Reviewing the People’s Choice Awards…

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Tonight’s the People Choice Awards, so it’s only natural for me to review the fashions. Let’s go!

I really like Chelsea Kane’s long black lacy dress with all the embroidery. Love. However, I’m not digging the vintage-y bob with the look, the two don’t really go well together.

Golden Globe nominee (and star of the renewed series This is Us!) Chrissy Metz looks gorgeous. Princess moment! And love all the details on her navy gown.

There was some debate over Kristen Bell’s jumpsuit. First, you all know how much I love a tailored pantsuit– like this. And two, the color looks exquisite! Okay, maybe the bustier part is in a weird color? But, I’ll forgive when looking at the look as a whole– it just works.

Camilla Luddington (+ bump) wears a very simplistic LBD (compared to her castmates), but it’s impeccably styled to create a cohesive look that works.

Kelly McCreary, also of Greys, is rocking an edgy look with the skinny pant and cool, edgy teal top. Perfect for the PCAs.

Sarah Drew (yes, she from Greys too) also got the edgy memo, but this time in a navy and black dress. But, nonetheless, I love it!

Blake Lively looks absolutely stunning in Elie Saab. Gorge. True perfection, end of story, period. BEST. FREAKING. DRESSED. FOR. SURE.

J.Lo is J.Lo. Looks great per usual, stunning choice of gown. Yawn, that’s predictable to always write that (not that it’s not true!)

Victoria Justice wears a gold minidress like she’s trying to be a showgirl? Dancing With The Stars B-list contestant? It just looks kind of cheap to me. Not reading edgy. Not feeling the weird beading off the front. Pass.

Jamie Chung nails the bohemian vibe in this sheer yellow strapless dress and I really love it! It looks so flowy and effortless and I really like this look. My best dressed pick alongside Blake!

Now, I love her show Quantico and her sense of fashion usually. But, I’m not liking Priyanka Chopra’s dress. The weird crop flowy crop top looks like it’s camouflaging a baby bump, the weird fringe half of the skirt and a weird wavy over-skirt. Not to mention the weird pale pink color. Sorry, this look was a flop.

Caterina Scorcese (Greys sister!) went classic and trendy and I really like her floral dress with a pop of red in her shoes. Looks great.

Disney Channel’s Peyton List looks like she wanted to be high fashion, but didn’t get the best options. The weird polka dots? The bottom shape of the skirt? The clear material? Nope.

Youtube’s Lilly Singh looks so vintage and disco glam and I love it! So fab!

Originally, I thought Blackish teen actress Yara Shahidi’s dress was way too busy. BUT, as I spend more time looking at it, it’s growing on me as being so trendy and fashion-forward. Great choice.

Those are my picks at this red carpet! What about you guys?

Until next time!

9Jan2017

Reviewing the 2017 Golden Globes…

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

And, awards season has officially begun with the critically acclaimed television programs and films: the Golden Globes. Time for my red carpet fashion review.

Lily Collins is perhaps one of my best dressed picks of the night in this absolutely stunning pink Zuhair Murad gown. Princessy and elegant.

Tracee Ellis Ross looks glam in this Zuhair Murad sheer, sparkly dress. And the hair and accessories perfectly accent the dress.

Star of my fave new show “This is Us,” Mandy Moore looks regal and elegant in this simplistic Naeem Khan navy gown with a flawless cape.

Mandy’s costars (her set husband and son), Milo Ventimiglia and Sterling K. Brown pose together. Awww.

Ruth Negga wearing a perfectly tailored silver metallic Louis Vuitton pantsuit. Love. Edgy but still elegant.

Kristen Bell, posed with husband Dax Shepard. One, cute celeb couple alert! Two, love her gown. So elegant and tailored to perfection.

Little 12-year-old Millie Bobby Brown is already a fashion icon before she becomes a teenager! Flawless.

Natalie Portman shows off her baby bump in a bejeweled Prada frock that I think she was inspired from her role as Jackie Kennedy. But she looks good, but perhaps another color?

I love Sarah Paulson’s Marc Jacobs metallic gown. Gorge.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are red carpet royalty! Love her Elie Saab gown, with the different textural elements that add interest yet still keep it elegant.

Star of my latest Netflix obsession “The Crown,” Claire Foy looks positively regal. (Haha punny considering she was nominated for playing the Queen.) Very vintage-inspired. Some people may not like her lilac belt or the puffy sleeves– but I think it adds to the vintage elegance charm of the look.

Carrie Underwood: Yikes. I don’t know what’s going on here between the chest ruffles, the sleeves, the crop top. Normally she always looks fab, ehhh not today. I do give her props for her beauty look– hair and makeup look very nice.

I really like Busy Phillips’ Stella McCartney black embroidered gown. It’s very different from others on the carpet, but it works here. I’d maybe just do her hair a little cleaner?

