Cannes Film Festival 2014

Cannes Film Festival 2014

This is my first time doing a red carpet review for this particular event and what I found interesting about it is that you have multiple events from day to evening.  The stars and stylists really have the opportunity to showcase a variety of looks and do a mini fashion tour. The fact that it also takes place in the French Riviera lends more creative freedom in some choices in terms of styling.  

 We have all heard it said that we are our own biggest competition, and that gave me the idea for the theme of this red carpet review. I will be featuring each stars looks paired alongside each other and showcase how they changed it up for the whirlwind that is Cannes.   So without further ado, I hope you enjoy it!

America Ferrera

America keeps things light with a simple preppy look, side swept waves top off the glam polo. She goes seductive good girl gown with an upstyle that allows the vavoom of the opening to take center stage.  Both hit the mark and keep her looking like America's sweetheart.    

Blake Lively

Blake is easily today's style queen. She works that mane of hair to really amp up whatever look she is going for.  Legs are the focal point in her mini dress and the look has that effortless appeal.  She amps up the curl and volume to play off of the ruffled dress, which for me, looks great up top, but something about the bottom half doesn't feel right.  She goes sleek to match the drama of the crimson gown, but nothing comes close to the perfection that is her black and white winner.  It takes something this beautiful to make Ryan Reynolds an afterthought!  The draping, the lips, the formal up style, and yes, the arm candy all make this a look that will be remembered.  

Cate Blanchett

I have to hand it to Cate for really making some thoughtful choices that are very much like art pieces.  Her daytime look draws my eye in, but the proportions make me uncomfortable, though I think this was the intent with the blouse.  The pants on the other hand, seem a bit high and stiff making this one of my least favorites.  Cate keeps a theme of color with her dress and I find the top portion very intriguing.  I like this look better and I give her credit for taking risks as she always does.  

Jessica Chastain

             

Jessica gives us the blues and I love these colors on her skin tone.  I love how she subtly shifts a few elements to transition her day/evening looks.  A flowy daytime periwinkle dress pairs nicely with the red lips on her royal blue formal gown.  Both great choices, though for me the curves on her nigthttime choice make it her winning look.  

Jennifer Lawrence

J Law is tres chic in a jumpsuit for her daytime look with a shimmery gold belt and what I believe to be hair extensions?  I love a halo couture ponytail (now available at Brush Salon!) to really change up a short haircut.  She skips the pony and goes back to short and messy for her evening design with pops of blue peeking through the outline.  

Julianne Moore

Julianne did some heavy promotion for her upcoming role in 'Hunger Games: Mockingjay' showing up in a number of outfits.  Her first look with the pale lavender is a bit too plain and the upturned neckline makes her bust look non existent.  Her second look with the burnt brick leather and flared out black patterned skirt is outrageously hot.  Edgy without trying too hard, this is one of her best looks in a long time. Now her emerald toga, I'm not feeling as much.  It has no shape or form, and her hair bun up like that make it Pebbles Flintstone.  And then there's her pièce de resistance, her pearlescent slinky floor-length gown.  It's vintage and makes a statement.  I typically favor a more body defining dress, but something about it makes me really like it.  It looks like Sesame Street meets Rodeo Drive in the best sense so I will just leave it at that.  

Marion Cotillard

Marion's pleats her way down the red carpet and in her daytime look those shoes completely overshadow the softness of her dress.  She redeems herself to an extent with the silhouette of her evening dress, though theres just that extra bit of fabric that seems misplaced, and the wrinkling with that color drives me crazy.  

Naomi Watts

Naomi keeps it super simple and pretty in pink, in the sense that it looks like she had Aniie Potts make it for her. It's as smooth as pepto bismol. But I am really loving the transitions of hairstyles, here in her day look it's loose and then it shifts to a more polished curl for her fantastic evening piece.  This dress is incredible.  The color, the layering of the fabrics and the asymmetrical neckline catapult this to one of my favorite looks of the festival.  

