Let's Play Dress Up: The Oscars

Life has gotten in the way of the blog, sorry for the spotty posts! I also have been a little uninspired recently. Between the Kardashians making more headlines than humanitarians, noticing my daily tech use being a little OOC, and trying to be dazzled by every interior/street style/recipe in all the blogs/posts/Instas/Magazines/Pins (of which there are thousands) it is all a little muddled. So for now, I am just writing when I have the time and when something fun or necessary comes up. We all get in a rut, I am in mine, but I am enjoying the world around me a bit more which will spark up posts in no time. 

Luckily, the Spring shows in Paris and New York always get me excited, especially for Oscars. Which quite frankly has been a bit of a bore the last few years. Maybe my expectations are too high, but let's see if some of these ladies can bring it. 

There are plenty of options to the Oscar nominees, presenters, and attendees this year. Lots of beading, without too much sparkle (my favorite), interesting silhouettes, and glam without the fuss (another favorite). Here are some dresses I picked and placed some ladies in them, plus some extras I hope to see as well. 

This white Derek Lam is so gorgeous and would be perfect totally jeweled up. Cate will probably be in Armani, but this Marchesa would be so regal on her. I love the combo of this yellow and blue Jenny Packham. Maybe for a presenter? 

This black Oscar de la Renta I put on Jennifer could be boring, but it has a gorgeous, big pink satin bow on the back that is killer. I love a sleeve and this Naheem Khan has the right kind of sparkle and has a great femininity to it. This blue Jenny Packham is young and fun, but dressy enough for the Oscars. Rachel would look so great in it. 

Rooney is always a goth, scary ghost on the carpet. This Marchesa dress gives a nod to goth, but in such a pretty way. I would love to see her switch it up. Rosie Assoulin is one of my favorite designers right not, this white number is perfect for a presenter or one of the male nominees dates. Someone is going to go lamé (there was a lot of it on the runway) and this one (minus the choker. ps: why are chokers back????) is gorgeous and interesting. Sexy, but also fashion forward. 

This black and white Derek Lam all jeweled up and on a modern gal would be perfect. And I think this garnet velvet Valentino was made for Julianne Moore. Maybe close up that low v a bit and it is perfect. Brie seems to like the sparkle and this Naeem Khan is stunning. The silhouette is classic, but the beading and work make it a show stopper. 

This green Valentino HAS to make an appearance. I think it would be stunning on Saoirse. This Grecian drape Valentino with the gold body chain would be great. Love the pleats. Kerry is presenting and this soft violet Armani would look so pretty are her. 

My love for Giambattista Valli runs deep. There are three dresses that would be so pretty on Sunday. Alicia would slay in this after it was tailored right. Jennifer is presenting and this is perfect for her bod and fun. Emily is preggo and this little nod to the era of Jane Austen would be beautiful. 

If you add some extra lining to this McQueen it would be gorgeous on Charlize. And I know this is a stretch, but I love this Ralph Lauren. It would be a compete departure on Reese, but I think so great. And Sophia is going to vamp it up, so might as well go for it in this Versace. 

Any favorites? What do you think??? 

Can't wait for red carpet! 

xo

Erin

Paris Fashion Week Inspo

The last collections in Paris may have been for Spring 2016, but there is no reason we cannot take a nod from them right now. Plenty of fun inspiration that can be applied to your Fall shopping…

Bright fun prints and plaids from Chanel...

1. Love this with tights and boots Asos $125

2. Fun retro tunic, love the print Asos $63

3. I am a sucker for a printed pant, these are sweet Ella Moss $79 

4. Asos $72 obsessed

5. A flannel for every day Madewell $55

6. Love the soft large plaid of this See by Chloe $395

7. A great skirt for work or play Ronny Kobo $101

8. Love the orange of this plaid, just add your own leather belt Asos $85 

The pleats at Stella McCartney were so fun… 

1. The perfect pink midi Cupcakes & Cashmere $115

2. The metallic of this pleat is so clever Clover Canyon $66 (on sale)

3. This faux suede number would look killer with a blazer Asos 64

4. Easy and fun Blaque Label $81

5. Obsessed with this shirt dress Love Sadie $120

6. I want to wear this every day this Fall Clu $174

And intricate metallics at Alexander McQueen…

1. I worship this shift dress Alice + Olivia $297

2. Love me a skirt with tights and booties Topshop $75

3. Perfect for Holiday parties and winter weddings Alice + Olivia $495

4. These would look great with a silky blouse Alice + Olivia $367

5. Flattering and love the geometrics of this Vince Camuto $168

xo

Erin 

Oscar Dress Predictions

Paris Couture Week has ended, which means it is time to do some predicting on what we might see in a few weeks on the red carpet. Like last year, I have creepily pasted the actresses heads on the models from the runway. So hilarious, but helps you see what it would look like more! Here are some dresses I think would be gorgeous. 

