Golden Globes 2014

Golden Globes 2014

What an exciting night! I really look forward to the Golden Globes because of its tipsy attitude and the plethora of celebrities from film and TV. There were so many great looks tonight, and some misses as well.  With this review I will be getting a little snarky, but it's all in good fun, and just my opinion and there are also some links provided to reference some of the things I mention, so lets get to it!

I'm starting with these two by Julia Roberts and Zooey Deschanel, and with these strong statement looks, its either love it or hate it.  Totally not my thing and I just feel that if you have a stylist and a good budget you should bring a knockout look onto the red carpet. Julia's business on the top, party on the bottom "mullet dress" as I'm calling it was just a complete WTH?  It channels Sharon Stone's gorgeous outfit from the 1998 Oscars (click here) and Julia's own Oscar winning vintage Valentino (click here) but gets close to neither.  Zooey gets points for her hair, loved the actual rose above her rose bun which is right on trend but the ill fitted crop top and the tulle on bottom jut feels like a little girl playing dress up with her moms' clothes.   Speaking of Moms...

The baby bump was a hot accessory on the red carpet and Kerry Washington and Olivia Wilde just make motherhood look amazing!  Love the simplicity of Kerry's dress and brooch holding together the girls to showcase her belly.  Olivia goes for sultry with her emerald sequined splendor. Hairstyles were very similar with soft curls and strong side parts and keep these looks from looking too "Mom hair". 

Now the way to NOT do a maternity look, Drew Barrymore is this years' Valentine's Day cheerleader in a dress by Monique Lhullier.  Normally I am a fan of Drew in flowers, but this dress is just heavy and it looks a throw they sell at Anthropologie.   Emma Thompson isn't actually preggo, but with this poorly fitted dress it definitely begs the question... loved the big hair and her presentation on the stage though. 

Amy Adams and Elisabeth Moss were winners on the stage, but not so much on the red carpet.  The dresses for me were just ok, but the hair and makeup choices were terrible.  Amy's hair style choice is a bit too bridesmaid-y and I think could have been ravishing if she had channeled her character from 'American Hustle'.  Elisabeth Moss' hair color is just a bit to dark and product heavy, but not in the way some of the stars were wearing it at tonights show.  

Metallics were huge again this year and I am such a fan of sparkle, I cannot even begin to tell you how excited this made me.  Mila Kunis normally is on point at these awards shows but the fit up top makes her shoulders look awkward and it appears stiff not sexy. Tatiana Maslany's dress spills onto the red carpet and this classic Hollywood look is so effortless, and so gorgeous.  Loved the hair and makeup choices that echo the genre of the dress while still keeping it relevant in today's fashion. 

Naomi Watts drips in this slinky number, its a great look if not a bit reminiscent of her at the Oscars last year. Lily Rabe plays it safe and doesnt get burned at the stake in her 1950's form.  I love the dark sparkle, its a great winter look.  Her 'Coven' girls would be proud. 

Emma Roberts takes the crown from her aunt tonight and smolders in her off the shoulder mermaid number.  The earrings aren't a miss, but I just think a precious stone chandelier would've been the right accessory.  Sarah Paulson wears more what Lily Rabe's swamp character would have chosen as a dress, which isn't a total bad thing, but the length is a little off for me and overall it doesn't look expensive.  The hair is fab though.  

The girls from 'Girls' went method and showed up as their respective characters. Allison Williams went high style a lá Marnie; Jemima Kirke went too boho but not so 'Jessa' chic with that terrible print; Lena Dunham surprised in a canary gown, though I must say this is a step up from her previous appearances; Zosia Mamet is quirky much like Shoshanna only without the hair donut (thank goodness). 

Emma Watson looked gorge and so chic and comfortable on the red carpet. I loved the cupped sleeves, the color, she just radiates here.  Jennifer Lawrence's dress on any one else could have been a disaster, but her personality, her hair , the lipstick, all of that saved it and I predict it will be one that is remembered for a while.  It's not completely hideous, it's not completely great, it is just memorable.  

I like the idea Jessica Chastain was going for, and after her last appearance at the Oscars, I look forward to her eccentric choices in hair design.  So I appreciate the risks she takes and overall this was a safe look for her, but not a standout.  Julianna Margulies looked amazing from the waist up, I loved the gold accents on the sleeves...not so much on the bottom portion of the gown. It became upholstery with it being too much gold accenting.  

