Touché, Nicole

I'm so happy we had our little chat about your red carpet look at the LA premiere of Nine. I mean, you've done a complete 180 in less than a week! No more suit separates and boring hair for you!

Just look at this fabulous Prada dress you went and selected for the NYC premiere.

The fit is lovely, the silhouette is fun, the flower appliqué is very appropriate... But, uhm... You kinda forgot something. The powder? Under your eyes and around your nose? You know, the kind that makeup artists typically use to ensure no eyeshadow or anything ends up under your eye? Well, that's a great little tip... But you're kinda supposed to brush the powder away once you're done with the eyeshadow. How does one miss something this obvious? Surely if your makeup was rushed, or whatever, you had to come into contact with at least one other person on your way to the premiere? Shouldn't they have warned you? No? Maybe the limo was too dark to notice or something?

I feel like this was a big miss on everyone's part. Powder tragedy aside, I love the dress. I love the hair. I love the makeup (the non-powder part, at least). Glad our little talk set you straight, darling.

You were not the only one that had a fabulous night, though.

Fergie wins the night for me. She's rockin' the Grecian goddess look like no other. I cannot even find a descriptive word appropriate enough for how much I adore this flowing Marchesa (Resort 2010 Collection) gown. The belt, the clutch, the stunning Chopard diamond cuff? Seriously made of awesome. I think that Fergie often looks very harsh, but that's not the case here. The soft waves and makeup fit perfectly. Major win. Major.

Another vision in white was Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard. She looks gorgeous in a sparkling Christian Dior dress that had one of the prettiest silhouettes of the night, but I could've done without the long Chopard beads. I think it takes away from the embellishment on the front of the dress. Her hair and makeup looks beautiful, though, so I can get over it. She's also carrying a Judith Leiber clutch to complete the outfit.

Holy smokes... She looks hot. I'm really not a fan of satin dresses for the most part... But this one works. I guess when you're Penelope Cruz there are very few things that don't work for you? As gorgeous as she looks in this Chanel Couture gown, I prefer the Ralph Lauren gown she wore to the LA premiere.

Kate Hudson, looking...interesting in Chanel Couture (Fall 2009 Collection) brought her mom, Goldie Hawn in Christian Dior (Spring 2008 Collection) as her date. How cute are they? I'm not in love with either outfit, but Goldie is one of my favorite people. I'll forgive her just about anything. Even that fur thing.

Okay, so everyone has been raving about this structured Marchesa dress on Naomi Watts, but I just don't like it. I think it fits her perfectly and the color is really fun... But I still don't like it. Great shoes, though! I also think she could have stepped it up with her hair and makeup... It looks way too casual for this event.

Which premiere do you think was better? NYC or LA?

[photo credtis: celebutopia.com, dailymail.co.uk, neonlimelight.com, justjared,buzznet.com]

Sex and the Seriously Lame

Carrie on? Really?

Are you Tim Gunn?

This is quite possibly the most ridiculous teaser poster I've ever come across. I mean... CARRIE ON? Is this "Taglines 101" or something?

I tolerated it when the first movie used "Get Carried Away."

Alright, I thought to myself, it's okay... Carrie is a fan of puns. They're trying to be cute. I get it. Carrie kinda looks like she's about to get carried away...the look on her face, the grin, it's all working for me. The dress was fab, the windblown hair was fun, the black and pink theme was hot...

But Carrie On? I just... I don't approve.

And, I have a few questions.

Why does Carrie look surprised? Why does her neck look as if it has sprouted two or three extra inches since the last time we saw her? Why does it look like Manhattan is exploding in a sea of white light behind her? Why do her sunglasses have a weird gold reflection of the sky? If she's walking down the street in the city, shouldn't the reflection be other people? Or buildings? Anything besides the sky, considering she's in the middle of a skyscraper-filled city?

Why is she wearing a dress from Forever 21? Not that there is anything wrong with Forever 21 because there absolutely is not. I shop there all the time, but for a Sex and the City poster? They could have done better. Much, much better. The whole damn point of the show is the fashion. I have no problem with mixing and matching high and low end items, but not on a poster that is supposed to make me want to see this movie. Not on a poster that is supposed to represent the next installment of a series that made Manolo Blahnik a household name.

And what the hell is she carrying on? Life? Marriage? Babies? Snarky columns about about being single in the city? Oh, wait, NONE OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY STILL SINGLE!

So, what then? Do you have any idea? Cause I sure don't...

No? I didn't think so.

LAME.

[photo credits: storybookwedding.files.wordpress.com, www.huffingtonpost.com]

Guess Lady Gaga Isn't the Only One Going Gaga...

