Alexander to Vera

Fashion Forecast: Awards Season

I know that a lot of fashion sites have been making predictions about what the nominated actresses will be wearing this awards season. However with all the drama between actresses, stylists and designers, I personally think it is impossible to make an accurate prediction. So instead I decided to simply show you the gowns that I love and hope to see on the red carpet in the coming weeks. 

 Armani Prive Couture

 Elie Saab Couture

 Chanel Couture

 Versace Couture

 Versace Couture

 Versace Couture

 Zac Posen Pre-Fall

 Naeem Khan Pre-Fall

 Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall

 Jason Wu Spring/Summer

[images via nymag.com]

Best Dressed: Critics Choice Awards

 Diane Kruger in House of Lavande

 Elizabeth Olsen in Emilio Pucci

 Emma Stone in Jason Wu

 Michelle Williams in Chanel

 Kirsten Dunst in Christian Dior

[images via instyle.com]

Jason Wu for Target

I have to admit, I am beyond excited for the newest Target collaboration. While I love Missoni, the fanfare surrounding that collection was completely ridiculous, especially considering the fact that the actual clothes weren’t even that great. (The home goods on the other hand, were adorable). Ever since the collaboration with Jason Wu was announced I have been waiting to see the completed look book and today it’s finally here! Check out a few of my favorite looks for the collection which is available February 5th.

 My Favorite!

[images via nymag.com]

Look of the Day

EMMA WATSON IN JASON WU

-Click here to check out my post on the peplum trend that Emma is rocking

Trend Forecast: Peplums

Peplums were all over the Spring 2012 runways, some more wearable than others. J.Crew offered a subdued take on the trend with a pretty floral top with a bubble hem, while Cushnie et Ochs showed sexy structure with sharp metallic hips. Jason Wu and Lela Rose went soft and flirty with their peplum looks while Phoebe Philo continued her flawless reign at Chloe with chic minimalist peplums.

 J.Crew

 Cushnie et Ochs

 Jason Wu

 Lela Rose

 Celine

For those of you who want to get an early start on this trend, there are plenty of winter-worthy peplum jackets out there along with adorable dresses that are perfect for holiday parties. Peplum tops are probably the easiest way to incorporate the look into your every day wardrobe and provide a little more visual interest than the average blouse. You can also create your own peplums with a chic belt like these women did.

Below are some of my favorite peplum pieces that will allow you to get this designer look for less!

Peplums by alexander-to-vera featuring peplum tops
Aqua cocktail dress, $154
Max cleo dress, $148
Reversible dress, $40
Reversible dress, $148
ASOS long top, $63
Peplum top, $165
Oasis peplum top, $63
Alice Olivia stripe t shirt, $200
BCBG Max Azria animal print jacket, $174
Winter kate, $130
Fullcircle, $117
Oasis, $54

[photos via nymag.com, lateafternoonblog.com, streetfsn.blogspot.com]

Winter Florals

Whenever I go shopping, I always tend to gravitate towards feminine florals. Every Spring/Summer I wear my favorite floral pieces to death and I must admit, I miss them once the cold New York weather settles in. A few weeks ago, when I was cleaning out my closet for the Winter, I decided to get creative with my styling and make my florals work all year round.

The first thing that you need to know when it comes to winter florals is that it is all about balance. When paired with a chunky sweater, rugged boots, tights and a warm jacket, florals can be totally winter appropriate. Mixing cutesy prints with tougher pieces like a leather jacket and motorcycle boots creates a perfect union of sassy and sweet. Lately I’ve been totally obsessed with these boots from J.Crew and this jacket from Asos.

The best part about this look is that florals were all over the Spring 2012 runways so you can consider yourself ahead of the game! 

 Jason Wu

 Peter Som

 J.Crew

As usual I have included some street-style photos to help inspire your own styling as well as some great winter-floral pieces that I found online.

Winter Florals by alexander-to-vera featuring sleeveless dresses
Fullcircle flower print dress, $171
ASOS sleeveless dress, $117
Band of Gypsies floral mini dress, $81
Johann Earl sleeved dress, $81
Mink Pink reversible shirt, $99
Johann Earl printed skirt, $63
Mini skirt, $59

[Photos via carolinesmode.com nymag.com, alantic-pacific.blogspot.com, lateafternoon.blogspot.com]

Winterize Your Summer Wardrobe: Neons

I have to say that I was beyond excited when neon made a major comeback this spring. I love how easily a great neon piece can totally transform an outfit and add an instant fun factor to pretty much anything. Luckily, according to the Spring 2012 runways, the neon trend shows no signs of slowing down. It was everywhere: from J. Mendel to Jason Wu to Prabal Gurung.

 J.Mendel

 Jason Wu

 Prabal Gurung

Instead of waiting around for Spring, I decided to incorporate neons into my winter wardrobe with a few strategic styling choices. The easiest way to include a little neon into your look is with accessories. A great day-glow shoe, bag, or jewelry paired with neutral winter layers can be a chic, unexpected touch.

For those of you who want to get a little extra use out of your neon dresses, skirts and tops from the Spring/Summer, I suggest adding tights, booties, and a sweater or jacket in a neutral tone. Black provides fun contrast but I love a more unexpected pairing such as grey or camel.

Now if you want to REALLY embrace this bright trend, I think a neon sweater or jacket would be an awesome addition to any girl’s Winter wardrobe. While not for the faint of heart, these pieces can literally make any outfit special.

Hopefully this post inspires you to try and “winterize” your Spring/Summer wardrobe. As usual, I have included some well-priced shopping options for those of you who want to add more neon to your life.

Neon by alexander-to-vera featuring neon t shirts
Neon t shirt, $185
Joyrich neon top, $110
ASOS neon top, $54
ASOS knee length pencil skirt, $45
Senso heart pump, $175
Senso heart pump, $175
Jeffrey Campbell leather shoes, $114
NADA SAWAYA yellow handbag, $270
Bag, $155
Venessa Arizaga neon jewelry, $110
CC SKYE yellow jewelry, £110
Ettika vintage style jewelry, $62

[photos via: 1.bp.blogspot.com, nymag.com, jakandjil, streetpeeper, elle.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com]

Red Carpet Hits: SAG Awards 2010

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Lea Michele in Catherine Malandrino

Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen

Marion Cotillard in Elie Saab

Kate Hudson in Emilio Pucci

[Fabsugar]