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?

2016 Holiday Gift Guide: It's Chic to Contribute

We've all been inundated with Gift Guides promising to solve the holiday conundrum of what to get people: from the coworker you aren't well acquainted with, to your mom who says that she already has everything she needs. For myself and many others I know, it's been hard to look at this as a real 'problem' given the atrocities that are currently going on in the United States and abroad. One of the things that I truly feel can provide a sense of meaning in situations where we otherwise feel helpless is to give back.

This is just a small list of many of the organizations doing amazing work for our world, and the people & animals who inhabit it. Supporting these groups is helping to champion those in need while protecting our future! I strongly suggest that if you're looking for a last minute gift, a unique gift, or any kind of gift at all, check these groups out and give on behalf of the recipient. They will feel great about it, you will too, and the good that you've done will far outreach the excitement of a material object. Win-Win-Win!

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
https://action.aclu.org/donate-aclu

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR)
Dedicated to the support of HIV/AIDS research.
http://www.amfar.org/donate/

Doctors Without Borders
Providing medical aid where it's needed most. Worldwide.
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm

Earthjustice
Enforcing and strengthening laws to keep communities as safe, healthy places to live and work, and to safeguard the irreplaceable natural world.
https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Donation

International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Providing relief, respect and renewal to refugees and victims of armed conflict around the world.
https://help.rescue.org/donate

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminating race prejudice.
https://donate.naacp.org/page/contribute/make-a-contribution

Planned Parenthood
Education and advocacy to protect and advance women's health and rights.
ppaction.org/ppdonate

ProPublica
An independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
https://www.propublica.org/donate/

Red Cross
Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Advancing the safety and well-being of animals globally.
https://donations.spcai.org/spcai/

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
Combats hate, intolerance and discrimination through education and litigation.
https://donate.splcenter.org/splcdonate

The Trevor Project
Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
https://give.thetrevorproject.org

Please keep in mind that you can set up recurring donations for these organizations. The holidays aren't the only season when time and money is needed - these amazing groups are doing hard work all year round!

Another great way to give back is to offer your time. Many of these same organizations need volunteers or workers with your same skill set to provide even just a couple hours a week of assistance.

If there are any wonderful charity organizations that you love, let me know and we can keep this list growing!

And while there's nothing wrong with loving style (the reason behind this very blog!), it's important to remember: the best things in life aren't things. Stay informed, stay strong, and you'll feel the real holiday spirit that much brighter.

Critics' Choice Awards 2016: Keep It Simple

Last night's Critics' Choice Awards rolled out a blue(!) carpet that welcomed the brightest stars from film and television. While there were many fashion risks taken, my favorite looks were those that were bold in their very simplicity.

Michael Kors created a custom seafoam gown for Viola Davis and the effect was stunning. The unexpected hue was so fresh.

Mandy Moore's Solace London dress had a plunging neckline and small cutouts on either side, yet the navy color and impeccable fit created a look that seemed almost classic in it's beauty.

Evan Rachel Wood's tailored suit was so chic that I think many women will be eschewing the LBD for the LBS (Little Black Suit) this season. 

If anything the blue carpet fashion showed that when a color or cut is so perfect on you, the need for a lot of adornments or patterns is unnecessary and can take away from the look. Between last night's Critics' Choice Awards, and today's Golden Globe nomination announcements (which are chock full of fashion stars), it's undeniable that this Awards Season will be one to watch!

Paris Fashion Week Trend Report: Sheer Transparency

Paris Fashion Week's major trend for Spring/Summer 2017 was clear, even within the first few days. And by clear, I mean not only was it prevalent in so many collections, but it the trend itself was the use of sheer fabric! Street style stars have been playing with the use of this trend for a couple of months now, and the biggest risk takers leave nothing to the imagination. However, it is possible to update your wardrobe with some sheer styles without feeling overexposed. Let's take a look at some more realistic ways to achieve this, with examples from the Paris shows.

Chanel showed several skirts with lace paneling- a simple and chic way to show some skin and add some lightness to an outfit without wearing a miniskirt.

At Dries Van Noten, using a lined see-through fabric at the yoke and the base of this dress added a bit more interest to the composition.  Wearing this style can also provide more coverage to those who don't prefer a low-cut neckline.

Givenchy's super chic layered dress was shown in many colors with sheer mesh sheath of a different shape underneath. If you have one mesh bodycon dress, it can be mixed and matched with various dresses on top of it.

Hermes had a very wearable, belted sheer shirtdress which not only acts as the perfect Spring/Summer layer, but also shows some of your outfit underneath.

The gauzy sleeves on this Lanvin jacket provide a cool (literally cooler than full fabric sleeves!) textural element to a monochromatic piece.

Vionnet proved that you can take the sheer trend to the office with a gossamer lapel.

