Star Style For Less - Malin Akerman's Crochet Knit Sheath

Do you have a mental Polyvore where you create, update and edit outfits when you see a beautiful piece of clothing? Doing Star Style For Less posts has created one in my mind! I don't like to spend the big bucks for big style and I am always on the hunt for great style on a budget! While browsing through spring styles online, this crochet knit sweater dress on actress Malin Akerman caught my eye. The the simplicity of this outfit is so effortless yet super feminine! It is also one of those day to night outfits.

Photo Credit: Steve Granitz/Wireimage

I can't replicate her hot bod or gorgeous face, but sure could recreate her outfit! Here is how you can get her style for less!

Get Malin's simple and feminine style for less here -

What do you think of this 'star style for less' look?

My Acceptance Speech -IFB Project #36: Your Oscar Moment

I have practiced, time and again, my Oscar/Filmfare Award(google it)/Nobel speech in the shower while waiting for the conditioner to work {longest 2 minutes in anyone's life I guess} - and I have to say by now, I have it all clearly laid out in my mind! So when Independent Fashion Bloggers project asked the IFB members to give an Oscar-esque thanking speech for the "Blogger Of The Year Award", it was the perfect opportunity for me to show you all how I'd play it!  The purpose of practicing my speech is that when the moment comes-

• I'll be Natural - Gee, It's so unexpected! (takes prepared list out of the jacket pocket - yes, I am wearing a Tilda Swinton tux-gown - its all the rage you know!)
• I'll be Gracious - {Sniffles} Thank you IFB for this great honor, even though my blog is not even a year old, but you guys know quality when you see it! I am so humbled by this win, and I am sure all the brands who did not respond back to my business pitch are eating their heart out right now. And to all those who were nominated - I am sure you are happy just to be nominated!
• I'll Thank everybody - My husband, my parents, my fellow bloggers, my neighbor's grandmom who recently learned how to work the internet by me {and so far only thing she has learned how to log on, open my blog and comment on it}, my ex-colleagues who still have their full time stressful jobs, while I blog and sashay in beautiful clothes minting money {Thats what I have told all non-fashion bloggers friends about the 'business' - Image building 101}, my dog, my drycleaners..you get the idea!
• I'll be quick - {Not as quick as Jane Fonda; Best Actress for Klute: "There's a great deal to say, but I'm not going to say it tonight." (1972)} but close enough. Its no fun when the teleprompter says wrap it up and the music in the pit starts to muddle your thoughts!
• I'll be funny - Two fashion bloggers walked in a bar..err, was it a bar or IFB conference? Anyhoo...

"The point is, I just won the biggest blogging award on the planet and I have no fricking idea what to say! All those waiting-for conditioner-to-work moments didn't even prepare me for this. I started blogging to express my style, my opinions and (as the King George VI said) because I have a bloody voice! Writing your blog is like sending the message to the gigantic black hole of internet universe, hoping that there is someone out there who will decode it and get back to you - and you will be connected, be part of a community and may be change the fashion media and if you really are talented, leave a legacy! In our society, fashion and style sometimes still are taken lightly, and except for the established blogs, we largely are viewed as a pink-loving, attention seeking, self-obsessed, online posse-creating, frivolous girls/boys club! And that's about to change - with this big award recognizing talent, influence and the serious business of blogging, we fashion bloggers will have a front row seats not only in the fashion weeks, but in the editorial hallways of big media houses! And they are asking me to wrap it up, Lord! I hear the faint strains of the music! I thank my husband for patiently clicking the pictures in 40 degree weather and putting up with me when I hog the closet space, and to all those bloggers who don't start their post by saying hello dolls!-peace out!" (I did't say I won't be candid!)

And that my friends was my big Oscar-esque spiel! Here is something for you to chuckle about!

                                                        

Michael Kors White Dress - Splurge and Steal

Look what I found on the Internets! this über chic Michael Kors Cotton Blend Stretch dress! The price tag - $1695 only (snicker!). But there is something timeless about a white sheath with a little splash of black in it - and I couldn't stop thinking if this totally-out-of-my-budget dress!

And then smiled the frugal fashion gods and I spotted these two dresses high on a similar Michael Kors style and light on the wallet! {Sometimes I totally impress myself!!}

1. Michael Kors Cotton Blend Dress - $1,695

2. Ralph Lauren Linen Sheath - $160

3.Striped Dress (The Limited) - $89.90 

When you love a designer piece, do you splurge or try to find something similar for less? What makes you buy a designer piece- no matter what price??

 

Sheer Magic Of The Evening Sun!

