:: FASHION :: The Oscars 2013

Well kids, that's a wrap!  The finest night of red carpet glory has come and gone, and it did not disappoint.  From classic silhouettes to daring details, the starlets were in full force and aiming to leave an impression.  It was actually very hard for me to choose my favorites as I found there were many more hits than misses.  Nonetheless, I've selected several looks that I felt defined this year's Oscars and even managed to pick the one that I thought took the cake!

Best Dressed

Charlize Theron in Dior

We already know the damn woman is perfection, but Charlize's look last night, from head to toe, was absolutely flawless.  The intense structural design of this dress was the perfect complement to her statuesque figure, and her makeup was so light and natural, making this feel almost too effortless.  And this look with any other hair almost seems impossible.  The sporty pixie brings a freshness to this otherwise ultra classic look reminding us, yet again, how naturally stunning Charlize really is.

Simple Stunners

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen

Jessica Chastain in Giorgio Armani

Jennifer Garner in Gucci

These ladies don't need much when it comes to looking gorgeous.  Whether it's Jessica's flawless skin and striking hair, Amanda's engaging eyes, or Jennifer's pure grace, the dresses they wear almost seem to come in second to their natural beauty.  This year, their simple, yet stunning choices made a statement while still feeling true to their personal style.

Unexpected

Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

Jane Fonda in Versace

These ladies surprised me, happily, with something new and unexpected.  Kerry and Jane's colors were daring, yet absolutely welcome on this night.  And while the Reem Acra that Kristen chose was so intricate and fabulous in its own right, she did not really do it any justice.  Would this have been better on another starlet who would have shown this dress the appreciation it deserves?  Yes.  But I can't not celebrate the beautiful craftsmanship of Reem Acra just because of the body that this dress ended up on.

Architectural

Halle Berry in Versace

Naomi Watts in Giorgio Armani

Again, we have two ladies who took a risk, choosing two very modern, architectural looks at this traditionally classic affair.  The severe lines and cut-out of Naomi's dress are modern and right on trend, while the linear repetition of Halle's dress reminds us of old art deco buildings.  Both dresses fit these ladies like a glove, and perfectly accentuated their incredible figures.

Ball Gown

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Fan Bingbing in Marchesa

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

No Oscars are complete without a proper ball gown, and these three ladies nailed it.  Fan Bingbing's hot pink Marchesa was a knockout, while Amy Adams was pure romance in this decadent tulle gown by Oscar de la Renta.  Jennifer Lawrence's Dior was even more gorgeous than it was full, and the shape was so unique and special, creating an iconic moment for the star.  Kind of reminds me of the now iconic pink dress that Gwyneth Paltrow wore when she won.

What was your favorite look?  And did you watch the awards, or just tune in for the fashions?

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:: FASHION :: Weekend Looks

Just because it's the weekend doesn't mean you have to be a bum.  I like to think of the weekends as special occasions, since most of us guilty of the weekday hustle and bustle.  We should take the weekends to really celebrate our personal time and how much we accomplished during the week, and that means looking and feeling just as fabulous as you would any other day.  Below are two looks that I recently donned for my weekend adventures, from a trip to the SF MoMa to a simple farmers market and grocery run.  

Day at the Museum

1. {max & chloe pave studs}     2. {alexander wang combination cardigan}     3. {j.crew bow coat}

4. {ted baker silver watch, similar here}     5. {mother the curfew bell bottom}     6. {shoedazzle carine heels}

7. {j.crew leopard belt}     8. {max & chloe mixed metal bangles}     9. {forver21 ac/dc muscle tee}

Running Errands

1. {gap cozy neon scarf}     2. {jil sander cashmere cardigan}     3. {cuyana alpaca striped swing vest}

4. {anthropologie watercolor weekender}     5. {banana republic skinny jean}     6. {aldo theorise bootie}

7. {j.crew mirrored floral tee}     8. {lily dawson spike + stone cuff}

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:: FASHION :: In My Closet - February 2013

Despite my budgetary restrictions, I've still managed to squeeze in some shopping.  Although, that might change very soon.  Regardless, these are a few of my favorite purchases as of late... (FYI, yes -- I'm a J.Crew addict)

1. {anthropologie watercolor weekender}
Seriously, one of the best purchases I've made.  I am completely and utterly obsessed with my purse.  And I usually don't spend money on bags because I change them or get tired of them, but this one was so worth it.

2. {j.crew pavé heart earrings}

3. {j.crew printed leopard iphone case}

4. {j.crew printed hearts iphone case}
These are the best iPhone cases!  Not only are they incredibly cute, but I've dropped my phone a hundred times (it's kind of ridiculous) and it's never cracked or anything.  I'm going to work on the not dropping it part, but for now I at least have piece of mind that these cases provide some shock absorption.

5. {j.crew gold heart ring}

6. {j.crew pavé heart ringt}

7. {j.crew café capri in colorblock}

8. {j.crew leopard belt}
This is another essential purchase.  I pretty much throw this on with every outfit.  Maybe another thing I should work on: variety.  But leopard is a neutral so I'm thinking it's okay to continue to abuse this belt's versatility.

9. {shoedazzle carine heel}
Another solid purchase, and totally budget friendly!  Can you believe these were only $39.99?!  And again, such a great neutral that I can wear them with practically anything.  I have to give myself kudos for super smart shopping with these ones!

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:: FASHION :: Lines Not to Miss

This season brings two incredible launches to fashion week: one collaboration between two veterans, and one brand new line from a woman who's made a name for herself with her citronella-like fashion philosophy.

