Oh Dada…

Quite possibly one of the most fashion-forward events in St. Louis, the Dada Ball & Bash is only 1 month away.  “Inspired by CAM’s current exhibition, Jeremy Deller: Joy in People, the Museum’s annual fundraiser extravaganza will celebrate contemporary British art and culture—featuring wild costumes, celebrity guests, eclectic dining, and dancing into the night.”  Neiman Marcus’ Fashion Director, Ken Downing (basically Jesus in the fashion world), will be presenting the Art of Fashion Show at the Ball and there will several auctions throughout the night.  For more info check out the website: http://camstl.org/special-events/

Wondering what to wear?  Well, to be honest, anything goes (just as long as you have fun with your outfit)!  Ladies, you’ll want to dress in the most fashionable attire you own, being a cocktail dress or a gown.  And the guys can be seen wearing anything from dark denim & a bowtie to a tuxedo.  In a perfect world where money isn’t an option, I’d be wearing an Alexander McQueen gown straight from the runway with 5-inch heels, funky Alexis Bittar jewelry, & my handsome husband on my arm.  But realistically, I’ll arrive in a dress from The Outnet (heavily discounted) or I’ll be renting from the runway…luckily, still with my handsome husband on my arm!

 

If you haven’t purchased your tickets for this year’s event, hurry before they’re all gone!

https://community.camstl.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=300

 

To see my Great Day St. Louis news segment featuring some of the Dada Ball & Bash committee members and chairs, watch this:

http://www.kmov.com/great-day-st-louis/Go-Green-Fashion-196997191.html

 

Here’s some inspiration if you’re still putting together your look for the evening:

http://www.polyvore.com/what_are_you_wearing_to/set?.embedder=2001382&.svc=pinterest&id=75158680

 

Dada Ball & Bash

April 6, 2013

6:oopm-12:00am

Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis

 

XO,

Jan

There were a lot of fabulously dressed ladies on the red carpet last night at the Oscars! No real trends, other than multiple amazing gowns by Armani Prive, and a lot of variety made for easy tweeting for me. (see my Facebook & Twitter play by plays)

My Best Dressed made the cut not only for their gowns but for their overall styling (hair, makeup, accessories, & personality!)

Here are my Best Dressed ladies

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab

Sally Field in Valentino

Kristin Chenoweth in Tony Ward Couture

Halle Berry in Versace

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Zoe Saldana in Alexia Mabille Couture

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Couture

These ladies made my Worst Dressed list for multiple reasons…fit, color, styling, proportions, lack of originality…

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen. Although she has rocked it this awards season, this was not her winning look. The dress is amazing, but it doesn’t fit well on her bust/shoulders and the color is lost on her pale (yet beautiful) skin.

Salma Hayak also in Alexander McQueen- another gorgeous dress but the collar was too overwhelming for her tiny frame and made her look even shorter instead of statuesque.

Nicole Kidman in L’Wren Scott. The details on this dress are stunning but an all-over sequin gown is looking very 1995 to me. The silhouette is not flattering to her shoulders or mid-section at all. And we all know she has a rockin body. Love the details on the skirt portion, though! Keith looked handsome…

Adele in Jenny Packham. While her hair & makeup are some of the best of the evening, this dress is too predictable. She wears this same silhouette quite frequently and I am ready to see her in something more daring that shows off her beautiful curves. Her perfomance was incredible!

Sunrise Coigney (Mark Ruffalo’s wife) is definitely looking trendy but she got it all wrong for the Oscars. The proportions are not flattering- the top should have been shorter, the skirt higher on her waist, and the shoes are too casual for it all. Just looks like she was trying too hard to be trendy instead of glamorous and beautiful. I do love her lip color and purple clutch!

Anne Hathaway in Prada. Everyone is on the same page about this look. Weird darts on her boobs; too immature of a silhouette (on the front side); color washes her out; necklace is an odd length with the neckline; and her hair needs more product/styling. Seems very 1990′s to me.

Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra. The dress is bada$$ but her hair & makeup look terrible. She might have been injured but if she’s going to wear a fab designer gown, she needs to put a lot more effort into her hair & makeup. Such a mess.

These ladies have me on the fence…

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior Couture. I know this was a favorite by many but it felt too pretty princess/wedding gown to me. I do however, love the blush tone and the amazing layered train on this gown and I’m a HUGE fan of J Law!! I wanted to see her in something edgy yet super glamorous, like her very cool personality. She still rocked it so I’m on the fence…

Jennifer Hudson in Roberto Cavalli. I love the dress and the color on her but I think it’s a tad casual for the Oscars. It would have been perfect for the Grammy’s or the SAG awards… she looks incredible and sang her heart out (in an even better gown) so she leaves me on the fence…

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino. I love that she wore a bright color instead of her usual black or navy. I wish she would have gone even brighter in a yellow, green or pink, though. The dress is very ball-gown for her and she wore it well but I think she could have turned the styling up a little with some curl or texture in her hair and maybe a fab necklace…still on the fence!

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton. I love the bright blue color and the old Hollywood silhouette but I think the bright blue and black would have looked better on a brunette actress. Her hair is perfect and she is styled to a T.  She still looks incredibly beautiful and confident (and amazing for just having a baby a few months ago) but I would have loved to see her in red, gold, or even a charcoal grey…and that’s why I’m on the fence.

Let’s hear it for the boys! What a great night for the guys! This is why I tell every man I know to invest in a perfectly tailored tuxedo…and navy with a black lapel is just stunning….and sexy!

 

Pictured above: Chris Pine, Channing Tatum, Justin Theroux, Eddie Redmayne, Daniel Day Lewis, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Hugh Jackman, Aaron Tveit, & Joseph Gordon Levitt.

I’ll leave you with my favorite bearded men….So handsome!! You’re welcome… XO, JLG

Now that everyone is in workout mode, it’s important you still look stylish at the gym, yoga studio, or tennis courts without spending $200 on a pant or top (like at the store I know you know I’m referring to).  Not only can dressing in cute workout clothes inspire you to hit the gym, but you’ll be able to run around the rest of your day appropriately dressed…if you follow my tips!  Before I go even further I am referring to the girls and women who wear their workout leggings around without anything covering their lady parts.  It doesn’t matter if you’re 100 pounds and in fantastic shape; It’s just not appropriate.  Click below to see my latest news segment before reading my tips below.

Here’s my Great Day St. Louis news segment about working out in style…

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, check out these fabulous layering pieces from my new favorite workout line, NUX (sold in St. Louis at Naturally Fit). These are all perfect to wear to and from your workout class without leaving anything exposed. Plus, they are stylish and super comfy!

All of the fabrics are made in the U.S.A. and each piece is sewn here in the U.S.A.! Throw on an over sized sweatshirt or hoodie dress over your leggings after yoga class and you’re outfit is instantly street safe. Is it cold out? How about their cotton infinity scarf? It comes double layered and is cute enough to wear every day with your regular clothes. I’m a sucker for scarves and am excited to wear this one to my next Pilates class.

Feel like experimenting with your leggings?  You don’t have to always wear black or grey leggings, you know?  Printed leggings can be super fun whether they are tie-dyed, striped or ruched.  Anchor the crazy prints with a solid tank (and don’t forget your jacket haha).  If solid black leggings are your thing, don’t worry.  Nux makes fun wrap skirts you can literally wrap over your leggings after your workout (sure to spice up your plain leggings).  Makes me feel like a ballerina….LOVE!

I found these fabulous ruched capris at Fun in the Sun Sports & Leisure by Rese Activewear and can’t stop obsessing over them! Not a bad price for fashionable leggings ($66)!

Here’s another tip….don’t wear your beautiful winter coat to and from the gym. It will get nasty and you’ll be paying far too much at the dry cleaner. Try this amazing fleece coat by Beyond Yoga from Fun in the Sun. It’s tailored to fit like a real coat and even has a built-in scarf AND you can toss it in the washer and dryer after each workout. Brilliant, if you ask me.

