Sandra Bullock impressed me this time as my absolute favorite last night.  Unlike the last dress she wore to the Golden Globe, she nailed the look this time by picking an elegant embroidered gold sheath gown.  Way to go, Sandra, on your Best Actress Award and the Best Dressed Award!

One noticeable trend at the Oscar was the front slit gowns.  It’s been a while that I’ve seen this style before and I like it!  It’s very sexy yet red carpet appropriate.   A little bit of legs goes a long way, ladies!

Anna Kendrick and Demi Moore both looked enchanting in a soft romantic style.

Left:  How about classic with a twist like Carrie Mulligan’s Prada dress with interesting gadget embellishments (tiny forks, knives, scissors?)  The dress was age appropriate for her – classy yet edgy.

Right:  Or Kate Winslet’s classic champagne dress by YSL?  As you can see, you don’t need an extravagant dress to look this good.  It was effortless chic!

Left:  Sleek with the wow factor.  Elizabeth Bank’s Versace gown was figure flattering but her poise made her look super sexy.

Right:  Hail to the “Queen!”  Queen Latifah knows how to dress for her body.  She doesn’t chase the trends but always sticks to what works.

If I have to pick one dress that I hate, it’d have to be Diane Kruger’s Chanel gown.  The colors were nice but the ruffles at the mid-section was way too much, not to mention the exaggerated, low-cut halter neckline.  There was too much going on from head to toe.  The overall look was simply not figure flattering.

It was truly an amazing experience for me to be part of the planning process.  Arlene and Eileen were fantastic planners and it was an honor to work with them.  I was pleasantly surprised with how well we all worked together despite the fact that it was our first partnership.  Yes, there were some problems along the way but overall, it was a successful show.

We were stuffing swag bags the day before the show.

Rehearsing with the models before the show.

Guests were already checking in 15 minutes early for the show!

Left:  Pear and Pepper Catering offering soup samples to the guests.

Right:  Guests were tasting different types of wine by International Vineyards.

Joe Salazar of West Coast Bartending School was showing off his skills during the “27 drinks in 15 minutes” presentation.

Beautiful jewelries by One World Designs.

My models and I were showing off some of the new ju.Lee bridesmaid collection dresses.

Iridescence Bridal Couture set up.

My bridesmaid dress re-styling presentation – the before and after of your bridesmaid dresses.  You can re-wear your bridesmaid dresses by using some simple styling tricks.  Really!

Alexander McQueen at his last spring / summer 2010 RTW runway show.

I have always been a fan of Alexander McQueen because of his creative, risk-taking approach to fashion.  Every one of his fashion runway shows are like theatrical performances.  He had a very strong point-of-view and never disappointed his fans.  It is sad to find out that a fashion genius dead at such a young age.  Last year, the fashion world also lost a beloved fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent.

Many people do not realize the intense pressure to be the best in the fashion world.  Most people only see the glitz and glamour.  It requires a lot of hard work to be in this highly competitive industry.  Even though he is gone, I’m sure that he will always be in many people’s hearts – he will certainly be in mine.  Here are some of my favorites from his spring / summer 2010 runway show from Style.com.  May he rest in peace.

LOVE

Left: Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy – Felicity Huffman dazzled in a gorgeous gown highlighting her perfectly toned arms.  The halter style neckline is perfect for those with broad or strong shoulders.

Right: Cameron Diaz picked the right color and silhouette.  The gown is elegant and figure-flattering.  If you have a boyish figure like Cameron, this style is perfect for you because the rushings create a waist for an athletic body.

Left: There is nothing simple about Penelope Cruz’s black lace gown.  I’m generally not a big fan of black dresses at formal events because they are hard to stand out.  But the dress worked wonderfully well here because it had lots of details and textures.

Right: Toni Collette looked perfect in this gold sequin dress by Elie Saab.  It is absolutely glamorous and eye-catching.

Emily Blunt & John Krasinski: If I have to pick the best dress at the Golden Globes, I would have to give the A+ to Emily Blunt.  The silhouette and fit are impeccable with the right amount of pleats and ruffles.  The look is very flirty but red carpet appropriate.  Even though she didn’t win Best Actress, she got my vote for the Best Dressed.

