Weekly Fashion Recap

American Royalty: Wedding Edition

Bill and Chelsea

The Clinton Women

Unless you’re living under a rock, you must be aware that former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton got married this week. The bride wore a truly incredible Vera Wang bridal gown, and Hilary dazzled in fuchsia Oscar de la Renta. No complaints from this Diva – just a heartfelt ‘mazel tov’ to the bride and groom and their well-dressed family.

Best Cover

Emily Blunt in Valentino

British bombshell alert! Emily Blunt sizzled on the September cover of Elle in pink satin and black lace. She’s the perfect combination of classy and sexy. I’ve loved her since The Devil Wears Prada, and I can’t get over how killer her legs look in those delectable black lace tights.

Drab in Denim

Jessica Szohr

Diane Kruger

Oh, good. Pale, borderline acid-washed denim is back in. Because nothing says “I’m a wannabe extra in a Paula Abdul video” like a denim vest or high-waisted denim cropped pants.

High Fashion Hipster

Gwen Stefani

Gwen wore this fabulous polka-dotted gown to a friend’s wedding, mastering the art of going funky and formal. It’s not easy to keep the fanciness in the picture when trying to dress with a bit of an alternative flair, but it’s an art Ms. Stefani has mastered. Who says polka dots are just for retro and casual wear? But what’s even more difficult is standing out in a crowd while not overshadowing the bride (or whoever is the center of attention at that particular formal affair). Although Gwen is unforgettable in this hipster-glam gown, she’s not begging for the spotlight. And that gets my respect.

Dressed to Win

Lea Michele in Giambattista Valli

Tom & Lorenzo were right – Lea Michele is going to pull out the big guns on every red carpet, no matter how insignificant, from now till the Emmys. She’s campaigning hard for the Emmy for best actress in a comedy series AND the role of Fanny Bryce in the upcoming Broadway revival of Funny Girl. And here she is, looking radiant as usual. I’m happy to see her back to her classic smile – lately, she’s been seeming so serious on the red carpet, trying to look interesting and fashionable instead of happy. And I like the more natural makeup and hair – again, it makes her seem friendlier and more approachable. But let’s not ignore the fierceness of that beautiful Valli gown. It fits her like a dream, and makes this very petite girl seem long and lean. I wish she’d worn a necklace, but she still absolutely glows.

Worst of the Week

Kesha in Topshop

Kesha, sweetie, this is exactly why you should look in a mirror after blowing the cast of Avatar in the limo.

Also, ten bucks says Kesha will be admitted to rehab before Lindsay Lohan gets released.

Posted by democracydiva

Diva’s Choice: Something Bold, Something New

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Bridal

The black wedding gown.

Well, sort of. The tulle overlay is definitely navy, according to my eyes and the Oscar de la Renta website. Perhaps the entire dress is navy, but I find that more difficult to see. Regardless, the shade is not as important as the revolution of the colored wedding gown.

To wear ivory or champagne instead of white is becoming more popular with modern brides, but to dare to even wear a blush pink or yellow or peach is stretching far outside the realm of normal, at least for first-time brides. More second-or-more time brides don’t wear white because they feel the jig is up; they’re clearly not virginal. But just because white represents purity, and that was the traditional reasoning for putting new brides in white, doesn’t mean an intact hymen is a requirement for wearing a white gown. I say, wear what you feel the best in – if you’ve always pictured yourself in a white gown on your wedding day, don’t pick champagne just to be modern, prove a point, go against tradition, or proclaim your non-virginity. But of course, don’t feel that you need to wear white just because it’s the tradition! Oscar de la Renta and countless other designers and real-life brides have proven that you can have your dream wedding in a dress of any color, regardless of what your Jewish grandmother tells you.

