Best and Worst Dressed Oscars 2011

Did you watch the Oscars last night?  We got home around 9:30, so we DVR’d it and fast forwarded through some of the speeches.  Overall, it had kind of an awkward vibe.  I love James Franco and Anne Hathaway, but something felt a little off.  I thought the winners were well deserved and aside from Sandy, Natalie and Colin Firth, I don’t really remember any of the speeches…

The fashion to me is always the best part, and I thought these ladies looked smashing…

And my favorite of all – so soft, simple and beautiful!  She’s stunning.

 

These ladies confused me.  Melissa Leo looks like a human doily. Jen Hudson’s body is rocking now, but her dress is unflattering and Nicole Kidman appears to be wearing a shield on her hips.   They have all seen better days.

What were your thoughts?!

Have a Crazy Fun Weekend!

Can you believe February is almost over?  Where does time go?  I hope you have a great weekend! 

 

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New Blog Design!

I’m excited to share some blog news. My talented sister in law (and author of Tailored,) Lindsay, is redesigning my blog – starting with the background and header. I’m so excited, as she knows all sorts of fancy web design things (like what CSS means?) and is a Blogger Master. For inspiration, I sent her images and color samples from websites like Fschumacher and Pantone.  (Beware: both are highly addictive!)  Here’s a peak at my inspiration –  I can’t wait to show you her finished product!

Inspirational Backgrounds – these are actual wallpaper samples I thought would make a nice blog background..

Color Palette… 

Inspirational Headers  - these headers embody what I love – they are clean, simple and modern (and just a touch feminine)

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts – what do you like or dislike?

On another note, if you need any design work done, you should consider Lindsay - she’s very talented, super easy to work with and passionate!   She lives in Chicago, but with the beauty of the interwebs, she can work anywhere.  Lindsay specializes in wedding stationary and custom design. It’s gorgeous!  Check out her own custom monogram for their wedding last summer.

Pretty in Pink…or Honeysuckle

Every since Pantone announced the 2011’s Color of the Year as honeysuckle, it appears to be popping up everywhere, from Fashion to the Home.  I admit it took me awhile to get used to the color, but I can’t help but feel energized by it’s bright cheerfulness.  It also feels very “Spring”  and timely.  If I was going to decorate with it, I like the idea of using it in small doses, like pillows or fresh flowers.

Clockwise from left 1. Pantone 2. image unknown 3. Kate Spade blouse 4. honeysuckle from Pantone website 5. Kate Spade Purse  6. Chairs from Pieces 7. Dining Room – image unknown

What do you think of honeysuckle?

NYFW::Kate Bosworth

I thought Kate Bosworth looked perfect at the  NYFW 2011 Calvin Klein show.  What works here?  I think it's her orange dress, simple make up and minimal jewelry.  Gorgeous!

Home.Sweet. Home.

After being out of town almost every weekend in 2011, I am enjoying being home…Traveling is so fun, but nothing beats waking up in your bed.

I have kind of felt like this chick every Sunday for the last month – except when I’m sleeping in an airport, it usually involves less leopard print and realizing my mouth has been wide open for the world to see.

Hope you had a restful weekend!

NYFW::Fall 2011 Trends

Disclaimer:  I know little to nothing about fashion except what I like, a few designers and how a well made or Tailored piece can go a long way. (Note to self: remove ‘fashion’ from blog tag line)…Anyway, this week the blogosphere has blown up with bloggers  front and center sharing their experiences at New York Fashion Week.   My personal favorite is the ever so cheeky Man Repeller.  She’s hilarious!  I  love it. 

Since I’m certainly not sitting front row at NYFW, I thought I’d share some of the collections and trends I spotted on Style.com   Whether you are a fashionista or just lucky you were able to get dressed without embarrassing yourself this morning, it’s always fun to look.

Marchesa – whimsical and ballerina-ish.  This reminds me so much of Black Swan.

L’Wren Scott – Purple is the choice color this season

  

Tory Burch – feminine with prints and lace

Monochromatic – clean and simple.  Just like Michael Kors.

All images via

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sending the love (and something sweet) on Valentine’s Day…Now off to make this.

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Hope you have a great day!

