And The 2015 Award Season Marches On…

Posted on February 11, 2015 by SMM

The Oscars still remain, but in the mix of all the main red carpet Grammys hoopla, there were a few other red carpet events over the past week that are worthy of some Best Dressed nods — BAFTA (British Academy of Film & Television Arts), Grammys performance looks, after party looks, and more! For the Grammys after-party, namely Warner Bros, other partners were Spotify & DeLeon.

Here is my Best Dressed Round-Up list, ENJOY!

Reese Witherspoon

Reese is ravishing in this deep purple Stella McCartney dress, paired perfectly with some elegant Tiffany & Co. jewelry pieces. And with just a peep, she is also matching with dark purple Jimmy Choo heels. (BAFTA)

Laura Haddock

Laura looks ethereal and magical in this ivory Ashi Studio gown, complete with a full ball gown tulle skirt. She is continuing her royal-like treatment with some exquisite diamond De Beers jewelry pieces. Her natural beauty look, soft nude lip, is courtesy of Lancôme UK. And her chic updo, a chignon, is by Chris Williams. (BAFTA)

Elizabeth Banks

While attending the Love & Mercy premiere during the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany Elizabeth truly donned a work of art with this stunning burgundy embellished Elie Saab Couture dress. She looks radiant from head to toe, including her statement-making Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Giuliana Rancic

Debuting at her 1st Grammy Awards, for pre-coverage on the Red Carpet, Giuliana went with super chic black Steven Khalil gown. I love the details here, the slit, open neckline, sheer detailing on the sleeve — it’s all great!

She coordinated with her look, classic black heels by Gianvito Rossi and lots of diamonds, diggin’ the Jack Vartanian earrings!

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund looks gorgeous in all black, thanks to Roland Mouret with this amazing haltered, understated gown. Keeping with the minimalistic route, she is donning a few diamond pieces from Bulgari. (BAFTA)

Lea Seydoux

Lea looks striking and brimming with sunshine in this canary yellow Prada gown with side cutouts. This is the perfect look for her. This color can be very hard to pull off and she is pulling it off amazingly! (BAFTA)

Natalie Dormer

Such a classic look, but I really loved that Natalie made it her own and spiced things up a bit with these cobalt blue lace gloves. But I really do love this 2-tone navy blue & black Sophia Kah gown, flowing so beautifully with a lace train. Paired with her look, black Casadei heels and Yoko London jewels. (BAFTA)

Holliday Grainger

Not sure the designer for this elegant number, but it’s simply beautiful, classic black & white, the draping, just magnificent! And to top off her ladylike ensemble, Holliday is donning some breathtaking diamond jewelry pieces from De Beers. (BAFTA)

Maria Menounos

Maria is the embodiment of sexyglam in this black Emilio Pucci mini with lace details. And also, I mean, LEGS FOR DAYS, right! Karla Otto worked wonders in finding this perfect look for her. (Grammys)

Giannetos Dimitris too did a fabulous job with Maria’s hair — in love with this chic braid!

And you can’t forget even the tiniest of details, such as how terrific this nail art is, kudos to Nail Job Love.

Heather McComb

Huge fan of Mac Duggal and thus now, huge fan of Heather — definitely workin’ this super fresh & fly LBD, with little twists & exciting details, such as sheer lace effects & embellishments. This is the perfect look for Heather while attending a pre-Grammy party, hosted by Primary Wave, also partnered with Brand Synergy Group & Cross. Coordinating perfectly with her look, another fave brand of mine, ashlyn’d clutches, and this charming little black clutch!

Styling was on point here, so kudos to Chic Little Devil Style House.

Dana Ward

Dana is the executive producer & host for ClevverTV, so of course she had to look super amazing & sexy while conducting some live Grammy coverage. And that she did in this gorgeous black & nude Mac Duggal mini.

Ariana Grande

I wasn’t in love wit Ariana’s red carpet look, too much dangling fabric. But I am head over heels for this Versace dress with a haltered neckline and cutouts. It was the right look for her moving performance!

