The Ultimate Fashion Fete - The 2011 Metropolitan Costume Institute Gala

Please pardon the interruption from our regularly scheduled "Working Girl Chic Tuesday."  But, there is a fashion emergency!  Last night was the MET Gala in New York City - the one event that is certain to bring out the fashion set in full force. While the Oscars are glamorous, and the Grammys entertaining they really do not hold a stylish candle to the MET gala.  This is where fashion icons take big risks and create moments that we, fashion followers, will remember for years to come.  This year the MET ball celebrates the opening of the "Alexander Mcqueen, Savage Beauty" exhibition and many of the chic attendees chose to wear the late, great designer's iconic work. Here are a few -

Gisele in McQueen

SJP in McQueen - One of my favorite looks at the gala!

Salma Hayek in McQueen

Another trend that continued on the red carpet was beautiful, vibrant COLOR!

Brooklyn Decker in Michael Kors

Diana Agron with Michael Kors - her date for the evening (who also looks a bit like a bodyguard in this pic!)

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci - Another favorite!

Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop (I know, Topshop....weird, huh?)

Mary Kate Olsen in vintage Givenchy - digging the boho evening look

Other ladies went "Au Naturel" in nude and blush tones.

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel

Liv Tyler in Givenchy Haute Couture

Very preggers Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney

Gwynnie in Stella McCartney - dying over this look.

Dakota Fanning in Valentino



Karl Lagerfeld and Blake Lively in Chanel Haute couture....we haven't yet discussed her newly auburn tresses, do we like?

Trussed up - Some ladies chose some seriously corseted looks.  So very hot, although there's not much room for champagne!

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci

Rumer Willis in Badgley Mischka Couture

Lucy Liu in Vionnet


And then, there is the queen mum of all things stylish and fabulous.....

Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture (with a glimpse of Andre Leon Talley in the background....LOVE!)

XO, RC

I love all things Gwynnie!

Hi Fashion Friends,
   I have a confession to make....I am obsessed with all things Gwyneth Paltrow.  GOOP, her appearances on Glee, and my favorite movie of all time, Shakespeare in Love, just to mention a few.  I'm also super excited about her new cookbook, My Father's Daughter, mostly because of all of the promotional appearances she has been making lately.  The last one I caught was Good Morning America where she wore this fantastic blush ensemble.  I am loving that her dress is very nude, not sweetly pink.  It's so seductive, but completely covered up.  I will certainly be using this trick the next time I need something appropriate, but still flirtatious.  I'm also considering wearing my hair straight tomorrow. I know, but I already warned you.....obsessed!

XO, RC

Green With Envy!

It's Monday again, Dear Readers! 
  While we are all headed off to accomplish our regular old day-to-day tasks (work, grocery shopping, taking care of children or husbands) it's nice to have a little glimpse into the life of the famous and fabulous. Or so I thought as I was gazing enviously at the party pics from Chanel's fete in honor of Blake Lively.  She looks glowing and stunning as usual. The beautiful ensemble she wore for the occasion inspired today's look. 

I am absolutely in love with the neutral palette of her dress and shoes with just the pop of green in her earrings. This got me thinking, this is something we should all be doing!  We always think of a pop of color in a handbag or a shoe, but why not in a beautiful pair of emerald earrings?  A bright green earring highlights the face and will have everyone else green with envy!

I've put together a look that could easily be worn to the office.  However the same ensemble - sans jacket - could be perfect for a date night or a party. Either way, be certain to pull your hair back in a messy bun (a la Miss Lively) so that your eye-candy earrings are front and center!  Keep all of the accessories neutral and you're ready to glow!

XO, RC

Green With Envy! by dresscodediaries featuring soft leather handbags

The Return of the Hitchcock Blondes - Fall 2011

I am absolutely captivated by the idea of the Hitchcock Blonde.  The beautifully sharp, yet icy lady who exuded class and style.  Perhaps I'm drawn to her - as a fellow blonde - because she wasn't the clueless blonde that so many prefer to portray.  She was strong yet delicate and never failed to beguile her leading man.  See a couple of my favorites below:

Kim Novak in Vertigo

Tippi Hedren in The Birds

Eve Marie Saint in North by Northwest

And, of course, there is the ultimate Hitchcock Blonde - Grace Kelly.  Still one of the most influential style icons to ever grace the silver screen.  Serious glamour!

Grace Kelly in Dial "M" for Murder

In Rear Window

And - perhaps my favorite movie of all time - To Catch a Thief.

While this lady has heavily influenced fashion designers for years, I think one of the best interpretations I've seen was the Donna Karan Fall 2011 show.  With classic, ladylike tailoring and luxe materials (fur, cashmere and silk) it was one of my absolute favorite shows.  Now, THIS is how I want to dress this fall!

Beautiful draping, nipped in waists and luxurious fur all in an icy palette.  I think it's fall perfection.  And, I hope I'm not the only one walking around town with a scarf draped around my head.  After all, if we're going to be Hitchcock Blondes this fall, we must maintain an air of mystery and glamour!

XO, RC

The Fabulous BAFTAS - Fashion wrapup

The BAFTAs took place over the weekend in jolly old England.  OK, I must admit, I don't really know what the BAFTA's are, who won, or even who was nominated.  All I know is the stars came out in some of the most beautiful gowns I've seen all year.  I am hoping this means the stars are going to really "bring it" this year at the Oscars.   There was so much color and elegance the pictures literally took my breath away. I just had to share with all of you!  Enjoy!

XO, RC

Annette Bening in Marchesa - I still love a white gown.  Especially with red nails and lips! 



Amy Adams in Elie Saab - Elegantly neutral



Rosamund Pike in Alexander McQueen - She is beauiful on her own, but add some McQueen and the result is stunning.

Jessica Alba in Atelier Versace - I'm dying over this color! And with the necklace, very Cleopatra

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford - You already know I'm obsessed with Mr. Ford.  Beautiful!

Thandie Newton in Monique Lhullier - Ok, I don't really get the black necklace but the dress is gorgeous!

Emma Stone in Lanvin - I was sooo hoping someone would snatch this frock off the runway. I'm glad it was Emma.  She wears it perfectly!

Better Together - Hollywood Love

On this lovely Valentine's Day I thought it might be nice for us to bask in the glory and beauty of true love.  Not the kind that you read about in a thoughtful card or the kind that your sweet grandparents shared.  Instead, I'm talking about the glowing, fabulous love that radiates from red carpets and paparazzi pics all over Hollywood. 

All joking aside, I chose these couples because they always seem to perfectly compliment each other in style.  While most of these men are quite dapper on their own, their chic-factor becomes exponentially higher when arm in arm with these beautiful women.  And, isn't that usually the case?  So, cheers to happy, fashionable couples in Hollywood and beyond.  I hope you are sharing your Valentine's Day with your chic match.  Lots of love!

XO, RC

Cameron Diaz and A-Rod.  Incognito glasses and a trench coat....love!

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson. Matching hats and blazers. And is that a picnic basket?  How romantic!

Heidi and Seal staying fashionably warm.

J-Lo and Marc Anthony - Chic neutrals.

Rachel and Rodger - Casual California style

And finally, the Beckhams - Need I say more?