Orange Crush, cont...

Versace bag

The more orange I see infiltrating the stores, the more I want the color to infiltrate my wardrobe.  I love the pop of the sunny shade against summer whites, khaki, chambray... It's just the right combination of sporty and jet-set. 

Celine Spring 2011

I am lusting after a big (maybe even oversize) tote in the bright hue. While I previously posted (Orange Crush) about the citrusy Tods bag I am considered taking out of retirement, I am now leaning towards new one -- in more of the Hermes-y orange that was so chic on the Celine runway.

Celine

 

Celine

Celine

I love this lightweight Celine leather tote I saw hanging on a mannequin at Saks the other day. Structured is always polished but I am feeling more of the soft, slouchy style for my everyday, around-town, casual warm-weather look.

Akris

Maybe this amazing Akris bag strikes the perfect balance between structured and soft. (Who would have thought that possible?)  Now, if I only knew someone at the company....

Oscar Action

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

The Hollywood girls turned out on the red carpet in top form. Lots of gorgeous sophistication and overall chic.  The keys for the night were neutral (my favorite looks), a range of purples and shades of red.  

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection

Halle Berry in Marchesa

These sparkly nude-shades were the best. I loved Michelle Williams in Chanel -- always a bit gamine, uberstylish and simply chic.  Gwyneth looked modern and cool. And Halle Berry is beautiful and knows exactly what works for her. That skin! The understated shades really let the beauty of the actresses shine... something to think about and apply to our own wardrobe choices.

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Interesting that purple was such a dominant color. I suppose it pops on the red carpet, is feminine, and not outrageously bold -- especially lavender. Mila Kunis looks perfectly pretty in her lacy, boudoir-inspired gown.  And I love that we can count on Cate Blanchett to bring a real dose of fashion -- always with an avant-edge. And her hair was so chic.  Other than Reese Witherspoon, not a lot of black this year. 

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein Collection

Jennifer Lawrence was my favorite in the color category. She looked modern and young and gorgeous. The sleek shape was perfect for her... and goes to show that you do not need an over-the-top evening gown to make a statement.

Penelope Cruz in L'Wren Scott

Bravo to Penelope Cruz who just had a baby!  She is a natural beauty -- and although her dress was a little showgirl for my tastes, she looked amazing!

Wearable Art?

Wear it or frame it? That was the question at London Fashion Week when it came to up-and-coming designer Mary Katrantzou's supercreative collection.  Get the scoop from my post on the Well Appointed House blog. 

Www.wellappointedhouse.blogspot.com

Weekend Glam

Vogue.com / Photo: Splash News

Kate Moss with famous fashion photographer Mario Testino. What could be more glamourous?!

Rainbow (Dis)Connection

Gucci Photos: Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Whoa!  Color overload!  While, I like the seventies-glam concept at the Gucci show (the legendary house's 90th anniversary), my eyes started hurting a bit seeing look after look of crazy color combinations.

Perhaps one of these eye-catching gowns will show up on the Oscars red carpet this weekend?

I liked the toned-down (but still super glammed up) looks in the collection best... Which brings me back to my favorite color of late -- good old gray.

 

Feather Frenzy

Chanel Spring 2011

Chanel Spring 2011

Fanciful feathers were flouncing down the spring runways (and showing up in the fall collections) in a wide range of eye-catching iterations. Thinking of adding a bit of fluff to your wardrobe (or home)?

Get the scoop on the pretty plumes -- read my post on the Well Appointed House Blog.

http://wellappointedhouse.blogspot.com/

Blue, cont...

Gucci Fall 2011 Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe

Fresh from Milan...  Blue to the max.  How glamourous is the mix of sapphire and turqouise-y blue.  And the black accessories bring it all together perfectly.  Maybe it's time to rethink bright blue? 

Photo: Monica Feudi / Feudiguaineri.com

Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe

Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe

  

The Gucci show was a rainbow parade of luxe jewel tones... More to come!

