Frugal Fashion: Brooklyn Decker goes gold for the CNN Heroes

Model Brooklyn Decker makes it hard for just about everyone else on the planet to shop for a swimsuit, let alone actually wear one in public. She's got enviable killer curves, almost as if her body was made for wearing those tiny triangles of lycra.

So it comes as no surprise that the blond beauty from Ohio was chosen as the cover girl for Sports Illustrated's 2012 swimsuit calendar. She's already been featured in numerous spreads for the magazine's swimsuit editions and last year made headlines when she graced the cover in a bright yellow bikini.

Along with conquering the swimsuit-modeling world, Decker has started acting. She had a starring role in this year's "Just Go With It," and she will make her action-film debut in "Battleship," slated for a May 2012 release.

At the Fifth Annual CNN Heroes: All Star Tribute in Los Angeles last weekend, Decker turned heads in a drop-waist dress with metallic panels from the Christian Dior resort 2012 collection, Loeffler Randal "Natane" metallic lace-up booties and a gold "Cameo" clutch by Jimmy Choo. She looked elegant and flirty with her pretty metallic gold panels and frilly hem.  

For a metallic-accent dress similar to Decker's try the beaded shift dress for $159 from A|X Armani Exchange or. for a darker version, the Lipsy Loves Pixie Lott sequin pattern dress from Asos.com for $118.17.

Decker's gold accessories add extra bits of festive sparkle to her ensemble. For a perfect party clutch, get the Under One Sky box clutch from Nordstrom.com for $20. Finish with the Guess Kio sandal from Nordstrom.com for $109.95 or any pair of strapy heels.

We know finding new outfits to wear for a busy social calendar can be especially daunting and expensive, but not to fret.  These versatile frocks and accessories are perfect for holiday wear and beyond.

Happy shopping.

RELATED:

Frugal Fashion: Hilary Rhoda in animal print

Frugal Fashion: Cara Delevingne's cocktail dress with an edge

Frugal Fashion: Tilda Swinton at the Gotham Independent Film Awards

-- Jenn Harris
Twitter.com/jenn_harris_

Upper photo: Brooklyn Decker arrives at the Fifth Annual CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute in Los Angeles on Sunday. Credit: Dan Steinberg / Associated Press

Middle photo: From left: beaded shift dress, $159 / A|X Armani Exchange; Lipsy Loves Pixie Lott sequin pattern dress, $118.17 / Asos.com

Lower photo: From left: Under One Sky box clutch, $20; Guess Ko sandal, $109.95 / Nordstrom.com

Fashion News: Should Obama daughters be treated as fashion plates?

The Cut questions whether the media (and specifically cites the Huffington Post's coverage in particular) should comment on how well-dressed first daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha Obama, 10, are when they, say, attend church or a holiday concert with their folks. They should be treated as kids, not fashion plates, says writer Amy Odell, since unlike young teens Hailee Steinfeld and Chloe Moretz they are not putting themselves forward trying to build careers built at least partly on their looks. [The Cut]

Jil Sander designer Raf Simons is the new front-runner to replace John Galliano as creative director at Christian Dior, sources tell WWD. [WWD]

Elizabeth Macias, the woman who reportedly sprayed fellow Wal-Mart shoppers with pepper spray during this year's Black Friday sales, has said she did so only in self-defense to protect herself and her kids from rabid fellow shoppers. Now she says she is considering suing Wal-Mart for failing to have adequate onsite security. [ABC New]

My colleague Jenn Harris and I are at odds over the outfit model Brooklyn Decker wore to Saturday's Spike TV Video Game Awards. I love the cute dress but am stopped by the mustard yellow shoes. Jenn -- arguably more with-it than I am -- thinks the shoes are great with the dress. Thoughts?

Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich's comments decrying child labor laws caused discomfort among executives in the apparel industry, which doesn't want people to associate its products with children working in sweatshops. “We as an industry are sensitive to child labor and other industries are as well," says Kevin Burke, president and chief executive officer of the American Apparel & Footwear Assn. "We try to set an example in the U.S. for partners around the world to follow their own laws. When you have a candidate for president advocating relaxation in those laws, it calls into question the commitment." [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Stella McCartney's second fragrance, which will go on sale in 2012, is named L.I.L.Y., after a pet name her father, Sir Paul, had for her late mother: "Linda, I love you." Sad and sweet. [Telegraph]

First there was an announcement that China Glaze would have a "Hunger Games" nail polish collaboration; then word went out that no, no the deal wasn't done, as I mentioned in previous columns. But on Monday, China Glaze issued a news release saying the deal with Lionsgate, the studio behind the film based on the bestselling book series, is final and the lacquers will be available in March.

