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?