Laura Bailey

Laura looked out of this world in this textured white Emilia Wickstead gown. It was demure and very ladylike; I’m a fan! (BAFTA)

Felicity Jones

What a look! Felicity looks mesmerizing in this floral embellished 2-tone Dior gown. It’s magically enchanting and I’m entranced! She has paired with her look some understated diamond jewelry pieces — Van Cleef and Arpel vintage earrings. (BAFTA)

Fifth Harmony

The ladies were out and all lookin’ good while partying after the Grammys, at Republic Records And Big Machine Label Group Bash that night at Warwick. These girls are always coordinating, yet still all looking great — phenomenal!

So Let’s Talk, VS Fashion Show

Posted on December 10, 2014 by SMM

The models, the looks, the performances, all unbelievably amazing and stunning! What a show! For the 2014 Victoria Secret ‘s Fashion Show, Karlie Kloss, Behati Prinsloo, Adriana Lima, and all of the VS models hopped the pond to work their wings in London. Here are some of my most fave looks and the gorgeous models who rocked them on the runway!

Karlie Kloss strutting right alongside her BFF Taylor Swift, one of the many great performers for the VS show!

T.Swift & Maria Borges — Another fun performance, different model, both still look fab!!

Ariana Grande!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay Ellingson — What a mystical fairy nymph is she, beautiful shimmery wings, great mint green color, LOVE!

Lindsay Ellingson — Making a grand entrance for sure as she’s fully opening her cape, stunning golden over-sized wings, shimmer gold & sparkle all over, What a look!

Candice Swanepoel — Looking stunning in this sexy, lacy bra & panty coordinating set, perfectly coordinating also with her dark feathered angel wings!

Adriana Lima & Alessandra Ambrosio — wearing coordinating red and royal blue $2 million Dream Angels Fantasy Bras, Ed Sheeran, strumming away!

Joan Smalls — I’m loving these lacy black numbers, but adding some polka dots, netting, the hosiery, dying over this one for sure!!

Jourdan Dunn — lace bra and panty set, silver bustier and shoes, and mauve, semi-sheer fairy wings. Jourdan is for sure a mystical fairy-like Angel here — Love it!

Karlie Kloss — I think Karlie got many of my fave looks, but also some of the better ones, including this rose pink bustier set. And my, how fun are those petal-like wings!

Adriana Lima — Loving this sheer voluminous mini skirt, another gorgeous black, lacy, polka dot #!

Alessandra Ambrosio – Black looks ruled the night, so you have to then include this sheer black 2-piece set. Alessandra works the entire look, including the thigh-high hose and those stunning great lace-up booties!

Doutzen Kroes — Over-sized wings, gold accessories all over, light shimmery silver look, how Angelic, pun intended!

Josephine Skriver — Leopard, bold neon colors, such a fun VS look!

Elsa Hosk — Rockin’ the “PINK”, Such a rock-star vibe & look here!

Kasia Struss — Can you say lacy all over! Love this bands of lace look!

Alessandra Ambrosio — Exotic cotton candy fairy, very fun pops of light blue & pink!

Stella Maxwell — Mint green, so unexpected, but loving in so many of these hot VS looks!

Sui He — soft, exotic, a vintage feel, great set!

Candice Swanepoel — another model who rocked many great looks on this VS runway!

Devon Windsor — such an eye-catching bodysuit here!

Cindy Bruna — And since again, black numbers ruled, have to end with another sheer, polka dot number!

Best Dressed at the 2014 AMAs

Posted on November 24, 2014 by SMM

And it’s safe to say with my list, entirely black ensembles ruled with more than half of my Best Dressed contenders in all black get-ups. But nonetheless, this Best Dressed list was still top-notch, with a great deal of shining stars, dynamic duos, and looks brimming immaculate details. Check it out & ENJOY!!

KATE BECKINSALE

In my eyes, it seems Kate can do no wrong. She always looks phenomenal. And this white plunging V-neck Kaufmanfranco ensemble is no exception. It’s sexy, chic, and fitted to perfection. Kate is for sure rockin’ this look! Coordinating perfectly with her outfit is her silver Lee Savage clutch and diamond serpentine Bulgari necklace.

