BEST DRESSED
Katharine McPhee (Photo: Vogue)
Lea Michele (Photo: gossip.whyfame.com)
Marion Cotillard (Photo: Washington Post)
WORST DRESSED
Beyonce and Florence Welch (Photo: Billboard)
Kristen Stewart (Photo: Now Public)
May 9, 2012
April 12, 2012
Thread Thursday: Fashion Website “Your Next Ensemble” Has You Covered
Fashionistas,
I’ve been getting these updates in my Facebook news feed about a website called “Your Next Shoes.” The shoes were cute, so I took the bait and checked out the full site. I’m so glad I did because it turns out that shoes are just the beginning! Fashion website “Your Next Ensemble” is an umbrella site for other online fashion destinations such as “Your Next Handbag,” “Your Next Dress,” and even “Scarves and Wraps.”
Each sister site chronicles the latest in its respective fashion category, including celeb fashion, product reviews and where to buy. Happy shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
February 27, 2012
Media Monday: Oscars 2012 Fashion Recap
Interesting Oscars show last night…I guess I need to see that Hugo film! Well, on to the fashion!
Photo: Zap2It.com
The photo collage above has some beautiful dresses included, but not all are best dressed material! Read on to see why. ; )
MY BEST DRESSED LIST
GWYNETH PALTROW IN TOM FORD
Photo: Heather Ikei © A.M.P.A.S.
The cape is genius. I have to admit the dress itself does not have the “wow” factor though it is lovely and simple. But, the cape takes it over the top- it was just visually interesting and I thought Gwyneth knocked it out of the park.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS IN LOUIS VUITTON
Photo: graziadaily.co.uk
I don’t recall Louis Vuitton making an appearance on the red carpet very often, but that may be changing. This dress is young, fresh and in the most joyful shade of coral. In the past, it’s been noted that Michelle is not always the most sunny personality on the red carpet, but it looks like this frock lifted her spirits. How could you not be happy in this dress?!
OCTAVIA SPENCER IN TADASHI SHOJI
Photo: graziadaily.co.uk
The beading on this gown is exquisite. I couldn’t stop looking at it, especially during close ups! Octavia is perfection in this dress and couldn’t have looked lovelier.
Photo: Zap2It.com
Again, the photo collage above includes some good contenders for worst dressed and so I’ll just briefly mention a few, but not all deserve to be on that list. Sandra Bullock’s dress is actually very beautiful, and I don’t mind that it’s not skin tight. If it had been taken in at the waist just a little, she would’ve been on my Best Dressed list. And at least Rooney Mara wore a white dress this time.
Now for my actual Worst Dressed List, Melissa McCarthy’s Marina Rinaldi dress just didn’t do it for me. While I loved the jeweled neckline, that alone couldn’t save the dress from the unfortunate sleeves and unflattering color. Berenice Bejo wore a mint green Elie Saab dress, but the long sleeves and retro hue was a big miss. This would’ve been more appropriate for dame Helen Mirren.
Surprisingly, the third worst dress was not included in the photo series above, so here it is below.
ANNA FARRIS IN DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Photo: Celebuzz.com
Again, with the age-inappropriate long sleeves. From the neck up, Anna looks gorgeous, but this Morticia Addams meets disco get up should’ve stayed with the stylist. She did use a stylist right?
What were your best and worst dressed Oscar nominees?
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
January 23, 2012
Media Monday: I Heart Shala Monroque
Town & Country’s featured story “Shala Monroque: Life of a Butterfly” by Kevin Conley was an interesting peek into the life of the titular “It Girl” of the fashion and art worlds.
Admittedly, I’m fascinated by Shala’s effortless style and was thrilled when I saw her on the cover of Town & Country. A staple at coveted fashion shows, society parties, and the subject of countless fashion blogs, I have followed Shala’s rise to fame for a while. I expected the article to cover Shala’s innate fashion sense in depth but it took a more high-level approach, which was interesting. However, I found Conley’s article at times snide with respect to Shala’s humble beginnings in St. Lucia and her current access to the upper echelons of art and fashion. There is a frail yet noticeable film of superficiality coloring the praises Conley weaves into the paragraphs. For example, Conley writes, “Monroque…with her seemingly effortless rise from island flower girl to fashion cynosure, belongs to the Holly Golightly line of It girl.” Excuse me, Holly Golightly was a call girl, a scandalous occupation even today, and especially at the time Breakfast at Tiffany’s was released in 1961. While it’s expected that the movie would tip toe around such subject matter, I’m not sure why this modern article even makes mention of a call girl in reference to Monroque. But to be fair, perhaps Conley was speaking to the essence and spirit of Holly, charmingly brought to life by the beloved Audrey Hepburn. After all, not many people remember Holly’s occupation; rather they seem only to remember she had no job, technically. Given her extravagant lifestyle, this made her mysterious and well, cool.
