From The Halloween Archives of Vogue

   Let's see what Vogue has pulled out of their archives for Halloween inspired ideas over the years.  Dressing up, that's what Halloween is all about!  And where is a better place to find inspiration for dressing up than the archives of the exclusive Vogue fashion shoots?  Maybe you can find some last minute inspiration from these photos for tonights fun.

Happy Halloween!

Ciao, 

Annie

Versace Arrives In SoHo

     At the exclusive Royal Suite of the Waldorf Towers there was an intimate elite gathering of fashion stars.  But what for?  This sleek dinner was in honor of Donatella Versace and the opening of the new Versace Boutique in SoHo.  Versace showed up arm in arm with black fur trapper hat wearing, Lady Gaga.  Guests like Princess Charlene of Monaco, Kanye West, Karolina Kurkova, Sting and more graced the room that once housed the famous Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor and Britney Spears.  While the guests showed their love for Versace not only by joining her for this occasion but dazzling themselves in Christopher Kane, the designers for the Versus line for Versace, and Versace's designs themselves.  She's has built a name for herself along with a tiny empire of fabulous fashion.  Keep it up Donatella!

Another one bites the dust!

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

Maison Martin Margiela with H&M

     Last night fashion icons like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kanye West, Helena Christensen, Julianne Moore and Selma Blair were in full bloom at the launch party of one of this years most talked about fashion collaborations: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M.  The Belgian fashion designer worked for Jean Paul Gaultier and Hermés and yet, has maintained an extremely low profile, until now.
     This launch party was held at 5 Beekman Street in downtown Manhattan.  The decor of this nine-storey historical building was filled with art pieces displaying the new collection.  H&M's partnership with Margiela is going to feature iconic pieces from the house's archives.  These garments are a true representation of the classic oversized silhouettes, deconstruction, and objects the house became famous for over the years.  The difference here is while the genuine house pieces cost thousands of dollars, these ones range from $13-$399.  It's terrific how these collaborations work.
     This has caused such excitement and anticipation to all fashion lovers.  There were tears, screams and gasps when over 100 pieces were finally reviled.  There is a fine mix between the die-hard avant-garde fashion wearers and the not so familiar shoppers.  The oversized drapery was a perfect fit for the cool winter we have ahead of us.  Oversizing is trending these days.  Maybe its because half of the world is obese or just because it looks fabulous, who knows?  It's all quite practical with an impractical twist to it.  You'll see what I mean.

In stores on November 15th!

Ciao, 

Annie

The Stress Of Halloween!

     The holiday where 'women get away with wearing absolutely nothing and don't get arrested for indecent exposure' is just rounding the corner.  If you are a women and you still dress up for Halloween then you definitely get the "oh shit, what am I going to be" jitters.  Generally, it happens a week before you need your costume, when you have already missed the 3-7 business day shipping window.  And you are screwed.  If you think I am currently describing myself...you are right!  But, if you are creative like me then have no fear.
     First stop, your childhood dress up trunk.  For those of you who still have one, I am sure that you can find tons of basics.  A tutu, witch hat, cowboy hat, old brides made dresses, perhaps even some fairy wings.  Now, pick a basic and decided on a costume.  Here is how I made four costumes just from my dress up trunk.  Of course, I had to go out to the local Wal-Mart or JoAnn Fabrics to pick up a few odds and ends, but it was cheap and easy.

Tinkerbell

     Tinkerbell, the classic All-American fairy.  It doesn't get much simpler than this.  All you need is a pair of wings, a green dress (a green tank top and a tutu), a pair of wings, and a wand.  You can get your wings at Wal-Mart or any Halloween store.  The wand can be made out of a stick that you spray paint dark green.  The dress can come from Forever 21 and you can cut the hem in a zig zag shape.  If you decided to use a tutu instead then all you need to do is dig through your tank tops and find a green one!  It's so simple.  To top it off, literally, put a cute little sock bun right on top of your head.  Some glitter to toss at your friends and voila! 

Cowgirl

     You don't have to look as Pinup as this chick here, but a cowgirl is another easy costume to pull off. Go to your summer collection and grab your Daisy Duke denim shorts.  Any flannel shirt tied at the waist, will due.  A cowboy hat and some nice cowboy boots to complete the look.  Pretty easy, right?

Bumble Bee

     If you feel like buzzing around on Halloween a bumblebee will be a nice fit for you.  All you will need is some black and yellow striped tights, a black leotard, a yellow tutu and some black and yellow wings.  If you have a black headband you get make the antennas out of pipe cleaners and add some yellow pompom balls at the end.  A simple way to add stripes to the costume is to get silk ribbon and let it hang off the tutu, the more stripes the better.  Be creative with this one.  

Witch

     Although many would say I could have gone dressed as my everyday self I thought I needed to play up the part a little more.  A tight black dress with a mini broom and my childhood witch hat did the trick.  Some tight knee high boots and dark black makeup, I looked just like the Wicked Witch of the West!  

