Oscars Blahscars

Apparently I was hard to impress last night.  It could have been the busy weekend catching up with me or the fact that the 2011 Oscars were just that boring.  The best part was Colin Firth's acceptance speech.  It's just too bad we had to wait 3 hours to hear it.  Anne and James were okay, but I wasn't floored.  James looked like he had a crick in his neck the entire time and Anne, although it was endearing, seemed so starstruck that it took away from some of the humor. However, I'm not here to comment on the show, I'm here to comment on the fashion, so let's dig our red carpet stilletos right into it.

Again, maybe I was a little too restless last night but it's more fun when there are train wrecks to laugh about or pick apart. That's so catty of me.  I apologize.  I think it also had to do with the fact that there weren't many jaw-dropping dresses.  Everyone, for the most part, looked like they pulled it together but stayed on the safe side.  I appreciate the showing of color last night, especially red.  It's better than seeing a sea of black dresses that just blend into one another so I guess I should give these poor actors a break, right? Nah, they get paid way to much to get a break. Let's flip it and reverse it and start with the Worst Dressed, shall we?

WORST
She may have won for best supporting actress, but Melissa Leo did not have the support of the fashion critics.  I don't know why she felt the need to be inspired by Elvis but this dress was a hot tranny mess.  She is on the mature side of the age scale and this dress just overpowered her.  It was bulky, the color was drab, and it resembles some crocheted doile from grandma's couch.  It's a good thing she won the Oscar.  Hopefully the trophy took the attention away from her failed frock.

  
Not only does this actress bother me as a whole, she can NEVER get it right when it comes to her award shows.  Nicole does better when she's attending awards for her dish of a husband, Keith Urban, but when the spotlight is on her, she loses all fashion sense.  She said in a press conference that she takes fashion advice from her daughter, Sunday Rose. Umm, Nicole, she's like two years old. When I was two I thought pink and purple Barbie shoes were a perfect match for my red and white striped jumper with 10 clips in my hair.  Even Keith can't stand to look at that attempt of a modern makeshift Kimono dress.  Get a clue and a stylist.

She's made the list again, and not in a good way.  Good 'Ol Divorced Scar Jo has wrapped herself in a craptastic dress yet again.  This lacey lingerie dress is so lackluster I can't even stand it.  The duel colors aren't very fetching.  I'm not a big maroon fan to start with and color lace can be tricky.  If you don't pick the right hue, it just looks cheap.  Then to top this monstrosity off is her bedhead and overkill eye makeup.  She has such a beautiful, classic glamour look that she doesn't need to pile on the shadow.  Next time, put a comb through your hair and stick to the old hollywood style that you do so well.

This next leading lady is so fantastic in her movies and is always known for her risk-taking fashion.  She did not let us down this time either.  I appreciate wanting to stand out and wear something unique.  In fact, I encourage that.  However, it's a fine line between crazy and cool.  I love the colors to this dress.  It's very light and airy, but the design looks like a jelly fish crop circle.  Not a fan of the nautical alien chic.  Phone home, Cate. This dress is too out of this world.

I don't think Julia Ormond has been in anything to write home about since she sampled all the brothers in Legends of the Falls, but she should probably continue to stay out of the limelight if she's going to choose pieces like this.  It looks just like Christina Aguilera's dress from the Grammy's and it was a failure there too.  She looks washed out, her hair and makeup don't match the essence of the dress, and even in this photo it looks like she's apologizing for wearing the dress.  Apology accepted. Now go burn that dress so we never see it again...on anyone!

Sharon Stone. Two words: Cruella Deville.  All the dalmations in Hollywood took cover last night.

I feel bad for always commenting on Natalie Portman especially since she's pregnant and I'm sure is annoyed she has so many damn red carpet events to attend while she grows by the day, but like I said before, I just KNOW there are better maternity options.  This dress, oddly enough, looked matronly and she is NOT matronly.  I think it would have been beautiful in an emerald green or vibrant blue.  This color, much like Scar Jo, just isn't very dazzling.  Her previous dresses, while they haven't been my favorite either, at least had a hint of youth in them.  This selection looks like it could be worn by someone in their 50s who is a little shy to show their arms.  The shoes look like she is going to her first junior high dance and the hair looks unfinished. Regarding fashion, her due date can't come soon enough.

