The 2014 Emmy Awards: Best Dressed List

The Emmys are one of my favorite awards shows of the season. I find there are so many talented actors and wonderfully creative shows on the small screen and it is great to see them receive recognition. Monday night's awards ceremony was a pleasure to watch and the celebs definitely brought their A game to the red carpet! Here is a list of my favorite looks from the night:

January Jones stole the show with her stunning Prabal Gurung gown. I especially love the higher hemline at the front to show off those gorgeous cage heels.

Gwen Stefani definitely kept my attention in this Atelier Versace gown. I really love how she styled the look with sleek hair and minimal accessories and didn't don her infamous red lipstick. I barely recognized her at first! 

Does she NEVER age?!? Julia Roberts is pulling a serious Benjamin Button here in this Elie Saab Couture mini and those Louboutin heels. Love!

Although her main man Matthew McConaughey didn't get the recognition he deserved for True Detective, he did win big in other ways. Wife Camila Alves definitely stole the spotlight in this stunning Zuhair Murad gown. It goes so well with her skin tone. White is said to be a difficult thing to wear on the runway but boy does she prove them wrong.

I am so drawn to Kerri Washington's Prada look. I think the sparkly mini skirt peeping under a high slight is genius. That orange tone looks great on her too! 

Sarah Hyland is definitely settling into her look these days. The Christian Siriano design was a great choice, especially seeing as she accepted her 5th(!!) consecutive award for Modern Family. I love the youthful high bun pared with the dainty straps on the top. Just perfect.

2014 MTV VMA Show - Best and Worst Dressed

Well, the MTV VMAs were back at it last night! As usual, the red carpet was peppered with some successful and some not-so-successful fashion risks. There was certainly no lack of exposed flesh on display with some of the highest slits I've ever seen and some "J-Lo worthy" plunging necklines. While there was almost too much nudity for my liking, a few gems did pop out of the crowd. I gravitated towards the separates partially because the majority of the gowns were underwhelming.

MY FAVES

In a sea of revealing gowns and mini dresses, Gwen Stefani rocked it in this hot pink and black ensemble. I absolutely loved this look, especially with the hot pink lips and punky Lorraine Schwartz rings. Win.

Ingrid Nilsen, of Youtube beauty fame, is making me swoon over these Christian Siriano separates. You can kind of sense a trend here that I am a major fan of hot pink. Her simple pulled-back hair and those shoes (!!) tied the whole look together for a cute, enviable look.

Beyoncé in Niciolas Jebran, because she is the Queen.

Some people love it, some people elevator hate it. I'm on the love side of Solange Knowles' red carpet look. She is rocking an H&M design over-sized jacket and cigarette pant. Can you believe this suit only cost $150? She ties the whole look together with ankle-strapped Stuart Weitzman Hells and awesome brushed out curls.

Off all the Kardashians, Kendall Jenner definitely stood out above the rest. Her Alon Livne outfit looked perfect with her sleek hair and simple accessories. 

MY LEAST FAVES

I love Ariana Grande. I'm typically a huge supporter of her girly style and I am extremely envious of her hair (WHO IS HER HAIR DRESSER?). I am just not in love with this Moschino number. I don't like the blatant name-dropping and find it a bit edgy/punky for her style.

Ummm... no comment on Amber Rose's outfit selection.

I understand Taylor Swift wanting to make some waves and move away from her typical pretty and safe red carpet style. I commend her for that. However, this looks like she is wearing a cirque-du-soleil leotard. I would love this look more if the bottom was longer and more of a romper-type piece. 

I LOVE that Katy Perry took a jab at Brit Brit and Justin's matching denim red carpet look from the early 2000s. I find it hilarious and love a good flashback every now and again. However, the denim dress and denim suit with corn rows should have been retired when Brit and Justin shook the world and ended their union. No body needs to see that ever again. I need therapy.

At least Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke didn't shake their money makers around stage this time around. I actually thought this was a very successful event and I thoroughly enjoyed Yoncé ending the night with a 20 minute performance of pure fierceness. I give this year's VMAs a solid B (for Beyoncé).

Bathe in Style: A Swimsuit Style Guide

Now that the warm weather is finally here, it is time to head to the beaches and cottages for some fun in the sun. With a never-ending sea of bikinis, monokinis, speedos and surf shorts out there, it can be a daunting task to find the perfect stylish and functional piece. Fear not, as we at fave magazine have done you the favor and hand-picked some fantastic pieces that will look amazing on any body. But first:

For the ladies, there are two essential swimsuit styles that everyone should have in their dresser. First, a fun and  flirty bikini,and secondly, a stylish one-piece. Bonus points if they are reversible!

Bikini

Modern Ego Beach Bunny Bikini - $34.00

This bikini from Modern Ego is the epitome of girly and fun. The mix of floral and nautical prints kicks the look up a couple notches AND it is reversible! Perfect to take on vacation.

Salinas Isabella Bikini -Top, $29.00 & Bottom, $29.00 instyleswimwear.com

To continue with the blue theme, this bikini is classic but with a little bit of a girly touch to it to keep it interesting. The back of this is the kicker with the cheeky bow. Did I mention it is currently on sale?!

