Grammys 2014: Top 5 Looks

 It was a night of song and dance and at this year's Grammy Awards style was a major factor as well. Some ladies hit a flat note, such as Katy Perry in her musically inspired Valentino gown, while others, such as Chrissy Tiegen, sizzled from head to toe. Here is a list of my top five favorites from the evenings Red Carpet festivities.

 

Chrissy Tiegen in Johanna Johnson

Taylor Swift in Gucci

Alicia Keys in Armani Prive

Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland

Sarah Hyland in Emilio Pucci

All Photos Credit: Getty Images / Yahoo.com

Golden Globes 2014 Red Carpet Trend: Creams and Shimmer

While some wear red others wear white. Either way, during tonight's Golden Globes Red Carpet arrivals, many starlets shined bright sporting ensembles in cream hues and shimmery tones. 

Margot Robbie 

Emilia Clarke

Zooey Deschanel 

Tatiana Maslany

Anna Gunn

Rocsi Diaz

Naomi Watts

Gabourey Sibide

Robin Wright

Kerry Washington 

Kate Mara 

Michelle Dockery

All Photos Mandatory Credit: Getty Images

A Whole New Lea: Singer/Actress Lea Salonga On Life After Disney, Fashion, and the Beast?

Photo Credit: Allen Zaki

Some know her as a Broadway extraordinaire, others have seen her on The Voice Philippines, but if you were a child in the 90's, then odds are you remember Lea Salonga as the singing voice behind two very famous Disney Princesses, Jasmine and Mulan. Those memories are of course, pun intended, magical! However, Salonga is more than just a multiple Disney Princess alum, but a mother, wife, and big believer in manners. She has accomplished a lot since her flying carpet and sword wielding days. From, taking on Broadway in the new musical Allegiance, to getting involved in multiple charities such as I Can Serve, a breast cancer advocacy group, Salonga has a full plate on her very talented hands. That's why interviewing this lovely lady was more than an honor. It turned from me loving my job for having this opportunity, to sitting there goo goo eyed over everything she said. It could be because she has that pull on people, but learning more about what's behind the famous face, is what made her more real. I use the word real because when you grow up knowing her primarily for her Disney characters, you end up thinking she will be just as fantastical as her princesses are. Sure, she has the grace and certain virtues of Jasmine and Mulan, but the real Lea, the one I spoke to, is deeper, more opinionated, and overall a woman who can conquer the world. It just turns out she found her real life prince doing so as well! 

You began your career at the ripe young age of ten and since then have accomplished everything from Broadway, to Disney, and even recently being a judge on the The Voice Philippines. Are there any dreams, work wise, that you still would like to one day check off your bucket list?

Oh goodness, I don't know! I've been blessed with a lot already that it seems to ask for more would be an act of hubris. I'm very pleased and content that I honestly have no idea how to top that.

How about thrill seeking goals like sky diving or swimming with sharks? I completely support your decision if you don't want to swim with sharks. (laughs)

After seeing those tampon commercials, I've sworn off swimming with sharks completely. (laughs) But I'm not a thrill seeker (which rules out skydiving or shooting the rapids), and am perfectly happy with video games or eating great food with great company.

I totally agree! Food is always awesome! Speaking of being happy. If you would have never had a career in acting or singing, what do you think you would have ended up doing?

I don't know... once I determined that this would be my career for the rest of my life, a Plan B just didn't seem to fit. It's all or nothing. And that "nothing" is something I haven't contemplated.

Photo Credit: Allen Zaki

One of my favorite quotes of yours is "If you ain't got nothing nice to say, just shut the f*** up." During a time where social media pulls reigns, do you think it is harder for people to keep their negative thoughts to themselves or at least filter what they say? After all, there is such a thing as stating ones opinion in a respectful manner.

It should stem from real-life good manners, in that if you have nothing nice to say to anyone on earth -- to a celebrity, a relative, a co-worker -- it would be best to exercise prudence as well as forethought before saying something that could hurt them. The thing about this whole internet anonymity business is that you think that when you lash out and what you lash out with will not be without consequences. Many celebrities shrug it off, chalking it up to one of those things you deal with as someone in the public eye. I tend to exercise my right to "Report for Spam" and "Block" as frequently as needed. People can really be so rude and mean. As we say in my country, "walang pinag-aralan" which literally means, "wasn't taught anything."

