The Best Dressed of the 2013 MTV VMAs

August seems to be the month where all good things come to a close, and Hollywood certainly bears no exception as we begin to say goodbye to some of the most entertaining award shows until next year. Unlike other award shows though, MTV's Video Music Awards are always more theatrical, playful, and of course, musical. It is for these reasons that I always look forward to watching them as it seems each year is bigger and better than the previous. Not to mention, the stars in attendance seem to always ambiguously offer some sort of new, juicy, gossip for the public to feed off for a few months.

More importantly, the VMAs is known for its tolerant dress code, and so we never know what we're going to see on the Red Carpet. As a result, many artists seem to express themselves best at the VMAs where we always see them stroll in in a range of outfits from jeans and a tee shirt (echemm, Rihanna) to floor-length frocks and sky-high heels (..Ciara), or as seen multiple times at this year's show, in hardly an clothes at all!

Regardless of any expectations we have for the VMAs though, they never fail to entertain us! Here are some of our favorite ensembles from the evening in Brooklyn:

Shailene Woodley

Taylor Swift in Hervé Leger

Lady Gaga

Ellie Goulding

Ciara

Rita Ora

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Drake

One Direction

Darren Criss

Adam Lambert

Ed Sheeran Looks Dashing in his $3k Gucci Leather Jacket

One of the world's up and coming singer and songwriter's, Ed Sheeran, made an appearance at MTV's VMA's this past weekend and thank god he did because he looked damn good.

Why is this 22 year old British native, fashion blog worthy though? You may be thinking to yourself that there is nothing unique about a celebrity wearing designer clothes or looking dapper at a red-carpet event, right? Well admittedly, you're correct; however Ed is a special case.

In the past, Ed (whose music is so authentic and whose personality comes across so honest it could make any girl weak at the knees), has received a fair share of criticism on his "if-its-clean-I'll-wear-it" attire. In fact Ed was voted worst dressed for 2012 by GQ and even confessed numerously that he does not put much effort into his appearance. Recently though, you may have noticed that his style has taken a turn as Ed has adopted on a more definitive style. Now this doesn't mean he is taking notes from the wardrobes of the always outrageous Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber, but rather that he has just looked smarter (as the British would say) lately.

While the ginger acoustic musician is usually shown sporting wrinkled graphic tees (apparently given to him by his fans) along with dark washed denim and Air Jordan kicks to most events, he made an exception at the VMAs on Sunday. That's right, Ed ventured off into the world of haute-couture and looked well-groomed and sharp in a sporty, forest green, Gucci leather jacket. A three-thousand dollar sporty, forest green, Gucci leather jacket actually. Interestingly though, Sheeran often jokes that he doesn't give into designer names and that he doesn't even have a stylist!

Does this mean that he picked out his outfit on his own for the night? Or is he starting to reconsider his image? Perhaps he just decided to treat himself to a flattering and somewhat flashy leather jacket? The likely reason is that Sheeran needed a nice, new, leather jacket and went with one of the few designer label's he knew: Gucci.

Either way, he managed to look great! Comment below your thoughts on Ed's VMA look!!

BUY ED's GUCCI JACKET HERE

The College Cross Body

Cue Asher Roth's "I Love College" and envision splattered beer and scattered red solo cups on top of scuffed up, amateur, ping-pong tables. If you haven't already guessed, I'm alluding to college.. the time of your life where you are apparently expected to both engage in this dazzling madness while still somehow managing to earn a quality education.

Ironically though, the key to succeeding in college isn't entirely the motivation of earning a degree. In fact it's not even the drive to make it through these sleepless soirees alive. No. The true secret to getting the most out of your college days lies in the lovely over-the-shoulder everything holder. The cross body bag.

Over the past few years we have seen cross body bags evolve into sensible, fashion-forward, pieces. It is for this reason that these purses are essential to helping you get through school and day-to-day life. A torso-long strap provides a carefree convenience to your bag, and the countless types of cross body bags available will still allow you look stylish and trendy. Many cross body bags are multi-purpose as well as they often have a detachable strap and so can convert into a clutch or a hand-held.

