Fashion Me Fabulous

Project Runway All Stars: A Matter Of Taste

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

This week the Project Runway All Stars faced a challenge of taste--the taste of gelato to be specific. Each designer took a gelato flavor as the inspiration for their look. To make the challenge more exciting Diane von Furstenberg came on to tell them they would only have six hours to complete the challenge. The designers were the excused to scrabble and sew as though their lives depended on it.

I love DvF. Who doesn't? She alone would have made the challenge more exciting. The extreme time constraints only make for uninteresting fashion. No one can be creative, unique or over the top when they have such little time. No one wants to watch boring clothing. The drama of only have six hours to work doesn't really translate to a one hour television show anyway. Give them a day or two. Let them make it good. Also, why did the producers waste DvF on this challenge? Why didn't they save her the for "make your own print" challenge? Don't waste the DvF.

The next twist to the challenge came on the runway, after the looks were finished. The designers would have not one, but two guest judges. Supermodel Miranda Kerr (of Victoria Secret and married to Orlando Bloom fame) would not only be judging but also wearing the winning look. That would have been good information six hours earlier. A dress for Miranda Kerr is very different than a "tasteful" dress based on gelato.

Safe

Kenley chose passion fruit gelato. Then, she made a twee little dress I'm pretty sure I could buy at Modcloth or Gymboree if I was a toddler. The dress was cute enough, but complete unoriginal, unimaginative and lacking in passion--the very fruit she was representing.
At first, I thought Rami's look was too busy on top. I still kind of think his kiwi has gone kiwrazy (sorry), but it might has worked if he had continued the top into a full wrap dress. The skirt is boring anyway so we wouldn't miss it. I also think his black accessories are too heavy.
Jerell's dress looks a bit wide and odd standing still. And it's too similar to his dress from week one. However, it looked really cool when it moved, and DvF was grinning about it when it walked the runway. I was surprised it didn't end up in the top three the way she smiled about it. I also think he lived up to his Fruits of the Forest inspiration.
Austin should be banned from using white. Joanna warned him about going too wedding. I like that this felt like a nymph or fairy dress, but I don't know how that brings out the vanilla Madagascar flavor. It's white like vanilla, but Madagascar vanilla is exotic and full of flavor. This dress is typical and a bit tired. Step it up, Austin.

Top

Mila landed a top spot. Maybe it was for lack of other great looks, and maybe this looked better in person. I don't care for it. I like the idea of this layered flowing look to embody the flavor of milk and sour cherries. She did her flavor justice, but did she do her personal taste justice? The accessories feel heavy. If this is milky why no let it flow instead of chopping it up with a big belt? What did you think of this look? Should it have been top three?
Mondo continues to land in the top three. His cantalope look was very literal yet very surprising. I didn't expect to like a caftan, but I did. I also didn't expect to love the colors together, but I did. Isaac hated it because it wasn't sexy, but the open back gave it a sexiness. DvF said, "If it were on the cover of a magazine and the magazine was called Cantaloupe, you got it!" True, but not helpful. Overall, I think it was a great look and good strategy for a six-hour challenge. And to Isaac I say--woman don't always have to dress "sexy" so that is not grounds for putting this down. (I'm starting to worry Isaac's influence is too strong on the judging panel.)
Michael's fast sewing skills really did come in handy. Also, his amazing ability to drape gave him the most dramatic look. If this dress has been a brighter ruby red grapefruit color, and he had had the time to fit it closer to the body (which he would have done had he known Miranda Kerr would be wearing it), I would have been all about this dress. I love the sleeves. I want the sleeves. I need the sleeves. I also love this shape of dress because it's so easy to wear. I'm not crazy about the slit up the front, but I love the sleeves (did I mention that?) enough to overlook it. DvF loved it and told Michael to call her after the show. This made him freak out like a little an eleven-year-old girl who just touched Justin Beiber. I'm happy with the win, but I would have been happy with a Mondo win too.

Bottom

Anthony was inspired by the way his green tea gelato melted over his hand and the cone. Once the judges heard this inspiration, I think they wanted to switch Anthony out of the bottom for one of the boring safe designers. His look was interesting. The top didn't quite work because he only had six hours to make it, but it was a good idea. Also, the skirt was cute. I'm not sure he deserved this bottom slot so I'm glad he went to safety first.
Kara got stuck with the last flavor--chocolate with cayenne pepper. I would have jumped at that just because it sounds so tasty. Also silky brown with firy pops of red would be lovely. Sadly, Kara made what Jerell called a pregnant cupcake dress. Her passion on the runway probably saved her from elimination. Also the dress looks finished even if it isn't very good. I expect Kara to go home soon, and I am sort of bummed we didn't get it over with this week.

April finally made a look that wasn't a Tim Burton reject. She finally used color well. She finally didn't try to be overly dark or sad. She embodied her blueberry well. Sadly, she couldn't even come close to making this design in six hours. She didn't fit it to her model right. She ran out of fabric. She didn't make the corset well enough. If this challenge had been two days, I think April would have created a really pretty look. Sadly, the time constraints sent her home. Also, she had the worst model in Project Runway history. She made every one of April's designs look worse. April has potential. I'm just sad she wasn't able to live up to it on her second go at the Runway prize. What did you think the of the winner and loser? Were we all losers when the designers only have six hours to create? Are you losing your enthusiasm for the All-star season like I am? Are you hoping there aren't any crazy twists next week?

