Jennifer Lawrence and Sarah Jessica Parker share a moment on the red carpet.
It can be tough to find the right outfit for the Met Gala. There’s so much pressure to be dressed the best and the competition is steep! Like I said in Part 1, this year’s punk theme might have been a bit too high concept for some people to wrap their heads around. So while some celebrities made some honest but failed attempts at going punk, some celebrities completely ignored the theme all together. So here are our choices for the ones who did not quite make the best dressed list and the ones who completely missed the mark all together.
The Blahs
There’s a lot of the classic Taylor Swift elements going on in the dress, but I find the black so jarring on Swift. Perhaps if this was in Swift’s go to white colour it would work better.
Blake Lively looks like she is channeling her inner Black Swan, but there’s nothing very punk about this.
I love Jennifer Lawrence but this just seems like a case where a celebrity was contractually obligated to wear this design. J. Law is the face of Miss Dior so it makes sense why this happened. It’s pretty but not amazing.
Years of watching TLC’s What Not to Wear has taught me that there always comes a point in one’s life when you suddenly become too old to wear whatever you want.
Luckily for many of us, that point of no return is still a long ways away from ruining our style-seeking eye. Now let us indulge in all of the cute, quirky and edgy fashions our hearts desire before we all start looking like Madonna.
This week, let’s take some inspiration from the Fanning sisters’ choice in cute cat hats during their holiday visit to Seoul, South Korea. It wasn’t just Hello Kitty’s cute face that caught my eye — it was the cute little ears sitting on top of both Elle and Dakota Fanning’s heads.
This isn’t the first time animal ears have caught the fashion world’s attention. Here’s a quick primer on just some other fashionable animal headgear from the past and present.
Animal Hats with Paws
Endless hours of entertainment.
Studded Ears
Emma Stone
What she’s wearing: Stone rocked this strapless red Lanvin dress at premiere of her new movie ‘Gangster Squad’ in L.A.
Why we love it: Stone is getting a head start on everybody and is rocking a dress from Lanvin’s Pre-Fall 2013 line, while most celebs are still wearing items from various Spring/Summer 2013 collections. I love how she’s working the monochrome look, from her silk and brocade red strapless dress, her red belt paired with a floral brooch, her fiery red pumps, and her ruby red crystal necklace.
My thoughts exactly!
Takeaway: Wearing something with a quite simple silhouette and minimal colour contrast allowed Stone to work some major statement jewels into her look. It can be tough to find the perfect opportunity to wear such large jewellery, but since Stone is going strapless with a sweetheart neckline she needed something bold to frame her face. Such big jewellery can sometimes go gaudy quite easily so be careful and make sure that it adds to your look instead of detracting from it.
Ryan Gosling
What he’s wearing: Stone’s Gangster Squad co-star not only stepped out in this coffee coloured three-piece Gucci suit, but he also showed up to the movie’s premiere with his mom.
Why we love it: Gosling also worked the monochromatic look in this surprising shade of brown, which takes the usual boring blah brown suit to a whole new level. Colour me impressed! I never would have thought this shade would have worked so well. The monochromatic colour scheme works well here considering the colour of Gosling’s hair and him parining the suit with dark brown perforated Lanvin shoes. He contrasts his look with a crisp whit shirt and bold black tie.
You’ve come a long way since then!
Takeaway: Well first off, if you ever become famous don’t forget to show your parents/guardians some love with the spotlight, it’s really endearing. Also have fun with your shoes! Sometimes you can get tied down with suits and can only have some sartorial fun with your accessories (think tie, shoes, pocket square, etc.). Plus they are a pleasant surprise whenever you pair a classic cut suit with some funky shoes.
Kerry Washington Read more…
Elle Fanning
What she’s wearing: The younger Fanning sister opted for a vintage 1930s chiffon print maxi dress to the premiere of her new film ‘Ginger & Rosa’ at the New York Film Festival.
Why we love it: For such a young actress, Fanning is proving her fashion chops with this look. A mix of floral and polka dots would usually make for a weird combination but it works in this easy and breezy chiffon number. Plus the sheerness in the sleeves makes this dress less matronly. Plus Fanning beautifully accents and modernizes this look with gold metallic Marni wedges.
Takeaway: Go vintage! You’ll be surprised at what you can find in your local vintage or second hand store (heck maybe you’ll find some goodies tucked away in your attic!). It may be a mission to find that one-of-a-kind amazing piece but it’ll be worth the effort when you do. Plus going against the grain of wearing the latest designer duds is always on-trend!
Cher Lloyd
What she’s wearing: The U.K. popstar was snapped leaving ‘The Today Show’ in NYC wearing Cheap Monday’s ombré Second Skin Faded Black jeans, a printed top, and a green jacket.
