Red Carpet Ready

This was the aim of designers as they laid out their pre-Fall 2011 collections. With the SAGs, Golden Globes, and almighty Oscars coming up after the holidays, designers everywhere are puttin' on the ritz in hopes that Portman, Bridges, and Jolie will find their gowns as good as that Oscar gold!

Here are a few picks from chasing pumas: The first is by Monique Lhuillier, white sparkly and perfect for winter awards, this may be something you spot on the red carpet this winter. The next is J. Mendel and is an ivory, bone gown. The next is grecian inspired gown from Helmet Lang laid over with an optinal lether bomber which is a must every fall, and would be a stretch to be seen on a starlet (the jacket, not the gown), but the stretch is what gives it flare and dare. Even more of a dare by French powerhouse Monique Lhuillier is a black romper suit with adornment on top. It is definitely something Angelina would wear. Finally, a Vera Wang, is a classic white silk dress pretty for the likes of Portman. We will just have to wait and see though if any of my picks come to fruition when the awards roll around. Stay tuned though more everyday ready to wear picks as well as makeup and hair forecasts to come!

WOW...On Repeat

Like the majority of shows, which have taken a seasonal hiatus to celebrate the holidays, we here at Chasing Pumas thought it only befitting that we do the same with our WOW section. Considering the power of last week's words , and their usefulness throughout this holiday season, we figured it best to keep them on repeat as a reminder of what the holidays should be about. Buon Natale!
Words of wisdom time: In an age of materials, forgo the ego this new year and celebrate old-fashioned Italian family, just like this family featured in LIFE Magazine years ago. Kick it old school with "cibo, famiglia, amici, e certamente un po di vino." Translation: "food, family, friends, and of course a little wine." As they say "nel vino c'e veritas." "In wine there is truth." Find your truth over the holiday table this year :) Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Holidays to all and to all a truthful night!

My Favorite Normal Size Model

After a long struggle with an eating disorder, and a revealing and inspirational tell-all Hungry(which I highly recommend), supermodel Crystal Renn has gone from having a successful supermodel career to a successful plus size modeling career (reaching a size 14 at her highest), and now it seems she is paving the way for the normal and real perfect size model. She was just featured in Zac Posen's Pre-Fall 2011 collection, sporting a slimmer figure, but I must say it is perfect. It goes back to the days of real supermodels: Naomi, Christy, and Tyra. This was when these models had size 6 figures to emulate, that were achievable. With abs, a booty and buns, there was something to grab, but not too much. We need more Crystal Renn's with the chiseled features and the non-skeletal, yet non-overweight figures that real girls can emulate. After all, clothes are bought by real women. Thanks Zac, let's hope the rest of fashion's elite catch on ;)

On the 3rd Day of Xmas My True Luv gave to Me

...a cute LCD (Little Champagne Dress) perfect and affordable to rock the new year in with. With an asymmetrical cut on the shoulder, a zipper, and the perfect shade, this dress is not only flattering for all, but can be found on karmaloop.com for an affordable $55! Now that's good karma!

Pazzo per Pucci

Step aside Fendi, Prada, and Gucci, a new designer, well old, but new to the "popular" scene, has hit Tinseltown and he is chasing pumas new favorite! Emilio Pucci was just recently praised and featured here for accentuating the sleek and sophisticated sexy that is Gwyneth Paltrow. Well, he has done it again. This time providing an understated, simple elegance for Kim Kardashian, as we have just received word that the white gown featured in her Christmas card was by the Italian designer. Not only do Emilio and I have an Italian heritage in common, but both share a passion for an understated, simple, and timeless elegance that only a classic white or even black gown can pricide. Someone put Pucci on speed dial. I am officially pazzo per Pucci!

Hottie of the Week: You Make Me Hard

Caught your attention didn't it? Well, this week's hottie is a bona fide one, and his name is Tom Hardy. This British import is not only hot, but bad, which him all the more desirable. He is not only covered in tattoos, but admitted to being bi-sexual, even though he is married to a woman. You probably remember his six pack and full pout from this year's hit Inception and can see him this coming year in quite a few films. Keep your eye out for this week's hottie in the new year. He's definitely more than just a hottie of the week, perhaps and more appropriately with the way 2011 looks for him, he may be the hottie of the new year!

Follow Me

Love the blog? Want more on the go? Pumas are fast so to keep up with the blog and everything you chase, chase me down on twitter. Follow the blog @chasingpumablog, and its creator @chasingpumas, for quick condensed versions of all the latest news, fashions, gossip, words of wisdom, etc. Happy chasing!

Pretty in Pucci

Gwyneth Paltrow was pretty in an Emilio Pucci long white sexy slit gown at the premiere of her film Country Song. While some fashion critics cut the dress apart, I think the sleek look combined with her hair and the back slits around the hips and derriere make it a slit above the rest. What do you say?

The Rumer is...

Well, it probably isn't a rumor anymore considering Badgley Mischka just confirmed that Rumer Willis, the daughter of Demi and Bruce, will be the next face of their line. Cute, but really? I have a feeling she should be thanking her last name for that one.

