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Just like everyone else in this world, I was glued to the television watching the fashion show that was the royal wedding. And just like everyone else in this world, I jumped fully on the hat bandwagon. Us American folk don't ever get a reason to wear a hat, except to church and my Jewish heritage doesn't encourage Sunday Mass:) So, when 2 friends married, respectively, a Brit and an Irishman this summer, I was overjoyed. In true Amy Salinger fashion, I was not going to be typical in my hat choice. I have never had a real reason to wear a fabulous hat before (except for dancing competitions), so I was ready to go big or go home. I decided I wanted something that could be worn all night, not just during the ceremony. And, it had to travel well since one of the wedding's was actually in Ireland. A fascinator was in my future. A fascinator, quite simple, is a cross between a hat and a head piece. It is not meant to overtake your entire head, but merely act as an ornament. I went ahead and decided that designing and making my own was way more interesting then spending beau coup bucks on an overpriced, less original piece. Of course, in my world, I have the time to do this.
Styling a look for these two weddings (yes, I wore the same thing to both), was a bit like, "Which came first? The chicken or the egg?". I started with the hat, buying tons of huge flowers. But, when I went dress shopping and couldn't find anything suitable to match the idea in my mind, I chose the best dress I could find and went from there. Love, love, love my bright and cheery 40's esque look. I also super love my friend Courtney's Tracy Reese (bought at designer discount!) orange look. Courtney is my best friend and a fashion designer. She is also the most crafty person I know which is why I enlisted her to actually create my hat. If I had made it myself, it would have looked like a 5th grade project.
Peacock feathers? Check. Crystals? Check? Glue gun? Definitely check. After several shopping trips (no one said home made meant easy), I had all of the items I needed to create my head piece. An afternoon later, my fascinator was ready for the world to see. I added in vintage clip on earrings (which I lost because I danced them off), a Swarovski crystal ring and a pair of $15 DSW shoes, and my look was runway ready.
Challenge yourself to really create your own look, enlist a fashionable and crafty friend, and you never know what you will come up with!
This year at the Emmy's I was seeing red. Not because I was so angry that the celebrities gracing the carpet looked so bad, but because they actually were all wearing the vibrant color. It was almost ridiculous, dress after dress came down the carpet and 50% of them were red! The actress that topped the long list of stylish "reddies" was Lea Michelle. I was completely obsessed with her Marchesa floor length gown. The front was simple with a fabulous structured shoulder and the back was to die for. The draped shoulder perfectly complimented the swooping drape on the back of the dress. It really was sheer perfection. The simplicity of her hair and make-up allowed the dress to shine and keep her overall look young and sexy. And kudos to her trainer, you have to be in seriously good shape to pull off a floor length sheath dress. That sucker doesn't hide anything! And now for the worst dressed (according to me:). I do dearly love Gwyneth Paltrow and her ability to choose bold and interesting red carpet options, but I felt this was a miss. I actually think that as skinny and toned as she is, the Pucci dress looked too tight. It showed off squeezed skin around her midriff. And what was with showing that area off in the first place? This would have been a great Grammy's dress, but Gwyneth, we are at the Emmy's here! The tulle shooting out from the bottom of the "top" part of the dress only solidified for me that it was WAY to crazy with this classy awards show. And then there was the condom dress. Apparently "safe" dressing was on Julianna Margulies mind when preparing for the red carpet, only problem is that the dress was anything but! I also really love her and her style, but this strange space age concoction was just weird. I am often times much more constructive in my criticism, but sorry, it was just strange:) She could barely walk it was so tight! I think the final straw that threw it completely off was the structure of the bodice and the large, crystal beads. It really did remind me of a couture space suit. So there you have it. My professional opinion has graced the internet and I am sure the world will be rocked. No matter what I think, the truth is that great amounts of effort go into the decisions of stylist's and their clients and I commend them for all of their valiant fashion attempts!
