Resort Round-Up

See more resort favorites here and here.

Alexander McQueen {red carpet ready}

Celebrities love McQueen. It's simply a fact at this point. And Sarah Burton keeps giving celebrities more reasons to don McQueen gowns for all their red carpet needs. These four dresses from the Resort 2013 presentation all have such red carpet appeal. I bet the last dress (on the far right) will show up on a celeb within the next week.

Rochas {vintage vacation}

Rochas is usually one of my favorite collections because like myself, designer Marco Zanini seems to be completely in love with the fifties and sixties. The ankle-length pants, the ladylike accessories, the ruffled full skirts in delicate pastels- it all reminds me of bygone American summers.

Moschino {mod squad}

 My love affair with all things retro continues with Moschino, which focused on psychedelic florals, oversized sunglasses, and exaggerated boxy shapes. On the top of my wishlist: that bell-sleeve jacket in dizzying lime.

Carven {the prep school girl}

Carven is another favorite of mine, somewhat because I can actually afford some of their clothes, but this resort presentation made me so happy. Carven is always good for a quirky take on the prep school girl, and this resort season was no exception. Tweed skirt suits, lunchbox-like purses, and intellectual brocade prints all had me smiling. And let's not even get me started on that bright blue beauty of a dress.

Nicole Miller {tropical getaway}

Nicole Miller went for the literal denotation of the word "resort" with her collection. Crop tops, tie dye/ombre, and tropical prints were in full swing. My personal favorite: the navy-to-gold one-shoulder dress. The bodice is fantastically draped, the skirt wonderfully mystical.

 Matthew Williamson {rainbow connection}
 

Matthew Williamson is not for the faint of heart. Williamson has always made a point of focusing on the girl who likes to stand out. He's a huge fan of beads, feathers, and other embellishments, not to mention dazzling brights. For resort, Williamson has enough color to satisfy a rainbow- bold corals, fresh mints, soft lavenders, and cool blues. I'm a big fan of the lace button-downs, perfect go-tos to throw over your swimsuit when resorting in Bora Bora. 

 Marc Jacobs {the bold and the beautiful}

 

 Another designer who isn't afraid of bold creations- Marc Jacobs. To quote Nicole Phelps' review on style.com, "Not for team MJ is Resort a season for play-it-safe clothes." In perhaps the most whimsical show of the season, Jacobs looked to the clown for inspiration and went from there. Part of Jacobs' genius is that some outfits are so editorial-ready, while others are perfect red carpet looks (Hilary Swank has already sported a black-and-white version of the pink-and-red dress on the far right), and others still are wonderful retail pieces (see the brown short suit that I absolutely love). There's something in here for everyone. As usual, Jacobs mixes vintage looks (the mix-and-match prints and ankle-length skirts) with refreshingly modern outfits (see here). 

P.S. Elle Fanning better wear this dress soon or else. It was practically made for her!

 (images from style.com)

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Jason Wu and the Taboo

As one of the First Lady's go-to designers, Jason Wu's collections are generally pretty conservative. But Wu is A-list material, and as the saying goes in Hollywood, sex sells. Inspired by Helmut Newton and the idea of exploring taboos, Wu gave backless dresses, seductive leather, and ankle-cuff heels. Every model's face was obscured by thin black netting, giving each look a coy, coquettish feel. And with Wu still being Wu, there were plenty of sensual looks with restraint, like his signature short suits in contrasting black and white, or a sleek power dress with jet-black leather inserts.

While Michelle Obama isn't a bad client to have, it is evident from this collection that Jason Wu is looking to expand his clientelle to more youthful celebrities. And with to-die-for gauzy dresses for his grand finale, Young Hollywood will be fighting over these sexy, beautiful dresses.

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Style Crush: Elizabeth Banks

When The Hunger Games premiered in March, everyone was eagerly anticipating Jennifer Lawrence's rise to fashion fame- and rise she did. The star has stunned in Prabal Gurung, Marchesa, and Nina Ricci. But while the Lawrence certainly has lived up to her character's "girl on fire" reputation, the true star of the Hunger Games promotional tour turned out to be none other than Elizabeth Banks. Though not the star of the film by any means, Banks stole the spotlight from many of her younger counterparts both on and off screen. In the movie Banks portrays Effie Trinket, the District Twelve tribute escort and my personal favorite. It only seems fitting that Banks would mirror Trinket's whimsical, daring fashions on the red carpet while promoting the film.

But The Hunger Games has come and gone and still I'm noticing Banks everywhere. Always, she is dressed impeccably, a rare feat for actresses these days. Somehow Banks knows how to make a statement without going over the top. She knows what styles work for her and she always plays up her assets. Banks also knows how to pose with poise, always looking like she's having a blast, which is refreshing to see when so many starlets - *cough* Kristen Stewart *cough* - act like the red carpet is such a burden. 

So here's to Banks, who never fails to impress, whether it be in a bright mini, metallic frock, or feathered gown. A lesson to us all in impeccable styling and taste.