Inspired By Books

2012-01-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

I love to read. If a book is good I get sucked in, so much so that I didn't move for 8 hours when I hit the action in Life of Pi. Since I get very involved in the books I read, they often influence my mood, which influences how I dress even if the book has nothing to do with fashion.

I picked up Steve Martin's book, Born Standing Up, because I wanted a funny audio book for a long drive. I never expected fashion tips, but Martin's switch from dressing like a hippie to wearing a suit for his standup performances intrigued me. I love the idea of serious clothing with wacky behavior and accessories.

2011 In Books: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin by fashionbeccafabulous

The Murder Room was misfiled as fiction when I picked it up (the cover was so cool I forgot to really investigate further). I was a bit bummed that it was nonfiction, but the true crime stories compelled me even more to don a Kate Beckett-worthy coat and catch some murders.

2011 In Books: The Murder Room by Michael Capuzzo by fashionbeccafabulous

Not only did Michael Pollan's Food Rules make me want to eat healthier, but it also made me want to wear easy natural fibers and get up really early to nab the best finds at the farmers market.

2011 In Books: Food Rules by Michael Pollan by fashionbeccafabulous

I did read several fashion books last year, but the best fashion books I read were actually fiction. I never expected The Hunger Games series to be so style heavy. I love the power clothing possessed in the books as Katniss progressed from a smoldering ember to girl on fire to revolutionary icon.

2011 In Books: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins by fashionbeccafabulous

I created a set inspired by each book I read last year. You can click through the below gallery to see them all.

2011 In Books

Project Vintage: Peignoir

2012-01-26T08:17:00.059-05:00

This last month I started watching Mad Men. (I know! I'm behind!) Yes, the clothes are amazing, but what I'm currently loving is the lacy sheer nightgowns with matching robes. The peignoir was a bed time staple for decades. It has a sexy airiness and actually wouldn't be out of place as a date dress today (but please wear some sort of liner underneath). They're so put together, like a matching belt, shoes and purse.

Short Petal Peignoir 1960s -- SkivvyLuLuVintage

Low-Cut Orange Peignoir -- Mad Mak's Closet

Cream Silk Lace Set 1930s -- Anatomy Vintage

Pink Satin and Black Lace -- Vintage and Name Brand

Embroidered Gown and Robe 1950s -- Hep Cat Clothes

Baby Blue Pleated Peignoir 1960s -- Redhotboogaloo Vintage

poll by twiigs.com

Killer Instinct: Deadly Accessories

2012-01-25T10:58:00.003-05:00

I'm a girly girl, but I love mixing my feminine fashion with dangerous accessories to add some edge. I love fashion that could almost act like a weapon. I see multi-finger rings as possible brass knuckles and big cuffs as armor. Spike toe shoes might be better for kicking that steel-toe boots. And I've been dreaming of a flail clutch (picture right) since I saw Maya Luz carry her original design on Project Runway season ago. (I've also been watching Merlin a lot lately so I'm addicted to armor). Here are some weaponized wears for your wardrobe. Pictured: (clockwise from top left)
Triple Spike Ring, ASOS, $21.49
Pyramid Double Finger Ring, Max & Chloe, $39
Studded Tote, Urban Outfitters, $79
Chainmail Cuff, Free People, $58
Modern Armor Cuff, ASOS, $26.86
Studded Ballet Flat, footnotesoneline, $130
Cut-Out Armor Ring, Lord & Taylor, $56
Studded Ruffle Clutch, Nordstrom, $58

Pick of the Week: True Love

2012-01-25T08:22:00.002-05:00

Samanta's Viv Flair pump is a dream. A tapered heel, brogue detailing, heel ruffle, and options for pony hair or polka dots? Yes, please! If contestants on Project Accessory had to make a down-market version of Miu Miu's Fall 2007 ruffle heels, this is what the winner would come up with. Not only are they available in 11 colors (!) and up to a size 14 (!!), but they are also on clearance (!!!) for $110 (!!!!). Excuse me, I have to sit down and check my bank account.

Etsy Shop of the Week: Marcia Lacher Millinery

2012-01-24T10:53:00.000-05:00

Shop: Marcia Lacher Millinery

Why We Love It: Ever since the media frenzy surrounding the royal wedding last year, I've been hoping the fascination with Kate Middleton's style would bring back hats. These vintage-inspired toppers from Marcia Lacher are certainly poised for a comeback.

Price Range: $55 - $495

Links: Facebook / Twitter

Favorite Items: Women's Fedora Hat $275 (pictured); 1920s Cocktail Tilt Hat $275; Flapper Cloche Hat $255; Bow Cocktail Hat $250; 1940s Straw Saucer Hat $245; Turban Style Cloche Hat $240; Shaped Beret $255

Memorable Red Carpet Dresses

2012-01-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

I've been doing Dress the Nominee for a few years now, and my goal is always to pick a memorable dress which is not necessarily something that will get you on the best dressed list. Some of you love my choices, some hate them. So you may be wondering, what red carpet looks do I consider memorable?

