From Paris with Love

Lanvin, Balmain and Nina Ricci.

Karl as Ken

Neck ties and pocket squares

 

Am Slightly obsessed with the pocket square, and since I don't have a blazer of breast pocket from which to display one I'm thinking about the next best thing (at least for a girl), the scarf!

It took me a whole week to notice, and I can't believe I'm going to put a picture of her up on my blog but, hey, she wore one of my red carpet couture suggestions.

I finally got some photos off my camera

You may or may not know that the new and exciting way my computer has decided to piss me off is by not recognizing the usb chord for my camera. Any photos that I take cannot be directly related onto my pc. So, this means that I have a huge backlog of photos to share with you!

These three photos are all taken at Holt Renfrew, two over Christmas and one this week. The first photo is a DVF blazer with a skirt like vent area, the second is a miu miu jacket and the third is a Helmut Land one-shoulder black wool dress with black silk pleated deatil (necklace is my own). Of the three I bought only two pieces, of the two I am returning (horror of horrors) one. In my defence I only bought the item so that my boss could use it as inspiration for an item they are having custom made for myself. So can you guess which is which? Bought, Returning & Wishful Thinking....

Oscars

Well, this year's Academy Awards was a little different. I Loved the set, it was absolutely stunning, I liked the actor category presentations (best presentation- Robert De Niro on Sean Penn). Hugh Jackman was a great host, funny, charming, infinitely talented he reminded me that he is meant for the stage but is too good looking to be kept away from film. I liked the way the show unfolded- they actually explained the importance of each set of categories: it starts with an idea (writing), moves into production (cinematography, costume), gets put together (editing, sound)....you get the idea. It just had a flow and intimacy this year, so eventhough it lasted 3 hours and change it didn't feel as long as normal.

Best speech: Mr Kato who won for best animated short "I am berry happy...domo arigato mr. robato." So cute and so much love. Honorable mention to Dustin Lance Black and Sean Penn for their Equal Rights shout outs.

Now, on to the fashion! I have to sat that Ryan Seacrest is the WORST red carpet host. He barely asked anyone who/what they were wearing. The whole point of the red carpet is to purvey all the beautiful (and sometimes hideous) celebrity fashion choices. The actual red carpet pre-show hosted by Tim Gunn was so much better.

Best dressed:

Marisa Tomei in Versace. She never normally impresses me with her choice of clothing but this was STUNNING. The intricate pleating and the silver-white colour give this dress sculptural sophistication. Make up was on point and the hair is perfectly tussled. Understated accessories round out this spectacular outfit.

The Men:

Always underrepresented in any award show fashion discussion (except for Mickey Rourke- his dog pendent was pretty adorable).

Daniel Craig is always slick especially in this single button tux. Love the shawl lapel and the sheen in contrast to the matte jacket (is it a dark, deep midnight blue or is it black?) the pocket square is what kicks this emsemble up into the stratosphere. A modern take on traditional black tie wear.

Robert Downey Jr. This year he has been to so many award shows and his experience pays off yet again. Gorgeous suit with grey/black contrasting peaked lapels and dark grey pocket square, this is how to make black tie dressing fun and interesting for men.

Now, back to the women...

Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Haute Couture. I had previously picked out a dress from this collection for Keira but she didn't attend this year. Leave it to reigning fashion plate SJP to show up in couture. Great colour "barely mint" in her words, her breasts look fabulous and she looks like a fairytale princess (but not in a little girl way).

Taraji P Henson: I could not find out who she was wearing. No one asked her on the red carpet (although they did try to allude to it, "there must have been so many people dying to dress you..." she didn't take the bait and give the designer a shout out). This tired ivory gown looked incredible on her. Simple, sleek but with interesting (non beaded/emrboidered) detail. Stunning necklace, sleek hair, classic make up. I hope to be seeing more of her in the future.

