Anatomy Of A Dress

Awhile back I mentioned that a dress was being created for me by V. Mora Designs for an Oscars Week event.  I wore the dress on the red carpet to The Wrap's Pre-Oscars event at the Four Seasons Hotel where Oscar nominees Demian Bechir and Max von Sydow celebrated their awards season triumphs.  I wanted to  document how the whole dress came together so you can see how it all began.

Anna Livermore of V. Mora Designs asked me to pick some silhouettes that I liked.  I saw a photo of a dress that she had created that I loved and I sent a photo of a DVF dress since Diane von Furstenberg is one of my favorite designers.

 DVF

V. Mora Designs

Anna then sent me a series of sketches and fabrics.  We decided on a silk charmeuse fabric in coral since I haven't worn that color much on the red carpet.

While I was in Chicago for Toyota Live, we scheduled our first fitting.  Some adjustments were made on sizing and the collar.

We flirted with adding feathers to the tapered end of the asymmetrical collar, but the simplicity of the dress design spoke for itself.

Anna did some finishing touches and shipped it to me just in time for the event last Wednesday.  Here is what it looked like on the red carpet paired with my beloved Stuart Weitzman shoes.

The dress is being shipped back to Chicago as we speak because it will be auctioned off at Chicago Roundup to benefit the GLBT community who are in recovery.  I am so happy my dress will go to a great cause and I hope it brings in lots of money for the charity.

V. Mora Designs was featured in the March issue of Chicago Social, so check out the article (on Page 85) and my quote about Anna's incredible work.  Thank you, Anna, it was a pleasure to wear your designs on the red carpet.  You make a girl look good.

Find out more about V. Mora Designs here.

Blushington

I don't know about you, but I am not that good at doing my makeup.  I try to imitate all of the makeup artists that do my face for camera, but alas, they are the artist and I am lucky to get my eyeshadow blended.  Well, I cannot tell you how excited I was to be invited by Laura Tremaine of Hollywood Housewife to experience a new way to have your makeup done.  Blushington is a new hot spot on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood to get your makeup done for that big event:  birthdays, weddings, New Year's Eve, etc, all for $35.  You get the affordability plus the artistry and no pressure to buy products like you do at the department store makeup counter.  If you do like the products they use:  Stila, Kevin Aucoin, and Julie Hewett, they are are available for purchase.  They also offer everything from classes to parties to makeup for the under-10 set for that budding fashionista.  So, be sure to check them out the next time you need to put your best face forward and don't forget you can get a blow out at Dry Bar next door beforehand.  Genius, right? 

Not my favorite photo, but here's my no makeup look beforehand.....

Me and Emily Button after....phew, it's a way better look for me.

 Chatting it up at Blushington.  Photo courtesy of Laura Tremaine.

 Me and the lovely Laura Tremaine of Hollywood Housewife. Now, go read her awesome blog!

Photo bombing as usual while Emily gets her makeup done.  Yes, I am still using my Godspell iPhone case.

The most delicious way to serve champagne.

Me and Emily post-makeover.  I have had a lot of inquiries on my necklace, so head over to Jessica Matrasko for all of the details. Dress is DVF. Photo courtesy of Laura Tremaine.

Dress Challenge 2012: Dress Choices, Part 2

We are hitting the final dress challenge day!  There's still time to enter as long as you get your choice in by midnight ET.  I will let you know what the two finalists are this weekend and the winner will be announced on Oscar Nominations Day, January 24th.  The entries I have received so far are great, so here's a look at a few more that have come in the last few days.  Let's take a look:

This one of three dress that Ali and Julia picked and I love the dress for the rich blue hue which always looks amazing on camera.  I do have a DVF dress with a similar design, but it is a very flattering cut on me.  This is another selection by Lauren by Ralph Lauren.  It seems like Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic are the clear frontrunners for everyone's shopping list this year.

This was also a dress picked by Ali and Julia and I like it because it has an unexpected twist.  It's hard to see in the photo, but it is a polka-dotted print.  The color is strong for an on-camera look, but it is a bit simple in design.  The simple design didn't deter me though because I think this could be accessorized with a belt and a great pair of earrings.  This dress is by Bloomingdale's.

