Who Will Make the Best 80s Carrie Bradshaw?

SJP in Girls Just Want to Have Fun

The CW has officially greenlit The Carrie Diaries pilot, Carrie Bradshaw before Mr. Big, but they haven't said yet who will play the young Carrie. The rumors include Blake Lively, Emma Roberts, Elizabeth Olsen and Dakota Fanning.  So, which starlet will make the best 80s Carrie Bradshaw?  Let's take a look at their 80s style.  I've also thrown Katie Cassidy, Emma Stone and Taylor Swift into the casting mix.

Since Blake Lively is already tied up with another CW show, Gossip Girl, I'm leaning more towards Elizabeth Olsen, Dakota Fanning or Taylor Swift. Who would you choose?

Blake Lively

Elizabeth Olsen

Emma Roberts

Pretty in Pastel - Spring 2012

This spring it's all about pastels and florals, and the Spring Couture shows currently going on are not immune. Some are more excited than others, but you can feel the trend in the air. From Chanel's yet again reinvented tweed suit in a pastel blue to Eli Saab's flowing pastel gowns with floral appliques and Valentino's iridescent floral gowns, it's time to feel pretty in pastel.

Chanel

Christian Dior

Elie Saab

Victorinox Opens at the Bev Center

As the second store in the U.S. (NY being the first), Victorinox opened it's first west coast store last month at the Beverly Center.  The label known for it's Swiss Army knives and watches, also has a women's and men's clothing collection.  I was particularly fond of a fur hooded long coat, even though I wondered if I'd ever have a reason to wear it in L.A.  Regardless, it's good to have just in case it gets below 50 degrees.  The store includes everything Victorinox in one location including (besides the knives, watches, and apparel) household cutlery (who knew they made these!), fragrances, and luggage.  Definitely the place to stop if you're taking a trip into the wilderness or going to Mammoth for the weekend.  Let's not forget the Swiss Army knife that was left behind in 127 Hours.

The 2,333-square-foot store includes geometrically cut oak wood walls, steel fixtures and the familiar Swiss Army shade of red throughout the store.  The wall of Swiss Army knives in various colors is a great centerpiece and even stands out when you pass by it from the outside.

Victorinox Swiss Army on the Beverly Center's sixth floor is located between the J. Lindeberg and Godiva Chocolatier stores.

H&M Spring 2012 Lookbook

H&M's spring collection is filled with loose and airy whites, but some of my favorite pieces are in bright colors and even a neon dress.  Christopher Kane's influence sure does get around.  I don't know about you, but it's not even Christmas and I'm already exited for spring.

H&M Spring 2012

See the full collection here:

 

It's Been a Whole Year Already?

It's true! This month I'm celebrating my blog's one year anniversary. My oh my, how time flies!
To celebrate I've put together a list of my favorite posts from the past year.


The most popular post: Brian Atwood - The New Louboutin?
A Fashionista in the Making
Gossip Girl Without Leighton Meester?!?!?! 
Is Elle Fanning Outshining Her Older Sister Dakota?
NY Fashion Week Diary – Day One
Tom Ford Rodeo Drive Store Opens with a Star-Studded Party
The Perfectly Intense "Black Swan"
Lanvin for H&M Debuts This Morning!  
2012 Resort Collection Picks for a Fantasy Summer Vaca
Feeling Nostalgic about Gen Art
Style Crushing - Lucy Hale
Millions of Zig Zag Patterns Spotted Across the Country Today Have Caused A Dizziness Epidemic


Besides my newly designed header, here is something else new to kick off another year of blogging.  My new favorite color combination, pink and red...

Robert Rodriguez Bow Shoulder Blouse, Preen Razor Pants, Alexander McQueen Suede Ankle Boots

Sporting Shorts Over Tights

Shorts over tights may not be new, but it's still trending now that the weather is turning from hot to cold.  I'm personally obsessed with the look, especially when it's done right.  One of my favorites is Leighton Meester's pink shorts in Season 4 of "Gossip Girl", when Blair interns for W Magazine.  I've also always loved shorts with heels, which go as far back as Sarah Jessica Parker in 1999 (very fashion forward of her for the late 90s).  Most recently Amanda Seyfried walked the red carpet in an H&M shorts suit during her the London premiere of In Time.  But ladies, you must have amazing stems to dare to go bare legged.

