Bostonista

Events in Boston May 31st

2012-05-29T11:23:00.001-04:00

I know you're all still recovering from Memorial Day weekend but if you're looking for something to do this week I have two great events to tell you about!

First, stop by French Connection for the Boston launch of the new book, Apron Anxiety!

I've been hearing a lot about Alyssa Shelasky's memoir so I'm excited to get a chance to meet her.

Then swing by DVF Boston for a styling event hosted by Boston Magazine and Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty!

A Celebrity Moment: Diane Kruger at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Fesitval

2012-05-27T15:41:00.001-04:00

I was so excited when I heard that Diane Kruger had been selected to be on the jury for the 65th Annual Cannes Film Fesitval. She's the one starlet I can always count on to be daring, stylish and fun to watch.

So, I was thrilled at the prospect of having ten straight days of new Diane red carpet moments.

(Diane Kruger in head-to-toe Balmain)

Needless to say, from her "comfortable" judging style to her Hollywood glamour gowns, she didn't disappoint.

In fact, despite countless red carpets, premieres and parties with celebrities from all over the world, Diane was the best dressed throughout the entire festival.

I dare you to disagree!

(In custom Nina Ricci)

(Wearing Chanel resort 2013 & Christian Louboutin)

(Versus dress paired with Jimmy Choo's "Katima" sandals)

(In a pink Calvin Klein)

(Jason Wu resort 2013 gown)

(Prabal Gurung fall 2012 with Nicholas Kirkwood for Prabal Gurung fall 2012 stilettos)

(Vivienne Westwood embellished gown- similar V.W. styles available at Net-A-Porter)

(Show stopping at the closing ceremony in Dior HC spring 2012)

(Giambattista Valli HC)

(Thanks to Paris Vogue, The Fashion Spot, Just Jared, and NowFashion for the pictures)

A Model Moment: Gisele in Vogue Paris June/July 2012

2012-05-25T13:21:00.003-04:00

Can I just BE Gisele please?

You can't even hate her for being beautiful because she's ridiculously nice too.

(Pictures courtesy of Vogue Paris; Shot by Inez & Vinoodh; Styled by Emmanuelle Alt)

Events in Boston: A Sip in the Park

2012-05-23T13:58:00.001-04:00

On Friday night I got a little dolled up for A Sip in the Park, at Fenway's EMC to benefit the Boston chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

I met up with my BBF (best blogger friend for those of you not in the know), Renata of Scorpion/Disco for the wine tasting, silent auction, and some style blogger posing.

On Bostonista (left):

Maxi Dress, Old Navy

Jean Jacket, LF

Necklace & Ring, Tiffany & Co.

On Scorpion/Disco (right):

Top: Paula Hian

Skirt: Blaque Label via KarmaLoop

Necklace: Vintage

Scarf: c/o Rag & Bone

Renata's Purse (left), Vintage

My Pure (right), Rebecca Minkoff

I was truly honored to be invited to an event that not only raises awareness to a topic that is still taboo in American society. Suicide and the depression that often precedes it affects millions of Americans and claims the lives of an estimated 36,000 a year. To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention or to get involved visit their site at AFSP.org

Except for the first one all the pictures are credited to the lovely Renata!

A Model Moment: Du Juan at Cannes

2012-05-21T23:40:00.004-04:00

I could actually weep at the beauty of the dress Du Juan wore to the Madagascar 3 premiere at Cannes yesterday.

~~I just can't identify it! Is it Lanvin?~~

~~If you know who its by let me know!~~

The dress is Ellie Saab Spring/Summer 2012!

Thanks to Melissa for the heads up!

(Thanks to The Fashion Spot for the pictures)

Events in Boston: StyleFixx Boston May 2012 Recap!

2012-05-17T14:54:00.003-04:00

Last week, as many of you know, was StyleFixx Boston!

If you weren't there you missed the absolute best shopping party to hit Boston in a long time!

