February 24, 2011

Chicago in New York: Chicago Streetstyle At New York Fashion Week

My good friend Amy Creyer of Chicago Streetstyle Scene recently flew out to New York to take photos during New York Fashion Week. I could not stop stalking her photos while she was there so I definitely had to get the low-down once she returned.

Amy’s been super busy planning her event at Cynthia Rowley tonight but she was nice enough to share what I was dying to know about her NYFW experience. I promise it’s worth the read…enjoy!

Describe your overall first New York Fashion Week experience…

My first New York Fashion Week was in one word–magical. I got to snap a street style photograph of my absolute favorite celebrity stylist, Brad Goreski (formerly of the Rachel Zoe Project). I ran into him the next day and he invited me to his super-exclusive Fashion Force party inside the Lincoln Center tents at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge. Other attendees included Andrew Mukamal, Annabet Duvall, and Vanessa Hudgens. I also had the opportunity to work alongside a few of my favorite New York street style photographers; Eddie Newton of Mr. Newton, Phil Oh of Street Peeper, and Adam Sinding of 21eme Arrondissement. The people I had the opportunity to photograph was insane too; Lindsey Wixson, Hamish Bowles, and Iman were a few of the fashion icons I captured street style images of.

Brad Goreski


What was the highlight of your week?

The highlight of my week was attending the Independent Fashion Bloggers Evolving Influence Conference where I got to meet Proenza Schouler designer Lazaro Hernandez. He is amazing and I am more committed to their brand than ever after getting to meet them in person. Along with partner Jack McCullough, Lazaro gave the keynote speech at the conference. The designers discussed the role of blogging in fashion, how they use street style blogs for inspiration when designing, and how the first fashion blog they ever discovered was Oak Park teenager Tavi Gevinson’s Style Rookie. I had the opportunity to meet Tavi outside of the conference at Milk Studios and snapped a street style photograph of her.
 

Amy Creyer of Chicago Streetstyle Scene with Proenza Schouler designer Lazaro Hernandez

What was your favorite photo you took during New York Fashion Week?

My favorite photo I took during NYFW was the photograph of Iman and June Ambrose in the plaza at Lincoln Center. I love the composition, the lighting, and the movement of the subjects. I very rarely photograph kinetic motion because it’s much trickier than capturing a posed figure, so I am beyond pleased at how well this photograph turned out.


What were people’s reactions to Chicago street style? Were they surprised to see a Chicago street style photographer in NYC?

People still have misconceptions about Chicago fashion as being boring or mall-brand centered. As a Chicago street style photographer, one of my main goals is to change the way people think about Chicago fashion by publishing photographs of stylish Chicagoans on my website. It’s frustrating to have to constantly battle this stereotype, but I think we’re slowly winning the war.
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Don’t forget to check out Amy’s blog www.chicagostreetstyle.com to see all of her amazing photos from New York Fashion Week and of course her snaps of stylish Chicagoans.
All photos taken from Chicago Streetstyle Scene
February 14, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 Grammys (Part 2)

If you haven’t yet, check out part 1 of my red carpet commentary from last night’s Grammy Awards.

And now it’s time for part 2…

Julianne Hough in Malandrino

Standard Malandrino silhouette. Love the print. She looks gorgeous. But I expect something a little more “amped up” for the Grammys red carpet.  I also still can’t get over her dating Ryan Seacrest.

 

Katy Perry in Giorgio Armani

Katy, didn’t anyone tell you the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was in December? You’re a few months too late…

 

Kelly Osbourne in Tadashi Shoji

I wanted to like this because I’ve really been loving Kelly Osbourne lately but that color purple, with ruffles, and a ribbon tie at the waist is just too “high school dance” for me. I think she looks gorgeous but I just don’t love the dress in that color.

 

Kim Kardashian in Kaufman Franco

Legs. Boobs. Sequins. Makeup. It’s a little “showgirly” for me but it’s Kim Kardashian…do we expect anything less?

 

Lea Michele in Emilio Pucci

Lea Michele would have to do something fashionably offensive for me to hate on her look. I would have liked a bolder shoe here but I love the cut of the dress, especially the detail at the waist, and I love that sultry berry color lipgloss. Wish they showed more of her on the Grammys red carpet.

 

Miley Cyrus in Roberto Cavalli

Whoever said that too long of extensions were in? (see Jennifer Lopez ) The dress looks tacky, there’s side boob, there are wayyyyy too many bracelets and it’s wayyyyyy too much with that sparkly dress. And pardon me for being bitchy, but it definitely looks like Miley’s been getting the late night munchies if you catch my drift…

 

Nicki Minaj in Givenchy

The next Gaga. Meaning…she can do no wrong.

 

Nicole Kidman in Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 Couture

Not the biggest Nicole Kidman fan and I probably would have hated this dress on anyone else but the colors, the fit and the silhouette totally work for her. I hate to say it but I really don’t find anything wrong with this look.

 

Rihanna in Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 Couture

Probably one of the riskiest dresses you could wear on the red carpet (which is why I had to provide a side shot as well), Rihanna pulls it off well. What can I say? It literally hits her in the “right spots” to hide what needs to be hidden, and her stylist definitely provided her with the perfect undergarments for this specific dress. A lot of people hated her hair mostly. I kind of loved it though. This dress on this girl at this event…totally works.

