Dress And Shoe of the Year 2012

It's the middle of December, and that means it's time for us Egos to crown the best dress and the hottest shoes of the year. Because this is our second year of doing this (check out the top dress and shoes of 2011 here), we've gone ahead and declared it tradition. Last year, our grand winners were Nina Dobrev in a Donna Karen stunner at the Emmys and a gorgeous pair of Valentino lace pumps.

So, this year. 2012.

Although it may feel like twenty-twelve wasn't the most exciting year for red-carpet glamour, everybody remembers our top pick for best dress. Personally, this is my favorite and so I'm thrilled to present you with


THE BEST DRESS OF 2012

 Gwyneth Paltrow in a stunning white ensemble at the Oscars. Quite possibly the only time a cape has successfully been worn on the red (purple-ish?) carpet and definitely one of the more interesting Oscar looks. The dress and cape are both Tom Ford.
Everybody I showed this thing agreed it was pretty and interesting and gorgeous and new. If you're a person who hates it and is reading this right now, please comment that and increase my statistical diversity.


Moving on...


THE BEST SHOES OF 2012

 These really pretty Giuseppe Zanotti heels won Best Shoes. I'm not sure why or how, but something about them appeals to me very, very much. You know, I was this close to picking something a bit more 'fierce' but then I thought, damn, I love these way too much.

So that's that. On a side note, notice how just the dress (without the cape) paired with the shoes makes for a wedding outfit. What does that say about us Egos?

Now what do you think? How horrible (or awesome? Maybe a bit awesome?) do you think this year's picks are? Will you perhaps get married in them? Be sure to leave a comment!

Lady Gaga's Awesome Outfit (MTV Europe Awards)

I just found this picture online and I pretty much HAD to share it with you. It's Lady Gaga, stealing the show at the MTV Europe Awards. She won several of them, but that's not the point.
The point is this awesome outfit. She's playing a satellite landing on the moon (she's performing a rendition of Marry The Night) and although she's done crazier things, I think I'm in love with this.

Look at that. The shapes in her outfit, the shadow ... you can't really see how huge the moon is, but look at it! The budding fashion designer in me has found the love of her life.
So ... wonderful ...

Lady Gaga has done something awesome, people. And that should be rewarded. (And it was. Did I mention she won 4, FOUR awards? She totally deserved them, too)

Fashion Basics You Need

There are a few clothing/accessory items you should have. These are the basics you can build the rest of your wardrobe around, and these are the few things where quality really counts. Everything else falls into two categories: the items you will wear for at least 2 or so years and should have some quality and the items that will be worn for only as season or so, meaning that cost is more important.
Anyway, back to the fundamental basics.

1) A black high-heel.
Get one that you can pair with anything - a somewhat formal cocktail dress,
a pantsuit, a casual outfit.

Picture is from http://www.heelwholesale.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/155x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/h/christian_louboutin_simple_85mm_black_pumps_low_heel_sale.jp:

2) A nude (beige) high-heel.
 

In theory, the same concepts apply here that you read about under 1, only thing is, there are some things you just can't wear black shoes with, like a fun, flirty cocktail dress is a light color.
You see nude pumps very often on the red carpet and on celebrities as well, proving that they are indeed a must-have. Besides, now you can copy a star's style even better.
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/divas/sites/tampabay.com.blogs.divas/files/images/typepad-legacy-files/47161.6a00d83451b05569e20120a955341a970b-pi.jpg




3) A dark-wash jean that suits you (without any holes or tears)

I can't really add a picture here because there are so many different jean cuts: boyfriend, skinny jeans, flared, boot-cut, and so on. There are three main points: make it a dark wash but stay away from black, also, this is not the time for destroyed denim so absolutely no cuts, holes, rips, tears, dirt, whatever, and last, you should look good and feel good wearing it.

4) A transformable little black dress

Any kind of shorter dress that you can change up a little to match the situation: pair it with a blazer for a more business-look, add a black belt for a more formal outfit, try a long, dangly necklage with a pair of semi-see through, polka-dotted black tights for a great girl's night out look. Little black dresses can be magically transformed for any kind of situation.

5) A fun cocktail dress

Pick out a fun cocktail dress in a color/design you like and wear it with your nude heels. You can go for a bright color you love, you can go for gold/black mixes for an edgier look, and the cut is entirely up to you. Just avoid anything too 'business-y'. Not saying that you can't buy a business-y dress, just that that shouldn't be confused with this.

All right people, that's all for now. Please note that things like blazers, subtle cardigans, pencil skirts, thin brown belts and such aren't included because they're part of a different collection of pieces that are recommended. That list should be coming out soon and will probably be split up into two or more parts.
Anyway, I'd love it if you'd comment, so please do!