London Fashion Week Trend Report: Shoes Wisely

Sometimes it's more than just the clothes themselves that leave a resonating impression when reviewing the Fashion Week collections. For Spring/Summer 2016 in London, I noticed many designers showing unexpected shoes paired with dresses. Flat, often Teva-like walking shoes and sandals were marched down the runways with gowns and dresses. The coupling of romance and practicality was actually quite beautiful.

Christopher Kane answered the age-old question: how do you update an LBD? With a fashion-forward sneaker of course.

Christopher Raeburn featured floral dresses with dark sandals to ground them.

Emilia Wickstead's proper-yet-modern frocks were paired with bright pointed flats.

Flats embellished with fur and a strap were the base of Erdem's gauzy gowns.

Exotic and rich was the theme, but Jonathan Saunders let the black sandals do the walking with his dresses.

Osman proved that even on your wedding day, a flat shoe in an exciting color is stylish and shows personality.

Peter Pilotto's colorful designs were balanced with chic slip-on shoes.

Betting on juxtaposition, Preen's gilded dress with white flat sandals flaunted a confident and cool theme.

Simone Rocha showed chic calf-grazing dresses at a length just short enough to show the organically colored sandals they were paired with.

Bordering on ballerina-chic, Temperley London's romantic tulle dress looked effortless with strappy flats.

In a look that I am sure we'll see on an upcoming red carpet, Burberry paired a rich, yet fresh, sheer oxblood dress with a platform flat.

How can you not try this new trend out for yourself? Fashionable yet comfortable, pairing an unexpected flat shoe with a dress is fun, avant-garde and shows you are ready to party! 

Emmys 2015: Best Dressed

This year's Emmys red carpet was a display of so many different trends (off-the-shoulder gowns and black dresses were most prevalent), but I loved seeing such a variety of styles. My favorite looks were all ones where the styling was just on point and the choices in hair, makeup and jewelry (or lack thereof) landed these stars on my best-dressed list.

Despite the blazing Los Angeles heat, Aubrey Plaza looked so fresh in this slinky Alexandre Vauthier number with a high slit and deep v-neck. Her sharp bob was the perfect hairstyle for this look.

Maybe it's because I'm a new mom, but I can really appreciate fabulous maternity style. Cat Deely looked sexy in her glittering Monique L'huillier gown. I love that she left her hair in a bodacious, relaxed style and had a pop of garnet color in her nails and lipstick.

Emma Roberts looks ready to party with Gatsby in her romantic Jenny Packham dress. The deco brooch, and double-wrapped necklace add to the retro feel, along with her gorgeous platinum waves.

Lady Gaga never looked better than on the 2015 Emmys red carpet. She oozed glamour in this black Brandon Maxwell gown. Her flawless, clean makeup and perfectly-coiffed bob made her a total knockout. None of the red-carpet gimmicks and tricks that she is known for were needed here!

The shoulder-to-back detail on Sarah Hyland's burgundy Zac Posen dress was so modern and cool.  Paired with her mahogany touseled bob and singular sparkling bracelet, it was a look perfectly suited for the Fall season.

Fresh off the New York Fashion Week runway, Kerry Washington's Marc Jacobs dress was a big hit. Styled with a deconstructed faux-bob and glowing makeup, her fashion-forward look was fun and the most chic of the night.

These dresses were all gorgeous, but styled any other way, they would not have been standouts on the red carpet this year. Beauty and accessory choices really make the look complete and can take a gown to a whole different level. Who were your best-dressed at the Emmys?

New York Fashion Week Trend Report: Give 'Em The Cold Shoulder

If New York Fashion Week's designers have anything to say about it, Spring/Summer 2016 will be all about the shoulders. In recent seasons, we've seen off-the-shoulder styles reign on the runways and in the streets, however the cold-shoulder look so prevalent at last week's NYFW leaves just the shoulders bare in a way that can be chic and flattering for anyone at any age or any size. Let's take a look at how this trend was interpreted by various designers.

Romantic in floral print at Calvin Klein Collection.

Christian Siriano's version highlighted the trend with an embellished detail.

At Creatures of the Wind, a sleeve in a different fabric and print was used beautifully.

A billowy Derek Lam gown brought the trend to evening wear.

Givenchy presented a modern coat with slouched sleeves.

The low-slung sleeves on this Prabal Gurung sweater make for a cool, relaxed vibe.

Proenza Schouler's LBD looks modern yet feminine with cold shoulders.

Gauzy and light, this Rachel Zoe dress gives a peek of shoulder.

At Rebecca Minkoff, the draping at the shoulders of this printed dress added to the boho-chic feel.

Exotic prints and strappy shoulders were on display at Reem Acra.

The shoulder cutout on this Vera Wang sweater gave this cute look an edge.

Simple in white, Wes Gordon's cold-shoulder top could be a Spring wardrobe staple.

Tuxedo dressing was given a twist at Yigal Azrouel, with the unexpected shoulder cutout.

From day to night and from glam to sporty, the cold-shoulder trend works for any style or occasion. Will you be trying this trend?

Met Gala 2015: East Meets Best

While this past weekend touted "the most exciting 2 minutes in sports" and "the biggest fight of the century", the Kentucky Derby and the Pacquiao/Mayweather fight couldn't hold a candle to the event fashion lovers were waiting for.  Last night was The Costume Institute's Metropolitan Museum of Art Ball, or: the biggest night in fashion. The theme was "China: Through The Looking Glass", based on the opening of the new exhibit with the same name. Celebrities had a chance to turn out in the top designers' haute couture visions in homage to China. Some did it in subtle fashion and some really pushed the envelope. Here are some of my favorites from the event.