After loading up on delicious munchies from Haru Sushi and Finale Desserts I made my way over to the Dellaria Salon stage to get my hair ironed and decided to take a little risk:

Yes, I finally tried out the dip-dyed trend with a pink and purple color rub!

The temporary solution lasted a few days until I finally washed it out before work on Monday.

I was so obsessed with how it looked I seriously considered making an appointment to have it done permanently! I'm still kicking myself for not buying one of the temporary color rub kits that Dellaria had available!

In need of some new decorating ideas I wandered over to Hivernage NYC's booth to check out their beautiful furniture and accessories selection. Their cozy but glamorous set up was so welcoming that I just wanted to hang out there all night! I could see myself moving into a completely Hivernage-d apartment quite comfortably! I want to fill my home with her pillows and glassware!

Thinking about Mother's Day presents I made my way over to both the Mahi Gold and Needham Lane booths. I'm still regretting not picking up a pair of Needham Lane's Oprah approved slippers for myself!

I was completely charmed by Mahi Gold's adorable set up.

Their white picket fence setup made me feel as if I was on a beach in the Hamptons.

Isn't that hot pink maxi dress so sexy?

Exhausted, I found my way to The Metro's Blogger's Lounge to indulge in a complimentary chair massage. It was a great spot to mingle with the other bloggers at the event and to take the time out to live-tweet the event in a comfortable spot!

I met up with my friends Kyley and Meaghan who wanted to get their hair done by the fabulous Jose Eber. They were so impressed with how well Jose's clip less curling iron curled their stick straight hair that they both bought one!

Doesn't she look beautiful?

I love that the curls give her a sort of flapper vibe!

Of course I had to get back to my own booth for Bostonista Boutique!

We had such a great response to the clothing selection and are thrilled that people are as excited about our summer launch as we are!

It was an amazing two nights of shopping, networking and style!

I can't wait to return to StyleFixx in Boston on October 24th and 25th!

I hope to see you there!

Bostonista Exclusive: My interview with designer Nicole Lebreux!

2012-05-12T13:46:00.001-04:00

(Designer Nicole Lebreux)

These days being green is a bit of a trend.
Everyone loves to be able to say that they recycle, or carpool, or wear "sustainable" clothing.

But what does "sustainable" clothing really mean anyway?

Most of the time, even with the best of intentions, we're leading pretty wasteful lives.

So I was excited to be able to interview one of my favorite local designers, Nicole Lebreux, about her truly green line based out of Rhode Island!

Nicole's handmade line uses vintage and recycled fabrics and is manufactured locally in Bristol, RI and Fall River, MA to help continue the tradition of handmade craftsmanship in New England.

So you can feel good wearing her pieces because you know that they never harm the environment AND they help support our local economy.

What could be better?

Bostonista:

As a designer you take pride in designing an eco-friendly line. What inspired you to be a “green” label? How do you ensure that your clothing is “sustainable”?

Nicole:

My love and respect for nature and the natural beauty of mother earth drives me to protect her as best I can. Not being sustainable was never an option; being environmentally conscious is how I live my life so it makes no sense for my business to be run any other way. I choose to be the change I wish to see in the world by running a fashion company that does not take advantage of our planet or the people on it. Being green isn't just about organic and recycling, its about doing the right thing. I ensure that my garments are sustainable by keeping a close eye on where fabrics are coming from, manufacturing techniques used by the sewing contractors I use (all my garments are designed, cut, and sewn in Rhode Island and Massachusetts I might add), and, well, I do just about everything else so there's tight quality control!

Bostonista:

You’ve said that your favorite part of the process is buying fabrics. When looking for fabrics do you have a specific design in mind or are your silhouettes inspired by the prints and fabrics later?

