Golden Globes Did Wonders!

     I would like to apologize for the blogging road block that I hit last week.  I was coming into New York from a little town in the middle of nowhere and somewhere between the Meatpacking and my computer I got a little lost.  Alright, I started a new job and I suppose you could say that I lost sight of Combustion and moved onto bigger and better things.  But then that would be considered lying because I thought about blogging the entire time, but we all know what happens when I begin thinking!  Enough about me, let's move on to that thing that happens every year, ahh yes, the Golden Globe Awards.  This wasn't just any Golden Globe Awards, it was the rockin', slammin', rollin' and bangin' 70th year anniversary.  Let's see what these stars brought to the carpet this year.
     First up to bat we have the one and only Kate Hudson.  Her dress by Alexander McQueen and jewels by Jennifer Meyer.  Black was her color for the night because I don't think anyone else wore it better.  Simplicity ruled the entire outfit until we reached her neckline, then the golden fireworks went off.  A little belt to match and a keyhole the size of China and we are all set.

     Safe at first base we have Jennifer Lawrence from the Hunger Games.  She was wearing Christian Dior Haute Couture, a ravishing Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Chopard jewelry to beat the band.  Looks like simplicity was her goal, as well.  This fire red dress (must be carrying on the Hunger Games theme), although stunning, wasn't what caught my eye.  If you look closely, the matching between her makeup and the shiny black belt really added a great touch.  You did good, Lawrence, you did good.

     Taking a lead at second base is the stunning Naomi Watts in a lovely burgundy dress by Zac Posen, a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.  The open back was a great feature to this dress especially when the addition of a long train is added.  It makes the back the center piece, the main attraction, the point of its existence (you catch my drift).  Watt's slender figure was also a leading cause in making this dress really show its true form.

     Rounding third base is Anne Hathaway in Chanel Haute Couture and Chanel Fine Jewelry.  Well, looks like Lagerfeld was her designer of choice for this Golden Globes.  Again with the simplicity, it just seems to be a reoccurring theme during this award ceremony.  This white two piece gown has a little flare to the bottom.  I was having a hard time deciding if this was a flare or slight mermaid and I came to the flare conclusion.  I mean let's be real, Hathaway isn't flipping down the carpet like Ariel.  She is gracefully gliding.  Also, one last thing, the little flare that we see at the bottom of the gown is also reflected in the bodice of the top half of the gown.  So, we couldn't possibly call it a mermaid because I do not approve of the mermaid top matching the mermaid bottom.  So, that's finished.

     Sliding into home plate is Sienna Miller in Erdem.  After gazing at this gown I came to the conclusion that I actually really like this piece.  Why?  Well, because it's so different than the simplicity that all the other stars brought to the carpet.  It jumps out at you but not so much that you think it's strange but just enough for you to keep starring.  The juxtaposition between the white and neon-ish colored flowered space is perfect and the high neckline and slit up the back is classy.  Happily, the slit isn't like some of the other's I have seen, you know, the ones where the butt crack is doomed to slip out of the bottom at any minute?  She stayed classy and it suited her.

     These woman all make a wonderful team, wouldn't you say?  Please, don't wonder or ask me why I am referring these exceptionally stunning women to baseball terminology, but I did.  And no, it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I was infatuated with my college baseball team, so get that right out of your head.

I am back in action, sorry I took the past week and a half off!

Ciao,

Annie

Sparkle For The New Year!

     Let's welcome 2013, the new year, with some sparkle and bling.  In our society everyone knows that New Year's Eve is the day, well night, of extreme partying and fashion strutting.  You get all glammed up to go out to some fabulous party with all your friends and family to watch the ball drop and welcome the new year.  Sounds odd, but any excuse to go to some high society, "show off your stuff" parties.  But, us women and even some men, start mapping out these outfits way ahead of time to make sure that everyone knows we are ready to take on each year with better style than the next.  Let's take a look at some glitzy and glammy outfits that can inspire us for our upcoming festivities.

Spice up the new year!

Ciao, 

Annie

UNICEF Snowflake Ball!

     Last night UNICEF held the Snowflake Ball, New York Cities most notable black-tie affairs, to honor those whose philanthropic commitments help save children's lives through out the world.  This is a great way to help raise money for children in need and many celebrities are proud participants of this group.  Since 2005, the debut of the Ball, this annual holiday occasion has raised over $16 million for the UNICEF program.  Holy s**t, that's fabulous!  As a reminder, a snowflake hangs high in the heart of New York City (57th & 5th) as a special symbol for the world's most needed children.  Below are images of celebrities who help make this foundation possible.  Not to mention, fabulously dressed, as well.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Louis Vuitton

Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana Custom

Katy Perry in Naeem Khan

  

Kelly Ripa 

Allison Williams in Naeem Khan

Kate Mara in Jason Wu

Bringing holiday cheer!

