High Stakes Style
As I look at the gowns streaming down the red carpet I always wonder what makes a gown Oscar-worthy? Even for those lucky celebs who have numerous occasions to get dolled up for, the Academy Awards are still a pretty monumental wardrobe decision.
So knowing the style stakes are so high, it’s always surprising to me that some actresses can still manage to get it wrong. Of course there’s a few who get it right. These are the Oscars! I expect to be shown something pretty that wows me! Here’s some highlights from 2010:
Demi Moore – I adored her feminine, perfectly draped, peach ruffle-tiered Versace. She gets my best-dressed vote! The only thing missing? Her perfect accessory-of-a-husband.
Sarah Jessica Parker – I loved her pale yellow, metallic rosette-encrusted Chanel gown. Along with her piled-high hair, it reminded me of something Holly Golightly would wear.
Rachel McAdams – was feminine and pretty in a refreshing watercolor Elie Saab frock in blue, green and pink.
Sigourney Weaver – always a lady, in beautiful crimson Lanvin.
Sandra Bullock – Her liquid silvery-gold embroidered Marchesa gown was elegant. Her hair and makeup with a bright fuschia lip was pretty, but the dress somehow washed out her usually glowing complexion.
Zoe Saldana – Zoe’s Givenchy gown with a champagne beaded bodice that grew into an ombré explosion of shades of purple will no doubt receive mixed reviews, but she makes anything look prettier just by putting it on.
Vera Farmiga – usually I love ruffles but the tiered pinkberry Marchesa gown overwhelmed the pretty actress.
J Lo – always looks gorgeous with glowing skin and hair, but her Armani Prive pale pink silk organza gown was reminiscent of Kate Hudson’s Marchesa gown from the Golden Globes, but with a train coming out of her hip.
Penelope Cruz – always beautiful, but the Donna Karan strapless dress with ruched pleats wasn’t cutting it for me. The cranberry color blended with the red carpet and was a wintry choice for an award show that is typically a harbinger of spring fashion.
Kate Winslet – hair & makeup looked pretty and the rest is a blah metallic 2-piece blur.
Miley – I couldn’t get beyond the posture. Shoulders back, Miley! Apparently her Jennie Packham gown didn’t come with instructions on proper carriage.
Suzy Amis – your husband is the self-professed King of the World and almost as rich – so why do you look like a disheveled grandma, at half his age? You do get points for your sustainable fashion, though.
Overall this year, there were only a few looks that truly wowed me. What did you think, lovelies?
Photo credits: Getty Images and Just Jarred
March 8, 2010 Comments
Sense-Sational Overload
Picture an office. A really big office space that takes up an entire floor. Now picture it without furniture – but instead - every corner, nook & cranny is curated with captivating contemporary art.
Then, try to visualize not one, but 5 floors of this art, each dedicated to artists hailing from California, New York, Washington DC, and the rest of the world, such as artist Aniekan Udofia of DC.
On top of that, imagine yet another floor filled with live painting and entertainment – last night it was music by DJ Sonny Cheeba and melt-in-your-mouth cuisine courtesy of Elephant Steps and Friends.
You’ve just entered G-40: The Summit, an artistic interpretation of the G-20 political summit. Over 500 artists under one roof in Crystal City for the entire month of March! It’s sensory overload at its best.
Arriving at Plaza 5 last night, I was excited – there was so much to see! The space was so expansive; I had to stop myself from turning cartwheels.
I checked out the New York exhibit on the 5th floor and our DC talent on the 8th floor. Both were full of colorful, inspired pieces.
Local Virginia artist James Walker gets his inspiration from photographs, stating on his site that “It all starts with photographs. I make pictures of everything. All the time.”
I loved this dreamy creation, “Aurora”‘ by Jessica Braiterman, part of the microWave project:
I’m looking forward to going back to see everything else I haven’t viewed yet. I decided to save California and the other artists from around the world for another day.
The location of the event is so convenient – just a pleasant short walk through the Crystal City underground from the metro.
There are even “breadcrumb” markers on the ground along the way with the G-40 logo directing you to the Summit. Parking is easy too.
Make a night of it! Grab dinner before or after the exhibit – take your pick of any of the great restaurants in the area.
G-40: just another hip, fun event brought to you by the Crystal City BID, along with Art Whino and Vornado.
See you at the Summit!
Photo credits: Stephen Elliot
March 3, 2010 Comments
State of the Art Summit
It’s the first day of March and do you know what that means? Goodbye February, Hello, G-40! As in, G-40: The Summit, a contemporary art exhibition featuring the works of over 500 artists from around the world – all under one roof.
Starting today, Crystal City will play host to G-40, an artistic interpretation of the G-20 political summit.
On display for the full month of March, the exhibit will also feature musical and visual performances, lectures, and live painting.
Brought to you by the creative forces of Art Whino, the Crystal City BID, DC Magazine, Vornado and Yelp – the mission of G-40: The Summit is to share and expand the New Brow genre of contemporary underground art.
