Style Moments | Ciara in NYC, August 2011

Ciara exiting her hotel in New York City over the weekend (pre-Irene obviously.)

Photo Credit: InStyle.com

Ciara's style doesn't typically catch my eye, but this look is so pitch perfect that I had to anoint it an s+s Style Moment. This was selected as InStyle.com's Look of the Day on August 27th and I couldn't agree more ... in an Equipment blouse, Rag & Bone leather leggings, Christian Louboutin heels and a Givenchy bag, Ciara is the epitome of effortless chic.

Her subtle yet luxe accessories - hoop earrings, slightly oversized watch, and statement shades - are just right for her casual look. And don't let me get started on her hair! I love the soft waves and the bold blonde highlights (this picture is coming with me this weekend to Ted Gibson.)

What do you think dolls? Is it a worthy Style Moment? Tell me in the comments!

Style Moments | 2011 CFDA Awards

The American Fashion elite joined together at Alice Tully Hall last night to honor this year's top designers and pay homage to some notable industry icons, including Marc Jacobs and Hal Rubenstein. As expected, it was one of the most fashionable events of he year and I certainly had no disappointments (it was incredibly hard for me to narrow down to my top looks.) Here are my favorites from the CFDA red carpet:

Anna Wintour in Marc Jacobs top, skirt and Manolo Blahnik heels

[clean, classic and uber stylish ...
honestly, how can she not be on this list]

Chanel Iman

[my hands down favorite of the night ... just gorgeous!]

Style Moments | 2011 MTV Movie Awards

I have to admit I didn't watch the 2011 MTV Movie Awards last night. I actually spent most of the night watching Unsung on TV One (the Teena Marie story is so inspiring.) Honestly, I wasn't that interested in watching them in the first place and I'm confident in knowing that MTV will re-air the awards to death over the next couple of weeks in case I feel the desire to really see what happened with the whole Justin Timberlake/Mila Kunis fondling of naughty bits on stage. However, I did make sure to check in on the red carpet looks because that is what's actually important when it comes to award shows anyway. :)

Any MTV award show is an opportunity for the IT girls of the moment to have fun and let loose. It's not about the drama of of a red carpet moment, you just need to come across as young, sexy and current. At least that's my interpretation. I'm sure fashion purists will argue from here to eternity about the desire for celebs to be more fashion forward and take risks and blah blah blah. I don't need all that. If it looks good on you and you love the way you look then more power to ya, I'm not hating.

Balmain was a clear favorite as no less than three starlets chose the designer for their ensemble. I generally don't swoon for Balmain's designs, but it does appear in two of my top looks. Here are my favorites from last nights red carpet:

Emma Watson in Marchesa

[my #1, truly a vision is white]

Leighton Meester in Balmain

[I really love this look on her and
its accessorized well]

Style Moments | 2011 Billboard Music Awards

I spent the majority of my evening last night glued to the TV watching the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Like pretty much everyone else I was blown away by Beyonce's performance of Run the World (Girls) ... a song I initially hated and now have as my ringtone. I was also pleasantly surprised by the looks artists (stylists) picked for the red carpet. It was a great source of inspiration for my summer wardrobe - all white everything, chic bright colored frocks, and rockstar edge.

My hands down favorite look of the night was Rihanna's Max Azria suit. The whole ensemble was perfection - the way the suit falls on her frame, her bright red hair playing off the white, the makeup, the accessories including the Solange Azagury Partridge gold pendant and the pointy-toe Christian Louboutin nude Pigalle pump. In my opinion flawless!

Here are my other favorites from the red carpet:

Kelly Rowland in Herve Leger

(LOVE that color)

Fergie in Herve Leger dress,
Christian Louboutin Daffodil pumps
with an Alexander McQueen clutch
(perfect edged out glam)

Keri Hilson in Rachel Roy

(the dress is adorable and chic)

What were your favorite looks from the night? Tell us in the comments!

Style Moments | Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

There has been tons of buzz around best (and worst) dressed at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards, which took place this past Sunday. You can view coverage of all the gowns over at Red Carpet Fashion Awards, I just wanted to focus on one ...

When Dianna Agron appeared on screen, being interviewed by Giuliana Rancic on E!, I thought her hair and makeup were beautifully done. As they panned back to reveal the pink tiered lace Carolina Herrera Resort 2011 confection she was wearing my heart skipped a beat ... she was STUNNING. It was as if that dress was made for her. It complimented her in every way - color, fit, style - and she was appropriately accessorized with understated jewelry.

