Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner: The "Uh Oh's"!!

Time for a Stylist Re-Hire...

In my last post, I talked about my "Best" and "OK" Dressed at last night's Washington DC-Hearts-Hollywood Correspondents' Dinner. There were some nicely dressed ladies in attendance, however, it's time for the "Uh Oh's"--Let's begin...

Lindsay Lohan: Miss Lindsay...gotta love her. She was a "Guest" of Fox New's Greta van Susteren (in other words, they payed for her First Class LA-Washington DC flight plus a very super duper suite in a five-star DC hotel). She was also there with her attorney, Shawn Holley. OK, now to the important stuff: what she wore. Lindsay wore a halter-neckline black duchesse satin gown. To be blunt: she was two minutes away from being a bridesmaid. 

First, duchesse satin is a difficult fabric to wear--especially if you have to sit in a limo for a while, then get up and do a red carpet. Therefore: wrinkles. The midriff is all wrinkled (from sitting down in the limo fall-out), and yes, there is the oh-so-unsightly "side boobage". In addition, it's always odd to place a seam right through the apex of the breast section. Also, what is up with the 10" hem marking on the gown? Is that the horsehair on the hem? Was it taken up? Is there a seam near the hem of the gown? I am confused. Lindsay: please help me!!

Alicia Keys in Diane von Furstenberg: Huney, I LOVE ya, but did you know you were going to a BLACK TIE event? Alicia looks as if she's attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. Which is fine. But she's actually NOT attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. This is a great dress for a "Girl's Night Out" in NYC, San Francisco, LA, etc. But for the White House Correspondents' Dinner...not so mucheyyy.

Martha Stewart in Marchesa: It's my "Fantasy Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca!". Here's the positive: a tunic shift dress is a great style, especially for ladies who A) are not a size 0 and B) Ladies who are over 50. I do like the white color with gold detail. It's the fringe that then goes into "Laugh-In" mode and it looks TOO big for her. Look how low the armholes are? And I could pinch in about an inch on the double on the sides (sorry for the "Fashion Instructor Terminology").

 

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta: I think Zooey is just the "Cat's Meow" (do people even say that in 2012?). And I admire an Oscar de la Renta ball gown, because in my past life I'd like to think I was one of them "Ladies Who Lunch" and wear Oscar de la Renta ball gowns!  However, there are two things wrong with this: First the top bustier section needs about about an inch more fabric added to the neckline; it's too teeny tiny. But more importantly, what is happening to that drooped hem?? This is UNACCEPTABLE. I'm sure it's a runway sample and it's made for the 5' 10" Fit Model (and Zooey is 5' 5")...however, you then need to alter it!!!

Sigourney Weaver: OK, here's the positive (yes, there is one!), on an 18-year model from Brazil, in a studio, standing there, in a "Look Book" photo shoot...I can see this black crepe back satin side-cowl draped gown--looking quite chic and directional. I can also see this on a "quirky" guest at a Paris Gallery Opening as well. But...on Sigourney Weaver, it looks a mess. It does NOTHING for her. You would think that a 6 foot tall actress who is so fabulous as Ms. Weaver is, could just about pull off anything. Not so much. Her hair and make up don't help. If she were to have skewed more directional or extreme with the entire look, it would have at least made a bit more sense.

But now, to the "GURL What Were You Thinking" Award of the Night:

Rosario Dawson in Armani Prive: I just about fell off my couch when I saw this (and not in a good way)...and then realized that she was wearing a $40,000+ Armani Prive Haute Couture hand-made gown. This is shameful. For all parties involved. It was an emerald green silk organza (with an iridescent finish) fitted gown with complex seaming, defined shoulders and yes...

