Oscar Report: Natalie Portman

Note to Natalie Portman:

You were, in my opinion the best dressed on Oscar night. I love everything about this pleated Rodarte gown. I love the way the bodice is constructed with a bit of shimmer peeking through the beautifully draped fabric. The color is unique, and not one you see in formal wear very often. I am surprised I like the color, pink usually makes me think of princess-like prom dresses, but I like this hue of pink in this particular gown. You have a petite frame, but this dress does not overwhelm you. You wore subtle diamond accessories, that work very well with your look. I saw you at a concert in LA last summer, and was amazed at how beautiful you are in person. I can only imagine how amazing this dress looked on you in real life. 

Oscar Report: Tina Fey

Note to Tina:

Your Academy Awards ensemble was my second favorite of the night. This platinum Zac Posen is exquisite on you. The slight chevron effect of the bodice looks great on your figure, and I love the design, cut and shape of the gown. Zac has always been a master of creating gowns that flatter a woman's figure, and this gown is no exception. Your hair, makeup and accessories complement your gown well. At the Emmy's I named you a sly fox, but now Ms. Fey you are a full-fledged fashionista! So you are pretty, look great in a gown, and you are beyond funny. Man, some girls get all the luck. 

Oscar Report: Taraji P. Henson

Note to Taraji:

I absolutely love your entire Oscar look. This Roberto Cavalli gown, is a gorgeous color on you. The design of the dress is fabulous, I love the tiered fabric and the fit is wonderful. I loved you in Benjamin Button, but I think I may love you more on the red carpet. My only qualm, and it is a small one, maybe you could have done something with your hair? I would have loved to see it in a low updo or with a few pieces pulled back with some fabulous vintage jewled hair pins. Overall, I loved your look, and I am anxiously awaiting to see what your next red carpet appearance brings.

Oscar Report: Freida Pinto

Note to Freida Pinto:

I have heard a few opinions about your John Galliano gown, and most of them are positive. When I first saw your Academy Awards look, I thought the color was a little bit boring and the one sheer sleeve looked a little bit like a figure skating costume. HOWEVER, when I looked at it a little more, the cobalt color is a more sophisticated hue than some of the brighter colors you have recently been wearing, which shows some versatility. I also appreciate the asymmetrical neckline, and the one sleeve is growing on me. It looks almost like a glammed up sari. You are kind of like Angelina Jolie, you would look good in almost anything.

Oscar Report: Anne Hathaway

Note to Anne Hathaway:

You were definitely feeling the Oscar spirit when you selected this Armani Prive gown. You remind me of the statuette itself, only much more beautiful. Your look evokes an Audrey Hepburn-like glamour. I think this is a sophisticated look, and the fit of the dress highlights your figure. I love the dress, love the hair, love the lipstick, basically I love everything. You may not have left the night with an Oscar, but you definitely were a winner.

Oscar Report: Marissa Tomei

Note to Marissa Tomei:

Wow. You looked stunning at Sunday's award ceremony. This Versace gown looked like it was made just for you, and maybe it was. The fit of the dress is amazing on you, and compliments your fabulous figure. I have read a few complaints about the train being too fussy, but I personally love it. It brings in the trend of architectural and geometric shapes, without you looking like a piece of origami. Honestly, I love your entire look, you were one of my favorites from the night.

Oscar Report: Reese Witherspoon

Note to Reese:

There is a lot of chatter going on about your Academy Award dress selection.  Some loved it, some absolutely hated it. My opinion of your Rodarte frock? I love the vibrant colors, they are sophisticated yet egdy and playful at the same time.  The ombre effect of the fabric is also very fashion forward. I wish I could see the dress in person, maybe it would help me grasp the draping and layers more. 

I do not understand the random sheer parts near the armpit, it looked like you were wearing a bra with the translucent straps. (Which by the way ladies, just because the bra straps are clear does not mean we can not see them, please wear a strapless bra when necessary) I think the shape of this dress does not do much for your frame. It does not necessarily look bad on you, but it does not have the wow factor that some of the dresses (ie. Yellow Nina Ricci dress) you have worn have on you.

Note to Readers:

What do you think about Reese's dress choice? Fashion forward or fashion disaster? 