Okay, I'm feeling too critical. It's time to hop on the Best Dressed list.  Lights, camera, action!

BEST

Will all the bombshells please step forward! Va-Va-Voom Jennifer Lawrence stood out among this crowd by leaps and bounds.  Her hair, body, and makeup were perfection.  This is a perfect example of making something simple look outrageously amazing.  She let her natural, ahem, attributes, do all the work.  The red carpet must have been drool stained after she walked it. 

Amy Adams from The Fighter is one of my favorite actresses because she's not only a great actress and loveable, she realizes jewel tones are her best friends.  I think her look was glamourous, bold, and completely flattering. This look is a total knockout (get it, that's boxing reference. haha!)  

Celine Dion is the epitome of an ugly duckling transformed to a beautiful swan, and this dress emphasized that metamorphosis perfectly.  It was magnificently tailored, the color was white hot, and the dress fit her frame like a glove.  Perfect execution.

She's played a queen, is an actual dame, and knows how to dress for her age and rockin' body.  Helen Mirren can teach these young, clueless actresses a thing or two about dressing for your age and body.  She hits it right on the mark everytime and outshines any starlett with class and grace.  I hope to look just as amazing when I reach her age because honey, she makes aging look GOOD!

She may have played an alcoholic mess of a country singer in Country Strong, but there was nothing washed up about Gwyneth Paltrow's awesomely edgy Calvin Klein number.  The board straight hair complimented the modern feel to this dress and rounded out this look for a true shining star.

Another winning example of dressing age appropriately was exemplified by True Grit's Hailee Steinfeld.  She looked so adorable you could just put her on top of a cake.  It reminded me of an updated 50's style prom dress: demure and elegant.  From her sweet little headband down to her ballet pink peep toes, this girl washed off that grit and rocked the glam!

 

Last but not least, we have the incredible shrinking woman sponsored by Weight Watchers, Jennifer Hudson.  This color against her skin was stunning.  Her hair was up and framed her face beautifully.  My only complaint is the boobage situation.  From time to time they seemed a little lopsided, which I'm sure is an issue since she's lost so much weight.  I can't help but wonder what this dress would have looked like with a sweetheart strapless neckline and a lovely necklace.  Regardless of the tatas and halter, she worked it like a true diva. 

There you have it, Sugars!  From the worst to the best the lists aren't too bad.  Of course it's fun when celebrities look like they've lost their mind, but all in all, I am here to embrace fashion, admire design, applaud uniqueness, and share stories.  Even though the Oscars were pretty much a snore, at least we had some pretty dresses to keep our attention.

Love and shoes,

Kim 

Levi's loves women...real women.

I was browsing through my InStyle magazine filled with ads for clothing that I admire but can't always afford and don't necessarily speak to my body style.  Page after page offers striking images that make you want to jump right in the ad and sun tan on the Riviera with your equally chic boyfriend (sexuality questionable) or slather yourself in plaid and play croquet with the Tommy Hilfiger family.  Then out of nowhere, I come upon this new Levi's ad that impacted me so much I had to read it aloud to my co-workers.  It was real and it was speaking to all the other real women that buy and read this magazine.  I mean, let's be honest, the models aren't the ones reading the mags.  We are!

Most women know the perils of jean shopping.  It ranks right up there with bathing suits and pap smears.  It's a pain in the pear shaped ass!  This ad embraces curves, no curves, and everything in between.  It speaks to the majority of this world who are on the constant search for the perfect jean.  Your name may not be listed below, but they are speaking to you!

Now I realize I might be a little more in love with fashion than the average person, but this ad truly affected me.  It made me feel good about myself and gave me hope that I can walk into the Levi's store and leave a happy customer.  It made me proud of my curves.  I've worked hard on them:-)  And curves shouldn't be associted with 'fat'.  I hate that connotation.  Curves means womanly, athletic, beautiful, unique, and sensual.  Finding the right pair of jeans spans the spectrum of body styles and Levi's is responding.  Finally! A company that is tailoring its line to the consumer's needs and not the other way around. 

