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Showing posts with label it girl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label it girl. Show all posts
On the final day of 2014 we bid adieu to 365 days full of ups and downs and memorable moments. We also celebrate the top It Girl of 2014, a coveted title only one starlet can possess. Last year saw Jennifer Lawrence reign supreme, but this year a brand new name has earned the top spot.
What exactly is an It Girl, though? What do I look for when compiling my annual year-end list? She's got to have name-recognition, of course, and a number of successes and achievements throughout the year; 2014's list consists of the top actresses, models, singers, and even an international lawyer and human rights activist. As this is a fashion blog, she's got to be a fashion girl and a trendsetter. And she can't just wear whatever is the most popular—no, she must have a unique style that reflects her individual personality.
In other words, an It Girl has to have influence. Over her respective industry, over fashion, over the world. Celebrities have an incredibly unique power in order to enact change because they are so well-known and in the public sphere, and I think there's something to be said for a celebrity who takes advantage of those opportunities to make a difference.
It's been a turbulent year to say the least. I don't speak politics on this blog very but you'd have to be living under a rock if you disagree with that statement. I'm no celebrity but I try to make a difference where I can, in whatever small way I can impact the world, and I am envious of celebrities who truly have the star power to make a true difference.
There's the notion that an It Girl has to be cool and effortless, but I have begun to find a lack of effort incredibly overrated. Why can't we value hard work and strong ambition and the desire to want something? And why must an It Girl only be someone who wears floppy hats and looks impeccably stylish wherever she goes? Why can't she be fashionable and influential in that regard, but also something more than that?
It is for all these reasons that there is no better choice for 2014's Top It Girl than Lupita Nyong'o, the breakout star of last year's 12 Years a Slave and one of the most influential young actresses that I have ever seen.
When I first watched 12 Years a Slave I was instantly drawn to Nyong'o's character of Patsey. By the time I had watched the film Lupita was already garnering plenty of Oscar buzz (she later took home the little golden statue and a number of other awards for her supporting role) and I was eager to see her performance. The character of Patsey is probably only on screen for about 15 minutes, but Nyong'o's portrayal was so beautiful and sad that afterwards I immediately went to research the fate of the real-life Patsey. The most frustrating part: her life after Solomon passes through remains a mystery. But that Nyongo's portrayal of the character had me researching Patsey and Solomon and their stories in the wee hours of the night was truly an accomplishment. It is not often that I am so deeply moved by a film.
During awards season, Nyong'o proved that she was just as moving off the screen as she was on it. She deservedly won countless awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave and dazzled the world with her bright red carpet looks and her dazzling personality. I was moved to tears during some of her acceptance speeches, where she both acknowledged the hard work and drive that got her to this point and encouraged others to follow their dreams. And I know that many actors and Hollywood types have encouraged younger generations to do the same, but it felt distinctly genuine when coming from Nyong'o.
Here is a woman who has proven to be a role model in every sense of the word. And really, that seems to be the theme of the Girls of 2014 list. Nyong'o has taken her newfound celebrity status as an opportunity to make a change and serve as a role model for women and for people of color. She's given powerful speeches on women's rights (check out her keynote speech at the Massachusetts Conference for Women) and she's taking a public stand on cases of police brutality and discrimination. In all those instances she speaks of the topics she is addressing with intelligence and poise.
Of course, Lupita Nyong'o has had a stellar year in terms of becoming a major fashion player as well. Like I said, she could do no wrong during awards season. Her Cinderella-like Prada gown at the Academy Awards was one of the best looks of any celebrity this year, and her dainty headband sparked a revival of the hair accessory once reserved for reigning Queen Bs on the steps of the Met.
What exactly is an It Girl, though? What do I look for when compiling my annual year-end list? She's got to have name-recognition, of course, and a number of successes and achievements throughout the year; 2014's list consists of the top actresses, models, singers, and even an international lawyer and human rights activist. As this is a fashion blog, she's got to be a fashion girl and a trendsetter. And she can't just wear whatever is the most popular—no, she must have a unique style that reflects her individual personality.
In other words, an It Girl has to have influence. Over her respective industry, over fashion, over the world. Celebrities have an incredibly unique power in order to enact change because they are so well-known and in the public sphere, and I think there's something to be said for a celebrity who takes advantage of those opportunities to make a difference.