Nicole:

The fun part about searching for vintage and mill surplus fabrics is that you never know what you're going to find! I've been collecting vintage fabrics for years and my eye tends to go towards big bold prints and bright colors so those themes are naturally found in most of my garments. Sometimes I'll ask the thrifting and auction gods to bless me with slinky knits or monochromatic silks or breezy chiffons if I'm sourcing for a specific idea or garment but most of the time I let the fabrics that I find inspire the garments. Fall 2012 went away from the 60's and 70's florals and more towards geometric and native cultured inspired stripes and motifs. I'm thinking that Spring 2013 will be a mix of florals and geometrics but maybe in a more subdued color palette.

Bostonista:

For your Fall/Winter 2012 collection you created your first original screen print! What prompted you to try your hand on a print this season? Did you know, when you began your line, that it was something that you wanted to do? Can we expect to see more original prints in the future?

Nicole:

I did some screen printing in college at FIT and was really intrigued by the process and the possibilities of using printing techniques on fabric. I have always wanted to incorporate my own surface designs onto fabric but I wasn't sure how. Last fall I had a chance meeting with Molly of Moho Designs at the Sowa Open Market on Harrison Ave in Boston. She expressed her desire to move toward originally designed garments to screen print on and I told her how I would love to create my own printed fabric. The rest is history! We regularly trade pattern making for fabric printing retreats in her beautiful Berkshires studio. It's been a wonderful collaboration!

While I won't do another screen print in the next few seasons I will be experimenting with other fabric printing/dyeing techniques such as silk painting, tie dye, batik, and others I haven't even discovered yet I'm sure. Keep your eyes open for splatter painted layers of sheer fabrics on the runway for Spring 2013!

Bostonista:

What inspired you this season? Many of the runway looks reminded me of “the far East” with lots of layers for the modern girl!

Nicole:

God I love layers! When I was designing the Fall 2012 collection it was the start of the cold months so I was wearing a lot of what I call "bag lady chic", which is basically 3 layers of tank tops and tees with various length sleeves, my signature long leggings, shearling boots, and topped off with a Lebowski-esque grandpa sweater. While that look suited me alone in my studio I needed to create more aesthetically pleasing versions for the runway. I also spent a lot of time studying Egyptian surface design and pottery. Egyptians encompassed such stunning organic geometric shapes and spiritual themes in their work which are so prevalent in today's modern search for meaning. I was very inspired by that which is evident in my screen print design along with the silhouettes and shapes of my Fall 2012 Collection.

You can shop Nicole's collections online at her Etsy storefront!

(Thank you so much to Nicole Lebreux, and everyone at Christina K. Pierce Agency especially Rachel Parmet!)

In other Bostonista business, congratulations to Morgan for winning my give-a-way with Vichy!

Best Dressed MET Gala 2012

2012-05-07T22:01:00.001-04:00

There were many beautiful looks tonight at the Met Gala celebrating the launch of the Schiaparelli & Prada: Impossible Conversation exhibit.

(The exhibit opens to the public on May 10th and runs all summer through August 19th! If you're in NYC at all I highly recommend picking up tickets to see it.)

I was actually surprised that there wasn't more Schiaparelli pink on the attendees!

My favorite gown of the night was worn by one of my favorite models, Jessica Stam!

She rocked the red carpet in a mint and gold "vintage" dress from Dior by John Galliano.

I'm not sure it truly counts as vintage if its less than 20 years old but we all have to mention the difference between Dior and Dior by Galliano now.

Anyway, that rant is for a different day...isn't this just gorgeous?

Mint is the hottest color for spring and I love how she accessorized with the bangles on either arm and dark hair. Plus, her makeup was just divine!

To see more of my favorite red carpet moments from the MET Gala 2012 check out my Pinterest Met board!

(Thanks to IFB for the pictures!)

The Bostonista's Big Announcement...

2012-05-05T19:07:00.003-04:00

I'm so excited to finally be able to announce my top secret project to the world!

I'm thrilled to announce my first foray into the online boutique world at...

