The New York Narrative

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine as much as I am! Sitting in front of massive windows at work when it’s 80 degree’s out isn’t distracting or anything…

If you are stuck inside, then check out Looks from The Week! Not the most exciting of Fashion moments, but we did get some good references you may be able to incorporate into your own wardrobe and just some generally “eh” looks to snicker at.

So take a look, sound off, we’ll get through this work week together, and enjoy!

— Christian

 

Elizabeth Olsen, Antonio Berardi- The Graham Norton Show

Elizabeth Olsen has been on a very chic promo tour for the latest installment of The Avengers, making a stop at Graham Norton in a Antonio Berardi Superhero-esque tiered top with cape-like detail and simple Black skinnies. Should be no surprised she has kept with a darker color palette, but it’s working for her. Lizzie topped off her Black and White offering with gorgeous Louboutin Confusa heels.

Elizabeth Olsen, Roland Mouret- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

The Scarlet Witch made her way to NYC sitting down with Jimmy Fallon in a long sleeved Roland Mouret Black and White dress with minimal styling by way of ring and bracelet, classic Louboutins, and gorgeous waves. It’s a shame you cannot see the detail more of this dress; it’s got a gold exposed zipper running down the back and beautiful pleated details at the waist. Part of me wishes she’d have saved this for a stand up photo call situation, but it still  translated great to TV.

Elizabeth Olsen, The Row- The Daily Show with John Stewart 

The next stop for Ms.Olsen was The Daily Show where she donned an ensemble from her sisters line The Row. Toting a bag also from The Row, she paired her minimal look with Charlotte Olympia slingback heels and a wavy updo. This has to be one of Lizzie’s best looks on her promo tour: it’s modern, clean, and classic with just the right amount of sexy by way of those leather leggings. Also, she just looks cool.

Elizabeth Olsen, Balenciaga- Meet the Filmmakers Q&A, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” Apple Store SoHo

Sticking with Black but switching designers, Ms.Olsen donned a Balenciaga mini-skirt look keeping the slingbacks and carrying a The Row satin clutch with insanely long tassel. Incredibly sophisticated, if I had to change one thing here it would have to be having her hair down. I love the slicked back look, but down could have brought a bit more of a youthful feel.

Elizabeth Olsen, The Row- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening 

Attending the NYC premiere of the Blockbuster— which I had the pleasure of attending as well and in person she looked incredible— Ms. Olsen gave us Victor Victoria realness in a Menswear inspired The Row look featuring a charcoal Grey duster, sheer Black shirt,  Black skinnies, vampy make-up, and classic Manolo heels. Still clutching her tassel clutch, maga-hairstylist Mark Townsend gave Lizzie a super cool and trendy pulled back look with statement YS Park Gold pins.

Of all Lizzie’s looks, I am most partial to this and her Daily Show ensemble. I really feel she is joining the ranks of Emma Stone in that we can always expect something gorgeous from her that is a little unexpected yet sophisticated. Thankfully she’ll be sticking with the Avengers for quite some time and we have many more looks to come.

Cobie Smulders- Good Morning America 

Fellow Avenger cast mate Cobie Smulders has been making the rounds as well, stopping by GMA in a fun polka dot tailored suit, crisp white shirt, natural hair and make-up, and classic Black pumps with scallop detail. I’m not sure this translated to TV so hot as polka dots are always a bit of an eyesore on screen, but I do applaud Ms.Smulders for taking a risk.

Sarah Jessica Parker- Brand Innovators Top Women In Brand Marketing Gala

Sarah Jessica Parker donned a long sleeved Black lace dress with sheer panels, unnecessarily layered necklaces, SJP Collection adorned heels, and great ombre waves. This dress is great on Ms.Parker but I am a little confused by the styling; bracelets and rings are great, but why the necklaces? Also, good choice of shoe but maybe not that color? The Silver is jarring me a bit. That said, SJP always styles quirky so we know we can always expect that.