No, this wasn't a major fashion statement, but who the heck cares ... she looked like every girl's dream.

Photo courtesy of InStyle.com /Jason Merritt/Getty

Style Moments | Kelly Rowland

 

I've always been a Kelly Rowland fan and I must say the girl has lots of style. While promoting her soon to be released new album in London, Miss Rowland arrived at GMTV in casual chic done right. Love the tan/cream combination, the super relaxed fit of her cargos and the red platform architectural pumps are fierce!

Kelly also graces the cover of the July issue of Cosmopolitan South Africa:

Here's to hoping we see a lot more of Kelly in the style pages.

Photos courtesy of The YBF

Style Moments | June Ambrose

Another installment that showcases the fabulous looking ... well, fabulous! Today's look, posted via Twitpic, is once again courtesy of the infallible June Ambrose, stylist and all around style maven. Her "fashion dossier": Jill Sander shoes, Zara Blazer & Pants, Paul & Joe top, Club Monaco Coat and Marni Necklace ... her ever-present Hermes bag in tow.

Loving the shorter sleeve overcoat with the standard blazer, something most would never try but looks like a classic pairing here. The statement shoe and necklace are focal points for this tone-on-tone ensemble - professional with an edge. LOVE it.

Style Moments | June Ambrose

Those in the know are privy to the daily fashion dossier's of June Ambrose, the style architect. A-list stylist to the stars and spiller of "haute tea," she lets everyone in to her daily schedule and what she's wearing as she takes on the city through her Twitter handle - @juneambrose- and her Facebook Fan Page. Today's look was just too fabulous and I had to share it with all of you.


On her way to an afternoon meeting, Ms. Ambrose hit the pavement in a Gaultier jacket, YSL turtleneck, Marc Jacobs skirt and Prada belt ... her always present Hermes bag and oversize black sunglasses in tow. I love that this is a classic work look, but the animal print oversize belt and the bright blue skirt make a serious fashion statement. Style, class and fierceness all wrapped up into one.

THIS is how a modern day professional woman should look. You CAN be professional and have fun with fashion at the same time. No excuses my lovelies ...

Style Moments | Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood attended the Universal Motown Republic Group Grammy Nominee Cocktail Party this past weekend looking very chic in this black and white Paule Ka dress. Love the architectural detailing on the skirt and it fits her shape to perfection. Good look B-Rocka!

Style Moments | 2010 Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards Red Carpet was by far the most daring and most exciting of the season. Would you expect any less from some of the most creative minds in entertainment? Here are my top picks for the night:

Rihanna
When I first saw Rihanna in the 360 cam on E!'s red carpet pre-show in this Elie Saab creation, I was skeptical. When she took the stage to accept her award for best collaboration with JayZ ... I was floored. She was a vision in cream! Fashion-forward, perfect color for her skin tone, great fit to show off her figure without being vulgar and the Neil Lane jewels were the perfect frosting for this look. LOVED it!!!

Mary J. Blige
I think Mary is having one of her best fashion year's ever. Following her impeccable appearance on the Hope for Haiti telethon, she arrived on the Grammy Red Carpet looking every bit the diva she is in a fuschia Gucci gown. I do wish she had gone with a different color for her Gucci clutch, but the Lorraine Schwartz jewelry is a great compliment to the gown.

Style Moments | 2010 Golden Globes

Admittedly, I didn't watch the Golden Globes last night. I know, I know ... how could I possibly miss the first Red Carpet event of the season?!? Luckily I have the glorious internet and the E! channel to catch me up on the most important coverage of the evening - fashion.

There were varying shades of blue, some striking black ensembles and a sea of umbrellas. However, these five ladies stood out of the crowd for me as the best dressed of the night.

Chloe Sevigny
Chloe is the leader of the pack when it comes to being fashion-forward, but I think she looked classically beautiful in this ruffled Valentino dress. I was so upset to hear that someone ripped it during the show! The look was accessorized with a Roger Vivier clutch and Stephen Russell vintage jewelry.

Penelope Cruz
Always the Red Carpet darling, Penelope looked fantastic in Giorgio Armani Prive and Chopard diamonds. The spanish style lace bodice is gorgeous and the dress shows off her figure perfectly. I also loved that she carried her own umbrella. Just beautiful!