Not So Hot

Left: Overall, Drew Barrymore’s gown is not bad but the metallic ruffles that are growing out of her are.  The silhouette is actually very flattering and the champaign color is quite charming.  This would have been a stunning dress if someone had stepped back and edited.

Right: I love fitted gowns and black is always a safe color choice.  But not in this case for Mariah Carey.  The exaggerated plunging V-neck was over-the-top and the gown was simply too tight.  If you have an apple body shape like Mariah, this dress style will not help you balance out your top half.

Hate

Left: It’s the invasion of the ruffles!  I’m a fan of ruffles but this dress has crossed the line.  Sorry, Chloe Sevigny.  Nice color though.

Right: Although the style of the gown is not bad, the color choice is all wrong.  If you have fair skin like Elisabeth Moss, light, airy colors like blue mist will only fade you away.

Left: When I saw Sandra Bullock walked up the stage to accept her Best Actress award, I couldn’t help but stared at her gown.  Purple is one of my favorite colors but the sheer organza fabric used was horrendous.  The style and fit of the gown looked flattering but the fabric made the dress look cheap.

Right: Nicole Kidman is probably one of the most elegant Hollywood celebrities but her choice for the Golden Globes last night was very questionable.  The style of the dress was very classy but there were too many bows and the color was all wrong for her skin.

]]> http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/01/18/golden-globes-2010-fashion-love-or-hate/feed/ 0 http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/01/10/sneak-peak-of-ju-lee-the-all-occassion-bridesmaid-collection/ http://www.loveleestyle.com/2010/01/10/sneak-peak-of-ju-lee-the-all-occassion-bridesmaid-collection/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:30:42 +0000 judylee http://www.loveleestyle.com/?p=345 Happy New Year!  For the past six months, I have been working vigorously on the first bridesmaid collection.  It has certainly been an exhausting project so it is very exciting that I’ve reached a great milestone!  On February 28, 2010, I’ll be participating at a special event in Treasure Island, CA to feature a sneak peek of ju.Lee.  The Free Pamper Yourself Event is a fun, interactive event organized by me and two other wedding coordinators.  This event is open to the public and the best of all, it’s FREE!  There will be a total of 25 local professional and wedding vendors featured.

During this event, you will get a sneak peek of ju.Lee before its official launch later this Spring.  This will be the only chance for the public to preview the collection.  I’ll show you how ju.Lee is different from other bridesmaid collections with a styling demo.  I don’t want to give out too much so if you’re going to be around the Bay Area that day, you should definitely register for this event.  You won’t be disappointed.  To learn more about this event and to register, visit the event website.  Hope to see you all there!

Photo courtesy of Patrick Goossen.

If you have the time and some artistic skills, I think it’s a great DIY project for the new year.  I stumbled across an article from the Nest that I find to be very helpful to get you started on your next DYI paint job.  The fun part is to pick up your colors.  You should absolutely purchase different color sample paint and test them on the walls.  Otherwise, you run the risk of hating the results.  Also, remember to take different combinations of color cards at the paint store so you can play with the swatches.  I also purchased The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palette for Designing Home Interiors to help me with the project.  This book gives me different color ideas, and it tells me how to choose the right color to create the right mood.

If your walls are already painted, you do not need to prime it first.  When it comes to choosing the type of paint, I highly recommend spending a little extra because you will thank me when you begin to paint.  I recommend using Benjamin Moore Green Promise paint.  Instead of applying 4-5 coats, you only need 1-2 coats.  Although they are more expensive (about $20-30 more), they really save you time and money.  Plus, you will not be attacked by strong odor during and after the painting.

As most of you probably know, you need to use painting tape to keep the lines looking clean.  But if you have non-smooth walls like the popular orange peel texture, it will increase the difficulty of your project.  Even after I carefully pressed the tape to the walls, paint still leaked through creating jagged lines.  No matter how careful you tape, this will still happen.  So, be prepare to use a small art paint brush to go back and touch up the lines.  Yes, it does require steady hands to get the prefect results.  However, you’ll be impressed with the quality when you’re done.  Try it and have fun with your project!