The year's biggest fashion show was last evening and the stars did not disappoint. There was sparkle, there was shine, there was bright, there was nude, but, there was very little risk. I guess when you have people like me splashing our opinions all over the internet, magazines and television programs, it get a little intimidating to try something new and different. That aside, stylists put their best foot forward this season with some fabulous frocks. At the very top of my list, Mila Kunis. She was sheer perfection in this purple lace and chiffon number by Elie Saab. The fit was spectacular to start. Do you know how hard it must have been to tailor the lace on her chest?!? Not to mention that the color was stunning and romantic. Her team did a great job of truly creating a look. It is never just about one thing, it is about the entire package. Her hair and make-up truly complimented the grace of the gown. I expected something louder with more of a WOW factor from Mila, but this choice could not have been better. It certainly had the WOW without the Holy Cow. LOVE. And now for my least favorite... Nicole Kidman's dress almost killed me. I know that Jessica McClintock is a perfectly fine designer for proms across the country, but on a red carpet for the Oscars is not a proper spot. Now truthfully this was a Christian Dior frock, not Jessica McClintock, but you could have fooled me. It was tacky and looked like an overdone bejewled gown. Mr. Dior, really? Every element of this dress made me stop and shake my head, even more so because it came from the usually incredibly fashionable lady, Nicole Kidman. Not sure what motherhood has done to her, but of late, her choices have seriously concerned me. Sorry to be harsh Nicole, you know I still love you. Now here is the love it or hate it moment. I am not really going either way because there are things I really love and admire about this dress and things that petrify me. Mainly, the keyhole making her breasts a moving target just put her on the worst dressed list for most. Cate Blanchett is a fashion forward lady who paves the way when it comes to edgy fashion, but this frock just missed the mark ever so slightly. I think it is interesting and and beautiful, but I just wish that it had been a square cut out, not a circle! The blush color mixed with the pop of yellow is so eye catching and different. I absolutely love the almost Star Trek like cut of the dress with criss cross back, but I continually come back to the boob circle. Make it stop! So with awards season officially over, I will now hold my judgments.... for the moment. Style is subjective and I appreciate the effort that every starlet took this year to put some fabulous looks together (even if it was the work of their stylist). Fare the well until next year!
A lot has been said about January Jones style. Love it or hate it, at least she always tries to be original! As a stylist, that is a huge plus for me. She really does always push the envelope and try to create something that sets her apart from the crowd. Take her SAG 2011 ensemble above. I adored this Carolina Herrera look from head to toe. It is chic, sexy and stylish. The gold lace overlay gives it a classical feel with a funky and modern twist. The hair and makeup are perfection only adding to the look, not competing with it. With some of the over the top looks she has done recently, this was a nice change without taking away from her original sense of style. Yea January. And then there was this little diddy. Now although the little girl in the "interesting" outfit behind her clearly doesn't think much of the dress, I think it is absolutely spectacular!!! The bodice, the color, the architectural feel... Phenomenal. This mint green Atelier Versace from the 2009 Emmy's is quite possibly one of my favorite January Jones looks ever. It is so impossibly different then anything we ever see on the red carpet, this factor alone should score her points. I love the structure of the top combined with the elegant flow of the bottom. It is literally wearable art. The bold hips with cut outs only make me jump even higher for joy. Love, love, love. Alright I get it, people hated it. I can certainly understand why, but I do want to give credit where credit is due. This is a masterpiece of insane artwork. The construction of this Versace dress is so out of control that I can only imagine how fabulous it must be in person. The layers of fabric combined with the vibrant color make it a natural choice if you really want to stand out. The real question is "How do you want to stand out?" It is not always a positive to look SO different, but it did get people talking about her and she was in every magazine and newspaper. I think the real problem here was quite simple. The hemline should have matched in both the front and the back. I don't care if it was short or long, just not both! Of course there is the issue with her breasts looking like shooting targets (with a matching pair on her back), but I can overlook that and consider it part of fine art. Surely I am going to be lambasted for loving this dress, but when I saw her walk out onto the red carpet in this va va va voom Versace dress, I was awestruck. She is truly a vision of sexy vixen mixed with hot 50's housewife. The juxtaposition of the soft retro hair to the modernity of this fringe dress is the perfect compliment. Honestly, who wears fringe except for flappers? January Jones to the Golden Globes, that's who. I will admit that it is a bit much is the boob area (although they look pretty good!), but aside from that it is one hot dress. If there had been a slight alteration the the straps, all could have been solved. They are currently angled allowing for spillage on the outside of the dress, never good. If they had been straight up and down, it would have created a cleaner, more toned down line. So there you have it, my top pics from January Jones that stirred the pot just enough to get people talking. Love that. If there wasn't a bit of controversy on the red carpet, it would just be boring. So thank you Ms. Jones for always keeping it exciting and classy. It certainly doesn't hurt that you look like you do.
