Someone Deserves a Raise

Note to Blake Lively:
When I received my December 2008 issue of W Magazine, I was a little bit surprised to see you on the cover. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Gossip Girl, and I think you looked gorgeous on the cover. It is simply the fact that, as far as I know, you don't have any movies coming out to promote, and usually the high fashion magazines put models or more established actresses on the cover (a la Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie).

Then a couple of days ago, I opened my mailbox and saw this...


You scored a cover of Vogue?! Again you look amazing, reminiscent of a 1930's screen goddess. I don't know who your publicist is, but they deserve a HUGE raise. This kind of publicity gives you clout and credibility in the fashion world, and your career is just starting. I look forward to seeing where you are going to pop up next. Also, side note, your hair is beyond beautiful. As I am watching Gossip Girl I covet your hair, and your boyfriend/possible future stepbrother Dan.

Note to Readers:
I think I may have to change the title of my blog to Fit Noted, because even the beautiful Blake fell victim to a poorly fitting ensemble at the recent Golden Globes.


The dress is too tight, and the gathering and puckering of the satin fabric of her Nina Ricci gown, makes this cover girl look like as if she exhales the seams are going to bust open. So, again for the zillionth time just because you can fit into something, does not mean it is your size. Make sure the fit of the garment is flattering to your figure, and the fabric is not pulled too tightly around your body. Have a good day, and I'll "see" you tomorrow.

Inaugural Ball Gowns

Note to Dr. Jill Biden:
Way to steal the show. Seriously, this Reem Acra gown is equal parts sizzling and stunning. I love the way Acra arranged the fabric on the bodice. The color is appropriately patriotic, and perfect for the occasion. The dress also fits you perfectly, and really highlights your petite frame, and awesome arms. Man, if I could have arms like yours when I reach your age, I will be a happy woman. Actually, lets be honest, I would kill for arms like yours at my age now! Anyway, well done.



Note to Michelle Obama:
Now we reach the main event. I appreciate you wearing white, embracing tradition of either wearing red, white or blue. Few people can pull of a true shade of white, but it looks amazing on you. In theory, I like your dress. You have beautiful arms, and a pretty collarbone, and the asymmetrical top highlights these areas. I don't even mind the appliques that designer Jason Wu used. My problem, is once again with the fit of your gown. It has the fitted bodice, which looks great, but it starts to get flowy at the wrong point of your body. If it was fitted for a few more inches, it would continue to show your great physique, but instead, it draws too much attention to your hips and tummy. You still look amazing, but these little fit issues are holding you back from looking your best. Maybe your husband needs to appoint me as the Secretary of Style? I really think it would help.

Note to Readers:
How many times do I have to say it; the fit of a garment is crucial. CRUCIAL people. Also, I have decided to try to post something everyday. So, keep coming back to see what I have for you.

What did you think of the Inaugural Ball Gowns? Also, I would love to have an event where I have to wear a gown, wouldn't you? I can't even think of the last time I received an invitation to a social event where a gown was required. Hmmm... maybe we should have a stimulate the retail economy ball, where everyone gets to wear a gown. Just a thought.

Inaugural Style

Note to our new First Lady:

For today's Inauguration, you chose the above Isabel Toledo ensemble.  Traditionally many First Ladies have opted to wear a patriotic red look, but your husband does speak a lot about change.  I know I was a little tough on you about the fit of your looks in this post, but today I have nothing but praise for your Inaugural selection.  The yellow-gold color of this coat and dress are stunning on you, and the selection of the tastefully shimmering fabric was en pointe.  I love the adorned neckline on the sheath, and how your stand out ensemble perfectly complements your husbands classic and conservative white shirt and red tie.  One tiny thing, I myself would not have paired this look with moss green shoes.  Maybe it is just the photo, and they are better suited for your outfit in better lighting?

Note to Readers:

Well, we have seen what Michelle Obama has chosen for the first of the Inaugural events, but what will she choose to wear to the Inaugural Balls?  We have seen that fashion's finest were clamoring to dress her in this post.  I can not wait to see whom she chooses, and what they come up with.  What did you think of her look today?

Dress Wars

Note to Kate Hudson:
You recently wore this catastrophe of a dress to an event where you knowingly were photographed.
What in the world were you thinking?

I guess I just don't get it. I don't get the sheer sleeve, or the weird palm tree leaf print. I don't get the stripper platform shoes, or the black and white cocktail rings with the ensemble. I just don't get it. You used to be such a highlight on the red carpet. Remember the 2003 Oscars when you looked luminous in a Versace gown? Here is a reminder...

So come on Kate, I know you can do it. Get a new stylist, spring for a new hair stylist and make up artist and let the beautiful Kate Hudson we all know and love shine through.

Note to Readers:
This goes to show you, even beautiful, skinny, blonde, actresses can have an off day. Even if we like how something looks on the hanger, it may not be the best garment for us. We all have colors, styles, silhouettes that flatter our individual figures. Don't use this as an excuse to let your wardrobe get stagnant. It is still fun to get dressed and try new trends and looks, just make sure you check a mirror before you leave the house.

Oh No...

Note to Whitney:
I'll admit it, I watch The Hills and I'll probably watch your new show, The City.  I generally like your style, and think that you are the sensible one on a show full of drama queens.  Until last night, you showed up to the Hills finale after party wearing this on your head...


The only possible explanation I can think of, is somehow Spencer made you do it. He really is the root of all evil on the show, right?

Note to Readers:
I am all for people making bold fashion statements, and for taking chances with their wardrobes. My advice is don't wear anything that you will be embarrassed about wearing in a few months. Pictures last forever my friends, and I am still feeling sheepish about some black satin pants I wore in high school. Have a great Holiday!

A Holiday Gift to Yourself

Note to Readers:

Your favorite fashion blogger (ahem... Me) wrote a couple of articles for the winter issue of  Eliza Magazine.  Eliza is a hip, LA based fashion/lifestyle magazine that I highly recommend.  It is hard to find in some places so if you would like to see my stories in print, please purchase an issue online or subscribe to the magazine  here.  I would suggest getting a subscription because #1 they are a great deal, and #2 I am in the process of writing three articles for the Spring issue, so you will already be having Eliza delivered to you when the time for that issue rolls around. (PS.  I don't get any kind of monetary reward if you get an issue, I am simply passing along information)

What to Wear

Note to Michelle Obama:

In the height of the anxious anticipation over what you will wear to your husband's inauguration, the geniuses over at WWD had some of the best and brightest designers create a few sketches for you.  You really have the entire fashion world at the palm of your hand, and I am beyond jealous of all the big name designers that created sketches just for you.  My one word of advice?  Make sure whatever you select fits you properly, we all know that is my complaint with your wardrobe (as discussed here).

Note to Readers:

Fashion sketches are always exciting to see, because it is such a personally stylized art form.  Some designers (or their sketch artist) go into full detail on a gown, but only draw lips or a line for the eyes on the face.  Other designers put a great deal of emphasis on the face and the contouring of the person, and less on the rendering of the garment.  Maybe it's just me, but I adore getting a peek at designer sketches, and hopefully you will too.

Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel's Inaugural VIsion


A sketch from the lovely Diane Von Furstenburg


A sketch from my fellow FIDM alum, Monique Lhuillier


Marc Jacobs' take on the Ball Gown


Oscar de la Renta's (Laura Bush's go-to designer) patriotic vision


Click on the WWD link above to see more of the sketches. Which dress do you think she should select?