Red Carpet Fashion: Emmys 2010

As summer comes to a close and Labor day approaches we finally get a breakthrough in the awards season drought - The Emmys! I myself am a big TV head and watch anything from Mad Men to 90210 to Sons of Anarchy to Top Chef (just to name a few favs). It's great that these actors, who come into our lives each week giving us laughter or tears, are honored for their work. Plus I have been missing the red carpet fashions and am so glad to get a quick fix before it goes away again. I can wait to dive in and share what looks I loved from the ladies of the small screen. We couldn't have asked for better weather here in LA on Sunday - a perfect mix of sun, warmth and a light breeze. I am sure the gentlemen in their dashing tuxedos and ladies in floor length gowns appreciate it. So let's see take a look at a few ladies who had my fav looks:

 

I have been a huge "Vampire Diaries" from the very beginning (read the books if you haven't!) My friend Meissa and I became obsessed from watching the first episode together and I am totally hooked. I also have a tiny girl crush on the female lead Nina Dobrev. I got to see her up close at the Young Hollywood awards last May. And Yes - she is that beautiful in real life. So it's no surprise to me that she looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet in this blush Zuhair Murad gown. I love everything about this look. Her hair and makeup? Perfection. And I am dying over those diamond earrings. But it's the dress that has really captured my heart. I am in L-O-V-E and it is ahhhh-mazing and fits her to a T. Because the color of the dress is so soft and pretty, the ruffle and lace details don't overwhelm her. Her high slit also adds a bit of sexiness without going overboard. Overall, this definitely in the running for my favorite of the night. Check out more photos of the gorg Nina below:

Love the back! And I need those chandelier earrings asap.

I am absolutely swooning over this metallic gown worn by "Dexter" star Jennifer Carpenter. It's simple, elegant and edgy all at the same time (if that's possible!) The proportions of skin to dress is absolute perfection and I love that this one shouldered look has a full sleeve instead of just sleeveless. Trains were another big trend at this year's awards and I love how this one is directly opposite her bare shoulder and arm. Plus the gunmetal color of the sequins keeps this dress from running into the Vegas territory and more in the land of edgey-glam. Jennifer knew the key to nailing this look was to keep it simple and let the dress shine (or shimmer in this case) Fuss free hair and barely there jewelry complete this fantastic look.

Jayma Mays, who plays uptight germ-a-phob counselor Emma Pillsbury on Glee, decided to go with one of the more popular colors of the night - midnight/navy blue. Her Burberry chiffon dress fits amazingly on her body and I love that this was an unexpected pick for me. The rouching and detail at the bottom is totally drawing me in. Plus with her gold accents and gorgeous strawberry blond hair the whole entire color scheme totally works. Take note ladies - this is how you do touseled locks correctly!

In the words of the amazing Rachel Zoe "Honey, I love myself a sequin" and do I ever! This Giorgio Armani Prive absolutely takes the cake for me. The second I saw it I turned to Billy and gushed "goooooorrrr-geousssss!" Claire Danes looked every bit Hollywood Glamour as she shined in this Swarovski crystal number. Love that all she needed was a sun kissed glow and a pink cocktail ring - simple and anything but understated. She was definitely a winner on and off the carpet as she picked up her statue for Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie. Congrats on a great dress and nabbing the emmy too!

These last two looks are honorable mentions. I'm not in total full on love but definitely in like with both. Kyra Sedgwick looks positively glowing in her Monique Lhuiller gown. I love how everything was kept in the same color family yet strayed away from matchy-matchy. Her beautiful waves and red lips are right on trend - but I am loving those accessories she is sporting. The ruby red ring and colorful bracelets were perfect accents for her bergundy gown. Plus Kyra seems like the sweetest woman ever you can't help but be excited and happy for her anytime she wins. You know I just had to include a short dress in my picks - and surprise surprise - it's Heidi Klum. Only Heidi could rock this extremely short hemline and still look absolutely fantastic doing it. Wearing a gorgeous textured Machesa, the Project Runway host wore spikey Christian Louboutins and her usual Lorraine Schwartz jewels. I can't believe this woman has had 4 babies and still looks like she does. Check out the closeups of their gorg accessories:

