Grace Coddington

Last night, I took the subway uptown to watch The September Issue with some of my buddies in Lincoln Center. It wasn't the most amazing documentary I've ever seen, but I will say I enjoyed it thoroughly. It had wonderful insight into the making of the most highly regarded fashion magazine. What I found most charming about the film was the tense banter between Ms. Wintour and Grace Coddington. After watching this insightful look into Vogue, I've come to my own personal conclusion that Grace is the true visionary behind Vogue's image. I think that Grace and Anna's polar opposite esthetics combine to create one isolated, unique vision. I fell in love with Grace's artistic perspective in every shoot that she did. Here's one of my favorites:

And Grace Coddington herself:

Project Runway's talented hearthrob

Meet Logan Neitzel, Seattle based fashion designer, my eye candy on Project Runway. Not to mention his obvious talent for creating cool, pretty, and edgier looking designs for women. Here's a video of him in his lofty home in Seattle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYHNnIZmeHM. After watching this, I think he should become an interior decorator as well! See for yourself.

purr...fection

Chloe

For your Viewing Pleasure

I just had the pleasure of seeing 500 Days of Summer of featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zoey Deschanel. I know, I'm a but behind, it's been out for a while. Anyway, I thought that it was a lovely and beautiful film. Deschanel stayed true to form in her typical vintage aesthetic. And Gordon-Levitt looked quite dashing in skinny high-water pants set to the backdrop of a great indie-music selection. Here's vintage Gordon-Levitt in a younger phase of life.

Fall trends that excite me!

Over the knee boots, very Pretty Woman, very sexy...

Loeffler Randall

One of the perks to visiting my family at home, is that I am not involved in the hustle and bustle of the city and therefore able to waste countless hours scouring the internet. I stumbled upon the new Loeffler Randall website. It is delightful as their designs themselves complete with wonderful background music to add to the ambience. Their new fall collection of boots had me wiping the drool off of my mouth. The only thing I could complain about is that I wanted more! Check it out for yourself:

http://loefflerrandall.com/

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams is one of those lucky people who looks good with nearly every hair color. She has sported bleach blonde in Mean Girls, a beautiful auburn color in The Notebook, and even pink highlights!! I loved her look today though while she was promoting her new film, The Time Traveler's Wife on the Today Show. Her hair was a lovely hue and styled in a very 40's curled coif that paired well with her fresh, dewy looking makeup. Check it out, and I can't wait to see the film!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/32386675#32386675

Cute Budget Conscious Boutique in Atlanta

So I am visiting my family in Atlanta on my time off from dancing and have made my rounds shopping in this southern mecca. I went to all of the obvious places like Phipps and Lenox Mall, but I also stumbled upon a cute store near Atlanta Ballet called "Fabrik." The concept behind this store is that nothing exceeds the price of $100 except for there collection of designer denim. Check it out for yourself:

http://www.shopfabrikboutique.com/default.asp

Is it worth it?

Let's face it, ok maybe I should face it; it is a recession. That translates into being a savvy shopper. I have been faced with a shopping conundrum recently. I have recently flown home to visit my family in Atlanta, GA. All day I have shopped with my mother at Phipps mall. Since this winter when I went to London on business I have been itching for a pair of oxfords. Today, at Jeffrey, I stumbled upon a beautiful black pair. There were priced $470. I also know that there are a pair that look extremely similar at topshop for $110. Obviously, the church's ones are better quality, but what one is a better investment? I'll let you decide:

www.bunim-murray.com

or

Hee Seo

Tutu

Ok so, I wear a tutu for a profession, but I never really thought of wearing one out in public.  This picture was taken of a girl at The Thompson Hotel. I guess she was trying to be a bit Carrie Bradshaw circa opening credits for Sex and the City.  What do you think of it?

ABT's Cul Pas with Project Runway

So American Ballet Theatre's Culinary Pas de Deux just passed at Pier 60, and Project Runway's designer Christian Siriano was in attendance.  I was very excited given that I am a huge fan, and was thrilled when he won the show. He has very original ideas and beautiful designs.  The picture kind of makes me laugh though because he's posing with the same look he always has, the side tilt.  Loves it...

