Costume "Mad"ness

Nominations were announced today for the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. The CDG is an amazing organization dedicated to recognizing the hard work and achievements that costume designers provide for movies and television. Actors and Directors may be more widely praised for the work they do in these arenas but we can't forget how visual movies and TV shows are - after all we watch them. Costume Designers provide color, elegance and detail to what would otherwise be people talking to each other. I personally enjoy watching certain shows and movies just to look at the clothing the actors wear.

A few of the nominees I am excited about:

In the "Excellence in Period Film" category The Young Victoria designer Sandy Powell knows a thing or two about period design - she's designed for Interview with the Vampire, Gangs of New York, The Other Boleyn Girl and she won Academy Awards for her work on Shakespeare in Love and The Aviator. Set in the early 1830's the costumes that Emily Blunt (who plays Victoria of the United Kingdom) wears are absolutely fantastic. Big full skirts, lace, ribbon, lots of headwear and gorgeous jewelry are all just part of her wardrobe. Not to mention all the other men and women in the film including Rupert Friend as Prince Albert. I'm a huge fan of period pieces (Marie Antoinette anyone??) and Powell does an amazing job creating the looks for this movie. She's up against some tough comptetion - including French costume designer Catherine Leterrier for Coco Before Chanel - but she's my pick for this category.

Blunt will also be the recipient of the Swarovski Award (previously the President's Award) at the CDG ceremony.

Oh Mad Men... Where do I begin? Janie Bryant, nominated for "Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series", is an absolute wardrobe genius. The shift dresses, floral patterns, sweater sets, even Betty's equestrian wear are pure fashion gorgeousness. Plus can the men on that show look any hotter in those suits?? Bryant has said the inspirations for her 60's designs are Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield; which is pretty obvious with the elegant Betty and sultry siren Joan. Bryant is also coming out with a style book which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Perhaps some of the 60's colors that are featured in the show have provided inspiration for actual red carpet gowns (ahem - mustard anyone?) Even I purchased a Mad Men-esque dress complete with a floral pattern of purples, blues, greens and mustards. There's no denying that Bryant's designs have certainly sparked a 60's revival and isn't that what fashion is all about?

You can view the full list of nominations here. The CDG Awards will be held on February 17th at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

images via Costume Designers Guild, NY Post, AMC TV

Red Carpet Fashion: Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010

Thank goodness the Sunshine decided to make an appearance this weekend at the SAG awards. We've been getting rain non-stop (although I was enjoying it a little bit!) and Saturday was the first peak of sun in 6 days. As with any rainstorm, the sunshine brought a rainbow of colors that headed straight to the red carpet. Bright greens, purples, reds, whites and (finally) hardly any black (yay!) So let's get started with my absolute top favorite pick (I'll give you one guess who you think it is....)

Oh Diane Kruger....Is it normal that I have become this fashion obsessed with you?? This look is absolutely killing me! This one shoulder/off the shoulder mustard colored gown was made especially for her by Jason Wu. Her coral lips and braided hair tie up the whole look and she's full on Hollywood Glamour. Although it is reminiscent of one of my all time favorite red carpet looks I still have to give it to her - she's totally knocked it out of the park. Plus she's wearing vintage Harry Winston. And they're rubies. ahhh!

My mother and I will always and forever be Kyra Sedgwick fans - and for those of you who haven't ever seen The Closer - you are missing out! Her cream body conscious Vera Wang gown has a hint of the monochromatic trend we saw at the People's Choice Awards. I am loving the ruffles, the gray sheer band hits and hugs in all the right places and that broach is just the icing on the cake. Add in her upswept hair and lavender makeup and Kyra looks less bridal and more red carpet gorgeousness.

I think it's safe to say everyone is a "Gleek" at this point. But Lea Michele looked nothing like a slushy faced geek in her green Catherine Malandrino gown. Lea has played around with a lot of looks this award season (like last week's princess dress - yikes!) but this is definitely her best choice by far. The plunging v-neck, banded waist and ruffled sleeves are fabulous. And even though I've been loving the shorter curls lately - her long locks round out this va-va voom look. From total geek to totally chic!

