I Get It From My Momma

Unfortunately for some of you, you have not had the pleasure of meeting mi madre, Julie.  Aside from being extremely talented in pretty much everything she does, she's also very stylish.  Clothes, shopping, and fashion are  just a few things that we have a strong bond over.  We are constantly emailing different photos and inspirations to each other to update our wardrobes.  Often I'll walk past someone, see a photo, a character in a movie and think... "My mom would look incredible in an outfit like that!"  

My mom's style is all American... simple/classic basics with well thought out accessories.  Yesterday I received the most recent J Crew catalogue.  I was flipping through the pages skimming for a few good basics and stopped when I came to the spread of actress Lauren Hutton.  I did a double take first off thinking she had a slight resemblance to my mom, then it was her outfits that I was crazy about.  The ensembles seem so obvious, you can recreate them all with the basics you already have in your closet.  Each outfit could work for a multitude of events, running errands at the grocery store, shopping, baby sitting a grandchild, grabbing dinner, going for a ride in the new convertible...catching a flight to jet set off to see your daughter in NYC!  The looks were all casual and not the least bit frumpy or contrived.  

***Mom, take notes... You need the outfit below for your next trip to NY at the end of the month! Go to Wal-Mart buy a 5 pack of Hanes V-Neck white shirts and I know you can whip up some type of necklace inspired by the one below, and lets be practical, you and I both know flats are the way to go in this city so invest in some metallic flats***

Caten Brothers: Mocking Genius

Every season I anticipate Paris fashion week for one collection mostly... DSquared's collection.  It has become one of my favorite collections for many reasons.  The Caten brothers incorporate an edge to their style, an innovative take, and always a sense of humor.  I think my eyes blew up in my head when I saw the first few looks from their Fall 09 collection.  The venti lattes, over sized IT bag with gossip magazines pouring out, over sized sunglasses, leggings, trucker hats all in mocking vain of the Olsen Twins, Lindsay Lohan, and well America!?!?

It is BRILLIANT!

One of my favorite accessories is the gloves.  I want them in every color and length.

 

LOVE IT!  This look is exactly what I want for a night at a friend's show dancing in Brooklyn.

Can I please look this cool walking the streets of New York.  Apparently I need to invest in some new headphones!

This look is a little grunge, a little Ashton Kutcher with the trucker hat but for some reason I still LOVE it.  It could also be that it's on one of my favorite models (Chanel Iman).

This could be an updated, urban chic interpretation of a Rachel Zoe look.  

Cropped Fur Vest- CHECK

I will be creating this look when Spring finally decides to grace us with its presents.  

Best of the Oscars

Here are some of the best looks the Oscars has ever seen!!

Grace Kelly at the 1954 Oscars

Audrey Hepburn at the 1954 Oscars Awards

Anjelica Huston at the 1975 Oscars

Lauren Hutton casual and fabulous at the 1980's Oscars

Stylish Minis

One thing that brings me complete and utter bliss is to see stylish kids.  Yes, I know they had some help getting ready in the morning, but there is something about well dressed innocence that is thoroughly delightful.  They haven't just been on the runway this week (Y-3 show) but also on the street going to/from school.  So chic but still age appropriate.  Is it a little sad that I'm envious of this little girl's purple/lapis/cobalt ensemble!?!?

Park Avenue Views

One of my favorite "new" designers is Jenni Kayne.  In just a couple seasons Kayne has made a name for herself as well as a strong following.  Her Fall 08 collection inspired my fur vest and her new Fall collection has stirred up a lot of creativity to update my FW wardrobe with reason to buy basics that can play double duty.  Kayne designed her collection with the intent to get mileage out of her pieces, and how smart that is with this recession.  

I love this cropped fur vest.  Jenny has made me a fur advocate and enthusiast.

The black and white combination is classic and the wide leg style is one I can't get away from.  I love the bloused top with the detail at the neck.

Such a cool spin on the classic button down shirt.

I love the tulip styled skirt.  The sheen is right, the color is perfect to dress up or down, and it can be worn at work or out with friends.

I want this dress right now!!!!! The pale blush colored t-shirt dress is right on. It has the best high collar, which I would normally condone for being popped but love the look with the big jeweled necklace.  A substantial black patent belt with tights or with metallic sandals seems so easy and effortless.  I'll take this dress in a plethora of colors.

