Academy Award Accessories

Spectacular cinema is found in the details: a camera angle, a fleeting expression, a directed pause.

So too does an ensemble set itself apart with tiny shining glints of glamor.  Cardigan Empire awards for best in supporting accessories follow:

Best Necklace: Amy Adams Cartier platinum and diamond necklace with carved 33.24-carat emerald   Actress Adams could have swept both the bracelet and necklace category with her shimmering analogous sapphire and emerald color harmony, but CE reserves the right to feature as many pretty gowns as possible.  (By the way, nearly no one entered the necklace category, bare collar bones are prolific this season.) (By the way of another way, pretty glitter wishes upon Ms. Adams and her deliciously modest dress, modesty on the red carpet has become unicorn scarce.)

Best Brooch: Gwyneth Paltrow Louis Vuitton "L'Ame du Voyage" high jewelry brooch The dropped waist dress makes this linear lady a bit boxy, but the color soaked curves of her brooch are high voltage.

Best Hair Jewelry: Hillary Swank Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie exotic twin orchid hairpieces Contrasting such a strong physique with such a delicately romantic piece creates an unexpected balance.

Best Earrings: Mandy Moore 10-ct. round Chopard pavé diamond earrings Sparkling globes mirror her chestnut bun. (Earring Category Runner Up: Natalie Portman)

Best Accessory Performing as a Dress: Cate Blanchett Yellow beaded detail of lilac Givency Haute Couture gown Sometimes the best adornments are built right into the ensemble.

Best Bracelets: Mila Kunis diamond and platinum Neil Lane bracelets The cocktail ring bangle combination can only be described as inspired. (ps: Quiet your rapidly searching synapses with this short phrase-Jackie from That Seventies Show)

Best Ring: Haille Steinfeld Fred Leighton heart-shaped diamond ring, set in platinum Normally the CE board sneers at heart-shaped jewelry, but this pretty little ring is so sweet and age appropriate.

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So what caught your eye at the Oscars?

Freshy Spring Trend: Seventies Safari

The seventies weren't outfitted exclusively by peasant tops and bell bottoms.  Marc by Marc Jacobs channels a 70s bohemian via a modern Out of Africa route, complete with camp shirts and safari jackets, but it includes a romantic element that seventies caricatures tend to overlook.


Obi belts, peter pan collars, tie blouses, and full skirts give Marc by Marc Jacobs creations a sweetly elegant finish, think Faye Dunnaway over Farrah Fawcett.

From Catwalk to Sidewalk

Marc by Marc Jacobs Inspired by cardiganempire

Tie blouse
£25 GBP - debenhams.com

Straight skirt
$198 - anthropologie.com

Floppy hat
$32 - amazon.com

ASOS leather tie belt
$36 - asos.com

Nine West Hiala Platform Sandal
$89 endless.com

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Freshy Spring Trend: Neutrals and Lace

Victorian cowgirls strode across the fashion frontier compliments of Ralph Lauren.  But it was the lace and neutrals that caught my fashion fancy.

Avoid a fashion cavity, by mixing some savory with your sweet. Adapt RL's recipe by combining rugged elements like suede leather and oxidized belt buckles with your dainty lace. 

When it comes to color, make sure you choose the right white.  If you're features are cool & brilliant go for a bright optical white, if you're pigmentation leans warm opt for beige, if your tones own warm & fresh find yourself in creamy pearl, and if your complexion is cool & delicate shine your cheeks with a cool, dusty off-white.

From Catwalk to Sidewalk

Freshy Spring Trend: Neutrals & Lace by cardiganempire 

Cotton tank
$88 - anthropologie.com

BB Dakota asymmetrical jacket
$66 - modcloth.com

Banana republic pants
$90 - bananarepublic.gap.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors t strap sandal
$98 - endless.com

Chain earring

$52 - yesstyle.com

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Freshy Spring Trend: Stripes and Brights

Strippety stripes in sorbets and cinnamon, Sonia Rykiel stole my pretty prone heart with her Spring 2011 collection.

When it comes to stripes, only stripe what you want the eye to visually measure.  For example if you want to emphasize the length of your legs, opt for longitudinally lined stripes.  If you want to premiere the narrowness of your waist, ring horizontal stripes around your bust and center to contrast their dimensional difference. 

When it comes to color, apply bold hues using the same theory.  Brightly douse your favorite features.

From Catwalk to Sidewalk

Sonia Rykiel Inspired by cardiganempire

A-Bit-Unruly Top
$48 - anthropologie.com
Striped tops »

Gap Broken-in skimmer
$50 - gap.com
Gap pants »

Melie Bianco Sadie Ruched Satchel - Free Overnight Shipping on New...
endless.com
Melie Bianco »

DV by Dolce Vita 'Toni' Espadrille Sandal
$79 - nordstrom.com
Wedge sandal shoes »

Pin-slim patent belt
$30 - jcrew.com
Patent belt »

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Fitting Room Friday: Petite Lower Figure Body Type

With the recent close of 2011's New York Fashion Week, fellow stylist Sarah Hosman joined Cardigan Empire to refresh her spring wardrobe with some freshy fresh pretties. 

