Couch Critique: 2013 Oscars

I am always ready to throw my two cents into the digital ring when it comes to Fashion. I always look forward to award season because the women have unprecedented access to the most amazing, custom clothes and the most expensive and exquisite jewels on the planet. I once again was underwhelmed by the dress choices and the lack of jewelry on the carpet, by way of necklaces.

As I said in my Golden Globe blog there were a lot of bare chests! Strapless dresses are all the rage with NO necklaces it seems. What a waste when these celebrities have access to borrow the best jewelry in the world. Imagine A glamorous movie star like Elizabeth Taylor on an Oscar red carpet with no necklace? 

A necklace is obviously not appropriate to be styled with every look but can add some Hollywood glamour to a strapless dress on a red carpet.

The looks I liked BEST from the Red Carpet (in no particular order)

 Charlize Theron in DIOR. It is very clean and chic! She is always stunning. Here is an example where a necklace would have completed the look!

Georgina Chapman (Deisgner for Marchesa) is STUNNING and 8 months pregnant in a white Marchesa dress with jeweled shrug. (Pictured with husband Harvey Weinstein)

 Halle Berry in custom VERSACE. To me she is either tacky or in Marchesa when she hits the carpet. I love this departure for her. But PLEASE do something new with your hair. She is so beautiful, but its time for a change!

 Stacy Keibler gave the Actresses/Celebs a run for their money in this dress by Naeem Kahn, it was tailored to perfection!

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu. I love this coral color and the jewel encrusted bodice! Necklace next time please.

Naomi Watts & Jessica Chastaine both in Armani Prive. Each dress was perfectly tailored to their bodies. I LOVED Jessica's Vintage 1960's Harry Winston Bracelet (but she needed the matching necklace)

This year had BETTER after party looks. White was the color of the night!!

PARTY TIME: My Fav looks!

 Model Caroline Murphy in a dark Coral Calvin Klein

 Fan Bing Bing in a Peach Perfect Spring 2012 Elie Saab Couture Dress

  Model Molly Sims Wearing a White Hot Temperley London frock.

 Juliette Lewis in Vionnet, she looks fresh and beautiful. I love the draping and the print.

These sisters SHINE! Khloe Kardashian rocks Citrus Chic in Kaufman Franco Fall 2012 AND Kourtney is pure retro glamour in this red/black floral Brian Rennie for Basler. I LOVE the back cut out.

Nicole Richie is so chic in Robert Cavalli

 Miley OWNED in this white Azzaro backless dress. She's become so stylish since the hair cut. BRAVO!

Natalie Portman in DIOR. J'Adore

 Miranda Kerr channels a Vintage Vixen in this Valentino Gown

Kate Beckensale did not play it safe in this Monique Lhullier dress. It screams PARTY and I love the volume on the bottom. Fabulous!

BEST Correspondent Look:

Kimora Lee Simmons for E!. She was pure glamour in this black sheer over nude Maria Lucia Hohan Gown. I loved the touch of diamonds at the neck at ears and it is such a breath of fresh air to see her hair up. Very sleek and chic! 

That's a WRAP! 

Who wore your FAV looks?

Portable Luxury ~ It's in the bag

Twitter has opened up a whole new world of communication, instant digital gratification and by the minute information to me (and MILLIONS of others). I came across a very creative and kind lady in Lina of Analeena's Handbags (http://www.analeena.com/) or follow on twitter @LinaAnaleena (www.twitter.com/LinaAnaleena )





With a background in high-end fashion and accessories beginning at luxury fashion house Hermes, Lina Hamed is well versed in high quality, craftsmanship, and materials. She add's her own personality, attention to detail and artistry to each of her creations to create the signature Analeena bag! She has successfully merged luxury with practicality with her added touches that women need in a functional handbag; like an umbrella pocket, a torch (for keys) and a bag hanger (keep that bag off the floor ladies). The pieces are intended as a fashionable heirloom to be loved, used, treasured and passed down to the next generation of fashionistas.

My favorite part of her collection? THE BOLD COLORS!!! I love that the clutches are made in both jewel tones and brights ~ ORANGE being my FAV! (I also love the bright yellow, lime and the jewel tone green over sized clutches!)




Her collection is quickly becoming a favorite of celebrity Style Mavens as well. Dita Von Teese, Blake Lively and Molly Sims all share Lina's appreciation for fashion and luxury!



Style Maven: Dita Von Teese




Model & Jewelry Designer ~ Molly Sims


Blake Lively (Gossip Girl)

Character "Juliet" on Gossip Girl


I had the opportunity to ask Lina a few questions about her collection:

LISA: Where did the concept of Analeena bag's come from?

LINA: Analeena was created because I have a penchant for luxury, I worked in Hermes, which was one of the most beautiful and treasured experiences I have had. I always loved bags, and was always called the 'bag lady' by my family and friends. I love Exotic skins especially crocodile, and there was a boom in the market when I was doing my market research. I wanted to create a kind of universe of things that are classic, unique, eye catching, and easy to use. I mixed colours and skins together, I added the umbrella pocket, the rose gold metal buckles which I had not seen in the stores and a torch in every bag. I created the hand woven rock ‘n roll python bags with a metal thread and added the bag hanger, so you never have to put you bag on the floor. There is a superstition in South America and the Mediterranean that if a person puts their bag on the floor, they will lose their money. “Bag on the floor be poor"...but not with Analeena

LISA: What inspires you?

