January 31, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion: 2011 SAG Awards (Part 1)

The 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were yesterday and the Red Carpet looks were pretty overall…but not much more than that. I definitely thought the Golden Globes looks (see Golden Globes Fashion part 1 and part 2) were far superior but that is also a bigger awards show than the SAGs.

The photos say it all so now it’s time to judge.

Angie Harmon in Monique Lhuillier

It’s a little “pretty pink princess” (with feathers) but it’s a beautiful dress. It would have been a better option for the Oscars…it’s just not SAG appropriate. But I have to say…she is gorgeous regardless.

 

Claire Danes in Louis Vuitton

I don’t hate it but I don’t love it either. It reminds me a lot of what Jennifer Lawrence wore to the Golden Globes a few weeks ago (most likely because that was Louis Vuitton as well). All I can say is that I’ve seen better and I’ve seen worse.

 

Annette Bening in Tony Ward Couture Fall 2010

For a woman in her 50’s to look this good and this confident on the red carpet is remarkable. It’s a stunning dress that could work on a girl in her 20’s all  the way up to a woman in her 50’s. This was one of my favorite looks from the night.

 

Christina Hendricks in L'Wren Scott Fall 2010

I really just hate everything she wears on the red carpet. It’s always unflattering in some way, shape or form and I just don’t know what to do with her anymore. It’s too heavy on the top, the makeup isn’t great and I am not feeling the shoes.

 

Dianna Agron in Vintage Chanel couture

It is not easy to pull off this hemline but she is working this look! I love the hair…it’s sleek but a little messy (in a good way). The slightly smoky eye with the pink lip complements the dress perfectly. Overall this is a great look for her and the perfect dress for this kind of awards show.

 

Hailee Steinfeld in Prada Spring 2011

Not many people can pull off horizontal stripes, multicolor stripes or anything from the Prada Spring 2011 collection on the red carpet but WOW did Hailee look AWESOME. It was a bold choice but it totally worked for her. Loved the hair…perfectly cute and relaxed. Overall perfection! I am very impressed with this girl’s red carpet choices…I can’t wait to see what she wears at the Oscars!

 

Heather Morris in Romona Keveza Resort 2010

I love Glee but I don’t always love the cast’s red carpet choices (except for Lea Michele of course). Heather Morris is one of them I usually don’t love. This is the best she has looked on the RC so far. It’s not easy to pull off that shade of nude with her particular hair color and skintone but it’s super flattering and I love the detailing in the bodice.

 

Helena Bonham Carter in Marc Jacobs

She’s normally an interesting site to see at these types of events but she definitely toned it down for the SAGs. I actually love this dress and it looks fantastic on her. The shoes are perfect. My only comment (which should be obvious) is the hair. But she had to add some of her Helen Bohnam Carterness to the look so I won’t complain.

 

January Jones in Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2011

This is a big change from the red fringed boobalicious Versace dress she wore to the Golden Globes. I can’t decide if I love or hate the dress. I can decide that I hate the hair. I really do not like the hair. I think I’ve decided I hate the dress.

 

Photo Credit

Look out for part 2 coming soon. Feel free to share your best and worst dressed picks in the comments section below.

January 27, 2011

Welcoming the Newcomers to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

FASHION WEEK UPDATE: There are several designers that will be showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week for the first time during New York Fashion week next month.

Here’s the list…

Allegri- Founded in 1971, Allegri has specialized in outerwear and rainwear and it is known for its extensive fabric research to create garments that offer the ultimate protection from the elements.

Callulla Lillibelle- Designers William Calvert and Melanie Fraser Hart create their collections to reflect the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort, and price.

CHRISTIAN COTA- This Parisian designer attributes his passion for design to his first muses, his mother and his late grandmother, saying “their manner of dress and their poise was always an education in elegance. They define the word.”

Elene Cassis- Long Island native, Cassis started her own signature collection in June of 2009 and has already caught the attention of top retailer Neiman Marcus, along with over 30 other noted specialty stores nationwide.

Frank Tell- Frank Tell describes his new collection in light of the recession, “the Recession killed cocktail dressing. It’s too precious. Women don’t want to buy something they will only wear once and then sit in their closets. What is needed are extraordinarily crafted pieces that can be worn in an everyday way.”

G-Star RAW- Pierre Morisset, G-Star’s head designer, is one of the most important stylists in the denim world. He is creating tomorrow’s authenticity today. He is considered by many to be the denim specialist “le chirurgien du jean” (the jeans surgeon).

GUiSHEM- This Latin American designer, Guillermo Jop specializes in eveningwear; Jop’s designs incorporate draping and innovative pattern cutting.

Irina Shabayeva- Born in Georgia, Shabayeva honed her skills there creating luxurious garments for celebrity clientele, positioning her as a talent to be reckoned on the 6th season of “Project Runway.”

Joy Cioci- Sexy, romantic and influential personal inspirations play into each one of Cioci’s meticulous designs to provide a versatile collection that women gravitate to for everyday effortless wear.

LUBLU Kira Plastinina- Inspired by her own lifestyle, Kira Plastinina designs prêt-a-porter clothes for a girl who is always on-trend.

