2014 CFDA Awards — All the Glitz & Glam!

Check out my best dressed list for the CFDA Awards‘ red carpet. Also, at the conclusion of my piece, the full list of winners from the night’s festivities!

whitney-port-600x800WHITNEY PORT

Ahhhhh, Whitney looks AMAZING!! I’m loving the black & white looks at the CFDA’s, but especially this Dennis Basso knee-length creation. But as we all know, the look never stops at just the dress, here is the breakdown for the remainder of her look — black closed heels by Nicholas Kirkwood; jewelry by Eddie Borgo and Ilana Ariel; clutch by Rafe New York; Katie Jane Hughes of Butter London for makeup (Butter London’s orange “Lady Bird”) and nails (“Yummy Mummy”); Neil Gogoi for hair (super sleek straight look w/ the aide of EVO’s “Root Canal” spray in for volume and worked through the line’s “Easy Tiger” smoothing balm before drying); and stylist Lara Backmender. I’m a huge fan of the Butter London Yummy Mummy nail color as well, so nice to see I amongst some fashion elite when using!

whitney-port-5                                        whitney-port-3Here are some of my beauty/nail looks in the Butter London “Yummy Mummy” color, also pictured a golden snake ring from nOir Jewelry, an Ashlyn’d clutch, an American Eagle silver bow ring, and a mint green Francesca’s clutch.

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BUSY PHILIPPS

I don’t see Busy enough on the red carpet to have ever included her on one of my best dressed lists, so when I see her looking so divine, I MUST include her! This red halter-necked Honor gown, in flaming red, is very Victorian-esque, but you know, with the CFDA red carpet, there can be a little dramatic flare. I mean hey, Rihanna, was wearing a blinged do-rag, so for me, this is at least fashionable flare! The statement making necklace chosen to complete Busy’s looks is from Irene Neuwirth.

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ASHLEY & MARY-KATE OLSEN

I was so shocked I enjoyed the twins’ looks as much as I did. Don’t get me wrong — I love these ladies and am happy for all of their fashion success with The Row & Elizabeth and James. But sometimes I don’t completely get their red carpet looks. However here, I’m seeing totally chic, well put together looks by both ladies! Ashley’s long-sleeved black dress is courtesy of her own brand, The Row. Mary Kate’s looks is as well, but her black Nymphette sandal heels are from Christian Louboutin.

coco-rocha-290     COCO ROCHA

I’m definitely about the drama and high-fashion in this black and white # Coco is donning. It is full on glam and I love all the details in this Christian Siriano look — the strapless neckline, the intricate pattern on the skirt, & more! And of course there would be no drama to this look without the black hat by Heather Huey. Coco’s whole look is just major drama, including her bold beauty look & slick do, both from hair & makeup artist Veronica Chu.

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CHANEL IMAN — Chanel looks exquisitely glam in this fitted black look courtesy of Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2014 collection, complete with sheer netted long sleeves & cutouts at the plunging neckline. A diamond ring from Graziela Gems and earrings from Effy were the perfect touch to finish this look off.

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1401810229_heidi-klum-560_640   HEIDI KLUM

Heidi is usually wearing too much, or I guess I should say too little, for me to generally call her a “best dressed.” But in this reserved pale tangerine Donna Karan gown, with a deep-V neck, I have to say I really like the look. This gown is actually part of DK’s 2015 Resort collection. This is a great color and I like that the look is not so “in your face.” I think she should keep on this path of still looking sexy, but also very high-fashion & high-class! Her jewelry is from Lorraine Schwartz. And coordinating in addition, quite nicely, are Heidi’s remaining accessories, clutch & shoes, both from Jimmy Choo.

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BLAKE LIVELY

Blake just seems to be unstoppable as of late when it comes to ruling on the red carpet. And she has done it here again in this olive Michael Kors mini with pale pink embellishments. Her major hoop earrings are by Lorraine Schwartz. I have to also say, I love her rose pink Casadei heels since I too have a very similar pair, but mine are from Lauren Conrad’s exclusive Kohl’s collection. So if you like these shoes, I can assure you, LC’s are lower in price and very good quality!

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HILARY RHODA — Lace can be very hit or miss nowadays. It use to be all the rage, the trend to wear, but now, for me, it’s become a bit riskier to actually pull off. But no worries for Hilary in this bright & colorful pink & tangerine hue, semi-sheer J. Mendel gown.

