Week in Review: Best Dressed Choices

The Cannes Film Festival and the Billboard Music Awards gave us some great red carpet moments this week.  While everyone has an opinion for Best and Worst Dressed this week, there were a few stunners that cannot be overlooked.  

My #3 Film Fashionista Favorite of the week:  

Kesha, 2014 BBMA

Believe it or not, my #3 pick is Kesha.  Or, as her new Twitter handle indicates, KeshaRose.  Her hair, which now has pink running through it, was loosely pinned back, and Kesha hit the red carpet at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards Sunday looking absolutely AMAZING!  

Perhaps she was a bit overdressed for the occasion, but considering she just finished two months of rehab for an eating disorder, she really looked healthy and glamorous in a black, lace-over- gray and tulle gown, which also featured a train. She wore very little makeup, which only added to the allure of the look and pulled it all together.  For me, this is the best Kesha has looked on a red carpet.

Blake Lively, Cannes

My #2 Film Fashionista Favorite of the week:  

Wearing a magnificently GORGEOUS Chanel Couture gown (pictured right), Blake Lively at the Cannes Film Festival is my #2 pick.  The glimmering-white gown, which was partially sheer, dazzled on the red carpet at Cannes.  To top off the look, Lively wore Sophia Webster shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.  The back of the dress was just as beautiful as the front (pictured below). 

Back of Lively's Chanel Gown

As a matter of fact, Lively could do no wrong in Cannes, and she wore many looks at the film festival that are worthy of best dressed lists.  This dress, however, takes the cake.  In a word: fabulous.  I am sure her husband, the very lucky Ryan Reynolds, was proud to be escorting her on the red carpet.

My #1 Film Fashionista of the week:

18-year old fashion model Kendall Jenner, who stole the show on the red carpet when she arrived at the Cannes Film Festival, then

Kendall Jenner, Cannes

went on to the premiere of Grace of Monaco.  Wearing a beautiful black-and-white Chanel gown (pictured left), she was completely captivating as she walked the carpet.  The gown featured a bodice with a unique graphic print, and a feathering with ruffles.  The bottom/skirt portion of the gown hit mid-length, had a modest middle slit up the front and two flattering pockets on the front.

Kendall Jenner, Cannes

Kendall's earrings were dazzling; she wore two Chopard rings and an impressive bracelet.  Strappy black sandals and a silvery clutch topped off the outfit.  

While some found the outfit too simple, I found the look simply stunning.  It was perfect for Kendall, and it photographed so well.  Sometimes, less is more, and in this case it all came together and worked perfectly. 

Please leave your comments below and let me know what you think of these three outfits, and which one if your favorite.  Follow me if you love fashion, fashion in film, movies in general, television and frequent and original updates on all of the above!  

'Chele
The Film Fashionista



Photo credits:  Getty Images, billboard.com 
Fashion & Designer credits: vanityfair.com & eonline.com


 

True Blood Returns Sunday, June 22nd at 9pm - Who's Your Favorite Character?

True Blood Returns 6/22, 9pm

Anna Paquin as Sookie

Who are you most excited to see back for the 7th and final season of HBO's hit series True Blood?  Take the poll in the right margin and let your voice be heard as to who is your favorite True Blood character(s).

Next month, the series will return for its final season, and  viewers can expect to see many surprises, new faces and possibly even some unexpected returns.  I can think of a few characters I would want to see return, and some that can R.I.P., if you know what I mean. 
                                                           
The teaser trailer (below) for Season 7 gives viewers a glimpse of what to expect as the show kicks off its finale season to the viewers, going back to Bon Temps where Hep-V infected vampires have made their way into town.


Are you like me - wondering how the Bill and Sookie story will play itself out?  Well, we will have to watch and find out

Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette

Stephen Moyer as Bill

since Sookie and Alcide were apparently together at the end of Season 6. Of course, many True Blood fans may want to see the series end with Bill and Sookie together, so this should be an interesting saga.  I am rooting for the "good Bill" to be with Sookie in the end, but that is just my vote, and I would love to know what my blog readers think.

Sam Trammell as "Mayor" Sam

I don't know about all of you out there in the True Blood fan world, but Sam is one of my all-time favorite characters.  Currently the Mayor, how will he help with the crisis in Bon Temps?  Hmmmm.....so many vampires and so little time.  One thing we can count on is the Good Dog Sam seems to come out on top most of the time, so let's hope he can do some good in this season and have a happy ending to his story.

Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica

Rutina Wesley as Tara

 There are so 
 many great characters to choose from, but last but not least, I think many will be excited to see Tara and Jessica.  When it comes to the strong, female vampire characters, these girls are it.  I can't imagine a True Blood season without them.

