Betsey Johnson, MB NY Fashion Week

"Betsey Johnson has built her long-standing career in fashion by following her own set of rules. Known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over the top, Betsey has been rocking the fashion industry with her unique and original designs since the 1960s" Nadine DeNinno. This could not be truer of any other designer. During the 2011 Nashville Fashion Week I was able to view her collection. It was rocking, bright and fun. Her collection for Fall 2012 has the same feel but with an even wilder styling than before, very 1960's. Where might you wear these clothes you might ask? Well lets take a look and see...



These first 3 looks show you the range in her looks. The first look would suit many a fashionistas who do not want a boring suit for a day at the office. Drop the vest and pair with a different shoe and it will fit into a more conservative work environment. The short dress is fun and could be worn for a night out on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. Tone it down with no hose, scarf and change the shoe and it is an adorable dress for anyone heading out on a date night. The gown is in a beautiful, fun fabric. If you want to make a real statement at the 2012 We Care Academy Inaugural Gala and Fashion Show this fall, show up in this gown!



The first look here with the short orange skirt, hot pink turtle neck, and jacket at first glance is definitely something you would see a young girl wearing to the mall. Yet, if you drop the tights and pair it with a black knee boot anyone could wear this to the Carolina Fall Boat Show & Sale in Raleigh, NC. I adore this second look. I think it works even with the pink tights for so many ladies. Rare, that I would tell a woman over 30 to try and wear pink tights but with this dress I think she could. Keep the hat on and make your way to an October race at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. The final look is a stunning coat, that can be worn with nearly anything! This could take you into any room, at any event and causing you to hesitate before dropping it off at the coat check. It may be a bit fussy to wear as a look as was done for the fashion show though.



I am totally in love with this skeleton dress! It is fun, flirty and just bad a$$. I really want to run into a girl wearing this. Wear this out to a night of live rock 'n' roll at Rhythm & Brews in Chattanooga, TN and you will be sure to land your picture in several papers. The second look can be worn completely as is, or as separates with many other pieces. As is, you could wear it to nearly any concert venue in your town. The gold dress is cute and I expect to see many like it at proms across the south. If you are up for a fun night pair it with a gold mask and buy your ticket for Cirque de Nash: A Masquerade Ball in Nashville, TN. You will be supporting Big Brothers, Big Sisters while showing off your style.

As always Betsey Johnson did not disappoint. If you are edgey, cool, and hip then you should definitely be keeping an eye on this designer.

Photos:Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Oscars 2012, And the winner is...

It is said over and over, The Academy Awards is Hollywood's biggest night. The Oscars have become synonymous with cinema, celebrities and of course red carpet fashion. Everyone awaiting the arrival of their favorite stars to see if they are a hit or a miss in their fashion choices. 2012 was no different and there was plenty of hits and misses. There was also those that were so safe, they were just boring. I am not even going to judge the actual winners and losers of the Oscars, other than to send a big ole CONGRATS to Octavia Spencer for her win for 'The Help.'



My best dressed of the evening goes to Milla Jovovich in this lovely Elie Saab gown. The white sequin one shoulder with the red lip, cuff and ring, and the clutch all worked. The hair was a brilliant nod to old glamour and she looked fantastic. Elie Saab tends to always land in my list of best every red carpet.



Octavia Spencer has been pretty fantastic this entire awards season when it comes to red carpet looks. She again turned to Tadashi Shoji for this gown and it was the crowning jewel for her. The best she has looked and she stood heads above many last night. The dress flattered her shape and she was glowing. I do not think she could have worn anything better. Classy on the carpet and humble when accepting her Oscar, LOVE!



Next on my list has to go to Penelope Cruz in this Armani Privé ball gown. It is one of last nights looks that I have seen on both best and worst lists. For me it was on my best. I loved the lavender color against her dark skin and hair. The jewelry was great, the hair suited the gown and I thought she looked great. She def was trying to draw on some of Grace Kelly's elegance and on the 60th anniversary of her win, I say why not?!?



George Clooney may not have one Best Actor, but he got to take home his own Oscar Statue in Stacy Keibler. Her gold Marchesa was beautiful and fit her perfectly. Hair, make up and all were spot on to be Mr. Clooney's accessory. I have been hard on her this season but there was nothing to say bad about this look.



Rounding out my top 5 is Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen. I thought the gown was STUNNING and her hair and make up perfect. The dress may have been a little much for her, but she made a statement. She has not been able to find her style on the red carpet this season, but last night she made her mark. I hope she continues on this path.