I know Levi's isn't the first to offer custom fit jeans, but they are the first company that grabbed my attention and made me feel okay for having sturdy thighs and a stout butt.  I went online to see what the CurveID is all about and it was fun and easy.  It's interactive and provides photos to help you figure out which style is the best fit for your body.  I'm Bold Curvy:-)  Damn skippy I'm bold and curvy. What's the alternative? Timid and square? No fun in that!

Now, you have to be brutally honest on the website in order to get the right result, but who cares if the end result is a sweet-ass fitting jean! Hell, I'd give up carbs for life if you could guarantee a jean that fits...okay, maybe not that far, but I'd give 'em a day. I believe that's a more-than-fair trade off. 

If you want to ensure an accurate measurement or if you are measurement challenged like myself, you can also go into the store and an associate can help you.  What's a fifteen sixteenth anyway?!

Levi's is a trusted, classic brand that has been around for ages.  They know jeans and it appears they know real women too!  Take back the control when it comes to the jean search.  Don't squeeze your fantastically plump rear end or rock hard athletic legs into what the designers think you should look like.  Get a Levi's custom pair that are literally made just for your hot ass!

Be inspired and empowered. No one can fill YOUR jeans but you!

Love and shoes,
Kim

One woman's trash is another woman's treasure....or at least a good laugh.

I have this newfound interest in resale shop clothing, particularly the dresses from the 80's.  You know the polyblend, patterned, elastic waistband type? Think of Melanie Griffith from Working Girl. Now if we all could work with a dish like Harrison Ford.  Sigh.

This past weekend my cousin Jenny and I went and checked out a resale shop that was recommended to me, The Way We Wore, located on Waugh.  It was awesome and how much do you love that name!  If you are committed to the search, you can really find some cute pieces that just need some love and a few updated accessories and voila, you have a new outfit for under $50!  I have three dresses that need some tailoring to bring them up to date, mainly just a hem.  I will post the before and after pictures. Soon, I promise!

I really love going through the racks of musty discards.  Sometimes it feels like I'm looking at my mom's closet from when I was younger (minus the smell) which might be another reason why I love it so much.  Everytime I go, I secretly hope to find one of her old work dresses.  It brings back memories of heading to school in the ol' Suburban, watching my mom put her on makeup in the passenger seat with rollers in her hair while my dad chauffeured.  I couldn't wait till I got to wear heels, put on makeup, and spray my hair into oblivion.  Little did I know the invention of the flat iron was going to wipe away that latter dream. 

Jenny and I were laughing about some of the things we were finding.  At one point I was sure the room was going to light up in flames with all that synthetic fabric packed in so tightly.  We pulled a few items to try on.  Some for fun and some for consideration.  I always wonder about the story behind each item I try on and who owned it.  It adds a little more mystery to the hunt. 

We didn't end up getting anything that day but definitely found a few treasures that made us chuckle.  I don't know if it's something in our food, preservatives, or what, but apparently, everyone in the 80s had tiny arms.  It's touch and go when I come across an 80s dress that has sleeves.  If it's not blousey, I could end up looking like I'm wearing sausage casing on my arms.  They had the elastic waistband down pat, they didn't think to incorporate some stretch in the actual fabric? Geez! 

So there is the Tiny Arm Syndrome and then on the other side of the spectrum is the shoulder pads inspired by NFL football players.  We both were obsessed with one dress in particular.  We loved the pattern and it had a really cool flower-type applique.  I pictured it with some sexy fishnets and a black t-strap heel or patent hidden platform pumps.  However, we had no idea that it was made for a quarterback.  The picture doesn't exactly do the shoulder pads justice because let me tell you, they were full on sticking out a good 3 inches.  On the upside, I suppose it creates the illusion that your bottom half is significantly slimmer, if you're into that linebacker/small head look.

Upclose:

The Full Enchilada (mmm that sounds good right now):

Photography by the lovely and talented Jennifer Berno

When it comes to resale shops, you win some, you lose some, but you will almost always come out with a good story and some awesome mental pictures...or actual ones if you have a camera-carrying cousin in tow. 