Oscar Report

Note to Readers:

I hope you all enjoyed watching the Oscars as much as I did.  I decided instead of rushing to write reviews on all the looks last night, I am going to post a few looks a day this week.  At the end of the week I will post my favorite Oscar look.  

In the meantime, who was your favorite?

Oscar Report: Beyonce

Note to Beyonce:

It's time to have another talk. This dress looks like a gaudy tapestry you would see hanging in Trump Tower. I know that was harsh, and I am feeling a little bad about picking on you, but I have decided it is time for some tough love. Stop dressing in your mom's House of Dereon collection, the designs are not polished enough for the Red Carpet.  I am not going to go into detail about how the design of the dress does nothing for your figure. I don't like any of it. Please, hire a stylist you are not related to.

Oscar Report: Angelina Jolie

Note to Angelina Jolie:

Lets be honest, you are so beautiful it is hard for you to make a misstep. This Elie Saab gown is a more fitted silhouette than the blouson look you have been favoring lately. The bodice is interesting, without looking too fussy. I love the emerald jewelry you chose to accessorize with, they provided a nice flash of color. Your date was pretty easy on the eyes too. My only complaint, albeit a minor one is this look is a little safe for me. Black strapless dresses can be a bit yawn inducing. Although you make it look so good, maybe you are exempt from this clause?

Note to Readers:

Readers, what do you think? Was the dress boring or did you like the look?

Oscar Report: Jessica Biel

Note to Jessica Biel:

I can say that the color of your dress looks nice on you, and your makeup and accessories are well selected.  That is pretty much all of the positive I can draw from your look. Your Prada Gown had potential, except the few yards of fabric tucked into the top of your dress and then tucked it in at the waist.  Seriously though, you thought this looked good or flattering? C'mon your boyfriend has a clothing line, you couldn't have asked him for advice? I understand trying to use a big name brand, and trying to be fashion forward, but this is not the right way to do it. 

I. CAN'T. WAIT.

Note to Readers: 

The Oscars are Sunday and I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve.  I love seeing the red carpet choices from most events, but the Oscars are like the Super Bowl.  This is the one event where people pull out all the stops, and all out glamour is not only encouraged, it is expected. Last year I loved Keri Russell's perfectly fitting Nina Ricci gown.  Actually I just love her.  Seriously, how can one person be so beautiful? 

So, I know I will be watching the red carpet.  I am hoping for another stunning and memorable look like this one, the inspiration for my very first post.

Who are you excited to see on Sunday's red carpet?

Nicely Done

Photo from justjared

Note to Taylor Swift:

Wow.  Have you been keeping up on Fashion Noted since I wrote this post about you? Because it looks like you took the advice I gave to Gwyneth Paltrow after her Grammy appearance.  This look is everything I wanted Gwyneth's to be, and you made it your own.  You accessorized your Kaufman Franco dress with bare legs and a smashing pair of Louboutins. Your hair and makeup are flawless, and basically you look fantastic. I bet that Jonas Brother is kicking himself right about now.

Note to Readers:

This is an excellent example of how to wear a "busy" dress. A busy dress is one with a bold print, a lot of color, or like in the above photo is encrusted with rhinestones, or something along these lines. If the dress has a lot going on, it is wise to take it easy on the accessories. Imagine if Taylor wore this dress with strappy shoes that tied up around her calves, a big statement necklace, chandelier earrings, and a bevy of bangles on each wrist.  It would be a whole lot of look. When your dress has a lot going on, think simple with the rest of your look.  You only need to make one statement at a time, otherwise your items start to compete for attention.

Welcome Back

Note to Kirsten Dunst:

Lately photos I have seen of you have been casual, out and about type shots, not photos of you at an event where you were planning on being photographed.  I am going to withhold judgement on those photos, because everyone is entitled to having their days off.  I will say, when I saw this photo of you at the Rodarte Fall 2009 show, I breathed a sigh of relief. The cute Kirsten Dunst with the quirky yet still current style is back. I adore this Rodarte sweater dress, I love the color, texture, and silhouette of it, and that you wisely paired it with black opaque tights. The dress has a lot going on, so your pulled back hair and simple but well applied makeup is the perfect way to accentuate this look.  Welcome Back Kirsten.

