Farewell Oscar

With a career in fashion that spanned more than 50 years, it's impossible to name all of the ways that Oscar de la Renta has had a positive impact on the world of fashion. His talent was unparalleled and he was known for being a warm person and a true gentleman. He died yesterday at the age of 82. He will be missed but his art will live on forever.

Carrie's Dress from the Russian

Shirt Dress from Fall 2014

Emma Watson's Premiere Dress

Oscar was a favorite of Jackie Kennedy

He designed gowns for many First Ladies

and Amal's dress for her wedding to George

photo credits: HBO, stylebistro.com, Getty, AP, White House, VOGUE/Annie Lebovitz

Grammys 2012 - My Personal Favorites

Suprisingly, the fashion at the Grammys this year was on the sedate side.  There was the costume of Lady Gaga (as usual) and the bizarre outfit, date and performance of Nicki Minaj. The somber mood of the attendees due to the recent death of Whitney Houston definitely affected the tone of the evening. It may have affected some of the fashion choices as well.  There were a few standout dresses for me. 

Jessie J in Julien Macdonald

Hillary Scott (of Lady Antebellum) in Monique Lhuillier

Adele in Armani Privé

Rhianna in Giorgio Armani

Who were your favorites from the 2012 Grammys?

Fashion Risk Taking - Met Gala 2011

Though usually impractical for daily life and always off the charts in the budget department, I love a beautiful gown.  At most awards shows the gown choices are beautiful but many times safe. Starlets are terrified they'll end up on the worst dressed list.  The annual Met Gala gives the middle finger to the worst dressed list. It's why I love this event. Designers and attendees pull out all of the stops, go for the avant garde and over the top. Here are some of the most memorable ensembles from Monday night's Gala.

I am obsessed with this dress by J. Mendel. The detail and deconstructed look made me swoon. I would have toughened it up even more with some rocker type accessories.

Taylor Swift in J.Mendel

Love the train and the sparkle.

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan

Beautiful lace. Leave it to Rhianna to make a lace dress look tough and rocker cool.

Rhianna in Stella McCartney

This is a love it or hate it dress. It's suits Christina Ricci and it fits her flawlessly. I love the fishtail.

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

I want to wear this dress for my wedding! The sheer silver over white and the pleats and gathers are classic Vera.

Jennifer Hudson in Vera Wang

Sweet and very age appropriate.

Dakota Fanning in Valentino

Bright colors were standouts among the neutrals at this year's Gala. The pleating of Eva Mendes' royal blue Stella McCartney dress is beautiful.  Gisele looks stunning in Alexander McQueen. The detailing of January Jones' YSL and Jennifer Lopez's Gucci gowns are show stoppers. However, I never like the choice of a short dress for this event and I would like the Gucci dress much better without the unkempt flower/ruffle like shrug. While we are on the subject of unkempt, would someone teach Tom Brady how to style his hair or hire him a better hair stylist?  I love long hair on men but it needs to look "done" not like he just got out of the shower and used too much gel to slick it back, but I digress.

L to R:  Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney, Gisele Bunchen in Alexander McQueen,
January Jones in YSL, Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

The award for the night's best mix of high and low goes to Ginnifer Goodwin in her Topshop dress!  The combination of bright colors along with her eye catching necklace is great. I also love her short hair. It really tempts me to go out and cut mine that short again.

Who are your favorites from this year's Met Gala?

  
 
  

A Bit of the Big Apple

I returned last night from a weekend trip to NYC with my sister. Unfortunately, we were not there for fashion week but our weekend included lots of fashion.

We attended an amazing exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibit titled, "Notorious and Notable: 20th Century Women of Style" was a feast for the eyes. It included jewelery and gowns worn by many amazing women of New York from 1800s to present. There were so many beautiful pieces I can't show you all of them. Two of my favorites were a diamond, platinum and pearl necklace owned by Edith Bouvier Beale and a gown called the "Tissue of Diamonds" owned by Lauren Bacall.

Before Edith Bouvier Beale became notorious in Grey Gardens she was a well known socialite, model and cabaret performer. She once owned this beautiful necklace.

The delicate detail of this necklace can't be captured in a photograph. It's stunning.

This dress by designer Norman Norelle (created in 1963), is owned by Lauren Bacall. Dubbed the "Tissue-of-Diamonds" dress, it is made of black silk net over peach, crepe-back, silk charmeuse. The crystal brilliants on the black silk net were attached entirely by hand!  The true artistry and precision of this gown is staggering.

Thanks to my sister for suggesting this exhibit.  If you'd like to see it for yourself, it's running until January 3rd.  If you love fashion and will be in New York, it's a must see. Go to their website for details: Notorious & Notable: 20th Century Women of Style. The exhibition includes women from all walks of life (socialites, business women, writers, actresses,and performers) and time.

I will post more from our NYC trip soon. I got some great thrift and vintage finds!

Photo credits: Museum of the City of New York