Fashion Blogger's Guide To Red Carpet & Award Season Fashion

It is that time of the year, when ever fashion loving denizen sets aside what she/he is presently doing and blog together for a common cause: The Award Season. 

Yes, my fellow fashion junkies, beginning of a New Year means one things: A whole new award season with a loads of fashion hits & misses!!

However, most fashion bloggers do not get invited to the major movie awards. Unlike Fashion Week, bloggers too have to sit at home and watch the entire event on TV just like the rest of the world! *Sigh*

For information we rely heavily on print, digital and social media to take us on our annual award season red carpet journey. Therefore blogging about events you did not attend is like second-hand blogging. All the inside information and juicy tidbit you hear or read belongs to someone else.

Wondering how does one use all the existing information and turn it into their own creation without looking like a big copycat?
Simple, keep these guidelines in mind while blogging about award shows and other red carpet fashion and very easily, you too can create your very own award season experience for your readers.

[Illustrations via Fashionologie, ETSY, Pinterest, Enchanting Castle]

1.Credit your Source.

 The golden rule is to credit every outside source you have borrowed from. And the word is BORROW. Say with me "BORROW". The cardinal sin of blogging is to simply copy-paste others ideas or handiwork. That is a big NO-NO.

2.Don’t Rush, but Research.

Firstly, I don’t see why bloggers literally rush themselves into uploading pictures ASAP of the award show fashion right onto their blog. Seriously, stop doing that. Remember, whatever you upload has already been uploaded by mainstream media. From E! to Huffington Post to BBC and ever other tabloid magazine has it covered. The real question is, do you want to just post what has already been published over a 100 times already or do you want to present your own views? F.Y.I. by simply copying and pasting images you're not adding anything new! 

You started a blog so that you could voice your own opinion and views. Plus, your readers deserve better than someone else words and views. Give them more than that. 

My suggestion is to first do a good research, get the feel of the entire event; what trends stood out, what celebrity was at her stylish best ect… and then post it with your own twist and take.

3. Research From More Than One Source.

Variety is the spice of life. Dig into as many reliable resources as you can. This way you get a better idea of the entire thing, plus it is good to have more than one viewpoint. But, at no time must you OD on research that you lose complete focus.
I like to start with mainstream media biggies like Vogue and Style.com, followed by one or two international tabloids and finally a visit to some of my fave fashion blogs.

4.Pick and Choose.

 Restrain is much needed while covering award show red carpet fashion. Oh! The desire to upload ever-stunning gown is so overwhelming that one gets easily carried away. While Style.com and People magazine can do that, you must not. Why you ask? One, it completely overloads the site, and two; your readers can get the basic details and coverage from larger publications. In these decision-making times, I rely heavily on my self-editing senses. Pick and choose the few ones that in your opinion were a clear standout-good or bad. Depending on the post theme: hits or misses, most popular trends, ect… choose 5 to 6 best looks and work with it.

5.State Beyond the Obvious.

Exhibit A: “OMG, Actress X looked stunning in Designer Y’s pink gown” Do you see a problem with this. Seriously, if you are going to ONLY state the obvious them your post is informative-maybe, interesting-hell NO.

Exhibit B: “Actress X looked stunning in Designer Y’s pink gown. The hourglass silhouette was a perfect choice for her to show-off her post baby body. Motherhood gave her more than just a baby; that girl finally got some curves and she's not afraid to flaunt them!” 

 Not only do you get to show-off your fashion knowledge, but you also get to channel your inner fashion critique. Award shows are a fashion bloggers wonderland. Don't stop yourself. Go all out and give your reader a piece they will recommend to everyone they know. 

However at no point should you body-shame an actor or actress. If an outfit is unflattering feel free to point that out, but do not, I repeat do not every body-shame anyone.

6. Know Your Fashion Lingo.

 Even if fashion is not your first language, one must acquaint themselves with basic fashion terminology. If you plan to cover fashion you must know its lingo! Get yourself acquainted with different silhouettes, hemlines, colours and fabrics. Also, please refrain from using the same adjectives again and again. There is only so many times you can use the word ‘chic’ to describe the same look!  

Most importantly, make sure the names of designers and celebrity is spelled correctly. You want to come across as credible and not careless.

P.S: These same guidelines are applied for blogging about Fashion Week or any event you haven't had a chance to attend but wish to write about.

With award season just starting off are you all set for covering award season fashion? I know I am! Share your views in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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P.S: I had previously written a post about how to cover the Oscars. This post is a modified , up to date version of the previous post, with more guideline and coverage suggestions. 

Red Carpet Reporting: Oscars 2012

“In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.” 

                                     Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Style; my lovelies, is at it’s sincerest best at the Oscars. Being the Holy Grail of fashion, it is blatantly aped, extensively written about and pretty much analysed to infinity. So, I wont do any of that. This post is pretty much about, what according to me were the night’s biggest trends and fab-est looks. Plus, what we learn from each look and trend.

White Magic Woman.

[Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford]

Gwyneth Paltrow can official write a book on how to rock the red carpet. And she did not have to rely on excess cleavage –looking at you Jennifer Lopez- or flaunt a leg. Looking nothing short of royalty in an elegant white gown and complimenting cape by Tom Ford, she managed to pull off the impossible. She made minimalistic white dramatic without looking theatrical or tacky. She showed the world and ever other pop star, that to be dramatic one does not need to dress like a circus. You can do that with simplicity and class. For me she was hands down the best dressed of the night.

Ring In The Bling.
Sparking gowns for Oscars… Shocker!!! Personally, I don’t want to live in a world where we can’t have our share of bling-bling, especially at the Oscars red carpet. And this year too, the stars did not fail to dazzle us with their glittery powers. From Octavia Spencer in sparkly silver Tadashi Shoji to J.Lo’s art deco inspired all-eye-on-me Zuhair Murad number, bling did its thing. But these two were my personal faves.

[Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen]

 Honestly, before the Oscars I did not much care for Jessica’s fashion. She did nothing to inspire me. Until yesterday! Looking ever bit the Hollywood goddess she made a dramatic statement in this black and gold embellished gown. She may have not won the award, but she has totally taken over the fashion world.

[Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab]

The song ‘All that Jazz’ was the first thing that came to mind when Milla Jovovich appeared. For her first-time-presenting appearance at the Oscars, the lady donned a on a stunning silvery white one-shoulder gown by Elli Saab. (A far sexier choice than Berenice Bejo and Kate Mara's soft pastel Elli Saab). I can’t say much about her acting skills, but the woman sure knows how to dress for its biggest night. Plus her sexy red lips gave Angeline Jolie’s trademark red pout a serious run for it’s money. Great going on both counts Milla.

Both these ladies showed us how to shine in style and sophistication. 

Bo-witched.

[Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli]

While most fashion lovers are 'ah-ing' and 'oh-ing' after Michelle Williams’ peplum Louis Vuitton or Natalie Portman in Vintage polka dot Christian Dior, Emma Stone in a crimson/fuchsia Giambattista Valli gets my vote. She picked a statement making old Hollywood glam styled gown and looked every bit the current Hollywood starlet she is. She polished this look off with a minimal jewelry and a metallic clutch. Not only did she take a major fashion risk by wearing a gown bow-ishly similar to one of red carpet's stalwart-Nicole Kidman in red Balenciaga gown at 2007 Oscars- but she also showed us how a redhead can look gorgeous in shade of red. Well Emma, you had me at bow.

[Image Credit:US Weekly; Entertainment Wise]

What was your take on this years Oscar fashion? Which celeb and trend was your fave? Do share your views and thoughts with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la, 
Amena!!

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Red Carpet Report: Golden Globes 2012. The Good, The Bad and The Brilliant!!!!

Oh happy days are here again! It's award season, and for most fashion lovers, watchers, followers and bloggers this is the prime of our hunting season. Nothing is bigger than fashion style and trend spotted at the award shows. Being the Holy Grail of all fashion seasons, it is blatantly aped, extensively written about and pretty much analyzed to infinity.

Like most fashion addicts, I too have always loved award season and most importantly the red carpet fashion parade. Since the awards' live telecast in my country is at the crack of dawn, as a kid I used to wake up at 5:30AM to see them(Yea I was one of those crazy ones). That’s how much I love them! Thanks to the internet I don’t have to do that anymore. Anyhoo, whilst watching the ‘ahh’ and ‘OMG’ moments and well-timed tears, I would spend my time studying the important stuff. Who Wore What and How!

Categorically breaking my picks into three groups:

I.The Wonders.

II.The Blunders.

III.The Stunners.

Here's presenting you the good, the bad and the brilliant of Golden Globes 2012.

I.The Wonders. 

These looks are the epitome of the phrase ‘elegantly stylish’. Form the tip of the hair right down to the shoes, everything was immaculately well styled. Kudos, ladies!!

II.The Blunders.

“Oh my, what was she thinking?” Really with all the wonderful dresses and stylist in the world you managed to pick this! Looks gone so bad, we literally have nightmares about it. These looks were classic poster child for ‘What Not to Wear’, ever!

III.The Stunners.

There are always those who will risk it. All or nothing! These ladies took some major style risk, that seriously paid off. Form daring slashes to sizzling sparkle, they picked the piece that made everyone sit up and take notice. Love it or hate it, they made us do a double take. These are hands down the stand-out statement looks on the Golden Globes 2012.

Who are your favourites? Tell me what you think. Share your view and thoughts with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la. 
Amena!!

Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin'

email- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

[Image Courtesy: US Weekly Magazine, Daily Mail UK]

Meta-WOW-phosis!!

Have you ever wondered what Blake Lively looked like pre-Serena van der Woodsen? And has Neal Caffrey always been one sharp dressing-smooth talking kinda man? These questions can be answered in two very simple words:Celebrity Makeover!