Note to Readers:

When we go through a tough time, sometimes our appearance is the first thing to go.  Now, I am not saying that appearance is everything, because really who we are is more important than what we wear.  I am just saying, I have found if I am feeling a little bit blue and decide to lay around in sweats with no makeup and dirty hair, it does nothing for my mood. Sometimes, we need to take a shower, wear a darling outfit, do our makeup and get outside.  Even if it is just a trip to the bookstore or a local cafe for a cup of tea.  Anything. Sometimes just the actions of polishing yourself up a little does wonders for a bad day. 

Also, I know a great pair of shoes can put a smile on my face, almost any day.

Outrageous 80s

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Note to Marc Jacobs:

As you may remember you won our poll for favorite American designer, so I thought I would give our readers a review of your Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection.  I guess the only thing that can be expected from your shows, is to be ready to be surprised.  This collection was entirely different from your Americana-esque Spring 2009 runway show. Your inspiration was blatantly obvious, the 80s for today's fashionista.  I love the structural aspects of the above look, with the vibrant color you infused it with. You once again transported your audience and anyone who views your collection to another time, which right now, may be exactly what we all need. Thanks for the opulent escape.

Note to Readers:

For a while now, we have all been noticing the 80s are back.  Now with Marc's new collection, they are going to stay for a while.  It is important to be able to follow the trend without looking like you are stepping out of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.  On the runway, Jacobs had the bright highlighter inspired eighties colors, eighties silhouettes (i.e. exaggerated shoulders), eighties hair, and eighties makeup.  My advice to you is to not dress in head-to-toe eighties garb, but to take one eighties element and incorporate it into your look.  If you are wearing a dress that is neon pink, pair it with some sleek current shoes, and natural hair and makeup.  Or if you are wearing a jacket with broad shoulders (perhaps courtesy of some shoulder pads), pair it with a plain colored tank and some skinny-legged pants, not neon leggings.

The trick is to look fashionable without looking like you are wearing a costume. 

A Model's Nightmare

Photo from Getty Images

Note to Runway Models:

Yesterday, two of you fell on the runway at the Herve Leger by Max Azria show during fashion week in New York.  I feel your pain.  Ok, not literally, but falling in high heels in embarrassing enough in real life, let alone on the runway during fashion week. The best way to recover from a runway stumble is to get back up and continue walking as if nothing happened.  Do not start laughing at yourself or crying... until you are backstage.  

Don't beat yourself up about the tumbles, in September of 2008 at the Prada show two of the models fell on the runway, one reportedly toppled a couple of times during her strut (photo below).  She even had audience members assisting her in getting back on her high-heeled feet.  One of the hands helping her up is reportedly the hand of the Sartorialist. (Scroll 1/4 of the way down on the link to read his account of the show)

Note to Readers:

Wearing and walking in heels is sometimes as difficult as it is painful.  Here are a few tips to keep you standing upright, and to keep you from becoming "fashion roadkill" a la Carrie Bradshaw-- consider the length of time you will be wearing the shoes for and how long your will be actually standing vs. sitting.  For example, I wear some of my highest and most painful heels to events where I know I need to look fabulous, but I will be sitting for the majority time, like a dinner, play, etc.  If I am going to an event where I will be on my feet walking or standing talking to people, I ditch the stilettos and go for something with a wedge, platform or a more substantial heel.  This allows me to circulate the event comfortably and confidently.

Also, if you are debuting a new pair of shoes, be careful the soles are usually slippery.  I recommend walking around outside on the sidewalk for a few minutes to scuff up the soles to give you a little better traction.  Another option to keep you from slipping on your couture-clad behind is to spray the bottom of the soles with hairspray.

Another tip is to scrunch up your toes when you are walking to keep the shoes on your feet, but this is a last attempt, and is not a permanent fix.  Make sure you try out your shoes and make sure you are comfortable walking in them before you wear them out.  Also, remember when your pair shoes with hosiery, it can change how they stay on your foot so make sure you are comfortable walking in the combo.

I hope this helps.