Kate Hudson is usually a fashion fav but I was getting worried when she showed up at the globes wearing this structured Marchesa. However she certainly delivered Saturday in this backless Emilio Pucci floor length dress. And she's got the posing down pat. She dropped the black eyeliner going with a softer eye and natural curls. Kate is also literally dripping in jewels as she's wearing $1.75 million in Cartier jewelry (loving that sautoir necklace!). Plus the addition of the side jewel keeps her dress from being too boring taking it from Plane Jane to Fashion Forward.

Woah Dynasty - and I mean that in the best way possible. I am loving Sandra Bullock's Alexander McQueen dress - She looks amazing! Even though it's black, that bright blue on the top just pops out. I love that she kind of stepped outside the relm of red carpet gowns and the SAG awards was the perfect opportunity to do that. It was a perfect fit for her body and I love that her hair is pulled back and her makeup looks fresh. Overall Sandy got it right!

Did you have a favorite red carpet look? Do tell! :)

images via FabSugar & Celebrity Gossip

Zac Posen/Target First Look!

O.M.G. I am seriously feeling the same breathing effects as when I first heard about this unbelievable collaboration. Now I have photos to drool over until April 25th?!?! Can you feel torture and excitement all at the same time? Because I am! I was also on the receiving end of dirty looks from my husband. "But it's Zac Posen!!!!" I say. Still dirty looks. Oh well.... Mostly dresses and skirts with a pants suit thrown in, lamé bathing suits and a few cardigans/jackets Zac Posen totally delivers with his bright prints and party dresses! I am a lover of all things Party Dress. And there are quite a few to choose from.

I love the Lipstick Tee Shirt above. Super cute! Almost makes me wish I could back in the corporate setting just so I could be a rebel rocking this tee shirt pants combo. Almost....

This cute layered looks seems to involve two pieces - a lace shouldered tank and a two piece ruffled dress. All I see is a big ball of tulle and I turn into a girly mess! It also comes in red. I don't own a red anything. But if I only get one piece I may need this red ruffle dress as an addition to my closet.

 

See what I mean? Billy better find a fun excuse for me to use this dress ASAP! So cute and SUPER girly

I'm a huge fan of brocade - To me it's very 60's and makes me want to throw up a big bouffant and go dancing. This floral brocade is so sweet and that huge bow is so obnoxious that I love it. And are those pockets I see?? Sold.

Check out the other 21 looks here so you can start planning your wardrobe additions. What do you love? Do tell loves!!!! xoxo

images via Fashionista

Red Carpet Fashion: Golden Globes 2010

Were the rest of you in stitches after last night's Golden Globes? Ricky Gervais had me laughing so hard with his British dry sense of humor. There were also sweet moments like Meryl Streep's acceptance speech and Martin Scorsese receiving the Cecil B. DeMille Award. And of course - it was a night of fashion! So let's get started with my favs from last night. And boy was there a lot to choose from! (remember - these are just my meek and mild choices of personal favorites and have no merit except for my ♥ for fashion)

Well this is a no brainer! Emily Blunt is absolutely radiant in her pink ruffled tulle Dolce & Gabbana gown. It was so nice to see splashes of color throughout the carpet and this is a top pick! She paired her gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewels and Ferragamo clutch. By the way did I mention that I LOVE the ruffles and tulle?? She looks absolutely fantastic and I am sure we will see this as a Best Dressed pick everywhere. (Plus she's wearing the same mid length curly locks we spotted a few weeks ago at the People's Choice Awards)

 

Vogue's September issue told us that Red would be the new color (see the amazing Red Riding Hood editorial here and Cameron Diaz seems to pull it off effortlessly. Her scarlet satin Alexander McQueen dress plays up the 80's big shoulder trend and the minimal draping in the front is perfect. Ferragamo pumps and bright red lips are easily the best accessories and keep Cameron's look simple and elegant. Very chic.