If you're still shying from the look of transparent fabric, Emporio Armani reminds us that it's so easy to incorporate this style by simply adding a diaphanous printed scarf to your ensemble.

The sheer trend can still be classy and sexy (and even work appropriate!) if you use it in the right way. You may already have some pieces in your closet that employ some of these tactics. Try putting them together in new ways or styling them for a sheerly fabulous look for Spring and Summer 2017.

StyleWeekOC: Runway Recap

Fashion Island hosted StyleWeekOC, Orange County's fabulous fashion week. I had a great time attending the final fashion show with Kendall from My Styled Life. We enjoyed the amazing show with the Southern California backdrop of palm trees and an ombre sunset. StyleWeekOC's runway featured Fall fashion from Anthropologie, Trina Turk, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, Halston Heritage, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. 

Some of my favorite trends for Fall from the runway included layered slip dresses, velvet, shimmering luxe special occasion looks, jewel tones, boho chic, and metallic slides. Check out some photos and videos below!

Elie Tahari

StyleWeek Fall 2016 Orange County

Halston Heritage

StyleWeek Fall 2016 Orange County

Nordstrom

StyleWeek Fall 2016 Orange County

Rebecca Taylor

StyleWeek Fall 2016 Orange County

Anthropologie, Trina Turk, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Taylor and Halston Heritage's runway shows were presented by incredible bloggers who held meetups at each store within Fashion Island after the runway show. Katie (The Style Riot), Nikki (My Style Diaries), Devon (Devon Rachel), Kathleen (Carrie Bradshaw Lied) and Lyndi (Lyndi in the City) are incredibly sweet and fashionable ladies- you should check them out!

What fashion trends are you most excited about for Fall?

Milan Fashion Week Trend Report: Bohemian Luxe

Full of bold statements and cohesive collections, Milan's Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Week was one of the best all around in many years. One of my favorite trends from this past week was the bohemian luxe look. Taking a cue from the 70's, this new take combines two of the major trends of that era: hippie-chic and disco glam. While it sounds completely over-the-top, designers proved that these styles can actually counter each other with beautiful results.

Alberta Ferretti paired a festival-ready crop top and Western belt trio with a gorgeous tiered maxi skirt. Choosing a vibrant purple shantung for the fabric gave the look a regal twist.

A plunging neckline and intricate embellishments over mesh were featured on this anything-but-granola gown at Roberto Cavalli. The braided detail in the crisscross neckline and the pattern created by the beading provided the bohemian feel.

This look, at Etro, paired a patchwork dress with a baroque jacket, proving the chic results when playing the balancing act of two different styles.

Fendi's floral printed sheer dress got the luxe treatment in the styling department. The highlight of this was using make up artist Pat McGrath's sought-after glittering Lust lipstick to show how a flash of gold can give any look a glam turn.

Even the eternally understated Armani designed a luxe silvery 2-piece look with a gypset vibe, using the jogger silhouette for the pants paired with flat shoes.

The earth tones in Missoni's maxi dress became something special with the unique glimmer of embroidered gold throughout.

At first glance, this look from Versace could seem like an open-weave dress (a bohemian staple). However shimmering paillettes were used to create the sexy chain-mail style.

The 70's were a time of revolutionary change and insurgent fashion. Sound familiar? We are currently facing a world of unrest and in need of forward-thinkers. Usually influenced by cultural and social attitudes, this may be what the designers had in mind when creating their Spring/Summer 2017 collections. At once whimsical and elegant, bohemian luxe is a fashion trend that can spark creativity and bounce anyone out of a fashion rut. So when thinking about your next fashion foray, channel your inner flower child and take her out to the disco.

London Fashion Week Trend Report: Handkerchief Happy

A trend I noticed on the London Fashion Week runways involved not a pattern or accessory, but instead, a silhouette: the one created by a handkerchief hem. In the early aughts, handkerchief hems were seen on college girls and socialites, and now it's back in a more asymmetrical variation, with a look that's accessible to everyone, regardless of your style.

Antonio Berardi showed a beautiful dress which juxtaposed the glamorous sequinned top with the light and easy bias-cut handkerchief hem skirt.

Mulberry used the handkerchief hem on a menswear-inspired dress. Paired with a coordinating jacket, the look was polished yet relaxed.

The handkerchief hem on Preen's velvet embellished and ruffled dress was the perfect addition to this romantic look.

At Pringle of Scotland, the theme was modern monochrome and the handkerchief hem packed extra punch when paired with a tunic top of similar draping.

A handkerchief hem highlighted the color scheme of Temperley's flowing ombre dress.

When thinking about new additions to your wardrobe for next Spring, consider the new twist on handkerchief hems. The cut of the skirt allows for a little extra flounce and flow to the material when you walk. And besides, who doesn't want an extra spring in their step?