Amy Adams would be a dream in this Monique Lhuiller. She loves a classic shape, but this lace is so soft and pretty and would look great with her red hair. 

Emma will probably be in custom Lanvin, her fave, but if she were to pick off the runway this Valentino would be so pretty on her. The color is perfect! 

Felicity seems to like structure and this white dress with the yellow bustle is so pretty. Yellow was a huge trend, so I think we will see some come Oscar night. This is by the new cool girl designer, Rosie Assouline. Obsessed with her and this dress. 

Julianne loves a Tom Ford, but this Valentino would be fantastic on her. Just the right color bronze and the structured top with the flowing skirt is a great mix. 

Preggie Keira likes a little volume, so this Giambattista Valli would be so sweet on her. This dress screams Keira with the cap sleeve, soft pink, and just a little bling. 

Lupita is going to turn it out and this Oscar de la Renta would be unreal on her. The most gorgeous coral with a pop of yellow. So fun and so her. Obsessed with the shape of this dress. 

Marion is pretty loyal to Dior, but this Giambattista Valli would be perfect. The shape and floral appliqué would be a stand out on the red carpet. 

You are probably confused on this one, but hear me out. Imagine if Ralph Lauren made this in white for Naomi. White! She loves a collar necklace and this is quite a work of art. I love the ornate top and the simple and perfectly cut dress. 

Reese always goes a little sweet when she dresses and this has a bit of a nod to her Southern roots in the lace. You can't go wrong with Oscar on Oscar night either. 

Rosamund is a wild card, which I love. She certainly does not go safe. Though the girl needs some better tailoring and structure in her life. Yellow would be so pretty on her and the lace gives it originality. By Naeem Kahn. 

Sienna is my girl crush, always. She is not going to go all glitz on the carpet and usually dresses more for comfort and ease. This Jenny Packham is a beauty and would be so great on her. Lace would be a huge departure and unexpected. 

Someone needs to wear this Naeem Khan. Dakota is a great candidate. 

And here are some other dresses I love and would be great to see that night...

What do you think? Any favorites? 

xo

Erin 

Packing for Paris

No, I am not headed there anytime soon. Le sigh. 

But, I did have someone who wanted some styling help for a trip this Spring and I had so much fun looking, I decided to share with everyone. 

When in Paris I think about dressing very classic, but with an edge. Think Kate Moss with pearls on. 

All of these pieces can be worn together and interchanged so you get the most out of your suitcase space. Black, white, gray, nude, gold. You cannot go wrong and all of these pieces would look perfect against that oh so beautiful back drop that is Paris.   

1. Philip Lim $825

2. Goes with everything washed silk shirt. Equipment $214 or Piperlime $34 (more colors)

3. An updated gray to your usual skinnies. Frame $219

4. Your go with anything everywhere flat. VC Signature $195

5. Stacked or on its own. Perfect. Barney's $100

6. A pleated midi screams perfect Paris day. Topshop $105

7. Obsessed with these pants. Great for travel or dressed up with heels. J. Crew $98

8. The perfect jacket to go with everything. Trouve $298

9. A nod to Breton stripes. Treasure & Bond $78

10. Gorgeous d'orsay pumps. Steve Madden $100

11. A great day or night dress. Stripes on the side. Madewell $98

12. A clutch with just a little pop. Claire V. $190

13. A tassel goes with all of it. Bauble Bar $13

14. The perfect book for your flight. $25

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Hotels: My Top Ten

My Spring Break does not come for a few more weeks, but I am DYING for a change of scenery. This winter has not only been brutal weather wise, but has been a bit much with all the colds and cabin fever. It is time to get out of town, but I will have to wait a bit longer while I drool over everyone's beach photos on FB. In the meantime, I am wanderlusting and dreaming of my favorite places that I have stayed at. If looking for travel ideas, any of these gorgeous places would be a vacation made in heaven. Remembering my stays at each of these is making me feel just a little bit better. 

In no particular order...

Abbaye de la Bussiere 

Located in Burgundy, France, this land and former abbey dates back to 646 AD. It is in the heart of some of the best wine I have ever tasted, which you can tour with a private guide. The grounds are to die for and the rooms are charming, yet spacious for Europe. If you like Pinots and centuries old French history, go stay here. The largest major town is Dijon, also not to be missed on a trip. Hello truffle season. 

