2017 SAGs — Best Dressed

A little late on this, but I do love my best dressed lists! Here are the looks that stood out most to me —

TARAJI P. HENSON

KALEY CUOCO

GIULIANA RANCIC

NICOLE KIDMAN

  • Gucci — emerald sequin gown featuring multicolored feather and beaded parrot embroidered sleeves, plunging neckline and skirt with black tulle cascading ruffles
  • a Kotur clutch
  • an Omega watch
  • Fred Leighton jewels

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

TERESA PALMER

MISSI PYLE

JULIE BOWEN

FELICITY HUFFMAN

EMMA STONE

  • Alexander McQueen mixed floral & lace gown, symmetric draped dress
  • Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a $90,000 bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds, $25,000 earrings in platinum with chrysophrase and diamonds and a $9,500 diamond ring
  • Alexander McQueen clutch

GINA RODRIGUEZ

TALULAH RILEY

SANIYYA SIDNEY

JAMES MARSDEN & SON, JACK

What’s Hot for Prom 2015 — And the Winner Is……

So you may remember a little while back, I created a poll of some stunning looks that will be available for Prom 2015 thru Mac Duggal. Mac Duggal is a modern, high-end, luxurious dress and gown brand. The votes are in and here are the top 3 looks!

#3 — SWEETHEART NECKLINE GOWN IN LACE

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This stunner comes in both black/nude & a lemon multi-color. The sweetheart neckline features a lace appliqué along the front and back. Exposed corset boning looks severely chic and sexy! Crystals sparkle on the lace for extra shine and shimmer. The skirt flares out above the knees and features layers of tulle on the sides.

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This gown style is exquisite. And wearing it to your prom, you are definitely translating true red carpet style to prom fashion. This would be a winning choice indeed at any prom!

#2 — SHEER COUTURE PLATINUM LACE GOWN

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A well deserved 2nd placement is this breathtaking gown, featuring both an elegance and a vintage flare, from the beautiful sweetheart neckline to the all over lace applique. Sheer illusion cutouts peak out on the sides and front as more lace trims the edges. The open back looks absolutely amazing with lace that wraps around. And just when you thought this dress had it all, a lovely tulle skirt jets out above the knees with more lace detailing sporadically interspersed.

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I love this gown; it’s intricately immaculate. And again here, you would rock red carpet trends & style, while also truly showcasing the epitome of prom fashion!

And finally, #1, the WINNER IS………     blue-ribbon-number-1

2-PIECE SPARKLING EMBELLISHED LOOK

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This chic, phenomenal 2-piece comes in platinum gold, black, and royal blue. The high collar sheer neckline and capped sleeves are embellished with color-matching sequins and stones. A slight chevron stripe style beading flows along the sheer skirt.

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This dress is super-fun, super-amazing, and it’s great it comes in so many color options. There is a very elegant and modern vibe here. And it’s your choice for the #1 spot on What’s hot for Prom 2015!

You can check out the other looks here that were part of this poll. But the great looks do not end there, Mac Duggal has plenty more to offer. Here are a few other faves that recently caught my eye!

MIKADO 2-PIECE

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This 2-piece flared number comes in aqua and blush. The bodice is embellished with candy colored stones. The skirt is form-fitting, a mikado fabric mermaid skirt extending to the floor into a gorgeous sweeping train.

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GOWN WITH BOW-TIE BELT

48209H PeachFizz-PCThe sheer illusion, bateau neckline sparkles with large bubble stones and silver sequins. An open back reveals more sheer trim and shining embellishments. Layers of tulle create a grand ball gown and flow into a slight sweep train in the back. And in case you would like to, the bow tie belt is removable. And one other positive, you can don this gown in peach fizz or mint green!

GLAMOROUS BALL GOWN WITH SWEETHEART NECKLINE

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This strapless gown features a basque bodice that is totally embellished with light catching details. Silver sequins sparkle from the front to back while color-matching and AB stones sparkle effortlessly throughout. Layers of tulle create an expansive ball gown skirt with lots of volume. The stunner comes in bright pink or turquoise!

FITTED BLACK PEACOCK GOWN

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This modern, strapless sweetheart gown is adorned with beautiful AB stones and sequins. The beading sweeps across the bodice in a diagonal pattern and wraps its way around the back going into the mermaid skirt.