JULIANNE HOUGH

Julianne has had me questioning some of her more recent red carpet looks, but with this bright tangerine Zuhair Murad gown, there is no doubt this look is an A+! I love the details, the flowing train, the thigh-high slit, and the intricately detailed triangular cut sheer bodice. She completed her look with a gold Lee Savage clutch and gold Tamara Mellon sandal heels.

Actually, one other stunning detail for Julianne’s bright get-up was her edgy gold Jacquie Aiche jewels! Her entire styling team deserves some major props for this job well done — hair stylist Riawna Capri with Nine Zero One Salon, Spencer Barnes for Make-up, Anita Patrickson for styling, and Kristy Sowin for running the show!

DANICA MCKELLAR

I am still head over heels with how gorgeous Danica looks in this emerald lacy gown by Mac Duggal. She looks breathtaking & I’m in love with this look!

FERGIE

Fergie made a major comeback with a new single at the AMAs, but with the red carpet, it’s a double comeback! She knocked it out of the park with this sexy thigh-high slit number from Halston Heritage complete with gold detailing at the waist and neckline. She kept up the overall sexy vibe with some fierce accessories, including black Versus Versace ankle-strap heels & Loree Rodkin jewels, namely a killer serpentine ring.

SELENA GOMEZ

As I said, entirely black looks ruled my list, and Selena’s demure open back Armani Prive gown is at the top of that list. She looks so classy and sophisticated, yet this number still has a hint of sexiness to it.

Clearly I think it looks great from every angle!

And to give the all black look just a little bit of color, the necessary amount of sparkle, are some exquisite pieces of jewelry, such as these burnt red & gold Neil Lane danglers.

I’m not sure of the designer for Selena’s performance look, but she also looks just as stunning here, a very soft number to go with her heartfelt performance.

MEGHAN TRAINOR

Every red carpet attendee doesn’t need a full on gown to still look amazing and Megan proved that point very well. She looks super elegant in this black Ted Baker London cocktail dress. The lacier top portion provided just the right amount of red carpet appeal to land her as Best Dressed! I’m also head over heels for her sparkly red lips clutch, if only I knew where it was from!

BAILEE MADISON

Bailee could have worked a more younger piece, but I still think she looks so prim, proper, & perfect in this eye-catching Walter Collection by Walter Mendez frock. I just had to include her on my list! She looks happy & if she wants to go the ladylike route, fine by me since she looks as great as she does here.

LUKE BRYAN & CAROLINE BOYER

Even outside of the country music awards scene, almost any best dressed list of mine would not be complete if I don’t include Luke Bryan and Caroline Boyer. As long as these two are at the show, they never cease to amaze me. They are a dynamic fashion red carpet duo for sure. I’m never quite sure who Caroline is wearing, but she still deserves Best Dressed recognition, especially in this beautiful strapless red gown with a black lacy belt at the waist.

ARIANA GRANDE

I am so sad that I couldn’t see a red carpet look from Ariana! I guess I will have to settle for this gorgeous black lacy number she wore while performing. I mean come on, she looks stunningly beautiful right! I just wish we could have seen her on the red carpet, let her rack up those best dressed red carpet numbers because I think she could have had an overall best dressed night had we seen her on the red carpet. But I do love this black gown!

CARLY STEEL

Another black gown, another knockout! Carly looks divine here. This sparkling lacy gown is perfectly fitted for her and perfectly fitting for the night!

CHARLI XCX

With so many black looks on my list, you would think I would tire of them or be bored. But I can’t be when they all look so different, so great, and bring something new to the table. Charli XCX blew me away with out elegant and sophisticated she looked in her head to toe Vivienne Westwood ensemble. So yes, Vivienne Westwood black draped gown and gold Vivienne Westwood jewelry pieces.

BECKY G

I must include on my Best Dressed list a few short, sexier numbers. Becky G’s white sheer long-sleeved mini is the perfect example and the perfect addition to my list. I love how hot she looks, but still somewhat understated and not over-the-top.

