Monday, February 25, 2013

Red Carpet Rundown: Oscars 2013


A lot of safe dresses on the runway tonight.  And a lot of black!  All the black/metallics are first up.

My favorite was Naomi Watts in Armani Prive.  This is a cool design and it gave her great curves.

Nicole Kidman brought it tonight.  This L'Wren Scott dress was gorgeous, because it looked like different colors depending on the light and camera angle.  I swear it looked like four different dresses in different pictures I saw.

This dress is super simple, but Samantha Barks looks hot, hot, hot.  The plunge, jewelry, and hair are all gorgeous.

Sandra Bullock's Elie Saab dress has embellishment and lace all over.  It looks busy, but really works.  Her straight simple hair and minimal make-up are a nice compliment to the intricate dress.

This is kind of a different look for Halle Barry, but I totally loved it.  This Versace dress so sleek and body-hugging, but not in the bondage way that she normally wears.  Of course, her hair and make-up always look fab.

I LOVED this Rachel Roy gown for pregnant Jenna Dewan-Tatum.  I like when dresses are curve-hugging on pregnant bellies in the later months.  The cap-sleeve, v-neck, and color are all great design elements for a maternity dress.  I would have picked a larger, bling earring, but that's my only small critique.

This dress is really pretty on Norah Jones, however that hair style is really dated.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I had that updo at a homecoming dance 15 years ago.  Ouch.

Alexander McQueen works for Salma Hayek.  The bun and make-up are just right for the neck on this dress.  I like that she put away the girls for a night too.  Covered up and voluptuous works for her.

Adele is back in black.  She looks pretty and glamorous, but this dress (Jenny Packham) didn't do much for me.  I liked her on stage dress better with the added sparkle.

The beading on Stacy Keibler's dress (Naeem Khan) is pretty awesome, but that hair has got to go.  It looks like Princess Leia, no?

I can't say anything negative about this, because I'm enamored with Helena Bonham Carter.  She's in her own crazy world (well, shared with husband Tim Burton) so I always look forward to her next outfit.

FINALLY, some color!

Loved this dress Kerry Washington in Miu Miu wore.  It's fun and fabulous!

Jane Fonda is so fun.  I love that she takes risks.  Wearing Versace in bright yellow and looking that good is a double thumbs up.

Awwww, love her!!!  Jennifer Garner was one of the few that wore a necklace with her  Gucci strapless gown.  The combo works and she looks beautiful all around; hair, make-up, dress, jewelry.

This is a top pick for me.  Jessica Chastain looks fabulous in this copper-colored beaded Armani Prive gown that screams "I'M A MOVIE STAR!"  

I really, really enjoyed this Valentino dress from Sally Field.  How often do you see a woman her age in a bright red dress?  Rarely.  She looks so happy and energetic.  The train is pretty long, but the soft fabric helps it not be too obnoxious.

I know I'm not the only one disappointed with Jennifer Aniston's Valentino dress, because I was texting with some friends who were also kind of, hmmmmm, this is it?  She has the classic Jen A. hair, tan, and simple make-up, which always works for her.  The dress is far from her normal slim, black look.  I think I was hoping for a little more edge so that's why I'm a little let down.

Reese Witherspoon in blue mermaid and old hollywood glam hair is a nice combo.  She's looking good post-baby.  A brighter lip would have been a nice splash of color though.  And I'm not sure why the designer (Louis Vuitton) added that bow above the left boob -- unnecessary.

Cavalli looks wonderful on Jennifer Hudson.  I like the sleeves and texture/embellishment her gown.  

Helen Hunt was making more of a statement that her dress is H&M and green rather than being super fashionable.  It's not bad or anything, but it's nothing that will go down in the books as a 'best dress of 2013'.  It's simple and safe.


On the lighter side:

Amy Adams looks like a princess her her gown.  There weren't a ton of big dresses so I liked seeing this one coming down the red carpet.  Plus, I pretty much always like Oscar de la Renta.

I was not expecting this from Jennifer Lawrence.  I was thinking her dress would be more young and funky.  This Dior Haute Couture dress is lovely with its structure and that back necklace is very cool.


Whoa!  The hair shocked me at first.  She wears it with confidence, but I like her with some length.  It's too Peter Pan for me.  The dress gorgeous on her though and she's working that model body.

