WHO: Taylor Swift
WHERE & WHEN: 2013 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala – PUNK: Chaos to Couture on May 6, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress and clutch, Givenchy shoes & Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

MY VERDICT: I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a sad thing that Country/Pop star Taylor Swift was able to execute punk better than most at the MET ball this year. The “22″ singer arrived as a guest of designer Gilles Mendel wearing a custom J. Mendel black silk crepe gown with lace inserts, a chiffon sunburst pleated back and a sparkling silver-gold embroidered crystal neckline.

Taylor played up the ‘Chaos to Couture’ vibe that was the theme of the evening. Granted she didn’t break out garbage bag leather and a faux hawk, but she certainly hit a higher note than most. The embroidery along the neck reminded me somewhat of Kate Hudson’s dress at the Golden Globe Awards back in January, but my favorite part of the dress were the daring lace panels. | continue reading..

WHO: Ashley Madekwe
WHERE & WHEN: 15th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards on February 19, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel top and skirt, Christian Louboutin shoes & David Yurman jewelry.

MY VERDICT: It’s nice to see that the midriff trend is still sticking around, I wasn’t quite ready to be done with it.  Ashley rocked the silver-grey carpet in a strikingly cool x-ray abstract silk crop top and skirt by J. Mendel that’s made up of vibrant shades of purple and fuchsia. This funky Spring 2013 ensemble was the perfect look to suit the hip “Revenge” actress.  I’m totally in love with this outfit, and the way Ash passed on typical black pumps in favor of strappy hot pink “Neuron” sandals by Christian Louboutin with crystal detail.  She completed her look with a sleek high ponytail, flawless makeup, and a black clutch to balance it all out.

Ashley was easily one of my favorites of the night! | continue reading..

WHO: Faith Hill
WHERE & WHEN: 55th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress, Tom Ford shoes, Bottega Veneta clutch & Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

MY VERDICT: Joined by her husband Tim McGraw, Faith stepped out on the Grammys red carpet in a sexy sheer cocktail dress by J. Mendel.  The Country singer opted for a new frock from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection, a black bustier knee-length dress connected to a sheer embroidered long sleeve upper body design.  It wasn’t clearly visible in the presentation, but the lower portion of the dress features a navy textured panel in the center of the pencil skirt. I thought this was a great choice for her; I like the shortened hemline.  As for the rest, I found Faith’s hair to be a bit too refined for a dress of this style. I wish she would have let her locks go free, but she’s a beauty regardless.

This outfit was complete with sapphire jewelry and a shiny pair of black patent Tom Ford pumps.

WHO: Taylor Swift
WHERE & WHEN: 55th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, and jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira & Jaimin.

MY VERDICT: Taylor was one of my favorites this year in her ivory goddess gown by J. Mendel with metallic sequin-embellished straps at the plunging neckline and open back.  I was really hoping she’d wear color (maybe red?) considering we often see the singer in cream dresses, but I just can’t deny how hot this design is.  It was originally seen during the finale of the Spring 2013 runway presentation, but without the harness detail the center of the neck.  I can’t decided which version I prefer.

I liked the braided headband woven into her chignon, but for another red carpet moment.  This hairstyle was too sweet, too themed, and too safe for the Grammy Awards.  | continue reading..

WHO: Amy Adams
WHERE & WHEN: 85th Academy Awards Nominations Luncheon on February 4, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress, Casadei shoes & Amrapali jewelry

MY VERDICT: Amy slipped into a vivid, gorgeous purple abstract floral pattern when she attended the Oscar nominee luncheon today.  The 38-year-old actress selected the long-sleeve silk dress from the Spring 2013 collection by J. Mendel, which features contoured piping detail at the bodice and blending patch pockets at the front of her hips.  After that very pale gown she wore to the Golden Globes last month and so many LBDs before that, it was nice to see Amy back in some lively color.

With the dress as the focal point, Amy wore ivory Casadei platform pumps to match the lightest color in the pattern.  I don’t think the heaviness brought down the delicate fabric, but I believe a slimmer shoe would have provided a much more streamlined appearance.  Amrapali earrings, minimal makeup, and a low ponytail with straying tendrils helped Amy complete her look.

WHO: Garcelle Beauvais
WHERE & WHEN: 44th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles on February 1, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel

MY VERDICT: Garcelle selected a solid hot pink version of the strapless floral trumpet gown seen in J. Mendel‘s Resort 2013 collection. I may have been a big fan of the botanical pattern on the midnight blue base, but I can’t deny how sensational this vibrant color looks against Garcelle’s flawless and rich complexion. With delicate gold bangles on her wrist and matching drop earrings, she finished off her fabulous look with sculpted curls and a dark berry pout.  Work it mama!

WHO: Jessica Lange
WHERE & WHEN: 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress & Martin Katz Fine Jewelry

MY VERDICT: Jessica wore a beautiful J. Mendel midnight blue silk chiffon hand-pleated gown with sheer paneling.  This dress was originally presented in black and strapless for Gilles Mendel’s Resort 2013 collection, but I’m glad the princess cap sleeves were added for the “American Horror Story” star.  I personally think she could have afforded to go longer on the sleeve as it would have been even more flattering.  With a pair of open toe pumps to match, Jessica finished with golden layered curls.

 

WHO: Sally Field
WHERE & WHEN: 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel dress, Jimmy Choo shoes & Martin Katz Fine Jewelry.

MY VERDICT: I just love that Sally is such an integral part of awards season this year; I’ve always been a fan of her work, her smile is so bright and warm, and she always looks fantastic. The “Lincoln” star was bursting with radiance in a bright purple J. Mendel tulle bustier hand pleated gown with floral appliqués. This design appears to be a custom made look that was inspired by the pictured peach dress from the Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection. I loved the dress on Sally, and her hair looked amazing in layered waves. Sally completed her look with a purple crystal encrusted clutch that matched her shimmering Jimmy Choo sandals.

WHO: Allison Williams
WHERE & WHEN: 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on January 13, 2013.
WEARING: J. Mendel gown, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

MY VERDICT: It appears as though we can thank “Girls” star Allison Williams for being the girl lady to wow us with something from the brand new Pre-Fall 2013 collection by Gilles Mendel.  She selected the black full gown, which features crystal beaded trim embellishments and a plunging illusion neckline.  I love the way Allison added a tiny pop of color to her dark, dramatic look with coral Lorraine Schwartz statement drop earrings; these stood out due to her tightly swept up hairstyle.  Smoky eyes, peach tinged cheeks and a glossy nude pout completed her look.

WHO: Kerry Washington
WHERE & WHEN: “Django Unchained” premiere, held at Cinestar Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany.
WEARING: J. Mendel Spring/Summer 2013 gown, Christian Louboutin shoes, Jill Milan bag & Bounkit jewelry.

MY VERDICT: Looks like someone is already preparing for spring time! Kerry stunned on the dark carpet tonight in Berlin as she celebrated the premiere of her film, the critically acclaimed “Django Unchained”.  | continue reading..