10 Most Memorable Fashion Moments of 2011

This year was certainly not without its share of fashion highs and lows. From John Galliano's rapid downfall to Royal Wedding Mania, 2011 seemed to bring controversy and happiness in equal measure. Check out our picks for the 10 most scandalous, exciting, and altogether unforgettable style moments!

Let's face it, there was simply no escaping the wedding of the year. From the constant speculation as to who would design Kate Middleton's dress (Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen was the chosen one), to the world's seemingly instantaneous obsession with Pippa Middleton's er, assets, to that thing on Princess Beatrice's head, the royal wedding was on the tip of everyone's tongue.

John Galliano went from head designer of Christian Dior to tabloid fodder and irrevocably decimated his legacy when his anti-Semitic rant was caught on tape. He drew ire from the industry, including Dior spokesmodel and former friend Natalie Portman, and was fired from his seat at Dior. He also left his self-named Galliano brand. One person who didn't seem to let the trainwreck affect their friendship was supermodel Kate Moss, who selected him to design her wedding dress.

After years of false pregnancy rumors, Beyonce's big baby announcement at the MTV Music Video Awards was enhanced by her exquisite orange Lanvin gown. Later in the evening, the expectant songstress hit the stage in a sequined Dolce & Gabbana tux, signaling that baby or not, Queen B would not be slowing down. Since then, she's shown off her new curves in countless music videos, at New York Fashion Week, and while jet-setting around the globe.

What do you get when you combine the coolness of Missoni with the affordability of Target? Sheer mayhem. By the time the collaboration hit stores and the Internet, shoppers stampeded, the site crashed, and many orders placed online were canceled. Let's hope next year's Jason Wu for Target collection goes a bit more smoothly. The year's other notable collaborations included Versace for H&M and Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's.

Speaking of mayhem, the Kardashian kraze reached a crescendo this year. Along with continuing to put their name on every product imaginable, the family found a way to capitalize on their own Sear's collection (for which they were promptly and repeatedly sued) and Kim's brief marriage (which also generated a few pending lawsuits). Love them or hate them, those Kardashian gals continue to rule the headlines and the ratings.

To protect the rights to his famous red soles, Christian Louboutin brought YSL to court claiming they had copycatted his trademark ("copycatted" is the official legal term). Though he lost the first round, the case raised interesting legal issues in fashion. If Louboutin had succeeded in his mission to prove only he could use red soles, could Tiffany's be next to stop anyone else from using their signature shade of blue? Lawyers are standing by.

Remember when Jessica Simpson was known for being the girl who couldn't figure out if Chicken of the Sea was chicken or fish? Believe it or not, by the end of 2011, the lovable blonde's affordable Jessica Simpson Collection is expected to break a billion dollars in sales. Who's laughing now?

After 2010's infamous meat dress episode, we wondered how Lady Gaga would outdo herself. Not one to disappoint, the pop star made one of the most memorable red carpet arrivals in history when she showed up to the 2011 Grammys inside an egg. Nuff said.

In the summer of 2011, hoards of people flocked to the Met's Alexander McQueen exhibit, Savage Beauty. The exquisite show captured the dark and complex nature of the man behind the clothes. By the end of its run, the show had attracted 661,500 visitors, making it the 8th most popular run in the museum's history.

After endless hype and speculation, Kanye West finally showed his DW by Kanye West collection during Paris Fashion Week. Although the line of womenswear was met with plenty of criticism, we guess he's figured out by now that there is no such thing as bad publicity. The rapper-turned-designer defended his efforts and asked the fashion industry to give him a chance. And we're guessing there'll be more where that came from.

The Perfect New Years Party Suit [Men's Fashion]

I’m not quite sure what the allure of a three-piece suit is. I think part of it is simply practical: A vest frees you from having to worry about whether your shirt is tucked in properly and can make even an un-tailored shirt look good, as long as your collar’s the right size and your sleeves are the right length. 

