P2 Fashion: Oscars Jewelry Trends for Less w/ Style Expert Pamela Pekerman, Live from The Couch WLNY

It was great to be back on The Couch with my friend Carolina and formally meet the lovely Jill Nicolini. In case you missed the 8:30AM  segment, here's a shopper's guide to all the jewelry on the table. 

Sometimes a little sparkle is all you need to lift your mood and smile at the world, so have fun with you baubles and indulge in these trends. They are perfect accessories for prom, a summer wedding, or a just-because-it's-Monday.



Awards Season Red Carpet Jewelry Trends for Less

HEADBANDS – romantic rhinestone headbands from JCPenney  

Lupita Nyong'o in Fred Leighton Headband, Headband Trend

Vieste Rhinestone Headband $20

Vieste Rhinestone Floral Vine Headband, $25

Vieste Simulated Pearl and CrystalHeadband,  $20

Viesta Rhinestone Swivel Headband, $20 at JCPenney Stores

 

FEMININE TONES & STONES – delicate florals and cream shades from BaubleBar.com 

Cate Blanchett in Chopard Earrings, Feminine Tones & Stones Trend

Angel WingedCuff, $36

Corona Collar Necklace, $36

Jumbo Bloom Necklace, $36

Prettyin Pink Studs, $24

minty fresh and clear jewelry from Lia Sophia 

Nestled Earrings, $48

Glazed Cut Crystal and Resin Bangles, $78 each

Fondant Cut Crystal Resin Necklace, $148

 

GOLD RUSH – golden treasures from Overstock.com  

Naomi Watts in Bvlgari bracelet, Yellow Gold Trend

Tri-colorGold over Bronze 18-inch Large Link Necklace, $103.99

Statement Oval and Link CrystalNecklace, $31.99 

DeBuman 14k Goldplated Flower Cuff Bracelet, $127.49

Mondevio 18k Gold over StainlessSteel Filigree Design Cuff Bracelet, $22. 09

LaPreciosa Goldtone Clear Cubic Zirconia Cuff Bracelet, $39.99

Sterling Essentials 14K Gold overSilver Snakeskin Ring, $34.49

Gioelli 14k Yellow Gold Braided MeshRing, $93.99 

EAR CUFF / CLIMBERS -  Ear climbers from Overstock.com  

Jennifer Lawrence in Ana Khouri earrings, Ear Cuff & Climber Trend

Ultimate CZSterling Silver Cubic Zirconia 2-pair Earring Set, $48.99

Ultimate CZ18k Gold over Silver Cubic Zirconia 'X' and 'O' Earring Set, $47.59

Edgy Ear Cuff from BaubleBar.com  

CrystalOrion Ear Cuff, $28

ARM CANDY – inspired by Jennifer Lawrence at Golden Globes, load up on black and crystal from Overstock.com  

Jennifer Lawrence in Neil Lane bracelets, Arm Candy Trend

RiccovaSilvertone Cubic Zirconia and Colored Enamel Bangle in black, $42.99  

RomanSilvertone Jet Crystal Rectangle Stretch Bracelet, $14.09

CelesteSilvertone Clear Crystal Beaded Black Cord Macrame Bracelet, $27.99

art deco and blue arm candy party from Lia Sophia $48 - $98

Golden bangles and cuffs from MaxandChloe.com

Blu Bijoux Gold Crystal Flat Floral Bangle, $26

Blu Bijoux Gold And Green Cabochon Wide Cuff Bracelet, $34

Blu Bijoux Gold Wrench Bangle, $22

Blu Bijoux Gold Crystal Panther Bracelet, $38

P2 Fashion: Cate Blanchett's Chopard Earrings 2014 Oscars

Image courtesy of Chopard

Cate Blanchett's Chopard earrings took my breath away. Hands down, this was the best jewelry moment of the entire awards season! 

The 18kt white gold earrings are from Chopard's 2014 Red Carpet Collection. There are 62 opals (that's 22.03ct !) and 1595 diamonds (1.73ct). If you are in the market for new earrings feel free to call 1-800-CHOPARD. As my friends as Chopard so kindly told me, the price is available upon request. My response what, "do I dare request". Hmmm?!!

Pam's Picks: Best Dressed 2014 Oscars

I broke the no TV rule, last night and let Ilana stay in the living room while mommy enjoyed +E! Entertainment Red Carpet Special from the 86th Annual Academy Awards. She enjoyed her first Red Carpet viewing, but I think Ilana liked cuddling with daddy even more. 

After much debate, here are my top five, best dressed of the night. Do you agree?

Best Dressed Ladies at 2014 Oscars

Kate Hudson in Versace Atelier, 2014 Oscars

The sequence cape or whatever that was, was everything. I love when presenters steal the show!

