Nicole Miller FW2012

Nicole Miller is known for some fabulous design details.  Ruched dresses, metallic stretch material, an amazing understanding of a woman's curves, and some gorgeous graphic prints now and then. She brought them all and more in her Fall 2012 collection.  The prints this season were large digital motifs on silk and chiffon.  Bohemian band groupie plus flower child pretty much sums up the look; dissect each runway look and you have some very lovely separates that could be easily blended into one's wardrobe to fabulous effect.

Pair NM's suede t-shirts and silk blouses with some amazing skinny jeans and ankle boots. Wispy floral dresses will swirl beautifully around your mid calf boots and sheer stockings; add a Mongolian lamb vest on top for a more Boho style. Don't be afraid of the skinny velvet pants! So chic and luxurious, dare to wear them with a loose silk top and sky-high heels to balance the proportions. Jewel tones were key on the fall runway; rich mustards, teals, and purple create a gorgeous palette. Top it off with a velour felt wide brim hat to complete the look!

NYFW: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2012

   As it does every six months or so, Fashion Week stomped into New York City like a 17 year old Russian model clomps down the runway. Even if I wasn't in tune with the fashion cycle, I would have sensed its arrival by the conspicuous lack of cabs in Manhattan over the weekend, models swarming the streets of SoHo, and the general sense of panic in the garment district. Although I wasn't personally invited to attend any events at Lincoln Center (an oversight, I'm certain), I do like to keep up with my favorite designers and see what might potentially make its way to Nashville via The Cotton Mill come fall 2012. 

  Starting off my fashion week commentary with the DVF show is a no brainer.  Her show is a perennial favorite at NYFW, teeming with fashion power players (and personal friends of Diane) such as Barbara Walters, Rachel Zoe, Oscar de la Renta, and Anderson Cooper.  Don't be fooled by the hype. The grand dame of fashion, who is currently the president of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), lives up to her reputation; she rarely fails to present a cohesive collection and always designs with a woman's shape in mind. This collection is no different in that regard, with lots flattering drapes and sophisticated color blocking. It was light on prints this go-round, and wrap dresses too, but fear not, loyal shoppers. The retail gods will surely have their say and it will be interpreted into the famous style for the masses. 

  Here are some of my favorite looks from the runway. I adore the unusual mixing of color: light mauve and deep raspberry, mustard yellow on canary yellow on hot pink, red and aqua (a favorite of mind already).  Take a look!

xoxo,

Alice

Grammy's 2012: Best and Worst

The Grammys this year started out on a sad note after the tragic death of Whitney Houston.  Lots of stars opted for somber black, perhaps in honor of the fallen diva. So sad. If you haven't seen Jennifer Hudson's Grammy tribute, singing "I Will Always Love You", You-Tube it immediately. It will give you chills.

The night did manage to go on and styles ran the gamut from totally crazy (ahem, Nikki Minaj...) to sleek, sexy, and sophisticated. Let's start with the best:

Rihanna killed it. She joined forces with Giorgio Armani to create this super sexy plunging-neckline gown. Simple and effective.

I think Adele looked fab in both of these Armani gowns, but needs to be careful of aging herself. I get that she goes for a vintage look, but you're only 23, girlfriend! Go easy on the bouffant!

Taylor Swift went super glam in a Zahir Muraad gold gown.  The beading! The color! Good job, T-Swizzle!

Kate Beckinsale kept it short and sweet. 

Miranda certainly got the memo on the gold and nude color scheme for the night.  This actually

 isn't my favorite look for her, but I think she is so adorable I threw her in the mix anyway.

Oh, and Blake? Speaking of adorable...

Joy Williams of the Civil Wars looked very old-Hollyhood in her gown. Great choice with the hair and makeup, as well.

Kelly Osbourne certainly redeemed herself from her Golden Globe style debacle with this glittery Tony Ward gown. Lovely neutral gold with a figure-flattering drape. 

Carrie Underwood in a Gomez-Gracia gown. Love the cut-out back on this. I can only imagine what these sequins sewn on tulle must have looked like in person.

Um, what a hilarious pairing. Who made the seating chart? I wonder what they talked about...

(PS: Gaga is wearing Versace)

Now, onto the worst. And there were some weird ones, y'all. Be prepared...

Oh, Fergie, Fergie, Fergie.  These go well beyond acceptable amounts of VPL (visible panty lines). Without the peekaboo granny panties, this Gaultier dress would have been lovely. Just not feeling this one.

I don't know who this artist is, but now I will remember her...for all the wrong reasons. 

Ok, Nikki Minaj, we get it. You are SO out there. But this Versace nun habit should be taken out to the garbage. Perhaps you should leave the theatrics to Gaga.

And there we have it! See you at the next awards show! And keep a look out this week as I blog about New York Fashion Week 2012.

xoxo,

Alice

Golden Globes 2012: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Last night kicked off the start of awards seasons with the Golden Globes. After a day (actually, entire weekend) of football, what girl isn't excited to kick back with a glass of wine for an evening of dress ogling! The mermaid silhouette is going strong and seems like it is here to stay.  Also, nude and champagne gowns were as far as the eye can see, in contrast to another trend of purple and red gowns.  For me, nude seems a little spring-y for this time of year, but hey, the sun always shines LA (as a New Yorker in the throes of winter, I forget that it shines anywhere!). Here are my top ten gowns from the night (in no particular order).

Sigh. Who doesn't love Reese? She looked stunning in a red Zac Posen gown and loose flowing locks.

Another Nashville beauty! Nicole has had a few hit-or-miss red carpet moments lately, but this isn't one of them. Looking fab in Versace.

The always adorable Emma stone wearing a raspberry Lanvin gown. Love the two-tone look!

Wowza! Sofia Vergara knows how to flatter her hourglass figure! Wearing a navy Vera Wang that fits her like a glove.

Angelina made the cut, obviously. She looks amazing in this structure and elegant dress by Atelier Versace. Her best accessory is not pictured (ahem, Brad...).

Michelle Williams is always so cute! Loving this long sleeved velvet number by Jason Wu. Headband was a cute touch (although I think the fashion police at large disagree).

Laura Dern dazzled in this emerald green by Andrew Gn. I am seriously into the long sleeves! Haven't we seen enough strapless by now? 

Charlize Theron kills it with the Dior Couture. This was definitely a risk, but she is tall enough to pull this off. The vintage Cartier jewelry and headband are a lovely addition.

Madonna glitters in Reem Acra. HOW does she look this good?! She must be doing yoga day and night.

Octavia Spencer in a lovely feminine lilac gown by Tadashi Shoji. I just love her! Apparently it was hard for her to find a designer to dress her because of her curvy figure...bet she won't have that problem after winning that Golden Globe! Go Octavia!

Last, but not least, Uggie the dog from silent film (and big GG winner) "The Artist". Best dressed, paws down.

Ok, now that we have gone through the highlights, lets get our hands dirty and go through the dress disasters. And boy, were there some dress disasters.

Giuliana Ranic, why?! Just...why.

Kelly Osbourne takes "having the blues" to the next level...and now I have them from seeing this dress (and that HAIR).

Piper Perabo playing princess dress-up in an ill-fitting parachute? yikes...

Jessica Biel just got engaged to Justin Timberlake, one of the sexiest guys around (in this girl's opinion). But for whatever reason, she decided to remake her grandmother's table cloth into a dress and wear it to the Golden Globes. Ouch.

And there you have it! See you at the Oscars!