The Glam Guide

Glam Valentine's Day Dresses 2012

2012-01-08T10:10:00.001-05:00

It might seem early to be thinking about what to wear for Valentine's Day, with New Year's Eve scarcely behind us, but the truth is it will be here in a blink, and the best dresses will be sold out before long. There are a multitude of styles in every price range, so best start looking!

$300 Mark & James
One Shoulder Minidress

$99 Calvin Klein
Red Ruffle Dress

$120 MICHAEL Michael Kors
Matte Jersey Knot Front Dress

$160 Jay Godfrey
Contrast Lace-Embellished Dress

$180 Mikael Aghal
Pink tiered one shoulder dress

$195 DKNY
Drape Neck Dress

$195 Sue Wong
Strapless Beaded Dress

$198 Haute Hippie
Deep V Mini Dress

$204 Sue Wong
Blush sequined scoop neck dress

$210 Betsey Johnson
Blush lace 'Bam Bam' dress

$248 BCBGMAXAZRIA
Drape Front One Shoulder Dress

$249 ML Monique Lhuillier
Strapless Tufted Dress

$320 BCBGMAXAZRIA
Pink flush pleated organza dress

$360 Shoshanna
Draped One Shoulder Dress

$395 Cynthia Steffe
Patrice Textured Dress

$450 Milly
Sophia Circle Skirt Dress

$550 Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
Asymmetric stretch-twill dress

$675 RED Valentino
Ruffle Sleeve Dress

$695 RED Valentino
Pink Taffeta Dress

$773.50 Katie Ermilio
Double Pintuck Dress

Extra 20% off at Net-a-Porter Sale

2012-01-05T22:15:00.004-05:00

NET-A-PORTER sale now has an extra 20% off! As usual, I recommend you look for timeless items; ones which don't scream a particular season or trend, and which will fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Here are just a few steals:

Was $235   Now $112.80
NOTIFY
Coquelicot stretch-denim jacket

Was $610   Now $244
Miu Miu
Tiered modal-jersey dress

Was $375   Now $90
3.1 Phillip Lim
Draped stretch-silk asymmetric top

Was $480   Now $192
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Hop 'n' Skip crepe dress

Was $245   Now $117.60
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
Popcorn asymmetric stretch-jersey top

Was $330   Now $132
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania
New Drape ruched jersey dress

Was $395   Now $94.80
Theodora and Callum
Biarritz printed linen wedge sandals

Was $220 Now $123.20
Babajaan
Pam chain-trimmed triangle bikini top
Pam chain-trimmed bikini briefs

Fall 2010 Bags -- The Satchels Have It

2010-10-10T22:10:00.026-04:00

Huge, slouchy totes are giving way to medium-sized bags with more structure. The Fall 2010 satchels range from the relaxed to the refined. Here are my top picks:

$2,045 Dolce & Gabbana
Miss Sicily with Lace

$2,340 Fendi
Peekaboo Small Satchel

$3,850 Chloé
Marcie Medium Python Bag

$698 COACH
Devin Shoulder Bag

$1,599 Alexander McQueen
Faithfull Small Satchel

$2,435 Alexander McQueen
Studded Crackle Leather Bowler

$995 Marc Jacobs
Cecilia Small Leather Bag

$895 Burberry
Shimmer Leather Buckle Bag

$598 COACH
Madison Gathered Sophia Satchel

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Miu Miu

2010-10-09T22:04:00.004-04:00

Whatever crack Miuccia Prada was smoking while designing the Spring 2011 Miu Miu Ready-to-Wear collection... I want none of it! The show blew me away — in the worst way possible. A garish collection of shiny satin rags in vomitous colors, the whole thing could have had but one inspiration: overdone lounge singers in Minsk, circa 1972. The shoes were gorgeous for the most part, and many will doubtless be added to my collection, but even a paid endorsement could not get me to wear a single one of the clothes.

The Ugh of the Ugh:

For the complete show, visit Style.com.

Photos: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Christian Dior

2010-10-09T20:15:00.010-04:00

While the whole Christian Dior Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection seemed inspired by 1940s films of the US Navy visiting the South Pacific, it had a clear duality. First, a stream of breezy sailors sauntered by; next, a tropical parade of island enchantresses swung to the scene. In color and design, the two parts had little in common, save for the starlet wigs and Dietrich makeup. If we forgive the disjointedness, the show was buoyant with an infectious joie-de-vivre and numerous "Ooh" and "Aah" moments.