Public criticism can make the life of someone in the spotlight very difficult. How have you handled the lime light all these years? No beating up paparazzi I hope? (laughs)

Oh goodness, I'd need to improve my right hook before using it on anybody. (laughs) But seriously, I've been in this business for much of my life that I tend to not take it very seriously. This is my job, not my life.

A lot of people who have grown up in the entertainment business, have been getting a lot of flak lately because of their risque actions and causing a media frenzy to document their alleged shameful actions. As someone who started so young, you transitioned into an adult career and life quite well. How do you feel when you see those struggling in the public spotlight? Do you think it is harder for people to grow up in the business now, then when you had to? 

I usually shake my head and wonder what happened along the way to turn them into monsters. I blame the parents; it ultimately falls on them.

You of course found your own prince charming and have an adorable little girl, which looks like you by the way. Do you consider them to be your happily ever after? What has been your favorite aspect of being a mom and  wife? Has it given you something that your career never could?

It gives me a different type of fulfillment, a way to balance my life and put things in perspective. Having a child will do that; when you have to wipe a kid's bottom, you realize that you're not exempt from stuff like that. And I've wiped that kid's bottom a lot. She's 7 now, and thankfully much more independent.

Photo Credit: Allen Zaki

 Yes, I definitely think wiping a baby's bum is a reminder towards staying humble. (laughs) Speaking of your child, has she ever watched any of the Disney films you were a part of? If so, did you gain total cool mom points for it? (laughs)

Yes, she has... but I think the Cool Mommy points come from being able to visit Disneyland for free, and for getting the other princesses' autographs. My husband seems to think I'm cool too because of all that!

When you voiced Jasmine you were teaching millions of girls valuable life lessons, such as to be oneself, to go against the crowds and stand up for what is right. Do you ever try to instill any of the lessons learned from Jasmine into your daughter? 

I try to. But she's pretty together already that there's not a lot that needs to be said. She's very unique and cool and funny, not to mention incredibly smart and well-spoken. She's a great kid.

Pertaining to Disney, many associate you with Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, but you were the singing voice of Mulan as well. It is an honor to play one Disney Princess, but you were lucky enough to land two. How did that feel?

Amazing. It's a kick to get to do one, but I got to sing for two and it's such a treat. However, it does get confusing when I have to do recordings for Jasmine and Mulan for TV shows or toys. I have to keep in mine how each one sings, and they're a little different.

Between the two of them, which was your favorite to play and why? Or do you hold Jasmine and Mulan to the same standard of admiration?

I love them both, but Mulan is close to my heart because it's an Asian girl-power story. There aren't a lot of girl-power movies made, so for one to be set in the continent I come from is a big deal.

Princess's aside, what about their other half? Out of all the princes in the Disney movies, which one do you think is the hottest? Don't worry I won't tell your husband. (laughs)  Aladdin is nice and all, but I would go for Ariel's Eric any day. I mean have you seen those big blue eyes? (laughs) 

Disney Princess Mulan
Photo Credit: Disney

I love The Beast. There's something to be said about falling in love with someone's heart rather than their appearance, and it was his transformation (the internal, not the external) that makes me weep whenever I catch the film now. That's more interesting to me than the handsome boys.

So true! That's actually why I respect Belle so much. She saw more in him than his appearance. 

What should we expect to see from you next? Any more character voices or stage shows we should look out for? 

I hope so! They're always fun to do.

Would you consider playing Jasmine if they brought Aladdin to Broadway. Which I think they need to do already! (laughs) I would buy tickets to watch a flying carpet. 

Nope! I'm sure there's a girl out there with killer pipes and a midriff to match that would be perfect for the Broadway production. But, I have to say, the Aladdin they cast (Adam Jacobs) is HOT.

I recently saw that you sang for the Adoption Advocacy Campaign. Are there any other charities or campaigns that you love to support?

I also support I Can Serve, a breast cancer advocacy group.

Let's get into fashion. I'm sure women everywhere want to know your stylish secrets. 

Who is your favorite designer?

A few... Diane von Furstenberg, Monique Lhuillier, Rajo Laurel... clean lines, but without losing the girly part. I've also enjoyed wearing BCBG.

Where do you find the best bargains?

