V-Style

Black & White Dresses on Zoe Saldana & Rooney Mara At Cannes Film Festival

Photo Credit: Graham Whitby Boot/Photoshot/AdM via Instyle

Apparently Cannes is not that great. Having just returned from the Riviera, where Antibe is stunning and Nice is quite nice, I would say the only reason to visit Cannes is for the Film Festival. The Cannes Film Festival brings out some of the most creative films, shinning stars and fabulous outfits. This year I was drawn to Rooney Mara wearing a Christian Dior black and white dress. You could say it is a color blocked look as the top is a block of white stacked on the block of black skirt, but the term color blocking brings to mind trendy trends, versus timeless chic, and this dress will forever be beautiful.

Generally I am not a fan of black and white. It's trend driven, harsh on the skin, and costumey. Black and white always reminds me of Beatle Juice's suit; which my older brother wore for Halloween in the 90's and then I wore, just cause, to school in 7th grade. Yes, I  wore a black and white striped blazer to school and I felt innovative. Having felt innovative as a young girl in the 90's knowing little of what's been done and what has not, I can say with confidence, today black and white is very done, unless it is executed in a flourish of elegance, Rooney style. Keep this in mind as black and white rages like a forest fire in the stores. Don't be drawn in by the cheesy prints and pieces like Zoe Saldana's Cannes frock. While Rooney shows the Riviera how black and white is done right, Zoe arrives as a victim of trends in Emanuel Ungaro by Fausto Puglisi. Although well made with a stroke of theatrics, it still speaks of right now, or worse 1995, versus forever.

Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News via Instyle

Will you be weaing black and white? Please share in a comment below.

Kate Hudson Wears Tiffany Blue

Kate Hudson wore a Reem Acra gown in a very relevant color with Tiffany & Co.'s diamond bracelet, earrings and ring at the jeweler’s New York event last week. There is not much we can learn from a celebrity in a floor length gown, as these types of occasions for most of my clients exist once a year if at all, but I can always find a moment to appreciate loveliness. My goodness, that dress on it's own is stunning, but when worn by this perfectly styled beauty, I am absolutely captivated.

I had set this photo aside to address on V-Style immediately upon viewing it, but I had not decided on our fashion lesson until a few days ago. As I was waiting on the first floor to visit my dear friend on the 6th floor of a Redwood City Hospital, I realized the elevator doors were Tiffany blue. Although an unexpected color choice for a muted hospital interior, this shade of blue is stunning on our bodies. Whether it is a pair of pants, shorts, dress, top, or nail color; Tiffany blue is a delicious shade of fabulous. 

Best Dressed Actresses Oscars 2013: Naomi Watts, Charlize Theron & Stacy Keibler

Applause for the best dressed actresses for this year's Oscars. There were so many fabulous and original gowns on the red carpet, it was a joy to go through the photo albums. As each photo displayed a woman loving her look, the best dressed was easy to spot for the drama and exquisite structure of their modern elegance. 

Charlize Theron got my eye first with her stark white Dior peplum dress with train. Cropped hair, fringed eyes, subtle jewels and encrusted skirt had her  at the top of the list immediately. 

Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan is a pewter dream in this beautifully embellished frock. The addition of the black belt sealed it. 

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive also wowed me with her pewter sparkle and inventive cut-out. When a dress fits this perfectly, recognition is necessary.

Nineties' Fashion No-No's - Brooklyn Decker & Christina Ricci

Last week, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York brought out all the fashion lovers from writers and buyers, to celebrities and stars. As usual, everyone brings their "A" game to the eight day event with cutting edge looks and en vogue pieces. Often this effort can go awry. I was shocked to see not one, but two actresses wearing straight from the nineties looks, a decade I am openly not in favor. Brooklyn Decker was spotted in a cropped and fitted high neck Sally La Pointe top, a high waisted flared pencil skirt and pointy black Jean-Michel Cazabat stilettos. Lessons to learn from Decker's outfit...

Nineties No-No: Tight, Cropped and High-Necked

Even if you are a nine-year old performing at your lyrical dance performance for your parents and peers, a cropped and tight top with a high neck isn't going to work for you. If you have even a minuscule bit of stomach pudge, it will show. When combined with a high neck, your breasts will then disappear if you have none, creating a sports bra look. On the other hand, if you do have breasts, you will look wide and stout. This kind of top, especially when paired with a high waisted skirt, is exactly the opposite of a lengthening look. It shortens and widens everything from your waist to your neck.

Nineties No-No: Flared Skirt With Pointy Heels

Pointy toe heels look best with lean looks like a pencil skirt, straight leg pants, or a dress with a basic hem. When you pair sharp black heels with a soft pink flared skirt, you get a non-sensical look with a silhouette reminiscent of a witch.

Nineties No- No: Alternating Two Colors

Boring. When talking glamour, the nineties loved to keep it simple. Let's always use black, then pink, oh, and then black again. One of the most astute lessons Sarah Jessica Parker learned from Pat Field was tossing matchy-matchy out the window. Unusual color combinations is the essence of true fabulosity.

We can also learn some lessons from Christina Ricci. This nineties lover closed fashion week in a black and white Marc Jacobs ensemble. 

