The King's Speech.

If you want to see the winning performance for Best Actor for this year's Oscars, go see The King's Speech.

It is quiet, and moving, and illuminating.

And Colin Firth is a force to be reckoned with.

Sweater.

This sweater rocks my world. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Lounge Act.

{outfit info}

This is my post-Christmas lounging around outfit.  After you've eaten so many mashed potatoes that you think you might burst, you can still wear this and be comfortable/fashionable at the same time.  You know those times, when you're too tired to put your contacts in and just want to lay around.  

Those are the times my vacation are made of. 

Merry Christmas!

Merry post-Christmas, friends!!  Sorry I've been so MIA.  I have no excuse other than I've been hanging out with family and eating and drinking and watching a ton of Glee.  This makes it all quite difficult to blog.

I hope you all had a fantastic holiday!  And all of your Christmas wishes, or non-Christmas wishes, came true!!

I thought I'd take you through my holiday so far.  Above you'll see my mom decorating the Christmas tree.  To be totally honest, this was actually taken during Thanksgiving, but I thought it was an appropriate start.  It's not finished at the point the picture was taken, but it sure does look purty.  If I say so myself. 

The Wednesday before Christmas I packed everything up, including Buster, and made my way through security at the airport.  He was such a trouper and made it through the flight without even a peep!  Now he is the king of the castle at my parents' house, which is much larger than my apartment; he's going to be a sad cat when I bring him home to my tiny abode.  I was so worried he was going to be terrified and, my god, he's more comfortable than I am!  

I found a new talent in decorating Christmas cookies.  I had no idea I would be so good!  Ha.  But really, the picture doesn't do them justice and that's only half of my masterpiece.  I'm a regular Martha Stewart.  

On Christmas Day it decided to snow.  In Georgia!  Not only did it snow, but it stuck and it was the first measurable White Christmas in Georgia since 1882.  For reals.  It's two days later and there is still snow on the ground.  (This picture was taken during the process, more snow was to be had.) 

THEN... Santa brought me a vintage fur coat*!!  I've obviously been a good girl this year.  Please forgive the lame picture, and my brother's cameo in the background, but do know that it is AWESOME and it is mine.

How were all of your holidays?  Or if you don't celebrate Christmas, how was your vacation?

*I'm sorry for those of you who find wearing fur abhorrent.  It's vintage, and I make my peace with that.    

Boots.

Yes, please. 

Vacation!

I am officially on vacation!  Until January 4th!  That's what happens when you hoard your PTO for Christmas.  Today I will be flying to Atlanta with my cat in tow.  Buster's still not back to healthy and not really eating, so I didn't think I'd be able to make it ten days all while worrying about him.  SO the cat is coming on the plane.  Wish us luck!  It'll be an experience, to say the least.

I should warn you that posting will be light and unstructured.  I don't really have a plan, but I will be bringing my laptop with me.  I'm sure I'll have a lot of family and friends time that'll keep me away from the internets, but I'll try to be around as much as I can. 

You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook to be in the know when a post goes down.  We all like to be in the know, right?

Until then have a good week and a very Merry Christmas!!

photo via Lisa Golightly    

Outfit Tuesdays: New Year's Eve II

{outfit info}

I just couldn't resist putting another outfit together.

You gotta strike when the iron is hot, ya know?

Outfit Tuesdays: New Year's Eve

{outfit info}

A reader (an old friend from high school!) asked me to put an outfit together to stay warm while partying it up for New Year's in Chicago.  A difficult task, little lady.  A difficult task.  The things that I have learned over the nine and a half years of living in the Windy City I shall bestow upon you.

Number One:  LAYERS.  Layers will be your best friend.  The nice thing about a fancy dress is that a cashmere cardigan won't dress it down too much.  In fact, it'll give a bit of a boho, "Oh, this outfit? I just threw it together" look.  And it's always wonderful to be casually fabulous.  Also, you'll be cold inside but super warm after drinking and dancing, so you want to be able to remove some of the layers when you get hot.  If it's super cold outside I'd suggest two pairs of tights (that's always a fail safe to make opaque tights).   