Marion Cotillard (pictured above in the first photo): I LOVE THIS WOMAN. A completely different look from her winning beauty last year. She took another chance this year and pulled it off in a black and navy sequined dress with a strapless bodice, cinched waist and layers of sharply angled black tulle. She'll probably get panned for it but I loved the look especially her up do and dark lips.

Her cohort and co-star in the upcoming movie Nine, Penelope Cruz (pictured above with Marion) chose a 60 yr old ivory vintage Balmain gown. As Tim Gunn said, she was dressed to win tonight. Well deserved.

While I loved Penelope's dress I didn't love her hair. It was too severe and with her bangs shaped her face in a weird, boyish manner. I didn't think it was particularly attractive at all.

This brings me to another actress/presenter whose dress I couldn't care less about but whose hairdo was horrendous. Jessica Biel you should know better. What was that limp, messy thing hanging off of your head. You looked tired, annoyed and quite frankly bad. Next time do yourself a favor and run a brush through that tangled mess of yours before you leave the house and speak on camera infront of a few million people.

So now for the fashion LOSERS:

Miley Cyrus what were you thinking?! After such a terrific debut last year in red Valentino you followed it up with....THIS. It's like a prom dress gone horribly, disgustingly, overly beaded and beadazzledly wrong. The cut is flattering, I guess. But that belt, those extremely large fish scale like tiers. EW.

Not pictured (because it think showing off one fashion crime is more than enough).Reese Witherspoon, the hair- no, the make-up- too dark/not flattering, the dress- what were those two black slashes holding up your dress? Why were they there? It was too busy, kind of messy, trying too hard.

Evan Rachel Wood: The dress is too pale, she's already whiter than white so she looked really washed out and kind of naked. The hair colour is disgusting as well.

Melissa George: What are you even doing at the Oscars? How did you even get an invitation?

Amanda Seyfried: Too boxy for you. The turned down bust line was doing you no favours.

Other thoughts: I noticed that the side-swept up 'do was most popular this year.

I liked that most women wore colour (red!) or a shade of white, this meant that the few who chose to wore black actually garnered some attention. Lovely ladies in black included: Robin Wright-Penn, Diane Lane and Angelina Jolie (who was an exercise in how accessories can MAKE a look- simple, colourful & gorgeous).

There were a lot of people I thought looked great but played it safe (read: a bit boring) with their choice of clothing. Ann Hathaway would have made my list but the bodice of her gown looked overly large- like she didn't have enough boob to fill it out. Heidi Klum, whom I adore, dress looked nice from the front, bad from the back and the hair was gross and looked dirty. Kate Winslet, dress looked AWESOME from the back, but the division in the front was too severe. I would have liked it more if more of the skirt at the front had been draped by the black lace. Hair and makeup was very pretty and chic. Everyone else was dressed as expected and therefore elicited either a yawn, a kind word, or indifference.

Writeability

"Good God, I'm pregnant; I wonder who did it."

Get the full story

Where's the love?

"Valentine's Day is quite possibly the worst holiday for men."

and that quote is from Men's Health

If you take away the -for men part- and just end the sentence after -holiday- then I agree. I can't stand the expectation, the idea that most women buy into- that expecting some lavish display of affection in the form of a gift, a "special" activity, dinner or some combination of all three is somehow a valid show of romance. Did you know that on average guys, not women, just the GUY spends $156 on this hallmark 'holiday'? For girls that amount is $90, but I would hedge a bet that the average girl expects to pay $0. 

And what happens if these expectations aren't fulfilled? Well, the guy just isn't romantic, not a good boyfriend. It doesn't matter, if he came to pick you up and held your hair back while you were sick all over his car one night after too many vodka shots, or if he surprised you with flowers one day just to see you smile, if he doesn't go all out and plan something splashy for Feb 14th then he's a jerk. It doesn't matter if you didn't get him anything and he made you a candle-lit dinner or got tickets to a play, you're the girl, if he's lucky you might put on some nice underwear (that he won't even notice cos he'll just be ripping your clothes off anyway) to mark the occasion. It's pure bullshit.