...Over Carrera Sunglasses.

I declared last week that I had somehow missed out on the Carrera train. I had really never noticed this brand until Lady Gaga's video for "Bad Romance." Now? I see these classic aviators on...everyone.

No, seriously. Everyone, and their brothers, in the celebrity world has been spotted sporting these babies and I haven't quite figured out how I missed the memo. FAIL on my part!

Grammy-winner Alicia Keys is the latest star to feature a pair of Carreras in her new music video - "Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart." First, this is a gorgeous song, though I can't say that I've heard any Alicia songs that aren't. The girl can sing, no doubts about it. Second? She is rockin' these shades.

This is the Panamerika 1 style and I think the whole "modern-vintage" (that's totally a technical term) fits with the look of the video. Actually, they fit with the whole outfit. I'm definitely a fan. And by the way, how fabulous is that cropped, studded leather jacket??

Alicia isn't the only one jumping on the bandwagon... A little research turned up a whole slew of celebs showing their love for the brand.

Here's Britney in her video for "3" (P.S. Gotta love how she pimps out her own fragrance in the beginning of this!)

Gwen Stefani is rocking her signature platinum locks, ruby red lips, and some great white shades. Does she ever not look put together?

It looks like hot young Hollywood has been getting in on the action, too.

Take a look at Taylor Momsen, who's clearly trying to steal Gwen Stefani's look and really just not getting it...

But, I do love the red glasses! Good call on those, Taylor. Now try easing up on the vampira lipstick - you weren't actually in Twilight, remember?

You weren't... But Taylor Lautner certainly was. And Mr.-I-Need-To-Remind-Myself-That-He's-Underage-Cause-Of-Those-Washboard-Abs-Lautner is apparently loving on these aviators, too.

The lovely Sophia Bush is holding up the legitimately stylish side of the CW (after Taylor Momsen, somebody has to give us hope...) at a Carrera launch party as she grabs a black pair to try.

I wish I had a closeup of that ring, it looks super cute! I also kind of wish I had Sophia's dimples. How adorable is she??

So, there you have it. Hollywood is officially on the Carrera train and there is no sign of slowing down any time soon. Has anyone else started seeing these glasses around, or is this just old news to you? Let me know in the comments!

[photo credits: carreraworld.com, sophiabushfan.org, eye-wear-glasses.com, celebrity-sunglassesfinder.com]

A Lovely Premiere

I am so excited for the premiere of The Lovely Bones! I'm really hoping they don't completely ruin one of my favorite books of all time... But I have high hopes. I trust Peter Jackson as a director and there's quite a cast - Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Mark Wahlberg, and one of the youngest Academy Award nominees, Saoirse Ronan.

The film recently had it's LA premiere recently and there were some...interesting choices. And that's putting it nicely.

First we have the lovely Rachel Weisz.

Helllllooooo shiney Pantene hair! I really like the simple makeup look she's got going on. Soft eyes, almost nude cheeks, and that great red lip. Makeup artist, Kara Yoshimoto Bua from Chanel is responsible and here is the product breakdown.

• Lips - Rouge Allure in Dragon
• Eyes - Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano & Inimitable Mascara in Noir Black
• Cheeks - Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Rose

How gorgeous is this ice blue dress? It's from Valentino (I know...you're SHOCKED that I love it, aren't you?) She's also got some fabulous accessories - Tiffany & Co jewels, seriously enviable Roger Vivier heels, and a Judith Leiber clutch.

She looks fun and flirty and way younger than her years. Plus... Have you seen those legs? Damn. If you got 'em, flaunt 'em. I approve.

This one's a win, Rachel. Definitely a win.

Next up - the film's young star, Saoirse Ronan.

How stunning do her eyes look? The hair and makeup is very old Hollywood glamour and is it just me, or is she channeling Cate Blanchett? I wholeheartedly approve.

I do not, however, approve of her gold Zac Posen gown.

Or those...atrocious, flesh-toned, peep-toe, lace-up booty-things. WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU EVER WEAR THOSE? Ugh. They scare me. And the dress... It's just...

I don't know. The word "frock" comes to mind. That's really all I can think of to say. I don't hate it... In theory. There's just something really off about it.

Two thumbs down, honey. Better luck next time.

Moving on. How about one of the other young actresses in the film - Rose McIver.

Uhm... No. I am not a fan. The center part is too harsh. The makeup is...eh. And the Ani Lee dress is... boring (even if it's really short). I really don't like that length of dress on her and the shoes... The combination of the two just cuts off her leg in a really unflattering way. She's such a pretty girl, she could do so much better.

Next on the roster - Nikki Soohoo.

