Twelve and a Half Ounces of EMMY

That's right its a Friday publishing of LTF, I know wtf? Just let it happen. Its fall awards show season time so   naturally we need to award the most fashionable and shake an accusing finger at the ones who missed the mark. I watched Joan Rivers break this whole award show down and although I whole-heartedly agree and support the return of the gorgeous and talented Giuliana Rancic the show itself was pretty sub par and missed the mark in my book. And generally I couldn't agree less with Joan and crew. So here's really whats up. . . .

Leslie Mann killed it at the Emmy's this year. This bright orange/yellow was a big trend on the red carpet this year, and although I am not 100% sure why, its slightly fall-ish and on Mrs. Mann it works! First, of all this dress or anything like it has NEVER been done before, which is more difficult than it sounds so snaps for that Les. Although I am really liking the nude illusion top, sometimes this looks like lady of the night during the day (obvious fail), and sometimes it looks like your just trying too hard but this illusion top nicely contrasts the full skirted, bright bottom half. Finally, I think turquoise was a nice choice for the jewelry, unexpected and I am just a huge turquoise jewelry fan in general. Home girl finishes it off with a top knot, sign, sealed, delivered BEST DRESSED!

Next Cat Deeley's look at the Emmy's was really perfection. The bright tomato-y red color works great with her beautiful blonde hair and tanned skin tone. Also, let's talk about the origami draping of this dress is really on trend and done very well! In addition Cat is wearing this dress, the dress isn't wearing her. Finally, her jewelry is minimal, perfection and that CLUTCH! A clutch to die for! I find it a little hard to believe "So You Think You Can Dance?" was nominated for an Emmy, hence her attendance but I guess stranger things have happened? And truly this amazing dress and styling put everyone else to shame!

Finally, Heidi Klum what a cluster fuck. First thing girlfrand just broke up with long time love Seal, so she needed to look AMAZEBALLZ, instead I am afraid she really missed the mark. From top to bottom this dress looks like a sad blue impersonation of Marilyn Monroe's famous white dress. If you can manage to get over that element her boobs look saggy (one looks larger than the other?), the two slits are just too much skin and they run up her leg really too high. I personally blame Angelina Jolie, first she tries to make husband stealing look cool, next she thrusts her leg out everyone making ladies think that's how you land a winner like Brad Pitt, just NO! Come one Heidi, we know you can do better, just ask one of your project runway kids to design you something and style you better! Her hair and skin looks like a goddess but everything else is wrong!

Photo Credit: Perezhilton.com, Instyle.com

Socialites, Stripes and Sunnies

Recently with the lack of dress up award shows and just perhaps plain laziness there hasn’t been a certain celeb inspiration for me this week. Instead, I decided to reflect on something that EVERYONE is doing, pinning! Pinterest has become a huge social media phenomenon that is evolving into something bigger with stores selling goods, companies and bloggers alike making their own boards and gathering followers, the limits of pinterest have yet to be defined. I personally jumped on the pinterest train this past spring and have been an avid rider ever since. All pinners will tell you their favorite section of pinterests is the largest like baking, home décor, celebrities, vehicles, photography, nature, etc! But, naturally my favorite is the woman’s fashion section. Here are my top favorite picks!

First, this is one of my favorite looks brought to you by none other than Olivia Palermo. Part socialite, part reality star, part fashionista Olivia Palermo is a bag of interesting. Starting at the top Olivia’s hair is perfection in color and it looks beautifully soft to the touch, just had to say it and her sunnies, cute but plain to compliment the black and white theme of the outfit. Next, the blouse is basically what this outfit is all about. The white collared tie neck blouse is perfection and Olivia pairs it perfectly with a soft cream sweater and loose black shorts. The sweater and shorts are the perfect combo with this blouse because it gives a beautiful but sometimes stuffy looking blouse the ability to transition into casual wear and just look effortless. Clearly, we can’t tell what kind of shoes Miss Palermo is wearing but I am sure they are fabulous!