Step out of the box a little. Give the resale shops a try.  You never know what lies in those racks of memories.

Love and shoes,
Kim 

2011 Grammys: Music Awards or Funeral?

So yesterday morning I did my part and recorded every channel that had Grammy coverage so I didn't miss anything...and so I could fast forward through all those annoying Jennifer Hudson Weight Watchers commercials that seem to be on a 24/7 loop. 

Let me start by saying the Grammys is an awards show where it's allowed and expected for artists to take more fashion risks.  It's okay to bring out the sparkles, feathers, fringe, leather, etc.  They are musicians that sometimes need to wear an outfit that causes a diversion so people aren't focusing on the fact they can't really carry a tune in a bucket without their synthesizer.  Musicians have an image to keep up whenever they are in the public eye b/c they are ENTERTAINERS! Well, last night, I was NOT entertained.

I was really expecting some unique and flashy wardrobe choices but what I got was a lot of forgettable black dresses, a few outlandish costumes, and blah in between.  Did someone die that we don't know about? I saw the In Memoriam segment and barely knew a soul so that can't be it.  Were they lazy, is everyone having a fat day and wanted to feel slim, or did they just surrender and leave it up to Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga to take red carpet center stage? Whatever it was, they better step it up next time because I'm in mourning over last night's fashion.

So, in the words of the Black Eyed Peas: "Let's get this party started."

BEST
My standards for best dressed are definitely different than any other red carpet event.  I want to see standout looks.  I want to see something that really shows the artist's personality but is still fashion forward.  Music is such a versatile expression of emotions and I think the fashion should follow suit.  Give me glitz. Give me glamor. Give me pizzazz! 

First up is Jennifer Lopez.  I put her on the list because every great party needs a mirror ball and she fits the bill in human form.  String her up, turn up the tunes, activate the fog machine, and let's dance!
P.S. Her shoes are sex on stems. LOVE.

Every songbird needs some feathers and Keri Hilson does just that (at least it looks like a feather).  She is so beautiful and has every right to shutdown the haters in her new song, Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful.  It's different but wearable.  Girlfriend, I can't hate when you give us style like this.

This next pick might be a little out of the norm, but that's what I love about her.  Janelle Monae has a definitive look and she is consistent.  Her ensembles are always tailored to perfection and they match her music style.  She is an artist who knows who she is and what she wants to showcase: her pipes and unique style.  She's adorable and has a voice that makes me tap my foot and bop my head and that alone claims a spot on the best dressed. 

If there was ever a perfect match to Janelle Monae's look, it would be Bruno Mars.  He exudes coolness and breathes new life into th Rat Pack look made famous by Sammy Davis, Jr. and Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra.  He has created an updated look to this classic style and DAMN does he make it look good.  Not only does he make his mark in fashion, he is pretty easy on the eyes as well.  He can give babies asses around the world a run for their money on the softest skin around.  What wrinkle cream does HE use?!?!  
I think if Bruno and Janelle ever had a love child it would be one big Pompadour hairdo wearing Ray Ban shades.  I like!

Now that we've given props to those who put effort into their looks, let's move on to those who decided to lose their minds and sense of style.

WORST

It pains me to put her on my worst list because she has been my best pick for the past two award shows but something went awry last night.  The main focus of the print hits her right in her belly area which only accentuates her tummy.  The necklace is very interesting and quite the statement piece given it doubles as a shield for her shoulder, but not with this dress, honey.  I don't know if she got too confident and went for something a little more edgy but it failed.  Most people can't wear a dress with a design that looks like the eye of the tiger emblazoned on their midsection, and this includes you, Amber.  

Rhi-rhi said she practically snatched her dress right off the runway when she saw it.  Was it snatched so fast that half of the dress was left behind? Someone should tell her the next time she wants to wear a dress made of tissue paper, she can get a great deal at the dollar store. 

It must be hard when your 90 year old grandmother looks more stylish than you do.  Katy Perry, Russell Brand, and her 90 year old grandmother were all dressed by Armani but I'm guessing she took it upon herself to add those tacky, costume angel wings.  You know that pick-up line where a guy asks a girl "did it hurt?", then she says "did what hurt?" and he closes with "when you fell from heaven." Well, I would ask her the same thing but my closing line would be "when you got beat with the stupid stick."