Maisonette 1977- Jane Ibrahim, originally from Hong Kong, brings an expressive, innovative spirit tempered by taste and expert execution to her designs.

Porter Grey- New York based designers Alexandra and Kristen O’Neill build on versatile foundation pieces to create beautiful garments infused with an urbane elegance and relaxed sophistication.

Sachin + Babi- Sachin and Babi have successfully translated their vision of modern luxury into a lifestyle brand that is accessible for today’s design savvy consumer. Their designs feature an array of exclusive products including pillows, bedding, ready to wear, and accessories.

Son Jung Wan- Son Jung Wan is one of the largest Korean designer labels in the country with over 37 billion won (34 million dollars) in sales for 2009 and a total of 37 stores carrying the brand.

Tess Giberson- In addition to Giberson’s success in the fashion industry, this American designer’s work has been commissioned for exhibitions by several galleries in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

VACCA- Julie Vacca aims for her line to have a balance of fashion, tradition and luxury. She explains, “I am a person who loves to work but at the same time I have a balance of life where I need clothing for many occasions including travel and cocktail receptions. The most important is for me to feel comfortable in what I am wearing.”

Information from IMG Fashion and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
January 26, 2011

Chicago Event: Brian Atwood at Intermix

I am beyond excited to announce that Chicago-native, Brian Atwood, is making a rare personal appearance at Intermix next Thursday, February 3. I have always wanted to meet him so I cannot wait to attend this event!

I am a huge fan of Brian Atwood shoes (I bought my first 2 pairs this summer…they’re truly the most flattering shoes I own) so I am definitely planning on picking up another pair next week. Possibly another Chi City Closet feature? 🙂

January 24, 2011

Celebrity Stylists, Beauty Buys, & Great Sales

Where can you find celebrity stylists exclusively sharing their tips and top trends, beauty advice and discounted prices on the most coveted luxury beauty products, and wardrobe essentials (both classic and trendy) at up to 70% off? Right here.

Let me elaborate. It’s Gilt time!

  • Celebrity Stylist Series (1/28)–Beginning in January, Gilt will be providing members with monthly access to coveted styles with the Celebrity Stylist Series. Lee Harris, stylist to Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, will kick off the series and share his expertise on how to style for the latest trends. Lee will participate in a live Facebook Q & A on Thursday, 1/27 at 3 PM ET.
  • Winter Beauty Sale (1/26)–Brighten up your daily regimen with beauty essentials for your complexion, hair and body. Got winter beauty tips? Tweet them to @Giltgroupe by using #GiltWinterBeauty and the best ones will be posted during the Big Beauty sale on 1/26!
  • Jay Godfrey (1/25)–One of my favorite contemporary designers, Jay Godfrey has the perfect balance of unique looks that are easy to wear and fun to style. I bought a metallic leather-like short sleeve dress of his this past summer and it’s been my go-to “LBD” since!
  • Everyday Essentials: Satchels (1/27)–This assortment boasts pieces with subtle details, like textured leather and sharp, structured pleats. There are also those bags that turn up the serious “wow” factor with allover grommets, rows of square studs, chain-heavy handles and electric hues. Every woman needs a good satchel, so why not get it at a super discounted price?

Like what you see? Then join Gilt and start shopping! Remember, you can only get these amazing deals if you’re a member.

Because I am now a Gilt Brand Ambassador, it’s important I get as many people to sign up as I can. So be a doll, and join now 🙂


January 22, 2011

Spring/Summer 2011 Ad Campaigns

If you’ve been keeping up with your magazine reading, I hope you’ve noticed the new Spring/Summer 2011 ad campaigns are out. Although many designers have turned to short videos to accompany their ads, there’s nothing like a real stand-out photo in your favorite fashion magazine.

Check out my top five favorite campaign photos for Spring 2011.

Iselin Steiro for Chloe

This photo is just so cool, fresh and upbeat…you can’t help but smile when looking at this. It’s simple but it makes a statement. I’m also going to buy those shorts when they become available 🙂

Lindsey Wixson for McQueen

First off, I love Lindsey Wixson. She is a fierce model, I love her signature pout…and she’s only 16.! How can you not love her?  Every time I come across this photo, I just can’t stop staring. Absolute perfection.

Karlie Kloss for Dior

Karlie Kloss just seems like such a cool girl. I think we’d make great friends. But besides that, she is WORKING these looks for Dior S/S ’11. She looks sexy yet sophisticated and the look in her eyes say, “You know you want to wear this…” (and I do!)

Tati Cotliar, Kinga Rajzak, Mariacarla Boscono, & Arizona Muse for Prada

With such a vibrant and eccentric collection, it would take a certain angle and style of photography to really capture the beauty of the collection. It was a tough thing to pull off but these photos are perfection. It’s like a Willy Wonka fiesta at the zoo…on acid…in the best way possible.

Julia Saner for Valentino

This was my favorite dress from Valentino’s Spring collection and it also happened to be the first look to walk down the runway…worn by none other than Julia Saner herself. I love the look on her face in this photo because it’s like someone caught her off guard while reading classic poetry…all while wearing Valentino of course.