Other Fave Oscars Related Looks

The Oscars is not all about the main red carpet, there is the Vanity Fair afterparty, the Elton John AIDS Foundation party (aka the Oscars viewing party), The Weinstein Co. afterparty, and the Independent Spirit Awards, all part of the Oscars weekend. What does this mean? There are so many more looks to fall in love with and here are my top picks!

KATE BOSWORTH

HAILEE STEINFELD

EMMA ROBERTS

SAVANNAH CHRISLEY

KATE HUDSON

SOFIA VERGARA

HEIDI KLUM

DEMI LOVATO

PETRA NEMCOVA

LEONA LEWIS

PORTIA DOUBLEDAY

LILY COLLINS

NINA AGDAL

THANDIE NEWTON

EMILY RATAJKOWSKI

RASHIDA JONES

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

FELICITY JONES

  • a dark eggplant sequin short-sleeve Erdem gown with floral motif

NAOMIE HARRIS

And the PR Season 13 Winner is……

Yes, let’s just announce the spoiler right from the get-go! With a much-deserved win, the PR Season 13 winner was SEAN KELLY!! With blogging/recapping, it’s all about the discussion, so let’s get to that, and see how this season came to its conclusion.

From last week’s episode, we left off where the designers had previewed 3 pieces from their collections so that the judges could offer some feedback. Amanda needed a little more sophistication. Sean had to show he was more than just the one note of fringe. Kini needed to re-work a lot, youthfulness was the goal to achieve. And finally, Char had to scrap several looks, making sure her collection represented who she was as a designer and was cohesive.

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Tim quickly came by to offer the designers the option of returning to Mood with an additional $300 to spend. Amanda was the only one who decided to hang back, having some extra fabrics already at her disposal. She didn’t want to lose any time! With some new fabrics and a rejuvenated focus, each designer was back to work finishing up their collections. Tim also came by again for a little more Tim-time.

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He instructed Amanda to stop over-thinking so much. Kini scrapped his trench coat and already had many new youthful pieces to show Tim. And Tim definitely recognized the improvements! Tim & Sean discussed the fringe. He told Sean to take in what the judges said, namely Nina with lessening the number of fringed looks, but he further advised him to ultimately still own it. Tim was a bit confused on the new fabrics Char purchased. He reiterated what the judges had just told her, be who you are, don’t stray.

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The guest judge for the finale was Emmy Rossum, a very talented actress from the Showtime hit show Shameless.. She did a wonderful job as the guest judge –lots of thoughtful critiques and words of wisdom. And just as all of the judges were, I too was impressed with the finale presentations. I’ve been reading comments that the finale was a bit lackluster, perhaps lacking in shock or wow moments. I 100% disagree and here’s why!

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It can’t be helped that with this season there were 3 top notch designers who each could have easily won. The surprise factor was lacking because there wouldn’t have been much outrage had Kini or Amanda won. As long as the “ABC” (anyone but Char) remained in effect, the end result was going to be a bit predictable. I guess you could say underwhelming. But just because predictability or a general acceptance was on the rise, it doesn’t negate the designers’ outstanding work. Kini, Amanda, and Sean all had different designer POVs and really stuck to those aesthetics. Each did a fine job, and with so much greatness to choose from, it was hard to be so surprised over who won. But I would be much more disappointed had their only been 1 decent final presentation and if the winner had been so clear cut. I think there was a bit of surprise because even with narrowing down to Sean & Amanda, it was still up in the air over who might win. I think what was missing this season was diehard fans over 1 designer and what we saw was acceptance for a few instead.

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Another type of comment I’ve come across was about a lack of dramatic flare with the various presentations; the pieces were maybe a bit too RTW. In this case, people have to recognize a runway presentation is only going to include a few showstopping gowns if that is what the designer specializes in, such as Monique Lhuillier or Carolina Herrera. But take attending a show for Rebecca Minkoff, Wildfox, or Desigual, what you are going to see are pieces much like we saw with this finale, looks that are more wearable, RTW. Taking in a presentation, you still have to be mindful of who the designer is. And to me, based off who these designers are, I think the presentations stayed true to that and there were still many highlights. Remember, highlights don’t always come in the packaging of bells & whistles, sometimes it’s in the details or the subtleties.

But getting back to the runway shows at hand, here are my thoughts based on the judges’ placements for this final 4, first up, the winner, Sean!

