academy awards 2013 fashion round-up

I love that Oscars! It brings together three of my favorite things: fashion, movies, and an excuse to entertain. This year I was one film short of seeing all of the Best Picture nominations—I'll get to you, Beasts of the Southern Wild, I promise—and was looking forward to seeing what some of Hollywood's hottest would choose to wear on the biggest night in movies!

For me, there were a few clear best dressed picks and some obvious messes. Who made your best and worst dressed list?

Best Dressed

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive

This gown was tailored to perfection, and her hair and makeup complemented the look. Stunning!

Sanda Bullock in Elie Saab

She had just enough sheer to keep it sexy in this embroidered beauty. 

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Also embracing the shiny trend, Watts opted for an interesting neckline in this figure-flattering number but didn't let the head-to-toe sparkle overwhelm her natural beauty. 

Worst Dressed

Anne Hathaway in Prada

It pains me to put her on this list, but this dress reminded me of my 9th grade homecoming dress (and not in a good way). 

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Yes, she has a hot body, but this neckline did her no favors, and that hair is a whole different story. 

And here's a shot of part of my spread. I downloaded the printable toppers for free from here. 

Images: Getty

time out new york: stylist gift guide

I'm excited to share a recent feature in Time Out New York. 

For holiday gift ideas from me and other NYC stylists, check out the article here. 

Happy Holidays!

Nat

cyber monday sales

So you don't have to wade through all those e-mails today, here is a list of Cyber Monday sales and codes:

AllSaints Spitalfields: 20% off most items. Code THANKS
C Wonder: 30% off purchase of $100
Scoop NYC: 30% off online. Code CYBER
Kate Spade: Surprise online sale. Up to 75% off
Madewell: 25% off online. Code TREAT
Macy's: Extra 15% off. Code CYBER
Gap, Banana Republic, & Old Navy: 30% off sitewide. Code CYBER
Piperlime: 20% off. Code CYBER
Asos 30% off. Code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL
Club Monaco: 30% off cashmere. Code MONDAY
Ted Baker: 30% off. Code TBBLACK30
Steve Madden: 30% off. Code HOLIDAYS30
Intermix: 15% off. Code CYBER15
DVF: Extra 30% off sale items. Code SHEFINDSDVF
ShopBop: Up to 35% off. Code BIGEVENT12
Theory: 30% off. Code THANKS2012
Vince Camuto: 30% off. Code HOLIDAY
J.Crew: 25% off. Code MONDAY

Happy Shopping!
Nat

sandy: we all can help

 (Photo: Humans of New York)

(Photo: AP/Julio Cortez)

After 4 days with no power, I now sit in my warm and well-lit little apartment after Superstorm Sandy wreaked her havoc on a city I now call my home. My puppy and I were fortunate enough during those dark days to have a great friend uptown take us in and provide us with a warm place to stay, a hot shower, light, and all of those comforts I too often take for granted. Upon my return home, I felt excited and relieved to be restored and start regaining some normalcy. However, seeing footage on the news and hearing of people living mere miles away from me who are still completely devastated by this terrible tragedy made me feel a combination of grief, helplessness, guilt, and a desire to help. 

Situations like this often bring out the best in people, and I have been touched to hear of individuals, communities, and businesses banding together and sacrificing to help others. They inspire me to look past my own trivial problems and help those whose lives have been turned upside down by this disaster. 

The road to recovery is long and daunting for many, and we can all do something to help ease their burden. Click here for ways you can volunteer or donate to help victims of Sandy. 

Love, Natalie

happy weekend

blouse: j.crew. pants: madewell (similar here). shoes: calvin klein. purse: kate spade. necklace: j.crew

Happy Friday!

I'm on my way to London—

Our Style File is going international, baby!

hear me roar

blazer: gap (similar here). shirt: CA boutique. pants: asos (similar here & here). shoes: elie tahari. jewelry: helen ficalora, banana republic. 

I love the sporty pant look that CNC Costume National helped popularize on the runway last fall. Not only is it an easy item to incorporate into your existing wardrobe, but it also can effortlessly be dressed up or down.

As a styling tip: To steer clear of looking like you just exited gym class, balance your sporty style with feminine pieces. 

in transition

 blouse: zara. vest: j.crew. skirt: asos. shoes: vince camuto.

There's a chill in the air, and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall! It's not quite time to bring out boots and fall blazers, so I'm taking advantage of the last use of my summer items while incorporating a few fall pieces. 

Another tip: When wearing a lot of color and pattern like I did here, wear a nude pump. It anchors the look and visually lengthens your legs. 

homage to coco

 jacket: zara (similar here). blouse: theory. jeans: dl1961. shoes: cole haan. earrings: vintage. glasses: stella mccartney.

"If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?" My answer: Coco Chanel. I am in the midst of reading one of her biographies and am reminded how much she influenced the modern fashions we wear today. For this outfit, my vintage Chanel earrings and Chanel-style jacket (courtesy of Zara) are my homage to the one and only Coco Chanel. 

If you could meet any designer, who would it be?