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.

Golden Globes 2015 Part 3: The Lighter Side

Neutral tones ranging from white to blush was another huge trend at the Golden Globes. The following ladies were some of the best dressed on the red carpet and proved that going with lighter shades can come across as anything but vanilla.

Chrissy Teigen chose an embellished Zuhair Murad gown in blush pink. The long sleeves and intricate design made it a standout on the red carpet. The color of the gown and her loose ponytail lent a more relaxed feel to what otherwise could have seemed stuffy.

Sienna Miller's bohemian-luxe style was apparent in her Miu Miu dress. Her choppy bob was a perfect complement and the overall effect was cool and unique.

After her best-dressed turn on last year's Oscars red carpet in a silver Versace number, Kate Hudson opted for another Versace gown, this time in white. With it's body-conscious mermaid shape, plunging neckline and shiny boning elements on either side, it was reminiscent of Elizabeth Hurley's sensational safety-pin dress from 1994, also by Versace.

In perhaps my favorite look of the night, Camila Alves wore a pale pink Monique L'huillier column gown. With the foldover bodice, gentle draping at the back and thin black piping, it was elegant yet fresh. Styled with statement earrings and a chic updo, the look was gorgeous in it's subtlety.

These beautiful looks prove that neutral shades can work for any skin tone. So whether you are going for a free-spirited, sophisticated or sultry effect, choosing a light hue can actually make everyone else pale in comparison.

Golden Globes 2015 Part 2: Marigold-en Globes

Although the SoCal weather on Sunday began rainy and grey, the Golden Globes red carpet popped with a few rays of sunshine that were impossible to ignore.  These stars wore not-so-mellow yellow and looked fabulous.

Naomi Watt's canary-yellow Gucci dress had simple yet lovely draping at the bodice. What I love about this look is that Naomi styled it with her favorite show-stopping diamond Bulgari serpent necklace that she has worn on multiple occasions.

Carolina Hererra's pale yellow dress had a soft and romantic feel on Jenna Dewan Tatum, who paired it with a gold clutch.

Leslie Mann was a knockout in a slinky marigold strapless Kaufman Franco gown.

Don't be afraid to rock bright and bold yellow. With loose, carefree hair and a bold red lip, your look will be golden.

Golden Globes 2015 Part 1: Silver Lining

Last night's Golden Globes celebrated the best in television and movies from the past year and the fashion didn't disappoint. The red carpet trend that was most prevalent was metallic silver on everything from sweeping gowns to jumpsuits.

The material in Diane Kruger's Emilia Wickstead gown had a holographic shine which was balanced by the minimalist design.

Kate Beckinsale's Elie Saab dress featured a glittering beaded bodice and flowing skirt with sheer draping.

Winner Julianne Moore's custom Givenchy gown used sequins and ombre feathers for maximum glam effect.

Reese Witherspoon shone in a beautifully-tailored liquid silver Calvin Klein sheath.

Dakota Johnson wore a Chanel Fall 2014 Couture dress with (what else?) shades of grey and silver. It was a perfect choice for this newcomer and it dazzled on the red carpet.

Emma Stone took a fashion risk with her Lanvin pantsuit and it paid off. The embellished top provided beautiful sparkle while the oversized taffeta bow-belt added drama.

While some of the ladies who wore silver opted for old-Hollywood waves or a classic updo, my favorite silver looks of the night were paired with more edgy or natural hair styles and smoky eye makeup to balance the obvious glamour that wearing this metallic hue adds to your look.