Nicole Kidman

Nicole cements herself as one of Hollywood's style icons with two mesmerizing dresses.  I love the open pops on the sleeves of her daytime wear, and the way it looks almost like a trenchcoat wrap at the bottom.  It looks smart, comfortable and timeless.  She goes futuristic for her evening gown, the detail is spectacular!  I love the juxtaposition of the tech-exposed hardware with the delicateness of the blue lace.  Original and fresh.  

Paris Hilton

Paris is my guilty pleasure, my Kim Kardashian.  I mean, to me she is the original sex tape reality TV star, but I digress.  She has moved away from her princess barbie looks and hired herself a good stylist judging by these two looks.  Her daytime look is entrancing and fun.  Her hair looks healthy and has moved into a more believable blonde.  Her evening gown is drama drama, and makes me say "That's Hot!"

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

There's no denying how gorgeous Rosie is, and I try to not include models into my red carpet reviews unless it is an event that pertains to them.  Technically she is a model turned actress so she makes the list.  Rosie is one of those lucky people that can look good in anything, and for that very reason, I don't like her black dress.  Just because you can, doesn't mean you should; it's a bit too much with the exposed brassiere feature and the open leg.  However, her silver garment is why she makes the cut.  It is superb.  That's all. 

Ryan Reynolds

Now for a little man break.  I am loving Ryan's new haircut, and slightly distressed but still chic style.  The brown jacket with the patterned shirt, and red kerchief is on par.  Anyone that knows me, knows that I love a vest, and his second look is so nerdy hot, 

I'm stealing this look.  Win win. 

Ryan Gosling

It's a showdown between the Ryans here and it is a close race.  I love his retro button down and slim pants, the combo of pale blue with brown looks great.  He takes it super sharp with his tux and though at first the no accessories jarred me, but it works with his scruff and unkempt hair.  

Sharon Stone

I love Sharon Stone and typically she wows on the red carpet, but at this festival she has a couple missteps.  Her daytime look is a bit too fresh from the pool, "I have a swimsuit on underneath this"and not stylish.  Her second look works but isn't exciting, and it feels dated with the jewelry choices.  

Sophia Loren

Sophia stays true to her italian style and though it's a bit too much red for my taste, it works on her especially for an event like Cannes.  Her champagne hued gown is classic and ageless, and showcases her beautiful jewelry. It's just a bit monochromatic, and I would change up the purse color or the shoes. I do love the tousled hair and layers.  

...a few other standouts

Jane Fonda

This is in my top 3 for this review, the detail, the color, the hair, Jane knows how to rivet the red carpet.  Superb from head to toe, every part of this look was fully thought through, she makes it look easy. 

Uma Thurman

She makes an entrance, this screams to slow down and take a photo.  I love the Kill Bill yellow, the sleeve/cape detail and the walk is runway du jour.  

Salma Hayek

Salma plays down the girls for a change in this fuchsia strapless dress. It's a simple look, and different for her, I like that she went carefree chic.   Her haircolor is St. Tropez gorgeousness with those highlights breaking up the dark brown.  

Thank you again for reading, and make sure you sign up with your email in the top right area to stay updated with each weekly post!  Until next time, 

Take Care!

Travel to... Vancouver 2013

Vancouver, British Columbia

Having been to Vancouver once before in winter and falling in love with it, I have always wanted to return and visit in a warmer time of year.  The air is so crisp, super blue skies, no smog, lush trees line the skyline and coastal, what more could you ask for?  It i definitely a walking/cycling friendly city and they built the roads around people, not automobiles. This does create traffic in the metropolitan areas as there are no expressways going through or too near the downtown areas, but this makes public transit  easy and with the majority of the downtown being residential there is plenty to do in all the boroughs. Here is my trip itinerary and reviews from June 2013. Enjoy!

Lodging

We found an amazing deal for the Four Seasons on Expedia and having wanted to stay at one of their hotels for many years now, it was a simple decision.  The location is excellent, the concierge is phenomenal, we got upgraded to a king suite, it felt like we had a penthouse apartment overlooking the city.  They have all the amenities a five star hotel like an indoor/outdoor pool and gym and a very highly reviewed restaurant.  