This next girl maybe supa famous but I have no idea who she is, so for now she’ll be the well dressed model. This outfit is fall/winter perfection because of its layering. The sunnies on top to start are of course great, the tomato-y red jacket is beautiful with great gold buttons and a nice cut that hugs this cute blonde’s body. Under that jacket is the layering magic, a denim shirt or jacket with a striped shirt and big chunky jewelry. YES PLEASE! Everyone knows stripes and chunky jewelry is the way to my heart. With all of that business happening on top of the outfit this girl keeps it simple with staple black skinny pants, and leopard print loafers. Usually I am not a fan of animal prints but in this case it works well. Finally, this outfit is finished out with a brown leather sling bag that is flawless! Unknown cute model you worked that outfit girl!

The final outfit is on yet another gorgeous model and this outfit is just simple elegance. I guess from these models you can tell I really like sunglasses to complete an outfit, also I love this girls pearls! The multi-strand hits at just the perfect length with this crew neck sweater, and the slouchy-ness of this sweater combined with the fitted adorable mini skirt creates a cool, young, but glamorous look. Also, I am not a huge fan of this color yellow on the sweater but it works really well with this girls skin tone, and compliments the tones on her pearls, skirt and clutch. Finally, this dashing young lady completes her look with an on trend oversized boyfriend watch and a charming brown clutch (every girl should own).  A super cute outfit for work, play or evening ;) 

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com

ALL NIGHT LONG

Check out some of my older posts and you'll quickly realize I may or may not have a girl crush on Nicole Richie or Nic as I like to refer to her (because we are totes on a first name basis). I think its undeniable since Miss Richie stepped on the scene as Paris Hilton's sharp tongued accomplice shes had her own stamp on the fashion arena. Today she is the proud owner and creator of House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate named after her sweet daughter Harlow Winter Kate Madden : ) While I could probably talk for hours about each of these lines (the sunglasses, the jewelry, the shoes, THE CLOTHES) I will instead focus on Nic's more recent fashion choices!


This outfit Nicole recent wore on the panel for Design Star and I am really loving it. First this is a dress but the shape of the top creates the illusion of a top and a bottom or in essence dividing the body! This is very smart because nobody should like like one big shapeless blob, hence dividing your body into separate sections that suit you the best depending on your body shape. Next, I love the neutral beige color of this dress. Nicole really has one of the best skin tones to pull this off, ideally your skin should be lighter or darker than any flesh tone, you don't want to appear NAKED(or maybe you do, but that's your thing not mine). The dress is adorned with giant sparkle rivets spaced perfectly across the garment creating a print. With all of this sparkle Nic is so wise to not wear any large jewelry, if you notice shes barely wearing any at all(just a few gorgeous rings). Finally, your run of the mill fashion follower would probably pair this dress with nude, black or another neutral shoe, not Nic! Nicole rocks turquoise snake skin pumps, which maybe a risk for some but just another skip threw the park for Nicole! Not to mention snake skin is a huge trend right now, classier than zebra, more refined than leopard, basically the best new neutral! It would only be fitting a fashion judge rock the best outfits but Nic doesn't play it safe, she continues to dance to her own chic drummer, perhaps played by her musician hubby?

This next outfit only Nicole Richie could ensemble. The the average girl this outfit seems straight forward but Nic truly creates layers of unexpected cool. First and foremost only Nicole Richie could take polka dots which would stir up feelings of girly-ness, youth, perhaps tea parties and Minnie mouse, and turn them into edgy, rock and roll. From head to toe Miss Richie starts when an appropriate topper! I am loving the red hat, it could appear costume-y with the wrong outfit but Nic does it right. Paired with layered chic jewelry, quite possibly mixing her own line with other designers. Nic wears a staple black blazer over a polka dot tunic, making her layering seem effortless. Finally, Miss Richie rocks some black skinnies, and personally I can't tell if they are a leather or wax coated denim. Regardless, they give off a rocker vibe that is unexpected with a polka dot top. Minimal color provides drastic contrast and really allows the red hat to pop. Overall, one of the coolest outfits to pick apart, Rock on Miss Richie!