I have been obsessed for a long time with the pair that create the unbelievable frocks known as the design house, Marchesa. Most likely you have seen one of their fabulously phenomenal creations grace the runway because they have been all the rage in Hollywood for some time now. There is good reason that the starlets of the moment are draping their bodies in Marchesa, their dresses are just simply amazing. I think it is a cruel joke from God that co-designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig look just like supermodels and foster a creative genius far superseding most normal people. Jealousy does not begin to explain how I feel toward them. I will put my personal feelings aside for the love of their amazing pieces because I am a professional damn it and fashion is my business! This dress on Jennifer Lopez worn at the 2007 Academy Awards was one of my favorites by the designers. She put aside her usual vamped up, sexy look for this flowing, Grecian gown. I actually saw this dress in person at Neiman's and was blown away by the workmanship. The crystals are as sparkly and big as you want them to be, but what surprised me most is that there were small crystals also sewn onto the entire gown adding that something special. Jennifer looked feminine, regal and like the A list celebrity that we all know she is. Now this might be a bit over the top, but fashion is art and this Marchesa gown from their Spring '11 collection is just that. This thing is crazy. I cannot even imagine the pattern that is the backbone of this gown. It may not be walking down a red carpet (Though Chloe Sevigny could totally pull it off), but it will definitely grace the pages of high editorial fashion magazines. Another dress from their spring collection is this armor inspired cocktail dress. This was a theme through many of their pieces in the collection and let me tell you, it was a pretty darn good theme. It is sexy and hard edged at the same time. Marchesa has a beautiful feminine sensibility to all their gowns so mixing the masculine energy of chain mail is borderline genius. LOVE. So go save all of your pennies and buy a Marchesa dress for your new year's celebration. Or go to Neiman's and admire them just like I do:)
I do love a good awards show. Last night, on the American Music Awards, it was simply a parade of over the top fashion and musical performances. That is my kind of programming, fabulous and fun. Of course my intense focus was on what the fancy musicians, actors and other random attendees were wearing on their toned and trim bodies. Never in my life did I think that this lovely Monday I would be reporting that Taylor Swift was my best dressed. Her country curls and cat eye makeup are always on my annoyance radar and I think her ability to FINALLY switch it up threw me off! Obviously this is a cute dress by Collette Dinnigan and is perfectly appropriate for the AMA's, yet it is not the most amazing thing I have ever seen. BUT, and this is a big but, combined with her new 'do and smokey eye makeup, she certainly got my attention! I was so happy to finally see a more grown up, sophisticated Ms. Swift. Thank you for finally putting the curling iron down and officially joining the other side of Hollywood. Bye, bye country, hello hot! And now for my special mention.... The product of Will and Jada Smith, Willow, is really one fantastic child. I saw her in an interview last week and I actually stopped everything I was doing to listen. She is cute, witty, funny, stylish and talented. It may sound like I am a bit obsessed with Willow, but it is really just sincere admiration for a kid who isn't even 10 years old yet. Now, with that said, I think this outfit is crazy. But, the fact that she even has the sense to pick out such editorial pieces and put it together this way forces me to give her props. She is reaching for fashion freedom and really expressing herself. I love that. Oh my gosh. Really, what can I say that is not completely inappropriate on a blog about this look? Apparently Kesha put together this little number using VHS tape. I love a green artist and recycling is definitely cool, but seriously, where did you even find this much VHS tape to design this dress? Haven't these things been obsolete for a while? I guess not long enough because you found a way to wear a full dress made out of the material. Oy. Should mention the studded eyebrows? Um, better not. As for this look, I think even Nicki Minaj is surprised she wore this on the red carpet. Just look at that face! What on earth is going on here??? I couldn't make this my number one worst dressed because that is just too easy. This rib cage inspired frock gets my "special mention" for craziest, most ridiculous, "look at me" dress on the carpet. And did she accidentally dip the bottom of her hair in green tie dye or is that simply a new version of hair mold? If her goal was to be visually stimulating, she definitely hit the mark. I stared at her for over 15 minutes trying to find something I liked about this and I am still lookin'...... Overall, the ladies did well and the performances were spot on. I love any excuse to talk about red carpet fashion, so props to everyone who walked the carpet and gave it their best try. I am sure someone would have something to say about my dress too if I ever make it to an official red carpet!
I have been SO busy this past 6 days with NYC fashion week, that I haven't even had time to breath. Luckily I got the afternoon off so I can show you everything that has been going on! I am working with www.TheFashionWalk.com interviewing everyone and anyone from designers to celebrities at all the shows. I have been working 8 to 12 hours a day to bring you the best and most amazing footage from the most important week in NYC fashion. Pictures below, videos to come!