BostonistaBoutique.Com

We'll be launching in a few weeks but in the meantime you can come preview my boutique LIVE at StyleFixx on Wednesday May 9th and Thursday May 10th!

Come see me and shop my favorite looks for spring and summer at StyleFixx!

Order your tickets for the event now to make sure you can check out my picks, grab an amazing Swag Bag chock full of products & surprises, and shop 60 vendors!

Find out more about StyleFixx by "LIKING" them at Facebook.com/StyleFixx

Events in Boston: National Jean Company Grand Opening Hosted by Nicole Richie!

2012-05-03T12:31:00.000-04:00

(Nicole heading into the event courtesy of Dina K photography)

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the grand opening party of National Jean Company.

Normally, I wouldn't be too excited about this sort of thing but when I was told that Nicole Richie would be hosting the party I flipped out.

I'm a little bit obsessed with her.

So I was beyond thrilled when I was given press access to attend the event!

To celebrate the opening and introduce the spring collection of Nicole's line Winter Kate the store staged a mini-fashion show.

And then Nicole graced the press room with her presence.

And then, so much for miss sophisticated blogger, I couldn't resist. Rather than ask her a question for you all or talk about Winter Kate I just blurted out, "Nicole? Could I get a picture with you?"

I don't think any of the publicists were too happy with me.

But Nicole was more than happy to pose with me! She was so sweet!

But she's so short I had to practically fall over so that our faces were next to each other. (Maybe heels weren't the best choice that night!) So please excuse how insanely goofy I look!

(Thanks to Dina K Photography for the second picture!)

Anyway, she couldn't have been nicer but from the look on her face in these pictures she's totally thought I was crazy! Oh, and if the other girl with us looks familiar its because she's Miss Massachusettes!

Such a sweetheart!

All in all it was a fun event and another great chance to see my favorite fellow bloggers.

National Jean has a huge selection of great fashion, not just denim, and the store is beautiful so definitely check it out on your next shopping trip!

Don't forget to enter my give-a-way with Vichy here!

AND If you have time on Sunday please stop by my event with Reiss from 12-3!

I'm excited to announce that both The Loft Salon and Define Beauty will be on hand to provide guests with complimentary mini-makeovers! We're also having tea, cupcakes, gift bags for the first 25 guests, a give-a-way, and an exclusive shopping discount! Please come by!

Bostonista Give-A-Ways: Vichy's Capital Soleil Luxurious Protective Oil

2012-04-30T13:11:00.001-04:00

With summer quickly approaching I'm worried about the condition of my skin.

For those of you who don't know I'm incredibly pale and my skin is beyond sensitive so sun protection is always on my mind in the morning.

I was excited to give Vichy's new Capital Soleil SPF 30 Luxurious Protective Oil a shot since I've used many of their products in the past without any irritation to my skin. While it hasn't been super warm the past few days the sun has been out (remember its important to wear sunscreen every day- even when its cloudy!) so I liberally applied the oil after a my body lotion in the morning.

The bottle has a spray so you can easily spray it on those hard to reach spots. I always spray a lot onto my hand and then rub it. I think it gives me a little more control but at the beach its nice to just spray it on quickly.

Like all Vichy products it smells great with just a hint of that familiar sunscreen spell. While this isn't a self tanner it does promise an immediate "sun kissed glow" on application. I didn't use it on my face (the last thing my face needs is more oil) but I did notice a brighter tone to the skin on my arms and legs.

It also feels amazing without that greasy, sticky feeling that usually comes along with sunscreen. It honestly feels more like a body lotion than a sun protector maybe thanks in part to its white grapeseed oil, extra vitamin E and gelling polymer ingredients!

I've been using it for the past five days and even my extremely sensitive skin hasn't had any kind of negative reaction!

I'm thrilled to be able to offer one of my readers a full sized bottle of Capital Soleil Luxurious Protective Oil (SPF 30) just in time for the start of summer!

