Even if you are the worst you still have won in that sense...

The 17th Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on Sunday and as most already know, when there is a red carpet to be walked down, let the judging begin. I was actually surprised with the wardrobe of many of the stars in that they weren't aiming to be blasted about on every fashion blog. Bright colors and printed patterns were in popular demand and I was not opposed.


Re-Cap of my Favorites: 

Mila Kunis was among one of my favorites choosing to go the same route as The First Lady with an Alexander McQueen gown. Think back to when Michelle Obama wore McQueen to the China State Dinner and was heavily criticized. However my opinion differs. I think both Obama and Kunis' choice of McQueen was brilliant. 

Heather Morris dazzled the red carpet in a blush colored gown by Romona Keveza. This actually reminded me of something I would wear to an event like this. It is elegant, classy, and girlie all at the same time. 

Photo Source: http://bit.ly/hUhqcR

And...(drum roll please...) my absolute favorite and vote for best dressed goes to Julianna Margulies wearing a strapless red gown by  Yves Saint Laurent. Obviously if you couldn't tell already I am a huge fan of strapless dresses and also the color red. I especially love when red is paired with darker features. I think it screams, "Hey everyone, all eyes on me." 

Much like the SAG Awards, while there are many winners, there are also many losers and when it comes to fashion this is no exception. 

And because everyone is a winner... worst-dressed awards go to...

Nicole Kidman picked a Nina Ricci gown with lace cut-outs that I just thought did not compliment here at all. The necklace combination was also a miss and confused me as to whether or not it was part of the dress neckline or what. 

Photos: Getty

Christina Hendricks what were you thinking? Mad Men actress wore L’Wren Scott dress with to the event. And with the heavy black eye make-up she reminded me of a red-headed Bratz doll. No?

And the celebrity with the biggest red-carpet blunder goes to...

What is this? We have a tie? 

Photo Source: Wire Image

Lauren Valez in a heavily flowered printed dress that does her no justice. If she would have laid down at the start of the red carpet she could have been everyone's welcome mat. 

Kate Mara's pick with the nude on nude color Herve Leger number made her look like an ACE bandage.  

Photo Source: http://www.fabsugar.com/

So who is on your best and worst dressed lists? Anyone top these picks? Do share...

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth

Its pants? No wait its an adult onesie...

The fashion of the 1970s may be returning, if it hasn't already, but I don't think I am going to hop on that bandwagon trend. With the weather starting to get warmer I think people are confused what to wear. Do you wear jeans and a tank? Or do you wear shorts and long sleeves? No one really knows. So instead they resort to a combination one-piece garment, the jumpsuit or what I like to call the adult onesie. I refuse to be that indecisive about what to wear that I resort this. 

Photo Source: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3274848836_ddcc890b80.jpg?v=0

My biggest problem with the jumpsuit is using the bathroom. You have to almost get completely naked just to use the toilet. Not only that but sometimes people's choice in jumpsuits are all wrong for their figures. Like the ones where the waist comes up above their belly button much like the style of Steve Urkel. Not cute. 

Marciano Tarantella Jumpsuit

Is this chick serious? You would never wear the same pattern top as you would pants so why would this one-piece combination be okay? Oh thats right, its not. There is only one place this onesie should be worn... in the 1970s. Lets keep what was worn in the past in the past. 

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth

The frontal tramp stamp...

Everyone should be familiar with the famous tramp stamp tattoo. If you aren't let me refresh your memory. Wikipedia refers to them as, "A lower back tattoo is a body decoration, sometimes intended to emphasize sexual attractiveness. Such tattoos have become popular since the late 1990s. They are sometimes derided as suggestive of promiscuity and often referred to as "tramp stamps." And just in case you need a visual (also for my entertainment...) here is a picture.  

rankmytattoos.com

Hot huh? And no I am not trying to offend anyone that ever decided to get one of these "tramp stamp" tattoos or imply anything about your character. 


Anyways, now that the whole tramp stamp fad is so 1990, let me introduce you to what is the new and hot fad of today. And also, because I want you to be kept up on the most recent vaginal grooming trend. Wouldn't want you to feel left out. It is called,vajazzling. Oh yes, it is much like the tramp stamp, but with more bling. Much more. It took me awhile to gain composure after hearing about this new trend, just because I thought it was so ridiculous and honestly I thought it was a joke. According to Vajazzling.com (Yea, they have their own website) Vajazzling is, "The act of applying glitter and jewels to a woman's nether regions for aesthetic purposes." 