{via loefflerrandall.com}

Designer Jessie Randall has teamed up with Tucker's Gaby Basora for a collection of shoes and handbags, which launched on loefflerrandall.com just last month.  The Loeffler Randall x Tucker collection includes some cheerfully edgy pieces that were inspired by the movie Edward Scissorhands, as Randall explains in this elle.com article.  The pairing of fabulous florals with stark leather and buckle details is a little bit femme, a little bit funk.  Any one of the pieces will give your wardrobe a quick refresh, just in time for Spring.

And then there's Leandra.  Ohhh, Leandra.

{via lifestylemirror.com}

Yes, I have a major crush on one Leandra Medine.  The Man Repeller has won her way into the heart of many a fashionista.  But more so than her impecable style, the chick is just rad.  And she's bringing all the radness that is Medine herself to her new line, Man Repeller x PJK.  Launching on pjk.com on February 14th, Man Repeller x PJK was born out of "just thin air," as she tells Lifestyle Mirror.  Medine explains that she "just wanted to create clothing that doesn’t exist, but exists in my head and that I wish existed in real life."  I mean, how many of us have envisioned that one key piece that would make out outfit totally rock, only to settle for something else that would just have to do?  (Note to self: seriously consider sewing classes.)  Medine's line, like everything else she does, is sure to be admired by the fashion world, and hopefully I've abstained from shopping long enough now that I can treat myself to a piece or two when the day finally arrives.

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:: FASHION :: Designer Spotlight | Erdem

via Erdem.com

Make no mistakes about it: I am head over heels for Erdem.  The line, named after Canadian-born designer Erdem Moralioglu, is one of the freshest things to come along in some time.  Having quite the resume, including a stint with none other than Diane Von Furstenberg (no wonder I like him so much!) and winner of the 2010 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund award, he's definitely earned his place as one of today's most talked about designers.  It may also have something to do with his approach for designing his line.  In 2011, Vogue UK's Dolly Jones quoted the designer: "I never think about what's sexy," he has said. "I don't agonise over whether her bum will look big in something. I focus on the silhouettes and the proportions and hope that takes care of everything."  I think it's safe to say that silhouettes and proportion do take care of everything else when it comes to the line.  And Hollywood's starlets would tend to agree.

Keira Knightley arrived at the LA premiere of Anna Karenina looking absolutely perfect in a gown custom designed by Erdem, inspired by his Spring 2013 collection.

via RCFA.com

Other stars have also been photographed by the handfuls wearing Erdem to various events, including Sienna Miller in one of my 2013 Golden Globes favorites.

via InStyle.com

via InStyle.com

Be on the lookout for more incredibly fresh and feminine pieces from Erdem.  And if you have the budget to afford a piece (or more) from the collection, do us working girls a fav and snag one!  Wear it to a gala, or a wedding.  Hell, wear it to the grocery store.  Just enjoy it for us.

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:: STYLE :: Icon | Miroslava Duma

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I have an uber crush (obesssion?) with one of the fashion world's favorite style mavens: Miroslava Duma.  Even her name is devine!

The Russian beauty is founder of style website Buro 24/7 and has been setting the style scene abuzz with her impecable fashion.  Not to mention her striking beauty.  She's equal parts fresh-faced innocence and smoldering glamour goddess. The woman is simply perfection in my eyes.

But aside from her outwardly appearance, Miroslava is an inspiration in many ways.  She's got an amazing, expanding career under her belt.  She's a go getter and a risk taker.  When asked about her personal style in a hapersbazaar.com article, Miroslava responded, "Experimental... There's a Russian saying that I live by, 'The one who doesn’t try anything doesn't make mistakes.'"

So hats off to you, Miss Duma!  May your style transcend mere fashion inspiration and be that of personal exploration and motivation as well.

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:: FASHION :: In My Closet - January 2013

I'm a shopper.  Always have been, always will be.  These days, with all my free time and time spent on the internet, it's inevitable that I would occasionally (ahem*frequently*ahem) wonder off to both online and store-front retailers when I needed a break from the job hunt and other business matters.  They say you should give your brain a quick break every 15 minutes to stay your most productive and keep yourself from zoning out.  Ok, I may have made up the 15 minute rule to make myself feel better about the fact that I can barely focus on anything longer than that.  But bottom line, everyone knows you should indulge every once in a while to avoid getting burned out.

Below are some of the latest additions to my closet; my form of indulgence when I'm feeling in a rut or like I'm starting to go crazy.  I've been focused on getting both pieces that are versatile for everyday wear, plus some career pieces that keep me motivated to find the perfect job.  Mom, if you're reading this, it was all on sale...

1. {Hive & Honey rectangular and pyramid stud earring}

2. {Hive & Honey three row cuff bracelet}

3. {J.Crew bow coat}

4. {J.Crew tuxedo pencil skirt}

5. {J.Crew collection skirt in rush hour}

6. {B Brian Atwood Lenoire metallic fringe sandal}

7. {Sparrow french stripes maxi sweater skirt}

8. {Aldo Theorise bootie}

9. {Forever21 studded utility jacket}

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:: FASHION :: The Golden Globes, 2013

The red carpet at last night's Golden Globes was chock-a-block full of surprises.  While the individual fashions provided more variety than most years, there was an overwhelming repetition of trends.  A surprising amount of starlets wore their hair worn down this year; if not in the old Hollywood, cascading waves style, then in a full, voluminous blow out.  There was also a shocking return of Angelina Jolie's uber slit from last year's Oscars, or as some have dubbed it, "leg bombing."

Overall, I think the risks paid off more than those who played it safe.  Below are my favorite looks from last night, including risk-takers and simple beauties.

Who were your favorites?

{all photos via RCFA.com}

Sienna Miller in Erdem

Nicole Ritchie in Naeem Kahn

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein

Anne Hathaway in Chanel Couture