Halle Berry's yowzah! from Elie Saab in 2001 is one of my favorites. Granted, I'm biased because it's my favorite color, but that top manages to be classy and outrageously sexy all at once. Few woman can pull this off and most would look cheap in the process.

I'm a sucker for a pale girl in saffron because of Michelle Williams. From the color to the makeup to the pewter jewelry, this is a complete home run. (Imagine how boring this would have been in black or beige.) Michelle usually looks nice on the red carpet, but she's never looked sexier than in this dress. For her first trip to the Oscars, this was perfect for introducing yourself as Hollywood's fastest rising star.

What? So I have a thing for Cate Blanchett. Doesn't everyone? She gets it right over an over and has fun doing it. Pale yellow on a blonde? It works (the belt made it memorable for me). How about an ode to armor? Or not just a print, but a big eagle print? Lilac beading with touches of chartreuse? Perfection.

Nicole Kidman is hit-or miss, but these two dresses have stuck with me. It's significant that this chartreuse (again!) John Galliano was worn in 1997. 1997! Great fit plus gorgeous embroidery equals the first time people talked about Nicole Kidman as a legitimate movie star without making it sound like she was riding the coattails of then husband Tom Cruse. In 2005, Kidman wore this peacock blue dress to the Golden Globes. I only remember it because of the feathers. Take the feathers away and it's boring.

It would not be a stretch to say Bjork's swan dress worn to the 2001 Oscars is the most memorable red carpet look of the last 20 years. Most people talk about this dress with disdain, like it's a synonym for crazy, but I like it. Be honest, if that dress didn't have a head, wouldn't you think it was Marchesa?

Lady Gaga is also often used as a synonym for crazy, but I like how she managed to make these normal (The white Armani she had specially altered.) gowns completely her own and wear the hell out of them.

Other memorable looks are memorable because they demonstrate a key fashion principle often forgotten in the scrum to stay off the worst dressed lists. At the 2007 Met Ball, Cameron Diaz remembered the importance of accessories and color. Keira Knightly used a big necklace to accent her dress for her first Oscar trip in 2006. (This dress reminds me of this painting, so it stuck in my head when a dress like that normally wouldn't.) Eva Green thought bigger for the the Cannes Film Festival and made a splash in Dior Couture. For her Oscar night, Julia Roberts went linear. Rihanna (in orange nails) and Marion Cotillard were textural sensations at the 2008 Grammys and 2009 Oscars respectively.

What are your favorite red carpet looks and why do you remember them?

The Horror: Highway Robbery

2012-01-23T08:45:00.003-05:00

Guess how much this peach dress is? You can pre-order it now at Nordstrom for $695. $695! This looks like one of Victoria's Secret's terry cloth cover-ups. It's not even made of silk; it's polyester! The cut is beachy and loose; it by no means involves the sharp tailoring I like in designer clothing. The label is St. John, but that wouldn't get me to think about forking over more than $50 for this dress either. If I were to spend nearly $700 on a dress (hahahaha!), Alexander McQueen has a finely tailored wool dress on sale for $674. This feels like nothing more than practicing Chanel's maxim that rich people will buy things because they are expensive.

This Week On Fashion Me Fabulous (90s Pop Edition)

2012-01-22T09:51:00.000-05:00

Keeping the Books by fashionmefabulous

Getting Piggy Wit It: The Project Runway All Stars design dresses for Miss Piggy. Also, how do you think she did as a guest judge?

Vogue. Strike A Pose: Rate the Golden Globes red carpet looks and see our picks for favorite dresses.

Smells Like Style Spirit: Jael Paris reviews Vidal Sasson: The Movie, a story of a self-made hair pioneer. Be your own pioneer with DIY and fashion inspiration from around the web.

You're Still The One (I want to buy): We've picked professional, work-worthy dresses and shoes so cute & comfy you'll be walking on clouds. Also our Etsy Shop of the Week is full of cute knit accessories.

Project Runway All Stars: Don't Disappoint Miss Piggy!

2012-01-21T12:02:00.002-05:00

This week the All Stars were challenged to create a flamboyant cocktail dress for fashion icon Miss Piggy. I've read a few reviews and recaps that said this challenge was silly and late. (It seemed late because All Stars was originally supposed to start airing late last fall and got bumped back). I thought it was perfect. Miss Piggy wears fabulous clothes and has experienced Madonna-level fashion evolutions. She's done fashion editorials in the lead up to the new Muppets film, and she often out-dresses the celebrities she appears with. Her look is constantly changing, and she has that true diva personality needed for pulling off over the top looks. Also, it was fun, and I think fashion should be fun.