I tend to shop only a few times a year, so everything pretty much pays for itself after a few wearings. I tend to look for quality rather than cost; the cheaper stuff will disintegrate while things that are made well and crafted well tend to last longer.

What is your fashion or beauty guilty pleasure?

Weekly mani-pedis, plus a twice-yearly trip to my aesthetician to clean up my complexion.

If you could describe fashion as one food? What would it be? 

Oh goodness, I can't!!! Fashion is many things, so it's more like a high end buffet: go to the stuff you like, but open yourself up to trying different things, too.

Have you ever had an embarrassing wardrobe moment which you look back on and laugh today?

I've had zippers on dresses open... but the sweetest one for me was in high school. The zipper on the back of my school uniform was open, and one of my male classmates walked behind me and zipped it up. 

What is one beauty product that you cannot live without?

A few... Wen cleansing conditioner (in cucumber), Obagi foaming cleanser and toner. Those things are always, always in good supply.

Your skin glows so perfectly. What is your secret? Or should we be very jealous because it is naturally that way? (laughs)

Lea wearing Monique Lhullier with Connie Chung at the Miss Universe Competition.

Genetics was kind. Both my parents look much younger than they really are.

When thinking back of all the red carpet looks, which was your favorite ensemble?

This beautiful black Monique Lhuillier dress... it was comfortable, sexy, and glamorous.

What is your biggest style pet-peeve?

When something doesn't look smooth or falls over my shoulders when it isn't meant to.

How does the style in the Philippines vary from that of the United States? Do you find yourself dressing differently while in each or do you stick with your personal look?

We tend to take cues from the US and European style books, so I don't think there's much of a difference anymore. I love wearing tuxedos, so I do, no matter where I am.

Ooh Tuxedos! That's very Diane Keaton! Love it.

Reigning Glamour: Q&A With Reign's Costumer Designer Meredith Markworth-Pollack

Torrance Coombs (Sebastian), Adelaide Kane (Mary Queen Of Scots), and Toby Regbo (Prince Francis)
Photo Credit: © 2013 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved


































Cue the indie music, ignite the love triangle, and start obsessing over the fashion. No Gossip Girl is not coming back (tears), but there is a new guilty pleasure on television to fill your...well, guiltiest of needs. Reign, is a sexy and quite stylish interpretation of the famous historical story involving Mary Queen of Scots. Taking the history and mixing it up with a modern twist, the new series to wrap itself around the CW,  has been getting much buzz since its first photos were shown to the public. Some are skeptical that it will give the network that time period essence that does so well on others, such as HBO or Showtime. Then, there are those, who absolutely love it based on their various television spots, featuring a possible love triangle, royal drama, and lots of chic ensembles. After all, those aspects seem to do well for the young demographic driven channel. Either way, this show looks hot on all accounts. So why not give it a chance? The costume designer behind all the eye-catching frocks, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, answers that as well as some other style inspired questions.

Reign is already being listed, by some, as one of the "newest must watch shows." Personally, what is gravitating me to watch  when  it premieres, is not just all the juicy gossip and of course famous love triangle, but the breath taking costumes, already shown in the previews. How do you feel seeing your work as a costume designer, shine bright, all over television screens?  

I've been able to get a sneak peak at the first couple episodes we've shot at this point, since they haven't aired, and I've been very pleased. It's always exciting to see how everything comes together on a new project. Not only the costumes, but the sets, hair, and make-up. It's a collaboration. 


You have worked alongside the CW for quite some time, in the wardrobe department, on shows such as Hartof Dixie and Gossip Girl, both of which, have trending styles. Do you seek out inspiration for ensembles or are you that good that the ideas just come to you out of whim? 
  

Rossif Sutherland (Nostradamus) and Megan Follows (Catherine)
Photo Credit: © 2013 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

I tend to naturally find inspirations depending on the project I'm working on. On Reign, there are so many references to be inspired by it's incredible. Between history, film, and fashion, the resources are endless. I've been loving the Byzantine trend you've been seeing in fashion recently; Dolce and Gabbana specifically have been incredibly inspiring. We also use a good amount of Vintage from the 1920's through the 70's and I've been incredibly impressed with the detail and fabrics of some of the pieces. 

For Reign, you are working with a completely different time period. Instead of present day, you are dressing the actors for 16th century Europe. How much research and preparation went into the costume design this time?

