Now & Then: Black Halter

2007

I always love when I see a current dress that reminds me of fashions past. I am constantly seeing examples of just how chic Vintage clothing still is, or can be depending on your creativity, attitude and personal style.

The latest example is Nicole Kidman in PRADA. Nicole usually does not make my best dressed list(s) but I have to say this look is beautiful and unique.

NOW

 Nicole Kidman with Jackie Chan at Huading awards ceremony in China

I love the classic black halter style gown with front 'key hole' detail. This looks is tailored to perfection on Nicole. The sleeve details are an orange embroidered 'shawl' that is attached to the dress. A very unique detail.

A different dress but similar silhouette. To me these dresses are a blank canvas or 'tabula rasa' to decorate and style to your taste.

THEN

1970's polyester black halter style gown with front 'keyhole' detail. ~ $55

Do you love this classic silhouette?

MET Ball Beautiful

                                                       The Met Gala Red Carpet. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Tachman/Vogue.

The Annual MET Gala was last night in New York and after watching the red carpet I have only one word: SHOCK! 

There were substantially more misses than hits for me but it is not my style to point out all the fashion blunders I want to share instead the looks I LOVED! I must say however that the stars (or their stylists) need to invest in portable steamers, perhaps glasses and a little bit more taste. I look forward to the MET red carpet the most as I expect to see the most Stylish, Creative and Amazing looks. Let's just say I was underwhelmed this year.

The Looks I LOVED - Top 5 :

MY FAV!

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe Collection.

I LOVE how Vintage-Inspired CHIC this is. The turban is the most amazing touch since the exhibition is about Elsa Schiaparelli & Miuccia Prada (Impossible Conversation). This is TRES GLAM! Exactly what I expected to see at the MET.

Elsa knew how CHIC a turban is - Vintage Style

 and the contemporary turban via PRADA

Rosie Huntington Whiteley - Burberry

Jessica Stam - DIOR Haute Couture

Rachel Zoe - Rachel Zoe Collection (I'm a sucker for FRINGE!)

Jessica Pare - L'Wren Scott

BEST DESIGNER DRAPE:

Michael Kors

 Jessica Alba

Hillary Swank

FAV Jewels

January Jones wearing Vintage Cartier (1955)

What were your favs???? 

Feathered Fashion

One of my obsessions is peacock feathers; their colors and patterns used in fashion -in textiles & prints, jewellery and peacock-esque accessories.

I have recently found one of my favorite pieces. It is a peacock feathered bib necklace that has 14 feathers or "eyes" and is feather fabulous. Where did I unearth this amazing piece? Forever 21 ladies! Your's for a mere $11. It appears to be sold out on their web site but check your local Forever 21 location.



Pregnancy Plumage & Prints:

Gwen

FOREVER 21

My plumage passion goes from $6.00 earrings

to this amazing, over the top piece of art work like this:

The $1.5 million Peacock dress unveiled at the wedding expo held in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province. The wedding dress decorated with 2,009 pieces of peacock feathers took eight handicraftsmen two months to finish.

Or Miley Cyrus in her music video for “Can’t Be Tamed,” wears a corset dress made of peacock feathers and approx. 2,400 tiny metal pieces yours for only $25,000!

Some of my other fav peacock pieces:

House of Harlow, 1960 - Gold Plated Peacock Cuff @ $180

SJP in a sequin peacock print dress.

PRADA - 2008

Alexander McQueen Runway

Same McQueen dress in VOGUE (Sarah Jessica Parker & Chris Noth)

Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman (in a Marchesa Gown)

Eva Longoria

Manish Arora Fall 2009 - Runway

Same dress on Katy Perry

Holly Madison @ Hugh Hefner's 80th Birthday in a Peacock Corset

Kendra, Bridget, Hugh Hefner & Holly (Wearing a peacock corset & panties)
Hef's 80th Birthday.

Katy Perry in Matthew Williamson for H&M

Evolution Vintage - pleated peacock print top

Vintage top worn by 'Jess'

DID YOU KNOW? The term "peacock" is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, and together, they are called peafowl.



Get out there ladies and STRUT YOUR STUFF!!

To Turban or not To Turban?

One of the season's most interesting accessories is the "Turban" or "Turband". We've seen it all before, just like any "trend" but would you ROCK it for summer 2010?

It's not just for covering up those roots between colours or for "difficult"/bad hair days. It is a new chic hair/head accessory... or is it? YOU DECIDE. To Turban or not to Turban that is the Spring/Summer 2010 accessory question.

Turbans tromped town the runways in 2007 courtesy of Miuccia Prada and Ralph Lauren.
PRADA 2007



Celebs like Mary Kate Olsen and JLO rocked the Turband in 07:


Mary Kate's Turband 07


JLO @ MTV Awards 07


Kate Moss gave us a shining example of a chic turban in 2009 on the red carpet at the MET.


Carol Alt Rocks a Turband in the 1980s

The pages of Marie Clair magazine featured the turban for S/S 2010

Marie Clair - March 2010

and it has even made it's way into the much anticipated Sex and the City sequel film on the fab head of Carrie Bradshaw.


We have seen many versions over the years but where did they come from?

According to my research the first mention of turbans dates back to the end of the fourteenth Century, at the end of the Moorish occupation in Spain. Turbans were first introduced into English fashion in the 1790’s inspired by England’s increased trade with India for cotton. The French brought the Turban to the forefront of fashion in the 20th century via couturier Paul Poiret. See his wife Denise and muse in one of his designs:

Paul Poiret and his Oriental influence - Costume 1911

Many versions manifested from the 1920's well through the 1950's. All different versions, styles, colours, fabrics.

VINTAGE YSL (Velvet)

MY GRANDMOTHER Phyllis 1943

Vintage Turban (Crochet)


Middle-East meets mid-town Manhattan ... Can you Turban?

I know I CAN!!!