Archive | 11:57 pm

Birthday Love from LUDA!

19 Sep

As if Brett’s birthday wishes weren’t enough (and they totally were!)…Mr. Dirty South himself, Ludacris showered me with birthday wishes backstage at the Black Rabbit Music Festival here in Beijing.

Backstage with Ludacris. One more perk of being Blonde in Beijing...it is much easier to get the attention of the people in charge of backstage passes when you are blonde in a sea of brunettes!

This was the inaugural year for the Black Rabbit Music festival  – which made one-day-only stops in Beijing and Shanghai.  The craziest part – Ludacris wasn’t even the headliner.  It was 30 Seconds to Mars.  We skipped out for that and went over to see Grand Master Flash. Sorry Jared.

Morgan and Jared Leto. He is an odd bird - very nice but still...odd. I think I liked him more as Jordan on "My So Called Life" than front man for 30 Seconds to Mars.

The festival was fun – but I really credit that to Brett and our wonderful friends who came with us…and Luda of course!  His portion of the show was great.  But as far as festivals go, Black Rabbit has a lot to learn.   My favorite oddity of the night was that the VIP Area (this was just a perk to an upgraded ticket type – which I wouldn’t recommend except for the parking and easy entry access) only served wine.  Who drinks Merlot with a hot dog?  Or better yet who drinks Merlot at Grand Master Flash? I guess the answer in this case is – me. When in China, right?

Our Black Bunny Crew: KC Connolly, Lena Abed, Sara Wilson, Megan Connolly, Brett and Morgan Hutchinson (picture is missing Moya Li and David Soffer!)

Morgan and Brett at Black Rabbit (I prefer Bunny) Festival in Beijing

Morgan and Lener Beaner!

This picture was taken just after “THE GIRL” finished crashing the stage at Grand Master Flash. By the way, Mom, can you guess who “THE GIRL” was? That’s right…your 31-year old daughter! I use the phrase “THE GIRL” in quotes because after my exit from the stage (okay maybe it was more like a removal…) GMF yelled out, “Give it up for THE GIRL”!  To this, my friend Megan replied, “Couldn’t he have at least said THE BLONDE?”  I couldn’t have said it better.

Morgan sporting the Black Bunny Mask with Megan & KC Connolly and Moya Li.

For a first attempt – I think the Bunny people did an okay job.  Is there room for improvement?  Of course.  Can they do it?  No doubt (well…as long as they ask for some outside help).  We will definitely give it another go next year!

London Day III – Spring 2012 RTW

19 Sep

Happy bright colors, lady like looks, and loads of rompers!   Day III of London Fashion Week is my favorite so far.

DARLING geometrical romper by Holly Fulton

This look can literally be worn from day-to-night. If styled with a leather motorcycle jacket and chunky accessories, it could be great for popping around town - BUT if paired with strappy metallic heels and sparkly bangles, it could be a nice alternative to the LBD for a gallery opening or drinks with friends.

Mario Schwab’s spring collection was sophisticated and ladylike.  The dresses shown below have structured, yet still very feminine lines that add, not detract to the natural beauty of a woman’s body.

LBD by Marios Schwab. I love the intentional VPL.

This deep V is the perfect amount of reveal - and the neckline is flattering to the shoulders.

I am obviously in love with this look by Mario Schwab. It is a bit trashy and elegant and the same time. (A look I often try to achieve!)

Nicole Farhi’s use of ice cream parlor colors makes me want a triple scoop cone of orange sherbet, raspberry sorbet, and lemon basil ice cream!

Nicole Farhi Spring 2012 : Bubble Coat Dress

Nicole Farhi Spring 2012 : Trench Coat Dress

Nicole Farhi Spring 2012 : Asymmetrical structured top with matching Bermuda shorts

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory…I present to you a dress by James Long shown at Fashion East.  Doesn’t it just make you think of candy?

James Long Spring 2012 at Fashion East

The use of ballerina pink, sheer fabrics, and soft layering in Richard Nicoll’s Spring Collection reminds me of a fairy in her off time.  Think Tinkerbell off duty from Peter Pan.

Richard Nicoll Spring 2012 : Lounge wear for Tinkerbell

Richard Nicoll Spring 2012: Tinkerbell Running Errands

Richard Nicoll Spring 2012 : Tinkerbell at her best fairy friend's baby shower.

Matthew Williamson’s details and embellishments were over-the-top.  These were my two favorite (and in my opinion – most wearable looks) from the collection.

