I'm hopelessly tired from working 36 hours the last 3 days...on my feet! Work hard, play hard is definitely New York City's motto, BUT at least I was outside, talking to trendy people, and this was my office for the weekend...
So hey, Meatpacking District? I really can't complain! USA Networks is touring an event nationally that started in NYC on short films. Tony & Ridley Scott chose 8 up and coming directors to put together a piece, celebrating the diversity of the American character. The outcome of each piece is really great! Check them out if you have a few, by going to USA Networks Character Project. And BTW my absolute fav from the set was Perfect by Amie Steir, it takes an unexpected turn...that is hilarious!
Long gone are his days as the cute boy on 3rd Rock from the Sun, the last few years have brought Joseph Gordon-Levittback to the forefront and aren't we so excited. I must say I have very high respect for actors who actually stick to their craft rather than playing the tabloid game, and I must tip my hat to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for doing just that.
I hadn't realized how grown-up the child star had gotten until I saw {500} Days of Summer...and was totally crushing on him at that point. Who could resist his cute dimples and adorable grin?? He has almost a boy next door quality that makes him feel approachable and respected.
And the sharp suits he has been donning lately a la Inception are beyond superb! I can't adequately describe my love for a man in a great suit...mmm...it's just a really good thing. And to add the cherry on top, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has this James Dean old school look to his style that is classic and refreshing.
{Merci weheartit for the pics}
Talented, classy, and oh so cute, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the perfect under-the-radar star that has every girl's heart fluttering once she takes notice. Keep up the good work Mr. Gordon-Levitt, I can't wait to see what you choose to take on next.
It was a sad day yesterday, as the world said goodbye to the very last Hollywood Golden Age Legend. Elizabeth Taylor, dangerously curvy, fashion icon, died at 79 from heart failure that had her hospital bound many times in the last 7 years. Known for her many (8) marriages, to the likes of Nicky Hilton (Paris's grandfather) and Richard Burton, among others, she stayed very much in the public eye up until her death.
Setting the stage at 12 as a child star in National Velvet, Elizabeth's violet eyes, and talent transitioned her into great MGM roles as she grew...grew in to a curvacious sex bomb. But MGM had yet to recognize this Golden Age Legend potential. Her first major movie was the original Father of the Bride in 1950.
She continued making many movies that she was not happy with, but MGM refused to cast her in anything higher. Finally she co-starred in Giant with James Dean in 1956 and her stardom catapulted. Her next 4 films were repeatedly Academy Award Nominations for Best Actress: Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly, Last Summer, and finally winning for Butterfied 8.
By the time Cleopatra rolled around, Elizabeth Taylor was the highest paid actress, signing a one million dollar contract...two million after overtime...in 1960! This is when she began her scandalous infidelity with co-star Richard Burton. Later Burton would become her long time husband, as well as co-star in a total of 8 movies. One in which she received her 2nd Academy Award, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.
Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for jewelry and was known for her fair share of opulence...including the 33.19 carat Krupp Diamond and the Cartier 69.42 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond. Oh and did I forget to mention the 50 carat La Peregrina Pearl Burton gave Taylor for Valentine's Day...that originally belonged to Queen Mary I of England?...yeah. So it made perfect sense when, one of the first celebrity endorsed (and most successful) perfumes, White Diamonds, was born.
A ritual girl's night commenced last night as the Oscar's 83rd award ceremony was held. Of course the only reason I watch it is for the Red Carpet Fashion...who was the best dressed and who was the worst dressed? Here's my rundown:
THE BEST DRESSED...
Anne Hathaway did a nice job hosting the Oscars and began the night in a stunning Archival Valentino gown...and standing here with the Emperor himself I'd say its a big YES!
Little Hailee Steinfeld (Supporting Actress Nom) made her Red Carpet debut in a stunning Marchesa gown. And might I say, refreshingly age appropriate, she was the essence of beauty in a lovely styled updo and clean makeup. Bravo!
I loved Scarlet Johannason (as I usually do) in her fitted feminine choices, and this Dolce & Gabbana was no exception!
Oprah was full-figured perfection in her hour glass Zac Posen.
Amy Adams has quickly become my favorite Red Carpet lady. I am already a big fan of navy blue as evening luxe but this L'Wren Scott was to die for and then topped of with $1.3million of Cartier jewels...a girl could do worse!
Jennifer Hudson had my jaw dropped as she strutted the Red Carpet in this Atelier Verasace!
Her new body has definitely been the talk of the town (although I personally feel she has gotten a little too skinny) but in this classic red number it is the perfect nod to the golden age of Hollywood.
AND THE WINNER IS....
BEST DRESSED in my opinion was by far Mila Kunis in this stunning Elie Saab (go figure - he is my fav)!
Modern and interesting yet elegant and refined Mila was a supreme example of red Carpet decadence!