Socialite/model/drummer Alice Dellal (with the band Thrush Metal) is known for her edgy style and half-shaved head. Now rumor has it she may be the next "face" of Chanel. [WWD]

RELATED

Fashion News: Miley Cyrus sweet, seductive at CNN Awards  

Pantone says 'Tangering Tango' to be tops for 2012

A Mulberry menagerie makes merry at the Marmont

Kristen Bell, Rashida Jones among stars at Rebecca Taylor boutique

--Susan Denley

Photos: From top, Sasha, left, and Malia Obama flank their parents at a holiday concert in Washington over the weekend. Credit: Yuri Gripas / Reuters

Model Brooklyn Decker at Spike TV's Video Game Awards. Credit: Mark Davis / Getty Images

--Susan Denley

Fashion: Duchess Kate hits Topshop. Paris Fashion Week begins.

It is still refreshing when Kate the duchess of Cambridge -- and probable future queen of England -- is spotted shopping in a regular store where regular people go. Like her local Topshop. There she was Monday evening, reportedly buying a teal polka dot skirt, blue boucle jacket and gold-leaf earrings, all for about $170. [People]

Meanwhile, palace officials deny the rumors that Kate is to appear on the cover of U.S. Vogue, shot by famed fashion photographer Mario Testino. [Los Angeles Times]  

 
Paris Fashion Week got off to a low-key start Tuesday, with spring-summer 2012 collections being shown by some relatively lesser-knowns, such as this year's winner of the prestigious ANDAM prize for emerging designers Anthony Vaccarello, above, as well as Commuun, Aganovich and Julien David. There seemed to be a heavy focus on black and white, asymmetrical cuts, sheer fabrics. And some florals. [The Cut]

While Louis Vuitton creative director Marc Jacobs has seemed to be the front-runner to replace John Galliano at Dior, British Vogue comes forth with this idea: LVMH, the luxury overlord that owns both labels (and a slew of others) may want Jacobs to stay put. And Alexander Wang is under consideration, sources say, though it seems rather unlikely. We'll see. [Vogue UK]  

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Christian Louboutin's red-soled, elegant, luxe shoes. To commemorate two decades, Loutoubin is coming out with a coffee-table tome reviewing the world of the shoes. The introduction was written by actor John Malkovich, and some of the photography is by director David Lynch. The volume is being published by Rizzoli in late October. [Telegraph] 

 -- Susan Denley

Photo: Anthony Vaccarello and models on stage at the end of his spring-summer 2012 show as Paris Fashion Week started Tuesday. Pascal Rossignol / Reuters

RELATED

Kate Middleton's London

John Galliano found guilty in anti-Semitism case 

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: A beauty cure for Carmageddon? We wish!

Beauty-conscious Angelenos dreading this weekend's Carmageddon -- the closing of the 405 Freeway through Sepulveda Pass for 48 hours -- will be envious of the new service Sephora has launched in Manhattan: same-day delivery, via Mini Cooper, of beauty products ordered before 11 a.m. No need to leave home to shop for all those beauty essentials. C'mon Sephora. This would be a great weekend to try this out in L.A. too! Brooklyn Decker helped launch the new service at a ceremony in NYC. [InStyle]  

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, fresh off her tour of "Transformers" openings, goes back to her modeling roots in the ad campaign for Burberry Body, the label's latest fragrance. That's Rosie with Jason Statham at left. [Telegraph]

Clémence Poésy attended the French premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" wearing a metallic top and short flouncy embroidered skirt from Chanel's spring 2011 couture collection. She didn't wear the trousers shown with the outfit on the runway. Some are questioning that choice. But why not put one's own spin on a runway look? [Cut]

Post-John Galliano, the flamboyant creative hurricane who served as design chief for Christian Dior until his fall from grace earlier this year after being accused of anti-Semitism, are the suits at Dior thinking of toning things down? Will Galliano's replacement be a more subdued designer in the mold of Phoebe Philo at Céline (which like Dior is owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH)? The Céline brand may offer clues to what will happen next at Dior, fashion writer Robin Givhan posits in an interesting look at the situation. [Newsweek] 