Clover Canyon Lotus Temple Bathing Suit, $151.0, clovercanyon.com

For a little bit of color, this preppy and graphic bikini is the perfect candidate. It matches with countless things and would look super cute for lounging on the beach with a floppy hat or for a casual game of beach volleyball.

One-Piece/Monokini

L-Space Sunsetter, $158.00, www.instyleswimwear.com

In my opinion, everyone should own a black monokini. This particular one by L-Space is simply, practical, and a little bit sexy with the deep halter plunge. This look flatters any and every shape and size and the frills add just a bit of a girly touch (but not too much).

Stella McCartney Cutout Printed Swimsuit, $665.00, shopstyle.com

This asymmetrical piece just screams Gwyneth Paltrow. The lines are uber-chic and the mix of patterns is quite fun. This look can work everywhere, on the beach or by the pool and again, with a floppy hat.

Miu Miu Swimsuit, $215.00 Miu Miu NYC

212.334.5156

You can't go wrong with a retro one-piece and this one hits the nail right on the head. The deep V cut paired with the white band accentuate killer curves for a sexy look that's bound to turn heads.

FOR THE MEN

Like the ladies, there are two essential styles that one should have in their dresser. The traditional trunk, for casual and functional wear, and the more European/sporty styles to stand out in the crowd.

Trunks

Loro Piana Swim Trunks, $345.00 www.loropiana.com

The modern board short is short, but not tight. Traditional surf shorts haven't disappeared, they've just been updated a little bit. This washed out blue shade keeps the look casual and versatile.

J. Crew 7" board shorts with anchor print,$48.65, jcrew.com

Very appropriate with the nautical anchor motif and in the perfect length. These would work great with boat shoes and a white tee for off-beach events.

Cadet Vintage Surf Short, $128.00, www.cadetusa.com

I am in love with these trunks. The vintage look is a classic look that will never be out of style. Perfect for hanging ten.

European/Sport Trunks

Orlebar Brown Pup II, $165.00 orlebarbrown.com

If you're feeling daring, and spent the winter in the gym, these shorts are the ones for you. Be prepared to turn heads, though.

American Apparel Swimsuit, $28.00, americanapparel.com

If you are a little bit on the conservative side for the sporty/European look, these trunks are the perfect gateway into this style. The burgundy color pairs well with the cut, making for a classic short that will last season after season.

Sauvage Classic Square Cut - Side Stripe, $42.00, sauvagewear.com

Sauvage is one of my new favorite swimwear designers. They really have the men's classics down, adding a little bit of modern edge. This blue square cut brings us back to the 70s in California and everyone should own a pair!

Mens pastel trend

More than likely, spring fashion has two types of trends that bloom up each year ; Floral print and pastel colours. As a fan of both these trends I was more than pleased to realise that these styles have found their way into mens fashion this season just as much as they have  in woman's fashion. For gentleman who perhaps fear the floral prints , then pastel colours for spring is a great alternative. Bold sugary Pastel colours make a great statement for the fresh months of spring . The transition of lighter colours from the dark and heavy winter clothes ( now lurking in the bottoms of the wardrobe) , will also lift your mood into spring. You have to spring clean your wardrobe too !

I have found some of my favourite candy pastel fashion items in the high street stores below. Some of the colours seem really vibrant against the white back drop the items have been photographed with. Click on any of the pictures and it will link you to website.

Jack wills

Asos.com

Topman

Next

Asos.com - cambridge satchel

New look

Next

Burton menswear

Bold pastel shirts look great buttoned up to the top with a silver or gold chain necklace on show around the collar. Both blue jeans and cream chinos compliment pastel tops. For a day look, a pastel top with cream chinos rolled up past the ankles and boat shoes give an effortless summer vibe.  I've come to realise that pastel yellow at times can often make your complexion seem  "washed out", however yellow contrasts well against tanned/ darker skin tones.

If there is a trend , designer or store that you would like me to review , feel free to leave a comment.

All the best, Harry 

guest blogger alyssa wilson || watermelon vodka

I have been trying to come up with a light and refreshing cocktail this summer. I remembered on several occasion of people who would inject vodka into a whole watermelon and so I thought this would make a lovely summer drink. Since I like the idea of having fruit pieces in my drinks I decided watermelon and vodka was the way to go. After making up something with what I had on hand in my kitchen I began researching actual recipes on Pinterest. They are pretty similar and easily altered to your own taste. See this recipe as well as this one {with gin and grapefruit} that I cannot wait to try. You can also make this a sweeter cocktail by adding one of your favorite syrups. I love the flavors that Torani offers.

One. Cut up watermelon in small cubes and place in a mason jar or any other jar that can be sealed.{not quite half full}.
Two. Fill with vodka {just enough to cover the watermelon cubes}.
Three. Let sit in fridge for at least an hour before serving or even better for a couple of days.
Four. Once it's ready to drink fill with sparkling water or club soda and enjoy. C'est simple non?!

The best part? Eating the watermelon at the end. Enjoy!

Photography by Justina Phippen