Your comments and discussions are always welcome, and please, follow me if you love fashion, film reviews, t.v. talk and more!  

Film Fashionista


Trailer courtesy of youtube.com; pictures coutesy of trueblood.net 


                                             

Captain America: The Winter Soldier ★★★★☆

Official Movie Poster

Captain America:  The Winter Soldier is one of the best super-hero movies I have seen in ages.  I was really surprised at just how great it turned out to be, and I highly recommend it.  

Chris Evans is brilliant as Captain America; even better than in his previous portrayal.  Evans really brought it in the acting

Nick Fury, Capt. America & Black Widow

department, and gave a very believable performance.  I can't wait to see him in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, and he still has one more Captain America movie to do and yet another Avengers movie in his contract.  After that, it appears he plans to retire, if reports are correct.  Boo Hiss.  

Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow

Scarlett Johansson was very strong portraying The Black Widow, and having seen her in action, I am now quite sure she could carry her own film as this character.  She was bad-to-the-bone and kept never even broke a sweat the entire time she was taking down the enemy. Kicks, flips, punches - it did not seem to matter.  A WOW performance. 

Johansson at film Premier - Pregnant & Lovely

Johansson will have a major role in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, and it is one she really deserves.  She is, however,  pregnant and expecting a child with her fiance Romain Dauriac, so according to Marvel, some fast-tracking is being done on the filming of her role in the upcoming Avengers film.  Of course, CGI can be used if need be, and stunts by doubles due to her pregnancy. 

Sebastian Stan as The Winter Soldier

Last, but certainly not least, Sebastian Stan did a fantastic job as The Winter Soldier.  Masked for the main portion of the film, his eyes still showed great emotion and this made his portrayal even more incredible.  I was impressed by Stan's acting and how he interacted with Evans and the other characters.  If you have seen the movie, did you recognize Stan as the Mad Hatter/Jefferson from Once Upon a Time?  He also played Billy in Gone and Andrew in Black Swan.  I think we should plan to see him in more upcoming films and T.V. shows. 

The storyline was interesting and full of action from start to finish, and be "on guard" for the classic Stan Lee cameo in this one. ;)  You surely would not want to miss that.  There will be another, final installment to the Captain America series.  I know I, for one, cannot wait!

I give Captain America: The Winter Soldier ★★★★☆ 

Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi 

Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence, gunplay and action throughout)  

Running Time: 136 Mins.

Sex           ☆☆☆☆☆

Nudity     ☆☆☆☆☆
Language      ★★☆☆☆
Violence     ★★★☆☆
Alcohol/Drugs     ★☆☆☆☆ 

Follow me if you love movies, and please comment below- I would love to hear from you and get your thoughts on this film and other upcoming Marvel adventures. 

Film Fashionista




pictures courtesy of hollywoodlife.com, usmagazine.com, totalfilm.com, imdb.com

Belle - A New Period Drama That Will Truly Inspire You

Opening May 2nd in Select Theaters

Inspired by the true story of the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle (played by the lovely Gugu Mbatha-Raw), Belle tells the story of the illegitimate mixed race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode), who is being raised by her

Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Belle

aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson). Belle is given many privileges in her life because she was born to nobility, yet her mixed race status prevents her from obtaining the traditional noble social standing. 

Her cousin Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) vigorously pursues a candidate for marriage, and Belle is left wondering if she will ever experience real love.  After meeting an idealistic young man who is determined to change the views of society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice, and together they work to bring an end to slavery in England.

Belle will be in theaters in limited released on May 2nd, and will expand to more theaters soon after.  Directed by English Director Amma Asante, Belle is already being considered as an major awards contender.  Watch the trailer below to get an idea of the beauty of this film:

Madame Bovary Poster

Expect for this film to be a contender Best Costume Design, as well.  Anushia Nieradzik is the Costume Designer for Belle.  Best known for her movie work for in Irina Palm (2007), Hunger (2008) and Private Peaceful (2012), Nieradzik is also very well known in the television community for her costume design, having  worked on such television shows as Dr. Who, Madame Bovary, Injustice and the T.V. movie Sex Traffic (2004).  Nieradzik has seven award nominations and one win, including BAFTA nominations for Christabel (1989), Middlemarch (1994), Madame Bovary (2000) and Sex Traffic (2004).  She also won the Gemini Award for Sex Traffic (2004).  

This talented costume designer will bring her vision to Belle in the form of many dresses for the lead character and for the

A Scene Still From Belle

supporting cast.  Nieradzik has proven time and time again that she can come up with gorgeous designs that are unique for each film and are standout pieces worthy of award nominations.  Belle will be no exception; just from the previews and pictures that have been released, one can see that the period looks will be stunning.  This is both a movie for fashionistas who love period films, and those who love truly inspiring films that life changing.