Here is a final dress to look at that was selected by Sarah and I think this is a sweet and classic silhouette.  Believe it or not, it is a bridesmaid's dress by Alfred Sung in a soft firecracker color.  I know this dress would be appropriate for the event, but I have to find out if it is available online since my time frame to order is so short.  

Okay, that's a was a quick peek into some of the dresses picked so far.  If you missed Round 1, click here.  Remember, there is still time to enter.  You have until Midnight ET tonight.  All of the rules and comment form to enter is here.  Good luck and come back this weekend to find out the two finalists!

Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge: 2012

Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope you are all off to a great start to 2012.  I'm two for two on workout days and my house is the most organized it has ever been thanks to my holiday vacation clean out.  This week kicks off a whirlwind two months for me.  My work will take me to 4 cities all while trying to cover awards season.  It makes my head spin, but I am so excited about this year's slate of films and I cannot wait to cover all of the action.

Like last year, I will be covering the 84th Annual Academy Awards nominations live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre on January 24th.  I am so excited to be returning for all of the excitement and waking up at 2AM for hair and makeup.  YES!  Since I had so much fun with last year's dress challenge, I am officially announcing this year's Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge.  The rules are similar to last year, but here they are:

1.  It is not a red carpet event.  So, I am looking for a dress that is simple, classic and understated.  Think of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O. sheath.  I am short (5'3"), so I want to show off my legs versus lots of cleavage (which I don't have anyway) to give the illusion of height.  I love shoes, so I want to pick something hot and sassy from my shoe wardrobe.  One note from last year, even though I want a dress to show off my legs, please no so-short-I-can-see-your-hoo-ha dresses.  The Oscar Nominations are a very conservative event, so I'd like to keep it that way.

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day.  I want a dress that is easy, comfortable, and not fussy.  I hate pulling and tugging at my dress because I feel self-conscious.

3.  I like color.  It looks great on camera and adds brightness to my face since my hair is currently light blonde.  Please avoid red or crazy patterns because they have a tendency to moray on camera.

4.  The budget is important.  Let's keep the dress under $200 and it has to be available online in sizes 2      or 4.

Last year's winner was a dress by Banana Republic in deep violet.  It was perfect, comfortable, showed a little leg, and it had pockets (total bonus!).  I think we should avoid the same color for this year, but you guys have a pretty good guideline this year for what I am looking for.

The Challenge:  Can you help me find a dress?  I know so many of you are fashionistas out there with amazing style and taste.  Add the links in the comments section below or on Facebook or Twitter and I will post some of the best ones to vote on. (Make sure to post the exact link to the exact dress you are picking for me.) After last year's enthusiastic responses, I cannot wait to see what you guys pick for me this year.  Don't forget, the winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.  U.S. residents only, entries must be in by Wednesday, January 11th at Midnight ET.  The two finalists will be announced on Monday, January 16th and the winner will be revealed on Tuesday, January 24th.  On your mark...get set...SHOP!

The Legend of Neil Series Finale Party

I was honored to be invited to Atom.com's series finale party for the web series, The Legend of Neil at the Downtown Independent last night.  Sandeep Parikh and Tony Janning created a spectacular Season 3 filled with special effects and a conclusion that no one will be disappointed with.  It is a really fitting ending to a terrific series.  I cannot wait to see what Sandeep and Tony create next, it will be well worth the wait.  If you missed my Web Files interview with the guys earlier this year, you can find my interview and behind the scenes look here. Be sure to head over to Atom.com to see The Legend of Neil today.  Congratulations, Sandeep and Tony!

Me and creator of The Legend of Neil, Sandeep Parikh.

With Bernie Su, writer extraordinaire of Compulsions.

My partner-in-crime last night, Julie Tyler. 

You might remember this DVF dress from Fashion's Night Out.  I wore these Steve Madden black shoes with it.  

Photos 2-4:  Courtesy of Bernie Su.

Photo 5:  Courtesy of Julie Tyler.

