A Pretty Mess

style and entertainment with a fashionable twist!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

People's Top 10 Best Dressed in '09

Here is People magazine's Top 10 Best Dressed Stars from 2009 and their different styles they were awarded for [in no particular order].




Nicole Richie was definitely the hottest little boho Maternity girl in '09!



One of my fave Boho Chic stylistas, Vanessa Hudgens.



She's worked so hard to get her body to the top level of fab that she is at now. I confess, I purchased her "Fit in Your Jeans by Friday" dvds, and thanks to those dvds, I see why her body is so Bikini amazing!



The First Lady herself is noted to be the best in Accessible Glamour Style. Since Barack started his presidential campaign, one of the main topics of discussion wasn't just his Health Care Plan or the War in Iraq....but what will Michelle wear? So many women have looked up to Mrs. Obama's style and even duplicate it, trust me, I know. Retail!



Frieda Pinto is a rookie who definitely Colored her way onto the veteran scene.




Beyonce has some great "sidewalk meets the catwalk" style a lot of times. She definitely qualifies as being Street Chic.



Pretty and sweet Taylor Swift knew how to Sparkle on the red carpet this year!



Reese has some great style when it comes to short little numbers and casual cuteness. She was recognized for knowing how to rock a Short Dress.



Kate Winslet reminds me of old Hollywood glamour and beauty with her elegant Red Carpet fashions.



And not to be outdone on the casual scene, Cameron Diaz can make any pair of Jeans look hot with those limbs!


Friday, December 4, 2009

A Slim Review

Well the 2 most highly anticipated and most talked about albums [for me] have been released finally and after giving each of them a good listen I've finally come to form my opinion.

First one up is the monster herself, GaGa!



As you all know I am a huge GaGa fan, but I try not to let that get in the way of forming an objective opinion about her new album the Fame Monster, or with any artist for that matter.

So the verdict is....I love it! I'll admit, I'm one of those people who skims through an album looking for those hot dance tracks with great production work and skip through ballads on the first listen. And GaGa didn't dissappoint as she has plenty of party tracks on her deluxe version of the Fame, but also that great and destructive ballad/ personal favorite of mine "Speechless" which a lot of girls can relate to oh so well. Her unapologetic daringness to be different but at the same time have the ability to relate to her fans is what makes her a true artist. I love the Fame album and even though The Fame Monster only has an appetizer of 8 tracks [sadface] it only makes me anticipate a full new album of songs from the new reigning Queen of Pop. This album really has shown her growth as an artist and writer. Her songs are so relateable with lyrics ranging with everything from a habit for a "Bad Romance", to trying to party the night away but someone wants to blow up your phone all night ["Telephone" feat. Beyonce], and monsters in disguise who eat your heart like in the song "Monster", you can't help but to feel the message of living life to it's fullest no matter what and knowing that it's ok to be different. But in the end of the day she reminds us that she is just like us.


And now on to Rih Rih...




I like to call this album the "Emancipation of Rih Rih" because she has definitely shed the good girl image and revealed her good girl gone bad...forever persona. This album is definitely not what I expected at all. She is very edgy and aggressive and definitely does not hold back. With lyrics like "Six inch walker, big sh*t talker, I never play the victim, I'd rather be a stalker..." on Rockstar 101 to her honesty about her heartbreak with songs like "Cold Case Love", "Stupid in Love", and "Photographs" [feat. Will.I.Am.] you definitely feel like you're listening in on a therapy sesssion. You really get a sense of her confusion and mixed emotions about her life but also a sense of empowerment. She has songs like "G4L", "Hard", and "Rockstar 101" that exemplify her head strong and new no nonsense [otherwise known as "bitchy"] attitude that a lot of girls either dream of having or can already relate to. With many appearances of electric guitars in her productions to her powerful lyrics Rihanna is making it known that you can not and will not mess with her... in many ways. I really enjoy this album and I'm glad to see her find herself and become a little more edgy than your typical pop princess. She's not only emancipating herself through her music but also through her style. She's setting trends and gradually coming up on icon status.


I can predict that 2010 will THE year for both of these talented artists, and I can't wait to see what else they have to offer!

Monday, November 16, 2009

10 Winter Trends You Can't Avoid [And Won't Want To]

Ok so it's basically Winter, or at least the weather's trying to make up it's mind if it is or not, and I'm starting to see some of the most anticipated Winter trends coming out of the wood work. I compiled a top 10 list of trends you will see and probably not be able to avoid for the notorious cold season and where better to look for guidance than some of the top trendsetters themselves? Everyone loves celebrities or loves to hate them, take your pick, but either way you will take notice.


1. Fur vests!



I love this look! I think it adds that bohemian edge that I love oh-so-much! Of course I will definitely rock the faux version of this trend not only because a real piece would cost more than my rent + utilities a month but also because it is animal friendly! Pair this look with some skinny jeans, leggings or a dress with some tights and you're ready to roll out in style!


2. Lace Tights



This look is also one of my faves! I remember the days when I was a little girl and my mom would buy me lace tights, even though I despised all tights during that time. But now I love them and they love me! Ha! This is a nice twist to the average pair of tights you might have stashed in your drawer and can turn a simple outfit like the all black one Miss Swift is wearing into an eye popping look.


