Best Eclectic Oscar Styles

The unanimous theme in this year’s Oscar fashion was one simple word: eclectic. The ideas, styles, and tastes were wide-ranging and derived from diverse muses. Some commonality suggested the emphasis of femininity through plunging necklines, open leg side slits, and bold backless glamour. Here are some of the most daring, intricate, and utterly the best:

1. Swedish belle, Alicia Vikander, mirrors Disney’s beloved Princess in her custom strapless Louis Vuitton gown. The pale yellow balloon hem complements her youthful glow and hair set in a half-bun and flowing gracefully down.

 

2. Saoirse Ronan sparkles in an emerald-sequined backless Calvin Klein. The plunging neckline and sultry silhouette is considered one of the most daring and successful fashion risk this year.Her Chopard mismatched earrings–one green emeralds and the other white pearls–was a homage to her Irish heritage.

 

3. Charlize Theron opted for the modern, minimalistic look with a sleek bob hairstyle and V-cut crimson Christian Dior. Her diamond accessories from Harry Winston are reportedly worth $3.7 million. Geez!

 

4. Colombia bombshell, Sofia Vergara, chose a stunning navy blue Marchesa and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. This speaks old Hollywood class with the poufy skirt and giant side bow. It hugs her body and accentuates her curves–oozing confidence and real class.

 

5. Rachel McAdams’ backless August Getty Atelier halter neck dress was the other favorite emerald gown. This look channeled the 90’s style statement with smoky eyes, sleek up-do, nude lips, and high slit with the soft flows in the skirt.

 

6. Bollywood star, Priyanka Chopra, wore a sheer white lace Zuhair Murad Couture from the Spring 2016 Collection and Lorraine Schwartz diamond jewelry. Her style was to express her inner Princess in the long train and strapless structure, which Murad describes as the following: “divine transparency exposes the beguiling enchantment of liberation.”

 

7. Olivia Munn is in an one-shoulder tangerine orange Stella McCartney with matching orange lips and Forevermark Diamonds. This bold style is not only asymmetric but also highlights the coming of Spring with the bright sunset shade. There is also an added urban chic to her look.

 

8. A black, long sleeved highly underrated Dennis Diem was chosen by model Dorith Mous, which was my personal favorite of the night. Inspired by “Black Swan”, the tulle front with lacy sleeves and poufy skirt mimics a classic, but dark ballerina. Her short blonde hair was side swept and elevated her charming bone structure.

 

9. Georges Chakra’s backless white couture gown suits Giuliana Rancic’s slim figure. She opted for a “softer” more suave look that was refreshing but also somber. The details of the back cutwork creates a delicate Parisienne look, which the Lebanese Haute Couture fashion designer tries to add to all of his work: innocence and purity.

 

10. Brie Larson is seen in a royal blue Gucci gown embellished with a decorative jeweled-waist belt. The layers of ruffles and confident V-line embodies an artistic visual, which matches her personality. The swept back hair adds to the “Princess-y” style that many others have opted for this year as well.

 

The Box Fox: Classy Enclosed

Ever receive a gift that defines every fiber of your character and nuance of your personality. One of my girls send me this–I call her My Person because she just knows. And that’s how I feel about the Box Fox (Curating quality gifts from LA). It’s sealed with individual mementos embraced in scrunched paper cushionings all swathed together with a beautiful onyx silk bow. The constituent items of the box just know–how to ease my stress, brighten my spirits, and uplift my mood.

It’s a combination of sophisticated, foxy, carefree, and frolicking. Like a lady, it is multifaceted and mirrors the playfulness of an unapologetic epicurean. 

There is a collection of pre-made themed boxes and also the option to build-a-box that suits your needs. My box contained the “I’m in Love” Match Box because you should always wear your heart on your sleeve. Elderflower Lemonade Presse by Belvoir made from all-natural and organic ingredients, which tastes absolutely sinful in Prosecco.

To continue forth on the citrus-ee ride (*Prosecco and Champagne are not the same; hence the slightly unsmooth transition), accompanying the sparkling, refreshing presse is a small parcel of Champagne bears. Made with Dom Perignon and bursting in flavors of Brut and Rose–a perfect sensation for the typical cosmopolitan-lite with a sweet tooth.

The happiness ensues even further with sea salt and sugar body scrub that ultra hydrates, exfoliates, and softens for a smooth, healthy glow. Made with whole grain sugars and Pacific salt along with sunflower, sweet almond, coconut, shea butter, lavender, and laced with a tad bit of vanilla. A quick remedy for that everyday anxiety. All of this coupled with a custom handwritten note and vintage Pink Le Pens.

End all result: Smiles and right out #FoxFlattered. Interesting tidbit: customized box essentials are constantly changed, removed, and added so really no two boxes will be the same; unless you decide to start twinning.

