After a slightly boring episode the week before, Gossip Girl added a little of much needed drama into episode 3. Serena was, again, my best dressed this week. Her look went along the same line as last week's, which I loved, but this time it was a bit more city-appropriate. I loved the Oscar de la Renta cuff that matches the earrings from last week and Charlotte Olympia 'Dolly' pumps in a citrus green. Unfortunately, this was the only look we saw from her this week. Since when does Serena van der Woodsen pass on a fashion show and party invitation?
Jenny Packham's fashion show and party was another nice surprise. The deisgner has been a regular to Gossip Girl in the past. In fact, Blair and the Duchess of Cambridge have both worn the same dress! Perhaps that's why after her SS12 collection Style.com finally decided to add her to the list of designers displayed on the website.

CWtv.com, Style.com, Elle.co.uk

I loved Liz Hurley in the white Marios Schwab dress this week. It was body-con enough for her but the design and the detail across the top made it kind of interesting for her, it just felt modern. (Sometimes I sound like Nina Garcia, no?)

Blair has gone back to her old boring dressing habits a little... Though I must say I am still loving her attitude. The way she carries herself this season is different, like she suddenly feels super cool.
My favourite look form her in this episode had to be the lovely Louis Vuitton number from the Resort 2011 collection. The flower print and the bow at the waist scream Blair Waldorf and the bustier top adds a touch of sexiness. She also wore well the Jenny Packham but the evening look didn't feel as special this time...
On another note, I am not convinced that the prince is the father. It's GOT TO be Chuck, otherwise the show is doomed! How amazing would a baby of theirs look in a little bowtie?!

Sheer pleasure

I don't know about you but I have missed the Olsens during fashion month! They didn't use to go along with the fair but at least they showed up at some New York shows and there was always the big Chanel appearance. But we're getting none of that lately, which is odd because they had to be in Paris during fashion week to show their The Row collection. In any case, we will always have the classic paparazzi shops of them going shopping and popping into Starbucks. The latest of these has been Ashley's visit to Céline. The chicer part of the Olsens stepped out in a cropped mega fluffy fur coat which she paired up with a black sheer maxi skirt and leather leggings showing she's so fashion forward she already knew these skirts would make a hit for SS11.

Ash's take on the sheer maxi seems to be a practical way of mixing together different season's trends. SS11 offers many different options within two main categories: rock & roll and romantic. Houses like Givenchy took sheer to a new level by printing it with leopard while others like Rag & Bone and Alberta Ferreti used a soft palette or florals for a kind of urban boho look.
I also really liked the mixture of textures in Ashley's outfit and the good combination of the black, the blond fur and the gold of the jewellery. I had a look on Net-a-Porter to see which fur (fake and real) they're offering this season and cropped is definitely the way to go wether you are a fan of Fendi's luxury or Burberry's über-fluffy pieces.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Celebrity-Gossip.net, Style.com, Net-a-porter.com]

As of late, I have developed two new obsessions when it comes to TV shows. One is True Blood, and the second one is this, Mad Men. All the action is based between the then flourishing advertising industry and the suburban life of the employees of one of New York's main agencies in the 1960's. January Jones (below) plays Betty Draper, the wife of a successful advertising executive. Her style is very much reminiscent of the 50's, and Dior's New Look still plays an important role on a woman's wardrobe. It has been my endeavour to find some similarities between the fashion then and the collections from the last couple of seasons.

From left: Jason Wu, Prada, Valentino.

From left: Chris Benz, Paul Smith, Thakoon.

[Picture credits: Style.com, AMCtv.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?