Oscar Fashion: Two Thumbs Up

Unlike my typical Best, Worst and Honorable Mention categories, this year is unlike any other. I was shocked with the ladies of Hollywood this year. There were so many stellar looks on the red carpet, I decided to showcase all the amazing ladies (plus one guy) from last night's show. (Which by the way, was so great! Minus the slow beginning, Ellen was fantastic and it was hilarious!)

Sandra Bullock

 

Cate Blanchett

Angelina Jolie

Charlize Theron

Jennifer Lawrence

Lupita Nyong'o

Best Dressed Couple: Olivia Wilde & Jason Sudeikis

If I HAD to chose a BEST: Kate Hudson

I never thought I would pick Kate Hudson for Best Dressed. Admittedly, she isn't my pick for Best Actress on any given day, but she nailed it last night. Obsessed!!! What do you think? Were you impressed as much as I was? 

xoxo, Courtney

Has Fashion Week Lost It's Edge?

I, like the rest of the fashion-obsessed, have been oogling over NYFW collections online. My social media feeds are flooded with pictures from models, magazines, designers and of course, fashion bloggers. The latter which, have become an ever growing population (or infestation as some see it) at Fashion Week. This begs the question: because of the surge of bloggers in the front row at every show, has Fashion Week lost it's edge?

I understand that some bloggers have a huge influence in pop culture (The Man Repeller, Cupcakes and Cashmere, etc) but it seems to me that anyone who has a .com is given access to these shows. Designers like Oscar de la Renta have expressed his dislike of this growing trend, and vowed to cut his guest list in half, and only invite true fashion professionals.

What are your thoughts? Is this just the way Fashion Week is evolving, or should designers take an approach similar to Mr. de la Renta?

xoxo, Courtney

2013 Emmy's: Best and Worst

I didn't start watching the Emmy's until about 2 years ago, when I realized they were the Oscar's for television. I love rooting for my favorite shows and actors, and I feel like even more than the movies, we are more invested in them since we watch them season after season. But of course, it is the start to award season fashion. And that's what I'm here to report. 

The Best:

Laura Dern

Kaley Cuoco

Malin Akerman

I couldn't help it, seeing the spring runway shows made me fall in love with light flowy fabrics, bright colors and neutral palettes. This is probably why I gravitated towards these 3 gowns as my best looks. I especially love Laura Dern in Naeem Khan, but think it would have looked stellar on someone liked Julianne Hough or Allison Williams. It was a case of right dress-wrong actress syndrome.

Honorable Mentions:

Kerry Washington

Julianne Hough

Allison Williams

These dresses were nice, but didn't quite hit the mark. I love Marchesa, but I still don't know if I like the ethereal, fairy-tale like gown on Kerry Washington. Julianne's dress could have been a real stunner, except the drop shoulder made her bust look smooshed and the bottom half of her dress needs some thicker lining (but still sheer) for it to be spot on. As for Allison, I love the trendy cobalt blue, but it's just a plain, simple and rather boring silhouette. 

Worst:

Lena Dunham

Connie Britton

Jessica Lange

Ah, Lena. We meet again. Apparently next to getting naked on screen, being on the worst dressed list is also becoming her thing. I realize fashion isn't her forte, but will someone please stop putting her in oversize dresses? Connie Britton is clearly a stunning woman. Putting her in teal velvet may not be the best way to enhance her beauty. Just saying. As for Jessica, the graphic print on her arms and upper torso makes it look like a cat got to her gown. Not a fan.

What were your favorites? Misses? 

xoxo, Courtney

Lust List: A Royal Baby, Homeland and Addicting Burgers

This Lust list has a bit of everything. Pop culture frenzy, a drama filled Showtime series and an addicting meatless burger you have to have.

