The weather outside is frightful…Outerwear Edition

Y'all are all aware of the frigid temps that have taken over this year.  There is no need to sacrifice fashion just because the temperature drops (many, many numbers below zero) as demonstrated by gorgeous coats, elbow length gloves and chic boots.

Today's post focuses on outerwear.  Your coat is the first thing people see when they meet you; stand out amongst a crowd with these:

Cape Crusader

For a statement piece, especially when in a bright color, nothing beats a wool cape.  It's classy, fashionable and functional.  I like this green wool cape with faux fur collar ($99 at udobuy.com).  Note: when in negative wind chills, I recommend wearing pants; the model didn't get the memo.

Parka Party

Even the puffiest, biggest down coat can look chic.  Choose one in a slick finish or bright color.  Add a belt to cinch the waste and faux fur trip to make the most utilitarian of outerwear modern.  The North Face "Parkina" Belted Down Parka in vintage white has a belt to nip the silhouette and removable faux fur trim to vary the look ($370 at Nordstrom).

Warm and Cozy

Warm and cozy meets city chic in a long, down coat.  Add a belt to add definition to the waist.  Or choose a slick dark fabric, which is slimming.  Check own this Lauren Ralph Lauren Long Packable Down Coat ($216.17 on sale from $325 at Nordstrom).

Bombs Away

Look forever cool in a sporty bomber jacket.  Add some femininity with this StyleStalker Homies Bomber ($189 at Zappos).  I love the floral pattern and the radiant orchid color scheme.

Wool Wonders

Stick out in a crowd with a vibrant wool trench coat, like this Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool-Blend Walker coat in peplum orange ($239.99 on sale from $340 at Macy*s).  This riveting color recharges the basic single-breasted coat tailored from a soft cotton-blend twill.

Check out my next post where I'll show some fun, but warm, accessories and boots to keep yourself trendy in these sub-zero temps.

xoxo

Shine bright like a diamond

I love all things that sparkle; diamonds are no exception.  One of my favorite jewelry designers is Los Angeles based Bony Levy.  Levy designs simple, yet elegant pieces that can be worn daily.  Levy designs exclusively for Nordstrom and is available to design custom-made jewelry pieces.

A great time to introduce yourself to a Levy piece is at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale each summer.  His pieces can be found for up to 40% off.

Some of my favorite pieces:

Stackable Diamond Ring

Available in white diamonds set in white, yellow or rose gold or black diamonds in yellow or white gold, choose from a straight or wavy design.  Delicate, yet eye catching, these rings can be stacked or worn alone ($795 at Nordstrom).

Stackable Diamond Bangle

Similar to the stackable ring, the diamond bangle is dainty yet stunning ($1,995 at Nordstrom).  What I love about this bangle, if you have small wrists, like me, there are different available circumference options.

"Stick" Pavé Black Diamond Bar Necklace

Jet-black diamonds surrounded in 18k gold add an edge to this contemporary necklace ($1,195 at Nordstrom).

Single Initial Earring

Add some personalization with initial earrings.  Mix and match initials with these single, diamond studded earrings ($395 each at Nordstrom).  Set in 18k white gold.

Stack 'em, layer 'em, wear 'em alone; you can't go wrong with Levy and diamonds!

xoxo

Gucci wins the Grammys

I love the Grammy awards; the performances; the collaborations; and especially, the fashion.  The stars take a more fun approach at the Grammys, evidenced by Katy Perry's musical themed Valentino dress:

And here are my top 5 Lusts and Busts from the red carpet.

Lusts

5.  Bonnie McKee in Memka by Gustavo Cadile

McKee is the genius behind Katy Perry's Roar.  McKee looked glamours in this dark teal, curve hugging Gustavo Cadile gown.  The flared train hit her perfectly and her multi-colored metallic clutch sealed the deal.

4.  Giuliana Rancic in Alex Perry

Rancic wore this stunning bright paprika red/orange dress by Australian designer, Alex Perry.  The sheer detailing from the waist up gave just the right amount of cleavage. Rancic topped off the look with simple jewels by Marina B.

