August 30, 2010

Red Carpet Fashion: Best Dressed at the 2010 Emmy Awards

What did you think of the Emmys last night? Did you agree with who won? Do you even care? Let’s get to the important part…the clothes. I like to celebrate who got it right (and who almost did) but we won’t dwell on any WTF moments. We can save that for E! Fashion Police tonight 🙂

And the nominees for best dressed…

Claire Danes in Armani Privé

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Normally, I am not one for simplicity. Although this dress may not seem simple due to the sequins and sparkle, it’s a simple color and silhouette therefore I deem it quite simple. However, I think she looks absolutely stunning. The gown fits her perfectly, her hair has a little something going on but not too much and her makeup is perfection. She could have gone a little more with the makeup, possibly a pop of color on the lip, but overall she had a great night and she totally rocked that dress.

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Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

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I know Lea has already had a black ODLR moment (see my Golden Globes post) but this one definitely tops it. It’s difficult to do black on the red carpet because the exquisite detailing of the gown doesn’t always show, but Lea totally rocked this look. Although I’m a huge fan of Oscar, his gowns can be a little “serious” which is why I love the playfulness and youthful look of her hair and makeup; it perfectly balances the entire look. Plus, how fabulous is that necklace? Bravo Lea/Lea’s stylist!

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Nina Dobrev in Zuhair Murad

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So most people know this chick from some vampire show I don’t watch and I just found out five minutes ago she’s not the teacher Dan was hooking up with on Gossip Girl. So basically I don’t really know who she is…but she’s gorgeous and that gown looks amazing on her. It’s a simple color with gorgeous detailing and I am obsessed with the neckline…it looks like a strapless top with a draped one shoulder and I absolutely love it. The hair and makeup is elegant and it brings the entire look together.

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Like I said before, I must give credit to those who almost made it but because I’m picky, I just cannot get myself to put them on the actual Best Dressed List. Maybe next year ladies…

Maria Menounos in a custom-made Ralph & Russo

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I wanted this to be best dressed so badly but I just couldn’t get myself to do it. I had to get a front and back shot of this one. This dress is custom made (with over 15,00 Swarovski crystals might I add) and don’t get me wrong, it is a gorgeous gown. BUT I do not like how the open back cuts into the front. I am all for an open back…it’s actually one of my favorite things to see on the red carpet…but I am not for side cut-outs in a dress and that’s the effect you get when looking at this gown from the front. That is the only complaint I have. Otherwise, it is a gorgeous dress and it fits her like a glove.

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January Jones in Versace

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There’s a lot of I have to say about this look. Let’s start off with the main reason why January gets into this post…I applaud her for taking a risk. This gown is a big risk for both silhouette AND color. The style kind of reminds me of the Atelier Versace gown Anne Hathaway wore to the premier of Rachel Getting Married…which I loved by the way (not the movie, the gown). The combination of the bold color AND the bold style (with the RED carpet) is just too much. I think this dress is more appropriate for editorial. The vibrant blue and the bright red of the carpet is a little to patriotic for me…all we need now is January waving a white flag.

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Well that’s enough out of me…how about you? Who were your best dressed picks at the Emmys? I would love to hear from you!

August 28, 2010

Dana Rebecca Designs

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If you read magazines or watch TV, you have most likely come across a Dana Rebecca design. Gracing the ears, hands and necks of celebrities like Blake Lively, Faith Hill, and Anne Hathaway (just to name a few), Dana Levy’s jewelry line, Dana Rebecca Designs, is a celeb favorite. Why wouldn’t it be? Have you seen her jewelry? It’s incredible!

It’s difficult to find fine jewelry that is still unique and fun, but Dana Levy has really found her niche. Using colored gemstones and genuine diamonds, Dana creates immaculate jewelry, including one-of-a-kind pieces that sell out almost immediately on her website.

A new technique Dana has discovered is carving. This isn’t your normal carved stone…it’s actually carved underneath to get the same design-effect with a smooth top. The result is gorgeous!

What’s so meaningful about Dana’s jewelry is that she draws inspiration from the people around her. She does not design a Fall and Spring collection like most designers. She truly creates pieces based on her friends and family by using their first and middle names to name each piece of jewelry.

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When I sat down to interview Dana, I was pleasantly surprised by how young she was. Graduating college only four years ago, she has built a very reputable business and designs stunning pieces created with thought and care. I couldn’t help but be extremely impressed! Being the successful entrepreneur she is, Dana is quite humble with her great accomplishments. When I asked her how she feels about major celebrities wearing her designs, she says she gets excited but she cannot dwell on it; her entrepreneurial spirit tells her to move onto the next. She also claims, “press is fun, but I still want the average person to want to buy my jewelry too.”

I asked Dana who she’s dying to see have a DRD moment on the red carpet. Blake Lively was her first response. She’s young, she’s gorgeous and she has great taste…it’s the perfect match! Blake has worn DRD on the set of Gossip Girl but still has yet to do so on the red carpet. Sandra Bullock is another celebrity Dana would like to see wear her designs. “I want relatable celebrities to wear my jewelry.” Dana claims. So does that mean Lindsay Lohan is out of the question? 🙂

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So how did Dana Levy from the ‘burbs of Chicago get to where she’s at today? Growing up with a father who has been in the jewelry manufacturing business her whole life, jewelry was in Dana’s blood. At age 15, Dana traveled to India with her father on a business trip. She was interrupting his meeting so he sent her out. She wandered into a store where she began creating her own jewelry, which is where she really found her passion. Before Dana Rebecca Designs came to be in ’07, people called her jewelry ITSADANA. When people would ask her friends and family who designed the jewelry they wore, they would respond, “it’s a Dana!” and it just stuck. After four years the University of Texas in Austin and 6 months at the Gemological Institute of America, Dana Rebecca Designs was born.

