Mila Kunis in March W

I had mixed feelings about Black Swan as a movie, but Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis were FANTASTIC.  Also annoyingly gorgeous, as Mila Kunis is in this month's issue of W.  Clearly the spread had some Black Swan influences (hello, lace/tulle/black feathers), and while the clothes are lovely, I'm having serious hair and eye makeup envy here.  I really like the texture of her hair.  This is a serious hair crush, kids.

Images via justjared.buzznet.com.

The Family Circus

This W spread (from the December issue) is fantastic.  I love anything that's a twist on a fairy tale, and this is a dark/glam twist on fairy tales.  The heavy snow effects only add to the magical quality of it all.

Also I'm really excited for all these fairy tale movies coming out soon.  This is the Red Riding Hood trailer (2011).


 And I was excited for this, but on rewatching the trailer...hm....Although I do like anything with talking sassy horses.


The Family Circus, shot by Paolo Roversi for W Magazine, featuring Lindsay Wixon, Arizona Muse, and Britt Maren.

Images from wmagazine.com.

Spotted: Leighton Meester in Vera Wang

Sorry for failing yesterday.  I spent the majority of the day huddled on the futon re-reading social psychology notes and stressing about midterms.  Fun times!  To make up for said failure, here's a fab picture of Leighton Meester on the set of the ad for a new Vera Wang fragrance, and presumably wearing Vera Wang.

There's just so much pretty here--the juxtaposition of the fishtail ballgown and the fire escape, the undone hair against the drama of the dress, and that gorgeous berry-burgundy color.  Drool.  I die.  This paparazzi shot could be the actual ad, it's so well-composed.

Image from jezebel.com.

Inspired by: Marie Antoinette

I'm probably the only person out there who actually liked the Marie Antoinette movie that came out a couple years ago. It might not have been the most plot-driven movie ever, but it was definitely visually inspiring. The Manolo Blahnik shoes, the frothy dresses, the candy colors, Kiersten Dunst, the music, the ridiculous food. It's just a really fun movie to watch (fun fact, the last time I watched it was right after I got my wisdom teeth out and was hopped up on painkillers.  Fun, fun times).  I loved the super girly, romantic style of the movie, and so I rounded up a couple of dresses and such that I thought fit a modern take on the Marie Antoinette style--lots of pastels, lace, sparkles, lingerie inspiration, etc.






Bird by Juicy Couture Wool-cashmere Sequined Cardigan, $450 at net-a-porter.com, Alice + Olivia Georgette Draped Mini-dress, $370 at net-a-porter.com: I feel like Marie Antoinette would have been all over this cardigan.  It's pink, it's (partially) cashmere, and it's covered in sequins but doesn't manage to look like a disco ball.  I'd pair this with something simple, maybe a pair of dark wash, Audrey Hepburn cropped jeans and a plain white v-neck.  This dress is a more subtle option--the sumptuous draping really reminded me of the period, and since it's balanced out by the simple top and black waist-detail, it doesn't come across as too heavy or old-fashioned.

L'Agence Crepe Belted Dress, $350 at net-a-porter.com, ALICE by Temperley Claudia Stud-embellished Skirt, $250 at net-a-porter.com: My favorite outfit in Marie Antoinette was her nightgown.  So pretty.  The lingerie-inspired pieces in that film at fantastic.  I picked this dress because it had a similar boudoir feel, in a very pared-down, modern way.  The little ruffles at the neckline and the bow at the waist could have come straight out of the film, but the slip dress silhouette is very now, so it all works.  I heart this skirt.  The bow and the pale pink hue totally fit with the vibe of the movie, and I think that the offbeat combination of the studs with the girly pencil skirt is something Marie Antoinette would have approved of (girl made some daring fashion choices).  How adorable would this be with a plain white tank and some layered necklaces?

Paul & Joe Festi Lace Mini Skirt, $590 at net-a-porter.com, Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Satin Bag, $1,185 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt has a similar thing going on--very conservative, girly cut and material, and then you get the pop of edginess with the detailing--the zippers here.  Come to think of it, this would great for a holiday party, no?  This bag just kills me.  The feather, the purple silk, the chain strap, it all reminds me of the outfit she wears to the party in Paris she sneaks off to.  It's all very dramatic, but in a refined, feminine way.  If only that price tag was cut in half.  Or thirds.  Or eighths.

Also, I'm dying to get my hands on this.

Images from screenmusings.org, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.

Current Fashion Inspiration: Only Girl in the World

I know I'm a little slow to catch on with this one, but I really love the newest Rihanna video, Only Girl in the World.  I like the song, but I love the staging and the clothes--it's shot with extreme color filters in some chaparral hills around southern California.  The clothes have a great, faded post-Apocalyptic color palette, and the clothes themselves are really girly, which makes for a fun contrast.  