It's been a turbulent year to say the least. I don't speak politics on this blog very but you'd have to be living under a rock if you disagree with that statement. I'm no celebrity but I try to make a difference where I can, in whatever small way I can impact the world, and I am envious of celebrities who truly have the star power to make a true difference.
There's the notion that an It Girl has to be cool and effortless, but I have begun to find a lack of effort incredibly overrated. Why can't we value hard work and strong ambition and the desire to want something? And why must an It Girl only be someone who wears floppy hats and looks impeccably stylish wherever she goes? Why can't she be fashionable and influential in that regard, but also something more than that?
It is for all these reasons that there is no better choice for 2014's Top It Girl than Lupita Nyong'o, the breakout star of last year's 12 Years a Slave and one of the most influential young actresses that I have ever seen.
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| Photo Source: Marie Claire UK October 2014 |
During awards season, Nyong'o proved that she was just as moving off the screen as she was on it. She deservedly won countless awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave and dazzled the world with her bright red carpet looks and her dazzling personality. I was moved to tears during some of her acceptance speeches, where she both acknowledged the hard work and drive that got her to this point and encouraged others to follow their dreams. And I know that many actors and Hollywood types have encouraged younger generations to do the same, but it felt distinctly genuine when coming from Nyong'o.
Here is a woman who has proven to be a role model in every sense of the word. And really, that seems to be the theme of the Girls of 2014 list. Nyong'o has taken her newfound celebrity status as an opportunity to make a change and serve as a role model for women and for people of color. She's given powerful speeches on women's rights (check out her keynote speech at the Massachusetts Conference for Women) and she's taking a public stand on cases of police brutality and discrimination. In all those instances she speaks of the topics she is addressing with intelligence and poise.
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| Givenchy | Calvin Klein Collection | Christian Dior Couture | Prada | Ralph Lauren | Gucci |
She donned looks from all the top designers, especially Miuccia Prada. Nyong'o sat front row at fashion week shows and got invites to insider events like the Met Gala and the CFDA Awards. She's not afraid to push the envelope with her fashion choices and she knows what her style is. She was named one of Glamour's Women of the Year, People's Most Beautiful Person of 2014, and has a modelling gig with Estee Lauder. She covered Vogue, Marie Claire, and Glamour, and starred in Miu Miu's Spring ad campaign. She's a fashion It Girl if there ever were one.
Nyong'o is a rare breed of celebrity that we don't see very often. She's as radiant as the sun and she's constantly aware of the hard work that got her to where she is and how fortunate she is to be where she is. So many people take their positions in life for granted, and it is truly refreshing to see someone who both enjoys her status as celebrity and is aware that it is a fortunate lifestyle.
So with an Oscar and a number of other accolades under her belt, what's next for Nyong'o in the new year? How about a top-secret role in the new Star Wars film? Little has been revealed about the film and we still don't know who Nyong'o will be in the new movie, but a new Star Wars is huge and Nyong'o is going to continue to garner international attention for her part in one of the largest film franchises of all time. She's also the voice of Rakcha in next year's live-action version of The Jungle Book. Between those two big films, Nyong'o is a star that will only continue to rise in 2015.
What do you think of Lupita and her style? Who is your No. 1 girl of 2014?
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| Image via Death to the Stock Photo |
Hey guys! In preparation for my annual It Girls of 2014 list, I'm reaching out to my readers to see who THEY want in the top ten! You can give me your input by filling out this survey or by commenting below.
Thanks for your input and remember to check back for the list of 2014's Top Ten Fashion It Girls soon!
I mean, who else could it be, really? 2013 has been Jennifer Lawrence's year, which is why The Fashion Barbie is awarding her the title of It Girl of 2013. Back in 2011 we knew this girl was going places, but who could have predicted that Jennifer Lawrence was going to be the star of Young Hollywood when she stepped out into the spotlight three years ago.
To summarize Lawrence's stunning year: she kicked off 2013 with a bang by winning an Oscar for her outstanding performance in Silver Linings Playbook. She became the face of Christian Dior. The second installment of The Hunger Games was an even bigger success than the first (already counting the days until the next one!). Her latest film, American Hustle recently came out and is already an Oscar front-runner; Lawrence has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her supporting role and may earn her third Oscar nomination (and second win, perhaps?).
