Monday 18 January 2016

5 Best Dressed from the 2016 Critics Choice Awards

With the Golden Globes, SAGs, Grammys and Academy Awards in a one and a half month span, it's easy for the Critics Choice Awards to fall under the radar. But, between Jacob Tremblay's adorable acceptance speech for his "Best Young Actor" win to T.J. Miller's opening monologue with dancing critic puppets, last night's ceremony was not to be missed. And in an unforeseen turn of events, the fashion wasn't half bad either -- or at least better than this year's Golden Globes. Read on for the five best looks from the 2016 Critics Choice Awards.

Alicia Vikander in Mary Katrantzou: With several magazine covers, award nominations and best dressed nods, it's no secret that Vikander is Hollywood's new it girl. Fortunately, the Ex-Machina and The Danish Girl star did not disappoint. This look is equal parts sophisticated and spunky: the modest silhouette and high neckline is juxtaposed with a very quirky pattern that has London designer Mary Katrantzou's name all over it. The minimal accessories and coiffed updo allowed this dress to be celebrated instead of turning into an inevitable victim of over-styling. And, as an ideal finishing touch, a soft rose pout subtly picks up the red in the pattern.
Kirsten Dunst in Chanel Haute Couture: Whether you're an Amazonian model or a mere mortal, tiered dresses tend to be dicey: simply one extra tier or superfluous fabric can have anyone looking like a '90s Barbie birthday cake or cartoon princess. But here, dressed in Chanel Haute Couture, Dunst found a happy medium. Not only are the sparse tiers thick enough to fall into an overtly frilly stereotype, they are positioned just right to flatter her figure. Truth be told, if the middle tier were placed any lower, she would've looked especially hippy instead of blessed with a subtle pear-shape. And with that much sparkle, this ivory dress was smartly accessorized with a dainty bracelet and ladylike satin shoes. Plus, the red lip paired with the dress's neutral shade gave this cool look a classic, old Hollywood twist.
Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab: As talented as the French designer is, it's easy to think that he's a bit of a one note. After all, how many sparkly, full-skirt frocks can you see by the same designer before it becomes redundant? This slim, see-through number is singing a completely different tune. And who better to wear such an edgy, youthful, yet still polished, getup than McAdams? From the lack of accessories, to the wavy lob to the striking berry lip, the whole look was executed immaculately. Just a week ago, McAdams was cascading down the Golden Globes red carpet in a ho-hum, floral frock by Lanvin, that suggested she's way older than 37 years-old. Both age and event appropriate, the former Regina George makes us all idolize her once again.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane: She's one of those people who could wear a burlap sack -- or bed sheet as she seemingly did in Mad Max: Fury Road -- and have all onlookers green with envy. But, in such a cool dress as this Saint Laurent number, she's an automatic best dressed. What makes this look so cool is the unconventional neckline. Sure, everyone ooohs and aaahs at a symmetrical, plunging v-neck, but there's something so refreshing about this uneven dip. And combined with the high-slit, spaghetti straps and bare back, this dress totally pays homage to the '90s supers. Obsessed.
Krysten Ritter in Zuhair Murad: Breaking Bad, Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23, and Jessica Jones. Let's face it: Ritter is more known for her ability to transform into a slew of different characters than her red carpet style. But a vision in a maroon Zuhair Murad gown, this instance is definitely worth mentioning. It's easy for any awards show getup to have some major sparkle overload, but this dress only boasts sparkles right around the torso, making the eye go directly to Ritter's narrow waist. Not to mention the proper, pleated skirt was balanced with a sultry deep block neckline, providing an ideal mix of sultry and sophisticated.  To keep the outfit cohesive, the silver earrings and clutch highlighted the dress' sparkle.
Which looks did you love from last night's event? Sound of below
Photos courtesy of Huffington Post and Lainey Gossip

xx

Thursday 14 January 2016

Red Carpet Review: 2016 Golden Globes

The Golden Globes mean a lot of different things for different people. For the awards-obsessed, it's kicking off the most wonderful time of the year. Those who scour through TMZ on an hourly basis light up whenever they see a winner or presenter who has had a few too many drinks before hitting the podium. And for the fashion flock? The dawn of countless water cooler chats and keeping score of some seriously chic red carpet moments. Overall, this year's slew of looks fell flat. While it's easy to blame the lack of options -- Spring Couture 2016 and Autumn Ready-to-Wear 2016 are weeks away -- we can't  help but think of the mindblowing Golden Globe getups from Lupita Nyong'o and Emma Stone of years past. As always, however, there a healthy mixture of the good, the bad, and Cate Blanchett's borderline-costumey Givenchy dress. Missed the red carpet? Read on for all the best (and worst) moments from the 2016 Golden Globes.

