This Week's Facts

My favorite look so far from the Duchess of Cambridge's trip: this pale Joseph dress and tweed jacket. (via Fashionista)

• Cheap Chicas tells us how to change up the look of a maxi by adding a sweater or denim jacket.
• The American Medical Association denounces the overuse of Photoshop for contributing to "unrealistic expectations" of body image, NYDN reports.
• The lovely ladies behind TheOutnet.com put together outfits for any occasion for T Magazine.
• dknyprgirl picks her Fall must-haves over on her new Tumblr. All I know is, a cape must make its way into my closet this fall.
• Trend to try: the double cuff. 
• House of Harlow releases some super chic handbags and clutches. Peep the collection at Refinery29.
• ICYMI: Forever 21 tried to shut down the hil-AR-ious blog WTForever21, but failed. The blog is back - so if you haven't already, check it out!
• FabSugar has recreated five of the best 2012 Resort looks on the cheap.
• Beauty on a budget? Fashionista has some at-home spa treatments for broke babes out there.
• The New York Times sponsors a debate over when and why did bold nail polish trends go mainstream? Do you wear bright nails to the office?
• Refinery29 features drugstore beauty buys that are just as good as your department store finds.
• I always thought I was so smart drinking Diet Coke, but it turns out it is not helpful for weight loss. Boo, FitSugar, thanks for ruining my Friday.
• Will I see you tomorrow at the Bitches Who Brunch Summer Brunch Soiree?

Marta Rants: Kim Kardashian's Wedding Registry

(via Refinery29)

I can't wait to get married. But more importantly, I can't wait to register. Dude, can you just imagine me, running free-reign around a store of my choice, making a socially acceptable list of things people can buy for me?!

Needless to say, I'm psyched.

But in all seriousness, the most important part of a wedding is the marriage that follows - not the dress, not the gifts, not even the people who come - just you, your husband and the rest of your lives as a family.

A wedding is the party you throw to celebrate that love and commitment. Tradition says your guests give you gifts to commemorate that day and to help you get started on the right foot in a new home, for a new life. Apparently, if you missed the news last week, Kim Kardashian, arguably the most famous person in the world (maybe after Justin Bieber) is hoping her guests will help her get started on a very expensive foot - like a gold-encrusted Louboutin.

Last week, she hopped around Geary's, a shi-shi Beverly Hills department store with her mom and fiance, dressed "casually cute," racking up a dream registry that includes luxury items from Hermes, Lalique and Baccarat. The grand total of her registry? Who knows, but it's likely astronomical.

I have a couple of issues with Kim Kardashian's tacky display.

1.) She makes nearly $12 million a year (that's nearly 240 times the American family's median income). Her 20.5-karat ring is worth $2 million alone. (Check out this site, which shows you exactly how much Kim K. is making at this exact moment). Kim claims she donates 10 percent of her income, and I admire her for that (though she's almost too upfront about it - asking to be applauded for what many normal people do - people who make way less than her).

(via People)

(And I don't mean to bring it up negatively, but this girl is famous for two reasons: a sex tape in which she got peed on, and being friends with Paris Hilton. Now, homegirl is legit brillz for capitalizing on this and turning what most people would consider a shameful life into a big fat cash cow - for herself as well as her family.)

But my major issue is not that she comes from a less-than-humble background or that she's got a ring that most women call tacky but secretly lust after. It's this: Once you are that independently wealthy, is it right for you to register for gifts? Wealth, I believe, does not preclude you from receiving gifts. But asking your friends to shell out $6,000 for a stupid vase is ridiculous - just buy it yourself. Don't force your expensive taste on others, especially when they are likely way less fortunate than you. And provide options in a variety of price ranges!

One commonly held belief on registries is that you should pay for your attendance (this is not true, according to Emily Post; you should pay what you can afford). But even holding to this belief, I really freaking hope Kim is serving beluga caviar with a side of that $10k Serendipity frozen hot chocolate for her dinner if she's registering for Hermes napkin rings.

2. She made a show of registering for obscenely expensive gifts. Don't tell me she didn't invite the paparazzi to her trip. She went to a luxury department store in Beverly Hills and went on a spending spree with other people's money. During a time of economic crisis. While the number of people using food stamps increases exponentially and 9% of Americans don't have jobs. Kim had to have $1000 Lalique ashtray. Does she even smoke? (If so, nasty).

Here's a sample of her registry from Refinery29:

• Baccarat Cosmos Extra Large Vase, $7,850
• Lalique Epis Perfume Bottle, $1,695
• Lalique Soudan Black Ashtray, $1,100
• Napkin Rings:
• Rablabs Aleotto Natural Agate Napkin Ring, $32.50 x 18
• L'Objet Set Of Four Noir Napkin Rings with Crystals, $150 x 5
• L'Objet Set of Four Gold Napkin Rings with Crystal, $150 x 5

Now I realize this sounds a little sanctimonious coming from a girl who considered saving up and shelling out $3500 for a pair of shoes. So I want to know what you think: Is it gauche for Kim Kardashian and her future hubby to register for this expensive stuff? Or can she do whatever the hell she wants?