A whirlwind year indeed.
Lawrence hasn't just won awards this year; she's won over the hearts of moviegoers everywhere. Her All-American, "real" and slightly awkward (but always endearing) attitude is easily relatable, and Lawrence is much more focused on her acting than on taking the spotlight.
Of course, Lawrence still wears designer duds that cost a small fortune, so she's not exactly your average girl, but she wears even couture with casual elegance and ease. Lawrence's style can vary from edgy and experimental to gorgeous and glam.
Lawrence also made waves this year with her new 'do (and we're not talking about her Katniss braids). Earlier this year she decided to chop off her long layers for a stylish pixie cut. I'm not going to lie, I was highly skeptical of this hairdo at first, but the look has grown on me.
It's especially exhilarating to compare Lawrence's early red carpet looks to her most recent ensembles, because you really understand the type of style evolution that she's gone through. Jennifer Lawrence hasn't just blossomed into one of the most promising actresses of our generation, she's also grown into a style icon in 2013.
We couldn't give the title of It Girl of 2013 to a sweeter, more talented actress, and with seven films in the works, you know the Reign of Jennifer Lawrence is only just beginning.
Here's to more awesome red carpet moments in the next year, and here's to 2014.
You can't be such a polarizing figure without being widely talked about, and for better or for worse, Miley Cyrus has caused quite the stir this year. Her onstage antics are so notorious at this point that I shouldn't even bother mentioning them (smoking marijuana while performing in Amsterdam and twerking with Robin Thicke at the VMAs are a few of those moments, in case you forgot or live under a rock) and a lot of the rebellious activity is overdone and tiring, but Miley is just being Miley and you have to admit that a train wreck has never looked so good.
And honestly, train wreck is a bit of an overstatement. My fan relationship with Miley has fluctuated over the years - I was a fan of Hannah Montana, not gonna lie, and her eagerness to "shed her G-rated Disney image" was frustrating for me. I've never understood the need for child celebrities to go a bit off the deep end once they grow up, but I have never been a child celebrity so I have no idea what their lives are like and I've come to the realization that if Miley was just a normal college-age girl, no one would be batting an eyelash if she were smoking weed or dancing suggestively at a house party.
Yes, Miley is a public figure and thus should consider her actions and how they might influence others to follow in her footsteps. She has made many mistakes this year and I don't agree with all of her actions. But she's young, she's learning how to live and that involves making mistakes, and we just have to let her do her thing and hope she'll find what she's searching for. And you must admit, she's actually pretty level-headed when interviewed about topics that matter, like love and being true to yourself.
So, polarizing behavior aside, it's been a great year for Miley Cyrus. Despite the ridiculous title, Bangerz is awesome and I recommend you all go listen to it. And though the video is entirely silly (as are the countless parodies) "Wrecking Ball" is a beautiful song and the first time I heard it (before the video came out) I was like, yes, this is awesome. Though "The Climb" will forever be my all-time favorite Miley Cyrus song, Bangerz showed us that Miley has some serious musical talent.
Miley's also completely transformed her look this year. She ditched her long hair for a platinum pixie cut that sparked a mass trend of discarding long layers of hair for shorter looks, and when she's not wearing teddy bear onesies or suggestive foam fingers, she can be seen wearing Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. She's a true style chameleon - one day she'll be rocking a 90s-style outfit with a crop top and vintage Versace, the next she'll be sleek and chic in relaxed suits. Like every other young 20-something, she's trying to find her style and she's experimenting with all sorts of trends and fashions. There are occasional misses, yes, but when Miley gets a look right it is spot-on.
This has been a crazy year for Miley Cyrus, and it's doubtful that 2014 will be any less of a roller coaster ride (or swing on a wrecking ball, take your pick) for the shining star that is Miley Cyrus. We can't wait to see all the outrageous OMG moments and fashion choices she'll make come the new year, and you know that whatever she does next, we'll all be talking about it. And anyway, isn't that the point?
