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Friday Frocks: I’d Like to Thank the Academy

By |February 25th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

For Hollywood’s leading ladies, the Academy Awards are the Super Bowl of fashion.  While they’ve been trying out different looks during the Emmy’s and the Golden Globes and even the Grammy’s, tonight is their big night.  It’s do or die time.  Something I’ve noticed is that these stunning starlets have been able to snag looks literally right off the runways.  So, I did some hunting and gathering from Fall 2011’s runways to find some fabulous frocks that I would love to see make their way down the red carpet this weekend.

Everyone knows that it’s hard to go wrong in black.  However, black can sometimes be seen as dull and predictable.  These gorgeous frocks are anything but boring with embellishments, lace, and layers of tulle.

I love color on the red carpet.  While we’ve seen quite a bit of red and pink, I would love to see more blue and even more of the green that was such a big trend at the Golden Globes.  These dresses actually reminded me of peacock feathers and were a different take on patterns and texture.  I could see some of the more daring ladies slipping into some of these glorious gowns.

One trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon (which makes me very happy) is the metallic trend.  Whether it’s a shiny silver or a cool copper, there are sure to be several beauties wearing frocks with shimmer.

While I may or may not be dead on with these red carpet predictions, at least they’re something pretty to look at during your Friday afternoon homestretch to the weekend.

xx,

WhyDid

all photos via style.com


Why Did You Wear That: Budget Bride

By |February 23rd, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

Going right along with my post from yesterday and my love for all things lovely, I was inspired to find some beautiful wedding dresses for the brides to be out there.  I was amazed how many gorgeous dresses are available for under $1000 (Hopefully, my mother isn’t reading cause she’ll punch me for picking one for about ten times as much- sorry, mom!).  If you aren’t aware, weddings are freaking expensive!  The dress alone can exhaust your financial resources, so finding so many amazing options (seriously something for everyone) is a total relief.  These dresses are all of the rack, so you have plenty of time to save up and then get alterations done.  When you order designer dresses they take about six months to be made and then add time for alterations – not a whole lot of time to pinch pennies.  I’m not gonna be shy, I’ve really outdone myself this time, behold 24 to die for dresses.  You’re welcome!

Top (L to R): White House Black Market Katharine Gown, $348, Antik Batik Clea Silk Satin Gown, $720, Aidan Mattox Chiffon Evening Gown, $440 Bottom (L to R): BCBG MAXAZRIA Drape Bodice Knit Gown, $328, White House Black Market Grace Gown, $498,  BCBG MAXAZRIA Mesh and Satin Gown, $548

Top (L to R): Tadashi Shoji Organza Bottom Silk Ball Gown, $840, ABS by Allen Schwartz Silk Strapless Rosette Gown, $550, Nika Tiered Strapless Evening Gown, $598, White House Black Market Audrey Gown, $698, Bottom (L to R): Aidan Mattox Strapless Metallic Print Ball Gown, $550, BCBG MAXAZRIA Tiered Strapless Gown, $798, White House Black Market Victoria Bridal Gown, $598, Tadashi Shoji Chiffon Applique One Shoulder Gown, $798

(L to R): Nicole Miller Double Face Satin V-neck Gown, $730, Betsy and Adam Pleated Halter Gown, $160, Notte by Marchesa One Shoulder Flower Gown, $935, BCBG MAX AZRIA Silk Halter Gown, $348

Top (L to R): Love, Yu Tulle Gown, $850, Badgley Mischka Strapless Tiered Flowy Gown, $750, Ann Taylor Fringe Gown, $550 Bottom (L to R): ABS by Allen Schwartz Silk Strapless Rosette Gown, $410, Ann Taylor Rose Petal Gown, $750, Love, Yu Tiered Strapless Gown, $750

I do!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Feel the Love

By |February 22nd, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

I am a true hopeless romantic.  I always root for love and happily ever after.  Lately, my heart has been filled with so much joy because of all the love around me.  My best friends are all getting married with Micro Weddings ceremoney at beach and many other awesome destinations, engaged, and having beautiful little babies.  It’s an overwhelmingly happy time and I’m so happy to be a part of their bliss.  That said… I’ve got a lot of weddings coming up!  What’s a girl to wear?

Wedding invitation dress codes can often be tricky.  What’s the difference between black tie and black tie optional?  What colors are okay to wear?  And is this hem too high?  Here are three of the most common types of wedding dress codes and what to wear to each.

Black Tie: This is the most formal of dress codes.  Typically, this would require a long formal gown.  Most of us probably have a black gown tucked away in our closets in case of such events, but I love adding some color to the mix.  Besides, you will be one of fifty wearing black if you just go with old faithful.  Don’t go overboard and cover yourself in sequins and sparkles (this is not your senior prom or the Grammy’s).