Top Looks:

For the complete show, visit Style.com.

Photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Elie Saab

2010-10-08T17:38:00.001-04:00

Elie Saab's strength is in designing red carpet gowns. The Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear collection also included minidresses and some separates, but they fell into the "nothing special" category. Even the gowns, in a muted palette including silver, Wedgewood blue, and soft nectarine, were on the safe side. There were no big fashion crimes, but also no inspirational, to-die-for looks. On the whole, the collection left a vague taste of boredom.

Top Looks:

For the complete show, visit Style.com.

Photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Valentino

2010-10-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

Since Valentino's retirement, the collections bearing his name are pale, wan reflections of the master's work. They lack his creative power, the elegant sensuality. The Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear was no different — not a single outfit possessed the WOW-effect that used to be a Valentino trademark.

The alright:

The "What-were-they-thinking":

Shiny satin short set, ill-fitting and matronly on top, bringing to mind nothing so much as a Maoist worker's uniform jazzed up.

1980's bridesmaid's dress in tropical tomato, anyone?

For the complete show, visit Style.com.

Photos: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Chanel

2010-10-06T22:23:00.002-04:00

The Chanel Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear show with its 87 looks was, to me, a let-down. The color palette was, for the most part, black and white, with a few exceptions of light pink, light blue, light yellow, and peach. There were the expected Chanel jackets, many of them modernized and reinvented, as well as some lovely dresses. The collection also included some perplexing duds and, as a whole, left me dissatisfied.

The Top Notes:

The Sour Notes:

Too dowdy — nothing about this says Chanel to me.

Micro-mini shorts. With a Chanel jacket. Who but a 20 year-old supermodel can pull off a look like this? And why would anyone want to. Blech!

Post-apocalyptic Holly Hobbie — none of the pieces on this poor model relate to one another, and between the leather gloves and leggings, the jacket bedazzled to kingdom come, the frowsy floral dress and orthopedic shoes... this look is a complete disaster and probably has poor Coco turning in her grave.

For the complete show, visit Style.com.

Photos: Monica Feudi / GoRunway.com

Makeup Musts: Shopping Sephora

2010-10-04T21:40:00.003-04:00

I spent an eternity at Sephora this weekend. You know how it is — a Glam Girl candy store! I did have a specific quest: I have a photo shoot on Wednesday and I need to look flawless. Okay, fine, retouching is gonna take place, so it's more that I want to look flawless. And who doesn't? A fabulous makeup artist worked with me to find just what I needed and these are the goodies I walked away with:

$38 Smashbox
Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation

This foundation is a cream that turns into powder. For best application, stipple it on with a brush—you can go for light, natural coverage for the average day or full coverage for a photo shoot. Alternately, use a sponge. This product also works as a concealer if you use the tip of your finger, for those pesky undereyes, zits, discolorations, you name it. If you've got dry skin, you won't need powder with this at all. For combination/oily skin, I'd definitely recommend a quick whisk of powder. After the summer, my forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck are all slightly different in shade and this miraculously evened me out. It comes with its own little brush and mirror, for on the go, but I recommend a proper brush for use at home.
Score: A

$26 SEPHORA COLLECTION
Professionnel Mineral Powder Brush #45

This is the perfect multipurpose brush. I use mine to stipple on the foundation above, after which I wipe it on a paper towel and use it for the blush, repeat, and use it for powder. The bristles are synthetic and the softest you could imagine, without losing stiffness. It won't drop flyaway bristles on your face and cleans easily with a bit of dish detergent and water. It's been treated with a hypoallergenic antibacterial agent, so it also won't breed bacteria, causing your skin to have breakouts.
Score: A+

$28 Benefit Cosmetics CORALista blush

The most natural blusher I've ever met, for the fair to medium complexions. It's warm-peachy-rosy, just like the pic above (not like that swatch they have on Sephora's page, which looks pinkish). It goes on the apples of your cheeks in light, circular motions, and leaves you looking like you're in the health of your life, right after someone special gave you a kiss :) Comes with its own little brush, on the go, but I prefer the brush above. This is really for daywear and the natural look — for night, you'd probably want something a tad deeper.
Score: A-