Drew Barrymore is giving me vintage vibes with her gown choice, and I like it. Chic and elegant. Love the sleeves and placement of the embellishments.

Priyanka Chopra, star of my fave show, “Quantico,” wears an amazing custom Ralph Lauren golden gown. How appropriate given the venue. But it looks flawless.

I’m a huge fan of Alessandro Michele’s work for Gucci, and Felicity Jones’ dress is no exception. Stunning. Love this little embellished bow detail.

Michelle Williams is classic in a lace Louis Vuitton and I really like this look. So chic. And love her simplistic choker to accent the look.

Rachel Bloom may be elated to be nominated again after her previous win OR that her great musical television show got picked up for another season on the CW. But, love her dress. So classic and gorge.

Gal Gadot is the perfect example of baby bump chic.

Kerry Washington goes for haute couture in this Dolce & Gabbana dress. Gorge. Love the shoulder detail!

Love Brie Larson’s Rodarte red dress. So timeless and elegant with gorgeous beading detail. Best dressed list for sure.

Zoe Saldana in an amazing Gucci dress. Love the ruffles and the bow. SO pretty. And so different from anyone else on the carpet.

Anna Kendrick: Meh. It looks good, it’s just red carpet predictable.

SJP looks so chic in her Vera Wang gown. I mean, she’s the ultimate fashion icon, and this is no exception. Love.

Chrissy Metz of my fave show “This is Us,” looks great. She’s positively radiant and the dress totally suits her. Congrats on the fantastic role, you are a true star.

Ryan Gosling looks dapper in his white blazer.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have a parents night out in their chic ensembles. Love her peplum gold dress. Gorge. But I cannot believe she actually SAT down on the red carpet for their interview with Ryan Seacreat– lol!

Emma Stone stuns in Maison Valentino. Wow, so amazing. I love. Best dressed tie with Lily Collins??

So many gorgeous looks tonight! Let me know your thoughts. Onto the show!

7Nov2016

My Latest Fall Obsessions

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Hi everyone! It’s been a crazy, hectic fall semester full of homework, keeping up with the election news (ugh, so overwhelming), job applications and my senior seminar research study, which is why I haven’t posted as much. But, I’m back now! Yay! (I choose to believe you, my loyal readers, are just as thrilled to be reading this as I am to get to write this.)

With the fall season, in between the serious news and workload, there’s been plenty of new pop culture to immerse oneself in.

1. Netflix’s new show, “The Crown.”

As of this past Sunday, November 6, I began binge-watching the latest Netflix original series, titled “The Crown” and chronicling the early days of the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip (Matt Smith). May I just say, in my opinion, it is one of the best dramatic series that Netflix has created. It very much resembles the British shows that I became so fond of last year while I was abroad. While I’m only four episodes in (no spoilers please!), I’ve become hooked, as the storytelling is well-done at expressing the Royal Family “as Kardashians,” as the stars jokingly referred to it during talk shows and press interviews. Now enjoy some of my random thoughts that crossed my mind while watching:

Is there a certain quota of Matt Smith’s bum shots to include per episode?
Is it [the bum shots of Matt Smith as Prince Philip] historically accurate??
Time to pull up Wikipedia for a historical timeline and family tree…
Oh no, I can relate to such bad fog over London! 😦

2. Netflix’s acquisition of one of my favorite BBC shows, “Doctor Foster.”

While abroad in London (one year ago *insert sobs here*) and taking classes in British media, I began watching a new series called “Doctor Foster,” a five-part story of British GP Gemma Foster living a happily married life as a wife and mum until discovering a single blonde hair on her husband Simon’s scarf. The show tells the story of a woman finding out about her husband’s infidelity and the lengths she goes to find the truth. Such a powerful story courtesy of the Beeb, and I truly recommend you all to watch it. Truly brilliant, and it’s such a shame it is a British show because I have absolutely no clue how I’ll be able to watch the second series (now filming) when it starts airing.

3. Kenzo X H&M collaboration

Upon the release of H&M’s latest designer collab (remember how genius the Balmain one was a year ago??) with Kenzo, I immediately went to the lookbook and was instantly obsessed. Knowing I couldn’t get it all because most of it was sold out was sad, but I chose an adorable off-the-shoulder printed floral blouse and I cannot wait for it to arrive later this week, because I have already planned outfits around it. (Too much?)

4. Gagged Chokers

Created by Broadway’s Princess Jasmine (Courtney Reed), a new business venture has emerged and created handmade, unique chokers for the cool girls. And they made a Broadway collection. Seemed like a no-brainer to me. After careful consideration of what was in stock and various styles, I chose the Memory choker: a leopard-print (alternating with a plain gold) choker inspired and named from the Broadway revival of “Cats.” It was the appropriate mix of edgy, trendy and cute, and once again I have outfits planned well in advance to match. (Is that too much?)