There is THAT oh-too-plunging neckline. The bust section is WAAAY too tight. It was made for a girl (well, a model) who had a 32" bust circumference (the standard for runway models) and that is why Rosario's sisters are all out there. But it's not just that--the entire gown is way too tight. The entire abdomen area is rippling and pulling and those delicate seams are pulling...it just makes me cry knowing that this is a hand-made gown that took many, many hours to create and if Rosario had purchased, would cost a high 5-digit figure. And not to mention, she is such a beautiful actress, so this decision doesn't do her beauty justice. Rosario, next time: email me. Or have your stylist email me.

Irene Esser: In Gown

Name: Irene Esser   -Country: Venezuela   -Pageants Joined: Miss Venezuela  2011, Miss Universe 2012

Photo Credits: http://www.mvlanuevaera.com/   -All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.                         

Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner--Best Dressed

Dinner Dress Up

Last night Hollywood and Washington DC collided--and colluded--in the 98th Annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) is an organization of journalists who cover the White House and the President of the United States. The actual intended purpose of the White House Correspondents' Dinner is to "acknowledge award-winners, present scholarships, and give the press and the president an evening of friendly appreciation". But in recent years it has become an event where the press and Hollywood get to hob nob with each other. Members of the media/press are allowed to "invite" Hollywood stars to be at their tables, therefore paying for their First Class travel and Five-Star Hotel accommodations, in exchange to sit with them and yes, get some press. It's also a chance for some "Red Carpet Critiquing". There were some MESSES last night (in a later post, darlings, don't worry) but let's start with some Good Ones (and "OK's") of the night:

First Lady Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan Spring 2012: Mrs. Obama chose a printed silk gown from one of her favorite designers, NY-based Indian-born Naeem Khan. It's from his Spring 2012 Collection and on the runway (as you can see above), it was shown with a one-shoulder drape. As we all know, the First Lady has some AMAZING shoulders and intelligently knows that they should be showcased. Therefore the one shoulder over-drape was removed for Mrs. Obama. I think she looks great. I love the "ethnic" feel of the mixed print and it is very ON TREND with what is happening in prints.

Elizabeth Banks in Antonio Berardi Fall 2012: Banks wore a lipstick red strapless gown with peplum detail; (very NOW ladies!!) from British designer of Sicilian descent Antonio Berardi. Originally, the designer showed this style in a gunmetal sequined fabrication (as seen on the runway photo above). I like this dress on Elizabeth Banks. The shape is fabulous and fits her really well and to top it off, her hair, make-up and  jewelry are just right.

Kate Hudson in Jenny Packham: let's start from the top: LOVE the bun!! Usually we see Hudson in a very "Carefree California Girl" 'do but here she "bumped"-up (sorry for the pun) her hair quotient. It's very "Miss Universe" meets my Mom in Caracas in 1975! The dress: love the color, fabrication and the fit. I assume she was styled by her pal Rachel Zoe and well, kids, she did (as usual) a FABULOUS job.

Elle Macpherson in Romona Keveza: Let's begin with the fact that it helps to have Elle "The Body" Macpherson wearing your dress. Designed by Romona Keveza, who is better known for her very popular wedding gowns. This black satin gown features a folded-and-pleated top section with an asymmetrical peplum (yes, kids, it's a MAJAH trend!). Elle looks pretty amazing and let's not forget: she is showing Angelina Jolie how its done...in terms of how to walk and pose with a high slit. How do you say "Atta-Gurl" in Australian slang?

Ivanka Trump in Naeem Khan: Kids, THIS is how you do PLUNGING! Period. It's flawless on Ivanka. She's wearing a gown by "Designer of the Night" Naeem Khan--a silver sequined gown with cap sleeves and yes, that plunging neckline. It is "inspired" by a dress from his Fall 2011 RTW collection as seen in photo above. Finally kids, I need to add as a "PS": THE ONLY WAY for the Trumps to recover from last year's "Donald Roast" is to send Ivanka looking stupendous!

 

Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier: she looks great! The black gown by LA-based designer Monique Lhuillier is elegant, very "Old Hollywood Glamour", draped beautifully. I also like the pop of turquoise in the earrings and side-swept hairstyle. Hard to tell she is even pregnant!