(More tips and tactics to be revealed on specific Spring 2011 trends next week.)

Diagnosis: Petite (4 ft 10 inches) Lower Figured, Romantic Traditional, Cool & Brilliant

What Failed:

Lady Hosman knew her body type well and didn't fuss with many of the trends currently proliferating, knowing they would either draw a box around her top half or swallow her petite (under 5 foot) proportions. 

Below are examples of some of the items she walked promptly past (click the image to view her comments in larger dimensions):

What Sailed:

Pulling It Together Sweater: A pink puffy heart for this cardigan.  The fit closely hugs Sarah's narrow torso and ends before unnecessarily stretching across her wider bottom half.
Sing Sweetly Party Dress: Flattery from neckline to hem.  The pleated bodice adds volume to her subtle bust, the mint sash highlights her tiny waist, and the a-line skirt skims cleanly over her upper gams.

AG Angelina Petite: AG's famously soft fabric flexes beautifully into a derriere balancing bootcut.
Primula Corset Top: A proper peplum perfectly flaring from her mini midsection to her fertile southern hemisphere.

Eastpoint Garden Top: A ladylike neck tie and ruffled collar bring attention to her diminutive north.
Washi Wrap Skirt: Normally Sarah would have passed this skirt up because of the bright color, pleating, and pockets.  But the fit turned out to be quite flattering, the pleats pointed in the right direction, and the pockets didn't poke.  And we agreed color should always be a secondary consideration. (But it does fit small, so size up).

Gathering Blossoms Top: Sarah's favorite top.  The ruching draws eyes to a visually narrowed center and then flares to the perfect thigh skimming length.  Breaking up her flanks without truncating her already sparse leg inches.

Let Cardigan Empire fashion you for Spring.  Freshen up with a complete Fashion Package: combining a theoretical look book & a practical virtual shopping session

Nursing Bra Review: Top Nursing Bra Choices

 

BC (before-children), I wrote a well-informed, yet strictly theoretical post about nursing bras.  Fortunately for my fashion reputation, the theories still apply.  

But this here post is a really-real, experiential review of mine and baby boyfriend's top selections for a nursing layette.  

Now not so fast my milk maid.  First measure. Preferably after your milk has unpacked its suitcases.  I've experienced first hand, the really-real reality of a three cup size increase in the lady eggs. 

This requires an entirely new collection of nests, and if you plan to order online and enjoy the diversity of sizes and styles available to the informed shopper, not to mention the convenience of ordering at home in your postpartum stretchy pants, you must measure.  

If you are shy of self applied measuring tape, go to a well-equipped department store or bra boutique and get a professional to calculate the nest size for you. However, I must warn you, my favorite department store only carried one style of nursing lingerie, and I had to button a pair of trousers and pack a double stroller to capacity to get there.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Maternelle Maternity Bra
Comfort: 10, Flexibility: 10, Support: 6, Prettiness: 7
Fits True to Size
In the first few weeks following your wee milk-a-tarian's arrival, when your lactation officials are sucked sore, not to mention incessantly shifting, this is the balm I recommend.  It offers an exceptionally soft cup and lace that ascends to a luxurious level of modesty, a strong contrast to the amount of exposure you currently endure.

Bravado Bliss! Women's Nursing Bra
Comfort: 9, Flexibility: 8, Support: 8, Prettiness:8
Fits True to Size
If I could recommend only one basket in which to place all nursing flowers, this would be it.  Bravado offers a soft cup with the strength of seaming and underwire.  It both calms and camouflages tender teats.

Le Mystere Sexy Mama Underwire
Comfort: 7, Flexibility: 6, Support: 10, Prettiness:10

Once your milk supply has stabilized and pretty become a primary consideration, test drive this Cadillac of the nursing kingdom. Whether you're concerned with shape under a blouse or seduction sans buttons, both views are lovely.  And right now it is on sale for 50% off at Zulily.

Gilligan & O'Malley Underwire Nursing Bra

Comfort: 6, Flexibility: 6, Support: 9, Prettiness:8
If you want an affordable effect similar to Le Mystere with only a slightly diminished amount of support and prettiness, I recommend this price sensitive compromise.

Simple Wishes Hands Free Breast Pump Bustier
Functionality: 10, Prettiness:0
While not even tangential to attractive, I adore the function of this nursing aid.  My hands prefer several activities to the banality of nursing pump support.

Pray tell, what succors your sucklings?  Share your wisdom in the comments.

Procure your own empire constitution. Your personalized fashion look book can include your own postpartum styling rules of conduct and much more.