Safe Designers

April doesn't have fun with fashion. For someone who says her look is Tim Burton-inspired every week, she has very little whimsy in her designs. She seems to have disregarded the challenge to design for Piggy, but her dress wasn't as offensive as Mila's so she was in the safe batch.
Jerrell's dress had a lot going on. It was also completely forgettable. Had Heidi been there, she would have yelled at him for the fit, which gave the model saggy boobs and wide waist. Good fabric choices, poor design.
Kara fought with Mondo and Austin over accessories. In past seasons, I've seen the designers race to that accessory wall and claim their goods. I have no idea why everyone left them on the wall this week. I see why Kara fought so hard. The gloves were the only thing about this look that said, "Miss Piggy." I didn't care for the hair and makeup. The cut out would be awkward on a Muppet. The dress design without the cut out, would be so generic I could probably buy it at Target.
Anthony created an unexpected look for Piggy. He didn't go with over-the-top pink, which sadly made the judges over look him. Miss Piggy has been wearing different colors lately. She portrayed a French fashion editor in her latest film so she's been going with fashion forward over Piggy pink. The plume of feathers and multi-directional stripes deserved a top three spot.
Mondo deserved a top three spot as well. If Piggy did a guest spot on Mad Men or had co-starred in The Help, she could have totally worn this dress. It was pink, fun, unique and styled well with the gold accessories, retro hairdo and bow.

Top Three

Kenley landed a top spot, but the judges all talked about her dress like they didn't like it. I could understand this if no other dresses were worthy of the top three, but Mondo or Anthony could have easily taken her spot. The judges weren't sure about the construction of the top. Miss Piggy wasn't sure what wearing giraffe print would say (She knows what leopard print says). The design didn't seem like anything special to me. Piggy did, however, like the hat because it could double as a pot scrubbie.
Rami got a better reaction from the judges, but I still don't think his look belonged in the top. Yes, it was pink and fluffy, but I'm pretty sure my Barbie wore this in 1991. Because of the seaming his did, the polka print was segmented and looked off. The ruffled collar looked especially dated. Fill-in judge, Eric Daman, called it Hog Couture, which offended Piggy. She said, "This is the most Garish Outlandish Ridiculous thing I've ever seen. I love it. It looks like a candy store exploded." Well, if that was the criteria...
Michael has the final top slot and took the win. I don't remember Michael being this good in his season. He's really stepping it up, and I'm impressed. I like the subtle pink running through the dress. I love the structure at the hat. (Eric wasn't sure about it with Piggy's ears, which lead her to karate chop him because he kept bad-mouthing her ears). It's a deserved win, and I super happy none of the other top three dresses won.

Bottom Three

Austin landed in the bottom three for obvious reasons. I like the idea of structure behind his dress, but the fabric choices--type and color--were all wrong. The colors didn't feel vibrant (they were more Bratz doll that Miss Piggy) and the fabric looked a little tortured from all the work he'd done to it. I have no idea what the hip bows are doing. I'm all for bows and even exaggerated hips, but these looked tacked on. (It would have been cool if the bows had been built into structured hips). I agree with the judges that this might work for a space setting. Austin is talented, and with a few tweaks this could have been kind of cool, but I'm starting to question his taste level. (I'm also starting to miss Nina).
Mila, like April, chose to serve her point-of-view over what her client wanted. I know Mila can make over the top, flamboyant dresses. She used to work as a costume designer on projects like Dancing with the Stars, Austin Powers, Glee and Mad Men. I have no idea why she made this. It wasn't original. It wasn't Miss Piggy. It wasn't styled well. It wasn't even some of Mila's better work. I'm glad she's not out yet, but this deserved the bottom two treatment.
Gordana is out. Joanna warned her that this looked too much like a nightie, but Gordana didn't listen. The design wasn't even an original one. I've seen this as a nightie, and I've seen this as a dress. In fact, I've seen this on Miss Piggy--during her child star days on Muppet Babies. This dress being the worst of the bunch says good things for this All Stars season. I can recall times in Runway history when this would have been the best garment just because it looked like clothing. The designers didn't stretch themselves as much as they could have for this challenge, but they are making a better showing than most of the recent Runway seasons.
What did you think of the Miss Piggy challenge? Who are your picks for winner, loser, and top an bottom three? Also, who do you see showing up in the finale? I'm thinking Mondo, Anthony, Michael and maybe Rami right now.

Photo Credit: David Russell

Project Miss Piggy

2012-01-20T09:53:00.003-05:00

Today's Project Runway recap will be late because I'm off to the Detroit North American International Auto Show first thing this morning. In the meantime, lets discuss last night's guest judge apperance from our favorite fashion maven, Miss Piggy.
How did you think the Pig did? Did you wish she could have been up there with the missing Isaac Mizrahi. Or better yet, wouldn't she have been great with Heidi, Michael and Nina? Also, I wish we could have heard the above exchange between Piggy and Joanna Coles. What do you think they're saying?

Etsy Shop of the Week: Olivia Royale

2012-01-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

Shop: The Art and Found by Olivia Royale

Why We Love It: Floppy, wide brim winter hats. Yep, that's why we love it. They are cute, unique and warm. Also, we love hooded cowls/capelets, any shop with a section titled "Wearble Art," crocheted bowler hats, bow tie scarves, and the amount of fun Olivia Royale seems to be having with fashion.

