Costume "Mad"ness

Nominations were announced today for the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. The CDG is an amazing organization dedicated to recognizing the hard work and achievements that costume designers provide for movies and television. Actors and Directors may be more widely praised for the work they do in these arenas but we can't forget how visual movies and TV shows are - after all we watch them. Costume Designers provide color, elegance and detail to what would otherwise be people talking to each other. I personally enjoy watching certain shows and movies just to look at the clothing the actors wear.

A few of the nominees I am excited about:

In the "Excellence in Period Film" category The Young Victoria designer Sandy Powell knows a thing or two about period design - she's designed for Interview with the Vampire, Gangs of New York, The Other Boleyn Girl and she won Academy Awards for her work on Shakespeare in Love and The Aviator. Set in the early 1830's the costumes that Emily Blunt (who plays Victoria of the United Kingdom) wears are absolutely fantastic. Big full skirts, lace, ribbon, lots of headwear and gorgeous jewelry are all just part of her wardrobe. Not to mention all the other men and women in the film including Rupert Friend as Prince Albert. I'm a huge fan of period pieces (Marie Antoinette anyone??) and Powell does an amazing job creating the looks for this movie. She's up against some tough comptetion - including French costume designer Catherine Leterrier for Coco Before Chanel - but she's my pick for this category.

Blunt will also be the recipient of the Swarovski Award (previously the President's Award) at the CDG ceremony.

Oh Mad Men... Where do I begin? Janie Bryant, nominated for "Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series", is an absolute wardrobe genius. The shift dresses, floral patterns, sweater sets, even Betty's equestrian wear are pure fashion gorgeousness. Plus can the men on that show look any hotter in those suits?? Bryant has said the inspirations for her 60's designs are Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield; which is pretty obvious with the elegant Betty and sultry siren Joan. Bryant is also coming out with a style book which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Perhaps some of the 60's colors that are featured in the show have provided inspiration for actual red carpet gowns (ahem - mustard anyone?) Even I purchased a Mad Men-esque dress complete with a floral pattern of purples, blues, greens and mustards. There's no denying that Bryant's designs have certainly sparked a 60's revival and isn't that what fashion is all about?

You can view the full list of nominations here. The CDG Awards will be held on February 17th at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

images via Costume Designers Guild, NY Post, AMC TV

Red Carpet Fashion: Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010

Thank goodness the Sunshine decided to make an appearance this weekend at the SAG awards. We've been getting rain non-stop (although I was enjoying it a little bit!) and Saturday was the first peak of sun in 6 days. As with any rainstorm, the sunshine brought a rainbow of colors that headed straight to the red carpet. Bright greens, purples, reds, whites and (finally) hardly any black (yay!) So let's get started with my absolute top favorite pick (I'll give you one guess who you think it is....)

Oh Diane Kruger....Is it normal that I have become this fashion obsessed with you?? This look is absolutely killing me! This one shoulder/off the shoulder mustard colored gown was made especially for her by Jason Wu. Her coral lips and braided hair tie up the whole look and she's full on Hollywood Glamour. Although it is reminiscent of one of my all time favorite red carpet looks I still have to give it to her - she's totally knocked it out of the park. Plus she's wearing vintage Harry Winston. And they're rubies. ahhh!

My mother and I will always and forever be Kyra Sedgwick fans - and for those of you who haven't ever seen The Closer - you are missing out! Her cream body conscious Vera Wang gown has a hint of the monochromatic trend we saw at the People's Choice Awards. I am loving the ruffles, the gray sheer band hits and hugs in all the right places and that broach is just the icing on the cake. Add in her upswept hair and lavender makeup and Kyra looks less bridal and more red carpet gorgeousness.

I think it's safe to say everyone is a "Gleek" at this point. But Lea Michele looked nothing like a slushy faced geek in her green Catherine Malandrino gown. Lea has played around with a lot of looks this award season (like last week's princess dress - yikes!) but this is definitely her best choice by far. The plunging v-neck, banded waist and ruffled sleeves are fabulous. And even though I've been loving the shorter curls lately - her long locks round out this va-va voom look. From total geek to totally chic!

Kate Hudson is usually a fashion fav but I was getting worried when she showed up at the globes wearing this structured Marchesa. However she certainly delivered Saturday in this backless Emilio Pucci floor length dress. And she's got the posing down pat. She dropped the black eyeliner going with a softer eye and natural curls. Kate is also literally dripping in jewels as she's wearing $1.75 million in Cartier jewelry (loving that sautoir necklace!). Plus the addition of the side jewel keeps her dress from being too boring taking it from Plane Jane to Fashion Forward.

Woah Dynasty - and I mean that in the best way possible. I am loving Sandra Bullock's Alexander McQueen dress - She looks amazing! Even though it's black, that bright blue on the top just pops out. I love that she kind of stepped outside the relm of red carpet gowns and the SAG awards was the perfect opportunity to do that. It was a perfect fit for her body and I love that her hair is pulled back and her makeup looks fresh. Overall Sandy got it right!

Did you have a favorite red carpet look? Do tell! :)

images via FabSugar & Celebrity Gossip

Zac Posen/Target First Look!

O.M.G. I am seriously feeling the same breathing effects as when I first heard about this unbelievable collaboration. Now I have photos to drool over until April 25th?!?! Can you feel torture and excitement all at the same time? Because I am! I was also on the receiving end of dirty looks from my husband. "But it's Zac Posen!!!!" I say. Still dirty looks. Oh well.... Mostly dresses and skirts with a pants suit thrown in, lamé bathing suits and a few cardigans/jackets Zac Posen totally delivers with his bright prints and party dresses! I am a lover of all things Party Dress. And there are quite a few to choose from.

I love the Lipstick Tee Shirt above. Super cute! Almost makes me wish I could back in the corporate setting just so I could be a rebel rocking this tee shirt pants combo. Almost....

This cute layered looks seems to involve two pieces - a lace shouldered tank and a two piece ruffled dress. All I see is a big ball of tulle and I turn into a girly mess! It also comes in red. I don't own a red anything. But if I only get one piece I may need this red ruffle dress as an addition to my closet.

 

See what I mean? Billy better find a fun excuse for me to use this dress ASAP! So cute and SUPER girly

I'm a huge fan of brocade - To me it's very 60's and makes me want to throw up a big bouffant and go dancing. This floral brocade is so sweet and that huge bow is so obnoxious that I love it. And are those pockets I see?? Sold.

Check out the other 21 looks here so you can start planning your wardrobe additions. What do you love? Do tell loves!!!! xoxo

images via Fashionista