CFDA 2014 Red Carpet

The Council of Fashion Designer's of America (CFDA) awards were last night in New York. It is a big night in fashion with a vast array of creative personalities arriving in an equally wide array of looks.

I will share my favourites as always with a side note about the look the Internet is buzzing about with mixed reviews.

Rihanna's arrival provoked a digital frenzy of posts with everyones virtual 2 cents about her look. I felt compelled to add mine.

I would have LOVED this look if it was lined. I understand that the shock factor was possibly the point of the look but it just looked a little over done to me. There was a potential for a major Josephine Baker-Chic moment here that was missed. The bear breasts are fabulous, if you are doing a burlesque show but at this venue it felt like she was trying a little too hard to make a statement. Sometimes, even in fashion the best statements are made simply and effortlessly. There is no disputing her body is rockin, the makeup was gorgeous and I adored the jeweled head scarf complete with 'kiss curled' hair at her cheeks. The real fur is tacky and unnecessary with all the amazing faux fur textile options. I loved reading that over 200,000 Swarovski crystals were used in this custom mesh creation done by designer Adam Selman. This look would have been my undisputed FAV using a little simple style math. Add a liner, minus the fur (or replace the real fur with faux).

This sheer/nude look is nothing new either. Cher did it in the 1970's when it was truly novel and in a much more classy way in this Bob Mackie Jumpsuit. The class is in the coverage and the illusion of nude.

and then there was 1974 ...

Some CFDA Style winners for me from last night.

CoCo Rocha in Christian Siriano

 Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in the ROW

Olivia Palermo in Ann Taylor Fringe Top/Skirt

 Olivia Wilde in Vintage

 Rachel Zoe in Custom Rachel Zoe Collection

 Emmy Rossum J Mendel

Nina Garcia

Busy Philips dress by Honor; jewels by Irene Neuwirth.

 Model Karen Elson in Michael Kors

Who were your favourites? 

Baroque Bling

The term/adjective 'baroque' has 4 meanings but as it pertains to jewelry it refers to an irregularly shaped object, and is most often used to describe a pearl that is not symmetrical. It also been defined as something that is extravagantly ornate in character or style, which I think applies to jewelry as well.

I love accessories and respect the style sensibility of Marie Clair Magazine's Fashion director Nina Garcia and of course follow her on Twitter. The other day she tweeted her latest "must have" from the collection she curated for BaubleBar based on current trends in fashion. In this case: Baroque! 

These earrings would be an amazing edition for any look for Fall/Winter 2012, the price point you can't beat AND the holidays are just around the corner.

The Ruby Triple Drop Earring $28 (Also Available in Purple, Blue & Amber)

As soon as I saw these earrings I thought of this Fabulous piece from Fashion's past.  

Vintage Napier statement necklace

SHOP: $90

Will you wear Baroque Baubles this fall/winter?

So Handy

Salma Hayek wearing 2L Hand Bracelet

I love ALL kinds of jewelry, high/low end, costume and fine. I do have to say I have an affinity for Vintage and Unique pieces.

I LOVE the hand bracelet's from GAYDAMAK Jewellery! They are both unique and unexpected. Sisters Katia and Sonia Gaydamak are the duo behind this palm perfection. This is not grandma's costume jewels either; each piece is crafted from precious metals and various types of diamonds. Prices range from $2,500 to north of $17,000 USD for these pieces. Pure Luxury!

Salma Hayek wearing "Plume" hand bracelet on David Letterman 

Fashion Director for Marie Claire Magazine - Nina Garcia (Project Runway)

Alicia Keys ROCKED one at the 2012 MTV Awards

My Picks:

Yellow Gold KARPE Hand Bracelet

Black Gold Plume

White Gold Snake

Give the Gaydamak girls a hand!

WEBSITE

FACEOOK

Until you can throw down for these exquisite pieces. You can get this handy look:

$23.95

$18

Style Maven Series: Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia is a multi-tasking maven; Shes a mother, an author, Fashion Director for Marie Claire magazine, Judge of the hit reality series Project Runway and STYLE MAVEN.

Nina's career in fashion began the in 1980's. She got her start in fashion press in the PR department at Perry Ellis (when Marc Jacobs was head designer). She moved onto the Fashion publication Mirabella as a Stylist and then to ELLE magazine where she held the place as fashion director for over a decade. She has been Marie Claire's fashion director since fall of 2008 as well as one of the judges (along side Designer Michael Kors and Model Heidi Klum) of the hit reality show : Project Runway. She has been there since the inception of the show which is now filming it's 9th season set to air in summer of 2011.

