Gossip Girl Fashion: 'The Back-Up Dan'
Courtesy of Burberry, Style.com, HomeoftheNutty.com

This week's episode of Gossip Girl picked up where last week's 100th episode left off, which usually means a slightly more exciting episode but no wardrobe changes. This time, however, we get a bit of a taste of both worlds.

It's odd because I only seem to get properly into the plot when things change 180 degrees every 30 seconds, which is worrying me, like I have a Gossip Girl-specific ADD. I just feel like now that there are no new characters and everyone's done everything with everybody is hard to surprise the audience.

Fashion-wise it was also a pretty good episode. The best moment was, of course, by Serena. Once she leaves Blair's wedding reception she covers her Vera Wang dress in the stunning lace Burberry trench from the 'Nude' collection. I was thrilled to see the trench hit the screen. I loved the look, with the organza train flowing out of the coat – one of the best looks from this season.

Blair has a (sort of) double hit this week. One for the Pre-Fall'11 Carolina Herrera dress she wears at the end of the episode – I can't emphasise enough how this is her style – and one for her I (heart) NY 'trackie' look at the airport. I didn't think Blair had it in her but it was a fun GG moment.

Gossip Girl Fashion: "The Witches of Bushwick"

Before I start with this week's Gossip Girl shenanigans let me apologise (even though it's not my fault at all) for the lack of fashion in a section with that word in it. Eric Daman's fun work seems to have evaporated from the show and I can't help but pay more attention to other matters. I do promise to appropriately report anything relevant (there's a small but cool fashion moment coming up). And, once again, let me warn you: there might be spoilers if you read on. Blah, blah.
Now, episode 9 was a little dull. I mean, a lot of things happen with everyone but nothing we haven't seen before. I didn't even get my favourite opening breakfast scene this time. But what we got instead was quite hilarious. Eric and his boyfriend make a diagram about Serena's choice between Dan and Nate. It's a real shame we don't get to see more of it because if you read it closely on the screen caps there is a lot of work that has gone into it for no apparent reason.

I have missed Lily a lot! Ever since she and Rufus made up we rarely get to see much of her, which is a shame because I loved her the most (I have a thing for older sophisticated women). This week she gets back in the bitchy zone at a meeting with Serena's Columbia dean. Definitely one of the highlights of the episode.

My worst nightmare has finally become a reality with Jenny and Juliet teaming up to take down Serena (if we got a nickel for every time we've heard that line...). Jenny's look is quite honestly atrocious and the back of her hair do absolutely escapes me. But it's Juliet that has begun to really disturb me. Not only she makes this creepy boards with clippings of everyone claiming she just likes "visual aids" but she goes completely mental at the masquerade later on the show. First, Jenny and her come out of a taxi in matching 'Eyes Wide Shut' outfits and then she takes it off after which she put on this mask looking like a lacy version of Hannibal Lecter's (Serena would never wear that!).

However, I did like the scene where Serena is trying to get into Chuck's hotel masquerade party and the bouncer say she can't. It's kind of funny, specially if any of you have been or have seen anyone in that situation. She sort of handles it with grace.
Serena also steals the best and worst fashion moment of this week's episode. She attends the party in a beautiful Carolina Herrera dress (the designer's name mispronounced by Gossip Girl), which helps to finish the episode with a good fashion note. It's the beginning's all-studded-and-sparkle ensemble with the rib tights and the asymmetric ankle boots that gets a big big miss.

Just like any other week, the boys don't get up to much. Eric wears the best outfit to the masquerade party —a sartorial version of a Julius Cesar toga and laurel crown.
Dan and Nate have they buddy-buddy moment of the week. This time they still don't look at each other much but they play some indoors mini-bascket ball, which is, I guess, a step forward.

Watching this episode I realised how much of a bored life-less weirdo Gossip Girl has to be. She keeps getting her pictures (and video!) much faster than normal and it takes her mere minutes to edit them in pretty layouts before sending them as blasts. She definitely needs a shrink.