Top (L to R): Aidan Mattox Chiffon Halter Gown with Beaded Waist, $440, Badgley Mischka Chiffon Tiered Halter Gown, $990, BCBG MAXAZRIA Strapless Silk Chiffon Gown, $348 Bottom (L to R): Issa Silk Jersey Gown, $885, Lanvin Asymmetric Washed Satin Gown, $3,480, Nicole Miller Water Washed Reverse Charmeuse Gown, $620

Cocktail/Black Tie Optional: Black tie optional is more often than not in reference to the men’s attire.  If your invitation reads “black tie optional” you are welcome to wear a dress much like the ones above in “black tie” or you could wear a formal cocktail dress.  Be sure that your cocktail attire isn’t too low cut or shorter than a tube top.  Have some respect for the bride.  There’s nothing wrong with looking fantastic, but you don’t want to draw eyes away from the bride for all the wrong reasons.  When in doubt, ask yourself, “Would I want some bitch at my wedding wearing this?” *Note: if this wedding is being held at the Playboy Mansion, all of these rules go out the window. Game on.

Top (L to R): Catherine Malandrino Silk Chiffon Dress, $495, Rachel Gilbert Sasha Embellished Silk Chiffon Dress, $1,160, Calvin Klein Ruffle Trim Chiffon Dress, $158 Bottom (L to R): Mark and James Tulle Ruffle Sequin Dress, $355, Kurt Thomas Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress, $400, Top Shop Chiffon A Line Dress by Rare, $78

Afternoon/Destination: The world’s love of “brunch” has spilled over into the wedding arena.  Many couples are opting for brunch or afternoon weddings.  For such occasions the dress code is much more relaxed.  A flowy maxi dress, or flirty chiffon frock paired with wedges is a perfect choice for such an event.  This is also a great option for destination weddings.  Be sure to wear a fabric that breaths if you’re heading to a steamy climate.  You may also want to factor in having to remove your heels for flats or bare feet on the beach, so make sure your hemline won’t trip you up.

Top (L to R): Gryphon Chain Link Maxi Dress, $390, Nanette Lepore Rain or Shine Floral Maxi Dress, $648, The Furies Hex Maxi Dress, $165 Bottom (L to R): Rozae R.N. Chiffon Colorblock Dress, $334, Tibi Racerback Maxi Paisley Dress, $583, Heritage 1981 Tribal One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $24.90

Can you hand me a hanky?

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Heavenly Creations

By |February 18th, 2011|Friday Frocks|

I did not report on every last detail of New York Fashion Week- I like to leave that to the style obsessed.  My MO is to sit back, digest, filter out the garbage and focus on the fabulous.  Anyway, this week’s Friday Frocks is dedicated to all the beautiful creations that made their way down the runway this past week.  When I think of decadent, delicious frocks, I think of Vera, and Monique, and Oscar (oh my!).  I have to say, it’s kind of like someone read my mind, reached up to the heavens and pulled down these pretty pieces to fill me with girlish delight.  My very favorite colors are those of sunsets and evening skies, so I was beside myself to see all these beautiful frocks derived from that color palette.

Fall 2011 is shaping up to be a very stylish season.  I look forward to watching the starlets storm the red carpets in these beautiful frocks.

To view every last bit of New York Fashion Week shows, head on over to Style.com.

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: Red Carpet Repeat

By |January 17th, 2011|Monday Mashup|

So, before I announce who I found fantastic and who made me cry “foul!”, I decided to recap the rest of the red carpet from the Golden Globes.  Um… I can’t help but notice… there were a lot of duplications in the wardrobe department.  Whoops! Perhaps the stylists in Hollywood need to communicate more.  Having a twin on the red carpet might be every starlet’s worst nightmare, but seeing double gives us much more to compare come Monday.  While I have my own opinions on who rocked the look best, I’m going to go ahead and let you- my usually fashionably elite- readers decide. Now, behold the beauties that were the Golden Globes:

A Case of the Ex:

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham vs. Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab

Moody Nudes:

Carrie Underwood in Badgley Mischka vs. Dianna Agron in J. Mendel

Pretty in Pink:

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta vs. Megan Fox in Armani Prive

Is White Right?

Jennifer Love Hewitt in Romona Keveza vs. Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Mean Green:

Angelina Jolie in Versace vs. Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Well Red:

January Jones in Versace vs. Sofia Vegara in Vera Wang

It’s a Sherbert:

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection vs. Claire Danes also in Calvin Klein Collection

Blue for You:

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier vs. Jenna Ushkowitz in Rebecca Taylor vs. Amy Adams in Marchesa

xx,

WhyDid