June 7, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 CFDA Awards (Part 1)

I have to start off by congratulating my favorite men in fashion, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, for winning Womenswear Designer of the Year. Plus, I am so extremely happy for Prabal Gurung for winning the Swarovski Award for Womenswear. He’s really made a name for himself in the last few years and I’m so excited to see what he does next. Click here to see the full list of nominees and winners.

With any awards event comes a red carpet (I actually think it was purple at this specific one but let’s not be too picky here) and with any major red carpet event comes my fashion commentary. See who was wearing who last night at the 2011 CFDA Awards.

Whitney Port in Pamella Roland

It’s not a WOW dress but Whitney does look pretty here. Minimal accessories with a pretty standard one shoulder white gown. My main concern is her hair color. Is it yellow? At least it’s adding some color to this outfit.

Shenae Grimes in Rebecca Taylor

Wayyyy too many dark elements hair. Between the hair, pants and the shoes, this outfit is CRAVING some color…or at least a metallic accessory. And besides that, it just looks like she tucked lingerie into harem pants. Which brings me to my next point…why is she at the CFDA Awards?

Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein

Short gold dress with nude shoes…standard. However, for being so standard I really do love the liquid effect of the dress. Why is no one embracing color for this major fashion event?

Miranda Kerr in Michael Kors

Finally, something a little interesting. I actually love the dress…only a model could pull off cut-out sides. I appreciate the use of accessories but with the severe cuffs and matching belt, it’s just a little much.

Lucy Liu in Monique Lhuillier

You always know what you’re going to get with Monique Lhuillier, and it’s this dress in some way shape or form. Already bored.

Liv Tyler in Proenza Schouler (pictured with the designers)

FINALLY…some color! Not just saying this because I live for anything Proenza Schouler but Liv really does looks great here. I appreciate someone going for a different look at this event and I’m loving those shoes paired with the dress.

Leigh Lezark in Helmut Lang

I want to like this because I love Leigh Lezark (and I usually love her style) but the harsh bangs with the black shoes and matching black purse is just not right for this dress. A contrast color shoe or even a nude shoe would have been a better option. The dress is mustard. Everything else is black. Not my favorite color combo.

Lady Gaga in Mugler

It’s Gaga. Need I say more?

Kirsten Dunst Patrick Ervell

It takes A LOT for me to give props to a pantsuit. I almost always despise pantsuits. This is one of the many examples of me hating a pantsuit.

Kerry Washington in Calvin Klein

I know it’s the shape of the dress but overall this just seems ill fitting. She’s a skinny girl and this dress is just not very flattering. It was a good attempt though.

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Who were your favorites at the CFDA Awards? Let me know in the comments section below. And be looking out for part 2 coming soon!

Photos: Tom & Lorenzo, The Cut

June 6, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 MTV Movie Awards

The MTV Movie awards were last night. Overall, they were less painful than I expected. Jason Sudeikis was pretty funny, the fashion was subpar and the backdrop on stage really confused me, but I didn’t mind that 2 hours of my life so I can’t complain.

Let’s get to the stuff that really matters…the red carpet of course.

Amanda Bynes in Hervé Léger

Man did I LOVE Amanda Bynes in her All That days. However, I am so not loving her now…in this getup. I’m all for a bold shoe but these have no business being paired with this dress. I hope this is not the work of a stylist because if it is, they should probably consider another profession.

Brooklyn Decker in No. 21

Short sequin dress and plain black pumps. Boring. Standard.

Elle Faning in Dolce & Gabbana

I like the individual elements and I’m all for mixing prints but I’m just not feeling this. And although this is not the most formal award show, I still find this outfit a little casual for the occasion.

Emma Watson in Marchesa

A little simple for my taste, but she looks really great here. These types of award shows tend to bring out the “trashy” when it comes to celeb style but Emma looks classic and chic here. So refreshing to see a look I don’t hate.

