Golden Globe Awards 2014 Best Dressed

Although I was unable to watch the Golden Globes last night because I had to work, I of course made sure to catch the after-show specials to be able to see all the fashion. I love that there seemed to be two major trends throughout the evening of mermaid style gowns and metallic elements, both of which, I love! These lovely ladies made it into my top ten best dressed of the evening.

Amy Adams in Valentino | Jenna Dewan Tatum in Roberto Cavalli | Sofia Vergara in Zac Posen | Rocsi Diaz in J. Mendel | Olivia Wilde in Gucci

Mila Kunis in Gucci | Nancy O'Dell in Marchesa | Lena Dunham in Zac Posen | Emma Watson in Christian Dior | Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta

All photos from Hollywood Life

However, I have to say that three of them just stole the red carpet for me, Olivia Wilde, Sofia Vergara, and Mila Kunis, who I picked as my Best Dressed Female. I love Olivia Wilde and thought she looked fabulous in this tight, emerald Gucci dress, that showed off her little baby bump perfectly. I also thought that Sofia Vergara looked stunning, as usual, in her black, strapless Zac Posen dress. I appreciated that she (and/or her stylist) decided to go with a ball gown instead of her usual look of a skin-tight mermaid dress. She always looks like a knockout, but I think this dress makes her look more regal, and the pop of teal in her necklace is just the right amount of color to balance out such a large dress. However, I don't think anyone compared to my girl crush, Mila Kunis. Her stunning Gucci dress, with the mix of hard and soft elements just took my breath away. So gorgeous! Although she could have looked better if she didn't look so angry in all the pictures of her, how could you be upset in a gown that beautiful?

And a special shout out to the guys who made the red carpet interesting as well, Kunal Nayyar, Matthew McConaughey, and Best Dressed Male, Usher. I love when guys actually wear color on the red carpet instead of the typical black suit, white shirt and black tie, and these three spiced it up just enough to make the right statement.

Who were your best dressed celebrity picks from last night's Golden Globe Awards?

Fashion Forward Fridays: Sofiya Mozley Designs & James Bond Party

Left: I love sandwich boards, you should know this. | Right: Me on the balcony of Perle in my best Bond girl look.

If you follow along with my Facebook or Twitter accounts than you know that I was in downtown Pittsburgh for the Global Champagne Party - Pittsburgh. I received a personal email invite and the promise of a fashion show, James Bond theme, and location of Perle, a new champagne bar in Market Square, had me sold. And knowing that the fashion show was going to feature Pittsburgh-based designer, Sofiya Mozley, made me know that I could use the event for Fashion Forward Fridays.

The Global Champagne Party was literally a global event, and Pittsburgh's party was just one of ten happening around the world to raise money and awareness for The Charity: Water and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The James Bond theme was to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Bond movies and the collection presented by Sofiya Mozley made for the perfect mixture of modern day, Bond girl looks. Although the actual fashion show got started much later than anticipated, the vibe of the event was exciting and drew in a wide variety Pittsburghers. This was certainly something you people-watchers would have loved. 

I really appreciate being asked to meet the models before the show! Left to right: India, Morgan & Soigne.

Getting ready!

All the models and Sofiya after the show.

With signature drinks of Vesper Martini's and a Jill Masterson (champagne and orange vodka), guests also could enjoy a wine tasting, complimentary sushi and cupcakes and raffle for fabulous prizes with all of the proceeds benefiting The Charity: Water and the Pittsburgh Food Bank, evenly. Overall, it was a fun event, though I would have liked to see more fashion show and have less down time.

Be sure to keep an eye out for this designer, because based on what was presented at this event, she certainly has and interesting perspective of fashion and is bringing something new to the industry. Though not every piece was a winner for me, her show was certainly entertaining and displayed a variety of pieces for all kinds of women. She will certainly be one to watch, especially in the near future for Pittsburgh.

Finally met fellow Pittsburgh blogger, Tye, of Lagelle. Remember her fabulous guest post?

And of course, James Bond was there and Erin and I had to get a picture with him!

Happy weekend, Pittsburgh! Remember to keep it stylish!

Chels Wears: Double DIY

Chambray & Leggings: JCPenney's | Shirt: Mumford & Sons | Boots: Voltage | Scarf: DIY | Headband: Rue 21

Leg Warmers: DIY | Purse: Target | Bracelets & Owl Ring: Charlotte Russe

First things first, yes, I am wearing leggings for pants...again. I cannot help it you guys, they are just so comfy and they fit under boots so well. Next, you might be wondering why I often have my hair up in my Chels Wears posts. Well, if you'd guess, a) I'm lazy, b) I didn't wash my hair this day, or c) I currently hate the length of my hair, as any of your reasons why this must be, then you're correct, but mostly C. After drastically cutting my hair, I'm in between the lengths I actually like which are shoulder length and mid-back length. So in about two to three more inches, it'll be perfect and will be worn down more, just you wait.