Charlize Theron in Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas: One word: wow. Again, you really can't go wrong when you begin with a stunner like Charlize. The lace over nude lining fitted gown, features a scalloped boat-neck and long sleeves. It's such a busy lace that she chose wisely to finish it off with a simple and elegant center parted chignon.

Good But Not Great:

Dakota Fanning in Prada: this light plum sequined gown is just "OK" for me. There are several "Not Sure's" here. The keyhole seems odd-especially since the neckline already has such a nice "V" shape; the front length is odd, looks too short and the shoes, they look a bit "Grandma-About-To-Play-Mahjong-In-Boca" (which, incidentally, is SOOO Miuccia Prada!). I wanna know what YOU guys think here? Help me!!

Eva Longoria in Marchesa Fall 2012: I think the top section of this white Marchesa Fall 2012 dress is fantastic and right on trend with the drop-shoulder/cap sleeve detail as well as the original applique. It's the odd multi-cowl draped skirt section that troubles me. I have to say that somehow it looks a bit "puffier" and with more volume on Eva than on the runway model, and this I do like.

Kim Kardashian: Kim K. went for a more "demure" and less "Va-Va-Boom" Kim at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. She wore an emerald green silk velvet floor length sleeveless bias-cut gown with "peek-a-boo" back and sequined shoulder and waist trim. From far away, it's pretty great but then...

Close-up, the top looks wonky; I know that it's bias and therefore it is stretching...but I still have the urge to go up to her and get some pins and pin out about 1" excess from the top shoulder area (sorry, it's the draping instructor in me!).

Sofia Vergara in David Meister Signature Collection: Again, it's "OK" for me. It is a great shape for her--accentuates her tiny waist, hides the "cha-cha" hips, and so on, but...this would be great if she was going to an afternoon wedding in Connecticut. But the White House Correspondents' Dinner?? I'm a little disappointed. She should have stolen Viola Davis' gown...speaking of Viola Davis...

Viola Davis in Amsale Spring 2012 Bridal: Ethiopian-born fashion designer, Amsale, is very well known for her wedding dresses. In fact, this gown on Viola is from Amsale's Spring 2012 Bride Collection (originally shown in white on the runway as seen in photo on the right). It's a one-shoulder ziberline gown with a fit-to-flare princess seamed shape and folded-and-pleated top detail. It's a stunner of a gown. However, I just have to take issue with the "I'm about to have a Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction" side-breast spillage (almost) occurring as a result of how scooped that side is on the underarm/neckline section. There needs to be about 2-3" of extra fabric up in there. Other than that: Fab!

Karina Gonzalez: Crowning Glory

Name: Karina Gonzalez   -Country: Mexico  -Pageants Joined:  Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2011;

Miss Universe 2012  -Photo Credit: Jorge de Luna   -All photos are copyright to their rightful   

owners.                                                                                                                                   

Nick TV Minute: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--Don't Miss the FIDM Debut Fashion Show TOMORROW (Sunday) 9PM KLCS-TV, PBS Channel 58

Fashion Show TV!!!

Debut 2012 Fab (Photo courtesy of abimages.com)

This past March was the FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show! This is where graduates of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (my alma mater!) Advanced Fashion Design--as well as  Theater Costume Design--get to showcase their collections in a FABULOUS stage of the Santa Monica Barker Hanger in front of industry professionals, their peers--oh and yes, over 5,000 other people!!!

Host With The Fashion Most: Nick Verreos MC'ing FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Gala

I had the pleasure of MC'ing and hosting FIDM Debut 2012 and introducing the fashions and the very talented graduates. The designers are tomorrow's Next Rising Fashion Stars--and who knows--maybe future Project Runway contestants...or Winners!!!

 Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Back when I was at FIDM (don't even look for the year!), I was one of those graduates and did the Debut (It's on YouTube somewhere--I DARE you to find it!). So, Debut will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. So much so, that for several years in the past, I mentored and was one of the Debut Instructors.