French Inspired Valentine’s Day Menu

In the summer of 2004 I studied abroad in Paris, and it won my heart.  I fell in love with the food, museums, people watching, art and overall culture.  I don’t know what it is but lately I’ve been obsessed with going back.    My in-laws just returned from a fabulous visit, and my good friend Abby and her husband are going this Spring.  I’m crazy jealous.   Since we can’t go to Paris, I’ll do my best to bring it here. 

Here’s a French-inspired Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu.  It’s a little ambitious for me – especially on a  Monday night after work, but c'est la vie!

Let me know if you’d like recipes for any of the above.

Hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

PS: We don’t plan to drink both bottles of wine if you’re concerned – just wanted options!

Bienvenidos a Miami

A couple of months ago on a very cold day, I was delighted when my sweet sister-in-law asked if I’d like to take a weekend trip to the warm promise land known as Miami, specifically this place.  My response was something like. “Yes. Can we leave immediately'?” … Well the time has finally come, and I’m so excited to spend it with some fabulous lady friends while enjoying both the luxury and relaxation Canyon Ranch offers, as well as the crazy glitz of South Beach.

Since this is supposed to be an exercise retreat, I’m looking forward to doing some long overdue yoga, but the pics of the Shore Club Hotel spotted here  are really what get my heart racing!

Yoga Cat

Shore Club Hotel

Have a great weekend and try and stay warm!!

Valentine’s Day Round Up

Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap, and I totally get that. It feels a little forced and cheesy .  If you love someone, shouldn’t you tell them everyday – not just when Hallmark tells you to?  Regardless, I can’t help but smile when I see some of these V-day inspired images.  Who knows, maybe I’ll even buy some of those darn conversation hearts this year… I guess they are kind of cute…

 

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Spotted here and here

What are your plans for Vday?

William Wilson House

Last night on our way to a Super Bowl party, I spotted a gorgeous, huge home for sale in Woodland Heights – a charming, historic Houston neighborhood. It’s rare to see such large homes (this one is over 6600 SF!) in the Heights, so I looked it up on HAR to see pictures. It turns out the home is a protected landmark that was originally built by Houston developer William Wilson, founder of Woodland Heights. According to this article, the house went on to serve as a nursing home, artist commune and assisted living home after Wilson’s death. Eventually it began to deteriorate, and local residents were concerned for its demise until current owner (and realtor,) Bill Baldwin purchased the home and took on the major undertaking of its restoration.

Here are some pictures of the beautiful, historic home. For Before and After pics, click here.

Exterior

Kitchen

Former basement converted to a Wine Cellar – brilliant!

Living Room

I love the history behind the home, and how the renovators maintained the original design. And think, for only $2.1 MM it can be yours!

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Getting Cozy…

Because it’s a Snow Day in Houston (never mind the lack of snow)…I love working from home (more specifically my bed,) and curling up with a digital magazine to  look at pretty images like these from the Premiere Issue of High Gloss.

 

Hope you’re staying warm!

All images are from  High Gloss.

Insanely Beautiful Wedding Video

Wow!  That’s pretty much all I had to say after seeing this gorgeous wedding featured on Style Me Pretty.  The beautiful couple (she reminds me of the pretty brunette on 90210, and he’s Joseph Gordon Levitt’s doppelganger – like totally) are adorable and I love the unique, hipster touches they created on their Big Day.  I emailed the bride, Racheal, to see if she’d mind me posting her video, and she was so sweet and enthusiastic…Be sure to check out her cute blog, Lace and Likes. 

Additionally, the wedding gallery pictures by Tec Petaja can be found here.

Swoon.  It’s so sweet – I love their personal messages to each other and the music.

Wedding Preview: Noah and Rachael 8.14.10 from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Video by Cana Video Production

PS: I know I got married 3.5 years ago, but I still love seeing what people do.  They are so creative!!

Brrr…Dressing for the Cold

Like most of the country, we are cold here in Houston.   The problem I have with cold weather is dressing functionally while looking somewhat decent.  I stumbled across this picture of Reese Witherspoon recently, and I think she’s wearing the perfect winter outfit.  I love her choice of color (or lack thereof really) and tailored, well made pieces.  She looks appropriately dressed for the weather without looking like the Michelin Man.

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Somehow when I leave the house on a cold weather day, I feel like Joey in the ‘Friends’ episode when he put on ALL of Chandler’s clothes.  I don’t remember why he did that now, but I do know squats were involved.

What do you wear to keep warm???