Honorable Mentions:



-Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab looked great. I loved the design of this dress but I did not like the hair so it moved her down out of the top 5.
-Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli at first glance was in my top 3, but when she was on stage I was very distracted by the slit in the bodice that kept showing. It annoyed me to the point of dropping it out of my top 5. But I do not get everyone comparing this to Nicole Kidman in 2008, other than the big ole bow.
-Cameron Diaz in Gucci Première, proved me wrong on my rule not to wear nude colors if you are fair skinned and blonde. This dress looked fantastic on her.
-Ellie Kemper in Armani Privé looked stunning! This gown, with her hair was just a WOW moment for me when I first saw her on the carpet.

That is my run down of The Oscars Red Carpet. I am sure you do not agree with them all and would love to hear your opinions. I left out a few of your favorites like Michelle Williams because I was just not excited about her look. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow, I liked her gown but her hair and make up were TERRIBLE!!! So, until the next time our stars get all dressed up, enjoy your day!

Photos: Getty

Christian Siriano-NY Fashion Week

"Project Runway" designer Christian Siriano has really matured over the last couple of years in his design aesthetic. I had the pleasure of seeing his Fall 2011 collection at Nashville Fashion Week last year. I was completely in love with many of last years looks. With that said, this new collection stands shoulders above his previous, In both design and sophistication. The palate of grays, blacks, graphic prints and burgundy felt cohesive, and an almost black lipstick added an edge to the clothes' overall feel. His "girl" has definitely grown up.



These looks in gray; almost white are bright, airy and give off a sophisticated style. I could see the first one for a lovely evening dining at 1808 Grille-Nashville. The second look is perfect for a night heading to Nashville's First Saturday Art Crawl. The third, is for that younger lady looking to head out to an event, such as The Champions for Change Luncheon in Atlanta.



These next looks are adding beautiful color to the same sophisticated style. The first dress would be perfect for an evening heading to a Blumenthal Performing Arts Center performance in Charlotte. The second is a much more NYC look, especially since we in the south have not had a cold winter. Yet, I could see this making an appearance on the bolder southern lady. The third, could be paired with a fitted blazer and make its way into the office. Then lose the jacket after work and go out for a drink at Patterson House near music row in Nashville.



These looks are some of the edgier in the collection. I love them! Making these work in the south, will definitely have heads turning. The first outfit with the leather jacket is for that edgy fashion forward girl who still wants to make it out to an upscale lounge like Mollie Fontaine Lounge in Memphis. The middle look with the gold bustier again is for a girl like the one previously mentioned. I could see them hanging out at the same events. The final look could easily be worn with the right accessories to The Grammy winning Nashville Symphony.



Mr. Siriano of course did not completely leave out the stunning full gowns he is known for. He just has made them into a more chic style than before. The first gown is a very Siriano look, with the ruffled skirt. Unlike his previous collections though he managed to keep the ruffles more under control. The red dress is stunning. It would flatter many and make a statement at any event you attend. The third and my favorite look in the entire collection, is just beautiful. I know several ladies here in the south that would just rock that gown. All three of these would be perfect for any formal event you find yourself invited to. I would love to see my favorite look at The 2012 Swan Ball at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville.

There were many more wonderful designs that hit the runway during the Christian Siriano show. I would suggest checking them all out. I look forward to seeing how much more this young designer grows over the next few years. I feel we have just seen the beginning.


photos: Getty Images

Grammy's 2012 Fashion

Last night, the music world had their "biggest" night. The memory and loss of Whitney Houston could be felt even from my home watching on the television. She was a true legend and will be missed. I can only hope she has found the peace she could never find on Earth.

The stars came out, but as usual for a music awards show (unlike movies/tv shows) there were way more misses than hits when it came to fashion. It was refreshing to see some of the ladies channel old glamour. That is my favorite! I must admit though, it was the men who really brought it last night. So, I am going to begin with them.

Best Dressed Man: Adam Levine looked amazing! His suit fit and was tailored perfectly. Which was great since his girlfriend Anne V looked so terrible.


Runner Up Male: Swizz Beats came out in a purple velvet jacket! Not many men can pull this off and he did. Notice his pants are also the right length. The jacket is a bit snug, but I am letting it go since he took a risk and it paid off. But like Adam, his date missed the mark. Alicia is pretty often a miss these days.


Best Dressed Lady: Kelly Rowland in Alberta Ferritti. I loved the gown on her and she went with a more natural make up and her big hair. Everything was understated and elegant. LOVE


Runner Up Lady: Katy Perry in Elie Saab. She would have won for me, if she would get rid of that blue hair! The dress is gorgeous , the make up and jewelry were superb.


