Fashion Muses

Every innovator is influenced by some muse, and in fashion, those glitzy inspirations come in many forms. The fashion It Girl can be the person brining a designer's clothes to life on the runway, showing off effortless street style at the countless shows of fashion week, managing the communications of a brand, or browsing looks for famous clients. No matter which role they play, they're the reason those seasonal trends go editorial and red carpet ready!

The Model

Twenty years old and on top of her modeling game. Since about 2011, Cara Delevingne has been winning over the fashion world with her thick eyebrows and goofy persona. The British model has worked with labels like Burberry, Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, and was even an Angel for the day. And as if earning Vogue's praise wasn't enough, Cara won Model of the Year 2012 at the British Fashion Awards. Despite her exciting resume, it's Cara's fun personality that's made her everyone's favorite It Girl. Her carefree style and blunt humor make it hard not to love her.

The Socialite

Nepotism can only make those five minutes of fame last for so long. The reality shows will bomb, the perfume lines will get shoved in the back of your local Sephoras, and your dignity will suffer major ego bruising. But for Olivia Palermo, her little stint on MTV's The City seemed like that math test you bombed in high school. Sucked in the moment, but easily forgotten and rarely came back to haunt you. Olivia's glamorous taste has resulted in some amazing opportunities. Front rows at fashion shows and recent modeling Oscar de la Renta for Outnet.com. Girl is so high fashion, it's hard to remember she came to attention from a reality show. 

The Director of Communications

Oscar de la Renta is the epitome of elegant glamour mixed with modern youthfulness. Everyone wants to be exposed to those dream worthy ruffles. For @OscarPRGirl Erika Bearman, that dream is her everyday reality. Every girl on Twitter with an interest in fashion can't help but obsess over Erika's exciting adventures that come with her job. The Social Media Queen keeps everyone up to date on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest.  The small glimpses into her life from tweets of conversations with Oscar and pictures of her gorgeous outfits (crop top with ballroom skirt? check!) gives a girl hope that you really can have it all. 

The Stylist

Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway. Just to name a few of Rachel Zoe's A-list cliental. The celeb stylist has claimed major attention for being responsible for the note worthy red carpet styles and basically inventing "boho chic". Going to all the fashion shows to find looks for your client while also organizing a show for your own fashion line - it's just a day in the life for Rachel Zoe!

"You should always be learning. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong place."

-Erika Bearman

Best Dressed Oscars 2013

Holy Oscar Sunday, aka the biggest red carpet event of the year. And despite the major lack of color, the drama in the dresses were bigger than the Best Picture nominees.

Amanda Seyfried

Looking fierce in McQueen. The light colors became an extremely repetitive trend of the night but at least Amanda brought it with the texture and structure of her gown. The light shade was a perfect match for her light skin tone and big dolly eyes. On top of the coloring, the shape was perfect for Miss Seyfried! Not only was it so smart of her stylist to stick with a slim fitting gown for her tiny figure, but the collar and cleavage was totally Oscar appropriate. Take note of your co-star Hathaway. This is how to show off your assets correctly!

Amy Adams

Like the real life Disney princess she is, Amy Adams looked like a dream in this lavender gown. It's not a red carpet until Oscar de la Renta is present and those ruffles certainly drew attention. While I would have preferred a little bit more diamonds or sparkle, Amy knocked it out of the park with that train alone.

Jennifer Hudson

Midnight blue was as close as we got to color on Oscar night, so thank you for that Jennifer Hudson! The shimmer, the slit- all so fierce! I'm usually not a fan of long sleeve dresses, but this Roberto Cavalli was full of so much detail. Particularly loving the material at the top and how it transitions to a light flow at the bottom of the dress. Completely fitting and perfect for her performing role of the night!

Jennifer Lawrence

It's Jennifer Lawrence's world and we're just living in it. This girl doesn't even need a Harvey Weinstein Oscar campaign, that's how hard she's winning everyone over this year/award season. Owning her recent Dior spokeswoman role, J.Law came in full elegance with this amazing train. Although I definitely love the look, I wish and hope in the future Dior provides Jennifer with edgier looks. Jennifer is so young that she deserves bolder dresses, like the ones fellow Dior ladies Mila Kunis and Marion Cotillard sport. Nevertheless, this gown is timeless and perfect for the Oscars!