Number Two:  A WARM coat.  We're talking WARM here.  I've done the whole wool pea coat looks so cute, but I'm freezing thing for too long, so I succumbed to the puffy jacket and have never been happier.  You're going to end up leaving it on a chair, or at a coat check anyway.  No one will see it when it matters.  And there are some really great puffy jackets out there these days; you can't go wrong with black.

Number Three:  CABS.  If there is snow on the ground you're not going to be able to maneuver that well in your three inch heels.  Cabs will be your best friend.  I'd suggest finding a number of a local company and programming it into your phone.  You should be able to step outside and hail a cab if you're downtown otherwise calling might be wise.  A word of warning:  be prepared to wait, especially if it is snowing.    

Plus, a trick:  When you get inside and remove your hat (you can get a slouchy one that won't mess with your hairdo) and gloves, put the gloves inside the hat and the hat/gloves combo inside your coat sleeve.  It'll stay and you won't have to worry about carrying around four different pieces of clothing.  I bet you could get your cardigan halfway in the other sleeve, too.

I hope this helps, Ashley!  And all the rest of you, too.

When all else fails... keep drinking champagne.

2010 Movie Montage.

Watch this.  It's fantastic!

What would you do?

Have you ever seen Primetime:  What Would You Do?  I stayed in on Friday night and stumbled upon the show and it certainly got me thinking.  I had a lot of reactions to what I was watching.  At first I was outraged (in fact, I still harbor some outrage, but I’m not so sure for the right reasons).  If you follow me on twitter than you might know that I called it hypocritical and voyeuristic.  I don‘t think hypocritical is really the word I was looking for, but I’ll definitely stick with voyeuristic. 

If you haven’t seen the show, it’s a basic hidden camera show that sets up unknowing people in situations being led by actors.  A few situations I saw on Friday were a baby left alone in a hot car, a black woman being accosted by salespeople at a boutique, including being frisked and told that their “type” is always the problem, a gay couple with their children being asked to leave a restaurant they were dining in solely because they are gay. 

I have to say I was incredibly moved many times during the episode.  And I’m not sure why.  Or maybe I should say I’m not sure I want to admit why. 

It was a combination of pride and admiration for those that stood up and spoke out about the injustice; shame and judgment against those that did nothing; and fear that I would do the same. 

My problem with the show is it’s quite presumptuous that the people running the show would always do and know the right thing.  In fact, they all seem quite judgmental.  It’s easy to say that you’d stick up for what’s right when you don’t actually have to do it.  And proceed to look down your nose at those who do not.  I’m looking at you, John Quinones. 

The best parts are when strangers do something incredible:  they stick up for other strangers.  One of the most moving moments was when a middle-aged man spoke up for the two lesbian partners with their children.  He was articulate and kind and said all of the things I would never think of saying in the heat of the moment.  Only to be outdone when he found out it wasn’t real and refused to call what he did heroic because the only person he wants to be a hero to is his son.  Furthermore, his parents were Holocaust survivors and he said something like that only happens because strangers don’t speak up.  Picture me in a puddle of tears.

It’s amazing to see humanity at its best.

My fear is that I wouldn’t do the same.  A lot of people did nothing and in the post-interview threw around the phrase “it’s none of my business.”  And, interestingly enough, a large percentage of the people shown speaking up were not American.  I wonder if the keep-to-yourself culture we’ve created for ourselves has rendered us inhumane.

I certainly hope not.

Happy Pre-Christmas Weekend!

I wish I was going here for Christmas.  Isn't it beautiful?  It kinda reminds of the house in The Family Stone -- isn't that house to die for?!  Part of me hates that movie because of how it all wraps up, but I still watch it every time I see it's on tv...  I'm such a sucker!

Anyway, I am officially radiating Christmas glee because The Nutcracker was so lovely last night.  I seriously teared up during certain parts and clapped so hard my hands hurt.  I think that'll have to be a yearly event from now on.  It's just sooo good!