At around half past 4 pm. local time, William and Kate welcomed the third heir to the British throne. For all those following #RoyalBabyWatch (sorry, had to) there were theories as to whether she was having a boy or girl. Of course I wished she was having a mini Kate, but alas, it was a boy. Frankly, I don't care what gender it is, I'm just stoked to see how Kate dresses the little bugger. :) 

 I'm not one of those people who tell you "OMG you have to watch this." But honestly, you need to watch Homeland. Season 3 is going to start September 29, so you have more than enough time to watch the first 2 seasons (there is only 12 episodes per season) On Demand on Comcast or via Netflix. Each episode leaves you with your mouth open, screaming at your TV, wanting more. Just when you think you know what is going on, it flips on it's head. You can't just watch one episode in one sitting. I dare you.

Everyone knows the best thing about going to Costco is all the free food stations. I have been eying Black Bean burger recipes on Pinterest for a while, so when Costco had these samples, I was thrilled. They were fantastic. For me, you can't even tell the burger is made without meat, because it's so flavorful and has the perfect amount of spice. I choose to eat mine protein style, with no bun, with chopped veggies on top (tomatoes, avocado, etc.) with sweet potato fries. 

What are you all lusting over right now? 

xoxo, Courtney

Oscars 2013: Best and Worst Dressed

I love love love Oscar Sunday. It is the Superbowl of the Entertainment Industry. It combines two of my favorite things, films and fashion. I try to watch as many of the nominated Best Picture films as I can, and this year I managed to get 5/9. But lets be honest, half of the night is spent scrutinizing the fashion. So let's get down to business. 

Best Dressed:

Jessica Chastain is unreal. She is truly stunning inside and out. This sparkly beaded gown fits like a glove on her small frame and the blush color goes perfectly with her hair and skin tone. She was the first star on the red carpet and she knocked it out of the park!

Naomi Watts' gunmetal asymmetrical gown was definitely a favorite for everyone, I would say. I loved the color, and the cut, but some part of me wishes it was either a cap sleeve or a sweetheart neck, but it's super cool the way it is. I wish it had a longer train, to make it more formal. 

Jennifer Garner needs to win Wife of Awards Season. Who cares if she hasn't made a great movie since Juno, she looks flawless supporting Ben Affleck at every event. They are the best couple in Hollywood right now. :)  

The best for last! So, I have a confession. I kind of am obsessed with Jennifer Lawrence. Along with the rest of America, I want to be best friends with her. She has joined the ranks of Emma Watson in my books. In terms of her wardrobe on Sunday, both her look at the ceremony and the after party were stunning! This is what a star is supposed to look like. Who cares if she's ONLY 22. She looks better than seasoned professionals. 

Honorable Mentions:

 Amy Adams looks like what I want ladies to wear on Oscar Sunday. I love how dramatic and pretty it is, but the color was a little boring for me.

This is a bit out of left field, but when I saw this picture I had to include it! Diane Kruger is one of my favorite style icons in Hollywood because of her risky, unexpected yet stylish ensembles. I loved this black and white frock for the Vanity Fair party. It was cocktail length which is a-typical, but it was so classy. I'm obsessed!

Worst Dressed:

Let's start with the obvious. Where to begin? This dress is one of the worst I have seen in a while. Not to mention it looks similar to Taylor Swift's plum dress from the Golden Globes, which puts a bad taste in my mouth. The bust area is clearly awkward, the seam around the waist is too distracting, it is wrinkly, the color reminded me of a flower girl, and the shapeless frame is unforgivable. Bad bad bad.

I'm not sure how Brandi from RHOBH got an invite to the Oscars, but she should have marked the occasion by looking the part, not landing on this page, or being ridiculed by millions. The bust of this dress is miniscule. I don't see how any woman could fit in that. The bottom-crumpled-up-tissue-paper is awful too. But I'm just splitting hairs here.