Rihanna: Only Girl in the World.  Watch it.  Trust me.



So of course I had to use this as an excuse to go shopping and find some pretty clothes that were inspired by the video.

Alice + Olivia Dress with Organza Skirt, $298 at shopbop.com, Elizabeth & James James VI Blazer, $395 at shopbop.com: The skirt on this dress is basically identical to one she wears in the video.  On top of that, it's pretty, the faded rose hue is romantic without being too cutesy, and the contrast between the streamlined, fitted top and the textured, voluminous skirt works perfectly.  For a more structured take on the look, and a fun twist on the usual officewear, you could do a boyfriend blazer in a mauvey-beige like this Elizabeth & James blazer.  The boyfriend cut balances out the quirky feminine hue, and the slight sheen of the fabric gives it all an offbeat twist.

By Malene Birger Baquilla Mohair Sweater, $235 at shopbop.com, Alice + Olivia Cascade Cardigan, with Fur Collar, $550 at shopbop.com: There were a fair amount of knits and furs in this video, both of which can look really heavy if you aren't careful.  I'd follow Rihanna's lead her and stick with muted pastels and lighter fabrics.  The open knit of this first sweater looks a lot like Rodarte, which goes with the aesthetic of the video nicely, and the slouchy fit keeps all that sheerness from being too sexy.  The black-tipped pink-fur collar on this second cardigan is just sick.  In a good way.  Combined with the pink cashmere sweater, the pink fur is very daytime girly-glam, and then when you add in the black accents and the hook and eye closures it all takes on a deliciously dark twist.

Alice + Olivia Marianna Rhinestone Dress, $596 at shopbop.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Laser-Cut Silk Dress, $695 at net-a-porter.com: If you want to go the fairy princess route, which she definitely explores in this video, do it in mixed textures and a lovely warm, dusty rose-beige like these dresses.  The rhinestones, bows, and ruffles of the Alice + Olivia dress would almost be too much if it weren't for the haphazard nature of the layers on the skirt and the faded, neutral colors.  The laser-cutting on this Phillip Lim dress, combined with the handkerchief hem and uneven layers takes what would be a very feminine babydoll dress and puts it in more Rodarte territory.  It's pretty on first glance, but then you start to realize that something's a little off.  Which is the best part.

The key to styling pieces like these is to keep in mind that they are very girly, and need a little rustic or edgy twist to keep them from being too precious, like a pair of brown leather boots or a little motorcycle jacket.


Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com.

Georgia May

My day today went something along the lines of: MIDTERMMIDTERMPAPERPROBLEMSETMIDTERM, so I'm taking it the easy way out, and going to sleep early.


To tide y'all over until tomorrow, here are some pics of Georgia May Jagger (yes, Mick's daughter) in this month's Bazaar.  It's the year of the gap teeth, officially.  Oh, and it's all shot by Hedi Slimane.  Of course.

Images from fashionmag.us.

Loving the Look: Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley basically always looks awesome, but I feel like she looks especially awesome here at the Chanel show.  The combination of the girly, pastoral dress and the boyish blazer is totally fab, but can we just talk about the hair?  That streamlined bob is so darn chic!

Images from gofugyourself.com.

Lara Stone in W

It's time for Friday inspiration!  Woooot.  Here's my favorite spread of the month, Lara Stone in W modeling some looks from Versus (the brainchild of Christopher Kane and Versace).


Lara Stone is officially my favorite model, for two reasons.  One, she's a really good model--that girl is a chameleon.  Two, she has such a unique and interesting look, and she totally works it.  The curves and the gap teeth are part of what make her different from the army of clone-like eastern European 16 year olds.

So simple, but so ridiculously chic.  She even looks good with no eyebrows.  Sigh.


Images from picsandmodels.blogspot.com

Backstage at Roberto Cavalli

There's no runway coverage today, gals!  I think we all need a bit of a breather, and time to stare at mindlessly pretty things.  Like the hair and makeup from the Roberto Cavalli show a few days ago.  Roberto Cavalli clothing-wise isn't really my style, but I'm totally falling for this offbeat beauty styling.


So the makeup featured a navy blue liner on the waterline, a pale, warm matte beige on the lid, and a medium matte brown blended up from the crease all the way to the brow, and even used to define the brow.  The same matte brown shadow is smudged into the lower lashline.  What's interesting here is that the only real definition here is on the lower waterline, but the overall look is still so fierce and piercing.  The brown on the lid gives the eyes a bit of a hooded look, which is unexpectedly sexy.  I usually waterline the lower lashline, but I do most of my liner on the upper lashline.  I may have to try this look.  It's just so refreshing.  For a navy liner, I'd try MAC's Blooz, and for a matte brown shadow I'd go for MAC's Wedge or Cork.