One of my favorite boutiques, Blush Boutique here in Kirkwood, carries the Move collection by Alternative Apparel…comfy sweatshirts, tanks, and leggings that are perfect for yoga or Pilates…and super stylish! Check it out here or hop into the store now!

 

If you’re not a boutique shopper, don’t fret! Some of my favorite workout outfits come from Target, Kohl’s, Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack (I love Zella), & TJ Maxx!! Click on the store to see their current selection of workout apparel!

Now, go put together a cute workout outfit and try out a new Yoga, Pilates, Body Pump, or Cycling class or go for a walk or run and feel confident that you look good!

XO

JLG

I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite handbag and Ready-to-Wear designers, Rebecca Minkoff, while she was in St. Louis today (on the phone).  Just as I imagined, she was cool and charming and fresh off of her Fox 2 news interview.  Rebecca is in St. Louis to promote her spring handbag and Ready-to-Wear collections at Saks Fifth Avenue, which I may say are exquisite. I’ve attended several of her New York Fashion Week shows and as a fan, I love to see how her collections have evolved.

 

JLG: How have your brand and collections evolved throughout the years?

RM: “I started with one bag and now my brand has become a full lifestyle collection, growing as the brand grows.”  Rebecca Minkoff designs handbags for all lifestyles, whether it’s a handbag for work, a wedding, or a mommy bag.  “The collection has to keep evolving, of course, but I also keep the classics around.”

 

 

JLG: Apparel (Ready-to-Wear) and handbags have very different design aesthetics; how difficult was it for you to design clothing?

RM: “ My background is in apparel so I was happy to take the leap!”

JLG: Who are your clothes designed for? Your handbag owners or a completely different girl?

RM: “At the end of the day, it’s the same customer.” Rebecca calls them her “Downtown Romantic Girl” and she designs for the sexy tomboy, as so clearly seen on the Spring 2013 runways.

 

 

JLG: What is the next big adventure on the horizon for the Rebecca Minkoff brand?

RM: “We are opening a Ready-to-Wear store in Manhattan this August.” The store will carry Minkoff’s entire collection, including handbags, shoes, jewelry & apparel.

 

You can find Rebecca Minkoff at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, & Shopbop.com, and you can meet her in person tonight at Saks Fifth Avenue, Plaza Frontenac, from 6:00-9:00pm.

 

I’m counting down the days until New York Fashion Week and Rebecca’s Fall 2013 collection!

 

-JLG

Thanks to the team at Breeze Blow Dry Bar, I have a new obsession….blow outs!  Coming from someone who can be considered somewhat talented at styling my own hair, it’s really nice to be able to sit back, relax, and let a professional take care of your hair.  Not to mention, the salon at Breeze is gorgeous, filled with many talented stylists and charming personalities! Plus, my hair is grateful for the Moroccan Oil products used to keep it shiny and healthy. Take a look at my before and after hair pictures and make sure to check out this fun new blow dry bar!

 

BEFORE….

AFTER….

 

And…they have fabulous makeup by Glo Minerals if you need a touch-up or a full make-up styling!

 

Breeze Blow Dry Bar is located at 9916 Clayton Road, Ladue, MO 63124 just off HWY 40 in Lester’s Plaza.

314-692-2569

www.breezeblowdrybar.com

www.facebook.com/breezeblowdrybar

 

Blow dry bars are quickly becoming as popular as frozen yogurt retailers. St. Louis celebrates fabulous style and service with the opening of Breeze Blow Dry Bar this weekend. Born to co-owners Lindsay Bush and Susannah Danforth, Breeze offers “affordable luxury” hair and makeup styling to men and women in St. Louis. Coming from someone who breaks a sweat during my own 45-minute blow-drying process, I am elated to give the team at Breeze a run with my tresses.