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I’m definitely a fan of this collection and happy for Sean’s big win! He not only stuck to who he was a designer, but he also told a great story in that of the betrayal of Caesar. Each moment was perfectly encapsulated in the various looks, whether it was the betrayal in black or the bloodshed in bright orange. The looks were not over-the-top in dramatic flare or with volume, but rather, it was his understated and detailed work that was truly mesmerizing. From the perfect fit to the great movement, Sean truly did a fantastic job with this collection.

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There were so many great pieces, so above and below are just a few of my faves. Yes, many of Sean’s looks worked with fringe, but it wasn’t as it if the fringe effect was the same from piece to piece. He definitely mixed it up with this design technique from fringe all over a floor-length dress to jumpsuits to just a dangling few strands draping down the back. It really created such great movement, very much catching the viewer’s eye as the pieces came down the runway

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The draping also created for some lovely, flowing movement. I too loved  how regal and sophisticated these looks were. There was such a refined and elegant sophistication. Any woman would want to wear these pieces because of how luxe they looked, very high quality work.

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Shout-out: Mary Kay beauty look, nude lip, shimmery silver eye. Still not a fan of the slicked back look, but it wasn’t too distracting!

Whether it was looks in black, white, or the burnt orange, this luxurious quality was maintained throughout. No piece felt lacking in this chic, sophisticated vibe.

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A truly fascinating facet of Sean’s fringe detailing was when the fringe was done in 2 colors. The way it moved and mixed was a stunning and eye-catching detail!

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The judges felt a look or 2 was not at the same level as the others. But clearly his innovative, fresh take, as well as creativity was enough for the judges to give him the win. They were able to envision his growth and potential. I’m not sure as we heard Zac say that the decision was so “crystal clear” between Sean & Amanda. But either winning would have been well deserved.

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Amanda should certainly feel proud of herself for a job well done. She came back for redemption this season, a do-over, a 2nd chance. And while winning would have been the ultimate redemption, 2nd place is still a pretty decent result. To me, Amanda has the most clear design aesthetic and I think she really could have built this big brand she had mentioned upon winning. I really hope she can still make this happen and hopefully not winning will not deter her or keep her too far off track.

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Her looks were all boho chic, effortless and easygoing. I think she heeded the judges’ advice. Her looks were not all hippie basic, they were modern and sophisticated for her aesthetic. Her work with color-blocking, use of prints, mixing of texture, such as with leather and suede, were all top-notch. This knit eye-print was probably my least favorite aspect of her collection, but when paired with a vest as seen below, it worked for me. So breaking up the full length knit dress was 100% the right decision!

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The judges were not a fan of the look below, but I disagree. It again demonstrated Amanda’s ability to make her aesthetic work with a mix of fabrics and textures. It was the escalated level of the boho vibe the judges were wanting. It was more than just a long flowy maxi.

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Amanda was right when she said there was just the right amount of color in her collection. If Sean was able to make use of only some burnt orange, than Amanda’s vibrant pops of bright blue and red are just as sufficient. Both of Amanda’s shades of blue looks were totally to die for. I WANT THEM BOTH NOW! It may not seem as if these looks were that extravagant, but this type of look can easily be dressed up or down. And when dressed up, it would create a wow factor.

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Amanda really showed she could work with not only dresses, but just as well with separates. And again, the color blocking, missing of fabrics, specifically the work with leather, I was impressed.

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I’m not sure what the pinpointed moment was with the decision between Amanda and Sean. I did feel as if they maybe were more in love with her jewelry perhaps, than her collection. Not that this is a bad thing, but PR is supposed to be about the garments. I thought they saw her more with a clear vision, focused brand, big future, but maybe not quite as fresh or innovative as they saw with Sean’s work. In any event, the judges had a hard decision here, quite tough, but I think they still thought a lot of Amanda’s work, as did I!

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Next up, let’s discuss Kini’s practically re-worked collection. I mean for someone who had so much re-working, re-thinking to do over a 10-piece collection, and in less than 2 days to do it all in, this was pretty amazing considering the circumstances. I guess the point that lingered with the judges is they still had to point him somewhat in this direction so this likely counted him out for the win. I think Kini re-made only a few pieces, but the rest was just a matter of re-styling, re-pairing. He may still have a little way to go in the judges’ eyes, but I have 0 doubts he will get there!