But since we’re all in a budget nowadays, how can you smartly update your wardrobe so you can still be part of the fun?  What should you spend the money on and where should you save?  Here are some suggestions next time you go shopping.

Boyfriend Jacket

You should certainly spend a little extra money to get a well-tailored jacket.  Why?  Because a boyfriend jacket can be very versatile and will be a good addition to your wardrobe.  You can wear it with skinny jeans or leggings along with ankle booties for a rock n’ roll look that is so hot this season.  Or you can wear it with a cocktail dress for your next dinner party to look polished.

Left:  Rachel Bilson is wearing a boyfriend jacket with a graphic printed dress.

Right:  Try a versatile black boyfriend jacket like this one – Ponte Knit Boyfriend Jacket, Studio 148, Nordstrom, $298

Sequins Pieces

Whether it’s a sequin dress, jacket, shoes, or accessories, I think you should save.  The main reason is that you will not be able to use them as much.  First it doesn’t make sense to wear sequins during the day unless the sequins are lightly scattered onto a sweater, for example.  And if you wear a sequin dress, you probably don’t want to wear it to every holiday party.  So, spending $400 on a sequin dress is totally not worth it.

Left: Taylor Swift looks super glamorous in asequin mini dress at the Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York.

Right:  You don’t need to splurge.  Get the budget-friendly version for your holiday party.  Square sequin dress, Forever 21, $29.80.

Motorcycle Jacket

Pick one that you like (black or brown) and feel good about spending the extra money.  I purchased a Coach leather motorcycle jacket back in 2007 for $400 (it was originally $1000) and I am still wearing that jacket every winter.  It has the perfect fit and goes with casual or fancier outfits.  Yes, I think it’s a little pricy but considering that I use it so much every season, it costs about a penny a day.

Left:  Rihanna is looking tough in a black motocycle leather jacket.

Right:  Pair this leather jacket with jeans or a dress and play with the style.  Leather biker jacket, William Rust, Shopbop.com, $480.

Fur

If you’re eco-friendly, faux fur is the way to go.  First, you’re saving innocent animals and second, many faux fur garments look and feel so real that you almost cannot tell the different.  Having that said, this is one fashion piece where you can save.  The fur vest is so hot right now that I got mine at Forever 21 for $28!  It’s a fun piece without the price tag.

This is not the same vest that I bought but it is very rocker chic!  I would recommend wearing a belt because the vest can make you look chunky.

Featured:  Faux fur studded vest, Forever 21, $39

Featured – from Left:  Halle Berry, Amy Adams, and Cameron Diaz

The Perfect Bra

You don’t think about it but what you wear inside is sometimes more important than what you wear outside.  The right bra can really take you the distance.  Lift up the twins and create a sexy cleavage.  Push-up bras are my favorites because if you don’t have the cleavage, you can always fake it.  Depending on the dress itself, the bra that you use will need to work well with the neckline of the dress.  You don’t want the bra to peek out.  If you are not sure, take the dress with you so when you shop for the bra and try them on together.

Left:  Jennifer Aniston – Perfect cleavage with the right support

Right: Versatile and sexy; try the Plunge Multi-way Bra with Gel-Curve, Victoria’s Secret, $50 – 53

The Perfect Body Shaper

Every woman should own at least one good body shaper.  For most occasions, you can use body shapers like Spanx.  They will offer you enough support along with smooth lines when you wear your evening or cocktail dress.  But if you plan to use it for your wedding, you should purchase one that is strapless with bonings.  A shaper with bonings will ensure that it doesn’t roll down your body.  A nude color is better than white because some times white undergarments can show throw white or light color dresses.  Shapers come in many different styles.  Some only support your torso while others support your glute and thighs.  Everyone should at least have a full body shaper that combines the bra and torso support in one.  A good body shaper can be pricy but it is well worth the money.  You can wear it under any dresses and it is not something that you need to purchase often.

Beyonce Knowles has the perfect body support – smooth lines and a flat tummy.

