ON TREND | Fourth Floor Walk Up

Oscars Fashion, 2013: My Favorites

last updated 02.25.2013

Last night for the 85th Annual Oscars the Red Carpet brought the glamour as it is usually does but I found myself loving the column style dresses the most. Reminiscent of old Hollywood, many of the actresses dressed in gowns that sparkled and shimmered with jewels and sequins while others stood out in rich jewel toned pieces. Hair and makeup also reflected this era with the large waves and strong side parts or the softly pulled back chignons.

I must say I’m more drawn to these looks probably because they’re very similar to the look that I am doing at my wedding. Think Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall.

Veronica Lake

Rita Hayworth

Jessica Castain was my favorite of the evening, glowing in this Armani Prive gown with Harry Winston jewels and Christian Louboutin heels. She said she chose it because, “It’s a very ‘Happy Birthday Mr. President.’ It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour.”

Jessica Chastain Image Source: justjared.com

Jessica Castain Image Source: justjared.com

Reese Witherspoon is my runner up, she was so gorgeous in this cobalt blue gown by Louis Vuitton. The jewels were Louis Vuitton as well. Her hair was the best accessory to the outfit with the gorgeous old Hollywood waves, which she attributes to just giving birth?! I have to admit, she did look fuller than usual but I had no idea it was because she just gave birth! She looks amazing!

Reese WItherspoon – Image Source: justjared.com

Reese Witherspoon – Image Source: justjared.com

Stacy Keilbler is also among my favorite top three, she’s so stunning in this gown by Naeem Khan and Lorraine Schwartz jewels. I absolutely love the lines of the gown, doesn’t it look like Art Deco architecture?

Stacy Keibler – Image Source: justjared.com

Other beautiful stars that were on my favorites list are:

Amanda Seyfried in an Alexander McQueen gown, Roger Vivier shoes, and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Amanda Seyfried – Image Source: justjared.com

Naomi Watts is wore an Armani Prive dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Roger Vivier bag, and Neil Lane jewels.

Naomi Watts – Image Source: justjared.com

Charlize Theron is wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dress, Roger Vivier shoes, and Harry Winston jewelry.

Charlize Theron – Image Source: justjared.com

Jennifer Lawrence who one Best Actress (congrats) wore a Dior Haute Couture dress, Chopard jewels, a Roger Vivier clutch, and Brian Atwood shoes.

Jennifer Lawrence – Image Source: justjared.com

Zoe Saldana in an Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch.

Zoe Saldana – Image Source: justjared.com

Categories:FASHION & STYLE / ON TREND

On Trend: My Favorite Mid-Winter Booties

last updated 02.15.2013

I have been ooo-ing and aw-ing over a these two pairs of booties (#’s 1 & 2) for months and I’ve been trying to talk myself out of buying them for just as long. Well, I caved and bought them, both. But hey, I have been thinking about them for at least 3 months so that should count for something. Booties on are on trend and the perfect around style for cold days and not so cold days, dresses and skinny pants. Why not send a little love their way and in this style round-up to award the top styles for their awesome-ness.

BEST OF:

1. Non Black or Brown Below the Ankle (Other Colors Available) – Elizabeth & James Shane High Heel Booties

2. Comfortable, All Around Booties (Available in Brown & Black) – Madewell The Zipcode Boot

3. Fringe Style (Other Colors Available) – Sam Edelman Louie Fringe Booties

4. Cowboy & Coveted Designer (Other Colors Available) – Isabel Marant Suede Ankle Boots

5. Open Toe Style (Other Colors Available) – Belle By Sigerson Morrison Beatles Suede Slide Booties

6. Perforate for a bit of Sport (Other Colors Available) - Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Booties with Perforated Panel

7. Low-Heel Budget Friendly, All Around Suede (Other Colors Available) – Madewell The Charley Boot

8. Two Tone - MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Open Toe Wedge Booties

9. Moto Style – Rag & Bone Harrow Booties

Categories:FASHION & STYLE / ON TREND

Life’s Little Luxuries: Monogram It!

last updated 02.06.2013

C for Caron

Last month I purchased a new set of sheets from Potterybarn. I was so excited to see that they carried ticking striped sheets, in gray (even better) and to make the whole discovery even sweeter was that they were on sale! Although new sheets are not on my list of must haves, ticking sheets have been on my wish list for ages, so I decided that was reason enough to treat myself with a birthday gift of new sheets! To make them feel that much more luxurious, I decided to pay the extra $7 and have them monogrammed!

A Dapper Co-Worker’s Sleeve

Monogramming is something that a girl with traditional tastes has a soft spot for. My mother and grandmother always monogrammed their towels and pillows. My mother is a strong believer in valuing your roots, especially when it is of Puritan blood, so the Richardson name lives on in her towels. It’s a very New England tradition but also a small luxury that is often overlooked in modern culture. I highly doubt someone will steal your sheets from the laundry room, but I do expect you’ll feel a little more special each time you see your initials on a freshly dressed bed.

The theme of monogramming has carried on to modern products as well – my latest obsession, monogrammed iPhone cases. I am waiting in such anticipation for the day that Jack and I say our “I do’s”. First purchase, an iPhone 5 monogrammed case with the letters LCL (C for the surname).

1. Wall Letter, 2. Monogrammed iPhone Case, 3. E Reader Cover, 4. Monogrammed Notecards, 5. Monogrammed Towels, 6. Monogrammed Chambray Shirt.

Any other little luxuries like monogramming that you can think of?

My best, Lauren

Categories:FASHION & STYLE / LIFESTYLE & INTERIORS / ON TREND

Be Inspired: By Boutique Hotel Interiors

last updated 01.28.2013

From the juxtaposition of modern and vintage pieces to pulling together utilitarian and luxury elements, the latest crop of boutique hotels are taking chances and stepping up their design game. The mood is heading towards luscious comfort that combines equal parts masculine and feminine. From the Ace Hotel that lines its walls with works of famous street artists to the NoMad Hotel’s chicer-than-chic rooms reminiscent of Downton Abby interiors, there are a few things to take from these interiors for your homes.

In my latest Houzz Ideabook, I’ve pooled together my favorite examples from hotels that have set the bar and gathered their signature design features to inspire you to create homes that encourage “staycations” rather than vacations. On here, my favorite pieces from the collection of products. Enjoy.