STRAPLESS RUCHED GOWN

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The ruched bodice looks absolutely stunning with minimal embellishments on the top. However, sequins and AB stones line the waistline, as the flowing chiffon skirt expands toward the floor. You can rock this look in light aqua or watermelon.

SHORT STRAPLESS DRESS

64957N-Royal-NudeA lace appliqué wraps around the strapless sweetheart bodice. To bring out the lace embellishments, added amounts of crystal beading is used to decorate the bodice from front to back. A frilly tulle skirt bounces and moves with you in two striking colors, Ivory/Nude and Royal Purple.

ONE-SHOULDER SHORT DRESS

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This stunning short dress comes with a sheer illusion one shoulder wide strap. Glass cut stones and sequins lightly begin to glitter around the illusion material, but then truly shine bright on the sweetheart bodice. A ruched empire waist clinches at the center with a starburst of beading on the side for a stunning design, gleaming with embellishments. Soft chiffon finishes the skirt for a look that comes in forest green or black.

ROCKER CHIC SHORT BELTED DRESS

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The strapless sweetheart neckline is completely embellished with AB stones, sequins, and silver beading that flow throughout the bodice. An edgy silver bow belt trims the waistline, while more beading trickles down the short tulle skirt. You can kill in this look in either deep purple/silver or gold/silver.

I hope you’ve enjoyed both the looks that won the poll and some looks I’ve found while perusing the Mac Duggal site. I encourage you all to do the same!

2015 Golden Globes — Best Dressed

Ahhhhh! The much anticipated 2015 Golden Globes aired last night on NBC, filmed at the extravagant Beverly Hilton Hotel. And needless to say, the show was great. But also, and no surprise here, the red carpet was PHENOMENAL!! It seemed quite a few trends were very ever-present on the red carpet, one such being bold, bright red gowns. Red gowns also ruled my own Best Dressed list, as well as almost every Versace gown too!

There were so many gowns that I adored. It was hard to narrow down, so actually I didn’t! Just kidding! My list isn’t terribly long considering the vast amount of dresses donned by these major celebrities, but I did have to add a few extra to my list because there were just so many amazing looks to choose from. So here we go —

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GREER GRAMMER

Greer, aka Miss Golden Globes 2015, looked like a beautiful princess in this blush Lorena Sarbu gown with gold floral embellishments. She was definitely captivating on both the red carpet and the awards stage.

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Her look was completed with some statement-making Neil Lane jewelry, including her bold dangling earrings, and then a shimmery gold Jimmy Choo clutch. Her stunning beauty look, created by Kip Zachary, encompassed a light blush on the cheek & pretty rose lip, compliments of L’Oreal Paris. All in all, styled by Kelly Johnson.

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KATE HUDSON

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There was no denying how gorgeous Kate looked in this severely sexy white Versace gown. Everything about this dress was perfection — the slight train, the amazing fit, & the intricate detailed cutouts at the sides.

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Makeup artist Christian McCulloch calls Hudson the “ultimate golden California goddess” and opted for varying shades of tan, bronze, and gold from Dolce & Gabbana’s makeup line to complement her stunning white Atelier Versace gown.

She added some sparkle to her look with some beautiful diamond pieces from Forevermark.

Colorist Cassondra Keeding added babylights to Hudson’s blond strands to further emphasize the sun-goddess effect, while ghd Brand Ambassador, David Babaii, created a modern day chignon using the ghd Eclipse Flat Iron.

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And finally, showcasing how captivating this look is from every angle, the backside is superbly stunning. The details at the side are embellished with Swarovski crystals. Also, to coordinate well with her white & silver look is a white Jimmy Choo clutch.

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Heidi Klum  HEIDI KLUM

Va va voom! Heidi is smokin’ in this one-shoulder red Versace gown. Perfectly coordinating are her custom red Jimmy Choo “Jane” sandal heels.

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsLorraine Schwartz always knows how to add that right amount of sparkle, and does so well to complete Heidi’s A+ look with diamond earrings and rings.

