Without further ado: The Diva’s Guide to New York Fashion Week.
The Best of New York Fashion Week
Posts tagged:marc jacobs
Front Row: Celebrities at New York Fashion Week
Who cares about the runway when everybody important is in the front row? Here’s what the celebs you love to hate most rocked at New York Fashion Week.
Is anyone else curious as to why Vanessa Hudgens was at practically every show?
The 2011 SAG Awards Red Carpet
The 2011 Golden Globes Red Carpet
Boring was the theme of this particular red carpet event, but that won’t stop this Diva from giving you fascinatingly bitchy commentary! Without further ado, the 2011 Golden Globes.
The 2010 Best Dressed List
Honorable Mention: Carey Mulligan, Florence Welch, & Ashley Olsen
Who: Carey Mulligan
What: Vionnet Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: BAFTA Awards in London, February
Why: England’s favorite pixie proved her status as a style maven this year. Elegant and original, this gown was a serious step forward for this A-lister in the making.
Who: Florence Welch
What: Givenchy Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: The front-woman of Florence + the Machine showed she’s more than just a rock goddess – she’s a couture queen. You can’t help but admire the drama of this gold gown and accessories paired with Flo’s shockingly red hair and lips.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Erdem Fall 2009
Where & When: In Style/Warner Brothers Golden Globe Awards after-party in Los Angeles, January
Why: The bubble hem, the elbow-length sleeves, the cascading flowers, and that stunning blue color made Ashley a knock-out at the biggest of the Golden Globes after-parties.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Alexander McQueen Fall 2006
Where: Art of Elysium charity ball in Los Angeles, January
Why: Just weeks before McQueen’s untimely death, Ashley Olsen reminded us of why we love the luxurious and dramatic looks of the famed designer.
The Label Loyalists: Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, and Marion Cotillard
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Spring 2010
Where & When: Elle Style Awards in London, February
Why: Alexa showed off her hipster-chic style with her devotion to all things Chanel.
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Resort 2011
Where & When: Chanel boutique re-opening in Soho, September
Why: Alexa wisely minimized the accessories with this funky multi-print dress by her favorite designer.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Closing Ceremony, May
Why: For the Cannes closing ceremony, classic beauty is a must-have. Diane showed that a little bling and a lot of color can go a long way on the red carpet.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This beautifully draped, one-shouldered mustard yellow gown shows off Diane’s effortless old Hollywood glamour.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Resort 2011
Where & When: Paris premiere of Inception, July
Why: You can’t beat a French woman at French fashion, especially in Paris! The black lace, stunning neckline, and voluminous silhouette are proof that sometimes, the French just do it best.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: Showing a little leg and a lot of style, Marion again represents her home country in an asymmetrical metallic and lace gown by Dior.
The Trend Setters: Kristen Stewart and Keira Knightley
Who: Kristen Stewart
What: Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2010
Where & When: Late Show with David Letterman in New York, June
Why: In a victory for grumpy pale girls everywhere, Kristen shows off her porcelain skin and never-ending legs in this one-sleeved modern LBD.
Who: Keira Knightley
What: Chanel Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: Opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, October
Why: Keira’s Chanel dress is revealing – note the sheerness of the neckline, waist, back and sleeves – but still incredibly classy. Proof that a dress strategically cut in all the right places can do wonders, especially on an already beautiful woman.
Best Variety: Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Opening night of Cannes Film Festival, May
Why: It’s rumored that Cate hand-selected this dramatic gown from the late designer, and she couldn’t have chosen a more unique look. It’s a rare woman who can pull off a black wedding gown with a giant eagle on it, but of course Cate makes it look chic.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Armani Prive Spring 2010 Couture
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Some mocked this so-called Tin Man look, but Cate again proved that she dares to strut outside the box in her sexy silver suit.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: vintage Christian Lacroix
Where & When: Gala in Beijing, September
Why: The dress speaks for itself. This work of art is one of the most extraordinary gowns I’ve ever seen.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Christopher Kane Fall 2010
Where & When: LONDON showROOMS closing party in New York, March
Why: Pre-pixie cut, Emma shows off her trendy style with this lace and floral dress by the Scottish designer.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2010
Where & When: National Movie Awards in London, May
Why: A dress is only as chic as the shoes you pair it with, and those Louboutins are chic as all hell. This sexy dress is just as stylish – notice the peek-a-boo keyhole and the super-short skirt!