I mean really? Aesthetic purposes? I just can't imagine going to get "vajazzled" and pulling my pants down so someone can bling-out my vaginal area. Oh but wait, it gets better. Vajazzling is not cheap, it costs anywhere from $50-$150 to get your who-ha bejeweled and it only lasts for up to 5 days. I just don't get it. If any girl thinks she needs to decorate her privates to resemble a disco-ball she has some serious problems.  Please take a look at this nonsense. 

Photo source: http://www.crabbygolightly.com/mt/

My question is, what is the intention of getting vajazzled? And do you really want to degrade yourself to this extent? What are your thoughts?




Keep it classy,
Elizabeth

A girl can dream... right?

Who has seen the first Sex and the City? Well if you haven't you might be mildly lost in these next few minutes. Remember when Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) was asked by Vogue to do a photo-shoot in the magazine about  a style icon AND a bride in her forties. Naturally Carrie agrees to do it, wearing different designer wedding gowns, including a Vivienne Westwood.  And then, (this is the whole point of this post) Vivienne Westwood herself sends the wedding dress to Carrie with a note saying she saw the pictures and that Carrie deserved the dress. 

Hector Vallenilla/Pacific Coast News

So me being the dreamer that I am, imagined what if some of my favorite designers felt I "deserved" their pieces? And one day while going to get the mail their JUST HAPPENED to be a box with collections that  moved me. I know, I know, any girl hopes this could happen, but the chances are slim. But lets pretend. What collections from Paris Couture S/S2011 would I want to see on my doorstep? I'll share. 

DKNY RTW 2011 Collection 

All Photos: The Cut

Christian Dior Spring Couture 2011

Project Runway Designers Spring RTW

Whats on your S/S 2011 Couture Wish List?

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth

Counselor we can't be together when he dresses like that...

I don't know. Maybe I just don't appreciate what high-fashion and couture is all about, but some of what I saw in the S/S 2011 Menswear Collections would cause my relationship to end abruptly. Now my boyfriend could care less about a name brand and considers camo an accepted color. (We're working on it.) But even if he did have a taste for high-fashion and spent more money on an outfit than a vehicle, I still don't think I would allow him to wear some of the collections I saw today. In fact I don't think I would allow any of my guy friends (gay or straight) to wear them. Would you?

Okay okay, maybe if he was auditioning for Tarzan?

I will save the best for last... 

This has divorce written all over it. I am sorry. 

But just to put a positive spin on the Couture Fashion show in the menswear category here are some styles I did approve of and some from the same designers surprisingly enough. (Not that my boyfriend would wear them.)

I also want to point out that I am not trying to insult any designer in any way. I am only trying to imagine your collections in my life or on my boyfriend. And as long as I state my opinion in a classy respectful manner I am more than entitled to it. Yes?

All photos from: http://nymag.com/

Keep it classy,
Elizabeth

The color of Valentine's... Lipstick Red

Short post just to keep Paris Couture Fashion Week rolling. How designers used red in their new collections. Notable noteys.

Picture 1: DKNY Spring 2011 Runway - Madisyn Ritland
Picture 2: Elie Saab
Picture 3: (Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com via style.com) Lanvin


(I own none of these photos.)








Keep it classy, 
Elizabeth

Tight jean wearer.... muffin tops belong on muffins, not people

Have you ever seen someone wearing jeans that are 5x smaller than what they need to be wearing? And you just wish someone would enlighten them that their muffin tops hanging over the sides do not in any fashion compliment them? For those of you who don't know what a muffin top is let me educate you. BAM! Look below.

They aren't really too hard to miss. Muffin tops are the fat that hangs over the waistline. The only place muffin tops belong is on muffins not people. So here are some helpful tips on how to avoid the muffin top syndrome according to e-how. 


1. Wear clothes that fit all of you. Your hips may fit a size 8, but your waistline is busting out of a ten. Wearing clothes that fit your whole body prevents the restriction on the abdomen, which leads to a muffin top.


