CFDA Awards 2015 Report

Kim Kardashian’s fire emergency aside, this year’s Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards was full of fashion inspiration and sartorial surprises. Celebrating the very best of fashion design, the CFDA Awards this year did not fail to amaze and to provoke a deeper love for the industry and it’s creative minds.

But before we get to the awards part of the evening,let me bring you some choice red carpet snaps of my personal picks for best dressed.

Image from People StyleWatch

Kim’s grommeted Proenza Schouler gown was undoubtedly one of the most memorable looks of the night. Those feathered shoulders brushed a candle at some point during the night, but luckily Pharrell was there to lend a hand. Wanna know more? Check Kim K.’s Instagram.

Image from Style.com

Gotta love Natasha Poly‘s sexy take on red carpet glamour.

Image from Style.com

Monique Lhuillier and Michelle Monaghan are picture perfect. Classic black and elegant gold, I love it!

Image from Style.com

Julianna Margulies’ metallic gown is alluring and is just the right amount of sheer. Gotta love Michael Kors‘ black suit too, a menswear classic staple.

Image from Style.com

Zachary Quinto‘s sophisticated tuxedo looks even more amazing beside Gigi Hadid‘s blingy and youthful take on the 70s with her gilded jumpsuit.

Image from Style.com

I am simply dying over Emmy Rossum‘s LBD! It’s simply stunning and has the right details into it.

Image from Style.com

Style maven Miroslava Duma is excellent at dressing for her frame. This mini dress with intricate embroidery is a refreshing ensemble and is so fashion forward.

Image from Style.com

Leandra Medine from famed blog, Man Repeller, took her quirky sense of style to the CFDA Awards, and it was terrific! Love the bandana on her wrist!

Image from Style.com

Katharine McPhee took a definite sartorial risk in her long vest and trouser look, and it definitely paid off.

Image from Style.com

DJ and It Girl Harley Viera Newton and designer Cynthia Rowley look printastic in these babydoll shift dresses. The prints are retro yet modern.

Which looks did you love? There were just so many good ones! Red carpet glamour and jaw-dropping fashion aside, the other great part of events is all those memorable quirky moments before the show, during the show, and after it. What better way to take a peek into the full CFDA experience than through Instagram? Here are my favorite Insta snaps from the night.

Chrissy Teigen‘s wardrobe malfunction had her date Stuart Weitzman coming to her rescue. Phew, that was a close call. She looks adorable in this Insta snap though!

I love this funky nail art! Guess whose these David Bowie tips belong to? Blogger Chiara Ferragni, of course! 

Makeup check! Everyone has to check their beauty look before stepping out, right? Aren’t you just in love with her fresh faced look?

Victoria Beckham is oozing elegance as she is escorted by fashion industry insider Hamish Bowles. Still working it even in the rain.

And now, onto the winners! All the winners were movers and shakers that definitely deserved the awards they received. Each one of these designer’s unique vision has shaped the industry and the fashion world.

Images Below from NYTimes.com

Shayne Oliver,the designer behind hip and happening brand Hood By Air, won the Swarovski Award for Menswear.

If you haven’t heard of Mansur Gavriel, you’re not a true fashionista. The covetable minimalist bucket bags from the brands are must-haves for It girls everywhere. Floriana Gavriel and Rachel Mansur, the creatives behind the brand, won the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

Kanye West presented Pharrell Williams with the Fashion Icon Award. He completely deserves it. His recent collaboration with Adidas is proof of his design acumen and style savvy.

The night wouldn’t be complete without a Betsey Johnson split. The fun and forever young designer won the night’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and stayed true to her playfulness by repeatedly breaking out her splits throughout the night.

I hope you had as much fun as I had looking through all the fashion and Insta-worthy moments from the CFDA Awards. Until next year!

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Buy Now: Swimwear

It’s that time of the year again, ladies. Sun, sand, and sea abound. Or maybe pool, cabana, and cocktail. It’s summer time once again! Whether it’s beachside or poolside, time to get your tan on and enjoy some fun under the sun in style. Your chicness doesn’t have to suffer when you jump into the water,  let trends be your guide and let fashion into your summer swimwear look. It doesn’t matter if you are more of a bikini gal or a one-piece maillot kind of fashionista, there are so many options out there for you.

I’ve put together this quick field guide of the hottest and chicest swimwear options out there. Shop and click away ladies!

 

T by Alexander Wang Swimsuit from MyTheresa

Keep yourself within the white hot athletic trend when you cop this Alexander Wang mesh one-piece swimsuit. Equal parts sporty and sleek, this look just as good out of the pool as it does while you’re in it. Pair with mirrored sunnies and some high shine metallic jewelry for maximum chicness.