Organic Lemonade. Heart Full Match Box. Lavender Vanilla Body Scrub.

Sugarfina: Indulge in Brut and Rose.

 

Some of my other theme-favorites include:

• the PAMPER
  • Purpose: Relaxation. Expunges the mundane tendencies of life and creates a zephyr of satisfaction mentally and aromatically. 
  • Includes: Black Pashmina, Tocca Hand Creme, Formulary55 Body Polish, Bottega Louie Chocolate, Voluspa Gardenia Candle
• the JETSET
  • Purpose: For a Globe-trotting Wanderlust. A well-traveled woman needs her frequent flyer bucket list that includes accessories that will revivify the jet-lag.
  • Includes: Luxe Pashmina, Kate Spade Travel Bag, The Honest Co. Sanitizer Spray, Rifle Paper Co. Passport Notebook, Herban Essentials Hand Wipes
• the HUSTLE
  • Purpose: Fuel the Working Girl’s Momentum. A focused, career woman solemnly swears by working essentials that will boost her confidence, keep her highly organized, and add a touch of femininity to her work space.
  • Includes: Tea and Coffee Mug, Rifle Paper Co. Desk Paper, The Laundress Cease Release, Kate Spade Bow Paperclips, Well-Kept Wipes, Le Pens
• the SNOOZE
  • Purpose: Lazy Sunday Afternoon Naps. Because sometimes the alarm clock has to be unplugged and cell phone switched off. Besides great things are conquered after consistent and constant naps. “Napish” is a good feeling.
  • Includes: Elizabeth W. Sleep Mask, Six Depot Loose-Leaf Tea, Cream Pashmina, “How to be Parisian Wherever You Are”

Check out more themes and items at: http://shopboxfox.com/

Food Diaries: The Allis

When you open a treasure chest, you’ll never know what you’ll come across. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. It’s all a mystery, but it’s still worth taking a shot. That’s the same feeling you get when you aimlessly wander around one untimely frosty morning in Chicago’s West Loop. Located on North Green Street, the interior decor of this stylish Soho House is a fest for the eyes.

I’ve actually dined here twice now: once for breakfast and once for lunch. Oh how I wish I had stopped by during brunch! Not to mention, the splendid afternoon tea with trays of the most red “velvet-y” cake and the softest scones in the Midwest. With a variety of British and French delights, one could drift into European daydreams and in satisfied sighs. And of course, vast confusion with the menu selection, for how can one chose between almond butter pain, crispy croissants, English sandwiches, pillowy crepes, and warm quinoa? For lunch, it seems one has voyaged to Edinburgh with the savory meats and cheeses. The hot tea selection transfixes you the moment the aroma lingers from the air into the nose and the creamy rich cappuccino is anything was burnt or bitter. If I may say so, one of the finest I’ve had in a real long time. (I would know, I a cappuccino-holic. Yes, that is a real thing.)

One of the best part of this “mini European” experience is being served in blue and white porcelain wares. It’s almost like you’re time traveling through 17th or 18th century and came across English delftware. Quite a fancy experience for a fairly reasonable price.

Croissant with freshly made raspberry jam and orange marmalade. Chamomile and citron tea from East India Company. Greek yogurt with mixed grains and oats topped with honey and mixed seasonal berries.

Vegetarian quiche served with arugula and kale. A side of creamy cappuccino.

Too many choices.

As an avid art, architecture, and decor enthusiast, I especially liked the bright olives and deep crimsons. Each part of the room had different colors and artifacts. One part was minimalistic with only chairs and enormous viridian drapes. Another section near the elevators had a substantial rosewood chesterfield in the epicenter and surrounding it were shelves of novels and vases. One of the most striking features of the whole layout were the chandeliers juxtaposed with the far-reaching open panel windows that guide in immense sunlight.

If you really take a close look at every fine detail, The Allis Soho House is nothing short of a treasure chest. The food might be emeralds, the decor are the sapphires, the artwork are like rubies; but it is the overall experience and ambiance that is the most enriching and unmeasurable in a monetary form. It’s a place to go to with friends or family because it’s comforting or a solo outing for a mid-day cup of latte because it’s refreshing and refueling. It’s just a small, cozy place in the heart of a big city that reflects culture and engrains a sense of familiarity. It’s a hidden gem in the treasure chest called Chicago.

His Shirt, My Rules

Coming off the Valentine’s Day vibes, it’s probably a good idea to plunge into the rest of the year with the feelings, confidence and love carried from last night. You may chose to be clothed in his shirt, but set your own rules. As Michael Kors once said, “Learn to invest in the best quality”, an idea that will never falter that boss lady spirit.