Changing the Views of a Country

Belle will have many moments of frustration, passion and inspiration, and whether you see this film this in a theater or you have to wait to see this one on DVD, you will not want to miss it.  You can bet you will be hearing more about this film when awards season rolls back around.  

Follow me if you love fashion and movies, and please comment below- I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on this film and how you feel about period dramas in general. 

Film Fashionista 

Born Free and Vogue team up to end mother-to-child HIV transmission at birth

22 top designers have come together with ShopBop.com and Vogue to create the Born Free Collection.  The mission of Born Free is to end mother-to-child HIV transmission at birth, and 100% of the profits from the sales of this women’s and children’s collection will go toward Born Free’s mission, with the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund matching all donations and the total purchase price of all products sold, up to $500,000.  Wow!  That is some serious matching of funds. 

The collection includes exclusive, limited-edition pieces from top designers Céline, Prada, Isabel Marant, Chloé, Diane von Furstenberg, and J.Crew.  Other designers include Victoria Beckham, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Alexander McQueen, Alberta Ferretti, Gisele Bundchen, DKNY, Marchesa, Ivanka Trump, Stella McCartney, Rachel Roy, lemlem, Marni, Urban Zen, Vera Wang and Versace.  This is an amazing list of designers, and the collection is truly beautiful. 

Models wearing Prada Skirts

The models (left), Lauren and Savannah, are wearing Prada print skirts from the collection.  They appeared on the Today Show on NBC  on April 23rd to help model the outfits and announce the start of sales for the Born Free Collection.

There are so many coordinating looks for moms and daughters in the collection, and really unique prints that are great for today, yet really timeless.  Below is an adorable example from the collection, all by designer Caroline Herrera:

Women's Shirtdress

Baby Onesie

Child's Shirtdress

With the above look, Mom, child and baby can dress alike in top designer wear, and 100% of the sale goes to a help fight mother-to-child HIV transmission at birth.  It really is a win-win for the buyer - you get great designer clothing at a fantastic price, and you help in the fight against HIV transmission from mothers to babies.

Mom and Child in Caroline Herrera

lemlem Patio Dress

Don't miss out on an opportunity to own a top designer piece, with proceeds going to a great cause.  Remember, 100% of the proceeds go to fight the transmission of mother-to-child HIV.  Take a look at a few other looks from the collection:

Marchesa Child's Party Dress

Marni Scarf

Take a look at this gorgeous and unique collection, and feel free to comment.  Follow me if you love fashion.

picture credit: today.com & shopbop.com

 

                          

OOTD - HRH Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in Lela Rose

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, is wearing a white cocktail dress by Dallas-born designer Lela Rose.  The dress has cut-outs on the arms and around the peplum waist over a white sheath, and it looks just stunning on her.

With her hair up in a loose and absolutely gorgeous chignon, courtesy of her personal hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, the Duchess was head-to-toe perfection for the

Chignon by Amanda Cook Tucker

Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

party she was attending.    I really love the look of the drop diamond earrings with her simple makeup, coupled with her hair worn up.  The Duchess carried a black bag and wore black heels.

DailyMailUK.com reported that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were attending a party at Yarralumla, which is the Government House residence of the Australian head of the Australian head of state, Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove in Canberra.

Catherine Walker Coat Dress

Earlier in the day, the Duchess arrived at Australia's National Arboretum wearing a bright green Catherine Walker coat-dress, where she and Prince William helped local school children plant a tree. 

Both outfits look great on the Duchess, but I think the white is my favorite because of its delicate flair.  Do you have thoughts on either outfit?  Leave a comment and let's talk Royal Fashion!

Pics courtesy of Getty Images, GolfPhotos.com, Arthur Edwards & mirror.co.uk.com

The Top 3 T.V. Shows All Fashionistas Should Be Watching

 #3 - Revenge on ABC
         IMDB rating of 8.1/10

One of the most fashionable shows on television for current fashion, ABC's Revenge is full of eye candy for those who love to see designer clothing on their favorite characters while enjoying great drama.  Revenge will return on April 27th, and fashionistas that are fans of the show will be waiting to see what the master of revenge, Emily Thorne, will wear next.  Catch up and join in if you aren't already watching - the acting is great, the drama and revenge plot is fantastic and you'll adore the fashion.

Emily VanCamp, Actress

 

Emily Thorne, played by Emily VanCamp (right), is wearing a halter dress by Halston Heritage with lovely bow detail from the episode "Allegiance."  Her divine leather clutch is by Alaia Shoes, and her Sunny Wide Brim Hat (this scene is set at the racetrack) is designed by Eugenia Kim.  The dress would look amazing on its own for any event you have coming up, and the look is flattering on any figure.