Reese Witherspoon is always on point with her hair whether it be when she wore the bangs that everyone clamored for (click here), to the luscious waves (click here) and tonight shes on point with her sleek 'lob'.  The dress is just the accessory to above the shoulders for me.  Sofia Vergara looks so elegant and I was ecstatic to see her in something more formal but still very much her signature.  

Ok this might be because I am a 90's kid, but for whatever weird reason I kind of liked these dresses worn by Sandra Bullock and Taylor Swift.  I love the pops of color on Sandra's gown, it was very different and I know its not for everyone but at first sight of it, it just made me happy, then at further observation it started to look more like a variation of a rocket pop.  T-Swift holds the flavor longer with hers, it looked beautiful on the stage but the black accent reads more like an exposed bra in photos.  

Aubrey Plaza and Sarah Hyland go full on prom mode, these looks are way too young, and as though they were designed by Lisa Frank.. ( if you don't know who that is click here )

Its great to be on trend, but what's even better is knowing when a fashion has peaked and sadly thats the not the case with Caitlin Fitzgerald as she showed up like she wandered off the set of Mad Men.  It's way too costume-y and even when that was the look, I don't think I would have cared for this. Leslie Mann looks gorgeous with the hair and makeup but the peplum kills it for me with this one.  Perhaps it was on sale?

But before we get to the best we have to go through the worst IMO...

Like ripping off a band aid, I will make this short and sweet so its less painful.  Amber Heard and Anna Gunn suffer from heavy fabrics and poor detail.  Amber's slit looks more like a rip, Anna's twist seeems misshapen, I don't love it.  

HALT-er crimes committed by Edie Falco and Hayden Panetierre.  That bow is hideous and way too much fabric on Edie, Hayden just needs something to flatter her stature, and I would recommend covering some shoulder with a plunging neckline to add height or a sweetheart style for her frame.  

Paula Patton has a growth on her gown and no one told her about it! I was literally shocked by this fluffy fail, it appears as if she's wearing the polar vortex as a fashion statement.  Taylor Schilling chose a floor length camisole, but that wasn't bad enough so she opted for kelly green...yikes!

So that brings us to our best looks of the evening!

Kate Beckinsale terminated so much of the competition tonight.  The sweetheart cut to the spilling subtle train, the art deco lines, the shimmer, love it! The soft hair juxtaposes the strong look and brings this look together nicely cementing her as my Best look of the night #4. 

Lupita Nyong'o is my #3 best dressed with her blood orange red powerful gown. I loved the cape, loved the color on her, loved the short hair!  This is what you do when you are up and coming, and are nominated for one of your first works, this is what creates buzz and if nothing else puts you on a best dressed list for years to come. 

Kate Mara is my #2 and I cannot say enough about this look. The metallic, the beautiful detail of the peek a boo ruffle that ties in the detail on the sleeve, the draping, I can go on and on.  The hair, the cleavage, simply stunning.  Which brings me to my bet look of the night...

Cate Blanchett.  She is always decadent on the carpet, she really thinks about her choices just as she does with her film work.  She can wear virtually anything and I love that she doesnt really repeat a look.  This is so couture, so perfect for a winter event.  The lace, the symmetry, the open back, it was all just perfection.  I loved the tucked hair, with the soft side parted fringe, it was just chosen with the knowing she would walk up to accept an award for her incredible performance in 'Blue Jasmine'.  

That sums up the women and for a change tonight the men brought some great looks to the table and deserve some of the fashion attention. 

These guys collaborated with their women and I love that they really worked to not outshine each other and complement as a pair.  Matthew McConaughey brought just enough shimmer to his suit to compete with Camilla Alves but I am not a complete fan of the dark green velvet.  He looks so good, so it oesnt make him look bad, but its just not my favorite.  Chris Hemsworth does a smiliar look here as Matthew, but I love this one.  I love the pocket watch, the color choice, it was different enough but still very dapper.  

Bradley Cooper looks like he is the definition for how to dress to an awards show in 2014.  The tailoring, the simplicity, the tan, yum.  I like the crop cut he has especially after seeing him with a perm for two hours in 'American Hustle'.  Usher goes for a burgundy suit here and I don't like it, he looks as if he is an usher for the event tonight.  

