Oscars Best Dressed. 2.27.2012

The Academy Awards...the most glamourous night in Hollywood where film's elite don gorgeous couture and walk down The red carpet. 

As usual, there were the hits and the misses, but this post is dedicated to my favorite gowns from the Oscars. 

My personal best-dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow. 
How absolutely STUNNING does Gwyneth look in this cloaked Tom Ford gown? She definitely took a fashion risk, but without the cloak the dress completely stood on its own merit. I also loved her sleek low ponytail and neutral makeup. 

Tom Ford gown. Photos courtesy of People.com and Popsugar.com, respectively. 

My unexpected choice: Kristen Wiig.

I would never have guessed that the Bridemaids star would make my best-dressed list, but I thought this J. Mendel gown was gorgeous in both the color and the detailing. I LOVED her hair color and loose waves as well!

Photo courtesy of Style.com. I apologize for the questionable photo quality on some of these. 

Not surprisingly: Emma Stone.
She is probably my favorite new actress and I find her to be so unique and stylish. I always look forward to seeing what she'll wear on the red carpet, and she definitely did not disappoint in this loud Giambattista Valli gown.

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Safe, but pretty: Cameron Diaz

This wasn't the most daring gown by any means, but the detailing at the bottom was beautiful and I thought this Gucci dress looked amazing on her.

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

The knockout: Rachel Smith.
I am in love with the super rich color of this gown, and the style of it is SO flattering. Her hair, makeup and jewelry could not be more perfect either! I'm jealous!

Photo courtesy of People.com.

The dazzler: Stacy Keibler

To me, this Marchesa gown gushed classic Hollywood glamour, and in my opinion Stacy had the prettiest hair and makeup of the night. 

Photos courtesy of Style.com and People.com, respectively.

The fashion newcomer: Jessica Chastain.

The Help star dazzled on the red carpet in Alexander McQueen, and if this gown is any indication I'm definitely looking forward to her future red carpet choices. 

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

The wildcard: Milla Jovovich.

I really loved the sparkle and the one-shoulder design of this white Elie Saab gown. 

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

And then there are the after parties... Here are some of my favorite looks from the Vanity Fair party.

Cameron Diaz in Victoria Beckham.

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana.

Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein.

Photo courtesy of WWD.

What were some of your favorites??

Thanks for reading :)

xo,

Jacy

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formalities... 2.23.2012

Wedged booties: Target.

Vintage bracelet. 

Lace dress: Forever 21. Winged earrings: Target.

With formals, graduations, and wedding season fast approaching, why not do something unexpected? Swap that traditional satin strapless for one of the biggest trends of this Spring/Summer season: lace. 

To further break away from the typical, I paired this lace beauty with wedged booties (booties & wedges are both hot right now), a chunky vintage bracelet (rather than something delicate like the expected pearls), and my rocker-esque winged earrings. To top it all off, I did a fishtail braid - a messy, but pretty look that you wouldn't normally think of for dressy events. 

I hope this post inspires you to step beyond the expected this Spring! Thanks for reading :)

xo,

Jacy

All of the lovely photos were shot by Jo Photography.

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forget all your cares and go Downtown... 2.15.2012

Combat inspired boots: Aldo Shoes.

Fossil watch.

Wing Earrings: Target.

Baseball tee and skinnies: Forever 21.
Jo Photography.

Downtown cool: something many of us aspire to style-wise....but does anyone else find it's challenging to not look too "hipster"? I don't like to imitate trends/fads TOO closely, so even on a less feminine outfit like this one, I styled it with curled hair & a sparkly watch to keep it consistent with my own style. Styling really is all about contrast & balance...it's okay to mix-n-match styles to make it your own!


Thanks so much for reading!
Jacy xo

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it's fashion week! 2.09.2012

The madness has begun! Sadly, I'm far away from it all at college in Missouri of all places...but thanks to my internet stalking, I still follow what's going on in the high fashion world, and that consoles me a little. 

I guess my love of fashion took root in high school, because after thinking about my favorite designers the past few days, I realized that the runway looks that I best remember are ALL from my high school years when I first started following the collections.

Here are some of my favorite designers, as well as some of my favorite looks they've created in the past several seasons. It was somewhat painful to narrow these down so much, but obviously necessary. Enjoy :)

Diane von Furstenburg. She's a legend. I've always loved her designs, but grew to really respect her after doing a big project on her in a college class. She is an ever-classy woman, and it's evident that she designs to flatter a woman's body. One of my roommates recently thrifted a dress of her design and gave it to me...needless to say I cannot wait for an occasion to wear it!

DVF Spring 2008 RTW. This structure is ultra feminine.

DVF Fall 2008 RTW. This dress is reminiscent of 40's flapper style.

DVF Fall 2007 RTW. This dress is so striking.

Michael Kors. He is a truly AMERICAN designer, creating clothing that epitomizes luxurious American style. I can only dream of someday owning some of his designs. 

MK Spring 2007 RTW. I love this draped look on Natasha Poly, one of my favorite models. 

MK Spring 2007 RTW.

MK Fall 2007 RTW. How glamorous is this?!

MK Fall 2007 RTW. Lily Donaldson looks incredible.

MK Fall 2011 RTW. Hello draping.

Alexander Wang. This young designer burst onto the scene in 2007 and his fashion brand has really taken off since then. Here is my favorite look of his that I still find relevant in trends today. 

Alexander Wang Spring 2008 RTW. I love this current, relaxed way to wear a blazer.

Elie Saab. Is there anyone with more glamorous designs?? This guy designs my dream gowns, and I feel it would be any woman's dream to wear one of his designs.

Elie Saab Spring 2010 RTW. This beading is incredible.

Elie Saab Spring 2011 RTW. What gorgeous color and structure.

Elie Saab Spring 2011 RTW

Elie Saab Spring 2011 RTW. This gown is perfection. 

Who are some of your favorite designers? Any favorite collections as a whole?


As always, thanks for reading :)
Jacy

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prim and proper. 2.02.2012

Fossil watch. Rings are all vintage or gifts. Essie nail polish in Smokin' Hot.  

Nine West heels.

Forever 21 skirt and sweater. 

When I put on this outfit I instantly feel date night ready...the only problem is that my boyfriend calls this my "grandma sweater" :) Regardless of the fact that it may or may not resemble some knitwear in my grandma's closet, I love the ultra feminine feel and colors of this outfit, especially because it's a rare occasion that I wear pink!

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