 

Selena Gomez in J. Mendel

Pretty dress on a pretty girl. I’d like to see her do something a little edgier or fashion forward for the red carpet. She’s young, she’s gorgeous so why not? But if it’s not her thing, I wouldn’t push it. That’s the type of stuff that sends you to rehab… (cue Lindsay Lohan jokes)

 

Well that’s all for now. Let me know who your best dressed (or worst dressed) picks were for the Grammys. Until next time!

 

Photos from Us Magazine, Just Jared & Huffington Post

 

February 14, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 Grammys (Part 1)

I watched an hour of pre red carpet coverage, 2 hours of [somewhat painful] red carpet coverage and 3 and a half hours of the Grammys [which I enjoy enjoyed 20-30 minutes of] just to admire the fashion in order to prepare myself for this day. And this day is judgment day…so here we go!

Amber Riley in Ema Savahl

This is difficult because I love her, I love the dress, and I think the shoulder ornament attached to the necklace is genius. However, I hate all of this together. I know it’s the Grammys but it’s just too much.

Ciara in Emilio Pucci Spring 2011 RTW

Although I thought this was Beyonce at first glance (maybe because I hadn’t put my glasses on yet) I did recognize almost immediately that this was look 2 from Emilio Pucci Spring 2011 RTW.  I loved this dress on the runway, I do love it on her but I do wish the hair was either shorter or in a funky updo.

 

Dianna Agron in Vivienne Westwood Gold Label

I do appreciate her trying to “edge it up” and really separate her character on Glee with who she really is, but she ultimately failed because she looks like Quinn desperately trying to be edgy. Black dress, black shoes, black bag, black nail polish, black earrings AND a smoky eye…it’s just all wrong.

 

Eva Longorio in Ashi

I can’t decide on this one. First of all, her legs look AMAZING and then I just get distracted. I love the skirt portion of the dress but I wish the top part wasn’t as ruffled but instead, more fitted. It’s all about proportion (especially when you’re petite like her) and the proportions here are just a little off. But hey, it’s Eva Longoria and she’s always gorgeous.

 

Florence Welch in Givenchy Couture Spring 2011

This dress is so her. It’s probably why Kelly Osbourne picked it for her to wear on the pre red carpet edition of Fashion Police, and I’m glad it worked out because I love this on her. This was a stunning collection and I kind of wish Florence wore one of the avant garde head pieces shown with these dresses. That would have left people quite confused, but I can dream though right? Oh FYI I hated the hair…you can’t let your hair air dry straight out of the shower and put on Givenchy Couture. Sorry.

 

Hayley Williams in Jeremy Scott

I think she’s part of some band I don’t listen to however I do appreciate some Jeremy Scott on the red carpet. His collections are always avant garde and always interesting and intriguing so I can’t totally hate on this dress. Judging solely based on the striking red hair, I can see this dress fits her personality so I think it works here. It’s the Grammys, you’re allowed to have fun (unlike the Oscars)…

 

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

I love this dress (even with the “mullet” hemline”) and I think she looks absolutely stunning. The shoes are great, the jewelry is perfect but like Ciara, I am just not loving that center-part, overly flat ironed hair. Otherwise, I have nothing else to say but GORGEOUS! (and I think I might start Weight Watchers)

 

Jennifer Lopez in Emilio Pucci

I am biased because I am not the biggest JLo fan. A lot of people loved this look last night and it appears to be great at a glance, but when you break it down it’s not so great. The dress is amazing, the shoe are out of control (in a good way) and the bag is gorgeous, but it is just way too much silver on one person. The bad hair extensions are also way too Miley Cyrus and I am definitely hating on the hair.

 

Jewel in Pamella Roland

I normally wouldn’t like this dress on anyone else but Jewel seems like a down to earth woman who isn’t all flashy, so I think this look works for her. She’s pregnant and it’s not easy to find a flattering dress when you’re expecting so this totally works. The jewelry, makeup and hair are all spot-on too.

 

Jordin Sparks in Zang Toi

I saw her on the red carpet before I had my glasses on and all I could think of is “What is this large red thing appearing before my very eyes?” I put my glasses on and saw it was Jordin Sparks in an ill-fitting prom dress circa 2003.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for part 2…coming soon!

Photos from Us Magazine & Just Jared

 

February 3, 2011

Diane Kruger Graces the March cover of Glamour

A sneak peak at the March issue of Glamour magazine with cover girl Diane Kruger.

Photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth in New York City, Diane graces the cover in a Chanel jacket, Daryl K T-shirt, J Brand shorts and Chanel Fine Jewelry necklace.

 

Here’s a sneak peak at the editorial spread and exclusive interview…

Jacket, shirt, pants, Balmain; earrings, ring, Pomellato Tango Collection; scarf, Collection 18.

Blazer, Stella McCartney; bra top, Viktor & Rolf; pants, Theyskens’ Theory; earrings, necklace, Chanel Fine Jewelry; belt, Linea Pelle Collection; shoes, Christian Louboutin.