(images from zimbio.com)

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A New Hope

*but seriously this is Star Wars epic status

Raf Simons channels Christian Dior's iconic NEW LOOK for his Dior debut

The drama concludes (or has it just begun?) today, as the highly-anticipated Christian Dior couture debut of Raf Simons is revealed. The bloggers are already going absolutely insane with either high praise or high disapproval, but this review is solely my two cents on Mr. Simons' new collection.

Set in an abandoned mansion with five salons walled with reportedly a million flowers, a tailored black tuxedo suit appears on the curving marble runway. From the first look it is apparent that this is not a Galliano show - but that's okay! Because isn't the point of getting a new designer to go in a new direction? Or maybe that's just me.

Peplums and pants are my favorite silhouettes from the show

The channeling of New Look silhouettes is obvious, but Simons does it in a fresh way. Perhaps my favorite looks were the peplum tops, the nipped waists with these exaggerated skirts, all over straight-leg pants. I think those did the best job of utilizing New Look styles while going in a modern direction. This makes me eager to try my own oversized peplum/pants combo.

Now, a common complaint among bloggers is that Raf Simons doesn't "get" couture, or that this show lacked the theatricality of Galliano's couture shows. These complaints are silly for several reasons.

Red Carpet Ready

On the first point, about Simons not understanding the idea of couture (and by that they mean the clothes aren't over-the-top enough) nowhere in the Couture Regulations does it state that couture clothes require a certain amount of beads per square inch or a minimum of 20 yards of fabric per dress. People should also know that most other couturiers aren't nearly as flamboyant as Galliano or Lagerfeld. Look at Bouchra Jarrar who, as told by Nicole Phelps of style.com, "has yet to put a single beaded ball gown on her runway". Couture is about something more than elaborate sets and theatrics - it's about telling a story through beautiful clothing, about showcasing old-style sewing and designing.

On the second point, the whacky sets and over-the-top productions are fun and amusing but can be distracting, and the setting of this show was frankly stunning - beautiful but not so overwhelming that the staging overshadows the clothes.

I think Simons did an excellent job with this first couture collection (and his first ever collection for Dior, which is even more pressure!) and yes, he played it a bit safe with his heritage-based looks, but they were exquisite and flawless in their constructions. People miss Galliano and the excitement, but frankly, the hype that surrounded this presentation made it the most anticipated Dior show in a long while. Raf Simons is not John Galliano, and I am so totally fine with that.

Be sure to check back for more Fall 2012 Couture reviews and let me know what you thought about Raf Simons' debut at Christian Dior!

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Mulberry SS13 Ad Campaign

There's always an otherworldly, fantastical element to Mulberry (the British label known for its iconic handbags) collections.

For Spring 2013, the label plunged into the ocean -a soft, pastel coral reef, to be precise- and created a dreamy, mermaid-like collection of soft beaches, cool seafoam greens, and fish scale-like prints. Throw photographer Tim Walker, who happens to have a flair for the magical, and you are bound to get an enchanting end result.

images courtesy of Mulberry

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Barbie I Can Be Movie Star Doll

Features

• Girls can play out there favorite dream career
• Each doll comes with access to special online content
• Code inside each package unlocks career-themed content online
• Includes Movie Star doll, trophy and red carpet
• Collect all your favorite Barbie I Can Be Dolls

List Price: $13.99
Get this month Special Offer: check this out!

Related Products

• Barbie I Can Be Ballroom Dancer Doll
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• Barbie I Can Be... Actress Doll - New 2012 Version

Product Description
Barbie I Can Be.... Movie Star

Fans of Hollywood will love Barbie I Can Be.... Movie Star. Barbie is dressed in a super glamorous dress perfect for the red carpet.

Why You'll Love It: Barbie is a real star and kids can be, too.

Age: 3 to 8 years

FeaturesCode inside each package opens up career-themed online content >Includes Stunning gown with faux fur trim Jewelry Golden purseShoes Trophy Red carpet stands

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Friday, I'm In Love: University of Southern California

Me and a fellow future Trojan fighting on for College T-Shirt Day

Today was "College T-Shirt Day" at school and it was so much fun to see everyone repping their college gear. I'm one of those people who just gets really excited for other peoples' successes. Also notice how I turned my simple shirt into a fabulous ensemble (Though I really need to invest in some burgundy and gold sunglasses like my comrade here) BUT today was also a great day for me because USC MOVED MY ADMISSION TO THE FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first I was admitted as a spring student, which is cool but dude, now I'll be going to college along with EVERYONE ELSE and I am SO EXCITED!

Yeah, college! FIGHT ON!