Leighton Meester, Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, Olivia Palermo

Amanda Seyfried 2011 and Sarah Jessica Parker 1999

Gen Art Shows Off It's Fresh New Face

Finally, an LA Fashion show worth attending. After shuttering 18 months ago, Gen Art returned with it's legendary Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles show.  Hosted by Zoe Saldana at the former cathedral of St. Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night, the lineup for this year's show included We are Handsome, Dear Creatures, Odylyne, Chambers, 71 Stanton, Funktional, Stand and Deliver, as well as accessory lines Sticks and Stones, Iman Toloui, Plomo and Tomtom.  I wasn't sure what to expect since LA Fashion Week isn't exactly top of the list, but I was pleasantly surprised.  For me the standouts were Dear Creature and Fuktional. With their pretty, airy and laid back collections, they are perfect L.A. based labels. The standout accessory line was definitely the geometric designs of Tomtom, which were on display in the courtyard instead of the runway. Although We Are Handsome, Odylyne, and 71 Stanton had some great pieces, I wasn't excited about the collection overall.  My least favorite was Stand and Deliver. It was way too S&M/punk rock for my delicate taste. Plus, the staged make out session and guys brawl was more cringeworthy than entertaining.  After the show, instead of shooing guests away, the DJ and drinks continued late into the night.  Welcome back, Gen Art!  We missed you more than you know.

Related Article: 

Feeling Nostalgic about Gen Art

Dear Creature

Funktional

Beachside Shopping

A few weeks ago I attended the opening of a super cute store on Montana Ave. called Tribute El Nat.  Since I reside in WeHo, I rarely make the trek to Santa Monica, but I’m glad I did this time.  I sometimes forgot how much I love getting lunch and shopping on Montana Ave.  With labels like Parker, Kimberly Ovitz, and American Vintage, this store might be small, but it’s packed with goodies.  Probably my favorite thing about the shop was the center display with piles of cozy sweaters, which actually made me wish for rainy days.  Plus, making a weekend shopping trip near the beach always means, at least for me, heading to the sand for some needed tanning.  Considering this last weekend’s heat wave, there is still time left to hit the beach before you put to use those cozy sweater’s you’ll end up buying. Tribute El Nate - 1230 Montana Ave #104, Santa Monica, CA90403

Street Style Envy During Fashion Week

Street style photography is as trendy as the fashion it captures. During the slew of fashion week shows from New York to Milan, the shots taken outside of the tents are probably just as important as the the fashion inside.  Who wore what to what show?  From editors to stylists, it's become a runway show of attendees. Not only do I admire these shots I've chosen below for the incredible style, but also because they were taken by my favorite street style photographers, Tommy Ton, Phil Oh, Mr. Newton, Greg Kessler, and Tamu McPherson.

Anna Dello Russo at London Fashion Week (credit: Tommy Ton)

New York Fashion Week (credit: Tommy Ton)

New York Fashion Week (credit: Tommy Ton)

Millions of Zig Zag Patterns Spotted Across the Country Today Have Caused A Dizziness Epidemic

The Culprit: Missoni for Target 

Although this might be a bit of an exageration, my experience at the West Hollywood Target yesterday morning makes me think maybe not. The line outside of Target was wrapped around the upper level twice by the time I arrived. As I waited in line, I heard a women complaining to one of the employees that she only needed to buy toliet paper and didn't understand why she had to wait in line. When I finally did get inside, it was complete madness. People were grabbing anything they could get their hand on, including reaching into other people's carts. One girl was practically in tears because she had turned away for a second and someone had taken her cart filled with good stuff. I felt bad for her, but, seriously, with the craziness that was all around me I wouldn't turn my head away from my cart for a second. Luckily, I was able to score a pair of flats, a girls cardigan in extra large (which fits me perfectly!) and a duvet cover set. Not bad considering I got there only five mintues before they opened the doors and was far back in line. Plus, I recruited my husband who aggressively searched out and found all the items I ended up buying. When I shared this with my friend at work, she said he's probably going to be good to have around during the apocalypse. Either that or the next designer collaboration. Same thing.

My Missoni for Target Loot

Line outside of the WeHo Target

FNO LA On A Time Crunch

Fashion Night Out or FNO is only one day away! Unfortunately for me I have to work late tomorrow night (hate it when my job gets in the way of fashion). So, I only have a very limited two hours to enjoy fashion’s biggest night and MUST only attend the very best. Here is my itinerary for the night:

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (ish) – Rodeo Drive FNO Party

The party includes a huge Ferris wheel in the middle of Rodeo Drive (free ride for two with any purchase), flamethrowers, stilt walkers, 100 in-store events, and a Roaring Twenties-themed cocktail party at Lanvin.

Rodeo Dr., b/t Santa Monica & Wilshire Blvds. For a list of participating shops, go to rodeodrive-bh.com.

9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (ish) – West Hollywood FNO Parties.   

