Oscars A Go-Go { 82nd Annual Oscars Red Carpet Review }

by Penny on March 10, 2010

I missed most of the red carpet Sunday night, as I was rushing home from San Francisco, but I did manage to sit through the entire show. Following are my favorites and no-so-favorites (plus some re-styling).

Top Marks

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta A/W 2010 RTW

Diaz appears to have gained a bit of weight, and she wears it incredibly well. I thought she looked totally glamorous.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy S/S 2010 Haute Couture

This dress drew both raves and critiques; I am firmly in the former camp. She wore the dress better than Natalia Vodianova, which is saying a lot. I thought it was interesting, daring and fun.

Diane Kruger in Chanel A/W 2009 Haute Couture

Kruger wore one of the older gowns of the evening, a stunner from Fall ‘09. I love the classic black/ivory Chanel pairing.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten

I believe Gyllenhaal’s dress was adapted from the fabric used in the DVN A/W 2010 collection. Although it was a more casual choice, she looked unfussy and beautiful.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel S/S 2010 Haute Couture

Most disliked SJP’s choice, but I was digging her Valley Of The Dolls-inspired hair and makeup. And the dress is interesting, which I appreciate.

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa A/W 2010 RTW

I thought the dress was…okay, but I loved her overall look. The soft, loose hair and pop of color on her lips were perfection.

Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packman

I don’t care for Cyrus, but I thought her dress was age-appropriate yet perfectly glamorous.

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab S/S 2010 Haute Couture

I adored the watercolor-inspired gowns in this collection, and it’s somewhat of a different choice for the Oscars. I thought she looked fabulous.

Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa

The show-stopping rich color, the perfect amount of brooch detailing and a lovely drape…excellent choice.

Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang

Certainly not the most exciting or fashion-forward dress, but she looked Oscar-gorgeous.

Failings

A select few liked Kate Winslet’s YSL dress. When I first saw her, I thought she was wearing a pair of pleated pants. I love that she went more subdued, as last year’s winners generally do, but I was not digging the choice. I think the Herrera dress shown above would have looked fantastic on her. She pulls off conservative necklines well and the print is beautiful.

I think Charlize Theron’s rosette-enhanced boobs were universally panned, which is a shame, because her Dior dress was otherwise lovely. I did not like the color, and would have loved to have seen her in the glassy sapphire shown above, by Armani Privé.

Jennifer Lopez’s choice (Armani Privé) was just too, too much. I think she would have looked stunning in the gold/black ombré gown, by Monique Lhuillier, shown above.

Kristin Stewart was lovely in her Monique Lhuillier, but still looked a bit like a schoolgirl playing in her mother’s clothes. I think the bold red and cap sleeves on the Reem Acra shown above are youthful but glamorous and the dress would have been a knock-out on Stewart.

I was crossing my fingers that Carey Mulligan would show up in a short dress. Instead she opted for something in-between, and her Prada really fell flat for me. I was hell-bent on finding a short dress that would suit her and although the Marchesa shown above seems a bit…girlie…I think she would have looked beautiful, especially with the perfect accessories.

Anna Kendrick’s Elie Saab dress was beautiful, but the color was all wrong for her. Swapping out for the sea blue in strapless from the same collections would have been a wiser choice.

I realize that I am in the minority here, but I felt that Amanda Seyfried’s Armani Privé gown was too fussy and I really disliked the stiff bodice. I think she would have looked striking and statuesque in the Monique Lhuillier one-shoulder gown shown above.

{ all photos via Style.com & TFS }

{ 7 comments }

Alexander McQueen’s Last, Unfinished Collection Unveiled in Paris

by Penny on March 9, 2010

16 unfinished looks were completed by McQueen’s design team and presented in a Paris drawing room today. Rich blood red, gold and black dominated the looks, which drew from Renaissance silhouettes and fabrics. In fact, a painting from that era was digitally printed onto one of the looks.

Absolutely glorious.

