Why watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?

Why watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?
A valid question if you are not a straight male with a pulse, in which case the answer is quite obvious, it's beautiful women strutting around in their underwear. But for straight women, why do we watch something like this? It is not as though it is a typical fashion show in which the designers have their newest lines coherent with the trends on display, in which attendance is expected. No, it is simply impractical lingere that many women would not wear, let alone could afford. Is it wrong to glorify super-skinny bodies and scantily clad women? Do we watch it to solely envy in all the "angels" have? Beauty, an apparent sense of humor, and a body that keeps them very happy all the way to the bank.

Believe me, I have heard all of the above sentences from friends and strangers alike. I, however, have watched this show for the past few years now and finally have my own comprehensive take on it all. I will give you the top 5 reasons I watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion show every year:

1. Envy
        Let's just get this one out there in the open before we really begin. Yes these women are beautiful, apparently flawless, rich beyond comprehension, and everything like that. But the thing that always gets me, is after this show I do not feel ashamed of myself, or of how I look, but rather inspired. I don't know if this feeling is generated across different peoples, but I, myself, always look to hit the gym just a little bit harder the day after the show. Now, if it took an hour of emaciated women strutting around on stage to uncover this motivation, so be it.
2. Creativity
        So despite the fact this is probably not the most traditional fashion shows, in that it shows clothes rather than costumes and underwear, you cannot deny that the creators of the show, and of the many looks, have great vision. Through all of the different themes, we see perfect cohesion in accessories and choice of undergarments to complete the outfit. Some personal favorites of this year's show were the underwater theme, and the antebellum theme (pictured below). The models emulate (read: attempt) to capture the attitude of the theme they are presenting, and most of the time succeed in convincing. Suddenly, we are rapt with the idea that the women strutting down the runway in nothing but a bra and some delicately placed shells is actually a mermaid.
3. Performances
         Although this is supposed to be about the fashion and the Victoria's Secret brand, it seems that this show always seems to get the hottest performers to, for a moment, be upstaged by the beautiful women sauntering past them. This year's highlights were; Kanye West, Jay-Z, Adam Levine, and my personal favorite/idol, Ms. Nicki Minaj.
4. Celeb Sightings
          For whoever watched this year's show, I challenge you to tell me that seeing Orlando Bloom beaming with pride, on his feet, cheering for his wife, Miranda Kerr as she walked down the runway did not just melt your heart. Also a pregnant Beyonce on her feet throwing up a diamond in the sky while rapping husband Jay-Z-s new song was something I will not soon forget.
5. Interviews
           Throughout the pre-taped show, the models and designers are interviewed and recorded. The designers are asked about their inspiration as well as execution of how to make such lavish designs as well as how to choose the right model for each look. Whether speaking about their fellow models, home life, or just being an angel, when interviewed, the models become more like real people. Instead of amazons cantering down the runway in upwards of 2.5 million dollars worth of clothing, they become real girls who simply lucked out in the gene pool.
6. Fun
          As much as you may hate the message this show sends, you have to admit that no matter what, it is always a good time. The models all seem to be having fun with their choice of profession and co-workers, and the audience is enjoying their time jamming out to current artists and watching a parade of unattainable bodies travel past them. Of all the fashion shows I have seen, obviously on the internet :(, it seems this is the most fun.

And there you have it folks. That is why I will continue to watch the Victoria's Secret fashion show year after year, and have the best workout of my life the day after.  Below I have included some of my favorites from this year's show, enjoy!

Miranda Kerr, my favorite! via sawfnews.com

Erin Heatherton and Nicki Minaj via safwnews.com

Anja Rubik via safwnews.com

Wedding-palooza

It has been a big year for weddings! Starting out the nuptial trend was, of course, Duchess Kate Middleton and Prince William. Their over-the-top ceremony was completed by the ravishing Alexander McQueen (designed specifically by Sarah Burton) dress that was unveiled (little play on wedding words) to the United States around 5am on April 29^th, and yes, I did, in fact, get up at that ungodly hour to watch the entire ceremony.

via http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-04-30/entertainment/30227016_1_sarah-burton-wedding-gown-catherine-middleton

            

Kate’s dress was a stunningly beautiful, and somewhat uncharacteristic of past royal weddings. The long-sleeve, V-neck, A-line gown showed the Duchess’ figure perfectly, and made her appears not like a royal girlfriend, but of a Duchess.

            We cannot talk of the Royal wedding without addressing the smoke show that happened to be carrying the bottom half of Kate’s dress, her sister Pippa.

via http://www.weightlossexercisediet.com/images/pippa-middleton-bum.jpg

 The satin sheath with buttons down the back and a simple cowl neckline made for the second most talked-about dress of the day.  Due to her impeccable figure, Pippa was able to carry this dress with all of the elegance it was made to exude.

Skipping over many other weddings this year, I know, but we continue with the marriage of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries.  This over-the-top affair was done in true Kardashian fashion, (aka televised and shown nationally to over 10.5 MILLION viewers. While I may poke fun at the Kardashian’s extravagance, I am a fairly awful liar, and to be honest, I was one of the 10.5 million, and yes, my eyes got a smidge misty. While this marriage ultimately, and famously, ended in a mere 72 days following this incredibly lavish experience, the pictures and the 3, yes 3, wedding dresses, will live on forever.

via http://creativewedding.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Kim-Kardashian-Wedding-Dress-The-Wedding-Ceremony.jpg

Kim’s first dress was a traditional princess gown, with layers upon layers of tulle, a strapless bodice made of satin, and, of course, much bling to complete the look.