Kanye West has become a fixture on front rows at major fashion shows for the last few seasons. Now some sources say  he will debut his own women's line with a runway show at New York Fashion Week in September. [Grazia]

The British Fashion Council announced the schedule for London Fashion Week in September, and for the first time Tom Ford is in the official lineup. [Telegraph]

RELATED:

Tom Ford gets personal

A satisfying end for "Harry Potter"

Frugal Fashion: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is sheerly beautiful

Emma Watson, J.K. Rowling, Helena Bonham Carter wow at "Harry Potter" premiere

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who's appearing in Burberry Bare ads, with Jason Statham at Vanity Fair's Oscar party this year. Credit: Craig Barritt / Getty Images

 

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley tops Maxim's 100 hottest women list

Maxim released its annual list of the world’s 100 hottest women. Coming in at No. 1 is Victoria’s Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, left, who is also starring in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." The former Kate Middleton came in at 26, ahead of Sofia Vergara at 29 -- huh? I mean, Kate's pretty but Sofia is a bombshell. Jennifer Lopez, recently named People magazine's most beautiful in the world, didn't make the list. Nor did fashion "it" girl Blake Lively -- though her "Gossip Girl" cast mate Leighton Meester did, at No. 16. Among others on the list are All the Rage regulars Kim Kardashian, Mila Kunis, Emma Watson, Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Hendricks and January Jones. [Entertainment Weekly]

Christian Dior's new men's scent Leather Oud joins a host of other fragrances touting the ingredient: Oud Wood, Oud & Bergamot, Secret Oudh, Crystal Oud. So what is oud? It's a resinous heartwood that forms in some trees when they are infected by mold. And it is often burned or used for scent in parts of the Middle East. [Telegraph]

Speaking of scents, the one worn by Catherine Duchess of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton) on her wedding day has already sold out worldwide. But those who want to smell like a future queen can preorder from the next batch at luckyscent.com.  The fragrance, White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum, contains notes of coconut, muguet (otherwise known as lily of the valley), ylang ylang, amber wood and jasmine, and retails for $140. [People] 

Bally marks its 160th anniversary this year with a capsule collection, the launch of an online site in China and new brick-and-mortar stores.  [WWD] (Subscription required.) 

Next up for Target? A capsule collaboration with Missoni, scheduled to be in stores Sept. 13 through Oct. 22. [Vogue]

Missoni's been busy collaborating. Emili Vesilind told All the Rage readers earlier this week about the Italian atelier's baby buggy accessories for Bugaboo. [Los Angeles Times]

Marie Osmond had gotten remarried -- to her first husband Stephen Craig. And she wore the same wedding gown as she did at their original nuptials in 1982. Recycle a husband, recycle a dress. [People] 

For Mother's Day, Bloomingdale's on Lexington in NYC has decked its windows with photos of fashion designers' moms. One, for instance, shows Michael Kors as a kid with his mother Joan. [WWD]  

Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts are new "faces" of Pantene -- or maybe we should say "manes," since it is their lovely locks the hair care brand will be showing off.  [People] 

U.K.-based retailer Superdry plans to roll out stores in the United States. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

 -- Susan Denley

Photo: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at CinemaCon in April. Credit: Steve Marcus / Reuters 

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Royal weddings and scandals, reality star Kristin Cavallari

As this week's wedding of Britain's Prince William to Kate Middleton approaches, it is worth noting that, decades later, there is still debate over the most controversial royal romance of the 20th century: Britain's King Edward VIII abdicating the throne for the woman he loved, American divorcée Wallis Warfield Simpson, as the L.A. Times' Henry Chu explains in a story posted overnight. One thing not subject to debate: Wallis Simpson, later duchess of Windsor, was one of the most fashionable women of her era! She's to be the subject of two new books due out this year, as well as a film directed by Madonna.  [Los Angeles Times]

In Britain, they have royal weddings. In the U.S., we have reality stars and athletes:  Kristin Cavallari ("Laguna Beach," "The Hills") has become engaged to  Chicago Bears running back Jay Cutler. [People] She recently teamed up with footwear firm Shoe Dazzle to create a pair of floral-print wedges, the  "Bardot" -- 100% of the net profit will go to her charity One Kid One World. [contactmusic]

Fashion designer Victoria Beckham, along with her soccer-star husband, David, made the guest list for Prince William and Kate's nuptials on Friday. They'll be among, oh, about 1,900 royals, dignitaries, celebrities and friends attending the ceremony in Westminster Abbey. [People] 

