggest wearing Baroque fashion in one of two ways, like a royal or a rock star, and be cautious of the quality of cheaper versions.  Look for more information about this lavish trend in a future post.
Photos courtesy of Kevork Djansezian/Getty, Getty and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:

Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana, Aquilano Rimondi, Balmain

The Tourists: NYC

For the past couple of days, my mom and I have been playing tourist in New York City.  Here’s what we’ve been up to…

Friday we walked a few blocks from our hotel to Lincoln Center, home of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, to see the fashionable arrive and depart the ongoing shows.  We talked to an Australian girl with awesome tights but there wasn’t much else going on at the time.  Then we ventured to Century 21.  If you’re not familiar with this haven, please add it to your To Shop list next time you’re in New York.  It has designer clothes and shoes at up to 80% off.  It’s where I got my first pairs of Manolo Blahnik and Valentino shoes in September.  (Expect to see a post about these glorious acquisitions in the future.)  I didn’t get anything THAT spectacular this time but I did get a beautiful taupe dress from MICHAEL by Michael Kors and a taupe tank with a black Peter Pan collar and buttons.  At the moment, I have a thing for taupe/tan and black.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – Photo courtesy of Business Insider

Then we ate at P.J. Clarke’s across from Lincoln Center, a casual, but upscale pub with a good selection and great service.  Their French onion soup is one of the best I’ve had.  And I love me some FOS.  Afterward we REALLY turned up the tourist notch by taking a cab to meet my mom’s cousin, George, at TKTS at Times Square to get tickets to a Broadway production.  After hesitantly agreeing to see “Other Desert Cities” with Stockard Channing we walked to Macy’s.

My parents watched a special about Macy’s and were fascinated to discover that some of the original wood escalators are still in use today.  Riding these historical escalators was the highlight of the trip thus far, according to my mother.

Times Square

Mom on Macy’s escalators

After I regained composure from all the excitement from Macy’s escalators, we walked to the Shake Shack for a light dinner before the show.  Mom and I shared a ‘Shroom Burger.  Delicious.  “Was there a Portobello mushroom in it?” mom asked.  There was too much Muenster and Cheddar cheese to tell.

On our way to the show I dashed inside Forever 21 for what I thought was a quick look at the store I know and love.  But this location has four floors!  FOUR floors of trendy, cheap clothing and I hadn’t even seen some of the items before.  I grabbed a frilly blue & white polka-dotted wrap dress, two sheer fishtail skirts in pink and black and a shiny black pleated tower maxi-dress.  Expect to see these in posts this summer.

We ended our night in one of the best ways possible in the Big Apple… at a Broadway production.  “Other Desert Cities” was the first non-musical that I had seen in New York.  It was exceptional.  I was looking forward to seeing Stockard Channing.  Yes, the actress who portrayed Rizzo, the bad ass Pink Lady in Grease.  But more importantly to me, she was Aunt Frances Owens in Practical Magic, my favorite movie.  But I wasn’t sure about the play.

The Booth Theatre is small, intimate and there can’t be a bad seat in the house.  Much to my delight, Rachel Griffiths, from Brothers and Sisters, appeared on stage along with Channing.  I laughed.  I cried.  I felt what they felt.  Exceptional.  Following the standing ovation, we waited by the stage door for the actors to exit.  Mom and I were ecstatic to meet and get the autographs of Stockard Channing, Rachel Griffiths, Judith Light and Justin Kirk.

Stockard Channing & I

Rachel Griffiths

The autographed playbill

Saturday we traveled to Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christie’s auction house, which was unfortunately closed.  Guess we’ll have to plan another trip to NYC, mom.  We watched the ice skaters and stopped in the stores of NBC, Lego, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Girl.  Check out my new shirt from NBC.

Rockefeller Center

The Lego Store

Call me Kelly

Then we went to Soho, known for its trendy shops and art galleries.  We ate at the Broome Street Bar at the recommendation of a man on the street, where we tried their famous hamburger in a pita.  It was very tasty.  On our walk through the hip neighborhood I spotted Topshop,the super trendy and fantastic British store, which also had four stories.  (FOUR!)  I’ve visited topshop.com but it was my first time in an actual store, as there are only two in the states.  It reminded me of a more upscale Forever 21 (forgive me for loving that damn store even though I am clearly not forever 21) but several pieces were more unique and better designed.  They are known for recreating designer pieces.  I ended up with a pair of very dangly gold Grecian earrings, perfect for my shoot on Monday.  TopShop is my new love.  We also visited Amarcord Vintage Fashion, which was on my To Shop list for its collection of European vintage clothing and accessories from the 1940s to the 1980s.  It had several beautiful and interesting pieces from Christian Dior, Versace and Gucci, to name a few.  I only lusted.