$18 Dior
Best in Show Mini Mascara Duo

As you know, I rave about both DiorShow and DiorShow Blackout mascaras every chance I get. This duo is the best idea yet — instead of getting a full-sized one of either (10ml; $24 each), you get a half-sized (5ml) of each for $18. So, not only do you save $6, but you can choose which to use according to your mood (I like DiorShow for day and Blackout for that extra POW! for night). Moreover, the size makes them perfect for travel or for lugging around in your purse.
Score: A

Extra: While their supplies last, if you place an online order, you can choose 1 of 6 deluxe samples of Sephora's newest products. Enter code MYCHOICE at checkout. That's in addition to the 3 free regular samples you get to pick with every order. Yay for free stuff! :)

Baby Glam: Gorgeous Baby Gear Oct 2010

2010-10-04T03:39:00.004-04:00

Whether shopping for a current or future baby, or as a gift for a friend's baby, there are lots of lovely baby items on the market right now:

$122 Fisher-Price
My Little Lamb Cradle Swing
Amazon.com

$165 Isabel Garreton
Infant's Marshmallow Coat
Saks Fifth Avenue

$29.95 Robeez Little Lamb Mini Shoez
Endless.com

$136 Isabel Garreton
Smocked Silk Bishop Dress
Saks Fifth Avenue

~~$30~~ $24 Robeez
Black Patent Mary Janes
Bloomingdale's

$8 Gund Winky Lamb Rattle
Dillard's

~~$32.99~~ $26.99 3 Pommes Sweater
Le Petit Kids

$540 Armani Baby
Infant's Two-Piece Wool Suit
Saks Fifth Avenue

~~$145~~ $108
Tod's Gommini Baby Mod Pantofola
Neiman Marcus

$69.50 Ralph Lauren
Infant's Dog Sweater
Saks Fifth Avenue

$15.91 Kids Preferred Classic Pooh
Kazoo Toys

$55 Ralph Lauren
Blouse & Corduroy Jumper
Saks Fifth Avenue

~~$20~~ $16 Converse Baby Girl First Star Shoes
Macy's

$386 Nest Mercer Diaper Bag Tote

SAKS Sale -- Too Good to Miss

2010-09-30T23:02:00.002-04:00

Afford-a-Glam: Retro Dresses from ModCloth

2010-06-29T18:03:00.003-04:00

For the Glam Girls who love vintage silhouettes from the 1940s to the 1960s, ModCloth is a treasure trove. Not every outfit is a homerun, so take a good look at customer comments. You can shop with confidence, however, since they have free returns and exchanges. Here are ones that pleased me most on my browse-through:

$194.99 Maven of Majorca	$67.99 With Flying Florals Dress
$99.99 Beach Picnic Dress	$52.99 About the Authoress Dress
$217.99 Brocade For You Dress	$99.99 Save The Date Dress
Also Modern Silhouettes:
$62.99 Kennebunkport Dress in Wake	$72.99 Boutique Browsing Dress
Plus-Sized Glam:
$54.99 Cross Your Sweetheart Dress	$164.99 Most Memorable Dress

Glamorate It: Twilight Eclipse Black Carpet

2010-06-25T03:04:00.005-04:00

The much-anticipated Twilight: Eclipse movie premiere took place Thursday night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. My comments are on the snarky side, I admit, but what can ya do? What are your two cents?

Kristen Stewart in Elie Saab

~~$410~~ $287 Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Cowl neck jersey T-shirt	~~$530~~ $371 RM by Roland Mouret Shamal bouclé skirt
~~$395~~ $276.50 Elizabeth and James Double-breasted twill blazer	~~$895~~ $447.50 Moschino Cheap and Chic Double-breasted cotton trench
~~$590~~ $295 See by Chloé Ring Around leather bag	~~$380~~ $190 Juicy Couture Patent-leather hobo bag
~~$1,625~~ $650 Temperley London Diabolo beaded drape dress	~~$495~~ $248 Red Valentino Empire-line jersey dress
~~$750~~ $375 Moschino Cheap and Chic Cowl-neck crepe dress	~~$1,295~~ $906.50 Lela Rose Boat-neck silk-blend dress

