Gossip Girl Fashion: "Crazy Cupid Love"
HomeoftheNutty.com, Style.com

After weeks of waiting for a decent Blair Waldorf moment as we knew them we finally got not one but three this in this week's episode of Gossip Girl: "Crazy Cupid Love". The plot seems to be picking up and getting more interesting with a couple of unexpected turns so hopefully this is also a sign that the fashion will experience the same changes.

Blair's first look was a beautiful Zac Posen tweed and silk number (available at The Outnet). It was old-fashioned but cool and interesting. Perfect for her. Her second look I'd like to count as two. One for the dress on its own – a Reem Acra dress worthy of Valentino lovers – and the wrapped-up version of the look with a Red Valentino coat and matching scarf. Blair hasn't look this good in a while! If these weren't enough, she also delivered a nightwear hit with an orange Josie Natori wrap and chemise.

Serena's look was simple and chic, nothing too exciting. The look I was more interested about was also her night attire – a Club Monaco silk romper, which would have looked super chic were it not for the Isabel Marant vest. Who the hell wears a sequin vest to bed? This doesn't even make sense for Serena van der Woodsen!

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Know Wear

If I told you that Stephanie LaCava took a plane from New York to Paris on Friday evening, then a Eurostar train from the French capital to London, and barely had any sleep or time to change you wouldn't believe me. She looked as fresh as she would have after a full night sleep and her outfit was exquisitely put together.

Stephanie –who until yesterday was a LFW virgin, can you believe it?– was wearing a custom made Zac Posen white tuxedo jacket with black lapels (it fit her like a glove!), a black short Alexander Wang dress, and an unbelievable pair of Manolos.

There was something very Audrey Hepburn about this look. Perhaps not literally but I feel like if she had lived this new era of fashion she would have, like Stephanie, embraced and edgy and chic kind of aesthetic.

*Stay tuned: More daily looks from SLC are coming your way and tomorrow Know Wear will be co-hosting the Burberry live stream!

Emmys 2010: Mad Women

I watched the Emmys for the first time last night. I had never payed much attention to them because the attendees and red carpet were never out of the ordinary like, say, the Globes or the Oscars. Until Mad Men and True Blood started getting nominated, that is. The fact that such good quality and edgy shows spread through the different categories means a lot of their starts will step on the red carpet doing their best not to go unnoticed. The Academy wasn't especially generous to either Mad Men or True Blood last night but their actors completely outshone the Emmy winners. January Jones, in Versace Atelier, was my favourite. She looked like the bionic queen of mermaids wrapped in the Italian metallic scales. I thought it was a very clever choice. The front showed a bit of legs but there was a train and the top was classic in lines but sexy and unexpected in construction.

Many of the other attending ladies looked remarkably good for this kind of event. Christina Hendricks (the other Mad Woman) rocked her custom made Zac Posen. The dress would've looked quite bland had it not been for the toddlers that fought inside it (as someone geniusly referred to the twins on twitter, email me for credit). And the great hairdo. Heidi Klum was one of the very few women who went for s short dress. The combination of her super short, super tight Marchesa and her statement necklace was spot-on sexy. Rose Byrne was unknown to me until last night when I had to know who was the lady in the amazing Gucci dress. It was both simple and intricate enough to look elegant and still make a statement. White (Kate Beckinsale would've been so proud) was also the colour of Kim Kardashian's Marchesa dress. I don't usually pick her out for her style but she did look like a modern day Cleopatra with the Egyptian-inspired neckline and the tied-back hair.

At first I loved Anna Paquin in McQueen. Don't get me wrong, I adore the dress, but it feels like the bottom of the skirt didn't really suit the wearer. It was a winner choice but only from the waist up. And last, Claire Danes in Armani Privé (surprise surprise). I thought she looked very chic, very old Hollywood glamour and was definitely one of the best dressed but then again it wasn't anything I hadn't seen on Anne Hathaway before.
Who did you love the most?
I'm off.

PS. Lea Michelle - biggest disappointment of the night in her matrony Oscar de la Renta.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

CFDA 2010 awards

I feel like I haven't posted in years and today I am so inspired I could make about 12 posts. Alas, I am only human so I'll stick to a chronological order to relevance so neither of us go mental. Let's start with the CFDA awards from Monday night. This year I was quite excited for one of my favourite new designers, Joseph Altuzarra, to win the Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year award. But, apparently, it had to go to the more unoriginal Jason Wu. I was also disappointed by Marc Jacobs' win as I feel slightly iffy about him, both as a person and as a designer. However, the fact that Richard Chai and Alexander Wang won the Swarovski Menswear and Accessories awards, respectively, made me very happy.