Ciao, 

Annie

SJP!

     The Sex and the City beauty Queen, Sarah Jessica Parker, is one of the worlds most noticed fashion icons.  If you are ever bored and have millions of hours of free time sign up for HBO GO and watch the entire season of Sex and the City.  Not only will you see the fashion change over the years, but you will see just how sassy and with it SJP really is.  The 46-year-old actress is more up-to-date and stylish than many of the young chipper actresses.  She's still got it!  Let's check out her best red carpet moments.  Hurricane Sandy won't be the only thing blowing you away this week, SJP will too!

     Train-tastic.  At the Sex and the City premiere in 2008 Parker wore this dazzling silver Nina Ricci gown.  This is such a strong color choice for a gown and the mesh gold accented belt was great way to soften it up a little.  This was a very high-end looking gown and the train added a very dramatic effect.  After all, the fashion in this film was a huge impact on the success of the movie so, it was important that Parker carried out the Bradshaw look.  Carrie Bradshaw has had a consistent fashion trend throughout all of the seasons and they wanted to maintain that image in the films as well.  This gown was a perfect Bradshaw fit.  

     How about this mellow yellow number for the Oscars in 2010?  Parker arrives with husband Matthew Broderick in this backless silk Chanel Couture gown and a little sparkle to beat.  The unusual high neck strap wrapping around to the back to create a little backpack effect was a sassy structural addition.  The little large jeweled accent at her butt is strange, but I suppose it is to draw some attention to her backside, great!

     

     At the Meta Gala in 2010 Parker wore this stunning Halston Heritage gown with a powerful matching head flower.  This flawless lightly pleated dress flows so nicely against her upper body and then blossoms out at the bottom.  I love how she adds the wavy affect by twisting the dress for the photographers, great touch.

     At the Sex and the City 2 London film premiere SJP really blew the hats off of everyone.  She arrived in a stunning Alexander McQueen black corseted gown with a dramatic bubble hem that trailed stiffly behind her.  But the truth is that everyone was looking at the extravagant sparkling net headwear from Philip Treacy.  I also liked the thick black armband touch that SJP wore in honor of the late Alexander McQueen.  This ensemble was just breathtaking and fit her body like a glove.

      Of course, like many actresses, I could keep on going with many wonderful numbers that Sarah Jessica Parker has worn throughout her days of acting, but I think this is a good place to stop.  It is amazing how Carrie Bradshaw has maintained such a look and Sarah Jessica Parker carries them all out so well.

What's your favorite SJP look?

Ciao,

Annie

Kim Kardashian's Dresses Of Choice!

     As I continue my obsession with gowns I came across Kim Kardashian.  Now, if I understand our society correctly, you either love her or you hate her.  There really isn't an in between because everyone on planet earth knows of Kim Kardashian.  Whether you know her for her indecent exposure episode online, her family television show or her 72 day marriage, it doesn't really matter because the point is, well, that you know her!  I, for one, can look past all that because, as we all know, my love is fashion.  And Kim Kardashian has fashion down to a science.  I'm not sure who can disagree with that!
   
     Kardashian hit the red carpet at the 2010 Emmy Awards in a godess-like white Marchesa gown.  Generally, long white dresses tend to give off those bridal vibes, but I beg to differ here.  The intricate neckline has made it dressier and a bit sassier than a wedding dress.  The veil like piece of fabric that is trailing behind her adds a nice accent as well.  It makes it aesthetically pleasing all around.  

     2010 must have been the year for Kim's goddess look.  At the Annual CFDA/Vogue Fund Awards she billowed down the runway in a baby blue Zac Posen chiffon gown.  Again, with the elaborate neckline beading, is beyond stunning!  It made for a colorful focus point for the whimsical number.  With her hair pulled back tight and just a simple bracelet to adorn the wrist it created a soft and elegant vibe.  Sweet, right?

    

     Another 2010 catch was her red hot Georges Hobeika gown that she flaunted at the LACMA gala in LA.  This two strapped, one shoulder, form fitting gown totally gives off a sexy vibe, there's no question about it.  The way it hugs her body and then softly flares out at the bottom really accentuates her curves.  On a side note, her makeup is out of this world.  The deep dark black matches her hair tones and almost makes it difficult to see her eyes.  It's mysterious.  I suppose it all goes together to create that sexy dark look.

     At the 2011 Annual Grammy Awards Kim brought out her inner JLo wearing this hip-high slitted Kaufman Franco gown.  Between the deep V neckline, almost to her belly button, to the bikini-high slit  the dress almost split down the middle.  There was a perfect accent between her deep black hair and the golden colored dress.  They both brought out the color in one another.  This was such a dramatic look, but then again when isn't Kim being dramatic?

