Golden Globes Fashion

I felt compelled to write a short review of last night's Golden Globes fashion scene. It had its usual hits and misses, and there's no way I can cover them all. I'll show you the hits that made me whistle, and I'll show you a few of the misses that made me wonder how a stylist could have been involved.

Amal Clooney (above) has impeccable taste - and a finely tuned sense of what's appropriate when your husband is receiving the highest honor of the night. She looked beautiful in her Dior Haute Couture, but by choosing black, she left the spotlight to him. The gloves? I could take or leave them, but I do admire her intelligent choice. On a night when you have to shake hands with many people, why not protect your health with gloves?

Emma Stone looked great in Lanvin and was one of the few women who opted for trousers. The contrast between the jeweled top and black pants by Lanvin was stunning.

Could Naomi Watts have looked any better? Her Gucci gown was beautiful (who says blondes can't wear yellow?), but that diamond snake necklace was the perfect complement.

Dakota Johnson in Chanel Haute Couture was drop-dead gorgeous. The gown spoke for itself. No snazzy jewelry was required.

Allison Williams radiated beauty in her Armani Privé gown. Red was hot last night, and she wore it best, I think.

I loved Lupita Nyong'o's Giambattista Vallie gown! I would wear that in a heartbeat. She was glorious.

Selma Hayek, wearing Alexander McQueen, was elegant. It's too bad they paired with with a rather drunken partner to present an award. She was very gracious.

Julianne Moore dazzled in her Givenchy Couture. The gradations in color and texture of her gown were stunning.

Plunging necklines were all the rage. Some were beautiful - mostly on smaller women. I loved Sienna Miller's look by Miu Miu. On the other hand, Jennifer Lopez looked like she was wearing a custom-cut shower curtain. The boning sticking into her breast was not attractive, and she must have been wearing a truckload of Hollywood Fashion Tape.

Her Golden Globes have been overexposed. Time to change up your look, JLo.

Kiera Knightly looked hideous in Chanel! The Victorian look was out of place.

It's hard to dress up Lena Dunham. I don't recall seeing her look good at any awards show. Zac Posen tried, but turned her into a blimp in the process.

Another miss was Claire Danes in Valentino. Fussy and busy, her gown detracted from her beautiful face.

There were many other celebrities whose looks were stunning, many who were just so-so, and too many misses. I can't show them all; it would take all day. So, feel free to add your own reviews in the comments. Who do you think looked great, and who should have changed before they left home?

Photos courtesy of WWD

Celebrity Culture and its Influence on Fashion

There's no way one can deny the influence of celebrities on American culture - particularly on fashion and the aspirations of their fans. I wish it weren't so. Some of the most popular have proven lately that they aren't worthy role models.

I used to think that Beyoncé had a pretty good handle on her image. She's shown above, glamorous in H&M's new summer advertising campaign - just as her single, Bow Down, marks a tasteless turn in her image. As the Telegraph said, "Say what you will about Beyoncé, this is a woman who throughout her phenomenally successful singing career, has nailed the powerful, sassy superwoman act down to a tee. So much so, that none other than Barack Obama hailed her as being the perfect role model for his two daughters." I wonder if he would say that today.

One could not miss the news this week that she is now calling herself "Mrs. Carter" in a bow to her subservient marital status. In Bow Down, she sings,  "I know when you were little girls/You dreamed of being in my world/Don't forget it, don't forget it/Respect that, bow down, b**ches," with the refrain “bow down, b**ches” aggressively and tediously repeated throughout her song with a message. It's a message that could backfire on her - at least with her older admirers, like me, who thought of her as a classy, independent woman who sang the right message for young, "single ladies." I am very disappointed in her. She's certainly no longer a Gucci-type gal.