1. “I love things that age well–things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best.”

Giorgi Armani speaks my mind. He’s right though, you should be captivated by things that are ageless and things that don’t cease. Whether it’s one’s love life, career, or dreams–you can’t invest all of you into something that is temporary. The temporary can be fun and exciting at first, but the cavernous souls and support is for keeps. Shallow and superficial relationships and people etch away the purity of your personality. They take and take and take; but never to give anything in return. It’s hostile, unhealthy, and bothersome. So quite frankly, why invest in something that simply isn’t the best?

2. Say Yes to Red Lips and White Shirts

Red lips is a fashion accessory mon cheri. But it’s also bold and unique to one’s identity. The reds of the world are motivated by power and confidence. The crimson, rose, and ruby are are magnetic, engaging, joyful, and energetic. Then there’s the cherry, scarlet, and candy, which are excessively fun and cheerful and housed with spontaneity. Berry, merlot, classic wine, vintage currant, and rich garnet are the classy optimists that do not know how to settle for the mediocre and strive for freshness, new experiences, and originality.

All of these shades of red exhibit a sense of exuberance and combined with that white shirt–a notion of innocence and purity, but also a well-guided boss babe. Be impulsive to the extent that makes you comfortable. Take control. Get on top if you want to. Kiss him instead of waiting for him to kiss you. Run your hands through his hair, lace your fingers through his first, be a modern girl that knows what she wants and when she wants it. Coyness is not a sin but at times a great virtue. Strip down to your last shred of vulnerability, wear your heart on your sleeve, and listen to that little voice in your gut that sometimes your brain drains out. It’s risky but with the right shade of red and the perfect fit of white silk cotton, maybe it’s just worth it. Mistakes are lessons and game-changers, but regrets are for the fools and the frightened.

And honestly, there is no such thing as too prudish or too promiscuous. There’s only your choice. Being bold and blunt about your choices saves you from squandering your time.

3. Commit to the Minimalistic Perspective

Simplicity is sophistication and beauty in its unadulterated form. Don’t make things complicated that are suppose to be easy. In fashion, the go to mantra is ‘less is more’. That’s usually how it works everywhere else too. The less you expect, the more you shall receive. The less you worry, the more you will be happy. The less you move towards what you don’t want, the more you will move towards what you’ve always wanted. Have a minimalistic style, not only in your closet, but also in your lifestyle. Stop trying to please everyone and just please those that actually matter. More importantly, never forget to focus on you.

4. Learn to be single and independent

For all of those that did not have a date for Valentines or “Galentines”. It’s O-K! We’re always so afraid to be alone and invisible that we try to create these pas faux identities and facades. People often forget that being single is amazing. Being independent is revitalizing. As Queen B of the Upper East Side says, “What I want, is to become a powerful woman.” I hear ya, Blair.

It’s better to be by yourself than to be with someone that anchors down your greatness, dulls your shines, and dampens your fire. Even though, the whole theme of this post was about “his shirt & my rules”…sometimes it can just be “My shirt & and MY rules” too! There really is no social obligation either way. Be single or be with someone, but be true to the very last essence of your being.

5. “I Am My Own Muse.”

Tom Ford said this. Yes, that wonderful and very beautiful, beautiful man said this. And what a fitting quote for a Monday, as well. Look in the mirror. Do you see flaws? Good. We all have them. The sole sum of all our imperfections make us precious. You don’t have to be anyone’s ideal of beauty. Set your own standards. The earthy rawness, raunchy dame, wholesome belle or the proper rose can all be figments of you. But it’s important not to let any one thing or person dominant over your voice or rain on your parade. Take all of your flaws and keep moving forward. But really, do what Coco did: “My life didn’t please me, so I created my life.” Words to live by from the famous Parisian Fashionista.

Alexandria Odekirk Photography

I Don’t Need A Valentine, I Need A Valentino.

 

“It was, once, a white blank page, they, with their pencils of promises inscribe all their desires; And left when it became a tiresome burden. Striving to erase away all that has past, not ripped up, torn apart, or folded to make smaller; But I am marked. I am no longer the white blank page, But I am a page composed of a story, told by all the invisible impressions of that passionate lead tip.”

I wrote this anecdote years ago when trying to rummage through a symphony of broken promises, disappointed feelings, empty words and a deep hollow in my heart that I couldn’t fill. Also, a time when I was drowning myself in many bottles of wine.

That’s the thing about Valentine’s Day, if you have someone that loves you–cherish it, protect it, hold it close to you heart. But if you’re single, then try to love yourself. Don’t feel lame for buying yourself gifts, pampering yourself, dressing up and painting the town red with your friends. No one person should define you at any moment in your life. Nor do you need someone to feel completed. It’s a great feeling to be loved, treasured, and spoiled. But it’s even a greater feeling to always be in love with yourself and your life. Break down those walls and refrain from self-sabotaging good things.