2. Wear a size larger. The long-standing myth is to make yourself look smaller by wearing smaller clothes. Well, this is how a muffin top is formed; the tight waistline constricts the belly fat, pushing it up and out of the pants. Find your size, and then go up one. Contrary to belief, a size larger is flattering on a woman's figure. The clothes lay on the body, accentuating it, not clinging to it for dear life.


3. Get rid of the belly fat. There are several ways to rid the abdomen of the fat that causes a muffin top. Weight training, cardio exercises and eating well are a few ways to reduce the belly fat, and eliminate the muffin top.


4. Banish those low rise jeans. They were once thought to prevent a muffin top, but low rise jeans actually create one. Go for the mid rise jeans which have an added bonus: they prevent the showcasing of your underwear to that world--an unwanted feature of low rise jeans.


(I own neither of these pics)






Keep it classy, 
Elizabeth

State of the Union address or Michelle Obama's label?

Okay so I know majority of my blog is my opinion as it should be. Its mine. And I am careful, for the most part not to step on anyone's toes, designers included. I mean if I were to ever pursue any type of career in the fashion world I wouldn't want to be entering it as an enemy, but there is one thing I have a problem with at the current moment. 


Last week first lady, Michelle Obama greeted the People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao in a lipstick red gown by Alexander McQueen, which was absolutely stunning to say the least. 

Monsivais, Dharapak/AP

Just to bring everyone up to speed, the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade, not about what Michelle Obama was wearing to do it but Oscar De La Renta seems to feel otherwise telling WWD, "My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade—American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?"


Here we are in an economic crisis and people are worried about appearances? What they should be worrying about is the economy and supplying jobs for citizens. 


I know if I am going to spend the money on a designer it is going to be because I feel beautiful in it not because I am trying to follow the fashion handbook. Is there even one of those?


President Obama plans to make his State of the Union address tonight and what is everyone going to instantly look at? The wardrobe of Mrs. Obama and I find that to be sad. Do you think it's her responsibility to wear American designers? What is your take?




Extremely well put blog on the topic: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-01-19/michelle-obama-in-alexander-mcqueen-lady-in-red-at-white-house-state-dinner/

Obscene Slogan T-shirt Wearer.... You aren't cool.

Now that I have been positive in my last couple of blogs it is time to critique one particular style that has got to go; slogan t-shirts. The only reason this topic was even brought up was because today on my way to class I passed a guy wearing this slogan tee.

I was so appalled I scrunched up my face, walked by him and said, "tuhh... how pathetic."

So now that I've gotten that out, lets just look at the whole slogan tee trend as a whole...(and pray the trend ends as quick as the group Baha Men did.)

Ladies, yes men ARE probably looking at your giant fake boobs without you wearing a tacky t-shirt like this one. Stop advertising the fact you spent all your graduation money to get implants that are disproportionate to your body in the first place. You do need a brain and maybe then you could have used it to never purchase this t-shirt.

And men (much like the one I passed on the way to class), no one cares nor believes the arrow that is pointing to below your belt. Obviously if you feel the need to broadcast it, then most likely it is false advertisement. The only good thing when you buy a slogan t-shirt with an offensive saying on it is that us girls don't have to waste our time engaging in any kind of verbal conversation with you. We can just look at you.

The only thing you are promoting ladies and gentlemen who wear obscene slogan t-shirts is: promiscuity, a lack of morals, cockiness, and I am sorry, but trashiness. Why label yourself? Let people discover who you are without reading your t-shirt. 

But if you still feel compelled to buy one of these awful shirts because you are feeling that insecure and you think you will have more friends when you wear it, march right into the closest Spencer's and find the one that best labels you. And when you waste your money on it, go home, put it on and get someone to punch you directly in the face for ever thinking it was okay. 

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth

Paris Couture Week Launched...

Instead of having the Monday blues I have just the opposite. Why? Well for starters tonight Gossip Girl will return to the CW and boy have I missed the socialite drama, the high fashion and  mostly looking at Nate Archibald. 

But more importantly today starts the week of Paris couture. This is where you are now probably thinking okay? So why do I really care about that? Or you are probably wondering what the word "couture" even means. (Not going to lie I looked up the definition). Hey I said I wasn't a fashion expert and don't pretend you knew the exact definition. Well, according to Google "couture" means, "high fashion designing and dressmaking."

So I welcome you to day one of Paris Couture Week which just happens to be the MOST expensive week on the fashion calender. 