5. “The Magnolia Story” book

I just started this weekend “The Magnolia Story” of Chip and Joanna Gaines from the HGTV hit “Fixer Upper.” While I’m only on chapter one and two, I’ve instantly become transfixed by the humor and cuteness of real-life home decor couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. I start thinking, “Aww! They are so cute!! ❤ *melting into a pile on the floor*)

6. My calming mechanisms

The one thing that can always calm me down after a stressful day: HGTV. Watching any HGTV show never fails to calm down my nervous energy brought on by the amount of stress I’ve been feeling as a senior in my last semester of college ever. So, sometimes it helps to calm down and de-stress, which this blog is also helping.

7. The tear-jerking dramedy on NBC, “This is Us.”

Ever since binging the first episode, I was hooked on this new show (which clearly the rest of the world was too, as it was picked up for a full season hours after the pilot aired.) It’s so well-written and does such a great job at telling human stories, interwoven with the perfect sprinkle of humor. The one downer: I. CAN’T. STOP. SOBBING. Literally, this show has (on average) reduced to me to tears at least twice an episode. The only show where my emotions can play tennis, and alternate between laughing and ugly crying every few minutes. Kleenex, you should get on this– I smell a perfect corporate sponsorship opportunity here.

8. Niall Horan’s new single, “This Town.”

I know Directioners, this may seem like a tragedy that the day long feared as arrived— the 1D boys’ solo projects. Which for me, signifies the end to a 1D era. But, Horan’s debut single is so different, but I love it. More reminiscent of Ed Sheeran’s ballads, it’s so beautiful and I love listening to it… Sometimes on repeat. (No judgment, please.)

screen-shot-2016-11-07-at-5-43-52-pm

9. Little Mix’s new single, “Shout Out to My Ex.”

Shortly after Horan’s single another UK-based single was released, this time X Factor winning girl band Little Mix. And while you immediately start debating whether or not this was meant as member Perrie’s ex (and 1D’s ex-member) Zayn and his rather quick turnaround of a relationship with model Gigi Hadid, I’m over here jamming out this smash hit. So fun, and pure Little Mix, which is perfect, rumors aside of who it is based on with the title “shout out to my ex.”

10. I’d be crazy if I didn’t include the upcoming Netflix “Gilmore Girls” revival…

Yes, I am so excited to see where literally every character from my favorite adolescent television show has ended up. And before you even ask what team I am— I’m Team Right Guy at the Right Time for Rory! (They were all great prospects for the time they were together, I think everyone can agree on that.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGGNNSmGDpU

Those are some of my obsessions this fall season! Go check them out yourself, and let me know your thoughts!

And make sure to VOTE tomorrow! Whatever side you choose, remember that it’s YOUR voice and you have the chance to make YOUR voice heard and count, because everyone’s voice matters.

19Jun2016

Too busy to blog, but I’m back… again!

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

As the title suggests, I’ve been a little preoccupied to update this in a few weeks. Oops. Well, better late than never, right?

So, my last post concluded with me seeing American Psycho in its final weekend. So, next was work as usual– I’m a full time intern, which means Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm. My daily tasks range from fashion research (finding new looks and compiling inspiration into mood boards and look books), runs (where interns such as myself go drop off clothes and accessories, pick them up or find things for a client or shoot), and general organizing, unpacking/ packing of clothes (as per the Styling Intern title I possess). I do have to say– this internship is the best exercise I could ever hope for: you run around all day, all over the city, carrying different weighted objects… what workout could be better? or easier?

Then, Saturday, June 11, I woke up super early and arrived to the rush line at 6:55am (where I was first in line, thank you) to get rush tickets for that evening. I went to see Fiddler on the Roof (pre-Tonys). My rush seat was literally in the THIRD row, orchestra. Like, I was super close to the incredible cast! AND the show was amazing! Then, as expected, I had to stagedoor. I met patriarch and matriarch as played by Danny Burstein and Jessica Hecht, and their five daughters, as well as the rest of the cast. And at the end, Alexandra Silber (Tzeitel) came out and asked if we were excited about the Tonys tomorrow (of course we said yes.) And then I asked how she felt “getting married” on live television. To which she said she always envisioned having a small wedding. (You know, a small wedding counts as millions watching it on live TV, right?!?!)

The next day, as I was planning out my schedule, I realized in the two weeks I had been here– I hadn’t made it to Shake Shack yet. WHAT? How could that be? So, I had no choice but to rectify that immediately, as I headed for a milkshake at lunchtime. Who cared about real food, I clearly just needed a milkshake, obviously. And that night was the Tonys– or as I like to call it: An Ode to Hamilton. Rant time: as good as Hamilton was/is and how much I enjoyed it, there is/was SO many other amazing pieces of theatre out there this season that got shut out of the awards because Lin’s genius work, and I just wish the awards could have featured those more too. (Like did we really need Cordon’s intro and exit song to be just the Hamilton cast?? No.) I mean, Hamilton is good yes, but in no way could anyone call it one of the top musicals of all time… Like, I’m sorry, but you can’t say a hip-hop rap musical is better than all the classics even the cast and creative team of Hamilton so revered their entire lives… Sorry, just had to speak my mind while thinking about it…

Another work week went on as usual. And Friday was the most rigorous exercise yet! So, I had to drop off two huge shopping bags full of Jimmy Choos off uptown. So: picture me walking across town, up several series of steps carrying to full bags of stilettos in each hand– pretty good exercise opportunity, while accomplishing a work task.

