Camilla and Marc Dress

Besotted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay I'm in love. Like seriously... I WANT THIS CAMILLA AND MARC DRESS! And I can't find it!!! ....ANYWHERE! I am considering calling every single Planet Blue in California to inquire if by some miracle they have it in stock for me... Please oh, pretty please, please, please.

In 2003, Marc Freeman, an engineer, and his sister, Camilla, a starlette graduate from the Whitehouse Institute of Design, collaborated to create a line of clothing and bathing suits... And thus, the brand Camilla and Marc was born. Their debut at Australia's Spring/Summer Fashion Week was received with enormous praise. Since then, their pieces have garnered attention from various celebrities including Ginnifer Goodwin, Lindsay Lohan and Kirsten Dunst.

Ultra-feminine, flirty and just plain fun, the inspiration for their clothes were to design for a woman who "Knows what she wants, knows how to put an outfit together, doesn’t need to be styled. Strong sense of self but never over confident.” - Camilla Freeman

Photo credits: PlanetBlue

u m e e

Little Black Muu Muu ($160)

Deena White, designer for Umee, has created a line that is both elegantly chic and flirty fun! When I look at her clothing, it's the detailing that's important - with the embellishments of a few ruffles, pleats or bows. I actually saw her clothes at a trunk show at the Contemporary Museum a few weeks ago and they are stunning. Her clothes are quality and her prices are reasonable. Best of all, it's made here in Hawaii.


Ruffle wrap skirt in green ($85) Just LOVE the kukui nut buttons

I guess why I'm so drawn to her clothing is because she puts a fun twist on business casual attire! I hate to buy work clothes! Some of my friends know this... I'll drop $$$ on a cute cocktail dress, top, shoe... But when it comes to what I wear five consecutive days a week I pinch my pennies. Strange, I know... I guess I feel it's because simple skirts and suits are all too generic. I can't wait to be my own boss and wear whatever I want. However, Umee's ruffle wrap skirt (pictured above in green) is far from generic. It comes in various colors so it's appropriate for the office yet beachy chic and can easily transition from work to happy hour play time!


Sarong skirt ($90)

For any future brides-to-be, Deena is coming out with a wedding line this coming summer, July 2009!

Ruffle Strap Dress ($145)

More from Umee:

Red Hibiscus Top ($60)


Pearly Plumeria Strapless Tank ($70)

Photo credits: Umee
Look out for smaller sizes (size 0s) coming soon to her website! Right now Umee is only available online - check it out!

Umee
www.umee-brand.com

Model as Muse @ The Met

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs

LOVE the back!  Drapey back!!!

Photo credit: JustJared

First Paris and now NYC... Anyone want to pack me up in their carry-on and trot around the globe to peruse fashion exhibits?! Takers???

Tonight was the MET's Annual Costume Institute Gala.  This year the exhibit is entitled "Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion" and focuses on how social changes have defined our culture's view of feminine beauty which have been personified by the figures and faces of iconic models.  "Model to Muse" specifically captures the progression of these changes over a span of five decades from 1947-1997.  Magazine covers, various photographs and garments made famous by the models who strutted down the catwalk will be on display to characterize these diverse time periods and the constant evolution of beauty.  The exhibit opened today and runs till August 9, 2009.

Ashley Olsen in her own line, The Row

Again, drapey back (I'm a fan if you haven't noticed)!!!

Love that black, embellished chain going down her back... 

Photo credit: NewsDay

With over 13 pages of photos on WireImage, you know the event huge.  And who wasn't there?!  Let's try to put things into perspective with a little bullet-point list (though this does not do justice!):

• The Planners:  Co-chairs Anna Wintour, Justin Timberlake and Kate Moss arrived with daughter Bee Schaffer, paramour, Jessica Biel and primary sponsor Marc Jacobs, respectively
  
• The Models: Tyra Banks, Bar Refaeli, Heidi Klum, Elizabeth Hurley, Cindy Crawford, Iman, Claudia Schiffer, Brooke Shields
• The Fashion Doyennes:  Stella McCartney, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Donatella Versace, Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenberg... And then there was John Galliano ;) 
  
• The Musicians: Rihanna, Madonna, Kanye West, Bono, Ciara
• The Actresses: Renee Zellweger, Eva Mendes, Anne Hathaway, Liv Tyler, Marisa Tomei
• The Starlettes:  Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Emma Roberts,  Katy Perry
• The Trump Card:  Donald and Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and Ivanna Trump
• The Power Couples:  Tony & Eva Longoria Parker, Tom Brady & Gisele Bündchen
• The Attack of the Kates - Kate Beckinsale, Kate Bosworth and Kate Beckinsale 

Some of the fashion highlights/lows:

Our girl! Always the fashionista...Rachel Bilson in Bally

Photo credit: Just Jared

Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs... What's up with her hair?

Photo credit: NewsDay

Kate Beckinsale in Marchesa...Can't decide if I love/hate the train

Photo credit: FabSugar

Rihanna in a Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo jacket and capris... Mixed feelings?