Hailee Steinfeld in Louis Vuitton

She’s been on a great red carpet streak since the SAG awards, but unfortunately….all good things must come to an end. She’s SO adorable and so young…why would she even think about wearing a pantsuit? AND it’s June. Nothing about this outfit says Spring/Summer…nor does it say “I’m 14.”

Jessica Szohr in Alice & Olivia

I never really cared for her story lines in Gossip Girl, nor do I care for this jumpsuit.

Kristen Stewart in Balmain

Let’s start off with this positive…she doesn’t look miserable. So I feel bad dissing her outfit. But let’s be honest…it’s a too-short dress with safety pins. Erica Domesek of PS I Made This could have actually made this. And pointy black pumps? Nine West circa 2006.

Leighton Meester in Balmain

I always want to like her red carpet looks, but I never really do. To be honest, this could have been much worse but I just can’t stop thinking of the JLo disco ball dress (I know there’s many but I mean this one).

Nikki Reed in Heather

I’ve never seen or read Twilight but this looks like Twilight.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Dolce & Gabbana

I’m not the biggest fan of animal print and those shoes look like flat thong sandals at a glance…but overall it’s not terrible. She’s gorgeous so it’s hard for her to look bad, but at the same time…she’s gorgeous so she could have definitely done better.

Selena Gomez in Giambattista Valli

She dresses very sophisticated for her age but I don’t hate it. This is actually a more complex than she usually wears. The overall look is pretty standard though. But of course…she looks gorgeous.

Emma Stone in Bottega Veneta

Let me start off by saying…thank goodness she’s back to this hair color (was not feeling the blonde). Let’s move on by CONGRATULATING EMMA…for not only winning some award in a category I can’t remember (and was probably not that important to begin with) but for being the BEST DRESSED OF THE NIGHT. I absolutely love this dress, and even more on her. Perfect bag. Perfect shoes. Overall perfection!

Mila Kunis in Balmain

If you didn’t watch the awards show, this photo may or may not confuse you. Either way, Mila is yet another celeb wearing Balmain…and unfortunately another miss for me. It’s not that I hate the outfit, because I don’t, but it’s just another “going out” outfit. If you’re going to attend an awards show, especially if you’re presenting, you should try a little harder (even if it’s just MTV).

Photos: Tom & Lorenzo, Just Jared

May 27, 2011

The Chicago Sidewalk Sale

This July, the largest free shopping event returns to Daley Plaza…The Chicago Sidewalk sale! This year, there are over 40 participants showcasing all types of clothing and accessories, for both men and women. Regardless of style or budget, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s a list of the local designers and independent boutiques that will be participating in the sidewalk sale this year:

Sandra Adams and her textile art apparel line The Nature of Things ($80-$400)
Sharon Boucher and her line of eponymous classic blouses ($100-$200)
Sherri Bourdage and her contemporary jewelry line Bourdage Pearls ($18-$500)
Brandon Breaux and his t-shirt brand End Wealth Corp. ($20-$35)
Rachel Brooks with contemporary men’s accessories line The Style Cooperative ($20-$115)
Tiffany Bullock with South Loop footwear boutique House of Sole ($35-100)
Brynn Capella and her namesake Italian leather and fabric handbags ($20-$400)
Jessica Constable and her creative jewelry line Jess LC ($18-$120)
Brooke Costello and her line of accessories created from recycled neckties, Tongue Tied ($20-$168)
Kate Coxworth and her tailored women’s wear line Kate Boggiano ($16-$350)
Leah Fagan and her style and sustainable women’s apparel line Alidade ($75-$130)
Julia Failey and her eponymous line of eco-friendly and reclaimed jewelry ($50-$450)
Aaron Firestein and Raaja Nemani’s socially conscious and limited edition footwear line, BucketFeet ($60-$75)
Lynne Barnett with upscale Lincoln Park apparel and accessories boutique Panache ($10-$500)
Kirsten Goede and her sparkle-filled jewelry line Objets d’Envy ($25-$350)
Tracey Glibowski with the Lakeview boutique dedicated to local fashion, Cerato ($45-$385)
Michelle and Melissa Gomez with Wicker Park’s one-stop-shop M.GO Fashion ($25-$89)
Julie Grabowski with contemporary accessories boutique Eulita ($5-$150)
Anna Hovet and her namesake contemporary women’s wear line ($25-$179)
Katie Johansson and her handcrafted jewelry line Dollybird Designs ($25-$300)
Eun Hee Kim and her children’s apparel and accessories line Sam and Coop ($25-$50)
Claudia Kleiner with her trendy Bucktown and Block 37 boutique Malabar Collection ($40-$350)
Marco Lopez with hand printed tees and accessories from Black Market Caviar ($10-$50)
Priscilla Lopez and her active wear line Peachy Tan ($5-$25)
Christy Lucius and her handmade sterling silver jewelry line Lucius Jewelry ($25-$150)
Annie Mauhopt and her locally made eco-friendly sandal line Mohop ($142-$188)
Agnes Miles and her vintage inspired accessories line Love, Lulu Mae ($45-$400)
Thomas Mui and his line of locally inspired tee shirts Tom & John’s Chocolate Factory ($25-$30)
Jenny Pfanenstiel and her one-of-a-kind hats line Forme Millinery ($30-$150)
Pilar Reed with her worldly and vintage-inspired jewelry line Kreative Soul ($10-$150)
Law Roach with Pilsen’s pre-eminent vintage fashion boutique Deliciously Vintage ($12-$200)
Andrew Rueve with his unique milliefiorri jewelry line She Beads ($25-$250)
Lisa Schaefer and her eco-friendly handbag line whether bags ($42-$130)
Jules Schwanbeck and her hand fabricated artisan jewelry line jules. ($50-$450)
Greg Shugar and his handmade silk, wool and cotton necktie line The Tie Bar ($15-20)
Susanne Siegel and her namesake travel inspired jewelry line ($50-$500)
Michelle Tan with her eponymous deconstruction and detailed women’s clothing line ($29 to $500)
Lesley Timpe with her carefully crafted clothing and hat line Squasht by Les ($28-$148)
Helen Tsatos and her vintage inspired jewelry line Rock Candy by Helen ($15-$300)
Lidia Wachowska and her playful yet classic women’s wear line Evil Kitty ($22-$350)
Chiquita White with her stylish West Loop women’s clothing and accessories Kiwi Boutique ($20-$100)

The Chicago Sidewalk Sale is from 9am to 3pm on July 19 and 20 at Daley Plaza. In addition to the shopping, a summer-inspired runway show will take place at 12 pm on both days featuring the latest styles from the participating fashion talent.

Hope to see you there!

May 24, 2011

Chicago Street Style Scene at Kokorokoko

Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style Scene is hosting a sweet event at Kokorokoko this Thursday, May 26. She’ll be showing a selection of her street style photos from her blog and creating a custom window display at Kokorokoko. How awesome?! You can meet Amy, enjoy refreshments, and take advantage of an exclusive 25% off store merchandise.

Can’t make it? Be sure to stop by the Kokorokoko within the next two weeks because Amy’s street style photos and display will still be up during store hours (Monday-Saturday 12-8 and Sundays 12-6).

Location: Kokorokoko, 1112 N. Ashland Ave
Date: Thursday, May 26
Time: 5-9pm

May 24, 2011

Cee Lo at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama

One of my first major events as a blogger was attending Macy’s Presents Glamorama last summer. It was such a fun event…and it looks like it’s going to be even bigger and better this year. It was just announced that Cee Lo Green and Far East Movement will be performing at the event on Friday, August 12 at the Chicago Theatre.

This year’s theme for Glamorama is ARTRAGEOUS, where attendees can view looks from top designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Sonia Rykiel and more. The best part? The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland^® and Northwest Indiana.

Planning on attending? Be sure to get your tickets early! They’re available at www.ronaldhousechicago.org and will be availble June 8th at www.thechicagotheatre.com or by calling Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000.