Scroll down to see some of our favorite cross body bags at the moment:

Tory Burch "Marion" Small Cross Body Bag

BUY HERE

Bottega Veneta "Intrecciato" Leather Shoulder Bag

BUY HERE

Chloé "The Marcie" Mini 

BUY HERE

Marc by Marc Jacobs "Downtown Lola" Two Tone Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

BUY HERE

Rebecca Minkoff "Hudson Moto Mini" Cross Body Bag

BUY HERE

Prada "Saffiano Studded Mini Zip" Cross Body Bag

BUY HERE

Stella McCartney "Falabella Chain" Cross Body Bag

BUY HERE

H&M Fuses its Fashion Forte with Isabel Marant

Sneaker-wedge pioneer, Isabel Marant has been all the talk for the past two years, and so it seems there is no harm in starting yet another conversation about the fabulous French designer.  Her chic "euro-meets-country" brand is once again transforming trends as it prepares for the launch of its collaboration with highstreet fashion label, H&M. The duo is set to release their collection in the fall. November 14th to be specific.

This certainly isn't H&M's first guest-designer collaboration though as we've seen friendships between it and Versace, Viktor & Rolf, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, and Maison Margiela, (just to name a few) cultivate over the past few years. What makes these collections different is that the designs are always one of a kind as they reflect the haute-couture designers' avant-garde take on ready-to-wear fashion, but are available at a more accessible price point. Although little has been released about the Isabel Marant-H&M collab, mark your calendars because if it is anything like H&M's previous ones, pieces will be selling out FAST. We can't wait to get our hands on some of the Marant pieces that debut at H&M come fall! 

Marant tweeted this picture of her modelling one of the garments that is to be sold at H&M stores in a few months. 

Comment telling us your thoughts on the H&M collaboration! 

Louis Vuitton's Beloved Neverfull Debuts in Epi Leather

Louis Vuitton's classic and always adored Neverfull tote is hardly in need of an introduction. For it seems everyone and their mother owns a Neverfull... and for those of you who don't have one, you've at least undoubtedly seen one before as they are basically as common as grass on the ground.

Available in four different canvas prints as well as three different sizes, the original Neverfull totes are easily a staple for anyone on the go and are super low-maintenance too. In the past, Louis Vuitton has featured Neverfull's in limited-edition collections; however these styles come and go and are not in stores for extended periods of time, which is why it is so fantastic that Louis Vuitton is now upping its game by making the Neverfull a full-leather tote that comes in an exciting array of colors! Not to mention, the new bags are mainly logo-free and unlike the original canvas shoulder bags' handles, won't oxidize either. I especially love that the new totes come with a separate, detachable pochet which could perhaps be substituted for a coin purse or a small clutch, and that they have a luxurious suede interior to compliment its scratch-proof, durable exterior. The Epi Leather Neverfull currently comes in seven different colors and is only available in the MM (medium) size. It retails for just south of $2000, which for a classic style, full leather, all purpose tote is really not that bad and given Louis's recent hunger for more brand exclusivity, makes sense.

Do you like the new Neverfull? Leave us a comment telling us your opinion below!

GET YOURS HERE!

The Best Dressed of the 2013 TCA's

The annual Teen Choice Awards have always been one of my favorite awards show's to watch for two reasons; the celebrity fashion choices are always funky and contraversial (cough cough miley cyrus TCA 2010), and the entertainment always brings out my inner fan-girl. This year was no exception as stars both strutted down the red carpet in self-expressive ensembles to say the least, and accepted superficial awards that reinforced the show's adolescent culture such as the "Acuvue Inspire Award" and the "Choice Hottie Award". As a disclaimer, this doesn't go to say that the celebrities in attendance were untalented by any means,  but rather that the surfboards awarded to them were not necessarily representative of their talent so much as they were of their fan base. Either way, here are some of the best dressed celebs of the night!

Leave a comment telling us who was best dressed in your opinion!!

Best Dressed

Women's:

Shay Mitchell

 Jenny Kayne jumpsuit, Jimmy Choo pumps, Kimberly McDonald jewlery

Ashley Benson

Georgio Armani outfit, Rachel Roy shoes, Neil Kane & Kara Ackerman jewelery, Edie Parker clutch

Hailee Steinfeld

Henry Holland dress, Oscar Tiye heels, Amanda Pearly clutch

Bella Thorne

Fausto Puglisi outfit, Candies pumps, Diane von Furstenberg clutch

Men's:

One Direction

Ed Sheeran

The Jonas Brothers

Cody Simpson

Skylar Astin

Keegan Allen

Ralph Lauren suit, Ted Baker shirt, Louboutin shoes, Jacob & Co. watch

Dolce and Gabbana Reminds Us Why We Love Them

It wasn't long ago people were losing faith in the lavish leathers of Dolce and Gabbana, along with the many other pieces that make up the Italian brand's romantic designs. But that all just changed. Dolce and Gabbana's Miss Sicily bag has been on my radar for the past few weeks since I first spotted a crisp white one on the crook of Selena Gomez's arm. I now understand why I am head over heels for this bag; everything from either the buttery leather exteriors to the tapestry faces, to the variety of colors, and not to mention its modern yet timeless shape of the bag. I am simply left questioning why other designer bags are still selling so fast now that this one is on the market.

