The CMA Music Festival on September 1^st gathered many talented country performers but I found myself too busy looking at the simple and yet innovative styles to take in the combination of fiddles and electric guitars. My favorite looks came from Carrie Underwood, Joe Don Rooney from Rascal Flatts, and Taylor Swift who flashed some new trends but mostly went for simple styles, creating classic looks that never seem to bore us.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood performed her hit single “Cowboy Casanova,” while wearing a pair of simple Daisy Duke folded jean shorts, a sheer light gray tank top with a white “wife beater” underneath, and absolutely adorable cowboy boots. Although this outfit seems very simple, I was intrigued by the combination of trends and classics. Sheer tops are a new trend that allow layering in warmer weather; this top had a sequin design, another trend this fall season. Cowboy boots are a country classic but this pair stood out to me. The boots had a simple shape but were accentuated by their two tone brown coloring and silver chain with blue gem wrapped around the heel of the boot. The gem was such a simple touch and yet so captivating.  And don’t get me started on her LC side braid – Way to go Carrie!

Joe Don Rooney

The lead guitarist and harmony singer Joe Don Rooney wore a simple outfit that appeared both classic and rocker when he and his band mates performed for screaming fans. Rooney wore a purple button down shirt with a classic gray vest and matching gray jeans. Although this seems very straightforward he added personal touches that added some trend elements and personal style to his look. One included the newly popular long chain necklace; his was a feather charm gold chain. His other accessory included two blue bandanas that were tied at the end of his sleeves, folded to ¾ length, adding a rocker feel to his classic look. And the swept side bangs just topped it all.

Taylor Swift

Taylor always comes onstage wearing a girly dress that showcases her innocent look. And yet again, she did not disappoint. When performing her new single “Mine” she wore a sun yellow dress with what I like to refer to as Cinderella straps. The straps had two pieces, one staying on the shoulder while the other fell to the side. To add a little rock edge to her look, she wore light brown cowboy boots. Following the girly look, she used that peach lip gloss just before summer’s end and we must move on to darker shades.

Movie star turned Princess Grace Kelly lived a life little girls (and at least one college student) dream of. A modern day fairytale, Grace was the toast of the silver screen when she caught the eye of Prince Rainier of Monaco, a man who would sweep her off her feet and convince her to give up movies for a royal lifestyle in a tiny but beautiful seaside country. Even better, amidst all of this whirlwind romance Grace never missed a beat when it came to her personal style.

I may not be able to tell you where to find a prince (trust me I’ve been looking), but if it’s a summer fashion fairytale you’re after, here’s how to get Grace Kelly’s look without a royal budget.

The look: When shopping, keep an eye out for retro-inspired silhouettes. Look for fuller circle skirts, dresses with a defined waist and v-necklines. If you’re looking to modernize this ultra feminine look, try different proportions such as a more masculine jacket. When it comes to accessories, the statement you’re trying to make is chic, simple and bold. Big sunglasses are a must and a great scarf adds instant polish. For jewelry, you can be whimsical but I’d recommend avoiding loud costume jewelry and favoring pearls, sterling and turquoise.

Where to shop:
Accessories: There’s a lot to love about the J.Crew accessories department. Although their clothes for the summer season favor a “California Dreamin’” aesthetic, their shoes, bags and jewelry have glamorous, 1950s undertones. Their latest selection of patterned ballet flats add some fun to a shoe that’s recently become rather monotonous and their Esme printed platform sandals beg to be worn to a decadent party. Skip the slouchy hobo bags in favor of their ribbon rosette clutch and for jewelry, the crystal glamour bracelet can go from day to night with ease.

Daytime: First time visitors be warned, Modcloth.com is an overwhelming cache of adorable clothing and you will probably want every fifth thing you see as you scroll though their seemingly endless supply of dresses. Though there’s a lot to choose from, favorites emulating Grace Kelly include the simple but charming Most Memorable dress, the sleek Lost in Grace dress and the lovely Bow Business style. Word to the wise, styles sell out in the blink of an eye so don’t procrastinate if it’s your dream dress!