And now for the worst dressed...
Although I have heard mixed reviews about Cate Blanchett's Givenchy gown, I have to say I am not a fan. It has beginnings of things I might like, but the overly boxy beaded embroidery feels like its trying too hard and the empty frame on her chest that just leaves you wanting...of what I'm not sure...I just couldn't wrap my understanding around this one.
As far as styling goes, I must say Gwenyth Paltrow more than disappointed me. First in this streamlined Calvin Klein Collection and then in what could be a nice Michael Kors she seems to have just slipped into her gowns after a day of errands at the mall. Straight, forgotten hair, and an overly tanned, blond mix made me feel like she was channeling Red Carpet Barbie rather than Oscar winning extraordinaire.
AND THE WORST DRESSED WINNER IS...
Melissa Leo, Winning Supporting Actress for The Fighter, accepted her speach dropping the F Bomb, mirroring her choice in fashion taste as well. As Tim Gunn was interviewing her on the Red Carpet I was at a loss of words for the stiff doily by Marc Bouwer, she had decided as her Big Night Gown!
To end on a happy note, as I am almost never negative on my blog, please enjoy the opening video number to the Oscar's by hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco. I thought it was quite funny and perfect for the night.
I love visiting a place I have dreamed of all my life. I don't think I will ever forget my very first trip to Paris. That first time our metro popped up out of the ground only to smack us in the face with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. All I could do was gasp and stare, it hit me, I had finally made it to the place of my dreams! And even though the Parisian streets are no longer lined with gold for me, I do still love that city, and can't get tired of the old romantic beauty of the City of Lights.
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Now I am on my way back from yet another dream trip; Italy. I have had my own Roman Holiday and am super stoked about it. Now I don't only dream, but have actually been in all the places Audrey Hepburn discovered in her breakout film. Amazing. It is surreal to see things, that as an art major, I studied intently. Michaelangelo's David and Pieta, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps....aahh amazing!
After 6 seasons and 1 movie of style domination the girls are at it again, bringing out all the stops to pop up trends around the world for the next fashion season. I was happy as I left the theatre, I won't give any spoilers but I will say, although not as good as the series this movie was better than last and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. That said, there was one thing that bothered me, everyone watches these girls now for fashion and the creators have come to the point where the try to hard.
Although the movie was full of great outfits that I just loved, for every 1 outfit I adored there were 2 that I hated. I think Patricia Field is a genius costume designer who has always brought a great sense of style to the series but a good part of the movie was borderline cheesy, each girl had to flaunt a constant array of designers and was consistently out of place. Even in the desert of the United Arab Emirates they managed to somehow find it practical to be in evening dresses and heels? Don't get me wrong I am a stiletto addict, but I know they have an appropriate time and place, and marching through sand is when you choose your new gladiotor sandals, not your Manolo's. In addition, there were several moments where I questioned the age appropriateness of the outfit choices. Each of the women are at the least in their forties and they are wearing flaunty outfits of the twenty year olds. Giving credit, this was briefly addressed in one scene, but it still felt a tad out of place. But enough about that, here are the pieces I loved (and could scrounge up an image for you):
Turbans
*thanks elle.com*
I have been rocking my own turban look this Spring, and am loving the Middle Eastern flair!
Sparkle
*thanks screencrave.com*
*merci weheartit*
From tiara headbands to stilettos, I still love all that glitters!
Color
*thanks baltimoresun.com*
My all time favorite thing about the middle east is the abundance of mouth watering color. Their fabrics are stunning, and the best inspiration for any seasons wardrobe!
Skin
*merci brisbanetimes.com*
As appropriate with our lovely warm weather, it was fun to see a little skin. The cute belly shirt with capris was a nice nod to the olden days, and I might just give it a shot myself. Although, I must admit, I've always felt uncomfortable wearing belly shirts, like I'm trying to put myself on display or something?
What was your favorite outfit in the film darlings?
Someone I am always captivated by is Emmy Rossum. She is truly a classic gem in a see of rhinestones. She stays out of the paparazzi game and is always elegant. Bravo Emmy for single handedly showing Hollywood how it used to be in its golden age!
Isn't young love the best? Nothing has hurt you yet, and you can truly give all your heart and be swept away in the fun of loving life. I always love watching movies and seeing the characters experience love for the first time. It takes me back to my childhood experiences. The thrill when "That Boy" locks eyes with you diliberately, or passes you a note in class, holding hands and walking in the park. And of course nothing replaces the spark of the first foot popping kiss!
*thanks Le Love Blog for the photo*
That is the best thing about youth, the ability to experience everything unbridled, whole heartedly and without baggage. In fact what I probably love most about watching this through these characters is the renewal in myself to be more free in my own life, because life is fleeting and you have to savor every moment while you have because all to soon it passes you by and is just a memory.