Heidi Klum arrives at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills

Heidi’s styling team has done a fantastic job here — Linda Hay for makeup, creating a daring beauty look with a bold red lip; Christian Wood for hair, with this effortlessly elegant curly side-swept do; Tom Bachik for these lovely clear nails; & of course, this all couldn’t have been accomplished without Heidi’s talented stylist, Maryam Malakpour.

heidi-klum-@heidiklumANNA KENDRICK

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Still channeling her Cinderella character from Anna’s recent starring role with Into the Woods, she is looking very fairy tale-esque in this nude Monque Lhuillier gown with ruby beaded embellishments.

3305e349a04d4fccd513ded9ef7c27a7752f9000She was very smart to add these matching ruby red Fred Leighton earrings to top off her immaculate look.

Kendrick showed up on the red carpet looking like the movie star she is — a clean, elegant updo and highlighted, beautiful skin are all she needed to show off her true, effortless beauty. Makeup artist Vanessa Scali dusted Dolce & Gabbana’s Illuminator in Eva on the cheekbones, browbones, and down the nose to give the actress her ethereal glow.

anna-kendrick-600x450With regard to her elegant updo, the creator was Craig Gangi. And here are all of the fun details! “Anna’s dress was whimsical and fairytale-esque,” Gangi tells PEOPLE. “So to offset the dress, we decided to create a sleek, modern and sophisticated tight chignon for an elegant ballerina chic style.” To create the look, Gangi began applying his favorite “go-to product” — Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil — to the star’s damp hair. “It magically helped me transform Anna’s naturally curly hair into a silky smooth blowout,” he says. Once he finished blowing out Kendrick’s strands (using the Bumble and bumble Round Brush), Gangi used a flat iron to straighten it and sprayed each section with Bumble and bumble Does It All Styling Spray to “lock locks into a perfectly straight but fresh and bouncy look.”

anna-kendrick-600x800After spraying down her hair, Gangi parted it down the middle and brushed it into a tight, low pony before curling it using a 1-1/2 inch curling iron. As soon as her hair cooled, he brushed out curl and braided a small section and twisted it into a bun and pinned it in place. To complete the look, Gangi says he “wrapped the braid around the bun and pinned with a few strategically placed bobby pins to secure.”

The finishing touch? A good hairspray of course. “I used Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode Hairspray to lock style in place.”

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Amy Adams

AMY ADAMS

Amy was a vision in this perfectly draped, one-shoulder, periwinkle Versace gown. And yes, I do believe every person who donned Versace made by list so stay tuned to keep seeing Versace on it! Versace was definitely the awarding winning designer brand for Fashion Nexus! She wonderfully completed her look with matching Jimmy Choo heels & a few diamond Tiffany & Co. pieces.

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As part of her beauty look, Adams donned a trend of the night, retro waves. She channeled Jessica Rabbit (only fitting with red locks like hers), with loose, romantic waves swept to the side for added impact. Hairstylist Laini Reeves achieved the look with Oribe’s Volumista applied damp hair from roots to ends. After blowing hair dry, she used a two-inch curling iron and rollers to pin-curl hair up in four sections. She sprayed the style with Oribe’s Shine Light Reflecting Spray and let it sit for 20 minutes before removing pins and rollers and brushing hair out with a Mason Pearson brush to create the softness.

ANNA FARIS

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsAnna just finished up hosting the Peoples Choice Awards, looking even more stunning with each new look she donned. And I’m happy to report she didn’t lose any fashionable steam here. I loved how breathtaking she looked in this nude embellished Reem Acra gown. And her accessories were spot on as well, coordinating nude Jimmy Choo heels and diamond earrings & a ring from Lorraine Schwartz.

JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS 

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Julia went for simplistic minimalism with this white, one-shoulder Narcisco Rodriguez. And I love it! The dress was amazing, just the right amount of sparkle on the bodice. It’s not always about the bells & whistles! She also kept it classy with her accessories, a few diamond pieces from Irene Neuwirth jewelry.

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I love this matching ivory & silver Edie Parker clutch she has used to accessorize her look. And below, you can take a look at some of the makeup Julia used to achieve her beauty look — slight brown smoky eye & nude lip, inclusive of some Chanel make-up.