There will be too much FNO fun going on in WeHo that I must limit my options to a few great parties.  If you have more time to spare, check out the City of West Hollywood's FNO website for more info: http://www.fnowesthollywood.com/.  Plus, they are providing a free shuttle around WeHo so you don't ruin those pretty heels.

3.1 Phillip Lim and Refinery 29 Big FNO Bash

This fab party includes a performance by Cults, tequila, and Xoia eats.  Proceeds from that evening will benefit the Silverlake Conservatory of Music.

631 N. Robertson Blvd., b/t Melrose Ave. & Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood (310-358-1988)

Opening Ceremony FNO Party

OC is throwing a Argentinean themed party which includes vino, music and exclusive FNO merch from brands such as Pamela Love and Suno.  They will also be kicking off their country collaboration with one-of-a-kind blankets and personalized leather bracelets by RTH.

451 N. La Cienega Blvd., b/t Rosewood & Oakwood Aves., West Hollywood (310-652-1120)

Christian Louboutin FNO Party

Most likely the chicest FNO party, it will include complimentary hairstyling by Frederic Fekkai and custom Louboutin lashes from Make Up Forever.  They will also unveil two limited edition FNO-exclusive styles.

650 North Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood (310-247-9300)

NSF Ron Herman FNO Party

This party will have a free-flowing beer bar, which should entice your other half to join you. Besides the beer bar, NSF will also debut its exclusive Ron Herman denim wash and there will be a NSF tee giveaway.  Plus, this party lasts until 11:00 p.m.

8100 Melrose Ave., at Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood (323-651-4129)

10:30 p.m. (ish) – West Hollywood FNO After Party at Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel     

If I’m not ready to go home after the festivities have ended, I might end up at the WeHo FNO after party. There will be complimentary glasses of champagne, delicious fruit tarts from früute and a presentation of a new t-shirt collaboration with local designer Dirtee Hollywood + Patrick Brian Hoelck. A limited number of gift bags will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

8440 West Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood (323-848-6025)

For a roundup of all FNO parties in LA check out Racked LA: 

http://la.racked.com/archives/2011/09/07/and_all_the_rest_of_the_fno_parties_right_here.php

Boutique Shopping in WeHo

Last Saturday, the City of West Hollywood hosted it's 3rd Annual Structure & Style, a special tour of some of WeHo's trendsetting fashion boutiques including Alberta Ferretti, Church and Roseark.

Our first stop was Alberta Ferretti on Melrose Ave. The lightness and transparency of the store really complemented it's collection.  The mannequins and display mounts on the mirrored walls are all magnetic and come off easily, which allow the design of the store to change at a moments notice (pretty cool!).  I just couldn't get enough of a 70s style shaggy light green coat on display. Definitely my favorite in the store.

Fashion Flashback - Herb Ritts 80s and 90s Style

I love it when my job and passion come together!  Today, at the museum I work at, which sits on a hilltop overlooking Los Angeles (can you guess which one that is?), I announced the acquisition 69 photographs by fashion and celebrity photographer Herb Ritts.  Since I do a fashion flashback column a few times a month, I thought I would dedicate this one to Herb Ritts's Style of the 80s and 90s.  Ritts had an amazing way of capturing high-fashion in a dramatic and absolutely beautiful style.  He also helped with the rise of the supermodel and the reason why we know Cindy, Naomi, Christy, Stephanie, and Tatjana by their first names.

Versace - Veiled Dress, El Mirage, 1990, Cindy Crawford - Ferre 3, Malibu, 1994, Tatjana - Veiled Head (Tight View), Joshua Tree, 1988 (all by Herb Ritts, © Herb Ritts Foundation)

British Vogue Cover by Herb Ritts

Related Article: 

The Photograph That Kicked Herb Ritts’s Career into High Gere

Click here for more Fashion Flashback photos

The Trend of Affordable Luxury Fashion Is So Not Over

This fall there are absolutely no excuses for not being on trend because three major luxury designers, Karl Lagerfeld, Versace and Missoni, are releasing affordable collections for Macys, H&M and Target.  Just when you thought this trend would be over soon, it seems to have picked up momentum...and no one is complaining.  Although this may not be news for some, it's definitely a handy reminder to mark your calendars for when these collaborations hit the stores.

Missoni for Target ad

Missoni for Target (available September 13) is the largest designer collaboration to date for Target with over 400 pieces, including men's, women's and children's clothing, and home decor. Target is putting quite a lot into the advertising and marketing that even their promotional video will allow viewers to click and buy directly from the video online...AH-Mazing!