                                                 http://www.fourseasons.com/vancouver/

Restaurants

Kitsilano Daily Kitchen-  Really liked this place, super friendly, very intimate, and I felt that the head chef is really doing his passion. We tried the 6 course tasting menu, which came with 5 savory and one sweet dish. What I love is that this place's menu really changes everyday based on what they pick up from local and regional markets. They are walking distance from Granville Island which I will get into more later, but it houses much local produce and proteins.  Ordering the tasting menu is quite the adventure, you are asked about any allergies and how you prefer your meat cooked in case it applies.  Then you are treated to beautifully arranged dishes ours of which ranged from octopus and squid, to quail and the most amazing pork dish I have had in quite a while.  Highly recommend!

http://www.kitsdaily.com/

The Teahouse- Nestled right in Stanley Park, it used to be used for military purposes during WWII and afterwards became a place that did high tea for the affluent.  It closed for a couple years and reopened in 1978 to what is still is today, an oceanfront and woodsy plantation style locale with the goods to match.  I loved the ambience and glass roof, let you appreciate the views all around.  We booked a sunset dinner and shared the stuffed mushrooms (fantastic), clam chowder manhattan style (it was ok) and for my entree I had the duck confit (delicious).  For dessert we shared the chocolate mousse cake with mascarpone center (amazing).  This is definitely a place to share a romantic or special dinner and to really get to see all the natural beauty of Vancouver.  Very highly recommend.  

http://www.vancouverdine.com/teahouse

Tavola- Loved the ambience of this place, it felt like an old diner they refashioned into a swanky hangout. Loved the buzz of the patrons, the 1960's design, very Mad Men-esque.  Love that they had non alcoholic drink selections and they were yummy.  For starters we had eggs and anchovies, they were delicious!  Hard boiled and dressed, super good.  I had one of the specials of the night which was Linguini with crab and I enjoyed it, but wasn't wowed.  My partner had one of their main dishes on the menu, the Pulled Pork Pacherri Ragu and it was very good.  

http://tavolavancouver.com/tavolavancouver.com/welcome.html

Goldie's Pizza- This place defiantly can hold its own against NYC pizza.  Loved the thin crust, and the pizza by the slice selection.  There is something for everyone here, and you can eat there, takeout or delivery and they do deliver to hotels as well.  Super delicious! It was recommended by our concierge as a local hangout and where you go for just excellent pizza.  

http://www.goldiespizza.com/

A La Mode on Granville Island- Loved this place. I ate here the last time I visited and it still is delicious! I had the clam chowder pot pie, there are so many to choose from and it really hits the spot.  They are located right in the public market and a snack like this is just what you crave after seeing all the desserts, teas, and produce they have fully stocked in here.  A definite must see.  

http://granvilleisland.com/directory/la-mode

Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe-  The best thing about this place is its location and there wasn't a wait.  I had clam chowder, it was ok and we shared the fish and chips.  They were flaky, but it was just a meal to get us through our walking around the city.  Nothing too special and if you're on Granville island, just go to one of the public markets for a snack or meal.   

http://www.tonysfish-granvilleisland.com/

Milestones- We had breakfast here, I tried their Prime Rib hash, and it was good.  Tasted a little too sweet rather than salty which I am used to with a hash.  My partner had their Shrimp Eggs Benedict and he loved it... so much so that by the time I was going to sneak a bite, it was all gone!  That is a great sign.  They also have a good selection of non alcoholic drinks so I do appreciate that.  It's a standard restaurant overall though, not a must go to.  

http://www.milestonesrestaurants.com/

Caffe Artigiano- Ok so this is more of a coffee spot,  but we had their breakfast wraps a couple of times en route through the city and they do not disappoint. Its definitely not your Starbucks pre made food, nor its prices, but the difference in cost is well worth.  The coffee was good too, so much so that I did a repeat trip which i rarely do in my travels as I want to cover as much ground as possible.  They have a few locations throughout the city.  

