There’s always a solid style turnout for the Tribeca Ball, and it’s no wonder why. The occasion, hosted each year by the New York Academy of Art, calls upon an eclectic cast of characters, from the most watched celebrities and socialites to revered artists and tastemakers. Last night’s Ball was the first to denote a guest of honor — Robert DeNiro was distinguished for his lifelong commitment of the arts, namely in Tribeca. In fact, the actor is actually responsible for founding Tribeca Film (and, later, its eponymous festival) in 1988. Pretty cool! Anyway, let’s get to it: here are my picks for the good, the bad, and the whatever from last night’s event. Teaser: Paz de la Huerta was there. Thank God!
Profile for Rachel Krause
That’s A Lot Of Look: Vanessa Anne Hudgens At Coachella
From what I’ve heard, things can get pretty weird at Coachella. This is especially true for Vanessa Anne Hudgens (does she still use the “Anne” in her name? I really don’t know). The music festival, which now spans two sold-out consecutive weekends and also happens to have officially jumped the shark, is essentially the trust-fund hipster’s corporate-funded version of Woodstock, so I guess she’s dressed somewhat appropriately given the setting. Here’s the thing: she looks like the sordid love child of the Brooklyn-bound L train and Forever 21, or maybe even a “Hippie Girl” Halloween costume. Neither of these are a good look.
Style Stealer: Liv Tyler Out And About In Paris
I’m never surprised to see Liv Tyler out and about looking spectacular, because let’s face it: she always looks amazing. Liv may have won the genetic lottery several times over (who would have ever suspected that scary Steven Tyler could reproduce so beautifully?), but it’s her sartorial choices that reinforce her star status. Seriously, I haven’t seen a movie of hers since the last “Lord of the Rings,” but that’s easy to forget when she’s always seen out and about looking flawless and dressed the part … usually in Givenchy, no less (she’s the face of the legendary French brand). The actress was spotted in Paris earlier today looking true-to-form in all black with a graphic twist, a look that practically begs to be copied. Let’s do it, shall we? (I’ve also included the actual shirt Liv is wearing, in the event that you must have it and you happen to have $455 burning a hole in your pocket. Hey, it could happen!) [photo via Lovely Liv Tyler] Keep reading »
Would You Wear: Freida Pinto’s Prada Car Dress?
Nylon‘s April cover girl Freida Pinto came out Tuesday night to celebrate the mag’s 13th anniversary in LA in head-to-toe Prada. While the gorgeous Indian actress usually sticks to simple solids on the red carpet, she veered off the beaten path for the event in a colorblocked frock unlike anything we’ve ever seen: the skirt of her dress was embellished with Prada’s flaming car print from the Italian fashion house’s spring/summer collection. The dress on its own doesn’t do it for me, but the addition of the kitschy graphic is the perfect accelerator to take this ensemble from ho-hum to vroom vroom. I personally couldn’t pull off this irreverent look, but Freida does without a hitch. What say you: are you feeling this cheeky design?
Marni Designs Chairs, Employs Colombian Former Inmates To Produce Them
We have officially entered the realm of designer everything: Marni, the high-end Italian brand known for its offbeat prints and artsy-homely styling, has made their way into the furniture industry with a 100-piece collection of metal chairs covered by multicolored woven plastic, and they managed to do some good in the process. The fashion house designed the chairs for Salone del Mobile, a Milanese furniture fair, and worked alongside local charities to hire former Colombian prisoners to create the chairs, with the goal of helping the ex-inmates readjust to working life. The chairs were designed in order to function as props for the show, during which filmmaker Francesco Jodice will photograph employees of the brand for an exhibit. The chairs will also furnish the brand’s offices and stores around the world. They don’t exactly look like the most comfortable chairs, per se (and you can forget about taking a nap on that “sofa”), but if you must have one in your home, they’ll be available for purchase at the Marni boutique in Milan, with proceeds donated to The Institute for Complex Adaptive Matter. [Fashionologie]
5 Green Skincare Companies Worth Every Penny
We’re now 12 days into Earth Month, and to celebrate, we’ve been calling attention to all things eco-friendly, sustainable and planet-conscious. I’m not going to front like I’m the greenest person on earth, because I’m far from it, but when it comes to things I’m putting on my face and body, I insist on keeping my routine as natural as possible. The unfortunate catch-22 of natural skincare is that it’s often pricier than its chemical-filled counterparts for obvious reasons: much like organic food, organic beauty products are simply made of better, more expensive ingredients. If there’s one area where you’re going to splurge, though, it should be skincare (in my opinion, of course). Your face just isn’t the place to skimp on! The good thing is that there are more natural options out there than ever before and a range of prices and products from which to choose from. Allow me to introduce you to my five favorite brands for clean, green skincare — they may not be a bargain, exactly, but they are worth it.
Well Played: Charlize Theron At The Paris Premiere Of “Prometheus”
Charlize Theron is one of my top lady crushes, and I know I’m not alone: she’s fierce, gorgeous, acerbically hilarious, and even a self-declared bitch, which is a quality I greatly value in a human being. Most importantly, Charlize has a great sartorial sense with nary a fashion fail to be found. I don’t always love Stella McCartney’s designs (ahem, Rihanna’s onesie) but I’m head over heels for the intriguing cobalt frock Charlize chose for the Parisian premiere of her new film “Prometheus,” directed by Ridley Scott. It’s a simple dress in style and shape, but the Baroque embossing is stunningly intricate and fits the regal actress (and new mom) like an especially seductive glove. Would it be fitting to say j’adore?
You Now Have Permission To Sleep In (Some Of) Your Makeup
As any good party girl who’s ever passed out in her eyeliner already knows, sleeping with your makeup on doesn’t necessarily have to be the worst thing. Take, for example, the style icons of the swinging ’60s — Brigitte Bardot, Anna Karina, Edie Sedgwick, et al. — who knew then what it seems we’re just finding out now: smudgy is sexy. Keep reading »
Could You Spare Some Pants For The Lohans?
Your eyes do not deceive you: this is, in fact, a photograph of Lindsay and Ali Lohan leaving gourmet eatery (progress!) Joan’s on Third in LA in similar off-white shirts (and legs to match). Just shirts. Only shirts. [Huffington Post]
Would You Wear: Pastel Nail Polish?
Colors are everywhere this spring, whether it’s eye-searing neon or soft, muted pastels. Though I’ve definitely been more adventurous with my sartorial choices as of late, I can mostly be found in black on black on black … but I can’t deny, nor explain, an attraction to all things vivid or Easter egg-y this season. I’m hesitant to buy clothes in these trendy shades, because who knows when I’ll be over it and back to my much-loved monochromatic ways? I’ve found that the best way to get my fill of color without betraying my wardrobe is by wearing it on my nails: I’ve traded in my typical mannequin-hands nude for everything from Essie’s vivid red-orange Vermillion to OPI’s sapphire blue Dating A Royal. As of yesterday, I’m sporting Essie’s Mint Candy Apple, which I’m falling more and more in love with by the minute. I was reluctant to give pale pastels a spin, considering that my skin is pretty damn pastel itself, but this light greenish turquoise is the perfect contrast to my perfectly neutral-toned complexion. I’m obsessed! Your prettiest pastel is dependent upon your skin tone — fair girls like me should go for greens and blues, while medium tones are better suited to lilac or peach. Darker ladies already have the perfect backdrop for pastels without having to worry about it washing them out, so they’ve got the lucky pick of the litter. What’s the verdict: would you spring for these shades? (from L-R: Essie Mint Candy Apple, Essie Lilacism, Essie Fiji)