As for the “ChiCityFashion” question I must ask everyone…Why Chicago? Dana claims, “It’s my home.” And why blend in somewhere where there’s hundreds of jewelry designers trying to make it? It’s better to stand out than blend in, right? Right.

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For more information visit www.danarebeccadesigns.com. You can purchase her jewelry from the site as well.

Keep up with DRD on Twitter @DanaRebecca

DRD in Chicago/Chicago area:

Cy Frederics (Glenview)

Enaz (Highland Park & Northfield)

Frances Heffernan (Winnetka)

Marshall Pierce & Co (Chicago)

Sofia Vintage (Chicago)

**Please note that all photos not credited are courtesy of Dana Levy

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August 18, 2010

Runway Relief with Nine West

Fashion news to share today: Nine West is taking steps to raise funds and awareness for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer this New York Fashion Week.

Partnering with the CFDA, photographer Nigel Barker, Sony, Omron, Elite, IMG and Marilyn, Nine West’s Runway Relief program will activate top models including Coco Rocha, Jessica White, Michelle Alves and Lisalla Montenegro to participate in the cause.

Participating models will be asked to wear the limited edition Nine West Runway Relief boot, uniquely equipped with an Omron GOSmart Pocket Pedometer (HJ-303) that will track how many steps each model takes while going from castings and fittings to shows and Fashion Week’s hottest parties. Each step taken will equal a donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

This month (8/31) to kick off the program, famed fashion photographer Nigel Barker will photograph the participating models in an iconic NYC location. The photo shoot will be streamed live on The Nine West Facebook Fan Page and at Modelina.com so be sure to stop by to meet Nigel or to tune in online!

A limited supply of the Runway Relief boot ($199) will be also be available for Nine West Facebook fans exclusively, starting on 8/31.

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This post is courtesy of David James of The Vicarious LifeStyle

August 9, 2010

Rachel Zoe “dying” for Fashion

Rachel Zoe is “lit-rally” dying for fashion in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar. I’m obviously a little biased towards this photoshoot because I am obsessed with Rachel Zoe…but trying to view this from an outside perspective, I still think it’s a great concept and a fabulous shoot. Michael Kors with a shovel and Rachel in a sea of purses? Brian Atwood coming at Rachel with a stiletto? I absolutely love it! Playful and fun yet super creative and quite eye-catching…one of my favorite editorials to date!

…with Brian Atwood

…with Francisco Costa

…with Michael Kors

…with Marc Jacobs

…with Vera Wang

All photos courtesy of www.harpersbazaar.com

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What do you think of this photoshoot? Which pictures are your favorites? I’d love to hear from you!

August 8, 2010

Damen + Division Jewelry

I discovered Damen + Division jewelry on a recent trip to Sofia Vintage. I saw this bracelet [see below] and I was immediately hooked. I obviously bought the bracelet…and I wear it almost everyday!

I knew I had to know more about this new brand, so I decided to check out the website. Here’s how the jewelry collection is described:

Damen + Division jewelry was born in the colorful, glamorous 70’s and 80’s. Rock n’ Roll and Disco culture inspired jewelry companies to create big, bold costume pieces. These statement pieces were the most desirable- the more oversized, the more overstated, the better.

This sounds like the definition of everything I could ever ask for in a piece of jewelry. So, because I am absolutely in love with this jewelry line, I knew I had to interview the woman behind D+D. Meet Chicago-based jewelry designer, Sonia Barrett…

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1. When did you start designing jewelry?

I made my first ring when I was a Sophomore in high school. It was the height of the grunge era, and I took an old ring I got from a thrift shop, chipped out the stone, and replaced it with a cardboard cut out of a sea monkey. I think I sealed it in with clear nail polish.

2. And when did Damen + Division emerge as a brand?

D+D was born in November of 2008.

3. Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your jewelry?

Mainly from the vintage materials I use. Whatever comes in really has a voice, and we try to listen to that. We listen to a lot of 70’s rock in the studio.

4. Are there fashion designers or other jewelry designers you draw inspiration from? If so, who?

I have a huge Kenny Lane collection- his good stuff, and also the schlock he sells to Avon, QVC… I like some of Bittar’s earlier work too. I have an amazing Bittar vermeil ring with a black skull on it I wear at least once a week since I bought it 7 years ago.

5. Why did you choose Chicago to “set up shop”?

No question. Chicago is my home. As a business owner my business should be where I am, not vice versa.

6. Where can Damen + Division be purchased?

Sarca; 710 N. Wabash and Sophia Vintage; 72 E. Oak St. in Chicago

7. What’s next for you and Damen + Division?

I want to do more cufflinks for men- and use butterfly wings!

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So basically, I am obsessed with Damen + Division jewelry. I am not exaggerating when I say I would like to own every piece. If you take a peak into my jewelry collection, it’s very colorful, bold, vintage/vintage-inspired (specifically from the ’70s)…almost all costume jewelry. This is exactly what D+D is all about. Each piece is unique in its own way which is why this collection is so amazing.

For more about Damen + Division, check out www.damen-division.com