     There are so many more costumes that you can create if you just dig through your closet and your old dress up trunk.  Don't go to those Halloween stores and spend $100 on some costume you are going to spill beer on and wear once.  Sometimes taking a trip to your local thrift store might spark some great ideas as well.  Use your imagination.  After all, it's Halloween, you can be whatever you want!

Spook ya later!

Ciao, 

Annie

Who Wore What To Bergdorf's?

     Good morning!  I am still carrying on with the Bergdorf theme.  I had dreams about the event and needed to inform you all a little bit more.  It was too fabulous to just blog about once!  Now that we know all about why Bergdorf Goodman's had a smashing bash let's see who all attended it.  The Plaza hotel was crawling with designers, stylists, models, bloggers and the elite.  Enough of me talking, let's just admire!

Carolyn Murphy arrived at the party in a golden yellow J Mendel Spring 2013 gown with bright lips and shoe accents.

Coco Rocha came with one of her favorite men, Zac Posen.  She is wearing the designer's fabulous blood red mermaid strapless gown.

Jason Wu's date, Erin Heatherton showed off her legs and her dates talent wearing this sexy gown.

Marchesa's co-founder Georgina Chapman made a feathery entrance in one of her own dazzling creations.

Karolina Kurkova wearing a printed Roberto Cavalli suit and some hot silver Christian Louboutin pumps.

Saving the best for last.  The Queen, Anna Wintour, crashed the party in this classic Christian Dior dress.

   

     "What an interesting group of people!" I say to myself as I scroll through the red carpet album.  But shoved together in the fully decorated Plaza they make for a true reflection of the upscale Bergdorf Goodman's array of chichi fashion.  Fabulous!

Party on!

Ciao, 

Annie

     

Bergdorf Turns One Hundred & Eleven!

     Last night at the Plaza Hotel things got a little wild as many celebrated the 111th Anniversary of the fabulous, Bergdorf Goodman.  This was the first time since 1951 that Bergdorf's has decided to mark and celebrate it's birthday.  They must have all been in desperate need to get their party on, huh?  This was a year of firsts for Bergdorf's.  Over 100 designers designed pieces to make up an exclusive anniversary collection, a documentary film was created and there was a book constructed in its honor.      There is only one Bergdorf Goodman in the world and it just so happens to be the summit of style, inspiration and service since 1901.
     As I was meandering about the city I came to the corner of 5th & 58th and there it was.  The shining beautiful stone structured building wrapped in an oversized lavender ribbon, with iconic vintage Bergdorf silhouette's printed all over it, that surrounded the entire building.  We are all aware that Bergdorf's is known for it's window displays.  If you didn't know that, now you do and make sure you don't forget it!  The current theme was recently unveiled and is sporting an 111th Anniversary theme.  These windows are portraying the history of Bergdorf's, the history of fashion, a representation of the building and more secrets and surprises.  The celebration is a continuous theme throughout the store as well.  The attention to detail that you see in these windows is magnifying.  If you are nearby it is worth checking out!  But for now I have posted them so you can use your imagination and picture the 3D version of these eccentric art creations.

     These windows kind of portray that "if you wear these articles of clothing you can run the world" type thing.  I mean common, there is a little bit of everything going on here.  Embracing of our societies current printed fabric obsession, the culmination of every air transportation craft known to man hovering over what looks like three fashion forward giants strutting down 5th Ave., renderings of the original Bergdorf's and well everything else that is packed into these chaotically fabulous windows.  Call me crazy, but I would love to be one of those mannequins looking out at the world to see the reactions and count the number of finger prints that cumulate on the windows as they stare in awe.  

One city, one store, one experience!

Ciao, 

Annie

   

The Plaid Brigade!

     Fall rolls around and the plaids come out to play, that's just how it goes.  Plaids are always the fall/winter cozy go-to, whether it be casual or fancy.  In fact, I'm wrapped up in a plaid scarf right now. Classic me, blogging about what I'm wearing.

     Ok, let's break this down a little bit.  The more casual plaids tend to be the rugged flannels worn with black leggings and some Chucks (insert my everyday look here).  I snuggle up by the fire in my flannel with a good magazine and occasionally doze off.  It's the life, right?  

     Moving on to the other side of the plaid rainbow it gets a little bit fancier.  In the past few years plaids have been being used more and more in business wardrobes.  For example, a classic pencil skirt paired with a chiffon plaid shirt.  It's kinda the classic J. Crew look, preppy upperclass society-ish.  You know what I mean!  It totally passes all office standards.

     Carrying on.  How about the short sleeve plaid look?  I know, it sounds a little strange and a little male-ish.  It's not, it's so not!  It's that 'I borrowed my boyfriends shirt and made it fabulous' thing.  Ahhh, so much potential.  You can wear a long sleeve under it or a nice bulky swearer over it.  Ohhh, it's so wonderful.  Or, if you are so fetch that you dare to wear it alone, let your elbows hang out and enjoy the air party!  As you can see, I am a little excited about it.  You should be too!

It even works from head to toe!

Plaid-erific!

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