I decided that instead of pulling inspiration from around the web on Fridays, from now on I’ll do so on Wednesdays, for the most part. This way, it’s a mid-week pick-me-up! Ready for today’s pick-me-up (which is shorter than usual, considering it’s been less than a week since last time I shared links)?!
Call me a sweet lover (which isn’t a lie, actually!), but I have another food related finding…have you ever thought of topping your cupcakes with two frostings? What about swirling them, but coming up with a perfectly neat finished product? Well, Your Homebased Mom showed readers how to do this with her Peanut-Butter Chocolate Twist Cupcakes. I’m sure, however, it could be done with any cupcake you could imagine! How cool! (Your Homebased Mom is the mother of fashion blogger Totally Tessa!)
That wraps up this week’s link sharing! Stay tuned for next week Wednesday’s Mid-Week Pick-Me-Up: Internet Musings! In the meantime, I’d love to hear about some of your own favorite findings!
And P.S. Did you see the launching of a new feature here on The Anthropologie Connoisseur yesterday? If you missed it, head on over here. To learn about submitting looks, I’ll send you in this direction - it’s really a simply process! Thanks!
I’m the first one to admit that I’m by no means an avid reader (well, do blogs count? because if they do, then I’m an avid reader). However, recently I did read an excellent book, so I feel compelled to recommend it to you all!
1) You find out amazing tidbits about Chanel’s life. Without doubt, Chanel is one of the most intriguing women, and definitely one of – if not the – most influential women designers in history. If you think you already know a lot about Chanel, you still won’t be disappointed with this in-depth book.
and 2) Karbo’s writing style is so enjoyable to read. Throughout the book, it’s as though you are talking to a friend…you just want to keep on reading and reading and reading. And remember: this is coming from someone who is not a big reader generally at all.
In a nutshell, my advice is to read this book! Although the reviews on Amazon give it only about 4 stars on average (out of 5), I would give it a much higher review. I flat out disagree with some of the lower reviews, one of which, for example, cites Karbo as annoying – no way! As a fashion lover, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the book.
Run to the bookstore or library, or order it here now! And again, I am not being paid to write this review…I genuinly really recommend it!
Before the Oscars, before even the red carpet, on E!’s pre-red carpet show George Kotsiopoulos (of Fashion Police…he’s a stylist as well) gave his picks for what a few stars should wear. I think, for the most part, he did an excellent job! And so, I only see it fitting to look at what could have been at the Oscars, as well as what actually was…
First up, Nicole Kidman. This is what could have been:
Armani Privé Spring 2011
Obviously, Nicole would do without the hat, and she could even switch up the shoe color for something more classically her (i.e. less contrast). I love the structure of this…and wouldn’t the color just be absolutely tremendous on her?!
But, this is what Nicole ended up wearing:
No doubt, I believe George’s pick would have worked a lot better! What do you think?
Next up is Mila Kunis. This is what could have been…
Elie Saab Couture Spring 2011
I love the blush tone of this…it would be so different from what Mila wore to the Oscars and SAGs. There’s also no denying that this is one stunning dress.
Interestingly enough, although Mila didn’t wear this exact gown, she did wear Elie Saab Couture. In fact, what she wore was from the exact same collection! Here’s the runway shot:
And here is Mila in the dress:
I actually quite like both George’s pick and what she ended up going with. Which do you prefer?
I love, love, love, lovethis! Between the leather top and the gorgeous, flowing bottom, it’s total adoration! Imagine how great this could work for Reese – my only concern is that Reese might not be tall enough to pull this off (not that I know her height, but she seems to be on the shorter side). That’s not saying it couldn’t work…just that it has the possibility not to!
Here’s what Reese actually wore:
For me, there is no contest! I much prefer George’s pick! Which do you prefer?
And finally, Natalie Portman. This is what could have been…
Alexis Mabille Spring 2011 Couture
This would definitely have worked on Natalie’s pregnant frame! There wouldn’t be any wrinkling fiascos, like there were with Natalie’s SAGs dress!
This is what Natalie actually wore:
I think both George’s pick and what Natalie ended up wearing would suit/suited her well! It’s a tough pick…which do you prefer?
That wraps up this post! I hope this was fun and interesting for you…it sure was for me!
Without any further delay to our SAG Awards stylings, I present to you our tied second (or third, depending how you look on it) place winner!
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It’s Julie Bowen!
Julie really took a risk by opting not to wear a dress…and I, personally, think it paid off! She looks great! According to the poll on the original post about the SAG Awards, 71% of you agree with me!