Price Range: $20 - $368

More Info: Like Olivia Royale's work on Facebook and save 10% with coupon code: "SaveHandmade"

Favorite Items: Floppy Brim Winter Hat $40 (pictured); Winter Bowler Hat $38; Bow Tie Scarf in Fig $30; Valentines Day Capelet $52; The Shapeshifter Hat $48

Wear to Work Dresses

2012-01-19T08:17:00.051-05:00

For over a month, I've been applying for job after job hoping to score even an interview. (I was talking to someone about how job hunting is like being set up on blind dates. You go on the date, make a fool of yourself, and still wait by the phone hoping he'll call.) If I finally got one of those blessed calls, I'd want to wear this light plaid sheath from Banana Republic ($119.99) to the interview. Any of the below would be perfect work the first day at a new job.

Top: green polka dot dress, Anthropologie $99.95
light plaid flared dress, Ellen Tracy on Zappos $82.99
pleat front dress, Calvin Klein at Nordstrom $118
navy floral wrap dress, Macy's $89
Bottom: colorblock wrap dress, Nordstrom $158
pale grey cowl neck, Calvin Klein at Macy's $89.98
retro dot dress, Mod Cloth $109.99
pleat neck dress a-line, Target $34.99

Pick of the Week: Walking On Clouds

2012-01-18T10:56:00.002-05:00

I love cute shoes. I love comfortable shoes. I love Mary Jane shoes. These Indigo by Clarks Plush Weave Pumps ($109.99, Endless) are all of those things. I have two pair of Indigo by Clarks shoes. I can wear them all day and still feel like I am walking on clouds. These shoes are so cute, owning them would put me on Cloud Nine. Between the cute and the comfort, I doubt I would have to walk anywhere in these--I would just float along on clouds. Sadly, my wallet only has vapor in it so I'll have to wait for them to go on sale.

Fashion 'Round the Web

2012-01-18T08:10:00.030-05:00

Can I please be as cool as Iris Apfel when I'm in my 90s? (Into the Gloss)

Crochet Cloud has so many amazing designer-inspired DIYs, I can't pick just one to share (although I'm going to try the Miu Miu socks).

In 1902, someone made post cards depicting "women of the future." My cousin the firefighter may disagree with the lady fireman in the corset, but I think I have one of the military jackets. (Retronaut)

Hairpin explains how to make your own solid perfume.

Make your own hardware-trimmed clutch a'la Alexander Wang for under $30. (Runway DIY)

How will the newly launched Plus Model Magazine impact fashion? (Fly & Mighty)

Into studs and other metal accessories? Here's a gallery to inspire you. (Outsa Pop)

Rate the Red Carpet: Golden Globes 2012

2012-01-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

Last week, Jael Paris suggested interesting and fabulous fashion choices for several Golden Globes nominees. As we said earlier today, we were actually quite please with Sunday night's clothing choices. However, a few of our nominees might have done a bit better if they'd let Jael style them.

Rooney Mara was the person to look for last night. She's been showing up in awesome, edgy dresses lately to match her dramatic movie hair. I wonder if Rooney was trying to mesh her former girly look with everyone's edgy expectations since this dress isn't quite as cool as what she's been wearing. I didn't love it. I would have much preferred either of our picks, especially the velvet and feather dress since it's both girly and dramatic. What did you think?

poll by twiigs.com

We love Kate Winslet for her strong anti-plastic surgery stance and general awesomeness, but we've been bored by her red carpet choices. She did go for a slightly more interesting dress with some sparkly details. However, the seems were visibly wrinkled and something about the whole thing looked off. I wish Kate would have been more daring. What's your take on her look?

poll by twiigs.com

Viola Davis is stunning. Her dress, is boring. Also, Viola, don't stand like that. You can point out a slit without standing like that. (Even though you have great legs, so I guess I can't totally blame you for showing them off). I want do see her rocking something more interesting. What say you? Should she drop the Grecian gown and go for it?

poll by twiigs.com

Shailene Woodley wore a very pretty dress. Since she's 20 and routinely stars as a teenager, I can't totally blame her for wanting to grow up her red carpet look so casting directors know she isn't a kid. I wanted to pull up her dress though. It looks like it was sitting too low or about to fall off or something. She slouched a bit in it like she might have felt the same way. What did you think of her dress? Did you wish she went a bit more fun and youthful while she still can?

poll by twiigs.com

Evan Rachel Wood knocked it out of the park. Her dress had it all--feathers, green, sparkles, FEATHERS. She even had great hair and makeup. I know we covered this all in our post earlier today, but she really did a great job. She didn't need our help (although, our picks were cool too). What did you think of her feathered fantasy dress?

poll by twiigs.com

Golden Globes 2012: Our Top Picks

2012-01-17T08:10:00.009-05:00

Part of the reason I even do Dress the Nominee is because the Golden Globes broke me with boringness a few years ago. Safe is neither interesting nor memorable. It's safe. What a change! becca and I had a hard time picking our favorite looks this year because so many celebrities experimented with cut and color and accessories. Our picks demonstrate the importance of accessories, color, design and texture.

