spring '11 couture

I'm about a week late, but this year's couture shows were outstanding. Haute couture is French for "high-sewing" or "high-dressmaking." It is made to order for a customer, and is usually made out of very high quality fabrics and finishings. However, couture is much more than custom made clothing. The French government has a committee solely devoted to the workings of haute couture. In order to earn the right to call themselves couture, a designer must follow these rules (via wikipedia):

• Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings.
• Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time.
• Each season (i.e., twice a year), present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.

 And now, for the collections!
Alexis Mabille

Chanel

the draping of this skirt is so dreamy

Dior

Elie Saab
Elie Saab always, always delivers a breathtaking couture collection, and this one did not fail. I'm in love with the overall color palette and the beautiful yet delicate textures in the cocktail dresses.

Givenchy
This collection is so stunning (as Tisci's couture collections always are). To me, though, this collection stands out because of the all Asian model casting, which I think only highlights the dresses. There are also a few hats made by Philip Treacy in the collection.

Valentino

(all images via style.com)

Golden Globes fashions [review]

There are some shows I merely watch for the fashion, take the prom episode of The O. C. for example. Another, I will admit, is any awards show (but I only get excited about the Oscars). The Golden Globes were this past Sunday and there was exciting fashion all around! Please note, I actually did not watch because it was my 20th birthday, but I digress.

the très chic.

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham, the champagne color is great and the one shoulder makes the dress so modern. And her blunt bangs are something to envy!

Diana Agron in J. Mendel, the overall look is very pretty and put together, much like her Glee character. I think she can do something edgier, but this look is timeless and chic.

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung, her hair and makeup is very fresh and I think the look is age appropriate yet chic.

Anjelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, the color is great and does wonders for her fair complexion and chestnut locks.

Leighton Meester in Burberry, this dress is certainly growing on me (and I LOVE Burberry). I like that her hair is soft and her expression is innocent.

the unfortunate.

Michelle Williams in Valentino, the print is a tad girl scout/juvenile for a red carpet, as is the shape of the dress.

Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs Collection, this dress is better suited for the beach, but I can't get over her clown makeup! A heavy eye and bold lip does not work with this loud dress!

Helena Bonham Carter in Vivenne Westwood, the entire look is just too much! Sunglasses, mismatched shoes and what looks like three different dresses in one?

and the ones that could use a little tweaking.

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection, I like the minimalist dress, but it's the wrong color. She either needs to be paler or tanner (preferably the former) for it to work.

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, I like her hair/ makeup, but the dress is too princessy. Perhaps if we took away the tulle?

Julianne Moore in Lanvin, I love the shockingly pink column dress, but it would be much chicer with a cap sleeve or an intricately twisted one shoulder.

(all images via New York Magazine)

dry shampoo [review]

I've never used dry shampoo before, because I would simply opt to shower if my hair was greasy. So, instead of donning my usual headband and ponytail on the second day, I decided to give dry shampoo a shot. I followed the directions on the can, and I didn't notice an immediate difference, so I sprayed more! The shampoo also doesn't look like anything when it comes out of the can, but you can feel cold air. I waited about two or three minutes, then I brushed it out and styled my hair.
I was happy with the results. Mostly, I was surprised that it worked! I was somewhat skeptical, but it really did soak up the grease in my hair, and left me with what looked like a second day blowout, which was surprising. I still prefer taking the half hour to shower and dry my hair, but in a pinch dry shampoo is certainly better than greasy hair!

Black Swan.

Tonight, I saw Black Swan with my sister and her friend Tim. My friends Charlie and Justine saw it opening weekend, so I've heard all about it for weeks. The movie is fantastic! Natalie Portman's character, Nina, undergoes an incredible transformation from the beginning to the very end of the movie and the audience is simply there for her roller coaster of emotions. Overall, the tone is dark due to Nina's tortured artist character (and it is rated R).
According to interviews, Portman started training for the movie about a year in advance, and she does most of her own dancing in the movie. It is also noteworthy that Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte designed all the exquisite costumes in the movie.

Spot Dessert Bar

I've been dying to go to Spot Dessert Bar for months! but I can rarely find anyone to go to new places with. Since it's my last week (and now few days) in New York for a while, I realized I can't wait for someone to go with! time is of the essence! So, I went last night and I was certainly NOT disappointed.
Spot is located on St. Marks between second and third avenue. I really like the interior—it's cozy, sleek in an earthy way (think wooden benches and tables) yet very modern.
I got the Vanilla Almond Coconut cupcake and a Thai Milk coffee (which has a layer of condensed milk at the bottom!), which were yummy and a perfect pre-dinner treat. I got my friend Van the Berry Berry Chocolate cupcake which he said was "crazy good!"
I'm already excited to go back. I definitely want the dessert tapas and the condensed milk ice-cream!

Vanilla Almond Coconut cupcake and a Thai Milk coffee

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