Oscar Fashion 2014

Red Carpet fashion at the Oscars is always a visual treat.  The anticipation of "what will they wear" never gets old!  So let's take a look at some of the most buzzworthy looks of the evening.  Be sure and tune-in to Nashville's News Channel 2 WKRN in the morning to hear some of my comments on the looks of the evening.  

Jared Leto: Several men rocked the white jacket this year, and my favorite was definitely the always-stylish Jared Leto. He took it a step further by adding the red silk bowtie and shimmering buttons, subtle but a very nice touch. 

Lupita Nyong'o: All eyes were on Lupita Nyong'o after her recent fashion hits, particularly the caped red Ralph Lauren dress.  For the Oscars, a gorgeous blue Prada gown was made for her and it was effortlessly glamorous with a nod to old Hollywood with the pleats and simple lines.

Charlize Theron: This black Christian Dior dress is a great look. The interesting lines at the bust and the element of sheer on the lower half are both gorgeous details.

Sandra Bullock: The gathering on this Alexander McQueen gown is perfection, complementing Sandra's body perfectly and the deep color works very well with her hair and makeup, making those eyes really pop. It was a stunning gown without being overpowering.

Kristin Chenoweth: The deco-inspired gold Cavalli dress was a perfect choice, sparkly and patterned all over with a very structured top. You could tell she enjoyed wearing it and it matched her dazzling personality very well.

My least favorite was Amy Adams' tuxedo-inspired Gucci. In truth, it is a wonderful dress, but I expected more for this red carpet from her. The Oscars is a great place to go big and to take risks. It felt very safe and too simple, especially for someone with a body and personality as great as Amy. Making a bigger statement with hair or jewelry would have helped elevate this look.

Spring Wardrobe Strategy

I had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Murphy from Nashville's News 2 WKRN this morning about wardrobe strategy and closet organization for Spring!  On this first day of Spring, we met to discuss ways to put your best foot forward this season.  

Here are a few tips:

Screen for Quality and Fit

It's important to make sure all of your essentials are up to par. Throughout the year, if your favorite heels have gotten a little too worn for example- now's the time to fix or replace them. Making sure your favorite items are in good condition is important to secure a firm foundation from which your wardrobe can be expanded. 

In addition to quality, this is the perfect time to scan for fit. If you've been working out getting ready for swimsuit season, now is the time to have that shirt tailored a little bit to make sure the lines are most flattering for your figure.

Identify Lonely Pieces

Next I would recommend looking into an often overlooked area- identifying what I call lonely pieces. Throughout the year we all pick up a top, a skirt, a fun pair of pants that we say "I'll find something to go with this" and then it ends up hanging in our closet forever. Spring is the time to pull out those unique pieces and figure out what to do with them. 

One major trend now for example is to pair bright bold patterns or colors with softer more subtle neutrals. So take that fun hot pink peplum top and mix it with a great camel colored skirt or bag.

One In, One Out

This concept focuses on closet maintenance from a quantity perspective.  As you introduce a new item into your life, my suggestion is to remove an item that you love less. Eventually you'll end up with a closet full of things that make you happy, and you'll be less cluttered along the way. 

The key here is coming to the realization that you can live without it. Believe it or not, the world of fashion will always produce fabulous new things that can replace the pieces you need to let go of. You just have to enjoy the search and seek out the pieces that best work for you!

Easter Decor

One of my favorite holidays is upon us, Easter!  Kicking off the Spring season, I've always enjoyed its soft colors and joyful spirit.  Over the years I've collected Easter decor that I'm quite fond of.  Hand-painted wooden eggs from a local Nashville artist with flowers taken from antique hats are always the foundation of my table centerpiece.  A tradition in my family, antique postcards are also displayed around the house.  I enjoy their vintage artwork and the nice messages from the past they reveal even more.  I recently found the speckled egg shaped plates and ramekins at Williams-Sonoma.  Happy Easter banner with aged cut glass glitter is from Pottery Barn.  
 

Small boxes from Bella Ches add a bit of charm with vintage accents as well.  Whether you have an Easter egg hunt, travel to be with loved ones or simply enjoy a nice brunch with friends, cheers to a wonderful holiday!

Christmas Brunch

Each year, my Nashville family gathers for a very special occasion: Cousins' Christmas Brunch.  As we all travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is a fun opportunity to celebrate the holidays together, a grown-up version of "the kids' table."  I chose a box mailer for the invitation with names in metallic on the front, tied with silver tinsel string.  Inside, the invitation rested on a bed of Christmas tree branches to give a nice holiday scent when opened. 

For the table, I wanted a very crisp and clean color palette: white tablecloth, silver chargers, Juliska Country Estate dishes, hammered silverware, grey monogrammed placecards, mercury glass votives, assorted glasses, white hydrangeas and roses with painted silver leaves and winter berries.  A small gift rested on each plate in a white lacquered box wrapped with white and silver tulle.  Cable knit vases, vintage ornaments and silver antlers added some texture.