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Kini definitely gave us some flare with the volume and some more formal looks. Take for example this denim and neoprene mermaid gown below. To make denim feel so luxe, Kini clearly has a talent with this. I’m not the hugest fan of denim, but Kini is doing a great job on making me RE-THINK this opinion!

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This flirty feminine frock below was probably my most fave of his pieces. It was super-cute and fun. I could see a ton of girls wanting to rock this look. And the point that will still be of such talk, such attention, is that it’s DENIM! The pleats, the volume, and the perfect execution all lend to the fact that Kini is still a top notch designer, despite his not winning PR.

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Emmy pointed out a great note in that Kini did take direction well, both in terms of styling the looks and the beauty look with hair & make-up. He took it and was able to execute what was needed to make the necessary improvements to his collection. The high ponytail may have not worked universally for every look, but the Mary Kay beauty look was great, vast improvement from the way too dark smoky eye from last week!

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I think the youthfulness vibe was always underlying with Kini’s pieces, it was just a matter of styling. His newer pieces did really amp that level up a few notches though. I’m still amazed at how great Kini’s quickly made leather shorts were, as seen above, far surpassing the shorts from Char’s graphic print piece, which she had way longer to work on. So all in all, job well done to Kini and I can’t wait to see more from him in the future!

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And finally, we have Char to discuss. I still stick with my original notion in that she was not quite ready for her fashion week showing as a finalist. Even had she not made a top 4 finale, she would have still presented. But in terms of the prime-time viewing, compared to her fellow designers, the work, the design, the pieces were just not at the same level.

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Take for example a few things we saw during the episode. She had to scrap just as many, if not more looks than Kini. On top of this, she was nowhere near Kini’s level of speedy sewing. Because of this, she ended up keeping a look that still had many fit and execution issues. Even up until pretty close to the start of the runway, she was still sewing, having model fittings, and the like. It just all showed in her final presentation she wasn’t quite ready.

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I feel as if the judges knew what kind of designer Char is, but she might not know quite yet. That or she isn’t able to fully execute looks that are encompassed under her design aesthetic. There really was not any cohesion amongst these pieces. I’m not sure why Tim bothered saying there was. To me, everything was scatterbrained, a little all over the place. There were a few good pieces in the midst, but the lack of cohesion and poor execution really kept Char out of the running for the win.

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And once again, here is what Sean has in store for him with this big win!

  • $100,000 from Red Robin to launch their business and the opportunity to design a fashion accessory for all Red Robin servers
  • a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother International Corporation
  • a premiere entertainment center, courtesy of Samsung
  • a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine
  • a car from Lexus
  • from Mary Kay, an entire year’s worth of beauty products for their fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for their debut show
  • a shoe and accessory collection from ALDO to help enhance their upcoming runway shows
  • Best Western International will also provide the winner travel and hotel accommodations to fashion capitals and inspiring locations around the world
  • The winning model will also appear in the winner’s fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine.

 

UNTIL NEXT SEASON!! CAN’T WAIT! AND AS ALWAYS, I WILL BE BLOGGING ABOUT PRAS!!

 

 

 

 

Red Carpet Best Dressed for this Week’s 2 Award Shows!

Yes, it is still very much awards season and this week there were 2 more to add to this list — 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards & the 2014 Critics’ Choice Awards. I was happy to see that a few who didn’t make my Golden Globes best dressed list more than made up for that with a couple of more chances! So 1st up, the SAG Awards list!

156_2331_350          AMY ADAMS

Wow!! I love this popping royal blue look for Amy and glad she chose it! This gown is an illusion dress by Antonio Berardi featuring cut-outs, a very unique neckline, and a sleek, wraparound gold belt. She paired her look with Cartier jewels, specifically, Cartier’s “Tutti Fruitti” earrings featuring sapphire, emerald and diamonds, as well as a Platinum Cartier “Ana” ring featuring diamonds, turquoise and amethyst. She also wore a pair of metallic silver heels by Jimmy Choo.

156_2294_350          ANNA GUNN

Anna looks like a sparkling shining star in this navy sequined Monique Lhuillier gown embellished with tiny beading. She paired her look with matching sapphire drop earrings by Irene Neuwirth and a cool box clutch, by Edie Parker, marked with the hit AMC series’ logo — Breaking Bad.

156_2343_350     KALEY CUOCO

I have to include one look on my best dressed list that looks like a Disney princess gown right! And Kaley certainly looks like a princess in this dove gray, strapless, silk crepe mermaid gown by Vera Wang featuring a classic bustier neckline and silk organza pleated skirt. Her few accessories are all shiny and silvery including her jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz and a Ferragamo clutch.