Jessica Chastain

Oh hello 60s glamour! Jessica nailed it when she described her dress as a "Happy Birthday Mr. President" gown. The Armani Prive with vintage Harry Winston jewels were perfect for Hollywood's newly A-list leading lady. The champagne color went surprisingly well with her pale skin tone and that red lip definitely helped her stand out, instead of being washed out. Jessica Chastain was the definition of Hollywood glamour.  

Zoe Saldana

What do you do when your gorgeous ex-boyfriend is the sole reason for every woman's swooning this award season? Show up in the most intricate dress of the night to clarify you are the hottest of all the fashion risk takers. Obviously. At least, that's what Zoe Saldana did in this Alexis Mabille gown. Who knew black and white could be so fabulous? I was immediately won over when I saw my favorite trend (ruffles) but the belt plus the open slit train? Best dressed of the night, easily. 

Best Dressed: Golden Globes 2013

Roll out the red carpet and couture, award season has begun!

Katharine McPhee switched up her game a little with this sultry look. Stepping away from her typical sweet and girly appearances, Katharine was sleek in her black, revealing dress. Not only did she give Angie's left leg a little dress slit competition, but she was part of the few to break away from the bright color theme of the night. If you're going to basic with black during award season, you better make it a standout look. And with a fierce topknot like that, Katharine definitely stood out!

J'adore Dior! Ah, the power of the French. Marion Cotillard probably had the simplest appearance at the awards but still looked incredible. The coloring, the draping, even the lack of jewels - all looked effortlessly timeless! 

Continuing the trend of simplicity, Hayden Panettiere stunned in a Roberto Cavalli gown. White slash slightly pink? However you want to define the color tone, it was gorgeous and completely complimented her youthfulness.  In addition, that fit was perfect for her petite frame.

While the neutrals and natural looks were a pleasant change, it's still not a red carpet unless there's some high fashion show stoppers. For Emily Blunt, her fashion moment came in a Michael Kors cutout. The British actress looked elegant in her gold gown and unique texture (Shimmer? Flowery? What is it?). Emily kept it modern and classic. 

When presenters steal the nominees fashion moments (another theme of the night). This past year, Kate Hudson has been all glamour so it only made sense that she'd strut into the Globes like the epitome of Hollywood royalty. Only Hudson's bubbly persona could make a dramatic McQueen dress look sweet and sophisticated.

The Sound of Style

Singers and fashion can be an iffy combination. Sometimes they get it right, but usually due to over the top theatrical costumes, they get it wrong. Really wrong. Fortunately, two very classy ladies have been changing the unstylish face of music. And thanks to them, the Grammys red carpet might not have to be such a freak show after all.

Marina and the Diamonds

First, let's start with my queen - Marina and the Diamonds. Don't let the stage name fool you, this is one singer not a band. Marina Diamandis won my heart with her materialistic and self loving hit, Primadonna. How could I not adore someone who was singing about all my core values and making statements like "all I ever wanted was the world"! In addition to her incredible vocal talent and entertaining song writing, Marina has a quirky and girly style. Or as Marina would would put it, style that is inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Marie Antoinette. In her music videos, she's playful with her varying themes (See: American dream, HBIC Power & Control, and a sultry Heartbreaker). On stage, she stays true to her Electra Heart persona with a simple silhouette, high platforms, and the trademark heart drawn on her cheek. She has the appearance of a barbie doll but the kind of soul that can connect with you through so many relatable experiences in her music. 

Lana Del Rey

And then there's Lana Del Rey, a bit more melancholic artist. With themes emphasizing on wasted youth, short love, and abandonment, Lana's dark image can get a little depressing. But like Marina, she's a lyrical goddess. Throw in a little sass ("I'm your little harlot, starlet, Queen of Coney island"), some danger ("kiss me hard in the pouring rain, you like your girls insane"), and some sadness ("been trying hard not to get into trouble, but I've got a war in my mind"). Lana loves living on the edge and the storytelling of her music videos show that. Other things to note in those lengthy videos is her style, from her heavy makeup and long nails to her classic appearances. Del Rey describes herself as a "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra". Her mix of retro and rebellion has won over major fashion fans, earned Vogue editorials, and landed her a contract as the spokesmodel for H&M.     

 

Gatsby? What Gatsby?

