Musings

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Now that we've all pored over who wore what and who was best/worst, it's time to reflect on the gowns we were sorely disappointed didn't make an appearance at this year's Met Gala. If this truly was the red carpet event of the year - like all the fashion blogs are insisting - then there's no such thing as too much drama. Unless it's downright unflattering. (Sorry, Elizabeth.) Or the focus is more on the body part jutting out of a slit so high it looks satirical. (Sorry, Anja.) Still, I'm convinced it's possible to look gorgeous and make a statement.

Confession? The most pleasantly surprising look of the night for me was the Rodarte retro evening suit look on Kirsten Dunst. Crazy, right? So crazy it just might work. Anyway, of course Camilla Belle, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Scarlett Johansson looked flawless in their respective gowns. So inadvertently I turned this into a "here are my favorites" post, but enough with the distraction! The gorgeous gowns from the Fall 2012 shows I wish had popped up:

Lasercut, feathers, and the red carpet's ubiquitous Marchesa. I'm incredibly shocked nobody arrived in this half-angelic, half-school art project gown. Seriously, I adore it.

Minus the hat, of course, but this sweet Temperley frock looks like it was made for a lovely young ingenue. Maybe Hailee Steinfeld?

I know Beyonce was kind of the definition of drama in one of the many intricate sheer black burnout looks of the night, but this Alberta Ferretti number has so many textures & patterns going on that I'm absolutely captivated - and it still somehow feels demure.

I wouldn't have minded seeing a maxi version of this Carven dress out there. And in all honesty, I'm going to pretend this is what Chloe Sevigny was wearing. (It's not. At all.) It just makes me feel a little calmer...

It's a tough call, but more than anything I would have loved to see a floor-length version of Collette Dinnigan's fabulous concoction. It appeals to my girly side with "oo! sparkles!" while convincing my not-so-girly side that it's a bunch of haphazardly placed studs all over the bodice. It also, I imagine, appeals to almost anyone between the ages of 18 and 35, as I'm pretty sure we've all taken or tried to imitate one of those bokeh Flickr photos. Look closely. You see the resemblance too, right?

What about you? What do you regret not seeing at the 2012 Met Gala?

Milly looks always feel very proper and cute, so these clean lines and tailored pieces aren't necessarily unexpected, but the unusual color combo added a refreshing take to the classic silhouette. So, in honor of the first day of Spring, throw pops of color into your basic black and whites.

Maybe it's because it was presented in the Milly Fall 2012 show, but this color inspiration felt particularly preppy to me. The challenge was coming up with a grungy, mature, glamorous, and fashion-forward interpretation of the pairing. Here's my attempt, so feel free to share yours:

Mid-length Skirts by Thakoon
Platforms by Viktor & Rolf

There were a lot of outfits sent down the runways this month that accentuated womanly figures, which is a great thing. (I'm still trying to pretend all the padded hips at Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Carven, and Burberry didn't really happen, though.) The fashion industry, as much as it is mostly in the business of dressing women, rarely celebrates the assets of the woman herself. It's so easy to get lost in a striking (or not so striking) piece, but with the ladylike silhouettes seen in some of the Fall 2012 outerwear, it's possible for ladies to wear coats that are fashion-forward and still flattering.

There weren't any specific subtrends for the hourglass outerwear: Vintage-inspired, futuristic, homey, and chic options were marched one-by-one down that runway.

Have to own this look ASAP? Here are some similar pieces that are nipped at the waist:

More Asos...

What do a condiment, a metal alloy, and an alcoholic beverage have in common? Answer: They stopped me in my tracks when I saw their hues combined in this dramatic Wes Gordon Fall 2012 look:

Unexpectedly amazing, right? It made me think right away that I needed to share this look as well as some more practical ways to wear these tones together. Unless, you know, you have a pewter sequin tank, a mustard mullet skirt, and velvet wine-colored pumps.

Sleeveless Tops by Schumacher
Wedges by Rachel Zoe

Longsleeve Tops by Helmut Lang
Pumps by Aldo

Cocktail Dresses by Foley + Corinna
Platforms by G by Guess

Cropped Denim by Rag and Bone
Platforms by L.A.M.B.

NY, London, Milan, and Paris have finally concluded their respective fashion weeks. What can we look forward to for Fall 2012? Some jaw-dropping outerwear trends, for starters.

The first trend to tackle? Mesmerizing printed outerwear. Prints ranged from tribal to fair isle, geometric to academic. They also made the outerwear the focal point of many looks, rather than just a basic topper hastily thrown on while rushing out the door. Which prints can you see yourself rocking for Fall 2012?

Can't wait until Fall to get your hands on this trend? Here are some statement printed coats available for purchase right now:

More Burberry...

Spring 2012 Couture shows taking place right in the middle of red carpet season makes it virtually impossible not to imagine who will be wearing what for the award show of all award shows: the Academy Awards. Here is my half-prediction half-what-I'd-like-to-see list:

At the Golden Globes, Charlize Theron made everybody's best dressed list in a blush Dior gown. (She has a contract with them, in case you haven't seen the much talked about ad yet.) So obviously I fully expect her to be in Dior at the Oscars as well, but perhaps in something a little moodier.