Better Off the Runway

It is officially fashion week!! My favorite time of the year when it comes to fashion. I'm always anxious to see what the designers have created for the next season.  I'm constantly refreshing my web browser to ensure that I don't miss the moment a new collection is posted and reviewed.  With the blistering weather lately I have been enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of the Fall 09 collections, a little pick me up to get me through the last couple of winter weeks.  I hate to say it, but I have not seen many collections in the first three days that I like.  A lot of the collections have very dark color palettes, boxy and bulky silhouettes, and no luster.  I've found more looks off the runway that I love then on the actual runway.  

I love this woman in her fur.  Her look is the epitome of chic and is totally appropriate for Sunday morning shows!  It exquisitely executed and finished off with the perfect shade of Bordeaux red lipstick.

What I love about this outfit is the combination and proportion of the entire ensemble.  I love the mix of the herringbone wool with navy polka dot top, pop of color from the blood orange elongated cardigan and the chocolate leather jacket with fur trim.  I wish I was wearing this tomorrow for a casual day of work followed by dinner and drinks with friends.  Genius!

What can Rachel Zoe not do?  Her outfit for the Rag and Bone show was perfectly in tune with the look and tone of the designer's collection.  Cool with sophisticated undertones and all the right accessories.  

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't navigate my life through the city in these heels.  I would like to think that I could, but I'm a realist when it comes to my comfort and walking these city streets.  This outfit brings the perfect dose of casual hipster edge into an easy everyday understated dress.  Love the bag, love the shoes, love everything... LOVE TO!

Friday the 13th Fashion Emergency

I'm definitely one for themes, so I had to be a little cheeky with this post.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to write about fashion inspired by Friday the 13th.  No no, it's nothing to do with Jason, Freddy, or Mike... I've picked some of the worst dressed celebs and ensembles to highlight.  My o my, these people have stylists too, well most, but they at least have a mirror. Who goes out like this?

1: Oh Lindsay! Your tights are hideous. We get it you "designed" them but anyone could take a pair of scissors to tights and call it a day.  Thanks but no thanks, I'll save my money!

2: I love Katy Perry and I'm usually a fan of her sexy pinup-ish look but this is just FUGLY!  The eyes on the boob, not a good look on anyone. And to be honest, not that funny either.  

3: Apparently Carrie got into Paula's wardrobe closet on the set of American Idol.  Everything about this outfit is wrong!  It's her attempt at a Cher ode and is in no way successful.

4: I am always willing to extend grace to the prego ladies. I get it, you're uncomfortable, dressing a new body, and just trying to make it to the due date. But come on M.I.A. other pregnant ladies have attended these red carpet events in style.  I feel like she should have a painted face making balloon animals at a children's bday party.

5: Paula is just on too many substances to get anything right... Oh prescription Paula!

6:  Fashion and style seems to always be a toss up when it comes to Jennifer Hudson.  Maybe take a few notes from Queen Latifah who's spruced up her look.  The awkward semi poplin in the front with a fake half cumber bun just isn't working for a multitude of reasons.  Stick with simplicity and you can't go wrong.

7: I don't hate the jean short look, I just don't understand it for winter.  In the last month and half these leg barring minis have taken over Manhattan, I see them everywhere.  I will boldly say that they are NOT appropriate for the work environment.  I don't care how casual the office just say NO!  

8: I don't even know where to begin with this train wreck.  However I think Christina caught a glimpse of her reflection in the car window which can explain the nauseous look she has!

9:  Pete, really? Jeans tucked into your boots with the fur!?!? I understand that you were probably up late last night with Bronx Moguli for his 3am feeding and didn't get much sleep, but wearing Ashlee's boots to grab coffee. Unfortunately we did notice!

10:  It's really hard for me to burn Rihanna because I truly madly deeply love her and her style.  This romper/jumper onesee just doesn't cut it though.  Not even with her fabulous shoes, trendy hair cut, and incredible set of stems.  Hear me out, I LOVE a jumper but this one just doesn't do anything for the fabulosity that she possesses.  

11: You had to assume that Courtney Love would make it on the list, she is after all the Queen of horribly bad fashion decisions.  Her outfit is a bed version of Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan and only 20 years late.  Thanks Courtney for being so reliable!

12:  Kelly, You've worked so hard to get your body to look as incredible as it does.  You have the smallest waist ever and this outfit does nothing for it.  A dickie with an unattached hoodie!?!?!

13: I love Drew.  Over the last few years she has really grown into her style and fashion in a mature and age appropriate way.  But when she showed up on the red carpet with that fried bird's nest on top of her head I thought, "here we go again!"  We want the old Drew back!!!!

I burn and nag completely out of love and admiration for most everyone on the list!  For you others... you make it just too easy!  Happy Friday the 13th!!!! Oh don't worry, I'll be going to work on the 13th floor which of course has a broken mirror.  Touche my friends Touche!