 Have a very merry weekend!  What do you guys have planned?  I'm hoping to snuggle in out of the cold.  That's my favorite. 

Just like smiling.  Smiling's my favorite.

via the joy of Christmas 

You're either a Marilyn or a Jackie.

 

I love Mad Men.  I miss Mad Men. 

Which are you?


via HeroDesignStudio

Click your heels three times.

Hey, pretty thing.  You caught my eye.   

Sometimes it is just too difficult to wear killer heels when all you're going to do is slip on ice and step in slushy snow.  This might be my biggest winter pet peeve:  Not being able to choose my shoes.  It's all winter boots.  All the time. 

But these just might pass muster.

$44 to be a modern Dorothy?  Yeah, I'll bite.

blush / black  

The Nutcracker.

It's the day!  Finally.  Nutcracker day! 

Katie and I are going to see the Joffrey's Nutcracker this evening and I am bursting with excitement.

Robert Joffrey created this Nutcracker, turning a decidedly European ballet into a uniquely American experience. The holidays are captured In 120 minutes as the entire Joffrey company takes the stage, creating the magic of the season. The Joffrey’s Nutcracker maintains the spirit of the original 1987 performance, while sparkling with contemporary choreography, dazzling costumes, Tchaikovsky’s thrilling score, inventive lighting and extravagant set design. The Joffrey Nutcracker is the star atop Chicago’s Holiday tree. It ignites the imagination of children of every generation. Join us to share in the magic!  All performances take place at The Auditorium Theatre.  Performances will feature live orchestral accompaniment performed by the Chicago Sinfonietta.

Couldn't you just die?!

Golden Globes, really?!

Golden Globes, we need to chat.  What the hell were you thinking?!

I was shocked to see some of the nominations that were announced yesterday for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards.  Let's jump to what especially pissed me off, shall we?

Best Comedy or Musical:
Alice in Wonderland
Burlesque
The Kids Are All Right
Red
The Tourist

Wtf?  Seriously.  In the interest of full disclosure I should say that I haven't actually seen any of these movies, which should automatically negate my opinion.  BUT.  I don't care.  I am blown away by these nominations!  The only one I can seemingly get behind is The Kids Are All Right, but otherwise I feel like they were obviously lacking in comedic choices.  I mean, The Tourist has a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes!  That is bad, folks.  Just plain bad.  And certainly not deserving of a Best Picture nod.  Burlesque appears to be the poor man's Chicago.  Alice in Wonderland hardly even hit my radar, and anyone else's for that matter.  And, Red.  I actually had to look it up, I had no idea what it was.  I guess if Helen Mirren is in it, it's a shoe-in.  

I won't go into the rest of it for fear of boring you to death, but you should know that I am not pleased.  And I take my award shows very seriously.  Please prepare yourself for the season because I am sure this is not the last time I will discuss it.

Actually... before I go I'd like to discuss the weird grouping that is Best Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.  I don't understand.  Don't they have enough supporting roles in series television to have their own category?  I guess they just don't have enough for Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (I won't get started on the Jennifer Love Hewitt addition).  Whatever.  I'd be pissed if I were Michael Emerson.

At least Ricky Gervais is hosting.   

Rodarte in Black Swan.

I am still obsessed with Black Swan and eat everything up that I can find. 

I found this interview on Opening Ceremony and was thrilled to see behind the scenes photos and some of the sketches Rodarte drew for the film.  Rodarte is comprised of a sister duo, Laura and Kate Mulleavy, that have been professionally designing since 2005 after arriving seemingly "fresh off the boat" in New York, and managing to land a Woman's Wear Daily cover.  Impressive, indeed.     

I didn't know it, but they even designed the practice tutu that I mentioned in my review (pictured above with Laura Mulleavy).  Apparently it's very difficult to create a tutu, especially when dealing with up-close camera shots; it appears to almost be a study in architecture.  Add in the numerous fittings due to the actresses' shrinking bodies and you've got one impressive feat.  Not to mention beautiful.    