Whoa Mamma! Jennifer Garner shows off her post baby bod and looks absolutely fabulous in her beaded Atelier Versace gown. The back of the dress is absolute OOC - I am obsessed with it and still currently searching for a picture. Jen called it an "Aquanet kind of day" and her teased half up half down hair pairs nicely and keeps her from seeming too "overdone". A dust of burgundy eye shadow, coral lips and Bulgari diamonds (that gorgeous bracelet is vintage - ah dying!) round out her look. What a stunner!!

What? You think I'd go through a red carpet without picking something sparkly??? I think not! Toni Collette shimmers in this long Elie Saab glittered gown. Toni really kept everything in the Gold color hue (golden dress, golden skin, golden makeup, and that hair is an amazing color) which went nicely with her win for Best Actress in a TV Series. Jewelry by Neil Lane finalized this look. While this choice may seem safe or done before - I'm totally loving it. The gown fits her body to a T and she looks really radiant. Plus I really am a sucker for bedazzled anything.

While I couldn't choose every look I loved - here are a few of my honorable mentions. :)

Dianna Agron, who plays cheerleader-turned-glee member Gwen, had a safe but beautiful champagne Reem Acra. Love the bodice!

Diane Kruger's Christian Lacroix is a fuchsia avant-garde at its finest. Never one to shy away from a fashion risk this frock seems to fit well for Diane. It's textured and the white bow is a stark contrast that gives it that couture feel.

Olivia Wilde, who was the epitome of girly last year in this lilac Reem Acra gown, decided to go more edgy this year proving she can rock either look. Smokey eyes and a sassy ponytail add to her absolutely gorgeous look. This gunmetal Gucci gown looks as if it was made specifically for her body. But one lucky person can own this dress as Olivia has offered it up for auction with the proceeds going towards the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Find out more information here.

And this is only the beginning! We've got the The Screen Actor's Guild awards and the Grammys coming up this month! Can't wait to see what else 2010 has in store fashion wise! Happy Monday! xoxo

images via Celebrity Gossip & FabSugar

All Press is Good Press

It's Friday!! And today I have some wonderful news to share with you! Ban.do is absolutely blowing up and Jen just posted these press pieces from the L.A. Times and Glamour on the blog - head over to check them out and send them some love!!! Plus check out the yummy shots of Chace Crawford :) Yay Ban.do!!!!!

images via Ban.do

PR 7 Premiere!

Yay!!!! Although it has been a quick 2 months since Project Runway was last on television - I'm so glad it's back! PR will be premiering tonight, Jan 14th on Lifetime at 10/9C. It looks like the new group of designers might be a bit more dynamic/eccentric this season and I'm really looking forward to what they will create! It's a young crowd - as usual - 8 of the designers are in their 20's. I'm kind of going with a prediction and saying that Emilio Sosa has intrigued me. Check out his audition tape, sketches and family photos here. Will you guys be watching? Any predictions! Leave your comments and let me know! :) xoxo

image via My Lifetime

Fashion Editorial: Natalie Portman Gorgeousness

Not only is Natalie Portman one of Hollywood's cutest actresses, she loves a bargain just as much as the next girl! Here she is rocking a look from Rodarte for Target - the mustard slip dress

Natalie showed up on Saturday at the New York Time's 9th annual Arts & Leisure weekend pairing this $40 dress with a chunky belt, black sweater, tights and pumps. These are all items any girl can find in her closet to give their outfit that extra "oomph". A simple look that looks effortless, comfortable and fashion affordable - Always a plus.

Natalie is also featured on Elle UK's February issue. Shot by David Slijper, check out these images of big hair, smokey eye shadow and a gorgeous white Lanvin dress!

