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2010 Oscars Picks

The awards season came to an end with the Oscars... a night filled with unexpected surprises. What you saw were metallics through different methods... from dresses to jeweled bodices. Also blues were huge on the carpets as well as prints. Thanks to JustJared.buzznet.com for the pictures. Here are some of my picks for best dressed...

Best Dressed Men:
Chris Pine in Ralph Lauren Purple Label Tuxedo - This is how a traditional tux supposed to look.


Ryan Reynolds in Tom Ford - I have a deep love for the Tom Ford brand as it is solely devoted to tailoring.


Zac Efron in Calvin Klein - His look is like a breath of fresh air. It doesn't look bland or boring... Plus the hair gives it an edge.


Taylor Lautner in Dolce & Gabbana - Well I thought I'd throw this in for all the Twilight lovers. Enjoy.


Best Dressed Women:
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa - She dressed to win this Oscar. She looks amazing with the hand sewn accents.


Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka - This is a woman who dresses to accentuate her best assets. Plus this lilac is gorgeous on her.


Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten - This blue print was a refreshing take on an Oscar dress. As a tall female, she pulls this print off beautifully.


Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture - Wow this pale print looks amazing on her. It's definitely a large change from what was seen on the red carpet.


Meryl Streep in Chris March - Although this didn't encompass many of the season's newest style, she is classic in this Project Runway alum's dress.


Honorable Mention:
Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhuillier - WOWSA! She deserves an honorable mention because for a woman who normally dresses grungy... She cleans up well!


Aside from the neutral colors, the new styles/trends of this season is prints, blues and floral colors. Enjoy!!

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2010 Grammy Picks

So the 2010 Grammy happened Sunday and boy were there some outrageous outfits on the carpet! Here are my picks for best dressed... Thanks to Just Jared for the pictures. Click on the image to make larger. (Pardon the layout. I'm playing around with layouts to see what fits best with the mobile web.)

Best Dressed Men:
Jonas Brothers (Kevin in Lanvin, Joe in Dolce & Gabbana, Nick in Gucci) - Honestly, Can the JoBros go wrong? They are always impeccable. Men, this is how you wear a suit. Note that Joe is wearing the thick rimmed glasses. It's a big fad coming back.


Best Dressed Women:
Lea Michele in Romona Keveza - Wow... my choice for the best dressed of the night. This outfit was phenomenal, young yet chic.


Marisa Miller in Vintage Gucci - Yes, she is a model but for 40 years old, she is rockin this white mini. Take a tip from Marisa Miller in the makeup department. Softer/natural is better.


Fergie in Pucci - Having a phenomenal year, she is looking ridiculously stunning in this Pucci mini. The blue is one of the key colors of this season as rainbow colors are the key must-have!


Keri Hilson in Dolce & Gabbana - I don't normally like women who wear mermaid gowns... but she knocked me down by the way it hugged her assets in the best places. You must have a body like hers in order to pull off any mermaid based dress.
[No Thumbnail Available, photo by Larry Busacca/Gettyimages.com]

Kathy Griffin in Carolina Herrera - YES! Kathy Griffin, queen of the d-list, has made it onto my list because she finally got it right! (Paula Abdul, this could be you too if you get it right!) She is looking absolutely surprisingly gorgeous in her dress.
[No Thumbnail Available, photo by Kevin Mazur/Wireimage.com]


Most Outrageous but I still loved:
Lady GaGa in custom-made Giorgio Armani Prive - Yes, yes. I probably could've done without the spiked accessory and the yellow locks but this dress was runway inspired and probably the most tamed compared to most of her outfits. While I'm certainly not calling her best dressed, I'm saying I loved the idea and result.


Honorable Mention:
Miley Cyrus in Herve Leger - While this looked age appropriate and great on her, her makeup was on overload as it made her pale.


Overall, the musicians did a phenomenal job... definitely looking up on the red carpet front.

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2010 Golden Globes Picks

So the 2010 Golden Globes happened recently and I wanted to share my picks for best dressed. I definitely see this is as a forecast to this season's colors. Thanks to Just Jared for the pictures. Click on the image to make larger.

Best Dressed Men:
Chace Crawford in Dolce & Gabbana - sleek, tailored and refined. This is how you wear a skinny tie guys.






Taylor Lautner in Calvin Klein Collection - A little sheen goes a long way.








Robert Downey Jr. pulls off the no tie very well contrary to other critics out there not liking it


.




Best Dressed Women:
Halle Berry in Kaufman Franco - WOWZA did she look amazing!?!







Jennifer Aniston in Valentino - Talk about that slit! While I didn't care much for the tussled hair look, she pulled that dress off amazingly.






Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham - Yes, I said Victoria Beckham! While Courtney rarely makes the best dressed lists... she looked amazing in this outfit.






Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton - I know this is controversial but I LOVED it. It contrasted well and she pulled it off beautifully.






Fergie in Elie Saab (with Josh Duhamel in Dolce and Gabbana) - My vote for the best dressed couple. It was clean and surprisingly she looked beautiful and like a goddess.






Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace - I loved this on her. Not many people can pull off the material coming out but the nude tones matched her complexion perfectly. Bravo Drew.






Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive - Simply Effortless...








Honorable mention:
Kate Hudson in Marchesa - While the top was impeccably fitted and beautifully done, it was hard to appreciate the dress when its being held up. It just looks messy towards the bottom.






While the outfits were amazing, some I wasn't so crazy about. This wasn't probably the best dressed award show I've seen lately but I'm hoping the SAGs and the Oscars brings out the glamour of it all.

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Changing With the Times

Welcome back to my blog everyone...

I was grappling with what I would return with... A what not to wear? A sale tip? A favorite pick of mine? Then I started to think about what tone I wanted to present for this new direction I would take with my blog. It finally landed after watching an episode of ABC's "Ugly Betty." While her message was about goodbyes, I knew I wanted something that represented who I am now and who I want to be in the future.

This blog has seen its share of evolutions, some great things like "the look for less" to some not so great things like "Paris Hilton's Hot and Nicole Richie's Not." When I look at blogging and what it has become, its not only owning a blog but always changing it up. I want this blog not to only have posts about my outfit picks from a particular designer but to feature articles that are important to me. Not only is the blog content changing, but you'll find that I'll be posting more on Facebook and Twitter. Don't worry, it'll be a wonderful mix of everything.

As an editor, I continually strive to improve and change my site. But as a person, an individual who is experiencing life's ups and downs, I am seeking change myself. When I started this blog many years ago, my goal was help my friends when they sought my help. I've seen its change and welcome the next part of my life; hopefully as an admissions advisor to potential FIDM students. I want to not only see these passionate individuals but guide them to reach their goals. While I've had this goal for awhile, I'm finally able to share that with all of you, my readers.

So while this editor's letter may be a bit out of the ordinary, I take it as a declaration to all of you, my readers, that I will continue to provide you with the best advice that I can give.


Here's a little plug:
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Blog Update

For those who are still here with me, thanks. As you can see, it has been awhile since I made a post. I've been diving into my image consulting business. It's been hard to keep up with this while not having a support staff. This blog is anything but dead. I like to think of this community, this home for fashion-lovers and bargain hunters, as a work in progress. Overtime, you'll notice slight changes to the site and hopefully I can bring on some new editors soon. So hang tight. Updates will be sporadic while I get this back to a normal pace... so make sure you subscribe!!

It's a new year with so many new opportunities. Let's make this year a great one.

And remember, always dress your best (even if its in sweats and a tee).

My First Mobile Post

Hey guys I'm just trying to see if I can post a blog from my phone. I know it's been awhile since my last post but that's cuz I haven't been able to post to my blog. This should change as I am working to post from my phone since I have this on me versus my computer!

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Overview of Escondido Fashion Week

Here is my editorial of Escondido Fashion Week...

Flashes of lights, roars of applause, glamorous outfits to the eclectic mix of models made a muted second attempt at a fashion week in Escondido. Oddly enough, I found there to be more positives than negatives. It is the City of Escondido's attempt to put a little glitz into the downtown business district. However, I took issue to that being as that it didn't represent Escondido as a whole.

The week was filled with a mess of businesses (including pet owners, why I don't understand) throwing their outfits on models that didn't seem to have purged enough from all their binge eating. Through all the mess, came a theme... t-shirts and a lot of casual wear seem to glide down the runway. Bravo to the independent businesses who seem to "make it work". Yes, casual wear is the standard but what is the point of sending down t-shirts, shorts and designers from LA if we come here to see some truly unique project-runway worthy outfits?

However, I must give praise to that of Janice Jaracie for Nelli* who seriously stood out from the rest. It was her line that, with a bit of needed tweaking, could save a dwindling market in the City of Escondido.

Overall, this experience was a good one but the organizers need to include all of Escondido in order to make any difference. Why not attract LA businesses to come South and sell them on the idea that this could be the next Rodeo Drive? Or is it too late for that? Only time will tell. My suggestions to the planners are to include some big name retailers!!! BCBG MaxAzria, Banana Republic, Express, Abercrombie and Fitch... these will bring in patrons and spur growth in the City of Escondido. Perhaps next year's fashion week will be a better one.

*Nelli by Janice Jaracie can be found at: http://www.nelliusa.com/

The Fashion Breakdown .70

So there is so much to share, and I know I know, many of you have been waiting for something!