Jacket, shirt, pants, Balmain; earrings, ring, Pomellato Tango Collection; scarf, Collection 18.


Sweater, Isabel Marant; shirt, Band of Outsiders; skirt, Giambattista Valli;cuff, H.Stern; belt, H&M; shoes, Walter Steiger.

 

On her love of fashion…
“I truly, genuinely like clothes. Making them is an art form, and wearing them is a form of self-expression. I find it very emotional because I can remember moments in my life—my mood, how I felt—through these clothes.”

On what her favorite look is…
“A well-cut dress. It’s all about the cut. I love three-quarter sleeves. I definitely like it classic; less is more. The thing I despise most is vulgarity, and there’s a lot of that here [in L.A.].”

On her biggest fashion splurge…
“The biggest fashion purchase I ever made I thought about for six years. I’m not kidding. All my life I wanted to own an Hermès Constance bag, and when I signed with Calvin Klein, I decided this was the time that I could afford it. I truly broke a sweat when I paid for it.”

On her boyfriend Joshua Jackson and his style…
“We go shopping. But he likes it. I definitely wasn’t fond of these blue sneakers that he wore all the time for about a year and a half.”

On realizing she wanted to pursue performing as a career…
“I’m from a small village [in Germany], and it never occurred to me that you could actually make a living performing. It was a hobby. I always thought you had to live in Hollywood. So the urge really came later, when I became a model.”

On marrying and divorcing when she was younger…
“Without sounding pessimistic, I learned that I don’t believe in marriage. I believe in a commitment that you make in your heart. There’s no paper that will make you stay.”

Her advice to young women pursuing their dreams…
“Ask questions. Surround yourself with people who will help you advance. You should be smart enough to know that you don’t know everything. But you have to believe in yourself. I certainly do.”

 

Don’t forget to pick up the March issue of Glamour magazine. Available on newsstands and digitally (iPad, iPhone, iTouch and the Barnes & Noble Nook Color) February 8.

Photos courtesy of Glamour

January 31, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 SAG Awards (Part 2)

If you haven’t yet, please see part 1 of the SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion. If you have, let’s continue with the best and the worst…

 

Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011

It is very difficult to pull off hot pink and black without looking too Avril Lavigne. Unfortunately, I don’t think this was styled right. A metallic belt of some sort would have been a better choice (as seen on the original model ) and then maybe the shoes would have worked. But in this situation, I hate the shoes. Overall, not my favorite of the night.

 

Julie Bowen in Catherine Malandrino

I applaud her for taking a risk and doing pants on the red carpet. She actually looks great and her body is perfect for this outfit. However, the details are what makes me not love the outfit. I am usually against clear jewels and black together (very Jessica McClintock circa 2002) so I am not loving the jeweled detail at the shoulders…I would have liked it better in gold. This outfit could use some color as well but I’m just being picky. She’s working those pants and I’m not hating it!

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Has she ever been on my worst dressed list? I don’t think so. I loved this dress on the runway and I love it on her. The belt is the perfect way to subtly dress it down. The hair is done but with a little beachy feel to it. Her body looks amazing in this and its overall perfection. She always does it right!

 

Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

First off, I love seeing Alexander McQueen on the red carpet. Some of the designs can be risky for certain occasions but I always appreciate a fashion risk taker. However, this dress was on the safer side (as far as a McQueen) but it’s perfect for this event. Her hair looks flawless (I actually wish for my hair to look like this on a daily basis) and she just looks AMAZING. The belt was not shown on the original model and I’m actually kind of loving it with the belt. Belts were big for the SAGs this year…have you noticed?

 

Natalie Portman in Azzaro Spring 2010

Not a store bought cake  (see my commentary from the Golden Globes) so that’s a step in the right direction. I’m not the biggest fan of black accessories with a white dress and I am definitely hating the hair. Regardless, she’s pregnant so I can’t be too picky and the dress is really beautiful.

 

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011

I actually really like this dress (especially the lace back) but I’m not loving the styling here. The hair is flat and drab. The necklace ruins the entire look for me. And I’m needing a few bracelets in the picture. It’s a good base for a look but just not executed well.

 

Rosario Dawson in J. Mendel

I applaud her (and/or her stylist) for the unconventional accessory pairings. I feel like we would normally see a nude shoe here so I appreciate the bronze peep toes. I also think the blue/green earrings are the perfect touch of color to this pastel dress. This is a simple dress styled right. Love it!

 

Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli

This is just okay for me. The good is that her body looks amazing (did you hear the E! camera guys loving on her?) but the bad is that it looks a little cheap to me. I love that color blue but I like it better when the carpet is not red. The two colors always clash (especially when the dress is long) and it’s something I can’t get passed. Overall, she looks stunning but the dress isn’t my favorite.

 

Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011

I think this is the best Tina Fey has EVER looked on the red carpet. I normally don’t even like red dresses but the texture of this one is absolutely beautiful and it makes her body look amazing. I don’t love the hair and I prefer a metallic bag with a red dress but those are just minor details. So happy she went with color!

 

Photo Credit

Feel free to share your best and worst dressed picks in the comments section below!