Fashion wise it wasn't a super exciting edition. I was happy to see the Olsens on their first official appearance at the awards as CFDA members but, even though they looked great, I always expect them to outshine everyone else. Something that didn't happen this year. My list of best dressed at this year's event even surprised me. My favourite above all was Vogue's Tonne Goodman, who won the Eleanor Lambert Award, in a Michael Kors outfit that pretty much epitomised classic East-coast style. Jessica Biel showed she can actually get it right every so often. She looked absolutely stunning a 30's glamour version of Diane Von Furstemberg's classic wrap dress. I can't explain why I like it so much but I look at it and it just feels right. Iris Apfel totally made my day by wearing one of Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga jackets from SS09. I simply love the fact that a lady of her age can be so fashion-forward and still look appropriate. I really wish she was my grandma.

What I always love about both the Met Ball and the CFDA awards is the fact that designers attend with their muses dresses in their designs. I thought Hayden Christensen in Richard Chai was absolutely genius, they both look so not-bothered. Pretty relaxed as well looked Altuzarra and Vanessa Traina, in a custom-made dress from the SS10 collection turned black for the occasion. Zac Posen looked better than his companion once again. He is a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to collections but he can dress, there is no doubt about that. And then we have Dakota Fanning, who gave Marchesa such a spin it didn't even look it had come from the hands of Georgina Chapman.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, Zimbio.com, JustJared.buzznet.com, Tommy Ton for Style.com]

target us

While most of us skint fashionistas have seen the decay of designer collaborations for the high street courtesy of Matthew Williamson and Jimmy Choo, this field has flourished in the States. Rodarte for Target proves that good fashion can be made with fabrics of lesser quality and lower prices. And not only that but the Mulleavy sisters have actually translated their vision onto the street instead of underthinking "affordable" clothes like Williamson did. I am just hoping for take two including something similar to what they did for men at Opening Ceremony. (See the rest of Rodarte for Target here)

Zac Posen has been the latest American to add his name to the still short list of relevant designers collaborating with Target. Now, this collection doesn't look as breathtaking as Rodarte's but there is something flirtingly cool about the short A-line skirts and lame dresses. (See the whole collection here)

[Picture credits: NYmag.com, Fashionista.com, JustJared.com]

Bring Target to the UK, please. Join?

I'm off.

Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde

Paris is over. Which in my own little world is synonym for another six months of waiting for the next fashion week. Didn't Anna Wintour say fashion was all about looking forward? I listen.
To those of you wondering, I did not get into any of the shows in Paris. But just the sight of Carine, Emmanuelle, Anna and Lily Donaldson contented me. It was just as nice to get back to London and go through every collection that had been showed so close to me yet was so out of reach.
It has been an extraordinary fashion week. It instantly erased some of the boredom from London and Milan from my mind. Alas, Yves Saint Laurent did disappoint me slightly. I could not say it better than the International Herald Tribune when their headlined the review "Straberry fields for never". There's that. Instead of my usual obsession with Pilati's collection Chalayan, Chloé, McCartney, Watanabe and Marant filled my mind. But I am particularly joyful about another of my favourites. Nicolas Ghesquière made me as happy as I can be by refraining from yet another chapter of his sci-fi series and returning to his roots. It was a sort of forward/backward step very much á la Rodarte.
These below, though, are all looks from all fashion weeks picked out by trend. Assymetrical is nothing very new to fashion (e.g. one-shoulder dresses) but this season it seems to be everywhere and in a more brutal attention-catching manner. Hence the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde reference. The most outstanding? McQueen, of course. Behold.

As a norm Alber Elbaz produces stunning luxurious pieces. This is the proof of asymmetry being as high fashion as you can get.

Alex (yeah,we're pals) goes to the extreme of asymmetry by creating two-sided dresses that would make the Batman character Harvey two-faces cry with delight.

From left: Dries Van Noten x2, Hussein Chalayan

From left: Balenciaga x2, Givenchy

From left: Valentino x2, Preen

From left: Stella McCartney x2, Zac Posen

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

eternal sunshine of the spotless ACCESSORY, part I

It is quite a paradox. The deeper I get into fashion the more I like it and the more I want to know more things about it. The more they give me the more I want to be given. Yet at some point during this process I need a rest to quietly sit down and think. New seasons for years that are yet to come are introduced before their predecessors even being, which makes (fashion) life confusing. Nonetheless, I took my chances and made the decision to put together a little S/S'09 accessories special before I find myself too deeply submerged into F/W'08. I have selected my favourites out of as much collections as I could humanly go through in two days —have a look!