Elizabeth Olsen, The Row- Good Morning America 

Keeping the chic train rolling, Ms.Olsen swung by GMA in a monochromatic The Row Terracotta ensemble with wavy locks and satin Manolo heels. It’s a bit of a shock not to see her in Black or White, and while I am into this 70’s-esque look I preferred it with the coat on. Removing it for her interview her top was a bit Art teacher smock-like and didn’t really pair well with her excellently tailored pants.

Cobie Smulders, Jason Wu- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening

Vamping it up for the premiere, Ms.Smulders smoldered (sorry, lame, I know…) in a sleeveless belted Jason Wu dress with high slit and classic heels. Of all her looks this week, this may be my favorite. Even though there’s not much to write home about, it’s incredible classic and sexy and fits her aesthetic well. Smokey eye and a wavy lob rounded out her look.

The Avengers Cast: Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr.  – Good Morning America 

The handsome Avengers promoted their film on GMA giving us individually great Menswear looks— for the most part. Jeremy Renner’s camel duster is probably my favorite here; he looks tailored and classic. I’m thinking Mark Ruffalo may not be a morning person because he’s looking a little disheveled and dare I say hungover…which is badass all on it’s own.

Chris Evans darks are masculine and his beige boots offset the look keeping it Spring-enough. RDJ’s blazer and sunnies combo is also a winning look though his denim should be more tailored.

Jeremy Renner- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” press 

Does Mr.Renner have the best collection of coats or what? Giving us downtown cool, Hawkeye himself looks like he just stepped out of an editorial bopping to tunes en route to promote the film. We are getting some great Menswear looks out of this promo tour by almost all the men in the cast, it’s great.

Rachel Weisz, Givenchy- Variety’s Power Of Women

Here’s the Rachel Weisz Red Carpet superstar moment I have been craving! Rocking a unique svelte polka dot Givenchy suit, Ms.Weisz gave us a masculine meets feminine offering paired with ladylike accessories and subtle make-up. I love everything about this look, she’s back to her best and I hope it stays that way. No more yawns!

Jennifer Connelly, Louis Vuitton- New York premiere of ‘Aloft’

Someone else who loves Fashion, Jennifer Connelly donned a graphic Black and White patterned Louis Vuitton long sleeved dress and uninspiring shoes. I want to like this more, I really do…but I just can’t. Doesn’t it seem wildly dated and like she’s playing dress up?

Cobie Smulders- Variety’s Power of Women

Agent Maria Hill had a busy week! Attending the Variety’s Power of Women luncheon, Ms.Smulders looked ladylike in a dual pattern dress with cascading ruffle and pin curls. Not super exciting, but she looks event appropriate and get’s props for the Black and White pumps as it keeps the look interesting.

Cobie Smulders- The Tonight Show with Jimmy Kimmel 

Ms.Smulders also swung by Jimmy Kimmel rocking a body con Black and Grey dress with shiny hair and a Red lippie. Again, not too much to write home about but she looks great and that neckline is doing wonders for her.

Robert Downey Jr.- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

RDJ rocked a killer good charcoal Grey cotton wool suit with a trendy T, signature sunnies, and cool kicks. This may be one of my favorite looks he’s given us even if the T is a little Fashon-victim.

Zac Efron- “Dirty Grandpa” set 

I mean, because why not…I mean, his body though…

Michelle Monaghan, Prabal Gurung- 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

Like Ms.Weisz, Michele Monaghan must have been having an off week because she just knocked it out of the park. Rocking a gorgeous berry and Black custom Prabel Gurung dress, Ms.Monaghan was oozing effortless cool in her column gown. This look is super modern and sleek styled minimally with barely there make-up and tousled hair. She’s back.

Sophia Bush, Monique Lhuillier- 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

Knowing how to work a dress and make a statement, Sophia Bush looked Old Hollywood glam in her Teal Monique Lhuillier gown with just the right amount of jewelry and a sleek undo. Between the draping and the color, this couldn’t have been a more flattering drop dead gorgeous look for Ms.Bush. My only complaint is the shoes— an open toed sandal would have made this an A+. Closed toe seems off and is making her ankles look weird.