2013 has been a knockout year for Kerry Washington. Her hit show Scandal continues to impress audiences and critics alike week after week (I promise I'm going to binge-watch it this winter break!) and she just earned a Golden Globe nod for her performance in the drama TV series, she showed America that she could rock funny material when she hosted SNL, and has in general wowed the world with her lovable personality.
Kerry's also made waves in the world of fashion. Her style is rather poised and ladylike, but she's not afraid to mix things up every once and a while and take a fashion dare. It's incredibly rare that a woman can rock both a tea-length frock and an ultra-minidress with the same amount of elegance, but Kerry Washington manages to do so with ease.
The adventures of Olivia Pope are far from over, and we can't wait to see all the scandalous and stylish moments that Kerry Washington will continue to deliver.
It's no secret that I've developed a bit of a style crush on it girl Holland Roden over the course of 2013. How can you not, though? Roden is young and having fun with fashion, and knows how to combine California cool with Hollywood glamour.
As everyone's favorite Prada-toting, archaic Latin-reading queen bee on MTV's Teen Wolf, of course Roden's on-screen persona is known for her stylish garb, but in real life Holland Roden is just as fashionable whether she is just walking around in West LA or strutting down the red carpet in a gown.
Roden made several front-row appearances at New York Fashion Week back in September and I'm sure she'll be back for all the fall collections. Her gorgeous red hair and penchant for bold color are two of her style trademarks. But besides that, Roden isn't afraid to experiment with style and dress up a little. The Naeem Khan dress-with-pants-underneath (center outfit, above) that she rocked at the VMAs this year was a style risk that paid off and landed her on many best-dressed lists.
Teen Wolf is returning soon and has already been renewed, so we will certainly be seeing a lot of Miss Holland Roden in 2014. Can't wait to see what she wears!
There's no doubt that the breakout music artist of 2013 was Lorde, the young songstress from New Zealand that took the world by storm with her hit single, "Royals." I remember first hearing "Royals" while driving home from LA one weekend and being absolutely mesmerized by Lorde's powerful vocals. It was always a treat when I heard the intro's recognizable beat come on the radio. Apparently I wasn't the only one that was was in love, and the song made its way from the alternative to the pop stations. Everyone was hooked.
But don't call Lorde a one-hit wonder. Her debut album Pure Heroine is full of hits ("Team" and "Tennis Court" are my personal favorites). Lorde has won over the masses with her brilliant songs, her sweet demeanor, and her cool-girl-goth style - seriously, she could be a guest star on American Horror Story: Coven with her modern witch clothing.
Lorde's style signatures: black on black on black, plum lips, combat boots, and that iconic curly hair that gives Brave's Merida a run for her money. She is cool and laid-back but having fun with her style as she gets accustomed to the spotlight.
So what's next for Lorde in 2014? With three Grammy nods (including Record and Song of the Year) and more music in the works, we are definitely going to be seeing a lot more of Lorde. She may not be blue-blooded, but she sure is on her way to pop royalty.
Mindy Kaling has got it all - she's beautiful, fashionable, hilariously funny, and really smart. It's hard not to have a good year when you have all that going for you, but 2013 was Mindy's best one yet.
Her hit TV show The Mindy Project is one of my absolute favorites, and in it's second season it's definitely found its groove (let's hope the show's small upcoming hiatus doesn't kill that momentum). Before that, Mindy made people laugh both on-screen and behind-the-scenes as a star and writer for The Office, and last year her memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) made people fall in love with her unapologetic humor and charm.
Honestly, I may or may not be a bit biased. I have probably said (on multiple occasions) that "Mindy Kaling is my spirit animal" and I cannot even be embarrassed about it because it's just true. Mindy is so cool, and she's cool not because she pretends to be perfect but because she embraces the fact that women are complex and imperfect and can be brilliant doctors but still care about the Khloe-Lamar breakup more than is probably necessary and believe that scenes straight out of romantic comedies can actually occur in real life.
Mindy has sass, that's for sure, and it shows up in her tweets and red carpet ensembles alike (as well as her on-screen persona's wardrobe, which is full of Madewell and Kate Spade and totally trendy but also very realistic and reasonably-priced). She's not afraid of a bold color or geometric print, and she can be both fun and glamorous with her outfits.
If you aren't already on the Mindy fan train, you might want to hop on because there's no doubt that Mindy Kaling is going places.
