Academy Awards: Tweed's Favorite Looks

From tailored suits to gorgeous jewelry, tasteful up-dos and, of course, the gowns, the Oscars gave us quite the array of “fashion eye candy” (As Harper so eloquently put it). From Natalie Portman to Melissa Leo and my three favorite gowns, it was interesting to see that many of the dresses boasted the same features: cap sleeves and Asian collars.

Here are my Oscar nominees for best dressed:

Cate Blanchett
OK. Cate’s dress caused a bit of a fashion stir. Cate Blanchett is one of those lucky women who can pull anything off, due to her porcelain skin, elegant body type and unmatched poise. Cate’s dress, designed by Givenchy, was a bit odd, but that is what I loved about it … well the front of it anyway. It was like pioneer woman meets science fiction meets Greek goddess. The front was amazing, yes, and this is why I fell in love with the dress. I must admit, however, when I saw the back and sides of the dress, I cringed a bit.

Annette Bening
There is nothing more attractive than a confident woman and Annette Bening was that woman on Oscar night. She just looked so beautiful in her gown, which was both age appropriate, but showed off her great body. The sleeves are adorable and so is the neckline. Bening glowed in this dress. Truly impeccable.

Scarlett Johansson
When Scarlett Johansson walked onto that Oscar stage, I admit that an audible gasp escaped my lips. I am not a fan of the actress, but tonight, she looked stunning. I was a bit disappointed in her hair, as it seemed to dress down the spectacular Dolce & Gabbana dress she was wearing. Looking past the hair, this dress was a showstopper. I loved the cutouts and rich magenta color. The back of the dress had to be my favorite, with the cutout fringed in elegant lace. This dress fit Johansson like a glove. She was utterly gorgeous. I also loved that she kept the jewelry minimal, simply sporting a pair of Ann Hu studs.

Academy Awards: Harper's Favorite Looks

The 2011 Academy Awards did not disappoint. Perhaps I didn't agree with all of the awards given, but let's face it...I mainly watch the Oscars for the fashion eye candy. And while in years past my favorite looks were those that were out-of-the-box and colorful, I felt myself leaning towards the more neutral, flirty and girly looks.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa
Perfectly age appropriate, yet stunningly beautiful. Love the heels.

 

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere

 First off, I would kill for Hilary Swank's bod. Secondly, this dress fits her so well and I love the mixture of the hard sparkle transitioning into the soft feather bottom. Absolutely stunning.

Halle Berry in Marchesa 

I think I must be partial to Marchesa, because Halle was another of my picks for best dressed. Again, I love the dress' soft pale color and flowy bottom. Perhaps only Halle and her perfect skin could pull off this particular color, but boy did she rock it.

Which look was your favorite?

Favorite Fall 2011 Looks: Yigal Azrouel + Anna Sui

The crème de la crème have gathered to display their Fall 2011 collections at Fashion Week. As with any work of art, these masterpieces have been checked and double checked to make sure every seam, sequence and bobble are where they need to be. Well, I would like to take a look at two fashion designers who recently took their walk down the infamous runway. Anna Sui’s and Yigal Azrouel’s collections really stood out amidst all the silver and taupes (Micheal Kors, cough, cough).

 
Yigal Azrouel. Sigh. I really love this collection and wish every piece was hanging in my closet right now. What I loved about Azrouel’s collection was the use of separates. The coats were gorgeous, but the real show stoppers, for me anyway, were the use of my two personal wardrobe staples, the traditional button-down and the sweater vest. Azrouel mixed both elements with pencil skits and slacks, showing the versatility of these two pieces. My favorite of this collection is the shown above. I adore these tangerine capris with the loafers, button down and sweater vest. This look feels so effortlessly chic. J’adore. See Yigal's full collection HERE.

Anna Sui’s collection was combined whimsical lines and patterns with structured shapes and seems. As seen in the image above, Sui masterfully mixed a caftan with a cape, mini skirt and traditional Mary Jane shoes.  See Anna's full collection HERE.

Trend Watch: Skinny Belts

While the black sash trend has peaked our interest, the sassiness of the skinny belt still has our hearts. Wear it at the thinnest part of your waist or through the belt loops for a hint of chic. Spring 2011 looks like it will bursting with our favorite skinny belts:

White Denim?

Let’s talk about white denim pants for summer, shall we? I think that the white denim look gives that beachy, Hamptons look that summer really owns. From what I have seen thus far, they look utterly fantastic on all the models and manicans wearing them throughout the stores and on the runway.

Here is my issue with white denim: IT IS WHITE DENIM. As I mentioned, these whity-tighty jeans look fabulous on 6’2, 120 pound women. The rest of us (as I look in my bathroom mirror) cannot pull off white denim. Holy rolls! Right?!