And what about that gorgeous makeup, the poppin’ pink lip and smoky eye, all courtesy of CoverGirl, NEW Colorlicious lipstick and Bloom mascara!

MORGAN STEWART

Another sexier, short number, but I literally couldn’t take my eyes off of Morgan’s nude long-sleeved mini. The dress had so many eye-catching details, it was definitely more than basic!

ONE DIRECTION

One Direction has a whole always looks handsome and dapper. Loving their mix of looks from eclectic hipster to refined gentlemen!

JENNY MCCARTHY

At first glance you might think Jenny is donning a plain black dress. But take a gander at it from the back, an open back trimmed with pearls, I’m adoring this lovely detail! This is just a gorgeous dress from Cushnie et Ochs, no doubt. She gave her look a little extra sparkle & bling with adorable Kotur clutch.

In addition, for even more special touches to Jenny’s gorgeous look, there is a statement making beaded necklace by Erickson Beamon and Graziela Gems earrings. Her overall look is just spectacular, including her luscious waves courtesy of Justin Presnell of the Rossano Ferretti Salon in Beverly Hills.

KANDI BURRUS & TODD TUCKER

And finally, one last great looking pair with Kandi & Todd. Todd looks laidback and relaxed, but still very handsome and well put together. It’s a modern spin on a suit, leather pants as a substitute, sans tie. And then Kandi looks smokin’ in her fitted white bodycon dress!

Kenley Collins — This Thriving Designer Marches On!

Posted on November 19, 2014 by SMM

The lovely Kenley Collins is a long-time friend of Fashion Nexus so I’m very pleased to continue to show my support of her outstanding work! So here I am now to feature her latest collection launch, “American Geisha.”

Fans a Blossom crop top & skirt, and Geisha Garden Party dress

First though, just as a quick recap, here is a brief bio on the insanely talented Kenley. She made a huge name for herself by appearing in 2008 on the hit competitive realty TV show, Project Runway, season 5. A few years later she made a stint on the 1st season of Project Runway All-Stars. Since then, she has been working diligently as a fashion designer, creating collections that not only I love, but that truly speak to the heart of any burgeoning fashionista. Her collections make me smile, touch my heart, and make me feel so nostalgic. She takes an inspiration and really makes it come to life. She’s gone “As if” with Clueless

said it’s Grease lightning with her Pink Ladies line

taken us back in true fashionable style with her Marilyn Monroe inspired collection

and gave us her take on PopArt!

Her current holiday collection is once again entitled “American Geisha.” This line has all the Kenley touches that I have come to know & love! As always, I can see Kenley’s unique designer POV & hand in each piece. Her amazing work is ever-present and more captivating than ever. Her work is vintage, an era of long ago, but as with any Kenley piece, there is still a modern vibe.

Hummingbird party dress & Cherry Blossom Fan Wiggle dress

Her looks are always playful and full of character, demonstrating a genuine spirit for whatever underlying inspiration she is creating from in her mind. She is doing again with these American Geisha pieces what she does so well — fully embodying a given concept and making it come to life in true Kenley form & fashion. She designs for the masses and it’s so hard to not instantly fall in love with every print, style, silhouette, and piece.

Land of the Rising Sun dress

As always, you can make this collection work for you in a dress or separates piece. Here are some more amazing pieces from the American Geisha line!!!

Birds a Humming crop top & pencil skirt, and Land a Rising crop top & pencil skirt

Geisha Garden Swing dress

Cherry Fan Mandarin dress

Hummingbird Mandarin dress on left

You can now shop online for these amazing pieces! And yes, there are still some fun menswear and accessories pieces to peruse as well!

You can also shop for Kenley at Slapback in Brooklyn. And check out Slapback’s owner having a great time in Collins’ American Geisha pieces!

Besides designing imaginative and stunning collections, Kenley has achieved other great feats as well. A huge success for Kenley is her custom design work for major pop star Ariana Grande. Since I’m obsessed with both Kenley & Ariana I have to share Kenley’s crazy cool pieces for Ari!