Now onto the double DIY...the leg warmers and the scarf were made about ten minutes before I left the house for my night job at Family Video. I got the idea for the leg warmers from Pinterest (surprise) and made them (and a few other pairs) by cutting off the sleeves of some old sweaters my mom had in her closet that neither of us wanted to actually wear. And the scarf is made from a cowl neck shirt dress that I was going to donate to Goodwill. Originally I planned to just cut off the cowl neck and use that as an infinity  scarf, but it wasn't big enough for my taste, so I cut off the sleeves and used the actual dress half of it. Simply sewed up the frayed edge so there would be a smooth edge the whole way around and voila! I'm planning on making this a fringe scarf eventually since I'm in love with all things fringe and it'll make it a more unique element, but for now and for the limited time I had to do this, I like it. What do you guys think?

If you recall, this is not the first time that I've cut something up and sewed it really fast before walking out the door in it. Honestly, I've been doing this since about the 7th grade. I just know that if I'm not going to wear an item of clothing the way it was intended, I might as well try it a different way. So far I think it's worked out pretty well. And this totally makes me a fashion designer, right!? haha

Two link-ups this week - be sure to check out H&K Style Journey and Because Shanna Said So.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Three AFWNY Designers!

Hey everyone! Hope you all enjoyed a great 4th of July! Today, Fashion Forward Fridays is a bit different than usual, I'm featuring three designers who are currently in the process of preparing for African Fashion Week: New York. So while I prefer to use this space as a way to showcase Pittsburgh fashion, I just cannot pass up the opportunity to give you a sneak peek at three great designers who are about to hit a huge stage.

First, a little about AFWNY. This is a six-day event, starting on Monday, July 15th and ending with three days of runway shows on the 18th, 19th, and 20th. (The designers I am featuring today will all host their shows on the 20th.) AFWNY's mission is to raise awareness and market diverse fashion professionals and their skills by trying to "break through the New York fashion noise" to allow these diverse and upcoming designers to showcase their personal voice and fashion creations. Which I think is a worthy cause in it's own right, but now to the really good stuff...a little look at three of these diverse and upcoming designers.

SYDNEY-DAVIES: 

Various looks from Sydney-Davies. Photos provided.

A high-fashion women and menswear label based out of London that was launched in 2012 by Euphemia Sydney Davies. This designer is said to "overflow with confidence" no matter what the situation and this label is for a man or woman who wants to express their individual sense of style with resilience and as a refusal to conform. Which I think just describes my boyfriend, MJ, in one compact sentence. Euphemia gained her fashion inspiration from the darkness of the war in Sierra Leone, which her and her family successfully escaped from and which has given her a new sense of happiness and eternal gratefulness for this second chance at life. The Spring/Summer 2013 collection will be presented at AFWNY.

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ADMAS MAHDERE: 

Various Summer looks from Admas Mahdere. Photos provided.

This fashion house incorporates African aesthetics into all of their pieces, they proudly source all of their fabric from East Africa. The fabrics that are used are unique to Eritrea and Ethiopia and are all handmade by weavers known as "Shemane." Admas differs from most fashion designers because she starts the design process after picking the fabric and uses it as inspiration to create cutting edge and modern designs. She also teams up with non-profit organizations that support the sustainability of these weavers through co-ops and access to the supplies, equipment, and facilities that they need. All of which goes perfectly with this year's theme of "The Pattern of Sustainable Luxury" at AFWNY.

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CATHERINE ADDAI: 

Three looks from Catherine Addai. Photo provided.

The designer and Creative Director of Kaela Kay, Catherine started the label in January 2012 in Toronto. While she lives on creativity, she stays true to her roots by making each garment a piece she would actually wear herself. Which leads me to believe, we might have similar closets. She is a wife and mother and ensures that her personal style in always represented in her pieces. Meaning that she embodies the true representation of what the "Kaela Kay Woman" would wear. Kaela Kay is a luxurious line and is remembered by the unique fabrics and colors each piece uses.

Check out the Designer Registration to learn more 

about these designers and see who else will present their collections at AFWNY 2013. 

And have a great weekend!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Tidal Cool Creations!

Recently I was approached by Pretty Living PR to feature one of their clients, Tidal Cool Creations and thought that this company would be perfect to include with Fashion Forward Fridays. Although not considered a Pittsburgh-based company, they are located in Cleveland Ohio, but have showed their previous collections at Pittsburgh Fashion Week and are growing to even greater fashion heights.

I love the mixture of hard and sweet elements in this new collection, Primary. It is very much my style and I connected to it's mix of edgy and girly instantly. Below is my interview with the Tidal Cool Creations designer, Andrea Howell, and some inside looks as to what to expect from this up and coming brand. Enjoy!

How did Tidal Cool Creations come to be?
I launched Tidal Cool Creations a few years ago as a creative outlet, and was designing and sewing commissioned items as a side job and hobby. Last Spring I auditioned for Fashion Week Cleveland (the first audition or submission I'd ever done) and was accepted. Upon hearing about my acceptance into the show, I decided to go all in, quit my career in restaurant management, and focus 100% on my clothing label.