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REESE WITHERSPOON

I am loving all of these solid silver gowns, very disco ball-esque. And this is certainly inclusive of Reese’s strapless, fitted Calvin Klein custom dress. Reese has said this stunner took over 80 hours to make, but every hour was clearly worth it; this dress is simply amazing! And to add just a little more silvery shine, she accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, specifically a stunning diamond bangle, totaling about $1.5 million with all she was wearing!

reese-witherspoon-@reesewitherspoonReese’s beauty look was breathtaking. Her rosy flushed cheeks were courtesy of Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Abundance, a pretty pink pout, thanks to Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Merlot, and champagne and bronzy shimmer eyeshadows (also by Laura Mercier) were all showstopping. And finally, her tousled sideswept waves were courtesy of John Frieda.

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KATE BECKINSALE

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Kate always looks radiant. And she is of course shining like a bright star in this mixed media metallic & taupe Elie Saab greige gown. It has such a chic feel about it from the glittering bodice to the muted draped skirt. She is also coordinating perfectly with her accessories — silver Jimmy Choo heels, Rauwolf clutch, and diamond Lorraine Schwartz jewelry (bangles & dangling earrings).

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ALLISON WILLIAMS

Allison Williams

Allison was another lovely lady in fiery red. Her choice, an ombre beaded Armani Prive strapless gown with fitted bustier. She completed her look with Cartier diamonds, specifically a stunning diamond bracelet.

imageRetroglam for beauty looks was a very popular trend on the Golden Globes red carpet, mainly the hair. So here, makeup pro Gianpaolo Ceciliato wanted to “add a rock-’n’-roll edge to Allison’s Old Hollywood hairstyle and glamorous Armani Privé gown” with a bold smoky eye. He used St. Tropez’s One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion to give her a luminous, bronzy glow, and applied Giorgio Armani’s Eye Tints ($38) in #1 and #7  to create shimmery smoky eye. He rimmed the entire eye with a black pencil, and then layered the lid in black and gunmetal using Armani’s new liquid eye tints. “Then, I added a light beige to the inner corner and on the browbone to make the eye pop.”

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KATIE CASSIDY

Katie is another lovely lady going with a super sexy look and it works. She perfectly struck the delicate balance of pulling off just the right amount of sexiness with this black Mikael D. dress. The details are superb, love the thigh high slit, starburst side cutouts, and silver touches. Black & silver continued on with her accessory choices — a black Rodo clutch and diamond Harry Kotlar jewelry.

TAYLOR SCHILLING

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Taylor opted for another crimson red hue on the red carpet, her choice, a criss-cross strapped halter gown by Ralph Lauren. She looked very elegant. Matching perfectly with her gown were a crimson red Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and ruby Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

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Taylor Schilling’s Grace Kelly-inspired beauty look featured lips that perfectly matched her Ralph Lauren gown. Makeup artist Tina Turnbrow used Nars Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil for lasting color. Her hair was also styled elegantly and very chic. Her hairstylist Ryan Trygstad, for Matrix, created a stylish chignon bun. He created the classic red carpet look with help from plenty of volumizing and anti-humidity products to ensure the twisted chignon would hold up all night.

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LESLIE MANN

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Yellow is a hard color, in my opinion, to pull off. Leslie made it work though with this fitted, strapless Kaufmanfranco number. It shines & shimmers all over and is the perfect shade for her. She paired it with a dark green Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Kimberly McDonald jade earrings and gold bangles.

Her beauty look was radiant! Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Marigold paired perfectly with lit-from-within peachy glowing cheeks.

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ELLIE KEMPER

Ellie KemperSupposedly this dress weighs 500 lbs! I’m not sure how she could wear this fully embellished silver Naeem Khan so well then, but needless to say, she does! It’s eye-catching and not in a bad way. I also love these gorgeous diamond jewelry pieces from Neil Lane — bracelets galore!

DAKOTA JOHNSON

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Another disco ball-esque dress for me and yes, I love them all! Dakota looks amazing with her own take on this embellished type of dress, here a couture Chanel, strapless and with a high slit. It’s as if it was earmarked just for her! She is also donning some fine Chanel jewelry, namely a beautiful diamond ring. Silver is definitely the name of the game for her and it coordinates well, including her silver Jimmy Choo heels and Rauwolf clutch.

04efdc55e40249e5a4c9eae678f987980cdca70fDakota’s soft, luscious waves were simply beautiful! Hairstylist Mark Townsend gave her a “sexy and bendy” look, using  Dove’s Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray to add major volume at the roots, and R+Co’s Death Valley Dry Shampoo to get piecey texture.