The Fashion Breakdown 70: So lets start off with my visit to a boutique last month...

So Jessica's Traveling Boutique came back into town and I got a chance to check out some of her new stuff. Thanks to Jessica for letting take the shots of her clothing and thanks to Joyce for being the model!

One thing I didn't touch on earlier was sports wear. Spring 2009 is adding a touch of sportiness to your wardrobe whether that be spandex, or throwing in a little 80's touch to everyday outfits.

Here were some of my favorite selections from Jessica's Traveling boutique [click to enlarge]:


"Sportswear meets dress" at its best, spandex within the entire outfit actually taking the queue of using it for work with a blazer or crop jacket, then taking off the jacket into cocktail hour with the girls.


I love this combo... we took a shirt that looked a little oversized for the dress and tucked it into the pocketed knit skirt. This is what stylists do people! I love the plunging neck line with the knit skirt. Purple is in!!! This outfit is about taking something you might not think works and put it together with something else to create a new outfit.


Watch out there girls! This is a t-shirt dress with pockets below. A little Carrie Bradshaw but absolutely figure friendly! The earth, nude tone of the shirt complements a lot of skin types for a great look. Pair this with some booties and you're ready to hit the town.


I thought I throw this in because wowee how great this one turned out. And let me just say how great the pockets are in the dress! It's form flattering and it just accenuates the right things! This is a great take on the plaid shirts women are wearing!

[Photos by: Andy Huynh. Model: Joyce. Clothing: Jessica's Traveling Boutique]

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Society Breakdown - Escondido Fashion Week

As I mentioned before, Escondido Fashion Week is officially happening next week! Here is the schedule for their shows:

MONDAY, April 6, Fashion Week Launch Party and Runway Show
Don’t miss this launch party! Enjoy an evening of upcoming Fashion Trends presentation by Fashion Group International, and a runway show featuring fashion’s downtown boutiques, and a pet fashion show on the runway to kick off Fashion Week Downtown 2009.

TUESDAY, April 7, Fashion Show Featuring Recycled Materials
This edgy, upbeat show will present fashions by multi-media artists created with recycled materials and/or elements. “Artists and designers of all ages will be showing socially conscious clothing that will turn you Green with envy.

WEDNESDAY, April 8, Ladies Night Out, Beauty for the Mind, Body and Spirit
Enjoy an evening of spa visits and goodies as you tour our Downtown day spas. Each day spa will host a reception with goodie bags and at the end of the evening be sure to enter to WIN several luxury spa packages being offered by the Downtown Escondido day spas. Also, enjoy Designer Showcases at many of the different boutiques and galleries.

THURSDAY, April 9, Local Designers Take the Runway
This exciting runway show will include collections from Janice Jaraicie of Nelli USA, Stacie May, Sela Wear, and Michael Stiska.

FRIDAY, April 10, Featuring La Isla Couture Swimsuits from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Showing on the runway this year will be international swimwear company La Isla Couture. Swimsuits featured in: Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Seventeen, Ocean Drive, Marie Claire and more. Also taking the runway is Surf Prescriptions with the launch of their new collection and Olga Cecilia Sánchez of Fuegorosa, showcasing her Mediterranean and elegant French vintage collection.

SATURDAY, April 11, Red Carpet, Grand Finale: Featuring Designers David Kahn of Kahn Jeans and Lauren-Elaine Designs
Featuring David Kahn, jean designer of the most innovative denim designs, fabrics and washes for both men and women. Many Hollywood luminaries wear David Kahn Jeans such as Debra Messing, Geena Davis, Julia Roberts, Jaime Pressley and Cameron Diaz. Also featuring Lauren-Elaine Designs “Siren Collection”. Lauren’s collection is a high-end, ultra-femme women's label consisting primarily of gowns, dresses, and separates designed with an emphasis on effortless elegance and individuality.

To purchase tickets or more information can be found on http://www.fashionweekdowntown.com/

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Status Update

Fear not! I'm here! I apologize for the delay in posts... Its been a turbulent last 2 1/2 weeks. I've was blessed to attend some shows up in LA for fashion week and then head over to a boutique with a friend modeling the clothes for me. Unfortunately, my computer has been playing bad mind games with me. So unfortunately, I was able to post anything. And now... I've been prepping for Escondido Fashion Week. So no worries. Internet is fine now (I hope).

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

The Fashion Breakdown .69

My pick of the week...

Payless Shoe Source... a sandal that incorporates snake-skin pattern and galdiator style... for $20!




Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

The Fashion Breakdown .68

Spring 2009 ready to wear for women!