I was pleased with the outcome of an etched vinyl applique which, similar to a sticker, was applied to an antique mirror.  This easily removable element added a nice touch.  I placed this on a small table to create a special mimosa corner in the room.  Here, I was happy to also debut my new favorite decorations: cut glass glitter reindeer with fur stoles adorned with snowflake and silver bell elements.  Bling on the holidays!

For brunch I served a breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, toast with sweet orange marmalade and zesty lemon cream cake.

We visited and laughed for a few hours before watching holiday movies and enjoying red-velvet cupcakes with eggnog filling and buttercream icing.  

It was a real treat to spend the day with loved ones and I had a wonderful time hosting.  The only downside to Christmas Brunch is that it happens only once a year. 

Steeplechase Fashion 2012

Attention Nashville ladies & gentlemen... there are just a few more days until Steeplechase on Saturday, May 12.  If you've not yet perfected your look for the races this weekend, read below and check out my segment on News Channel 2 today from The Cotton Mill in Green Hills where trends, hats, colors and all of the essential Steeplechase elements will be discussed. 

A few thoughts for the ladies:

Matching is the most traditional look: having the perfectly colored hat to match the dress to match the shoes to match the bag, etc...  I think this is classic and never goes out of style in a great royal wedding kind of way.  Know, however, that the key to your perfect outfit is to complement rather than to always coordinate.  If it is your desire to be monochromatic, go for it!  Or if you want to mix it up, go for it!  Just don't limit yourself or decide against a piece because it doesn't match perfectly.  In those cases, introduce (or eliminate) a color or texture to reduce the risk of looking dated.  

Color blocking is certainly the most current, obvious and fabulous trend now in fashion.  I challenge you to adopt an expanded view of color blocking, however.  Color blocking can exist within a single piece of clothing or by mixing various pieces.  To stay ahead of the curve, be original in your color combinations.  Be fearless to mix hot pink and red, navy and black, ecru and orange- whatever strikes your fancy.  Just be sure it looks obvious and intentional, not by accident or bad judgement.  

You'll get a great look at the best Nashville has to offer in unique and current Steeplechase options in today's segment.  Take a look for yourself at The Cotton Mill in Grace's Plaza in Green Hills.

And a few thoughts for the men: 

Nothing says Steeplechase fashion to me like Hermes neckwear.  This light blue horsebit bowtie goes quite nicely I think with the pattern of the Valentino sportcoat underneath.  It is subtle, handsome and perfectly appropriate for an afternoon of excitement at the races. 

Don't overdo it.  As impeccably dressed as I feel you should be, this day is more about the ladies.  Avoid loud pastels that look neon- go instead for more soft, regal tones.   Seersucker is always appropriate, madras is very questionable.  Helpful hint: if you can find lilac seersucker, that's a nice alternative to the traditional blue that you will see all around. Billy Reid had a fantastic suit last year, so check there for sure.  Even if they're out of seersucker I'd place a high bet they will have the perfect thing for you. 

Pocket squares, bowties and antique horse pins (remember this awesome piece? Christine Wallace Horse Pin) are among my favorite accessories for the big day, but my favorite accessory is actually unseen: CREED Millesime Imperial.  Over the years, it has become my favorite scent by far and is always the perfect addition to any of my wardrobe choices.  If you're new to CREED fragrances, also check out Neroli Sauvage which I must say is particularly nice when worn in warmer temperatures.  Available locally at Nordstrom.  

Fun at Steeplechase last year

New to Nashville: Goorin Bros. Hat Shop

I was thrilled to learn today that Goorin now has a shop in Nashville!  Convenient for me, it is located downtown on Second Avenue at the Broadway intersection.  

Known for their classic yet bold designs, Goorin is a great place to pick up the perfect hat to complete any look.  From casual baseball hats to formal fedora styles, there is something for everyone.  I've collected a few over the years and purchased a new one tonight that will be perfect for the upcoming Spring weather, which Nashville got a small taste of today. For the ladies, I saw floppy hats in unique colors and some awesome vintage-inspired styles.  Check them out soon and let me know what you find!

Goorin Bros. Hat Shop  |  107 2nd Avenue North  |  Nashville, TN 37201

Mon-Sat 11 - 8  Sun 12 - 7  | 615.248.4287
 

Upcoming Fall Favorites: Creed, Nordstrom, Color

Fall is almost here and I have some favorite things already!  First up is Creed's new fragrance, Royal Oud.  

My favorite scent of all time is Creed's Millesime Imperial, however I've found Royal Oud to be a wonderful addition to my collection when I'm in the mood for its elements of sandalwood, lemon and cedar.  Its warm, rich base tones and lighter top notes blend very well together.  According to the Wall Street Journal, Prince William is already enjoying this new Creed creation.  A portion of proceeds will benefit child health in India via Global Giving.  It launches in Nordstrom stores this November which brings me to my next favorite thing: the Nordstorm store opening in Nashville!  

I am very excited about this addition to the local shopping scene.  We must support it and our favorite brands they carry, sending a message that Nashville can not only support it but strongly desires the variety.  Mark September 16th in your calendars to shop, shop, shop!

As I shop around this Fall, I just know I'm going to discover some great colors I don't ordinarily wear.  Below are a few things I'm thinking about buying for this season, both from Zara's new online site.