Broome Street Bar’s chalkboard walls

Broome Street Bar

Mom’s burger

In the subway

Exhausted from our two days of being tourists, we made the long trek back to the Hudson Hotel to rest up for Sunday, the day of the Derek Lam show.  The show was amazing.  Details to come…  Thank you for following along on my adventures.

My new earrings from Topshop and a sneak peak of what I wore to the Derek Lam show

The It List: 2012 SAG Awards

Love Lace

Lace, as a trend, has evolved over the past few years but has stayed mainstream among all types of well-dressed ladies, including actresses walking the red carpet.  So it’s refreshing to see Michelle Williams wear the dainty fabric as a unique detail on a dress with a modern cut.  Expect the novel trend factor to wear off, but such an elegant look will always be “in.”

Michelle Williams in Valentino and Roger Vivier shoes - Photo courtesy of Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

Off the Rack Option

The oversized lace pattern, irregular V-neck hem and full skirt on the first option and the lace back and high collar on the second choice, set these lace numbers apart from the rest.

JS Collections at Dillard's

Body Central

Bold and Blue

Shades of cobalt graced the SAG Awards and is quickly becoming my favorite color of the moment.

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein Collection - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images

Diane Lane in David Meister - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images

Jane Lynch in David Meister Signature - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

When selecting a cobalt dress, look for a vibrant blue that really pops, like this one:

Caché

All That Jazz

I am so excited that fashion powerhouses like Badgley Mischka, Gucci, Christian Dior, Chloé…  are reveling in the roaring 1920s!  Now we can all pretend we’re living The Great Gatsby.

Ashlee Simpson in Jenny Packham - Photo courtesy of Getty

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Couture - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-/Getty Images

Shailene Woodley in L’Wren Scott - Photo courtesy of Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images

Bérénice Bejo in Ralph Lauren Collection - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

While fashion from the twenties is the next big revival, there aren’t many options available off the rack just yet.  I did find this blush pink gown from Caché.  Search for loose-fitting pieces with beaded embellishments and drop-waists.  Until then, try a flapper headband, like this one from BaroqueAndRoll on Etsy.

Caché

BaroqueAndRoll

Berry Sweet

Shades of berry were oh, so pretty on the red carpet.

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa with Lorraine Schwartz jewels and a Thale Blanc clutch - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Julie Bowen in Temperley London - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera - Photo courtesy of Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

Express Ombre Stripe Bandage Dress

Pretty in Pale

Gowns (and a jumpsuit) in pale colors of white, silver and other pastels did NOT pale in comparison, but rather stood out as an elegant sigh of relief.

Kelly Osbourne in Badgley Mischka - Photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison-Getty Images

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab Haute Couture - Photo courtesy of Kyle Rover/Startraksphotocom

Lea Michele in Atelier Versace with Casadei shoes - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

Judy Greer in Collette Dinnigan - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji with Irene Neuwirth jewels - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

Jason Wu for Target

Windsor

Greek Goddess

We’ve been seeing more Grecian gowns lately, from the ladies below and also on Vanessa Hudgens at a recent movie premiere.  Who doesn’t enjoy feeling like a goddess?

Viola Davis in Marchesa by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Tilda Swinton in Lanvin - Photo courtesty of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

Grecian style, which gained popularity in 2009, is characterized by one shoulder strap, flowing fabric and draping.

Jennifer Lopez at Kohl's

Caché

Cut It Out

What’s sexier than upexpected peeks of skin on unusual places?  Mrs. Bacon used her cut-out dress to flaunt a family tattoo.

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

Amber Heard in Zac Posen - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

Off the Rack Option

BCBGeneration at Macy's

White On Black

The classic white and black combo was represented with a white top and black bottom on the ladies below, as well as Kate Winslet at the Golden Globes.

Emilia Clarke in Chanel - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Maya Rudolph in Naeem Khan - Photo courtesy of Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Paz Vega in Carolina Herrera with Bulgari clutch and jewels - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Off the Rack Option

White House/Black Market

I also must mention…

Emma Stone – She does no wrong.  I adore her Victorian-inspired Alexander McQueen dress with a matching custom-made clutch.  It’s covered with the same black lace as her dress and the knuckle handle is embellished with the iconic McQueen skull and two unicorns.  I covet a McQueen clutch, but as a fan of unicorns, I especially want this masterpiece.