Jane Fonda, Donna Karen- 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

When Jane Fonda shows up, she puts everyone around her to shame and this is no exception. Barbarella’s custom Donna Karen Gunmetal slinky long sleeved high necked gown is not only super cool, but incredibly chic and is doing beyond wonders for her. Perfect ten.

Jane Fonda- 2015 Chaplin Award Gala

Ms.Fonda also attended the 2015 Chaplin Award Gala in a celestial embellished navy suit with a signature Jane Fonda do and winning smile. One week, two super cool looks. Well done, Jane. Of her two looks, I prefer her Donna Karen but this is still a pretty awesome offering.

Elizabeth Banks, Donna Karen- “Pitch Perfect 2” Rome Photocall

“Pitch Perfect 2” director and star (sisters doin’ it for themselves!) Elizabeth Banks donned a Donna Karen cropped top and graphic skirt with dual color pumps and a wavy undo. As nice a look this is Ms.Banks is looking very, very washed out it’s ruining it for me. A dash of self tanner and bronzer would have fixed everything. The skirt length also would have benefited being hemmed about five inches.

Sarah Jessica Parker, MaxMara- The Whitney Museum of American Art’s Opening Night Party

Ms.Parker also celebrated the new Whitney Museum last week in a glitzy MaxMara body con dress with sweetheart neckline, fun candy-like jewels, and snakeskin SJP Collection heels. Like her previous look, I’m confused on the shoe choice…also, she is looking rather busty, no? It’s borderline comical. Great effortless hair,  but too much eye make-up. Let’s see those baby blue’s SJP!

Jeremy Renner- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening

Continuing to look super handsome and sharp, Mr.Renner rocked a lightly patterned Grey and Charcoal suit with complimentary shirt and tie. I’d wear this look in a second. How isn’t he the face of a Menswear brand yet?

Aaron Taylor Johnson- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening

Aaron Taylor Johnson ended his promo duties for “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on a bit of a sour note. I can absolutely get behind the disheveled hair, it’s cool, but that very red and overgrown beard has got to go. I can’t say I’m much a fan of his overly textured suit either; the three pieces look too big for him giving off a more round than ripped vibe. Props for the correct amount of cuff showing though.

Scarlett Johansson, Roland Mouret- The Late Show with David Letterman 

We needed an Old Hollywood moment this week, and we got it by way of Scarlett Johansson looking all kinds of glam and cool in a pleated Roland Mouret crisp white dress topped with a Burberry trench hanging effortlessly off her shoulders. From the sunnies to the great pompadour hair mixed with her ladylike look and nude pumps, this is what a Movie Star looks like. She did the damn thing.

Mark Ruffalo-“Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening

Much improved from his GMA appearance, Mr.Ruffalo’s paired his tailored light Grey suit with a classic White shirt, Navy tie, and a Pink carnation pin. This may have been his best Avengers promo tour look, especially with how well executed the look is down to the pocket square.

Elizabeth Banks, Emilia Wickstead – “Pitch Perfect 2” Paris Premiere 

Ms.Banks rolled out a very chic Black shimmery Emilia Wickstead high neck dress with slightly billowy top paired with classic pumps. Her hair and make-up perfectly balance this slightly sexy look.

Elizabeth Banks, Peter Pilotto- “Pitch Perfect 2” Berlin Photocall

Doing a total 360, Ms.Banks took a play on pattern and color in a very busy Peter Pilotto dress with unique hem and color blocked leather straps. While I love the cut of this— especially that hem, it’s kind of divine— there’s too much going on here. Had this been solid or all color blocked rather than multiple prints I could have gotten more on board. The shoe choice above all is the most disappointing part here…they look like old Italian lady cha-cha heels.

Kathryn Hahn, Marni- The D Train Premiere

Kathryn Hahn is a very talented comedic actress who likes to take risks both on screen and off, clearly, choosing a unique multi colored Marni gown with cascading ruffle hem. What I like here is she took a risk, what I don’t is that it didn’t really pay off. I think what is throwing me here is the White; it’s so stark compared to the rest of the colors in the gown. If it had been another shade of Red this would have been a bit easier.

