Links You’ll Love
Fashion:
Here’s a serious, fashion-forward French manicure that’s perfect for your next big event – DIY Nail Art: A Modern French Manicure Inspired By Marchesa.
If you love the current reigning queen of fashion, Diane Kruger, as much as I do, you’ll adore this interview from the Wall Street Journal – Diane Kruger: 20 Odd Questions.
I’m a huge devotee of ballet flats, they suit my classic and simple, but feminine style to a T, but I love to mix things up. This summer has been all about topsiders, smoking flats, and Oxfords. Don’t believe me? WhoWhatWear – How They Wear Summer Oxfords featuring celebrities like Audrey Tautou, Jessica Alba, and Rihanna, and fashion insiders like Olivia Palermo and Annabelle Dexter-Jones.
Shoe porn anyone? How about closet organizing and gorgeous shoe storage? Thought so… Be Frassy – Shoescribe & Frassy.
Health & Fitness:
If you’re like me and enjoy trying new and interesting ways of eating in order to find the best way of eating for yourself, then here’s another to try. Paleolithic, primal, caveman – These have all been used to describe the high protein, gluten-free diet known as Paleo. Check out this health nut’s experience –30-Day Paleo Challenge: I Tried It!
If a gym membership is too pricy for you right now or even if you’re just not in the mood to head to the gym, it doesn’t mean that you have to skip your workout. Try Women’s Health’s Work Out At Home for great body weight moves you should incorporate into your workouts.
Some new duds always motivate me to get my booty to the gym, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank! Get Your Om on For Less: Yoga Tops Under $30.
Not sure about you, but I whole heartedly believe that there are healthy desserts out there that you can indulge in without guilt. And while I wouldn’t say it’s my life’s goal to try them all, that statement wouldn’t be too far off. Case in point? The Fitnessista’s Sweet potato chocolate chunk cookies – I made these with a few little adjustments, MCLV Mange post to come soon!
Whether you’re a native San Franciscan like I am or new to the City By The Bay, if you’re looking for some great places to workout look no further than the FitSugar headquarters – Work Out Like a Local: San Francisco Edition.
And the Oscar goes to…
Did you watch the Oscars last night? Per usual, I skipped watching the show live and merely enjoyed the highlights online and via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook after the fact. There were some gorgeous gowns and great tuxedos out there to enjoy though, I must say. What was your favorite look?
I absolutely adore Leslie Mann and was thrilled to see her on the red carpet. I think that this sleek Roberto Cavalli gown suits her slim frame perfectly and the color is very pretty against her pale skin.
The dramatic gold detailing and flowing train on Jessica Chastain's gown made it one of the highlights of the evening. She looked absolutely stunning.
Rose Byrne is someone who I'm really enjoying lately, she seems to be trying out a new look and its fun to watch. I loved this black sequined Vivienne Westwood gown with the drop earrings, she looks beautiful & statuesque.
Another sequined stunner was Ellie Kemper, who donned a gorgeous bronze sheath that was perfectly complimented by her dramatic gold earrings, cocktail ring and clutch.
Gwyneth's Tom Ford gown was one of a kind. I loved the floor-length cape - SO Katherine Hepburn - and the cuff was fantastic.
I wish more fashion insiders did red carpets... Wouldn't it be a kick to see all the magazine editors dressed to the nines instead of just judging everyone else's looks? Anyway, Nina Garcia knocked one out of the park in this Jean Paul Gaultier Couture sheath. Gorgeous.
Polka dot gown? LOVED IT!
Octavia Spencer has been choosing some great Tadashi Shoji gowns on the way to this red carpet and the designer worked incredibly well for her yet again. Gorgeous!
Yes, this dress was very busy - between the ruffles, the diamond bow broach, the tiers and the silhouette, there's a lot going on. But it suits her somehow. Well done!
When I saw this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown in December I knew it would make its way to the Oscars. Emma Stone has been embracing brilliant jewel tones lately with great success (remember the emerald Gucci suit?) and this frock did the trick yet again.