If you've seen the film you know the dress above.  It took my breath away and Natalie Portman was simply stunning in it.  This sketch is all I can find of it at the moment, but you can see its beauty -- imagine it all in white and sparkling. 

Bravo, Rodarte.  Bravo. 

What time is it?

$36.

Enough said.

Outfit Tuesdays: Snow Bunny

{outfit info}

 I've officially gone ahead and decided this is my first (only?) series.  I hadn't want to say so in the beginning for fear that I wouldn't be able to keep it up, but I've held on long enough to take the plunge.  Welcome to Outfit Tuesdays, which is quite possibly the least original, least exciting series name I've ever seen.  Any ideas for a better one?

Last week Laura from the delightful Dachsies & Design mentioned Bean boots in my comments and I just had to throw an outfit together with said boots.  I love Bean boots and vacillated a LONG time last winter between buying them or these.  I eventually decided upon the Uggs (not the ones you're thinking) because I thought they'd be warmer, and sometimes tying boots when your fingers are cold is the worst thing ever.  Just sayin'.  With all that said, I'm still a big fan of the Beaners.

I'm also obsessed with Fair Isle sweaters.  I want ten of them.

This outfit appears to be so cozy I want to be wearing it all right now.  I was a little iffy about the bag choice, but decided to go with it.  What do you guys think? 

The tree.

I have absolutely no room for a real Christmas tree and won't be in my apartment for Christmas anyway, so this is right up my alley.  What a fantastic idea! 

Throw in this candle, which I smelled this weekend at my friend's house and simply could not get over how much it smelled like the real thing, and you've got the whole package without any of the work.

first seen on erin ever after 

Wrap it up.

I can't get my mind off of cold weather gear thanks to the snowstorm that blew through this weekend.  Let's face it, these coats wouldn't keep you super warm with all of the blowing snow around Chicago, but they sure are cute.  And affordable!  I figured all of you don't live in the tundra and could use some cute new duds.

If you're in the market, go check out thesimpson.  You can thank me later.

This serendipitous find came about during my search for a pair of mustard gloves.  Who knew it would so difficult to find a full pair of mustard gloves?!  The ones I like either don't come in mustard yellow or they're all fingerless.  Due to the aforementioned blizzard I don't think fingerless will cut it.  What's a girl to do?  Any suggestions, my fashion-savvy friends?  

The Midas Collection.

I would feel like the prettiest pretty princess if I were to own these.  Can you imagine a deep red wine in the carafe?  The gold and burgundy would take my breath away.  Too bad I want them all.  All.

Happy weekend, friends!  What are y'all up to?  I'm hoping to stay in, away from the cold, cold weather.  And it's supposed to snow.  A lot.  Even more reason to snuggle with Buster and watch a movie.  Tell me, what about you?

Honeysuckle.

Pantone has chosen Honeysuckle as its 2011 Color of the Year.  (Turquoise was 2010, in case you didn't know.)  I am personally kinda psyched about this -- I love me some pink.  BUT when I first heard I was super confused.  All my life I had considered honeysuckle to be yellow.  Now I'm second-guessing myself, but I swear -- I thought it was TOTALLY yellow.

I'm assuming the word honey is what threw me off, but I grew up around honeysuckle in Georgia!  How did I never see it?  I mean, I thought I saw it and considered it to be in the yellow family, but I must have been making it up.  What I DO remember is the smell.  Honeysuckle smells sooooo good.  Either way, I feel like I just realized Santa isn't real.

Or like I just realized Don is actually married to Meghan.

Or like I found out my sister is actually my mother.  (God, that must have been MIND-BLOWING for Jack Nicholson.)

Okay.  Not really.

But, it was a weird realization.      

A Revelation.

I've been terrified of white tights since middle school, I tell you.  I believed no one over the age of twelve should ever wear them. 

Today, I stand corrected.

via The Sartorialist

Review: Black Swan.

 

Yes, Black Swan is everywhere.  And no, I can't let it go without saying something.

Yes, it is disturbing and downright terrifying at times, but I'm still thinking about it the next day.  