Matthew Williamson Spring 2012 : Embellished Dress

Matthew Williamson Spring 2012 : Printed and Embellished Romper

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

Red Rules as Black & Nude Drools at the 2011 Emmy’s

19 Sep

Sofia Vergara could rock a red burlap sack and make it look like couture – but as a star on the Emmy winning show Modern Family, she certainly doesn’t have to.  Here she shows off her signature curves in a very flattering mermaid style Vera Wang.

Sofia Vergara of "Modern Family" in Vera Wang

Nina Dobrev looked drop dead gorgeous in this form fitting Donna Karan gown.  Honestly, I had to google who she was.  For the other non-vampire loving people (like myself) she is one of the “vampires” in one of the vampire shows. I am pretty sure she is already quite famous, but this lady-in-red moment is a fashion turning point for her.  I believe she will now become one-to-watch on the red carpet.   Agree?

Nina Dobrev from "The Vampire Diaries" in Donna Karan

This is not Kerry Washington’s first time in Zuhair Murad…but it may be her best yet.  Her simple hair, make-up, and accessories really let the dress shine.

Kerry Washington from the new crime show "Scandal" in Zuhair Murad

While red ruled on the red carpet…a few black & nude looks left much to be desired.  I am a huge Gwyneth fan, and I am also a big fan of Emilio Pucci…but this look just isn’t working. How can someone this svelte look like she has a flabby belly and saggy boobs? The ruffles and the pattern design on the chest are not doing her any favors.  In her case, I think a red burlap sack would be an improvement.

Gwyneth Paltrow from "Glee" in Emilio Pucci

One of the absolute worst looks of the day was worn by a fairly newcomer to the red carpet, Vanessa Marano.  I would say that she deserves a pass, but these young actors are surrounded by helpers.  I wish she would have asked one of them to be brutally honest with her.   Someone should have told her that this dress is a mess.  Do you think her stylist hates her?  Vanessa…you are so pretty!  Fire your stylist.

Vanessa Marano from "Switched at Birth" in a designer unknown gown (for good reason)

Images courtesy of http://www.aoltv.com

Too thin? Too rich? Is it possible?

19 Sep

I am not sure about the rich part – but after looking at the spring collection from Tribune Standard, I know it is possible to be too thin.  Do you agree?

This might be a cute swimsuit, but I can’t get bast the model’s protruding rib cage.  Aren’t you hungry, honey?

The models at Betsey Johnson are typically a little more filled out than most of the other shows.  By that I mean, they have at least eaten this week.  I am wondering if the look below is Betsey’s way of mocking the sickly thin look. Perhaps since you can’t see the rib cages on the models she uses in her shows, she decided to silk screen some on.  I think it is sort of hilarious.

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

London Fashion Week Day II

19 Sep

I have been looking forward to the beginning of fall since Beijing’s first summer day that reached 100 degrees.  Hallelujah!  Fall is here.  The morning air is crisp and the breeze adds just the perfect amount of chill down my spine.  So…why I am already wishing for spring?? I suppose I should blame Jonathan Saunders and Ms. Vivienne Westwood for that!

Here are my favorites from Day II of London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear:

Sheer nude dress with yellow detail by Jonathan Saunders.

Printed romper OR separates by Jonathan Saunders. Honestly, I can't tell if this is a romper or not. Either way - I think it is a fun casual look, but of course, I hope it is a romper!

Silk nude and baby blue dress by Jonathan Saunders. I love the femininity of this dress.

Look by Jaeger London. This hat is fantastic. The perfect outfit for widow shopping on vacation or meeting the girls for lunch.

Look by Jaeger London. It would definitely need a camisole to be PTA appropriate, but I think this colorful short suit could work at a number of daytime events.

Romper by Jaeger London. I like how they added a pop of yellow in the shoe; however, I think I would have preferred it at the waist with a thin bright yellow paten leather belt.

Jumpsuit by Julien Macdonald. Simple and chic. Plus, how convenient are the pockets!

Sheer gown by Julien Macdonald. Okay - so you need a knock out bod for this dress - but isn't it stunning? I love the heavy feel of the fringe details at the bottom on such light and sheer fabric.

Perfect safari chic look at Vivienne Westwood Red Label.

WOW me RED at Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Look by Nabil El-Nayal shown at Fashion Fringe. It is not overly "springy", but the volume of the blouse is great, and the pencil skirt is the perfect proportion to the top.

Dress by Issa. A great, easy everyday dress. It is borderline too simple (for me anyway!) but I think this would look good on a lot of different women, and I love the cut.

Jumpsuit by Issa. Can you believe it? I like another jumpsuit. Shocking. But seriously...this one is super cute.

Cerulean blue gown by Issa. This gown has such a beautiful flow. It looks effortless - which makes it perfect for vacation or for a last-minute fancy dinner date with your husband!

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

 

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