No. just no. I don't even understand that...thing. It's like... A nude tank top with a...tutu. Made of silver fans. The sheer black nylons and black shoes just make it look like a Vegas showgirl costume. And the hair? Honey, if you're going to go for that look, at least make sure you're bangs are thick enough, cut straight across the bottom, and lay flat against your forehead. This? This is not pretty. At all. But on the plus side? Your lips look fabulous. Thumbs up on that one.

Last up, we have the singing sibling duo of Aly & AJ Michalka (AJ is actually in the film) of 78violet.

Here's AJ:

Hmm... The two-tone hair is very Jamie Lynn Spears at prom - the style is cute, but the color is throwing me off. And, actually, the whole look is very prom queen. And oh my god, lay off the bronzer! Orange is not a skin color found in nature. It's just not.

I don't hate the dress, but I would like it a lot more if it was short. Maybe cut it off after that second tier and make it a cute mini-dress and throw on some killer heels?? This girl is young, she can pull it off!

I have to give her points for seriously out-dressing her sister, though. Aly dropped the ball on this one.

What is this? Are you trying to look about 40 years old? Too much makeup, that orangy-pearly lipstick is awful, and again with the two-tone prom hair... What the hell? And why are you wearing a frock? At least Saoirse's "frock" was way more interesting. This is just... Little-girl-playing-dress-up ugly.

Alright. There you have it. My take on the Lovely Bones LA premiere.

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Are you as excited for the movie as I am? Do you love the book, too? Let me know, everyone!

[photocredits: justjarejr.buzznet.com, popsugar.com]

"Pretty woman, walkin' down the street..."

"Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet, pretty woman...

I don't believe you, you're not the truth

No one could look as good as you...Mercy!" ~Roy Orbison

Can you believe it's been 20 years since Pretty Woman was released? Never have patent black thigh-high boots, a mini-skirt, and a midriff baring top looked as good as they did on Julia Roberts. How many of us wanted to be her (before we realized what exactly it was that she did for a living!) and get swept off our feet by a millionaire businessman that looked like Richard Gere? I know I certainly did.

And, let's be real here, who didn't want to take someone else's credit card to Rodeo Drive and have all the salespeople at their beck and call? Gah... How awesome would that be? Le sigh. I guess it's just not meant to be... Unless somebody wants to volunteer their card? No? Not so much? Alright. Moving on.

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the modern day fairytale, the lovely widow of Roy Orbison (singer and composer of the movie's title song), Barbara, is releasing a new fragrance of the same name. Pretty Woman Perfume sounds like a scent right up my alley.

Here's the note description: A crisp, luminous bergamot top note reveals a complex melody of floras, spices and woods. Its crisp, luminous bergamot top note evolves to reveal a full, vivacious middle note accord of stargazer lily, red rose and carnation. The base note combines fresh amber, patchouli, vanilla, atlas cedar and sacred incense.

Okay, so as I've mentioned more than once before... I know nothing about notes. I don't really understand the whole changing scent idea... All I know is whether I like a fragrance or not and I'm really interested in trying this one.

From what I've heard the lasting power on this one is pretty awesome, too. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I put on perfume and a few hours later I can't smell it on myself at all. I know the most likely reason for this is that I have gotten used to the scent and just don't notice it anymore, but I usually just assume that it has worn off and then I'm really annoyed. Supposedly that's not the case with this fragrance and that's definitely a huge plus for me.

Also, for anyone who lives close enough to New York City to take a quick trip this weekend there will be a special event at Henri Bendel - a little place I like to call the Makeup Mecca. I could seriously spend hours upon hours in this store!

Here are the event details:

Henri Bendel Trunk Show in NYC featuring Pretty Woman Perfume

Location:

Henri Bendel

712 Fifth Ave (between 55th & 56th)

New York, NY 10019

Event Times:

Friday, 12/10: 10 AM - 8 PM (Barbara Orbison will be there to personally introduce the fragrance!)

Saturday, 12/11: 10 AM - 8 PM

Sunday, 12/12: 11 AM - 7 PM

Monday, 12/13: 10 AM - 8 PM

I'm going to try to make it down there either Friday, so I can meet Barbara, or Saturday so if you happen to head down there give me a shout! Or if you head down yourself on any of the other days let me know how it goes - I always love hearing your reviews!

P.S. Was anybody else ever annoyed by the fact that Julia's outfit on the movie poster was a different color than the one she wore in the movie? I can't be the only one bothered by this...??

[photo credits: mimifroufrou.com]

Magic, Mirth, & Mischief to the Rescue!

