The Stars that Stunned: The 2012 Academy Awards

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford and Anna Hu Jewels

I adore the cape Gwyneth wore with her modern white gown from Ford’s latest collection. It adds drama and some risk with the menswear inspired influence. Ms. Paltrow always delivers on fashion’s biggest nights.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture

Another lady in white, Rooney Mara shook up her “all black” routine with this avant garde gown from Riccardo Tisci’s collection.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Chastain’s baroque gown from Alexander McQueen was stunning. The black and gold embroidery made the look unique and instantly stood out on the red carpet.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Angie embraced her simple, yet sultry style in this glamorous strapless, black gown. Stunning as ever!

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture

This one-shouldered, beaded gown from Elie Saab was the perfect Oscar dress in my eyes. Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

This award season has been all about Octavia (both for her outstanding acting and sense of fashion)! She continues to wow us with her impeccable gowns, ability to dress her body and loyalty to designer, Tadashi Shoji. Well done!

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

Michelle has owned the red carpet this season! Her coral Louis Vuitton dress was another sartorial sensation. I loved the bow detail as well- sweet just like her!

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

Byrne wowed us again in this sequined, one-shoulder gown. Each award show, Byrne continues to show fashion critics that she can embrace and trend (remember the Elie Saab jump suit?!) and own it on the red carpet.

Ellie Kemper in Armani.

This sequined, rust gown was absolutely stunning and such a unique choice. The hue complimented Kemper’s skin perfectly and made her stand out amongst even the brightest stars.

Emma stone in Giambattista Valli

With an elegant neck detail and a rich red hue, Emma’s choice in gown shows she has some serious fashion sense. Though this look did channel Nicole Kidman’s Oscar gown, I think Emma owned this look and made it all her own. Just beautiful!


Who were your best dressed stars on fashion's biggest night?

A Mad Men World.

Banana Republic is launching its second Mad Men collaboration with costume designer, Janie Bryant, on March 1st (Mark your calendars!). The new collection is inspired by the stylish 60’s country club theme. The line is filled with lots of crème, navy and fuschia – a perfect palette for spring. I can’t wait to pick up my Mad Men inspired outfit in time for the March 25th premiere!

Estee Lauder is another brand tapping into the Mad Men theme. In March, they will be launching a limited edition beauty collection inspired by the show. The Estee Lauder Mad Men collection will feature a cherry hue, satin finish lipstick and a cream rouge called “evening rose.”

Paris vs. New York

My favorite part of the online world is stumbling upon wonderful blogs and websites I never knew about. I recently came across the darling blog, Paris vs. New York: A Tally of Two Cities, where graphic designer, Vahram Muratyan, shares "visual matches" between the two cities. He grew up in Paris but now spends his time exploring New York. Here are some of my favorite illustrations...be sure to check them all out here. Very clever!

The Everygirl.

The Everygirl Manifesto:
Whether she is searching for her dream job or a new city to call home;
is saving up for a down payment or a trip to Europe;
is learning to cook or speak another language,
she wants a little guidance. She wants to be inspired.

She is The Everygirl.

This is for her.

Today marked the official launch of The Everygirl, a new online resource for young women looking to bring doses of creativity and inspiration to their daily lives. Congratulations to co-founders Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski for inspiring Everygirls everywhere to chase their dreams and live the life they’ve always imagined. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for this exciting new venture :)

{Image via Breakfast at Toast}

Burberry Brilliance. Fall 2012 Collection.

Christopher Bailey, titled his latest collection for Burberry, “Town and Field.” In this Fall show, Bailey successfully married these two very different worlds.

One of my favorite pieces through out the show was the pencil skirt with large, diagonal ruffles. Layering these skirts with tweedy jackets, and lace up boots helped Burberry create a “street couture” look. There was also lots of focus on the waist with belted jackets, billowy pockets, and peplum silhouettes.