Photo credit: NewsDay

Madonna in Louis Vuitton... Uhh... What was she thinking?!

Photo credit: NewsDay

Again, I love Kate Hudson in her gold Stella McCartney gown

Photo Credit: FabSugar

Eva Mendes in Calvin Klein... Classy and sophisticated

Photo credit: FabSugar

Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney... So 50's chic in the red lipstick and black lace

(Bruce Willis likes it, I guess)
Photo credit: FabSugar

Kate Hudson - Cartier at 100

Kate & Demi @ Cartier at 100
Photo credit: WWD

Recently, Cartier celebrated it's 100th anniversary in America by throwing an opulent bash in it's NYC 5th Avenue Mansion. Cocktails were flowing, h'ourderves were passed and a posh crowd of A-list celebrities like Kate Hudson, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes and Elton John were dressed to impress. Some of Cartier's most divine pieces were on display including Elizabeth Taylor's famed "TAJ MAHAL" necklace and Steve Wynn's 231-carat diamond.

But jewelry aside, this is about Kate! Kate Hudson looked absolutely stunning in her cut-out black gown. Critics have gone as far as to say she looked "trashy", but I think she looks hot! The sexy, open sides make quite a statement and she pulls it off amazingly. Perhaps another color could make the dress seem garish, but you can't go wrong in black. Kate's diamond encrusted choker necklace is the most beautiful piece and delicately pulls the look together!

Photo credit: Zimbio

Stella McCartney on Heidi Montag

Promised my #1 fan and supporter, J, that I'd write my next post with her in mind. Hope this will suffice, and that you killed that architecture deadline.

Photo credit: MTV

This past summer, J, KT and I sipped green tea and lattés at Barnes & Noble while we studied the GMAT, anatomy of the human body and the LSAT, respectively. When we weren't vigorously working in the zone, we'd chat about vapid celebrity gossip (i.e. our not-so-secret obsession with that ridiculous, contrived "reality" show). Yes, I am unabashed. THE HILLS.

I mostly watch for the fashion (especially now with Whitney gone), so in my defense, it's educational. :) In the season premiere, Heidi was even wearing the new spring Stella McCartney platforms I posted a while back. Disclaimer: I am not a Heidi fan, but grudgingly admit she has some style and an array of to-die-for-items in her closet. Exhibit A: The Stella McCartney bandage dress she wore to her wedding rehearsal dinner last week... To see Heidi in it, go to CelebStyle.

Photo credit: Bergdorf Goodman

The dress is simple and sexy chic. The bandage across the shoulder is the detail that makes the entire piece. Besotted.

Stella McCartney: As the daughter of former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, Stella was born into the world of glitz, glamor and fashion. At the early age of 15, she completed her first internship with Christian Lacroix and continued to work in design on Savile Row, a London fashion hotspot. Her claim to fame as a designer was when three friends modeled her collection as a favor to her for the graduation runway show at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. These three friends were none other than model icons Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Yasmin Le Bon.
In March 1997, Stella was appointed head designer of the French fashion house, Chloé. Her appointment was initially met with skepticism from many including Chanel's leading man, Karl Lagerfield, who was quoted as saying, "Chloé should have taken a big name. They did, but in music, not fashion. Let's hope she's as gifted as her father." Wow. Despite remarks like these that implied her success was due partially to nepotism, today, Stella's talent is indisputable. She has gained much respect since her Chloé debut and has collaborated with Gucci, Lesportsac as well as designed for celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. In early 2007, she also released her own skincare line, CARE.

Designer Dictionary - i n d a h

In 1996, Libby De Santis, with the help of her husband, Joe, moved from her hometown, Hanalei, Kauai, to Brazil to pursue her dream: to create a clothing line that was beautiful, beachy, and breezy. And so she did. Today, Indah has not only gained popularity in the Hawaiian islands, but has also branched out to the mainland. Trendy boutiques like Los Angeles' Planet Blue carry her line and how's this for PR... Kate Hudson was spotted last year wearing a red, hot Indah bikini! For Spring 2009, De Santis took off with the boho-chic trend and created a line full of tie-dyes, ruffles and sexy drapey backs!

Indah tie-dyed keyhole dress, Faryl Robin slippers, asymmetrical feather earrings from a jewelry sale in Kailua, wooden bangle from my mom, wrap bracelet by me, straw bangles from Goodwill

My first Indah piece... Knit peasant tunic, gladiator heels from Tokyo, headband by me, necklace from the Malibu Flea Market

www.indahclothing.com

Contempo Gala 2009

Finally! It came and went... The much anticipated Contempo Gala, the biggest fundraising event for the Contemporary Museum in Makiki Heights. This year the gala was held in the Super Ferry terminal. A night of champagne, h'ourderves, wine, nigori sake, martinis (yes, lots of liquor on the rocks), mermaids, jelly fish ladies carrying umbrellas, lobster bisque soup, a silent auction, live band, and with it... Oh yes! Lots of dancing!