Let me voice another concern I have for white this summer: White is unforgiving. Not only will it show every bump, roll and cellulite crevice on my thighs and butt, it will also show every dust spec or grass stain. But, I must confess...I personally may go to my local department store and secretly try on these jeans, but unless I can get them for under $10.00 (you know me), it’s not happening.

HOWEVER, and that's a big however, I do think that when accessorized correctly, anyone can pull off this look. I especially like the matchstick white  jeans paired with a loose top, fitted blazer and brightly colored pumps.

Tell me what you think? Yes to white denim or no?

Trend Watch: Button Downs

OK, so this may seem arrogant, but I know that I am the one that has inspired one of spring’s hottest looks: the classic button down. I have been pairing button down blouses with anything and everything for years and this spring, I will totally own this look. Designers across the board have reincarnated the traditional shirt and has made it a spring staple.

When you think of button-up, your father’s work shirts may come to mind. Push those thoughts aside. This year’s button-ups are getting a fabric face-lift.

Low Key – If you are going for a casual look, a cotton button-down is key. I love to wear my cotton shirts with straight or skinny dark-washed jeans and flats. If you are looking for low-key, pair your shirt with shorts and converse.

Work Appropriate – Button-ups are a work staple for men or women. I personally love pairing a bright blouse with subtle pin-striped dress pants and heels for an easy, but fabulous look.

Night Out – Ooooh, yeah. Work is over. Slip on a pair of fabulous heels, accessorize with a chunky beaded necklace, do the smoky eye and you are ready girl!

If you are looking for a designer button down for spring, however, expect to pay designer prices. As I am not a fan of paying for a label, I have a few suggestions to help you find these buttoned beauties.

1) Second-Hand – Thrift store, thrift store, thrift store. Yes, I just sounded like broken record, but you would be surprised at the quality of button downs you can find. If you are not finding a blouse you love in the women’s section, skip down to the men’s. You will find an plethora of fabulous dress shirts beckoning for your woman touch.

Three of my favorite button-up shirts hanging in my closet right now came from a second-hand store. The first came from Salvation Army for $.50. The second, Goodwill for $2.00 and the third, Savers $.99. I know, right? These are the kinds of prices I am talking about! You could buy 30 of these shirts and not feel guilty! Plus, if you buy this many, you can wear them all through spring and then pair them under a cardigan or sweater during winter and still look totally chic.

2) Go Western – One of the looks this spring is also Western. So, go to any local western shop. You will know a western shirt when you see it, but just in case: Look for a button-down with pearl buttons (love, love LOVE), angular front pockets and a seam below the shoulder.

3) Retail – As the snow melts, J. Crew, Anthropologie and others, are throwing out the sweaters and stocking up for spring. You can find dressy, flirty and casual button-ups almost in any department store. Just keep your eyes open.

Button downs have been on the fashion radar since Fall 2010, but are just now spreading like wildfire. As many may not know about this reincarnated trend, be on the lookout NOW for button ups. You may get a better deal now than you will when they are the “it” item. Good luck!

Emma Roberts + Floral Prints

I've had my eye on the fashionable Emma Roberts for awhile now and I'm embarrassed to admit I had no idea who she even was until I searched her IMDB page. While her movies may not be show stoppers, her red carpet looks are. Floral prints are hot for Spring, but sometimes I think they can look a little mousy. Roberts definitely knows how to rock the print without looking boring.

Her floral ensembles have me searching all over for a equivalent substitute that agrees with my pocket book. If you see one, shoot it my way!

Obession: Sweater Vests

Remember a few episodes ago on Glee (if you are not a fan, you seriously should be) where Santana said Mr. Schuester needed to be in a 12-step program because he is addicted to vests? Well, I think I need to be in that same program. The first step of overcoming addiction is admitting that you have a problem. The issue here is that I NEVER want to overcome this problem. I LOVE sweater vests, dressy vests, puffy vests (only inside my house on a Saturday, I promise) any vest. My latest trip to my local Savers second-hand store resulted in a bag full of sweater vests. My husband took one glance inside and rolled his eyes, muttering “geesh, more vests” under his breath.

Sweater vests come in a variety of patterns and shapes. I am always on the lookout for argyle sweater vests for my husband and myself as well as vests that look like cardigans missing their sleeves. These vests can be paired with anything and belted for a spectacular look. I have also scored some awesome vests at Ross and summer garage sales. I promise you, once you buy your first vest, there is no going back. Be on the lookout at your local second-hand shops!