Also I would like it to be known that I resisted putting January Jones' fashion forward cobalt blue dress on here. I know that everyone hated it - but I kind of loved it! But what are your thoughts on this red carpet? Did you agree with any of my picks? Is there anyone who you thought was better dressed? I would love to know! Leave your comments below in the comment section!! Happy Monday everyone!! xoxo

all images via Getty Images

Nails of Summer: Nail Polish trends for Summer 2010

Even though my last post was about upcoming fall trends - I am still not ready to let go of summer. Warm weather, sun kissed tans and beaches are always an equation for fun bright nail polish. I'm a huge fan of DIY manicures and pedicures. Trust me - there is no better feeling that having your hands and feet massaged for an hour while someone else polishes them perfectly. But it can get rather expensive - and regular mani/pedis don't exactly fit in with our budget at the moment. So I am always on the hunt for upcoming nail trends and I tend to buy about 5 bottles per season of polish. Which means I have an extensive collection (Over 45 bottles of polish) and at $3 - $8 a bottle I'm always saving tons of money. I've decided that I have until mid-September to keep rocking my bright hues - a full on month of color before pulling out my dark purples, taupes and grays.Here are the polish colors that I have been loving and tirelessly sporting this summer:  

Well obviously - I had to start off with the color listed at the top of the post - Bright Pink. I think pinks are always a staple in any girl's nail polish collection - but this season it was all about Hot Pinks & Fuchsias. I came across Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in Flashy Fuchsia - I knew I had to buy it. It was brighter and hotter than any of the pinks I had bought before and probably the color that got the most compliments so far. If you can't find this color try looking for Pink Voltage from China Glaze.  




After I spotted Jessica Alba sporting ocean colored polish - I knew that turquoise was going to be an upcoming summer polish trend. So I immediately went out and purchased Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in Calypso Blue. Disappointed I was not. Although this color blue is pretty unconventional and you might be nervous to try it - but don't! I am absolutely obsessed with it. Plus the complete manicure elimates the steps of base coat and top coat - a time saver!

One of my favorite things to do is visit the beauty isles in drugstores. I can literally spend hours deciding on blushes, eye shadows and lip glosses. I was itching to buy Essie's St. Lucia Lilac but didn't have the time or the energy to truck up to the Ulta Beauty in West Hollywood (which is my cosmetic heaven) So I popped into CVS one afternoon hoping to find a great substitute. I came across this display of over 60 nail polishes but a new company I hadn't heard of. After looking at the light purple choices - I chose "Belle of the Ball". I became even more ecstatic when I came across the price - $1.99 - I kid you not. I was worried that it might be typical cheap polish, but I purchased anyways seeing as 2 dollars wasn't going to make or break me. However I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. Gorgeous lavender color and the polish lasted over 5 days before I even had a single chip. How often does that happen?? I figure I will be making several more purchases from the Confetti line that both my nails and my wallet will love.

My last choice for summer polish - tangerineish orange. Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri color in Snappy Sorbet was a recent purchase after I spotted a girl at Target wearing it (Naturally I asked what fabulous shade she was wearing) It's also another funky color - but I'm not exactly a normal gal. :) I could have chosen to go a more Poppy route (meaning orangey-red) but I loved the look of my tan against the coral colored polish. Worried that this may be too much orange for you? Try OPI's Melon of Troy. It's a little more subtle with some shimmer to it.

Are you into any of these colors? How do you feel about the oranges and blues? I'd love to know - leave a comment below! Hope you are having a Fantastic Monday

top image via WTVQ; second and fourth image via Ulta; third image via OhMyPolish

Lusting After: Leopard Ankle Booties

In fashion, there's a never ending cycle of always thinking two steps ahead. Winter campaigns are shot in the middle of summer and Spring/Summer shows are held in the middle of September. So even though we aren't out of the summer season yet - fall is still right around the corner. And I've found myself mentally preparing a checklist of what's in my closet. Options include faux fur, dark nail polish and lots and lots of boots. However, one pair of booties I found earlier this summer have been on my mind constantly (and my wish list!)