{ photos via The Guardian }

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Charlotte, My Charlotte

by Penny on March 5, 2010

I was finally able to listen to Charlotte Gainsbourg’s new album, IRM, in its entirety and it’s fabulous. You can sense the Beck influence, but not overly so, and I was pleasantly surprised. I was afraid the album would sound like a Beck LP with Charlotte lending vocals, but it definitely feels like her. They have only made a video for “Heaven Can Wait,” certainly not my favorite song on the album. Below are two of my favorites, “Trick Pony” performed live on Letterman (she’s quite good live!) and the title track, which feels very cool and psychedelic.

Enjoy, and happy weekend!

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Hawaiian Swim, Mom Version { Luxe Stylist }

by Penny on March 4, 2010

As you know, I am off to Hawaii with Todd and my parents in a few weeks. My mom has asked for some help determining what she should wear while we’re there. My mom is cute, around my size, with short black hair and dark eyes. She’s fairly conservative (in regard to her style and her finances) although she’s lightened up a bit in recent years.

I’m starting with some pool/beach looks. Obviously she won’t choose from all of them, but I wanted to give her some options. As you’ll see, she’s not a bikini person, and she’s 54 so trend-saturated looks are a no-go.

Look One – Modified Riviera

Strictly for the pool, a look that’s a bit less casual. I love the keyhole detailing on the suit and I think deep cuts are flattering on most everyone. You have to wear a heel for this look, but let’s face it, heels are ridiculous at the pool unless you’re Ivana Trump and it’s 1987. A wedge is a good alternative, and I like that this one feels more earthy. Jewelry is key but earrings are the only appropriate pieces to wear in the sun (tan lines), I love the warmth of these. The basket-weave clutch is an awesome alternative to a woven tote, and wearing an over-sized hat in black is so chic. A creamy blush in a violet hue can double as lip color and classic red nails paired with a swipe of black eyeliner finish off the look.

Look Two – Nautical

This more conservative, fresh from Cape Cod, look is perfect for my mother. I adore the J Crew suit and what is more east coast classic than a Lands End canvas tote? In red, naturally. I added the woven fedora to push the look up a notch (and I think my mom would look cute in one). You can pop on a pair of khakis and, if it’s cool out, a crisp white denim jacket and easily wander around town and have a quick lunch.

Look Three – Bohemian

My mom loves tunics (although, strangely enough, doesn’t own any) so I had to pull together a bohemian look. The suit is easy and classic, pairing nicely with the sheer ivory tunic. A pair of t-strap sandals feel more elevated than flip flops and sunglasses with a round frame lend a hippie vibe. Nars’ bronzer/blush duo is one of my favorites. Use the blush (in Orgasm) on the cheeks and eyelids and brush the bronzer over the temples and collarbone. The Multiple in Copacabana gives the requisite glow.

Look Four – All Day

Although my mom is a one-piece kind of gal, I thought she might want to try a split tank suit. Just as much coverage, but more versatility, and you can always hike up the top portion to tan your stomach. This look is meant to carry her from the beach to a casual dinner, with plenty of layers to keep her comfortable in the Hawaii “cool.” Coral on the nails feels fresh and Benefit’s Benetint is perfect for layering on a deep rosy lip for night. An oversized bag can hold a clutch and even a dressier pair of shoes for din-din.

Look One – Avon Mark SoHo Sunglasses ($10), Straw Studios Alexis Rattan Clutch ($40), Melissa Odabash Alexia Cutout Swimsuit ($61), J Crew Summer Straw Hat ($34), J Crew Cleo Platform Wedges ($165), Ann Taylor Loft Stone Drop Earrings ($29.50), Maybelline Kohl Eyeliner ($2), NARS Lip Lacquer in Eros ($24), Essie A-List Nail Polish ($8)

Look Two – AE White Denim Jacket ($49.50), Kiehl’s Lip Balm No. 1 ($7.50), Old Navy Khaki Shorts ($19.50), Ann Taylor Basket Plaid Scarf ($34.50), Gap Leather Flip Flops ($24.50), Lands End Medium Canvas Tote ($22.50), J Crew French Sailor Tank Suit ($82), Essie Jackie Oh My Nail Polish ($8)

