Stacey Bendet’s Fall 2011 show at the Plaza Hotel – February 14, 2011 – New York Fashion Week.
I was lucky enough to attend Alice + Olivia’s Fall 2011 Fashion Show at New York City’s Plaza Hotel.
Happy Valentine’s Day burlesque-style! ♥
Backstage was the place to be, with Frank Sinatra’s ♫ New York, New York ♫ setting the stage for creative perfection. An adorably pregnant, Stacey Bendet wowed us all yet again – from deep reds, jewel tones, lace, velvet, fur and her ever-favorite trademark sequins. The choice of the Park Plaza over the Lincoln center provided an intimate flare. Sponsored by Veuve Clicquot, white gloved servers kept the fashionable attendees appropriately buzzing. A+O festive cookies, bite-size cupcakes and Godiva chocolates complemented Stacey’s spicy designs with sugary sweet treats.
10 – a hot red nail - I’m not one who dresses for the holidays. Christmas sweaters aren’t my thing… but this time of year I do love a shocking red nail when others are rocking winter darks. Chanel’s new LE VERNIS “Dragon” 475 is perfection. Not too blue, not too orange – it’s all you need for a romantic red. Try it, and let your fingers do the talking… and walking.
9 – hanky panky bralettes - I live and die by Hanky Panky. From their thongs (see #5), and camis (#6 in my LiveLoveShop LA must-haves), to their bandeaus that are not to be missed. I need padding, so I wear mine over my Victoria Secret Very Sexy Push-Up bras, but they also work solo. They’re great for a low neck-line, a see-through top, or when you just want to add a touch of lace. I suggest starting with basic black, white, or cream and work up to adding brights and patterns.
7 – red or pink cashmere travel set - I travel a lot, and I don’t leave home without a cashmere blanket (that can double as a scarf). It makes those red-eyes a little less brutal… so keeping the romance alive, instead of gray or taupe, try hot pink or red to brighten your spirits for landing.
6 – blushing blouse - a soft pink top is sexy. It’s subtle, soft and sultry… Pair a silk blush blouse with dark (or white) skinny jeans, tucked into a skirt, or belted over leggings and you are DATE READY.
5 – hanky panky thongs - Marily Monrow once said “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” This is how I feel about the inventor of hanky panky. I live in their low rise thongs, aside from the Victoria Secret Cotton Lingerie Thongs I work out in, they’re ALL I wear. There are so many colors and styles, everyday is a new thrill for you and yours… the lace fits like second skin, showing no lines – and if you can believe it they’re one size fits all! They also make a higher “original rise”, plus size, and for girls coveting full coverage there are countless options.
4 – a silk bathrobe - I believe pajamas should be comfortable. Whether you go for silk, skimpy or full on sweats, you can sex them up with your robe. To the knee or below are the sexiest, leaving more to the imagination and actually providing some warmth when you put it on… or take it off!
3 – a lace cami - worn on it’s own after hours, or high pro under a top or blazer; add some lace to your silk cami. This one detail gives the right amount of va-va-va-vooom while keeping it classy.
2 – a lavender scarf - I love purple, it was my favorite color as a kid. And lavender is my new gray. I can’t get enough… Adam Glass (Oprah’s Style guru) picked Fluxus’s Nomad Scarf as one of his must-haves for 2011 and I’m totally on board. It doubles as a blanket, and has enough material to be worn in many ways. My favorite hue is “captive” but charcoal and black are great go-tos.
1 – hot kicks - Valentine’s Day candy hits shelves right after Halloween, chocolate is everywhere! Get ready to walk off those extra calories in romantic-STYLE with New Balance’s new WT101. I loooove pink again black, gray and brown. These runners are a 10. Nothing but net. Let’s kick it.
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep
because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
“Put on a trench, you’re suddenly Audrey Hepburn walking along the Seine
– even if you’ve got red hair and you’re five one.” – Michael Kors
There’s something incredible about this fashion staple. It makes every designer, stylist and fashion expert’s top 10 must-haves list for a reason. A trench coat is instantly chic and so transitional.
Whether you’re going from day to night, winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, or fall to winter: a trend has you covered. Figuratively and literally. So buy a great one at a level that’s considered an investment for you. Take care of it, wear it with pride, and keep it FOREVER. This coat is never going out of style, and as we see with Jessica (Alba), Jennifer, Jessica (Biel), and Gwyneth – there are many lovable takes offering fresh style to this timeless and classic look.
The right trend is nothing but flattering. A longer length like Gwyneth’s hides your stomach, knees, thighs and hips, while a belt emphasizes (or creates) a waist and curves. Shorter styles (like Jessica Biel’s) can easily appear more casual and effortless during the day, but can still be dressed up (like Jennifer’s) when you want more glam. The right hardware (buttons, pockets, zippers, epaulettes, ruffles, belts, snaps, bows) make all the difference. Whether you’re running to the grocery store or dressed to the nines, no one needs to know what’s underneath…. It’s all part of the allure.
Left to Right: Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Leighton Meester, Sandra Bullock. Photos:Splash News.
“I pray to Christian Louboutin. Just kidding… kind of.” – Jessica Simpson
Christian Louboutin is the acclaimed designer famous for his trademark hot-red sole. This sexy detail has been referred to as a “GO” symbol, sending men’s minds into a wild frenzy. Christian has Hollywood’s finest donning his designs on the big and small screens (above: Jessica Biel and Jessica Alba in “Valentine’s Day”, Leighton Meester in “Gossip Girl”, Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal”)…
If you’re female, and you looove shoes – you undoubtedly covet at least one (or MANY…) pairs of Christian’s genius. Here are a few tips on how to make the best Christian Louboutin INVESTMENT:
- Many Louboutin styles have heels upwards of three to five inches high – so depending on your height and tolerance, you might want to consider flats, kitten heels, and/or a few Simple heels in 2 1/2, 2 3/4 (70mm), 3″ heels. Go for the most mileage, unless you’re looking to build a collection.
- Several styles are bedazzled like Carrie’s Gold Sequin Pillage in “Carrie On” - if you want to make a statement, make a statement. But typically statement heels are additions after you ♥ your basics.
- Christian’s heels are classic Parisian couture, they fit small so it’s a good idea to try on before making an online purchase. You can typically go up half a size, to a full size – the fit varies by style.
For many, these extravagant shoes are only lust-worthy from afar (some pairs could finance a vacation), but regardless of whether you admire them on your own feet, or the gams of starlets, gurus, and icons we love – Christian Louboutin has his finger on the pulse of women everywhere.
If you haven’t seen “Valentine’s Day” yet here’s one good reason: Costume Designer Gary Jones. Also responsible for the wardrobes in “Two Weeks Notice” and “Definitely Maybe”, Gary’s eye for fresh looks is undeniable, and this star-STUDDED romantic comedy is no exception.
With starlets Emma Roberts and Taylor Swift; gurus Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Biel; and icons Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Kathy Bates and Shirley MacLaine – there’s no shortage of great clothes. Jen’s outfit above is one of our faves – she’s a breath of fresh air.
Garner plays a primary school teacher, Julia Fitzpatrick. Her hot-red fingers and toes offer a pop of sexy, without being over-the-top Valentine’s festive. Red can work your mani pedi ALL-year-round.
Jen (Julia) combines the perfect professional yet stylish look with her white and red polka-dot cardigan, navy skirt, neutral wedges (with a splash of patent!) and her purple hobo. A purple bag can play up any outfit, this darker hue can be as versatile as black, gray or navy. Her heels have enough height to balance out the somewhat cutesy cardigan, resulting in one sexy Ms. Fitzpatrick.