 

Emilio Pucci Beach Printed Triangle Bikini from MyTheresa

The 70s trend is strong this season, and a printed Emilio Pucci Triangle bikini is a classic silhouette that will be your easy ticket into looking sexy and sassy at the pool and on the beach. The print on this bikini is so retro and is very of-the-moment too. Best paired with aviators, and a flowing kaftan cover-up in a complementary print.

Dolce & Gabbana Printed Bikini from MyTheresa

Dolce and Gabbana definitely know how to do sexy. Though their specialty may be red carpet gowns, they do a brilliant job in translating this into swimwear too. The high waisted bottom and bustier type top is vintage inspired, and the print conveys the beauty of the Italian Riviera. Styling options for this include espadrilles, floppy straw hats and white oval sunnies.

Mara Hoffman Maristar Cut Out Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

If you’re a trendsetting fashionista, then you best outfit yourself in some Mara Hoffman swimwear garb for the summer. This piece in particular makes a case for sexy one-piece with an eye-catching print as your go-to piece for the summer. Keep accessories minimal, and let the print speak for itself.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Sailor Bonded Bikini from Net-a-Porter

Nautical inspired with a definite vintage flair, I am head over heels over the simple yet incredibly fashion forward and flattering silhouette of this sailor bikini. Lisa Marie Fernandez is a swimwear designer to watch out for. Her designs are all chic and provide excellent support to any shape.

Norma Kamali Mio Ruched Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

This one-piece swimsuit will be an easy pick for the best swimsuit to take you from swimming to cocktails and dinner by a chic shore side restaurant. The ruching is oh-so-chic and the halter neckline is both seductive and sophisticated. This is yet another one-piece that proves that it can just be as sexy as bikinis.

Solid and Striped The Anne Marie Gingham Swimsuit from Net-a-Porter

Poppy Delevingne’s swimsuit line, Solid and Striped, are all about swimsuit classics with a trendy twist. The twist in this look is the gingham, which is the hot print of the season. This gingham one-piece is simple yet conveys your fashion knowledge.

Proenza Schouler Embellished Checked Bandeau Bikini from Net-a-Porter

A bandeau bikini in a check print is your easy pass into a stylish summer. This piece rom Proenza Schouler even has closure embellishments that sweeten the deal. Wear with bright colored accessories for a look that pops and make you stand out.

Are you ready to go shopping? I know I am! So many amazing options, and so many styles and chic details.

Trend Roundup: Mini Bags

The era of the “it” bag is over; these bags came of age and into popularity right around the 00’s. The LV Speedy, Chanel Jumbo Flap 2.55, Fendi Spy, YSL Muse–all these roomy luxury totes were all the rage. Now there is a new bag taking over the scene, the mini bag.

Designers this season have been making teensy versions of the luxury bags we’ve come to know and love, and fashionistas from Rihanna to Giovanna Battaglia have been snapping it up and toting these mini bags around town.

Spotted all over the streets of Paris during Haute Couture Fall 2014/2015 Fashion Week, this little bag is making major fashion headlines. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in chicness. These little purses are certainly in line with the minimalist trend that is big in fashion. The size and sleekness of these tiny fashion wonders serve as accessories that blend in or streamline minimalist ensembles. It never takes over or draws attention, mini bags are all about subtlety, it’s all about having a touch of designer luxury. Just a touch.

Images from Fashiontag.Wordpress.com

Refresh your purse game and snap up these mini bag babies. Here’s our roundup of the chicest mini bags around:

ValentinoVa Va Voom glossed-alligator shoulder bag from The Outnet 

Alligator skin + studs = major luxury. This bag definitely makes a statement, and the right one at that. Sling this over your shoulder and watch everyone swoon over your purse pal.

Givenchy Mini Antigona Grained Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The big sister version of the Antigona is pretty popular as it is. Carrying this mini Antigona will separate you from the fashion pack, and selecting a bubbly and punchy color like this shocking saturated pink is your ticket to being a street style standout.

Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Smooth Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The PS11 classic satchel silhouette combined with the heavy metal hardware makes it impossible to resist. It adds modern polish to any outfit. Wear this across your body with a plain maxi tank dress and flip-flops to glamorize even the most casual days.

Maiyet Peyton Mini Elaphe and Leather Shoulder Bag from Net-a-porter

The red, black, and white stripe print on this Maiyet Mini Shoulder Bag may just be what your denim-and-tee uniform needs. Match your threads with the colors in this bag, or choose a complementary color and wear a cobalt blue boxy crop top; either way all eyes will be on you.