Thrifty Look: Anthropologie Safari Spring 2011

I'm all for keeping up with the latest trends and I'm not ashamed to admit I've dropped a pretty penny to hop aboard the fashion-trend-of-the-week train. But let's face it - spending that kind of cash every season isn't possible for the budget-conscious among us (read, ME, Harper!) The good news is that you don't have to. Being fashionable doesn't have to break the bank, but it may require shopping around a bit. Believe me when I say it's worth it.

Tip: Repurposed Sweaters

Winter is on its way out, thankfully. Your sweaters have been worn repeatedly, keeping you warm while still keeping you chic. Winter wear is an investment, we totally understand, that is why this next tip is perfect for those sweaters who have seen better days. If you are like me, I cannot keep my sweaters looking new. I snag them constantly, either with the skinny belts I am wearing, on my coat zipper or just with my wedding ring. I definitely do not want to throw my sweaters out.

Thankfully, we have Martha. That’s right, Martha Stewart, to give our sweaters a second life. In her January 2011 issue, Martha suggested repurposing our old sweaters by simply stitching over the snag or small hole with a different-colored thread than the sweater’s. Hmm, genius or madness? Genius, I say. Martha even gives a few unique stitches to make the patchwork look great. We love the idea of a dash of color here or there. We especially love Martha’s suggestion for re-enforcing buttonholes with a different thread. Hey, Tommy Hilfiger does it, why can’t you?

Be Mine Valentine

Roses and red, violets are blue,
But we fancy other shades,
Of the peach, pink and maroon hue.

Who says Valentine's Day equals pink, red and white? Spice up your Love Day with different shades of pink, peach and red.

We especially {heart} Christian Siriano's flirty mauve number.

Oxfords with socks if you please

I’m intrigued by the raised hem jean or slack coupled with Oxford shoes and showing socks. The Sartorialist has captured men and women taking this trend to the streets and workplace. I love the gentleman that pair their Oxfords with argyle, stripped or just plain mustard socks. Paris’ recent fashion week showed that this is not only a street trend but is now a runway movement. I’m absolutely in love with the whole idea of a raised hem for any occasion. The search for Oxfords is on.
 

*All images' copyright belongs to The Sartorialist

Favorite Spring 2011 Looks: J. Crew

Spring 2011 lines are out and I've been drooling over several pieces in the J. Crew line. Bold colors and loose fitted bottoms are in. I totally love the paper bag waist on the skirts, too. The beauty of a paper bag waist is the versatility it gives: dressy or casual and slim or curvaceous.

P.S. Not a fan of socks with pumps yet...you?

Obsession: Elbow Patches

As mentioned in previous postings, blazers are my obsession right now. I dream of them, I search for them in every store that I am in and I may even be willing to break my sacred “do not spend over $10” rule for one.

Adding to my utter devotion to blazers, is the kickback to elbow patches that are now being seen on men’s and women’s blazers. OK, I honestly can say that I would sell my soul for a tweed blazer with brown suede elbow patches right now. You can dress this blazer up, down and around. No matter how you wear it, you will look unreservedly smashing.

I am scouring my local thrift stores and will notify you when this item has been located and purchased. When this item is found, I will post pictures so we can all bask in its glory together.

Favorite Spring 2011 Looks: Kate Spade

Kate Spade's Spring 2011 line is full of feminine accents that make me swoon. I can't say how much I love, love, love that hounds tooth skirt and polka dot skirt (I think I would even wear them together).

Obsession: Blazers

Can I just tell you how UTTERLY obsessed I am with blazers right now? I love the way they look on the hanger, I love the way they look on me, and I love how I feel in them. I recently purchased a men’s blazer from my local Savers thrift store for a mere $4.00. Yes, that’s right, $4.00. The tailoring is impeccable and it fits my curves wonderfully. Keep in mind that I bought this in the men’s section at the thrift shop.

This is one tip I want to shout from the rooftops: Just because you are a woman, doesn’t mean you need to wear women’s clothing all the time. Next time you are in Goodwill, or browsing through racks of clothing at a garage sale or flea market, walk past the dresses and fitted blouses and go straight for the men’s clothing. Yes, I have had a few odd glances from old men and teenage boys as I try on jackets and button-up shirts in their midst. But who cares what they think. Once paired with a skinny belt, fantastic pumps and fabulous accessories, no one will even know it came from the men’s department. No one but you.

Trend Watch: Black Sashes

We're surprised this trend hasn't popped on the fashion radar sooner. Worn around your waist or hips, a black sash tied in a bow or loose knot is a slimming accessory to any outfit. Don't worry about matching it with black shoes, we like it better paired with a contrasting color like DKNY does with salmon pumps.