LINA: Everything. Nature, People...I am inspired by life. Everything that surrounds me is an inspiration. The fact I can never find my car keys lead me to create the torch in the bags. I can't stand to have my bag on the floor in case it gets dirty, so I thought to have a matching bag hanger in each bag. I love colour, I love emotions, feelings and I reflect that in the skins I choose.

LISA: Is the Analeena line all bags? or accessories as well?

LINA: Also accessories, such as belts, bracelets, diamond and crocodile bracelets, laptop covers.

LISA: Who are your style inspirations? or icons?

LINA: I'm inspired by many people, Gianni Agnelli, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Diana Vreeland.

LISA: Where can my readers buy your creations?

LINA: Harrods in the Uk, Javece in Hong Kong, Hip in Cairo. The online shopping is being launched but it will take sometime.

LISA: What is your personal favorite Analeena bag?

LINA: Oh that's a difficult one! As I carry all my bags, I designed each piece around what I need, carry and use. I even carry the clutches during the day!

LISA: What would you recommend for your readers for S/S 2011 from your line? for day AND night

LINA: All of them! But if one were to choose just one bag then id say the Analeena Over sized Clutch, that gets you through day to night

For those of you who are in LOVE with the line and are unable to get across the pond to buy one, start $saving ladies in anticipation for her on-line launch! Remember when making large luxury purchases, you really DO get what you pay for!

Style Maven Series: Molly Sims

Molly Sims is what one could refer to as a "triple threat". She's a successful model, actress and now a jewelry designer. You may remember her from the Victoria's Secret runway or the pages of Sports Illustrated (where she wore the world's most expensive bikini valued at $30 Million dollars) Sorry Molly I had to post the photo ~ you are beautiful! I could not mention a 30M dollar bikini without letting the readers have a peek ;)

She has successfully launched a line of vintage-inspired jewelry called "Grayce" which is available on HSN a higher end line available directly from her web site: HERE


Here are some of the pieces I love (Cuffs, rings & statement necklaces):

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
In fact she is approaching her 1 year anniversary for the line which she will celebrate with a live appearance on HSN, Friday November 19th. See her and her jewels at 1:00AM-2:00AM & 2:00PM-3:00PM


What I love about Molly's style is her fearless approach to accessories and colors. She does not shy away from mixing it up; colors, prints, accessories. She is also a girl after my own heart, she loves herself a CLUTCH! I love how she will mix sequins and a blazer on a red carpet or try an over the top statement necklace with an otherwise conservative gown. Bravo style maven!


I had a chance to ask Molly my Style Maven Questions:

LISAG: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?

MOLLY: My style is usually one of the four "Grayce girls": Gypsy/Bohemian, City Sophisticate, Glamour Girl, or All-American. I am always mixing and matching. I will never be too trendy, always classic. Fashion gives you the ability to play dress up.

LISAG: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?

MOLLY: Every girl should have a great pencil skirt, a great boyfriend blazer, a great pair of black pants, and a great white shirt. You only need to buy a few trendy pieces a season. This season it’s all about leopard, camel and motorcycle fun. And don’t forget to layer.

LISAG: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?

MOLLY: I love vintage clothing and accessories. Grayce was inspired by my own vintage jewelry pieces that I have from my mother. My design style infuses my love of mixing vintage pieces with tradition aesthetic that allows me to create timeless pieces that can be worn from season to season. The key to buying vintage clothing is to invest in a good tailor. Find one, make friends and you’re good to go.

LISAG: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)?

MOLLY: An amazing old Pucci Dress, a gold vintage Rolex, vintage pearls my mother gave me, a leopard jacket I got 15 years ago, and a vintage croc bag.

LISAG: Do you only wear designer vintage?

MOLLY: No. When I was younger my mother and I would go to yard sales and buy boxes of jewelry for ten dollars and sort through them to find amazing pieces. A flea market find can be just as eclectic and chic as a fancy diamond! Do not feel like you have to pay a lot for vintage.

LISAG: What are you wearing this fall? Tell our readers the key elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe

MOLLY: I think three key elements for your Fall/Winter wardrobe should be a great motorcycle jacket, deco jewelry and a fringe bag. I’m also obsessed with tights under bohemian dresses!

There were so many wonderful looks to choose from with Molly ~ here are some of my Fav's

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE







Follow Molly on Twitter @MollyBSims

EVOLUTION VINTAGE'S PICKS FOR MOLLY

Vintage Striped Day Dress

60's Chocolate Metallic mini dress
70's Clutch

Vintage 3 strand necklace with fopal (faux opal) crown

Late 40's/Early 50's Whiting and Davis gold metal mesh clutch



SHOP: EVOLUTION VINTAGE