I've been a little...bored with a lot of my makeup lately. Not my eye shadows - those are pretty constantly entertaining since I have such a fondness for sparkle and so many collections have brought out some excellent sparkle for me to play with.

No, I'm talking about lippies and cheekies here. I tend to have a lot of trouble with face colors for blush (and bronzer while we're at it). I don't like anything too dark or too orange or too...well, anything really. I tend to stick to peachy-pinks with a little shimmer... Enter Nars Blush in Orgasm.

I've been using this blush for as long as I can remember and even though I branch out one day or another, I usually come straight back to this baby the next day. I know some people think it's overhyped or whatever, but I don't care. I love the way it looks on me no matter what time of year or shade of pale I am. It mixes well with bronzer and looks good alone. It's basically the perfect blush for me (and lots of others based on it's popularity!).

But as much as I love it? I'm BORED.

So... I might have been at the MAC counter playing with all their amazing holiday stuff when I discovered something new and decided to take a chance.

This is the Magic, Mirth, & Mischief promo photo. On a side note - how do I get my hair to do this? The sheer volume astounds me. I feel like I'd need an entire can of hairspray and more teasing that I'd ever want to deal with.

Anyway, so I was eying one of their new face palettes and I think I fell a little bit in love.

Here is the Hocus Focus Colourful Face Kit is so pretty! It has three coordinating colors, a Beauty Powder in Pretty Baby, a Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen, and a Beauty Powder highlighter in Sunsparkled.

It's not the greatest photo, but unfortunately I had to do it inside as our icky weather up in here in New England is less than ideal for lovely natural light photos. I tried to get some good swatches but it just wasn't happening, so you'll have to trust me!

Pretty Baby is a very soft and matte baby pink... It looks like it has a little mauve-ish tone to it, which I don't normally like, but it's very flattering on.

Peachykeen is a super pretty peachy pink (okay, I didn't branch out that much, but I swear it looks nothing like Orgasm!) with just a hint of pearly shimmer.

Sunsparkled Pearl is actually my favorite part of this trio. It's a frosty beige that doesn't make you look like you slapped a ton of shimmer all over your face. It's the prettiest hint of shine and I absolutely love it.

After deciding to take this little baby home with me, I made the mistake of wandering over toward the lip display. I tried on a few lipsticks, none of which really made me happy, and then I went around the corner to check out the lip glosses and...le sigh. It was love at first sight.

This is the Frisky Business collection of Lipglasses & Lustreglasses. It's bright and fun and just makes me smile.

Here's the best I could do for swatches... I really am going to have to figure out how to get them to look better. Any tips?

Silly Girl - Pastel peach with multicolored pearl

Beaute - Bright clean coral with pearl

Wonderstruck - Lustred-up clean pink coral

Pinkarat - Soft-toned pink with gold pearl

Totally It - Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl

Totally It is SO MUCH FUN. Seriously. It just screams 'life of the party'. All the colors are very pretty and I would imagine that all are pretty flattering. None of them are sticky and all have the staying power you would expect from MAC lippies.

So that was my gift to myself yesterday. I'm thinking I made out pretty well. Hopefully this will put a kink in my boredom!

What do you think? Have you tried out any of the Magic, Mirth, and Mischief collection yet?

[photo credits: maccosmetics.com]

Going Gaga for Carrera?

Have you seen the video for Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"? It's quite possibly one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen, and yet somehow I couldn't look away. Maybe it's the awkward dancing or the signature-crazy-Gaga costumes... I'm not exactly sure. But I do love this song and as weird as Lady Gaga is and as much as I typically hate her fashion choices, I get it. I get that she's doing her own thing and creating this persona and honestly? If that works for her (and clearly it does based upon that massive amounts of success she's had) then I wish her nothing but the best.

Anyway, here's the video in question:

Weird, right? Yet, not unlike a train wreck. I really can't look away. And the song is officially going to be stuck in my head for uh... The rest of my life.

The thing that stands out the most for me are Gaga's accessories in this. The shoes are insane, as always. And we all know her penchant for giant sunglasses. The ones in this video fit right in with her style. They're actually the "Champion" style by Carrera.

Pretty interesting looking... It definitely works for the look of the video.

Carrera is actually a brand that's been around for fifty years, though I have to be honest and say that I've never paid attention to them before. As far as sunglasses go, I haven't really branched out my love much beyond Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and D&G... I think I actually forget sometimes that there are brands out there that actually specialize in eyewear... And I've also probably been a little blinded by the name recognition factor of these big brands.