Rooney Mara looked head turning in her favorite designers of late, Givenchy. I like the uniqueness of this dress, yes there were other white dresses, but with her hair & makeup, the train and the intricate back of the gown, she was in her own category.
Stacy Keibler looked like she was auditioning for the role of the Oscar itself, but in the best possible way. Her Marchesa gown was flattering and fashion-forward, perfect for the Oscars red carpet.
Viola Davis was a vision in Vera Wang. This color is just breathtaking on her.
Source, Source, Source & Source
My favorite looks? Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and the two visions in white – Rooney Mara & Gwyenth Paltrow. I loved all of these looks for different reasons and couldn’t narrow it down any further if I had to. Emma brought the standout color, Jessica brought the drama and Rooney & Gwyneth both brough the unexpected – gowns that were unique, unusual, and totally head turning.
And don’t worry my loves, I’ll cover the Oscar tuxedos and afterparty dresses in my Looks of the Week post later on today.
Happy Fashion Monday!
SAG Awards
Yes, you read the clock right, it is a rare and coveted midday MCLV post! Lots to do this week and no time to take it slow.
The SAG awards were the latest award show on the road towards the Oscars and I thought that most of the ladies whose dresses I’ve loved lately performed well.
Stacy Keibler looked tan and statuesque in this gorgeous black lace Marchesa. I love the off the shoulder silhouette!
Regina King was a vision in a pale lavender, tiered Alberta Ferretti gown.The fit is perfect and I like that she accessorized with darker, metallic jewelry & clutch.
Natalie Portman was a vision in a deep-burgundy colored strapless Giambattista Vallie gown. A simple updo and minimal accessories kept the look from going overboard. That color really suits her!
I think Dianna Agron is absolutely adorable, but she doesn't always wear the most flattering dresses on the red carpet (LOVED her MET gown last year though) so I was excited to see this fuchsia Carolina Herrera number. The cut and color are flattering, the accessorizing is minimal but sweet and her hair is gorgeous.
It takes quite a woman to make red-lace Valentino look sweet and demure! Michelle Williams managed to make this midi-length gown all her own, rather than let it overwhelm her petite frame.
While this would have been even more striking in a bright color, the cutouts and dramatic silhouette of this Zac Posen gown kept it from being anything but boring. I love her silver cuff and great cocktail ring as well.
Marchesa can be busy and over the top but Viola Davis chose wisely with this gorgeous white & gold gown. The soft curls and beautiful cuff were perfect!
Jayma Mays was stunning in Reem Acra - The color, the cut, the train, were all absolutely perfect for her.
It's these type of looks that prove you don't need to be a size-zero Tween to stand out in Hollywood. Mary Steenburgen looked stunning in this fitted, draped David Meister Gown. I LOVE the broach like piece at the waist and the stacked bangles, absolutely perfect on the accessories.
Emma Stone's tea-length Alexander McQueen was one of my favorite looks of the evening. Gorgeous accessories - shoes, gold detailed clutch & earrings - and a beautiful, interesting, stand-out dress.
I almost didn't recognize Kristen Wiig in her draping, white Balenciaga halter gown. She looked chic and well-put together, and I loved her dramatic choker necklace.
Zoe Saldana looked phenomenal in shimmery white Givenchy Haute Couture with silver accents. As much as I love this gown on her and as well as it suits her, her unbelievable spiked diamond collar and cocktail ring were without a doubt my favorite pieces of the night. Amazing!
Golden Girls. And Boys.
The 2012 Golden Globe Awards were Sunday night and the ladies & gents did not disappoint. Join me.
One of the most talked about looks of the night was Angelina Jolie in cream & red Aterlier Versace. Whether you're a fan of hers or not, its hard to argue that this isn't a striking, head-turning look.
I love dramatic black and white gowns and I absolutely adored the sequin embellished open back of this J. Mendel dress. Such a great choice for her.