When she is not in her role as fashion director or judge she is a mom to two boys and author 4 times over. She has penned the following books in an effort to help women navigate the sometimes overwhelming maze of trend and personal style:

The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart

The Little Black Book of Style

Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own

She is not only a fashion and style authority in print but in practice. She is a genuine Style Maven who LOVES all things FASHION.

I had the opportunity to ask Nina my Style Maven questions.

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

NINA: Style always comes from knowing who you are or who/what do you want to be. As I described in some of my books, there's nothing wrong on taking ideas / imitate when trying to establish your own sense of style. We all need fashion / style icons. I got inspired not only by movies, paintings or looks I've seen on the runway but also by looks seen in the streets of New York. One piece of advice that I can give you: always keep your eyes wide open... the unexpected can happen in front of your eyes.

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

NINA: I think is key to have some classic pieces of clothing: a little black dress, a pair of well-fitted trousers, a trench coat, jackets... I also like to have fun with the accessories: vintage jewelry, handbags, etc... and the most important element of all: don't forget to always own the outfit.

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

NINA: I LOVE (capital letters) vintage. There's nothing more rewarding than finding THE vintage dress you have always dreamt about it. When I go vintage shopping I always have a clear idea of what I'm looking for. As you can also imagine, I love shopping for accessories... Accessories make a look, they add the perfect note/mood to your outfit.

LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?

NINA: Vintage jackets are a must. I have some Chanel ones and trust me, they age beautifully. This is one of the best investments you can ever do.

LISA: What are you wearing this Spring/Summer? Tell our readers the key elements for your S/S 2011 wardrobe

NINA: This spring is all about colors, prints, florals. I love a good Emilio Pucci, Cavalli, Missoni, Dries Van Noten print. Also Jill Sander & Prada presented a very fresh collection that we have seen in tons of magazines covers. I also recommend to take a look at Calypso for Target, they presented a wonderful collection for this summer.

LISA: If you could give women 1 piece of STYLE advice, what would it be?

NINA: Be confident in what you wear… confidence is one of the best styles to have!

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE:

EVOLUTION VINTAGE PICKS FOR NINA

1970 Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Necklace

1980's Black Acetate Backless Dress

1960's Chocolate Brown Metallic Shirt Dress

Vintage Napier Statement Necklace

STYLE Never Takes Maternity Leave

I have about 5 weeks to go until I get to meet baby #2. I am bigger and more uncomfortable than ever but I have yet to sacrifice my personal style and hit perma-yoga-pant status. Many women's body image and view of themselves start to go south with their expanding figures, stretch marks and weight gain as their bodies are hijacked by the most amazing miracle. On my less than fabulous days all it takes is an amazing outfit to make me feel a bit better. It's like a confidence boost and energy via "Style Osmosis" ~ what's on the outside get's inside!

I wanted to share some celebrity maternal style inspiration's. If you are sitting at home reading this, pregnant in track pants, if you are not a mom-to-be yet let is serve as future Mamma Maven motivation AND if you never intend to be a mommy style maven then you can marvel at these women who do it all; spend their time building their empires, growing a person (or two) and still maintain themselves and their personal style.


I'm not suggesting to copy or strive to style yourself after them - just embrace your personal unique style and maintain it no matter what maternal phase you are in at this point in your life. It takes every ounce of energy I have left to put my best foot forward and dress to fashionably face the day - MY WAY!
SOME OF MY RECENT LOOKS! IN ALL MY REPRODUCTIVE GLORY!

My mommy must have for the 3rd trimester: The MAXI Dress. It can be worn a million ways. Dressed up or down, in a print or solid with various accessories! LOVE!

P!NK Rocking a Maxi @ Farmers Market in LA

CASUAL CHIC!

PRENATAL PRINTS

POSH and PREG

RED CARPET MAMMAS


My ultimate MATERNAL MAVEN is stylist Rachel Zoe. She worked all levels of Glamour during her pregnancy!

No matter what your size, shape, or budget you can maintain your personal style or even explore it while pregnant! A little effort will produce a beautiful result as Style NEVER takes Maternity leave!

SHOP EVOLUTION VINTAGE for my great selection of baby bump friendly fashion ~ Dresses and Maxi's fit for any Mommy Maven!

Don't take my word for it: Fashion Designer Michael Kors told me via twitter The S/S 2011 Maternity must haves: Chic caftans, empire waist dresses, great Grecian sandals!