What's gone wrong with cute, little Justin Bieber? The clean, parent-approved kid from Canada seems to have morphed into a thug. Why were his fans kept waiting for two hours before he showed up on stage weeks ago? Then he collapsed during a subsequent performance. Were there drugs involved? At that point, I felt sorry for the kid - until he crudely flashed his underwear in a photo he tweeted from the hospital. He has been kicked out of ritzy hotels, fought with photographers, tattooed his body, turned to a vocabulary laced with profanity, and bragged while blasting his critics. It looks to me like he might be on his first steps toward Lindsay Lohan's disastrous life. Child star gone bad? Where are his parents?

Here "she" is, showing up for court with her clueless attorney (the one who told Billy Bush she is an "iconic Hollywood treasure"). Not everyone arriving for a court appearance for a car accident she caused is showered with glitter. Given her shopping habits (she went shopping after she accepted a plea agreement that includes a 90-day stint in rehab), you would think she could have worn something a bit less revealing. The white two-piece dress was gorgeous - and entirely inappropriate. I doubt 90 days in rehab will change her ways. If I had been the judge, I would have given her a sentence she could remember. Apparently she has forgotten the prior ones. In her case, I won't ask, "Where are her parents?"

I'm glad I don't have children. Raising kids today is a challenge. Our society seems to hold out celebrities like these as role models. Beyoncé and Bieber have been cited frequently as worthy idols. LiLo could have stayed on that track, but she jumped off the train long ago.

Back to my original blurb/rant. Beyoncé's H&M campaign will be prominently featured during her upcoming world tour. In the print advertisements and billboards, she will be referenced as, “Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M.” Known for its edgy corporate branding, is H&M putting its stamp of approval on her message or just her look?

Photos courtesy of WWD, Justin Bieber, and Vanity Fair

Neiman Marcus The Book Shopping

A few nights ago, I went through The Book playing a little game. I filled out a spreadsheet, answering the following questions.

1. Do I like it?
2. Would I wear it? Does it fit into my life?
3. Can I afford to buy it?
4. If I had the money, would I buy it?

Do you ever play those games? I think it's fun. Here are some of my entries. I snagged a few photos from the online Book.

I love this Prada handbag ($1890). Blue and green are my favorite colors (this bag is also available in red and orange. I love the shoulder strap. I can't always carry a bag with handles only. I must have a shoulder strap, and I noticed a movement toward them for this season. That makes me very happy. Answers to my questions: 1. Yes. 2. Yes, 3. No. 4. Yes.

Another bag that caught my eye was this one from Gucci ($2,300). I think it's beautiful. Unfortunately, it is python, which is a major negative for me. So, 1. Yes. 2. No (you have to stick to your principles). 3. No. 4. No.

Also in handbags, take a look at the Saint Laurent green one on page 97 of The Book. The calfskin bag ($2,150) is stunning. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes. This issue is laden with accessories that are to-die-for.

This flouncy, gorgeous dress ($1,995) was designed by Prabal Gurung (who?). The blue print silk and cotton dress telegraphs pretty. Click on the photo to enlarge it to see the beautiful print. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes

I love the color block dress from Michael Kors ($1,895). I wouldn't be able to wear it because it's wool, so non-lined parts at the neck and shoulders would leave me in a state of itchiness. However, if it weren't allergic, my answers would be as follows. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes. I would be out looking for the knock-off.

This rather simple dress from Oscar de la Renta ($6,790) is divine. With contrasts of navy and ivory, it suits me to a T. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. No. I'm not that crazy.

Here is the Rebecca Taylor light blue lambskin jacket ($995) that made me hyperventilate. I even went to look for it in the store, and it's every bit as beautiful. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Yes (if I stretch). 4. Yes.

After I added up the amounts I could have spent with my answers to #3 and #4, I decided that Neiman Marcus put together some very tempting looks this season. See what you think!

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Inauguration Fashion and Beauty

Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden looked gorgeous yesterday. So did everyone else in the two families. I was avidly watching the fashion choices, particularly proud of the First Lady's impeccable taste.