Then, yesterday (Saturday) I went to a Standing Room line at 4:30, waited until 6pm when I could officially by my ticket to Shuffle Along, or the making of the musical of 1921 and all that followed, that night, featuring the legendary stars of Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter, Joshua Henry and Brandon Victor Dixon.

Let me clue you in: Standing Room Only (SRO) are tickets, often sold in place of rush tickets, where the seats are just places standing at the back of the theater at orchestra level, see pictures below. (And who cares about standing for two hours?? It was so amazing, I hardly realized I was standing at all.)

My “seat.” AKA, leaning up against this half-wall.

But the show– everything was phenomenal: the sets, the costumes, the dancing (Savion Glover is a genius!), the talent. I mean, Billy Porter, Adrienne Warren AND Audra??? Like, wow. AH-MA-ZING. Then, per usual, I went to the stagedoor.

Billy Porter

Adrienne Warren (From a Bring it On cheerleader to a Tony nominee!)

Tony nominee Brandon Victor Dixon

Brian Stokes Mitchell (yes, he was Rachel’s dad on Glee…)

That’s the recap. Be back soon. (I’ll actually try to keep that promise this time.)

5Jun2016

One week in and it’s been all about theater and fashion… But is that a bad thing??

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

As this post title suggests, it’s been exactly one week for my second Manhattan summer and basically everything I’ve done involves fashion and Broadway. But, that’s not a bad thing at all, right?!?

To start, on Wednesday I decided to try my luck at the Ham4Ham lottery (though I knew it’d be fail, as it was last summer.) To clarify, the Hamilton lottery is best described as a needle in a haystack, where thousands of people head to the Richard Rodgers for the sole in-person Wednesday matinee lottery for $10 front row seats or a few standing room options, where they put their name in a huge barrel of a basket— yeah, chances are slim. Knowing it’s highly unlikely that I’d win, I mostly went to see the Ham4Ham show. So, two hours before creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted a New York Times article about the Hamilton softball team in the Broadway league, which was “required reading” for the lotto… Unsure what that meant, I went anyway with no thought of what would be performed.

I wanted show you all what it’s like to go to Ham4Ham, so enjoy the video below. (Sorry if it’s hard to see– it was really crowded and I’m vertically challenged.)

After I lost the lottery (as expected), I still felt like seeing a matinee, so I walked one block over to Waitress. I heard they had Standing Room seats, but the show wasn’t quite sold out, so I decided to get the cheapest available option in the mezzanine– and I’m so glad I did, because the show was great! (Been listening to the cast album on repeat all week!)

Then at the stagedoor:

Cute sisters McKenna and Clair sign Playbills for their split role as Lulu, Jenna’s daughter in the epilogue. #tooprecious

Oh, hey- Chris Fitzgerald! I just had to congratulate him on his TONY NOMINATION!

I went home to get ready for my first day of work in the morning.

If you don’t know, I’m a Styling Intern at Brandon Maxwell (if you don’t know who he is, he runs a luxury fashion label and is a stylist.) What’s life as a fashion intern like? I’m hear to tell you… So, on Thursday (my first day), tasks included unpacking and packing garment bags and trunks of clothes, picking up a giant crystal pennant from Swarovski, dropping off and picking up garment bags, and at the end of the day, drop off gifts for models at IMG and Women Management. I also learned that heels are great aesthetically, just fashion interns are on your feet all day, both standing and running errands, so let’s just said I had some bad blisters… by lunchtime. Yea…. Then, on Friday my tasks included, drop offs, organizing the design studio, creating PDFs of the looks, running to Barneys to find 11 pairs of Manolos (such a hard life, right???), sending out trunks and packing. Very busy, but I love being deeply immersed in the fashion industry!

When I got home, I made dinner and promptly went to bed. Then, my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. (See I had a logical reason!) I got up, got ready and headed to 45th Street (aka Broadway) and planted myself on the sidewalk outside the Gerald Shoenfeld theater where I was tenth in line for day-of rush tickets to American Psycho, closing June 5. After waiting for three hours in the longest rush line on 45th street (it went passed the Booth and looped into Shubert Alley!), I was able to get a ticket for the evening show.