To offset Johnson’s silver sequined Chanel gown, makeup artist Patti Dubroff decided to keep her face fresh, subtle, and polished. “We did flushed cheeks, bitten lips, and a subtle, defined eye in warm taupes and deep gray in the corner,” Dubroff says.  For a rosy glow, she applied Chanel’s Le Blush Crème de Chanel Cream Blush in Revelation on the apples of her cheeks.

72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals  KAT KRAMER

It’s almost as if you are in a bold crimson red, you’ve made my best dressed list! I’m not sure who Kat is wearing, but she looks gorgeous! I’m really enjoying this asymmetrical beaded gown. The fit is immaculate and Kat is exuding confidence, as well as looking great! Her accessories too are just as amazing, a coordinating red clutch and statement-making diamond jewelry.

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JANE FONDA

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More red. More Versace. Gotta love it! Jane is pulling almost any look off these days. And she’s been wearing a lot of red, but each time, it still catches my attention in a new & fascinating way. This fitted red Versace gown, with sheer side pinned detailing is no different. She has paired with her look, silver Jimmy Choo “Aza” metallic pumps and a crimson red Rauwolf clutch.

Frances O’Connor

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I will forever support the Project Runway franchise when I can. But here, there is no question former PR winner Leanne Marshall deserves a best dressed nod. This black strapless gown, with a sweetheart neckline and lace bodice, is divine. Frances made the right call here and was definitely a stand-out on the red carpet. She was also rockin’ some gorgeous diamond jewelry from Forevermark!

BEST DRESSED DUOS

I had to be a little nit-picky with making my best dressed list or it would really run on. So a few gorgeous ladies didn’t make the cut, but I couldn’t ignore how great they looked when standing next to their handsome and well-dressed men. So here are a few best dressed duos that really caught my attention. And together, their looks were amazing!

Jennifer Aniston & Justin Thoreaux

Justin Theroux, Jennifer AnistonJen is no stranger to wearing black on the red carpet, but you can never deny how gorgeous she looks. And without a doubt, next to her man, they make for a dynamic duo for sure! Jen is wearing a black YSL fitted dress, with a beaded bodice, and accessorizing with Neil Lane jewelry.

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You can read more about Jen’s chic hair below, but her natural beauty look deserves some recognition as well. Aniston’s cheeks glowed with a combination of Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Destiny, then Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Intonation on apples of cheeks, finished with a dusting of bronzer Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour in N°70. Her nude lips were courtesy of Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Mordoré-Nude and two coats of Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Deauville.

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Jennifer is also rockin’ a very chic, classic updo in a very ladylike bun. “I kind of snuck it on her,” says Aniston’s hairstylist Chris McMillan. A few days ago, he showed her a picture of Kate Moss from Mario Testino’s book. “She was like, ‘Maybe…’ And if we do it up, we normally do a ponytail,” says McMillan. “So we were like let’s do makeup first and we’ll do a ponytail. She liked the shape of the ponytail, so while she was in the chair I wrapped the ponytail into a bun.” Aniston asked McMillan if it was weird that she liked it up. “I haven’t washed my hair in two days, but I love the texture,” McMillan says she said. “It was a 15 minute hairdo! We used Texture Spray by Living Proof and she was most happy when she realized, ‘I don’t have to deal with my hair all night!’”

CHANNING & JENNA DEWAN TATUM

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This is another gorgeous pair, Channing as handsome as ever in a traditional black tuxe by Dolce & Gabbana. Jenna is shining bright in this strapless draped sunshine yellow Carolina Herrera dress. She is accessorizing with a burgundy Jimmy Choo clutch and diamond Lorraine Schwartz jewelry ($5 million worth)!!

main.original.0x971cJenna styled her hair in some very elegant waves. Her hairstylist, Bridget Bager for Matrix, wanted to create texture and movement. “The gown is so beautiful and grand, so we decided to soften her hair to offset the seriousness of the dress,” Bager says. The key is use a medium barrel curling iron, wrapping each section loosely and letting the ends drop.