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Burberry
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: At the biggest red carpet fashion event of the year, all eyes were on Emma, in the gown Burberry designer Christopher Bailey made just for her. The chunky black accessories helped keep this look less bridal and more youthful.
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Calvin Klein
Where & When: New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, November
Why: Shedding Hermione’s longer locks, Emma shows off her fabulous pixie cut and her minimalist style in yet another dress custom-made for her.
The Risk-Taker: Lady Gaga
Who: Lady Gaga
What: custom Armani Prive couture
Where & When: Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, January
Why: There was no bigger fashion risk-taker this year than the artist formerly known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known to us all as Lady Gaga.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Alexander McQueen
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: One word: SHOES.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Franc Fernandez
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: Was there a more talked-about fashion statement this year – or possibly even this decade – than Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? More importantly, this outfit led to my favorite Gaga quote of all time: “I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse.”
Super Starlets: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Rachel Bilson
Who: Blake Lively
What: Marchesa Resort 2011
Where & When: Fashion’s Night Out in New York, September
Why: If you’ve got perfect tits and legs for days, all you need is a funky cocktail dress and a ponytail and you’re ready for the biggest event of New York Fashion Week.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Elie Saab Fall 2010
Where & When: Tiffany & Co. event in New York, September
Why: Blake has her finger on the pulse of 2010’s hottest trends: lace, elbow-length sleeves, and flapper-style fringe.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Chanel Fall 2010 Couture
Where & When: Toronto Film Festival, September
Why: This is my idea of a perfect cocktail dress. I love the flower embellishments around her hips, and the ruby-red color of the dress really pops with that red cocktail ring and matching red lipstick.
Who: Leighton Meester
What: Marc Jacobs Resort 2011
Where & When: V Magazine’s New York Issue Party, September
Why: The pink blush on her cheeks matches the pink in the dress – what a genius move by Leighton’s stylist! Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star looks more beautiful than ever in this fabulous springtime number. (Although, is it a trick of the light, or can you see her nipples?)
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Spike TV Video Game Awards in Los Angeles, December
Why: Nobody does effortless, youthful style quite like Rachel Bilson. Her stylist’s decision to do an ivory underlay was genius – even better than the runway version. And the little bows on those heels? Perfection.
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Roberto Cavalli’s 40th Anniversary Party during Paris Fashion Week, September
Why: A sexy, flowing leopard-print gown is a lot of look, but the red purse as the sole accessory is phenomenal. I love Rachel’s street style and casual wear, but with this look she proved that she’s a formal red carpet force to be reckoned with.
The A-Listers: Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Lea Michele
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Peter Sorensen
Where & When: State Dinner at the White House, May
Why: Who says the FLOTUS can’t be sexy? Hot Mama Obama shows off the famous First Guns in this glamorous gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Michael Kors
Where & When: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards in DC, September
Why: All politics aside, no one can deny that the Obamas are one stylish couple. The First Lady is absolutely glowing in her red halter gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Naeem Khan
Where & When: Kennedy Center Honors in DC, December
Why: She’s the Jackie O of the 21st century.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Antonio Berardi
Where & When: Hollywood premiere of Love & Other Drugs, November
Why: You can always depend on Anne for a classic, beautiful red carpet look. Flawless hair and makeup and the world’s best smile take this chic little dress to a whole new level.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Valentino Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: This photo is the definition of Hollywood glitz and glamour.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011
Where & When: Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway, December
Why: The unique print and silhouette of this one-shouldered gown are stunning. From head to toe, this look is clean, classic, and incredibly beautiful.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Rodarte
Where & When: Venice Film Festival screening of Black Swan, September
Why: Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy created the ballet costumes in Black Swan, so this red carpet shout-out to the label was particularly lovely. As if the film wasn’t garnering enough buzz on its own, Natalie got the world talking about her once again in this jaw-dropping red gown.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Lanvin
Where & When: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Governor’s Awards in Hollywood, November
Why: Natalie’s stylist has been working overtime lately as Natalie promotes Black Swan on every red carpet in the universe. But clearly she’s not losing her touch, because this purple asymmetrical draped gown is simply fabulous. And we all know that best-dressed list without Lanvin is no best-dressed list at all.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2005
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: The Glee star started the year off with a bang. This gown announced Lea’s status as New Diva on the Block and proved that this pint-sized star is chock full of fabulous.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This gown single-handedly created Lea Michele’s image as a sex symbol. The long, wavy locks, the dramatic makeup, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist, that intriguing green color – every element of this look is perfection.
