Deal of the Day

There’s not too much explanation needed here — we’re looking at a vintage CHANEL Black Jumbo Flap Bag for $2,199. If you bought this bag at Chanel today, you’d pay over $4,000, and honestly, it probably wouldn’t be as cool as this vintage version. This bag will absolutely never go out of style, so when you think of $2,199 over the next 20 years, this bag pays for itself easily!

Don’t believe the hype? Check out some pics below to see the many who worship at the altar of the Chanel Flap bag, or shop our entire collection of pre-owned Chanel:

Nicole Richie

Victoria Beckham

Kourtney Kardashian

Nicky Hilton

Kate Hudson

Alexa Chung

Karolina Kurkova

It’s a Man’s World?

Although I already talked about my favorite Oscar fashions, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Anne Hathaway in a custom Lanvin tuxedo and Brian Atwood heels. I adored this outfit — it fit her like a dream, had perfect proportions, and still left her looking totally feminine and beautiful. The idea of women wearing menswear is nothing new (see Marlena Dietrich, Lauren Hutton and YSL’s Le Smoking jacket), and in fact, it’s a trend that’s been growing stronger in recent years.

If you want to try this look for a black tie affair, remember to add some girly touches (diamonds!) and don’t take it too far over the top. Case in point: Rihanna, below, wearing Dolce & Gabbana to the Met Costume Institute Gala in 2009. The sleeves are just too much, and the addition of black driving gloves and severe hair doesn’t help.

You can even adapt the tux look for a less formal event, like artist Olympia Scarry did this week in New York. Her leather leggins, white button-down blouse and tux jacket are dressed up with red lips and not much else.

A pair of gorgeous diamond-studded drop earrings will offset this structured look perfectly. A few of my absolute favorites are Jewel of Ocean’s triple diamond drop earrings, this fantastic pair of black rhodium, silver and diamond geometric earrings, or these Kenneth Jay Lane vintage Marie Antoinette earrings.

Oscar recap!

Now that we’ve had a day to let the fashion sink in, it’s time to round up the favorites! Let’s start with Mila Kunis, radiant in Elie Saab. I love the lavender on her complexion, and the flawlessly tailored gown with peekaboo lace was romantic, fashion-forward and a little bit naughty.  I think she just killed it on the red carpet this awards season and I’m hoping she’s nominated much more in the future so we can see her choices. Like the ring she’s wearing on her pointer finger? Try something like this Vintage Diamond Flower Ring for a similar romantic effect.

Hailee Steinfeld was the other red carpet standout this season in my opinion, and she didn’t go wrong here with this custom made Marchesa dress. I could not imagine something more befitting a 14-year-old Oscar nominee–the gorgeous detailing, nude color and tea length were just perfection in my book. She wisely chose to keep the jewelry to a minimum, but picked a small silver Ferragamo bag — get something similar with this Prada leather and crystal clutch.

While this is admittedly not a look that everyone can pull off, I am so grateful that Cate Blanchett chose this unusual Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The combination of the pale lilac and yellow is totally inspired, and her very minimal (but flawless) hair and makeup lets the dress shine. Go understated like Cate with these 18-karat gold Henry Dunay door knocker earrings — she definitely didn’t need diamonds to dazzle.

While there were several of Anne Hathaway’s dresses that impressed me during the telecast, I think I liked this Versace cranberry-colored gown the best. It felt very modern without being overdone, and the color is just fabulous on her. Go for a long, black embellished bag like Anne’s to keep the look current. I like this Dolce & Gabbana Black Snakeskin and Satin version.

Now this is how you do 65. Helen Mirren knows exactly how to dress her figure to show it off without looking like she’s trying too hard. This Vivienne Westwood Couture does all that and more — it accentuates her waist and covers the arms without feeling too covered up. She goes stately with her diamond jewels, but it works for this revered Dame. Try a pair of pearl drops when you want to keep it classy like Helen — how about these diamond and Tahitian pearl earrings in 14-karat white gold?

Last but not least, I just loved Sandra Bullock in bright red Vera Wang. Completely timeless, totally elegant and styled to perfection. So simple it seems effortless. I particularly liked her choice of two single-row diamond bangles: She didn’t feel the need to wear a ton of bling to make the look red-carpet worthy. Get your own set on Portero with this group of three diamond-studded bangles.

