CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Monday, February 28, 2011

83rd Annual Academy Awards - FASHION

and now, my favorite part - the stars and their fashion!!!

Let me start off by saying that I DESPISE this new structured dress trend. I am aware that it is high fashion, however to me these structured shoulders and hip rolls look to me like someone carved Styrofoam and sewed fabric around it. I am not a fan at all. It reminds me of old-fashioned bum rolls, and I never liked those either. I think my favorite look of the night - believe it or not - was Reese Witherspoon. First of all, she is such a doll. I loved the simplicity of her gown, and the black with just the small band of white at the bust is so sophisticated. I feel like Avant Garde is okay at fashion shows, art shows and the like, but for the red carpet, I feel like sophisticated is the way to go. Again, less is more. I was also a big fan of Sandra Bullock's red gown. Again very classy and sophisticated, and I liked the asymmetrical shape of the bust line. She just blows me away with her natural comedic personality. To me she is the perfect balance between poise, professionalism, and down-to-earth. (Love that woman. Jesse James, you are a FOOL.)

I was pleased with the majority of Anne Hathaway's picks out of her 7 outfit changes. Her maroon gown with the beading detail was most definitely my favorite of her choices for the evening. She has impeccable taste when it comes to gowns. I was not a big fan of the blue, off-the-shoulder gown however. It reminded me too much of blue liquid latex, but that is just my personal opinion.

Jennifer Hudson - BRAVO! Though the tangerine colored gown was a little loud, it fit well with her complexion...and I have to say though only a presenter, it may have seemed over the top to some, but mad props to her. Her figure looks better than it ever has, and she should be proud to show it off! Mila Kunis, the lavender color went amazing with her complexion as well, though I was not a fan of the fluttery ruffles. Penelope Cruz looked so glamorous, and fiery in her gown, the new mom looked amazing. ScarJo's dress was beautiful. I really liked the cut and color, but poor girl looked so uncomfortable in it, and I wish she had done something more with her hair, I was not fond of the classy dress with the bedhead hair. It just didn't work for me. Michelle Williams look ahhh-maaaz-iiiing. I am not the biggest fan of short sleeves on gowns, but her textured white gown was to die for. She carried it very well, and with her cut little pixie hairdo and classic makeup, she looked angelic. So very classy and feminine, loved it! Hilary Swank's was almost perfect. I like the gradient color and the cut of the dress - but I am not the biggest fan of THAT much feathers. Likewise Halle Berry's dress was gorgeous, right under the overspill of white tulle jutting out near the bottom. I think if the train were made from the same nude-look, glitzy material as the rest of the dress, it would have been perfect. The tulle just looked like an afterthought to me. She is still gorgeous regardless, and could pull off damn near anything. =)

And let's not forget the fabulous Natalie Portman! I loved how natural her makeup was, and her plum colored gown was perfect for a pregnant starlet. Loved that it was such a romantic, flowy material. I am not at all a big fan of those really tight gowns showing off the baby bump...I cant put my finger on why. I feel like she looked beautiful, and comfortable - which is important for a pregnant woman, let's not stress baby. I also adored how her husband walked her to stage and helped her up the steps to retrieve her award for Best Leading Lady. It was sooo touching. Let me also add in, I love how she took the time to thank some of the people behind the scenes that most people don't think of. The camera operators, makeup artists, costume designers, etc. Class-act, that one.

My least favorites of the night were Melissa Leo's mirrored doily look, Gwyneth Paltrow's aluminumesque dress with the strange neckline that looked like it had been slit straight down, but Cate Blanchett takes the cake for worst dress in my eyes. A lot of people found it stunning, however between the color, the bib-like effect, and the leather covered pearls strangely arranged around the 'bib'....it looked to me like her dress had a bad herpes outbreak. And what was with the two very random putrid yellow streaks going up and over her shoulders???