Instead of falling into the same routine and being trapped in a love or relationship that is unwholesome; seek out the extraordinary. Learn to be consumed completely and utterly by only things that are magical and keep you focused. Try to live in the clouds and find the optimism in your surroundings. More importantly, learn to channel through the voices of negativity and walk away from people that are constantly pulling you down.

The worst thing I’ve done is create a whimsical, unrealistic fantasy and question my self-worth when things don’t come together. The best thing I’ve done is stretch outside my comfort zone and discover what people and things make me truly shine. So this Valentine’s don’t feel any pressure or obligations to be a certain way or follow a certain path. Do things for yourself first. I hate the self-righteous, the arrogant, and the snobbish–but it is okay to be a wee bit selfish for yourself. And hopefully, this can go past just Valentine’s Day and we carry on this “I am my own muse” attitude every single day.

That’s why I like the motto: “I Don’t Need A Valentine, I Need A Valentino.”–not because I am an avid shopaholic; because the word “need” connotes obligation or desideratum. But you don’t really need someone to express your self-worth or boost your ego. What you need is to engage with people and experiences that facilitate growth and happiness. So be your own “aura fluffer”. Yes, that is a real thing. If you need help fluffing your aura, contact me ASAP.

And as someone that likes brand names, definitely buy things that make you happy. I will always have a love affair with Valentinos, Vuittons, and Versaces. Lastly, even though chiffon is my BFF, I opted for silk lingerie (I bought solely for myself–Be a Queen Like that Ladies) and a creamy blazer because I can be a boss lady like that. I really stepped outside the bed of roses on this one. Actually not really. But I wanted to end on a chic and cheeky note.

 

The Feminine Mystique

Delicate but decisive. Suave with a richness in character.

Simple Sophistication with Eloquence and Class

Southern Charm, Stubborn and Tough, Gets What She Wants

The Proper English Rose. Conformed, patient, and focused.

“The only way for a woman to find herself as a person is by the creative work of her own.”

The F word is NOT a scary word. I don’t mean feminism. But that also is not a scary word. I mean femininity. To be flossy is not a sin. I am a woman and I am lathered in rose fragrance, clothed in a splash of amethyst florals, fascinated by champagne pinks and silk bow-ties. I enjoy a pop of color even though I have a mutual understanding with my solid blacks, whites, and grays. I like to dress to impress, but I dress for me. I also am a confident, intelligent woman not defined by her A-line or asymmetric pleats. It seems that that across the board, and especially in corporate America there is an underlying silent culture of women being perceived in one particular way or categorized into socially pre-determined boxes.

This is my take on Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, where she addresses a “problem with no name”–the widespread unhappiness of women in their roles as solely housewives and mothers in the 1950s. Even though women are successfully working in all fields, the glass ceiling is still very much existent and I see this other silent problem embedding itself and bedaubing one’s personal contentment with style.

The scrutiny and critique of the physical representation of women does create a perpetual problem in the work place. The widespread unhappiness is derived by persistent emphasis to appear in a certain manner. Some prefer women to wear pant suits and blend in with the male fashion, others find it too masculine. A whole other group will say that woman should look like woman but only to a limited extent.

What if these predetermined “social rules” were eradicated? What if we allowed a splash of color alongside with the neutral tones? What if we did not label women in pant suits as “uptight”, “ballsy”,  or “manipulative” and women in midis as “ditzy”, “improper”, or “just another pretty face”? What if I take all of these tags (probably created by men) and throw them out the window and just start from scratch?

Let’s not force objective notions on ideals that are transparently subjective. There have been times when I walk into a client meeting or a classroom presentation, and my point of view is taken lightly because I opted for a purple dress instead of a generic suit or a pink puffy skirt instead of trouser pants. I wish my intelligence, worth, and ability to deliver was not set on what I wore. Don’t selectively ignore that I have 3 Master’s Degrees, or that I am career-oriented, highly-ambitious, and exceedingly hard working. I comprehend why the rules of conformity were created and the stability it brings to the work environment. However, I think intelligent, influential, powerful women can distinguish between the definitions of work appropriateness. The twist here for The Millennial Feminine Mystique is to allow a plethora of different styles to co-exist without agonizing or marginalizing any one group. If you like flamboyant then be that. If you prefer modesty and simplicity then opt for that. If true happiness and creativity stems from expressing a fierce rigidity one day, but a calm softness another then let that be your guide. Ultimately, a woman only needs to be herself: she needs to be absolutely fabulous and entirely confident in all her endeavors, ideas, and feelings.

Photography By: Shivani Pithadia