Christa Allen, Actress

Another of my favorite Revenge looks from recent episodes is

"Kimora" Gown in Poppy Red

the beautiful Christa Allen (left), who plays Charlotte Grayson.  She is wearing a BCBGMAXAZRIA "Kimora" Cutout Gown in black (which is sold out everywhere), in the episode entitled "Exodus," where she is in her brother Daniel's wedding. Here's a link, however, to get it in Poppy Red.  The dress can also be bought in white right now, which is perfect for the season.  Perfect for every figure?  No.  But a magnificent cutout dress, none-the-less.

Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson

I must mention the brilliantly talented Madeleine Stowe, who plays Victoria Grayson on Revenge.  Her looks in every season have been coordinated with much thought by costume designer Jill Ohanneson, and this look is no different.  Stowe is wearing an understated, yet exquisite Antonio Berardi charcoal-colored dress.  Ohanneson told InStyle Magazine she chose the dress "because it felt like ashes," mimicking the burning of Victoria Grayson's art gallery which had occurred in the previous episode. 

#2 - Project Runway on Lifetime
         IMDB rating of 7.4/10 

 Now going into its 13th season, the successful reality television series Project Runway is centered around up-and-coming designers competing for a top prize that gives them everything they need to launch their design career.  The show is now casting for the new season, so if you think you have what it takes, here's the link for casting information.

Tim Gunn, Project Runway

Watching the show, you'll learn so much from listening to the expert panel of judges and mentors: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen, Michael Kors and a steady flow of guest judges.  Watching the designers actually design a garment from the sketching stage to the runway stage is eye-opening, and some of these designers go on to do very well in the world of today's fashion.  You get to see everything from ready-to-wear to whimsical fashion, and the show throws a lot of challenges at the designers, including an unconventional materials challenge.  

Beyoncé, wearing Michael Costello

Recently, designer Michael Costello, a former Project Runway alum, designed a gorgeous sheer-and-lace detail white dress that Beyoncé wore to the Grammy Awards.  When he found out she chose his dress, Costello said, "I fell to the ground inside Macy's and cried . . . I feel so blessed."  Rumor has it that Costello may soon have his own reality show with another former alum, Mondo Guerra.  Now THAT would make for another must-see show.

#1 - Scandal on ABC
        IMDB rating of 8/10

This political drama's storyline is fantastic; the characters couldn't have been chosen for their roles better and the acting's superb, but if you watch for nothing else, watch Scandal on ABC for Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope.  Lyn Paolo's responsible for the costume design on the show, and she dresses Washington to perfection in every scene.  According to a recent article in Harper's Bazaar, Paolo loves the new collections from Zac Posen (his gowns, especially), Michael Kors and Jason Wu, and one of her "go-to" designers for blouses is Derek Lam.   
 

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope

Rubin Singer dress

In the picture on the right, Washington's wearing an off-white coat by Tory Burch, and underneath she's wearing a Diane von Furstenberg blouse in light peach.  Olivia Pope, Washington's character, is normally seen in softer colors, but she's a very strong female character.  You'll often see her in white, creme, pink, peach and the like.  The contrast between the softness of her wardrobe and her strong demeanor is striking - no matter what type of scandal may be brewing on the show.

Another of my favorite looks Washington wore on Scandal was the fabulous creme and black Rubin Singer dress (above, left).  In this dress, I can see the contrasting hard and soft of her character.  The black and creme colors mixed with hard and soft lines; the asymmetry of her hair.  It all works.  
 

Scott Foley

     Tony Goldwyn      

Now, it would be a real shame not to mention some of the men of scandal: Scott Foley as Jacob "Jake" Ballard and Tony Goldwyn as  President Fitzgerald Grant (above left, in tux).  Both are usually sharp dressed; President Grant born to lead, but certainly prone to some scandalous deeds.  Ballard (in uniform, above right) is called by many "mysterious" and "handsome."  He's a former Navy man who served with President Fitzgerald Grant, and he previously worked at the Pentagon and served on a secret CIA subdivision.  He's Olivia Pope's newest romance (but is it all a set up?).  It gets REAL on this show, and I mean scandalously real.

You must add these to your list of shows - DVR them and catch up!  I must say, ABC has it going on right now with great drama and fashion - but all of these are great shows for lovers of drama mixed with current fashion.  If we were talking any era, Mad Men and Downton Abbey would have made the cut, hands down.  Another day, another blog.

Your comments and discussions are always welcome, and please, follow me if you love fashion, film reviews, t.v. talk and more!  

Film Fashionista




Rating Credit:  IMDB.com
Ohanneson quote: InStyle.com 
Photo Credits:  abc.com/revenge, abc.com/scandal, mylifetime.com, getty images, InStyle.com, 
                         bloomingdales.com