So when you break up a marriage are you cursed with 7 years of bad fashion?  If so, Leanne is already putting in her time.  First of all, drink a milkshake for Pete's sake.  If you chop off her head it looks like a teenage boy in a dress.  She's too short for all the fabric and the color completely washes her out. Her hair is too severe and it looks like combat boots poking out of the bottom.  She has this glam dress and then puts black, clunky shoes on? Get some curves and then come talk to us.  Until then, stay off the red carpet.  

Oh baby is this bad!  I'm sure it's hard to find elegant gowns that make you feel pretty when you are pregnant much less have the energy to even get dolled up and out the door, but thousands of women seem to do it all the time so there is no excuse for Selma Blair using a navy tent as a dress.  The scoop neck is so drastic that it makes her Tatas look non existent, and we all know that when you are pregnant, a baby isn't the only thing your body is growing.  A v-neck would have looked better with a nice pendant to show off her beautiful neckline.  The hem is too long and she doesn't need all that fabric.  I think the idea of the dress is nice, but the execution was a fail.   

While we are on baby mamas, I just have to share this quick pic of Kate Hudson. What in God's name was she thnking???  It looks like she raided the closet of some 70's disco queen and tried to squeeze into one of her dresses and when it failed, she added some shiney gold straps to keep it from busting. 

To keep it consistent, I'm going to end the worst dressed with the men.  First up, Ricki Martin.  He is so handsome from the waist up and then....from the waist down it falls apart.  Why is he wearing astronaut pants from the future? And the shoes just look stupid.  You're a father now, Ricki. Lose the tights and get some pants on!

  

 

Bringing up the poorly dressed rear is Adam Levine showing us, yet again, he loves his undershirts.  We got it. Now wear it UNDER something. However, I'm glad his posse woke him up in just enough time so he could throw on a jacket with sleeves that are too short and pants that were stolen from Oliver the orphan.  But it looks like he didn't have that much time since he had to borrow Ricki's shoes apparently.  Go back to bed, sleepy head.

GOTTA COMMENT

Monica, you are supposed to take the hanger out of the dress before you put it on.  Too boring and stuffy for the Grammys. 

Ciara, the Grammy Pocahontas Superhero.

You have to accept the style and courage of Florence Welch.  I also really appreciate the detail work on this dress.  I think it fits her quirks and all.  Plus, she was a total sweetheart on the red carpet.  I officially love her and her unique voice.

Lady Gaga was so overrated.  I love her and I dig her tunes but arriving in a suppository isn't very glam. 

Nicki Minaj is the Queen of the Jungle and of the charts right now.  She is outlandish and crazy but I love how she embraces her wild side.  Her pink lipstick is a signature look and I love it.  It pops and brings the FUN that was missing to this drab carpet.  I wouldn't suggest we all lose a battle with a cheetah, but I do enjoy seeing what she has up her sleeve.  Although, it's too bad the Bride of Frankenstein rocked that hairdo first.  

I think I'm going to wrap up this post with a confession.  I, Kimberly Russell, have come down the Bieber Fever.  After seeing him on the Grammys and watching him look up to Usher after their performance with a smile that tells me he is so in awe and appreciates everything that has come to him, I. Am. A. Fan.  

Oh, and I'm totally going to see his movie.  Never say Never!!!

Love and shoes,
Kim   

Trends are fun, but not for everyone.

Hello fashion lovebugs! It's been a while and I apologize. 

The other day I was at the grocery store and saw a lady wearing leggings.  Let me be more specific: TIGHT, WHITE, CHEAPLY MADE leggings. Her bum and thighs looked like two tightly rolled pigs in a blanket and when she walked, it looked like they were trying to fight their way out for air.  I'm not trying to be hateful or ugly, but this was at the grocery store where people are purchasing food.  Walking behind this lady will make you rethink that brownie mix or gallon of ice cream with the quickness!  Not only were they unflattering, they were also inappropriate.  Just because something is comfortable, doesn't always mean you should wear it.  Because the leggings were being tested beyond their strength, you could see through the material straight to where her unmentionables SHOULD have been, but alas, they were not. 