Look I'm Loving: Diane Kruger at the Louvre

Diane Kruger, 95% of the time, has flawless style. It's borderline avant garde, but almost always impeccably chic.

(via Go Fug Yourself)

Here at a charity gala in Paris, she looks stunning in a nude Alessandra Rich dress with chartreuse lace embellishment. I LOVE the pop of tangerine, which is just edgy enough against the contrasting yellow-green.

Her arm candy doesn't hurt, either.

Leighton Meester is pretty in prints

How gorgeous is Leighton Meester in these shots from Glamour Espana? Her hair and make-up is flawless, but I especially love the styling. The bold prints (from Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Chloe and Just Cavalli, respectively) are so much fun, and I especially love the mixture of patterns in the first shot. 

Here's how to get the look for yourself.

1. Sachin + Babi psychedelic print dress, available at Shopbop: $585

2. Milly rose garden pleat date skirt: $245

3. BCBG printed silk dress: $248

4. Miu Miu printed silk crepe de Chine mini dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $1,335

6. Just Cavalli red dress, available at Zappos: $505

7. Forever 21 blooming flowers tunic: $17.80

8. Emilio Pucci lurex detail pattern coat, available at My Theresa: $2,014.63

This Week's Facts: Bear down!

This week's best dressed: Selena Gomez's bold orange gown at the Golden Globes after party and Emma Stone's amazing Balenciaga at the Critics Choice Awards. (Credits: FabSugar/FabSugar)

What's up, friends? Hope y'all have some fun plans for the weekend! This Sunday, I'll be cheering on the Bears as they take on the Packers at Soldier Field. Bear down!

Here's what I was reading/loving this week.

• I ran through my favorite Golden Globes fashion earlier this week, but FabSugar has some of the best looks from the After Parties. Camilla Belle, Selena Gomez and Cat Deeley rocked it.
• This week, Rent the Runway debuted Rent the Runway weddings... perfect for wear-em-once bridesmaids dresses and other necessary party frocks. Brillz!
• I'm loving NYT's What I Wore feature. This week, the pub featured author Sloane Crossley's casual cool wardrobe. If you haven't read her book, I Was Told There'd Be Cake, you must.
• For your daily dose of adorable this week, check out this amazing photo spread in honor of MLK Day over at the Bride's Cafe.
• Did you love Claire Danes' pretty pink look at the Golden Globes? You're in luck - Honeysuckle pink is the color of the year. So Much to Smile About and Wardrobe Diaries have some lovely inspiration to help you plan your pink wardrobe.
• I know, I know - Enough with spring until it starts warming up, right? But I can't resist. I'm looking forward to spring trends as much as WhoWhatWear is.

And the Golden Globe for best dressed goes to...

The 2011 Golden Globes were somewhat anti-climatic to me. Maybe it was because I wasn't really pulling for any particular film, but between the ho-hum hosting, blah award-winners and relatively lackluster fashion, I wasn't blown away. But here's my round-up of the best of the night - and the worst.

Best dress

Anne Hathaway is so consistently stunning on the red carpet, and this Armani dress took the cake last night. The column-esque, fitted, long-sleeved dress (with basically no back) was an unexpected, unconventional look, which is why she stood out to me as the best dressed of the 2011 Golden Globes. And her hair and makeup suited the look to a T.

Runner up

Emma Stone looks amazing in Calvin Klein. (Actually, so did all the ladies in the designer. Claire Danes' pink dress was so fab!) I know people compared her to Lindsay Lohan, but the blonde hair is for her roll in Spiderman, and I sort of love that she's owning it. Also, can I have her body? 

Best black

Black is always popular on the runway, but I thought there were a lot of particularly interesting black dresses this year. My favorite, though, was definitely Eva Longoria, who said "Eat your heart out, Tony Parker" in this elegant Zac Posen. Runners up in this category go to: Glee's Jayma Mays, who was almost recognizable with long hair, smoky eyes and a vintage-esque black gown; and Julianne Hough's black sheath with a highly embellished neckline.

Best green

Emerald green was all over the red carpet. And who can blame our stars? The green stands out on the red carpet and is completely eye-catching. But to be honest, none of these dresses really had me green with envy (sorry, I couldn't resist). Angelina Jolie looked sort of rough in the hair and make-up department, and the rest of the dresses were a little same-dress-different-color. My favorite goes to Mila Kunis, who might have been the best dressed Black Swan cast member, though I thought the dress looked a little long on her.

