2011 Oscars Report

A Fashion Lovers Dream

 

Oh my, was this years Academy Awards refreshing.  Of all the dresses that walked across our screens, I can’t say there was one disaster.  Not that I would, I tend to focus on my favorites, but sincerely I don’t have any  disappointments. 

Winning top honors for me was Black Swan star, Mila Kunis, in a gorgeous lavender chiffon gown with tiered lace detailing and grosgrain ribbon waist by Elie Saab.  The color was superb and unexpected.  The dress was both delicate and feminine and unbelievably sexy.  Some weren't sure how to take the exposed cleavage, but with her youth and body, I thought it worked flawlessly.  Well done, Mila, you’re the breakout fashion star for me this award season.  

Number two, Mandy Moore wowed us with this classic, ladylike gown from Monique Lhullier.  I can only imagine how breathtaking the gown was in person.  While I think the nude gown trend is being a little overplayed, you can’t deny how amazing they can look on the right person.  Mandy’s light skin tone blends in perfectly with this gown and you almost don’t even notice the sheer fabric at the neck.  She looks like such a lady.  Finishing off this look is her hair and makeup done to perfection.  The chestnut color and soft, romantic bun complete the package and give her top honors for me.  

 

Halle Berry has taken a few misses of late, but not last night.  This ethereal Marchesa gown must have been created with her in mind.  The dress was made for a woman with a thin frame and delicate curves and Halle definitely fits the bill.  I adore the beaded floral structure and whimsical arrangement of tulle.  It’s truly one of those gowns that makes you want to gaze and discover every inch of constructed beauty. 

In my opinion, Marchesa is the best thing to happen to award show fashion since Badgley Mischka.   

 

A lot of folks may have missed this jaw-dropping gown worn by Camilla Alves.  On the arm of her beau, Matthew McConaughey, she escaped most of the paparazzi.  I typically prefer color at award shows because I don’t think the beauty of black comes across well on the Red Carpet.  This one, however, is a showstopper.  The simplicity and dramatic sexiness of the plunging neckline on this gown make Kaufman Franco a “one-to-watch” moving forward.  

 

 

Did anyone not gasp when they saw knockout Jennifer Hudson get out of her limo?  Wow, this woman has transformed herself into such a confident beauty and its written all over her face. 

I LOVE the tangerine color of this Atelier Versace gown against her soft brown skin tone and beautifully swept back hair.  She is styled to perfection with well suited accessories and classic, understated makeup that allows the dress to shine. 

 

With no disappointments on the Red Carpet this year, choosing a top 5 was tough.  Therefore, I couldn’t resist giving an honorable mention to two other stunners that caught my eye.  First, Helen Mirren, in Vivienne Westwood.  This woman has a knockout body and makes the mature years look like the place to be.  Her gown is classic, yet modern and looks amazing with her silver locks.  Gwyneth Paltrow also gets an honorable nod with her sleek, sophisticated Calvin Klein dress.  I love its body conscious retro feel combined with her straight blonde hair.  Gwyneth knows her body and knows her style and she gets it right every time.  Her humble, sometimes bashful demeanor make her all the more lovable. 

Hollywood stylists get an “A” this year for an amazing showing of fashion! 

BHLDN ~ Part Deux

 

Behold my heart…

As if the dresses weren’t pretty enough, Anthropologie’s BHLDN collection brings us stunning shoes and accessories to complete the look.

To cover-up a girls bare shoulders on the big day, could these Bolero’s be any cuter?  I fancy the Primrose Bolero, by Quillaree, above because of its ultra feminine raw-edged floral design and delicate blush color.  It would flatter any skin tone.    

The Bow-Topped Bolero, by Hitherto, to the left has a sweet Victorian flare with a modern twist.     

 

 

 

 

May sound strange, but this photo makes me want to paint.  It’s been a while since I’ve brought out the easel and acrylics (okay, years), but this colorful array of fashion delights may just give me the inspiration I need.  It’s like candy for the soul.  Purple and green and pink, oh my.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I digress.  I’ve always been drawn to this shade of green – the Emerald Fields Kisslock Clutch is charming and vintage inspired.  The tuck away strap transforms it into a shoulder bag. 