Grecian gowns are one of my top offenders for boring, but the details on Emma Stone's dress -- slightly beaded shoulders, interesting color blocking, and a big ol' eagle belt -- take it beyond the usual.

Confession: I can't pass up an English Rose in saffron. If your skin is pure white and you burn by thinking about the beach, please, for me, buy this color and slap on some red lipstick. Be warned, I may stare at you. I couldn't stop staring at Mireille Enos, even though I had no idea who she is and thought she was Jessica Chastain. She looks so amazing in this color I now know her name, know she's on The Killing and know she's married to Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. That dress did a nice share of PR work.

I was crazy-go-nuts for Giles' laser cut swan dress when it came down the runway and immediately saved it to my "awards show dresses" file. Diana Argon wore the perfect hair and makeup with it. This look may have landed her on a few worst dressed lists, but we think it's awesome. It's like she's a delicate paper Valentine.

If people wear something fun on the red carpet, I'm pleased. Still, I don't often want the dress. Evan Rachel Wood, I want your dress! Green! Feathers! Sparkles! Sexy! Great hair! ** swoon ** Kudos as well for the makeup. Too smokey of an eye or too dark of lip would have veered this into gothic territory. Please email editor at fashionmefabulous dot com for shipping info. Thank you.

Check out our Facebook page for more red carpet thoughts.

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie

2012-01-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

Sassoon giving designer Mary Quant a 5-point cut.

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, directed by Bumble & Bumble founder Michael Gordon, is more of a love letter biopic than a straight up documentary. But the slight slathering can be forgiven, because Sassoon really reinvented Gordon's industry.

Vidal Sassoon was born in London right before the Depression. Due to financial constraints, his mother soon dropped him off at a Jewish orphanage. At the age of 14, he was sent back home and his mother decided he would learn the trade of hair dressing. She secured him an apprenticeship in White Chapel, one of the roughest neighborhoods in London. A few more shop jobs, elocution lessons, plus ten years, and Sassoon opened his own shop in 1954.

Like Charles Worth, the late Victorian designer considered to be the father of fashion as we know it, Sassoon did not listen to clients wishes. He was convinced that with the radical changes going on in design, architecture in particular, hair styles would have to change as well. So he opted out of the weekly stiff curl set and preferred to sculpt with just scissors. Thus was born the 60s bob, the 5-point crop and Mia Farrow's famous pixie cut (the creation of which spawned an honest to goodness media frenzy).

Mod supermodel Peggy Moffitt in one of
Sassoon's signature asymmetrical cuts.

If you like movies about self-made men rising from nothing, documentaries about fashion and design or are just contemplating a brave new cut, Vidal Sassoon: The Movie is worth a watch.

This Week On Fashion Me Fabulous

2012-01-14T14:48:00.003-05:00

Army of One by fashionmefabulous

The Big Screen: Jael Paris plays stylist with her red carpet suggestions for some Golden Globes Nominees. If you love movie star style, get the look with these reproductions of famous film fashions from Morningstar84 on Etsy.

The Small Screen: Dive in to Project Runway All Stars with our recaps of episode one's dollar store fashion challenge and episode two's trip to the opera. Also, see our snap judgement of Lifetime's new fashion show, 24 Hour Catwalk.

Off Screen: Get cozy for winter in curvy cords, colorful coats and clearance cashmere. Also, tell us if this thing bootie is a horror movie come to life or a find from a fantasy flick.

Project Runway All Stars: Shock! Horror! Opera!

2012-01-13T17:03:00.001-05:00

The second episode of All Stars wasn't as excellent as the first, but I'm going to blame the producers, not the designers. Actually the designers did amazing things considering the challenge. The designer were challenged by Badgley and Mischka themselves to create a courture-esque opera look. They were given $350, which is a bit low compared to what "couture" challenges have received in the past, but the real budget cut was in the production time--24 hours. Resident gown-maker and high society expert, Austin, explained how impossible this was to the camera and spent the whole challenge looking like he would have to walk the plank after the runway show.

Kenley and Jerrell made my two least favorite safe looks. No one would wear Kenley's pink puff confection to the opera. To prom, to a deb ball, to a Miss Teen pageant, to a Barbie-themed costume party, this dress would make more sense. It's pretty, but I don't think it has the drama or sophistication this challenge was calling for. I can actually see Jerrell's dress at the opera. It would be worn by an eccentric old society woman who lounges around her house in mumus and turbans. She dump her dowdy day clothes for this feathery evening version and a big ole hat. I'm fairly certain that's not the customer the judges had in mind.
Gordana and Rami were two designers who may have benefited the most from more time. They both had really cool ideas. Gordana's dress looked like something Charleize Theron might have worn if Gordana had a chance to finish it. She's an amazing dress maker, so The unfinished details just show how ridiculous the time constraints were. Rami had a cool idea too with the triangles, but it looks rushed. I wish they had been given two days at least.
Mila and Mondo made my favorite of the safe designs. Mila's didn't quite fullfill the challlenge. I don't see this going to the opera. I do see it on a red carpet though. It looked very cool and even moved well. I actually expected Mondo's dress to be in the top. If Holly Golightly met the Jetson, this is what she would have worn. I love it. I don't usually love a short dress with a tacked on train, but I liked out this came together.