To enter to win leave a comment telling me your favorite fun in the sun activity along with your email address in this post then "Like" Vichy and The Bostonista on Facebook!

Good luck!

(I'll be picking a winner on Wednesday, May 10th!)

Join Me and Reiss for an Afternoon Tea!

2012-04-28T11:01:00.002-04:00

I hope you all can join me on Sunday, May 6th for an afternoon of tea and shopping at Reiss on Newbury St!

Events in Boston: Rag & Bone Grand Opening on Newbury St

2012-04-25T17:04:00.000-04:00

(Rag & Bone Newbury St, Courtesy of Nina Farmer)

On Friday night I met up with my dear friend, Renata from Scorpion Disco, to attend the grand opening of Rag & Bone's new store on Newbury St.

It was an exciting night.

Designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville's latest store is gorgeous and really captures the laid back but luxe vibe of Rag & Bone.

Marcus & David were in town for the grand opening and mingled with guests, and showed off some of their favorite styles for summer.

I'd been in a few week earlier because I've been so obsessed with Rag & Bone for so long!

I'm happy that Boston finally got their attention!

We mingled, browsed, met and fell in love with a Patriot, drank champagne.

Normal fashion event fare.

And then they arrived.

Boston's royal couple, Tom Brady & Gisele, pulled up.

The store went silent. iPhone's were whipped out.

Sophistication went out the door as everyone jostled to the front of the store for a better look.

Yes. That's me and Renata. With Gisele.

And, for those of you looking for dirt, she couldn't have been sweeter!

And, of course, since he was there....

He is amazingly tall. His hand was on my back and it was so massive I thought a grizzly bear's paw was resting against me.

But mostly we watched Gisele's every movement.

I know everything looks amazing on her but I'll be getting myself a Rag & Bone hat or two.

It was an amazing evening made even better by so many of my favorite fellow blogger's being there!

Thanks so much to everyone at Rag & Bone for the hospitality!

Beauty Obsession: Lavender Lips...

2012-04-23T11:25:00.001-04:00

Purple lips probably conjure up images of high school goths, Halloween, and bad make up artist portfolios.

But I think there is way to do a purple pout with elegance and have it look almost natural instead of costumey. Not that I don't appreciate Gaga's beauty POV, and of course there are times when plum works, but I find the right color of lavender to be great for every day life.

For just a glimpse of purple I suggest going the sheer route.

I've been using Benefit's ultra-shine gloss in Kiss Me for a delicate wash of color.

When I want a just a tad more drama I use a light layer of MAC's lip pencil in Magenta before the gloss. It helps keep the color longer and prevents the gloss from bleeding.

To really pack a purple punch I use Buxom's Big & Healthy lipstick in Acapulco a vibrant lilac that smooths lips while also "plumping" them. Use in moderation for a natural look.

So why do I love lavender lips?

For one, it's unexpected so I never blend into a crowd when I rock it but it also gives my face an amazing glow like no other product.

What is your favorite lip look?

Bostonista Musings: It's Been A Hard 2012 So Far...

2012-04-17T17:18:00.001-04:00

Marilyn Monroe & Arthur Miller photographed by Richard Avedon

I try not to use Bostonista as a place to vent or to talk about my personal life.

It's a fashion blog, this is (obviously) not a personal style blog or a dating blog or my private journal, and I assume most readers come to see pretty pictures or enter contests.

I try to respect that.

At the same time, I don't really have any other outlet for my frustrations.

And I've been frustrated a lot recently.

A lot of things have changed in my life since the beginning of the year.

One of them excellent; Most of them life changing.

Around the end of February the man I thought I'd be with for the rest of my life, who I have waited (not always so) patiently for for the past 7 years, dropped a bombshell. It still, all these weeks later, feels like a twisting knife in my gut.