Best red

Another red carpet trend was on the other end of the color spectrum - red. My vote for best red dress was  January Jones, though I know this will be contentious. A lot of people thought the Versace showed too much skin, but I thought it was daring, sexy and stunning. I loved the unique fringe skirt. Even though the lovely Ms. Jones probably didn't eat for a week before the awards, she looked amazing.

Most Underrated

Lots of big stars made their turns down the red carpet, but some people get more attention than others. These ladies looked knock-out in their dresses, even if they didn't win any awards or garner lots of media spotlight. I also call this category "The best of the rest."

Mandy Moore's bright blue, which fits her perfectly. I'm sort of almost over the one-shouldered trend, but I like the simple sheerness of it here.

Julie Bowen, who is another star who has always been getting it right on the red carpet, subtly stuns a dove gray Tadashi Shoji.

Finally, Amber Riley wowed in this sequined number. She shows bigger girls can rock the sparkly look, and I love the way the black belt edges it all out.

Worst dressed

I actually had a hard time choosing just one. So I didn't!

This dress makes me understand why people think J.Love Hewitt is so desperate. She looks puffy in an unflattering ice-queen bridal gown.

OK, Halle Berry, we get it - you're hot. Leave it in the bedroom.

Christina Aguilera, if you don't want people making pregnancy rumors, don't wear a dress a size too small. Also, don't wear a dress that looks like you are only wearing sheer lace with flowers growing from your lady parts. Also, why is your  face so puffy? Ugh, I just don't like her at all.

And a couple of closing-out comments...

I know a lot of people loved Olivia Wilde's Marchesa, but I just thought it was a lot of dress for a relatively undeserving actress. She's stunning, but that gorgeous dress screams "Best Actress nominee" - not supporting actress on a TV show. And her hair was meh. Secondly, I did not like Lea Michele's ODLR. She usually looks stunning in the designer's gowns, but this gown looked like a weird knockoff of last year's Valentino ruffled gowns. Finally, I feel like Carrie Underwood barely got noticed in this pretty golden dress - it's nothing original or non-obvious, but very nice nonetheless.

Did you watch the Globes? What were your favorite gowns? Were you happy with the winners? 

(All photos credit FabSugar, except where noted).

This Week's Facts: The Happy New Year edition

Happy New Year, mes amis! I hope you are all kicking off the new year establishing precedents for the year to come: healthy choices, fabulous outfits and fun activities. 

(Hopefully, my day is not a harbinger of the year to come: sick! But at least I've been able to get caught up on blogging!)

(Credit: Fashionista)

• The blogosphere is officially spazzing out about these gorgeous pictures of Olivia Palermo from Vogue Spain. And I'm not going to lie, I am too. Plus, she's starting her own fashion line! Love or hate her, you can't deny her fabulous fashion sense.
• Speaking of Olivia Palermo, Frugal Fashionista features some of her best looks from 2010.
• In the new year, make sure your style reflects you - and not only trends/what's popular on Chictopia. StyleBiz has questions to ask yourself to make sure you are staying true to yourself.
• Out with the old, in with the new: Refinery29 has a list of the top trends for 2011.
• Already missing 2010? Fashionista has some of the best glossy covers from the year that was.
• Need something aspirational for 2011? The New York Times featured a debutante who has quite the resume: youngest registered lobbyist, contributing author, founder of a travel website and sophomore at Johns Hopkins. Plus, she's wearing Vionnet. Try not to cry out of jealousy.
• Finally, something to think about when writing your resolutions: the Internet is the new court of shame. Just a reminder to try not to do anything in life that you wouldn't mind being broadcast all over the web.

Leighton Meester gets it right

Leighton Meester is known for taking fashion risks. Sometimes it works. And many other times, it doesn't.

But this look knocks it out of the park. Promoting Herbal Essences in Madrid, Spain, the other week, Leighton wore this Versus dress with Pierre Hardy heels and totally works it. This look says fresh and fun - very Herbal Essences (she's a good little spokesperson!).

And a better look at these beautiful shoes:

Check out more pictures of Leighton's look here.

Sarah Jessica Parker makes interesting choices

Last week, Frugal Fashionistas featured an affordable version of Sarah Jessica Parker's look in this picture.

Credit: Frugal Fashionista

While the look isn't my style, per se... Actually, wait a second. This look is sort of crazy. Is it just me or does it look like a walk-of-shame outfit?  Like the girl who just shacked up after a wild night at a bar (in her LBD with her sparkly purse and booties) then borrowed one of his old sweatshirts so she didn't look totally slutty walking down the street in broad daylight in an outfit clearly from last night?

Yeah, I thought so.