 

I am loving this editorial - the sparkled bejeweled accents, the makeup, the ruffles. It's totes girly and 100% pure fashion genuis. xoxo

images via Zimbio & Fashion Gone Rogue

Red Carpet Fashion: People's Choice Awards 2010

It's started! I'm already lusting after dresses, craving shoes and ready to test out the newest nail polish trends (yes polish trends!) I also saw some trends being sported including a key hair look on a few lovely ladies. Plus one gorgeous fashion newbie who is usually a fav of mine took a big risk that's getting different responses. So here is my list of top fashion choices from this year's People's Choice awards!

Diane Kruger. I mean can the girl do no wrong? 2009 was certainly her fashion year - she looked smashing at every red carpet and press junket and here she does it again! Herve Leger, strappy sandals, and bangles (one's from H&M - score!) round out an awesome look (take note - this is one right way to do pleating) Plus her hair - TDF (to die for) I'm loving this whole look.

Ginnifer Goodwin is so damn cute I can't stand it. With her Twiggy inspired hair, cream skin and green eyes she literally looks like a doll. This navy and white Christian Lacroix dress is perfect for her and right on trend with the Black and White thing going on now. Plus how can you not love that amazingly gorgeous shoulder corsage? Ummm.. I'll take one please Thanks!

Carrie Underwood usually a fan of the long sparkles went pretty out of the box with this Christian Cota dress. The nude color with black netting is very avant-garde. Rocking her trademark blond locks and long lashes how can she not be country music's sweetheart? Plus the bride-to-be is sporting a big ol rock on her left hand and who wouldn't be glowing with excitement about that? :)

While this hasn't been fashion critics favorite pick I had to add it in. If it's Short, Sparkly and Funky - you know I'm going to love it. Jessica Alba's tan from her Mexico holiday vacation makes the silver stand out even more in her structured Antonio Berardi mini. The origami shape is very cool and I am dying over those Burberry platforms. Decked out in jewelry all from Cartier (including this awesome onyx panther ring) I had to pick her as a personal fav. Plus she's got the same medium length soft locks that we've seen on Carrie and Diane Kruger. Makes me want to chop my hair right now!

My one back-and-forth choice of the night - Katie Cassidy. Usually I am crazy over her fashion choices (a la here & here) and she is definitely a fashion risk taker which I can soooo appreciate. Her Talbot Runhof cocktail dress I think could have done without foiled accent fringe. I love the color and the draping at the waist. Plus her messy braid is totally something I would rock. But I'm still not sure about the overall look.. I'm still just... "Meh"

So all in all the trends spotted: cute medium length curls, black and white/monocromatic, galactic looks (both dresses and clutches), straight shiny hair (pulled to one side on Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman), plus a little vintage glam (for those looks check out Ginnifer Goodwin, Sandra Bullock, & Oliva Wilde). What are your thoughts?!?

photos courtsey of PopSugar & Celebrity Gossip.net

Awards Season!

As this holiday season comes to a close - another season is upon us: Awards Season 2010! This is my absolute favorite time (next to fashion weeks) for the star's fashion choices. While I enjoy watching the shows themselves, the Red Carpet is what I get the most excited about. I think its the anticipation of what my favorite stars will be donning the nights they are recognized for their achievements. And it's all starting this week with the People's Choice Awards! Then Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys, then the superbowl of awards - The Oscars. :) Plus fashion week is thrown in there too - so it will  make for an exciting next 3 months! :)

Although I have been a bit behind on the posts lately (We are headed home for 9 days to visit with family!) I will really try to post more often per week and better posts. I never do any kind of New Year's resolutions but I try to make an effort to do things better than I do them now. :) A few things on my list: keep my house cleaner than I usually do, make newer recipes instead of reverting back to ones I have already mastered, at least make an effort to hit the gym every once in a while, and keep in better touch with friends and family. Hope you had a fabulous New Year's celebration. :) xoxo

photo courtsey of Suntimes