Anyway, let’s get back to the dress in question. As few women travel outside the world of white and ivory, it must be a minuscule amount who choose a dark color. And yet this feels unquestionably bridal. The veil helps, of course, but even without it, I think this would still be unmistakably bridal. The cascade of silver from the bodice down to the bottom of the skirt helps brighten the gown; it still shines the way a new bride should. And though I’m not crazy about veils in general (I only like them so the groom can make sure he’s marrying Rachel and not Leah), I find this one particularly beautiful. It feels like the little silvery butterfly-like designs are floating magically up throughout both the gown and the veil, and it brings such a heavenly feeling to the entire look.

So if ever there were an angel dressed in black, this is she. What a beautiful sight.

Posted by democracydiva

Runway Review: The Week In Fashion

This week had a little too much fashion for just one blog post, so I’ve divided your weekly fashion recap into two parts: runway and red carpet. Here’s the runway edition, as the Resort 2011 collections have exploded this week.

Best Accessory: Vamped-Up Stockings

The gams are getting glamorous on the runway this week! Though the effect feels much more fall than spring, many designers chose vamped-up stockings and ornate tights as accessories. I have always been a fan of the embellished stocking – somehow it always makes an outfit more interesting and way sexier.

Worst Accessory: The Tube Belt

I tend to support eccentric accessories, particularly those that bring an element of grittiness into an otherwise tailored, feminine outfit (or vice versa). But if the fashionistas start wearing these ugly, unflattering belts that look like they belong at a gas pump, I’m going to have to scream. I beg you, ladies. No matter how badly you need a belt, rubber tubing is not the answer.

The Saddest Girl on the Runway

There is a such thing as “so bad it’s good.” Examples include the earlier seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation, “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus, and the entire High School Musical franchise. Unfortunately, Cynthia Rowley’s Resort 2011 collection is not “so bad it’s good.” Because it’s downright fugly. From the white shoes to the shapeless “dress” to the patched, frayed fabric – I understand the point is to make a statement using ugliness, but the only statement this makes is “I’m a little homeless boy in my mommy’s shoes”

The Legend of Oscar

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011

As per usual, I had nearly every look in Oscar de la Renta’s Resort 2011 collection tagged as one of my favorites this week, but I managed to narrow it down to two looks that explain the genius of Mr. de la Renta.

The above look is what designers like Leanne from Project Runway constantly attempt but never quite achieve. She, like Oscar, made full skirts of fabric pieces to make it look like waves, but she limited herself with her desire to stay within a specific structure and color scheme. This blood-red beauty catches like feathers in the wind, moves like waves, possibly could have been made by Elmo’s taxidermist, and is romantic and sweet all at the same time. The rose-looking twist at the center is exquisite.

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011

And this kind of gown is what Christopher from Project Runway always tried, to no avail. But to create something like this is so much more than making a dress. It truly stands as a piece of art, carefully and thoughtfully draped, sewn, and constructed. I personally love the different polka-dot prints, the black sash at her waist, and the ornate bodice.

The Ill-Fitting Crotch Award

These pants were apparently draped intentionally to give the appearance of a giant cameltoe.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2011

The Democracy Diva would like to take this opportunity to remind all designers, not just Givenchy and Marc, that vaginas do not need a square foot of breathing room.

90s Throwbacks

This My So Called Life meets Coco Chanel hybrid has all the modernity of the new millennium with the grittiness of the 90s. The tweed dress is lovely (and such an unusual shape) and those peep-toe combat boots are destined to be in my closet. But the black long-sleeved lace undershirt really amps up the alternative rock sensibility, and the contrast between the tailored and the distressed is incredibly beautiful.

Diva’s Pet Peeve

Now, I KNOW we’ve talked about sweatpants on the runway before. I don’t care if it’s the resort collection – fabulous casual vacation lounge clothing and bright yellow elastic waistband sweatpants are not the same. And this poor soul isn’t helped by that boxy T-shirt, the horrible choker, and the mismatched purse.