The grand opening festivities begin this Friday, November 30th, at 10am with a ceremonial “21-Blow Dry Salute” and hair-cutting.  Ladue Mayor Tony Bommarito will be of the first to experience Breeze’s signature “tension trouncer” scalp massage, a favorite among men. Breeze will be donating 10% of the proceeds from blowouts during opening weekend to Girls on the Run.

In addition to blow-outs, Breeze also offers “15 minute face” makeup application, complimentary beverages and snacks, chick flicks, bridal treatments, and a party room for teen or bridal parties. They can even come to your home (“Blow on the Go”) for personal styling!

Check back to see my before and after hair-styling photos and my interview with the stylish owners of Breeze Blow Dry Bar!

Breeze Blow Dry Bar is located at 9916 Clayton Road in Ladue just off HWY 40 in Lester’s Plaza.

Call 314-805-2223 to schedule an appointment or read more about this fabulous salon at:

http:://www.breezeblowdrybar.com

https://www.facebook.com/BreezeBlowDryBar

 

FIT graduate and St. Louis resident, Anjali Kamra, has sewn, embroidered, and beaded her share of gorgeous tunics before expanding to the massive collection she has today. Kamra launched Rungolee six years ago and the brand has evolved into a line of richly embroidered tunics, elegant beaded dresses, handmade handbags and stylish jewelry. Kamra takes inspiration from her global travels from Rome to Jaipur and creates classic silhouettes for the stylish, chic, and eclectic woman.  Mirror work, fabric manipulation, and applique embroidery are some of the special techniques used in the Fall and Holiday Rungolee apparel collection.  The accessory line up includes unique hand-painted clutches, luxurious silk and pashmina scarves, and antique fabric bracelets from her native India. I’m a huge fan of the stunning coats and tunics and there’s something for everyone with price points starting at $70 for a pair of earrings to $450 for an intricately embroidered coat.

 

Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to meet the designer and shop from her stunning collection when she brings her collection back home to St. Louis.  Her items are perfect gifts and you are sure to find a few things for yourself or your wish list!

 

Visit: www.rungolee.com

RUNGOLEE Holiday Show — December 11-12

December 11 — noon to 9 p.m.

December 12– noon to 9pm.

Home of Susan Sherman in Clayton

(Rungolee will partner with Debbie Kaminer’s “What a Girl Wants” for this showing!)

For more information: sdssk@aol.com

 

RUNGOLEE Holiday Show — December 14-15

Benefits Food Outreach

December 14 — 5 to 8 p.m.

December 15 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home of Cabanne Schlafly Howard in the Central West End

 (Hosted by Cabanne, Annie Schlafly and Reshma Chamberlain)

For more information: cschlafly@gmail.com

This year the colors were glorious and bright, with everything from lime green to bright red with so many amazing blues and greens in between. I have a lot of favorites, but being that I’m here to show you my best and worst dressed, I’ll start with my least favorites…

Amanda Peet: She is usually casually chic, but tonight she got it all wrong. The color is too muted for her skin tine and her gown just looks frumpy. Not a good look for her at all, sadly.

 

Connie Britton: She has an amazing body but the styling to this dress (i.e. the belt and trumpet style) just doesn’t show off her shape. A mermaid gown would have made the most of her skinny, yet curvy body. And….her makeup is too much for my taste. She looks much older than she actually is. Sad miss, Connie.

 

Nancy O’Dell: I don’t know why, but 90% of the time TV anchors/presenters just can’t quite get the Red Carpet look right (except for one of my Best Dressed…Guilliana). Case in point….Nancy O’Dell tends to look like she is in a beauty pageant and tonight is no exception. Yuck. She’s beautiful with a killer body, it’s too bad she always looks out of place on the red carpet.

 

 

Martha Plimpton: I’ve been a huge fan of hers since she was in Parenthood 15 years ago, but poor girl can’t seem to hire the right stylist when it comes to her red carpet looks. That’s all I’m going to say.