Alexis Mabille launched his collection in 2005 and you better believe his designs are walking the runway in Paris as we speak! Known for his skillfully sewn bows and intricate lace, his designs are what kicked off the show! 

Pictures from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2011RTW-AMABILLE?viewall=true

and Courtesy: Nowfashion

While I do love these designs there were a few that really made me wonder if anyone would ever wear it besides on the runway or if invited to the latest award show. For example:

But one thing I appreciate is originality and Mabille stands true to just that. 

Quoted by NYTimes: "Alexis Mabille has a more sugary approach, but he also has a practical take on smart dressing. Among slithery dresses in subtle “off” colors, like petrol with leaf green, was a strong dose of white. Fresh as the flowers that decorated the models’ braided ponytails, the outfits were dual purpose. A long skirt would slip off to reveal a peppy short dress, delicately decorated — just right for a modern bride who wants to combine tradition with modernity, which is the strength of Mr. Mabille."

Girdles, Stockings, & Petticoats... Welcome to the 1950s.

Obviously I wasn't alive to take note of the style in the 1950s, but if I had a dollar for every time I heard, "I used to wear that when I was little," I would be rich. Typically the person you most often hear it from is your grandmother or at least someone her age.  


Back then the goal of women was to adopt more of a feminine style much like their grandmothers, but is that really who we want to dress like?  I know I don't. But there is a way to bring back many of the fashion trends in the 1950s in a classy, sophisticated way without worrying about claiming social security. 


After the 1950s fashion history would never be the same. The Second World War inspired fashion ideas from the British 1950s to grasp the idea of the American Market.  The Incorporated Society Of London Fashion Designers chose to design many notable items during the war. It was out with the old and in with new. 

Think back to some of the most famous fashion icons.  Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Classics. 

And who better to thank than Christian Dior? He dominated the fashion world in the 1950s with the hourglass silhouette and what he called "The New Look."Vogue described The New Look as being "from the era of Madame Bovary…wasp-waisted Gibson Girl shirtwaists, pleated or tucked…slow-sloped, easy shoulders…wrapped and bound middles--barrel (almost hobble) skirts--longer, deeply shaped shadow-box décolleté-padded hips…" 

These are some of Dior's designs for Ava Gardner in the movie The Little Hut. 

So here are some tips from Allure magazine:

• remember to highlight your waist with a small belt, this is the best accessory to recreate an hourglass silhouette
• buy a high-waisted mid-length skirt (as seen on: Alexa Chung, Carey Mulligan), below-the-knee pencil skirt (Carine Roitfeld, Kate Moss) or a circle skirt, they’re all very retro

Louis Vuitton (left), Prada (middle) and Jason Wu (right)
Source: http://mamasarollingstone.com/category/fashion/fashion-trends/# 

• don’t be afraid to create an eclectic look with mixed patterns that pop – mix florals, checks and vintage colours
• make sure you have matching accessories: long leather gloves, a satchel, ribbon head band, fedora, horn-rimmed glasses, a silk scarf

Louis Vuitton
Picture: Getty Images

• fur is another key element of 1950′s, especially as a cute addition to the coat
• as of hair, try one of these styles: a pulled back ponytail with bangs, a bouffant top knot, or just anything with waves and structure
• 50s’ makeup means glamour red lips and a liquid eyeliner

Katherine Heigl mimics the 1950s red lips look inspired from Marilyn Monroe. 

So who is my favorite 1950s inspired designer? Lorian Lindsay. Preview her Spring 2011 collection which closely resembles the style of the "Mad Men" TV series. Her fabric colors are delicately picked using smoky grays, navy blues, and touches of beige. She nails the retro look with feminine sophistication to a tee. 

These are just a few of my favorite looks from Lindsay. Notice how they are indeed 1950s inspired with the high waistbands, off the shoulder dresses, and bold prints without looking like your 80-year-old grandmother. Hands down to you Lorian Lindsay. 

So who's your favorite 1950s inspired designer?

The complete catalog and wholesale prices will be available through the Altitude Fashion Showroom.

Designs by Lorian Lindsay; Publicist, Rena Ramirez; Photos by Bob Hsiang; Styling by Kelly Pentecost + Michelle Ruiz;  Hair + Make-up Veronica Sjoen; Models, Sanela Inajetovic, Jenna Fuchser

Keep it classy, 

Elizabeth