Who: Lea Michele
What: custom Zac Posen
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Donning another daring, brilliant color, this Broadway vet absolutely stunned on the Tonys red carpet. Lea’s dress flatters her teensy little figure so beautifully.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011
Where & When: Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, August
Why: If ever there was a look that said, “Worship me, bitches! I have ARRIVED!” – it’s this one.
—
© Democracy Diva, 2010.
The Week in Celebrity Fashion: Merry Christmas Edition!
A very merry Christmas to those readers who celebrate it, and a happy new year to all! Let’s celebrate the only way we know how: with a bit of fabulous and a whole lot of bitchery.
Heather Morris at a Flirt Cosmetics event in New York
It’s Brittany, bitch! Heather Morris is looking mighty fabulous in her simple but chic dress, paired with a fierce bracelet and classically beautiful hair and makeup. And I’m told this Glee star is rocking a pair nude fishnets, which are basically my favorite accessory in the universe. Very classic, old-Hollywood glamour.
Florence Welch at the AllSaints holiday party in New York
Here is the incomparable Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, rocking a leather jacket, many scarves, fabulous camel-brown tights and delectable shoes. And let’s get real – with hair like that, who needs pants?
First Lady Michelle Obama in vintage Norman Norell at the Christmas in Washington concert
The First Lady looks festive but formal in her fabulously girly gown – but more importantly, how fierce does the First Grandma look?! She must be related to this Diva just because she’s rocking heels and a short lacy dress at age 73. (Or perhaps that just means she’s related to Cher.)
President Obama with First Lady Michelle Obama in Marc Jacobs
MObama is sex on a stick in this hot little Marc Jacobs number, and the blingtastic earrings are to die for. The Obamas are posing with an a cappella choir, which is too cute for words. Even cuter is that lucky little queer in the corner whose face clearly says, “Oh my GAWD, I’m totally brushing the First Lady’s boob with my shoulder!”
Kate Middleton in Temperley London at the Christmas Spectacular in London
Delicious. Throw a crown on this bitch already, because she’s clearly ready for the throne.
Emily Blunt in a Roksanda Ilincic dress and Jimmy Choo shoes
I love these colors – they remind me so much of Leanne Marshall’s Project Runway finale collection, very soothing and oceanic. I can’t say I love the dress itself, which has a few too many design elements and some really wackadoodle draping. But I think that thin black lace strap is totally sexy.
Mary-Kate Olsen in Culver City, California
FIERCEST. UMBRELLA. EVER.
Christina Aguilera at the Berlin premiere of Burlesque
Dreadful color (at least with her skin tone, that lipstick, and the Burlesque logo behind her), a truly atrocious fit (seriously, what is up with that bustline?), and the hair and makeup are as trannylicious as ever. Christina is nothing if not consistent.
Cher and Christina Aguilera at a Burlesque photo call in Berlin
I’m actually fully obsessed with this picture, in which two divas pretend that they do not in fact loathe each other. But Cher looks fierce in her leggings and jacket (much more age-appropriate than some of her other recent get-ups, but also a lot more boring). and from the neck down, Christina looks okay. I’m down with the exposed bra because it looks sort of accidental, and it’s Burlesque, for God’s sake. When you’re co-starring with Cher in a movie called Burlesque, exposed undergarments are basically mandatory.