Look Three -Tracy Reese Beach Towel ($20), Kate Spade Stud Earrings ($38), Calypso Cotton Tunic ($50), Fred Flare Scarlet Sunglasses ($11), J Crew Solid Ruched Tank ($78), NARS Highlighing/Bronzing Duo in Orgasm/Laguna ($38), NARS The Multiple in Copacabana ($38), Essie Ballet Slippers Nail Polish ($8), Pierre Dumas Sheila Flats ($39)

Look Four – Delia’s Alta Braided Slingback Sandals ($39.50), Old Navy Tankini Top ($19.50), Old Navy Hipster Bikini Bottoms ($16.50), Lands End Cotton Linen Scarf ($19.50), Anthropologie Tucked Away Blooms Cardigan ($88), J Crew Garrison Tote ($150), Essie Shop Till I Drop Nail Polish ($8), Benefit Benetint ($28), AE Denim Shorts ($34.50)

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Liberty Of London For Target

by Penny on March 3, 2010

Launching this Friday next Sunday! Are you planning on hitting up a Target to check it out? I am lusting for the jumpsuit, maxi dress and romper, not to mention that adorable jade-colored piggy bank. And the mugs would make perfect gifts, just fill them with candy or a bouquet of pretty straws. I have a store visit in San Francisco Sunday morning but, if energy allows, I might pop over to a Target when I get home.

{ 11 comments }

Jumpin’ On The Bed { Monkey Bread }

by Penny on March 1, 2010

Confession, I don’t really care for baking. It’s too precise and time-consuming for my tastes. I do, however, like to eat baked goods. Love to eat them.

I had been hearing rumblings about monkey bread for a few months before finally giving it a try. The catalyst? Why, Deb from Smitten Kitchen, of course. She makes everything look good. She’s a culinary pusher.

I lust after her recipes and, even more, her photography. Her monkey bread recipe was adapted from Cooks Illustrated, and I will not bother reprinting it here as you can find it on her website.

I will say that I dove into this bread while it was still warm and it’s cinnamon-rolly, doughnut-holey deliciousness. It was more time-consuming than I anticipated, but very easy. Below you will find some photographs of the different stages and my tips. If you make it, let me know how it turns out!

When initially kneading the dough (the photo above shows dough after the first rise), you will need approximately an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of flour. It will be quite sticky.

I used a chefs knife to section the dough. Deb recommends splitting the pieces right away. I didn’t and while it stuck a bit, it was easy to work with. I do recommend sectioning them in a variety of sizes, I found that I liked having some large and some small in the finished bread.

Make sure to butter the pan with a full 2 tablespoon of butter.

Deb mentions that while Cooks Illustrated recommends waiting until the sugar in the bread starts to bubble up on the sides, hers did not. Neither did mine, and I took it out at 30 minutes. I inverted the bread straight-away and lost a few balls, but easily stuck them back in.

I made the recommended amount of cream cheese glaze, but added it to the bread too soon (I was hungry!) so it melted a bit and ran off the sides. Not a big deal, but if you’re interested in making it more presentable, you might want to wait a bit longer :-) I would also recommend making some extra glaze for the side.

I felt that the glaze was a little…cheesy (I actually don’t really care for cream cheese) so I added some extra vanilla.

Enjoy!

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Photo Roundup { Weekend Inspiration }

by Penny on February 26, 2010

How I’m feeling.

{ epicurean taste }

I heart Lula.

{ fashion copious }

Kooky!

{ now craving }

Check out my kicks.

{ cartoon styles }

I’d like to be her. Please, and thank you.

{ epicurean taste }

I have only just started catching up with the A/W 2010 shows, but I have already heard plenty of rumblings about the assortment of absolutely stunning jackets at Burberry and the Victoria Secret model runway overtaking at Prada.

{ coutequecoute & elite }

Macarons. At McDonalds.

{ serious eats }

I’m in love with this girl.

{ the sartorialist }

And this one.

{ vanessa jackman }

Wondering if Todd might make this for me on Sunday morning.

{ splitroads }

You don’t say?

{ spermdump }

What are you all up to this weekend? My plan is to veg, bake cookies and watch The September Issue.