Gwyneth Paltrow has been crazy busy of late, what with movies, a new singing career, appearances on "Glee." Add to the mix that she's just been named brand ambassador for Coach's 70th anniversary celebration, starting this fall. [WWD]

A new exhibit exploring Christian Dior, "Inspiration Dior," opens at Moscow's Pushkin Museum on Thursday. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Are you as perplexed as I am about clothing sizes? A 5 in one store is an 8 in another. And Chico's is out of step with everyone with its 0 to 4 -- 4 being large, not small. Help may be at hand. Some malls are installing a new body scanner from MyBestFit that scans your figure and spits out a list of what your size will be at various stores. [The Cut]

-- Susan Denley

RELATED:

Interactive: Your guide to the royal wedding

Photo: Wallis Warfield Simpson and the former King Edward VIII on their wedding day in 1937. Credit: Sotheby's

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Emma Watson turns 21, John Galliano is fired -- again, and Kate Middleton gets a fashion nod

-- It's Emma Watson's 21st birthday, and it's a good time to marvel at how far she's come since hanging up her Hogwarts' robe. Yes, there is one more movie to open, finishing up the Harry Potter series, but Emma has already become as wel- known in the fashion world as she was as Hermione. [FabSugar] 

-- Kate Middleton seems to be gaining more fashion cred, at least in some quarters. A month ago, designer Matt Williamson told the Telegraph, "Kate isn't a fashion bunny. I don't know why everyone in fashion is waiting to see what she wears. I'm, like, thinking: 'Get over it.' " This week, in New York for the launch of his capsule collection for Macy's, he maintained he only said that because at the time he was tired of being asked about her. "I'm a big fan" he said. "I think she's great for British fashion -- she's clearly going to become an ambassador for British fashion." [Telegraph]

-- John Galliano, fired as creative director at Christian Dior after being accused of making anti-Semitic remarks, has now been fired from his John Galliano label as well. Dior has a 91% stake in the latter, which is likely to remain in business even without Galliano at the helm. [WWD] (subscription required)

-- Elvis' granddaughter is in the house. By which I mean the fashion house. Riley Keough, daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, has embarked on a modeling career and can be seen now in ads for Lee jeans. She's also walked the catwalk for Dolce & Gabbana and fronted for Miss Dior Cherie fragrance for a while. Acting is next: She has two movies slated to come out this year. [Telegraph]

-- YouTube founder Chad Hurley is turning his attention to his fashion line, Hlaska. [WWD] (subscription required)  

-- The California case seeking a preliminary injunction against the maker of the Brazilian Blowout keratin smoothing treatment for hair -- which we told you about here -- is being moved to Los Angeles County. [WWD] (subscription required) 

-- Cosmetics company Carol's Daughter has launched a multiethnic ad campaign featuring Solange Knowles, Selita Ebanks and Cassie to show the diversity of beauty. [WWD] (subscription required)

-- Susan Denley

Photo: At 21, Emma Watson is a fashion influence to watch. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images 

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Lady Gaga starts a column for V, Britney Spears wears Dolce & Gabbana and Dior holds off on replacing Galliano

Lady Gaga, columnist: Starting with the issue that hits newsstands May 12, she's to write a regular column for V magazine. [WWD] (Subscription required.)

British "It" girl Alexa Chung is modeling for Italian footwear brand Superga, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. She styled the shoot, too. [Telegraph]

Dolce & Gabbana is on a roll with pop stars. Britney Spears wears several items by the designers in publicity photos for her new album, including a sweet polka dot body suit. Last week, Kylie Minogue saw them for a fitting. [Telegraph]

I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to see who will replace John Galliano as creative director at Dior. But for a number of reasons -- legal difficulties dissolving the disgraced designer's contract, parent company LVMH's takeover of Bulgari, concerns about maintaining the viability of the latest Galliano-designed collection -- a choice is unlikely before fall, sources tell Elle. 

A big oops for Levi's. The jeans purveyor has agreed to pay more than $1 million in back wages to 596 employees for wage and hour violations. [WWD] (Subscription required.)  