The look definitely has a menswear vibe, but it is also equally clean, tailored, and modern. I tried to keep that in mind when creating stylings!
The deceivingly simple top and trousers give an effortless, yet still modern vibe that very much so channels menswear. Nonetheless, the look is still a sort of elevated, elegant, feminine look, if you will. The turquoise bag and orange earrings add just the right amount of interest to bring the look to the next level.
Tuck in this simple top to the skirt that is both menswear-esque in design and color. Layering on the large necklace that’s in a tone close to the color of the shirt allows for interest, but it’s not all about the necklace. And isn’t that nice?
So, readers, which look is your favorite?! Don’t you just love simple sophistication?!
Stay tuned for our first place winner tomorrow….(!!!!!)
Don’t tuck this shirt in, but rather loosely belt it (this way, it has shape, but is still relaxed looking). The total look is a little throw-back and a lot of effortlessness!
If you wanted, you could warm up with these tights, originally $18, now $9.95:
Yes, the skirt and boots are the same (sale shoe selection is down!), but by skipping the belt and going for this top, which I envision loosely tucking in the skirt, you have a much more minimal vibe (although still a bit of a throw back). The cuff helps finish off the look. Once again, you could easily add the tights from above.
Taking this top, I can remix it into something else…
So, what did you think of the fashion last night at the SAG Awards?! My overall verdict? Not too shabby! No, I’m not totally swooning over anyone’s look, but there really weren’t too many total disasters either! Shall we take a closer look?
Natalie, oh, Natalie! I watched the red carpet arrivals on E! with Guiliana Rancic acting as the interviewer and it was said many times, “Baby bumps are the new black!” Whether you want to believe this or not is up to you, but I can certainly say that I’m, once again, disappointed with Natalie’s look! I know I said this for the Golden Globes, but I really would have liked to see her in something fitted. Nonetheless, even if I’m just judging what she actually wore, I’m still not happy! The dress didn’t seem to fit her right – it was a wrinkled mess underneath her bump. When she came on stage to present, you could tell it was freshly steamed – and when she won, not too long after this, the dress was already a huge wrinkled mess (luckily you could only really see her from the bust up once she got on stage!). I mean, this picture even shows some of the wrinkles (they were worse when she won her award). And the hair? Although it doesn’t look too, too bad in this picture, it actually didn’t seem to flatter her face at all.
Oh, my. Well, Helena definitely improved from the Globes. Hey - she’s wearing matching shoes, at least! Obviously, this look is far from good though. Do you think she should continue to try to be more subdued or do you think she should just be her crazy self and accept not being best dressed (or would that make her best dressed for you?)? I want to hear your thoughts!
Yes, this is pretty enough. Is it stunning? Not really. But I’m okay with it. It’s not too shabby. And what do you think of the hair? I wasn’t a huge fan…
Yay! Nicole didn’t wear white! I would still love to see her in color though (not red…but another color). I really don’t mind this dress though. The back was stunning (loved the exaggerated fabric zipper pull) and I like the boning-like lines throughout the dress. The necklace worked well. Her hair though? A bit stringy. Overall, she’s not best dressed, but definitely not worst dressed!
First, let’s just say, “Way to go, Amy!” She recently had a baby, and she looks terrific. This fabric definitely shows everything. When she was being interviewed by Giuliana, I thought that, for that reason, the dress didn’t work as well. However, from a picture like this, it doesn’t look half bad! I do think the dress made her look a bit flat-chested though.
Sure from the bust up this looks fine, but otherwise, not so much. I mean, it’s just not flattering! And the fact that you can easily make out those seams isn’t great (that wasn’t what the designer was looking for)….
I know this may seem harsh, but I’m just saying that I don’t think the dress does her justice. She could do better.
I definitely can appreciate where Jennifer was going with this…however, the shoes just made it way too clunky. Oscar de la Renta (the designer of this dress) is known for his soft, feminine designs, so her choice of hairstyle seems like she was trying to go a different direction. In the end, it seems like a bit disjointed of a look. And probably the biggest question under debate with this dress is: should the bow be black or pink? You tell me.
Hailee really impressed with her age appropriate look at the Globes, and again, she did not disappoint (she’s 15). She wore one of the trends of the night – bright colors…orange and red primarily. The simplicity of the dress is refreshing and suits her well.
Annette’s tamed hair certainly looked better than it did at the Globes! I also can appreciate her age appropriate dress that still has an interesting cut (the back was really nice). She’s definitely not my best dressed though.