Second Runner Up Lady: Taylor Swift in Zuhair Murad. This couture gown looked amazing on her. She looked grown up and sophisticated. I actually liked her hair better after she performed and had her bangs than I did on the red carpet. Though, neither were bad.


Honorable Mentions: These Ladies did not disappoint.
-Adele in Giorgio Armani looked beautiful. I loved the new hair color and the red lip. The silver sparkle heel was a great addition (even though most of the time that would be to much sparkle).
-Carrie Underwood in Gomez-Garcia. The dress was elegant, beautiful and fit her perfectly. And on tv, her skin tone looked a bit odd, but it photographed perfectly.
-Carrie Underwood changed gowns for her duet with Legend Tony Bennett and I liked it even better than her red carpet look. I am at a loss right now as to who it was by and I apologize.
-Kathy Griffin for once got it right. She looked beautiful.
-Paris Hilton and all her ridiculousness actually brought it.


Now The Worst: Just doing images, no explanation needed. Though this is not near all the bad looks.



photos by:Getty Images, AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

The Grammy's 2012

Just 27 hours or so after hearing that we lost a true Vocal Legend in Whitney Houston, it was time for music's "biggest" night. The Grammy's. We all knew it would be a night of tribute and remembrance, and it was just that. Opening the show was Bruce Springsteen, showing you can still rock out at 62. Then the never aging, muscle stud, LL Cool J came out to host. Beginning with a prayer in Houston's memory. It was great to see Bonnie Raitt on stage. But I will run down my fav performance and least:

Best Performance: Adele, and this is no surprise. She came out, seemed a bit nervous for the first about 15 seconds and then her amazing voice hit its stride and never stopped.

Worst Performance: It would be easy to say Nicki Minaj but since that was not really a performance at all, I am going with Chris Brown. For starters he should not be allowed to grace The Grammy's stage. Secondly, his dancing was weak (for him) and he was not even singing.

Honorable Mentions:
-The Glenn Campbell tribute was great, and he was incredible!
-The Civil Wars, who better get an entire performance at next years show.
-Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "I will Always Love You" was perfect for the Whitney Houston Tribute.
-The Foo Fighters first performance was pretty rockin'
-The Sir Paul and friends Jam at the end was a great ending.

The rest of the performances were just ok...Now to dish on the awards. First and foremost Congratulations to The Nashville Symphony on their 7th Grammy win for Schwantner: Concerto For Percussion & Orchestra Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Christopher Lamb (Nashville Symphony)!!!! Nashville is being recognized for ALL the musical excellence in our city. Now my review of the nights big winners:

Record of the Year: Rolling in The Deep, Adele. Great record, I always love when a true vocal talent takes home the accolades they deserve.

Album of the Year: 21, Adele. Again, I love this album.

Song of the Year: Rolling in the Deep, Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth. It was definitely her year, and she is deserving. I do love The Cave though by Mumford and Sons.

Best New Artist: Bon Iver. I am slightly ashamed to say I had no idea what they sang. (kinda like last year with Esparwhatshername) I tried to listen after I saw they were nominated and just did not get it. I am sure it is a hit for someone, just not my thing. I would have chosen The Band Perry, they are uber talented.

Best Rock Album: Wasting Light, Foo Fighters. I do like this album and there was no real competition.

Best R&B Album: F.A.M.E., Chris Brown. Terrible! Kelly Price's Kelly should have won this hands down.

Best Rap Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West. I personally can not stand him or his music. But, in the last year this was for sure the album to beat.

Best Country Solo Performance: Mean, Taylor Swift. Ok, Ok...We all knew she was going to win. Yet, I was really hoping my favorite lil corny song Honey Bee, Blake Shelton would win. But in all honesty, I am Gonna Love You Through It, Martina McBride should have won.

Best Country Song: Mean, Taylor Swift. Any other song in the category would have made me happy.

Best Country Album: Own The Night, Lady Antebellum. I love Lady A (I know lots of you do not). I had it as a toss up between them and Blake Shelton. Jason Aldean, just irks me for the most part.

Best Bluegrass Album: Paper Airplane, Alison Krauss and Union Station. A couple of albums were missing that I would have liked to have seen nominated, but this is a great album and I have no complaints about the win.

That is a run down of some of the categories that people were honored in. I would love to hear your opinions and what you thought of the show. Stay tuned, for my Grammy's Fashion Review will be up shortly.


Jennifer Hudson's Tribute to Whitney Houston: VIDEO


Photos by: Getty Images