Bailey even created his very own Burberry rainstorm to accentuate the fabulous Burberry umbrellas. Burberry showered us in lovely looks for fall!

Watch the entire runway show here!

Perfect Parties: The Oscars

While I normally share my Perfect Party posts on Friday, I wanted to give you all time to plan your own Oscar Party for Sunday's big event! The lovely blog, Twig & Thistle, shared these tips for creating your own Oscar-themed fete, filled with paper Oscar statuettes, glamourous invites, voting ballots,drink tags and the most adorable popcorn boxes. Everything you need for a red carpet party! Check out all of the details here.

NYFW Wrap Up

New York Fashion Week seemed to pass by quickly, but not without notice of the lovely Fall 2012 collections below. All of these designers have me yearning for fall, where red hues, fur details, leather accents and updated, feminine silhouettes will be filling our wardrobes.

1. Proenza Schouler

Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler have a knack for creating new silhouettes, while retaining artisanal touches in each piece. The collection was inspired by the East. Lazaro said, “It’s Asian, but in a New York Way.” One thing is for certain: the oversized clothes and black leather will be key elements for fall.

2. Tory Burch

Tory Burch created her Fall 2012 collection around a narrative where a prim and proper girl falls for the wrong guy. The woman is “polished and put together, sexy but not overtly sexy.” The clothes were lady-like, embellished and brought life to traditional silhouettes.



3. Marchesa

Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig know how to design gowns for the Oscars and Galas. This season it was lovely to see dresses that were shorter and lighter, possible to wear during the day. According to Style.com, the inspiration for the collection was the 19th century French Painter William Bouguereaus’s “A Soul Brought to Heaven,” which depicts two angels spiriting a woman through the clouds. This translates to the collection with the feathers and winged embroideries.



4. Zac Posen

Zac Posen’s Fall 2012 collection was the definition of glamour. His latest batch of sculpted skirt-suits and gowns can dress women for any special occasion. While these pieces aren’t the most wearable, they are beautifully crafted and inspiring.



5. Rodarte

Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the sister act behind Rodarte, struck the right balance between art and commercial fashion. Each piece was unique, yet entirely wearable. A very special collection, as always.



6. Oscar de la Renta

It’s hard to believe that Oscar turns 80 this year; as his Fall 2012 collection seems to speak to a younger generation. The pastel hues, full skirted silhouettes, ribbons and crystals create a sweet, youthful spirit. The program even read, “#theboard,” so viewers can submit inspiration to the board for Oscar de la Renta’s next collection. Elegant and Engaging as always.



7. The Row

Mary Kate and Ashley Olson know what women want. Beautifully crafted, and effortlessly chic clothes with clean silhouettes. They might just be the next best American designers, creating serene and timeless pieces that would be the perfect addition to any fall wardrobe.

8. Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff is evolving as a designer. He will be highly regarded for his smart, minimalist style that is polished with texture. The leather and fur details have me yearning for fall. The only thing missing from the collection was evening wear, but I suppose it will give us something to look forward to for Spring!

9. Michael Kors

For his Fall 2012 RTW collection, Michael Kors channeled a luxurious, woodsy cabin vibe. The clothes had buffalo checks and loads of fur, yet all of the pieces were glamorous and practical- the essence of American fashion. Kors can take his clients to the city or Aspen with this collection.



10. 3.1 Phillip Lim

Phillip Lim touched on the dark vs. light duality in his collection. The clothes were minimal, monochromatic and beautifully constructed. Lim also continued to touch on his superhero theme from his pre-fall collection; the theme was likely used to portray that these clothes are designed for strong women.



Now it's time to jump the pond and catch up on London Fashion Week :)

{All Images via Style.com}

The Art of Coffee

Coffee is the best way to start a work week! This weekend I stumbled upon these photographs of lattes that have been turned into works of art. We all love ordering a latte at a cafe and being presented with a pretty heart etched into the foam on top. This talented New York barista, can create just about anything using espresso and milk. What design would you love to see on your drink?