Award Show Season Best Looks: The Oscars 2012

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad,
Maria Menounos in Maria Lucia Hohan  

It was old Hollywood in a new millennia this year at the 84th Annual Academy Awards this year. It seems everyone got the memo that 40's glamour was the theme for this years red carpet. There was peplums, well defined hourglass silhouettes (reminiscent of mermaids), and dreamy soft, yet shinny colors, but we would expect nothing less at one of the most prestigious of award shows. Finding the best look was a bit of challenge. Some of my favorite looks that I battled with considering for top honors included: the ladies in red, Emma Watson, Joan Seymour, and Michele Williams, as well as the most demure of the night, Octavia Spencer, Rooney Mara, Penelope Cruz, and Li Bing Bing. I also loved the popping cobalt-blue number worn by Sherri Shepaherd, along with the sparkly sequined black pencil dress worn by Rose Byrne, and the shimmering gold draped dress on Meryl Streep was very appropriate of the Best Actress winner of the night. While those are my favorites of the night, top recognition has to go to the following:

Another Year of Style

I thank God, for another
year of exploring style.

Yes, today is my birthday, and for today's post I wanted to take you to this past weekend when Dwight proposed an interesting observation to me. As he thought about his personality and his thought patterns, and how he would be the perfect candidate to be the tangible version of Nicki Minaj's alter ego, Roman, he observed that there cannot be that much of a variation in personality types in the world. It was funny because I had thought about this subject not too long ago, and I did some research on the subject and I came across my answer. There is basically 16 personality types according to late psychologist, Isabel Briggs Myers, and her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The reason why I bring about this subject on my birthday is because on my birthday it made me think of the personality I was born with and developed into. The link I provided for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a great site to explore who you are, and who other people are, and what specific characteristics make different people who they are. For $5.00 you can even take a Personality Test and find out which personality you are, specifically.

Although I didn't pay the $5.00 to get an accurate description of my personality, I most closely associate myself with  an "ISTJ" or a "Duty Fulfiller" as they describe, and Dwight agreed. Dwight was surprised to find out how accurate the description of his personality type, an ESTP or a "Doer",  was to his actual character. Possibly in the future we will pay the $5.00 to find out which personality the test says we are, and find the definitive answer because when you read other descriptions, one might also say to themselves they could be more than just one of the personality types.

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 6)

In my fashion, Milan has really been showing off this week! There have been lots of peplums at Etro, my eyes danced for Just Cavalli , very military at MaxMara and some very lucsious furs at Fendi. Follow me @InMyFashion on Twitter to view my commentary of other fantastic looks I loved via style.com.

Etro, Gabriele Colandelo, Iceberg, Just Cavalli

Mario Schwab, Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson

MaxMara, MaxMara Atelier, McQ, Meadham Kirchhoff

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 5)

Two of the "Big Four" cities of fashion have completed their presentations, and Milan is building momentum as the city continues to stick with tradition showing masterfully tailored and refined pieces. Just to help you out a bit in regards to my organization of show presentations, the looks without abbreviations in the right-hand corner (LFW, MFW) are shows from New York.

Alberta Ferretti, Antonio Berardi, Christopher Raeburn, Clements Ribeiro

Dion Lee, Dirk Bikkembergs, Fendi, Francesco Scognamiglio

Gucci, Karen Walker, Kevork Kiledjian, Kinder Aggugini

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 4)

London seemed to have made an impression on the fashion industry as their 2012 presentations came to a close today. In conclusion, it was reported that English native and Editor-in-Cheif of American Vogue, Anna Wintour, finds British fashion to be "grown up" and now on a "global stage" considering looks this season were more glamourous and polished as opposed to eccentric and funny [source].Today is the beginning of Milan Fashion Week (MLW)!

A.L.C., Acne, Basso & Brooke, Belstaff

Calvin Klein Collection, Central Saint Martins, Daks, David Koma

Emilia Wickstead, Emilio de la Morena, Erdem, Fashion East

Style Watch: Ellie Goulding

Today is the last day of London Fashion Week, and I would like to end London Fashion Week with a video from a new artist that happens to hail from the UK as well. Ellie Goulding is her name, and her video to her song, "Lights" had me memorized with a simple concept and a refreshing take on, well...lights! Enjoy! 

Preserving Style

Photo Credits: [source] [source] [source] [source] [source] [source] [source] [source]

Jennifer Aniston is obsessed with skincare, "laser porn", and
living a natural lifestyle [source].  

New York Magazine has reported that that Jennifer Aniston was the highest grossing magazine cover for Marie Claire in July and for Elle in November, and according to Bing she moved from the number six spot to the number three spot on their list for the most searched persons of 2011[Source]. Not that I am an Aniston "hater" or anything like that, but I did have a bit of trouble understanding why, especially since the days of "Friends-mania" has long since passed. Even though she did have two movies that came out in 2011 (Just Go with It and Horrible Bosses), thinking about how much I remember seeing news about her throughout the year (besides the usual banal Brad, Jen, and Angie love triangle updates) I don't remember a huge hoopla about her, not enough to be "Most Searched" at least.