Proenza Schouler made me think of a time machine. The Middle Age merges with the Industrial Revolution and the two are seasoned with Lazaro and Jack's very good taste. The result? Extremely stylish metallic and black accessories.

Chunky shoes were away for a while but Dolce & Gabbana want them back. For a little updating they added a fine platform that leaves a hole in the middle of what would have been the wedge. For bags, lots of colour-mixing and unending sequence.

Dior was very much tribal, about Africa. Small versions of fertility goddesses serve as heels and rope-like stripes climb up the ankles from the animal-printed platforms.

Gucci was the ultimate look for the sexy Italian fashionista. Hats are everywhere and their straps match the flowery outfits. Heels go up to unthinkable highs and include bold, shiny fabrics in striking colours.

I always Hermès' innovation within their own little world. Animal prints stick on the sides of hand-luggage and driving gloves are very present adding a rather old-school glamour touch.

Not only Lanvin's silhouettes were stunning but the accessories are undoubtedly intriguing. Crocodile predominates in hues that go from the traditional black to the playful emerald green or yellow. Heels are embroidered and locks decorated with precious-like stones.

The suggestive shoe shapes of Marni already caught my attention a few seasons ago. They keep playing with colours and suede and rather pointy heels. I was also particularly drawn to the very plastic deconstructed flower necklace.

I am becoming fonder of Cavalli as of late. His small but over-decorated accessories are perfect to spring up simple outfits to life.

Wire and chains over high platforms does not sound specially attractive even to the fashion-oriented. However, if the hands of the sisters of Rodarte take part in the design process it is a different story.

Just as it happened with Cavalli I lately like Versace more. Donatella has found a good line to follow and she, too, went for statement accessories that keep great company to clean chic ensembles.

The slight disappointment from Stefano Pilati did not inhibit my adoring of Yves Saint-Laurent's metallurgic shoe-making. Even though I am not quite sure about their wearability.

Zac Posen caught my attention for his bejeweled clutches, over-the-top earrings and futuristic, sharp makeup.

Stay tuned for the second part.

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?

be my HERO

Like everything you bite your nails waiting for, this year's Costume Institute gala at the MET left me quite disappointed. Just like when you walk out of a well-named restaurant feeling full yet unsatisfied. I can't say whether my disappointment is caused by the lack of originality or risk choosing gowns or by the very few attendants who actually took into consideration the gala's theme —Superheroes.

Only my darling Anna Wintour and fashion-sprout Christina Ricci were able to bring together the theme yet pull of an extremely glamorous look at once. The boss of bosses in a Chanel Haute Couture words cannot manage to describe; the latter, in a wonderful Givenchy loaded with gauze, showing a heart through. Just magnificent.

However, it can not be said there was nothing that caught the eye. I believe the best way of giving the Superhero theme a go was by including loads of crazy colours in your outfit, no matter how you did it. Kate Bosworth did it with sequins made in Chanel HC, models Coco Rocha and Anja Rubik did colour trusting one of its masters —Pucci, and Zac Posen and Co. ruled the night in the brightest shades of blue and yellow.

Additionally, I am particular fond of these three picks. I was literally astonished when I first came to see Katie Holme's Armani utterly packed with red sequins and coped with blinding-blue Louboutins. A crazy choice, perhaps, but one that I adore. To her right is GG's latest addition, Michelle Trachtemberg, in a very rich version of a greek goddess by YSL. Not so much Superhero-ish, but beautiful all the same. Last in the picture is designer Max Azria, a gentleman I now admire for this obvious but unconventional way of proving how easy it was to stick to the theme of the event.

I was particularly happy to find several very elegant-looking gentlemen who put their trust on those who master the art of suits and tuxedos to dress them that night. They are Marcus Wainwright and David Neville (from Rag & Bone) in "themselves", Jason Lewis in Dolce & Gabbana, Chace Crawford in Calvin Klein Collection, and Steve Colb in a grey suit whose designer I long to know.

Last, the biggest disappointments of the night. First, the Olsens. Ashley and Mary-Kate managed to look good in their Diane von Furstemberg's but due to the high standards they've set for themselves, we can't but be completely bored. And, seriously, why is it that Ash looks like a sexy grown-up woman while MK looks like a haggard goblin!?! On second place, another disappointment was Ms. Rachel Bilson who not only got it terribly wrong with the gown but also with the hair. What a mess! That Calvin Klein looks like a hybrid between a mermaid costume and a Michael Phelps swimsuit.

- Your thoughts?

[Picture credits: JustJared, Style.com and GossipGirls]

I'm off.

PS. Comments will be answered shortly. I am loaded with work!! AH!!