I was hired for a new job. One actually IN fashion and I couldn't be more excited about it! I'm really happy to part of the team at StyleFixx as a fashion editor and I hope it will only help me add to and grow my blog. I'm still working part-time at a school so I'm balancing both through June and it's a little stressful but mostly amazing.

(I'll see you ALL at StyleFixx Boston 2012 on May 9th and 10th, RIGHT?)

Then, said man, dropped back in to my life for a brief, incredibly painful hour with yet another revelation.

That afternoon, as he broke my heart over and over, my mom kept calling my cell.

When I had finally composed myself enough to use the phone I called her back and found out that my Nana had been taken to the hospital but seemed to be okay.

In a fit of fury at man #1 I went on a date with a new guy and over a few weeks we fell into an easy rhythm and I thought he'd be a good summer fling to help take my mind off of man #1.

Two weeks later my Nana, an ever present voice in my head, passed away.

Bostonista turned 4 and I forgot to celebrate or acknowledge it.

Happy Belated Fourth Birthday, blog!

I also have another fun project in the works with Reiss Boston!

Since the funeral I've been stressed out, prone to cry at anything, and somehow even more resentful towards man #1. You can't even send a sympathy card, you bastard?!

But at least I had man #2 to hang out with, right?

Nope.

Today he decided that I want something more serious then he is willing to ever be (which I really, really don't) and so we should just be friends. The last thing I want after what man #1 did is a relationship.

Maybe I was too comfortable too quickly? Apparently, I'm not "fling" material to him, which is odd because every other guy I've ever met has always thought I was only "fling" material. I guess I could argue and try to change his mind but I don't care enough.

I'm honestly just bummed to not have a guy to hang out with.

I realize that the last paragraph doesn't help me come across as very sympathetic, or even very likable, but I'm bitter.

At least my hair looks really blond today.

Some pretty pictures so I'm not entirely off topic:
(For more gorgeous pictures, outfit inspiration, and visual candy check out Bostonista's Pinterest. It has 100% less self-pity. I promise)

I actually feel a little better.

Thanks for listening.

Maybe I should change the name of my blog to Bitter Blond!

Confabulous Cases Giveaway Winner!

2012-04-17T15:41:00.000-04:00

And the winner of my Confabulous Cases give-a-way is...

Carolyn @ Sparkle, Glitter & Shine!

Congratulations Carolyn!

If you're so sad that you didn't win remember that you always can shop Confabulous online AND if you prefer to shop them in person Confabulous Cases will be at StyleFixx Boston 2012 on May 9th and 10th!

Now that I'm working at Stylefixx as a fashion editor I hope I'll be seeing you all at the event!

Get your tickets for StyleFixx now!

Bostonista Give-a-Way: Confabulous iPhone Case!

2012-04-09T13:43:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you but when I finally got an iPhone last summer one of the things I was most excited about was all the case options!

Unfortunately, I've found the most stylish cases to also be the most expensive.

So I was incredibly excited to hear about Boston-based Confabulous Cases! The genius idea uses a clear backed Griffin iPhone 4 case with original designs on thin inserts. You can slip the case off and change the insert as often as you like! Once you have the clear case inserts are only $1.95-$3.95 each and at those prices your iPhone could have a different look every day of the month!

I'm excited to team up with Confabulous to offer my fabulous readers a chance to win a Confabulous Cases cluster!

If you win you'll receive a clear backed Griffin iPhone 4 case (fits iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S), 3 inserts of your choice and 1 deluxe insert.

To enter follow both @thebostonista & @confabcases on Twitter.

For an extra entry "like" both Bostonista and Confabulous on Facebook.

For a THIRD entry follow Bostonista on Bloglovin.

Make sure to comment on this post with your email & facebook/twitter info so I can verify your entries!

The winner will be announced on Tuesday April 17th!

Good luck!

Family Photos

2012-04-04T21:26:00.000-04:00

(My Papa & Nana in the 60s)

As I shared with you all last week my Nana passed away on March 24th.

