Oscars 2015 Recap

Although Ellen selfies and a tripping Jennifer Lawrence were replaced with Neil Patrick Harris in tighty whities and hella-creepy-bulldog-chain-wearing John Travolta, the red carpet at the 87th Academy Awards was anything but subpar.  

Here's a mini recap:

Proving her prowess as a fashion icon, Lupita Nyong'o continues to set the bar high with unforgettable red carpet moments. The justification of world-wide oyster genocide came in the form of her absolutely exquisite custom Clavin Klein number. Simply put, she looked like royalty. Pearls seemed to cascade down her body with an exuberant elegance. It was a classic silhouette with an unconventional twist; a double-take demanding combination that is becoming Nyong'o's trademark. 

Naomi Watts debuted my favorite look of the night: an embellished silver and black glitzing Armani Privé gown with black bandeau. Watts was styled to perfection with effortless waves, drop earrings, and edgy berry lipstick. Youthful, sexy, and unique, this dress was a knockout and Watts's confidently rocked it like a pro.  

A pregnant Keira Knightley looked as though she spent the afternoon frolicking in meadows in her ethereal Valentino with floral appliqués. She resembled a whimsical garden fairy goddess in all the best possible ways. Similar in aesthetic to the critic-hated Chanel gown she wore to the Golden Globes, this whimsical, champagne colored garment completely hit the mark. In fact, it deserves to be written about in a few fairytales.  

Notable mentions: 

Jennifer Aniston completely slayed it in a slinky nude dress–courtesy of Versace–further proving the fact that the woman is immune to ever looking less than perfect. 

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Emma Stone reminded me of a green/gold tigress in her sleeved Elie Saab gown. Her signature red locks and makeup complemented the dress impeccably. 

Until next year! PS: Check out some behind the scenes details of Lupita Nyong'o's pearly dress here. 

NYFW Review: 50 Shades of Grey at Wes Gordon

It's a sunny, crystal clear, 75° Friday in the Bay Area , and, naturally, I am spending my afternoon basking in the live-streaming glory of New York Fashion Week. The hectic, colorful atmosphere and brisk temperatures of NYFW seem much more intriguing than yet another perfect California day–especially with the ability to be in virtual proximity to such amazing talent. 

If you read my blog, you know that the 90s are kind of my jam. Thus, it should come at no surprise that my favorite show of the day originates from the brilliant mind of Mr. Wes Gordon. At the mere age of 28, Gordon has already established a trademark in his craft: timeless sophistication. If we were talking music, Gordon's designs would be a Paul McCartney in a room full of Iggy Azaleas and Aviciis. The guy just doesn't disappoint. 

Wes Gordon's Fall 2015 show lived up to the high standards of his young career, with looks evocative of the Calvin Klein minimalism that made Kate Moss famous. In an interview with the Washington Post, Gordon hailed the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy as a major source of inspiration. The consistency of clean lines, exquisite tailoring, and even sensibly pulled-back hair played tribute to the fashion icon. 

boss moss and cbk

The most captivating aspect of Gordon's Fall 2015 RTW was the way he stayed true to the classic 90s aesthetic. He didn't add dramatic alterations or overwhelming silhouettes. In fact, within a black and gray palette of color, Gordon smartly balanced knits, furs, print, and translucent fabrics––quintessential 90s textiles–– with ease. Chunky turtlenecks, shirt dresses, spaghetti straps, pea coats, trench coats, even silk palazzo pants were all accounted for on that runway. Gordon didn't reinvent the wheel because he didn't need to. Good clothes are good clothes; it's that simple.  

Ahhh, Friends

The start of a new year popularizes gym memberships, gives people new hope, and allows us all to forget the missteps of the previous 12 months. This year, however, my priorities were a little skewed. As I embarked into 2015, I posed a life-altering question to myself: "Why make friends, when you can watch Friends?". 

For all of you (probably) very successful people–who refuse to pose victim to the procrastination powers of Netflix–here's the 411. As of January 1, 2015, the entirety of Friends can be found on Netflix in its original 90's glory. Thus, the question I posed to myself has quickly transformed into a motto, proving to be the most successful New Year's Resolution of my  life. 

As I spend hours fulfilling the challenge I set out for myself, I simultaneously receive a historical lesson in fashion. 

The fashion in Friends really drives the show, with the first season alone featuring iconic looks. What would Joey be without his turtlenecks? Chandler minus a sweater vest or an oversized tie would be a sin, and Rachel in anything but a crop top would feel treasonous. Each character had a distinctive identity enhanced by their respective outfits; wardrobes that evolved with every individual during the progression of seasons. And, in a strange twist of events, the fashion on Friends as a whole feels weirdly current. 

Here are the lessons I have learned from binge-watching Friends so far: 

1. Layering is great. Shirt under dress with a vest? Yes. A blazer over overalls? Sure. On that note...

2....overalls are always a good idea. 

3.. Rachel Green can literally rock anything. I mean anything. 

4. And, everyone should wear rings like Phoebe Buffay

Furthermore, watching Friends outside its original context makes me nostalgic of a time period in which I barely existed. The 90's in NYC seemed pretty rad: a time where rent for a few gigantic apartments could be paid through minimum-wage jobs, and a group of well-dressed best friends could spend their days gossiping at a coffee shop. Ahhhhhh, the 90s. 

my new screensaver