Regardless of everything else, Bluck keep stealing the show every week. Chuck has been my idol and role model from the beginning of the show but he just keeps getting better. Blair and him have a phone conversation while they both get pedicures. I not only think the scene is genius but I find that Chuck still looks ridiculously cool with one foot up.
They also had their mandatory torrid pre-sex scene and a later romantic one. I found very useful that Blair's dress easily opens like that from the front and I found her underwear terribly sexy. I'm starting to like her more than Serena... It was only too bad they couldn't end the show with that magnificent kiss scene where they both match the colour of the room.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Screen caps, gossipgirlfashion.net]

The Princess Diaries

It was only 9 years ago that Anne Hathaway first starred on 'The Princess Diaries' where she played a geeky scruffy girl that found out she was in fact a princess and so she had to be coiffed to fit the part. A story, it seems, not so far from her real personal one as a 19-year-old actress that blossomed into a glamourous and beautiful movie star. Her style transformation became more evident after her famous role as Andrea in 'The Devil wears Prada'. That was, I believe, about the same time when Anne brought Rachel Zoe into the picture. An tandem that resulted in incredible red carpet moments. The latest is this editorial below. Shot by Mario Testino and styled by Tonne Goodman for American Vogue. What I like the most about it is how straightforward it is. There is a beautiful face with classic dresses and jewellery and it simply works because it's just beautiful. There isn't a need for edginess or complex settings or lights. Well, and it's shot by Mario. Pictures like these bring me back to the ground as I realise that there is more to fashion than only looking forward, not matter what Anna might say.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Vogue.com, JustJared.buzznet.com]

Ticking the boxes

I am not sure there is such a thing as set standards for Cruise collections. Personally, I feel there are certain things that always must be present —a maxi skirt and dress, a cocktail dress, an LBD, a tailored cotton trouser, a well cut blazer, shorts and a slightly loose knit jumper. Then, of course, they are to be played with and more interesting pieces to go with them are to be added but I feel a good resort line must include all of the above to be considered so.
Looking at the Cruise 2011 collections shown so far I have to admit I am a little impressed with the improvement. I suppose designers are also learning what to make of these odd and season-less lines they must produce. Since we can't speak of trends per se, for that is the whole point of these collections, I looked at colour. Along with white and black, orange has been very present in most collections. It works in a multitude of tones, it looks fresh but it's not too wild, and is apt for any scenery.

YSL and Michael Kors are two of my favourite Cruise 2011 collections. The first felt very fresh, as Stefano Pilati rarely uses any colour, let alone bright ones. The designs were along the classic lines of the French house but had a very cool edge that I personally loved. Kors, who usually plays it ridiculously safe, really surprised me with his line. The clean lines and simple clothes were full of East-coast coolness. I want more of that in his regular collections!

Oscar de la Renta's show was odd. The first half of the collection was all over the place, with sloppy combinations of garments, colours and prints while the second was this explosion of glamour. Gowns in the best colours, prints and shapes walked the runway until the end. My favourite was the white polka-dotted one above.

I found Rachel Roy's Cruise 2011 collection absolutely stunning. There was a lot of maxi dresses and skirts and some very cool layering and see-through-ness. She really made her collection look completely new using wardrobe staples and twisting them with very chic hands.

Which collection did you love?
I'm off.

[Style.com]

dress COAT

Coats are key garments every fall. They provide protection against harsh weather while making it possible to look chic. But if there was ever a season when their of the outmost importance that is Fall/Winter 2008. If you have been obsessively going through the latest Vogues, Elles and Bazaars you surely have noticed the slightly overused and rather confusing term statement coats. As I see it, coats are and have always been one of the most important parts of the winter outfits as they are the first part of them to be spotted. However, those who coined the term do deserve some credit as coats for this season are particularly characteristic. The widest range of cuts, colours and patterns make an appearance, but it is the big coats that seem to have caught most of the attention. Whether it is puffy, slim or faux-fur they are trying to fetch attention from dresses, covering them most extraordinarily —have a look.