It was a really great show! Ahead of time, I knew nothing about the musical, the book or movie– and I think that’s better. If you don’t have any expectations, you’ll enjoy it more and can’t get let down. Every aspect was phenomenal, it’s a shame it only got Tony nods for lighting and set (well deserved, but still…) and that it’s closing…

Side note and brief theater rant: It’s a shame how so many amazing Broadway productions are closing because of low ticket sales and no Tony love (probably because Hamilton got everything); just because a show is completely original, artistic and different from anything I’ve ever seen (yes, I’m talking about Psycho here!) doesn’t mean it should close…. Sad face that Broadway can’t keep the greats…

And after the show, of course I had to stagedoor– getting autographs and even a photo! (And at the stagedoor, I noticed Bob Lenzi aka Miles from Tuck waiting there for his girlfriend at her stagedoor– talk about an adorable Broadway couple.)

A photo with Jen Damiano!

And later, guess who I learned also went to that show? Why none other than LEA SALONGA. SHUT UP, that’s so legendary– that I was in the same room as her, watching a show!

So, I’d say fashion and theater will be the major themes of this summer!

Until next time…

3May2016

Nothing is more fashionable then the Met Gala…

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Sorry, it’s been a while! My schedule has been way hectic between homework and classes, assignments, writing jobs, spring break and my internship search, and unfortunately, this blog sort of got cast aside for the time being. But, fear not! Because, I’m back! And hopefully with regularly scheduled posts! Yay!

And since tonight is the pinnacle of fashion events for the year, I thought I’d post my red carpet review.

This year the theme is Manus X Machina (aka the intersection of fashion and technology) and I know visiting the exhibit will be on the top of my NYC plans this summer for sure. Here’s Vogue’s exclusive peek at the exhibit. Can you say gorge??

And on top of that, the documentary about the gala prep (First Monday in May) will be released on iTunes tomorrow– so excited for that. #fashionobsessed

Now onto my review:

Oh wow, first arrivals and killing it: Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture and her daughter Bee Shaffer in Alexander McQueen. Both stunning. But when can Miss Wintour do wrong with fashion??? (The answer is never.)

There’s something about Alicia Vikander’s Louis Vuitton dress that I kind of like…. I’m normally not a fan of the mismatched look, but there’s something here that is so edgy and it does fit with the gala theme that just works…

Poppy Delevingne’s Marchesa dress is gorge! The whole look is ahmazing, but then again Marchesa is one of my all-time favorite formalwear designers. I’m not a huge fan of the chunky necklaces though…

Co-chair Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton: love it! I haven’t been the biggest fan of her new platinum ‘do, but here, it’s growing on me as it perfectly matches the vibe of her edgy dress… and THOSE SHOES.

Love Karlie Kloss’ cape over the dress. Super sophisticated, but as soon as she removed the cape, it becomes a super sleek, tailored dress with cutouts galore. Stunning. And for the after party, Brandon Maxwell literally just cut off the bottom half– and it still looked just as amazing.

Heartthrob status on Nick Jonas. That is all.

Rose Byrne gives Old Hollywood glam here and I’m digging its vibe from the classic silhouette, and simple hairstyle.

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton just doesn’t work for me. One, it looks a little too informal for this famous gala. Two, it more closely resembles the punk theme a few years ago. And three, the other Louis girls have way better gowns tonight.

Chloe Grace Moretz stuns in this gown. I’m obsessed. More than that, I want it. That is all. Hair, markup, wardrobe is pure perfection on the teen.

From Selena Gomez’s bridal gown from last year, Vera Wang has taken a page from past Gala hits for Rita Ora this year. I just feel like it’s too much of a repeat from prior years, but it is impeccably tailored.

Saoirse Ronan has gone— I don’t even know how to explain this. Yes, it’s high fashion, but does it have too much going on, I wonder? Between the feathers, the brooch, the collar– I wonder if it’s all too much together.

Like a high fashion version of the Hamilton ensemble outfit. Is SJP trying to predict Tony noms for the show??? (which are announced tomorrow morning) But seriously, all I see HAMILTON. Someone please back me up– right???

Kendall Jenner: the one Kardashian-Jenner sister with a bonafide career and she has the worst dress of her sisters… How did her sisters who are only really known for their E! show and social media get gorgeous custom Balmain gowns?? I just don’t understand.

Hailey Baldwin looks like a glittery referee with Angelina Jolie’s leg slit, and I’m not feeling the look. Last year, I loved her Topshop mini, but she’s gone downhill this year.

Kylie Jenner: congrats on being the best dressed Kardashian-Jenner sister at the gala! Her Balmain gown is impeccable and the bob shows a simplistic elegance that we’ve never seen on Kylie– but it looks ahmazing: welcome to the #BalmainArmy, Kylie.

Love Demi Lovato’s black, gold and silver sequined gown with the slicked-back bob. Looks so chic.

Zoe Saldana’s TRAIN, oh my gosh! Truly stunning. The showstopper of the night for sure!

Kerry Washington debuts her baby bump tonight and some awesome purple hair! Love the dress, mesh gloves and the purple hair! A fashionista per usual…

Jourdan Dunn: love her Balmain gown and her highlighted bob!