Michelle Kessler Sanders has been tapped to be the first creative director for the burgeoning Vera Wang Group. Like the designer herself, Sanders has had experience both in retail (Donna Karan, Juicy Couture) and editorial (Vogue and most recently the New York Times' T magazine.) [Cut]

Kari Sigerson and Miranda Morrison quit their design jobs at their shoe brand, Sigerson Morrison, on March 15, 20 years after thay founded it. The label's parent company, Marc Fisher Footwear, is planning an overhaul of the business. [Cut]

Longchamp's opened its biggest store in Asia with a celebrity-studded party in Hong Kong. [WWD]

 -- Susan Denley

Photo: Lady Gaga, singer and ... columnist? Credit: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times

 

Your morning fashion and beauty report: Galliano deserves another chance, says unexpected source

Paris Fashion Week is over, but we're still hearing about John Galliano, who was famously fired by Dior on the eve of the shows after a bar fight in which he allegedly hurled anti-Semitic comments and after a video surfaced showing him in the midst of another similar rant. Now Philipe Virgitti, the male half of the couple Galliano insulted at the bar, says he doesn't think the designer is anti-Semitic. "For me, it was a simple bar dispute," Virgitti said in an interview. "I would like Mr. Galliano to benefit from this unhappy story by drinking a little less and getting back to making the dresses and shows that he did so well." [The Cut]   

Target celebrated five years of its Go International series of designer capsule collections --and the re-release of 30 of the top styles -- with a party Thursday night at New York's Ace Hotel attended by stars including Chloe Sevigny, Liv Tyler and Lake Bell and designers such as Richard Chai, Tracy Feith, Thakoon Panichgul and Anna Sui. [Racked] 

Matthew Williamson is the next designer to produce a capsule collection for Macy's, as part of the department store chain's strategy to woo hip younger customers. The 30-piece collection has a 1970s bohemian flair and will go on sale April 13, priced from $50 to $300. On tap after Williamson? Karl Lagerfeld. [FabSugar]

A classic fragrance is skewing younger too, with the planned April launch of  L’Air de Nina Ricci, described as the "next-generation L’Air du Temps." [WWD] (Subscription required.)

It's not the only one: Guerlain is coming out with a new version of the 86-year-old Shalimar (my personal favorite once upon a time.) [WWD] (Subscription required.)

Gilt MAN, the members-only fashion sales site for men, has engaged well-dressed New York Ranger Sean Avery to curate a series of three weekly sales, each focusing on a different phase of the life of a style-conscious professional. First up on Friday  is “At Work,” to be followed on subsequent Fridays by  "night on the town" and "ultimate weekend" looks. [Gilt MAN] 

Make Up Forever is out to prove its foundation does its stuff. The photos in a new ad campaign are unretouched -- and that's certified by a notary public. For the beauty industry, this is pretty shocking news! [Style]

--Susan Denley

Photo: Designer John Galliano. Credit: Horacio Villalobos, EPA 

 

Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: The show goes on at Dior, Lady Gaga says 'I do,' Christophe Decarnin says he's not feeling well and Blake Lively says yes to a White Swan-looking dress

Just days after termination proceedings against its designer John Galliano commenced, the much-anticipated Christian Dior show took place -- as scheduled -- at Paris Fashion Week. Our fashion critic Booth Moore has all the details fresh off the runway. All The Rage

Lady Gaga said "I do" to a CNN camera operator. Thoughts of what the wedding dress would look like won't stop running through my mind. CNN

Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin was absent from the label’s recent runway show and is reportedly undergoing treatment at a mental hospital where he's apparently been since January. Fashionology

Blake Lively attended a Chanel dinner looking like the White Swan. She didn't wear Chanel on her feet however, the Gossip Girl is loyal to Louboutin after the designer recently named a pair of shoes after her. Daily Mail

Carla Bruni Sarkozy, France's first lady, paired trendy lacy (and a tad racy) black tights with her cocktail dress for a state dinner at the Elysee Palace in Paris last night, raising quite a few eyebrows. I think she looks chic, but it would be nice to see her out of ballet flats once in a while. Stylelist

Louis Vuitton has settled a lawsuit in which a man who purchased Takashi Murakami pieces from MOCA sued the French luxury house after learning the artwork was not limited edition as advertised, but made of the same material used for LV's coveted bags. Los Angeles Times

UGG Australia steps up its game and adds a luxury line of shoes and bags to the otherwise casual collection that until now has been a perfect fit for the college crowd and Snooki, who has in the past name the brand as one of her favorite "designers." WWD

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Blake Lively, the new face of Chanel's Mademoiselle handbag, in New York on Wednesday. Credit: Billy Farrell, Chanel