Nicole Richie was an art deco goddess in Julien Macdonald. Loved the dress. Loved the stacked bangles. Loved the stand out clutch. Would kill for the ring and earrings. Kill.
Shailene Woodley was by far the most well-dressed of the starlets her age. Her strapless Marchesa was a beautiful fit and color, I just wish she's added some bright jewelry or a flashy clutch.
The drama queen of the night was Evan Rachel Wood in a knockout green Gucci gown. Say that three times fast! The cut, the sequined embellishments, the feathery train... Fabulous.
If you'd shown me this gown prior to the red carpet, I would have assumed she was the wearer, so it is very much sticking with her style of late. Something dramatic and out of character is always nice at these more important awards shows, but I have to admit that she looks striking. No faults here!
The high in the front, low in the back hems are not my favorite, but this Christian Dior gown is breathtaking. She looks phenomenal, from her diamond encrusted headband to her strappy cream sandals. Bravo!
Haider Ackermann has been Tilda Swinton's go-to designer for the last few years and you have to admit that this combination gown/blazer suits her unbelievably well. And the fit is absolutely perfect. Love the double cuffs.
Nicole Kidman was quite a sight in studded Versace. She's been a fan of the pale, almost bridal looking gowns the last few years but I have to say that I like this one best of all of her choices lately.
Helen Mirren held her own in Badgley Mischka, outshining stars half her age. Proof that aging gracefully is where it's at!
Jessica Alba always chooses eye-catching, flattering gowns for the red carpet, but one of her real strengths is her accessories. She always has AMAZING jewelry. And these earrings and cuff are just as gorgeous as expected.
There were lots of neutrals and sequins on this year's Golden Globes red carpet and I found Miss Natalie's dress all the more striking for how much it stood out from her peers. Similar cut and style to Angelina's, but in a much more striking color combination.
This wasn't the most loved gown of the evening, but personally I couldn't take my eyes off of her. The color was divine with her skin tone and hair color, the cut suited her extremely well and it was a head turning look overall.
Ready for some yummy men in tuxedos? Me too.
Swoon. Mr. Darcy.
Bradley Cooper looked dapper in a strandard bowtie tux & some questionable facial hair.
Personally I'm a big fan of ties over bowties with a tux so Channing Tatum's look really did it for me.
First, I have to say that I was devastated that two of my all time favorites didn’t appear to be in attendance for the Golden Globes. SOB. But in Diane and Zoe’s absence Evan brought the glamour.
My favorites?
- Best jewelry – Nicole Richie
- Best hair – Charlize Theron (LOVED the jeweled headband)
- Best dress – Couldn’t decide on just one. Top three: Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood and Emma Stone. With Charlize Theron & Angelina where right on behind them though.
- Best tux – Colin Firth. Of course.
Afterparty pictures later today…
Looks of the Week
I love it when celebrities wear real clothing! 🙂 Check out Kate Middleton looking adorable in Zara.
Caroline Sieber's dress here is very pretty, but what caught my attention were her shoes! I'm loving this multi ankle strap trend, its chic and fun.
While I'm not 100% sold on this color for Miss Rachel, I have to admit that she looks phenomenal. Its glamorous and retro, perfect for your movie premiere.
My favorite part is definitely the back, so gorgeous!
I completely adore Olga Sherer's outfit here, it's my ideal fall look. I especially like her blazer w/ a touch of leopard print at the sleeves.
Amber Heard has been making quite the splash lately on the Red Carpet. I love that this menswear inspired look manages to be sexy, retro and glamorous rather than androgynous.
While Elizabeth Olsen's red carpet looks may be hit or miss, her street style seems to be right on. Chanel button down and Elizabeth & James (awww) pants. How adorable and comfy do those pants look?
Coco Rocha in Zac Posen at the Letters to Haiti US Premiere. I ADORE the details of this dress and I'm so glad that she didn't shy away from jewelry, this dramatic spiked collar is perfection!