Except for one thing. What did you think of the belt? It was a J. Crew sash that Michelle Obama had converted to a belt. It added a decorative touch to the navy-silk, checkered-patterned coat and dress by Thom Browne that were inspired by a menswear necktie. The simplicity of the A-line coat and coordinating dress were perfect for her statuesque figure. The belt cut her in half. I'm on the fence about the belt because it occasionally disrupted the perfect line of her coat, but I think everything else she wore looked perfect.

She wore J. Crew shoes to the church service, but changed into boots for the ceremony and procession. During lunch at the Capitol, she added a cardigan by Reed Krakoff over her dress.

The President looked very conservative, with his blue tie, white shirt, dark suit, and overcoat. Isn't it funny? No one told us who designed his clothing. He coordinated nicely with Michelle in blue. The kids were adorable. Malia Obama had on a plum-colored J. Crew coat with the hemline of an electric-blue dress peeking out and a burgundy-colored scarf, Sasha had on a Kate Spade coat and dress in a similar purple shade. They clashed a bit, but who cares? They were adorable. Malia is growing up to be a stunner.

Jill Biden looked absolutely stunning in a blue-gray coat and dress by American designer Lela Rose.  Rose said that since the focus would be on the coat, she wanted to give it a flourish. Hence the large bow. Not clearly visible underneath her coat was a white embroidered, flower appliqué sheath, also by Lela Rose. Here it is below, shown on a model. I should note that I loved her hair style.

Jason Wu should be a very happy man today. At 30 years old, he has the accomplishment of dressing the First Lady for two inaugural balls, and the gowns will go to a museum. Michelle Obama looked as perfect as it gets in the flowing red gown.

I loved the way she changed her hair style from straight and sleek to a flippy style for the ball. Her choices were spot-on.

Jill Biden looked radiant in her Vera Wang gown. A blonde can't go wrong with blue. She wore black peep-toe shoes to go with the black sash on the gown. As with Mrs. Obama, I'm not sure the sash added anything to the look.

Wasn't Joe Biden the life of the party - all day? He is such a lovable guy. As I watched him during the toasts and later during the procession, I wanted to hug him.

Both Michelle Obama and Jill Biden had extraordinary hair styles - full of volume, they moved with the breeze, but never looked like they needed a refresh. I'd love to know who styled their hair and what products were used. Michelle Obama's enhanced eyelashes were also noteworthy.

That's my adoring wrap-up. I can find little (perhaps nothing) to criticize. It was a beauty-full day.

Photos courtesy of the New York Times, the Washington Post, and other media

Sunday This and That

On Sunday mornings, random visions of features I'd like to write fly though my brain, usually while I'm relaxing and trying to tune out my to-do list. I seldom write up those ideas. Today, I'm going to collect my random thoughts into one feature. I'll bounce around, exactly as my free-associating brain does.

This is not about politics. Please do not respond with a political comment. This is about fashion and presence. After the convention in Charlotte, I had to decide (yes, I forced myself) whose dress I preferred. Michelle Obama's or Ann Romney's? Given my innate ability to select the most expensive option available, even when I'm not presented with prices, you would think I would have chosen the Oscar de la Renta. I overlook the fact that Romney's dress was priced at roughly $2,000 and Obama's dress, designed by Tracy Reese, will likely cost less than $500.

I'll take the stunner Michelle Obama wore any day. There's nothing wrong with a classic shirtwaist, and the red was picture perfect for a "red-themed convention," even if it was a little boring. The moment I saw Obama's ornamental pink and blue-grey dress, though, I gasped. I'd make room for it in my closet any day. That dress was gorgeous. I'll bet it sells out before it hits the stores - and it will hit the stores. That's my kind of party dress!

There was a little speculation (among insiders) that Michelle Obama was wearing a Le Métier de Beauté nail lacquer. It was reported, however, that it was Vogue by Artistic Nail Design. It matched the blue-grey of the hem of her dress beautifully. Her lipstick was also a perfect choice. Wonder what it was.

Bergdorf Goodman is celebrating its 111^th anniversary. Their Fall Book, 111 Years of Extraordinary, is a fashion page-turner. Now, you can turn the pages online. Check it out.

