Look We Love: Oscar's 2014 Edition

 If you're like us, the most exciting part of awards season is the red carpet fashion.  The following are our superlatives from the 2014 Oscar Awards.  We'll start with the best dressed gentlemen, since they are so often overlooked.

Jared Leto steps out of the box in a white Saint Laurent dinner jacket complete with red bow tie and Neil Lane jewelry.

Kevin Spacey looks ultra dapper in a midnight blue tux from Burberry.

The best-dressed couple award would have to go to the eternally stylish Diane Kruger in Valentino and her handsome date, Pacey Whitter - oops, we mean - Josh Jackson, in a chocolate Berluti tux at the Vanity Fair party.

The trend of the evening was definitely frosty gowns in all shades of metallic white.

Jessica Biel's Chanel gown was beautiful, while her Tiffany accessories and messy hair left us a little bored.

Naomi Watts looked super-sexy in tailored Calvin Klein and unique Bulgari jewels.

Kate Hudson usually gets it right on the red carpet and this Versace and Neil Lane combo just may be her best yet.

Cate Blanchett is our best dressed pick for the evening, per usual.  Her Armani Prive gown and 1940s coiffure were pure glamour.

A few honorable mentions:

Lady Gaga looked other-worldly in this Versace creation and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Several ladies went low key in black this year.  While critics have raved about Charlize Theron's dress, we think Anne Hathaway did it better in Gucci and Neil Lane.

Jennifer Lawrence's hair and Neil Lane accessories were stunning, but the Dior dress was a little too reminiscent of Michelle Williams's Louis Vuitton ensemble from the 2012 Oscar's, pictured below.

 The belle of the ball was definitely Lupita Nyong'o in custom Prada and stunning Fred Leighton jewelry.  This was truly her night to shine and while she pops in a more saturated color, this princess-style gown worked beautifully for her special night.

Who were your favorites from the evening?

xxA20

Quote of the Day

Amen!  Embrace yourself, flaws and all.  Face this week with confidence and style.  There is only one YOU.

xxA20

Building a Wardrobe

Building a wardrobe starts with collecting soul-stirring basics.  Below are a few examples of must-have pieces for every woman's closet.

We'll start with the ubiquitous LBD (little black dress).  For your go-to style, find a comfortable, body-skimming cut that can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories.

In the age of designer denim, the perfect jean has become the cornerstone in a woman's wardrobe and should be an investment piece.  We recommend a mid rise skinny or straight leg style in a dark rinse for an optimal balance of versatility with a figure-flattering look.

Other bottoms every woman should own are a pencil skirt and a classic trouser.  A neutral, straight skirt style can be worn with sandals and a t-shirt on the weekend or with a blouse and blazer for a day at the office.  Pant style is quite personal and varies depending on what works best with your shape.  A clean, straight leg black pant can give you a classic Audrey Hepburn look while a high rise, flared leg can channel Rachel Zoe's '70s glam vibe.

 Because they frame the face and can be layered together, your closet should contain more tops than any other style.  A woven button down shirt can be worn in a myriad of ways from layering under your favorite sweater to tying at the small of the waist and everything in between.  The classic t-shirt is another ultra-versatile style, our favorite incarnation being the classic breton stripe.

A classic fisherman's sweater style will work with any piece in your wardrobe and can layer well over dresses or under vests to stretch your wardrobe further.  Another staple you will always find in varying cuts and colors at Augusta Twenty is the silk shell.  This is a great avenue to introduce one of your favorite fabrics or colors into your collection of basics.  

A clean, long sleeved silk blouse is a piece you will wear to death.  Tuck this style into your favorite jeans with a neutral pump and a statement earring for a chic day-to-evening look.

A leather blazer is the perfect topper for everything from denim and a t-shirt to your favorite sheath dress.  A lightweight cardigan is a cozy and casual option that gives you just as much mileage.

In selecting jewelry, go for versatile pieces that encompass your overall aesthetic.  It is a good idea to have at least two options: one larger statement piece, the other a more subdued everyday style.  

Your signature scent says as much about your personal style as the clothing you wear.  Take your time in selecting something that can work for day or evening year-round.

A scarf is a keynote piece in your wardrobe and can be used for warmth or for decoration.  Be sure to find a print that speaks to you in a luxurious fabric since it will be up close to the delicate skin of the decollete.

Every woman should have at least 3 shoe styles in her wardrobe: a black boot, a classic flat, and a flattering nude pump.  While we could go on for days about the joys of a wedged bootie or a bejeweled platform, we are sticking to the real workhorses of your wardrobe.  

Stay tuned for an update on how to fill in the gaps and personalize a classic and thoughtfully collected wardrobe of basic styles.

These options and so much more available at www.augustatwenty.com.

Look We Love: The Jogging Pant

The designer jogging pant is a fun new fashion trend that juxtaposes luxurious fabrics like silk, linen, or leather with the banded legs of a track pant.  This style feels like a fresh update for our wardrobe and looks fabulous with tanks and sandals for a casual day option, with a blazer and pumps for the office, or with a dressy blouse and strappy heels for a cocktail look.

Above is a sampling of jogging pant styles we have coming into the shop this spring from some of our top-selling designers.  

Have a sensational weekend!

xxA20

Look We Love: 2014 Golden Globes Edition

Whew, it's been a busy week with starting our annual Winter Sale at the shop!  We are finally getting around to sharing our superlatives from the 2014 Golden Globes.  

We'll start with the ladies in black.

Kelly Osbourne looked sleek and sexy in this embroidered, body-conscious dress from Escada.

Allison Williams' Alexander McQueen dress is the perfect balance of classic and edgy with its clean silhouette and architectural shoulders.

Cate Blanchett's Armani Prive gown is stunning beyond words.  This is definitely our best-dressed pick from the event.  From the dress choice to the perfect coiffure and the subtle but fabulous accessories, this look embodies Hollywood glamour.

Emma Watson was the biggest risk-taker of the evening in this striking and spunky creation by Raf Simons.

The best-dress couple at the awards show, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves, looked perfectly tailored and red carpet-ready in Dolce & Gabbana.

Michelle Dockery's ensemble was the most underrated of the evening with the princess-style skirting and beautiful bead work on her Oscar de la Renta creation.  Unlike some other attendees who sported dated prom hair, Lady Mary's 'do was effortlessly elegant last Sunday evening.

Olivia Wilde is perhaps the best-dressed expectant mother in the history of red carpet press coverage.  She looks positively radiant in this Gucci sequin gown.

The best new-comer award goes to Lapita Nyong'o in this striking Ralph Lauren caped gown.  This woman is so exquisitely beautiful that we can't wait to see what she wears next.

Who were your favorites?

Have a beautiful day!

xxA20

Check out our sale HERE and our new arrivals HERE. 

Dreamy Runway Presentations & Editorials 2013

Happy New Year!

We know that 2013 is SO last year, but wanted to reminisce about a few dreamy runway and editorial moments that we found particularly inspiring.

Anya Hindmarch

Kenzo

Louis Vuitton

Rick Owens

Sleeping Beauty

Andy Warhol

Cheers to a beautiful 2014!

xxA20