http://www.caffeartigiano.com/

Sightseeing 

Cycle City Tours-  I highly recommend a cycling tour of the city.  We did the Grand vancouver which was 5 hours, and the pace was great.  The city isn't too hilly so it makes for a nice ride.  You hit up so many of the historical and scenic areas and get the background on them as well.  I love how much a cycling city that Vancouver is and continues to be more and more, so much that they have lanes on major streets throughout the city.  They also offer outdoor art tours, foodie tours and private tours among others.  a great way to get familiar with the city.  You can also just rent your own bike through Spokes, which is right at the opening to Stanley Park and they offer maps and suggestions as to where to go.  

http://cyclevancouver.com/

http://www.spokesbicyclerentals.com/

Museum of Vancouver- This museum offers the history of the city and I must say its a bit sleepy.  If you are really looking to learn more about it, like I was, then yes check it out, I do find that sort of thing  fascinating, but maybe its not for everyone.  I do wish they had more on the FIrst Nations, which is how they refer to their Native Americans, but I understand that a lot of the history was passed on orally so  it has been lost.  There are a couple of changing exhibits and at this time they were Neon signs of Vancouver, Sex education of Vancouver and Fonzie's Fotos, who was a street photographer for decades documenting the fashions of the street. 

http://www.museumofvancouver.ca/

Stanley Park- A definite must see. It is the largest urban park in the world, it is an actual temperate rainforest, houses many animals such as salmon, beavers and cougars. It has a lake hidden at its center, 800 year old cedar tress, moss growing off the bark of other trees, ferns, wildflowers and a seawall that encompasses the entire 5+ mile circumference.  On the northern most part, the Lionsgate Bridge takes you over to North And West Vancouver.  Truly breathtaking.  

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

Totem poles or "Story poles" as they are called here, welcome you into Stanley Park. These are recreated ones that are now housed either in museums or on First Nations properties.   

The Seawall is a popular place for cyclists, joggers and dog walkers. 

Beaver Lake

A tree grows out of a logged dead Cedar remains signaling that the forest reuses all of its resources. 

Granville Island- A man made island right across from the downtown area, it houses the public market, which is a like any farmers market but on steroids.  Fresh fish, bakeries, coffee, tea, art,  all of the cities best offering can be found here. The city doesn't allow any corporations to lease any space on the island, only local businesses.  It has a great vantage point of the city's skyline. 

http://granvilleisland.com/public-market

The view of the West End from Granville Island

Victoria and Butchart Gardens- Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia on Vancouver island.  It is about a 90 minute ferry ride over from the port which is about 40 minutes away from downtown Vancouver.  The best way to get there is to do a tour which will pick you up at your hotel and take you over, to the gardens and bring you back.  It does take an entire day to do that and you can shorten that by taking a biplane to and fro but that is more pricey.  Now having done it, I don't think I will ever need to do it again unless I am going with someone who has never been and really wants to go.  The town is pretty sleepy and kind of a tourist trap.  The main streets are souvenir shops, and basically miniature sized versions of what they have in Vancouver.  Since we were there we decided to really do it up and had high tea at the Empress hotel which is covered in ivy and looks like huge Vegas hotel in comparison to its surroundings.  They have a place called Miniature World that makes dollhouses and tiny sceneries out of famous novels, historical events and circuses.  It was actually pretty neat.  Afterwards we headed over to Butchart Gardens and it is spectacular.  You are surrounded in natural beauty of the hills and are in a manmade miracle of flowers, ponds, greenhouses, Icannot even do it justice by explaining in words.  It is a must see. The Butchart family found wealth in concrete production in the late 1800's and this was the woman of the houses' passion.  It has been passed down through the family and is maintained now by the admissions and city.  The real breath taker is the sunken gardens where she actually was told she would never be able to garden, but she created a sort of hanging swing to drop into the canyon and make use of all her land.  So well worth the entire trip over and I just felt in awe and at peace there.  

http://www.victoria.ca/

http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/

http://www.miniatureworld.com/

http://www.butchartgardens.com/

"Miniature World"

The Fairmont Empress Hotel

The Capitol Building

"Over 100 years in bloom"

The Sunken Garden

 Thank you for reading my little blog!