The Oscars featured way too many performances. I skipped through Jennifer Hudson. I only want to watch Adele, thank you. I think this dress on Jennifer Hudson is all wrong. Not only can she not pose in it, but the shoes are wrong, but it's just. not. her. This is a Zoe Saldana dress. I watched all of the Red Carpet interviews on a few networks, and Jennifer Hudson was so unlikeable. We get it. You have an Oscar.

Does anyone know why Kristen Stewart was at the Oscars? It was one of those "which of these people doesn't belong" moments. She looks like a mess from the dress, to her hair, and apparently a leg injury she has. When she presented with my beloved Daniel Radcliffe I wanted to vomit from embarrassment. We will all forget that ever happened.

Grammy's Fashion

Oh my goodness. This was definitely supposed to be up on Monday or Tuesday, but a recent exciting job development has kept me quite busy! I hope to share it with you soon, but I need to be sure I can! This week is flying by, in a good way, but I can't ignore my blog by any means.  So if you may remember, last Sunday was the Grammy's (okay it wasn't that long ago...) and we saw lots of great performances (that Bob Marley tribute performance was amazing, and worth watching in itself). But back to the fashion, if you didn't hear, there was a dress code per se, put in place before the event. Did anyone follow the rules? These are celebrities folks...

The Best:

I was honestly shocked when I saw Rihanna's wardrobe choice. I'll admit I am not the biggest fan of her personally, but she seemed to follow the "dress code" and she actually looks like a beautiful woman, not a crazed performer. Or whatever she is pretending to be that particular day. I'm loving everything about this dress; the color, the fabric. It looks so comfortable! Well done Rihanna.

Umm. Hello Kelly Rowland! Someone didn't follow the dress code! I would expect these two ladies to be wearing each others' dresses. This is more Rihanna's style, but I have to give Kelly Rowland props for taking the risk (who knows, maybe there could have been legitimate Fashion Police?)  because she looks good! You have to have confidence to pull this sheer patterned dress off, and she knows it! 

Honorable Mentions: 

I couldn't not post a picture of Florence Welch's reptilian frock. It was just too crazy. Florence Welch has a pretty unique sense of style to say it plainly, and this is no exception. I'm all for for special details and embellishments, but these studs are something else. I don't hate this dress, but I don't love it either. I just know I'm not as cool as Florence Welch to rock it. 

Emerald is the color of 2013, and dressing in shades of it will be seen throughout the season. Solange Knowles may have out shined her sister Beyonce with this awesome look.  The color is stunning, the slit is high and the hair is fun. The shoes are okay, they give off a watermelon vibe to me, so I would have been more safe and worn the same style of Loubs but in nude. 

The Worst:

Oh Adele. I hate doing this to you because you are so bloody talented. But wearing what looks like a heavy semi-constructed piece of drapery will not let you off the hook! I do have to give it to her for finally wearing color. Her usual wardrobe is fifty shades of black, but this time stepping out of her comfort zone was not worth the risk. 

Every time I see a picture of Jennifer Lopez now I roll my eyes. Okay, we get it. You look great for your age! But do you really have to wear tight fitting, sequined, up to here dresses ALL THE TIME? I could give her some points if the dress was nice but it's not even that! Her leg looks awkward, and the dress looks big and ill-fitting. Maybe it's time to try something new, you think? 

Photo credit from Yahoo.  

Golden Globes Fashion

I know I am a few days behind in posting this, and by now you are probably on Golden Globe fashion overload. But I am committed to posting all the fashion from all the big shows, so sorry about yet another post about the Golden Globes. And unlike the People's Choice where everyone was a bit dull, so many stars looked great on Sunday! I really had to edit my choices down. Here are a sample of my best, worst, and a little something extra. :)

 These ladies looked stunning, and for all different reasons. I would tweak a few things on each, but I have serious dress envy for all six of these gals! Thumbs up! 

 Blush tones took over the red carpet this year, and that's why it made my honorable mentions list. All 4 of these ladies looked elegant and tasteful, but since they clearly weren't originals, I couldn't put them in the top category. 

