2010 GRAMMY AWARDS: Red Carpet Predictions

The Grammy Awards has to be the hottest fusion of music and fashion and it's happening this Sunday, January 31st!!! The best part of these award shows is the red carpet. Remember pregnant rapper MIA in her bright blue sneakers and matching poufy kimono dress? Paula Abdul's monstrous gold metal shoulder? There were definitely far too many "misses" than hits last year. This Sunday, I'm hoping for less disappointments and more glam. My red carpet predictions...

GUCCI

From Gucci's Spring 2010 collection, a dress that only Mary J. Blige can rock so fabulously! Love her in shorter dresses. Sexy plunging neckline-got it, edgy hardware-yes, and stunning lilac color.

HERVE LEGER

One of the hottest colors on the red carpet this season...in white. This Herve Leger mini-dress says, "young yet sexy and super flirty." From her go-to designer, this would be perfect for Miss Miley Cyrus or BFF Taylor Swift...No?

VERSACE

Shakira did the bright yellow strapless from Versace's spring collection, but this is my pick for the Grammys red carpet. With a sheer underlay and metallic platforms...this is one mega hot mini-dress!

VERSACE

Who better than Versace for the Grammys? Asymmetrical shoulders are leading the trends for spring and I'm loving the curves, sexy cutouts, glam details, and fresh colors from this collection. Beyonce???

photos/style.com

Fabulous for Less Under $250: Island Getaway

Skipping the deep freeze for a little sunny getaway? From strolling the town to dinner on the beach, this island inspired look takes you from day to night for just under $250.

I'm going for a strapless printed mini-dress in bold hues, sexy neutral platform sandals, chic sunglasses, exotic colored bag, and flirty accessories to finish the look.

NOTE: Also love the contrast of white bags with this. Go with large hobos to give it that casual chic vibe.



"ISLAND GETAWAY"


Collective Concepts Easy Breezy Dress $52
Alexia Crawford Faceted Bead Necklace $30
South Moon Under Mirror Brocade Bangle Set $24
JS by Jessica Maac Patent & Suede Platform Sandal $69.96
Forever 21 F8105 Sunglasses in Black $5.80
Lulus Snake in the Bluegrass Handbag $39
(Total $220.75)

2010 SAG Awards Red Carpet: Best Dressed

The stylish winners of last Saturday's SAG Awards Red Carpet!!!

Love, love this pale blue Roberto Cavalli gown on Christina Applegate!!! The look is modern goddess with sheer shoulder draping, jeweled encrusted back, and graceful silhouette. An absolute stunner on the red carpet; designed to skim her body beautifully.

Marion Cotillard opted for short, flirty, and sexy in a fabulously forward white one-shoulder Elie Saab. Strong shoulder, frilly hemline, and chunky platforms takes the lead on spring trends.

Ohhh la la... Talk about wow!!! Kate Hudson takes sexy to a whole new level in a slinky white Emilio Pucci gown. High front neckline is contrasted with a plunging back and love the sparkly hip detailing. Exquisite Cartier jewels finishes the look.

Lea Michele makes the best dressed list two awards shows in a row. Is there a dress she can't pull off? This emerald Catherine Malandrino gown is beyond gorgeous with her hair and skin color. Loving the soft ruffled shoulder and pretty draping. Flawless!!!

Get Ready for Spring: Towering Platforms

photos/style.com


Kate Hudson sported super-high Casadei platforms with her Golden Globes gown; way too clunky and not the perfect pairing in my opinion. But whether you love it or hate it, platforms are the latest trend to note for spring.

From Givenchy to Versace, the heels were extreme. Surely, not my first choice for grocery store runs, but these are definitely statement-making shoes. Personally, platforms are a welcoming trend; anything that adds height to my petite stature is a good thing.

Ask my husband... His response, "Hate them!!! Looks like they're walking on boards." What does he know? Are you buying?

2010 Golden Globes Red Carpet: Best Dressed

A little rain couldn't stop the shimmer of last Sunday's Golden Globes Red Carpet. Held January 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The trends of the night: metallic gowns, the one-shoulder, pales, and bold splashes of color. Here are the stars who topped our best dressed list:

Penelope Cruz was absolute perfection in a laced off-the-shoulder Armani Prive. Bringing back old Hollywood glam with gorgeous 40s style hair and fabulous jewels.

"House" star Olivia Wilde goes mega glam in a shimmering gunmetal gown by Gucci. Plunging neckline with soft drape gives it just the right amount of sex appeal (hello MC?).

Newcomer Lea Michele of Fox's Glee was breath-taking in a strapless chiffon gown by Oscar de la Renta. It's all in the details...stunning sweetheart neckline with a sheer pleated bodice and jewels by Chopard.

One of the few who dared to go pale, Emily Blunt tops the best dressed in a strapless Dolce & Gabanna. Love this soft curve-hugging style with cascading ruffles done in the most ethereal of pinks. Simply gorgeous!!!

"30 Rock" actress Jane Krakowski looked absolutely radiant in a one-shoulder gown by J. Mendel. So elegant and modern... In a sea of purples, this was Jane's best red carpet moment ever!

Toni Collette brought the shine! The United States of Tara star went full on Hollywood glam in a metallic gold Elie Saab gown. Sexy, flattering, and so Golden Globes fabulous!!