There are certain joys in life that are so irrational. Just like the time when you wake up to find there is still 1 more hour before the alarm goes off or the time when you realize the favorite jeans you had discard months ago magically fit again!!! I found the same joy when I saw this long lost sheer blouse that I had totally forgotten about (dubious thanks to the sometimes scattered brain!) Although it was still cold yesterday, but sunny enough to do justice to this sheer beauty! I don't know if February is still considered "After Labor Day", but I broke out my white cropped pants!! And while I am at it, there is one more rule I am breaking - I am posting more than 3 pictures in my OOTD post! *is it bad to be in-love-with-oneself?*

Blouse - Gift from India

Cropped Pants - LOFT

Shoes - Ann Taylor

Earrings, Bracelet - Forever21

Have a happy Monday everybody!

Oscar 2012 Red Carpet Best Dressed!

I have to say, this year Osacrs Red Carpet was mostly gorgeous. There were some misses here and there, some hairstyles were not at their best, buit over all it was pretty 'Best Dressed'! I am having hard time picking up my favorite  from the night, but here are my top choices.

Best Dressed - Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

The pixie hair, charming smile, and the dress!! Michelle Williams continues to wow at the red carpet. She will surely make anyone's Best Dressed list tonight.

MichelleWilliams in Louis Vuitton at Oscar Red Carpet 2012

Best Dressed - Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Gwyneth Paltrow takes minimal dressing to the new couture height with this fashion forward Tom Ford cape-gown! She definitely stood out tonight!

Gwyneth Paltrow in tom Ford at Oscar Red Carpet 2012

Best Dressed - Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Penelope Cruz proves she is a Red Carpet veteran! She wore what Armani people touted as 'stormy clouds' color. her gown was the unique color tonight and she looked every inch the glamourous A list star!

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive at the Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Best Dressed -- Mila Jovovich in Elie Saab

There were many sparkly gowns on the red carpet this year, but Mila Jovovich's gown reminded us why we drool over old Hollywood glamour! The gown, the hair and the red lips made her one of my favorites tonight!

Mila Jovovich in Elie Saab at the Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Best Dressed - Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Hot mama alert!!! Jennifer Lopez once again floors us in this figure hugging Zuhair Murad gown. Jenny might be still from the block, but her Red Carpet style is pure Hollywood!

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Best Dressed - Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Everybody was anticipating Jessica Chastain to be in a jewel tone gown tonight, but she surprised (pleasantly) in this Alexander McQueen gown! A true Oscar worthy choice!!

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen at the Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Best Dresseed - Rooney Mara in Givenchy 

Rooney Mara ditches her black routine for this delicate blush Givenchy gown. Edgy bangs and red lips make her one of the best dressed at the red carpet!

Rooney Mara in Givenchy at the Oscar 2012 red Carpet

Honorable Mention - Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Cameron Diaz in Gucci at Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Honorable Mention - Shailene Woodley in Valentino

'The Descendants' actress Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture at Oscar 2012

Honorable Mention - Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi

Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi at Oscar 2012 red carpet

Honorable Mention - Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

They were there too - Emma Stone Giambattista Valli

Emma Stone Giambattista Valli at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

They were there too - Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa at Oscar 2012 red Carpet

They were there too - Natalie Portman in Dior Haute Couture

Natalie Portman in Dior Haute Couture at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

They were there too - Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Viola Davis in Vera Wang at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Best Improvement Since Last Red Carpet- Kristin Wiig in J Mendel

Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel at Oscar red carpet 2012

Best Improvement Since Last Red Carpet- Meryl Streep in Lanvin

Meryl Streep in Lanvin at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Best Improvement Since Last Red Carpet-Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

 Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood at oscar 2012 Red Carpet

I feel so good tonight that I am letting go of the worst dressed:-)
Who is on your list?

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Kevin Mazur/Wireimage

Michale Buckner/Getty

Luiz Martinez/Broadimage

PA/Landov

Oscar 2012 Red Carpet Arrivals

The red carpet unrolls and here are the stars!!

Rooney Mara in Givenchy @ Academy Awards 2012 Red carpet

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Emma Stone Giambattista Valli At Oscars 2012 red Carpet

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace at Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Cameron Diaz in Gucci at Oscars Red Carpet 2012

Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani at Oscars 2012 Red Carept

Natalie Portman in Dior Haute Couture at Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Mili Jovovich in Elie Saab at the Academy Awards 2012 Red Carpet

Berenice-Bejo in Elie Saab at Academy 2012 Red Carpet

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji at the Oscars Red Carpet 2012

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood at Oscar 2012 Red Carpet

Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi

George Clooney in Giorgio Armani, Stacy Kiebler in Marchesa @ Oscar 2012

'The Artist' Jean Dujardin with wife Alexandra Lamy at Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Colin Firth & Livia Giuggioli (in Valentino) at Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Viola Davis in Vera Wang @ Academy Awards 2012 Red carpet

Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture

Judy Greer in Monique Lhuillier at the Oscars Red Carpet 2012

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Kevin Mazur/Wireimage

Michale Buckner/Getty

Luiz Martinez/Broadimage

PA/Landov