 This is my least favorite part. These six picked some God-awful dresses for one of the most glamorous nights, and I can't forgive them for it!

Ben and Jen win couple of the night. Jennifer looked STUNNING (no one else had a dress like that) and Ben had a great night winning for best director and best picture. His acceptance speeches were so sweet too. Love them!

It's Back: The Bachelor

Everyone's favorite reality show is back, not The Biggest Loser. No. The Bachelor. Because watching 25 crazy women in one house compete over one guy as they go on over-the-top dates in order to win his heart, and most importantly, the rose is way more rewarding. Whew. 

If you watched the last Bachelorette, then you know Emily dumped our now Bachelor Sean Lowe in the final 3. I think it's safe to say it was the biggest mistake of her life! (Her loss, our gain, right?) ABC took what seems like FOREVER to announce who would be the new Bachelor, but let's just say America is happy with their choice. Roberto who? 

Let's get to the exciting stuff, the crazy  beautifully poised girls who were chosen to compete for Sean's heart  rose. Obviously I don't remember all of these girls names, in fact I remember them by their level of craziness and their choice in evening wear. Let's just say there was a lot of questionable outfit choices and too much free booze provided. 

I remember when ABC released pictures of the girls, I thought Diana was my favorite just purely based off the snipet I got from her promo shot and info. Turns out she's one of the oldest contestants (if not oldest) and with 2 kids! There is also an Ashley-Greene look-alike, a stunning blonde with one arm, an OCD "professional organizer", an annoying model, and a former Bachelor girl. For a more in depth analysis on the episode and mini profiles on the girls, check out fellow blogger Jen Frase's recap here .

I always look forward to Monday nights. According to the season preview, there is a lot of tears, kissing and one girl who is a plague among the group (think Courtney and Vienna). I won't do a recap each week, only on the important episodes. :) Happy watching!

Lust List: Babies, Food & Reality TV Edition

Harper Beckham. I can't get enough of this baby. Every time I see a picture of Harper in US Weekly or People I get giddy with joy. I am so excited the Beckham's were finally blessed with a daughter. That girl is going to have one heck of a wardrobe (as she does already!) She is going to be a beautiful girl, but until then, I just want to kiss those chubby cheeks! 

Thanksgiving. Probably my favorite holiday. But I don't like to play favorites. If you know anything after reading my blog you know I love to cook, but even more, I love to eat. Nothing is better on a November day than turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberries. It's only two days away. I can't wait. Should I begin fasting now?

As I resident Anglophile and recently unemployed, I was happy to come across a new (new to America) reality series about the rich and famous in the borough of Chelsea (in London, England) called Made in Chelsea. Filmed in the exact same style as The Hills, it takes me back to that time when my girlfriends and I would have viewing parties every week. You can even pick out The Hills' counterparts from the series (Ollie-Justin Bobby, Gabriella-Audrina) Am I right? I was bummed to find out it was scripted, as I am sure all my favorite drama-filled reality series are, but I still can't get enough! For Comcast subscribers, it is On Demand, or watch it every Monday on the Style Network. :) Your welcome!   
  

Taylor Swift: A Conundrum

I am in a pickle when it comes to Taylor Swift. I am sure she is a wonderfully nice and respectable woman, but lately, I just can not handle her immaturity when it comes to "love". I saw an excerpt of her interview with Glamour magazine where she talks about what we know already: she talks about all the guys she's dated in her songs. 

The problem I have (well I have a few), is that she apparently has been in love with all these guys. I am 24 and I can honestly say I have only been in love once, maybe twice. Here's a quote from her in UK's Marie Claire:

" '...When you make eye contact with someone across the room and it clicks and, bam, you're there. In love again.' "

Ummmm, what? I don't know about you but I didn't just "lock eyes" with my boyfriend and fell in love. It took a while. And it still does. Just don't get me started on how creepy it is that she bought a house next to her current boyfriend's place in Cape Cod....