L & A - Thank you so much! :) Hostess with the mostest


J in D&G, E in DKNY, T in Marc Jacobs, L in Beijing couture, A in Custo


J & A


E & A


Contempo Ambiance



Mermaid


Jellyfish lady


The group in the limo!

Vionnet Exhibition

"When a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too."

-Madeleine Vionnet

Photo credit: WWD

TIMELESS, BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING, et cetera. Where can I get it? NEWSFLASH! It's couture! And it's 72 years old! Designed by legendary couturier, Madeleine Vionnet, this exquisite tulle, silk, halter dress will be part of the Parisian exhibit scheduled to debut in her name on June 18 at the Les Arts Décoratifs. Umm...Take me to Paris? S'il vous plaît??? Merci, beaucoup!

The private non-profit decorative art museum are currently preserving Vionnet pieces from 1912 through 1939! However, before the couture items can be shown, there is much work to be done. Many of her gowns were made with delicate materials such as tulle, silk crepe and muslin which creates a challenge for curators in terms of displaying the designs over a lengthy exhibition period. "These dresses, that were worn for one evening 70 to 90 years ago will be exhibited on mannequins for [eight] months. The [new linings] are attached in such a way that, if a piece cracks, it's the new bit that gives and not the original fabric." says Pamela Golbin, head curator of the exhibit. Eeeek! Don't crack!

For the complete story go to: Vogue UK

Now these are REALLY vintage pieces yet still so avant garde! Just goes to show that true fashion isn't just trendy... It's timeless. More of Vienna's designs below:





Photo credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Madeleine Vionnet (June 22, 1876 - March 2,1975) is a French couturier hailed for being the "Queen of bias cut" when she introduced the charming shape to the world in the 1930s. Inspired by Grecian art, she used corsets and padding to accentuate the female form. The structure of Vionnet's pieces were delicate and sweeping, often characterized by a cowl neck or halter style. Vionnet modernized women's fashion and many stars such as Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich were fans of the couture maven. Today, her presence in the fashion world is ubiquitous and top designers, John Galliano and Marchesa, have created contemporary collections reminiscent of Vionnet's elegant styles. Her couture label, The House of Vionnet, has since been acquired by the Marzotto Apparel, a Milan textile powerhouse. It's designs are currently spearheaded by Rodolfo Paglialung, who was previously a 13-year veteran womenswear designer at Prada.

Herve Leger Armor-Trim Dress

Besotted!

While I was researching for my post below,
I couldn't help but notice this...



Photo credit: Saks

Sigh.

Custo Barcelona Dress

My friend Lissa invited me and eight others to the Contempo Gala on April 18th. The annual gala is the biggest fundraiser for The Contemporary Museum. Lissa's mother is on the Board of Directors so we went last year and it was a rollicking good time! The event is usually held at Neiman Marcus but this year it will be in the SuperFerry terminal. I was highly anticipating the sunset cruise but sadly we will not set foot on the boat because the Hawaii Court has forced the SuperFerry to cease operations. BOO... Regardless, it will still be tons of fun! I can't wait to dress up and see everyone dressed to the nines.

This brings me to my mini debacle. I posted a picture of the ABS dress I bought in Los Angeles a couple months ago. I was thinking about wearing that to the gala but now I'm torn because I forgot about this Custo Barcelona dress I have yet to wear! The two dresses are completely different looks. The Custo dress is a little more casual but artsy with it's abstract pattern (it is an art gala after all). It's also form fitting against my body so that makes it pretty sexy. The ABS dress is more formal and girly with the off-kilter bow. It's a classier look. So it comes down to Classy v. Sexy. What to do?! T minus 11 days to decide!

Photo credit: fifiluxe

3.1 Phillip Lim & Balmain Crystal Heels

Besotted!

I tried this exact Phillip Lim dress on last winter but it was in a dark perrywinkle blue color. If you've been following my blog, then you know that I LOVE coral, so when I saw this dress I died a little. And of course, the fact that Cameron Diaz wore this exact dress to the Spike Awards last May doesn't hurt. ;)



Thank you to my friend Leslie who introduced me to these Balmain Studded Sandals... The beguiling, $2,000+ strappy, crystal heels have been seen on celebs like Jennifer Connelly, Rihanna, Molly Sims and Audrina Patridge.

Photo credit: Red Carpet Fashion Awards, theinsider

Me v. Thayer

So I was doing some online "window shopping" this morning at work and this gold Thayer dress looks a LOT like the dress I made for Halloween (I was a gold digger). Could there be a future for me in design, maybe? :)

P.S. ShopBop is having an AMAZING sale right now.

Photo Credit: ShopBop

Heidi Merrick

Ever since I can remember, I have been a sucker for the color coral. My prom dress was coral, my 21st birthday dress was coral, my favorite blushes and lipsticks are... CORAL. So it should come by no surprise that I absolutely LOVE these pieces in Heidi Merrick's Spring 2009 line! The flowing chiffon and delicate ruffles creates a look that is ultra feminine and at the same time oh so boho chic! For more information on Heidi Merrick visit her blog here.
Photo credit: Heidi Merrick