                    
Kim’s mermaid-style dress was by far, my least favorite. I mean, we know you are fond of your “assets”, but I believe a figure-hugging dress with some unnecessary frills at the end is just overkill. Yet, now that I write that, it seems the dress describes her perfectly! Figure conscious, over-the-top, and impractical. Snarky comments aside, this was the least practical dress, and one that was inappropriate for a wedding, in my opinion.

via http://info.partydressexpress.com/Portals/29549/images/c--documents%20and%20settings-administrator-my%20documents-my%20pictures-kim_kardashian_dress_3-resized-600.jpg

Next dress was one that emulated “old Hollywood glamour”. A v-neck, figure-flattering satin sheath reminded me more of a dress for an awards show rather than a wedding reception, but there is no denying it was a beautiful dress that fit Ms. Kardashian-Humphries-Kardashian perfectly.

Finally, I am going to let my inner geek shine through and talk about the wedding I have been anticipating for approximately 4 years. I am, of course, talking about the nuptials between a Mr. Edward Cullen and Ms. Bella Swan from the multi-million dollar movie franchise, “Twilight”. I began reading the twilight series about 4 years ago, and when I read the final book and discovered there would be a vampire/human wedding, I was immediately curious about Bella’s wedding dress, and how it would be interpreted in the movie. Naturally, approaching 20 years old, a few friends and I traveled to the midnight showing of this tween sensation. Let’s just say, we were probably the most excited in the theater, and definitely the most emotional.

            Bella’s first dress was revealed in a dream (actually nightmare) sequence about her impending wedding day. This dress, although beautiful, underwhelmed me to the highest degree, and my heart dropped when I considered that would be the dress further on in the story. It is literally impossible to find any pictures of this, so I will just describe it for you. The exaggerated sweetheart neckline, lacy appliqués and subtle green/grey bow at the smallest point at her waist is all so beautiful. This just seems a little generic for my taste, and a little generic for this impossibly successful franchise.

            My fears were squashed a mere 10 minutes further into the film, when Bella’s true wedding dress was revealed.
                                       
It was a stunning, long-sleeved satin gown with a semi-revealing lace back, and buttons down the entirety of the dress and train. It was truly breathtaking. Although not many in life can pull this sort of silhouette off, Kristen Stewart had the perfect body type. The subtleties of lace on the sleeves, the diamond-like paneling on the front, and the subtle train fit both the mood, and character perfectly. When attempting to write of this magnificent dress, it seemed as though the dress was nowhere to be found online! It was kept secret almost as strictly as the royal wedding dress! Finally, when the movie releases were in full swing, it seems the creators of twilight had a deal with a certain dressmaking company that would produce a copy of the wedding dress soon after release of the movie.

via http://racked.com/archives/2011/11/21/after-a-top-secret-delivery-the-bella-swan-twilight-dress-is-here.php

Astoundingly, the copy of the dress is a mere $779! Thanks Alfred Angelo! Hopefully this will still be considered stylish if I ever get married, because you can bet I will wear something similar.

            It is interesting to note the similarities in all of these dresses, mainly culminating in the creation of Bella’s dress. It seems as though bits and pieces from the other two weddings played a role in this creation; the satin sheath aspect from the Kardashian wedding, with the obvious play on the lace and long-sleeved silhouette from the Kate’s dress, and the lastly, the cascading buttons from Pippa’s dress at the Royal wedding. It is interesting to see all of these current bridal trends in so many different mediums. From the ancient tradition of Royal weddings, to the highly publicized weddings of our generation’s “celebrities”, to a franchise seen by millions. It seems these trends are able to coincide despite their obvious differences in occasions, and as far as my psychic abilities can see, these designs and trends are here to stay. 

Fall Fashion!

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are crunching under newly covered toes and shoulders that were once solely warmed by the sun now lie beneath layers of cotton and wool. It’s getting colder by the day despite the crazy, unpredictable New England weather. This means not only adding some serious Vitamin C to your diet, or switching from beloved iced coffee to regular, but most importantly, dusting off your fall and winter wardrobes!

When it comes to fall fashion, the type of coat and sweater to wear varies greatly depending on the current trends. Thankfully, this season, it seems what is old, is new again! The extreme comfort that comes from a so-called “grandfather sweater” is always a big hit, and cardigans and pea coats are always closet staples that never go out of fashion.  If you are bored with these tired styles, and wish to be on the cutting edge, you are in luck! Such styles such as, the cape (reminiscent of a Mr. Sherlock Holmes), are all over the runways, and have, of course, been adopted by your favorite shopping establishments (Forever 21, Macy’s, etc) for a far more reasonable price.

via Nordstrom.com

 Some basic sweaters are getting a modern update, with the addition of the “peplum”. Which, for those who don’t know, is defined by dictionary.com as, "a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips”. This addition is usually found on skirts, but recently, it has traveled north and found a place on both cardigans and coats.

via glamour.com

If we travel further south, menswear pants are having a serious moment in the fashion world. Although the menswear trend has been slowly evolving over the past few seasons, and with the blazer trend becoming more and more popular, especially among Hollywood royalty, the menswear trend is evolving even further into pants. High-waisted trousers are popping up everywhere, not just on “That 70’s Show” re-runs. Hem lengths and widths are something that, with this season, brings great variation. Some current fascinations include; skinny ankle-length, wide floor-sweeping, and the always-popular, trousers with a boot-cut. Any of these lengths and widths will put you on the fast track to becoming a fall fashion maven.

Monique lhuillier, via trendalertdaily.com

Thanks to websites such as glamour.com, vogue.com, and for runway fashions, style.com, we are able to see progression and newly adapted trends in a more in-depth way. Happy styling!