The Gilded Trillium Kisslock Clutch is my favorite bag in the collection.  Made with the softest grey lambskin and topped with a corsage of brass and pearl flowers, it has just enough room for phone and lipstick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BHLDN collection features amazing head pieces as well.  The Languid Bow Headband, by Ban.Do, to the left has a fantastic 50’s style and would be perfect for a cocktail length dress. 

 

I’m really smitten with the lovely Feathered Petals Headband by James Coviellio, which would be a beautiful finishing touch for  bridesmaids.  The rose shade shown here is exquisite and a perfect complement to neutral shades and browns.  I think it also would provide a nice pop to a rich green or purple.  Heck, I think I may buy this one to wear w/my spring & summer dresses.

 

 

 

 

This playful photo perfectly illustrates the whimsical feel of the Pompom Rose Headband by Pomp & Ceremony. 

A colossal collection of raw-edged cotton voile petals perch atop a Liberty of London wrapped band.  And it looks yummy with the gold dress.

 

 

Last, but not least, can we talk shoes?

What I would describe as the “perfect Cinderella shoe,” the Threshhold Slingback by Something Bleu, is delicate and supremely romantic with the addition of Festooned shoe clips from Twigs & Honey.  The 4-inch pleated silk-satin peep-toes hide a half-inch platform inside, adding a little height and comfort. 

And about Twigs & Honey…I highly recommend checking out their site for more incredible finds.  

      

I love the classic style of the Beaded Brocade Slingback by Rada.  Tied with a grosgrain bow and topped with subtle embroidery, this pointy-toe pair is  sleek and softly feminine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oppositely, the Moonlit Peep-Toes are a sexy classic by Something Bleu.  I loved the sweet touch that the pompom clips add to this look.  Also really shows the versatility of this shoe.

 

 

And now for the perfect bridesmaid shoe, the lush, nearly glowing silk satin Bow-Topped Slingback from Something Bleu.

 

Charming and classic, the shoe also comes in ivory and saffron, which are exclusive colors for BHLDN.       

 

I could not resist the vintage style and fitting name of the “Elopement Pumps.”  The robin's-egg-blue leather slip-ons by Hey Lady have no shortage of detail.

I just love the scalloped edges around the back and tip of the shoe and the pretty pattern that lines the inside.  These are charmers and would be perfect for a bride-to-be to wear to one of her special parties leading up to the big day.

 

 

So, can you believe I’m still not done covering BHLDN?  How can I stop here when there is still jaw-dropping jewelry to talk about and we certainly can’t leave out the delicate underpinnings.  Stay tuned for more.  

Anthropologie – Will You Marry Me?

Take my breath away…

Anthropologie has officially launched BHLDN (pronounced “Beholden”), a collection of breathtaking bridal dresses and accessories.  The line features heirloom inspired wedding gowns, bridesmaid and occasion dresses, vintage-inspired jewelry, shoes, unique headpieces,  accessories and even lingerie.

There is so much beauty to behold in this collection that I can’t possibly do it justice with one post.  Here I’ll share my favorite dresses and will report back soon on the amazing accessories. 

 

To say I’m an Anthropologie devotee is a bit of an understatement, so it’s almost cruel that they are launching BHLDN in 2011 – I was married in 2002 for goodness sake!

Hmmm…I wonder if Jay would agree to marry me again??…..??  ;o)

Anthropologie has created a loyal customer base that is unique, feminine and whimsical - and they honored that customer by designing a wedding brand that would follow her through the most important life transition she will likely ever make – as a wife.  

 

 

The brand will create some of their own signature gowns and also will feature established and up-and-coming guest designers like Fleur Wood, Tracy Reese, and Catherine Deane, who will create exclusive designs from tailored and voluminous to embroidered and embellished. 

Retail prices for the brand range from $1,000 to $4,000 for gowns, and $200 to $600 for event dresses. 

 

 

BHLDN was designed to celebrate a woman's personal style and to provide a confident, guiding voice to help create an extraordinary experience for brides. 

What kind of bride are you?

One of my favorite sections on the site – this page helps guide you to the best gowns and accessories to match your personal style.  By asking a few cute questions – like where your dream wedding location would be and what your friends will remember most about your special day years down the road – they  help identify the kind of bride you are. 