Character Building

Batman from Batman Beyond, Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of
the Carribean, Clueless (1995), Daphne Blake from Scooby Doo

When we were children we loved cartoons, we loved stories, and we loved movies (and hopefully as adults, you still do, only I would hope we have matured a bit from the cartoons). As children we especially loved an interesting and new plot, being mentally whisked away into a fantasy land, the possibility of there being a setting far grander than our own, and we especially loved the characters. Whether you were an action enthralled superhero fanatic, were into the retrospective Disney movies that taught life lessons and values, or whether you practically memorized the Cartoon Network lineup for the day, there was some point of reference for us to learn how to deal in this seemingly complicated world we were born into. The aspect of entertainment that we relate to the most and gain new understandings from is the characters. In my fashion, having a character, or persona, that we find a personal resonance with makes a large part of who each of us are, and gives a lot of explanation to towards how we appear to others, and how we choose to present ourselves.

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 3)

I can certainly feel the angst editors have running around during the presentations. Going through all the 300+ shows myself online is exhausting enough. Fashion is a hard working industry! Here are more looks via style.com. Today kicks off London Fashion Week, and I will include looks from the English designers as the week progresses. There will be a small "LFW" in the top right corner of the looks for London designers. 

Bill Blass, Brood, Chado Ralph Rucci, Diane von Furstenberg

Diesel Black Gold, DKNY, Donna Karan, Douglas Hannant

Edun, Elie Tahari, Elizabeth and James, Erin Fetherston

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 2)

Today is the last day of New York Fashion week until September for the 2013 spring collections. Next week will be London Fashion Week! Here are more collections via style.com, and my picks for the pieces most likely to be seen worn this season (or at least what I would like everyone to consider wearing).



3.1 Phillip Lim, A  Detacher, Alexander Wang,
Alexandre Herchcovitch

Alice & Olivia, Altuzarra, Anna Sui, Araks



Badgley Mischka, Band of Outsiders, Babara Tfank, Bebe

Award Show Season Best Looks: The Grammy's 2012



Jessie J in Juien Macdonald, Lady Gaga in Custom Chanel,
Rihanna in Custom Giorgio Armani

Award season is upon us and we have already marked the Golden Globes, and SAG awards off the list for this year. Here on IMF.blog, the way that I will be highlighting and reporting on celebrity style choices for award shows will be through my new side-feature on my blog called, "Award Show Season Best Looks". When an award show occurs, I will highlight my three favorite looks of the night, and do a mini-analysis of why I think they look phenomenal. Take a look at my choices for this past Sunday as we were entertained by the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Unfortunately the night before, on that Saturday, February 11, 2012,  it was announced that beloved, Whitney Houston (48) , passed away. Ms. Houston was by far one of the greatest singers this world has ever known with a style worth every thousand dollar, and considering her legacy, she has been an inspiration to people on a magnitude that surpasses even the highest of standards. In my fashion, becoming a source of inspiration is the greatest gift a person can attain in this life.

Whitney Houston 1963-2012
We will always love you

Valentine's Day: The Style of Our Relationship



Instead of Adam and Eve, it's Adam and KEN.
I thank the Lord for making us one.

Considering it is Valentine's Day, I thought this would be the perfect time for me to introduce my partner in crime, my better half, my icing to my cake, my best friend, muse, and boyfriend, Dwight (aka @Ken_Dutchess). Dwight and I met some years ago in college, and became good friends for a good while before I officially tricked him into being my boyfriend (*lies and fairytales). There was no deceiving of any sort actually. The nature of our relationship was quite organic and natural, which is exactly how I would describe the style of our relationship. Something just told me that he was just "good" for me somehow, so I continued to hang around, and see what would happen.

There are two types of people in the world: introverts and extroverts. I am an introvert, and Dwight is an extrovert. We are complete opposites, yet if you know us personally, there is not a time when we are not in communication with each other. We are obsessed with each other. We live off the ideal of "Love first; emotions second". We interpret it to mean that no matter what mistakes we make on our road of life together, we will make sure our love triumphs over immaturity, irrational decisions, and selfishness. We have a connection on a physical, mental, and spiritual level that together makes the whole of the love that we share. In my fashion, this type of the connection makes for the strongest relationships.

Read on to understand more about us, and see what transpired the night of Valentine's Day...

Recap: Fall/Winter 2012 Ready-to-Wear (Part 1)

A new season is upon us, and fashion is turning its gears, preparing to provide us new looks for this coming fall. Since Wednesday a few of the 300+ designers have presented their collections, and for now on IMF.blog, I am going to choose my favorite looks via style.com from each runway presentation. I will be basing my choices for now off of how I feel that look will take fashion in a positive direction towards revolutionary change. Which trend/look has the power to turn our heads in astonishment, possibly giving us whiplash in the process, and changing our aesthetic pleasures from the this past seasons trends to the future. Which designer will claim the look of FW 2012? Hint: there are a lot of just-below-the-knee length flowy dresses usually worn in the summer, and leather skirts! I am going to highlight the look I think is the best in regards to catching on as a new trend for how we will look this season; the looks I would like to see more people jump out on a branch and wear. I will be doing more in depth analysis of each look and its designer in the future, but for now just feast your eyes on the marvelous creations I have chosen and soak in the mood of the season.

