FABULUSH

Ushering in the resurgance of glitz and glamour, these eight leading ladies of Hollywood pulled out all the stops for the red carpet of 83rd Annual Academy Awards. This year’s Oscars included major fashion trends, such as: minimalism, embellishments, haute reds, shades of purple and merlots, punchy brights, and some nice and naughty neutrals.

Hailee Steinfeld - The young True Grit star collaborated with Marchesa to produce this custom-made and very age-appropriate princess dress.  Kept it fresh and simple and sweet with a thin headband

Mila Kunis – Her svelte Black Swan ballet body resonated loudly in a gorgeous lilac Elie Saab Haute Couture gown.  Peek-a-boo lace detailing and hand crafted chiffon draping made this dress the top pick of my list. Best Dressed by far!

Michelle Williams - After her fashion mishap of a indie daisy print dress during the Golden Globes that landed her on many ‘Worst Dressed’ lists, the Blue Valentine star bounced back into everyone’s hearts donning Chanel. Back into fashion’s good graces

Cate Blanchett – In a sea of standard dresses, this Oscars presenter stood out of the crowd with a bit of edge with feminine  refinement in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The structured softness remains airy and light with a twist of embellishments.

Mandy Moore – The Tangled performer made a fairy tale fashion statement in a sea of floating sequins and angelic and glowing tulle. While some nude shades can wash one out, her glitzy Monique Lhullier dress highlighted and hinted at her creamy porcelain skin.

Jennifer Hudson – Out to make a statement in her skinnier self, this Oscars presenter donned a brightly hued, tangerine Atelier Versace dress.  The dress embodies and exudes much self-confidence as she went for a complete “Bombshell Beauty” look.

Sandra Bullock – Anne Hathaway should have taken some cues from this Oscars presenter and followed suit as she rocked the red carpet with a form fitting red dress by Vera Wang.  Wang does justice to her womanly curves and enhances an hour glass shape. Anne, I hope you’re taking notes!

Gwyneth Paltrow – As if the dress was casted in metal onto her body, Country Strong performer glowed in the sleek Calvin Klein Collection dress.  Not to overwhelm the dress, she kept it simple and sleek with by adding a jeweled skinny belt.

There’s no denying that I’m a huge fan of The Black Keys; however, for some reason fate always finds a cruel way for me never see them live.  First, it was Lollapalooza and a whole dating debacle that made me miss out on one of my favorite bands of the past few years. Next up, the Kings of Leon show with The Black Keys opening up; which we arrived so fashionably late that we only caught the latter half of the Kings. Third time’s a charm, right?  Ehhhh… kinda.

While still trolling the floors of MAGIC earlier that Valentine’s Day for some epic inspiration to write about, my friend, X texted me of a few of the festivities going on that night. Meh, meh, meh, and wait WHAT? No other party mattered in my mind, other than the AG Jeans ‘backstAGe‘ show and I spent most of my evening trying to finagle a way in.

Thanks to the wonderful Alyssa at the new glitzy Cosmopolitan Hotel, which hosted the event inside of the uber-club Marquee, I jumped in a cab and literally shrieked, “GET ME THERE AS FAST AS YOU CAN, I WILL TIP YOU IN HUGS & KISSES AND LOTS OF MONEY! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!”  Boy, you get what you ask for and I was in for one of the most death-defying cab rides of my life.  A domino effect of tardiness kept occurring – late invitation, late cab ride, tons of shiny things inside the new hotel kept distracting me… Finally, I was in, was immediately handed a glass of champagne and had a pretty primo spot to finally take in the live sounds of new winners of a Grammy from the previous night.  I had already missed out on the beginning of the set and was attempting to max out on listening, dancing, and people watching simultaneously. (My little eye spied: the Kardashian clan, who were hosting the party immediately following the show and the darling Mark Salling from Glee, who I tried to give whiplash during the Maxim Super Bowl party)

In honor of the band’s name, I wore all black everything – vintage Lillie Rubin sequined wriggle dress with a deep set back with my little leather jacket, my L.A.M.B. Fuck me shoes, and a YSL clutch that only holds the essentials.  My cheeks flushed as this gorgeous man next to me kept smiling and eventually grabbed me at the waist while looking quite concerned.  I had an incessant runny nose throughout the day during the trade show and didn’t think twice at the damp feeling. He did the club whisper/yell in my ear, “Your little nose is bleeding!”  I lifted my fingers to my nose, and to much horror found that my right nostril was ruining my first chance of hearing The Black Keys live and quite possibly my Valentine’s Day with this beautiful newfound boy.

The sweetheart escorted me to the bathroom as I cocked my head back through the crowd of eager ears.  My confidence plummeted to an all-time low as I mumbled profuse thank yous and apologies to him as I ran to stuff tissues up my nose, all Lesley Arfin “Dear Diary” style. The arid Vegas air had already taken a toll on my skin, now my sinuses, and to top it all off – any chance at romance on Valentine’s Day.

Bummed out that I really only got to enjoy a mere few songs, I took in what was left of the monumental show and vowed one day I’d see a complete Black Keys show from start to finish. I snapped a few pics on my phone as texts from a few gentleman callers drained the last remnants of any battery life left. Bloody nose, dead battery, and no beautiful boy… I made the decision to make an exit the moment the second party was starting and people were clamoring for the main Kardashian.  There’s just not enough room for two Kims.