Even though she was 93 years old- I was shocked and am still completely devastated.

Today, I stopped by the Longchamp store on Newbury St., to find something to lug my laptop around in.

I bought a Le Pliage (I know, I know, I remember my rampage about them too) and then started driving back to the 'burbs. On the way I thought, "Oh good! I have time to stop by Nana's to show her my new bag before I go to work!" I was almost completely home before I remembered. It hit me so hard I had to pull over.

I guess you think it's weird that I was anxious to show my grandmother what I'd just bought- but since my love of all things fashion emerged I've shown Nana every new purchase immediately. She always wants to see my bags, boots, shoes, dresses, etc. Then she'd tell me about how she used to wear spikes every day, never wore "dungarees" and was always "dressed". Nana always had impeccable but expensive taste in jewelry so I'd always present my wrists and ears for inspection as well.

While we were pulling together old snapshots for a slide show at the wake I saw for myself the fashionable side of Nana that I had only glimpsed in the past.

One of my cousins even remarked, "I guess we know where you get your style!"

I just wanted to share some pictures of my beautiful Nana because she's still inspiring me.

My brother kept calling this one an album cover because of the pose and the wind in her hair.

Nana and my mom at the beach.

At my uncle's high school graduation.

A photo Nana took for my Papa, who was in the Navy, to wake with him during WWII- and the love note she wrote on the back.

A Celebrity Moment: Jennifer Lawrence Covers Interview Germany

2012-03-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

Sorry that my Hunger Games count down was cut short. A lot of things have been going on in my life, most recently the passing of my grandmother on Saturday and I haven't been in much of a fashion mood.

To get a bit more Katniss in your life I decided to post her cover for Interview's Germany edition.

Can I look exactly like that please?

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 3 Cinna

2012-03-21T21:02:00.000-04:00

Day 3 of my Hunger Games countdown and it's time to take a look at fan favorite, Cinna!

He's being portrayed by rocker/actor Lenny Kravitz and I think the casting was spot on.

Cinna is the voice of reason in the luxurious mayhem of the Capitol. His simple personal style, black pants, button down shirt is enhanced by only subtle gold eye liner- a stark contrast to the Capitol's other stylists with their surgically altered appearances, dyed skin, and gem-encrusted facial tattoos.

He quickly gains Katniss' trust with his steady eyes and beautiful designs.

He may be forced to play The Hunger Games but he plays it on his own, subtly subversive, terms.

Cinna has a lot in common with designer Tom Ford. In fact, Lenny has even given interviews that he based a lot of his character on Mr. Ford.

Tom also prefers a simple uniform and can usually be found with his first few buttons undone.

He has also carved out a powerful career without following industry rules. His in-your-face sexuality at Gucci and YSL launched a glamorous career until 2004 when he left Gucci Group and took time away from the fashion world. Instead of fading away into obscurity his time off only increased his mystique.

Now that he's back in the womenswear game he's continued to shun the fashion mayhem by presenting collections only every six months (no resort or pre-fall madness) and, controversially, showing only to a small group of editors and buyers with the promise that they take no pictures (no tweet pics!) and write no reviews.

Like Cinna, Tom has been able to stay true to himself while still playing the fashion game.

(My favorite looks from Tom Ford's S/S 2012 collections courtesy of Tom Ford)

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 4 Peeta Mellark

2012-03-20T22:49:00.001-04:00

I've already got my tickets for The Hunger Games on Friday night- do you?

Four days to go and today I thought we'd look at District 12's best artist, Peeta Mellark.

So which real life designer do I think is the most like Peeta?

Only Lanvin's Alber Elbaz could come close.

Both men are thoughtful, kind, and talented.

While Peeta crafts beauty out of despair with his cake decoration and paintings Alber masters the world with his extraordinary designs and horticultural talent!

