Red Carpet Recap

Once again, the red carpet was the most exciting part about the Oscars last night. I was actually excited for them this year because I love James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Owell...on to the style...

Red, red and more red. Two of my favorites of the night were in this category.

Penelope Cruz…stunning and sexy. I want to be her. To top it off, b* just had a baby a month ago.

　
Jennifer Lawrence. Two words: Simple and HOT. One of the first to hit the red carpet and setting the bar high.

　
Gwyneth Paltrow. Again…stunning. All that shimmers is gold.

　
Mila Kunis is rocking this Elie Saab number. Love it from the color to the draping to the lace. It’s sexy with a touch of Grecian elegance.

　
Hailee Steinfeld. I’m a serious fan of this 14 year old newbie after not only seeing her in True Grit but every interview she has done following has stolen my heart. This dress is so age appropriate and sweet.

　
Amy Adams. Love this color and if you know me, you know my love of sequins. Only complaint is she loose the necklace.

Halle Berry. Gorgeous as always in Marchesa.

　
Natalie Portman. Glowing in Rodarte.

　
Camila Alves. A little plunge with a little ball gown poof. It’s working for me.

Finally, Anne Hathaway. But it wasn't her red carpet look that I loved...it was 2 of the 8 gowns she changed into throughout the night.

In Versace:

In Oscar de la Renta:

Le Oscars

It’s the Superbowl of award shows and it’s this Sunday. In my latest issue of People Magazine I came across some pretty great ideas for throwing an Oscar Party by Academy Award event planner, Cheryl Cecchetto. Check some out below and get some great inspiration for your own get together. Full red carpet fashion recap to come on Monday. Happy Weekend, loves!

Toast the Night with these glam flutes from Kate Spade and dom perignon.

Blue and White M&Ms for a shout out to the Social Network. You can even customize them at http://www.mymms.com/ with "confirm" "like" "ignore" and "poke".

Popcorn, western style in honor of True Grit.

Black Swan inspired cocktails are a must. Try a fun chocolate martini topped with dark chocolate shavings. Recipe can be found at www.people.com/oscarparty.

Local Party Spotlight: Ted Baker Chicago Store Launch Party

Ted-tini anyone? Ted Baker recently opened their doors with a US flagship store right in Chicago. The English themed cocktail party welcomed guests with an "orange" carpet arrival to compliment the store’s spring window display. Keeping with the British theme, party-goers were invited to attend the after party at one of the latest River North hot spots, Public House, via a Double Decker Trolley. Images from the night below:

Oh Spring Why Haven’t You Sprung???

I’m trying my hardest not to complain about the cold/lack of sun/snow (and if I hear one more time: What do you expect, you live in Chicago?!…I will poke not one but both of that person’s eyes out) Ahem, but come on spring…get here already! So between being very over my winter wardrobe and preparing for my upcoming trip to have a love affair with the sun I've been browsing for some new spring/summer fashion. Here are just a few great outfits I must get my hands on.

It’s all about being bright this season…how gorg are these?!



DIANE von FURSTENBERG Cami, Catherine Malandrino Wide Leg Pants, MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bianca Clutch; Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti One Shouldered Dress and DIANE von FURSTENBERG Sandal; Lilly Pulitzer Knit Jersey One-Shoulder Dress; Ali Ro Pique Ruched Front Dress and Pelle Moda Sandals

Emerson Made – I’m not sure why I love this but I do…maybe because I love Emerson Made in general. I’m definitely not a bra shirt type of gal…but…this whole get up is making me want to sport it (after a some hardcore sessions with my trainer first of course). Everything from the cute high-waisted denim skirt and sweet sweater it’s paired with to her fabulous top knot/ ballarina bun.

Emerson Made

I love me a romper…and paired with a hip blazer and pumps, it’s perfecto.

Haute Hippie Oversized Blazer; Kate Spade Suede Pumps; Opening Ceremony Romper

White…striking and classic.

Free People Eyelet One-Shoulder Top, MiH Marrakesh Midrise Kick Flare Leg Jeans; ABS by Allen Schwartz Belted Lace Maxi Dress and Dolce Vita Wedges

T-shirt dresses…yes please. Comfy and can be dressed up or down. My weekend go-to.