Lady Gaga leaving the Chez André restaurant in Paris
From the waist up, this is the most beautiful jacket I’ve ever seen. I wish the bottom half didn’t look like an old lady’s nightgown, but the top is so exquisite that I almost don’t care. That pearly, greyish pink is just perfect, and it looks particularly lovely with Gaga’s coloring. I’m over the John Lennon glasses, though. I’m ready for a new eyewear trend.
—
Check back this week for The Best Dressed of the Year!
—
© Democracy Diva, 2010.
New York Fashion Week’s 10 Best Looks
10. The Retro Swimsuit
Vintage-style swimwear is one of my favorite fashion trends. Bandeau tops, high-waisted bottoms – I’ll take that over a barely-there string bikini any day of the week. And in this gorgeous color, with the matching sweater and shoes? Who could possibly say no to this?
9. Lady in Red
From the way Project Runway is going, I’m not sure Valerie will actually make it to the top three, but her collection said otherwise. Architectural and feminine, like season 2 winner Chloe Dao. I hate the fake-looking wigs she used on every damn model, but this dress is truly stunning. It’s got complexity and intrigue but still feels classic.
8. Mad Men Meets Babydoll
The fabric choice is mod-chic, but the babydoll length is totally 90s. I love the sleeves and the way it flares out, flattering her teensy waist. A classically beautiful shape and print.
7. Architectural Chic
Totally modern, totally gorgeous. All those lines would be overwhelming if the dress wasn’t broken up by the clean white stripes in the middle. And that white sheer underlay? Delicious.
6. A Skirt for the Ages
Well, looks like I’ve found my new lawyer-chic ensemble. A crisp button down and a skirt with serious attitude is all a professional woman needs. That draping is so meticulous and it completely modernizes a classic outfit. I love the black bow at the waist, and I like that the skirt has some volume without making her look hippy.
5. Color Me Fabulous
Marc wins the award for best use of color. He didn’t hide behind taupes and whites – Mr. Jacobs went all out with gorgeous, rich, unique colors (and it happens to match my Ted Baker purse perfectly). Say what you will about the prairie-girl silhouettes – those colors are the only ones I want to wear this spring.
4. A New Silhouette
I’m just obsessed with the shapes of these pieces. Totally fresh and totally Vera. And that hair is so perfect for a Vera show – a pumped-up, volumized classic.
3. Hervé Strikes Again
Hervé Léger Spring 2011
Hervé Léger is beloved by celebrities for making skin-tight, incredibly body-conscious dresses. His infamous “bandage dresses” have been worn by the likes of Elisabeth Moss, L, Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, and countless more starlets. He also nailed the number three spot in my post last season about the ten best looks from Fall 2010 (for a dress later worn by Lea Michele). And he’s back with a vengeance this season, with more awe-inspiring designs that show off a woman’s body like never before. Gorgeous, architectural, and above all, totally smokin’.
2. The Perfect Print
Fabulous silhouette and fit, but it’s the print that makes this truly unique. Those colors are beyond incredible. I hope this print shows up all over the runway this spring.
1. The Modern Classic
That fade from nude into navy is gorgeous. Such a dramatic effect in such a simple and timeless dress. Voluminous on the body, angelic on the top – a beautiful dress for any woman.
—
Need more NYFW? Check out the worst looks, the hottest trends, and the best collections from New York Fashion Week. And for all your overseas fashion needs, don’t miss out on the best of London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week!
The Week in Fashion
The Fashion Professionals
Vogue Editor Lauren Santo Domingo
This bitch has “fashion editor” written all over her. She’s a doppelganger to Dianna Agron (Glee‘s Quinn), only twice as fashionable. That skirt is beyond gorgeous and belongs in my closet immediately. Why don’t we all own perfectly fitted pencil skirts in crazy gorgeous prints? And those heels scream Vogue from a mile away. The perfect highlights, and that glance over the shoulder like she owns Manhattan. God bless her.