Fashion's Night Out: Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills

I am actually surprised I haven't seen more posts today from some of my favorite fashion bloggers about last Friday's big event, Fashion's Night Out.  The event was started by Vogue editor-in-chief and fashion guru, Anna Wintour, last year.  It was fashion's own economic stimulus plan that began in NY and has now become a global shopping event in its second year.  I was asked by Mingle Media TV to cover an event thrown by Girls in Tech LA at Saks Fifth Avenue on the big night.  While I was excited to participate, I couldn't begin to imagine how much fun I was about to have.

The 5th floor of Saks was rocking with a DJ spinning tunes, cosmos waiting for the VIP guests, and a tableful of cupcakes waiting to be devoured.  Girls in Tech LA is a terrific group of women who educate, support, and promote women in the tech industry and they sure know how to throw a party.  With a 15% off coupon at Saks tucked into each of the swag bags, we all jumped at the chance to help out a great cause:  Dress for Success.  Saks was donating 5% of the evening's proceeds to the charity that donates professional attire and career support to women who are re-entering the workplace after unemployment.  Other fun distractions included a photo booth and the Alice + Olivia Fall 2010 collection that was sitting just outside of the VIP room.  Here are a few photos from the evening, video interviews to follow later this week:

Delicious cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery.

With Cooper Harris on the red carpet. Photo courtesy of Kevin Hahn.

With Stephanie Thorpe and our $200,000 jewels.  Thanks , Saks for letting us indulge for a moment. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Thorpe.

It's tough being a guy at a shopping event.  Mingle Media TV producer, JD Piche, stuck with purses, cameras, and iPhones.

Fun in the photo booth with Cooper and JD, all thanks to Photo Booth Mania.

Yep, I bought a dress. Armed with my 15% off coupon, I found this on sale DVF dress for under $200.  Score!

Did any of you attend Fashion's Night Out?  I want to hear about your experience in the comments section below. 

Surveillance Red Carpet Premiere and Press Junket

Hey Everyone,

I'm back and it's a busy week, starting with the red carpet premiere and press junket for Jennifer Lynch's new movie, "Surveillance", starring Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond. It was my first press junket which involves one-on-one interviews with the stars and director. I was pretty nervous, so I wanted to keep my outfit simple and classic. Who do you turn to for the ultimate timeless dress? Why, Diane von Furstenberg, of course. I don't care who you are or what your figure looks like: tall, short, curvy, skinny, or petite. Every girl needs to own one DVF wrap dress in their wardrobe. Now, this is a pricey venture, so save up (And I mean, save up! Don't charge it on your credit card.) and treat yourself to the most comfortable, form-fitting dress out there. The one I chose out of my closet was a chic, black silk dress. I love it because it is long sleeved, I always seem to be cold in any temperature and it's black, so hello, slimming color! The one thing you have to be careful about in a DVF wrap dress is the cleavage. If you don't want to show much, do yourself a favor, and wear a tank top underneath. Since I was doing one on one interviews, I figured my NY & Company black tank would be appropriate in this situation. If you are looking for the va-va-va-voom, put on your prettiest Victoria's Secret push-up bra and enjoy your evening.

I kept my accessories simple with an Ann Taylor red-beaded necklace that came from wardrobe from another gig that they kindly gifted to me. Jennifer Lynch even commented on my necklace while I was in the press line. Woo hoo! My red coral ring was a find from a business trip to Hawaii from one of the local jewelry stands in Honolulu. My red shoes are one of my favorites from my never-ending shoe closet. Even with 4" heels, they are comfortable and affordable, all thanks to Nine West.

As for the press junket and red carpet interviews, Jennifer Lynch was, by far, my favorite. Her story as a young director with "Boxing Helena" and her journey to "Surveillance" is pretty fascinating. Her enthusiasm and passion is contagious, so I hope her next few projects are true successes for her, she deserves it. For theatre geeks like me, look for Bill Pullman to head to Broadway next fall in Mamet's "Oleanna". I am making an early Tony prediction for Pullman right here and now in June. Oh, and if you are in LA, it is playing at the Taper through July 12, 2009.

For all of the red carpet footage, check out Focus Hollywood. I have lots of outfits coming your way this week, so stay tuned for more from the Red Carpet Closet.

Reporting Live from Los Angeles,

kb

PS Some of you may think you have seen this dress before.....why, yes you have: Toyota Live

And thanks to the boys from Ohio, you can now become a fan of the show here: Facebook