Rooney Mara doesn't seem to be leaving her penchant for neutrals (especially black) behind any time soon, but this Giambattista Valli sequin number is that just-right blend of glamourous, edgy, and feminine that she tends to favor on the red carpet.

We need to talk about Viola Davis and how phenomenal she looked in that Marchesa number at the SAG awards. I saw this Armani Privé gown and it immediately landed in my top 5 dresses from couture week. It's not oulandish or crazy, but it's got this impossibly perfect combination of unconventionally paired textures, colors, and even silhouettes (with the jacket - which I love but maybe not so much if worn with the dress at the same time). Anyway, to Viola Davis who inspired at the SAG Awards, keep it up -- and here's an option that I think would do just that:

This next pick is purely selfish. I just want to see this beautiful woman in this beautiful dress. Do I think Berenice Bejo is going to show up to the Oscars in this delicate Elie Saab gown? Not really. Based on what few appearance photos I've seen of her, she seems like quite a lovely, sensible dresser...though she has been known to wear Elie Saab in the past. Here's hoping...

Maybe it's because I just got finished flipping through this article on Michelle Williams' style through the years (in which the authors lament the lack of color in her choices.) Or maybe it's because I want her to wear something that's at the same time glamorous, classy, and quirky, not just one or the other like she usually does. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, but more of me trying to justify this pick. :-p) Either way, I picked this uncharacteristically Michelle Williams dress for Michelle Williams to wear to the Oscars.

What about you? What do you think everyone will be wearing to the Oscars? What do you hope they wear?

http://musings.onsugar.com/ by nikkeeb featuring lace up wedge booties

I'm not exactly what you'd call a morning person. I'm one of those people who hits snooze about 5 or 6 times each and every morning. But getting dressed just before running out of the house in a rush usually results in regret later in the day when I'm in the restroom at work and see what I picked out in the harsh light of day. Or...in light of any kind. Because -- confession -- sometimes I might get dressed in my closet in the dark. Oops!

Articles like The Gloss's How To Look Great When You've Had No Sleep are a godsend. I thought I'd share that link as well as a couple of quick tips that have almost become second nature for me:

Plan Ahead. Picking out your outfit the night before makes a world of a difference. You're less groggy and more willing to put some thought into what you're going to wear, instead of just throwing on whatever matches "close enough" and risk being stuck in an outfit all day that's either snoresville or mismatchville.

Plan Ahead...Ahead. I mentioned this in a previous post, but I've been gradually weeding out my wardrobe and only buying pieces that I love. These pieces almost never include casual jeans or solid knit tops. The resulting wardrobe makes it nearly impossible to step out the door looking sloppy, since you have very few or no pieces that could pass for "hobo chic". (Yeah, that's an aesthetic, but it's a dangerous one to play with. Unfortunately, when paired with items that are not just perfect, it really just turns the look into...hobo...and that's never good.)

Go cozy and structured. It may sound like an oxymoron, but you can be warm, comfortable, and still look put-together. Structured knits are your best friends, like the double-breasted cardigan above.

Have a focal point. Having a statement piece, like this printed blouse, or even a statement necklace, adds interest to your look and adding one great item to your outfit can make it go from blah to brilliant.

Simplify. Word on the fashion blogs is that minimalism was a big trend in 2011, but it's always been timeless in my book. Monochromatic coloring and a less-is-more concept is actually a style in itself, and coincidentally an easy way to look good with a lot less effort.

When all else fails, throw on a blazer. Adding a blazer adds instant polish to any outfit. Seriously, a signature look for many A-listers is a baggy tee and jeans, but a sleek blazer thrown on top instantly makes them look pulled together and add just the right amount of polish.

Spring 2012 ad campaigns are just being released. I don't even have to finish browsing them to decide which my favorite is. Valentino's series, shot by Deborah Turbeville, is striking, unassuming, and unexpected. What a refreshing aesthetic for such a luxurious, high-end brand. Such gorgeous pieces showcased in such natural, laid-back poses, settings, and compositions! No angular shots of spray tanned models with stick straight hair dripping with jewels staring sensuously at the camera. There's something so real about these shots that makes them so powerful.

happy new year! by nikkeeb featuring wedge boots

So right now I haven't promoted this blog at all. And it's just my personal outlet for my fashion-related ramblings. Which is why posts have been rare and sporadic. Which leads me to this post...and new years resolutions! What are your style resolutions for 2012? Mine, as evident in the above collage, is to be more daring in my fashion choices. Last year's was to put more effort into my own style.

This time last year I was floored with the chance to attend Fall 2011 NY Fashion Week. And despite loving all things fashion and really being passionate about it, I had nothing in my closet that was even remotely NYFW-worthy. So this year I wore fewer jeans and free tees promoting event xyz from college, and I bought more unique and dressier pieces for amazing deals thanks to some awesome Goodwill scores as well as online and retail clearances. Next up? Being bolder with my combinations! Not that I'll be traipsing around the office in a flaming red tulle gown, but mixing prints and unconventional color and texture pairing is probably a good place to start.

Other resolutions? To design more, to sew more, and to post to this blog more. Hopefully!