3.  Ciara in Emilio Pucci

Pregnancy never looked so beautiful.  The mother-to-be dazzled in her custom-made Emilio Pucci rose-gold sequined gown.  Her simple makeup showed off her glowing, flawless skin. Gorgeous.

2.  Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland

Um, where did the other half of Miranda go?  Lambert showed off her fabulous figure in this red Pamella Roland dress and Kimberly McDonald jewels, which deserved a close-up photo of their own.

1.  Taylor Swift in Gucci

My favorite gown is once again Gucci.  The gorgeous crystal, chain-mail overlay sparkled like Tiffany's on a sunny day.  Swift went with a smokey-eye but otherwise kept her makeup simple.  Paired with a perky ponytail, Swift showed off her youthfulness and beauty.  Taylor proved that you can look sexy without showing too much skin.

Performance Lust:

Taylor Swift's gorgeous draped gown

Swift put on an emotional performance of All To Well, but the the cascading, light-colored gown covered in rhinestones, with strands of beading swaying loosely down her shoulders and exposed back, stole the show.

Busts

5.  Zendaya Coleman in Emanuel Ungaro

The dotted blue skirt; the sheer button-up top; the huge pockets, I hate it all.  Not quite sure where the thigh high slit fits in either.

4.  Cyndi Lauper as a superhero

At least I'm assuming this was her attempt to dress as a superhero.  Lauper donned a black frock with built-in cape.  She over-accessorized with sparkly gold bracelets and necklaces to match her glittering gold peep-toe shoes.  And that hair…there are no words.

3.  Skylar Grey in Michael Costello

I adore the nude-hued trend, but this leather perforated gown was a bust.  The color is too close to Grey's skin tone and the nude lip washed out the singer.  The stomach cut-out and peeps of tattoos are just weird.

2.  Kathy Griffin in blue snakeskin?  Fish scales?

I'm not sure if Griffin came from the sea or slithered out of a forest, but this turquoise printed dress is better suited as a Vegas pool party cover-up.  Who am I kidding, it shouldn't even be worn there.

1.  Jessi Alexander in some hideous jumpsuit

This is bad in so many ways: the ill-fitting length; the camel-toe; the bunching at the waist.  Alexander took the hideousness up a notch with a bulky silver necklace.  My eyes hurt.

Performance Bust:

Kacey Musgraves in tassels and bedazzles and glow in the dark cowboy boots

Simply horrendous.  I think the skirt was once a lamp shade.  Who dresses these people?

xoxo

Gucci rules…again

Once again, Gucci takes the top spot on the Grammy's red carpet.  Taylor Swift looked simply stunning in this Gucci Premiere gold lamé with chain mesh overlay.  The perky pony keeps Swift looking young and fresh.  GORG!!

Stay tuned for my top Grammy looks.

xoxo

It's Paris Fashion Week

Nestled in the mist of awards shows and red carpets, Paris haute couture Fashion Week kicked off January 19.  Featuring Spring/Summer haute couture designs fit for a princess, City of Lights does not disappoint.  Here are some of my favorites so far:

Alexandre Vauthier

Vauthier, known for sexy, hot gowns and designs where his models show lots of skin, definitely knows how to make a statement.  Vauthier showed off his artistic side and experimented with sisal, a lightweight, malleable fabric.

Stephane Rolland

Organic.  Sculpturesque.  Architectural.  Rolland did not stray from the buzzwords that have made him famous.

Atelier Versace 

Arriving on the arm of Lady Gaga, Donatella opened PFW fiercely!  Versace showed mostly hooded, glittering and sequined red-carpet-worthy gowns and beautifully tailored suits.

Giambattista Valli

The Italian designer built on ivory brocades yet gave each gown character with color blocking and twisting and draping fabrics.  Valli kept his floral and botanical motifs, but modernized his looks by blurring them, adding neon color and embellished embroidery.

Elie Saab

I cannot even begin to pick a favorite from Saab's collection.  Each dress as flawless and glamourous as the next, Saab showered the runway with fabric petals and blossoms.