I don't think you have to dress to the nines for a grocery store trip, but at least have the decency to take a quick look in the mirror before you step out in public wearing glorified cheese cloth. 

This isn't the actual fashion perpetrator, but it's close to what I witnessed.

My grocery-store-fashion-nightmare siting had me thinking about trends and the pressure people feel to run out and buy the newest fad when they should really stop and think "should I add this to my fashion repertoire or take a pass and wait for the next trend to come around?"

I will gladly admit I can't saunter out of the house with leggings and a t-shirt.  I don't have the height or legs for it.  Instead, I opt for skinny jeans, a more appropriate option for my body.  Trends come and go so quickly there is no use in spending all your time and money on items that may not even be fashionable in the first place.  Do I have to remind you of the grunge look?

When trying out the newest trend, I suggest really being honest with yourself.  I know when you have your mind set on something it's very hard to pull out the honesty card, but if you want to save yourself some heartache and money, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is this truely flattering?
• Some people may think if it fits, it's flattering. Wrong. Dead Wrong.  Flattering is not only a great fit, but a good feel. An outfit needs to show off your assets in a tasteful way.  Trust the mirrors.  They are in dressing rooms for a reason.  If you look lumpy and bumpy or stuffed and puffed, what was the point of walking out of the house? You do know we can see you, right?
2. Does this style fit your personality?
• Excuse my vulgarity, but some people are fashion whores.  (and some are just whores. haha!)  If the celebrities are wearing it, so are they! This is not only obnoxious, it's ridiculous! Everyone has their own personal style and when you push that envelope too far, it shows.  Don't try and fit a square peg into a round hole.  Wear the clothes that express who you really are.
3. Do I feel comfortable, or am I going to be self-concsious the whole day?
• This is HUGE for me.  We may throw around the saying "Anything for Beauty" but is picking your pants out of your butt or adjusting your boobs in a top really beauty? No! If you aren't comfortable you won't exude confidence or even a whisper of a smile thus, the whole look is lost due to a wedgie.  How sad.
4. Is this trendy chic or a fashion statement gone wrong?
• We all remember some of Carrie Bradshaw's looks from Sex and the City.  Some were amazing while others were busting out of most people's fashion boundaries.  It was for show. It was for fashion.  Carrie can get away with this because, hello, she's fictional.  Celebrities can get away with this because they apparently live by different rules than the rest of us.  As for the common, yet fashion-forward people, we have to be careful with the trends we choose.  If you even have a question on wether or not a neon lycra mini skirt is too much, chances are, it is. 
5. Would I let my best friend walk out of the house looking like this?
• I know some girls might throw each other under the bus so they will be the one to shine, but hopefully these girls only exist on The Bachelor and your true friends are one in a million!

If you are a lover of fashion it's hard to watch those fun trends pass you by without taking a little dip into the pond. My advice: choose wisely and stay within budget.  Just look at all those people who spent hundreds of dollars on Ed Hardy gear when they could have gone to Harwin and bought 10 knock-off shirts for $20. Heck, I even fell for this terrible fad. Luckily, I only have one knock-off hat to show for it and that will be going out with the next charity donation.  Just as his hats and shirts boast, love hurts, but so does spending $150 on a dumb, douche bag graphic tee.

When it comes to trends, pick the ones that truely fit you, your body, and your style.  Be nice to yourself and your body.  If you pile on trend after trend you are going to end up looking like the surplus bin at an Outlet mall.  If you are pear shaped, stay away from the flowy, waistless, bohemian dresses.  Instead, look for a bohemian print that has a more structured cut.  If you are busty, ruffles and frills will only make you look larger.  Try something with a v or scoop neck that has understated accents.  Don't feel pressured to wear something just because the magazines say it's 'hot'.  They aren't always right. 

If something isn't working, go back to your vault and work from there.  Remember the 10 Necessary Necessities?  In my opinion, it's better to be unique and timeless rather than a one-hit wonder.

Love and shoes,
Kim