Another part is the way it feels. Simply put, you feel more held together in a three-piece. The vest gives you an added layer of confidence, an extra piece of armor to keep the world from taking you down.

Story adapted from AskMen.com

2011 Fashion Awards by StyleBistro

Most Intense Red Carpet Poser: Lea Michele

After last year's Oscars, it was clear no one relishes the pomp and circumstance of red carpet arrivals like Lea Michele. From the moment the budding diva stepped out of the limo the expression on her face said one thing: "It's SHOWTIME!" Watching the video of her posing for the cameras is as awkward as watching your parents make out. It's just unnatural. Ask Modern Family's Sarah Highland.

Biggest Display of Bling: Beyonce Knowles

Leave it to Beyonce, the night she revealed her long-awaited pregnancy, to rock the most red carpet bling in 2011 ever so subtly. The Lorraine Schwartz tassel earrings, dripping with diamonds, were nice, yes. But the the emerald and diamond ring set, along with the custom diamond and emerald cuff, compliments of her husband, make Beyonce's bejeweled styling the best of the year.

Best Lady Gaga Impersonation: Nicki Minaj

It's surprising Lady Gaga hasn't pulled Nicki Minaj aside and quietly whispered into her ear: "Look, this red carpet isn't big enough for the two of us." And not that Gaga invented the whole "peculiar oddity" as a look, but she certain owned the category in 2010. Whatever the case, ya kinda gotta hand it to Nicki for going all out and not seeming to care. Would have been hilarious if Lady G. showed up in the exact same thing.

Most Sexed-Up Look: Jennifer Lopez

When J-Lo's spiked, glittery Louboutin made initial contact with the red carpet, somewhere an angel started to cry. Because what followed was a controlled, sexed-up bedlam fueled entirely by the event that was Jennifer Lopez at the 2011 Grammys. The look suggested she wrecked a club and made a mini-dress from the remains of the disco ball. And as she prowled the scene and posed for photos, every red-blooded human was seduced by an expression that can only suggest one thing. 

Most Unintentionally Movie-Inspired Outfit: Nicki Minaj

You know that feeling when you show up to a party and you see someone in the exact same outfit? That didn't happen at the Grammys this year, but Nicki Minaj definitely borrowed from Jean-Paul Gaultier's imaginative The Fifth Element costume design when she made Givenchy's leopard-print creation (ahem, from Fall 2007) her own. It's totally fun and playful and kinda perfect in that not-too-over-the-top sorta way for which the rapper is known. Awesome.

Most See-Through Dress: Rihanna

Jean-Paul Gaultier is the man responsible for Rihanna's angelic near-nakedness at the 2011 Grammy Awards. Not that Rihanna has ever left much to the imagination, what with her booty shorts and all. We have to think this is one of the most creative, not to mention beautiful, ways to tease people with exhibitionism and remain elegant... without getting arrested.

Most Promising New-Comer: Willow Smith

Though "Whip My Hair" was leaked on the Internet in late 2010, it wasn't until 2011 that the world fully realized, like it or not, they would have to accept Willow Smith into the impossibly young and famous club. There were haters, sure, but they were few. After all, what's not to like about a 4th-grader with a Rihanna-esque sense of adventure when it comes to fashion? Kid can sing, too!

Rihanna Stars in the Sexiest Ad of 2011!

A steamy Emporio Armani Underwear ad campaign featuring Rihanna has been voted the sexiest of 2011. Unsurprisingly, the big wigs in the advertising industry agreed the seductive shots, taken by famed photographer Steven Meisel, were the hottest of the year.

Advertising Age magazine stated, "It's Rihanna at her sexiest...she's never looked this good. She's in amazing shape and the pictures are stunning." The steamy photos feature the songstress reclining seductively in the backseat of a car wearing a lacy bra and panty set, strappy sandals, and a cropped platinum wig. Oh, and she also happens to be giving the camera her best come-hither stare.

Rihanna was the clear winner, but there were some serious contenders for sexiest campaign of 2011. Supermodels Miranda Kerr, Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Bar Refaeli were all in the running, but that bevy of beauties couldn't beat out RiRi. Peep the video for the full effect!!