Phoebe Price: Those of you who know me well, this dress will remind you of my 80′s Prom dress (worn 4 years ago at a THEME party).  Phoebe’s hair & makeup look great but this dress is just ridiculous. I’m not sure what she was thinking when she chose this frock…

OK, that’s enough negativity for now. There were a few others I wasn’t too crazy about (Sofia Vergara’s dress was too big in the bust, Lucy Liu looked too dated, Kristin Wiig was dressed too casually, Julianne Hough’s makeup was atrocious, Hayden Panettiere was dressed too maturely) but these were my upsets of the night.

 

On to the stunners!

Ginnifer Goodwin!! She was truly stunning tonight. From her sexy Louboutins to her stunning bright red Monique Lhuillier gown she was wow-worthy. Our grandmothers would be proud (long story)!! I love how her gown was tea-length in the front, paying homage to her vintage style. Her hair and makeup were perfect, too.  Amazing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Bowen: What a show-stopping stunner tonight! She shows off her incredible body, while being on-trend and red carpet perfect! I love the neon yellow-green  with her blonde hair and the silhouette is simply stunning on her. My only critique would be that her hair looked a little too dry and not polished enough for the big event but her accessories and dress steal the show. Well done, Julie & congrats on your Emmy win, too!

Padma Lakshmi in Monique Lhuillier. I remember seeing this dress on the runway at NYFW and I loved it then. Padma looked amazing in this tangerine orange tulle gown. The neckline was perfect and the mermaid silhouette is extremely flattering. I love how glamorous her hair was and how simple, yet beautiful her makeup was. LOVE!

Giuliana Rancic: She looked every bit trendy and stunning at the same time. The other entertainment TV hosts should be taking lessons from Giuliana because she knows how to work the red carpet. She is always dressed age-approproiate. He dresses skim her tiny figure perfectly, and she picks colors that don’t detract from the actors she interviews. Well done, beautiful!

 

January Jones: I’m a sucker for an edgier red carpet dress and January hit this one out of the park (again!). I’m not crazy about her hair color but she looked amazeballs in this black Zac Posen gown. I want this dress!

Tina Fey: She looked stunning tonight on the red carpet in this wine-colored Vivienne Westwood gown. She stepped out of her navy and black comfort zone and picked the perfect color for her skin tone and hair color. The gown showed off her incredible body and left her high on my list of best dressed this year.

Zooey Deschanel: How can anyone not love this girl? She’s adorable and fresh every time I see her. She knows who she is and her style is always vintage inspired and impeccable. I loved her icy blue Reem Acra gown and how perfectly it fit her. Beautiful!

Cat Deeley: Bot only do I love her and her personality (we would totally be friends if I still lived in LA!) but I have always loved her style on SYTYCD. Tonight was not exception. She was simply gorgeous in this Tadashi Shoji one-shoulder poppy gown.

Glenn Close: She’s been attending these awards shows for years now but that doesn’t mean she always gets it right. This year, however, Glenn worked it in this gorgeous black with lace and chiffon gown. She looked sexy, classy, and timeless.

Julie Louis-Dreyfus: Wowza! She was simply beautiful tonight in this cranberry chiffon wrapped Vera Wang gown! I loved everything about it…the color, the neckline, the belt, the silhouette, her hair & makeup. Well done and congratulations on your Emmy win, Julie!

My honorable mention ladies: Claire Danes, Heidi Klum, Jena Malone, Julianna Margulies, Julianne Moore, Leslie Mann, Kat Dennings, & Nicole Kidman.

 

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the guys! Here are my picks for Best Dressed Men this year:

Bryan Cranston

James Van Der Beek

Mario Lopez

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

 

 One of these days I’ll be styling these ladies & gents! Until then, good night!

 

White is definitely for the bride, but ivory is a trending color for wedding guests this summer. See how you can still wear ivory to a wedding without making the bride angry. From my “Ask Jan” column for www.stlmag.com/style.

Check out my picks for the best summer outfits & accessories for the beach or pool this summer!