And the Oscar goes to......

Oh the Oscars.....Tinseltown's biggest event of the year where all the stars come dressed to impress and hoping to win if they are nominated or at least show up on the best dressed list the next day.   Overall, the fashion was "good".  There wasn't anyone that blew me away but at the same time, there wasn't anyone that was REALLY bad.   The awards themselves were kind of boring no real surprises, it was nice to see Natalie Portman win, and I thought Anne Hathaway and James Franco were OK, but I definitely wouldn't have been upset if I had gotten some sleep and just watched the recap this morning!

So, having said that, of course I have to have a best dressed/what were they thinking list!!!   It just wouldn't make sense not to!  (And I just have to mention, did anyone watch the pre-show on E with Kelly Osborn giving fashion critiques??  That was a little weird.)



Jennifer Lawrence



Here is who I thought shined:

Jennifer Lawrence-- This simple and sexy Calvin Klein dress showed off her youth while at the same time maintaining an Oscar elegance to it.   Her hair and makeup definitely complimented the look and I thought she looked awesome.  

Jennifer Hudson--First of all, she looks amazing!!  I hardly recognized her, such a transformation.   The color of her Versace haler gown was amazing and it looked awesome against her skin tone.  



Jennifer Hudson



So, these are the two Jennifer's that I thought really stood out in the crowd with dresses that were sophisticated, classy, and colorful.     I have to mention the youngest nominee of the night, Hailee Steinfeld in her Marchesa gown.   It was right-on in every way.   She looked her age, the tea length was perfect on her, and she helped design it!!   Pretty impressive for a 14 year old!   Tim Gunn would be proud.



Hailee Steinfeld



There were others that did not hit the mark, but luckily, not that many misses.   Here are a couple that I thought could have done SOOOO much better!

Nicole Kidman-- her Dior ensemble just didn't make sense to me.    There was so much going on with this dress I didn't know where to begin!  I think the color washed her out, and I know that metallic and sequins is in, but this was just too much.  



Nicole Kidman



The other person that I have to mention is Anne Hathaway.   She always looks amazing, (she was one of my best dressed at the Globes)  but during her many wardrobe changes throughout the night she had a few choices that left me scratching my head. I mean, she is beautiful and she was one of the HOSTS of the OSCARS, they couldn't find better choices for her??  I just don't get it.  The red dress that she walked down the red carpet in was vibrant and fun but every single dress she wore during the ceremony didn't make a lot of sense:  from the structured white dress in the beginning that resembled Nicole Kidman's dress, to the lacy number that she ended with, I was disappointed.   They could have done so much more.



Mila Kunis



So, I can't end this blog without mentioning Mila Kunis.   I know people are back and forth with her violet Elie Saab dress but I loved it.   She took a risk and it totally paid off.  The lace panels were just enough without being over the top and it was revealing enough to be sexy without coming off  trashy.   I don't know how she kept the girls in (I am assuming a LOT of tape!) but who cares, she looked great.

So, I guess to sum it up I thought this year overall everyone looked very Oscar worthy.  There weren't really any WOW moments, but there weren't really any WHAT?  moments either.   Everyone pretty much played it safe but there were trends that were very evident:   A lot of red dresses, sequins and metallic are here to stay for awhile, and adding a little lace here and there never hurt anybody!  

For those of you who are going to say what about Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Amy Adams, and Natalie Portman??   Well, they looked great as well, I just can't mention everybody!!!   :)

--Cari





Trends that need to go back into the closet

OK, so I know that everyone has their own fashion "sense" and that is what what makes us unique and allows us to express ourselves through what we wear.  I get it, and that is one reason why I love fashion so much.   But lets face it, there are some trends and styles and are better kept locked up never to appear again.    And even though everything comes back around in some form one way or another (shoulder pads, leg warmers, and overalls for example) there are some things that we need to just realize are a MISTAKE and just don't look good on anybody who isn't 5'10 and walking down the runway.    So, what are some things that are in that I just don't get?  Well, here are a few examples of what is "in" right now that needs to be "out" as soon as possible: 

Jumpsuits.    I don't get it.  Sorry.   Unless you are 5'10 I don't think you can even begin to pull these off.    A lot of them remind me of  the brand Carhardt or the jumpsuit I used to wear growing up when we wanted to go outside and play in the snow.   They are supposed to be functional, not fashionable.    They make you look frumpy, don't give you any shape, and don't get me started on how long it will take you to get that thing off if you need to go to the bathroom.    Bottom line:   they look ridiculous.