 

 Story by www.stylebistro.com

10 Best Dressed Couples of 2011

From sexy couple Heidi Klum and Seal to hip-hop royalty Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles, 2011's red carpet was full of Tinseltown's most fashionable duos. Check out this year's best dressed couples!

Beyonce and Jay-Z are the golden couple of hip hop. Though rarely seen together on the red carpet, the famously private couple always turn up the (style) heat. At the 2011 Met gala, Beyonce showed off her curves in an ultra-fitted black-and-gold embroidered gown with a peekaboo neckline and tulle mermaid skirt while Jay-Z broke from the norm in a white tuxedo. We fully expect their child to be one fashionable tiny tot!

Heidi Klum and Seal might just be our favorite celebrity power-couple. Heidi knows how to work her perfect bod, even managing to look hot throughout each of her four pregnancies. At the 2011 Emmys, she shined in a daring Christian Siriano frock complete with an asymmetrical hem while Seal opted for a sexy open-collared getup. We imagine she's always on-hand to give Seal any needed style advice!

There's no doubt that Gwen Stefani has major style. The talented songstress and designer of LAMB, along with rocker hubby Gavin Rossdale, always looks edgy and chic on the red carpet. At the 2011 amfAR gala, Gwen made just the right fashion statement in a sleek and sexy shimmery black frock with a lace halter neck and gold belt. Gavin looked equally fashionable in a tailored sleek tux.

Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres had one of the most stylish wedding ensembles of all time, personally designed by boy wonder Zac Posen. The ultra chic couple manage to perfectly complement the other's style aesthetic, Portia donning the more feminine pieces and Ellen usually opting for more tailored menswear-inspired ensembles.

Teen couple Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber always manage to hit just the right note on the red carpet. Selena broke the heart of Beliebers around the world when she arrived at the 2011 AMAs in a va-va-voom Giorgio Armani gown, complete with an ultra-dapper Justin as her date.

As part of mega-hit band the Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham was known for her posh style and razor-sharp bob. When she married sexy soccer star David Beckham the two became fashion royalty with their combined sexy style. The pair hit a fashion homerun at this year's Royal Wedding, opting for minimalistic and polished ensembles.

Sure, Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian make one controversial couple, but there's no denying that they make a stylish pair. The reality-TV couple donned daring ensembles at a Las Vegas soiree in February 2011. Scott was dapper in a cream tuxedo jacket accessorized with a houndstooth bow tie while Kourtney wore a pale pink shift dress complete with an ornate feathered neck piece.

Only a stylish power couple like Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith could have possibly produced the tween genius behind "Whip My Hair." At the Karate Kid premiere in Paris, Will played with prints in a striped button-down paired with a printed tie while Jade looked refined in a black off-the-shoulder dress paired with studded slingbacks.

Camila Alves and Mathew McConaugheyare the ultimate in bohemian-chic. The duo turned on the glamour at the March 2011 premiere of Lincoln Lawyer. Camila channeled Old Hollywood glamor in a one-shoulder black satin gown paired with side-swept curls. Matthew looked like the classic leading man in a light gray three-piece suit.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen may have found her sizzling match in NFL star Tom Brady. Gisele towered in style at the 2011 Met Gala in a red Alexander McQueen gown complete with a pleated train. Tom looked equally gorgeous at her side, dressed in a fitted black suit and slick hair.

Story in part by www.stylebistro.com

8 New Years Party Looks!!

It's officially that time of year again—the holiday season is here! Between office holiday parties, family soirees and New Year celebrations, check out the most fab ways to stay looking picture-perfect while spreading festive cheer.

Play with the season's hottest print—chevron— in this sequined mini dress, a total steal at $27.80 from Forever 21. Pair the frock with a textured clutch, like this thrifty find from EBags. Opt for simple black strappy sandals and simple and chic drop earrings to finish off the look.