The Top three

Anthony. I adore Anthony. Everything he says in funny, even if the words he's saying aren't funny. During his consult with Joanna Coles, she worried that making a gown out of white would be too bridal. Anthony assured her that he was adding edge with a plunging neckline. I worried when I saw he was draping the white that the whole thing would look like a toga. Joanna and I didn't need to worry. It turned out great. The only negative the judges gave him was for his slightly vampy styling. I also love Anthony's confidence. He knew white was a risk, but did it anyway. Even Joanna's warning didn't worry him. He had a vision, and he went for it.
Michael annoyed me a bit when he threw a fit that April was going to do red just like he had planned. Well, he should thank her because switching to this lovely black matte jersey was the best thing he could have done. I am still surprised this didn't win. It was stunning. The construction was amazing for time constraints.
Austin won, and I have mixed feelings about that. I'm not sure his dress was as great as Isaac and Badgley Mischka thought. The gold lamé looked lovely in motions, but it looked wrinkled when it was still. The tulle kept shifting, which the judges even pointed out and allowed Austin to fix. I do think he created an opera-ready, high society style dress. It was probably the most likely to make a trip to the Oscars. I also think it would have popped more if he had been given more time. I think Michael was the winner of this challenge. As much as I'm cheering for Austin, I don't think this was his best work.

The Bottom Three

Kara landed her self in the bottom three with this generic dress in a risky print. I like that she took a risk with a print, but I wish she would have taken a risk with the design (although, again time was not on her side). She deserved the bottom spot. I've seen that dress shape a thousand times. It also felt too junior for the opera.
April's attempt as a red queen corpse bride (I love Tim Burton too, but come on) had the judges as confused as Johnny Depp's mad hatter. I applaud April for trying out color. Sadly Badgley and Mischka hate black and red together, which I like when done right. April didn't do it right. Dying anything on that short of a time schedule was a bad idea and came out looking like it. The dress looked tortured, and so did the model who was wearing it. (Although it photographed better than it looked on TV).
Sweet P is gone. I really like Sweet P. She has a fun and funky vibe. I also just like her as a character on the show. I'm sad to see her go, but neither of the dresses she's made have been good enough make me think she should stay any longer. Her dress was not an evening gown. The judges said the ill-fitting bodice looked like a bad retro bathing suit. Even if this had been re-envisioned as a maxi dress, it would have been a typical and sort of boring one. I'm sad she's gone, but she deserved to go.
What did you think of the loser and the winner? Who's look was your favorite this week? Are you excited about Miss Piggy joining us next week?!

Etsy Shop of the Week: MorningStar 84

2012-01-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

Shop: MorningStar 84

Why We Love It: I frequently watch movies (mostly old ones) or TV shows and exclaim, "I have to have that dress." MorningStar 84 makes in possible with a glittering variety of dress reproductions from famous films and shows. In addition to the screen star reproductions, MorningStar 84 makes vintage reproductions and original retro designs. There is even a selection of vintage clothing.

Price Range: $85 - $1,200

Links: Blog / Facebook

Favorite Items: Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's Dress $195 (pictured); Marilyn Monroe The Prince and the Showgirl Mermaid Dress $1,2000; Audrey Hepburn Funny Face Wedding Gown $250; Mad Men Joan Holloway Wiggle Dress $200; Audrey Hepburn Sabrina Dress (w/ custom slip) $195; Marilyn Monroe Let's Make It Legal Swimsuit $150;

Dress the 2012 Globes Nominee

2012-01-12T08:10:00.072-05:00

Rooney Mara said before The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, she always dressed very girly and feminine. That doesn't exactly work with her movie-related severe hair, but she's been doing a good job of dressing herself. Lots of leather. Lots of black. Lots of modern cuts. But let's swing her back to the feminine end of things. Even with the leather boots and being black, this Regency-inspired Alexander McQueen is terribly romantic (and works with severe hair, clearly). Branching out into color a wee bit, I'm head-over-heels for Azzedine Alaia's burgundy velvet and feather cocktail dress.

Kate Winslet used to be my girl -- anti-tan and anti-size 0, but lately she's been insisting that her tight new body came without a price, that playing with her kids is her only exercise. Kate, there's nothing wrong with saying you exercise. It's a far cry from botox. Anyway, she's been sporting a succession of tight, minimalist dresses on the red carpet lately, and I'd like to break her out of it. Armani Couture offers sharp lines, a body-conscious fit, and spots of femininity, the latter Kate's been lacking. For an even softer look, I love this spotty burgundy dress from Naeem Khan. It's sexy and fun (something else Kate's been missing).

Viola Davis is 46, and has an absolutely rocking body that she'll show off here and there without making it the center of attention (ahem someone else on this list). Her arms are especially toned, so I would showcase them in in this halter gown from Andrew Gn. The sickly green of this Elie Saab would make most women look seasick, but with Viola's dark complexion, she would be absolutely stunning. I'd wear it with gold heels and one chunky gold bracelet.