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SOFIA VERGARA

Sofia is not donning her traditional mermaid style gown, but this strapless, sequined, gunmetal gown by Donna Karan Atelier is certainly not a bad alternative. According to the designer, the dress was inspired by “antiqued liquid metal.” She continued her glitz & glam trend with a diamond-and-emerald Amrapali necklace.

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ELISABETH ROHM

This nude & white lace Marchesa look is breathtaking and Elisabeth wears it well. What really makes this look standout for me is the nude flower embellishments sprinkled here and there on the gown. Also worthy of a standout mention is the diamond Martin Katz jewelry Elisabeth is wearing to compliment her look.

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NANCY O’DELL

Why yes, I will pick 2 back to back lace looks, although Nancy’s brings the shimmer & sparkle. This is 2 for 2 with looks from Nancy and just as her Golden Globes look made my best dressed list so to did this long-sleeved, form-fitting, blush-colored sequin gown. She accessorized her look with emerald jewelry, including some large diamond earrings.

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KATRINA BOWDEN

Katrina always knows how to pick great looks and this one sure doesn’t fail! It’s a Grecian-inspired, black and gold embellished, sleeveless gown by Badgley Mischka. She paired her look with a black satin clutch and David Yurman gold jewelry.

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ISLA FISHER

This look reminds me somewhat of Isla’s bridesmaid look from Wedding Crashers. And hey, I loved it there and in this more updated version too! She transcends time in this silk crepe satin gown from Oscar de la Renta’s pre-fall 2014 collection. She completed her soft look with a shimmery box clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo and large jewels with hints of emeralds, which are by Bulgari.

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MALIN AKERMAN

I’m a big fan of Malin’s hit show, Trophy Wife, and also of this stunningly bold look — a black and nude, deco-beaded and crystal embellished gown by Naeem Khan with a tiered ruffle sleeve, from the designer’s Spring 2014 collection. She keeps with her chic & trendy look by accessorizing with a black Jimmy Choo clutch & Neil Lane jewelry.

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ANNA CHLUMSKY

Anna decided to stick with a clear trend for this SAG Awards, navy & blue! This is a very simple look, but elegant nonetheless — a navy blue, silk, asymmetrical shoulder gown with cream detailing from Sophie Theallet’s resort 2012 collection. She kept with this minimal-style look by wearing a few jewelry pieces by Waris Ahluwalia for Forevermark Diamonds.

20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Red Carpet
JAMES MARSDEN: I have to include some best dressed males right! James looks quite dapper in this Valentino tuxe and is a MUST to include on my best dressed list!
NOW ONTO THE CRITICS’ CHOICE BEST DRESSED LIST!
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SANDRA BULLOCK
Sandra stood out in this strapless, tiered and ruffled, oxblood-colored, floor-length gown by Lanvin. She accessorized with a silver belt, black Roger Vivier clutch, and elaborate earrings by Fred Leighton.
1389923257_margot-robbie-560                     19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - ArrivalsMARGOT ROBBIE: Margot has really caught my eye during this awards season and she is now, 2 for 2! The Critics’ Choice awards were the perfect time to change things up and go for stunning, but maybe not with a gown. Margot took the risk and it paid off well with this black jumpsuit by Elie Saab that included sheer, floral-embroidered sleeves. She paired her outfit with a matching black clutch by Alexander McQueen & Ileana Makri jewelry.

1389923952_kristen-bell-560  KRISTEN BELL
Kristen looks glamorously fab in this floor-length, black Pamella Roland gown with a halter neck and keyhole opening. She paired her look with a teeny tiny black Edie Parker clutch and minimal jewelry by Norman Silverman.
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AISHA TYLER
Aisha was the host for the evening and was right on trend for the night with another elegant floor-length black gown. Her look specifically was a long-sleeved, black lace Tadashi Shoji gown. She complimented her look with some shiny diamond jewelry by Nanis Italian.

19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Red Carpet
19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Arrivals             SARAH BOLGER
Sarah is working this fitted strapless red floor-length gown by Safiyaa. She also went for some bold silver accessories with a necklace & bracelet by Avakian and a Smythson on Bond Street clutch. Her Casadei heels are just barely peeping out, but they are visible so also worthy of a mention for the overall look.