Let me, then, start with my favourites. I ought to admit that narrowing it down to only three was tough, as I am quite keen on coats. Eventually I went for these three. YSL’s spotless winter collection was sure to provide some extraordinaire pieces like this black coat. I love how the zip and the side pockets add some dynamism to the sleek design. Ghesquiere’s very fashion-forward vision of a coat transforms the piece into a very structured patent leather garment that brings a piece of the future to the present. And last on my top three is Stella McCartney’s oversize version of the classic pea coat. Lapels and sleeves widen up working perfectly with the length and colour. All three garments do not seem to be covering anything, giving the impression that they might have been created as a warm version of the summer dresses.

Continuing this tour through the season’s best coats we find Burberry Prorsum’s reinventions of a classic coat and a mackintosh. In the first case, it is a slim coat, a more body-conscious one. The second one, on the contrary, is wider on the body and sleeves leaving more room for imagination. In addition to the previously talked-about coat Stella McCartney came up with this striking bell-shaped coat. A quite chic and feminine proposal, if you ask me.

With winter, all types of rich faux-animal skins come back. Hermès keeps sticking to its idiosyncrasy and we like it. This delightfully sophisticated leather and fur coat will give satisfaction to both young and old. Dolce & Gabbana’s über-talked-about collection provided this sleeveless furry option for the cold —it will not go under the radar and will add texture and colour to your outfit. When talking chic Carolina Herrera must not be left apart. This full-length coat introduces movement through the subtle ruffles on the sleeves and at the bottom and still keeps it rich and interesting with the fur around the neck.

Nobody is capable of elaborating more perfect coats that the British —so it is no surprise that Burberry and McCartney introduced the most innovative coats. Christopher Bailey plays around with volume and metallic finishes. They are quite futuristic yet wearable pieces. Stella McCartney, on her side, goes super short and uses light draping to create an amusing puffiness.

Winter is also the best time of the year to wear as much black as we wish to. However this does not mean boring, au contraire. Lanvin, for instance, proposes a superb balloon-shaped coat with pockets up and down and with a belt to show off your figure. Hermès produced a spotless double-chested coat just over the knee. A very versatile option for both the office and those desired stylish weekends. For a more updated coat version think Brian Reyes. The designer leaves room for your creativity with the short sleeves and the slightly open v-neck —dress or coat?

And last, some more visions of the key winter garment. When looking for plaid and tartan D&G is most likely to be the best option. The Italian couple messes around with big and smaller checks and colours achieving outstanding pieces that combine classicism and modernity in perfect unison. If black is the king of winter, brown is the prince. Personally, I love a chocolate coat —take is as you want. Derek Lam merges coat and trench in this favourite hue of mine looking very F/W08 with the length. And the last coat is also a mix, but of a parka and a trench this time. Brian Reyes is very right when choosing khaki for winter —it matches everything and effortlessly adds some colour.

This season, are you sticking to the basics or are you trying something new?

[Pictures credit: Style.com]


I’m off.

to DIE for, vol. 2

And here I am again. Let’s resume and put an end to the S/S’08 dress special.

Following my habit of picking up my three favourite dresses, I chose the following. First, Versace’s surprisingly tasteful sky-blue gown. And I say surprisingly because if there is something Donatella usually lacks that is taste, which is the reason for my doubting her involvement in the collection. Next is Donna Karan’s pale pink dress. The beauty of it lays in the draped front and in the ingenious triangular black straps. The futuristic wrap-up dress with beading details by Marc Jacobs is my third favourite pick.

Looking at the rest of the list we find Oscar de la Renta’s blinding dress, where a flowery ingredient is brought it by a sort of see-thru cut-play. Right next to it is Celine’s über-cute dress. The cut, the neck and the penguins make it perfect for a shopping day in town. Tory Burch combines Diane Von Furstemberg’s S/S idea with bold colours, a very fun and playful choice.