Best Bollywood Influence

I love the way Naeem Khan’s entire collection felt like it lay somewhere in between Hollywood and Bollywood. Gowns like this one – perfect red carpet gowns with just whispers of sari influences – simultaneously have old Hollywood glamour and a completely modern, global sensibility.

Costumes by Marc Jacobs

Doesn’t this have Emma Pillsbury from Glee written all over it? If McKinley High has a prom or Emma and Will have an engagement party, I think our neurotic little guidance counselor should wear this chic, flowery ensemble from Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs Resort 2011

If this Diva were Katy Perry’s stylist, this is what I’d put her in for a casual day or hot summer night. This is what Katy should be wearing – zany, revealing costumes that hearken back to the 1940s pinup girls. She should go less wild and more conceptual, and her wardrobe would be intriguing instead of just weird.

The Dragtastic Dress

Since the model above does not appear to be a tennis pro by day / drag queen by night who is addicted to ecstasy, I can’t imagine where she plans on wearing this dress.

My Favorite Mini-Dresses

A girly print with a fascinating belt and truly fabulous straps. And that matching bag? To die for.

I call this look “Little Red Riding Hood Goes Bad.” Youthful, sexy, and fresh.

Because, let’s be honest, it’s not summer until you whip out your wildest neon dress.

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More fashion to come! Check back here soon for the Tonys red carpet and more!

Posted by democracydiva

The Weekly Fashion Recap

Biggest Step Forward

Taylor Swift in Marchesa

My little girl is growing up so fast! 9 times out of 10, Ms. Swift shows up to events looking boring but fabulous in a red gown or glittery cocktail dress. It’s nice to see her step out of that rather primitive box and wear something that takes a little more effort to pull off. She looks glamorous and elegant; older, but by no means old. Darling, you’re blonde, thin, tall, and rich – you better wear that fierce Marchesa gown while you still can! Kudos for showing us something new.

Most Disappointing Winner of a Project Runway Challenge

Heidi Klum in Emilio Sosa

Well, this is just about the worst Mrs. Seal has ever looked. And it’s really her own fault.

One of this season’s challenges on Project Runway was to create a red carpet look for Heidi herself. Emilio made exactly this (though his version was full-length and looked a little more gold on television). And as you can plainly see, this dress does nothing for one of the world’s most beautiful women. Her tummy looks poochy, her boobs look flat, and she looks like she’s forcing herself to smile to promote her show, but deep down, she knows she looks freaking terrible. This is a basic, ugly American Apparel dress with a little cuff on top. And the shoes don’t work. But that’s what you get, Heidi, for over-praising Emilio so much during this snooze-fest of a season.

Repeat Offender

Hayden Panettiere

That is one ugly dress. Who decided a seam down the center of the entire dress was a flattering look on anybody? And who designed those tacky sleeves, Elton John’s costume designer circa 1979? And don’t get me started for the zillionth time on how damn old she looks. Listen chica, if you want to date men twenty years your senior, just do it. Don’t age yourself so that people don’t ask your boyfriend if he’s your grandfather.

But wait, it gets worse –

Hayden's New Haircut

It’s not even that it’s a bad haircut – though I sort of think it is. It’s more this entire matronly style that she’s going for. Some girls just don’t know how to appreciate their own youth and beauty, and they go and get the haircut that Kate Gosselin should be getting.

Battle of the Demis

Demi Moore in Oscar de la Renta

Demi has her own personal fountain of youth that keeps her looking more delectable than ever, but even if she weren’t one of the hottest women around, this is the kind of dress that works for everyone. Gorgeous print, interesting colors, short but not slutty, can go easily from work wear (with a blazer) to evening wear (with fierce heels and a clutch). It’s nice to see celebrities in ridiculous shit we could never pull off, but it’s also refreshing to see an impossibly beautiful women in a dress that would look great on me or my mother.