Chrissy Teigen & John Legend 

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Such a perfect pair, John in a classic black tuxe, and Chrissy in a long-sleeved, lacy embellished, blush pink Zuhair Murad sheath gown from the S/S 15 collection. Chrissy is accessorizing with a metallic Tyler Alexandra clutch, a Harry Kotlar radiant cut diamond ring and cushion cut pink and white diamond earrings (all in all, $1 million). as well as a diamond Suzanne Kalan ring.

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Chrissy’s hairstylist Giannandrea used Macadamia Professional’s Whipped Detailing Cream to create a beachy texture throughout her strands. All in all, creating this super chic high ponytail.

DIANE KRUGER & JOSHUA JACKSON

NBC's "72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards" - Red Carpet ArrivalsDiane & Joshua look amazing together, a match-made in heaven! Joshua is donning a classic black tuxe with bowtie, head to toe Berluti, while Diane is shining in a light metallic Emilia Wickstead fitted lurex gown with side train. She completed her look with an Emm Kuo clutch, and Kwiat & Marina B jewelry.

MATT BOMER

Matt is the epitome of looking like a true, handsome gentleman. He is statement-making for menswear in this navy blue Ralph Lauren Black Label tuxedo, complete with a black bow tie!

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MICHAEL KEATON

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Not sure of his suit designer, but regardless, Michael is looking suave in his traditional black tuxe. He is wearing velvet Christian Louboutin smoking slippers though!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Pankoke for Elaya Vaughn — “Behind The Gilded Veil”

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Kate Pankoke should most definitely ring a bell when it comes to the fashion industry. She was on season 11 of Project Runway, aka the “dreaded teams season.” Fortunately she was then back in action on PR for season 12 as a redemption designer winner. And now, she is ready for “third times a charm” as she is competing on PR All-Stars, season 4. Kate was kind of enough to provide Fashion Nexus with an exclusive quote regarding her current time on PRAS —

“I’m not going to lie, I was very reluctant to go on Project Runway All Stars. This is my third time in a row and it is a big emotional roller coaster, not just for me, but my family as well. Everyone was very supportive of my decision to go back on. I think that All Stars was great because it felt less like a competition and more like a design conference or something. You will see the occasional catty remark, but for the most part, everyone was pleasant to work with.”
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I know I can’t wait to see how Kate does on this season of All-Stars. But reality competitive TV aside, she has also launched and been focused on her burgeoning luxury bridal and accessories brand — Elaya Vaughn.

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Since the line’s launch in 2010, it has gained international prestige, earning praise for its high quality materials & construction, luxurious embellishments, and unmatched fit. Elaya Vaughn caters to brides around the world who want a couture experience without having to pay couture prices. All of the gowns are made-to-order and manufactured in the United States. In addition to highly praised collections, Elaya Vaughn gowns are frequently featured at red carpet events & galas (including the Oscar’s red carpet), charity functions, and acclaimed media publications.

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It was such a pleasure speaking with Kate and featuring her exquisite work for her 2014 collection last year on my fashion blog. And now with the most recent launch of her 2015 line and some amazing accessories, I am more than happy to showcase this recent stunning work with my Fashion Nexus readers! The 2015 collection is entitled “Behind the Gilded Veil.” It features clouds of light-as-air tulle, crystal encrusted illusion necklines, and brushed gold accents.

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Pankoke describes the collection as being the “first collection where I feel that we didn’t have to compromise on anything! I had so much fun selecting all of the textiles for this collection from the delicate beaded Chantilly to our custom beading along the necklines and trains of the gowns. As a designer, it is so exciting to see your vision come to life.” Eleven gowns comprise the collection, but here are some of my fave standouts. Make sure to check out the entire line here!!

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Lanier is a voluminous silk taffeta A-line gown. The skirt is generously bustled in the back. Intricate beading highlights the illusion neckline and the train. The back of this dress, the way it lays, STUNNING! I also am a fan of the intricate beadwork seen throughout this collection, amazing work!

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Ella is an ethereal tulle ball gown. The strapless sweet-heart neckline is draped in silk organza that continues into a delicate peplum. This silhouette is a classic style with some Kate touches. The fit, every subtle detail is gorgeous!

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Bella is an ethereal tulle ball gown. The Kate Pankoke signature corset bodice is draped in tulle that falls delicately off of one shoulder. I enjoy this off the cuff twist on bridal, with that of nude coloring — always great to have more than just white options!