Splendid T-Shirt Dress; Surface to Air T-Shirt Dress; Free People Long T-Shirt Dress

Racerback tanks and funky jewels are always a standard staple of the season.

Brand New Bridal Fashion

I just discovered BHLDN (pronounced Beholden)…and it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m absolutely in love considering the line is from the creative minds of Anthropologie. Finally! Anthro enters the bridal world. So unique, whimsical, romantic and down right fabulous…a complete twist on tradition. The line consists of gowns, bridesmaid and party dresses, accessories, shoes and lingerie. All items are now available online but a boutique will be opening later this summer. Retail prices range from $1,000 to $4,000 for gowns, and $200 to $600 for event dresses.

Take a peek…you’re gonna love what you see. You can even take a "What kind of bride are you" quiz to help find your style. My results? A Nostalgic Romantic. Pretty accurate I’d say. All I need is my groom. Minor details…

Here are just a few pieces from the BHLDN collection I’m drooling over:

Click to enlarge

It's All Greek To Me

On a dreary, rainy, cold Sunday here in Chicago yesterday I started daydreaming of my pending trip to Greece this fall...the ancient beauty, blue waters, sunny/warm climate,
intricate architecture, breath taking scenery and views...is it September yet?!?!?! So with Greece on my mind, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Greek key décor. I’ve always loved this pattern but sometimes it can be overdone…here are some great accent pieces that will keep any space (home or event) classic and clean.

DVF For The Home

From the classic wrap dress to travel gear and now a brand new home collection…Diane von Furstenberg does it all. Hosting a dinner party? The DVF dinnerware collection is funky, bold and fun. If you’re more conservative use them as accent pieces. If you’re more edgy, this is just the collection for you. Check it:



Available at Bloomingdales



Party Like a Rockstar, Party Like a Rockstar…

This past Sunday at the Grammy’s was no doubt a night full of fashion, music, celebs…and over the top parties. Check out just a few below.

The Recording Academy’s Grammy After-Party (held at the LA Convention Center) channeled the 70’s with their Studio 54 inspired theme. The glitter and sparkle décor will grab anyone’s attention.

　
Tres chic was the Essence Black Women in Music event at Playhouse Hollywood. The custom white leather tufted stage and couches and black/white/gold color palette gave it a glam feel.

　
　
The Nivea for Men Look Like You Give a Damn Grammys After-Party was hosted by Chicago’s very own Bill and Giuliana Rancic. If you haven’t noticed, white leather tufted furniture is oh so very in right now. But what I’m especially digging is the fun, playful, patterned carpet shown. It adds some punch to a basic navy/white seating area.

Fall Colors Revealed

I know, I know. It’s not even spring and we’re already talking about fall fashion and colors. Pantone unveiled its Fall 2011 color report and just in time to coincide with Fashion Week in NYC. Oh how I wish I were there now. Le sigh. Drumroll for the 10 hues of Fall 2011. I'm digging how there's a mix of brights and earth tones.

Sneak Peak of Designer Inspiration (images courtesy of Pantone):

Rebecca Minkoff

Chris Benz

Pamella Roland

Cynthia Steffe

Elie Tahari

Yoana Baraschi

Nanette Lepore

Ella Moss

 

You're Invited To...

 

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Pancake & Waffle Mix - William Sonoma; Valentine Heart Pancake Mold - Crate Barrel; Heart Spatula - Urban Outfitters; Francophile Plate Eiffel Tower - Anthropolgie; Valentine's Day Cupcakes - Crumbs Bakeshop; Belle Boulevard Cylinder Vase - Kate Spade; Monogrammed Mug - Anthropologie; Valentine Hot Cocoa - Crate and Barrel; Lacquer Wood Tray - West Elm

Happy Valentine's Day



Send a Little Love…

With a Kate Spade e-card. I stumbled upon these super cute e-cards and will be for sure sending out a few myself. There’s still time to ask that special someone to "Be Mine" or just put a smile on a friend or family member’s face. So chic (and even funny) and totally FREE. Take a peek:



My personal favorite