Photo credit: Wikipedia.com, zimbio.com

WHAT THE SWELL?

Happy Tuesday every body! I have to admit I have been feeling pretty uninspired recently, and low and behold inspiration came in my mailbox today in the form of the Swell fall 2012 catalog. If you've read my blog before you know I love a print catalog more than anything, and this Swell fall catalog doesn't disappoint. Swell has always had a beach-y surfer kind of vibe, so if you can't hang ten (or pretend to on weekends) this may or may not be for you! Here are my favorite looks

This Jarlo Jenna dress is shutting it down! Although I tend to stay away from the general "babydoll" dress form because I am an adult woman whom doesn't want to look anything close to a doll, this dress is all about the styling. Swell does it nicely with rough combat looking boots, and I would suggest scrunched socks peaking out the top, with a more structured jacket and maybe a topper if your feeling bold. Regardless, of the extras this dress is incredible because of its contrast of sweet and wild. The print portion of the dress could be a nod to animal prints or dots depending on your personal preference is well balanced but the sheer  plaquet that goes to a crew neck and ends in dainty puff sleeves. This dress is definitely for a fashionista and requires some attitude, not for the faint of heart.

The next item that's a must on my Swell Fall preview must list are these Hurley 81 skinny legging. These pants may not be cutting edge but I would consider them a fall must. I would predict colored pants making their way into the fall wardrobes everywhere and these raspberry colored pair would suit me nicely! They would pair great with a chambray shirt, black piped blazer or navy and cream striped sweater, whatever your style these colored jeans are a must for fall.

The last stand out item I am loving in the SWELL fall preview is this Insight Colab cable crew neck sweater. I love its over sized look, curved hem, orange/tomato color and its nod to classic cable knit sweaters of the past. This sweater's color definitely makes a statement and although you would think of a cable knit crew neck sweater as stuffy, its actually the opposite with a breezy vibe. Although the model has worn this sweater with cut offs, this sweater would look great with a maxi skirt, skinny jeans, and leggings! Very cute, fall must!

Lastly check out swell for all of their new fall clothes, including their own "Swell" line of clothing, your bound to find something breezy, fun and effortless to add to your clothing collection :)

Photo Credit: Swell.com

The Fashion Games

Let's face it, everyone's talking about it, NO not Kristen Stewart's slut-capades the OLYMPICS silly! Personally, while I want the US to dominate I think everyone loves watching fit boys and girls jump around, throw things and put their game faces on. And realistically everyone going to the Olympics is ripped, so what a great platform for fashion, right? In a weeks time I am sure we will have plenty of personal favorites when it comes to countries competing, uniforms, ceremony wear, etc but right now the US and UK have released their official looks, lets compare shall we?

Salute to Ralph Lauren

Starting with the US designed my American classic Ralph Lauren. Personally, I don't think they could of picked a better clothing designer. Ralph Lauren has historically been known for classic looks, clean lines and selling millions. This look for the Olympic opening ceremonies is right on the mark with all of Ralph's usual elements. Classic colors? Check! All American look? Check! Clean lines? Check! Naturally, the only colors used are red, white and blue as it should be. I dig it all, except the hat. Now, I love a topper I really do, but it is a beanie, a beret, wtf? Not to mention none of those previous choices are really American born styles (beanie and beret rather french in origin). And the girl outfit is a bit of a mess too. She gets a scarf instead of a tie, I can appreciated that but scarf, blazer and over the knee skirt? I get its respectful and classy but these women have amazing bodies, why cover almost every inch of them up? If your sticking with the scarf I would suggest a form fitting cable knit sweater with the skirt, or if the blazer is a must then no scarf just a nice blouse under and skirt! Overall good showing from Ralphy.