Let me preface this post by letting you know that there really were no frocks that made me cringe and bite my lip. With that said, I was still "concerned" by a few of the gown choices. First up, Julianne Moore's Balenciaga dress was way off... Where was the shape, the curve, the silhousette? Why would you diet and excercie frivilously and then choose this gown just so you can cover it up? At least she slightly saved the ensemble with a fab pair of earrings. It ALMOST (not really) made up for the bizarre neckline and unfortunate and unkept hair-do. I know it was raining, but don't you have a stylist following you around? Next up is the hottest woman to hit television in a long time, Sophia Veranga. Unfortunately, she chose a Carolina Herrera dress that did absolutely nothing for her. The material was my first big issue because it looks like that of a high school prom dress from Jessica McClintock. Sorry to all those girls who love Jessica:( My second issue is that it was just way to much material for such a small lady. It was like she had another dress following her around all night.... She had every opportunity to show off her incredible sex appeal and beauty, but this dress did neither. Oh Anna Paquin. This is a simple case of when a dress is incredible and the styling almost ruins the entire thing. Stella McCartney created a fabulous gown and Anna (or Anna's stylist) decided that a clunky pair of gladiator sandals was the appropriate shoe choice. This was NOT the appropriate shoe choice. It was way too much going on and a much too heavy choice for a shoe option. Plus, these shoes are meant for a summer look, not a red carpet. Finally we have Tina Fey in Zac Posen. A good idea in theory, but this is WAY too much dress for such a small woman. Too much pattern, way too much length and too much "bow-y" shoes. All in all, too much! If it had one less tier on the bottom, it would have substantially helped her cause... Unfortunately, they decided to keep the tier. Sorry Tina, this just wasn't your best fashion choice..... You are still funny though:) So that is it for my ranting and raving about the Golden Globe fashions. There was no total blunders, which made me smile. Obviously there will always be a few that are off, but what would an awards show be without that? Um, boring. I commend you all for trying to look your best and braving the scary waters of internet commentary. Good job.
Ah, awards season is here again! I LOVE this time of year. It is all about glitz and glamor and everything fabulous! Bring on the bling. I know my first pick for "best dressed" at the Golden Globes is going to come with some criticism. My boyfriend has already chastised this choice. Drew Barrymore looked stunning in her Atlier Versace gown. The shoulder and hip detail bordered on that of a sea creature, but I still thought it was to die for. It was chic and elegant with a funky, individual twist. Nude is not always the best choice for the red carpet, it is easy to look washed out, but I really just loved the elegant detail on this dress. Her hair and make-up also perfectly complimented the simple sexiness of the overall look. Next up for "best dressed" is January Jones. She always tries to do something just a little different and I truly appreciate that. Black is never one of my favorites on the carpet, it just doesn't read well on camera. That is why I was so drawn to this look, because it DID look different and interesting. Not an easy feat. I was thrown off by the hair ribbon at first, but it really grew on me. I think it added to the "chic" quotient by a million. She took a simply elegant black gown and made it her own. This Lanvin dress was nothing short of spectacular when styled correctly... which it was! Kudos to your hair and makeup team as well for extending the classic elegance throughout the entire look. Now for some color! Diane Kruger hasdefinitely proven herself to be something of a fashion icon. She is almost always interesting and hits the nail on the head with her fashion choices. This Spring Christian Lacroix gown is fierce in every way possible. Look at that neckline for God's sake! How insanely fabulous is the construction of this dress. Keeping her hair off her neckline was also ingenious because that is the most busy part of her gown. You really don't want to mess with it in any way. Show it off! I guess looking good is easy for her. It doesn't hurt that she is an amazingly stunning woman who can really pull off anything. Damn you Diane Kruger! And now a double whammy of beauty and style, Christina Hendricks and Kate Hudson. Both were light and lovely on the red carpet. Kate wore a fabulous Marchesa gown, one of my absolute favorite designers for anything gown-related! Let's not forget to give her shoes a shout out. They seriously helped enhance the funk factor of this look. Christina rocked a Christian Siriano dress.. Oh yes, the winner of Project Runway. Can you believe it? He really is proving to be the most successful winner of them all! To get on the red carpet at the Golden Globes is huge. The fact that this dress was one of my favorites right from the start without even knowing it was Siriano's dress is even better. I love to root for the underdog and he is certainly still just making his way into this crazy world. Good for you Christian! So there you have it. Feel free to criticize my choices for "best dressed", but remember, this is my blog and all about my opinions:) Overall, this was a great kick off to the awards season and I think everyone did a pretty good job at looking fabulous. Usually there is a safety factor involved in the Golden Globes because it is the first show of the season. I actually think people dove into their fashion choices this year and I commend that! Can't wait for more....
Just like everyone else in this world, I was glued to the television watching the fashion show that was the royal wedding. And just like everyone else in this world, I jumped fully on the hat bandwagon. Us American folk don't ever get a reason to wear a hat, except to church and my Jewish heritage doesn't encourage Sunday Mass:) So, when 2 friends married, respectively, a Brit and an Irishman this summer, I was overjoyed.
Love, love, love my bright and cheery 40's esque look. I also super love my friend Courtney's Tracy Reese (bought at designer discount!) orange look. Courtney is my best friend and a fashion designer. She is also the most crafty person I know which is why I enlisted her to actually create my hat. If I had made it myself, it would have looked like a 5th grade project.