London Calling

Oh London.. How I love thee for shopping.  So I just arrived back from London (and definitely still feel the jet lag considering it is 5:45 and I feel like passing out) on tour with the company.  In between shows of Corsaire and Swan Lake, I managed to find a few great places to shop.  Of course, Selfridges tops my list.  They basically carry every designer I lust for but cannot really afford, or pretend to afford; Balenciaga, Lanvin, Chanel, Westwood, Tom Ford, Louboutin, etc.  It's a great place to buy investment pieces.  

Another place that I newly discovered was "the stables" in Camden. Called the stables, because vendors set up their vintage garb in the converted horse stables.  They have a fabulous array of vintage furs, frye boots, scarves, tee's etc. 

The Power of the Ray Ban

Ever since I can remember, I always wanted a pair of ray-bans.  I thought that they were soo cool.  And it turns out, they still are.  It is something that is eternally trendy, something that truly stands the test of time.  Here's my proof:  Blaine, Simone, Roman, and Marcelo all modeling my shades and looking fantastic.  Ray-bans look good on any shape face, and hair color and seem to conform to whatever style you are wearing that day.  They definitely top the charts to me as one of the better investments to have in your wardrobe.

ABT goes to Canada

This winter I had the odd pleasure of visiting Ottawa Canada on tour with my company American Ballet Theatre.  The costumes in our full length ballets are always quite ornate, but I couldn't help but notice the simple beauty in the slip of the Giselle's court costume (worn by Sarah Smith left) paired with her pale pink leotard.  Sometimes, its the                                                                          underthings that are the

                                                              true gem in the ensemble.

Jen in DC

This is in the dressing room of the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.  I thought this hat looked absolutely fabulous on Jen.  What wouldn't look good on a face like that though.

This will be the first of many of my new series, ABT on tour.. More to come..

Street Style

spotted out in the West Village on Saturday night

Fashion Winner

So typically, I feel as though Ms. Hathaway can be a little over hyped, but I loved her last night in the Armani Prive dress she chose for the Oscars.

For your Viewing Pleasure

Ok... so Angelina doesn't ever really take any risks on the Red Carpet besides her multiple visible tattoos, but she always looks exquisitely glamorous.  I was drooling over her beautiful emerald tear drop earrings and cocktail ring.  I thought that is was a great pairing to add some interest to her simple black dress.

Oscar Trends

Cold shoulder dresses were prevelant amongst last nights Oscar nominated actresses...

I loved Marisa Tomei's structural looking pleats on her Versace dress.  

Gwyneth on Oprah

Sick in bed all day I have been a bit of a couch potato.  I happened to catch Oprah in my stupor malade and saw Gwyneth Paltrow's guest appearance.  The first half hour was devoted to Paltrow's diet and fitness regiment.  As kind as Oprah seems, I couldn't help but feel her contempt for Paltrow's lithe figure.  "You eat everything?!" exclaims Oprah.  "Yes" replies Gwyneth.  I am equally as dubious as she.  I don't care if she works out with Tracy Anderson two hours a day, you still don't look like that by eating "everything".  

Grammy's 2009

Let me preface this by saying I actually did not watch the Grammy's because I was watching He's just not that into you  instead, but nevertheless I am hear to report on the evening's apparel.  To the right like water falling down on a delicate rose we have a very pregnant MIA dwarfing Katy Perry.  Normally Perry's fashion choices are more on the rebellious fun side (may I say sometimes verging towards garish), but tonight she opted for something a bit softer; and just as she feels about kissing girls, "I liked it".  

MIA on the other hand was her usual self and donned funky sneakers with her maternity frock.  I can't find it in me to say anything bad about this one.  I love her music, so fresh, good lyrics, good beats.  And her concert at Terminal 5 last year was still the best concert I've ever seen.   

Really?

I had to blog about this because it is just too ridiculous to not talk about: a lip gloss that promises poutier lips and smaller hips. It is claiming to suppress women's appetites.  The gloss is infused with "hoodia" a natural appetite suppressant.  What's sad/funny is that if you see any girl putting this on,  you know they are desperately insecure.  Please girls, save yourself the embarrassment and leave it on the shelf at Sephora where it belongs.