Most designers are generally pleased if a major celeb dons one or two of their pieces, but clearly Ariana loves her some Kenley originals just as Fashion Nexus loves to feature them! Until the next collection launch……eagerly awaiting…….can’t wait!

2014 TCAs Best Dressed — What Looks Ruled the Red, Oh Sorry, Blue Carpet?!?

Posted on August 12, 2014 by SMM

The 2014 Teen Choice Awards aired Sunday night. And NO, I am not a teen, but my interest in the award show was mainly for the red (blue?!) carpet looks on these rising young stars and starlets! Right off the bat, I was a little worried at actually making a list. Some of the first looks I came across seemed too mature for this award show, or were prints I just didn’t care for. But no worries! After going thru as many images as I could find, I’m happy with the many great looks included on my list. So here are my top picks — ENJOY!!

ARIANA GRANDE

No prob in keeping a look basic and simplistically minimal! And what better way to do that than with a LWD! Ariana’s fitted white Georges Chakra Couture mini is beaded perfection. The beaded details at the neck and hemlines really brought out some sparkle to make her look pop! Great job Ari!!

NINA DOBREV

What so many others got wrong, Nina got right! Her look had a great use of color. The print was imaginative and fun, very eye-catching. There was just no denying how stunning she looked in this artsy Vionnet crop-top & shorts look. She coordinated perfectly with hot pink Kurt Geiger pumps and her “Elsie” nude Michael Kors clutch. She also made use of some very luxe jewelry from both Ippolita & David Yurman. And finally, she played up her eye color with Air Optix contacts in Gemstone Green.

SHAY MITCHELL

I’ve seen this look before, ahem Kim. K.! But I’m so glad to see it look the way it should, namely that it appropriately fits the person wearing it! Shay looks like a sexy angelic siren, if that is even possible?? She is rockin’ a lacy white 2-piece Misha Collection number — crop top and knee-length skirt. Her accessories look was very much minimalistic — metallic Jimmy Choo heels, tan Rodo clutch, and silver jewelry pieces from Logan Hollowell.

RITA VOLK — Rita definitely won the award for the best “Pretty in Pink” or “Material Girl” look of the night! Now it never escapes one of my best dressed lists that I don’t have all of the designer details for a given look. But regardless, that will never keep someone off my list! So no clue who Rita is wearing, but she still looks stunning — eye-catching neckline & cutouts! However, I do know that her lovely little diamond studs are from Janet Deleuse!

JANA KRAMER

Learning that Jana had a last minute wardrobe change and still looks this radiant, I mean that’s impossible right?!? Props to her phenomenal stylist Lo Von Rumpf for a job well done! Jana looks like a sexy country darling in this black and white lacy Alexis romper. Coordinating perfectly are her white Sergio Rossi pumps. And not going too over the top, Jana has added in some silver jewelry pieces from both Dionea Orcini and Jacob & Co. And one more additional “Job well done”, for adding to Jana’s radiance, goes to her makeup artist Dave Stanwell.

CANDACE CAMERON BURE

DWTS did wonders for Candace!! She looks so amazingly beautiful and still in such great shape, very happy for her!! LWDs were certainly a trend on the red/blue carpet & for my best dressed list. So Candace didn’t disappoint in her white knee-length frock by L’Agence, complete with a sexy side slit.

SARAH HYLAND

Sarah was the co-host of the evening’s festivities, so more than 1 of her looks has made my list. First up, her blue carpet appearance look, a sparkling Marc Jacobs slip-dress. Paired with this look are Jimmy Choo black sandals and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Sarah looks elegantly chic in this on-stage look, a mint green Emilio Pucci dress, paired with Bionda Castana heels and even more Lorraine Schwartz jewelry!

And Sarah makes it 3 for 3 in another on-stage look, blush pink Emilio Pucci top and shorts, metallic Nicholas Kirkwood heels, & again, more Lorraine Schwartz jewelry!