On another note, I would like to add that one of the things I love about Helena Bonham Carter is her quiet confidence and ability to wear things that cater to her individual and eccentric style. Sometimes it is a total miss, but I thought she did a phenomenal job last night. As did the guys, but then it is hard to mess up any man in a suit. Christian Bale could have trimmed his grizzly beard though.

I'd like to thank the Academy...

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards
Ok, let me first start by saying that this year I did not see any of the main competitors in the running for the best Picture. So this year it was more about the fashion and the hosts for me, than the films themselves.

So I will start off with my review of the elements I did and did not like about the actual show, then rave about the fashion in a seperate post. =)

I have a mixed review on the new, younger hosts this year. While I enjoyed that it was much less - drab than usual, I was not really happy with the hosting. Anne Hathaway I feel held her own, though her jokes were not delivered quite as natural as I'd hoped. James Franco on the other hand, did not impress me. I feel like he is more comfortable acting that he is being natural in front of the camera. I was ready for full out humor as dictated by the commercials and ads for the show - however, to me he seemed very blase and lacking in personality. Perhaps, and I am going to throw this out there, he was extremely nervous. As normal day to day citizens we get starstruck, but surely stars also get starstruck, not just by the vast amount of talent filling that theatre, but by the fact that some of their very own idols are sitting out there, eyes on them. I did like the singing skit that Anne did about Hugh Jackman, it had it's comical moments. However, the 'Movie Musicals' segment didn't cut it for me. I found it quite cheesy. As far as the outfit changes, I feel that Anna did an amazing job (I even really liked her custom tailored suit!) James, wtf was with the white leotard? Clearly it was meant to be funny, but I wasn't impressed. I don't think men's junk sack bouncing around is at all attractive, even he was trying to use his hand as a shield at one point. Nice ass though! I'll give him that. I also liked how he came out in drag as Marilyn Monroe in the "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" iconic fuchsia gown, then that could be that I am a HUGE Marilyn fan, but any man willing to come out in drag to counteract Anne's suit, gets respect. That takes some cojones.

I enjoyed a few aspects of the show - first and foremost the stage setup was incredible. I loved the simplicity of it, the way the arch screens visually sparkled most of the time with that golden starry effect. I think that sometimes, award shows go way overboard with the set up. I feel like in many cases, less is more - and in this case it was not jumping out at you the entire time, instead creating a subtle visual interest. One of my favorite moments of the night was Celine Dion's rendition of the song 'Smile' which is definitely one of my favorite songs. I still think she looks like a bobblehead, albeit a very talented one. It was so well-suited for the 'In Memorium' segment of the show, as opposed to the typical orchestra usually playing in the background. Michael Douglas' father Kirk Douglas was a little difficult to understand what with his age and stroke a few years ago, but man was he a character. I love when people are elderly and they still keep a sense of themselves, and a great character. A lot of people are buzzing however, about the first televised award going to Mellisa Leo - who dropped the F-bomb in her acceptance speech. Here's the thing, yes it had to be bleeped out, but you could see the utter shock and emotion on the woman's face. That is a big accomplishment for any actor/actress. I personally found that to be my favorite acceptance speech, DUE to the realism of it. All in all, I found the show to be mediocre. It wasn't a total bomb.

I also liked the kids singing at the end of the show, though it would have been nicer if they were more in sync with one another as far as the swaying and hanf movements. It was really nice to have them perform onstage, flanked byt he evenings winners. That is a once in a lifetime opportunity that those children will never forget.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Valentine, shmalentine.

Valentine's Day - February 14th. I absolutely HATE this holiday. Yet at the same time - I don't. I'm always ... hopeful.

