Screen Actor's Guild Awards 2017: White Hot

This year's Screen Actor's Guild Awards not only celebrated amazing performances in television and movies, but also freedom of speech. While so many nominated roles mirrored real people (past & present) and true stories, it was also easy to draw parallels from the films to the current political upheaval. In keeping with that theme, some of the red carpet fashion reflected the protests happening around the globe. Overall, a message of unity and activism was present, with many stars choosing winter white as their color of choice to the SAGs.

Brie Larson chose a gown by Taiwan-born, Canada-raised and current New York resident designer Jason Wu. The asymmetrical neckline and side slit added to the crisp look.

Natalie Portman continued her empowered maternity-style red carpet reign in a Dior dress fresh off the Spring 2017 couture runway in Paris. 

Vivienne Westwood's signature structured bustier neckline was featured in Viola Davis' white column gown, set off with a dazzling diamond necklace.

Dior's semi-sheer sparkling-white creation was a take on a modern bridal gown with a chic lingerie-inspired top. Newly-engaged Kirsten Dunst's styling with beachy waves and a layered necklace was chic. Perhaps she was road-testing her non-traditional wedding style?

Kerry Washington wore a safety pin on her custom Roberto Cavalli gown in solidarity with those fighting for human rights and equality. The pin featured quite elegantly with her bell-sleeved, off the shoulder, embellished gown.

Also in winter white and with a political message: Jocelyn Towne with her husband Simon Helberg. She chose the perfect strapless cut-out dress to highlight the message written across her chest: " Let them in". Simon held a sign welcoming refugees.

Fashion statements don't always equal political statements, but in this era we are quickly seeing 'art imitating life imitating art'. As it should, fashion is echoing the times, and if the SAGs have anything to say about it, activism is white hot. 

Spring '17 Paris Couture Fashion Week Trend Report: Belt It Out

Paris Couture Fashion Week showcased what you expect from haute couture: extravagance. In design, concept and inspiration. From the new "power woman" at Chanel, to an earthy garden goddess at Dior, the Spring 2017 offerings were presented in a way to really showcase just how special the textiles and craftsmanship are. This season I noticed an emphasis on one accessory in particular. Across the vast offerings on the different runways, almost all showed gowns featuring belts. Let's take a look at the cinched couture:

Armani Prive's sunset-hued collection included this gown with a wide leather belt worn tied at the waist.

Nearly every look at Chanel featured a belt worn slightly higher than the natural waistline- even on this art deco feathered gown. The empire waist effect highlights the full skirt.

Dior continued the collection's garden theme in the accessories with belts in all shapes of flora and fauna.

Elie Saab's golden rope belt was used to beautifully cinch in a flowing embroidered gown.

At Alberta Ferretti, belts with matching brooches added to the monochromatic cool factor of several evening looks.

Presented as a form of body jewelry, the glistening belt at Giambattista Valli also slithered up the torso, elevating a covered up chiffon gown.

Alexis Mabille's white lace dress had a jewel-lined bustier which was mirrored on the clasp of the matching belt.

Ralph & Russo showed a classic silhouette with casual elements: pockets and a thin belt. When styled with a modern bob, the look was very chic.

Schiaparelli's bright red belt added a pop of color to tie in the jacket and provide hip styling to the shimmering gold pleated gown.

Zuhair Murad also showed many red-carpet-ready designs featuring belts. This one is sparkling and studded to add to the overall dazzling effect of the intricately beaded dress.

Notice the absence of jewelry in the styling of most of these. Not much else is needed if you have a belt on an evening look! Adding a belt to an otherwise opulent gown can definitely modernize the effect. The cinched waist is also a bit of silhouette manipulation that is tried-and-true for accentuating the body. What do you think of this bit of downtown styling to the traditional ballgown? I think we'll be seeing some of this trend on the red carpet throughout the rest of awards season.

Golden Globes 2017: Se-Quintessential

After a widely celebrated end to 2016, the Golden Globes are a highly anticipated jump-start to not just a new year, but also the 2017 Awards Season. On the red carpet last night, the prevailing trend came in the form of gowns adorned with gold and silver sequins. Perhaps in a desire to cling to the last of the celebratory holiday season, or as a beacon of hope in an unknown new era, several stars picked glimmering gowns.

Drew Barrymore's whimsical Monique L'huillier dress had angelic off-the-shoulder wing sleeves.

Marchesa's high-neck, belted and tiered metallic gown accentuated Chrissy Teigen's figure.

Emma Stone was a contender for best dressed in this pale Valentino gown embellished with -what else?- stars!

Alexander McQueen's feather-hem gown has a stunning sequin pattern that creates the look of an ocean's wave on this gorgeous gown. The rock-star wrist embellishments add a cool edge but the puff sleeves might be best left for runway presentation.

Ruth Negga is one of my favorite new red carpet ingenues. Her custom silver Vuitton gave off elevated athleisure cool on the bodice with a crew neck and mid-arm sleeves.

Marc Jacobs designed a sparkling, open-back gown with long sleeves that matched perfectly with the Golden Globe statue that Sarah Paulson won!

My favorite, best-dressed of the night went to Thandie Newton, who took the sequin motif and turned it on it's head! Instead of an embellished bodice or choker, or allover pattern, she chose a stark white, off-the-shoulder Monse dress dripped in sparkling copper at the base. Paired with a reverse drop Harry Winston diamond necklace, she exemplified how to take the sequin trend to a bold new level.

Sequins can go beyond just the holiday season and can add a statement to any outfit. Do these looks inspire you to embolden your next night out with some sparkle?