About 10% of Conley’s article reads as negative, with its peppering of scathing remarks poorly disguised as innocent commentary, which I found neither illuminating nor necessary. Happily, the remaining 90% of Conley’s article is positive. He does go on to compliment Monroque’s innate fashion sense (of course): “In the snaps that show up in street-style blogs everywhere, Monroque is admired for her sense of fun, the confident way she makes her own rules, mixing distinct silhouettes with designer looks straight off the runway with vintage-store finds.” He also compliments her radiant smile: “It is not seductive or knowing or conspiratorial. What it is is luminous- strikingly, wholesomely so. Shala smiling makes you feel extravagantly good.”
I think Shala’s appearance on the cover of Town & Country is wonderfully deserved and appropriate. She’s a sartorial taste maker, effortlessly glamorous and endlessly interesting. I heart Shala, and wish her all the very best.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
January 15, 2012
Media Monday: Golden Globes Fashion Recap (The Hot Mess Edition)
The 2012 Golden Globes. Well…ok. I’ve been writing Thread Conscious for two years. You know by now that I try to stay positive at all times. But there comes a time when fashion is so bad, and so disappointing, that you find yourself picking the best of the worst, because there just wasn’t enough good to go around. That time has come. I was not wowed by the fashion of the Golden Globes this year. I was sooo…underwhelmed. It was a fashion fail. Up first is the Best Dressed (relatively speaking) and then the Worst Dressed…plus some more mess. All photos courtesy of WireImage except where noted. Happy Monday.
ON TO THE BEST DRESSED
Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci
Rooney Mara: Edgy cut-outs in black. That seems to be Rooney’s M.O., so it’s expected. At least the dress was interesting.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren: Love the color on Helen, and the fact that there’s a different texture on the bottom. Sophisticated with just the right amount of bling, at the waist, no doubt. I really like this dress.
Paula Patton
Paula Patton: Paula looks gorgeous in this classic mermaid silhouette, in the happiest hue of yellow. I don’t hate it. #winning.
AND ON TO THE WORST DRESSED!
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Angelina Jolie: I don’t know. No, I can’t. It’s just wrong. The fabric looks cheap, the slash of red at the neckline isn’t a pleasant surprise, it’s an eye sore. For once, I paid more attention to what Brad Pitt was wearing.
Amanda Peet
Amanda Peet: Unfortunately, I think I’ve seen something like this before. And it was a very unflattering wedding dress.
Missi Pyle
Missi Pyle: The color’s not bad, but that’s the only good thing about this frock. This dress looks like it came straight from Windsor. Actually, Windsor has better looking dresses than this.
AND MORE FASHION FAILS
Natalie Portman, Repeat Offender
Natalie Portman: I love Natalie Portman. She’s known for her intelligence as well as her talent. But I don’t understand why she repeated last year’s Golden Globes red and pink fiasco this year.
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
AND IT GETS BETTER. I MEAN WORSE.
Zooey and Emily Deschanel- Worst Dressed Duo, Double Fail
Zooey Deschanel and Emily Deschanel: People seem to like Zooey’s zany fashion sense and I have to admit I don’t completely hate her dress. I’m just having trouble articulating what I don’t like about. But Emily, Betty White called and she wants her dress back.
Ok, that’s enough. The rest of the week will be more positive, I promise!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
December 13, 2011
Eco-Friendly Beauty and Fashion with Model-Activist Summer Rayne Oakes
Dear Fashionistas,
I was recently at one of my favorite “cheap chic boutiques,” better known as TJ Maxx, and found this really cool and informative book while in the check out line. For folks interested in eco-friendly beauty and fashion, Style Naturally looks like a great resource. Authored by eco-fashionista and activist Summer Rayne Oakes, the shopping guide provides a comprehensive list of resources online and world-wide, including many retailers in Texas, naturally.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
November 29, 2011
Amazing Collar Necklaces
Fashionistas,
You know I love statement necklaces. Specifically, collar necklaces are a great way to add an elegant touch to your ensemble. Check out all the varieties available at Polyvore below- a collar necklace would be a perfect addition to your holiday dress!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
November 27, 2011
Christmas 2011 Gift Guide
GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Subscriptions and Memberships
Subscriptions and Memberships
Clockwise from the Top:
1. Birchbox; $10/month
2. Massage Envy; Approx. $59/month
3. Bag Borrow or Steal; Starting at $25
4. Spa Finder; Starting at $25
5. Conde Nast Subscription to Vogue, Lucky, etc.; Approx. $20-30/year
Simple and thoughtful, giving the gift of a subscription or membership makes a great impression. Subscriptions and membership applies to a range of products, from fashion magazines to massage therapy to makeup and skincare. And just think: each time your loved one receives her magazine in the mail or schedules her monthly massage, she’ll think of you!
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Custom/Personalized Style
Custom/Personalized Style
From Left to Right:
1. Rose Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($214.99); Photo Credit: Overstock.com
2. Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Personalization ($1,100; without Initials- $800)
3. 14k Gold-Plated “Carrie” Style Name Necklace ($49.95); Photo Credit: Mynamenecklace.com
There’s nothing like a customized gift to show how much you care. Always popular, initial or name necklaces never go out of style. And if you want to give an uber-chic gift, Louis Vuitton offers personalization on select items in a variety of festive colors.