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Alana is an elegant lace gown. The delicate scallop of the Chantilly lace accents the strapless neckline and the wrapped drape of the skirt. Very understated, yet elegant option. And of course the lace detailing is divine!

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Ana is a brushed silk charmeuse column gown. The sloped-shoulder illusion neckline is covered in intricate beading. Flawlessly executed gown, very angelic and breathtaking work! I love the back, a little sheer, but open, still with a hint of beading.

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Georgina is a classic A-line tulle gown. The signature Kate Pankoke corset top is covered by a beaded lace bodice. The romantic sleeves are fastened with brushed gold stud buttons. The delicate lace grows into a keyhole in the back.

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So again, make sure to check out the entire 2015 collection, “Behind the Gilded Veil”, online! But a recent development with Elaya Vaughn, is that now, the brand also carries bridal accessories! This is a great extension of the bridal line and I hope you all are as excited as I am to see what additional Elaya Vaughn touches a bride-to-be can add to her bridal look!

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April Veil

Aubrey Belt

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Darla Belt darla_belt_close-500x333

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Evangeline Veil

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Kate Garter

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 Luelle Belt

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Marianne Veil/Cape

Theresa Comb

theresa_comb_front-500x323Here are a few stellar press recognitions for Elaya Vaughn —

  • “off-the-charts phenomenal” – Style Me Pretty
  • “timeless and classic” – Eric Daman in COSMOPOLITAN
  • “simple yet still completely feminine and never boring” – theknot
  • “a signature point of view with a fundamental understanding of tailoring, structure, and essential femininity” – The Glass Magazine

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For various information on where you can purchase Elaya Vaughn pieces, click here. For the USA, there are locales in CA, GA, IL, IN, IO, NY, & OH. Purchases can also be made internationally in Japan. To contact the Elaya Vaughn team, check out this page, or you can check them out across various forms of social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & LinkedIn.

I can’t wait to again see how PR All-Stars plays out, especially with how Kate performs. And of course, I eagerly await Elaya Vaughn’s future collections!

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Venexiana S/S 2015 — A++ Red Carpet & Eveningwear Looks

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Shimmer. Sparkles. Lots of sheer, both in overlay & cutouts. Embellishments to the max – Preciosa crystals & beading. Lace detailing. And to top it all off, custom fabrics. What more could you ask for in providing over 50 evening gown options that would WOW on any red carpet or at any formal event?!? Kati Stern Venexiana for S/S 15 as done this and more! Her looks were SHEER PERFECTION! (no pun intended!)

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Pewter sequin gown with Preciosa crystal high collar

These elegant gowns were bold, sexy, and a perfect fit for any red carpet! You would no doubt end up on a best dressed list or be the belle of the ball.

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Black and gold custom printed asymmetrical gown

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Black sequin beaded off-shoulder gown with Preciosa crystals

The collection had a lot of distinct qualities and styles — custom prints, eye-catching details, & stunning allure! Flashy detailing was apparent throughout the collection. Some dresses were covered with glistening sequins, while others were bedecked with intricate beadwork, gemstone-encrusted straps and subtly glimmering appliqués.

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Black & gold sequin beaded gown with asymmetrical sheer neckline

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Ecru sequin vine gown with deep plunging neckline

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Gun metal silk gown w/ beaded bodice overlay & high collar

There was a great mix & use of colors, so in addition to staples in traditional black,

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Black matte jersey gown with exposed waist & Preciosa crystal strap

there were also perfectly coordinating spring colors such as Aquamarine;

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Aquamarine lace beaded gown with a crystal embellished neckline

Mint green or seafoam;

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Strapless seafoam silk crepe gown with Preciosa crystal detail and Seafoam train with turquoise underside coloring

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Strapless mint iridescent gown with cinched crystal detailing

Dusty rose & soft pinks;

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Soft pink & dusty rose sequin vine gown with a crystal belt

and soft yellow!

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Soft yellow silk halter gown with crystal vine straps

Special guests in attendance –

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  • Carmen, Singer

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Additional Runway Details

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Gold metallic beaded lace gwon with crystal detail and plunging neckline

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Silver beaded lace overlay gown with plunging neckline

Additional runway sponsors – Preciosa Crystals for several of the runway looks

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Aqua sequin asymmetrical gown with side cutout in Preciosa crystals