Chris Pine and Leonardo DiCaprio mirror each other with subtle differences, but Chris takes the lead with a bit more volume to his hair, the absence of black buttons, and just a bit more fitted style.   Leo's scruff looks less intentional and his hair a bit too product heavy. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and lets see if the SAG Awards brng anything interesting to the table!  I appreciate feedback and comments as well of message me here.  Until next time...

Sincerely,

Travel to...Lynchburg, VA

Lovely Lynchburg, Virginia

I have the fortunate opportunity to travel for education withmy  Loreal Professionnel job as an Educator for them and this years' fall Artist Foundation was held in Virginia.  A historical city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains is also known as "the city of seven hills" and has a few noteworthy attractions.  After spending the day in its downtown with my camera in hand, I noticed that the seemingly once lively downtown is more of a relic filled with antique stores and deserted  buildings.  Worn off advertisements on brick buildings yearn for the audience that used to parade these streets.  Downtown Lynchburg was at first to me, disappointing and a little sad.  Coming from a populous area of California, that is pretty constant with its growth rate, I wandered around hoping to see some signs of rebirth, or construction.  The beautiful dilapidated homes on the hillside overlooking downtown, hint at the Gatsby-esque balls and parties that could've been held there; now either boarded-up empties or never-updated homes in a less affluent area.  I was urged to look closer, and appreciate the beauty, the promise of this town and so I kept returning, for dinner, for strolling and I began to see that spark happening, with the buzz of a salon converted from an apartment building or a now 4 star hotel that used to be a shoe factory.  Perhaps this is as good as it gets for this town anymore? or maybe in ten years it could be like San Diego's redeveloped Gaslamp district?  Thats not for everyone I suppose; I'm not even sure myself how I feel about many of our western towns becoming so homogenous with their urban outfitters and lululemons. I think it was me and my opinion that needed to change and see the town for its museum-like preserved qualities and the picture it paints of the south that if you are passing through,  consider staying for a look.  

Craddock Terry Hotel used to be a shoe factory with one of their main products being combat boots for World War II

Schewels is one of the only still successful stores on Main St in its original location with locations throughout as well.

Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest

Located out in the suburbs area of Lynchburg is one of Thomas Jefferson's estates. It was a summer home of his that he was adding onto up until his death.  Pictured to the right is one of the "necessaries" or outhouses that were used at the time. I must say it is the nicest outhouse I've seen thus far!

http://www.poplarforest.org

  
About 45 miles outside of Lynchburg are The Natural Caverns and Natural Bridge.  If you are a fan of wonders, I highly recommend the drive.  Its scenic in itself and once you get here you are greatly rewarded.  The caverns are thousands of years old, and are closed during rain due to the fact that they are underground and become a river for the water.

http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/caverns-natural-bridge-virginia.php

The Natural Bridge gave me a sense of peace just to see it.  Carved out by a creek/river that just chipped away at it over thousands of years, it stands there now with a highway on top of it...

The view from underneath the Natural Bridge

A few of the other highlights I would like to mention-

Jimmy's on James Restaurant- Live music and good food make this a go to in downtown.  The walls are flanked with pictures of old Hollywood and I ate my fried green tomato crab crake stakc listening to songs by Sinatra and Bennett. 

http://www.jimmysonthejames.com

The Muse Coffee-  The best coffee I had during my stay in Lynchburg.  Full bodied, flavorful, great service and love the mini upstairs. Hip ambience and it became my go to after sampling other less superior spots.  I even purchased a bag to bring home!

http://www.themusecoffeeco.com

Biscuitville-  This place caught my attention as the line literally wrapped around the block.  It is just the sort of greasy spot you would expect to come across in the south.  I was good by only ordering a snack but when in Lynchburg...

My accomodations were setup through Loreal, and I wouldnt really recommned it.  If staying in Lynchburg, you must stay at the Craddock Terry Hotel and i would have changed my accomodations but they were not available for my time frame. A lovely hotel with its own restaurant "Shoemakers'. 

http://www.craddockterryhotel.com

Thank you for reading and coming next week is a fashion review of the MTV video awards!

Apparently they think they still play music videos?!

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!