Alex & Sierra were a dynamic duo on the X-Factor, but are also clearly a force to be reckoned with on the BLUE carpet! Sierra wore a sexy white AQ/AQ dress with jewelry from Jacquie Aiche, Gorjana, and Jennifer Zuener. Alex wore a fun thermometer-printed DSquared2 shirt with waxed Saint Laurent denim.

Ciara Bravo, of Big Time Rush, is a bit of an unknown to me, but still looks great on this blue carpet. She went with a fun tangerine fit and flare Ted Baker dress and nude Steve Madden sandals.

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Not a teen, but as always, glamorous and fabulous! J. Lo rocks this lacy emerald Elie Saab mini. And as always, is sportin’ some major bling — Neil Lane jewelry.

BELLA THORNE

Bella Thorne is another who was definitely a hit with a particular type of look, floral print, where others were a miss! She looks chic, fun, and flirty in this sculptural blue FLORAL dress, made just for her — Johnny Wujek for Candies Couture. The “blue” theme continues on with her matching Dior pumps. And keeping it simple, are a few elegant pieces of jewelry from both Suzanne Kalan and Le Vian.

Emily Osment is another rockin’ a LWD, but sadly, also another look I’m not sure of the designer details. But this white knee length dress with a structured bodice looks great on her. I also love her pops of color from her tangerine heels, nails, and lipstick color.

I can ‘t say I love all of these looks equally, but what Fifth Harmony does well is that combined, they all look great together! Standing as a group, I see no bad looks and thus as a group they scream BEST DRESSED! So going left to right, here are the details —

Camila wore a black Balenciaga dress with Fendi shoes.

Dinah wore a fitted black Jovani top, Theory pants, and Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

Lauren wore a 3 + 1 black top, leather Jovani skirt, and Christian Louboutin heels.

Ally wore a sheer McQ by Alexander McQueen top, Balenciaga skirt, and Christian Louboutin heels.

Normani wore a fitted look, a Karolina Zmarlak top, Balenciaga skirt and Christian Louboutin heels.

Gregg Sulkin looks quite sexy in this brown Armani leather jacket — Congrats also on the Faking It win, love that show!!

Tyler Posey is another handsome gentleman gracing the blue carpet and was also the other co-host for the awards show! He looks great in this John Varvatos suit, a more casual look and quite fitting for the night!

Kellan Lutz is the concluding member of my list! He looks sexy hot as always! Not sure who all he is wearing, but love it all, especially the jacket!!

Kenley Collins — There is Just No Stopping this Designer!

Posted on June 28, 2014 by SMM

It amazes me how much this young talent can do — coming out with yet another collection, which now even includes menswear, still designing stunning and sexy pieces for the young pop starlet, Ariana Grande, and just to throw some fun in the mix, designing looks for the windows of various It’Sugar candy stores. Kenley Collins‘ latest collection has been out a few weeks now, but great work still deserves recognition. So just like her past collections — Grease “Pink Ladies” & Marilyn Monroe-inspired line — I am here to now write about her PopArt collection.

(Pop Cassettes printed Crop-top & pencil skirt, and a black Holly Golightly dress)

The one aspect of Kenley’s work that I always love and commend, is that no matter what the underlying theme of the line is, you can always tell when you are wearing a Kenley original. She has such a unique and distinctive voice and aesthetic within her designs. You can see it in the cut, the silhouette, the dynamic prints, and more! And I always feel there is something for everyone — dresses, separates, accessories, bathing suits, and more! Also now, that “something for everyone” includes men! Yes, you heard it right, now those bold Kenley prints can also be rocked by any man who dares and I say WHY NOT!

You can always shop online (always some great sales going on!) for stunning Kenley originals or, if you are in NYC, you can head over to Brooklyn and shop for her pieces at Slapback. Taking a closer look at the menswear pieces, there are a lot of fun selections — from the Cool Rider tie to the Pop Cassettes printed shirt to the Ronnettes Rose printed shirt to the Citrus Squeeze tie (all seen in the image above). But of course, there is even more fun in store for the ladies!