Red Carpet Lovin’
Another week full of red carpet events to check out. Enjoy. Judge. 🙂 Movie openings, awards shows, gala dinners… All with a little something worth talking about.
Without further ado.
34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
It's hard to pull off Marchesa, its hard to pull off pink, and it's really really hard to pull off floor-length pink. That being said, Emily Blunt looked phenomenal in this Marchesa gown though, such an amazing color on her.
P.S. Mrs. Krasinski stunned in another fabulous pink gown with her adorable husband on the red carpet here.
This dress is flattering, interesting and chic. Well done SJP, well done. P.S. I love your hair!
Shawna & Keifer Thompson - Her: LOVE the dress, it's unique and flattering, and styled really well. J'dore her jewelry! Him: I have no words. Do you think they saw each other before they got to the red carpet???
Ashley Monroe (far left) looked great, her floral cocktail dress, metallic pumps and big curls were absolutely perfect for a fun, country-flavored event. Wish there was a better picture of her clutch though!
Josh Turner - While this isn't exactly your everyday look, I can't imagine anything better for the ACAs. Boots? Check. Visible belt buckle? Check. Worn jeans? Check. Show-stopping smile? Um... Check!
Harry Shum Jr. is my favorite of the Glee kids on the red carpet so I'm always excited to see what he's wearing. I like this sweater vest & blazer combo, its dressy enough to show that he's put forth some effort, but the jeans keep it low-key.
Michelle Pfeiffer looked stunning in purple Dolce & Gabbana, I especially like the choices for her multicolored folderover clutch and suede pumps.
I feel like all we've been seeing from the Elie Saab Fall 2011 collection are the pale dressed & gowns so I was excited to see one of the darker hues deployed on the red carpet. Hilary looks great, really well put together and classy.
Rinko Kikuchi, Malgosia Bela, Natasha Poly, Mario Sorrenti, Isabeli Fontana, Joan Smalls, Margareth Made & Julianne Moore
Margareth Made was quite beautiful in a strapless navy column with a thigh high slit.
The night's most stunning look was definitely Joan Smalls, who looked phenomenal in a draping white gown and gold jewelry.
Of all the dresses worn to the Valentino event, this would have been the one I'd have picked. I love shift dresses, I love the fun, glitzy fabric and I've been mad for those Valentino pumps ALL season.
It's incredibly hard to pull off an all white look, but leave it to fashion badass China Chow to make a fun poof dress and white strappy sandals look tres chic.
Izabel Goulart looked beautiful in floor-length navy Valentino. I'm glad that she wore her hair up so that you can focus on the great details of this dress: the subtle polka dots, bow and the layers of multi-patterned fabric in the skirt.
I like the demure hemline of Claire Danes's dress when combined with the outstanding color and fun details.
We love you Oscar
MCLV is here to bring you a quick overview of some of the great dresses on the red carpet this weekend, where many couture gowns made the cut and pale hues and bright jewel tones were both dominant.
Cate is someone who I always look forward to seeing and she didn't disappoint in this Givenchy Haute Couture gown. She kept the hair, makeup and jewelry simple and let the unique gown speak for itself.
Michelle Williams looked chic in Chanel Haute Couture, her oh so on trend pixie cut the perfect accessory for this shimmering gown
Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld looked picture perfect and age-appropriate in her custom Marchesa, which she helped design.
Mila Kunis was an ethereal dream in her lavender Eli Saab Couture gown. Mila frequently dons bright hues so this gown was a beautiful change of pace for her.
Amy Adams wore a formfitting deep blue gown straight off the Fall 2011 L'Wren Scott runway. I especially love the emerald Cartier jewels. The whole look was really a stunning departure from all of the pale gowns we saw on the red carpet.
Pregnant never looked so good! Natalie Portman was an absolute vision in Rodarte, who incidentally designed the costumes for her Oscar winning role in Black Swan.
Moi Contre La Vie 