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2014 CFDA Fashion Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals

JODIE SNYDER MOREL & DANIELLE SNYDER

These lovely ladies are the design team behind the statement-making jewelry brand DANNIJO. The pictures below show some better shots of them, also pictured are Hilary Rhoda and Sophia Bush. So it is my guess then that all of the ladies’ accessories, even to clutches, are courtesy of DANNIJO! I named Hilary best dressed above so this goes for her look as well.

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STACEY BENDET — I’m not jumping up and down over Beth Behr’s look from Alice + Olivia, but assuming designer for the brand, Stacey Bendet, is wearing A + O as well, then this look is definitely worth making mention of and including on my best dressed list. More black and white and also reminding me of my own black and white leather look, courtesy of A + O!

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JAMES MARSDEN — I need a best dressed guy on my list right! So I pick James, who looks very handsome in this classic black tuxedo suit by Todd Snyder.

So now to the actual awards presentation. The awards are presented in coordination with Swarovski. Other official sponsors are — Intel (Office Technology Sponsor), MAC (official beauty sponsor), Lexus (Official Automotive Sponsor), Veuve Clicquot (Official Champagne Partner), & Proximo (Official Spirits Sponsor). Final votes were tabulated by Ernst & Young, official accounting firm for CFDA.

The awards presentation was at Alice Tully Hall — Lincoln Center. Film director and screenwriter John Waters was the host for the evening. Here is the full list of winners:

  • Womenswear Designer of the Year — Joseph Altuzarra
  • Menswear Designer of the Year — Maxwell Osborne & Dao-Yi Chow of Public School
  • Accessories Designer of the Year — Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen for the Row
  • Fashion Icon Award — Rihanna

There are also the Swarovski Awards for emerging talent —

  • Womenswear — Creatures of the Wind — Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters
  • Menswear — Tim Coppens
  • Accessories — Irene Neuwirth

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Ford. The Founder’s Award went to Bethann Hardison. The Media Award to Paul Cavaco. Raf Simons of Christian Dior received the International Award. The Board of Director’s tribute went to Ruth Finley, founder of Fashion Calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

Turner & Tatler — Vintage Jewelry for Modern Times

One of the best things about having my fashion blog, and really about being in NYC, is you never know what each day might bring. Everyday is like a surprise, where hidden treasures can be easily found. Relating this back to fashion, take for example an ordinary fashion outing for my fashion blog, Fashion Nexus. I am out at a press preview for a fave jewelry brand of mine, Ted Rossi, where lo and behold I stumble upon another astounding jewelry brand — Turner & Tatler.

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I liken Turner & Tatler to a hidden treasure because it is such a unique brand, where each piece is truly special and has its own piece of history. It’s just like the brand’s owner, creator, and founder, Cindy Chaplin, says, the pieces are “modern renditions made from classic pieces of an earlier day…… the antiques of tomorrow.” Cindy has always had a love for jewelry, dating back to fond memories of shopping trips with her mother to the heart of the jewelry district in NYC — 47th Street. So how did a love of jewelry, with an interest in its history, lead to the inception of Turner & Tatler?

cindy-picIt is not a huge surprise. And the instant you meet Cindy and begin discussing her work, you can see the passion, drive, and fondness in her eyes. It’s very encouraging and inspirational to see a hard working woman is making the most and finding success with something she holds so dear to her heart. Cindy started the brand in 2012. She found an unfulfilled market for antique jewelry that was being admired, yet not worn. The premise behind Turner & Tatler is that for each piece, she takes other pieces apart and puts them back into a more useable form. A few examples — an Edwardian belt buckle as a diamond necklace, or a Victorian star brooch floating on a neck chain. It’s yesterday’s jewelry fashioned for today. But each piece still retains its vintage appeal, while still portraying a modern or fresh feel.

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There is no added manufacturing. And there are also a wide range of pieces from which to choose — bracelets, chains, charms, earrings, necklaces, and rings. The collection can be seen in London at Liberty of London (purchase available thru Kojis Jewelry) and also at the Harborview Center for Antiques in Connecticut. There are a few ways as of now to make purchases such as visiting a private trunk show or contacting Cindy directly @ cindy@turnerandtatler.com or 914-329-9790.

