V-Style

Best Dressed At The 71rst Golden Globes 2014

This year of quality films has been met with equally inspiring attire at the 71rst Golden Globes Awards. Color, swaths of materials, volume, sparkle, whimsy, and structure burst across the stage and carpet providing diversity and glamour. I feel more fabulous having witnessed it, despite my watching it from my couch in panties and a robe. 

Every time I put together a list of best dressed, I never declare a number, I simply select every outfit that bursts with best-ness. This year includes the opening looks of the lovely bad ass hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Love.

I adored Amy Adam's transition of the plunging vee from the fashion of American Hustle to the Golden Globes. I don't believe anyone has worn a plunging vee better, and the combination of the two shades of red are dynamite. Very sexy.

It is freakishly rare for me to declare a black dress, let alone a flat black garment a best, but tonight Emma Roberts has proved, when done right, a black dress can be amazing. The hour glass silhouette, the booming turquoise earrings, and pulsing neckline are perfection.

Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren confirms a cape is always a good idea. I adore the drama combined with the sleek and flattering silhouette. Fabulous.

More in line with my black frock beliefs, Lily Rabe looks stunning in this layered sheer frock with sun burst detailing and cinched waist. The full skirt and t-shirt sleeves are just plain delicious.  

Although, this shade of beige, off white, or whatever is not the best  for Michelle Dockery's skin tone, the dress is perfect glamour. 

I cannot stand her music, but Taylor Swift is incredibly lovely in her style choices. She wins again in this Carolina Herrera pink gown with black bust. Gorgeous. 

Diane Keaton is awesome. Her consistent manipulation of men's wear constantly demands fashion nods. In this instance, I'd like to acknowledge the perfect show of sleeve hem, the endless legs, and use of a thicker tie. With all the skinny ties out there, it is nice to see a thick tie look modern and romantic.

This look was a bit difficult to select as Kaley Cuoco's hair and clutch really ruin the dress, but the fact remains, the frock rocks. 

Dress For Success San Diego

Last night I attended San Diego's Dress for Success Moonlight Chic event at the 4th floor roof top of Kimpton's Hotel Palomar. I was more than delighted to attend. Not only do I support this non-profit's focus on helping low income women acquire jobs, build careers and improve their quality of life, they throw a fabulous party. The live acoustic music performed by the lovely Kayla Hope, wine, fashion, scrumptious food from Saltbox restaurant (seriously yummy, seriously), and warm San Diego air absolutely made my night. Especially since I rarely go out mid-week these days. Not that you need to hear about my awesome time. Let's talk style.

The fashions were provided by Loft, which I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the looks. The last few times I have popped into Loft, I wasn't blown away, but last night, I pointed out more than a few pieces and ideas I want for myself and my clients. My favorite is the use of neutrals. I love an outfit that sways from whites and creams to light greys. The almost monotone look is farmer's market fresh and always chic. I also absolutely adore the dressy sweatshirt. This is something of a new bit in fashion. Before now, if you wanted a bejeweled sweatshirt, you used a jewel gun with your mom... and you're nine. Now, between J.Crew and Loft, we have access to chic dressy sweatshirts. I'm not sure how long it will be available as a trend, so buy now. They are so fun. 

My other lusty item, the booties. Although they could have been styled in a more flattering way, I love a bootie. Particularly in San Diego when you don't always need the full coverage of a standard height boot. I recommend pairing a bootie with tights or a quality complimentary sock. When you connect a short bootie on a bare leg it cuts off the leg and can create a cankle affect. You need dimension and texture to smooth out the sudden stop between the ankle and the boot. I will cover how to wear booties in the near future. 

Patricia Field Styles Helen Yarmak Furs

I love Patricia Field's adoration of trashy looks and luxury furs. I am always pushing chic and unique simplicity, but sometimes you just want to be decadent, ridiculous and even a little slutty. Although I struggle with the idea of fur, I do not struggle with the glamour and melting softness of the furs presented at Helen Yarmak's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Furs in summer? Yes, as long as you pair them with skimpy dresses and baseball hats, if you take a cue from Patricia Field. I certainly felt at home surrounded by scantily clad women in large furs, as that is my outfit of choice for writing throughout winter, but the difference between my vintage fur at home and Helen's modern pelts are extensive. Whereas I have a simple cream rabbit fur, Helen provides patterns involving checkerboards, stripes, color blocking and a series of different animals from mink and fox to lamb and ermine. The collection is said to combine the traditional Tzar's luxury of sable with the advanced modern technologies and designs. 