I can't decide if I actually like this particular style, though. I'm a huge fan of aviator styles on other people, but for some reason they just don't look all that great on me. This "Champion" pair on Gaga is from their "Carrera Vintage" collection, which is basically an entire line of retro-style glasses that is inspired by an original design first introduced in the 80's (though "retro" is so in right now that I'm not sure this is all that unique).

Upon exploring the Carrera website, I did find some other styles that I actually prefer to the Champion.

This is the "Hippy 2" style and I love it.

I usually stick to square styles and the shape, size, and color of these is fab. Sure, you might look a little bit like a bug... But if Nicole Ritchie can pull it off, so can you.

This one is the "Exchange 3" and I think it's a much more wearable version of the aviator style. I also really like the detail in the center... I really have no idea what that would be referred to, but I like it anyway.

I also have to mention this one - the "Ticky". Uhm, maybe it's just me... But it looks pretty close to a standard pair of Ray-Bans, no?

I mean, they're kinda cute anyway, but I think it's just too close to such an iconic style from another brand for me.

Overall, I like a lot of the designs Carrera offers and I think they are definitely well-matched with Lady Gaga. Plus, the price point isn't too bad. From what I could find the price point seems to be low to mid $100s, in fact Shopbop has quite a few pairs on sale for under $100, so check them out!

[photo credits: carreraworld.com]

"Nine" Gets a Perfect 10

Let me start by saying how excited I am for this movie! I love musicals. LOVE them. Also... Have you seen the trailer for this movie? Apparently they got, like, every famous person on the planet to be in it. Even the fabulous Sophia Lauren! Color me stoked!

Now, on to the important part.

The stars certainly turned out for the premiere of Nine in London... And some of their stylists really outdid themselves, while others should be fired and never be allowed near a celebrity ever again.

My favorite of the night was easily Penelope Cruz.

She absolutely killed it in an ice blue lace gown from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2010 line, a Ralph Lauren clutch, and sparkling jewels from Chopard.

How gorgeous is this? Love it!

Next up, we have the lovely Kate Hudson.

She always looks SO HAPPY! It's infectious! She reminds me so much of her mom, Goldie Hawn (whom I ADORE), in these photos.

She's wearing Atelier Versace from the Fall 2009 line. The link is actually to the Spring 2009 line, but only because I adore that post and I think seeing the sketches and dresses together is really cool.

My first thought when I saw this dress was that it reminded me of the white gown January Jones wore to the Emmy's and lo and behold, they're both from the same collection. Not sure why that didn't hit me earlier, but apparently I'm a little slow sometimes.

But yeah... Really similar, right?

Either way, both are gorgeous.

Alright, so Penelope and Kate get my votes for best dressed... Their costar, Nicole Kidman, didn't fair so well.

I mean... What the hell is this??

It's a lovely suit... For an interview. Maybe a dinner date or something. But a premiere? For a movie musical where you're trying to prove you're still as hot as you were in Moulin Rouge? Really? This one was a miss. A big, huge, gaping hole of a miss. Thumbs down, Nicole. Fire your stylist, please. And maybe try a little self tanner. You're not just pale, you're pretty pasty. Seriously. A little color would really do you well. Give it a shot, 'kay?

[photo credits: lovebscott.com, gossipcenter.com]

And baby you can turn me on...

"No, don't get me wrong, ain't gonna do you no harm,

This bomb's made for lovin' and you can shoot it far,

I'm your main target, come and help me ignite,

Love struck holding you tight..." ~Tom Jones

Yep, that's right, I just quoted the awesometastic "Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones. I couldn't help it. The name of this fragrance by Viktor & Rolf immediately makes me think of this song, and then I'm left with it stuck in my head FOREVER.

I mean, come on... It's called Flowerbomb. I cannot be the only one who's made the connection...

Irregardless, I am completely in love with this perfume.

My other faves include Miss Dior Chérie, Narciso Rodriguez 'For Her', Chanel Chance, Viva La Juicy, and Bond No. 9 Chinatown, so I think this one fits into the mix pretty well.

The description for Flowerbomb is " a floral explosion" and its notes (for those of you who understand these things - cause I certainly have no idea) are tea & bergamot (top), sambac jasmine, orchid, freesia, & rose (middle), and patchouli (base).

Okay, so that's definitely mumbo jumbo to me... Mostly, I just think this stuff is AWESOME! Seriously, I tore open the little sample paper that came in my Lord & Taylor catalog yesterday and it just made me smile. Very few perfumes make me smile... I hate scents that are too strong or too spicy or anything like that and about 95% of the time I recoil from a sample in disgust. Not so with Flowerbomb. Insta-happy all the way.

Surely that's a sign that I must own it, right?

Of course right.

Anybody else a fan?

[photo credit: cupcake.fr]