     These four looks show that Kim Kardashian has an extremely versatile wardrobe.  She can play the sweet and innocent character as well as harsh and extreme.  If you disagree with everything else that she stands for, I completely understand, but try and look past all of that for a moment and admire her clothing "personalities" because it's something new every day.

Which is your favorite?

Ciao, 

Annie

The Checker Board Champion!

     While Mark Jacobs started off with stripes at the beginning of New York's fashion week he ended with a checkered bang in Paris.  That will be one that goes down in gaming history.  The models stomped down the runway in unique two by two form on a yellow checked playing board after they briskly floated down four escalators.  If that doesn't scream "SIXTIES" then I don't know what does.  Each model had uniform hairstyles with a carefully placed bow tied headband and satin pumps with a tiny metallic heel to complete the look.  

      Jacobs had to switch into his Vuitton mindset and he did just that.  He took the classic Damier checked print and stretched it, shrunk it, tweaked it and diva-tized it.  The color choice was so '60's, electric yellow, deep-woods brown, silver, camel and, for lack of better words, puke green.  The simplicity of this collection was overpowered by the banging of the pattern.  As for the garments, they varied from sheath dresses, maxi dresses, cropped tops, blazer and pant suits to pleated mini dresses.  If you are like me and you stare at a garment for 20 minutes and try to analyze the whole thing you will notice that everything was cut perfectly along the narrow lines.  The sleeves match up with the chest and each pant leg are completely parallel.  Perfection traveled throughout this entire show.

     My thoughts...by far the best show of all fashion week.  I know that's bold of me to say, but I cannot help it.  It was so spot on, the shoes, the hair and the garments.  When you compare the simplicity of the silhouettes to the chaos of the print they clash and make sparks fly.  I don't know if it's because I loved '60's fashion or because I love escalators or what?  I would watch this show over and over again, maybe get a little dizzy because the checks cross my eyes but I loved it!

Check Mate!

Ciao, 

Annie

   

The One And Only!

     Can we first focus on the unusual eco-friendly "runway" set up that we saw in the hall of the Grand Palais.  It appeared to have been made from solar panels that lay side by side with the occasional wind turbine that sprouted up in forest like form.  Karl Lagerfeld wanted to use these turbines because he said they were "beautiful modern architecture".  I think Karl was looking to connect the idea of future technology with fashion.  He used fun and playful accessories like large Lucite handled bags and wide brimmed molded plastic hats.  In my opinion, these are all extreme but somehow, maybe just because it's Chanel, it worked.  There were 80 looks that paraded down the runway from denim, the original Chanel tweed, long sophisticated evening gowns, linen, to beachy numbers.  There was so much going on in this collection that I decided to break it down into three sections, the ones that stood out the most to me.
 

     First, pearls, pearls, pearls and more pearls.  I noticed that the signature braids and chains were not a focus at this fashion show, but pearls were.  Leave it to Karl to change things up, throw a curve ball, mix and match...you get it.  Out of the ordinary, they were used to adorn dresses, cuffs, jackets and more.  But, holy shit, they were also used as necklaces.  Huge chokers with pearls the size of golfballs heavily adorned the necks of these tiny models and it was to die for.  This little pearl collection, within the large one, consisted of the wonderful, black and white.  These styles were stiff and gave the models bodies a break, allowing them to breath a little, unusual I know.  This look is unique, just like finding a pearl in a clam.

     Onto the cropped tweed half jackets.  Ok, unless you are a tiny little fairy with no mid section, these were a bit funny, if that's not a sin for me to say.  I know the cropped look has been in for a while but I feel like it's out dated now but, Karl has proved me wrong.  If you look carefully you can see that all the collars were slightly different.  We saw an oversized lapel, puritan collar, mock turtle necks and more.  There was an unusually wide variety of colors used in these baby jackets, but I liked it.  Ok, so they are starting to grown on me a little.

     Lastly, the feather burst of colorful fabric hanging off of well, everywhere.  I know it's atypical but I actually love it.  It's so curiously different that it's just fabulous.  The shag that hung off the delicate black sheer fabric give you something to ruffle over.  The extreme pants and tunic with furry cuffs shouts, "lions mane, gone colorfully wrong", but who cares?  I'd roar while wearing it and look chic doing so.  There really isn't much to say about this, just look, quietly and observe it.

       Chanel makes a statement all the time.  It's over the top and that's why everyone loves it.  But alongside the innovations, there was a set of skilled hands that touched each and every garment on this runway.  Lagerfeld did a wonderful job reinventing the ever so simple windmill with three-dimensional embroidery and collections of fabric.  Fashion changes with the times and this world is only getting more technological and modern as it goes on.  Good future thinking, Karl.

Ciao, 

Annie