So, OK, we can agree that this isn't an outfit I would replicate on looks alone. I love the 3.1 Phillip Lim booties, but that's about it. Sorry, Frugal Fashionistas.

But more importantly: Where is SJP wearing this outfit?

She can't be running errands because those boots are just way too impractical to be prancing around NYC in (though we know SJP makes questionable shoe choices). And while I know she's been carrying that Halston Cleo Sac around town, she's been in much more sensible clothing. And if she's cold enough to be wearing a sweatshirt, why is she wearing a short, flouncy skirt?

(I might have taken it a little far with that last comment. I love the many styles of sweatshirt we've been seeing this fall, even with mismatched minis.)

Point is, I don't think your fashion life has to die when you become a mom or when you no longer have anyone to dress up for. Just because you are lugging a child around doesn't mean you have to do so in sweats. And SJP has proven this (plus, she does have someone to dress up for everyday: paparazzi). But at some point, don't you just want to be comfortable?

My Girl Crush in Vogue...

Doesn't Anne Hathaway look STUNNING on this cover? The Fug Girls pointed out that it does look a bit like a holiday cover (vs. fall), but whatever - it's amazing!

A while back, one of my friends asked this question: If you could pick one celebrity to be your friend, who would it be?

My choice was easy: Anne Hathaway.

Now, I've heard some rumors that she isn't always so pleasant in real life, but in real life, she isn't my BFF either. In her movies, she seems likable and pleasant. And she came through the whole "my ex-is-guilty-of-fraud" thing with grace and a sense of humor. Plus she's talented and has worn a truly amazing collection of designer gowns to award shows, so I'm hoping she'd lend me one and bring me as her date...

Alright, enough of the fan girl love.

Except, the rest of this blog is about her and her amazing spread in November's Vogue (the same issue that features our favorite fashionista politician (liberal politics aside) Kirsten Gillibrand). This is by far one of my most favorite celebrity editorials that the glossy has ever done. The Mario Testino photography is lusciously stunning, and the clothes echo the glamourous, sexy, Old Hollywood feel of the shoot.

Gaze at some of the gorg photos below, and be sure to read her interview in this month's Vogue.

Perfect in poka dots (Photos from Glamazon Diaries)

Want to see more photos?

The new generation of fashionistas

When I was a teenager, the big female idols were Britney, Christina, maybe even Mandy Moore.

And then there was Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff.

And now we have Miley Cyrus. Selena Gomez. Taylor Swift. Disney basically has a monopoly on young talent, and what isn't Disney-fied is bathed in the glow of Twilight.

But what should we do with these young adults who are thrust in the spotlight of stardom and aren't dressed the part?

For instance, Miley's style is anything but aspirational. Mostly, it seems to reflect her father's deep-fried country roots.

Miley, didn't your mother teach you to wear a bra? (Credit: Hollywood Life)

Her style does reflect her age (believe me, I thought I had the coolest style when I was 17, but my Abercrombie "Sun Your Buns" muscle T was anything but cool). And I'm not asking her to be a role model for young girls. But successful young starlets are expected to dress with a measure of taste reflecting their status and - dare I say it - paychecks - and Miley seems to be running in the opposite direction. But that said, Miley is like the Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera of yesteryear: We see them in their "interesting" outfits, but we'll never actually want to go out and buy what they wear.

And then you have Demi Lovato. Here she is a few days ago, announcing the nominees for the American Music Awards.

Credit: Just Jared

Does this look like an 18-year-old girl to you? Add 20 years to that and then we'll talk.

You basically have these girls straddling a fine line of taste and age appropriateness. They might be pushed to dress older than they are - either too sexily or too maturely - or they are exploring their fashion sensibilities, making a few fashion faux pas along the way, or they are rebelling entirely, like Miley. There must be a sense of confusion that comes with the freedom of being extremely famous and having the luxury of personal assistants and groomers at your beck and call, as well being as the primary breadwinner in a family at a super young age.

If we're looking at the newest generation of fashion plates, Selena Gomez has my vote as the classiest, most age appropriate up-and-comer (though, I guess most would argue she's arrived). Sure, she's had some misses. But overall, she looks like the adorable, youthful 18-year-old that she is.

LOVE the red coat. (Credit: Budget Babe)

She may not be the tween sensation of Hannah Montana proportions, but throughout her successful career, she's remained grounded and classy and has come out relatively unscathed despite a Tiger Beat-worthy break-up with one of the Jonas brothers (I don't know which, which is probably a good thing for a 24-year-old) and what I read to be some girl fights with both Miley and Demi. And how adorable is this outfit?

OK, so I've probably spent way too much time talking about girls who are six years younger than me. But as the next few years unfold, these girls are going to be the trendsetters and the stylemakers. And we need to see what we're working with.