FIDM Debut 2012 design from Randy Lee Donato, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design Graduate Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Well, in case you somehow didn't get the invitation to see the FIDM Debut 2012 live...don't fret. You can watch it on TV!  Now, this is just for Angelenos (Southern California folk that is--sorry, rest of the nation): they just TELEVISED the Debut 2012 Fashion Show on PBS local station KLCS-TV last night (Friday), but...
You have a chance to see it TOMORROW NIGHT Sunday April 29, 9pm, KLCS Channel 58 (on some cable providers, it's Channel 3--check your local cable listings)--DON'T MISS IT!!!!

Here are the DETAILS:

 

 

 WHAT: FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show


WHEN: Sunday April 29, 2012, 9 pm (PST)


WHERE: KLCS-TV PBS LA Local Station, Channel 58 (check your local cable provider/listings for channel and time)

Carolina Aguirre: In Swimwear

Name: Carolina Aguirre   -Country: Ecuador   -Pageant Joined: Miss Ecuador 2012;

Miss Universe 2012  -Photo Credit: All photos are copyright to its rightful owners.    

Project Style Video: Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai "Project Style" Call To Action!!!

Project Style!

Style Fab: Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos for "Project Style 2012"

As you may know, it's "Project Style" time again!! We are searching for America's Next Chic Top Trendsetter--Do you think you can style a FIERCE outfit for yourself? What if we gave you a free $150 mall gift card, then have you post that outfit on our website with pictures and a video...

One lucky winner will win a $1,000 mall shopping spree,  plus a chance to win the grand prize trip to attend a show (WITH ME!!) at NYC Fashion Week and a Soho NY Shopping Day (also with ME!!!). My GORGEOUS Project Style 2012 Co-Princess--Jeannie Mai--will help me find... The. Next. Project Style. Chic. Stylista OF AMERICA!!!

Click Below for The Project Style 2012 Call To Action Video starring Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos--with all the RULES:

Runway Report Minute: Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013

Here Comes The Red, Maroon and Peplum Bride??

Renaissance Meets Infanta Meets Princess: Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2013

NYC Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013 ended last week and so, what were the highlights? What will next year's "Summer" Brides be wearing...or inspired by? By the looks of it, lots of color, ball gowns, frill, and  peplums. Take a look:

Mantilla Diva: Dominican Republic model (and Oscar de la Renta muse) Arlenis Sosa in a fire-red strapless red Bridal Ball Gown, fit for a Goya painting, Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2012

Red Bridal Brigade: In Vera Wang's Bridal Collection for 2013, all her dresses were in various shades of red--three looks above

Eggplant Ball: eggplant/maroon colored strapless gowns from the Vera Wang Bridal Collection Spring 2013--These are shown on the runway for "impact" and to deliver a "Designer's Vision" but the samples that end up in the salons will probably be white, off-white and creme, of course. And some could probably work for the bridesmaids, Maid-of-Honor, and so on--if they are willing to do a "Pippa" and upstage the bride!

 

Peplum Ladies:  Several designers showed the peplum detail in some of their Spring 2013 offerings--Here are two from Venezuelan-born designers: (Left to right) Angel Sanchez strapless fitted gown with asymmetrical cascaded peplum detail; Carolina Herrera strapless gown with peplum detail.

Marie Antoinette Goes Hunting vs Princess Di Redux: Two ball gown/"Princess"-style offerings during NY Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013--(Left to right) Carolina Herrera Bride Collection Spring 2013 strapless gown with a "double breasted" silhouette drop-waist torso and folded-and-pleated gown skirt; Marchesa Bride Collection Spring 2013 ball gown with drop-waist bustier and lace neck-and-sleeve detail and very 80's shape.

NIKOLAKI Brides: Finally, here are a couple of my own NIKOLAKI Collection Bridal gowns: (left to right)  strapless off-white stiffened high-low gown in hand-made sequins/paillettes and "crushed" silk organza; strapless fitted silk duchesse gown with full pleated "Watteau" back.