Spring Trends: Nude

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I took a little break to take in all of that "Obamania" since I knew that everyone would be talking about Michelle's dresses and every single thing Obama did this week..

But I've decided that in honor of new beginnings, I would do a couple of posts on spring fashion, especially since the RTW fall shows are just around the corner. Time really flies doesn't it?

The first trend I'm documenting is nude! At first I was so disappointed to see a lack of colour in some of my favourite spring shows, but I'm really falling in love with this trend. First of all, it's sexy! When worn in particular ways, nude can be a substitute for actually bearing one's skin. Second, it's versatile. There isn't much that doesn't go with neutral colours, and your looks can be punched up with colourful accessories - look out for the next trend: statement jewellery. Lastly, it's simple. This is most important because times are hard in economies worldwide and it's so easy to follow this trend on the cheap.

I've put together some outfits demonstrating how you can wear nude from day to night. I'll add an office look if there is a demand..enjoy!

For colour choices note that traditional "skin" tones work best on women with olive and darker complexions, while those with paler skin should try pink or gold.

Hot or Not?

Uh-oh, not another one of these hip hop fashionista clones! Teairra Mari is back, which I thought might be a good thing because I'm dying for some new R&B! After hearing her first single though (and Christina Milian's for that matter), it's clear that I'm not going to get any.

But back to Teairra's outfit. She is dressed head to toe in Louis Vuitton (the Stephen Sprouse collection), which is a little weird. Is there an endorsement deal in the pipeline? I highly doubt it. But would her stylist really do this to her? Admittedly, she does look kind of cute in a high school kind of way. Her whole revamped "high-fashion" look is clearly to compete with Rihanna, but she's coming across as the poor man's Rihanna with this. I think maybe if she removed the scarf, ditched the LV speedy bag and opted for a clutch and some opentoe booties, I might like it.

What do you guys think of her look?

Will Smith in Madrid: Seven Pounds Premiere

This is completely superfluous, but did you guys see Will Smith at the Seven Pounds premiere in Madrid? I mean I know he's a married man.. (I say that as if that's the only thing standing between he and I, lol).. but he was looking fione! I went through all the possible terms I could use to describe his sexy and none of them seemed good enough, so I had to go with a throw back from I don't know.. 1993? But whatever. The point is, he looks so young and fresh (no pun intended), and I love his suit. I know this is a fashion blog, but I have no idea who designed this grey suit. I just needed you guys to see this. And I'm not usually a fan of the skinny tie, but it works!

If I can find out who dressed him, I mean other than Jada, I will update this post. For now, just enjoy :)

Update

I still don't know who Will is wearing, but I just found this photo of Rosario Dawson at the Rome premiere for Seven Pounds. I've always been a fan of her style, but she blew me away in this strapless Bottega Veneta dress. It's so simple, but she has never looked more gorgeous. I'm speechless..and kind of in love.

(no homo...not that there's anything wrong with that)

Jourdan Dunn on the cover of Elle France

I adore Jourdan Dunn. She is quickly becoming my favourite fashion model, next to Liya Kebede and Agyness Deyn. She recently graced the cover of Elle France, and I just wanted to post it because I think she looks amazing. I can't believe how young she is! It must be crazy to get discovered in the mall and then almost overnight you're this huge sensation. In November she was awarded model of the year at the 2008 British Fashion Awards, which was awarded to Agyness Deyn in 2007.

I've highlighted the racism ingrained in the fashion industry before, so I won't go there again, but I think Jourdan is an extremely important figure in the industry right now because she is a black woman. She is closest thing we've had to a supermodel in years. And she sells. This is said with no intention to take away from her beauty and talent, however. I don't want this to be a Barack situation!

Here are a few photos of Jourdan appearing on the spring 09 catwalks for 1. Alexander McQueen, 2. Prada, and 3. Rodarte

2009 Golden Globes Fashion

I was perusing the internet early this morning and I think it’s really funny to see all these best and worst dressed lists with the same looks ending up on either side, depending on the reviewer. Some were so skewed i.e. if you won, or at least appeared in something successful over the past year, you looked great. At least the awards show itself was pretty fair, unlike the MTV Music Video Awards.. where apparently you can sweep the show if you work out, take a shower, and put on a sparkly dress - you know, instead of shaving your head and going to mental institutions.