I am not that girl who has ever really experienced anything...romantic. The most romantic thing I have ever experienced was a motorcycle ride to the beach to watch the sunset. Except it was cloudy, and you couldn't even see the sunset. I was dating this same guy a few years back on Valentine's Day - the first time I have ever had a valentine. It was a case of some flowers delivered to the office, with pink roses in them (I HATE pink, and roses die in 2 days, he knew this)and that was it. Didn't see him. Didn't hear from him. Coincidentally, the relationship ended not long after. That was my ONLY valentine. Since school, at any rate - when we used to exchange those ridiculously cute little cards. Oh and there was one in high school - but he gave the exact same thing to 2 other girls that I had classes with. Only thing is that the names on the cards were different.

As much as I feel like it is a dumb 'holiday' it IS crammed down our throats, and as for women - a lot of us feel left out. Most women who spend a lot of the time single do. And I find it annoying when the pretty, popular, it girls complain about others being down about it. It's easy to say when you are put up on a pedestal. When you aren't, it's quite the emotional mindfuck. This 'holiday' is aimed at men's wallets, and women's emotions. It should be a happy day, but society has blown it out of proportion, and over commercialized it to the extent that if you are single - you are just destined to feel undesirable. You walk into Walgreens and it looks like cupid sharted hearts and candies. You go to (in my case) building departments, and every female permit clerk has chocolates, or flowers on their desks...and the foil heart balloons. Sooo many. Save that shit for when you are at home, so it isn't crammed down everyone's throat. There is nothing worse than people repeatedly telling you, "I hope your Valentine's Day is as special as mine!" I feel like when you are with someone you care about you should both show each other in small ways every single day. But, that is not how life is. You can't escape it.

I know this post sounds bitter. It is not meant that way. Let me state for the critics, that I DO have someone in my life who cares about me, and has put a smile on my face every single day for the past several weeks. Someone who DOES tell me every day that I am beautiful/gorgeous/amazing. Someone who makes ME feel all of those things...=) He also had plans, but they fell through. Which sucks. More so because the REST of my day was so shitty, not that I should expect anything different. It seems like that particular day is cursed for me.

The point behind this post - is that all of the over-commercialization and added stress of "making it a perfect day" is unnecessary. Be thankful for what you have, and show how important it is to you every day, and you won't be obligated to make ONE day out of the year perfection. Because your over accomplishment actually brings others down. Just sayin'.

And for the record - be it a small bouquet of flowers, one single stem, a home cooked meal, or just laying together appreciating each other...feeling like a desirable woman is something that EVERY girl should experience at least once. But it shouldn't be on one set date a year. I'm looking forward to experiencing this some day. (I am also looking forward to my first kiss under a mistletoe, or one on the strike of midnight of a new year ... also things that every lady should experience.) I am not the only girl who feels this way - so get on it guys and girls. Inject this way of thinking into your everyday life. I guarantee it will bring you a lot more happiness.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Stars Adopting Children

As a woman, I understand that we all have the ticking biological clock. tick..tick...tick... So adoption for someone who is aching for a child and cannot have children naturally, or feel like they are nearing the end of their fertility, is a good route to take. As a woman, though I would not jump into anything too quickly, I relate to what it is like to desire a family of your own someday. I've also got a close friend who was told children were just not in her cards, and a miracle happened one day - she became pregnant, and today she has a beautiful one-year old that is the center of her universe. As a woman, motherhood is a right of passage.

This is what I do not understand about celebrity adoptions: Why adopt children from other countries? I get it Madonna,and Angelina---you want to help third world countries, which is admirable. There are many ways of doing this, by which you have the means that some of us do not possess, but what about the millions of children in OUR country who have no one? There are so many kids in the system here, that also deserve a good home. Something that you can provide. I think this saintly, adoption from other countries is bull to be honest. It is necessary that we help poverish countries, however our country could use it share of nurturing as well. Just because we live here and a lot of us have it made, does not mean that is the case all over our country. Sometimes we as people, need to step back and ask "what can I do for OUR country?" We DO live in the land of the free...so why not give some of our less fortunate a taste of this freedom and security - do they deserve it any less? It would be so refreshing, to see a celeb adopt one of the thousands, millions of children here in the states, who could use and deserve a better chance at life.