3. Thigh High Boots!!!



Now I love this look for so many reasons but 2 of those reasons are very important me: they're cute [duh!] and I'm knock kneed [don't laugh!] so they hide my knees kissing each other on the daily. But I digress...this look is great again for jeans, leggings or dresses considering they cover most of the leg. No to mention they make your legs appear longer for those stubbies out there. They are just a very sessi look, don't you think?!

4. Leather Jackets



Another look I hold dear to my heart is a sharp motorcycle jacket. I mentioned this look in a previous blog post and it looks like this style isn't going away very fast. And I'm glad! I'm a simple girl so personally I'm not a big fan of all zippers and pockets all over my jacket. A couple here or there will do just fine and then STOP! The leather jacket is that one bold piece you only need to add that hard edge to any subtle ensemble. You can pair it with a cutesy top like Vanessa Hudgens did or a simple tee with a scarf and go.


5. Bold Shoulders



Ever since I took notice to Balmain, I have fallen in love with this new look. I think this is one of those trends that either you hate or love, there's no in between. I think this trend makes a very strong statement and is a more modern and appealing version of those damned shoulder pads from the 80s'. I know you remember those. With these shoulders you don't have to do too much accessorizing considering your shoulders will be the main attraction.


6. Head Accessories




You remember how your mom is always telling you to "cover up your head or you'll catch a head cold"! in the dead middle of Winter? I hated that at one time mostly because I found hats so uncomfortable and could never find one that looked good on me. Well the beanie hat is my new best friend. I love that you can fix it to create different versions of the look daily. Beanie hats, military inspired hats, creative headbands, and hair bows are really going to be running things this season, I can see it already!

7. Printed Scarves



This is a look that's still got juice! We saw this last Winter and I'm glad it's still got longevity for this Winter. Scarves are those really easy style toppers for any outfit and appropriate for any occassion. Bold colors and prints makes this accessory such a hit and fit to anyone's personal style.


8. Cardigans



This is a look I love on women and men. I rarely post any men's style on here [which will change!] and this is a trend I love on me and a guy. I just think when I see a guy wearing a cardigan it says a lot about his style and character. Of course it also depends on how he wears it. If his pants aren't sagging below his butt with this then that just might be enough of a winner for me these days. Ha! This is another one of those versatile style pieces to make the outfit.


9. Sneakers!!!



I love sneakers even tho I haven't owned a really good pair in a looonnng time [which again, will change!]. I love to see a female wear them right with a pair of skinnies or a pair of boyfriend jeans. I'm not sure if I would rock a bright pair like the ones Amber Rose is rockin above but they look good on her! I know here on the East Coast that whole 80s' hip hop look is making a strong come back and while I don't agree with every trend from that genre [I would like to retire and bury most of those 80s' trends thank you] but high top sneakers are definitely a fave of mine!


10. Latex Leggings



Again, another trend that seems to be sticking for this new wintery season and I'm not complaining. I absolutely love this trend for the fact that they'll keep your legs warm compared to a lot of other thin leggings out there and they really make your legs look pretty damn good. They're also a cool substitute for actual leather pants which for most...I just don't agree with.


So there you have it, some of this Winter's top trends for you to look out for. Now the question is....which ones will you try? Indulge while the season lasts!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Look of the Day: Twice the Style!

Reality stylistas and friends Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port both had looks this week that I absolutely love! I wanted to post both since they're 2 differenct looks and I of course I was torn between the two.




Being bold and mixing patterns is a favorite of mine. Whitney has a cute ensemble of a horizontal-stripe dress, with leggings and a cute plaid blazer over top. Her earrings and studded pumps are just enough glam for the outfit without taking away the casual cuteness of the look.



Lauren loves her minis [as do a lot of us!] and of course she presents us with another chic little gam-revealing number but tops it with a sequined cardi and sessi strappy heels. Of course she's also rockin' her trademark braid in her hair too. Cuteness!

Fashion Cover Wars

Here's some of the December 2009 covers you can expect to see from some of the most noted fashion mags around! Which one do you read faithfully? I read them all! haha, of course.



Twilight hotties Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson [i have a feeling this one will be a HAWT seller!]



My very own style inspiration: Sarah Jessica



The original fierce diva herself: Victoria Beckham for Bazaar UK



She gets better with age! Demi Moore.



I love her style and it makes sense since she's confessed to owning a good portion of the Gossip Girl wardrobe her character Serena wears. Blake Lively.



The new "It" girl Taylor Swift.



The elegant Cate Blanchett.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Who Rocked It Better?



Speaking of Camilla Belle...who do you think rocked this Marchesa feathered frock better? Miss Belle or Katy Perry?

Style Icon of the Week: Camilla Belle




I call her our generation's Sophia Loren because of her exotic look and sophistication. There is no denying this 23 year old's striking beauty and effortlessly sleek and vintage inspired chicness. Of course, it's only natural that she is a product of the exotic Brazilian descent which is the foundation of her beauty and free spirited personality.




I can't help but to get the "Old Hollywood" aesthetic from her style and timeless beauty. Still young and fresh faced this actress/stylista is definitely going places, I can see it now. You may notice this rising star from films like 10,000 B.C., When a Stranger Calls, and sci-fi thriller Push.





From the red carpet to the sidewalk her style is always clean and tasteful with structural prints, bold colors and classicly framed ensembles. I'm looking forward to seeing what else she has to offer to the fashion and film world.