Between the elaborate styling and furs dripped everywhere, I assumed my eyes had enough to feast on, but I found myself consistently distracted by the fabulously dressed guests, view from the top, and Vanessa Williams inquiring about Patricia Field's hurt arm in a silk scarf sling of her own design. At one point, a beer was dropped near a woman in a lengthy fur vest. I've never seen so many useless people as the stylish masses froze in horror at the possibility of beer hitting the fur. As they concluded no beer touched the pelt, movement was regained, the glass was picked up, and the woman whose garment was in danger grinned at the miss. "Save the sable!" She declared to the party. 

Sophie Zinga Spring 2014 Collection

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of viewing Sophie Zinga's Spring 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week. Upon entering the suite at NYC's London Hotel, I was immediately captivated by the presentation of said collection. I felt as if I had walked in on a two page spread for Vogue the way the striking models were spread across a slightly elevated stage with the New York skyline for a background. It was both the beauty of the photo opportunities as well as the perfection of the garments that inspired me to devote an entire post to Sophie Zinga's first showing in New York.

When I say perfection, I am referring to the ultimate triangle of wearability, quality and freshness. I would describe the collection as structured femininity and my instinctive visual reaction saw a collision of vintage glamour meeting the exotic future, an odd take considering the collection's inspiration stems from such simplicity as roses, leaves and the textiles of her native country, Africa.  

I look forward to dressing clients in her pieces for events and fabulous occasions. I especially love the white two piece ensemble of white lace brocade. I am picturing a cocktail party, fantastic birthday dinner or white party.

Sophie Zinga, Designer

Black & White Dresses on Zoe Saldana & Rooney Mara At Cannes Film Festival

Photo Credit: Graham Whitby Boot/Photoshot/AdM via Instyle

Apparently Cannes is not that great. Having just returned from the Riviera, where Antibe is stunning and Nice is quite nice, I would say the only reason to visit Cannes is for the Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival brings out some of the most creative films, shinning stars and fabulous outfits. This year I was drawn to Rooney Mara wearing a Christian Dior black and white dress. You could say it is a color blocked look as the top is a block of white stacked on the block of black skirt, but the term color blocking brings to mind trendy trends, versus timeless chic, and this dress will forever be beautiful.

Generally I am not a fan of black and white. It's trend driven, harsh on the skin, and costumey. Black and white always reminds me of Beatle Juice's suit; which my older brother wore for Halloween in the 90's and then I wore, just cause, to school in 7th grade. Yes, I  wore a black and white striped blazer to school and I felt innovative. Having felt innovative as a young girl in the 90's knowing little of what's been done and what has not, I can say with confidence, today black and white is very done, unless it is executed in a flourish of elegance, Rooney style. Keep this in mind as black and white rages like a forest fire in the stores. Don't be drawn in by the cheesy prints and pieces like Zoe Saldana's Cannes frock. While Rooney shows the Riviera how black and white is done right, Zoe arrives as a victim of trends in Emanuel Ungaro by Fausto Puglisi. Although well made with a stroke of theatrics, it still speaks of right now, or worse 1995, versus forever.

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News via Instyle

Will you be weaing black and white? Please share in a comment below.

Best Dressed At 70th Golden Globe Awards 2013

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

I go about my life as a workaholic and social butterfly. If I am not working, I am trying to be a good friend, but when the Golden Globes Awards come around, it reminds me that living life is great, but taking a moment to watch other people live their lives is essential to growth, education, and compassion. I resolve to watch more films. As for the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards' best dressed, there are some tantalizing frocks from Julie Bowen's kaftan and Golden Globe winner Anne Hathaway's two piece Chanel, to Michelle Dockery's gold armored shoulders and Kristen Wiig's simplicity. 