Among the special items created for Bergdorf's special year is Francis Kurkdjian's new eau de parfum, "754" ($300), named after the store's address. I received mine this week, and it's glorious. Created exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. "754" custom fragrance, was created to capture the allure and vitality of New York City. Masterfully blended with notes of citrus, florals, and musk, this sensual and fresh unisex eau de parfum is an olfactory evocation of a bright blue Manhattan morning. I'm looking forward to wearing it to work this week.

Beauty Week at Neiman Marcus has left me a little crazed - and broke. I had a blast seeing friends, like Erin Lockard, who left Neiman Marcus yesterday on a train bound for Fashion Week in New York. Here's Erin, looking gorgeous as always, pictured with Chanel's beautiful Lizette Settepani. It took me two days to get this photo. I started (or attempted to) at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie on Friday when my camera reminded me the battery had no juice left. I was lucky. They were both at Tysons Galleria on Saturday, and we were able to grab a moment for a re-do. Lizette was able to find me a Long Wear Luminious Eye Shadow in Apparition. I'll show it to you later today.

Look at this beautiful photo I received from Essie showing the Essie Look at the Helmut Lang Spring/Summer 2013 fashion show. Click to enlarge it and enjoy!

That's it for This and That for now. Hope you enjoyed a few of my random thoughts for the week.

Photos courtesy of thedailybeast.com, thelook.today.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, and the last by Best Things in Beauty

Kate Middleton Sparks Sales of Coral Jeans

The Duchess of Cambridge can sell...anything she wears! She showed off her sense of style - and sporting skills - yesterday in a visit to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, the site of the London Olympics to be held this summer.

Middleton arrived at the site looking fashionable in skin-tight coral jeans, dressed up by a blazer and Olympic scarf. She quickly changed into a hoodie and Adidas tennis shoes, leaving on her coral jeans, to pick up a hockey stick and take a few swings. The duchess sent the ball straight into the net. Score on two fronts! She impressed fellow field hockey players, and the world watching last night's newscasts, with her athletic skills. She also sparked the sale of coral jeans in England.

The Huffington Post reported (with information supplied by the Daily Express) that sales of 14-pound colored denim jeans at Asda, a British clothing store, rose by a whopping 88 percent in one day. Fiona Lambert, a brand director for Asda's George clothing line, projects the trend will continue to soar. “Wearing bright colours lifts us all, and now that we have the royal seal of approval for colored denim from Kate Middleton, we know this is going to be the hot trend this summer.”

If you want to nab the real deal, Middleton's jeans were made by JBrand and cost $169. Will you be on the hunt for skinny jeans in the "color of the season"?

Photo courtesy of the Huffington Post/Getty

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I have developed a naughty, time-killing habit early in the morning. I spend time on my iPad (in bed) looking at celebrity news. Sometimes, I can't resist clicking on an article that looks interesting, and the fashion items often catch my eye.

I usually try to be charitable in assessing celebrity fashion, but most of them have stylists, right? Aren't stylists supposed to make celebrities look good?

The "looks" at last night's 21st Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards left me wondering. I was browsing the Huffington Post, where you can see a slideshow, the source of these photos. Thankfully, Charlize Theron, daring in a plunging neckline, looked good despite her ugly dress. Would it be possible for her to look bad?

I had no issues with the plunging neckline; it looked great on her. The rest of the Gucci dress? She looked like a fashion victim in the "flouncy black drop-waist skirt." If you want to see more, head over to the Daily Mail online to see that she managed to stay in her dress after an accidental trip. That Hollywood Fashion Tape held!

Tilde Swinton has always tends to look bizarre at events. She outdid herself last night in this hideous get-up. Just click on the photo if you want to see this "look" in more detail.

Then, there was Melissa Leo, a beautiful and talented woman. Did she find this dress in her grandmother's archives? Home on the prairie with a flower garden?

Could the cute Louisa Krause look any chunkier in her loosely fit dress and patterned boots?