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Serving It Up

1. Make a Racquet tennis bag 2. Tennis Net anklet socks 3. Kate Spade Kissing Tennis Racquet belt 4. Hold Court Quinn tote 5. On the Ball coin purse; All Kate Spade

You can always count on Kate Spade for a healthy dose of bold colors and kitschy cute accessories. The brand's theme of the month seems to be tennis (just in time for the Indian Wells tennis tournament nearby!) and as a vaguely avid tennis enthusiast, I absolutely adore the tennis court greens and actual tennis accessories! Count on these bags being very popular in Palm Springs as the tournament heats up.

(all items available at katespade.com)

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Staying Grounded

Three years after foot surgery and I still can't force my feet into the beautiful Prada 5" heels that patiently wait in their shoebox. High heels were my nemesis pre-surgery, but now they are even more disastrous. And to be honest, at 5'8" I don't really need the extra height.

Still, I do feel somewhat left out when shoe designers everywhere are obsessing over fun stilettos and heels that I cannot possibly wear.

So imagine my delight when discovering that fashion designers were taking a new-found interest in flats and smaller heels- shoes that may be, dare I say, both practical AND stylish.

Everyone from Marc Jacobs to Miuccia Prada was dishing up high-impact shoes without the teetering high heels of seasons past. And lucky for you and me, designers of all price points are offering up low heels for spring. Take your pick!

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Pop Art

Looking for a way to pump up your spring look? Go for bold, bright colors and fun geometric prints a la the 60s Pop Art and Mod Movements. Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton have made this look all the rage and there's many different ways you can take this trend. Be loud, be bold, and have fun!

Vogue Japan Spring 2013

Kate Spade "Mondrian"-inspired print for Spring 2013

Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 Ad Campaign

Kate Spade Spring 2013

Lisa Perry Spring 2013 Presentation

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Top Fashion Moments of 2012

It's been a hell of a year for fashion. Here are some of the highlights:

Diane Kruger: Queen of Cannes

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood at Cannes

I've always been a devoted fan of Diane Kruger, but since she took the world by storm at this year's Cannes Film Festival, everyone seems to be a Kruger fan. Most starlets have as many hits as they do misses when it comes to fashion decisions, but Kruger has proved herself to be one of the most consistently-stylish women around. No wonder Karl Lagerfeld can't get enough of her!

Raf Simons Takes the Reigns at Christian Dior

After over a year of scandal and rumor regarding the departure of longtime Dior designer John Galliano and his replacement, fans of the French couturier can rest peacefully knowing that Raf Simons has taken over. His stunning Fall 2012 couture show, with its floral wall runway and "New Look" silhouettes harkening back to the style that made the label famous, has done much to reassure worried fashion followers that Christian Dior is in good hands.

Blake Lively Becomes the New Bombshell

Blake Lively in Zuhair Murad Couture at the Savages LA Premiere

Another personal style icon of mine, Blake Lively, turned heads everywhere at the Los Angeles premier of Savages this summer. The hair, the makeup, and damn that dress!- everything is just flawless. Gossip Girl may be over, but I know this girl's got a bright future ahead of her, and certainly more stunning red carpet moments.

The 'It' Sweater of the Year

image from Upper Attitude

Each season there seems to be one "It" item that every off-duty model and fashion editor seems to fawn over. This year it was the Kenzo Tiger sweater. It's just loud enough to make any outfit stand out, and it's comfy enough (it is a sweatshirt, after all) to actually be a practical statement piece. Some may be sick of the sweater by now, but I still dream of wearing a tiger of my own.

London Takes the Gold

2012 was a heck of a year for London. A new future queen, a Diamond Jubilee for the current queen, and, oh yeah, the 2012 London Olympic Games. The city pulled out all the stops for the opening and closing ceremonies and made sure to include British achievements in all areas, including fashion. One of my favorite parts of the closing ceremony was watching the top British supermodels -Kate Moss, Stella Tennant, Naomi Campbell, and Lily Cole, to name a few- strut out in designs by Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, and more (all in gold, of course) to David Bowie's "Fashion". It was an iconic moment that I will never forget.

Carrie Who?

the cast of Girls for Glamour magazine

It took me time to warm up to HBO's new series Girls, heralded as the "Sex and the City for the new, younger generation, but I finally have found a place in my heart for these four strange, misguided, and hopelessly beautiful women living in New York City and trying to find their way in the world. Each girl is an individual and each one has her own distinct style, but don't try to fit them to a Sex and the City character: these four girls are all there own.

The New 'It-Girl' Bag

Lana del Rey is the new songstress and muse. She's sung for Chanel shows and done a collaboration with H&M, and now she has her own 'del Rey' bag designed by Mulberry. Perhaps it will be the new Kelly or Birkin? Either way, you know you've made it as an icon when you get a bag named after you.

What were your favorite moments of 2012, fashion-wise?

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Out on the Streets

With the rise of street style photography, the front row fashionistas and their inventive ensembles have become as important as the shows they watch during Fashion Week. Tommy Ton, with his ability to capture unique details, patterns, and personalities, has elevated certain extravagant ladies to street style icons. Here are some of the favorite looks outside of the Spring 2013 shows.

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