Kristen Wiig

Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier

Julie Bowen

Julianne Hough

Jennifer Westfeldt

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Best Dressed At People's Choice Awards 2013

Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren Collection

The People's Choice Awards was a bit of a mess in regards to fashion, but three stunning ladies stood out among the drab. Taylor Swift's look reminded me white and turquoise is a must. Naomi Watts in Alexander McQueen displays black and gold's power better than Sam Sparro, and Ashley Rickards of who knows what in her Art Deco inspired frock took my breathe. 

Naomi Watts in Alexander McQueen

Ashley Rickards

Top 3 Best Dressed at Emmys 2012

Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan

I may not watch TV, but I'll enjoy the Emmys. This year's parade of dresses at the Nokia Theatre were all good. From chic to daring, everyone's choice had redeeming qualities, but I didn't see greatness. There was no look that made my fashion heart beat faster. Nonetheless, I still have some favorites. The first of which would be Leslie's Mann's frock for it's stand out qualities in a sea of understated, yet over-the-top glamour.

When choosing my best dressed folks, I always take into account the outfit from head to toe. If I judged solely on the dress or other aspect of the look, there would be a lot more women up here, but it's easy to chose a beautiful gown or have the perfect make-up. The hard part is creating a look the flows perfectly from hair to dress to shoes. Had I been less picky, I would have Julianne Moore up here for her fabulous hair and color palette. Tina Fey would be up here for her personal best dressed moment. A handful of actresses would be up here for their daring prints and Kelly Osbourne would be up here for three quarters of her dress.

Who were your best dressed choices and why?

Sarah Paulson in Reem Acra

Jessica Pare in Jason Wu

Sneak Peak: Fashion Week Spring 2013

It's hot as hell in San Diego and the stores are trying to sell my clients cashmere sweaters. As fall and winter approaches, the weather seems less in tune with what's in stores and more connected to the spring garments featured last week during Fashion Week. A bummer we have to wait to snatch up the fabulous garments that crossed the runways, but at least we can take a peak. Here is what to expect, come March of next year.

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Calla Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

 Rachel Zoe Spring 2013 - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Jenni Kayne Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Donna Karen Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

J.Crew Spring 2013 - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Temperley London Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Matthew Williamson Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013 - Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Lela Rose Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Catherine Malandrino Spring 2013 - Photo Courtesy of Style.com

Celebrity Style at Comic Con 2012

Living in San Diego, hours from the entertainment industry's major cities, can put me at a disadvantage as a wardrobe stylist and blogger. I don't have immediate access to major style houses, certain clientele and easy attendance to noteworhty events, expect of course Comic Con. The fabulosity of Comic Con was a quick bike ride away from my lady condo in Banker's Hill. 

When it comes to Comic Con fashion, you think extravagant costumes, technie nerds and fantasy mongers. This is all accurate, but something wonderful has happened to nerd-a-palooza. It's not just nerds anymore. Standing next to the lanky Halo lover is Emily Blunt in Christian Dior. Next to Spock and Queen of the Damned is Mila Kunis in sleek jeans and a black blazer. Well, maybe not right next to each other, but you're with me. The age range is endless and the celebrities run wild in their chic red carpet casual frocks and slacks with trolls and witches underfoot. In between these two extremes are San Diego natives in board shorts and sandals. There has never been a more wide range of style at an event.

I attended Friday night parties, took on a couple hours of the actual convention on Saturday and made some decisions that will make you mad at me. I know you would want me to regale you with stories of Lea Michelle's Stella & Jamie's tweed ensemble, and Naya Rivera's neon colored pumps, but instead of sitting in on Glee's discussion panel of fashionable ladies, I sat down with the least stylish gentlemen of Comic Con... Kevin Smith in his uniform moo-moo King's jersey and William Shattner in his usual Hawaiian shirt. I adore fashion, but sometimes heavy comedians take precedence.

Later I attended, the Costume Designer Guild's discussion and enjoyed seeing their concept to reality comparisons with Hunger Games, Madonna, Iron Man 3 and the Dark Knight to name a few.