The Requisite Post-Oscars Post

I love film. But I am also very cheap and almost never shell out 12 bucks to go to the theater. I'd much rather wait til it comes out on video (Netflix to be exact), so I can watch from the comforts of my own couch. That being said, I have not yet seen any of the 10 films nominated for "Best Picture" this year at the Academy Awards. That didn't stop me from watching them, though. As you might expect, I watch for the fashion (and awkward celeb speeches & interviews). This year, I was both pleased and disappointed to see that there were very few fashion disasters on the red carpet. It seemed like a lot of actresses played it safe, choosing classic, sophisticated looks. Personally, that is how I would go if I were in their shoes-- it is always in style to evoke the "Old Hollywood" glamor. . .vintage chic!
The only celeb that I saw who was actually wearing vintage was Marissa Tomei in a 1950 couture Charles James dress. I have seen her on at least one "worst dressed" list, but I thought she looked stunning!

Otherwise, most of the dresses seemed to fall into one of three color palettes: red, purple or neutral. Jennifer Hudson, Anne Hathaway and Sandra Bullock all rocked the classic "princess syle" red satin gown-- personally, I think that look is a little bit played-out, so I'm not going to post those pics. I am, however, going to share my favs in the "purple" and "neutral" categories.

Both ladies nominated for the film Black Swan,  Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, went with violet-hued gowns, and I think they both look gorgeous (and Natalie with a bun in the oven!)

Natalie in Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, Mila in Elie Saab

Also, I fell in love with this Dolce & Gabbana gown that Scarlett Johansson wore (I'm a sucker for lace)

These ladies looked amazing in shimmering shades of white, pale pink and silver:

Michelle Williams in a beaded Chanel Haute Couture gown-- she always looks classy and beautiful, although I feel like she's been doing the Twiggy-meets-Mia Farrow look for so long, maybe it's time for something new?
Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier looked amazing (could this dress fit her any more perfectly?)- I don't enjoy her music or her movies, and frankly I was stunned when she married one of my favorite musicians, Ryan Adams (he should be with someone much more hip). . . But I got to give the girl props-- she's a classy dresser.
Anne Hathaway-- one of the prettiest, classiest young ladies in Hollywood-- changed several times last night, since she was hosting. This stunning Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown was one of my favs-- very Old-Hollywood glam!
How cute is Hailee Steinfeld? At only 14, she is the epitome of style and glamor. This amazing 1950's-inspired pale pink tea-length dress by Marchesa was a perfect choice!

XO,

Jess

Dior Couture 2011: Modern Art with a Vintage Twist

I just stumbled upon pictures from the Christian Dior Couture show in Paris this week, via Jezebel. All I can say is WOW. Even though we're knee-deep in a worldwide economic recession, it's refreshing to see extravagant, over-the-top works of art in the form of fashion. Couture has never been made for practical purposes-- most of us will never own a piece of couture, but it is inspiring to see fashion pushed to its limits, and raised to the level of fine art.
That being said, the recent Dior show of couture pieces created by designer John Galliano is inspiring to say the least. It caught my eye primarily because of the obvious reference to mid-century fashion. Familiar silhouettes from the 1940's and 50's have been given new life with incredible modern fabrics and colors, as well as slightly futuristic-looking structure.

This article from style.com gives an interesting insight into Galliano's influences, mainly the illustrator René Gruau, who worked for Dior in the forties and fifties. Looking closely at the fabric he used, you can see how the patterns, colors, and textures mimic an illustrator's graphite and pastel drawings. Galliano himself started his career as a fashion illustrator before turning to design.

 

Heavenly. 

What do you think?

XO,

Jess

Lust List: Gold

I'm so glad that fashion is cyclical. Lately I've been noticing all of these amazing metallic hues on the runway, in fashion mags, online. . . And I don't think it's just because it's the Holiday Season. No, gold and silver are back in a big, bold way.  From clothing to jewelry and accessories, home decor, even make-up, I just cannot get enough of this decadent shade!

Luckily, I've been able to indulge my obsession with these hues (gold in particular) while shopping for the site. Anytime I see something sparkly out of the corner of my eye, I go for it!  It seems that this color was particularly popular in the 1960's and early 1970's, so I've found some really great pieces from that era.

Need a pick-me-up when the weather's gray and dreary? Wear gold! It'll make you feel like a million bucks.

XO,

Jess