Demi Lovato in BCBG

It must be a little hard to be Demi Lovato. I mean, yeah, she’s cute and famous, but she’s clearly the red-headed stepsister of Selena Gomez, which is hard on a girl. And even though her face is a different color than her arms which are a different color than her legs, I like this look. It’s hella loud, but she’s at a Disney event. The red carpet is blue. The rules are different here. The shoes are a little much, but the dress is fun and flattering; it shows that she’s a teenager and wants to dress a bit adventurous, but it’s not at all slutty. If she could just relax her facial muscles a bit more, I think I’d finally be able to like her.

Posted by democracydiva

The Long Overdue Oscars Red Carpet

Let’s get right to it.

Hot Mama

Amy Adams in Alberta Ferretti at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party

By far the most beautiful pregnant woman I’ve ever seen, other than Heidi Klum, who is a freak of nature. The hair and makeup are flawless, and this dress is so earth goddess and yet still formal at the same time. A+, Amy!

Most Overrated

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

This dress somehow showed up on Best Dressed list after Best Dressed List, and I’m still struggling to figure out why. It looks like three different dresses arbitrarily sewn together. And yes, Zoe Saldana is gorgeous, but I still can’t take her seriously because I will only remember her for her work in Center Stage. Call me nostalgic, I just want to see her being sassy to Peter Gallagher again.

A Trend Done Right

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab

This season is full-on obsessed with gowns that match the skin tone, which I think can be a difficult look to pull off if it’s not done perfectly. But I think Ms. Anna “Fritzy” Kendrick looks incredibly beautiful. I think I love it so much because she didn’t just rely on the beautiful color to do all the work for her. She chose a particularly intricate dress (the lace embellishment towards the bottom is particularly eye-catching and stunning), and she didn’t distract from the dress with accessories that contrast that beautiful color. She went with shoes to match, and soft-colored and diamond accessories. The hair and makeup make her look angelic. So although I’m getting sick of this trend, I think she nailed it.

The Comeback

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

Let’s just say it – Cameron Diaz has looked like shit lately. She always looks like she’s far underdressed, just rolled out of bed, or put on her grandmother’s suit. it nice to see a beautiful woman in a gorgeous (albeit cliche) gown. Lay off the plastic surgery, keep dressing age-appropriately, and you’ll stay fabulous forever, Cameron.

Think of Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep in Christopher March

In the immortal words of Matt Rostowsky, GET IT, MERYL! She looks like she doesn’t give a shit if she wins an award or not – she’s there to have a blast, and she looks every bit the glamour queen. Kudos to Project Runway alum Chris March for another fabulous look that works like a charm on a “real” woman’s body.

Worst Dressed

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa

As much as I love Marchesa, it is not an easy look to pull off. Nor is that color, particularly against the red carpet. And if you aren’t the most beautiful woman in the world, layers and layers of huge ruffles are probably not your best plan. I think the dress is garish and makes Farmiga look much uglier and fatter than she actually is. Vera, you’re good-looking, but you’re no couture model. So stop dressing like one.

Best Dressed

Elizabeth Banks in Atelier Versace

I’m really happy Elizabeth Banks is getting the attention she deserves. I’m a huge fan of Judd Apatow’s films, but I hate that he puts such un-funny women (Kristen Bell, Katherine Heigl) in lead roles. He should just keep casting Banks in everything – she’s stunningly gorgeous and truly hilarious. This photo is proof that she’s a woman to be reckoned with. It’s difficult to find women who are beautiful, down-to-earth, funny, and well-dressed. Elizabeth Banks is a rare quadruple threat, and I hope she has a long career ahead of her of looking great and making us laugh.