Quote of the Day

"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick.  Fashion is instant language."

Miuccia Prada

Valentine's Day

Krispy Kreme has decided to make a special treat for Valentine's Day.  So for all of you who don't have a valentine, I suggest eating your heart out on these scrumptious morsels.  It might be the closest thing to having an "O" that you'll have without the help of a significant other. :0)

Miss America 2009

The annual Miss America pageant premiered last night on TLC and it was everything we all hoped for, minus a clumsy fall from one of the contestants.  I know that sounds mean but lets be honest, we all like to see them trip.  Mario Lopez hosted, and if it weren't for his darling dimples I would have completely zoned him out.  

Now for the dresses: I know that it is "Miss America" but that does not mean that the contestants should dress like middle America.  The winner Miss Indiana Katie Stam decided to wear something from Elizabeth Berkley's closet in Showgirls.  Can that even be considered to be a "long" dress because it's sheer from the thigh down.  It honestly looks like something you would wear to a drunken Vegas wedding.  I mean, I'm not expecting Marchesa dresses but come on people.  Last nights dresses looked like they were bought at cache.

What not to say on the red carpet

I almost forgot about this cringe-worthy interview; or maybe I didn't forget, maybe I just tried to block it out of my mind.  Here's Megan Fox with her brilliant red carpet interview:

http://vids.eonline.com/services/link/bcpid396519019/bctid6892837001

Believe me, check it out... it is so sad/funny.

Understated Golden Globes

                                                          

Best

1. Eva Mendez, not that I love her as an actress but I thought she looked impeccably styled last night.  Her Dior gown  paired with the overstated turquoise Van Cleef and Arpels necklace seemed to complement each other perfectly.   It is something I probably never would have put together but that looked ravishing.

2.  Maggie Gyllenhaal, for having the guts to wear a print.  It is definitely hard to pull that off on the red carpet, but she did so spectacularly.  She paired the eccentric cold shouldered Lanvin dress with beautiful Fred Leighton earrings.   She always takes chances, and this one definitely paid off.

3.  Cameron Diaz, is my third place pick.  Shockingly enough, because as an actress she kind of bugs me and I think that she is a tad overrated.  With that being said, I though she looked positively radiant, like a real life barbie doll (in a good way).  Her cotton candy pink Chanel dress seemed oddly elegantly understated.  It was paired with beautiful turquoise jewelry that made her eyes pop.  

Now for the dish:

Worst

1. Renee Zellweger, as per usual she chose a Carolina Herrera gown, but this time, it did not work.  It seemed to choke her frail frame in a Addams Family kind of way.  And is it just me, or her eyes getting smaller every day?  It boggles my mind to think she can actually see out of those little slits.

2. Drew Barrymore, ok, so the dress wasn't that horrible although I did not love it.  What was really horrible to me was her country star, glamour shot, Jon Benet Ramsey-esque hair and makeup.  As cute and bubbly as she is, last night's whole ensemble did not work.

3. Olivia Wilde, her Reem Acra dress looked like a little girl who was playing dress up.  As opposed to Cameron's dress, this was a barbie doll dress gone wrong.

Runners up:

Eva Longoria

Amy Adams

Kate Beckinsale

Boring:

Blake Lively's navy blue Nina Ricca

 

One last thing:

Although Jennifer Lo's Marchesa dress was gorgeous, I thought that it felt a tad inappropriate last night.  With the recession in full swing and the state of the world in a bit of shambles, I felt like the theme to all of the dresses was UNDERSTATED elegance, not flashy and opulent.  Of course, that would not be in her true style considering she always seems to make a splash on the red carpet.    

 

Fashion Week Dwindling

Normally there are about 80 designers that set up at the tents in Bryant Park.  As further sign of touch economic times, only 52 are participating as of yet.  Betsey Johnson bowed out, and Zac Posen is still deciding.  No Zac!! Oh no!  I think I'm really beginning to feel the crunch. 