Blue Wave

Sarah Jessica Parker

More on the recent wave of color... Caribbean blue also seems to be transitioning from the runways to the red carpet and the streets. SJP looks effortlessly chic. Love the flouncy, feminine skirt paired with a tailored jacket (and those crazy high Louboutins!).

Jessica Alba in Atelier Versace

Blakey Lively in Pucci

The glamour gowns are definitely red carpet worthy (and Blake Lively's choice of footwear is fab)... However, I admit that this is not a color I am usually drawn to.  It doesn't read sophisticated to me -- although, SJP's urban-polished look may change my mind. What do you think? Maybe it's better on blue-eyed blonds?

For spring and summer  (and pretty much all year), I wear a ton of navy. I've posted about it before -- it is one of my favorite wardrobe shades.  Is there something in between this eye-catching cornflower blue and a classic dark navy (royal?) that would be worth trying? Say, a patent Manolo or a Proenza PS1 bag?!

Christian Louboutin

Manolo Blahnik

Proenza Schouler

Orange Crush

Diane Kruger in Lanvin

It seems like black has taken a backseat to brights on the red carpet lately -- especially this spectrum of orange-y to poppy red shades. (I guess we can be grateful that the celebs can test out the new trends for us.) So far, I think spring's electric hues are looking good. I love the idea of going for such a bold shade at night -- sure to get you noticed! -- especially paired with an equally bold shoe in a different color.

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Kate Bosworth in Calvin Klein

Orange is the ultimate summer shade -- it looks great with white jeans and shorts (staples), as well as khaki, denim and chambray (and a tan!). have a pair of T-strap Ferragamo sandals in apricot that I wore to death last summer so, I need to find replacements. I almost forgot about my tangerine-y leather Tods tote that I have not used in years. It's super sporty and will be perfect for casual around town days. I also just unearthed a pair of satin ballet flats in the shade that I bought a few years ago and have never worn...will start now (if the snow ever melts!).

 

Rachel Bilson in Burberry

 A fitted cardi in a bright shade would be cute and easy to wear... with just a simple tank or nothing underneath.  Gold jewelry is a superchic accompaniment to bright orange on sunny days -- so layer it on!

And of course an accessory would be the easiest way to get in on the trend without making too much of a statement. Love the Marni rope bracelet!

Tory Burch

Miu Miu

Marni

Kate in Rio

Your weekend Kate Moss.

Buckle Up

Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

I have posted before about how I've only recently ventured into the world of accessories -- I think it has to do with the old pregnancy/post-pregnancy body morphing, which has forced me to experiment more with new looks. And belts have been just the best discovery. Sounds a little ridiculous to say I've "discovered" belts but what I mean is, I've finally figured how to make this basic accessory work for me. They literally change up my looks (for the better, I think) in an instant.


I worked them during pregnancy a lot -- to show that I wasn't just a ball of baby (above the bump, just under the bust). And post-pregnancy, they've been a staple -- to show that I actually have a real waist again. So, I couldn't be more excited to see lots of belted looks on the recent runways.  More evidence that such a simple accessory can really make an outfit go from plain to polished. 


Love the velvet waist-cinchers -- over a dress, jacket and sweater -- at Carolina Herrera.

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Alessandro Viero / GoRunway.com

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Donna Karan showed a belt on nearly every look of her collection.

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Tone on tone at Michael Kors. 

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW

I buy a lot of belts from J.Crew -- I love the skinny patent and metallic versions in different shades. They are super easy to work with and very inexpensive. I wear them with tops (like my staple silk tanks or button-up shirts) under long cardigans or blazers. This past winter, I've also belted a lot of heavy cardies or wrap sweaters. And I love sparkly sashes for night and day (that includes ribbon necklaces - - see my post Simple Statements). The point is to refine your look while adding a bit of hourglass dimension to your shape.

J.Crew

J.Crew

J.Crew

Gap

Gap