(I bet you didn't know that Elbaz is quite the gardener at his holiday home in Antwerp. It might be Amsterdam. I can't remember. But he does garden quite well!)

They also both have a history of being the outsider- As a District 12 tribute Peeta doesn't stand much of a chance in The Hunger Games and Alber Elbaz has experienced life on the outside after being replaced at YSL by Tom Ford.

My favorite looks from Lanvin's 2012 collections and Peeta showing off his extraordinary painting skills for the Game Makers.

(Collage by TheBostonista.Com, Pictures courtesy of Style.Com, and People Magazine)

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 5 Effie Trinket

2012-03-19T12:45:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with The Hunger Games.

The movie version is being released on Friday and, even though I still think the part should have gone to Hailee Steinfeld, I'm finally coming around to Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss.

(Jennifer Lawrence in Prabal Gurung at The Hunger Games premiere)

While I was re-reading book one I started imagining the characters as real life fashion designers.

To celebrate the movie being released in theaters on Friday I'm doing a sort of count down- sharing a character and their designer counterpart each day this week.

Today we're looking at District 12's Capitol appointed mentor, Effie Trinket.

(Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket)

The epitome of disgusting excess, Elizabeth Banks' has described her character as "basically a villain."

I tend to disagree with this assessment. Yes, she works for The Capitol, is motivated by fame, and helps to send children to gruesome deaths but she also comes to genuinely care for Katniss and Peeta.

As Katniss explains to Gale about her prep team in Mockingjay, "They're not evil or cruel. They're not even smart. Hurting them, it's like hurting children."

That's kind of how I feel about Effie.

Some might say Effie's real world counterpart would have to be Donatella Versace, and while I agree to an extent, I think you'd have to roll in 90% Roberto Cavalli to really understand Effie.

With his Fall 2012 collection Cavalli took opulence and excess to a whole new level trimming looks with miles of fur, creating sequined animal print pants, and using python skin as the primary "fabric".

If anyone in the real world would fit comfortably in to life in the Capitol it would have to be Roberto.

(Collage by TheBostonista.Com, pictures courtesy of Lionsgate and Style.Com)

Bostonista Obsessions: CC Skye

2012-03-12T11:47:00.000-04:00

Lately, CC Skye's jewelry collection has been spot on for me.

She just has an uncanny ability to turn the biggest trends into covetable, wearable pieces.

Right now I'm lusting after the Neon Multi Chain necklace.

Wouldn't it look amazing with a plain white tee?

Events in Boston: Fashionably Late with Emily Muller

2012-03-08T15:25:00.002-05:00

Bostonista

Events in Boston May 31st

A Celebrity Moment: Diane Kruger at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Fesitval

A Model Moment: Gisele in Vogue Paris June/July 2012

Events in Boston: A Sip in the Park

A Model Moment: Du Juan at Cannes

Events in Boston: StyleFixx Boston May 2012 Recap!

Bostonista Exclusive: My interview with designer Nicole Lebreux!

Best Dressed MET Gala 2012

The Bostonista's Big Announcement...

Events in Boston: National Jean Company Grand Opening Hosted by Nicole Richie!

Bostonista Give-A-Ways: Vichy's Capital Soleil Luxurious Protective Oil

Join Me and Reiss for an Afternoon Tea!

Events in Boston: Rag & Bone Grand Opening on Newbury St

Beauty Obsession: Lavender Lips...

Bostonista Musings: It's Been A Hard 2012 So Far...

Confabulous Cases Giveaway Winner!

Bostonista Give-a-Way: Confabulous iPhone Case!

Family Photos

A Celebrity Moment: Jennifer Lawrence Covers Interview Germany

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 3 Cinna

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 4 Peeta Mellark

The Hunger Games Countdown: Day 5 Effie Trinket

Bostonista Obsessions: CC Skye

Sponsored Post: Date Night Denim

Events in Boston: Fashionably Late with Emily Muller