When you get constant comparisons to Mariah Carey, you know you're dealing with a star.
Ariana Grande burst onto the music scene this year with her hit single "The Way" featuring Mac Miller and has become a household name in a very short matter of time. Grande got her start out on Nickelodeon's Victorious (and subsequent spin-off Sam & Cat) but the teenage songstress truly shines when she is belting out the high notes.
Currently you can listen to Grande's four new Christmas songs, including her original "Snow in California" - which is adorable, because it makes me think of the Disney Channel Original Movie The Ultimate Christmas Present and then I get all excited for the (im)possibility of snow in Los Angeles.
Grande's fashion sense is just as sultry and sweet as her music. She's a big fan of full skirts, floral prints, and candy colors. There's a bit of a vintage vibe going on, but Grande always appears fresh and up-to-date, rather than stuffy and old-fashioned.
She also has a signature half-up/half-down hairstyle - I'd love to see something a little different once and a while, but if it ain't broke I guess there's no need to fix it!
2013 has been a tremendous success for Ariana, and there's no doubt that her hot streak will continue on straight into the new year.
It's hard to believe that 2014 will mark the tenth anniversary of Mean Girls (yikes, I am getting old) and it's even harder to believe that Lizzy Caplan played everyone's favorite goth androgynous badass Janis Ian.
Beneath all that heavy eyeliner and dark clothing was an absolute stunner, and ten years after the beloved film Lizzy Caplan is still going strong.
Last year Caplan starred in the raunchy Bachelorette (which wasn't my favorite, but Caplan was still great) and guest starred on New Girl as Nick's girlfriend, but with the success of the new show Masters of Sex on Showtime, Lizzy Caplan has truly outdone herself.
On the show Caplan portrays Virginia Johnson, a determined woman living in the 1950s who aids scientist William Masters in an intriguing and controversial study of - you guessed it - sex. Caplan is as charming as her fifties wardrobe, and off-screen she is just as lovely.
Caplan's signature style is decidedly feminine and bold, with bright lips and fun colors. She is certainly enjoying the spotlight and making each appearance a noteworthy one with her scene-stealing fashion sense.
Janis Ian may not approve of Caplan's fun and girly fashions, but we sure do!
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| all images from zimbio.com |
Zendaya became a serious contender for the "Girls of 2013" list when I saw her American Music Awards look (second from the right). I had to do a double-take - was that really the girl from Disney's Shake It Up? And how does someone who is two years younger than I am look so much more mature than me!?
I had to do some investigating.
What I found was that Zendaya has some serious style. She can look cool and mature one day and then fun and youthful the next - exactly how a teen starlet should be! Now is the time for experimenting, and I love how Zendaya takes a fun but poised approach to fashion.
With Selena, Demi, and Miley safely out of the Disney sphere, it's time for a new round of child and teen stars to take the stage (and the covers of TeenVogue). Zendaya has stepped into that role quite well (and with cute shoes, too!) and I look forward to see many great things from her in the future!
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| all images from zimbio |
Catching Fire has been a critical and economic success so far, and Lionsgate has been advertising the film nonstop (the other day, I saw Hunger Games-inspired Burger King and CoverGirl ads; seriously, it's everywhere). On Wednesday night I took advantage of being at home for Thanksgiving and being able to veg out on E! without judgment and saw the woman behind the sassy District Seven tribute, Johanna Mason, on Chelsea Lately.
She was hilarious, witty, smart, and best of all, she had fabulous style. I'm a big fan of Jena's sleek straight bob with deep side part, and I love the way she can wear feminine fit-and-flare dresses and minimalist shapes alike.
Jena can rock a frock (or a romper, when the occasion calls for it) like no other, but her acting chops are just as impressive as her fierce sense of style. Jena absolutely killed it as Johanna - she had me both laughing and crying.
And next year, Jena is slated to appear in a few big flicks, including Inherent Vice with Owen Wilson, Amy Adams, Josh Brolin (and a handful of other big-name stars) and Lonely Hunter, a film about a 1940s female author living in the South - not to mention Mockingjay, set for release in 2015.
Certainly not the last we have seen of Miss Malone!
And remember to stay tuned for the other nine It Girls of 2013!
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