Runway Recap: Fall 2014

Although my heart is set on spring, the fashion industry is focused on fall. Now that New York and London Fashion Weeks have recently wrapped up, I decided to delve into my favorite looks from the two.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York – Feb. 6-13, 2014

Marc Jacobs, model: Elisabeth Erm

Photo provided here

This muted cornflower blue piece caught my eye because of the stunning neckline. I can definitely see this cut in a thicker shift dress for everyday wear in the fall. Plus, I adored his use of sporty fabric headbands and blunt bobs on his models. The guy can do no wrong in my eyes.

DVF, model: Mariana Santana

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The designer legend Diane von Furtsenberg did not disappoint at this year's NYFW. I chose this flowy fuchsia number because it seems like the perfect runway to real world dress. The youthful pattern and light fabric would be an ideal transition from summer to autumn.

3.1 Phillip Lim, model: Marine Deleeuw

Photo provided here

With inspiration from the unpredictable forces of climate, Phillip Lim debuted his 3.1 collection. Pictured here, my top pick from his show was this textured top and structured trouser combo. While the chunky sandals aren't my favorite pairing with this outfit, I can't get over how well he captured the essence of every girl's fall staple (blue jeans) in a sophisticated way.

For more information, please visit mbfashionweek.com

London Fashion Week – Feb. 14-18, 2014

Tom Ford, model: Betty Adewole

Photo provided here

My knowledge of Tom Ford prior to London Fashion Week is quite embarrassing. It essentially extends to the fact that he makes stellar red lipsticks at prices I only dream to afford. However, this cape coat with solid black trim struck out to me.Fur vests, structured blazers and velvet gowns were also running themes of his  fall 2014 line.

Christopher Kane, model: Carla Ciffoni

Photo provided here

Scottish designer Christopher Kane brought a variety of textures and styles to London Fashion Week. This dress has a very stable structure yet reminds of the pages of a book unfolding before my eyes. Books, fall, back-to-school - what an appropriate look for fall 2014.

For more information, please visit londonfashionweek.co.uk

All photos courtesy of vogue.com, with the appropriate links provided. All rights reserved.

Moisturizer is a Girl's Best Friend

With the winter wind in full swing (thanks a lot, groundhog) I thought it was appropriate to share my top three moisturizers. Because even the oiliest of skin types can fall victim to dry patches, I have selected moisturizers that will apply to dry, oily, and normal/combination skin types. In general, I find that applying a daily moisturizer keeps my skin looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day and is essential to prevent any face makeup from looking cakey.

My first pick (above) is the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer. As the name suggests, the cream-gel hybrid formula is perfect for those with normal to combination skin who are just looking for balanced, softer skin. According to its packaging, it's clinically proven to reduce the size of pores in four weeks. While I can't dispute or agree with that claim, I can say that my skin looks healthy and smells amazing when I use this product. I found this for an awesome deal at my local T.J. Maxx for only $8, but it generally retails for $32 (according to Sephora's website.) http://bit.ly/1eIQ5Tc

My next favorite moisturizer is the Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty. My skin leans on the dryer side, especially during this winter season. The great thing about this cream is that can be used on the face and the body. It is also free of harsh irritants and chemicals so it claims to be safe for sensitive skin. The Ultra Repair Cream is an extremely thick consistency, and is sold in both a trial tube form and in a larger six-ounce jar. I purchased the smaller tube (pictured) at Sephora for $12, while the full-size tub is $28. http://bit.ly/1gdELTd

My last pick for my top moisturizers is the most wallet friendly of the bunch. Sold at drugstores and mass retailers, the Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refresher Gel-Cream is available at a $7-$9 price point. Although the packaging claims this product is for normal to combination skin, I would recommend it for oily skin types. The "gel-cream" formula is actually an incredibly lightweight, translucent gel. While I have drier skin, this is my ideal daytime moisturizer that will transition well into the warmer months. http://bit.ly/1eISFIC

All images and reviews for this post are my own. Websites provided are not affiliate links.

Best and Worst: Grammys Fashion

Another award season is upon us and that means another batch of celebrities are donning their looks on infamous red carpets for millions of Americans to critique. I have selected my top two best and worst dresses from last week's Grammy Awards.

Best: Chrissy Teigen has a lot going for her. She's a supermodel whose portfolio includes a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. She writes a cooking blog and hilarious tweets. She also just so happens to be married to singer John Legend. That being said, Teigen's Grammy dress was by far my favorite of the night. She wore a strapless Johanna Johnson dress with a plunging sweetheart neckline and gold sequins for days. It was stunning.

Best runner-up: Miranda Lambert wore my second favorite dress of the night. She rocked a red floor-length gown designed by Pamella Roland. I loved the satin-trimmed waist that fit perfectly on her curves. This dressed proves that simplicity and elegance go hand-in-hand.

Worst: Although Zendaya came close to winning Dancing with the Stars, it appears that her stylist got lost in them. She wore a Emanuel Ungaro number featuring Tiffany blue, chiffon, and polka dots that were all tied into one hot mess. While I thought her trendy slicked-back hair and neutral makeup were appropriate, the dress was just ... not. The see-through chiffon and too-high slit showed skin in all the wrong places. Better luck at the Kid's Choice Awards, girl.

Worst runner-up: I think Paula Patton, wife of R&B artist Robin Thicke, took the whole "blurred lines" concept a bit too seriously. Her zebra-printed Nicolas Jebran gown featured two animal heads facing each other on her decolletage.  Zebra print is only acceptable when it is covering your notebook in seventh grade.

Honorable mention: Macklemore's teal velvet suit. Bold and unapologetic. Just like him.

 (All photos courtesy of eonline.com. All rights reserved.)
http://www.eonline.com/photos/11218/best-dressed-at-the-2014-grammys/350607
http://www.eonline.com/news/503605/worst-dressed-at-the-2014-grammys-kathy-griffin-paula-patton-more