On the second day of Xmas My true Love Gave To Me...

Okay, so we started the 12 days last week with the Koolaburras spotted on Megan Fox and today we open it up with this gorgeous oxford cape from American Apparel. Similar ones have been spotted on the shoulders of Kate Bosworth and Natalie Portman. However, this one retails for a little less: $155. Girls, grab your man, your cape, and take flight like Wonder Woman in this one. Even more, if blue doesn't catch your fancy, this British import comes in black, tan, and valentine. Wrap it up at americanapparel.net.

It's a Kardashian Kristmas!

Kris Kardashian and her clan are taking over from the stern and rigid looks of their over airbrushed Kristmas Kard this year. While Kourtney dons a suit with her adorable little Mason and Lamar Odom adds some handsome height, Kim as usual takes center stage, with a stunning white gown and sleek bun emphasizing her extreme curves, and extreme family! The card screams Merry Kristmas and Happy Holidays, XOXO The Kardashian Krew.

Pink Cheeks

Megan Fox and her hubby of six months, Brian Austin Green, were spotted working on their fitness in L.A. yesterday, and Fox was acting more camera shy than usual sporting no mkaeup and UGGS. Perhaps that was the reason. However, when she turned around her hoodie read "PINK" meaning, sales of VS PINK department will surely go up this holiday season, as every woman I already anticipate will think donning the label will get them PINK cheeks as hot as hers.

Hit and Miss?

Angelina Jolie has certainly been a hit in the fashion department when it comes to making the promotional rounds for her new film The Tourist, and even scored a golden globe nomination, but the film itself hasn't been doing so well in the box office. Regardless, she remains quite possibly the hottest (alleged) home wrecker ever, donning black and the latest fall trends from Versace velvet, to faux fur jackets, and red lips.

WOW...On Repeat

Like the majority of shows, which have taken a seasonal hiatus to celebrate the holidays, we here at Chasing Pumas thought it only befitting that we do the same with our WOW section. Considering the power of last week's words , and their usefulness throughout this holiday season, we figured it best to keep them on repeat as a reminder of what the holidays should be about. Buon Natale!
Words of wisdom time: In an age of materials, forgo the ego this new year and celebrate old-fashioned Italian family, just like this family featured in LIFE Magazine years ago. Kick it old school with "cibo, famiglia, amici, e certamente un po di vino." Translation: "food, family, friends, and of course a little wine." As they say "nel vino c'e veritas." "In wine there is truth." Find your truth over the holiday table this year :) Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Holidays to all and to all a truthful night!

Why So Serious?

While Russian beauty was recently spotted flying solo in ravishing red at the Blue ValentineScreening in NY, looks can be deceiving! It seems her and beau Ronaldo are getting molto serious as they are planning to spend the holidays together and Irina is let's just say hoping for diamonds under her tree.

Sidenote: her recent GQ Spain nude photos have hit a bit of a rock because she claims she never posed nude, however reps for GQsay au contraire! I think she is just trying to cover her a$$ (pun intended) because Ronaldo doesn't want people checking out the goods. After all, they are his aren't they? Photo courtesy of justjared.

Turn the Heat Up

Okay, so in this recession and weather that's tempting but hard to do. Here's a free way to stay warm this winter and get ready for spring. Alessandra Ambrosio was just spotted shooting for the Koton 2011 swim-wear campaign. It seems geometry is fair game as monokinis are taken to new dimensions. Slip on a fur jacket, a fedora, and boyfriend jeans with platform clogs and who says you can't wear a bathing suit in the winter?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvKuiTYH3UA&feature=player_embedded

A McQueen Dream

...was carried on by the fashion label's protege Sarh Burton for the Spring 2011 collection. From dramatic black to fur, the designer stayed true to Alexander McQueens' reputation. Check out more at style.com.

Turn on the Light

That was the theme at wonder boy Alexander Wang's Spring 2011 RTW show. From origami inspired cuts, to pure as white dresses, the season's show was pure as this winter's snow. With only brief hints of colors like teal and orange, one thing was clear: black was whack and white takes flight. Below is one of my favorites from the show, check out more at style.com

Let Me Upgrade You

Step aside Ugg, there are 2 new fashion faux paus taking the scene and they are taking a classic fashion mishap and making it a fashion fix. The classic comfy boots are getting a revamp with brands Koolaburra and Australia Luxe Co., and have been spotted on the likes of Megan Fox and Jessica Alba. Talk about staying hot, hot, hot, when the weather gets cold, cold, cold! From fringe to lace and leather, these new brands are screaming out to a classic: "Let me upgrade you," and I for one am happy to let them.

And the Color for Spring 2011 is...

Drum roll please! My fashion forecast for Spring 2011 is out and the winner is...orange! Yes, one of my least favorite colors is making its 70s revival in 2011 in everything from kitten heels to handbags. Oh and don't forget lace(love), low rise extreme flares(love), and kitten heels, which I also loathe are back in. Hey these looks aren't for everyone, and while I am only in love with half, what can you do? When you're in you are in, and when you are out, well as Heidi would say (just picture the accent) "You're out!"