 While, my previous post was all about D-I-Y makeovers, this post will show you the different kinds of makeovers-celebrity style. And, yes there is more than one type of makeover. For not all of them are of the same degree or kinds. Some go the distance,while other are happy with itsy-bitsy changes.

No one, I mean NO ONE, does makeover better than our Hollywood’s damsel in style-distress. One minute they are all awkward and mismatched and the next, they are fashion icons. From Marilyn to Megan, every fashionista has literally (or surgically) been altered over the span of time. After all this is what true Hollywood stories are made-off.

Here is a look at some of the best awe-inspiring makeovers. You can borrow a page from their makeover stories and learn a few tricks on the way.

I. Kelly Osborne's Radical 360°Turn 

I must say, it’s almost surreal seeing Miss Kelly O featuring on every single best-dressed list. One can’t help reminiscent that her fashion journey ‘ain’t been no crystal stair’. We’ve watched her metamorphosize from a Pillsbury Doughgirl-esque, angst-ridden tattooed- up teen who shared her father’s penchant for garish make-up and profanity, into a trendelicious swan.

[Image Via: 1.Style Caster; 2.The Fashion Spot 3.Hollywood Life; 4.Daily Mail 5.Hollywood Life; 6. Skinny vs Scurvy]

Losing 60 pounds, her bad attitude and addictions she said goodbye to her punk teenager years and embraced her new found chic-ness. Resting at the top of her fashion game, Kelly is busy dishing fashion advice to divas and denizens. I can’t get over her fab transformation from a reality brat to red-carpet darling. Our very own rock princess has finally grown-up. And we love it. Keep it up Missy!

[Note:This is highly physical as well as emotional makeover. Kelly did not just physically groom herself, she radically evolved as a person and re-invented herself completely.]

II. The 180° flip Gwen Stefani Style.

Deep down I have always believed the song 'Sweet Escape' is Gwen’s fashion evolution confessions. She sings about having been a real bad girl, and you have my darling been very, very bad with your fashion choices. It was a serious crime to watch someone with a face of a pin-up doll jump around like an androgynous punk. As fashion disasters go, Gwen dearest was of nuclear proportions.

[Image Via:1, 5,6 Pop Eater, 2 Buzz Net; 3.Glam Australia; 4. Google Image]

Alas, with fame comes fashion wisdom, and Gwen finally traded tacky for trendy, ska-style for sophistication and No Doubt-boys for Harajuku girls. With a hit solo career and the birth of L.A.M.B and Harajuku Lovers, Gwen transition from drag to fab was complete. Woohoo, Yeehoo!!!(Sorry, could not help myself ; -D)

[Note:Gwen literally did a180°. She flipped her style statement, without changing her core identity. This is a very common makeover among Hollywood celebs.] 

III. From Katie to Kat...

My-oh-my, in seven short years Kat-ie upgraded from humble Dawson’s Creek to high-tech Gotham City, from portraying stereotypical American girl-next-door to channelling Jackie Kennedy and -drum roll please-becoming the other half of the now infamous TomKat brigade.

Katie Holmes fashion graph can categorically be divided into two groups: Pre-Tom and With-Tom. The pre-Tom phase was an oh-so-bumpy road of which the less said the better. One bad fashion choice after another, Katie was somehow not able to find her fashion footing.

[Image Via: All images from Glamour Magazine UK]

Circa 2005 saw Katie in the arms of the world’s most famous actor, a Posh BFF who moonlighted as her personal fashion godmother and the birth of Forbes ‘most influential toddler in the world’. In classy elegance Tom’s Kat walked down the aisle to become Tom-Wife, all along embracing her new found passion for fashion. 

[Note:As makeovers go this is the subtlest one. It’s hard to say where the old you ends and the new you begins. And in Katie’s case there are days when we all ask, has she really embraced fashion with all heart and soul. Or is she just pulling a fast one!]

IV. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Fashion Evolution.

*WARNING*: What you are about to see may undo your years of love and devotion. Or It may just multiple it. Depends on you.

Well, who does not remember her prancing around NYC in her cute pink tutu and tank?  From her bad choices in men to stunning choices in fashion, we have watched her fall in love and rise in style. But, before SJP became the goddess of fashion, she too was...well let’s just say, in words of Stanford Blatch; “fashion road-kill”.

[Image Via: Google Images]

It took little bit of sex and one smart stylist to complete Sarah Jessica Parker’s evolution form dorky child star into ever fashion designer go-to muse. No matter how bad her past choices have been, no one can point a finger at her current style record. Regularly featuring on bests dressed list she has show that style can be attained at any time and age.

When talking of celebrity makeovers how can I not mention our very own Bollywood beauties. We have our own share of celeb makeovers. Take Karisma Kapoor, one day she is dancing in frilly frocks and bushy brows the next she’s all suave and sexy in a red dress (remember Raja Hindusatni). Our claim to Big Brother fame, Shilpa Shetty may or may not have evolved as an actress, but her fashion transformation is of Oscar winning proportions.

Which is your favourite celerity makeover story, and why? Do drop me a line sharing your stories in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com