Karl Lagerfeld for Macys

Then there is the Karl Lagerfeld collection for Macys "Impulse" department (available August 31), which I'm still drooling over! Karl was the first H&M designer collaboration in 2004 and it was a huge success, however, he was "embarrassed" that H&M "didn't make the clothes in sufficient quantities," which resulted in the collection being sold out in a matter of hours. He felt it defeated his intention of making clothes available to those that couldn't afford to shop at Chanel. Hopefully this means he's made sure Macys will produce more than enough for everyone to get there hands on this capsule collection.

Versace for H&M

In 2008, Donatella Versace said that she respects designers who do these affordable lines but didn't want to do one herself "because I work very hard to put the Versace line in the luxury section. I think to put the Versace line in H&M would confuse the brand." Three years later, and less financially stable, Donatella is eating her own words and doing a Versace for H&M "Iconic Collection." The collection will be more than clothes and for the first time an H&M collaboration will include home decor pieces. It will be released in two parts starting November 17 with men's, women's and home decor, and another prespring collection released on January 19.

I know this would never happen because he's a complete snob about making his collection available to the masses, but I would love to see an H&M collaboration with Tom Ford.

Related Articles: 

Best H&M Designer Collaboration Ads

Lanvin for H&M Debuts This Morning! 

Baby Skyler Is Bananas For Missoni

   

Is Elle Fanning Outshining Her Older Sister Dakota?

The Fanning sisters are known for their roles in blockbuster films, porcelain skin, and most recently their sense of style.  However, Elle Fanning at only 13 years old seems to be surpassing her older sister Dakota, well, at least fashion-wise.  Dakota, now 17, had a few awkward years and has only recently began to develop her own sense of style.  Remember the controversial Marc Jacobs ad campaign with Dakota at age 13?  She looked like a little girl playing dress-up (see photo below).  It's not a surprise that Jacobs had to specially make the clothes in her size for that shoot.  Even so, he used Elle for his recent Marc by Marc Jacobs ad campaign.  Although Elle still looks very young, she seems much more sophisticated and mature than Dakota did at that same age.  With the release of "Super 8," Elle has definitely received a lot of attention and major fashion spreads.  I don't see Elle's status as a fashion world darling going away any time soon.  She may even become a bigger star than Dakota.  Who knew?

Dakota and Elle Fanning in Vogue August 2011 and at the "Uptown Girls" premiere in 2003

Dakota Fanning in Marie Clare August 2010, Tenn Vogue Dec 2009 (age 15), Marc Jacobs Lola Ad Campaign 2011 (age 17), and Marc Jacobs Spring 2007 Ad Campaign (age 13)

Elle Fanning in Love Magazine Fall/Winter 2011, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Ad Campaign, Marie Clare July 2011, Black Book Magazine June/July 2011, and Interview Magazine Dec/Jan 2010/2011 (all age 13)

 

Fashion Flashback - Chloe Sevigny for Miu Miu SS 1996

Following her leading role in the controversial Larry Clark film Kids, a baby-faced Chloe Sevigny poses for Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 1996 ad campaign. It has a similar look and feel of a Marc Jacobs ad, so it's not a surprise that it was shot by photographer Juergen Teller. Teller has shot various Marc Jacobs ad campaigns since 1998.

 Click here for more Fashion Flashback photos
  

A Girl's Guide to LA's Carmaggedon

The rapture didn't happen in May, but Carmaggedon is definitely happening next weekend. Get ready Angelenos, the 405 Freeway is undergoing a major widening project and will be shutdown from the 10 to the 101 freeways Saturday, July 16 at midnight to Monday, July 18 at 5:00 a.m.! City officials have been spreading the word pretty aggressively so if you live in LA and haven't heard about this then you must live under a rock. They even got Ashton Kutcher to tweet about it, with over seven million followers that's some serious star power. With this closure, they are advising people to stay home or go away for the weekend. What's a girl to do if getting to the mall or beach means getting near or crossing over the 405 freeway? Well, here's a nifty girl's guide to a weekend at home.

1 - First of all, stop by the grocery store before the weekend to stock up on food and water because even getting in your car to go to the store means you might never get back home. Plus, dehydration is not so pretty on the skin.

2 - While you're at the store, pick up a blow up kiddy pool for some sunbathing in your backyard. If you don't have a backyard, then set up shop on the sidewalk. A girl can't be pale during the summer.  

3 - Reorganize your closet and start putting together a Goodwill pile of clothes (but don't even think about dropping anything off at Goodwill until after the weekend!). This project alone will take up several hours.

4 - Give yourself an at-home spa day. Save some money and do your own mani/pedi, facial, and/or a conditioning hair treatment.