It's always tough to go into a movie with such high expectations.  I mean, I've been waiting for this movie since August!  That's borderline obsessive.  It seems to always be a let-down when you have such high expectations, however I have to say that I am surprisingly satisfied with my viewing.  There are things I would change, sure, but ultimately I think it was a freaky film wonderfully acted with beautiful costumes.  

First things first, Natalie Portman's performance was inspired.  I am aware of all the hoopla around her and an Oscar nod, but I'll tell you, there is a perfectly good reason for that:  she's incredible.  I'm indecisive when it comes to my opinion of Natalie usually.  Part of me can't stand the precocious beauty and I think she can be overrated, but then something like Black Swan happens and I change my mind.  I haven't been this drawn to a performance of hers since Closer.  (Mike Nichols can pull a performance out of even Julia Roberts, but that's for another time.)  She is at her best when portraying a girlish vulnerability and certainly excels at that here.  

Lest I forget to mention her dancing.  She manages (after ten months of five hour a day practice, no less) to pull it off beautifully and convincingly.  The same can't be said for her costar, Mila Kunis.  While Mila is perfectly cast for her role, dancing is obviously not a natural talent.  I'll overlook it because these two women play so well together.

I would be remiss if I didn't point out the costumes.  They were breathtaking.  It is not surprising that Rodarte did such a fantastic job and I'm always partial to a tutu, even if only a rehearsal one.

All in all, it is definitely worth seeing.  Especially if you love ballet.  Or freaky mind tricks.          

Max Wanger.

Twitter was abuzz yesterday with the news of Max Wanger's open shop.  Just in time for Christmas!  I've talked about his beautiful wedding photos here and there is no sweeter wedding than his own. 

Max Wanger is well known for his skills and these prints will be in high demand, so get yee to the shop if you like what you see.  

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Wowzers.  I wonder how expensive their electricity bill is.

I grew up in a house in a cul-de-sac that went crazy for Christmas.  Seriously, there would be a constant stream of cars near Christmas and we would make it into the paper and stuff.  

"Go to Hillbrooke, they know what's what when it comes to Christmas lights!!" 

That's what they would say.  

There would be so many Christmas lights on our house (which was decorated like a gingerbread house, by the by) that I would have to unplug some of them if I wanted to blow dry my hair.  OR I WOULD BLOW A FUSE.

I tell you, we did not joke around.

What do you guys do for Christmas?  Or Hanukkah?      

 photo source rae baerr

I want be here right now.

Lovely, yes?

ps I'm going to see Black Swan tonight! 

photo source:  Mi Confesion

Pretty in Pink.

 

{outfit info}

Another Tuesday, another outfit.  It's gotten COLD here in Chicago and I'm finding it impossible to even imagine an outfit for warmer weather, so for all those in warmer weather -- you can lose the coat!  Not that I'm jealous or anything.  

I especially like how there is only one pop of color here amongst all of the smokey greys and blacks.  And the juxtaposition between the floaty silky camisole, paper bag pants and the hard, rough boots.  It isn't an entirely gruff outfit thanks to the few girly touches.  And I am dying for those specs.

What do you think? 

Dress it up.

What a fantastic holiday dress!  I think it would be so striking with black tights, or maybe some patterned tights; swiss dot would be lovely.  And a large gold necklace.  Festive, indeed.

And the black version is oh so Breakfast at Tiffany's.  

How do you do your 'do?

Alright, ladies, can we talk about the fancy updo?  Refinery 29 has a slide show of fancy hair (some of them don't seem so fancy and more like a bird's nest, but you know) and I'd like to discuss them.  I have absolutely no talent for the fancy updo and, frankly, have no idea how other ladies do it.  Obviously, this lady has someone else doing it for her, but the site is touting it as something someone can do on their own.  What?!  If I attempted this hairdo it would certainly NOT look like this.      

How do you do it?  For real.  I needs some advice.  My hair knowledge maxes out after hot rollers, and the lord knows that hot rollers are not really where it's at.