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I have thoroughly perused the Turner & Tatler site, so fun, & I encourage all of my readers to do the same! Here are just a few of my fave pieces within each product category —

RINGS

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SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND WHITE GOLD FLOWER

VINTAGE GREEN ENAMEL BUCKLE RING                    r32-small

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In order — Tourmaline & Diamond ring; Antique White Gold Ring w/ Synthetic Ruby; Double Snake Head ring; & Black Opal & Diamond ring in White Gold

BRACELETS

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FANCY LINK SLIDE BRACELET IN YELLOW GOLD

LUCKY CHARMS BRACELET                                                           b24-small

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In order — Mesh Buckle Bracelet in Yellow Gold; Opal Bangle; Coral Yellow Gold & Diamond Bracelet; & Snake Wrap Bracelet

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SHIPS AHOY BRACELET

PEARL & DIAMOND BRACELET SET IN PLATINUM     b45-small        

CHARMS

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In order — Rotary Telephone; Purse, Teapot, & Skeleton Keys — Charms

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In order — Studded Padlock, Fox Drop, Filigree Gold Ball Drop, & Rock Crystal Orb Locket

EARRINGS

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In order — Triple Drop Amethyst Earrings; Amethyst Hexagonal Earrings; Citrine Drop Earrings; & Yellow Gold Tassel Earrings

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In order — Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings; Moonstone Drop Earrings; Peridot & Diamond Drop Earrings; Turquoise & Diamond Earrings

NECKLACES

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CLOVER NECKLACE

PAINTED PORCELAIN NECKLACE                                      n43-d94-small

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In order — Triple Star Floating necklace; Bohemian Garnet Cluster necklace; Diamond Scalloped necklace; & Arrow necklace in Yellow Gold

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DOUBLE DIAMOND DROP NECKLACE

SAPPHIRE BOW DROP NECKLACE                                        d132-small

CHAINS

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LOVE UNDER LOCK & KEY CHAIN

HONEYCOMB SNOWFLAKE ON A CHAIN                            c30-small

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BUTTON HOLE WATCH & CHAIN

AMETHYST GOLD & PEARL CHAIN                                            d166-smallI can’t wait to see more from this phenomenally unique vintage jewelry brand in the future!! Good luck to Turner & Tatler!

Fall 2014 by Bespoken — “Tailored Vandal”

DSC00261I was very excited to attend another presentation for BESPOKEN, as I attended one last September. BESPOKEN took part in the 2014 NY Menswear Day for NYFW, which was presented/hosted by Agentry PR & Cadillac. There was a lot to look at on this day and BESPOKEN certainly didn’t disappoint!

DSC00256The underlying basis or inspiration for this 2014 collection is “Downtown NY meets the London East End.” Think — late nights, dark alleys, banging on drums, cigarette butts, wheatpasted subways, wandering artists. The title of the collection is “Tailored Vandal.” It’s all a great take on menswear. And menswear for BESPOKEN is crafted from the finest materials & to the highest specifications.

2014.02.05_Bespoken0004-869x580The color palette for this collection is certainly fitting to the dark nightlife inspirations of NY & London. There is a good deal of black & grey, but in various shades and set upon different textiles and fabrics. A few other hues make some appearances though — burgundy/deeper red, navy blue, & hunter/olive green. The colors and hues really do remind me of what I think of with the various inspirations — concrete streets, dark night skies, and more.

2014.02.05_Bespoken0007-869x580Versatility in a collection is of utmost important and it certainly comes about when there are lots of separates and also a great mix textiles and fabrics. With BESPOKEN, there are suits, outerwear, and casual pieces. The suit might be a bit more traditional in a solid grey, or a bit more daring in a grey plaid. The outerwear varies from trenches to leather pieces to even hoodies. To add more to the mix of separates, there are some great knit sweaters and collared shirts.

2014.02.05_Bespoken0006-869x580BESPOKEN has done an outstanding job for this collection, aka “Tailored Vandal.” Here are just a few of the looks which caught my eye!

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FW14 BESPOKEN NEW YORK 02/04/2014

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FW14 BESPOKEN NEW YORK 02/04/2014

SHOUT-OUTS: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

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