Coordinating Couple

Note to David and Victoria Beckham:

In honor of Valentine's day, I am posting about you two, one of my favorite fashionable couples. Some people love your style and some people loathe your style.  I am generally on the team that loves your style. It has not gone unnoticed that you two have a polished look, and your ensembles are always thought through.  The two of you never look like you just threw something on and ran out the door.  I appreciate you giving fashion that respect. 

Note to Readers:

First of all, Happy Valentine's day!  Also, sorry for the lack of posting this week.  I have been busy with work. This blog does not pay my bills, so until it does, there may be some days where I can't get to posting.  The lack of posting in no way reflects my feelings for you all.  J'adore all of you.

Now onto the topic du jour; dressing as a couple. Whether you are in a relationship now, or hope to be sometime in the near future, I hope that at some point this information can be helpful to you.  You do not need to coordinate your clothing everyday, that would be overkill times ten!  When you have an event, or know you are going to be photographed you should try to wear clothing that complements each other.  NOT MATCHING.  Seriously, matching outfits on couples make me nauseous.  Just make sure your colors and/or prints do not clash.

Now we all know I appreciate the Beckham's style as a couple, but which couple's style do you admire?

Monique Lhuillier

Note to Readers:

Recently this article I wrote for Eliza Magazine was published.  I loved researching talented designer Monique Lhuillier, and reviewing both her bridal and ready-to-wear collections.  The first time I heard of Lhuillier, was when I read she designed Britney Spears' wedding dresses.  After seeing more of her work, I decided not to hold that against her.  As a designer it is hard making a garment to please your client, but still having your name and label attached to it at the end of the day.  The more I learned about Monique, the more I admired her.  I hope you enjoy reading the article as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Debate '09

Note to Open-toed Shoes and Tights:

Apparently you are a hot item to talk about this season.  Are you an acceptable combo or not?  On one hand you remind me of many of my Asian counterparts who like to wear sandals with socks.  On the other hand you are a combo popping up on some of the most fashionable of all of my favorite fashionistas.  As blogged about below, Gwyneth is wearing you, as is Kate Moss and Heidi Klum.  Are you no longer a faux pas?

Note to Readers:

If you are going to attempt this combination, allow me to point out a few guidlines.  Wear this look with dark tights (preferably brown, navy, charcoal gray, and black), with shoes that are similar in color.  You do not want the contrasting colors of your tights and shoes to vary significantly.  However, do not match them perfectly (unless it is a black on black variation) because you could end up like Gwyneth below, as a metallic mess.

I hope this helps answer a few questions about this trend.  I must warn you though, this could be a trend you look back at pictures of, and you feel a little sheepish.  Personally, I don't know if I am going to attempt this look.  Something about the seam on the toes of the tights peeking out of the toes of the shoes, makes me uneasy.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

I'm Torn...

Note to Gwyneth:

When I tuned into the Grammy's last night I saw you introducing Radiohead, and the camera showed you from the waist up.  I though you looked amazing!  The bodice on your dress fits you amazingly, your makeup was immaculate, and your hair was tousled to perfection.  Just when I thought you could not get any better, I saw the wink you sent to your husband (Coldplay's Chris Martin) from the stage, and I loved the subtle PDA.

Then today I was looking up pictures of your ensemble, and I saw the whole look.  How could someone who got it so right, on the top half get it so wrong on the lower half?  I do not know what is worse, the metallic tights, or the fact that you paired them with metallic OPEN-TOED shoes!  Tights and open-toed shoes?  I expect more from you. 

So yes readers, I am torn.  I loved her look, but only half of it.  What did you think?

Note to readers:

Sometimes selecting accessories is as important as selecting your clothing.  Think of how stunning Gwyneth's look would have been if she ditched the tights, and wore bare legs with a fabulous pair of stilettos?

So before you add tights, shoes, earrings, handbags, whatever you are adding, ask yourself, "Does this positively add to my look or does it take away from it?".  

Also, I'm bringing back the polls.  Don't forget to vote.