Monday, February 7, 2011

I [less than three] this product!

I highly recommend an intuitively designed ice-tray for those of you who have yet to discover it's sheer phenomenal capacity of multiple uses. Yes, it is the ice tube tray, originally designed for 20 oz bottles when on the run. What makes them so badass? They are narrow and cylindrical in shape, and the trays come in plastic or silicone and usually range between 4"-6" in length, depending on the tray manufacturer. You can find them in those cheapo mags or at places like Ikea.

Some great uses:
*keeping your bottled non-alcoholic drinks cold. (they also fit inside the lip of aluminum cans!)
*Fantastic for 'water pipes' with or without ice-catchers, as in a narrow-necked pipe, it will slide into your water chamber and stack up through the neck, cooling the smoke.
*Also great for use in hookahs, for the same effect, causing a much smoother smoke to counteract the burn you sometimes get with a too hot coal.

And an interesting tip for you ladies and gents who like to make mixed drinks, especially around the holidays. A pretty cool effect that takes care of cooling drinks, decorative effect, and a cracker jack-like prize at the bottom of your glass: Place a couple small fruits (blueberries, cranberries, maraschino cherries, thin slices of strawberry, etc) in ANY ice tray before filling it. Your fruit will not only look awesome encased in the cube, but it will also help add flavor as your ice melts and releases it into your cocktail. TRUFAX.

Superbowl Entertainment FAIL!

Because I am a realist - I'm gonna give it to you guys straight. I really didn't give a steaming shit about who won this SuperBowl. I'm a 'Phins girl til the end. I was kinda rooting for the Steelers for my closest friends' mother (and in-law, respectively), seeing as she is THE biggest Steelers fan. Honestly I was in it for the entertainment and the commercials. I was not as impressed as I had hoped...my appetite for balls-out amazing was just not fully satiated, IMO. And the commercials - they realyl have been lacking the last couple of years. I cant say that any one made me literally laugh out loud.

Let me start with the National Anthem - Cristina Aguilera, you disappoint me. Let me first state that I missed this live, and I am glad. It would have made me turn off the tv. Now, I will say as a lover of many types of music, that her voice is not terrible. Before you gasp in disgust, 'Beautiful' is a wonderful song that actually showcases her vocal talent, which I am not knocking. She DOES have talent, but she overshadows it a lot of the time by trying to blow everyone away with big runs. It's when she gets carried away with the runs that she ruins her songs. Much like that of Mariah Carey's incredulous high-pitched scream that is in every...fucking...song. That shit makes my ears bleed. And I understand that Cristina, (as does Mariah) thrives on this 'signature' on songs, because when she does them right, they can be impressive. However, this is our National Anthem. You need to go in knowing all of the lyrics, and just sing it with beauty and pride. No runs necessary. So I would like to thank you - for butchering the anthem to everyone who is not a blind mute. Think about that girlfriend. Who's the 'superbitch' now?

The game itself was not too impressive to me, because as I said - my heart does not belong to either team. I am an advocate for three things - the 'flying leap' tackles (because it shows your heart is in the game), excessive celebration (they are the top two teams for fucks sake - let 'em be a little cocky) and the pants. (I will say I was admiring the line-up of clinging lycra pants, and the consequential bun buffet.)