Look of the Day: Kate Bosworth

I’m really digging the monochromatic Burberry Prorsum look Kate Bosworth wore to the British brand’s Fall 2011 presentation. Her cropped leather trench and gold-studded skirt are not for the shy, but I love the structured embellishments and the pattern-on-pattern play. (Apparently Kate said that while the skirt is not uncomfortable to sit in, it is extremely heavy. Fashion as exercise?)

I think this would work well in other colors too – as long as you keep the color scheme the same from head to toe, you’re good to go.

Get a similar look by pairing this Burberry Nickie Mega Stud Tote:

…with a 2011 Balenciaga Higgings motorcycle jacket in brown:

Image via JustJared

Grammy Glamour

Alright, I’m just going to say it: I found the Grammys kind of fun last night. Even though the winners were completely predicted by the performance right before, and even though Rihanna looks good but can’t really sing live, there were still some surprises and some great clothes. Unlike the super safe movie awards gowns, the Grammys give celebs a chance to get sassy and show their personalities. Case in point: Jennifer Hudson in Versace, Neil Lane Jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes. By far my favorite of the night, she had just the right amount of shimmer, sex appeal and class to feel rock and roll without going overboard.

Jennifer Lopez went for ultra silver shimmer in her Pucci mini, Cartier jewels, Swarovski clutch and Louboutins, but it works. She followed the rule of short skirt, long sleeves, and went minimal on the hair and makeup. The Grammys are really all about the sequin, so JLo knew that to make a statement, she’d have to rock the look from head to toe.

My final favorite was Lea Michele, also opting for Pucci. But her dress couldn’t be more different than JLo’s – instead of sparkle, she chose a plunging neckline with lace inserts and a sky-high slit. The hot pink lips and Lorraine Schwartz bracelet were the perfect additions to a slinky, sultry ensemble.

If you want to get your own red carpet rock and roll look, a silver clutch will never do you wrong. Here are some of our favorites:

JUDITH LEIBER Silver Chatelaine Minaudiere Evening Bag

ZAGLIANI

Metallic Gunmetal Python Plum Clutch

 

 

 

 

JUDITH LEIBER

 

 

 

Black & Metallic Silver Leather Austrian Crystal Evening Clutch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Punch of Color

If you haven’t seen True Grit, I totally recommend it – even if it is just for the movie’s 14-year-old star Hailee Steinfeld. While I really enjoyed the film as a whole, I fell in love with Hailee and her tough-as-nails portrayal of a young girl trying to avenge her father’s death. An even bigger surprise has been this teen’s performance on the red carpet. She has been one of my favorites at the Globes, SAGs and now at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, above, wearing Alberta Ferretti.

Somehow she always manages to look age appropriate and fashion forward at the same time, and I’m particularly loving her pop of red with a cute (and affordable) clutch from H&M and shoes from Aldo. This is a great way to make a solid white or black dress stand out from the crowd. If you do decide to wear shoes and a bag of the same color, try to mix it up with different textures or materials — stay away from pieces that are too matchy-matchy.

Here are some standouts to get you started:

CHANEL 11C Fuschia Patent Classic Quilted WOC Wallet Chain Purse Bag

DARBY SCOTT

Green Python Champagne Hardware Frame Clutch

 

 

 

BOTTEGA VENETA

 

Vintage Bordeaux Woven Suede & Lizard Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via JustJared

 

Retro Glam

Dita Von Teese can basically do no wrong in my book. She is always immaculately put together, and she knows exactly what suits her and sticks with it. This lady has a look.

I love her here in a peach Jenny Packham dress and bronze accessories. Most people would never go with red lips, but she pulls it off with panache. She smartly went simple with the jewels, choosing a pair of yellow gold and diamond retro earrings that aren’t too flashy, but have a bit of personality. I am a huge fan of vintage button-style earrings, and they are totally back in style these days. See below for some of my favorites:

Vintage Platinum Diamond Pearl Stud Earrings Jackets

Vintage Gold Emerald Diamond Princess Earrings Jewelry

Platinum Vintage Art Deco 1940’s 9 ctw European-Cut Diamond Clip-On Earrings

Notable Necklaces

I think Mandy Moore looks adorable here promoting her new Disney movie Tangled. Her sweet Paule Ka LBD only needs two strong accessories–fabulous red satin heels and a multi-strand pearl and diamond necklace (that I’m assuming is vintage). Some people might look at this necklace and think ‘old’, but Mandy did it just right. Her not-too-perfect topknot is just the right hair for her age, and she wisely stays minimal on the makeup and other jewelry.