2011 Women’s Gift Guide: Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
From Top to Bottom:
1. A Patricia Field Trifecta: The Devil Wears Prada, The Sex & the City Movie, and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Approx. $20 each); Photo Credit: IMDB.com
2. iPad 2 Tablet (starting at $499); Photo Credit: Apple.com
3. Purseket: The Original Purse Organizer (Approx. $20-30); Photo Credit: Purseket.com
Fashion and film go hand in hand and make a great gift for any fashionista who’s also a film buff. Iconic stylist Patricia Field made fashion magic in the Sex and the City series on HBO and other successful shows like Ugly Betty. Naturally, Pat styled both Sex and the City Movies and others such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic. For fashionistas who love history, I also recommend Valentino: The Last Emperor and Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou.
If you’d like to give the gift of gadgets, well you can’t go wrong with an iPad 2. Want to go the extra mile? How about an iPad preloaded with fashionable movies like those listed above! Also, there are a variety of fashion apps that can be added to keep the most dedicated fashionista up-to-date.
For fashion and functionality on the go, I think a purse organizer is a great idea. I’ve seen several on TV: just place keys, a phone, makeup and money in the pockets, and drop the entire organizer in your purse!
GIFTS FOR THE GUYS
Guest Post by J. Edward
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The 3-Piece Suit
The 3-Piece Suit
From left to right:
1. Photo Credit: Askandyaboutclothes.com
2.Ralph Lauren Suit (Starting at approx. $1500); Photo Credit: Esquire.com
3. Photo Credit: Monkeysuitvintage.com
Every man wants to be stylish, and nothing says class and sophistication like the 3-piece suit. Whether it’s muted tones and stripes or bold lines and lapels, the true character of any man comes forward with this ensemble. As a gift to your loved one, or to yourself, this is one gift that will add to any man’s wardrobe.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Professional Tablet Case
The Professional Tablet Case
Top Left: Fossil (Approx. $40); Photo Credit: Ipadcaseden.com
Bottom Right: Louis Vuitton in Monogram and Damier Patterns (Approx. $350); Photo Credit: Most-expensive.net
Who carries around laptops anymore? The business world is about speed and ease, and the introduction of tablets into the boardroom has changed how we get the job done. So who wants to be ordinary when you can be fabulous…and why not accessorize what is now as commonplace as our cellphones? For fashionistos on a budget, consider the very sleek and simple offering from Fossil. If you have a little more to spend, and really want to standout, visit your local Louis Vuitton retailer to see their selection.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Shoes (Approx. $145); Photo Credit: Shopstyle.com
When you’re lounging around on a weekend afternoon, is there anything more stylish and comfortable than a pair of Chuck Taylors? John Varvatos has lent his style expertise to the brand to create a super cool yet casual rendition to their line. When you are wearing these All Stars, people will know you didn’t just walk into the local shoe store.
2011 Men’s Gift Guide: The Pocket Watch
The Pocket Watch
From Left to Right:
1. Vintage Watch (Prices Vary); Photo Credit; Gstatic.com
2. Harley Davidson (Approx. $202.50); Photo Credit: Harleyitems.com
Why limit your accessories to the usual… step outside of the norm. Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and yet remain rare and stylish. Harley Davidson offers a cool version of the classic time piece. If you are like me and like antiques, visit your local retailers and trade shows to see what they have to offer. Never forget that one person’s junk could be another person’s treasure.
Hopefully these gift ideas will find their way onto your gift lists or at least give you some great ideas. Starting at just $10, there’s something for everyone, and every budget, listed here. So Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
November 19, 2011
H&M Unveils Its Versace Collection Today!
Fashionistas,
The Very Best of Versace for H&M Collection is available at Northpark Center in Dallas starting TODAY. There is already a line outside the store! There is such a fashion frenzy that H&M has set up a shopping system to make scooping up your favorites a bit easier. The Ladies’ Collection ranges from about $29.95 to $399 while the Men’s Collection is priced about $17.95 to $299. If you love bold and bright with a touch of rock ‘n roll edginess, then this is the Collection for you. Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
November 12, 2011
Some Rules of Eternal Style by Amy Tara Koch
Victoria Beckham Dresses; Photo Credit: Manycolor.com
Dear Fashionistas,
I just read a wonderful article by Amy Tara Koch on Huffingtonpost.com outlining the rules of eternal style. Titled “How to Look Rich on the Cheap,” (keeping in mind that cheap is relative), what the article really teaches is how to choose pieces that are classic, chic and tasteful. I don’t agree with everything Koch suggests (such as “Rich people don’t wear [nail] color. EVER. “- that’s just not true and certain nail colors are tasteful) but for the most part, she is spot on.
I also appreciate Koch taking time to include shopping suggestions. Need to find that must have item on her list? No problem, an array of sensible shops are provided such as Bluefly, Zara, Overstock.com and Ebay.
Finally, I agree with Koch that proper grooming is essential to classic style. Facials and mani/pedis can, and should, be a regular part of one’s style routine. What good is wearing a beautiful cocktail ring if your nails look awful?
For comprehensive style tips, check out the entire article on Huff Post Style here.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