This brings me to halftime. The Black-Eyed Peas. Not my favorite group (we all know Pantera stole my heart at an early age) but they do have catchy songs perfect for such a big event. I will say that Will.i.am's crazy plastic hair piece was pretty badass, as were all of the choreographed dancers in the light up costumes. Lots of visual interest. And they pretty much got all of my favorites in that set-list. Fergie - well I'm not a big fan of hers, and the way she sometimes screams at random in a very hoodrat fashion and/or sings away from the mic so that she can't be heard. (That sometimes comes as a blessing though.) Please don't knock me for knocking her - you all heard her solo album. *raises an eyebrow* She's the token "hot chick" of the band. And IMO she has a great body, but her face - something is off. I am not terribly disappointed in the performance, in fact I am going to flat out say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. [side note: though I am not often attracted to black men, if the adjective 'her' were to apply to men, Usher is definitely a 'butterface.' Have you seen the abs, have you seen the man dance? *sings* Oh myyy God! */torturous singing* I am still a huge Ludacris fan though.] Back to the Peas. Upon hearing an unmistakable guitar solo and Slash rising from a black hole in the stage, my panties almost melted off. And then Fergie opened her mouth, and ruined one of my top favorite GnR songs. Why? Why did someone not kill her mic??? This is the Superbowl...! If you are going to cover a song (and believe me there are plenty of other terrible covers of phenomenal songs out there) make sure you are going to compliment the original artist by doing the song justice. Not slicing it open, gutting it, and dragging the bloody carcass of the song across stage. More importantly, never EVER do this at a big event that will be televised throughout the entire country.

So class, hat have we learned today?
a) Commercial scripters are beginning to lack in imagination.
b) If anything is a signature in your music, it should be your singing voice, or musicality - not a random, stretched out vowel.
c) Someone was keeping women in mind when designing the pants.
d) Never, ever disrespect a song that was amazing to begin with, unless you can add something positive to it.

And let me throw this one out there for good measure. Roethlisburger, meet razor. Do not be afraid...he can only make you look like less of a crazed serial rapist.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I can't get me out of my head...

Hmm...this was not supposed to be a personal blog, but it seems to be turning into one. It happens. I promise the next post will have to do with something actually going on in our community.

My brain is just running non-stop these days. I am in a current situation, that is not even a big deal yet, or a situation, really. Hello confusion? LOL It's me - looking forward, and that is the problem. I don't like the word 'change' - usually in people it leans toward negativity. I much prefer the word 'grow.' I have grown a lot in these last couple years. There have been some hard lessons. There are still some things I struggle with (hello emo kid, you can't save the whole world.) I have grown enough to know that nothing just falls into place. Everything in life takes work, and to reach your goals - you HAVE to keep your future in mind. I am happy. I've met someone who makes me happy. But I am afraid to really move too far forward, even though it feels really good, and comfortable. I don't think this person would hurt me if we were to start dating, I can see that he is definitely liking what he has seen thus far. But I am closer to 30 on the age spectrum now, and as much as I would love to go out and party, have fun, and spend every waking moment with friends just having a good time, the reality is that we are in a recession...but more importantly, it is time for me to act like an adult. I feel that it is more important to manage my money well, and get myself out of debt. I do dream of a future where I have a home and a family someday. Something has me afraid that our personal goals aren't on the same page. Do I take a chance, on something that makes me happy but may not work out in the end? Do I put myself out there like that? I should have been better at managing my life when I was younger - what can I say, late bloomer. I don't want to slack on it, or feel like I have to hold back. So in my neurotic, mess of a mind, I face a dilemma. After things not working out for so many other reasons in the past - do I throw caution to the wind and let myself feel this good, with someone not displaying douchebag tendencies - or do I keep my walls up to protect myself? I need someone who can take care of himself as well as I can take care of myself. Maybe I am looking too much into this. I probably am. As a female who feels like my real life and future is about to begin (or at least should be beginning) - I have to look at life, relationships, etc. differently. I have to look forward to what can ensure me a good future and not hold me back as an adult. Not a 'young adult.' To relationships that are going to grow with me and that aren't just about sex, lies, false securities. I guess, more than anything - I am afraid that if I get in too deep, I will set myself up, and break my own heart by telling someone who could very well turn out to be amazing, that it's just not enough for me. And just like any other girl, I wonder - does that make me selfish or too expectant of others?

To the few of you that read - what do you think? I feel like I am being selfish, or even a little too cautious. Maybe I have just been out of the game for too long, and am over a lot of it.