(Audrey swimsuit in black; “Be My Baby” pink swimsuit; Tiffany’s swimsuit)

THE DRESSES —

TOP — “Chapel of Love” dress & Crystals Chevron; BOTTOM — Sinatra dress

With the above picture, the look on the right, we have the Ronettes Rose crop-top & circle skirt, which brings us to some very versatile SEPARATES!!

(White Bardot crop-tops; Pop pink skirt; & Blue sea skirt w/ sheer overlay)

AND WHO DOESN’T LOVE A FUN & GIRLY ROMPER!!

(Pop Cassettes print & Chain of Hounds)

(Watermelon Supreme top & skirt and Shangri-Las top & shorts)

And so as mentioned above, aside from being so creative, always coming out with chic collections, Kenley also manages to make custom outfits for pop sensation Ariana Grande. So it’s highly likely if you’ve seen Ariana perform lately, she was wearing a Kenley custom original!!

Also, and this is very Project Runway-esque, she is still whipping up unconventional materials looks, specifically candy, to liven up the windows of It’Sugar candy stores- SUPER FUN & EXCITING!!

KENLEY, YOU WILL FOREVER HAVE A FAN OF YOUR WORK WITH FASHION NEXUS!! & I’m sure my readers will enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to and we all can’t wait to see what’s next!

Stunning Looks for the 2013 AMA’s Red Carpet

Posted on November 26, 2013 by SMM

I always find my best dressed lists are so different than the other websites I read, but that makes me happy! I love showcasing those who look stunning and who rocked the red carpet. Because to me, that is the only thing a best dressed list should be about. So congrats to the amazing top looks I’ve compiled below!

ARIANA GRANDE

Ariana looks fire-y & fierce in this floor length, sparkling red, strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown. The dress looks as if it were made for her. She kept the accessories very simple and they were the perfect touches with diamond Tacori jewelry and a black Jimmy Choo clutch

LAUREN MAYHEW: Lauren is definitely on my red carpet radar. If you remember this wonderful piece I wrote about her red carpet fashion style. So at the 2013 AMAs, she wore this stunning black dress with a sheer black train. She was styled by Rosy Muto and the dress was provided by StylePR. The jewelry designer for her diamond jeweled pieces is Athra Luxe. This is good to know because I want the ring now! Her jewelry was styled by Brittany Casale. Lauren you look gorgeous, great selections!

BRANDI CYRUS

I’m glad one Cyrus got it right on the red carpet! I love this long-sleeved sparkling white minidress from the Rachel Zoe collection. The black and white striped heels were a great addition. This is just an overall minimal and chic look — I love it!

ONE DIRECTION: The guys look stunning and sexy in their various shades of grey & black. I can rarely ever find designer information for menswear looks so yay because I have the lowdown. Left to right Zayn Malik is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana black turtleneck, H&M grey jacket, and black Doc Marten shoes. Louis Tomlinson is wearing a Topman jacket in black and a grey Dolce & Gabbana top. Liam Payne is sporting a printed grey H&M shirt and a grey Burberry trench. Harry Styles, looking stylish, is wearing a black Saint Laurent shirt, black Burberry jacket and a metallic Lanvin flower pin. Finally, Niall Horan is wearing a black Dolce & Gabbana jacket and a grey Sandro tee.

MAIA MITCHELL

You can’t go wrong with an LBD, right? Well maybe you can, but Maia certainly didn’t with this black long-sleeved Armani mini. And it’s apparently velvet, which I usually do not care for, but I can barely tell! I also love the printed sheer back cutouts and so I had to show front & back images. I wish I knew who made the black cuffed heels because they too are great with this outfit, but oh well, great job Maia!

AUSTIN MAHONE

Stunning in black, looking great solo amongst the many groups I have in this post!

DANITY KANE

Danity Kane‘s theme — massive sex appeal — and their mission, ACCOMPLISHED!! Aubrey O’Day, slits, deep-V, but hey, if you got it, flaunt it. I think she looks great in this sexy red number with black cuffed heels. Aundrea Fimbres, a bit more demure, but still a very open neckline and side thigh high slit in this long-sleeved black gown. Many were white tonight, but Dawn Richard stood out to me in her long-sleeved, floor-length gown with thigh-high slit. Another trend of the night, cut-outs, but again, Shannon Bex impressed me with this black, floor-length, haltered dress with side cutouts of three lines. Great job ladies!