Shailene Woodley is the young star of Teenagers Who Only Think About Sex, but she's nominated for playing George Clooney's Daughter in The Descendants. That is all I know of her. When young stars make the leap from TV to movies, they often try to demonstrate their serious actor contention by dressing overly conservative. Shailene can avoid that mistake with bright colors and moderately sexy necklines. Both of these dresses are from Naeem Khan.

Evan Rachel Wood has an adventurous style, and I love even her missteps. Not matter what, it looks like she likes what she's wearing and has fun with clothes. Plus, her short hair is really cute. Her pale skin would glow in this tangerine gown from Jasmine Di Milo. If she's feeling more daring, she should snatch Paco Rabanne's body mapped metallic sex goddess dress. You can't go wrong as a sex goddess.

Colorful Coats

2012-01-11T10:59:00.000-05:00

Grey skies, muddied snow, brown grass, naked trees and cars turned chalky with salt and snow splatter all cast a cold, colorless spell on winter's dreary days. Break through the grey gloom with vivid, colorful coats.
Green Grosgrain Tie Coat, Top Shop, $150
Pink Collarless Coat, Old Navy, $49 (was $75)
Seafoam Peter Pan Collar Coat, ASOS, $172.71

Red Standing Collar Retro Coat, Vince Camuto, $239
Green Thinsulate Lady Day Coat, J. Crew, $229.99 (was $325)
Yellow Collarless Military Button Coat, Zappos, $84.99 (was $120)

Rust Belted Notch-Collar Coat, Nordstrom, $138.90 (was $278)
Wine Military Laced-Back Coat, Victoria's Secret, $139.99 (was $188)
Plum Pleated Skirt Coat, Kohl's, $110 (was $220)

Red Ruffle Lapel Coat, New York & Co., $51.98 (was $130)
Blue Reversible Belted Puffer, Victoria's Secret, $118
Red Quilted Coat, Lord & Taylor, $95 (was $190)

Pick of the Week: Curvy Cords

2012-01-11T08:22:00.006-05:00

When the winter wind starts to bite, I shod my legs in denim armor. Daily jeans, however, can get really boring. I'd like to switch things up with some good ol' fashion whoosh-whoosh corduroy pants. Target currently has a curvy cut cord available in four neutral colors, and they're on clearance for $21.24. (Note, the reviews on Target.com suggest buying up a size.) I'm picturing these with a bright orange sweater and black distressed leather boots. How do you wear corduroys?

Snap Judgement: 24 Hour Catwalk

2012-01-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

After the premiere of Project Runway All Stars, Lifetime offered a "sneak peak" episode of their new fashion show, 24 Hour Catwalk, which premieres in it's regular time slot tonight. The previews of the show weren't at all clear how this 24 hour premise would work. It turns out the show is a little like the cooking competition show, Chopped, on the Food Network. Four different designers compete in each episode. During round one, the designer pull something out of a trunk that dictates their first mini challenge. They have a few hours to create a look on a dress form. The judges then eliminate two designers. The remaining designers compete in round two where they must create three-piece collection in just 24 hours.

Round two feels more like Iron Chef because they get help, a bit more time, and have to prepare a three-course meal. They once again open the trunks to reveal the "secret ingredient" that must be used to inspire their collections. Each designer works with three ~~sous chefs~~ professional sewers to help them make their collections. There is then a runway show with an audience. The judges deliberate and a winner is chosen.

The Pros: It's fast fashion, and kind of a fun ride. You don't have to commit to a whole season of Project Runway. Villains and heroes are picked early on. There is more room for wacky designers who could never make a season-long stint on Runway. The fashion is a little weird and funky. The judging panel is pretty impressive. There will probably be some cool DIY ideas along the way. Also, I can't wait for the show to run out of ideas so we have to see people make clothes out of canned tuna and Jessica Simpson's hair extensions (yes this is a pro, I want to see someone attempt that).

The Cons: The fashion probably won't ever be all that amazing or relevant because it's created so quickly with potentially more and more bizarre "secret ingredients." The professional sewers are allowed to express opinions and get mad about time constraints. This amps up drama, but we never hear a peep from sous chefs on Iron Chef, and I don't really want to hear from sewers. It should be about the designer and the fashion. The impressive judging panel didn't make a lasting impression on me at all. For such an action packed show, it already dragged several times in it's first hour. Not a good sign.

Most restaurants are going to sell you an appetizer created in 2o minutes from watermelon, canned sardines, pepper jack cheese, and zucchini, even if it did taste good on Chopped. And most chefs can't express their point of view with those foods. Still, it's fun to watch. This fashion probably won't show up anywhere, but it may inspire a designer to try new things and could be fun to watch once it gels as a show.

Verdict: I'm giving it a try for entertainment value. I won't pretend any worthwhile fashion will come of this (just like I won't eat the food I see on Chopped). I watch Chopped occasionally because I like food and I like to be entertained. I will probably watch this in marathons on snow days because I like fashion and I like to be entertained.

Did you watch 24 Hour Catwalk? What did you think? Will you be tuning in tonight?