Here’s a sampling of featured artists:
For a complete listing of artists, visit: http://www.crystalcity.org/artful/g40artists
Schedule:
Wednesday & Thursday: 5pm – 10pm
Friday: 5pm – 12am
Saturday: 12pm – 12am
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Monday & Tuesday the exhibit will be closed.
No tickets required – admission is free.
Location: 223 23rd Street, Arlington VA 22202 (Crystal Drive & 23rd)
March 1, 2010 Comments
Island Candy
LOST Fans: Spoiler Alert!!
There is not one, but two smoke monsters – a.k.a. “Smokeys” – on the island. As in smokin’ hot Sawyer and Jack – and let me tell you, there is nothing frightening about these men except for how scary-good they look in a pair of jeans.
If you don’t watch LOST, you’re missing out. If you do, then you know that this season seems to be all about choosing sides and making decisions.
Whether it’s between right & wrong, good & evil, or the daily choice to wear jeans or cargo pants – alliances are forming.
What we have seen: Sawyer & Jack, two of the main characters, are often pitted against one another over leadership of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 (usually with Luckiest Girl Alive, Kate, in the middle).
Everyone seems to feel compelled to pick sides. I say, why choose?? For now, I opt to remain blissfully unbiased and support both Team Sawyer and Team Jack – even though my heart pitter-patters for just one. You be the judge. Here are their smokin’ stats:
TEAM JACK
Name: Jack Shephard
Occupation: spinal surgeon
Status: currently single
Island attire: jeans, and t-shirts that accentuate his biceps perfectly, especially when it’s pouring rain, which happens frequently on the island. We get to see him more dressed up in flashbacks and flash sideways scenes.
Words of wisdom: “If we can’t live together, we’re gonna die alone.”
What I heart about Jack: he’s brave, a natural leader, has washboard abs, and has the perfect preppy-with-an-edge style (complete with tats).
TEAM SAWYER
Name: James “Saywer” Ford
Occupation: extremely gifted and brilliant con man
Status: single
Island attire: jeans, button-down shirt (both shirt and buttoning: optional), cute homemade reading glasses.
Words of wisdom: “I’m a complex guy, sweetheart.”
What I heart about Sawyer: ummm….everything? Ok, more specifically: his sense of humor; tough exterior that is just a cover for his sensitive, compassionate side; sexy dimples, grin, and eyes; and the way he says, well… pretty much everything. He is well-read and has a way with words.
So who would you choose?
February 26, 2010 Comments
Medestrian Minute: Lily
Every girl has her own unique flair for fashion. The Medestrian takes a minute to ask fashionistas a few questions to learn their style advice and secrets in Medestrian Minute.
To kick off this segment, I’ve asked Mini-Medestrian contributor Lily to share her fashion views.
The setting? Dinner last night at Los Tios in Del Ray with Lily, her brother Billy, and her fashion plate mom, Amy. Lily started off by explaining that yesterday was the exact date of her 6-and-a-half year Birthday.
Lily, always adorable, wore a floral, knee-length skirt with ruffles, a pink sweater, tights, and brown suede boots. She was carrying a pretty pink and white floral purse. Her essentials? Lipgloss and hand sanitizing lotion.
After telling me how much she enjoyed seeing The Lion King on Broadway last weekend, she very graciously agreed to take a minute from her busy schedule to answer my questions…
What is your favorite color?
Lily: “My very favorite? My very favorite color? Pink. Well… pink…or purple…or green. I would say yellow, too.” Consults with her mother: “Mom, my new favorite colors are pink, purple, green and yellow.”
What do you love to wear?
Lily: “Dresses and skirts. Yes, dresses…skirts..and shorts. Oh, and shirts! Pants aren’t my favorite, but you know – you have to wear them sometimes.”
What is your favorite music?
Lily: “Michael Jackson!!”
Who is your best friend?
Lily: “Kate.” I ask her if she means her cousin Kate who I know she is very fond of and she says, “No. I thought you asked who my best friend is, not cousin.” I tell her I stand corrected, make a mental note to stay on my toes, and ask if Kate is a friend from school? She tells me “Yes, I go to school with Kate and she is very, very nice.”
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Lily: “An artist.”
What are your favorite shoes?
Lily: “Ballet flats.” (This is her answer after asking her mom and I “What are those flat shoes that I like with the little bows on them?”)
What is your best fashion advice? Or, what is something that you should never wear?
Lily: “Well…a cowgirl outfit – a boy should never wear a cowgirl outfit. Oh, and you should never wear a cowgirl outfit and a cowboy outfit at the same time.”
I thank Lily for letting me interview her.
Lily: “Are you sure you don’t have any more questions for me?”
I tell her there are no more questions, and then she asks me “are you sleeping over tonight?” I tell her it’s a school night but that I would love to take a raincheck.
Oh, to be exactly-six-and-a-half again!
Spending time with Lily & Billy is always in style!
February 23, 2010 Comments