Rock and Republic's Angie ankle boot. They just scream glam and we have already covered my affection for leopard. I'm in love with the turned down cuff - a fav of mine on booties - just gives it a little something extra.  I've been dying to get my hands on these to pair with slouchy boyfriend jeans, skinnies or tights and a black dress. Not brave enough to go the leopard route? No worries - they come in sold black or grey with silver studs. Mah-jor! But my inspiration? The always fabulous and gorg Erin Wasson.

Happy Wednesday! xoxo

top image via Zappos & bottom image via RVCA

Missoni = Summer of Love

Summer here in LA certainly has been a crazy one. One minute it's scorching and the next it's cool and windy. But no matter what the weather is I can't deny how much I love the summer. And there is one Italian fashion house that practically screams summer of love. Missoni has been pumping out crochet zig zag knits for almost 60 years. And while their brand has far surpassed clothing (They now have added hotels to their list of accomplishments!) they know cranking out gorgeous clothes is always the way to a boho-chic girl's heart. I can't exactly afford the beautiful pieces (yet) but that still hasn't stopped me from enjoying the designs everytime I see them. Let's take a look at some celebrities who have been loving Missoni during these summer months....

One of my personal style icons, Nicole Richie, is the very definition of boho chic. She's always wearing prints, fringe, flowy sleeves and kimono. I love it. And this Missoni maxi is no exception. Although I love Nicole as a blond - her dark hair and the cool blues and nudes in the dress compliment each other so well. Check out that tangerine cocktail ring - gorg! And of course I am loving her headwear from her amazing jewelry line House of Harlow. This is easy simple dressing - Missoni at it's finest.

Vanessa Hudgens has the boho-glam thing down pat. Here her shortened Missoni dress is youthful and fun while at an event in Malibu a few weeks ago. I love the blush and nude prints together - a major trend right now. The shape of Missoni waves are thicker and metallic. Feathered necklaces and beach waves are fantastic accessories for this outfit.


When your mom is Goldie Hawn is pretty safe to say that you will be a free spirit. And I think at one point or another every girl had said they would love to be Kate Hudson. It's hard not to with her massive mop of blond curls and million dollar smile. She's every bit of her mother especially in the fashion department. Here Kate was filming scenes for her new movie in a mini-print Missoni caftan. I love how the fashion house can have all different kinds of prints - yet at the end of the day - you know it's a Missoni. Paired with her natural curls, bright headband and dark sunnies - she looks like the epitome of summer.

If you're the luckiest girl in the world - like Margherita Missoni - you have a never ending supply of zig zag designs, crochet tops and gorgeous maxi dresses. And anytime she dons something from her family's label its amazing how effortlessly chic she looks. Whether she's wearing a body-con dress or flowing skirt her inner (and outer!) hippie proves that she really is a Missoni love child. I love that Margherita's personal style shines through even though she's supporting her family's fashion house. Adding accessories like tribal inspired necklaces in the second look or her braided headband in the third look add extra bits of glam to the already gorgeous clothing.

top three images via People; bottom three images via Zimbio 

I Tried It: Brazilian Blowout

Today marks the day of my 24th year in existence. For 24 years - I have had the curliest hair you have ever seen. Ok maybe not the curliest you ever seen, but it is definitely full on ringlet-city. So in honor of my birthday I decide to finally do something I have been dying to try ever since I read about it last year on Nicole Richie's blog. Brazilian Blowout. For those of you who haven't heard of this - it's basically a semi-relaxer. As a professional smoothing treatment the Brazilian Blowout uses keratin protein to seal in the frizz. This means that us curly haired gals can give ourselves salon blowouts for up to 12 weeks in less than half the time it usually would take. This treatment is so great because it gradually wears out and there is no damage to hair like Japanese straightening. In fact it makes your hair healthier. It also means FRIZZ FREE hair - which is pretty major! Now I am usually all about testing out the latest trends, newest products and beauty treatments. However when it comes to my hair - I am a bit fat baby about it. I'm that girl who goes to the salon and says "a quarter inch off please". So I was pretty nervous about trying it! My girlfriend Vanessa had it done in May and ended up falling in love with it. So after many questions (Sorry V!) I decided to take the plunge. First let me show you some before pictures. :)

    

