Apparel - bLavish

Miu Miu Python Slingbacks

February 28, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel at 11:59 pm | Comments off

Earlier today, I was fantasizing about what I might wear should I be nominated for an academy award. I chose a python-printed silk gown by Lanvin. While the chances of my nomination are slim to none (okay none), I couldn’t resist sharing these shoes of the same them.

Alright, alright, I know. Python and python may not be the most subtle combination, but let’s be honest, no one is going to see your shoes much in a full length evening gown, anyways. And who can resist the edgy, exotic styling of these peeptoe slingbacks? The covered platform will ensure that even though they’re sky high, they’ll still be wearable and walkable. And the delicately slim stiletto heel looks even more so up against the thickly-covered mule. These babies will take you from nightclub to red carpet and back again with a simple switch to denim, guaranteed.

Lanvin Python Print Halter Gown

February 28, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel at 10:27 pm | Comments off

All the buzz about Oscars’ night fashion has gotten me a little itchy to shop. Well, I won’t lie to you. I don’t have any major awards ceremonies to attend, but if I did, you can bet this is what I’d be wearing. There weren’t a slew of animal prints on the red carpet this year, but I’m just going to chalk that up to the fact that animal prints are busy and don’t look good on camera. Because I can’t think of a single other reason no one chose this gown.

The combination of classic draping with this very contemporary print is totally irresistible. The plunging neckline is very sexy, but it’s not risque in an over-the-top sort of way. I love the way the sheer silk falls lightly to the ground, and the belted waist will be flattering on a lot of different figures. The back is completely open, but it cuts off at the waist tie. This is a Hollywood-ready gown if ever I saw one.

Mila Kunis’s Elie Saab Oscars Gown

February 28, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, celebrities at 1:27 am | Comments off

Mila Kunis wasn’t nominated for an award this year for her role in Black Swan, but she sure looked the part of a winner on the red carpet. Her head-turning pale lilac gown by Elie Saab has red carpet commentators all abuzz. E! called the dress “romantic”, but some critics have accused her of showing too much skin. Honestly, I don’t see what the fuss is about. Her dress is low cut, sure, but many were. I think that the pale lacy fabric’s lingerie-like look is what actually makes the dress controversial. You don’t actually see that much skin, but since it’s so filmy and translucent, it’s easy to imagine that you might.

Personally, I think the gown is a stroke of genius. It sets off Ms. Kunis’s color and figure perfectly. The dainty layers drop into a dramatic, but manageable train. It’s actually quite Victorian, if you ask me, and the actress’s smoky eyes and smoldering looks bring out the best of the dress, which was featured in Saab’s 2011 Couture Collection.

Miu Miu Pleated Twill Trench Coat

February 26, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel at 6:00 pm | Comments off

Miu Miu was one of my favorite lines when I was in my early twenties. Now that I’m a little older, I’m a little more critical of their sometimes not so subtle style. But this classic trench is exactly the kind of thing that every woman needs in their wardrobe. No bells, no whistles, no quirky embellishment, it’s just a good old traditional trench.

Some people equate classic with boring, but my guess is that if you’re a Blavish reader, you’re not one of those. You will instantly recognize the inherent elegance of this outerwear, not to mention the fact that it is also totally practical. Sure, you can run out and buy a cheap yellow slicker, but it’s really going to clas with your Loubis. I’d definitely recommend this instead.

Halston Heritage Metallic Silk Plisse Gown

February 23, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, For Her at 11:45 pm | Comments off

Halston Heritage is a line that I’ve really been keeping my eye on, lately. And, no, it’s not because they hired Sarah Jessica Parker on as a designer, either. I mean, I’m not a naysayer or anything, but I did wonder about the actress’s design credentials (or lack thereof). In any case, SJP is doing a bang up job, and the diffusion line is hotter than ever. No, “diffusion” isn’t a bad word, either. Just because it’s less expensive doesn’t make it less interesting. Now that I’ve gotten all that out, let’s get to this dress.

I chose this dress to feature today because it reminds me of Natalie Portman’s character in Black Swan. Not her evil twin, though, this reminds me of something the good swan might wear. On the red carpet, that is. This blushy nude gown ahas influences all the way from Greco-Roman to Disco, and it couldn’t come together in a more elegant way. The subtle sheen of the metallic is the perfect complement to the precise draping. This is definitely a must have of the spring season.