Trends that need to expire in 2008

I may be alone here but the top of the list for me is:

1. liquid leggings They just are not flattering in any way shape or form.  unless you are a size -2, you CANNOT pull this trend off.  Even if you are that size, why would you want your legs to look like they are wrapped in saran wrap?  You are not your mom's Christmas leftovers.  

2. the stache This year Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr, and Orlando Bloom all decided to sport this facial accessory.  Why?  I don't find a nose skirt attractive.  Show your faces!  For God sakes, with these men its not like they have anything to hide

3. excessive spending not to be the bearer of bad news, but its time to admit to ourselves (and wallets) that we are in a recession.  That means being thrifty and not going on weekly Sunday shopping sprees after brunch.  Ok, maybe I'm really writing this to myself but I'm sure that we all kind of need to hear it.  I guess I'll have to wait a few months before I buy those Louboutin's I've been lusting over.

                                        The Olsens

Caroline and Hedaya
Brad and 
Angelina

Iman and Lim

2008 Recap

I know that it's not very original to write a "best and worst of", but sometimes things like this are ubiquitous because they are good and people want to hear it.  With that being said, here goes...

Designers

My 2008 favorites: 

1. Phillip Lim definitely tops the list

2. Alexander Wang takes a close second

3. Caroline Hedaya for fantastic flirty party dresses

Models 

1. most overrated: Agyness Deyn

2. one deserving of the hype: who else, but crazy coKate Moss.  She's a hot drugged mess, but you gotta love her

3. new favorite: Chanel Iman Despite the fact that I saw her bite it on the Rosa Cha runway during Fashion Week, she got up and kept strutting.  

Best Singing ensemble: 

Beyonce singing "Single Ladies" on SNL

I am obsessed with the structured Balenciaga-esque leotard that she wore.  Still searching the web to figure out who designed it (if you happen to discover this please let me know!)  

People that need to just GO AWAY in 2009

1. The entire cast of "The Hills", especially Heidi and Spencer.  I've yet to watch "The City", but I can't imagine spending a half an hour watching Whitney Port's life adapt to Manhattan living.  I'm way too consumed with living my own here in the city thank you very much.  

2. Tyra Banks, stop trying to be Oprah.

3. Kimora Lee, not to be critical, is it just me or does her neck look like an elephant trunk? What's with all of the wrinkles? There are so many more on her neck than the rest of her body and face!  Did she secretly used to be a member of Ndebele tribe and then took off all of the necklaces to reveal her stretched out neck skin?  It still remains a mystery...

People I want to see more of in 2009:

Robert Pattinson.  I'm sorry, I am officially a dork.  Feel free to laugh, but I am knees deep into the Twilight craze.  It makes me forget all about Harry Potter, besides Pattinson is far better looking than Danielle Radcliffe ever hoped to be.  Also, not to mention that Harry's "Potter" is um.. how should I say this very proportional to his small stature after having seen him in his play, Equus.  Pattinson remains to be seen.  Let's just say that I hope he becomes involved in theatre.

Best Play

Speed the Plow. I'll take any excuse to see Jeremy Piven.  This play isn't much of a stretch for him though, it's basically Entourage live.

Best Dressed (Women)                                    

The Olsens 

Rihanna 

MIA 

Kate Moss

Maggie Gylenhall

Hellen Mirren

Michelle Obama

 

Worst Dressed

Madge

Mischa Barton

Posh-I know many will disagree with me here, but the thing I dislike most about her style is that it is too put together.  It never has an effortless quality to it, which is my number one aesthetic philosophy.

Blake Lively (she's not really the worst dressed, but she bugs me so much so I felt the need to say it.  Why doesn't she move her top lip when speaking?  Is that what she considers acting to be? pouting her lips? ugh)

Best Dressed (Men)

Mark Ronson

Justin Timberlake

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Julian Schnabel (the only man that can pull of pjs besides Hef)

Kanye West (even though he is way too cocky)

Best Dressed Couple

Brad and Angie of course.  However, this could be debatable considering the fact that they could wear a garbage bag and still be the most desired couple in the room.

Carla Bruny  and Nicholas Sarkozy

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale 

Best Dressed Baby

This one is a tie.. Suri Cruise/Holmes and Kingston Stefani/Rossdale