Chloe Leather Baylee Mini Tote from MyTheresa

This Chloe Baylee Mini takes your everyday carryall to another level. The zipper detailing and contrast leather handles and straps are opulent extras that are great glitzy accents to any getup.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Metallic Shoulder Bag from MyTheresa

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli has reached iconic status by now. This crackle metallic blue leather gives an edgy vibe to the fashionista favorite Pashli shape. Wear with leather pants for maximum tough gal appeal.

Balenciaga Classic Mini City Leather Bag from MyTheresa

A modern classic this Balenciaga Mini City Leather bag takes that typically roomy holdall design and downsizes it, thereby giving it a fresh look. This black leather purse is an investment that will pay dividends since it can match practically anything in your closet, and can quickly switch from day to night.

Chanel Blue Velvet Mini Boy Bag from The Luxury Closet

The mini bag that started it all, the Chanel Mini Boy Bag has reached cult status and this reverence will surely last beyond this season. The quilted leather flap bag that Chanel is famous for is given a few tweaks, like chunkier chain straps and a geometric logo setting, resulting in a more current look that fashionistas easily fell in love with.

Which bags will you be rocking? Let me know in the comments! Have a great week ahead everyone!

Buy Now: Statement Making Fashion

With so many sales, both in-store and online, shopping can be overwhelming sometimes. No need to worry, cause I’m here to round up the best fashion buys of the moment. Take your thoughts away from the sad sale racks full to the brim with outdated fashion, and take a look at these statement-making closet must-haves with pared down prices. These are not just basic fashion staples, these are the pieces that will get you noticed in a crowd and establish you as the most stylish one in the room. This is sale fashion like you’ve never seen before–chic, confident, sassy, and fearless.

Caution: Major Fashion Statements Ahead. Here is the SWK sale style guide of the 10 best statement-making fashion buys:

Chloe Neoprene and Leather Flats from LuisaViaRoma

Heels will always have a special place in a fashionista’s heart, but this season flats are taking centerstage. It’s all about statement flats right now, and you can’t do better than this pair from Chloe. The mix of the metallic, nude, and pop of coral on the sole is modern, unexpected, and so very chic.

Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Gold Leaf Sandals from LuisaViaRoma

The beautifully intricate gold leaf design on these Zanotti stilettos is reason enough to snap up these babies. A design that like this one is something you fall in love with and cherish forever. These heels will immediately make you look dressed to the nines as soon as you slip them on.

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Super Skinny Polka Dot Jeans from LuisaViaRoma

Printed jeans are a nice alternative to your plain blue denim. These polka dot jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs will refresh your casual clothes closet. Wear with a dressier shoe like ankle strap nude heels for a stylish contrast.

Mary Katrantzou Graphic Shoe Printed Silk Dress from LuisaViaRoma

Can you really go wrong with a Mary Katrantzou printed dress? Hmm.. Not really. The queen of graphic prints consistently hits the nail right on the head when it comes to prints and dress silhouettes you want to wear.

T by Alexander Wang Pleated Neoprene Mini Dress from The Outnet

Neoprene is one of the big trends this summer. This material, typically used in scuba gear gives any piece a futuristic yet elegantly contemporary feel. This pleated neoprene dress by Alexander Wang has a flattering drape and flow that will work with various body types.

Roland Mouret Ludlow Stretch Woven Trench Coat from The Outnet

Deviate a little bit from the classic trench with this Roland Mouret stunner. The white contrast lapel and the more body conscious design updates your trench, and injects it with a bit of allure and sensuality.

Equipment Cotton and Cashmere Blend Sweater from The Outnet

Cashmere sweaters are fall/winter staple, that you should never hesitate to stock up on. These luxurious yet casual pieces are amazing when paired with a pencil skirt, and can just as easily pull together a casual denim look. The color blocking on this Equipment sweater, just makes this lush piece more covetable.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Clutch from MyTheresa

Mini bags are having their day in the sun. PS1 clutches or cross body bags are a good option, and it comes in so many prints, colors and textures to choose from. This geometric pattern on this PS1 clutch can go easily from day to night.

Emilio Pucci Crystal Bead Embellished Drop Earrings from MyTheresa

Jewelry will always be statement makers in your wardrobe. Colorful and shiny bling is always bound to get you noticed, in the right way of course. This Emilio Pucci drop earrings have a little bit of Art Deco design inspiration, and a little bit of Renaissance color inspiration too, making for a truly exquisite piece of artistry.

Stella McCartney Metallic Jacquard Bomber Jacket from MyTheresa

Without fail, snakeskin always ups the sexiness and chicness of a look. A snakeskin print on metallic jacquard is a striking design element. But when it is combined with the boyish shape of a bomber jacket, you can truly see the innovation and creativity in its design. Perfect for your LBD or even with your denim cutoffs.

Which piece will you be snapping up? At these prices, I won’t be surprised if you (and I) grab more than one. Happy shopping!