Budget-Friendly Fashion

Note to Forever 21:

Recently I was in the market for a fabulous pair of very fashion-forward black heels.  I wanted something with a thick strap and a shaped heel, like we all saw on the recent runways.  I also did not want to pay an arm and a leg, because shoes like this would appear dated after one season.  I strolled into one of your locations, spotted these beauties, and never looked back.  I wore them to a fashion show on the night I got them, and got a lot of compliments.  Little did everyone know, I paid less than $25 on them.  Thanks for providing a low-cost fix to my high-fashion craving.

Note to Readers:

Most of us are tightening our budgets lately.  Just because you are pinching your pennies, does not mean your wardrobe needs to suffer.  I have a plethora of tips on how to look like a million bucks, without actually spending that much.  My first tip for you is to mix budget-friendly pieces into your wardrobe.  When buying an item, consider its value.  For instance, spending thousands of dollars on a classic black quilted Chanel purse is smarter than spending an equivalent amount on a more trendy purse from a high end brand.  Think of the more expensive pieces in your wardrobe as an investment.  

If you will not be able to wear an item next season without looking dated or out of style, there is not shame in picking up a similar item with a smaller price tag.  Shopping in stores like H&M, Forever 21, etc. can provide you with items up to date in fashion with a fraction of the price of its designer inspirations.  Buyers beware, you get what you pay for.  If the item costs significantly less, it is almost always a lower quality.  These items are not made to last, but really they are so trendy, you should not wear them in a year anyway.

The key is to mix and match your investment, higher quality items, with the less expensive but more current fashion items.  On most days you can see me in jeans I bought for top dollar at Bloomingdales, with a top I found at H&M, but accessorized with a nice purse and more expensive shoes.  Or if I am wearing less expensive shoes, (like the thrills in the above photo), I will pair them with a more expensive dress or skirt, or more pricey jeans.  You do not want to look like a mannequin at Forever 21, dressed in their wares head to toe.  However you do not need to go bankrupt to stay stylish.

Greta Garbo-Style Icon

Note to Readers:  

Sometimes, in order to draw inspiration for our lives and style, we should look to the past.  I wrote this article about screen legend Greta Garbo for this season's issue of Eliza Magazine.  I hope that you are able to read it and gain inspiration from this amazing woman.

Hey-hey, you-you

Note to Avril:

Recently a reader contacted me and asked me to write about your style.  When I started looking for current photos of you, this is the kind of thing I found.  Honestly, I do not know where to start.  Really, from head to toe, you need some help.  I understand you want to look edgy, and show of your punk-rocker style, so I don't really understand where the bouffant and the hot pink pumps fit in.  Maybe rock some cigarette-leg jeans (J Brand are my personal favorite) with a neon tank and a shrunken motorcycle jacket. That is an edgy look, that does not include mismatched black and hot pink prints.  Seriously, you are making your look way too complicated. (Insert song joke here)  

Note to Readers:

Did you know that Avril has her own clothing line?  Really, I can't make this stuff up.  This goes to show you, you shouldn't go out and buy something from a celebrity clothing line just because you like her songs (or movie, or TV show... you get the point).  Make sure you really look at a piece of clothing, for the garment itself, not the name on a label.  Celebrity lines, are not all bad, like Sarah Jessica Parker's line or The Row from the Olsen Twins.  However, you should not buy something because you like the celeb, because more often than not the clothing is overpriced and under-designed.

Dakota Fanning

Note to Dakota Fanning:

We all know you are an amazing actress.  At the tender age of eight you were nominated for a SAG award.  Apparently you are talented beyond your years in the realms of fashion as well.  The above picture shows what you wore to the recent Westwood premiere of your film Push.  I love it.  It is a sophisticated hue, but a youthful silhouette.  It shows that you are growing up, but you are still dressed like a teenager would (if she had your budget and movie premieres to go to).  I love the dress, I love the shoes, and your natural makeup and relaxed hair keep your look youthful.  

Note to Readers:

I don't know how you are all feeling, but I am beyond tired of seeing teenage starlets looking like they are forty.  If you are in your teens, you should not wear anything that requires double-stick tape. It seems like child stars who try to transition to a more mature career, feel the need to completely push the envelope to show everyone they are not little kids anymore.  Also, this applies to everyone, but it seems the young stars are frequently offenders in this category... do not leave the house without underwear on, ok?  I appreciate Dakota's more mature look, but even more I appreciate that she did not take the look too far.