Draped in Fabulous! - Working girl chic Tuesday

Welcome to another Working Girl Chic Tuesday! 
  Today we are going to chat about how fabulous a draped skirt can be at your workplace.  Often I think of draping on elegant dresses worn to galas or cocktail parties. However, draping can be just as chic at the office.   A draped skirt is a great way to be ultra-feminine in the corporate world, while still being completely appropriate!

Today I've picked out two draped skirt options for your consideration.  If you are in a workplace that is a little more progressive you can go with the abbreviated version, if not, then opt for the longer version.  Either way, I love the look of these skirts paired with a lace top.  Whether it be all over cream lace or a white tank piped in black lace, this will make your look even more ladylike. The key to making this look work-appropriate is pairing it with a structured blazer. This jacket should hit you right above the hip for the most flattering look.  If it falls below this point and covers the draping of the skirt then you will have added volume.  Very unfortunate!  All you need now is a uber-cool chain and pendant necklace, multiple chain bracelets and a pop-of-color handbag.  Also, since we are pushing the trend envelope on the draped skirt, pair this look with a classically beautiful pair of black pumps.  What a fabulously chic way to work it!

XO, RC

Draped in Fabulous! - Working girl chic Tuesday by dresscodediaries featuring chain jewelry

Best of the Show - Which of Anne's changes was the best?

Although the reviews of her performance have been lukewarm, at best, Anne Hathaway's outfit changes did not disappoint!  You and I both know who we owe all of the eye candy to, right?  The fabulously fashionable Rachel Zoe.  (I noticed Team Zoe even got a shout out in the ending credits of the show.)  I have to admit, the dress changes were what I was most looking forward to when it was announced that Anne would be hosting. Usually we only get to see one Zoe pick on each star, it's so great for her to have multiple options!  Which was your favorite??

Givenchy Haute Couture



Versace



Oscar de la Renta



Vivienne Westwood



Lanvin Tux and custom Brian Atwood pumps



Armani Prive

Tom Ford

  I think I'm going to have to go with the Tom Ford (you already know I'm obsessed).  A sheer lace dress covered in sparkle could easily cross over into tawdry territory. However, Mr. Ford keeps this one completely classy by covering the arms, legs and decollete.  So chic!  I was also impressed with how dramatically her hair changed with every look.  Anyone who has ever worn an up do knows its not so easy to transition quickly into a sleek hair-down-do.  My favorite look was probably the Veronica Lake-esque wavy hair worn with her first Givenchy gown.  The other favorite was the semi-up do she chose for the Versace gown.  That overall look was complete elegance. 

Many times I give up on the broadcast halfway through (after you've seen the red carpet, the dresses are no longer surprises).  But, these fabulous dress changes kept me tuned in to the very end!  Thanks Team Zoe!

XO, RC

At the end of the Red Carpet - Oscars Wrap-up!

So, what did you think?  I thought the Oscars provided everything it promises - glitz, glamour, stars and fabulousness.  The red carped sparkled with some of the most dazzling dresses we will see all year. While several trends emerged, for the most part, stars stuck to opposite ends of the color specturm - vibrant, brilliant color or flesh-toned sophistication. Here were a few of our favorites!

Electrifying color! -



Jennifer Hudson in Atelier Versace - She is seriously working that new body! Love it!



Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein - Minimalist chic with a punch of color

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang  - After a minor style snafu at the Globes (those bangs, ugh!) She's back!!





Anne Hathaway in Valentino Haute Couture - One of my favorite gowns of the evening. And LOVE the lips!

Flesh-toned beauties

Halle Berry in Marchesa - Serious hotness and elegance. Halle strikes again!

Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture - Sophisticated and beautiful

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa - This girl seriously knows how to dress.  I hope to continue to see her on red carpets for years to come!

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere - Feathers and beading...hello Oscars!



Mandy Moore in Monique Lhullier - Sheer elegance



Nicole Kidman - Marchesa (I'm just OK with the dress but j'adore the red pumps!)

 Berry-liscious!  Tones of purple were also hugely present on the red carpet.

Scarlet Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana - I'm not sure...from some angles I love, from others, not so much

Natalie Portman in Rodarte - I much prefer this look to her pink Globes gown, don't you?

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Couture - She already won our "best dressed" at the SAG and she's giving some serious competition for this "best dressed" as well!

 

Penelope Cruz - L'Wren Scott (Can you believe she just had a baby a few weeks ago? Crazy!)

And, the winner is....Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci!!  This light lilac gown is certainly not the easiest for a star to wear. There is no glitter, no train, no slit or decollette.  What this gown does have is excellent style and complete elegance.  This is a dress that only the great Cate could pull off.  Her soft hair and makeup are in stark contrast to the proportions of the sharp shoulders creating a perfect contradiction.  I am absolutely awe-struck! This dress is certain to become an icon in Oscar's red carpet history.