Bag of the Day: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I've always had a sweet fascination with large bags. Especially, being a mommy... I've got stuff (lots of stuff) to haul so it serves its purpose. And can a girl ever have enough? With its lush supple leather, easy shape, and fresh zipper detailing... I'm in loooove! Ivory is perfect for spring-the chicest neutral to compliment bold brights and pretty florals.



Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Leola' Zip Hobo
in Ivory

Get Ready for Spring: Gucci Spring 2010

From the runways of Milan Fashion Week... Gucci by Frida Giannini offered one of the most exciting shows for spring with some the hottest trends: body conscious styles, in monochromatic, daring cutouts, ikat prints, and mega hardware (on sky-high platforms, handbags, cocktail, and evening gowns).

Shine the spotlight on this stunning collection! The sharp motocross jackets, pencil leg pants, crisp whites, chic blacks, slinky shapes... Love the overall feel: fearless, edgy, glam, modern, and totally sexy.

Here's a look at the Milan Fashion Week Gucci Spring 2010 show.

Designer Sale Alert: Diane von Furstenberg

Can it be??? Just announced... It's the Diane von Furstenberg end of the season sale!! You know I'm fan. This is one designer sale you won't want to miss!! So many fab separates for the office and a bevy of pretty dresses for day and night.



Imara Top



Brygid Dress in Night Sky Ombre Black

Get Ready for Spring: Tory Burch Style

In So Cal with temps in the mid 70s, we forget sometimes it's actually winter and freezing in most parts of the country. But as the industry knows, this is also the time we look ahead to spring trends.

One of my favorite shows I attended during New York Fashion Week was Tory Burch. For spring, I loved how chic and wearable the collection was. There was something for everyone and designed with such versatility; pieces perfect for my stay-at-home moms, socialistas, and professionals alike. There were shimmering tops, skirts, and dresses sprinkled in for day and evening. I'm especially excited about her accessories collection with oversized clutches, studded handbags, and fabulous strappy heeled sandals.

Here's a look at the New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 Show.




Notable Spring Trends: mixing prints (stripes with tie dye), florals, retro prints, the trench coat, neutral khakis, sequins for day and night, and bold accessories.

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Men: Gotta Have Its

It should be of no surprise by now, I love my sales!!! The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale began on December 26th and is finally ending today. If you haven't shopped it, don't worry it's not too late to grab some fab deals. I did a little shopping myself... Here are just a few of my gotta have its for him.



Ben Sherman Leven Slim Fit V-Neck Cardigan

A chic cardi layered with a striped/solid button down or simple tee; a fab polished look for his everyday style.


Life After Denim Cross Country Shirt in Platnium
(available in 3 colors)

Military-inspired woven shirts are a must-have this season. So casual cool for day or night. Love the subtle stripes and details on this one!!


AG Jeans 'Hero' Straight Leg Jean in Function Wash
(available in 3 washes)

Fabulous premium denim in a great medium wash for everyday. Dress it down with a hoodie and tee or take it up with a cool jacket for evening. This style is a gotta have it year-round.


DIESEL 'Runaway' Sneaker in White/Majolica
(also available in black/silver)

It's may be wintery and sloppy outside, but white sneakers are a must-buy for spring, summer, and fall. Get a head start for next season. Comfy and stylish; the perfect running around shoes.


UGG Australia Mason Boot

I love the look of these boots! A little rugged yet so chic. In snowy weather or not, these are perfect with denim.

Gotta Have It: Ladylike Gloves

Gorgeous leather gloves... Beautifully detailed with ladylike bows and pretty little buttons. So chic in black, bold, and lush hues; they're the perfect compliment to this season's belted and classic peacoats. A definite gotta have it!





Coach 3 Button Glove in Aubergine
(available in 3 colors)
UO Leather Button Glove
Carolina Amato Bow Driving Glove
Searle Cashmere Lined Leather Glove with Bow
Juicy Couture Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves
in Playful

Sale Alert: Cole Haan

The holidays may be over, but the sales keep on coming. Post-holiday sales are happening everywhere and the savings are great! Today's deal... Take up to 40% off at Cole Haan with a large selection of handbags, shoes, and accessories. I've got my eyes on the fabulous footwear.



Some of my faves:


Air Petra Tall Boot
(also available in black)



Phoenix Air Tall Boot



Air Braeden
(mens-available in 3 colors)

Fashion Tip of the Day: Shoes

Closets overflowing with shoes, sandals, and boots...

1. Create space and eliminate clutter by storing out of season shoes (open toe and flat sandals) in a separate room. Utilize the hallway closets or store them under your bed in their original box or plastic container.

2. Arrange and group in season shoes by color and type starting from lights to darks: peep-toes, pumps, booties, and boots.

Note: These tips will maintain a much more organized closet and help you make the most of your inventory.

A Year of Thanks

Thanks to all of you for following my blog. With our recent move to California, it has been quite a year of changes for my family. We are adjusting well and thankful to have found a community we love. As a personal stylist in Los Angeles, the transition from the Twin Cities has especially been an exciting experience. As we begin 2010, I look forward to sharing many more wonderful happenings with you.

To my clients in Minnesota... Thank you for your continued support. I value and appreciate you all so much. Although I am on the other side of the coast, I am never too far from an email. I look forward to seeing you again soon for more spring shopping!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Here's to another year full of fabulousness and blessings!