Ever since First Lady Michelle Obama graced the dance floor at the 2009 Inaugural Ball in a dreamy, one-shoulder, white chiffon ball gown covered with tiny rosettes and shimmering embellishments (the dress is now on display at the Smithsonian museum) crafted by Jason Wu, the Taiwanese-American designer has been anointed fashion’s latest wunderkind.
Most of us have had our fair share of 27 Dresses moments, where we’ve been asked to wear some hideous frock in the name of celebrating a bride’s marital union — and, in the process, we’ve had to indulge her sadist tendencies, which prompted her to require that all her bridesmaids look like Sesame Street characters so as not to outshine her on her big day.
Whether you’re treading through the giddy, “Teenage Love Affair”-worthy territory of a new crush or you’re basking in the commitment-ready, forever-and-ever, “At Last” stage of your relationship, you know to cherish every heart-swelling moment in the journey known as love.
The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on Sunday, January 16th, saw comedian Ricky Gervais return to the podium, this time armed with even sharper barbs aimed at nominees, guests, and event organizers.
From her pink-haired, mid-riff baring days as the lead singer of No Doubt to the early days of her solo career, when she dyed her hair platinum blond and donned low-rise houndstooth print pants, Rasta-colored wristbands and knit caps, and printed hooded sweatshirts, to her current more glamorous look, which involved oversize shades, tons of plaid and chevron prints, bold platform heels and boots, and camo print details, Gwen Stefani has more than earned her spot among the most influential style icons of our day.
Almost three decades before Lady Gaga bewitched audiences with her outlandish costumes, New Wave/dance singer Grace Jones set the bar for lovable eccentricity, donning embellished face masks and sculptural, gravity-defying hats and headpieces; bucking traditional gender norms by rocking a masculine, cropped, flat top ‘do, along with blazers with squared shoulders; toying with dominatrix motifs through leather bustiers, fishnet tights, come-hitter platform heels, and figure-hugging leotards; wearing wire armor ensembles; and generally advancing the avant-garde agenda.
For the third installment of this year’s gift guide, which is inspired by female music icons (as you know from last week’s ode to Pat Benatar and the previous tribute to Janelle Monae’s equestrian-meets-funk style), we’re focusing on British pop star Lily Allen.
Shopping should never be a drag, especially when you’re looking for holiday gifts that will bring a smile to a loved one’s face.
Bing Bang Zuni Charm Bracelet, $57.80.
Designer Sophie Théallet’s Spring 2011 collection channeled the independent spirit and unconventional brand of beauty that distinguished late Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, with a rich color palette ranging from ivory to blood red, soft black, burgundy, pottery-ready brown, and midnight blue.