XO, RC

Oscars Preview! - What will they wear??

Happy Fashionable Friday Readers!
  Well, you know what this Sunday is....the most fabulous time of the year!  The Oscars!  I will be right in front of the television, champagne in hand, soaking in all of the fashion and glamour.  So, here is my little Oscar preview for you!  To get us started, I ran across this great video of the most iconic Oscars dresses on Popsugar.com and thought I would share.  This will certainly get you into the Oscars mood, if you're not already!




  Now that we've had a quick review...let's predict which dresses will make history this year.  Here are a few I would love to see!

Flesh toned beauties -

Marchesa - Spring 2011

Elie Saab Couture - Sping 2011



Valentino Couture - Spring 2011




Valentino Couture - Spring 2011



 White-out Fabulousness -



Valentino Couture - Spring 2011



Valentino Couture - Spring 2011



Elie Saab Couture - Spring 2011

Red-Hot! -

Marchesa - Spring 2011 (I know the actors usually don't do short dresses, but maybe for one of Anne's many costume changes??)



Elie Saab Couture - Spring 2011

 Bold and Racy in Black gowns -

Christian Dior Couture - Spring 2011



Marchesa - Spring 2011




Elie Saab Couture - Spring 2011




Monique Lhullier - Spring 2011

 I hope you'll be watching with me on Sunday night.  I will be giving live updates of my fashion thoughts via twitter and the blog.  Then we'll all meet back here Monday morning for the big wrapup! I can't wait!

XO, RC

A Casual White-Out

Some days, especially when I'm dressing casually, I like to keep it simple.  That's not to say "minimalist," we've already covered that trend.  When I say "simple" I mean easy to throw together (but still look put together).  I once heard someone in the fashion world say that she wore all black during the winter and all white in the summer.  Although I'm not that hardcore (I like to throw in a print or a pop of color every so often), I do like the idea of that.  Being so chic and having such a definite look that you can sum it all up in a statement.  While I'm still looking for my statement, I will share with you, that I wear a ton of head-to-toe white in the spring and summer.  This look is so fresh and chic, yet so easy to pull together quickly. 

When I'm doing a casual head-to-toe-blanc look I always pull out my favorite pair of white hudson jeans.  Just like with your blue jeans, you should have multiple pairs of white jeans tailored to different heel heights.  You can do this head-to-toe-white look with a great pair of high espadrilles or with some metallic flat sandals.  Whichever you choose, put it all back to a great white blouse.  There are so many fabulous white blouses to choose from this spring, so your options are limitless!  I'm loving the look of the gauzy utility blouse I found below.  Add some beautiful gold jewelry (you know how I love my cocktail rings and bangles!) and you're casual but perfectly posh!

XO, RC

Casual White-Out by dresscodediaries featuring beaded jewelry

In the closet of a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills

In case I haven't mentioned it already, I have an embarassing obsession with everything Bravo TV has to offer.  While I will spend hours watching reruns of Top Chef, Flipping Out and Rachel Zoe Project.  However, the ultimate indulgence is anything from the Real Housewives franchise.  That obsession only tripled when the Beverly Hills installment was introduced.  The glam, the bling, the drama....I just die for it!  My life seems a little bit less sparkly now that the season has come to a close.  So, here's a little something to keep you company until the season comes back around. How jealous are you of Kyle Richard's closet!  LOVE!



 A couple of things:
1.  I need a chandelier in my closet, STAT!
2.  My Chanel handbag collection looks sad next to hers.
3.  Preggers or not, how much do I need that caftan this spring.  I sense a caftan post coming!

XO, RC

In the Trenches - Working Girl Chic Tuesday

Welcome to another "Working Girl Chic Tuesday!"  Today there is a little nip in the air and it made me think about the importance of the trench coat.  This key item really should have a special place in your work wardrobe.  It's perfect for early spring and late fall when you're not quite in heavy jackets, but it's not yet time for a lighter piece.  There are so many incarnations of the trench and, if you just take a little time, you are certain to find one that is perfect for you!  I absolutely adore the one below.  The little flounce at the neck gives a feminine touch, but the epaulets and traditional khaki color say, "I mean business!" 

Below, I've shown you a couple of options of how to wear this essential piece. I think, with the importance of the wide leg pant this spring, a pair of black trousers and a silky top would be just beautiful.  For a warmer day you can pair it with a classic black sheath dress and some beautiful heels. Notice that I've chosen to accent today's ensembles with leopard.  Remember that leopard can serve as a neutral, so feel free to throw in a little color with your ensemble if you want something brighter!  Accent your look with some gold jewelry and you're ready to go!

XO, RC

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In the Trenches - Working Girl Chic Tuesday by dresscodediaries featuring a snake necklace

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