The Worst

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy"She can do no wrong," any avid fashion follower has probably told themself (and anyone else who would listen) about Cate Blanchett's forever exciting sartorial choices. On Sunday, we were proven wrong. Sure, budoir is a macrotrend for the impending spring season. Sure, nobody captures the trend better than Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci. But something about this look instigated more cringes than coos for Team Trendologist. Not only did the color read cheap on camera, the heavy dose of fringe veered into costume territory, which is a big no especially for an event as mainstream as the Globes. Perhaps it would've been more event-appropriate in a sultry black or even a better match for the CFDA Awards of Met Gala this summer, but it was a miss here. 
Malin Akerman in Reem Acra: In the runway world, peplum (like any trend) has its series of ups and downs. But on the red carpet? It's a timeless way to give any basic column dress a jolt of energy. And thanks to the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Williams, the unofficial guide to wearing peplums to an awards show was born. Rule number one? No floppy fabric. Malin Akerman, we're looking at you. While a completely sturdy peplum has the power to create an illusion of a thinner waist -- and land she who sports it on the best dressed list -- a more malleable iteration does the exact opposite. Not only did it look like a sloppy last-minute addition to an otherwise beautifully boring dress, it also looked like she was hiding some extra, unwanted holiday pounds. On the bright side, the soft hue and embroidery work were gorgeous.
America Ferrera in Jenny Packham: While her bit with Telenova star Eva Longoria during the ceremony arguably stole the show, her look wasn't something to applaud. The good news is that the funnywoman looks wonderful in yellow, not to mention that silhouette is extremely flattering on her. The bad news? The rows and rows of crystals. Yes, award shows are supposed to be fun, glitzy and glamorous, but the embellishments felt more reminsicent of a theater kid's dance recital costume circa 1993 or some toned down BeDazzler work. With her slicked-back do, a pair of statement earrings (and no crystals on the dress) would've been a better choice for the Superstore actress.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior: Another year, another Dior moment brought to you by Team J.Law. But unlike her other partnerships with the French fashion house, this ensemble felt extremely contrived. Alone, and with sweeping beachy waves, this Dior gown could've looked modern and sexy on Hollywood's resident sweetheart. But instead, Lawrence looked like a middle-aged pageant mom. It's easy to blame a lot of things for this fail -- the matronly hair and the loud necklace are just two solid examples -- but at the end of the day, it all comes down to over styling. Media outlets of all varieties convince us that the Hunger Games star is the coolest woman in entertainment, so her coolness should shine through with youthful locks and minimal accessories, especially when wearing such a structural gown.
Jane Fonda in Yves Saint Laurent Couture: Ethereal ruffles are having a moment right now, but there's nothing chic about a ruffle overload. From the waist down, the dress fits the 78-year-old actress perfectly. But on top? It looked more like she threw on her grandchild's costume petticoat for fun, because clearly all grandchildren have a teeny petticoats lying around for fun. Not only does it feel extremely clownish, but the look as a whole is unbalanced: so much focus on one half of the body doesn't allow a full, cohesive look. Not that anyone should touch Yves Saint Laurent couture, but even cutting off a layer would make the world's difference.

Regina King in Krikor Jabotian: Where to begin? Shall we talk about the slew of super-sized paillettes that were basically swallowing the American Crime actress whole? Or what about the sheer train that made onlookers wonder if King rushed to the red carpet from a Cirque du Soleil performance? The outdated, 40's-inspired hair? Perhaps we should point out that those shoes, especially combined with the extravagance of this dress, are completely mis-matched. Are you trying to give a thumbs up, Regina? Because the entire look is a major thumbs down.

The Best

Kate Bosworth in Dolce & Gabbana: Attention all future award show presenters: wear something like this. It's an unspoken red carpet rule a presenter should never upstage a nominee, and this glitzy number definitely fit the bill. The column silhouette is extremely frills-free; however, the sequins add a jolt of energy to an otherwise ho-hum shape. And luckily, this Dolce & Gabbana dress set itself apart from the rest of those sheeny column dresses with this fun pink hue. To keep this look polished and mature, Bosworth sported a ladylike chignon and a soft pink pout. 

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton: As the face of Louis Vuitton, it's no surprise that the twice-nominated actress would sport the famed French house to her big night. But instead of donning something straight from the runway, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière created this custom gown that's equal parts feminine and modern. The pinafore-esque bodice and slight pleats pay some serious homage to her role in The Danish Girl, which she scored a nomination for Best Leading Actress, not to mention this is an ideal amount of ruffles, Jane Fonda. But from the subtle sequins to the edgy criss-crossed back, Vikander served up some ultimate cool girl style here.
Kirsten Dunst in Valentino Haute Couture: As a nominee for her role in Fargo, Dunst wowed with a black gown. Wowed with a black gown? "Is that even possible?" you're probably asking yourself. The answer is yes. With a plush texture and boxy, plunging neckline, this dress gave all the other LBDs a run for their money. Not only did this dress fit Dunst like a glove,  it's also perfectly accessorized: the minimal jewels complete the look without competing with the dress's eye-catching bodice. And on the beauty front, the nude lip and updo were both youthful and sophisticated.
Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors Collection: Unlike some of Sunday's other attendees -- here's to you, Alicia Vikander and Cate Blanchett -- Wilde is not your bonafide fashion girl: she always looks good and that's all there is to it. But in this sequined Michael Kors Collection? She was a true vision. First of all the color is amazing: it's more exciting than black, less summery than Amy Adam's tomato red hue and wintry enough without looking drab.  Paired with a matching choker necklace, the plunging neckline created an illusion of an obtuse keyhole, which has "chic" written all over it. And, as for her beauty regime, the sleek middle part added a very cool sense of symmetry.


Which looks did you love from the 2016 Golden Globes? Sound off below!
Images courtesy of Huffington Post
xx