Posted by democracydiva

Fashion Week’s Best: Zac Posen and Oscar de la Renta

There was a whole lot of gorgeous happening on the runway this week, so obviously I could not choose one particular best collection or look. I’ve actually chosen 4 different collections as the best of the best. This post will cover Zac Posen and Oscar de la Renta’s collections; I’ll have plenty more to say later on about two other delectable designers, plus an additional post with a cornucopia of the best looks from many designers. But for now, let’s look at some beauty.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen Fall 2010

Beautiful from head to toe. I cannot get enough of this particularly talented model’s neverending legs and super-sassy expression. The dress is a unique shape and silhouette and it flows practically like liquid, and it keeps drawing your eye to different places without seeming overworked. I also appreciate when a designer lets their work stand for itself instead of over-accessorizing and distracting from the beauty and intrigue of this dress. It’s wearable but with a touch of intrigue, and this model is wearing the shit out of it. She puts the pose in Posen! (Yeah, I made a pun. You love it.)

Zac Posen Fall 2010

There is a lot to be said for simplicity with a twist. It’s a very spring dress for a fall collection, but not so much that it feels out of place. I just think this is incredibly sellable and wearable. I can’t imagine this not showing up in US Weekly’s “Who wore it better?” section, because every starlet is going to want to wear this everywhere she goes. The colors and the assymetrical panels are so simple but so beautiful, which is basically what Zac Posen is all about.

The Final Look

Zac Posen Fall 2010

Designers tend to choose very formal gowns or their most elaborate red carpet-worthy looks for the final look of their collection, but Posen has made an empire out of cocktail dresses instead of full-length gowns, so I think he was wise to stick with what he knows best. The print, the fabric, and the colors are unbeatable. The pink/red sheer stockings are delicious, if a bit unwearable. (I mean, I’d wear them, but I own an ungodly amount of brightly colored tights. Seriously, it’s weird.) I think this model is a bit too unattractive to be featured in the final look of the collection, but the dress fits her well and flows beautifully.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010

This is my personal idea of a perfect look. Over-the-top or avant garde hair and makeup are fun and can be a blast, but for a ready-to-wear collection, this is the look I love. Beautiful and wild hair, exaggerated street makeup (I actually prefer the face to be more bare, just emphasizing lips and eyes, but if I had those cheekbones, I’d paint them up too). And the dress is glorious – the color pops, particularly against the bare-bones background (another argument in favor of surrounding beauty with simplicity so the beauty can shine). Fabulous tailoring, with the rouching/wrinkling effect making her look more sophisticated instead of disheveled, which is a difficult thing to nail. And we don’t see a lot of long-sleeved dresses that aren’t sweaterdresses or shirtdresses or other clothing-dress hybrids. And as my sister Haley has pointed out about the late Alexander McQueen, it’s particularly impressive when a designer who is known for their extravagance (like McQueen and de la Renta) can nail a simple and wearable design. The Zac Posens of the world can rock simplicity, and others can nail the avant garde or ultra-glamorous, but someone who can do both is even more unique.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010

As my mother would say, That is a suit. I’d like to cut off the woman’s head, because she actually looks like a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race, but that jacket is exquisite – it would have gone into my Coats post, except for the fact that this is all about the look as a whole. The gloves (are they a part of the coat? If so, that’s awesome, if totally impractical), the tights (I NEED THOSE IN MY GIANT DRAWER OF CRAZY TIGHTS), and it just screams, I am a fabulous fall suit that you’d be an idiot not to want.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010

This deeply saturated, gorgeous blue color popped into several runway collections this year, and for good reason. It’s stunning. And the world always needs a dress draped in a new and interesting way. I’d nix the matchy-matchy purse, but that color really makes her glow.

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These weren’t my favorite individual looks overall, but these collections had the largest amount of designs that I loved (besides the two designers I’ll be blogging about later). My full list of the 15 best looks will be up this week.

Don’t take my word blindly. Check out all the beautiful pictures from Zac Posen’s collection and Oscar de la Renta’s collection at New York Magazine.

Posted by democracydiva

Fashion Week: Predicting the 2010 Red Carpet

The Democracy Diva has the power to see the future. She, after looking at literally thousands of fresh-off-the-runway dresses, will predict who will wear what to this year’s red carpet events. And if she is wrong, it is only because celebrities too often listen to their stylists instead of the Democracy Diva. Shame on them.