However, this summer is time for maxi-dresses and it seems only obvious when looking at these collections. Consuelo Casteglioni’s refreshing touch at Valentino’s has provided very elegant dresses such as the one above in pale pink. Cavalli’s Cruise collection was remarkably good and very him, which is not a usual combination. He has managed to get quite a lot things going on in a dress without letting it go over-the-top. Now, when talking maxi, Carolina Herrera is also well experienced. I am very fond of that sofa-like print; it is just so east coast elegant.

The last set of dresses includes Philip Lim’s perfect approach to boho chic in a colour for all seasons; a bright blue Yigal Azrouël draped like a venetian curtain and calling out for attention; and a Jonathan Saunders' arty colour-craze.

Your thoughts?

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I’m off.

swarming with style

As much as I don't like to admit it, the CFDA awards make me more excited than Christmas day. Some people say the Oscars, some the Met gala; the truth is this is the fashion event of the year. It is not only yet another occasion to wear a new expensive piece of designer clothing, but also the moment to celebrate fashion itself. This year's awards made me quite happy, Tom Ford was recognized for his exquisite vision and delicate craftsmanship in menswear for the first time since back in 2001 when he refurbished and sprang back to life Gucci and YSL. Calvin Klein's designer, Francisco Costa, recieved the womenswear designer of the year award. The Swarovski awards for mens and womenswear also increased my level of joy —Scott Sternberg for Band of Oursiders and Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, respectively.

Not many awards are handed in this ceremony, which is the reason why the red carpet and the previous cocktail party are bigger deals. The cocktail party was the time to show off your skills dressing casually, paying the closest attention to detail and making it look like they simply jump of bed, throw on their back the first thing at hand, and hopped into the limo.

Thakoon Panichgul and Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough from Proenza Schouler always get it right, no matter what the etiquette requires. Sadly, most women only looked cute in a common kind of way. Only Ashley Olsen (Duh!) and Katie Lee Joel looked genuinely chic and stylish!

Now, without further ado, let's get on with the photo call. Regardless of my happiness due to the awarded fashionistas, I was in awe by how the tables have turned —it is now men who are stepping up fashion-wise, showing that it is not only the ladies who know how to do it.

However, it was the female attendants who mourned the death of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent in their own particular way; that is, wearing Le Smoking. Once again, the-love-of-my-life Ashley Olsen did it all much better. Her choice, a Calvin Klein smoking, was not only an utter knock-out, but also a homage to both YSL and Francisco Costa. CFDA president, Diane von Furstemberg (in vintage YSL) and Carolina Herrera —who received the Lifetime Achievement award— joined in with their respective jacket and suitpants, also mourning the death of the man who "set the woman free" (skirt-wise). Victoria Beckham seems to be enjoying being a socialite in the States, she attended the gala in a beautiful puffy-hearted Marc Jacobs and looked very jovial and fun, which was good for a change. Maggie Gyllenhaal pulled off an outstanding Proenza Schouler and instantly made it to the best-dressed top. Naomi Campbell, someone whose choices I don't usually agree with but who provides great fun when it comes to kicking paparazzi butts, wore a sleek YSL I couldn't but adore. Kasia Struss, in Rodarte and Kate Schelter, in Erin Fetherston finish off my list of the best clothing choices.

Nonetheless, I said it was the men who shone brighter this time. And this will prove it. Starting with winner Tom Ford in "himself" and giving a lesson of old-fashioned elegance, and continuing with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez teaching the opposite, 2008 smart-wear. If you have been reading my past posts about menswear you will not be surprised to see how many different interpretations of a suit can be found among the attendants of the gala. Phillip Lim and Richard Chai portrayed the two extremes —the very modern cropped-pant suit with diverse (quite remarkable) details and the very classic shiny-lapeled black suit. Chris Benz did his thing as he always does, avoiding the tie and adding up his personal touch with ethnic bracelets and a filthy pair of white converse. Alexander Wang is another fellow who can stay true to his personal style while looking much better than most people in the room; he went for black jeans and blazer and a low round-neck tee. Zac Posen did a great job mixing up greys, blacks and bright blue striking a pose in his signature way.

Which one is your favourite?

[Picture credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

PS. Why is it that Style.com's pictures are not that good?