Anne Hathaway can pick any dress and this is what she chose???  It looks like a bridesmaid dress for one (and we all know how we really feel about those) and it's just so bland.  Simple hair and simple dress = forgettable look.  (I thought Prada made fun, bright clothes??)

Kristen Stewart's column dress is really pretty.  I'm just over her never having her hair done.

This did absolutely nothing for me.  It just looks old and washes Amanda Seyfried out.  And I hate to not like a Alexander McQueen dress.  Boo.

Very lovely, Queen Latifah!  White is beautiful on her skin tone and perfect neckline for those bosoms.

Eh, no comment here.

I like that Zoe Saldana takes risks, but I am not a fan of this one.  Maybe for SAG Awards or Golden Globes.  I don't like the bust embellishment + the belt + the loop ribbon on the belt + slant hemline + 3-color hemline + ...enough already!




Images via

Monday, February 18, 2013

Happy President's Day







Enjoy the day off (if you are so lucky) to spend with family & friends, honoring our past presidents.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Fashionista Friday: Spring Getaway Swimming Suits

I have a girls trip approaching to south Florida and I think a new swimming suit needs to accompany me.  So many cute ones I'm going to have a difficult time choosing just one!  That green one is calling my name, favorite color and all.

Bikinis

Nautical / Green / Fringe / Embroidered / Palm /  Ruffle

I haven't worn a one-piece suit since I attempted being on the diving team in high school (didn't go well - the reverse dive killed the sport for me), but always admire a sexy full coverage suit.

One Piece Swimming Suits


And I really love this tankini!  Perfect for those recently post-baby or just feeling a gross bloated day.  Great color combo.


Tankini


P.S. I can't believe I posted everyday this week.  I haven't done that since pre-baby.  Correlation?  I think so.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Kiss! the One You Love

A few images from around our house today.


Hopefully the husb appreciates my 4-hour project yesterday when he gets home from work soon.  It's like mistletoe for Valentine's Day!


Couldn't resist this onesie at Nordstrom's.







The planter on our front porch is slowly, but surely getting filled with pink and white flowers.  Love this bright entrance!




Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Refresh Wednesday



Wednesdays are quickly becoming my favorite day of the week.  It's a day for just Everett and me to piddle around the house working on projects.  Monday and Tuesday I work at my internship, which I enjoy immensely.  I have learned so much in a short amount of time and the experience has confirmed my decision on pursuing my advanced degree in Speech-Language Pathology.  It feels rewarding to work with our caseload of children improving their communication skills.  Mondays and Thursdays are typically when I have on-line class.  

Thus, Wednesdays are a day with no obligations and I can regroup, catch up, and not have to look at the clock.  The babes and me spend a lot of time in our backyard (picture above) on a large quilt playing with toys and reading stories.  The locally-owned garden shop, Apenberry's, is also a frequent Wednesday outing for us.



The past couple weeks I have started growing flowers from seeds.  I have never done this before and always just bought a couple 20-packs of flowers from the garden store to plant in our landscape.  However, our new house has a lot more land to scape so I figure by growing my flowers from seeds I will save a few hundred dollars when all is said and done.  I even went super cheap with the Wal-Mart brand, Jiffy, and not the line carried at Lowes and Target, Burbee.  Plus, it's kind of fun to see the progress!  I feel like a 7th-grade science fair kid.


 Sprouts after about 10 days gradually exposing them to full sunlight.

Bring the plants in at night.  This is after cutting back all plants except the strongest one.

And here's my little helper...

Images via me

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Fashion to Room: Sequined Stripes Doing Alright

 I'm so in love with this skirt; the colors, the fit, the glitz.  I just wish I had an extra $750 laying around for frivolous purchases like this one.


I may try to use it as inspiration for a room in our home though...like our tiled room on the back of the house.  I haven't decided what to call it; lounge room (shooting for this), fun room (too kiddish), Florida room (too dated), back room (too easy).

I just purchased two Christian Chaize prints similar to the one below that I'm ready to get framed and hung on the wall.  Pretty sure I could lay back with a drink in my hand and imagine I'm sunning on the southern coast of Portugal any day in my lounge room.

Lounge Room


Ceiling color is Pure Paris Green -- gotta love that name!