2. Jennifer Garner Versace	3. Kate Hudson Marchesa
4. Anna Kendrick Marchesa	5. Olivia Wilde Gucci

Amy Adams Carolina Herrera	Dianna Agron Badgley Mischka
Christina Aguilera Versace	Jennifer Aniston Valentino
Drew Barrymore Atelier Versace	Kristen Bell Jasmine di Milo
Emily Blunt Dolce & Gabbana	Sandra Bullock Bottega Veneta
Rose Byrne Lanvin	Mariah Carey Hervé Légér
Cher	Toni Collette Elie Saab
Marion Cotillard Christian Dior	Courteney Cox Arquette Victoria Beckham
Penelope Cruz Armani Privé	Cameron Diaz Alexander McQueen
Lisa Edelstein	Fergie Elie Saab
Tina Fey Zac Posen	Calista Flockhart Alberta Ferretti
Ginnifer Goodwin Vionnet	Heather Graham Elie Saab
Maggie Gyllenhaal RM by Roland Mouret	Christina Hendricks Christian Siriano
January Jones Lanvin	Nicole Kidman
Heidi Klum Roberto Cavalli	Jane Krakowski J Mendel
Diane Kruger Christian Lacroix	Leona Lewis Roberto Cavalli
Julianna Margulies Narciso Rodrigues	Jayma Mays
Jennifer Morrison Luis Antonio	Elisabeth Moss Amsale
Anna Paquin Alexander McQueen	Julia Roberts Vintage YSL
Zoe Saldana Louis Vuitton	Chloë Sevigny Valentino
Sofia Vergara Carolina Herrera	Kate Winslet Yves Saint Laurent

The Glam Guide

Glam Valentine's Day Dresses 2012

Extra 20% off at Net-a-Porter Sale

Fall 2010 Bags -- The Satchels Have It

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Miu Miu

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Christian Dior

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Elie Saab

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Valentino

Paris Spring 2011 RTW: Chanel

Makeup Musts: Shopping Sephora

Baby Glam: Gorgeous Baby Gear Oct 2010

SAKS Sale -- Too Good to Miss

Afford-a-Glam: Retro Dresses from ModCloth

Glamorate It: Twilight Eclipse Black Carpet

White Hot -- Don't Miss Out on This Dress!

Fall 2010 Shoes: High Black Platform Pumps

Top Sale Picks from the Net-a-Porter Sale

Princess Victoria Weds: A Swedish Royal Wedding

Retro Glam = Shoes from Irregular Choice!

Glamorate: 2010 Oscars Red Carpet

Shoes Cure Winter Blues

Oprah's Goods Go on eBay

Sewing Glam: Vogue Patterns Sale

AffordaGlam: $39 Spring Cardigans

Happy Valentine's Day, Glam Girls!

My Favorite Alexander McQueen Image

Goodbye, Lee Alexander McQueen

Valentine's Day: Which Dress to Wear?

Flirty Valentine's Day Shoes

DIOR Haute Couture Show S/S 2010

Fellow Blogger Needs Our Help

Bag Bliss: Sweet Spring Handbags

Animated Film: The Story of Pringle of Scotland

2010 Golden Globe Awards Red Carpet

Baby Glam: Cutest Baby Shoe Ever!

Critics' Choice Awards 2010 Red Carpet

Today's Glam Girl Coffee Break

Zac Posen for Target in Stores April 25th!

Celeb Makeup Bag: Dita Von Teese

Today's Glam Girl Coffee Break

Betsey Johnson Spring 2010 Fashion Show

Compassion & Charity are Glam Girl Essentials

Tweet You Later!

NYC January 13: Meet Project Runway Stars!

Barbie Goes Goo-Goo for GaGa

Sunday Shoes Day: First of Spring 2010

Friday Fabulousness from Net-a-Porter

Glamorate It: People's Choice Awards 2010

Glam Plus: Curves Ahead at V Magazine

Ooh! Christian Louboutin Cat Burglar Barbie!

Glam Fun: Color Your Own Dress

Happy New Year 2010, Glam Girls!

Merry Christmas, Glam Girls!

SMASHBOX for Tori Amos: Pink & Glitter

Friday Fabulousness from Net-a-Porter

Today's Glam Girl Coffee Break: Birkin Bag!

Fashion Crimes: Leighton Meester -- Tragic Girl

Swatch Makes a Comeback?

Sweet Stocking Stuffers