Portia de Rossi in Naeem Khan, 2014 Oscars 

I want to buy this Naeem Khan gown in white, coral, black, radiant orchid... The fit of the halter dress, the ivory color against Portia de Rossi's milky skin, the honeycomb-beading, the ideal train length, the gorgeous back, it was all perfection. The accessories, her +Fendi clutch and +Christian Dior jewelry completed the mesmerizing style moment. 

Lupita Nyong'o in Prada, 2014 Oscars

I Last night's princess story belonged to 12 Years A Slave star, and Best Supporting Actress winner, Lupita Nyong'o. Her ethereal, powder-blue +Prada gown was an ideal choice for her skin tone and delicate frame. I loved the flecks of sheen in the pleated skirt. And, of course, nobody can stop talking about her simple, graceful Fred Leighton diamond-and-gold headband. Actually, I guess diamonds aren't simple :).  

 Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen, 2014 Oscars

Although I'm deeply again the promoting Alexander McQeen, for personal reasons, I can't deny that Sandra Bullock looked regal and Oscar-worthy in this satin gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and dramatic draping. The minimal, but effective, use of Lorrain Schwartz jewels pulled it all together.   

Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra, 2014 Oscars

A big trend of the night was sequence on sheen, but it ended up washing out many of the leading ladies much like the rain outside the Dolby Theater.  Jenna Dewan-Tatum's Reem Acra gown was the excpetion. The greyish hue worked with her dark hair, and I love how the beading blended into the feather-like mermaid skirt. Can I get married again, in this dress? +Reem Acra, my five year anniversary is coming up in August. Let's talk. 

Honorary mention goes to:

Bette Midler in Reem Acra, 2014 Oscars

Nobody does it for me quite like The Divine Ms M. I've loved her since I was a little girl and I'm so happy she brought it, last night, in this fiesty, crimson Reem Acra gown which recenlty graced the runways at Mercedes-Benz Fall 2014 Fashion Week in New York. I love that I want to wear this dress, but I'd also want to see it on my mother.  Trend alert: Ms. M was also rocking the short hair, pulled back in waves style that seems to be ageless when done right.  

Christine Teigen in Monique Lhuillier,  2014 Oscars

Christine Teigen looked wonderful in +Monique Lhuillier, but it was her joyful presnce that won me over. Trend alert -- florals of all kinds are huge this spring. Get ready to jump into the garden of fashionable delight. 

Olivia Wilde in Valentino, 2014 Oscars       

Olivia Wilde had my favorite belly bump style moment, last night. The back of her Valentino dress was so simple, yet a great lasting visual for everyone she passed. I would have placed her on my best dressed list were it not for some technical issues and poor tailoring around the chest. I'm sure nobody noticed this, but I'm on my second pregnancy and I know what it's like when that area isn't properly addressed. 

P2 Lifestyle: Old Hollywood Glamour Must Be Revived

In some TV interview, I recall Joan Rivers (FYI I love this woman!) saying that as a young girl she was getting into the elevator at Saks Fifth Avenue when XYZ (sorry can’t recall who she named - I'm experiencing pregnancy brain) Hollywood, leading lady stepped out looking the part of a “Hollywood leading lady”. Of course, she wasn’t on set and no cameras were following. Rivers’ comment was that this was how an actress should look at all times.

Lauren Bacall, Audrey Halpern & Liz Taylor out-and-about, and still glamorous 

When did Hollywood glamour die? Sure, the women usually pull out all the stops when they are on the Red Carpet. We’ll see plenty of that this Sunday at the 86^th Annual Academy Awards. But, what about in the real world? What about when they run out for groceries, take their kids to school or have a production meeting? Much like a president leading a nation, I expect these women – and men – to lead the nation, by example.

Yes, life has changed over the past fifty plus years. There are more obstacles and responsibilities, yada yada. Why does glamour and female allure have to be stifled in the process? Why can’t young Hollywood look casual-cool in jeans and well fitted shirt, but also slap on a little rouge? And, for the love of g-d, well coiffed hair in NOT an option under any circumstance.

I could show you the evidence of Hollywood run a mock, i.e. women who jet out of the house looking like hot messes, but that’s too TMZ for my taste. And, my mother, who happens to be an etiquette coach, taught be better. So, I’m not mentioning any specific names or showcasing images for your viewing pleasure. I simply want to put out this PSA:

Leading ladies of Hollywood, please get your acts together. You are leading a nation of women that look up to you as role models not only for your entrepreneurialism, philanthropy and artistic talent, BUT your grace and beauty. Being a role model is a 360 job with multiple levels; and, Always Being Your Best You is one of them.