Fashion blogger Emily Theobald
This is proof of how a few classic but simple items are all you need. A vintage sundress, a skinny belt, brown sandals, and oversized sunglasses – all perfect for a late summer’s day of running around the city. It’s quirky and casual, like a professional blogger should be – you can tell by her laid back appearance that her work day involves a comfy chair, a dog on her lap, and a strong cup of coffee.
Joanna Hillman, senior fashion market editor at Harper's Bazaar
And this lady’s outfit says fashion/business all the way. The blouse is gorgeous, very European-looking, but crisp, so you know she’s serious. Those pants are the perfect cranberry color and make this skinny bitch’s legs look about eight miles long. The sunglasses, purse, lipstick and shoes say “I’m fabulous and you better not fuck with me,” but the casual braid says “See how I don’t even have to try hard to look this good?”
Jilian Sanz, fashion director of Haute Living magazine
And this woman looks like a Parisian socialite – she’d be complete if she were holding a Lanvin shopping bag. The sheer blouse compared to the long, sturdy skirt is a nice mix, and that greyish pink mauve leather is gorgeous. And the little eyelet peep-toe heels? Precious. Not to mention the jewelry, which makes the outfit.
The Fashion Show Attendees
Leighton Meester at the Derek Lam fashion show
Combat boots? With white sweatsocks? Leighton, are you trying to give me an aneurysm? The dress (or perhaps sweater/skirt combo) is dull as they come, and the metal bracelets taking over both her wrists give off a Wonder Woman vibe, and not in a good way. And what’s with the lack of hairstyle and makeup? This is New York Fashion Week. You’re going to have to try a hell of a lot harder than that.
Jenna Ushkowitz at the Rebecca Taylor fashion show
Attention, universe: Jenna Ushkowitz is clearly in desperate need of a stylist. That awful color, the oversized top, the whole peasant vibe it gives off, and that dreaded headband – this girl needs to be saved.
Portia de Rossi at the Richie Rich fashion show
Portia, who cut your bangs? Actually, let me put that more accurately: How fucking drunk was the blind mental patient who cut your bangs? Seriously, Portia is ordinarily a beautiful woman and here she looks like a seven-year-old boy.
Sarah Jessica Parker at the Diane Von Furstenberg fashion show
The hair looks as if she just barely escaped and wind tunnel, and the dress looks more like my grandmother’s droopy old apron than anything that should be in the same room as Diane Von Furstenberg.
The Fashion Party-Goers
Leighton Meester in Marc Jacobs
Way to turn up the heat, B! Leighton redeems herself in one of my favorite looks from Marc Jacobs’s Resort 2011 collection. The dress is breathtaking on her, the purse is completely badass, and I think the white shoes were a bold and wise choice. And see the difference it makes when her hair and makeup are done? Poof, instant starlet.
Alexis Bledel
Our very own Rory Gilmore was all over the Fashion Week scene. I’m liking the lighter hair color, and though the dress is pretty overdone, it’s cute enough. Particularly for someone who doesn’t dress particularly well. The pumps and clutch were an obvious choice, as was the matchy-matchy gold bracelet, but who can say no to those blue eyes?
Outside New York
Alexa Chung in Rachel Antonoff
Alexa Chung takes over London in this fabulous little yellow number. Perfect cut and fit, a bright and fun print, and freaking adorable grey booties.
Cate Blanchett in Christian Lacroix
Holy hell. Now this is a dress. The sleeves, the neck line, the colors, the fit, the draping of the skirt, the impeccable details – Cate truly looks like royalty in this gown. Her porcelain skin and boyish haircut just add another element of high fashion to an already fantastic look.
Emma Stone
Too big on top, too short on bottom, too long in the sleeves, tacky colors, and a vomit-inducing print. Yup, this is about as many mistakes as you can make at once on the red carpet.