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

White and cutouts, a common trend of the night, and Christian works both well in this low-cut, white column Maria Lucia Hohan gown featuring cutouts at the waist. I thought all of her accessories added just the right amount of glam and sparkle, keeping it classy and not overdone — Jimmy Choo silver clutch; Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewelry and sparkling silver Christian Louboutin heels.

JENNA USHKOWITZ

To me, minimal looks also make statements and that is what Jenna is doing with this bright orange, floor-length, deep-V neck gown by Raoul. Her Neil Lane jewelry was also quite stunning as well as her silver metallic Ashlyn’d clutch.

LUKE & CAROLINE BRYAN

I think this cute couple made my last best-dressed list and they have done it again. I love the black with shimmering studs and beads on both of their looks. Gorgeous couple!

FIFTH HARMONY

All about the groups tonight and Fifth Harmony doesn’t disappoint. The ladies are usually more coordinated, but still expressing their own style, but you know, there is no rulebook that says groups have to match perfectly. I like seeing a bit more style expression from each. Normani Kordei just looks STUNNING! This sparkling black jumpsuit is hot, hot, hot! Lauren Jauregui is mixing it up with a longer black look with a sheer skirt, but I love the sheer floral neckline. Dinah Jane Hansen, a bit similar to Lauren’s look, both rocking sheer skirts, but she took the floral print there instead of the neckline. The top is all about the basic leather peplum top. Ally Brooke, probably the most risk-taking of the group, is wearing a jumpsuit as well, with a bold print in green, light blue and brown. And finally, Camila Cabello, is looking sweet & sassy in her red long-sleeved mini!

Exciting Updates For the Passionate & Innovative Designer Kenley Collins

Posted on November 22, 2013 by SMM

It’s safe to say the multi-talented designer, Kenley Collins, is working hard in the fashion world and is here to stay. I previously wrote an amazing piece about Kenley and now I’m so pleased to showcase to you all her most recent and fabulous work! Please read the earlier piece, but here is the brief rundown on this major talent.

Kenley emerged in 2008 when she was a finalist on Project Runway Season 5. A few years later she made a stint on the 1st season of Project Runway All-Stars. But Kenley has not rested on her laurels. She has shone like the sparkling star she is since her time on PR. She often releases collections that demonstrate her aesthetic and style — bold, retro, feminine fashion. My previous piece was all about her Grease Pink Lady collection. Well now, GET READY, and enjoy the perfectly inspired Marilyn Monroe collection. Also, enjoy the many images and if you get a chance, tweet Kenley how stunning they are because really, they are!

Here are the various individual pieces and pricing information. You can shop the line online under What’s New.

I certainly see Marilyn when I look at these pieces; in fact, I’m sure it’s the point. But I also 100% see Kenley’s gifted hand and creative mind in this pieces. I would know if I saw it that each one was a Kenley Collins original! I see a nod to the past in these pieces, but with a fresh take. Black and white is classic and the pops of royal blue are sheer perfection. Anyone who would wear these pieces is certainly a woman who knows fashion and style, and that is someone who wants to have fun! Take a look at these gorgeous editorial images Kenley shot.

Online, Kenley still is offering other pieces so check out her Dresses, Separates, Accessories, Vintage, and Sale categories. Another fun way we get to see Kenley showcase her talent is with the unique and custom dresses she makes for none other than Nickelodeon pop starlet Ariana Grande. Ariana has been on my best dressed list, as well as many others, so I’m sure for future events, while wearing Kenley pieces, she will continue that trend!

Just as with all of Kenley’s other work, when Ariana is wearing a Kenley Collins original you will know it! So one final little piece of fun, Kenley is still demonstrating her talent in more ways than one. She is still having a great time while designing window displays for the candy emporium, It’Sugar, with candy clothed pieces. (various locations)