Jada Pinkett Smith, Ashish- “Gotham” Screening 

Jada Pinkett Smith looked like a trampy and vampy secretary in a glittery Ashish mini, White shirt, and metallic Saint Laurent pumps at a screening of her (wildly mediocre) show “Gotham.” I am craving more from this look. Wouldn’t a bustier top have been so much better here? Paired with that fun skirt it would have been much more in Ms.Smith’s Fashionable wheelhouse. It’s like she hit a snooze button from the waist up…

Idina Menzel, Monique Lhuillier – 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

I fully understand that Idina Menzel wanted to have fun and dye her hair blonde, but does that mean we all have to suffer? She either needs to do a warmer caramel shade or get back to her signature raven locks because it isn’t really working. Paired with her candy Monique Lhuillier gown…it’s a little too Barbie goes to the ball for me.

Snaps for trying something new, Ms.Menzel, but let’s lose the I just got my hair done at the mall thing that’s happening here.

Laverne Cox, Ines Di Santo– 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

Laverne Cox slayed in a liquidy Ines Di Santo form fitting gown with a killer train and super glam hair and make-up. Saying she nailed it is an understatement, I’ve nothing else to say.

Dakota Fanning, Versace, and Diane Lane- “Every Secret Thing” New York Premiere

I don’t care it’s Versace, Dakota Fanning’s Black mini with weird Turquoise neck adornment and basic, basic pumps is doing nothing for me. It looks like it could be from a basement department store. Snooze.

Diane Lane, who I find to be one of the most beautiful women in the world, looks like she borrowed her outfit from the “fancy” section of a librarian’s closet…come on, Diane, give us some glamour!

Jennifer Connelly, Louis Vuitton- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” New York Screening 

Much improved from her previous LV look, Ms.Connelly supported husband Paul Bettany (The Vision) at the premiere of his film in a cool girl metallic tapestry-esque mini with exposed zipper, chain belt, and draped shoulder detail. I am enjoying this offering much more than her other Vuitton mini, but what’s up with the shoes? Plain Black office pumps were the best we could come up with? Yawn. Effortless hair and make-up round out this slightly improved look.

Ciara, Walter-State Dinner in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Ciara looked breathtaking showcasing her killer physique in a Blush satin Walter gown with stunning neck detail and dramatic train. Everything about this gown is beyond glam from the way it’s cut to that gorgeous horsehair hem.

While this could only have been worn by someone with such an amazing body, I couldn’t help but wonder: how did Ciara get her hands on such an incredible gown? This is a gown that should have really had a moment on a major A-lister. That said, her styling is on point and she’s absolutely never looked better.

Jenna Dewan, Reem Acra- 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

Never one to disappoint on the Red Carpet, Jenna Dewan looked elegant, regal, and any other word you can think of for beyond classy and chic in a strapless Black and White Reem Acra ballgown. That is what this is folks, a full blown ballgown and she looks like a knockout.

This is an incredibly sophisticated look, proving that she can always do a little va va voom but excel in modern sophistication at it’s best when needed. Her hair and make-up couldn’t be more perfect. Let’s hope she skips weird Lifetime Witch shows and lands herself an HBO deal or something…

Juno Temple, Saint Laurent- “Far From The Maddening Crowd” New York Premiere

Juno Temple’s Saint Laurent mini should have read quirky, fun, with a hint of gypsy but it’s coming off more bad 80’s vintage for my tastes…great platforms though. Does she own a brush?

Connie Britton, Halston Heritage- 2015 White House Correspondence Dinner

Everyone knows I love Connie Britton and in my eyes she can do no wrong. While Ms.Britton has had much better Fashion moments, this isn’t so bad. I’m actually in shock this is Halston Heritage, I for sure thought it was Roland Mouret with it’s sculptural detailing at her bust and hip; it looks much more expensive than it probably is. Standard, yes, but it’s minimal and elegant.