5 - Stock up on classic girly movies. You already know the lines by heart to Clueless, Pretty Woman, Pretty in Pink, Can't Buy Me Love, Sex and the City (movies and reruns), etc.

6 - Get your retail therapy fix by doing a little online shopping on Net-a-Porter, Boutiques.com, or Shopbop.com.

7 - Bake a pie or cake. I always say that I want to get better at baking, but I never have time to do it. This is the perfect time to sharpen your baking skills or if you're already a pastry chef try a new recipe.

Brace yourself, it's gonna be a LONG weekend.
 

Baby Skyler Is Bananas For Missoni

Remember when Rachel Zoe worried during last season's "Rachel Zoe Project" that her career would be put on hold if she had a child.  Well, it turns out she's even more successful post baby.  Oh Rachel, you did all that worrying for nothing.  The recently released season 4 trailer for her reality show proves that pregnancy didn't slow down this working mama one bit.  Who better to demonstrate that you can have it all, a family and career, than the superstar stylist.  In fact, having a baby has created quite a lot of photo ops and publicity.  Zoe has been photographed on and off the red carpet with super chic baby Skyler and it's pretty apparent Missoni is already his favorite designer (like mother, like son). The busy mom also just announced that her new 70s inspired clothing line is now available for pre-orders on NeimanMarcus.com.  Her collection officially hits Neiman Marcus store in August 2011. I'm predicting a baby clothing line soon, possibly Missoni-inspired.
 

So, are they gonna try for a girl next?  Otherwise, who will get her amazing wardrobe?  If not, I'm accepting donations. Just saying.
 

Related articles:

Rachel Zoe Confirms She's Pregnant Via Twitter

Brian Atwood - The New Louboutin?

  

This looks like an advertisement for Missoni Baby. Rachel Zoe swaddles Baby Skyler in a Missoni blanket, takes him on the red carpet in a Missoni sweater, and bops around town in a limited edition Missoni Bugaboo stroller.  p.s. he's even stylin in a trendy pair of round sunglasses.

Prepping for a Royal Traffic Jam ... and, of course, the Royal Fashion

When I'm stuck in horrible traffic next Friday after work because of Kate and Will's visit to L.A., I'll try and focus on how excited I am to see what the Duchess of Cambridge will wear around Tinseltown.  Most recently, she has stepped out in a pale pink Jenny Packham gown for a charity dinner (I'm in love with this dress. - p.s. Leighton Meester wore this same dress on Gossip Girl. Ironically, it was the episode where the Prince proposes to her)  and, just today, a Temperley London white dress at Wimbledon (also a favorite of mine).  Apparently she doesn't use a stylist, and has reportedly said she won't accept free clothes, but according to Grazia Daily she is using a personal shopper for her North American tour.  If she really isn't using a stylist lately then she's come a long way in a short period of time with her personal style.

On a side note, the Duchess reportedly purchased a pair of bright red J Brand 811 jeans recently.  It would make sense if she wore them during her trip to L.A. since J Brand is an L.A.-based company.  Maybe I'll wear my pair that weekend in hopes that she will too.

Related articles:
Bright Red Jeans at a Conservative Office

Long Live McQueen

A Royal Wedding Slumber Party
A Fashionista in the Making
What Will Kate Middleton Wear...To All Those Wedding Events?

Top left to right: The Duchess wore a Reiss white suit to the 2011 Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse, a pale pink Jenny Packham gown to the annual ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) dinner, and a Temperley London white dress to Wimbledon.
 

Bottom left to right: She wore a navy Alexander McQueen military dress to the Irish Guard Armed Forces Day, a Zara geometric print dress to a friend's wedding, and a nude Reiss dress to meet the Obamas.

Best H&M Designer Collaboration Ads

Donatella in Versace for H&M

H&M's newest collaboration with Versace was just announced yesterday along with a preview of the collection.  I'm beyond excited to see the rest of the collection, but even more excited to see the ads H&M will come up with for this collaboration.  H&M's print ads and TV commercials for their collaborations with Lanvin and Viktor & Rolf are my favorites, but I also love the TV commercials for the Karl Lagerfeld collection, their first collaboration in 2004, and the Stella McCarthy collection. Hopefully the Versace for H&M ads are just as fun and creative.

p.s. I'm crossing my fingers for a Lady Gaga cameo since she seems to be tight with Donatella lately.

Related article:

Lanvin for H&M Debuts This Morning!

Lanvin for H&M Print Ads 2010

Viktor & Rolf for H&M Print Ads 2006

Check out my favorite H&M TV Commercials after the jump...