I love the research and since Mary was a real person, it's incredibly accessible. And although our show takes liberties with 16th century style, I think it's very important to know. I've read up quite a bit and we had a historian on the pilot who informed us of the fashion rules and trends at the time. And you learn as you go. We've had an incredible crew in both Ireland and Toronto who are educated in costume history. What's so unique about Reign is that we've taken all this and twisted it to make it our own

. 

Adelaide Kane (Mary) and Toby Regbo (Francis)
Photo Credit: © 2013 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Was it fun exploring a new realm, including the fashion trends of that time and such? What aspects were the most difficult and easiest to portray for the clothes and accessories?

I've tried to keep little aspects of 16th century dress in our costumes. For example we've taken corsetry and made it our own. Playing around with shapes and fabrics that obviously didn't exist at the time. We've also been experimenting with hip and waist shapes. Women would wear hip pads which would accentuate the hips but at the same time, narrow the waist. We decided not to use these on our women, but instead we continuously bring in the shape of the waists with jeweled belts and cinches. 

Are there any styles from Reign that present day women can totally rock? 

Almost all the styles we've used would translate into contemporary times. That's the point of all this, to blend in contemporary trends and create a whole new look. 

Were there any designers that you collaborated with or used their pieces for certain ensembles? 

We worked with Basil Soda on the pilot and we've also used one of his gowns on Mary in the first couple episodes. His craftsmanship is incredible and many of his silhouettes resemble shapes from that period. We've also used quite a bit of Free People for the girls "day" looks. They really nail the romantic bohemian vibe. 

Caitlin Stasey (Kenna), Anna Popplewell (Lola), and Celina Sinden (Greer)
Photo Credit: © 2013 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Out of all the outfits that will be donned in the upcoming season, which one are you most excited for audiences to see? 

It's so hard to narrow down favorites because each episode I fall in love with a look even more than the last. But if I had to choose one, I'd say it's a dress that we built for Mary to wear to the Harvest Festival in episode 5. It has a beautiful beaded bodice which falls into tails in the back. 

When the story begins Mary will arrive in France to meet her future husband. Will we see a transition in the way she dresses from when she first arrives as a fresh faced girl, to later on when she grows accustomed to their schemes and ways of life? 

Mary arrives from a convent where she has been schooled. It's very rural and a stark contrast to the castle. We immediately see her transform into a Queen when she arrives, but her style is still youthful and a bit innocent. I think as we move on we will see her gradually become more of a warrior yet still maintaining her feminine side. That is the thing with Mary, she's just as strong as she is kind and I've tried to depict that in her wardrobe. She's a warrior and a lover all at once. It's the lace and the metals all mixed into one. 

Adelaide Kane (Mary)
Photo Credit: © 2013 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved

Adelaide Kane plays the Queen B herself, Mary Queen of Scots. How was it working with her to bring the character to life? Were there any hilarious moments during fittings or filming? 

Adelaide is incredibly professional and determined. She's also very bright and picks up on things quickly. She respects our process and the work it takes to create each individual piece for her. She's a lover of fashion as well and I can see how she's already getting inspired by Mary's style. She's a trooper too. I remember a moment on the pilot where she was sick and we were literally shooting on a farm in the middle of Winter in Ireland with no heat! She was wrapped up in coats and as soon as we would start shooting she would drop everything and transform into Mary. I think she was even playing soccer that day. I was impressed. 

Any pieces from wardrobe that you or any of the actors wanted to keep? 

The girls make it very clear to me when they love something, but they know they aren't allowed to go home with anything. I usually will help them out by letting them in on my shopping secrets.

What is your go to product during a costume emergency on set? 

Topstick (double sided tape) pretty much solves everything. 


Make Sure to Catch the Premiere of Reign October 17th 9.8c

Emmys 2013: Top 10 Looks

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tina Fey

What She's Wearing: Narcisco Rodriguez 

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Kiernan Shipka

What She's Wearing: Delpozo

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

What She's Wearing: Monique Lhuillier 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Taylor Schilling 

What She's Wearing: Thakoon

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Giuliana Rancic

What She's Wearing: MIKAEL D

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Sarah Hyland

What She's Wearing: CH by Carolina Herrera 

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Zooey Deschanel

What She's Wearing: J.Mendel

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

Maria Menounos 

What She's Wearing: Zac Posen

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

Carla Gugino

What She's Wearing: Georges Chakra 

Photo Credit: Yahoo.com

Anna Farris

What She's Wearing: Monique Lhuillier 

It's a Black Affair: Style Awards 2013 and the Launch of New York Fashion Week

Drum rolls please! Fashion Week is finally here! After months of planning, hard work, and stressed out interns, Fall Fashion week made its debut Wednesday. To kick off all the fashion themed celebrations, the Style Awards were held last night in guess where...no other than New York of course.

