Red Carpet Highlights: {The Oscars 2012}

When the awards season comes around every year the anticipation builds awaiting to see what the fancy Hollywood figures will be wearing.  It is borderline superficial but I just can't help looking at all the elegant gowns and the perfect touches of accessories to match.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with going all out to look and feel beautiful, even only for a night.

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Natalie Portman in Dior via The Envelope of the LA Times

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Tina Fey in Carolina Herrara via Harper's Bazaar

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Giuliana Rancic in Basil Soda via The Envelope of the LA Times 

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Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton via Harper's Bazaar

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Penelope Cruz in Armani via The Envelope of the LA Times

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Cameron Diaz in Gucci Premiere via Harper's Bazaar

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Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab via The Envelope of the LA Times

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Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel via Harper's Bazaar

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Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab via The Envelope of the LA Times

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Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford via Harper's Bazaar

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Kate Mara in Elie Saab via The Envelope of the LA Times

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Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture by Ricardo Tisci via Harper's Bazaar

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Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli via the Los Angeles Times

The End Result: {Royal Blue and a Hint of Brown}

I styled my brown chunky heel boots with the flowy blue dress, ready to transition to the warmer months but not quite yet. ;)  I threw in my favorite pebbled leather bag that I've had for a while, so soft and easy to take care of.  It's definitely a timeless investment piece.  I personally love finding ones like that, especially at a great price!  I topped it all off with the little details of the coral and red chandelier earrings.  Hope you enjoy my whole ensemble!

Look at the inspirations for this outfit under "The Set-Up" post.

Urban Outfitters dress

Sam Edelman boots

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag

Forever 21 earrings & leggings

Seiko watch

Photos courtesy of J.H. @ Real Studios.

Retro-Spect: {The 1950's}

I have a fascination with the fashions of the past and how they have influenced styles and trends we have now.  It is interesting to highlight and acknowledge figures who had a major undertaking in setting forth style in these certain time periods.

Audrey Hepburn played in a number of films including Funny Face, My Fair Lady and the most well-known, Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Grace Kelly played in films such as High Society, The Swan and Dial M for Murder.  Both were striking figures that many women looked to in the 1950s.

I've included some of my favorite modern pieces that have a feel of this time period.  Stilettos were made popular at this time as a symbol of portraying the appeal to the feminine mystique.  Cat-eye style sunglasses were also worn by fashionable women of the period, resembling the infamous shape of the feline's eye.

Women's beauty was something that they took time and effort for and the pieces that they wore were reflective of that very feeling.  Their looks were very demure and simple, yet stunning.

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Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild in the 1954 film Sabrina

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Grace Kelly as Frances Stevens in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief

   

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50s Dress Patterns

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Actual Circa 1950s Floral Cocktail Dress via Etsy

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Actual Circa 1950s Silk Chiffon Dress via Etsy

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Actual Circa 1950s Silk Satin Dress via Etsy

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"Covert Manuscript Heels" from BHLDN

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"Bow-Topped Slingbacks" from BHLDN

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Kate Spade New York "Retro" via Nordstrom

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Yves Saint Laurent "Cat's Eye" via Nordstrom

All movie info via IMDb.
All images not linked to a source were found via Google search.

The Set-Up: {Royal Blue and a Hint of Brown}

The pairing of blue and brown seems to be a formula for a casual ensemble but the shade of royal blue can make it stand out and be something of a regal occasion.  The earthy brown is a perfect accent to the brightness of the vibrant blue.  I love the new spring looks that I've featured and the use of the lightweight and chiffon fabrics.  The way they flow and move puts me in thought of the warm sunshine and breezes to come when the weather will be showing it's good side in the upcoming months.

Be sure to come back to see "The End Result".

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"Simple Pairings" post by the blogger of Gal Meets Glam

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Reem Acra Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

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Rachel Zoe Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

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CrOp by David Peck Fall 2012 featured on the blog Stripes and Sequins

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Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

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Matthew Williamson Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

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Vera Wang Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

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Nanette Lepore Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear via Elle.com

The End Result: {Hot Pink and Bright Red}

The much anticipated reveal...

I chose to pair a simple boxy top with an edgy skinny leg pant that has zipper details and a unique structure.  I felt the simple nude heel would be the perfect completion to my bright outfit. At this point I'm not really one to accessorize but I hope to be more open to it in the future.  Hope you enjoy my styling of these colors :)

Check out my inspirations for this outfit under "The Set Up" post.

H&M top

Urban Outfitters pants

BCBGeneration pumps

Forever 21 earrings

Seiko watch

Photos courtesy of J.H. @ Real Studios.

Friday's Fancies: {Hot Pink and Bright Red}

To continue on with this adored color scheme, I've decided to join "Friday's Fancies" from the blog Long Distance Loving.  I love the concept of the collective post that this blogger created, where multiple bloggers can join in on the fun of creating outfits for a certain theme.  Hopefully you can check on her blog as well and be inspired by all of the other creations under her post.  Here is my take on the theme, you can check out the details using the links under the set.

Primrose by classic-sophistication created by using Polyvore

The Set-Up: {Hot Pink and Bright Red}

One of the facets of my blog that I want to start is the two part concept of the "The Set-Up" and "The End Result".  Basically, the first half will include looks that have inspired me to create my own look in the second half.  I have, what you could call, a compulsive behavior that tends to look at different trends and fashions constantly.  The aftermath is the opportunity to pick and choose ones that fit my personal style as a suitable addition.  This concept just seems natural to how any person would be inspired to dress themselves.

It just so happens that the brights that I love currently, are continuing on to be a new spring trend and it's very coincidental that the shades match with the holiday theme of the month.  I've been pinning these color combo ensembles a number of times on Pinterest because I just love the way the two shades pop together.  Excuse me for this, but it's like they were meant for each other.

Aside from my cheesy demeanor, I am in all seriousness obsessed with this look.  It is so daring but with the right structure in the pieces you can end up looking very polished.  There is always a time when I need to break away from the drab and realize that color is my friend.

Be sure to check back soon for "The End Result".

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A look from the J. Crew Spring 2012 Collection from The Glitter Guide

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"Pink + Red" post by the blogger of Gal Meets Glam

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"Pink/Red/Sequins" post by the blogger of This Time Tomorrow

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"Color Block" post by the blogger of Sterling Style

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Emma Stone on the The Best-Dressed of 2011 List by Fashionologie