There's really nothing I'm looking forward to more in 2013 than The Great Gatsby movie. Fitzgerald's novel is my favorite book and probably the most useful thing I ever got from high school. There's just something so intriguing about the New York City tale and its selfish characters. Like Daisy. Her richness makes her appealing, her vapidness makes her sympathetic, and her carelessness makes her hateful. Even from the brief trailer, Carey Mulligan's portrayal showed so much of that love/hate complexity. Along with Leo DiCaprio (Swoon! Best he's looked in years!) and Tobey Maguire, the A-list names are perfectly cast.

While I don't understand some of Baz Luhrmann's approaches, like making this in 3-D, I'm completely won over by the movie's sparkly and Prada costume designed style. Pop more of that champagne and continue on with No Church In The Wild playing--the modernity of this film is already blowing Mia Farrow and Robert Redford's Gatsby attempt out of the water. 

Fashionistas of the Year

As another year comes to an end, it's time to bow down to the women who brought their fashion A game this year.

  

Gwyneth Paltrow is the epitome of high class glamour, and her style completely reflected that this year. Gwyneth started off the year by showing up to the Oscars in not only a timeless Tom Ford dress, but accompanied the look with a sleek cape. Really, who else could pull that off? Not one to be forgetten, Gwynnie continued to keep everyone oohing and ahing with her Prada dress at the Met Gala. With style like this, Paltrow's 40th birthday bash on her yacht with Beyonce and Jay-Z seemed to take a backseat to her 2012 highlights. 

 

From movie star glam to a model's every day fabulousness. Miranda Kerr knows how to wow at events, fashion shows, and in editorials, but her street style surely inspired countless Pinterest boards this year. For Kerr, the streets of NYC were her runway and errands were only done in the fiercest stilettos. Hailing a taxi while juggling a baby never looked so effortlessly flawless. Miranda Kerr is living the Park Ave mom dream.

Considering she's probably going to win an Oscar for her performance in Zero Dark Thirty, it makes sense that Jessica Chastain was the fashion siren on red carpets this year. From film festivals to award shows, Chastain was topping those best dressed lists. She made her first big splash at the Oscars in a intricate Alexander McQueen dress that complimented those red locks beautifully. Then came the Cannes Film Festival, where she looked like Hollywood royalty in Gucci (and with the rave reviews she was getting for her performances, she basically was). And most recently, Jessica experimented with a bold leather blue Jason Wu dress at a Fashion's Night Out event. One thing we can certainly conclude from her 2012 style is that when Jessica is on stage accepting that Oscar, she'll most likely be making a bold fashion statement for 2013 as well. 

Movie Review: Les Mis

I cried, I laughed, I swooned...I rushed to the bathroom to see how badly I damaged my makeup. I knew that Broadway's biggest musical was going to leave an emotional impact but was not prepared to be leaving the theater as such a mess. As expected, Anne Hathaway's "I Dreamed A Dream" sequence produced many tears and "cosigns" to her much talked about Oscar hype. But after Hathaway took the audience into a deep depression, I thought my emotions were safe because really, what could be more saddening than selling your body for your child's sake? Turns out, there were still more revolution children involved to continue my bawling.

My particular favorites in the movie were Samantha Barks and Aaron Tveit. As someone who is too attached over Eponine singing On My Own, I was ecstatic over Samantha's casting. Considering how short the role seemed (seriously, did anyone else feel like her part was severely cut?), she left a huge impact in the film. And then there was Aaron Tveit. I have a special place for Aaron in my heart after meeting him in his Catch Me If You Can days. It was a beautiful moment when his baby blues looked into my eyes as I blabbered on about how perfect he was and then instructed my sister where to stand when she took our picture. In that moment, I melted and knew he was a major husband contender. Of course, Les Mis only confirmed that belief. Aaron was incredible as Enjolras. And when he held up the iconic red flag? Maybe that wasn't the most appropriate time to be swooning, but I did...along with more crying.

Despite the mixed reviews on the film, I thought Les Mis was well done. Like the film version of Rent, which I will defend till the day I die, no one is ever pleased with how Broadway musicals are transformed into Hollywood movies. The two are nearly impossible to combine, but at least Les Mis was done justice (Remember when TSwift was in talks to play Eponine? This could've taken an awful turn...). Besides, I rarely see people in the movie theater so affected to the point of blowing their noses from crying and then clapping loudly at the end of films. In my experience, Les Mis did succeed with brining the stage atmosphere to the movies.