Lucky me found a similar clutch with an emellished knuckle handle at T.J. Maxx.  I wore it with the navy lace dress to the auto show preview.

Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen - Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt-Getty Images

Glenn Close – While I’m not sure how I feel about this sexy corset dress on Glenn Close, I would love to wear it myself.

Glenn Close in Zac Posen - Photo courtesy of Steve Granitz/WireImage

And a little rock & roll at 2012 Golden Globes

Old Hollywood glamour met a little rock & roll on Sunday, January 15 at the 2012 Golden Globes. The display of elegant red carpet gowns in pale shades of nude, grey and white was punctuated by bursts of red, dramatic cutouts and shimmering fabric and details.  Below are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Salma Hayek shined in Gucci.  Her look was inspired by the 1920’s art deco patterns and architectural shapes.  Hayek’s long, loose curls softened the edges of the strapless bustier and column skirt.  I think art deco style is the cat’s meow and I look forward to seeing more of the twenties coming back from geometric designs and drop-waists to pleats, fringe, beading and headwear.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Emma Stone rocked a plum Lanvin gown with raspberry side panels.  The flowing dress with a plunging V neckline and embellished shoulders was cinched at the waist by a leather belt with a crystal eagle.  I couldn’t put it any better than the people at the Red Carpet Fashion Awards – “Very Harley-Davidson meets Aphrodite” – and I adored the juxtaposition.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Sofia Vergara of Modern Family flaunted her hourglass figure in a peacock blue Vera Wang custom-made gown.  The swirling mermaid skirt further accentuated her curves and her long hair worn straight to one side kept it sultry by balancing the elaborate dress.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Nicole Kidman glowed in a studded grey Versace dress that hugged her statuesque form.  I really liked how the gold studs matched the color of her long, loose curls and added some rock & roll to her typical elegant style.  I found her selection interesting because the gold studs have appeared on Versace’s women and men’s Spring runways and in the recent collaboration with H&M, so I’m expecting to see studs everywhere.  Bring on the rock & roll!

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Angelina Jolie was absolutely stunning in a white Atelier Versace gown.  The structured bodice, which fit her perfectly, was topped with an asymmetrical collar folded down to reveal a shocking red.  The satin skirt gathered at one hip above a thigh high slit.  Her Christian Louboutin satin clutch and full lips were the same bold red as the collar.  Her hair was pulled back in a simple bun to showcase her beautiful face.  Absolutely stunning.

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

I have to admit that I have a girl crush on Evan Rachel Wood.  I think she is beautiful and genuine and I’ve heard that she knows how to have fun.  My kind of girl.  I also have a thing for peacocks.  So while it might not be everybody’s cup of tea, I was fascinated by her Gucci Première gown.  From the top, the dress began with a sheer halter neckline with a deep V cut and a scattering of paillettes that become denser and overlap like fish scales. The glittering pieces grow larger through her hips and thighs and then turn to ostrich plumes covering the full skirt.  The shimmering green and teal masterpiece is mesmerizing, however Wood manages to wear the dress and not let the dress wear her by letting her confidence and grace shine through.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Supermodel Elle Macpherson was stunning in a Zac Posen gown with a mermaid train.  Her bold diamond encrusted bangles and long, loose curls added even more drama.  I’m still trying to figure out how she looks younger than ever…

Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Charlize Theron romanced in a blush Dior Haute Couture gown.  The deep V-neckline, wavy hair and embellished headband was reminiscent of a 1920s flapper.  The plunging neckline and high slit gave the glamorous look vavoom without giving away too much. I adore this romantic dress on Theron, who is a spokesperson for Dior.

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Helen Mirren was gorgeous in a navy Badgley Mischka dress.  She accessorized the wrap top and ruffled petal skirt with a jeweled belt and clutch.  Again, I’m wondering how she manages to look so young!

Photo by Steve Granitz

Amber Riley, the diva of Glee, flaunted her figure in a sexy red number from Badgley Mischka.  She looks terrific in this simple shape with a sweetheart neckline and frills.  And while I think her hair looks great, I wonder what she would look like with it pulled up.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage

Sara Hyland of Modern Family looked darling in a vintage Dolce & Gabbana nude lace dress with a black lace sash and side swept hair.

Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage

Kim Kardashian, who did not attend the Golden Globes, although she has been working on her acting skills on her “reality” show, went old Hollywood glam at the after party in a Bruce Oldfield gown and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.  As a fan of 50s inspired glamour I was pleased that she complemented the black lace number with wavy hair and red lips.