The handbag definitely is not working for Winona, but other than that, it’s not too, too bad. However, the whole look is a bit wedding-ish, don’t-cha think?
I really appreciated Kim’s apparent desire to look a bit more classy with this look! The Marchesa dress look nice, and her make-up wasn’t too heavy!
This, too, even though it was a pale pink, seemed a little wedding dress-reminiscent to me (for those of you who watch Say Yes to the Dress, tell me it wasn’t a bit Pnina Tornai like – I mean, wasn’t it?!)! I didn’t think this dress was anything we haven’t seen before either, so while Angie’s not worst dressed, she’s not best dressed either.
Sofia certainly showed off her body in this dress, which I think worked for the most part. Not my best dressed though…
I really appreciate the risk Julie took with this jumpsuit…it was a lot different from her Globes dress! At first I wasn’t so sure, but it’s started to grow on me…she looks fresh and modern!
Jenna! You could do so much better than this! It’s not worst-dressed material, but still!
This was a nice change from Lea’s Globes dress. It makes her look young, fresh, and modern. Is it love though? No.
I really appreciate that Jane went out of her comfort zone with this, but I’m not so sure it worked.
This difficult color to wear worked pretty well, and the dress was pretty enough. Her hair and make up were nice too, but she’s not best dressed worthy.
Amber, once again, picked a great dress that works for her body perfectly!
Dianna took a risk with this hemline! I’m not totally in love with the look though. I’m thinking the dress probably was a lot more stunning in person. What do you think?
Heather looks beautiful in this dress…but she’s not best dressed for me!
I really liked the colors of this look – the contrast between her earrings and the dress is great! The dress probably could have done a little more for her though…
This was pretty enough – it definitely had simplicity going for it. Not best dressed though…
This was really nice. I liked the earrings that paired perfectly and helped to add interest!
No. Sorry, but no.
Hooray! Hooray! Seriously guys – hooray! Tina usually is in need of major help when it comes to her red carpet looks, but she nailed it this time! I’m not even going to say, “Oh, this is an improvement!” but rather, “Man! I love this!” The dress is oh so pretty, and her hair complements it nicely! I’m not saying she’s my best dressed, but she’s up in my top 10 for sure, maybe even top 5!
Jane looked like an age appropriate, glowing mother-to-be!
I loved how Claire, who looked divine at the Globes, went for something quite different this time around. I think it really was lovely, although the belt doesn’t work 100% for me.
Yes, this is a gorgeously draped dress, but if you’re just looking at the cut, it’s rather unoriginal. The coloring definitely adds some flair, but I’m not so sure I love it. Actually, I know I don’t love it. Not close to worst dressed though!
I’m glad Eva took a risk and strayed from her norm, but Eva…oh, Eva! It just doesn’t work! It looks as though she wore the tall version instead of the needed petite. The waist hits her too low, making her look shorter than she is!
And now, for my personally two favorites:
There is absolutely no denying that this is one gorgeous dress (Alexander McQueen!)! She carried it off beautifully too!
I know some of you are probably thinking I’m crazy – this look is probably one of the most controversial of the night (her Globes dress was too!). Granted, I don’t think this is the best photograph, and I’ll also admit it took a bit for this to grow on me, but grow on me it did! It was different and fit her perfectly. Her hair was also the perfect complement! Love!
Now, please vote for your best dressed! Then, please vote for three (3 each!!) ladies whose looks you want to be used as inspiration for an Anthro head-to-toe styling! Thanks!
Thanks for voting! If you have any other thoughts, I’d be excited to hear in the comments!
To see the first three looks in this series of posts, hop on over here!
In 1993, menswear designer Paul Smith created a womenswear collection. In 2004, he debuted the “tea dress.” And this, is our focus today.
So what is this so-called ”tea dress?” Well, in one word, it’s versatile. Besides that, it’s a pretty relaxed, flowy silhouette. It’s a dress one can wear for numerous occasions, possibly by just a few minor accessory changes. Best of all though, it’s a timeless piece that gets updated year after year, but never really goes completely out of style.
It’s usually characterized by a print, although there truly are so many variations. Without question though, it’s feminine!
Tuck in the top to this incredible gorgeously detailed skirt, and you’ve got a perfect base to a “tea dress” inspired look. Finish off with some heels that tie in the black and blue color scheme and a fabulous bag (you could add tights if need be). This is the perfect work look.
Now tell me, have you ever worn anything similar to the tea dress silhouette? If not, would you consider it now having seen these two stylings? And which styling do you prefer?
No doubt, I believe George’s pick would have worked a lot better! What do you think?