The Fashion Breakdown 68: As I mentioned earlier in the guy's edition, this season is very reflect about whats going on in the world. Here is the breakdown of Style.com's pick for Spring 2009 trends.

Depression_ Designers are returning to the styles of depression (i.e. 1930s). Yes ladies, flappers swooping, fitted dresses are making its way back (minus the whole idea of women at home thing). Look_1, Look_2, Look_3

Origami_ As seen at the Oscars with many actresses taking on geometric shapes in their wardrobe. Intricate isn't bad at all. Think about it, you are wearing an art piece. Shapely pieces are finding its way to retailers right now! Look_1, Look_2, Look_3

Mid-Eastern Influence_ Stemming from the jumpsuit and designer love for Moroccan silk and turbines come the Mid-Eastern/Saharan look. And I mean... emphasis on the jumpsuit! Look_1, Look_2, Look_3

80's Love_ Yes, the shoulder pads are back, yes, the torn up lace is in, and yes, the ripped denim is here. Now before you go busting out all those 80s clothing from your closet, keep in mind that these are updated looks that pull that 80s into modern times. Style.com calls this "Trashy and Vaudeville." Look_1, Look_2, Look_3

Grecian envy_ Yes, many of you are probably saying... I've seen this already... MANY TIMES! Well fix it if its not broken right? There's only room for improvement right? Okay okay, enough of the cliches. Look_1, Look_2, Look_3

Remember, make it your own but you now have a new guide. Know that a lot of these styles do exist and don't have to be as severe as you may think.

Thanks to style.com for the photos.

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Society Breakdown - Sale Event

I'm sending these out all late but I've been writing everyday!!

Society Breakdown: If you are going to be in the Encinitas area... make sure you check out Jessica's Traveling Boutique. She is back in town... I can't wait to check out her new stuff!

Here is the info just in case you can see the image:

What: Sunday Shopping Soiree
When: Sunday, March 15, 4-7pm
Where: When In Rome Restaurant,
1108 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
More info: mia@ranchandcoast.com



Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

The Fashion Breakdown .67 [Guys Edition]

It's been awhile since I've written a post for all the guys who read my blog; as well as, the women who want some advice on finding clothing pieces for the men in their life. Although, fall 2009 is already out, I want to make sure that those are ready for spring before I jump right into fall. Let's begin!

The Fashion Breakdown 67: This season is very reflective of what is going on in the world and at home. By that, I mean, the economy. You know I've never been one to say, "Hey, spend several hundred bucks on a piece of clothing." But remember, that these are investment pieces will last you a long time. So its okay to splurge just a bit to make sure your garment is one that is of quality. So here are some key pieces that are essential to a Spring wardrobe.

1_ Bomber jacket - a classic piece that either be dressed up or down, pairing is everything.
2_ Blazer - A fitted jacket that is properly sized to the length of the arm; width of the chest; and cut of the jacket. Not all jackets are flattering even if it fits you.
3_ Black Patent Leather Lace-ups
4_ Chinos - for the all-American look. Roll it up to the ankle for this season's look!
5_ Pink or Purple Piece - Designers are Any shade of pink or purple would do.

Accessories
1_ Tie Clip
2_ Tote - You're on the go, think gym bag meets versatility for everyday life. Shape like bowling ball bag or travel bag.

All of these pieces are affordable and I know if you follow my sales posting. You'll have no issue trying to find one!

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

The Fashion Breakdown .66

So for some reason, I'm loving this new trend.... Jumpsuits.

You can find many retailers sporting these new fashions... BCBG has a jumpsuit that I saw featured on a daytime talk show.

www.bcbg.com

Make a statement by wearing a jumpsuit. I'll tell ya now... it may be out of fashion from time to time but there is always a reason to have one of these stylish suits! And most importantly, accessorize!

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

The Fashion Breakdown .65

So I've been neglecting the guys recently... but more on what trends to expect soon. But here is an item that is hot and similar to what many male celebrities are wearing:

www.aldoshoes.com

The boot is called "Albertini." This boot can be worn with jeans for that rocker/biker look. Although they may be a bit expensive right now, wait till they go on sale towards the end of the season. You'll see a good decrease in cost.

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Make Me A Top Model

So I kind of feel bad for posting this but am I the only one that is excited about the return of The CW's America's Next Top Model?? I mean its such a shame though that great fashion is wasted on girls that don't really appreciate it and cry when they get their hair chopped off.

But I am excited for Bravo's Make Me A Supermodel... it has high fashion and the photos turn out great. It lacks that America's Next Top Model drama.

But nonetheless, I give the winner of this round to...

Bravo!

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Update: I didn't like the change to judging on Make Me A Supermodel. What the heck happened to getting rid of the calling in part? I am hopeful that it'll get better [as I cringe].