Luckily, I am patient though as I know that the Miss Sicily bag will soon be crawling into every fashionista's closet just as we've seen Celine's and (if you're lucky enough, Hermès Birkins) do in the past year alone. The purse's current yet classic shape helps redefine femininity for 2013 as it exudes sheer sophistication. And with a starting price just north of $1400 (what seems like a bargain nowadays for a  logo-free designer handbag), the Miss Sicily is only giving me more reasons to love Dolce and Gabbana.

It's no wonder some of Hollywood's favorite scarlets have been sporting the Miss Sicily lately:

 Ashley Greene

 Florence Welch

 Kylie Minogue

 Selena Gomez

 Selena Gomez

Victoria Beckham

BUY HERE, HERE, AND HERE!!! ALSO ON SALE HERE!!

PONDERING PRET-A-PORTER: Is Hip-hop good for fashion?

Minimalism n. 1. a style or technique that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity

Hip-hop and fashion have an interesting relationship at the current moment.  Much like a mother and her new born child, rap is nursing from the breast of fashion.  Fashion doesn't seem to mind the inspiration sought out from Milan and Paris and seems to enjoy the attention (Tom Ford was "completely flattered" by Jay Z naming a song after him on his new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail),  but come a certain point there won't be much left to do.  While we could examine the direct and indirect influences of fashion on rap, it is more interesting to look at the physical connections between fashion and rap, mainly collaborations.

Recently the collaboration between minimalist Parisian fashion house A.P.C. and rapper Kanye West has been making headlines for its minimalist designs (this isn't West's first foray in the fashion world).  Most notably having collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton and Giuseppe Zanotti, West also caused quite a stir when he presented a women's runway collection at Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear in Paris to less than stellar reviews with a followup in the Spring.  West tasked A.P.C.'s creative director Jean Touitou with creating a "kingdom of dopeness," but eventually just settled for a short sleeved hoodie, a long sleeved hoodie, a plain white t shirt, a graphic t shirt and denim.

Jay Z doesn't pop molly, he rocks Tom Ford

Overall a rather boring and unoriginal collaboration which quite frankly makes me question whether or not such pieces are worthy of being considered fashion.  Made up of basics which could be easily found at the Gap along with other equally average and accessible retailers, collaborations like this and rappers forays within the fashion world simply diminish the sanctity which makes up high fashion and haute couture.  Consequently, Jean Touitou believes that high fashion will go on the offensive against hip-hop: "Fashion killed rock and roll. Fashion killed contemporary art, and turned it vulgar. And if hip-hop artists are not careful it will also kill hip-hop."

Is Touitou right? Could couture be Kanye's ultimate demise? Let us know your opinions on fashion and its relationship with rap music in the comments below.

To view Kanye's collaboration with APC, click here: A.P.C. Store

Let's Talk Tisci: Riccardo, The Rottweiler and Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci in his signature Rottweiler on the FW11 runway

Riccardo Tisci has taken the fashion world by storm since his 2009 takeover of the Givenchy menswear collection. Born in 2005 under Ozwald Boateng, Tisci put it on the map with his introduction of luxurious leathers, and heavy use of black, religious, and animal imagery.   Givenchy was and continues to be highly embraced by the celebrity community, notably through Kanye West and his friendship with Tisci (Tisci designed Jay Z's and Kanye's Watch the Throne album art and tour outfits).

The Rottweiler, as seen above, seems to the be the iconic image with embodies Givenchy.  The aggressive Rottweiler reflects Givenchy's aggressive take on high fashion, more specifically where mens high fashion falls in relation to streetwear.  Tisci has seemingly blurred these lines with his subsequent collections (the most recently Star Wars inspired SS14 aside) and it's not surprising to see his designs popularly counterfeited.

What is it about Tisci's menswear collections that makes them so desirable amongst male (and occasionally even female) fashion communities though? The pricetag certainly exudes exclusivity, while availability is limited at best.  This limited availability increases the perceived exclusivity, in turn heightening the desirability of these garments. After all, streetwear and menswear are about being seen, and who doesn't want to be perceived as exclusive?

Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Tisci's designs, owning several garments myself including the Rottweiler, Birds of Paradise, and Paisley Planes.  Personally I am a fan of Tisci's use of color, or lack there of in his designs, choosing bold blacks, reds, greens and purples in place of lighter hues.  Excluding the SS14 collection, I plan on continuing the diffusion of Givenchy into my wardrobe.

How do you feel about the direction Tisci has taken Givenchy?  Do you own any pieces and would like to share your collection?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

Click here to check out the new Givenchy site: Givenchy Paris

STYLE TIDINGS: Clash of the Titans

Hermès Boutique Paris

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, the powerhouse conglomerate lead by French tycoon (practically an oligarch) Bernard Arnault, has continuously been legally challenged by its rival Hermès over the past year.  Beginning with a suit filed almost a year ago in September of 2012, Hermès stipulates that LVMH conducted insider trading and price manipulation in their purchase of Hermès shares in 2010.

LVMH currently owns 22.6% of the notoriously privately held Hermès, and it seems that Arnault desires to scoop up as much of the storied Parisian luxury-goods maker as possible.  The Dumas, Puech and Guerrand families who control 70% of the Hermès shares had filed in the previous year to move their shares into a private holding company to protect from LVMH.

Just last month LVMH was fined 8 million euros by the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (the name translates to Financial Markets Authority), the regulation committee in place within France.  According to Reuters, "The AMF's enforcement committee condemned the 'unusual' way LVMH had amassed its shares, buying equity swaps with a number of banks so as to avoid disclosure requirements and using foreign subsidiaries that were not listed as consolidated units until its 2010 annual report."

Bernard Arnault, Chairman & CEO of LVMH

 Is this the last we will hear from rival LVMH? - Probably not.  Controlling several of the top names in fashion including Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, Givenchy, Fendi and Céline (an abbreviated list), Arsenault has no reason not to continue his assault on Hermès ownership.  With the famed Birkin and Kelly bags at record sales levels and the expanding market in China, Hermès share price has increased 40 euros year to date.

Personally this author is rooting for Hermès.  Clearly the underdog on this one, Hermès remains pure of  LVMH's prostitution most notably displayed by their name-sake, Louis Vuitton.  LV (and Gucci for that matter) has increased its accessibility by opening up to more markets in the last few years. As a direct result, Louis Vuitton's exclusivity has sharply plummeted and as a result so has the Parisian trunk maker's image, which is now often and easily seen on the soccer mom's of America.. (ironically contributing to the soaring popularity of Céline handbags). Staying clear of Arnault's ownership has assisted Hermès in maintaining its brand and all that it encompasses (regardless of any Kardashian interferences while doing so).

The Classic H Belt Buckle

Tell us how you feel about the LVMH scandal in the comments! Do you feel LV is passé yet? What's your favourite luxury designer brand?

Click here to shop Hermès: Hermes.com

Click here to shop Louis Vuitton:  Louisvuitton.com

The Cult of Couture

Welcome, readers!

For my first blog I thought it would be fitting to write an introduction so you have an idea of the type of content this blog will consist of, and of course, of the people writing about it.

First off, a little bit about me (or us I should say):

"Lost in the Luxe" is a blog that myself, Nelly, along with two of my equally fashion fixated friends, Will and Amanda, have decided to collaborate on. For us, fashion is one way in which we distinguish ourselves from the rest of society. It is a reflection of our mood, lifestyle, ambitions, and of our imagination. The highly idolized Yves Saint Laurent once quoted, "fashion fades, style is eternal" and it couldn't be farther from the truth for the three of us. There is something liberating about style because it a way to make a personal statement  to the world. Fashion may not the most critical aspect of everyone's lives, but it certainly is something worth appreciating. Will, Amanda, and I, all feel extremely passionate about fashion which is ultimately the fuel behind this blog.

What to expect:

You've guessed it.. FASHION!

Unlike other fashion blogs which you may be accustomed to reading, this blog will be a hybrid of both personal style and of general reviews on fashion. Our goal is to share our fashion inspiration with you, as well as to keep you updated on news within the fashion community. One of the things that makes our blog most unique and dynamic, is the sheer fact that our bloggers are situated in different parts of the world, and thus are inspired differently. Additionally, we are a very honest (blunt) bunch and as mentioned are extremely fashion obsessive, so expect a lot of charismatic blog posts! Moreover we have an interactive component to our blog as we also will create YouTube videos that will be posted on the blog occasionally and will also aim to celebrate fashion.

Finally, if you often find yourself lost in the luxe of life like us, then you've come to the right place! Please leave us any requests or general comments regarding the blog and what you look forward to reading about! Also, look out for a blog post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

XOXO,

Nelly, Amanda, and Will.