Naturally, I took the “quiz” and the results were pretty spot on.  I was identified as a “Nostalgic Romantic” bride – someone that embodies tradition and timeless beauty.  As a girl that carries vintage hankies in my handbag (yes, they belonged to my Nana), I think that’s probably a true assessment. 

Further than describing my style though, the site then led me to an assortment of dresses and accessories that fit my described style and that coordinated with one another.  

 

 

Also located on the site is a personalized area where brides can create “mood boards” to share with friends and family.

MyBHLDN continues to develop and soon will feature things like advice sharing and other inspiration, including coveted images, color palettes and style icons.

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie’s goal with BHLDN was to help a woman create an event that reflects her own unique perspective and to give a bride that edit she’s been searching for—with heirloom-quality wedding gowns, artisanal hair adornments, footwear and lingerie.   They also wanted happy bridesmaids in mix-and-match frocks with rich hues and unexpected details.

Beyond the dress, they wanted to start a conversation with their customer—building a resource where she can come to find inspiration and to share with those closest to her. 

Well done, Anthropologie, I think you’re well on your way to making many girls dreams come true. 

Super Bowl XLV – Packer Style

Go PACK Go!

If it can’t be my beloved Detroit Lions going to the Super Bowl (and I have a feeling that might be a while), then all of my cheers go to the Green Bay Packers, who will meet the Pittsburg Steelers on February 6.  I consider myself an honorary Packers fan as my dear friend, Sara Otto Shunkwiler (a Wisconsin native), allows me to cheer them on with her.

The Packers have arguably the best fans in the NFL.  They sport green and gold year-round and don “Cheeseheads” to support their Pack.  On game day it is nearly impossible to get anywhere near the stadium and during away games the area is a ghost town as fans are either at home or filling Packer bars to watch the game. 

Every home game has been sold out since 1960, with more than 80,000 names on the season-ticket waiting list.  When someone dies, they often will their tickets to a family member.

Sara tells me that Super Bowl Sunday will be like a national holiday in Wisconsin – every store will be closed and streets will be deserted as people are glued to their TV’s.  

 

I think that Green Bay’s “super fandom” is due in no small part to the fact that the team is owned by the public – their fans.  They are the only NFL team that doesn’t have an owner.  All money earned goes back into the club.  

They have a vested interested in their team and it shows. 

 

Founded in 1919 by Earl Lambeau  and George Whitney Calhoun, the Green Bay Packers are deeply rooted in the Wisconsin city where they began.  They were named after a local meat processing plant, the Indian Packing Company, which paid for the first uniforms.  Starting in the 1920s, the Green Bay Football Corp. made a series of public stock offerings.  In 1950, 1,900 local residents each put up $25 a share to buy the team.

Green Bay is the second-oldest franchise in the NFL and they have a rich history of championships, including winning the first Super Bowl in 1966. 

They’ve won twelve championships (more than any other team in the NFL) and are looking to secure their fourth Super Bowl victory next week. 

 

The team has historic rivalries with the Chicago Bears, whom they beat to get to this years “dance”; and the Detroit Lions, whom they have played since the 1930s.  The Packers also share a fierce rivalry with the Minnesota Vikings, ironically now the home of former quarterback, Brett Favre. 

 

 

They all belong to the NFC North, a.k.a. the "Black and Blue Division" due to the intensity of the rivalry between the four teams.

 

 

 

The Packers have no shortage of players to root for - Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the tough job of leading his team to victory with a strong and accurate arm and also being the “boyfriend” of every lady in Green Bay. 

The guy must be exhausted by the end of the day!

 

Other Packers that are always fun to watch - Veteran Wide Receiver Donald Driver, Wide Receiver Greg Jennings (Western Michigan), Running Backs Brandon Jackson & John Kuhn and of course Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji. 

Rooting on the Packers and players begs the question – what to wear?  This post is filled with great fan gear from NFL Shop, Packers Pro Shop and Etsy (click on any photo for “where to buy”).   

But what I really want to know is how can I look like this guy?  I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single Packer fan that doesn’t own and proudly wear a Cheesehead hat.  Teasing them only increases their spirit as they cheer on their boys in green and gold. 

