>> Campaign season is here. So far, there have been Spring 2012 ad moments for Gisele Bundchen, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Julia Stegner — and more. See those, plus all the Spring 2012 ad campaigns, in the slideshow — with more added as they arrive.
If you want real romance, look no further than Valentino's Fall 2012 collection. Creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli designed an impeccably gorgeous lineup of gowns, jumpsuits, and coats that — for lack of something less cliché to say — swept us off our feet. Picking up right where it left off after Spring '12, Valentino honed in on the ultrafeminine details, neutral color palette aside. Floor-skimming dresses were updated with panels of refined leather, sheer Victorian lace bodices and sleeves, and some were even artfully covered in glitter. Whether the pieces were endowed with rich tapestry embroidery, metallic floral embellishments, or a sweet collar bow tie, it all worked towards one well-defined theme of pretty elegance. Of course, no Valentino collection is complete without its signature red creations, and the Fall offerings didn't disappoint. We were particularly enamored with the cherry-hue frock adorned with scalloped edges and paired with matching red ankle-strap sandals. For more details, just keep reading.
>> Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri looked to "globetrotting" and the idea of "searching for one’s roots" for Fall 2012 Valentino. Sound a bit granola? It wasn't. The duo's great talent at Valentino is their ability to find the sweet spot between thematic and pretty — in a modern, on-brand way — and this season, that talent was on full display. Silhouettes were cut in easy, slightly girlie shapes — knee-grazing skirts, fitted bodices, wide culottes, puffed sleeves, and natural waists — but the fabrics were decidedly grown-up. There was crisp ivory organza, butterscotch wool, carpet-patterned tapestry, and — for a hint of edge — black leather.
Amber Heard donned the perfect transitional ensemble while wrapping up lunch with a friend in LA. She layered a black lace mini over white ankle skinnies, then finished with a pair of bronze metallic oxfords. This fresh take on white denim is inspiring and easy to re-create for Spring. Pair your favorite lace mini or top over white skinnies, then add oxfords for a casual cool look. Or swap the lace for a chambray shirt and skinny leopard belt for a more preppy vibe. Don't forget a pair of Ray-Bans and a neutral stud tote — like the Valentino one Amber is carrying — to spring into the new season in style.
Katherine Heigl gave us a fresh color combo of navy and yellow to try while out and about in Los Feliz over the weekend. She paired a navy tweed jacket with cropped yellow skinnies and patent flats. Her Rockstud Valentino — the celeb It bag of the moment — toughened up her ladylike look, which she finished off with a few gold accessories and dual-tone sunglasses. Snag Katherine's look by styling a navy top, sweater, or jacket with yellow denim, or flip the script with a yellow blouse and navy cords.
Shailene Woodley might be young in age, but tonight the actress decided to show off a more sophisticated look on the Oscars red carpet. The actress opted for a refined, ivory long-sleeved Valentino gown paired with Harry Winston diamonds. The dress's intricate detailing is gorgeous, and we love her neutral makeup palette. What's your verdict on her elegant look?
Vote on all of our Oscar polls here!
Celebs love and carry a bevy of bags — Loewe, Lanvin, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana — but there is one designer they're particularly attracted to these days: Valentino. While the Italian designer is mainly known for his exquisitely feminine couture collections, his rockstud handbags are making quite the statement in Hollywood as of late. Reese Witherspoon has been spotted with both the brown and black studded satchel, Jessica Simpson owns the python version, and Jessica Biel is also a fan. Jenna Dewan has Valentino's blush shoulder bag, Jennifer Lopez was recently spotted carrying the white studded clutch, and Rachel Bilson's character on Hart of Dixie wore the rockstud Nappa shoulder bag on one episode. Depending on the size and style, prices for a Valentino rockstud bag can start from $1,595 for a clutch and go all the way up to $2,279 for the ones Reese owns. If your pockets are deep and you're looking for a bag that's part pretty girl, part bad girl, then we highly recommend making an investment in Valentino.
Ever the elegant gamine, Michelle Williams stunned at the SAG Awards in a red lace Valentino gown and matching red strappy heels. We're loving this bold bombshell color changeup from her usual go-to neutral palette. To accentuate the lace sleeve details and subtle asymmetrical hem, Michelle chose a metallic boxy clutch and a textured gold cuff bracelet to keep the look gilded and gorgeous. Her slightly mussed-up pixie cut, barely-there makeup, and flawless skin give her a gorgeous glow. What do you think of Michelle's red-carpet ensemble?
Vote on all of our SAG Awards polls here!
>> Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli went soft and lovely for Spring 2012, tapping the romance of the Age of Enlightenment and the innocence of Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon for a couture collection rife with delicateness — or as they put it, "deep lightness." For day, there were softly swishing knee-length dresses with ruffled necks and sheer sleeves; for evening, full-length strapless or long-sleeved gowns in heavy silk and taffeta — some embellished with crystals and pearls, and others printed with antique-looking florals and toile.
Cameron Diaz's trip to Paris Fashion Week has been quite inspirational. First she wowed us in all-black, fringed Versace, and now the actress is sweetening things up in Valentino lace. To take this look from the red carpet to the streets of your 'hood, pair an equally sweet white lace or crochet top with a pair of slouchy boyfriend jeans, then finish off the look with nude pointy pumps just like Cameron did. You'll end up with a nod to Valentino, but with a casual, way-cool edge.