Luptia N’yongo looks like a Disney princess in the emerald Calvin Klein gown! Gorge.

Wow, love Karolina Kurkova’s Marchesa gown! Truly stunning.

High fashion it couple alert? Congrats to Zayn on his first Met Gala and I’m kind of digging the cool, edgy vibe of the “robot” arm thing? It looks super haute couture. He looks like a badass in Versace. But, Gigi decided to play it really safe and matronly– in other words, boring. I’m sorry, she’s 21: you should be taking fashion risks, like your boyfriend.

Matching baby bumps for Emily Blunt and Olivia Wilde! Both beautiful gowns, but meh, not very exciting.

Beyonce in Givenchy wins. Per usual, Givenchy knows how to create a showstopping gown and so does Mrs. Carter.

I don’t care it’s it’s Kanye West– you don’t wear RIPPED JEANS and denim jacket to the MET GALA. Are you crazy, Kanye? And Kim’s look is too… blah, not a fan.

I sort of like Kate Hudson’s gown? It’s very high fashion, yes, but I think it’s a little to many weird cutouts and pieces hanging off that take it to a level that I’m not a huge fan of… And the shape and color is reading bridal to me?

Blake Lively is normally one of my style icons who can do no wrong as is Burberry, but this is just…. eh…. I don’t like how the photographers captured the train tulle thing. From other angles, it looks so elegant, but here it looks like way too much. But, great, sleek hair, makeup and earrings.

How iconic for Marc Jacobs to walk the carpet with Bette Midler?? Legend. And he did a great job with her couture dress and headpiece.

Overall, some good, some bad, some meh– but all in all, there was no shortage of high fashion, which is just as I like it.

Those are some of my thoughts! Check out all the arrivals on Vogue for more fashion goodness.

27Sep2015

[London] Fashion Week and I

Posted in Fashion, Miranda Goes Global by msiwak

After a week of classes and writing essays, I decided a fun weekend was in order. And so, that’s what this post will be primarily focusing on! So, as you may know, this month is Fashion Month all over the globe (and this past week was London Fashion Week). This weekend was London fashion Weekend, a chance for regular people like me to see catwalk shows, shop the pop-up shows, hear industry-based talks and experience the craziness of fashion week. Here’s some pictures of my time! I loved it! .

Saatchi Gallery: home of the event!

The House of Holland show was incredible! The designs were amazing! And it was so cool to attend a fashion show– and sit second row!

Extra, extra! Press box.

Now, onto that fabulous collection!

The show was absolutely amazing! Henry Holland’s collection was truly breathtaking. He will work with several different prints and colors in one outfit, and it will turn out so cute. Can he design clothes for the rest of my life? This collection is gorgeous. Then, after the show, I went straight upstairs to make it to the one industry talk I was really interested in: a panel on careers in fashion! It was so neat to hear from a bunch of executives in the fashion industry, from magazines, fashion houses and communications firms. It was so cool to hear! Then, I went back to the pop-up shops again for a last-minute browse before heading out.

21Sep2015

Emmy’s Fashion Review

Posted in Fashion by msiwak

Last night was the Emmy Awards, and I have a lot of thoughts on the fashion I saw on the carpet. So, shall we get started?

So, I like January Jones jumpsuit. The color is nice, the tailoring is good, her hair works. However, I’m not crazy about the starfish pendant that attaches to the “mermaid tail” type of this. It’s just odd.

There was a huge trend on the red carpet with women wearing pants. Not just any pants, but very unflattering pants. Case in point, Tatiana Maslany of “Orphan Black.” First, I like the concept of the white, tailored jacket with the hair. However, the hair is the only thing perfectly tailored here. The jacket is too big and too long and the pants… the pants!! Not only are they wrinkled, but look at how much it gathers around the crotch area. *shudders* And her black shoes do not match the all-white getup and the middle strap is weird too.

. Maisie Williams from “Game of Thrones:” I really like the dress and her hair, she’s young, so it works… And then you pan down to her shoes. I feel like those went out of style in the 90s… as dress-up shoes. Just rip off the marabou, and you would have been fine.

Jaimie Alexander is wearing a gorgeous Armani Prive. What’s not so gorgeous is the poor fit, and the fact she must have been completely sweating in that L.A. heat.

“Mad Men” darling Kieran Shipka looks so cute in this frock. I like how since she’s so young, she’s taking a fashion risk… that paid off. (Think Emma Watson at the Oscars in that pantsuit.) The top is cute and playful: the only instance yellow on this red carpet worked.

I love this super high fashion dress on Laura Prepon! The color, the cape-y thing, her pale skin with dark hair, it just works. Love it.

I like the concept of this dress here on Amanda Peet, but I do think that triangle cutout thing is way to big for the long gown.

I love this “wedding” gown on Gina Rodriguez! Love the rosettes and the fabric. However, no necklace and the hair pulled back is making her look way too bridal.