Now, this may seem like some bitter rant from a single gal, but it isn't. I have never been a fan of v-day, not since I was 12 and stopped giving a card & candy to every member of my elementary school class (so that no one would feel left out and everyone would feel liked). I have always insisted, if I happen to be in a relationship, that the day go by as any other, unmarked and uncelebrated. I have never received more than a card, with a picture of the Rock on it and that wasn't meant to be romantic. 

The most romantic gestures are the ones that you don't expect. These don't require reminding and prodding, they don't require a monetary value, they aren't some show piece for you to parade around the water cooler to the envy of all your friends and co-workers. They are from the heart and they shouldn't always be from the guy. 

(the picture posted, has nothing to do with what is written, just some henry cavill eye-candy for you to feast upon...mmm tasty!)

Leather

Am lusting after this Yigal Azrouel leather jacket.

Who says you can't buy love?

I hate the upcoming hallmark "holiday" known as valentine's day- but I would love anyone if they bought me this $25million townhouse in NYC 

For more photos of this beautiful dream home click here

hair do

I can finally forgive them for all that freakin whistling (but I'm still hesitant about seeing them live- don't think I can take that song- not yet at least)

Michelle Vogue's

Finally, a Vogue celebrity cover that I am excited about! 

It's Hot in Rio

Steven Klein shoots Madonna for W

(yeah, that up there is her new piece)

dlisted.com

OMG!

Lil'Kim is going to be a contestant on the new season of dancing with the stars!!! (so is jewel, steve-o, denise richards and gillies marini- also known as the HOT dude who lived beside Samantha in the SATC movie) I don't watch the show but I will if Lil Kim in on!!

The Grammies

Lil' Wayne presents Letterman's Top 10 List
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2

I pose this question...

or

?

Why so prevalant?

The unfortunate reality is, that in order to sell, fashion magazines have to put celebrities on their covers. That is what peaks the interst of the ordinary consumer, and what sets their issues apart from their competitors. FASHION is usually very good about using models on their covers, but their celebrity issues far out sell their model-covered ones (hilary duff in 2008 was their biggest seller). I'm sure this MKOlsen issue will sell incredibly well, much to my chagrin. She looks awful on the cover. Actually, she almost always looks awful, that's because, although she is skinny, she's not much in the face department. Smiling never came easily to the Olsens, although in some candid shots their smiles can look less forced. You'd hope that photoshop could help with that, but I guess not. I wonder who did the styling, hopfeully it was Tammy Eckenswiller. Apparently MK had very strong opinions about what they dressed her in. That is why working with models is far preferred to working with celebrities. Celebrities are egos, who think they have better taste and loftier opinions than you do. Oh, and MK if you can't stand to look like everybody else then I suggest you stop with the whole I'm-a-rich-faux-hipster-who-wants-to-look-like-a-thrift-store-ruffian-in-john-lennon-glasses look. It's been done, and it's over.

http://www.laineygossip.com/Mary_Kate_Olsen_FASHION_Magazine_cover_March_2009.aspx?CatID=0&CelID=0

Red Carpet Worthy Couture

Elie Saab

Dior

(psst, Keira Knightly, you + this dress + hair in loose large ringlets + a few antique jewelled bangles (or a cuff) at the Oscars = perfection!)

Lacroix

Valentino

Happy Superbowl Sunday

This weekend's scotch-off was fun, now it's time to cap it off with The Boss!

Adorable

This site is hilarious (if you love R Gosling)

I ask you

Can Ryan Gosling get any Hotter?!

Why can't more men dress like this?

 I'm crushing on a guy, via the sartorialist, based on the colour of his eyes and the way he dresses (here's the close up). His dapper style is a family trait but that isn't any reason that he can't be an inspiration to the male sex. What I really love about this particular outfit is the colour and pattern combination in this outfit; it  is beyond fantastic. 

Jay-Z or Andre Leon Talley?