Diane Kruger In Jason Wu At The SAG Awards

January 31, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, celebrities at 1:15 pm | Comments off

Diane Kruger, star of Inglorious Bastards, was railed a few weeks ago when she wore an explosion of ombre pink tafetta to the Golden Globes. Sure, it was Christian Lacroix, but no designer name makes up for the confectionery madness that was her gown. She widely made some of the worst dressed lists, and it was clear that she was going to have something to prove at the SAG awards last week.

But prove herself she did, in a beautiful gold gown by Jason Wu. This is the kind of dress that Hollywood dreams are made of, complete with artfully draped shoulders, a mermaid silhouette, and a short train. This gown is one of the most classically beautiful I saw on the SAG red carpet, and it really speaks to Wu’s reputation as a designer. On this dress, he has combined Grecian draping with a soft fabric and a gorgeously flattering feminine cut to make Ms. Kruger look her best. For her part, (or her stylist’s) her classic jewels in ruby and gold were the perfect accent.

Tory Burch Hits London!

January 29, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel at 4:03 pm | Comments off

Tory Burch is a definitively American designer. Her preppy posh design aesthetic defines some of the most coveted addresses in the country, namely the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Palm Beach. Refined and conservative, her accessories possess a timeless elegance that classy fashionistas have come to respect the world over. So much so that Ms. Burch has just opened a brand new flagship store on London’s fashionable Bond Street.

The new store is over 4,000 square feet and is housed in a 19th Century townhome. The decor is high thread count comfortable, and the interior is peppered with company signatures like moss green floors, gold leaf mirrors, plum snow leopard curtains and orange lacquer trim. The second floor of the shop is VIP and special event only, and it also houses a library where guests can relax and peruse specially-curated collections. You gotta hand it to Tory Burch, she really knows how to show her customers a good time.

Fabulous Judith Leiber Clutch For Your Valentine

January 28, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, For Her at 6:00 pm | Comments off

For some women, there’s no better way to say, “I love you” than with a handbag. They’re one-size-fits-all without being generic, and they’re the kind of fashion that lasts for decades. This heart-shaped Judith Leiber Heart-n-Soul clutch comes right in time for Valentine’s day with a beautifully ornate design that will get her heart pumping a little faster.

The hand-painted floral pattern is delicate, but baroque, and the signature Judith Leiber crystal embellishments give it a lot of flash without making it tacky or over the top. The great thing about Judith Leiber bags, besides their amazingly creative shapes, is that they fit really nicely in the palm of the hand. This is the kind of clutch that would be fabulous for a black tie event, like that special V-Day dinner, but it would also be a great way to glam up a more casual outfit.

January Jones In Versace At The Golden Globes

January 19, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel, celebrities at 4:34 pm | Comments off

I found a lot of the fashion at the Golden Globes a little ho-hum this year. But not this red stunner on January Jones. It’s a gown fit for a goddess, made for a woman who is well on her way to becoming Hollywood royalty. January Jones, in case you didn’t know, is the current face of Versace. This may seem a little out of keeping with her retro role on Mad Men, but her classic features allow her to morph into basically any style that she likes. This red hot wonder is a great look for her and she pairs it well with a red lip.

This dress was originally seen on the Versace Spring 2011 runway, but not in red. The color was sort of a bright teal, which gave the gown a much more tropical flavor. In red, this dress impresses with its daring cut outs, and well thought our layers of fringe. The movement of the gown is half of its appeal. The other half is Ms. Jone’s smokin’ hot bod. I actually heard an interviewer ask her if she was nervous about showing so much skin. Seriously? If I looked like her, I’d wear a thong on the red carpet.

Alexander Wang Zipper Sunglasses

January 13, 2011 | Posted by bLavish as Apparel at 5:00 pm | Comments off

Alexander Wang is sort of a cult figure in the fashion world. His edgy, minimal aesthetic has spawned a cult of loyal followers. I’m a fan because not only is his line modern, but it also manages to be totally timeless. The Alexander Wang you buy today will look equally cool ten years from now. Including these amazing zipper square-frame sunglasses. They have sort of that Wayfarer look that Rayban made so popular, but with an exciting touch. The black frames are inlaid with abstract pewter zipper markings, which are hip without hitting you over the head with it. Most sunglasses make me think of summer, but these have a cool winter-y vibe that makes them perfect for all your cold weather outfits. And at $365, they will make a great MLK gift for that special someone.