Head over to the Huffington Post to see Felicity Jones and Shailene Woodley (who is she?) in the "any old shoes" they threw on with their dresses - and the rest of the evening's "fashion." Maybe I missed something. Was the dress code "whatever" for the evening? Where were there any stylists in the house?

Good thing I usually stick to beauty. My inner snark came out here.

Photos courtesy of the Huffington Post - and vote on Charlize Theron's look

My Newest Handbag Obsession

Look at this new Valentino handbag, "shared" with me in an e-mail today from Nordstrom. Do I need it? No! Can I afford it? No. It's priced at a mere $1,295 (plus tax, of course). Why do I want it so badly? Can someone please talk me out of this?

It's "kinda gorgeous." I managed to overcome my desire for the last temptress, a dark green Gucci number. If I needed a handbag, I might justify a purchase, but I don't, and I can't. Help!

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Neiman Marcus Fall 2011 Beauty and Fashion Trends

As I mentioned over the weekend, I attended a presentation of the fall fashion, beauty, and home trends for fall. We were shown a fabulous short tape, narrated by Ken Downing, on what's hot for fall - hot on the runway, hot in the stores, and hot on you! You can see a shorter version at this link. Then we were shown the latest examples to arrive in-store. All but one of the trends attracted my eye.

• Bordeaux - the shade of wine and roses (look for handbags and footwear in shades of cabernet and merlot)
  
• Lady Chic - ensemble dressing (look for matching dresses and jackets), dresses with fluidity, beautiful blouses, both cigarette and wide trousers
  
• Colorblocking - layering, contrasting colors, even multi-toned shoes
  
• Leather - everywhere
  
• Subtle Shimmer
• Ken Downing's own Bordeaux Collection for Le Métier de Beauté
• Pumps (in all heel heights)
• Hand-held Handbags - elegance, polish, and polite spirit
• Bold Gold - the perfect decoration for saturated color - Downing says, "More is more and less is a bore."

It's going to be a glamorous, elegant, ladylike season. The bag pictured at the top of this feature captures two or more trends with its gorgeous color and hand-held polish. The Bordeaux Collection developed by Ken Downing for Le Métier de Beauté pairs a lipstick with nail lacquer, taking the essence of the fall runways and distilling it with elegant, coordinated duos to transform you into Lady Chic.

Bold Gold? Fashion jewelry is back in style. Could it be that the price of gold has finally made what we used to call costume jewelry the "it" accessory? I'm a "gold snob," but I'd wear this gold-plated Golden Petal Necklace by Milly in a heartbeat! Priced at $220, it's accessible.

Cuffs continue to be very popular, and I'm coveting the gold ones. Neiman Marcus will have a gorgeous gift with purchase at the Trend Event from August 18 to 21. You'll receive the Neiman Marcus-exclusive Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel cuff, shown at left, when you spend $350 or more on regular-priced women's apparel, accessories, shoes, handbags, or jewelry. It's the perfect time to update your wardrobe.

You can shimmer with makeup or add an accessory - even though some of the subtly shimmering dresses for the season are extraordinary. I was drawn to this metallic Roberto Cavalli silk Leopard-Print Stole ($355), which brings on-trend sheen - and the collection's signature leopard print - to your look, ideal for topping casual T-shirts, your little black dress, and cocktail dresses alike. It's a wardrobe changer.

I've always been a shoe lover, and some of the latest shoes and boots we saw were stunning. Unfortunately, I can't walk in spike heels anymore (not that I ever wore the tallest of the tall). They even have trendy shoes for me!

I'll be scouting the trends starting Thursday at Neiman Marcus. I'll be taking a close look at stylist, editor, and supernova Rachel Zoe's collection. A fellow Virgo, she has designed a fabulous, glamorous collection of contemporary apparel, shoes, and bags, launching at Neiman Marcus.

Many thanks to our friends at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria for their gracious hospitality on Saturday. I left ready for fall and all of the latest fashions, with such an elegant return to the Lady Chic look I love.