Truer words are hardly ever spoken

Did you see the first dance- dress by Jason Wu, looked quite pretty but also looked like a prom dress for a 16 year old. As for the photo above, I'm just going to disregard the pruprle lacy half glove (and no it's not beyonce's).

photo courtesy of the scandalist

Stone Cold

Ok, so let us speak on a subject I've been debating in my mind since before Christmas. The Feb. Paris Vogue Lara Stone full-frontal assault. Now, my feelings on Laura are mixed. I like the Heidi Slimmane photos. They are so uncanny, eventhough I have always thought her slightly masculine, these photos with the exaggerated shoulders and ill-fit resemble more a child than a man. Maybe I just like it when I'm not looking at her teeth and the space between them. Seriously though, she is most definately a mouth breather. Holy Batman, Marie-Ann Sauve! This photo shoot won me over. Right then and there I became a convert. It has been a long long long time in coming and I still have reservations but I believe my girl and I will be very happy. 

Chuck Bass Everyday

Interview with Gossip Girl wardrobe mastermind Eric Daman

He designs lil j's line (which I think is hideous) on the show but I won't hold that against him, he did,

afterall, work with Patricia Fields on Sex and the City.

Dear Anna,

What's wrong with Vogue?

“I could make a calendar of your cover girls, and it would probably repeat year after year.” She added: “Let’s face it: Vogue is getting a bit stale. It is a pity, too — because the magazine is still much better than the others.”

Could not have said it better myself (although I would not say it is still much better than ALL the others, just a few...ahem...Elle, et al...)

Here's a hint on how to revitalize: MIX UP YOUR COVERS!!! For every two celebrity covers, put a model on the cover. If you follow this advice please take heed for as much as I love natalia, gisele, daria, doutzen and for as much as I loathe zimmerman, moss and trentini try bringing in some NEW blood once in a while (daul kim, behati, anna s- although it may be tough to pry her away from Paris...). This goes for the celebrities as well (Kate Hudson, Paltrow, knightley, enough already).

Jan 09 was a great start!

love,

m

ps. bring back the september covers, please

Xmas Carols

Alber + Acne

= The new #1 on my Christmas Wish List

It is for reasons such as this that I fear I will always be in debt

The entire 29 piece collection is available NEXT WEEK at acnestudios.com

Save Anna!

I want one!

photo courtesy of imdb.com

What Women Really Want

In Response to Steve Santagati's article this week on dearsugar.com

(if you don't want to click then here's a sample below)

Below you'll see my list of the top three things I've learned about women in relationships, and I want you to give me yours. Tell me the three things that guys just don't understand about women.

I go first:
Making a woman feel beautiful and sexy will go a long way in making the relationship more harmonious.
When I argue with a woman, I can usually see her side of the story — even if I disagree — but she will never be able to see mine.
Women are just as naughty as men. Men don't care if everyone knows they're a pig, but women have to feel safe to let their naughty side shine. The better I've become at making a woman feel safe being her mischievous self, the more I see of the real her.

Despite the disgusting title of his website and book (bad boys finish first, seriously? I know it's attention grabbing but it's also immediately off-putting) I normally agree with the advice Mr Santagati has to dispense. It is usually constructive, honest common sense from a guy who has obviously been around the block more than a few times. I can't say that I have the same amount of experience but I think that I can impart these small truths about women that guys just don't seem to understand.

- An honest, level headed woman can usually see all sides to the story, even if they disagree with your point of view, whether they will let you know this or not depends on how much your point of view offends her & how stubborn you both are.

- Every woman loves flattery but what every woman loves more than sweet-nothings whispered tenderly into her ear is the actions that back up such words. You say you are going to fan her with a palm leaf while feeding her grapes- Instead of telling her this try actually arranging a romantic rendez-vous that involves you pampering her before you try to get into her pants. A gift for gab will get you far but sweet gestures and thoughtful conduct will get you a lot farther and count for so much more.

-We want honesty. Consider our feelings and desires (emotional as well as carnal) and how your conduct might affect us before you put your plans into action. Women are far more reasonable when they are shown some consideration. 