I like dress on Claire Danes, however, the chain link sideboob strap is a little strange and the neckline, not a fan. But, the color, sequins and shape of the dress work well.

Emma Roberts: BEST DRESSED OF THE WHOLE NIGHT. Everything is flawless for the “Scream Queens” star and my fellow camp alum. Her dress looks ahmazing, tailored to perfection, the belt is gorge and her hair looks perfect. Great job. Highest fashion honors.

Heidi Klum is a hot mess for the “Project Runway” host. First, yellow is not a color anyone can really pull off (red carpet or otherwise). Also, the sheer is a little too sheer and that one-sleeve 70s jacket sleeve is hideous… I mean, you can see the unfinished edges of the fabric! 100% the worst dressed.

Taylor Schilling: another victim of the yellow dress curse. However, this one looks like she had to get dressed as they were still making it, as the top looks like they put the needle and thread through the top of it and tied it around her neck. Looks like a wardrobe malfunction is imminent.

Ariel Winter stuns in Romona Keveza, love it. It looks a little too Oscars or Golden Globes, not the Emmys and it looks too old on the teenager.

Love Sarah Paulson’s dress, the shape, the color, the sleeves, everything! I just feel like I’ve seen it before. Meh.

First things first, I’m not a fan of Amy Poehler’s new died hair, it doesn’t work. Second, the bangles! How many horrendous WOODEN bracelets did she pile on? It looks like a preschool class’s art project is on display. And I’m not a fan on the wide cutouts on the dress here.

Zac Posen created such an amazing look for Sarah Hyland! Love it! The hair and jewelry all complement the dress fabulously. Bravo, Zac. You’ve done it once again.

I love this Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta gown that Maggie Gyllenhaal is wearing! Gorge! Love it! She looks flawless. Side note, did you see Allison Williams’ wedding dress that was custom made by Copping: truly gorgeous.

Another Zac Posen stunner on Tracee Ellis Ross. Love the little details between each “tier.”

And no red carpet review could be complete without Kerry Washington. Love the length and interesting material: it works well and she is always styled to perfection, much like her television counterpart.

See, lots of opinions! Now, I want to hear your thoughts on the looks! And how did Andy Samberg do at hosting (loved his suit jacket from the carpet)?

16Aug2015

Back in the fashion review business….

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Hey everyone, I’m officially back from NYC… sad face. 😦 But, with that, time to get back to business on here. And as the Teen Choice Awards happened tonight, here’s my review… (Also, follow along with my travel blog here when I head to London in a few weeks!)

Nina Dobrev looks gorge and haute couture. Love this fun, brightly colored/ sparkly dress!

The show’s hostess and “Jane the Virgin” Gina Rodriguez looks super pretty, however, I’m not super in love with her extra-long extensions.

My camp alum, which makes her extra awesome obvi! Anyway. Emma Roberts always knows how to look super high fashion on a red (well, blue) carpet.

PLL darling Lucy Hale… Love her dress! And shoes! Accessories! Everything! Except her tight bun, maybe a ponytail would have worked better? I just don’t think buns are best when you have to take a “straight-on” photo for events such as a red carpet. (Makes your hair look wayyy different than it is in real life!)

One of the best dressed males of the night goes to Pitch Perfect star Skylar Astin! Perfectly tailored outfit and fits the fun, summer vibe of the award show.

Youtuber Grace Helbig: love the high fashion dress on her, and the shoes and hair all work! However, it’s not the most “teen” outfit… definitely more mature than her teen counterparts of fellow nominees and attendees. But, it still looks good.

IT’S BRITNEY. Love the super haute couture skirt on the woman who was my very first concert (in kindergarten!– yes, it was the Oops! tour.). Not a fan of her ombre-dipped locks.

I love Lea Michele’s summer-y dress, however, this pose isn’t doing it justice! Love the dress/pattern/shape and the shoes! Gorge and perfect for the event!

That’s it for tonight! What are your thoughts on the fashions from the show?

20Jul2015

A whole lot of nothing and then a whole lot of theater.

Posted in Welcome to New York by msiwak

Hi everyone. Sorry it’s been a while, but as the title suggests, nothing really cool has been happening: I pretty much just go to work (I have a routine now.)

So, my last post left off with how amazing Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Darren Criss was! That following Monday was yet another boring financial visit, blech. Tuesday was a prep day for a big fall cover shoot, so I was packing, organizing and running last-minute errands. July 8 was the big shoot so, in addition, to organizing and running to Whole Foods for some specific eggs for a shot, I had to burn down candles… for the shoot (Hey, they have to look like people actually used them! Believability!)

The rest of the week was unpacking, organizing and writing papers due… ew. But, enjoy these cool shots from the top floor of my office building.