Channel Zooey Deschanel's whimsical vintage aesthetic with this lace print cocktail dress from ModCloth. For a touch of shine, opt for a sequined clutch and a statement cocktail ring. Add a pop of color with red platform pumps, like this budget find from Amazon.

Bring Christmas cheer to any holiday party in this emerald green silk dress from Kate Spade. The universally flattering sweetheart neckline is sure to work for a number of silhouettes. Pair the look with simple black accessories, like a chic bow pumps and ruffled clutch. An understated accessory like this pearl bib necklace from ModCloth adds a touch of elegance.

Take a step back to the 1920's in this ultra luxe feathered frock from the Michael by Michael Kors line. This black crepe shift dress with its gorgeous ostrich feather skirt is sure to be the hit of any holiday soiree! Pair the look with vintage accessories like an embellished gold frame clutch and a gold cocktail ring from Bauble Bar. Sexy stilettos sandals are a sure-fire hit to top off this fab ensemble.

Sparkle just like Taylor Swift at this year's festivities! This shiny platinum dress from Anthropologie is the perfect touch of glamor, complete with a sexy V-neck back. Accessorize the look with subtle stud earrings and a hint of color from Stella & Dot, a deep red clutch from Banana Republic, and simple shoes like these satin peep-toe pumps from Bebe.

For the chicest of luxe holiday-wear, head to Zara for this adorable fit-and-flare frock. Keep the rest of the ensemble simple, with retro-inspired platform sandals from Aldo, black Kate Spade stud earrings and a black leather bag from Mango, complete with gold chain-link detailing.

Invest in this ultra-stylish pink jacquard dress from J. Crew, perfect for the holidays as well as those plentiful summer weddings! Pair the bright dress with a neutral-hued bib necklace, a bargain for only $22 from Nordstrom. Top off the look with a black textured leather clutch from DSW, a steal at only $29.95, and the perfect nude pumps from Endless.

Ring in the New Year in a sexy sequined dress, like this haute pick from ASOS, a wallet-friendly choice at $71.88. Accessorize the fierce ensemble with a leopard-print clutch by Vince Camuto and an understated cocktail ring. Finish off the ensemble with sky-high peep-toe pumps complete with criss-cross detailing from Steve Madden.

Story by www.stylebistro.com

My Return to YouTube + Huge Announcement!!

So yesterday, something really just possessed me to start black on my vlogging (video blogging) on YouTube. So of course I had to figure out what I wanted to wear for my first video in 6 months, and what I wanted to talk about. Well luckily the hardest part (picking out an outfit) was over within a moments notice, and I already knew what I was going to talk about.

Some of you that follow me on twitter, (@STYLEretard) or are friends with me on Facebook, have already heard the news, but for those of you who aren't and haven't here's the video of my big announcement!!

 

Beyonce Steps Out In Animal Print, & Heels

Beyonce was spotted shopping at Curye in New York City looking like she’s about to pop at any moment. She was dressed in a black leather jacket with some funky animal leggings and ankle boots all while toting an eye catching Birkin bag. Bey recently admitted that most of the gifts under her and hubby Jay-Z Christmas tree are for her unborn bundle of joy.

On what she got Jay-Z for Christmas 

I can’t say, it has to be a surprise! Seriously, though, we both keep seeing super-cute stuff for the baby, so I am sure even our presents for each other will involve the baby in some way!Kelly has been so busy buying gifts for the baby, I think she might forget to buy for me this year! She is always seeing cute gifts for the baby in London 

On her plans for this Christmas 

I will be with family. We are both so busy throughout the year that Christmas is just a time to relax with family and count the many blessings in your life. Christmas Day is a no-TV zone. We just like to sit and talk together as a family

Lala Anthony In Laquan Smith Houndstooth Dress

Lala Anthony put in work the other night hosting the VH1 Divas’ pre-show red carpet and later introduced soul diva Jill Scott during the main show. She rocked a black & white Houndstooth dress designed by 23 year old fashion designer Laquan Smith paired with black peep toe pumps.