- All women are over-analytical. Guys are pretty simple usually they just say what they mean and aren't thinking very far (if at all) ahead, not so for us girls.

The case for Camel Toe

Stereohell

Passing Time

101 Manhattan Street Corners

Ei Claudia!!

Claudia Schiffer working it out in front of the Y in the "Hollywood" sign for YSL s/s/09

Superb!

thanks _bianca

Pour Les Hommes

You poor lads always get the short end of the stick in fashion but now there's something to smile about Balmain will introduce a Men's line in January at Men's Fashion Week in Paris. Christophe Decarnin will suit guys up in his trademark edgy-glam rock n roll chic and we couldn't be more excited!

via WWD.com

snap

Continuing from yesterday with sketches of now long dead comedies that I can watch (unlike SNL- thanks hulu and nbc)

I hate the fact that I can't watch SNL or ever SNL clips on the internet because my IP address is Canadian. Why is Hulu only for people in the US and why can't NBC release a handful of skits to be watched by anyone and everyone? So to protest this I have posted this Kids in the Hall sketch. One of my favorites, enjoy!

Duckie for a Day

I am having a John Hughes moment. After having revisited the breakfast club a few weeks ago I watched sixteen candles and pretty in pink last night. Now, I'm not about to watch the Beethoven movies or maid in manhattan, so maybe I'm just having an 80's John Hughes moment. Weird Science and Curly Sue are next and of course Ferris Bueller. The above clip combines Hughes with two other of my favorite things- fashion and motown. I had forgotten how amazing Jon Cryer is as Duckie and the styling for that character is Outta my Mind (that navy borcade jacket he wears to prom is phenomenal!) the colourful and crazy patterned shirts, the bolo tie, the scuffed-up white leather shoes, the hats the Joh Lennon sunglasses, the Elvis hair- it's straight out of a 2007 fashion editorial, or a hipster's wetdream- well actually he can't be classified as hipster because there's no neon and the look is way to retro-classic even for the 80's...this is what hipsters should now aspire to look like. Annie Potts' Iona is also great- actually Molly Ringwald's Andie is the most terribly dressed (her prom dress- pretty in pink- more like boxy and terrible) but I guess that is what you suffer for being the 80's everygirl. Marilyn Vance (also responsible for Costume Design on Breakfast Club, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Ferris Bueller and Pretty Woman) I Salute You!

The Power of Love

Hot!!

Marcus vs Stas
in the latest issue of male model maddness

PS1

I MUST HAVE THE NEW Proenza Schouler bag
The smaller size in brown please (apparently will retail for $1300)

Ari Gold in the White House

Rahm Emanuel, brother of Ari Emanuel- a hollywood agent and the model for Jeremy Piven's Ari Gold on Entourage, is considered to be the front runner for the position of Chief of Staff in the Obama administration

via the nytimes.com

Happy Halloween

I want to bottle her essence and spray it on the Hamster Ball from Bolt because it would such a potent amount of AWWWWW it would end the war in Iraq

Gossip Girl for Obama

Completely and utterly ridiculous but

you know you love me, xoxo

Happy Friday

For Your Consideration

In anticipation of tonight's SNL

On It!!

Jeremy Scott for Adidas- Absofreakinlutely!!!

lovelovelove xo

http://blogue.us/2008/10/10/jeremy-scott-for-adidas-preview/#more-1434

Drawing in Marker

Self-decorating using $10 worth of Sharpie markers. What makes it more incredible? The mans' day job is as a lawyer.

"There's Georges Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. There is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and the Cornell Law School, of which Kratzer is an alumnus. There is Kratzer's dad. There is the harlequin pattern — alluded to in culinary culture today by the Panera bread bag — and a fake fireplace facing a real one.

There are both The Walrus and the Carpenter (from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There), and William Shakespeare. The Marx Brothers peer around a corner. A flip-top garbage can is transformed via marker art into Star Wars' plucky little beeper R2D2."

read the article http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/532854.html