So, next time you walk out the door you don’t need to look like you just stepped out of a movie set, but you also don’t need to look like you just mopped the floor with your head and pulled clothing out of a hamper. Take a page from icons of yesteryear and Never Surrender your style and beauty routine. America's women need you!

Sophia Loren and Liz Taylor always looking their best

PS I placed this post in "P2 Lifestyle" because style and beauty are full lifestyle choices that women must make on a daily basis to express themselves and set the tone for their lives. It's how we can live with better self esteem, lead our kids by example and express to the world how we feel about our selves. Hey world I"m hear and I deserve to be seen and acknowledged. 

Pam’s Picks: Best Oscars Fashion Dresses

I love Hollywood – the legends, the glamour, the mystery and the fashion. And, while I’m disappointed in most leading ladies of our time for their lack of keeping up the allure of glamour in their everyday lives,  – more on this in future posts – at least they bring it at the Academy Awards.

In honor of the 86thAnnual Academy Awards coming up March 2, 2014, here are Pam’s Picks for the Best Oscars Fashion. Tweet @PamelaPekerman and let me know your thoughts.

The Graceful – Penelope Cruz is on my list twice because she always brings grace and glamour to the Oscars, plus I’m a sucker for trains. First, in 2007, she wowed in a pink feathered concoction by Atelier Versace. Then, in 2012, she hit the mark in Armani Prive.  

Penelope Cruz in Atelier Versace, 2007 Oscars

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive, 2012 Oscars

The Iconoclast – Who doesn’t love a rule breaker? Sharon Stone wore her husband’s crisp, white shirt to the Academy Awards in 1998, paired with a lavender, silk Vera Wang skirt.

Sharon Stone in husband shirt and Vera Wang Skirt, 1998 Oscars

The Body – Hilary Swank’s body of work was on display in the most luxurious, tasteful way I’ve ever seen. The blue fabric on GuyLaroche’s gown was perfectly draped, rouched and cut in this 2005 Oscars fashion stunner.  

Hillary Swank in Guy Laroche, 2005 Oscars

The Siren – Some girls in the media/fashion world say they want to be like Oprah. I wanted to be like Jennifer Lopez.  Not only is she a successful actress and business women, she embodies old-school glamour like no other in our time. Lopez always looks the part of screen siren, and this was exceptionally the case in 2003 when she wore a mint green, one-shoulder, sari-style gown, based on a dress worn by Jackie Kennedy Onassis in 1967.

Jennifer Lopez in Vintage Valentino, 2003 Oscars

The Savvy – Long before she was a major A-lister, Halle Berry worked the Red Carpet. (I’ll never forget the lilac, form-fitting Badgley Mischka dress she wore in 2001. I had it hanging on my wall because I wanted a similar look for prom). Then in 2002, she won the Oscar for her performance in Monster’s Ball, and stunned in an Elie Saab creation that put that designer on the fashion map.

Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002 Oscars

The Legend – Iconic style need fades. Liz Taylor plunging violet-colored chiffon dress, designed by Academy-Award winning costume designer Edith Head, could be worn to the 2014 Oscars. But it was Taylor’s own 69-carat diamond necklace, a gift from her husband Richard Burton, that made me place her on my list. When Burton originally purchased the pear-shaped diamond it was set in a ring, "but even for me it was too big," Taylor explained, "so we had Cartier design a necklace."

Elizabeth Taylor in Edith Head, 1970 Oscars 

P2 Fashion: Best Dressed at 65th Primetime Emmy Awards 2013

In between feeding Ilana cereal (which has been very thrilling and neater than expected!) and her evening milk, I was able to watch and tweet through most of the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards Red Carpet arrivals. Here are my top 5 looks of the night. Do you agree?

Michelle Dockery’s two-tone Prada gown in red satin and burgundy silk brought down the house. The look was completed with a red clutch from Prada and Fred Leighton jewels. It was great from the front and bow-tastic back. Careful, ladies, the British are coming, and they are stealing your style spotlight.  

P2 Fashion - Michelle Dockery, Prada

Kaley Cuoco looked lovely in a sheer bodice with boning gown from Vera Wang in burgundy, the color of the night. The tulle skirt accented by organza scalloping created that drama I look for in my stars. 

Kate Mara’s white J.Mendel dress is straight from the spring 2014 runway. It has a cool factor that only an it girl like Kate can pull off. On the runway, the model wore the dress with a bolder, coral lip, which I think works better than Kate’s pale pout. Also, I would prefer to see this dress with a pump versus an ankle strap which visually makes the wearer (unless she's a 6-foot-tall model) look shtumpy.   