That weekend was uneventful, as I spent most time either writing papers or hanging out with friends. Then, on Monday began our theater week. And I got to go to William Ivey Long’s costume shop! It was so cool to see the office of the legend who designed costumes for Cinderella, Caberet, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, It Shoulda Been You (!!) and On the 20th Century! Wow! That was cool. Then, we had a theater panel with stage managers of shows like Wicked and Kinky Boots.

Tuesday, July 14 started off with a run to this huuuge prop warehouse to pick up items for a shoot, Then, I had to find where to buy pumpkins for the next cover shoot… real ones. Did you know those are hard to find in summer? Then, at 3 pm we had this super cool editorial intern panel with all these digital editors from 17, Marie Claire and Cosmo: so so so cool! #dreamjob

That night we went to Wicked. Loved it as always, except bummed Kara Lindsey was out of town. 😦 (She was fantastic as Katherine Plumber in Newsies!)

Then, I learned the guy who plays romantic male lead Fiyero went to my school! How cool!

And then, we were able to go on a backstage tour of the theater (we passed Real Housewife of Orange County Tamra leaving her tour, as well) and got to chat with Fiyero and even….

Stand on the Gershwin stage!!!!! What, oh my gosh!

The rest of the week was same old, same old research, packing, etc.

Friday night my friend and I had gotten tickets to see the one and only SUTTON FOSTER live in The Wild Party! And she was ahmazing to see live (as well as the rest of the cast.) We went to stagedoor and got autographs from the rest of the cast, and then I spotted Ms. Foster, however, she only signed a select few, so I only got a quick, blurry shot of her and her husband leaving the theater. BUT, I did talk to her show costar Miriam about how I am obsessed with their show Younger and cannot wait for season 2! She was very sweet about that.

IMG_4098_2 Saturday morning I wrote my whole paper in two hours flat and then walked around the Central Park Zoo for a while. First, we couldn’t find it in the huge park and then we thought the children’s petting zoo was the whole thing. Glad that was a no.

Then, a bunch of friends and I went to grab a quick bite for dinner. After that, around 8 pm, my friend and I went to go get flowers and cards from the store because we decided to show up and support Darren Criss at the stagedoor at his final night. Because he literally is off to Italy on Monday to shoot a film, ‘Smitten!’ We got there soon after and waited until 11:30 before he started to sign autographs. But, here’s my experience through photos:

just looked up and saw this in lights.

Look closely: it’s Harry Shum Jr from Glee there to support his buddy!

Brad the pianist from Glee, Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, etc!!!

Darren talking to us!! So, first he came to tell us he’ll be there soon. Then, here: he’s telling us to “put our f**king phones away” because he’d rather have a human moment with us. Such a sweetie that Darren is. ❤ Also, it is evident that “f**k” is clearly his fave word…

Aww, cutie pie Darren. 🙂

Got to congratulate him on a truly amazing run, compliment his blue sparkly nail polish and ask if he’d miss all those shows in heels. 😉

He wrote my name on the Playbill! Eee! He also asked if it was spelled with an “Mir…” Yep, he got it right! Smarty pants! 🙂

SUCH AN AMAZING NIGHT. A little too hot and in cramped quarters, but so worth it to meet sweetie pie Darren.

On to Sunday. I woke up planning to do the lottery for Aladdin. Total bust. Sad face. However, across the street was On the Twentieth Century with Kristin Chenoweth and Peter Gallagher! So why not? I learn it’s their LAST show, like the very final one AND they have student rush. Yes, I’m in. So, I was able to get a half-off orchestra seat to the last performance! So much better than Aladdin, for sure!

The show was amazing, and to be able to see Ms. Chenoweth live on stage: oh my gosh, I could hardly believe it! After a lengthy, and well-deserved, bow, I headed out to stagedoor and who was first to come out?

Ah Kristin Chenoweth! So petite and so pretty!

Loving her perfect summer outfit! And I told her that! She responded, “Oh thank you, I hope I can rock it.” Oh yes, you can.

Got a Playbill signed by the incomparable Kristin Chenoweth! (And two ensemble members, who took a picture of me and a few other fans waiting!)

Wow, what a whirlwind! After that, I had about seven minutes at home before my friend and I walked to dinner in Little Italy (when in NYC, I guess?). We came back and I was so exhausted, but decided to write a blog post, so here we are.

Tomorrow is another day of class within the theater section, so we’ll see how that goes. Also this week is big time visa app prep before I go abroad (I’ll be blogging there too: haven’t decided on a site yet: will keep you posted.)

Until next time, Miranda xx

quite simply miranda

Tag Archives: fashion

Reviewing the People’s Choice Awards…

Reviewing the 2017 Golden Globes…

My Latest Fall Obsessions

Too busy to blog, but I’m back… again!

One week in and it’s been all about theater and fashion… But is that a bad thing??

Nothing is more fashionable then the Met Gala…

[London] Fashion Week and I

Emmy’s Fashion Review

Back in the fashion review business….

A whole lot of nothing and then a whole lot of theater.