The fall events at every Neiman Marcus store will showcase the latest looks. Check with your favorite store for a list of events, and don't forget Fashion Night Out and Beauty Week. All the stores will be hopping on September 8.

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Blog, and Le Métier de Beauté

Opinion: Golden Globes 2011 Fashion Recap

I watch the Golden Globes primarily to people watch. I don't have any strong opinions on most of the nominees because I have seen so few of their shows. There's always a story, though, on the red carpet, where both men and women make their first appearance for the day, leaving us with reactions - often strong - to the way they have chosen to present themselves. I watch with fascination as I think about the work that went into looks that stun with their elegance and class, but also the work that went into looks that are so clearly hideous I wonder if there is a mirror shortage in Hollywood - or so unflattering, I wonder if they are a purposeful "I couldn't be bothered" statement.

I found this year's red carpet a bit boring, which may be a good thing. Many women (and men) chose safe, conservative, and attractive attire, even if it wasn't eye-catching. I'm sure you've read or seen at least three or four features by "pedigreed" critics, but I still feel compelled to share my reactions to the best and the worst at the Golden Globes - and that's without mentioning anyone's behavior!

Let's start with the best. On a red carpet filled with beautiful women, a few stood out. Anne Hathaway was one of my favorites. She channeled Hollywood glamour, with her long-sleeved, backless amber Giorgio Armani Privé gown and simple flowing hair. Her Van Cleef & Arpels earrings and Roger Vivier minaudiere caught my eye too! I thought she looked gorgeous. Another stunner in brown was Olivia Wilde in sparkling MARCHESA. Her simple straight hair was a perfect contrast to the wide-berth gown that almost wore her.

Let's face it, it's hard for pregnant women to dress formally. Natalie Portman showed everyone how to do it. Her pink Victor + Rolf Grecian gown accented with a hand-embroidered Swarovski crystal red rose might have looked tacky on someone else. On her? Magnificent! I liked the matching red lips and shoes too.

The green gowns of the event grabbed me. From the color of the show-stopping Atelier Versace long-sleeved, crystal-encrusted gown by Atelier Versace worn by Angelina Jolie, to the lovey Catherine Zeta-Jones, who epitomized elegance in a strapless, princess-style gown by Monique Lhuillier (shown at the top with her husband, Michael Douglas, who looked pretty darn good himself), from Elisabeth Moss in Donna Karan to Mila Kunis in Vera Wang, the color rocked the night. Each of these women looked beautiful in their gem-toned green hues.

Others who looked gorgeous, in my humble opinion, were Eva Longoria in a black form-fitting Zac Posen number with a beautiful neckline and fishtail (but didn't she look sad?), Glee stars Lea Michele and Dianna Argon, and Helen Mirren. Mirren's Badgley Mischka Couture gown should have been cut about an inch higher, but who was looking at cleavage with those diamonds? Another observation...doesn't she look younger every year?

Among the misses on pretty women? January Jones! Her red cut-out Versace gown with thin "finge" reminded me of car-wash flaps when she walked. I thought the dress was tacky. Nicole Kidman's Prada gown did nothing to flatter her pastel beauty. I would rather have seen her in black if she couldn't wear a bright color. Michelle Williams' daisy print Valentino looked like a shower curtain. Halle Berry proved that she could dress like a hooker and still charm - she's that gorgeous.

Two of the worst looks of the night were wildly different. Helena Bonham Carter's print and tulle Vivienne Westwood gown was eccentric, but with the mismatched red and green shoes, she looked hideous and laughable - particularly as she stood pigeon-toed on the red carpet. Tilda Swinton in a minimalist Jill Sander white and cream shirtwaist dress was beyond boring. She almost disappeared into the background. What's the point?

A final word about Annette Bening. I guess if you are as gorgeous as she is, you can skip the hair, but why? The Tom Ford lace column flattered her ageless figure, but pointy hair and horn-rimmed glasses? Was this a statement that she already caught one of the most eligible men in Hollywood and stopped trying? I thought her look was half-baked.

Photos courtesy of various celebrity sites