The Arizona Inn

This hotel has a special place in my heart since it is located near my college campus in Tucson, AZ. The Inn was built in the 30s and still holds all that charm today. All the rooms are different and many have quaint little patios to sip wine on. Or better yet, sit by the pool all day long, it is perfection and super relaxing. The food here is also amazing. This is such a gem in Arizona that many might not know about. My college friends and parents spent many of the best weekends right here over the years.  

 Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch at Beaver Creek 

This is obviously a great place to visit in the winter, but I also love coming here in the summer. The contemporary lodge feel of this hotel is so warm, yet chic. The staff could not be more nice and accommodating. Plus, there apres is fantastic. My favorite part of skiing. 

Capri Palace

We spent five glorious days here on our honeymoon in Italy. Located on the more quiet side of the island, Anacapri, this hotel is gorgeous and super relaxing. With sweeping views of the med, killer room service, and terraces to enjoy it all, my dream is so go back for one of our anniversaries. 

 Hotel Gansevoort  Meatpacking NYC

New York has so many amazing hotels, but this one has a location I love. Surrounded by great shopping, chic restaurants, and across the street from Chelsea Market (food heaven), you feel like you are living in a fun neighborhood for your stay. My old NY office was across the street, so I was lucky to get to expense this place. The rooftop pool is a huge bonus. 

 Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is my favorite place on earth. Located in the British Virgin Islands, this island has so much charm and incredible beaches. If I was to pick the best place to stay (besides on a sailboat), it would be Little Dix. Gorgeous little bungalows are steps to the beach, where your cocktail awaits. It is small and quiet place, but the restaurants are top notch. 

 The Newport Beach Hotel

I grew up going to Newport Beach every summer, so many of my favorite childhood memories are on that beach. This hotel is located on the boardwalk right in front of where all those sandcastles were built. So location is the best part of this spot. Plus being right on the boardwalk means you can access bars and restaurants by foot, rent bikes for sunny rides, and enjoy the view for your entire stay. This is a small boutique hotel, which makes you feel like you are staying in a fun beach house for your stay. 

  One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

This is one of my favorite bars anywhere. Those lanterns shine bright into the night and that sunset never gets old. Cabo is one of my favorite spots, period, and though we usually stay in a house this hotel is my favorite when we are not. The people, food, and beaches of Cabo are amazing and this hotel does it so well. 

 The Parker Palm Springs

Palm Springs is such a fun place for a winter getaway and often overlooked by those from the Midwest (there are other places besides FL!). This desert town has so much character and rich history that charms you, especially when you stay at the Parker. Designed by Jonathan Adler, this former estate of Gene Autry is part throwback, part luxe. The kitschy details, cozy surroundings, and lovely outdoor areas are the perfect oasis. The preppy spa is not to be missed, either. 

 Plaza Athenee, Paris

I am not going to lie, part of the reason we stayed here was because I saw it on SATC. Remember Carrie's suite with the Russian? The other part is because it is beautiful, oh so French, and located on one of the best streets in Paris. This place is a HUGE splurge, but even for a night go for it. They are currently renovating it (it was already fab, so dying to see what they do), but it will reopen this summer I believe. If in Paris, stop at Le Bar for drinks at night or tea in the afternoon. 

What are you favorite hotels? There are so many, this list was kind of hard! Doesn't it make you want to go on vacation right now? ugh. soon. 

xo

Erin 

white + pink + black

There are no less than ten million ways to be inspired by Paris fashion week, but today this lovely ensemble worn by Elena Perminova is my favorite. 

vogue.com

By the way, she is pregnant. So she officially has the most amazing maternity style of all time. What is so fetching about this to me is the color combination and the statement of wearing pastel even in the dead of winter. White, soft pink, and black is so crazy chic and easy to pull off in our every day lives. Here are a few ways to put it together...

Work: Asos slim blazer + Gap t-shirt + Robert Rodriguez pencil skirt 

Weekend: Love Quotes knotted scarf + Equipment shirt + Goldsign flared jeans

Night: House of Harlow necklace + Lanston top + J Brand skinnies

Fun combination, right? I am crushing on all of these. Especially those flared jeans. 

xo

Erin 

Paris Couture + Oscars 2014

Paris Couture week for Spring always turns out lots of options for the ladies who will be gracing the red carpet come Oscar night. These shows turn it out with lots of drama, beading, and avant garde lux. This look is not what many of these ladies will go for, but let's play pretend (forget about the upcoming New York shows) and dress them from Paris.  