Why we love it: Ombré has been a popular design technique for a while now. You probably have seen it done in dresses, tops, and even hair. And the fading technique works just as well in jeans too! Lloyd tops it off with a sweet bow print top and an (asparagus?) green jacket (an on-trend colour for fall).
Takeaway: What helps makes this ombré look work is that Lloyd continues the fading effect by wearing darker colours on top and lighter colours on the bottom (with her pale pink converse sneakers). You don’t have to stick with just the colours within the fade, you can still add pops of colour as proven in this look.
Taylor Swift
What she’s wearing: T-Swift was spotted leaving The Hospital Club in London wearing a mustard cardigan, a French Connection oxblood top, and polka dotted jeans from AG Adriano Goldschmied.
Why we love it: As I mentioned last week, Swift has been rocking some major vintage-inspired looks recently and this is no exception. Mustard yellow has become a staple for fall, and she pairs it with current on-trend colour oxblood. Her sweater also includes a cool printed statement collar as well, which is highlighted by her pearl necklace. Added to this are her polka-dot jeans which draw you eyes down to her fun Charlotte Olympia ‘Kitty’ flats. Overall Swift looks like a cool cat from the beatnick era. Oh and don’t forget the Mark Cross satchel bag and Ray-bans that complete the look too!
Takeaway: Coloured denim is everywhere but you can standout by trying some printed denim like Swift’s polka-dots ones or even Cher Lloyd’s ombré pair.
Robert Pattinson Read more…
TREND: Briefcase inspired bags
I was always excited to go back to school because it meant getting to buy new things. Asides from the obligatory pens and notebooks, September also meant a new school bag. Just in case you wanted to look a little different from your Hershel Supply Co. and Jansport toting friends, why not try buying a briefcase? While classic Cambridge satchel has been making it rounds last year with its eye-popping neon shades, their bags also come in good old brown, black and navy. A cheaper alternative is to dig through a couple of vintage stores or flea markets. I bought mine for $20 last year and I’m still getting compliments on it.
INSPIRATION: Elle Fanning
TREND: Knit Sweaters
This is probably looking like the old man trend report right now, but I can’t help that Selena Gomez’s Teen Vogue shoot continues to inspire me. Oversized knit sweaters are worlds away from this summer’s light, neon accented style. Also, I really can’t think of anything better than cozing up in a big sweater on a cold, crisp fall morning. It’ll add texture to any look and is less frightening than the mohair sweaters from a couple of seasons ago. Don’t forget to also keep an eye out for chic, not Christmas cheesy, graphics to keep your look interesting.
INSPIRATION: Selena Gomez
WTF: Leather toe shoes
First of all, I just want to say that I understand the point of toe shoes. I’ve watched two Ironman triathlons and have heard about the benefits of walking around (almost) bare feet. Also, I know leather sneakers are becoming more acceptable in the workplace but leather toe shoes have gone too far.
These pair of leather toes shoes from Vibram made their way around the menswear tradeshows and will potentially enter the market next year. They’re supposed to be workplace friendly, but I personally think it will ruin any professional look you manage to put together. Seriously, would you be able to take anyone seriously if you saw their feet encased in those? I wouldn’t because I know there are beautiful pairs of double monks and leather loafers you could’ve bought instead.
TREND: Paint-Splatter Nails
I’ve somehow developed this nail polish addiction over the summer and been looking for ways to use as many colours as I can. Paint splatter nails are a great way to channel inner kindergartener and at the same time, get all Jackson Pollock artsy.
They’re easy enough to do but just a little messy. Putting tape on the skin around your fingers should do the trick. Next, start with a nice solid base-coat, white is best. Then pour a little bit of nail polish onto a disposable plate. Go back to your kindergarten days by taking a straw, dipping one end in, and blow out through the other end so the paint splatters all over your nails. Use as many colours as you like for a completely unique look.
TREND: Hair braid crowns
Keep your hair looking neat, polished, and, most importantly, up during a hot heat wave with a hair braided crown. It’s a neat alternative to the ponytail and high bun. Instead of the everyday three-strand braid, try a fishtail. If it’s a little too neat for your liking, try tousling the braid a bit to add some texture to your hair.
INSPIRATION: Elle Fanning
WTF: Jeremy Scott for Adidas Fall 2012/2013
Jeremy Scott is a weirdo. I feel like every collection he does is some form of modern art, but with clothes. I never really understand it, but apparently it’s inspiring and very avant-garde. I especially don’t understand his latest interpretation his latest collection for Adidas, especially his “new interpretation on the teddy bears.” It seems more like inspired by Lady Gaga’s kermit dress to me, and she’s probably the only person in the world who would wear these special pataloons. Otherwise, I think teddy bear pants are best left to the display cases.