Both of these photos were taken last week. As you can see my hair is pretty long and extremely thick. On the left is obviously my natural texture - air dried. On the right is a very quick blow dry and fast flat iron - Probably took about 1/2 hour but it's obviously not a good blow out. My hair was already air dried so i just took the dryer and straightened it a bit and then ran a flat iron through it. I can get it smoother than this - but it usually takes forever. I mean we are talking 70+ minutes of heat between the hair dryer and then the flat iron. So I was pretty excited about the thought of my hair basically being styled and finished in 1/2 the time or less. So I found a new salon in Venice called Studio Noi. Mar (the stylist) was running a special and I just couldn't turn it down. I had read great things about her on Yelp and Facebook - so I took the plunge and went in on Sunday. And boy was I soooooo glad I did! Mar is absolutely amazing at what she does. I knew I was in good hands when I walked in and she was rocking 4 inch heels and the raddest tattoo. She really listened to me about my haircut, told me what would be the best cut for me and answered all my questions about the BB treatment. Let's talk about the haircut first - Ah-mazing. Probably the best I have had in a very long time. Then Mar began the Brazilian Blowout! She coated my hair with the keratin protein, then blew dry on high high heat. Next she used a special flat iron to "seal in" the treatment (and the frizz as I like to think of it) After 90 minutes, I was ready to go! I walked out of the salon in the best mood ever. Now for the After photos.... are you ready?!?!

    

Amazing right?! Check out the cut first off - Mar is fabulous!! And obviously my hair is stick straight. Now granted, a salon blowout is always better than what you can do with your own two hands. So I finally washed my hair and blow dried it myself. Results: Stick straight hair in 20 minutes - I kid you not. Photo proof?

I know I am not a model people so focus on the hair! This took TWENTY minutes - seriously?!? and I didn't even have to flat iron. I was literally in shock. As I was drying my hair it was looking like this. Wow. I can't wait to see what my hair will look like when it's natural and frizz free (I'm praying for boho waves) So everyone who says the BB changes their lives - well at least in the hair world - it definitely changed mine!!! I am fully obsessed and am already planning out my budget as to when I can do it again. So for all you guys emailing and facebooking me about photos: Are you impressed? What do you think of the results?! Are you ready to go Brazilian. ;) Let me know please!! I am dying to hear. Oh and if you are looking for a place in the LA area to get it done - go to Mar! You won't be disappointed! I promise! xoxo!

In ♥ With This: Eva Mendes' Watercolor Dress

I'm loving everything about this photo right now. The dress. The shoes. The pose. The woman! Eva Mendes is pure gorgeousness at the NYC after party for the premiere of her new movie The Other Guys. Even better that she wore this same look - but a bit more casual for her appearance on Regis & Kelly earlier that morning. Love a look that goes from Day to Night. ♥

image via Zimbio

Pom Yourself! Rachel Bilson in Lanvin Pom Sandals

I've been obsessing over these Lanvin Flower Pom sandals ever since I spotted them on Rachel Bilson last week. She's wearing one of my favorite spring trends - the colored shoe. I became even more obsessed when one of my lucky co-workers walked in yesterday sporting the black ones! Jealous! Check out the close up of these happy shoes:

I love the playfulness of the flower and the color! So Fabulous. They definitely brighten up any outfit and Rachel definitely provides a burst of refreshment wearing them instead of sky high stilettos for a night out on the town. So after seeing them up close and in person I had to figure out a way to get them. The original price tag of $585 is a little too steep for my budget right now and I was able to find them for a bit cheaper but not in my size. So after careful researching - I found another budget fashionista who MADE her own Lanvin Flower Pom Sandals. Yes that's right gals - Made them! Check out her final product below

Not too bad! Find out exactly how she did it here. (And check out her amazing DIY Louboutin petal sandals - She might be my new favorite DIY fashion blogger!) Of course every girl would love to own the real thing - but making your own for way less is pretty fantastic! And you could pick any color your heart desires. I just might be tempted to invite some girlfriends over, drink some wine and create some Flower Pom sandals of our own! Happy Tuesday!!

images via Cool Spotters, Celebrity Gossip, Shoe Spotlight, Emancipation of Mandy