Carey Mulligan
Oh, jeez. What is it, Carey, your bat mitzvah? What post-adolescent woman would be caught dead in something so Tinker Bell? It’s just incredibly immature. Even the cut of the dress looks more appropriate for a little girl than a woman. And the shoes only make matters worse. Glinda the Good Witch would look at this and go, “Whoa, girl. Chill out on the sparkles.”
Blake Lively in Chanel Haute Couture
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Blake Lively was the best dressed of the week, in my humble opinion. I am literally drooling over this blood red Chanel dress, which shines like it was laquered. And although it brings to mind awkward images of flowers sprouting from Serena’s nether regions, I think the red flowers are absolutely breathtaking. It looks so meticulously made, and it fits Blake like a second skin. The matching shoes are intense, but I think they make a strong statement. Her cocktail rings are what truly complete this look, especially the one that matches the dress. And with her red lipstick and effortlessly sexy blonde hair, Blake looks damn near perfect here.
—
I’m reviewing all the collections from New York Fashion Week, so keep checking back for updates! And follow me on twitter @democracydiva.
The Week in Fashion
It’s New York Fashion Week! And although I’m not blogging about the collections quite yet, there’s still a lot of fabulous happening on the red carpet, in the front rows of the fashion shows, and in the magazines this week. So let’s get started!
Editorials: Divas in the News
Lea Michele in Magaschoni top & Michael Kors leggings for Glamour
I am fully in love with this picture. Glamour should have chosen it for the cover, but of course they went with one where she’s not wearing pants. Sigh. Regardless, there’s something so fabulously A Chorus Line about this outfit. Totally what you’d expect a Broadway star to be lounging around in on her day off. And the bangs, the eyes, the lips – she’s looking totally gorgeous.
Marc Jacobs and Lady Gaga in Louis Vuitton for V Magazine
Lady Gaga as the Statue of Liberty, half naked, in front of a shopping cart, with Marc Jacobs sitting on a television next to her. I can’t say I get it, but I certainly like it.
Lady Gaga for Vogue Hommes Japan
I am loving this cover. Perfect pose, perfect make-up, fabulous nails, and her smokin’ body is covered in raw meat. Gaga knows how to get people to pay attention, and this is a perfect example of that quality. And if anybody can rock a raw meat ensemble, it’s Lady Gaga. She makes it look like fashion.
The Venice Film Festival
Natalie Portman in custom Rodarte
I don’t like the hair and I probably wouldn’t have chosen white shoes, but everything else about this look is simply gorgeous. The dress is sexy as hell but not revealing; it feels like classic red carpet Hollywood but has all sorts of tricks and complexities to it. The straps and shoulders and the bodice are just stunning, and as usual, Natalie looks like an Israeli goddess.
Jessica Alba in Valentino
Why, Jessica? Why is your skirt so much longer in the back than in the front? Is this a white trash themed costume party and your dress is a coy reference to the mullet? There is just nothing attractive about a mullet skirt, honey.
Michelle Williams in Jason Wu
That right-to-the-elbow sleeve length keeps popping up and I’m fully obsessed with it. And although this is a blah color, Michelle is absolutely rocking this. I’m a little over the neck bow trend – Kate Beckinsale and Carey Mulligan wore them all over Cannes – but I still think this is just precious and classy and it still maintains Michelle’s hipster-chic aesthetic.
Michelle Williams
Perfection. I’d wear that dress in a heartbeat, and those shoes are killer. She could not be cuter.
Clemence Poesy in Louis Vuitton
Parisian chic at its best, our very own Fleur Delacour is rocking a look that always looks better on French girls. A silk shirt with a giant bow tucked into a blue skirt, plus sex hair and barely-there makeup? Simply beautiful.
Fashion Elite at New York Fashion Week
Diane Kruger in Chanel at the Chanel Boutique opening party
Oy. Well, at least the shoes are cute. The rest is just too much. Sloppy hair and all that fabric? Plus a belt over it? She looks like she’s in a slutty chicken suit.