I really have an obsession with old Hollywood. I love the class, the elegance and the magic that it possesses. I can count on one hand the celebrities that today hold such qualities to actually be worthy of comparison to this Golden Era which is quite a shame.
But I will tell you a celebrity I have recently started noticing, not only for adorable charm but her clean and admirable standards and bubbly personality: Amy Adams. Starting out in supporting roles in fun movies here and there, I always knew who she was but in the last few years she has really catapulted her self to some lovely leading roles and I am always under the spell of her smile while watching her on the silver screen.
I just love watching her for infectious joy, and when I saw these photos from a magazine spread and was blown away at how classically beautiful she can be as well. Enjoy!
I have always been an advocate for old fashioned afternoon tea parties. Dresses, hats, and gloves paired with sunny china, savory tea, and mini food....who can really resist? With all the buzz around the new Alice in Wonderland movie (which I have yet to see, but its on my list), I couldn't help but take a moment to dwell on my fondness for this pastime.
*thanks Sarah Louise Photography for the photo*
So put on a flowy dress, and borrow your grandmother's vintage accessories. Gather all your girlfriends and have a go at feeling classically rich. Attempt your most Martha Stewart tasty dish and channel your inner Jackie O.
Have you been to a tea party mes cheriess?
and Don't be late for a very important date! Time is running out on this awesome DIY giveaway!
Johnny Depp will be playing the role of the Mad Hatter in the new Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland, set to release in late March 2010. The story is going to be a sequel to the original animated film rather than a remake, and I think Tim Burton is perfect for this drug induced bedtime story. My real excitement for this movie is to see all the costume! Costume designer, Colleen Atwood, has set the bar high with just the movie posters alone. Her list of experience is impressive, including many Tim Burton films, Big Fish, Sleepy Hallow, and Edward Scissorhands.
Seeing the poster for the Mad Hatter got me thinking...How cool are top hats?? Just admire the detail she has put into this one: a green lace overlay with a variety of hat pins, and a stunning satin sash...I could easily see this on a runway...Wait a minute, I have! So in honor of Colleen and her anticipated work, as well as the ever classic top hat, lets just see what spin the modern millennium has decided to take on this upcoming trend!
From Christian Dior to Zac Posen, many designers have sprinkled their runways over the past couple years with top hats. Which means it is about time to start seeing them at a fun night out on the town! Let's see what shopping options we have for Runway to Celeb to Reality!
Britney, Madonna, and Heidi. All stylish women, all trendsetters, all workin the top hat!
*all photos compliments of their respective shops*
Sparkley Jem starts us off with the adorable mini version. I really love the mini top hat because it is a way to make a modern statement.
Greene Goth brings a vintage cameo onto the scene. I love anything that incorporates cameos, the Victorian vibe is just so elegant.
Pink Tigers Den is adorably cute. Small enough for street fashion, bold enough for a statement piece.
I love this Bubbles and Frown hat! It is so runway-tastic with a Mad Hatter vibe. I love the play on proportion and the curled technique of the shape and the brim!
Lastly, Gypsy Lady Hats, brings a classic Fedora dip to a standard Victorian top hat. Remaining true to the era with a lush satin ribbon and popping it up with a textured finished look. How Humphrey Bogart meets Mr. Darcy is that??!
I can't wait to get my own top hat! I'll rock that on an awesome Girl's Night Out with a cocktail dress and stilettos! How would you rock it?
I love movies, but every few years or so a movie comes out that is what I would consider a Pop Culture Staple. After just watching one of those movies movies with some girlfriends I thought I would share a little of my thoughts.
The two best dating advice movies are: Hitch for men, and He's Just Not That Into You for women.
If you are single and out in the dating world, you know how frustrating the "Dating Game" can be. Even if, like me, you don't like to play the game, there is still dating drama i.e. "Will he call?" "Is she interested?" "Where is this going?" The frustration seems to be cyclical and contagious.
For men: Hitch gives you all the dating advice you need to sweep a girl off her feet. Watch it if you haven't already, and take notes! When my girlfriends and I saw this movie we all nodded throughout the whole movie at how true it was, and wished there was a real "Hitch" out there to help these clueless guys we have to date.
For women: Sometimes you really do need to be told "He's just not that into you!" And with guys it really is that simple. Do NOT blame yourself and think less of yourself, you are a beautiful woman of the world and you need to remember that. Just because things don't work out with a guy does not mean you missed your opportunity with Mr. Wonderful...because you still have not found him yet. We have fed each other these lies all our lives, "He must of lost your number," "He must have a lot going on in his job" STOP IT! Watch this movie and understand you must stop dwelling on all these "exceptions" and start living, know you are "the Rule," don't worry your exception will come one day when you are not looking for him!
Photos courtesy of impawards.com and movieinsider.ivillage.com
