Empire Waist Trend on the Rise

I'm so elated that Ariana Grande wore a vintage empire waist gown to the Golden Globes 2025...because we definitely NEED more empire waist dresses on the market for those Bridgerton-theme parties. I honestly been having the toughest time trying to find a quality Regency-inspired dress that does not look cheap and costumey.

Empire waist gowns have probably been unpopular because no one wants to look pregnant, or cause rumors of being pregnant or hiding belly fat, but I believe Bridgerton-theme parties are becoming the norm like wearing ugly holiday sweaters for Christmas parties.  So there is a place for the empire-waist dress for the average person. 

Few days after the Golden Globes, another young star Elle Fanning dazzled in this gown at the National Board of Review Awards...

It is giving sweet and sexy babydoll style as well. 

Jennifer Lawrence may have started it all when she donned this number last year at the Vanity Fair Oscar's party....even though fashion critics complained it didn't flatter her body, I think her stylist knew she was starting a trend in Hollywood...

Keep them coming!

Best Styling of Yellow Diamond

Although many celebrities try to wow us in yellow diamonds on the red carpet over the years (ie. Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Julia Roberts, etc.) but hands down, Emma Stone's Louis Vuitton yellow diamond choker necklace from this year's Oscars is my favorite and best styling ever! I love the way it compliments her spring-sunshine vibes with her natural complexion and pastel green dress! I was obsessed by the way the yellow diamond center delicately sparkled when she was on the podium giving her thank you speech! 

And her dress is quite spectacular too! When the camera viewed the audience scene at the Academy Awards, I kept seeing Emma Stone's dress popping out amongst the black suits of the crowd. I only wished she didn't point out the "dress was broke" on stage, since it was not noticeable at all, and the dorky-girl moment cheapened the appeal of the dress. But eh, that is Emma Stone, and this was definitely one of the best fashion moment to remember! 

Vanessa Hudgens At-Home Style

I actually never watched High School Musical, but I am a fan of Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch on Netflix, and she is a fellow petite! Recently, I've been following her on Instagram for short-ladies style inspiration. 

I'm mostly fascinated by her sweaters and sweatshirts that she wears at home while she promotes grocery store products or whatever they pay her for advertising. 

These two sweatshirts are my current favorites to emulate: 

1). Okay, so I'm not a fan of the velour fabric, but I love the teal-sage color, voluminous sleeves, the angel-print at the chest, and the exaggerated puffy heart necklace. Puffy heart jewelry is definitely in-style right now! Everything about this look is perfect for a cozy video-selfie.  

2). The hair is amazing here, but the hue of the sweatshirt is what got me! Half-zip neckline has been the rage lately, but I'm still on the fence with this neckline because it reminds me of old retired folks who wear visors and play tennis at racquet clubs, not my thing....but this light purple is so pretty! I also wish I can see more of the white wording/logo that is embroidered on the belly of her sweater. 

I know, I once vowed never to wear sweatshirts again, but post-COVID life and work-at-home culture has reeled me back to them, and I'm learning new ways how to style sweatshirts more purposely fashionable! 

Do you love sweatshirts?

Letterman, Varsity, Baseball, Souvenir Jacket Idea

The varsity baseball jacket has been trendy these past 2-3 years in the fashion retail world, and I've contemplated that long whether or not it deserves a spot in my current wardrobe. My biggest qualm is that I'm in my 40's and debating if would it make me look like I'm trying too hard to be young? Because let's face it, it belongs to the teenagers and totally brings me back to my high school days with my best friend wearing his yellow and blue letterman jacket with a huge "Orchestra" logo embroidered on it. Wasn't exactly cool and more nerd vibes. 

But Pharrell Williams, one of my favorite fashion icons, showed up in this shrunken leather version with dragons embroidery, perfect for Year of the Dragon 2024, and never looked so cool. And he's 50 years old!

Here he is coming out of a futuristic-looking car, the shrunken jacket, and flare jeans! 

That is cool! 

I also dig the neutral khaki baseball cap! 

(note to self, need one too)

A look of the dragon embroidered on the backside:

How refreshing he looks compared to the men in the stuffy suits! 

So the lesson I learned here is, varsity jacket can work for an older person. 

It needs to be shrunken/not too baggy, and have a cool embroidery. 

Actually, can I just have the exact one Pharrell is wearing?

The search for a dupe begins! 

Celebrities and their Jewels

There's been some amazing colorful jewels circulating on gorgeous celebrities lately, especially with Zendaya leading the pack! Thought I'd document all my favorites here:

Multicolor Gems

Especially the Bulgari red on Anne Hathaway! 

Those earrings on Alexandra Daddario!

Mesmerizing blue-violet Pomellato jewels on Grace Elizabeth!

That Cartier necklace on Maude Apatow! 

Yay for Hollywood for bringing glamour back!