Kate Hudson

Erin Featherston Fall 2010

I immediately thought of Kate Hudson when I saw this dress. She’s definitely worn a metallic dress with the same shape as the top of this dress, but that extra bow switches it up a bit. And she’s become more and more fond of flowy dresses at events over the last few years; I could certainly see her pairing her love of flowing skirts and her love of shiny objects together and rocking this dress at the Academy Awards.

For Cougars and Glamour Queens

Tadashi Shoji Fall 2010

This gown simply screams, Wear me to the Oscars! Actually, if I’m going to personify this gown, I should do it more properly. She’s holding a long cigarette, and in a sultry rasp, she purrs, “Darling, you’re not wearing me to the awards. I am the award.”

Regardless, I could easily see Kim Cattrall clinging to her youth for a few more milliseconds by wearing this to the Sex and the City 2 premiere in Los Angeles (it’s a much more L.A. dress than New York). Really, any cougar, or any aspiring cougars (like Hayden Panettiere, who inexplicably has been styled to look twice her age lately), could easily pull off this dress. I’d honestly be shocked if I didn’t see this shiny, Grecian look, or something intensely similar to it, at the Oscars in a few weeks.

Dressed to Win

J. Mendel Fall 2010

This is the kind of dress that you see on the red carpet and you think, Obviously, she knew she was going to win, if she wore that dress. Which is kind of problematic for this year’s Oscars, because Sandra Bullock knows she’s not glamorous or graceful enough to pull off this dress, and it’s not something Mo’Nique would wear either, and they’re both basically shoo-ins for the female acting awards.

But I could see several of the nominees rocking this gown. Maggie Gyllenhaal in particular would nail this; I personally would like to call her stylist and recommend it, because she epitomizes the intrigue and style that this dress conveys. Carey Mulligan’s boyish looks would go great with a look like this that’s feminine in shape but not overly girly. Penelope Cruz would wear this, but probably in red, black, or silver. She’s not exactly a woman who epitomizes subdued colors.

But most of all, I see this as Lea Michele’s next great wardrobe step. She’s got the makings of a style icon, and can rock high fashion without seeming like she’s trying to dress too maturely. She may be playing a sixteen-year-old, but she’s 23, and certainly old enough to glam it up instead of running around with no pants on like half of Young Hollywood seems to be doing lately.

Fit for The Queen

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010

To me, if you take the neckline up just a bit, this dress is made for Helen Mirren. She has a knack for dressing better than most women half her age, and, most importantly, not trying to grasp onto her youth (that’s right, Jennifer Lopez, I’m talking to you). This is classy, but still fun and interesting and basically ageless. Just like Dame Helen Mirren. (I don’t think she’s technically a dame, but she is in my heart.)

Who is Divalicious enough for Christian Siriano?

Christian Siriano Fall 2010

This is a gown fit for a diva.

No matter how much I desperately wish that Beyoncé would, after a decade in the music business, finally learn how to dress herself (or hire people with the skill to do so), I know it’s a lost cause. But she would look phenomenal in this, with hair down and jewels blinging. Assuming she wore it in her actually size, instead of two sizes smaller, which is what she seems to do with her entire wardrobe.

It’d be a waste on Rihanna, who brings no grace to anything she wears. And it’s far too simple for my Lady Gaga. If Taylor Swift were two years older, she could nail it. And it’s a little too obvious for Pink. Because, you know, it’s pink.

But if Carrie Underwood ever gets out of her phase of wearing white/silver/ivory sparkly dresses (I almost wrote an entire blog post about it – I found literally 20 pictures wearing practically the same dress to almost every red carpet event of the last few years), I think she’s the lady for this dress. Young and hot enough to pull it off, and she’s got a sense of fun and light-heartedness about herself that would help nail down this look.

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Check out The Democracy Diva later tonight and this week! We’ve got tons more to say about this fabulous week. And by we, I mean me.

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