Nineties No-No: Black & White! (Alternating Two Colors)

Gwen Stefani may sit up in alarm, while a few of my clients slouch in sadness, but black and white is not the best look. More often than not, it washes you out and looks Beetle Juice costumey, too 60's or... too nineties. Christina Ricci really embraced the nineties version of black and white with this matching top and long skirt that bares her belly and crops her legs. A look this stark and repetitive will always wear you, versus flowing into your body and features.

Nineties No-No: Serious Belly Baring

Flashing your midriff can be a fun in a casual or funky look, not in a harsh outfit with serious heels. Exactly what the nineties loved, Ricci's look creates an imbalance of casual and serious. 

Nineties No- No: Chunky Heels With A Long Skirt

The nineties loved to make your body look its worst, then turn you into a witch. (The nineties loved witches. The Craft anyone?) When wearing a longer skirt like this, a chunky pointed toe Mary Jane heel chops your body. An open toe wedge would be a better heel for a longer skirt.

How To Cure Cold Weather Blues

Winter weather, particularly London's winter weather, can dampen your mood as well as the streets. As I watch the specks of slushy wetness of tonight's forecasted snow melt on impact along the cobblestones, I wish I had packed more clothing. More out of arrogance of skill rather than necessity, I packed the least amount of clothing possible to last me two weeks in London. Although initially fabulous, wearing the same various combinations over and over have worn heavy on my heart. Between the dreary weather and my now boring outfits, I need a refresh. I must leave my planned combinations aside, and dive into a slipshod look more in line with an urban party girl, then my usual personal style. The black and white tiger print top will now be paired with Marc Jacobs leopard print leggings. To ensure warmth, I will wear another pair of leggings underneath and top it all off with my brown puff jacket and my black boots. This top was not intended for these pants and I rarely combine black and brown, but excitement is needed. When cold weather knocks you down, you must fight back with unusual layers of color, print and texture. At Marni's fragrance launch this week. Alexa Chung embodied the battle against cold perfectly with her various separates and wild loafers. Tomorrow, I will follow her footsteps and seek out a ridiculous pair of warm shoes. The moist cobblestones will enjoy the change. As will I.

Best Dressed At 70th Golden Globe Awards 2013

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

I go about my life as a workaholic and social butterfly. If I am not working, I am trying to be a good friend, but when the Golden Globes Awards come around, it reminds me that living life is great, but taking a moment to watch other people live their lives is essential to growth, education, and compassion. I resolve to watch more films. As for the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards' best dressed, there are some tantalizing frocks from Julie Bowen's kaftan and Golden Globe winner Anne Hathaway's two piece Chanel, to Michelle Dockery's gold armored shoulders and Kristen Wiig's simplicity. 

Kristen Wiig

Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier

Julie Bowen

Julianne Hough

Jennifer Westfeldt

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Best Dressed At People's Choice Awards 2013

Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren Collection

The People's Choice Awards was a bit of a mess in regards to fashion, but three stunning ladies stood out among the drab. Taylor Swift's look reminded me white and turquoise is a must. Naomi Watts in Alexander McQueen displays black and gold's power better than Sam Sparro, and Ashley Rickards of who knows what in her Art Deco inspired frock took my breathe. 

Naomi Watts in Alexander McQueen

Ashley Rickards

Celebrity Style: Cate Blanchett in Peter Pliotto Peplum

Cate Blanchett stole the dinner at the Dubai International Film Festival in her sequin Peter Pilotto peplum top and pencil skirt. (I adore alliteration - I count four p's). I applaud her use of the peplum as well as the sheer magnificence of this top. I am in enamored with the sparkle, splash and bang of this printed and embellished blouse. As I would do, she paired the pow piece with a tame bottom and simple complimentary heels that give a nod to the bling above. This outfit is best worn when attending a fancy fashionable party solo, with no intention of looking for fella. Sequins and bedazzled garments are not conducive to the hugging and cuddling of a date.

Celebrity Style: Alexa Chung in Valentino

I often recommend placing pastels and neon colors next to white over black, but Alexa has done a fabulous job of doing both. At the launch of the Valentino: Master Of Couture exhibition, Alexa sporting a neon green and white lace Valentino frock and accessorized with black patent leather belt and heels as well as a black handbag by Anya Hindmarch. Although not the most flattering dress, the whimsy and successful melding of black, white and neon earned my applause. Sometimes feeling whimsical is more fun then looking your leanest. I would wear this look anytime of year to any non-formal party that called for heels.

Celebrity Style: Keira Knightley in Burberry Prorsum

If you are tall and thin, the combination of a calf length dress and ankle straps looks amazing. This cuts out most of the population of women, but Keira Knightley looked so forest green chic last night on the Jay Leno show in her Burberry Prorsum lace dress and nude ankle strap pumps, I had to share. The few lessons to learn from this look is the shape. When choosing a mid-calf length dress, it is important to note, the close-to-the-body silhouette does wonders against the shortening aspect of the length and the flared hem is a wonderful addition. Between the ankle straps and the awkward length, the calves lose that curve we love so much. By adding a flare to the calf length hem, we create shape to the few inches of skinny legs that are exposed. I would sport this look to a dressy bridal shower, a wedding or a holiday party this fall.