Clearly these are extensions, but there's something so fun about this long, straight but roughed up hair.  The overall look is very sleek, but the slightly matte/wavy texture keeps it from being boring, straight '90s hair.  I even like the center parts here!  I think the combination of slightly offbeat hair and makeup that looks a little more conventional from far away really works here.

Images from style.com.

Inspired by: Love Over Scotland/Plaid

Alright y'all, so I'm still in Hawaii.  I've been doing a lot of beach reading, and I wanted to do a post about one of my current favorite series.  It's called 44 Scotland Street, by Alexander McCall Smith, and it's adorable.  There are the kinds of beach reads are like candy bars--yummy, but you know they're trash, and there are the kinds of beach reads that are more like a red velvet cupcake, still little and cute, but a bit more sophisticated.  This is the latter.  These books are short, easy reads, very light hearted and sweet, but they're really well written and unique.  They center around the lifes of a group of people who all, at one point, lived in an apartment building in Scotland.  There's a precocious six year old and a 60 year old female anthropology, and everything in between, so there's something for everyone.

Love Over Scotland and The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith: Here are two of the books in the series.  Yeah, one of the is called The Unbearable Lightness of Scones.  If that doesn't make you smile, the Grinch is missing you over in Whoville.

Anyways, the point of all this was that all that talk of Scotland was making me start to crave plaid (I know, I'm on a Hawaiian beach, and all I want is plaid and scones.  I'm crazy).  I picked out a few plaid pieces, and I really tried to go beyond the usual plaid boyfriend button-up and find some more unique pieces.

Joie Plaid Somalia Dress, $228 at revolveclothing.com, Joie Yarn Plaid Vanette Tank, $74 at revolveclothing.com: Taking the usual boyfriend flannel and turning it into a dress is a fun take on wearing your boyfriend's shirt in a public appropriate sort of way.  The belt is included, and adds a much needed emphasis to your waist.  This tank might be my favorite piece.  It's loose and drapey, very Alexander Wang, but the faded plaid adds a casual, countryish vibe to it.  The row of buttons down the front feminizes it just enough.  I'd pair it with some straight leg jeans and statement necklace.

J. Crew Tomboy Plaid Shirt, $72 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Wool and Cotton Plaid Scarf, $54 at jcrew.com: So I did one button-up, just to show that if you do it in a different, girlier color palette it doesn't have to scream 1995 grunge.  The white/gray/pink color palette is fun and feminine, and adds a really interesting twist to the usually boyish look.  This scarf has the same color palette, and it's equally gorgeous.  I love light wool scarves--they're really light and airy, but at the same time when it gets cold, they'll keep you super warm.  The muted colors make it the ideal complement to a lot of different looks, but I think I'd wear it with a pair of dark wash jeans, some knee-high leather boots, and a plain white v-neck.

McQ Wool Cable-Knit Biker Jacket, $365 at net-a-porter.com, Crumpet Checked Cashmere Cardigan, $695 at net-a-porter.com: Okay, so this first sweater isn't plaid, but to be fair, in the books they talk a lot about Fair Isle/heavily knitted sweaters, and this reminded me of those, but a fab modern version.  The cable knit definitely screams old school/my grandma knitted this for me, but the biker jacket cut and big zipper add a much needed badass quotient for something that's really comfy, but still makes a statement.  The cut of this Crumpet sweater is perfect.  It has all the ease of a cardigan with all the oomph of a motorcycle jacket, and it's so easy to wear.  The blown-up checks are a fun riff on plaid, and the black and white color combo is so graphic and fun, and a great contrast to the loose shape of the sweater.  And yeah, it's $700, but...it's cashmere?  It's like having baby kittens hug you all day.

Images from:
tesco.com, alexandermccallsmith.co.uk, revolveclothing.com, revolveclothing.com, jcrew.com, jcrew.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.

Crazy Can Be Good...Or Very, Very Bad

Today, y'all, I have two crazy pictures to show you.  One of them is crazy in a good way, and one of them is crazy in a terrifying way.  See if you can guess which is which.

So here's a picture of Jude Law, looking very, very tan, and um...cleavagey.  Lots of cleavage, and chest hair, and crazy eyes.  Wow.  Just wow.  I'm sure Sienna Miller is patting herself on the back right now for escaping this little bit of festiveness.

And as a little palette cleanser, here's the first picture of Coco Rocha from her wedding, at a castle in a custom-made Zac Posen dress.  I think that might be the prettiest fishtail dress I've ever seen.  The skirt is so swishy!  Not to mention, Mr. Rocha is pretty darn cute.

And on that note, happy Friday!

Images from:
gofugyourself.com, fashionista.com.