Have a good one!

xo

{ 4 comments }

Smooth Operator

by Penny on February 25, 2010

What is it about smoothies? They’re so GOOD. I left the office early this evening as I had a raging headache and could not find anyone in the building with Tylenol. Once I got home and popped my drugs, I immediately craved a smoothie-style brain freeze.

I’m simple when it comes to my smoothies, and I don’t usually veer from my favorite, a combination of tart strawberries, smooth bananas and orange juice blended with ice. Side note: a great tip Todd and I picked up from the bartender while staying at Mezzanine in Tulum, to crush ice cubes, toss a few into the center of a bar (or dish) towel, gather the edges and beat over a hard surface.

What do you put in your smoothie?

{ 8 comments }

First Trimester Blues

by Penny on February 24, 2010

After what feels like a lifetime of tragic fatigue and a recent head cold, I think that some of my energy might be slowly returning, fingers crossed! I am now just over 11 weeks along and I am eagerly awaiting my second trimester (energy! a functioning brain! a cute baby belly that doesn’t look like I’ve simply eaten too much!). However, at the moment, I’m still throwing my hair in a bun every day because I can’t be bothered to do anything with my hair, frantically hunting for my Touche Éclat to hide my undereye circles and sitting in meetings forgetting what I said just moments prior. The other night I slept for 14 hours.

Last week I stopped at the store on the way home from work and while hunting for sorbet, ended up with six types of ice cream and popsicles in my cart. I don’t even like ice cream. All I crave is fruit, especially in the form of smoothies.

I practically live at the office (see above), only using my home for sleep and the occasional catch-up with Todd. I’ve had virtually no time to blog, work on any side projects, take photos or cook. Actually, I don’t even want to cook. I just want to eat couscous and french fries!

Now that my energy seems to be trickling back, I am starting to think about all the things I need to do. Todd and I have a lot to work on at the house: we’re already planning on remodeling our kitchen (so excited), we need to sell our oversized desks and move our workspaces outside of the second bedroom to make way for the baby…and what seems like a million other things.

I haven’t really thought about buying anything for the halfpence. People are asking about “colors” and what I need…I have no idea! I am more concerned with how I am going to dress myself as I grow. I doubt I will need any maternity clothes (maybe some tees?) so I am focusing on dresses and tops I may be able to wear when I (hopefully) return to my pre-baby size. At the moment I am loving Rachel Roy’s diffusion line, which features beautiful pieces and fairly modest prices.

Want, want, want want want…want, want. Want.

These wedges look supremely comfortable and are under 50 bucks.

And I don’t know that I will be able to resist this sweet guinea pig sweater from Topshop. Perfect for a boy OR a girl :-)

I found out that a childhood friend (who I introduced a few weeks back) is also pregnant and, of course, beautifully covering her pregnancy on her blog. I wish I had both the time and camera skills to do the same, but alas…

I would like to chronicle my pregnancy for the halfpence, but I haven’t quite landed on how I’d like to do it. I’d prefer to do something off-line, but I dislike anything too crafty. Any ideas?

I had my first official prenatal visit and heard the heartbeat for the second time. The midwife (like the doctor) noted that the baby is shy, it seems to swim away from sonograms and ultrasounds! I wonder if he or she will have a shy personality like I did or be more outgoing like Todd. I also learned that I’ve gained 2 pounds so far (I thought I’d gained loads more) and that while my due date is September 14th, I should expect the halfpence to arrive sometime in late September.

Whew…so much to think about…

{ 22 comments }

Lost & Fawned Jewelry { Luxe Giveaway }

by Penny on February 23, 2010

For my latest giveaway, I’ve partnered with the lovely Lindsey of Lost & Fawned jewelry. Her vintage-inspired pieces are among my favorites! She is offering a pair of her adorable Marietta bow earrings. I own a pair and absolutely love them.

To enter, please pay a visit to the Lost & Fawned shop and leave a comment below noting which color in the Marietta style you’d love to own. The earrings are available in mint, ballet pink, snow white, peacock blue and raw brass.

The deadline to enter is 11:59pm on March 14th. As always, the winner will be chosen at random.

Good luck!

{ 85 comments }

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