Now the UK of course went with Stella McCartney paired with Adidas and naturally I am feeling these uniforms. Now I maybe comparing apples and oranges, opening ceremony looks vs. actual competition uniforms but its all Olympic related so its kosher in my book. Shown are a man's and woman's look along with a jacket. The jacket, top and bottom of leggings all have about half of a Union Jack flag in blues, instead of red, white and blue, an interesting twist. Also the overall look is more form fitting with space to breathe and move of course. Also, I am really loving the bit of sheen in the women's leggings, its a small touch but something a bit feminine for the ladies! Finally, I really like the orange/red they chose to accent the look, the fact that its not classic red makes it fresh and personal to the 2012 Olympics. Beautiful job Stella, I am sure Papa Paul is proud and your country will be as well!

Photo Credit: runway2reality.com, freshnessmag.com

Red, White and Fashion

Feeling patriotic? You should be so close to the 4^th! If not, pop in the patriot and you’ll quickly learn Mel Gibson gave his life for this country and most of his sons (if only it was that easy to get rid of him, right?) and you’re likely to well up with tears and go buy an American flag. While America’s definitely not as loud, strong and proud as it was in the very beginning, but there are lots of great things about the 4^th of July. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the 4^th doesn’t land on or around the weekend, instead looks like your hump day is about to get a little more feisty. So whether your heading to the cape for a bangin’ crab bake, the beach for some sandy toes and blue lemonade, or you’re staying home with hopefully a cold beer in your hand (Amurica) I’ve got ya covered on festive outfits.

Britain, missing us since 1776

The first look is ironically from a British retailer (I know, I know shame on me). Also, I know what your thinking, I mention Jack Wills A LOT, they must be paying me (I wish, hint hint, nudge nudge, Jack are you listening?), but I reference them a fair amount because I think they have really well made basics, and some really nice distinctive pieces. All nationalism aside, this outfit is kind of perfect. I originally was just interested in the top because its red, white and blue in a unique fun way and you could pair this really cute top with jeans, shorts, or a skirt. But, this outfit as a whole is really put together and polished, white pants paired with this patriotic top looks really fresh. The final touches of matching brown wedges and sling bag make this outfit causal and cool. To make it your own, I would add a big watch and some colorful (red/white/blue of course) friendship type bracelets, or a silver bib collar necklace. Now that you’re done judging me, suggesting a British retailer (that’s where many of us came from, that’s right I said it) go out and buy it!

Next is this blue dress from lulus.com. For $41 this dress is a steal you’ll wear again. With a basically open back you may need to slap on some bug stray if you’re kicking it outside for fireworks but it will be worth it! Compared to the above option this dress definitely shows more skin, just in case you have a rad summer tan. Besides the low back with lovely bow detail, this blue dress is pretty simple. I would suggest a jean jacket if the temperature drops in the evening and red shoes (flip flops, sandals, heels, your call!). With this dress the back is the highlight, so I would put my hair all up in a ponytail or bun and wear big earrings and fun bracelets or rings. Don’t be blue, get this dress for the 4^th.

Tomato/Tom-ahto?

The last option is less costume-y and more everyday chic. This top is from banana republic top is more tomato-y red, which would make your 4^th of July look more fashionable and less color by numbers. The looping lace texture on this top gives visual interest and like the model I would pair with white shorts or pants for the 4^th. Finally, the Banana Republic model’s jewelry is okay, but the necklace’s length competes with the neckline of her top, I would recommend a longer necklace (maybe a white one?) and the white bangle is fine, but personally I am over the bangle look. This top is really a good piece because you could easily wear this top again for work under a blazer, or on the weekend with shorts! For the more fashion forward 4th, rock this top with white accents!

Photo credit jackwills.com, lulus.com, bananarepublic.com