You don’t have to look far in Wisconsin or on the web for Cheesehead gear, but I found

Foamation to have a nice well-edited selection, including the fun earrings above.

It’s really too bad that Super Bowl’s can’t be held on a teams home turf because I can’t think of anything that would make Super Bowl XLV more exciting than watching it take place at the famed Lambeau Field.  I’ve never been there, but I love watching touchdowns in that stadium.  I will never forget watching Sunday Night Football on December 11, 2005 -  Packers vs. Lions. 

I knew that our friends, Ben and Sara and Craig, were at the game and sitting near the end zone, so I was looking out for them.  Watching, watching….and there it was - Lions wide receiver Roy Williams catches an incredible TD pass and jumps up for the infamous Lambeau Leap right into the arms of Ben and Craig (captured in the above photo – Craig is on the left and you can’t see Ben because he’s behind Roy Williams holding him up.  Craig snagged the ball).  I literally could not believe my eyes!  We lost the game that night, but Ben, Sara and Craig got the moment of a lifetime.

Hopefully, the Packers will continue their magic on Feb. 6 and capture another Super Bowl title for their beloved fans.  Go Pack Go!

2011 Golden Globe Report

 

Golden Glam

Can there be any way to describe Anne Hathaway in this golden sequin gown other than “Jaw-dropping”?  It’s no secret that she is a client of the revered Rachel Zoe, so she never misses.  BUT – her appearance at the Globes in Giorgio Armani Prive this year has got to be her best yet.  She’s never been in better shape, so she was a complete knockout in this sexy dress.

 

 

 

 

 

Front, side or back it was amazing.  I’m sure there was a collective gasp by passerby that night when she turned to reveal the back.  WOW!

Her make-up was flawless and her hair done to perfection to suit this dress. 

 

 

Angelina Jolie comes in second with a dazzling emerald green dress from Atelier Versace.  She was right on trend, as green and a return to 80’s chic seemed to dominate the evening.  As a child of the 80’s, I am NOT thrilled at the resurgence of any “fashion” from the period, but the first two dresses in this post seemed to do it well.  The color and draping of this garment are both vibrant and elegant and perfectly suited for the calm and cool Angelina.  To me, this is the type of gown made for the Globes…save the Princess Grace style dresses for the Oscars.

 

 

 

As lovely as Jane Krakowski is, she wouldn’t be considered a fashionista in most circles, which is why I was so pleasantly surprised by this stunning gown.  She looks radiant in the periwinkle color (make-up perfectly coordinated) and the draping highlights her well toned arms and adorable baby bump.  You could just feel the joy of impending motherhood jumping out of the screen…and how beautiful she felt too.  Well done, Badgley Mischka, Jane looked amazing.

 

 

Oh Sofia Vergara – do we not all want this bod?  And she KNOWS it!   She loves showing off her curves and you can’t help but not hate her because of that delightful personality. (I’m sure even Vera Wang herself couldn’t be mad at Sofia when she pronounced her name repeatedly as Vera Wong).

This gown was made for Sofia – the color was a standout, the black belt a perfect finishing detail and the cut followed every curve to a tee.  She chose to keep her hair down and flowing which added to the appeal.

 

My fifth pick is Leighton Meester in Burberry.  While I know this dress was not a fan fave and has taken a lot of criticism, I adored it on her.  Certainly, I understand why folks didn't care for it…it’s not a typical award show dress.  But Leighton is a style icon of her generation, which made this an amazing choice for her.  She’s got a drop dead figure – a must to pull off this look – and a unique indie style.  I love that she chose something that was fashion forward and set her apart from all others on the Red Carpet.  The Globes are about knowing yourself and taking appropriate risks to demonstrate who you are.  Way to go, Leighton, you’re an original and looked amazing in the subtly sexy dress.

Last but certainly not least, an Honorable Mention goes to Maria Menounos in a stunning dress by Michigan’s own Pamella Roland.  The blush tones were gorgeous and I loved the contrast of shabby frayed edges mixed with a sparkly neckline.  Her hourglass figure does a little something for the gown too.  Thanks Pamella Roland (DeVos) for making Michigan shine in Hollywood!