P2 Fashion - Kaley Cuoco, Vera Wang; Kate Mara, J. Mendel

Anna Gunn wowed in a black lace, asymmetrical bodice with soft pink bottom from Romona Keveza. Her huge Irene Neuwirth 18k Rose Gold earnings set with lightening ridge opals, pink opals and diamonds were a perfect choice for this elegant dress.   

Sophia Verga in ravishing red lace - fabric of choice at the Emmys - from Vera Wang has to be on this list because more than anyone else, she conjures up old-school Hollywood glamour like nobody else in the TV world. Those curves, that attitude and those accessories! Naturally, I’m referring to her ruby, sapphire and emerald earrings from Lorraine Schwartz. They deserve their own zip code

P2 Fashion - Sophia Vergar, Vera Wang; Anna Gunn, Romona Keverza

Celeb Pregnancy Style for Less, LIVE from The Couch WLNY

Pregnant celebrities look amazing on the Red Carpet, and even when they run their errands. Don’t think of them as the exception, when their “never surrender” attitude can be the norm. Watch my LIVE from The Couch segment (originally aired January 25, 2013) for tips on how to look sexy, spend less and feel fabulous while carrying precious cargo.

Kate Middleton – Kate has a regal, lady-like style. As her pregnancy progresses, she will likely opt for shift dresses that hint at the belly, flowy blouses and draping. 

Kate’s Day Look

TIP: before you go shopping for maternity wear, shop your closet for blouses, flowy cardigans, a form fitting cotton or nylon skirt with stretch

White tie-front blouse, ideeli.com $24.99

Tank top, Century 21 $8

Pencil skirt, Century 21 $15

Formal Affair

TIP: look like someone who knows she deserves to be loved on!

Red dress, ideeli.com $149.99

Jessica Simpson – She’s the casual, more bohemian in the bunch. Her first purchase was likely a kaftan and maternity jeans.

Jessica’s day look

TIP: At home, don’t be slouchy in oversized sweats. Comfy and sexy can unite in one outfit.

Paisley charmeuse, N Natori $54

Jessica’s going out look

TIP: there are items that are worth jumping into the maternity section for, especially great jeans. 

Always Skinny Jeans, GAP $79

Striped sweater, Liz Lange for TARGET Maternity $29

Kim Kardashina – Kim is known for her sultry style and it’s a good thing for baby daddy Kanye West that she’s likely not going to adjust her sizzle factor just because she’s expecting.

Kim’s day look  

TIP: You deserve to be sexy while you’re pregnant, it will make you feel good AND keep your man aroused.  Look for fabrics that hug comfortably like cotton or polyester blend.

Leopard Print Top, Karen Kane $54

Faux Fur Vest, Century 21 $40

Pleather Jeggings, HATCH Collection $148

Kim’s evening look

TIP: many of us get pimples on chest, belly or the back… look for dresses that flaunt your new lady friends while also helping you hide those pesky pimples.

Long-sleeve hunter green dress, ideeli.com $149.99

Kim Kardashian Sexy Style from Before to Baby Bump

Kim Kardashian is pregnant. I hope Max and Lubov Azria over at Herve Leger are finally going to figure out the perfect cut for pregnant gals who want to rock the famous body-con, bandage dresses for nine months. (From personal experience, I can vouch for the scoop neck, simple horizontal bandage style as the best option for belly comfort.) 

Being the bombshell that she is, I wouldn't want Kim,to give up your sizzling style -- neither will Kanye West. Like Kim, I have found amazing ways to showcase my figure while being comfortable and not hurting my precious cargo. As I always say, pregnancy is NOT the time to become lazy in the fashion or beauty department unless you WANT to slowly kill the chemistry in your relationship. 

Kim, here are some looks to keep in mind for the next few months. 

 

 

Motel, $44 ; Max and Cleo, $94

 

Show off that body in figure-hugging cotton or silk jersey. You may even get away with wearing the exact same size you're used to, or just one size up. I prefer buying pieces that I can wear after the baby comes to maximize CPW (Cost Per Wear).

Avoid zippers and leather piping, which will prevent stretch and cause discomfort.

Catherine Malandrino, $171 ; Diane von Furstenberg, $221 

Ruched fabric is a sexy pregnancy essential. I purchased the purple Catherine Malandrino dress, last week. It's amazing. (Side bar: it was on wicked sale - $45!)

 

Helmut Lang, $275, $ ; GAP, $79

 

Helmut Lang, $185 ; J Brand,$176

Work it during the day in draped tops paired with skinny jeans. The GAP skinny jeans are my personal favorite in terms of fit, quality and price. For draped anything, Helmut Lang is king.