10 Crosby Derek Lam, BCBG Max Azria, BLK DNM, Chadwick Bell

Costello Tagliapietra, Creatures of the Wind, Cynthia Rowley, Gary Graham

Jenni Kayne, Juan Carlos Obando, Jil Sander Navy, Kelly Wearstler

Style Watch: Key Swag 3000

Watching BET's 106&Park the other day, a "New Joint" came on that surprisingly gave me goosebumps as I watched. Now I am very often pleased, but not often impressed, and this kid impressed me. Take a gander below...

After watching, read more of why I found this to be so impressive, style-wise...

Vogue Makes a Cameo at the Superbowl

Looking just like old times, but wearing a Givenchy couture dress,

Bulgari jewels and a custom Phillip Treacy headpiece [Photo: Rickey.org]

Okay, so lets be honest. As big of a deal as it was for the New England Patriots and New York Giants to be duking it out at the Superbowl this past Sunday for the second time in two years, it was the fashionably awesome comeback of the Queen of Pop, Madonna, that most everyone was waiting for. A reported 50 million viewers were to have stopped watching the Superbowl after she performed. For more than twelve minutes, Madonna transformed the testosterone laden arena into one of the largest fashion displays. The look was black, gold, and red, leather pleated skirts, marching band uniforms, spikes, studs, and glitter, boots, boots, and more boots. The motif, Gladiator. She performed on a well lit stadium floor of animated Vogue magazines, and she had multiple appearances by other stylish artists, such as the always electrifying, Nicki Minaj, an off-the-wall M.I.A, the routy, LMFAO boys, and the mystifying, Cee-Lo Green.

Keeping the show interesting with appearances from LMFAO, Nicki Minaj,
and M.I.A showed she can keep up with us 20-somethings, am I right? 

Twitter was alive throughout the night, but the most popular tweets I observed about Madonna was how well she looked for her age. Because of previous mishaps during the Superbowl halftime in the past (i.e. Janet Jackson, ), Madonna's performance was definitely a lot less raunchy and risque, but the energy she put into the spectacle was, of course, above par! Now, me being a huge advocate of good health and fitness, I wake up every morning to workout, alternating between yoga, and aerobic strength workouts. Now, can you imagine how much working out you would have to do to have the stamina she had in order to put on that flawless spectacle? She covered the entire stage, she sang, she was up and down steps, did a few flips, sang, made slight costume changes, and at one point she was on top of LMFAO as seen above. Oh yes, and did I mention she was singing the entire time. There are people twenty years old now who I bet couldn't even perform the first few eight counts, and sing at the same time! Read on to find out why...

Style Maven: Agyness Deyn

Fashion model, Agyness Deyn [Photo Credits: Zimbio]

In my fashion, all of the world should be attuned to who this pixie-like chameleon is, for it is international fashion model, Agyness Deyn! Agyness Deyn has been one of my personal greatest influences in fashion. Her style helped to inspire my own love for fashion and personal expression. Proudly hailing from Manchester, England, Agyness began in fashion in the early 2000's and exploded into public attention in 2006. By 2008, she starred in 18 campaigns and walked in 52 catwalks [source].

Constantly changing hairstyles keeps her admirers quenching for the
next creative do she will rock.

Along with being one of the top models of that year, she was also deemed the years most annoying person by BBC, mostly because she was hounded so much by the paparazzi for her unique style. People just love to look at the girl! Everyone loves someone who can always show something new, and while her style is obviously punk rocker chic, Agyness is always the source of a new way to adorn one's self. Take a look at the third photo to the right in the above box. Her earring is a safety pin (which isn't a bad idea to put other random stuff in our pierced ears, ex. a spring. That would be punk-like, don't you think?)! There are more looks and analysis after the jump.

Style Mavens

Just a few examples of "Style Mavens"
From Left: Rihanna, Johnny Depp, Audrey Hepburn, Andre 3000

In my fashion, having style implies that there is a certain aura about you that is clearly recognizable to others. When we say, for example, "That look is so, Kesha," we can assume you are referring to a look that is party appropriate, but that if you go to a dumpster, you can create the same look. If you say, "I am going for a Audrey Hepburn feel," you obviously are going for a very simple, but demure aesthetic.  We don't say these things particularly because of the pieces of clothes they wear, but it's about how they wear them, it's about how they move in them, it's about what those pieces of clothing mean to that person, and it's about how they connect with their cloths according to that what goes on it their life. As I have said before as long as you have a definitive reason for why you do what you do, no one can have any say in who you are. This, plus a bit of creative thinking, gives you the ability to create a persona all your own to navigate in this world that is trying its hardest to tell you who you are.  

What I am going to do in this segment is make a list of these people who I classify as "Style Mavens". I want to highlight why these mavens have made us look at them. What are the things that these people do that make their style truly one-in-a-million?

If you would like to send me suggestions of someone I am looking over, please do so, and we can analyze together @InMyFashion!