I was thrilled to see the many looks that would grace the carpet at the Style Awards, but in a way I was disappointed with several of the ensembles. I was expecting this rush of chic outfits, being that it is the Style Awards--emphasis on the "Style" part. That aside, some starlets did drop by looking wonderful as ever. An instant favorite of mine was model Lily Aldridges's outfit. She joined a convoy of others who went the black route for the evening. In fact, it was an obvious trend for the awards. I had noticed that almost ten people chose to wear the dark hue. Nicole Richie incorporated black by wearing pants and a crop-top, while some, like Kate Upton, sported an Altuzarra LBD. Others, including stylist Rachel Zoe, opted for a longer length on their midnight toned dresses. Either way, the black trend was a constant through out the evening, which begs the question, is it the go to color for this weeks upcoming events?

Black is always an easy color to work with, especially when it comes to your wardrobe. Therefore, why not keep a little of it handy in case your other NYFW outfits miss out? You can never go bad with a little black. Not to mention, it is awesome for complimenting any body frame. No, really! This color is AMAZING! I'm not preaching that you should copy these exact styles, but if you want to show off some black for Fall Fashion Week, than be an Amy Winehouse song, and go back to black! 

How? You ask. Look Below

Top- Top Shop, Pants- Mango, Heels- Forever 21, Necklace- StyleBop.com

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Jessica Pare

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Janie Bryant

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Kate Upton

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Lily Aldridge 

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Nicole Richie

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Rachel Zoe

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Sailor Brinkley Cook

Venice Film Festival 2013: Top 10 Looks

Che bello! Yes it's true. This years Venice Film Festival has been filled with an array of gorgeous styles. Although I felt Cannes had more interesting looks, there were still a few who shined bright, like a future Oscar perhaps. Personally, Dakota Fanning takes the prize for best dressed overall, with her midnight blue Elie Saab Fall 2013 Couture gown. She went simple by toning down her hair and accessories to keep the attention on the lovely dress. Another, who wore her frocks perfectly, not only once, but twice on occasion, was Academy Award winning actress, Sandra Bullock. Attending the premiere of her film Gravity, with George Clooney, Bullock showed up to two events during the festival, once in a colorful Alex Perry mini, and another in a more formal yet sexy J.Mendel dress.  Overall, it was a good time to be in Venice. How often can you  get this much stylish star power, while being able to soak in the alluring scenery? I mean Los Angeles has famous faces every other day, but I never see any gondolas with sexy men, in tight striped tees, serenading the people, as they bask in the yummy Mediterranean air. It has to be said. The place to ooze Hollywood glamour and show off your best ensembles, besides Cannes of course, is Venice! These ladies did exactly that. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Downton Abbey actress, Michelle Dockery, in a red Miu Miu number.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Eve Riccobono in a demure lace Armani Prive Fall 2013 gown.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Dakota Fanning was flawless in this Elie Saab Fall 2013 Couture gown. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Representing her new film, Gravity, at the festival, Sandra Bullock looked fabulous in a scarlet J.Mendel  dress with high slit. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mia Wasikowska took the LBD to a whole new meaning, in this gorgeous Nina Ricci dress.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Creator of The Blonde Salad, Chiara Ferragni, in Alberta Ferretti and Damiani jewels.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Sandra Bullock stunned in this sorbet toned dress by Alex Perry. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Carey Mulligan sported this black Miu Miu high collar dress while pairing it with some sunglasses. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Actress Vanessa Hessler walked the carpet in this nude/black netted Zuhair Murad gown, during the premiere of the film Premio Kineo.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Frieda Pinto wore a complete Miu Miu ensemble including, sunglasses, a pink dress with peter pan collar, and low crystal embellished heels, while spending time at the festival's Miu Miu Women’s Tales Talks.