Ripped Jeans.   I know I am going to hear it about this one, but enough is enough already!!!   I have ripped jeans, I am not going to lie, and they are not all bad.  but when they are ripped to the point that there are more holes than denim that is where I draw the line.  A little is fine, but sometimes people go WAAYYY to far.  

Lace.   I don't mind accenting with a little lace.  I actually like a lace trim, or lace on the back of a shirt, but VERY few people can pull off an all over lace dress.    And let's admit it, you are walking that fine line b/w dress and doily.   When it comes to lace less is definitely more.

High waisted jeans.   OK, so you really have to watch this one; just ask poor Jessica Simpson.   You can be a size 0 and look bad in high waisted jeans.   I am not saying that your jeans need to be so low that you showing off your back side, I am just saying that meet me somewhere in the middle people.

Clogs.  Not to be confused with wedges, I mean clogs.   Please see picture: enough said.  I just don't get it.   And theses are the good ones!!

I will say this, if you are going to get clogs, and I know a lot of people are, PLEASE at least make sure they have a heel.   The flat clogs are just scary.

So, I know many of you are not going to agree and that's fine, these are all thing that are "in style" so someone obviously thought it was time to bring them back and I am sure you might look awesome this spring wearing your coral lace dress with your black clogs.  I am just saying that I won't be choosing these trends to follow in 2011, luckily for me there are lots of trends that I do like and can't wait to wear!

--Cari

Spring Fever

I have been feeling very "spring motivated" lately.  I don't know if it is because the weather has been so bad  or because I just got done finalizing my spring orders for moxie, or due to the fact that it is Groundhog Day; but no matter the reason I am feeling very springy and I felt the need to share with you what trends I am excited to see for spring!  

First of all, as I mentioned in my last blog, minimalism is in which I LOVE.   Simply put it is looking great without looking like you tried too hard.   It's not a lot of bling, wearing barely there clothes, or having your hair so overdone that you look like a poodle (sorry Snookie).    The below picture of Emma Stone is exactly what I am talking about.  



The next trend that I am happy to announce is the cut-out back.    I am seeing this everywhere this spring:   dresses, rompers, silk tops; you name it.    And it is so cute and flattering it is my newest obsession.   Taking something simple and then turning into something wow without doing a lot is great.   And with a lot of these styles you can still wear a bra (on behalf of all women I say thank you!).    



BCBGeneration dress: coming this spring
to Moxie!





Laundry by Design:
Coming this spring to Moxie! 

Last, but definitely not least, I am seeing color!!!!   I love to see color in the spring regardless, but this season the colors look amazing!   I heard that "pastels" were back and that made me nervous, but these are rich, vibrant pinks, corals, purples, peaches, and different shades of blue.   As I am sure you have already noticed, there has been more color on the red carpet lately and that is no coincidence.   Color is back in full force and I for one and happy to see its return.   Don't get me wrong, everyone needs a LBD, but I also believe that everyone needs a little pop of color in their lives!   

Now, there are more trends that I have seen out there but these are the three I think I am most excited to see (and wear for that matter) this season.   But here are some other things to be on the lookout for:   Tie dye (Yes, I'm serious), clogs, and 70's influences are going to be strong this season: think flowing dresses that blow in the wind at night and high waisted trouser pants with elegant blouses during the day.   Lace is going to still be strong but it is also going to evolve into a more classic lace.   Not all-over as we have seen in the past, but lace influences whether it be a cut out or a skirt it is all about being pretty and feminine without being too much (or looking like you are wearing a doily!!).   These are some of the trends that I have seen for spring thus far and I must say for the most part I am quite pleased with the results.    So, what do you think?   What are you most excited to see?    Do you have Spring Fever yet?!!?!?!

--Cari