I can't wait to see what the rest of PFW will bring.

xo

SAG Award Fashion

The stars killed it at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards.  Gucci, once again, claims my top spot.  Without further adieu, here are my SAG Fashion Lusts and Busts:

Lusts

5.  Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi

I love the uniqueness of this one-shouldered, cobalt blue frock.  The shoulder cut-out and plunging neckline adds some edge to the sleek design.

4.  Sofia Vergara in Donna Karan Atelier

Vergara sparkled in Donna Karan.  Her stunning jewel encrusted necklace by Amrapali stole the show.

3.  Maria Menounos in Rani Zakhem

Menounos looks flawless in another one of my favorite Lebanese designer's blush gown.  The beaded bodice added sparkle while the bottom flowed, showing off Menounos' Jimmy Choo's.

2.  Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

No surprise to see Lawrence in Dior; this strapless, sequined gown is elegant while remaining youthful and fun.

1.  Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci

The fabulous floral embellished neckline adds a dramatic flair to this gorgeous turquoise Gucci gown.  Nyong'o looked gorgeous and stole the red carpet.

Busts

5.  Emma Thompson in vintage

I was confused as to why Thompson wore a dress with a giant "A" on her chest.  Nope, it's a peacock, I think.  The length is horrible, although I do adore the Louboutin flats.

4.  Natalie Dormer in Marios Schwab

I don't care if this half-shaved do is for her new role in the Hunger Games.  I'm scared.

3.  Helen Mirren in Escada

I find this awful.  The embroidery, the thick fabric, no.

2.  Edie Falco in Lanvin

I really wish these butterflies were still in their cocoon.

1.  Mayim Bialik in some sort of Victorian Vampire disaster

Bialik was on "What Not to Wear" once.  Now I see why.

Who were your Lusts and Busts?

And the fashion SAG award goes to...

Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci.  Gucci is killing it this award season.  Tell me what color wouldn't look good on this woman?

Check out my Lusts and Busts to follow…

xoxo

It's (fashion) award season.

And just like that, award season is upon us once again.  Those who know me know I haven't seen any of these movies and rarely even watch the actual award shows.  The red carpet, on the other hand, I'm glued to the TV.  Here are my top 5 Fashion Lusts and Busts from the Golden Globes:

Fashion Lusts

5.  Mila Kunis in Gucci

By now you know I love sparkle.  Kunis dazzles in this art deco inspired Gucci dress.

4.  Sofia Vergara in Zac Posen

Vergara looking simply flawless stated she felt as if she was carrying a tent.  What I love the most are her Lorriane Schwartz over-the-top jewels.

3.  Amy Adams in Valentino

This simple two-toned Valentino gown showed off all of Adams' assets.  I love her simplistic approach to jewelry with the drop necklace to accent the plunging neckline.

2.  Lupita Nyong in Ralph Lauren

Nyong stunned in this off-the-shoulder cape dress.  The paprika red color is striking against Nyong's skin tone.

1.  Margot Robbie in Gucci

Robbie shows off her ah-may-zing body in this Gucci stunner.  Adorned with crystals and emeralds (which magnificently sparkled on the actual show), the mile-high slit elegantly shows off the emerald green Christian Louboutin heels.  Lust, lust, lust.

Fashion Busts

5.  Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

This hot pink floral print is all wrong, and looks like whales.  Too much fabric on the bottom does nothing for Fey's kick-ass figure.

4.  Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta

There is nothing about this look I like.  The unflattering shape; nope.  The frumpy crop top; nope.  The rosette in her hair; hell no.

3.  Lena Dunham in Zac Posen

Dunham even looks miserable in this mustard yellow mermaid gown.  This Zac Posen number fails to wow on Dunham's gorgeous curves.

2.  Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung

This pains me because Saldana is one of my fashion icons.  This dress is horrible; it has WAY too much going on and looks like a 4 year old's art project.  BUST.

1.  Andy Samberg's wife in I don't even want to know

Are these curtains?  Did she lose a bet?   Is that mauve?  WTF?  Hideous.

Who are your best and worst dressed of the Golden Globes?

xoxo