But, I digress. And not to belabour the point, but here's another subjective list :) I have a definite number 1, but there were so many great looks on the red carpet that there's only a rough ordering on the rest. I'd love to hear your thoughts so please vote in the comment section on your favourite looks. Let's get started!

1. Kate Beckinsale was an absolute dream in this white, sculpted custom-made J. Mendel gown.


2. A close second was Eva Longoria, who looked ravishing in this red Reem Acra fishtail gown.


3. Evan Rachel Wood's tiered black Elie Saab gown was to die for. She looked absolutely amazing from top to bottom.


4. Kate Winslet was a classic beauty in this strapless Yves Saint Laurent gown.

5. Rumer Willis was a pleasant surprise in this plum number with black belt. The bodice fit a little too low, but the dress is gorgeous - my favourite purple of the night.

6. Beyonce brought the sex appeal with this form fitting bejewelled gown - another Elie Saab creation. P.S. I hope Jay brought an oxygen tank - can she breathe?

7. I know you may think 7 is an odd number with which to end a list, but it's my blog and I can do what I want. But seriously, this last one just slipped in above the rest. I LOVE Sandra Bullock, and I was really impressed with, and a little shocked by her choice. The asymmetric top is very "now", the nude colour is also very current, the turquoise clutch is inspired, and I love the shape of this Christian Dior gown. My list just wouldn't be complete without her because she shows how a woman can look absolutely radiant without the glitz & glam, boobs & booty, and even without colour. She is the anti-JLo.

And lastly, a tip of the hat to Gilles (J.) Mendel for doing his thing all over the red carpet. Don't forget to vote!

Kanye West for Louis Vuitton: Boat Shoe Sneaker?

Kanye West has recently revealed the first of 6 shoes that he is expected to design for Louis Vuitton in a long-rumoured collaboration. Going for a clean design, given the LV brand, he has produced a deck shoe/AF1 hybrid.

I had no idea that men were heavy into boat shoes, but apparently these are what's hot in the streets. Well to clarify, low-cut, loafer type shoes in general are hot, with some dudes venturing into the boat shoe territory. On the one hand, I think it's cool that street style is evolving, but on the other, I think this is going to lead to another strain of resistance against the "ghettoization" of high class style.

That aside, I'm torn on Kanye's collaboration. Is Kanye a style maven? In my opinion, no. Being different is cool, even encouraged. But in Kanye's case it's just so forced. He just seems to throw things together as if he is anti-trendy. That's not style, it's a hot mess. Nonetheless, he is a huge name, and the self-declared "Louis Vuitton don", so this collaboration will undoubtedly be magic business-wise for both parties.

I do think the shoe is kind of cool. An astute commentator on hypebeast.com noted:

"..It has every element that’s in right now with the elite contemporary shoe buyer. It has the backing of a hiking inspired ankle/heel support. The trim of a loafer, the silhouette of a vans authentic, and the styling of a top-sider.."

I'll have to agree that it's a good idea. However, the execution needs some work. Just like in his personal style, he needs to work on refining his ideas. The wings at the back take away from the clean look of the shoe, and the sole is just a little too thick for a low-top. We'll give it a B+. But I look forward to seeing what else he has in store - way to build the suspense (and get some early feedback) Mr. West.

Speaking Of..

In my last post I mentioned the Notorious premiere which I wasn't going to cover because fashion-wise, it was a sordid affair. But, I couldn't mention Angie's dress and not show you guys what I was talking about. But before we get to that, my choice for favourite look of the night goes to who else, but Diddy. Say whatever you want about the man, the dude knows how to put an outfit together. Pay close attention to the shirt and tie combo if you have doubts..jeeze.

Next up, I really liked Naturi's dress as well. She was the only woman there to really impress me. Sorry Ciara. Plus, check out the neckline!!

And now that the suspense has been built, check out Angela's dress. I couldn't get a great shot, but isn't it cute? I just love how playful it is, and I love the colour on her. Still too flowy though!

As for Diddy's "unofficial girl".. I'm divided. At first, I flat out hated this. Now it's growing on me, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I like it. You can't tell in this picture, but the fit isn't great. And I don't get how this is what you wear to a movie premiere, nor do I get the school band motif. But she looks pretty as always..

Updates:

I hadn't seen these pictures of June Ambrose and Antonique Smith when I first posted this entry. Sorry Naturi, but these are definitely my favourite looks of the night - with Ms. Ambrose winning by a long shot. But as a stylist to the stars, I wouldn't expect much less.