And, for those that didn't see this when it was all over the blogs, the prettiest step by step I've ever see.    

Weekend!

I almost totally forgot that it's the weekend because I skipped blogging yesterday.  Tragic.

I'm just popping in to say have a great weekend!  What are all you lovelies up to?

I have a joint birthday party on Saturday with a lovely lady friend.  Emilie's birthday was on the 2nd (Happy birthday, pretty girl!!) and we're gonna do it up right this weekend.  I should wear a tiara.  I sure hope it's as fun as the party offered above.  Maybe I'll just recreate that awesome bow headband.  And I hope that smirking boy on the bottom left shows up -- he's dreamy.

picture stolen from ohdeedoh  

Zig zag.

I saw this zig zag tote on the awesome gift guide over at Sweet Thing and just had to share it.  I'm obsessed with the pattern and think it would be the most stylish grocery bag out there.  AND only $30.  Sold!

Plus, if you enter ZIGZAGFREE10 at checkout you'll get free shipping (in the United States).

I Hope This Gets To You.

Have you heard about this video? An adorable boy created this for his girlfriend because she recently moved across the country. The catch is that he wasn't sending it to her. He simply uploaded it to YouTube and put it out in the world in the hopes that she will see it and recognize his voice. I am bowled over! And it's pretty great to boot.


Update: Someone commented on YouTube and said she found it. Does anyone know more details?

Recovery Day.

I'm taking the day to recover from my birthday.

I hope you understand.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Nice kicks.

These are my would-be birthday shoes.  Aren't they fantastic?  AND they're on sale.  I think they would look marvelous with the dress I posted yesterday and that perfect red pout.  Heyllo!

I also think they'd be hot with some thin fuchsia socks.  Just sayin'.   

Best birthday present ever.

Heyo, it's my birthday!  Well then.  I got the best birthday present ever yesterday when I took Buster to the vet.  We were able to rule out a chronic condition and an obstruction during his ultrasound.  Poor guy had to have his belly shaved for the ultrasound and I can't help but smile a bit when I see him.  I tried to get a better picture, but he's more shy than I would have imagined.  You can see one side of the shave here; just imagine the exact same thing on the opposite side and they run together through the underbelly.  It's kinda like a reverse mohawk.  And it's awesome. 

Like I said, the best part is that this isn't really terrible news.  No need for surgery and it isn't chronic -- both GREAT news.  That leaves us with a kidney infection and it seems another round of antibiotics will do it.  We hope.  We're not completely in the clear yet, but it is the best case scenario and I am one happy girl.

(I thought you guys might want a Buster update and I ended up dedicating an entire post to it.  Oops.  Oh well, I figured it's my birthday and I can get away with it.)    

Rizzo would approve.

Sometimes I get a little sick of all the sparkle that is so readily available during the holidays.  There, I said it.  Well, sick of it isn't really the best term, more like it loses its frivolity and unexpectedness.  I think it would be more unexpected to ditch the sequins and rock something with a great pattern.  (You gotta have something crazy happening somewhere; I'm not very staid when it comes to dressing.) 

I think this dress would be FANTASTIC with some cranberry tights and cream sweater.  Can't you see it?  I can!  Or if cranberry tights scare you away, this dress would be most perfect with a precise red pout.  I love the 50s style and think it adds enough whimsy to replace sequins.  Especially if you twirl.  

Roaming around town.

{outfit info}

Hey there, casual.  I've missed you.  I would kill to roam about town in this puppy.  Those tights are cable-knit, in case you can't see; I think the texture really adds to the outfit.  I was looking for a scarf that was more plum-colored, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the lighter purple scarf with the outfit.  I think it's unexpected and charming.  And I'm a big fan of any outfit with a good pair of brogues.

This might be one of my favorite outfits I've put together, if I don't say so myself.  It's tough to look effortlessly put together, and I think this is casual rock chic at its best.  Again, if I don't say so myself.  What a braggart I've become!

What do you think of said outfit?  Anything you'd do differently?

ps Four new Facebook fans:  Thanks, team!  Only five more to go.