Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sundance Wrap Up: Plaid, Fur, and Laid-back rugged charm

Amidst a snow covered Park City, the sun seemed to be shining down celebrities. A-listers such as Fergie, Josh Duhmel, Katie Holmes, Orlando Bloom, and Kristen Stewart, tried to keep warm in the mountainous, winter wonderland of Park City, despite the frosty atmosphere the stars were as alluring as they seem on the big screen and in magazines. All the celebs seemed to be in good spirits, relaxed, and excited to be at Sundance. Is there something about being in the snow filled mountains that puts you in a relaxed, albeit lazy frame of mind? (Even, most of the normally stylized women opted for comfort over style, yet I have to admit their comfort level, and mine are totally different… because they still look très chic.)


The stars were all sporting messy, undone hair, or tousled waves. Sweaters, and boots tucked into skinny jeans seemed to be the dress code for most, with a vest or jacket to cover when they went outdoors. not everyone sported such a laid back style; stars such as Jessica Alba, Kerri Washington, and Michelle Williams all sported dresses with tights (which is the best way to incorporate flirty, feminine, and springy style in the dead of winter!), and of course all sported the flirty tousled hair. It seemed while the more sophisticated Celebs were sporting classically casual ensembles, the younger generation were showing off the eclectic, messy, rock and roll style. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning both sported oversized t-shirts, hoodies, and dark denim (Kristen Stewart looked more like a boy with her mullet hair cut, no makeup, and messy clothes…I know…I know… I shouldn’t have said it aloud, but I know you are all thinking it, and someone had to say it!!!)

The Sundance film festival was also filled with fur loving stars, which was sported by women celebs on vests, coats, and even hats it was even seen on Kloe Kardashian, who is an avid PETA member… but I’m sure she was wearing faux (or at least ill give her the benefit of the doubt, and say she was…I really don’t know, but I like to think the good in everything). The men didn’t shy away from this trend either, although they wore it in a much different way… on their faces! Manly celebs such as Ryan Gosling, Mark Ruffalo, Jared Leto, and even the always clean cut Ben Affleck, and James Franco, all opted for the mountainous, rugged charm of a beard and facial scruff. (I think it’s the men’s tactic so you can’t recognize them… People were pointing some of them out to me and I still had a hard time recognizing them!!!) It seemed that everyone had at least a hint of animal attached to them, even the locals’ sported fur (on Main Street there is a fur store, and in the window there is a fur jock strap! Hot! Ha ha) I think it’s the actual idea of cold weather, and being cuddled by fur that keeps you warm… because a fur hat or a fur vest surely doesn’t keep you warm enough (trust me I tried it, and I was still freaking cold).

The biggest trend of the Sundance Film Festival goes to… Plaid. Everywhere you looked, you seemed to see the checked pattern walking by, whether it was a celebrity gawker or an actual celebrity themselves. Men and women alike were wearing a plaid (and probably flannel) button down (and yes, Kristen Stewart even sported his trend as well…hmm..) What is it about this look that screams “I’m in the mountains!, and I’m employed at the local lumber yard!” I’m not sure… but when you just think of cold weather and tree filled mountains; plaid is sure to be loitering around you, waiting to jump onto your body (I must admit that the only celebs that were actually seen wearing plaid were the younger generation stars, while the more established stars all went for a more laid back, casual, chic look).

Overall Sundance was a fun filled week. We met a lot of stars, directors, and industry insiders. We were invited into the most exclusive parties, gifting suites, and lounges (and made out with some awesome gifts!). We felt what it would be like to be a celebrity for a week (Funny story… we even had some paparazzo take pictures of us, thinking we were celebrities somehow. I even got to sign the corona snowboard for charity!!!… ha ha!). So until the next Sundance Film Festival in 2011, all of us at Utah StyleListe will be itching relive daily parties, (Andrea and I, who are moms, will be home on a Monday at 4pm and calling around to see what will be going on for that night… ha ha, not really, but it will be a big adjustment to go back to reality), and we will always keep the days of Sundance in our thoughts as a very eventful, ground breaking, and memorable experience.
Anastasia (yes the one who sells the Brow Kits at Nordstoms doing my brows!!)My Proudest Moment! Ha Ha...

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Style Review: Downeast Basics


When we got the new spring looks from Downeast, we were pleasantly surprised. Downeast Basics is not just basics anymore. They have great things that can be incorporated into your outfits that can act (and feel) as a basic, but it takes casual dressing to a whole new level! Plus now they have a great denim line, which is so comfortable. Here is a look at some of the new Spring looks that are at Downeast stores, and online NOW!!!

Most Versatile Piece-The Longitude Cardigan $34.99:

Ok I think this is one of my favorites from the new spring line. It is so comfortable, and gives you the trend of the boyfriend cardigan, but in a feminine yet classic way. I seriously think I have lived in mine for the past couple days (I have it in Cream, and Gray- and fully advise to have both for more versatility- or maybe that’s just the shopaholic in me saying that, I’m not sure!) The other thing I love is that the boyfriend cardigan trend isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. So it is a great investment, which will last you a while!! You can wear it so many ways, skinny jeans, leggings, skirts, and dresses (but warning- if you wear the longitude cardigan with a skirt or a dress, make sure that your skirt or dress is the same length, or one two inches longer than the cardigan. Any longer and it will break your body line up and make you look bigger in the hips, and any shorter and, well you risk showing some danger zones!!!)


Most Trendy-Dancer top $24.99:

This shirt reminds me so much of the movie Flashdance. I feel like putting my spandex on and running in place ("What a feeling...") One thing that I did, is I got this top a size bigger, so I could wear it with leggings and still have it cover my butt. It looks so cute! I put black boots over my black leggings with this top. You could also do a great blazer over the shirt and make it work appropriate.


Wardrobe Must Have- Wrapped Up top $24.99

The wrap top is something every woman should have in their closet. Not only is it versatile for every occasion, but it is the most flattering shape on every body type. Wrap tops naturally hit you at the smallest part of your waist-making you look slimmer, but it hits all your curves in all the right places. If you are small chested it creates more curves, and if you are more well-endowed, it will help to de-emphasize your chest, making your proportions ideal. And the ruffle detailing on the neckline enhances the cut and feel of the shirt to be more feminine and inviting. Love it!!! Plus with the basic colors, there are limitless ways and colors that can help to make the shirt look different, not to mention the beautiful jewelry options you could do!!!



What’s to come from Downeast:

Here is a sneak peek at what else Downeast has coming out for this spring. I personally can’t wait... I will be one of the first ones at the store getting these looks! I absolutely love all these new looks, especially the turquoise dress that’s also a skirt, and the ruffle cardigans....each one of them allows you to add your own personality and style. The best thing is that you don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe... you can just add to it by adding new basics in fun styles, cuts, and colors!




All these looks are courtesy of Downeast Basics.
 Visit http://www.downeastbasics.com/ for more info, and ordering.

Friday, January 15, 2010