Blake Lively in Chanel at the Chanel Boutique opening party
I’m pretty sure I’ve never before seen Blake in an outfit that didn’t expose her boobs and/or legs. So I respect the attempt to cover up, and the Mary Jane shoes are awesome, but this dress is beyond tacky. And blow dry your fucking hair before you go to a Chanel fashion week party. Show some respect.
Blake Lively in Marchesa at Fashion’s Night Out: The Show
Okay, you win. I’m obsessed with this. Showing a lot of leg and a bit of boob, like Lively always should. That print is beyond gorgeous, the bracelets are kickass, the shoes are fierce, and I like the makeup. I think she’s always absurdly lazy about her hair, which is why she’s rocking a pony, but at least it works.
Leighton Meester in Versus at Fashion’s Night Out: The Show
Well, this is fugly. Like, so fugly I wouldn’t even wear it as a Halloween costume. It’s glorified underwear, and worse than that, it just looks cheap and tacky. If you want to go out on the town half-naked, so be it, but your outfit still has to be chic and fabulous, and this is NOT.
Maggie Grace in Christian Siriano at his Spring 2011 fashion show
Another epic print and adorable silhouette by the lovely and talented Christian Siriano. (Although the blogosphere is saying his collection this week was underwhelming… but we’ll get to that in a few posts.) I love this dress because it’s effortless – it does all the work for Maggie. Just throw on heels and eyeliner and you’re ready to go.
Miscellaneous Fabulous and Fugly
Hello, teeny little waist! America Ferrera looks completely amazing in this dress. I’m obsessed with the sleeves and collar, the skinny belt is perfect, the length is super-flattering, and the accessories are simple and perfect. I think every professional woman should have this dress hanging in their closet.
Jessica Simpson in a design from her own denim collection
Jessica is modeling her own design, so there is no one to blame for this atrocity except for Jessica herself. I am getting physically ill at the sight of that cheap denim with the tacky gold zippers and buttons. This is denim at its worst.
Katrina Bowden in Theia
It’s pretty easy to always look great when you’re blonde and blue-eyed and approximately eleven pounds, like 30 Rock‘s Cerie. But Katrina keeps cropping up on best-dressed lists, and this dress proves she deserves it. Another adorable and unique print, which is always nice to see. She could use a necklace, bracelet, or purse – just something to make her look less naked. But this is a fabulous little number.
Kim Kardashian
Dear Kim:
What, what, what are you doing? Look at those leggings. Look at your choices.
Love,
The Democracy Diva
Lea Michele in Erdem
I’ve blogged about dresses nearly identical to this twice so far – Chloe Sevigny rocked one at the Met Gala, and Eva Mendes wore it in July 2010. So I’m a little bit over this, but I still think a long-sleeved cocktail dress is a wonderful thing. And even though it’s overdone, the color and print are beautiful. But can we please talk about Lea’s hair? This better be for Glee, because if Lea is actually choosing to wear those horribly distracting highlights/extensions, this may be the end of my love affair with her. (Just kidding. I’ll always love you, Lea.)
—
I’m working on your fashion week posts as we speak! Stay up-to-date by following me on twitter @democracydiva!
Diva’s Choice: Punk Rock Schoolgirl
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, $548
back
Oh, how I adore this dress. I probably have used the phrase “gritty-meets-pretty” (which I definitely stole from Project Runway) on this blog dozens of times, and this is a perfect example of what I mean. The Bloomingdale’s website calls it “tough-yet-girly,” but whatever you’d like to call it, it’s simply fabulous.
The plaid print is perfect. Totally schoolgirl, but with interesting colors. And the skirt is a little bit flared and pleated, so the silhouette feels even more girly. But the black trim and the exposed zippers pump up the volume on this otherwise innocent dress. There’s something incredibly sexy about any dress with one long zipper down the middle. And the asymmetrical zippered pockets look totally funky, like a badass girl who reconstructed her uniform. And that’s how they styled her, with that studded cuff and the leather boots. Best part? The straps are both adjustable and removable. God bless Marc Jacobs.
No more posts.
The Democracy Diva 