Think pearls and crystals can’t be hip? Check out my favorites below, and think about pairing them with your own short ‘n’ sweet black cocktail dress and killer heels!

SWAROVSKI Crystal necklace by Daniel Swarovski.

MONET Vintage Modernist Enamel and Pearl Pendant Necklace

SCHIAPARELLI

Vintage Faux Pearl Opera Necklace

 

 

 

 

Golden Globes ’11: What We Loved

Because New York City is my hometown, I had two special events to look forward to yesterday: the Jets taking on the Patriots and then the Golden Globes. Funny enough, I found myself yelling at the TV during both broadcasts, but for very different reasons. Since this isn’t really the place for a sports breakdown, I’ll use this post to talk exclusively about the Globes. My absolute favorite looks are listed here, with a little explanation as to why they tickled my fancy.

First up, the ladies of Black Swan. I absolutely loved the movie and couldn’t wait to see what Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis would choose for the red carpet. In my mind, both were spot on. I loved the quirkiness of Natalie’s choice–a pale pink Viktor & Rolf gown with a hand beaded red rose. (She also sported Tiffany & Co. jewels and Stella McCartney accessories.) Kind of fitting that she herself is in full bloom, right? Mila looked every bit the movie star in an emerald green Vera Wang (a very hot color indeed) that perfectly accentuated her coloring and her curves.

I was also swooning over the long-sleeved beaded gowns worn by both Angelina Jolie and Anne Hathaway. It was particularly exciting to see Angelina in a gorgeous pop of color in the form of Versace, but I thought her hair and makeup were underwhelming. Anne, however, was breathtaking and my personal best dressed of the evening. Wearing a dark champagne Armani Privé gown with an open back cut down as low as it could go, she was perfection.

I also really loved the chic minimalism seen on Emma Stone and Claire Danes. Both wearing custom Calvin Klein Collection in sorbet shades, the toned-down looks felt fresh and modern. And again, the dramatic open backs upped the wow factor without being one bit vulgar.

My vote for best embellishments goes to Sandra Bullock and Olivia Wilde. While the dresses couldn’t have been more different, they were both beaded and spangled within an inch of their lives–and I loved every minute of it. Sandra chose a pale pink Jenny Packham and a fantastic Irit Design oxidized sterling silver chain cuff with pave and rose cut diamonds. (Does she seem to be getting younger by the year or what?) Olivia’s ball gown by Marchesa was a goth princess’ dream come true, and her gold studded Jimmy Choos only made it more original.

Last but certainly not least, we have January Jones. Honestly, this Versace dress deserves its own category. Definitely one to love or hate (and I’m firmly on the LOVE side), you have to admit that she owned the red carpet. Hair, makeup, minimal jewels–stunning.

Look of the Day: Blake Lively

One look at Blake Lively at the National Board of Review Gala last night in NYC and I was starstruck. It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes an outfit feels completely fresh, very of-the-moment, and just has that ‘oh!’ factor. My eye was first drawn to the gorgeous pop of turquoise jewelry against her purple Marchesa dress. If this pairing doesn’t convince you to immediately try the two colors together, I don’t know what will. Plus, it’s a great reminder that turquoise is NOT just a summer stone.

I also love the dress, in what looks to be a purple ultrasuede, with its delicate cutouts that almost make it appear like a beautiful paper art. The loose hair and understated makeup make it a home run in my book. So go ahead: find yourself a pretty purple dress and try on some of these jewels for size:

18k Yellow Gold Turquoise 2.19 ctw Diamond Cocktail Ring sz 6.5

CATHY CARMENDY

20K yellow gold turquoise earrings

 

 

 

Handcrafted Sterling Silver & Gold Floral 16 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Turquoise Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Image via JustJared