Cara Delevigne wore slim cigarette pants by Stella McCartney- but her true statement was in the dozens of cherry blossom tattoos she donned- fake, of course. 

Model Caroline Trentini's high-necked Atelier Versace dress was structured yet draped in such a way to provide just enough romantic movement.  

Diane Kruger chose sparkly Chanel pants and an embellished bodice top in the lightest shade of pink - a perfect combination of modern and feminine.

Television personality Jackie Miranne looked absolutely stunning in a navy gown by Christian Siriano. The turquoise tassel earrings were an unexpected yet fitting complement.

Kate Beckinsale's DVF frock was not the most dramatic or costume-y of last night's looks, however it wins for sheer glamour and perfect execution- from the gold fabric to the draped bodice, it was simply beautiful.

Kendall Jenner looked stunning in a shimmering green ombre Calvin Klein dress with a daring tie-up detail on the sides.

Altuzarra fashioned a very Black Swan-esque dress for Keri Russell- with onyx and dark green feathers and a high slit, she upped the glam-goth factor with a smoky eye.

Sienna Miller's Thakoon pantsuit sparkled in the color of the night - red- and was another non-gown look that worked for it's unique embellishments and chic styling.

Chinese couturier Guo Pei created Rihanna's jaw-dropping cape. With yards of intricate embroidery and bright yellow color, it's easy to crown Rihanna's look as Met Gala red-carpet royalty. 

What did you think of this year's Met Gala fashion? Which was your favorite look? Whether you prefer understated elegance or full-on statement-making drama, there were gorgeous fashion pieces all fit for an art exhibit of their own.

New York Fashion Week Trend Report: Protect Your Neck

When it comes to Fall/Winter fashion, the trends seen on the runways aren't always the most functional. However, at last month's New York Fashion Week, turtlenecks were seen in so many collections that you won't have to worry about being stylish and comfortable in the coming seasons. 

Oscar de la Renta, Cynthia Rowley and Brandon Sun's collections showed how the turtleneck can elevate a ladylike look when paired with a cinched waist or calf-grazing bell skirt.

Elegant yet relaxed was the effect of featuring turtlenecks in neutral hues at BCBG, Victoria Beckham and Ralph Lauren.

On the other side of the shade spectrum, Edun, Tanya Taylor and Derek Lam's turtlenecks employed the color blocking strategy for an unexpected pop of color.

Sporty-chic looks at Milly, Rag & Bone and Tommy Hilfiger were game for anything, styled with stripes and uniform-inspired elements.

Proving that turtlenecks can go anywhere, even out for a night on the town, Altuzarra, Christian Siriano and Tracy Reese paired theirs with luxurious, look-at-me fabrics from sequin to satin.

Turtlenecks are definitely going to be turning heads in Fall and Winter of 2015.  In lieu of the traditional sweater version, try mixing it up with size, color, embellishments and fabrics- it's all in the styling, and the options are endless!

Oscars Fashion Review 2015: Texture Trend

Some call it the fashion Olympics, Hollywood's most glamorous night or even the pinnacle of the awards season, and the Oscars are definitely the time for A-list stars to bring their A-list red carpet game. Last night the biggest fashion winners wore uniquely textured looks. Let's take a look at the details:

Naomi Watts wore an Armani gown in fresh silhouette made from metallic shells with an illusion bandeau of black caviar beads. The unexpected texture made this look modern and special.

Lupita N'yongo's stunning Calvin Klein Collection dress was constructed of over 6,000 pearls of varying sizes. The look was epic and will definitely be one of her most memorable fashion moments.

Sienna Miller's Oscar de la Renta dress was navy and black featuring velvet bows and lovely lace layered over strategically placed sequins. The use of various fabrics on together created an elegant and luxe feeling.

My best dressed of the night was Rosamund Pike, in a Givenchy gown fitting her name: rosy lace was layered over a silk structured corset leading to a scalloped bodice. Romantic yet sexy, this timeless look took the 'red carpet red dress' style to a new level with the dimensional lace element.

These stars show that textured styles are the way to go when your fashion goal is maximum impact. 3-D dressing is a winning strategy that you can incorporate into your wardrobe with layered fabrics and unique construction elements that are anything but textbook texture.

SAG Awards 2015: What a Gem

The Screen Actor's Guild Awards featured a veritable jewel box of fashion, and saturated colors ruled the red carpet. The major trend last night was jewel toned dresses in sumptuous colors, beautifully demonstrated by the following celebrities.

Camila Alves looked regal in an amethyst Donna Karan Atelier gown with sweetheart neckline and flattering mermaid shape.

Winner Julianne Moore chose a beaded Givenchy dress in emerald which complemented her red hair perfectly.

Julianna Margulies wore a striking sapphire colored Giambattista Valli confection with a high neckline and full draped skirt.

Naomi Watts looked sleek in a navy Balenciaga column gown with a slight flare at the hem and rolled off-the-shoulder beading.

In her best maternity look so far, Keira Knightley chose a graceful eyelet gown by Erdem in a beautiful purple color.

Taking another fashion risk which is so greatly appreciated on the red carpet, Emma Stone wore a menswear-inspired Dior look in onyx that featured a completely sheer gown with sweeping train covered by a chic blazer. She paired it perfectly with ruby red lipstick and nail polish.

Jewel tones give a rich and sophisticated feel. When wearing them in your everyday fashion, try sticking with hues in the same color family but mixing up the fabric and texture of each piece in an outfit.