Adrianna Papell for E! Live From The Red Carpet Design Unveils Winning Oscar Design

In September, the Adrianna Papell For E! Live From The Red Carpet launched a nationwide call-to-action, and invited designers to submit red carpet looks for the Spring 2012 collection. After a rigorous nomination process, the votes have been tallied. The Adrianna Papell Group along with E! Entertainment are thrilled to announce the winner of the first-ever “Adrianna Papell For E! Live From The Red Carpet Design Contest”--Natalie Palter.

Natalie's winning design was unveiled to millions of viewers nationwide on E!'s Academy Awards Pre-Show. Her dress was chosen amongst 700 design submissions.

A freshman fashion design student at Marist College in New York, Natalie noted “I have been designing ever since I could hold a crayon. I wanted to design a dress that would not only flatter any woman's body, but also make her feel like red carpet royalty.” Inspired by Grecian goddesses, the gorgeous blue gown delicately drapes the female form, while crystal baguettes accent the décolletage and natural waist.

Jaynee Berkman, President of Adrianna Papell states, “We look forward to incorporating the winning design into the Adrianna Papell For E! Live From The Red Carpet collection. It complements our current style offerings and will be available at Lord & Taylor and other fine retailers beginning in June.”

The First Runner-Up, Genovena Christoff will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize, and the Second Runner-Up, Jamie McClure will receive a $500.00 cash prize.

Additional information on Adrianna Papell can be found on the brand's Facebook page, and website, adriannapapell.com. The entire Adrianna Papell for E! Live from the Red Carpet line can be found on E! Online.

Rent the Runway Sample Sale Recap

I'm exhausted from Rent the Runway Sample Sale and three events tonight but I just had to post a quick re-cap. This sale is phenomenal - when I read up to 95% off retail, I knew it was going to be a good one. The racks are all split up by size and most dresses are around $85-$125. There are dresses from all my favorite designers - BCBGMAXAZRIA, Herve Leger, Missoni, Tibi, Lela Rose, Preen, Badgley Mischka, Brian Reyes, Bibhu Mohapatra, Catherine Malandrino, Theory, Pencey, Vena Cava, Z Spoke Zac Posen, Helmut Lang to name a few. I was amazed at how many size 0 racks there were.

I was amazed at the designer bargains I got, and couldn't believe the pricing, until it was all confirmed at the register. I got a Halston Heritage ruched melange dress for $25 (originally $350)! It doesn't get any better than that! I also got a Tracy Reese wrapped sheath for $45 (originally $300) and a silk Rebecca Taylor raspberry layer cake dress for $49 (originally $325).

Here are two of the dresses I got at the sample sale. My dress form is not a size 00, so I had to pin these dresses on.

Left: Halston Heritage ruched melange dress

Right: Tracy Reese wrapped sheath dress

Rebecca Taylor raspberry layer cake dress

I was told that there will be no restocking, and some price slashing may go into effect as the sale winds down on March 4th (if there is anything even left by then). I am definitely going back during my lunch break. I didn't even make my way over to the gowns yet, and we are talking $800 gowns for $100.

There is a community fitting room with plenty of mirrors, and I was lucky enough to not have to stand in line. As I left the fitting room at 5:30, the line was piling up.

Some jewelry pieces are also available and comfortable, sparkly headbands for $5 (originally $60)

Here are just a few tips to remember as you shop the sale:

• Gather as many items as you can to try on. You don't want to have to go back and wait in a long line all over again.
• Be sure to eye the clothes other people have in the fitting room. You might want to try on something they don't plan on buying.
• Make sure you are wearing something easy and comfortable to change in and out of.
• If you are unsure about a dress you are trying on, don't be afraid to ask for someone's opinion.
• Don't forget to bring a credit card. Only credit accepted. No cash.

Here's info on the sample sale again in case you want to drop by (highly recommend it)!

- Kim Weling

Get The Hottest Oscar Hairstyles At Home!

We finally made it the most glamourous awards show of the year: the Oscars! Just as we expected, we saw some gorgeous gowns and amazing hairstyles. While we can't help you score a vintage Dior dress, we have great tips to get your hair looking red-carpet ready. Wella Professionals was responsible for some of the best looks of the night, and now their celebrity stylists are sharing their tips on how they created these hot Hollywood hairstyles.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Michelle Williams
Michelle's pixie is very modern and sophisticated chic. The hair has just enough texture to make the look sweet, yet edgy.

To Get The Look: First, start by applying Sebastian ProfessionalMousse Forte to wet hair, then allow it to air dry. With a small round brush, finish off with a blow dry that gives the hair more height, then use your hands to set the part and bangs. Finish the look with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray to set in place.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Penelope Cruz
The actress showed off very old Hollywood glamour, channeling the 1950s Grace Kelly finger waves that perfectly complemented her Armani Privé gown.

To Get The Look: Start with dry hair and use a small amount of Wella Professionals Natural Volume Styling Mousse at the roots. Set hair in steamhot rollers by rolling hair straight back from the head. This will give hair extra texture and curl. Use smaller rollers at the back of the head to create a tighter curl, and then pin hair underneath into a faux bob. Lightly mist with Wella Professionals Dynamic Fix 45 Second Crafting Spray, then back comb and tease at the root. Brush out the finger waves into place and set with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.

Steve Granitz/WireImage

Leslie Mann
Stylist Rod Ortega decided to give Leslie a ponytail for a more youthful look that made for a fun contrast to her elegant, sequin-detailed dress. The high ponytail also works well for her face shape, creating a beautiful silhouette.