Evening wear: In my quest for finding Grace Kelly’s style on the web, I found the perfect cocktail dress at Banana Republic. The BR Monogram Deep Vee Back Zip Dress has beautiful pleats and quiet elegance while the mixture of black and white adds a playful quality. Although they’re better known for their tee shirts, C&C California pleasantly surprised me with their One-Shoulder Maxi Dress in black. The cut is classic and refined rather than bohemian while the choice of cotton makes it comfortable and modern.

Happy shopping!

The highly anticipated Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is almost here. Johnny Depp isn’t the only thing to take notice of (even though we love him and will always have our eye on that magnificent man).  And what would any classic Disney movie be without merchandise? These designers have made some very chic collections inspired from Alice in Wonderland that range from tea sets, to fashion, to jewelry.

Have a looksie:

• Tom Binns for Disney Couture – Available at Bloomingdales and Macy’s in March 2010

• Disney & Swarovski Alice in Wonderland Jewelry – Available at Swarovski.com & Stores February, 2010

• -Stella McCartney for Disney – Available at Stella McCartney Stores, February 2010

• Sue Wong for Walt Disney Signature – Available at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom’s, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s & Suewong.com, March 2010

• Abby Dawn for Disney –Available at Kohl’s in March 2010

• Hot Topic Alice in Wonderland Line – Available at Hot Topic stores (available now) If you’re thinking this line may be a little dark, ::cough cough CNN:: take another look. I was pleasently surprised at how cute the apparel is. Not only are the clothes cute, certain Hot Topic stores have transformed into mini wonderlands so take a trip to an actual store.

• Urban Decay’s Alice In Wonderland Book of Shadows – Available at Sephora, ULTA, Macy’s, Urbandecay.com (now available)

• Alice in Wonderland Tea Set – Available at Bloomingdales, March 2010

• Collectible Action Figures – Available online & specialty stores, March 2010OPI Alice In Wonderland Nail Polish – Available now at Salons

• -OPI Alice In Wonderland Nail Polish – Available now at Salons

I’m a fan of patterned tights – for me they’re not a trend, but something I’ve had in my wardrobe for ages.  And I’m a fan of leggings – they’re cleaner looking than sweats, but just as comfy. I live in them (to the point that my sister and friends joke that I’m always pants-less), so I’ve tried on all the iterations and have found my favorites (ones from Spanx with built-in shapers and a tuxedo pair and pleather pair – both from INC at Macys actually) and I’ve also discovered the ones that look like caca on me (Urban Outfitters’ $28 generic pair—yuck!, metallic—woah thighs! shredded—hey pale girl! and the liquid ones—EGAD, no).

So in attempting to recreate Blake’s look with patterned leggings, the first question is figure-flattery—will these work on my figure? On me, it’ll be about the shirt and if it hits on a flattering part of my thighs. So, trying on these patterned pairs would be a definite must. Two pairs I would be interested in trying are these:

BCBG Herringbone Leggings, $119 (left)

6126 Leggings, $88 (right)

The BCBG pair is very simple – you can hardly call them patterned, but they do have a subtle herringbone print that I love – it makes them more sophisticated and work-wearable. The 6126 style is a little more questionable for me (and not my exact taste), but I’d be willing to check them out – the vertical lines could actually be super flattering.

I love long tailored button-ups (like what Blake has on), so that’s in the closet already; and then I have a few jacket options that I’d try for this look: a biker jacket for a more casual look; a blazer for work; or a military jacket for weekend. All in all I think it’s a look I’ll try.

And one final thought: what do you think Blake Lively’s wearing under that shirt since the boots only go up to her thigh…hmmm…

Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Costume Institute Gala in 06 with the designer

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home today, of an apparent hanging suicide. He was 40 years old.

From his childhood, McQueen (whose first name was actually Lee) knew that he wanted to be a designer; he pursued his dream and after receiving his masters in fashion design, his final project was famously purchased in its entirety by influential Brit stylist, Isabella Blow, who committed suicide three years ago by drowning herself in weed killer.

Katie Holmes in Alexander McQueen

McQueen went on to head the house of Givenchy (and a lot of controversy ensued due to his animosity toward the company’s head and what was seen as outrageous style) — he remained there from 1996 to 2001. During this time (in 2000), he married his partner, George Forsyth, a documentary film maker (Kate Moss was a bridesmaid); the couple split the following year.

Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

He preferred designing for himself, which he said didn’t hamper his creative process. The designer’s style was outrageous, oozing with edgy originality,  and encompassed what avant-garde fashion was meant to be. His celebrity fan list was extensive, with everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Lady Gaga to Cameron Diaz wearing his designs. He never sought out the celebrity angle, however, not wanting the star to outshine his designs.

Camilla Belle in Alexander McQueen

McQueen’s mother passed away three days ago and he lamented the death via Twitter, saying that he was having a hard time. Friends likely didn’t realize quite how hard.

Though fashion week begins in New York, it is the end of a fashion era. This legendary designer will be remembered for his ability to push the fashion envelope and for pursuing a dream he recognized from raw talent.

I love Lea Michele and I think she always dresses really well. I also REALLY love her Glee version of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow.” That red strapless mini is by Nuj Novakhett. Work it you hot little Gleek!

Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger, although too skinny for real life, showed off very fine form in a back-revealing Herve Leger. Joshua Jackson must count his lucky stars.

Olivia Wilde

Oliva Wilde was seemingly on the right track with white, but that one shouldered cocktail princess dress has just been done. Done. Way too cold to serve! No one looked twice, in my opinion! My opinion.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba looked like the scary perfect hot girl. Let’s just say that we could never ever be friends. It wouldn’t be natural, I’d be too jealous of her all the time and too scared to leave her alone with any of the males in my life. That impeccable silver number she wore is Antonio Berardi.

By the way, Carrie Underwood (not pictured) wore her new $125k rock from hottie hockey player Mike Fisher, and it looked amazing. Isn’t it cool that if she takes his name she’ll be “Carrie Fisher?” I’d be into that.

Ginnifer Goodwin needs to LOOSEN UP. I know her stylist is trying to go fun and flirty here, but that rigidity is un-maskable in face and body. She needs to get a massage and down two glasses of champagne before she hits her next red carpet! Did doing He’s Just Not That Into You crush your soul that much? Girl, he is into you! You just have to own it and let loose!

Demi Lovato’s Jenny Packham didn’t fit her right. And the shredded hem had a high school production of Peter Pan feel.

Francia Raisa

I Don’t know who Francia Raisa is  and I don’t want to google her because I don’t want to get attached.  I’m sure she’s a very nice, talented girl, but her dress looked like a practical joke by the hands of an underpaid stylist. Or, it was from A Pea in the Pod’s formal wear line.

Kellan Lutz

Kellan Lutz’s Calvin Klein blue coat made his eyes stand out, and that was really all that mattered. For the People’s Choice Awards, casual black jeans were a good pick.

Courtesy of socialitelife.com

Ryan Reynolds looked phenomenal in Dolce & Gabbana, but I thought Sandy Bullock looked like she was wearing her great grandmother’s heavy drawing room drapes. Google “drawing room,” you’ll see what I mean. But what did she care? Now she can re-use her dress to block the light in her den, and she walked away with the award for “Best Actress.” But remember, this is the “People’s Choice” Awards. Did she really lose out to Kristen Stewart, or is Kristen just currently at a private British resort with Robert and couldn’t be bothered? We think the latter.

So what’s the deal: are we about to re-enter a grunge fashion era? Cuz if so, I’ll get out my flannel and skateboard. (I’m from the Pacific Northwest – so I’m prepared.) I shopped around a bit to find some beanies that would fit my taste and here are a few styles (from left to right):

Missoni, $135: Gorgeous silver-silk blend means that winter accessories don’t have to be drab

French Connection, $35: It’s Seattle meets Faye Dunaway

Vivienne Westwood, $58: As bold as I’ll go on my head

Valeur, $102: I love the ‘20s detailing

Bernstock, $95: Come on, the bow is kind of precious

TopShop, $16: Classic color and shape – v. wearable

How to wear them: They will inevitably dress down most outfits, so make sure you’re in touch with arty, boho side when you don this hat. Wear one around town with a great winter coat and jeans; wear a sparkly/embellished one with a dress for New Year’s Eve; try a blazer, tunic, skinny pants/leggings and a beanie for a Rachel Bilson-esque look. The beauty of this beanie is that it covers hair that is on its fourth day of non-washing.