I weirdly cut out their heads and stuck them on the models. Please excuse my amateur skills...

Amy has been all about showing her boobs lately, I think covering up a little more and wearing something straight up pretty would be a nice change. This color would be gorgeous on her. (Elie Saab)

This shape would be perfect on Cate. I bet she choses something even more gorgeous, but this Giambattista Valli is pretty while still being interesting.  

We know Jen loves her a strapless dress. A ball gown with a slit would be a fresh change and the flowers are fun in such a pretty blue. Also Giambattista Valli. 

Can you tell I loved the Giambattista Valli show? Jennifer Lawrence will 100% wear Dior, but honestly there were not a whole lot of options from that show. I would DIE if she wore this it is kind of amazing. The color, the tank, the structure. It is insane. 

Lupita is more of a minimalist, which clearly has worked for her. But this Zuhair Murad would be a glitzy departure. She has the bod and this would be so gorgeous on her. 

This was my other fave from every show. Also Giambattista Valli. Margot Robbie would KILL it in this dress. 

This dress was made for Meryl and a little more sexy then her usual frocks. Meryl would clearly not show nipple. Armani Prive. 

Sandra is looking H-O-T these days and looks so pretty in white. This Ellie Saab (with some lining obvi) would be gorgeous on her. 

Anne will be there presenting most likely and will not want to steal the thunder from the nominees. (Or would she?) This frothy Chanel number would drape well on her frame and be just enough to shine. I would think that Rachel Zoe would pick something other than trainers as well. 

Matthew McConaughey's better half, Camila, will be looking gorgeous per usual on his arm. How amazing would this Versace be? I kind of dig the hood, but it would get panned and it too much for the Oscars. It could easily be removed and she would look smokin. 

Dame Dench is nominated this year and this Valentino kind of screams her, no? 

I have no idea if Nicole Ritchie is going, probably not. But if she does this Versace would be a-mazing on her. It is tribal, sexy, and dramatic. All kind of her thing. (isn't the way I cut out her face creepy? ha)

Julia was kind of stuffy at the Globes and I kind of think of her as a bit of a hippie now. This Armani is relaxed, but blingy enough that it could walk the carpet. 

It will be fun to see what actually happens on the real night. More shows to go in New York to make some predictions, but I bet we see at least a couple of these on Oscar Sunday. 

xo

Erin 

Paris Couture Fashion Week for Oscars 2013

There is no doubt that I am opinionated about what is worn on the red carpet for awards season. Maybe a little too harsh. My view though is that these girls get to pick from the very best dresses from the world's most talented designers and wasting that opportunity makes me angry. I am sure the stylists that are used are very nice people, but sometimes they get it wrong. Not to say I would do that much better, so I thought I would put myself to the test. The couture shows wrap up this week in Paris and there have been some seriously gorgeous gowns that are perfect contenders for the Oscars. Here are some of my favorite gowns and the girls I would put them in. 

Amanda Seyfried is young and gorgeous and she needs to edge up a bit. This Altier Versace gown is sleek, modern and will help her stand out. 

Anne Hathaway has a pretty good chance of walking away with a little gold man. She needs something stunning so those pictures last a lifetime. This Ellie Saab would be beautiful with her skin and hair.  

I have no idea who would wear this, but I am in love with this Chanel. Would love for someone to go out on a limb and rock it. 

Jessica Chastain has been kind of lame this awards season and she is so gorgeous. This Valentino is structurally interesting and true couture. Maybe they could make it in more of a blue or blush for her. 

Adele always wears black, I think it is time she broke out of that. I thought of her immediately when this Giambattista Valli was shown. The models red hair shows you how amazing Adele would look in it. The cut is also flattering and forgiving for a mew mum. 

Naomi Watts is flawless and classic. This Dior is the same with a bit of a twist. The color is amazing and I think she would seriously take home best dressed if she wore it. In LOVE with it. 

Jennifer Lawrence is a wild card. She is young and has that "I don't really care" attitude that makes her able to pull off almost anything. This Atelier Versace has a print, which I love and I think she could steal the carpet with it. (lose the hat and the bar on the shoulder)

Jennifer Garner will be on the arm of Ben, at least we hope! This red Ellie Saab would be the perfect compliment to her dashing husband. Since she is not nominated she can only go so far, but this lace and the red color are gorgeous. 

Helen Hunt is such a babe now, but she is of a certain age. This Ellie Saab would be beautiful on her and still sexy.  

Photos from Style.com 

What do you think? 

xo

Erin