To Get The Look: Start out by prepping wet hair with Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier to prime hair for a smooth blowout. Use a small amount of Wella Professionals Mirror Polish Shine Serumon the ends of the hair for added smoothness and shine. Blow out with a round brush at the roots for texture and use a Mason Pearson paddle brush to blow dry from mid-length to the ends. Back comb for extra volume, especially at the roots, and use a flat brush from mid-length to ends again so there is texture, but not curl. Then leave the front and sides of the hair out, pull the rest of the hair into a ponytail near the top of the back of the head. Smooth the hair left out of the ponytail back and wrap around the elastic to hide the band. Spray the style with Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray to hold in place while leaving it with lots of natural movement.

John Shearer/WireImage

Olivia Wilde
Stylist Davy Newkirk and Olivia opted to go for a chic 70's inspired updo to complement her strapless Gucci gown that she wore to the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The roughed up, simplistic yet super chic updo gave her a timeless and effortlessly beautiful look.

To Get The Look: First, apply Wella Professionals Pearl Styler to wet hair and rough dry it, using your hand and a blow dryer. This will give hair extra texture before styling. Next, gather hair at the crown of the head and secure with a bungee cord. You can tease the ends to rough it up a bit more, for added edgy texture. Loosely twisted the hair around the bungee for a loose structure and secure with bobby pins and hair pins. To finish, spray the hair with Wella Professionals Dynamic Fix hairspray, and rough up the hair with fingers at the root and around the bun, spraying once again with the Dynamic Fix to add sheen and hold the look for the night.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Nina DoBrev
Celebrity stylist Riawna Capri gave Nina a youthful looking fishtail ponytail that is easier to create at home than you think.

To Get The Look: First, spray Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz all over and scrunch hair for a nice beachy texture. Loosely gather the hair into a slightly messy ponytail with a center part. Then, begin your fishtail braid. Once done, pull a couple pieces out to create a more distressed look and finish with a shine spray, such as Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight all over for a polished finish.

For the latest on hair trends and styling tips, follow Wella Professionals onFacebook and Twitter!

Try on all of these Oscars hairstyles in the Makeover Studio!

Courtesy of Daily Makeover

Rent the Runway NYC Sample Sale

EMU Australia Fall / Winter 2012

EMU Australia continues their second season at Style360 during New York Fashion Week. EMU Australia Fall / Winter 2012 is inspired by the natural elements of Australia and Nordic fur trends, with earth-tones of mushroom, red earth, clay, boysenberry and hedge green. Known for their footwear, EMU Australia features water resistant sheepskin and Nappa leather styles. Textured leathers, stunning trims and metal embellishments are incorporated.

The outerwear is warm and chic, including a double face sheepskin coat with a vintage Nappa finish and snow tipped long hair sheepskin vests and jackets. The Merino wool collection features structural tailored piece and chunky knits. I love the mini dresses and black leather shorts!

I've already added EMU Australia's earmuffs and hats to next winter's accessory list. The collection also includes chunky knit scarves, gloves, mittens and beanies in double face merino sheepskin, Nappa sheepskin and Merino wool.

Photos courtesy of elle.com

Check out the finale walk from the show

- Kim Weling

Whitney Eve Fall 2012

Whitney Eve Fall 2012 collection, titled "Graphic Kaleidoscope", is inspired by an antique kaleidoscope found at her grandmother's house. Jewel tones, graphic shapes, mixed prints and florals are seen through mini skirts, peplum blouses and leggings. The collection also includes velvet and sequin pieces.

Whitney Port really put her stamp on this collection, as the print minis, leggings and jackets are a part of her signature style.

Photos by RUNWAYY.COM

- Kim Weling

bebeBLACK Fall 2012

Style360's bebeBLACK Fall 2012 fashion show at the Metropolitan Pavilion showcased sexy, city chic wool crepe suite separates, ivory silk blouses, pencil skirts, capelets and shorts in plaid wool flannel and satin jacquard. My favorite look is the peacock silk feather print ruffled blouse paired with the noir glazed wool tweed 3/4 length coat and shorts.




Images courtesy of elle.com

- Kim Weling

Prete & Bruno Fall 2012

Italian designers Salvatore Prete and Filippo Bruno of Prete & Bruno made their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center for their Fall 2012 collection. Inspiration is drawn from old Hollywood glamour and timeless style of Marlene Dietrich and Grace Kelly.

The collection ranges from wool and silk suits to dresses and wide leg pants in jewel tones and black, exuding a chic, modern elegance.

Photos by RUNWAYY.COM

- Kim Weling

Leather Japan Fall 2012

Leather Japan made its debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, introducing Japanese designers AGURI SAGIMORI, genten, Le Parrain, motonari ono, No, No, Yes!, Noritaka Tatehana, SAKAGUCHI KOSHI FOR BLAZE and SOMARTA.

genten featured a special bag collaboration with AGURI SAGIMORI, motonari ono and No, No, Yes! genten (meaning "the point of origin in" in Japanese) creates leather accessories such as bags, wears, shoes and interior goods.

Noritaka Tatehana

- Kim Weling

Walter Fall 2012

Walter Fall 2012 features masculine looks with a modern edge, adding lace, signature prints and soft chunky knits for a feminine touch. A focus on outerwear is seen through leather, tweed and jacquard fabrics. Colors transition from blush to rich deeper tones.

Standout pieces include a purple leather cowl neck top, heather blazer with leather trim and printed dress with leather waistband, grey and black puffer trench, grey shift dress in tweed and jacquard combo, red leather chiffon top, black ponte pant with leather insets and black leather leggings.

Above images courtesy of nymag.com

- Kim Weling