Thanks to the Cosmopolitan Hotel and to AG Jeans for throwing a hell of a show!

[Teen Vogue Bloggers Lounge - Home away from home during WWDMAGIC]

I normally abhor Valentine’s Day with a passion because it feels like a contrived corporate mongering day.  I mean, shouldn’t love, adoration, chivalry, and attention be a daily occurrence, instead of one day of lavish showering of overkill affection? This year was entirely different, as I spent my very special V-Day with my true love, fashion in the Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge at WWDMAGIC! It was a haven to rest tired soles, tweet the newest trends, recharge the lappy & iPhone, pick up the latest issue of Teen Vogue, and of course mingle and network with all the pretty, young things who are influencing fashion in real life and on the Internet.

Every year at MAGIC, it just keeps getting bigger, better, and bolder.  Stepping into new boundaries of fashion and embracing the  ever changing pace of trends, business, and the Internet.  Vendors, designers, brands excitedly invited us into their booths to proudly display their wares and wonders.  There was some hesitation and apprehension from a select few; those who were not so tech/internet savvy, those scared we were competitors trying to steal designs, and those with language barriers who simply said “You no buy, you no see.”  The overwhelming friendliness made up for others shortcomings; however, I’m hoping moving forward that brands, designers, boutiques, and fashion lovers can see the value and importance of the bloggers and social media.

After an up-close and personal view of the capsule collection of Christian Lacroix for Desigual that whet your appetite, prepare to begin drooling as you see how the collection drapes on the runway and in real-life thanks to Teen Vogue darling, Colby Jordan of Minnie Muse. Still dying over the velvet flocking, patchwork prints, floral brocades, and chunky knits… Dear Fashion Fairy God Mother, please find a way for this immaculate coat to make its way into my life.

Image Credits: Desigual and WWDMAGIC

Sometimes there’s the fashion regret, no, not like buyer’s remorse, but where you lust away for something fabulous and forget to snap it up before it’s too late. Second chances in shopping rarely happen, so buyers mark your calendars for March 13 when Target re-releases their greatest hits from five years of GO International® designer collaborations. 34 dresses at reasonably affordable prices from $24.99 to $44.99, will hit the floor and be stocked online at Target.com through April 10, 2011.

So thank the fast fashion gods that they’re giving you another chance to shop your favorite designers such as: Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe (by Sophie Albou), Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler (by Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez), Libertine (by Johnson Hartig), Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk (by Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk), Rogan (by Rogan Gregory), Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon (by Thakoon Panichgul), Tracy Feith, Rodarte (by Laura and Kate Mulleavy), Zac Posen and Tucker (by Gaby Basora).

Here are my favorite picks from the 34-piece limited-edition collective. Check back the week of March 13 for direct links for no-hassle shopping.

1. Proenza Schouler for Target Bustier Dress in Purple $44.99
2. Thakoon for Target Printed Tie-Waist Dress in Black/White $39.99
3. Tracy Feith for Target Strappy Dress in White $39.99
4. Tucker for Target Button-Front Dress in Floral Print $34.99
5. Behnaz Sarafpour for Target Silk Georgette Lace Dress in Ivory $44.99
6. Zac Posen for Target Wrap Dress in Pink $44.99
7. Rodarte for Target Lace-Print in Black/Tan $39.99
8. Rodarte for Target Slip Dress in Peach $44.99

View the rest of the collection on Fashionista.com.

Who doesn’t love them a little bit of Lacroix? Start practicing on the pronunication because you’ll soon be seeing Desigual all over stateside thanks to their fantastic design and this upcoming capsule collection with none other than Mister Christian Lacroix. The Barcelona based company is bringing their Spanish flair overseas and sharing it with American fashion loving counterparts. Touted as the “More for Less” brand, it could very well be that Desigual will expand like wildfire through the U.S. much like Zara, their Spanish brethren of fast fashion.

Upon walking into WWDMAGIC, one could spot Desigual’s expansive booth from miles away and no matter where you turned someone was toting their namesake carryall. Champagne, cheeses, and fruits tempted palates while live art installations of painting on models and constructing a large gown from magazines were a visual treat.  The booth was constantly filled with life and much traffic a buzz; not only about the Lacroix collaboration, but about Desigual’s gorgeous women’s and menswear in their regular line.  Chunky knits, coats, and jackets lined walls as bags, jewelry, and accessories were a hot commodity to view. Even printed underwear were screaming to be donned, as fashion does begin from the inside out.

After speaking with Manel Jadraque, the Chief Operating Officer of Desigual, I learned more of the intricacies of the collaboration and inspiration that brought this dream collection to fruition. Lacroix is known for designing statement pieces that are dripping with glamour, drama, and intensity.  The luxurious use of the well known and favored fabrics of velvet, satin, taffeta and collage of patchwork and striped patterns give the look of haute couture at prêt-à-porter price points. The capsule collection is to release Autumn/Winter 2011-12 with 40 garments beautifully designed by the famed French couturier.  Due to the response and success of the initial debut, expect a Summer 2012 collection to release with even more strong and vibrant pieces.

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