Left:  SPANX “Hi-Rise” Body Smoother, Nordstrom, $68

Right:  If you want the best support, try a strapless body shaper with boning.  Jezebel Caress Bustier, Ella Park Bridal, $56.99

The Perfect Heels

Once you have the perfect dress, the perfect bra, and the perfect body shaper, you should also have the perfect heels.  Depending on your comfort level, you should always have a pair of heels that will work for all type of dresses.  From my experience, a 2.5” to 3” black or nude heels are the best but any neutral color heels are great investments too.  They will elongate your legs and force you to stand up tall.  Whenever I wear heels, I will get a boost of confidence to anything that I wear.  If you are not used to wearing heels, start with 2” and slowly work up to 3”.  Although 4” plus heels look very alluring, they are usually not comfortable and can cause problems for your feet.  I am guilty of owning a few 4” plus heels but I only take them out for a walk once in a while.  Well, it’s hard to resist their charm.

Left:  Taylor Swift and Lisa Rinna wearing the perfect sexy high heels.

Right:  Try the 3″ peep toe pumps –  Pippa Patent Peep Toes, J.Crew, $198

Girls all over the world are in love with their signature stylish yet comfy matching tracksuits.  Knowing that their customers love to travel in them, JC will test the concept of opening stores at four airports: Miami International Airport’s American Airline terminal, British Airway terminal at New York’s JFK International Airport, Taiwan TaoYuan International Airport Terminal II, and Athens Airport Duty Free area, according to WWD.  Customers will be able to find the best JC travel items at these airport stores including apparel, accessories, footwear, children’s wear, and intimate apparels.  Destination specific tees like “Choose Miami” will only be available at that location.  The stores will range in different sizes – 200 square feet to full size free-standing boutiques.

Featured

Left:  Juicy Couture’s signature velour hoodie, Nordstrom, $98

Right:  Juicy Couture flannel boxer shorts, Nordstrom, $32

That’s a great idea!  How many times do you have to wait for hours at the airport and run out of things to do?  Plus, if you forgot to pack your favorite tracksuit, you will be able to pick up a set while you’re waiting for your next flight.  To take this idea even further, they are partnering with airlines to feature their products on the on board catalogues.  Be prepare to see more pink while you’re flying.  I think this is a great concept and JC is definitely thinking outside the box to increase their brand presence and sales.  I expect more companies to follow suit.

Lindsey Lohan and Emanuel Ungaro collaboration – Spring 2010 runway show

Celebrity collections are either a hit or miss.  There are many successful endeavors like Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Elizabeth and James.  But consumers are getting tired of seeing celebrities jumping into the designing scenes especially when the recession hits, and many celebrity’s collections have either downsized or shut down completely.  Jennifer Lopez announced earlier this year that she’s shutting down her high end contemporary line Sweetface as well as Mandy Moore’s Mblem.

On the left:  Elizabeth and James “Alexandra” Blouse, Shopbop, $295

On the right: L.A.M.B. Embossed Vertical Tote, Nordstrom, $495

Don’t expect the celebrity collections going away anytime soon.  Nicole Richie will launch her new contemporary line Winter Kate in spring 2010 and Selena Gomez will launch her first fashion brand Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez in fall 2010.  Nicole Richie already has her fashion accessories brand called House of Harlow 1960 and a maternity collection called Nicole for A Pea in the Pod.  This new line will include mostly tops, vests, and bed jackets.  I’m personally not a big fan of the bohemian chic but it has been a fashion trend for many years.  It will be interesting to see how the collection will turn out.

On the left: 3/4 sleeve button detail maternity blouse, Nicole for Pea in the Pod, $88

On the right: 6 strand bracelet, House of Harlow, Piperlime, $75

Selena Gomez is currently in the works for creating Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez.  According to WWD, Selena will launch a full RTW collection that includes dresses, tops, jeans, skirts, jackets, and some accessories with a focus on eco-friendly fabrics for the clothes.  As an up and coming young teen star, she will be joining her peers like Miley Cyrus as a teen celebrity designer.

It’s actually exciting see that many new fashion lines are launching next year including my first bridesmaid dress collection called ju.Lee.  Certainly, the recession is not slowing us down.

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