you're perfect...

Be still my beating heart. I think the shoe buyers at Anthro are my 'sole mate'... Get out of my way people, these are MINE. Frugal schmugal.

Update: When rorygilmore and I were in NYC, these shoes were on sale for $50 so I grabbed them.  They're not the most comfortable, but how could I resist those Eiffel charms?! Note that they first appeared on the Anthro website in mid to late January, and less than a month later, Anthro marked them down. I'm so glad I didn't pay full price! Clearly these flats were meant to be in my wardrobe. 

anthropologie.com

an elegant bag...

An elegant bag really elevates an outfit...

images: pinterest

May I suggest Jcrew's new Tillary tote? Also available in a light tan, but I love it in navy.

Jcrew Tillary tote

Were Jcrew's designers inspired by Celine?

celine.com

about those oscar nominations...

Fassbender, Theron, Plummer, Swinton, Clooney, Davis. Oh, what could have been.
From thedailybeast

Disappointed and bitter. That's how I feel. I'm disappointed that the Oscars have become irrelevant. I'm bitter that my favourites weren't nominated.  I watched the nomination announcements this morning, and the disappointment and bitterness loomed over my head like a dark cloud. Okay, the skies in Toronto today were actually very dark; that didn't help.

The Academy Awards are now irrelevant. The awards are on par with the Genies, the People's Choice Awards, the winner of The Bachelor.  The 'Academy' sealed their fate with their disappointing and boring list of nominations for 2012. They are irrelevant because even if it wins Best Picture, Best Director and all other categories, nobody will watch The Artist or The Tree of Life. 

I once looked forward to the Oscar Awards every year. In 1973, my sister and I memorized the list of previous winners from the Encyclopedia Brittanica (purchased by our parents from a door to door salesman!) and then quizzed each other mercilessly. We were familiar with the careers of long-dead movie stars such as Janet Gaynor, Fredric March, Vivien Leigh. The Oscars were my Super Bowl, my Stanley Cup, my big night! In 1976, Rocky won Best Picture over Network, All The Presidents Men, and Taxi Driver (among others). Rocky's win was considered a big fail. Except for moviegoers. Moviegoers actually watched and rooted for Rocky, both the character and the movie. It was a memorable, exciting night. Sadly, nothing like that is going to happen on February 26, 2012.

Oscar night has become nothing but a showcase for Hollywood studio producers, talent agents, publicists, and fashion designers. The nominees are a direct reflection of which movie has the biggest budget for their Oscar campaign, or the current power structure in Hollywood. LA is exactly like Entourage.

I'm bitter that my favourites were overlooked in favour of those less deserving and downright puzzling. A few cases in point:

• How can Pitt's performance in Moneyball be better than Leo as JEdgar, or Fassbender in Jane Eyre, Shame, or A Dangerous Method? Pitt, as an actor, is not in the same league as Leo or Fassy. Pitt however, is a powerful producer. He produced Moneyball, as well as the infinitely boring and confusing Tree of Life, also a Best Picture nominee. 
• While we're on the subject, how did Tree of Life get a Best Picture nomination? Hell, Sean Penn didn't understand Tree of Life and he was in it!
•  I'm puzzled that Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, and its supporting actor, Max von Sydow, were nominated. It's rated really low on the Rotten Tomato meter, nobody has seen it, and even critics who've seen it didn't like it.
• I have no bitterness towards the Best Actress nominees. I haven't seen most of their movies. But didn't Academy voters watch Jane Eyre?  Mia Wasikowska deserved a nomination for Jane Eyre. Perhaps more than Rooney Mara in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. And I preferred Mara's Lisbeth over Noomi Rapace's Lisbeth. But clearly Dragon Tattoo had the higher profile and bigger budget. Although not a big enough budget to secure David Fincher a Best Director nomination. 
• I'm not bitter over RG being overlooked. His problem may be that he's too consistent, turning in great performances in too many good movies. The Academy doesn't know what role or category to nominate him for. I would've liked to see RG nominated for Crazy, Stupid, Love, but that wasn't going to happen. 

The nominations weren't all bad news. I, for one, am beyond thrilled that a few years ago, Melissa McCarthy was Lorelai's cheerful BFF, Sookie St James, on our beloved Gilmore Girls. And now she's an Oscar nominee for Bridesmaids! I'm also happy that Woody Allen and Midnight in Paris received nominations. Midnight in Paris is not Woody's best work, but then 2011 wasn't a great year for movies. That's the big problem.

If you're in denial, need a pick-me-up, or want to hear Charlize praise Fassy, or hear how Christopher Plummer really feels about Terence Malick, read this delightful article here. Oh, what could have been!

if you want to live a happy life...

my favourite yoga tank: lulu no limits...

lululemon.com

When I find clothes that fit me perfectly, I tend to buy multiples. I bought 2 Lululemon No Limits tank last year and they're my go-to tank.

At Bikram yoga, the best clothing is the least clothing. Leave your modesty at the door if you don't like your arms or thighs to go uncovered. Everyone here, regardless of their shape, size, or age, wears very little. For survival, not vanity.

If you're far too modest and psychologically messed up about your body image (oops, maybe that's just me) to ever wear just a bra top, the No Limits is the best for you.  It feels like you're just wearing a bra, but the flattering yet not-too-loose fitting tank covers a multitude of sins (even if you don't have any). And unlike lulu's many recent baby-doll style tanks, this tank is forgiving, but you won't look like you're in your 2nd trimester.

In Lulu's own words:

why we made this

To create this loose-fitting, light and airy tank we used a combination of luon in the bra and Circle Mesh in the core to optimize its movement and breathability. It's the perfect match for our Vinyasa practice where we like our clothes to mimic and accentuate our flow.

key features

• the thin straps and racerback cut allow you to twist with ease
• mesh panel thoughtfully placed in the bust lining where the girls come to touch
• Circle Mesh is moisture wicking
• removable cups add shape and give coverage
• the wide band around the hips keeps the tank in place
• flat seams are better than fat seams. Give chafing 'ell

lululemonaddict.com

The No Limits in black/camo--very GI Jane, but I'm digging it. Reminds me of EvilGenius.

What do Michael Fassbender and Stuart Smalley have in common?

thehollywoodreporter.com

No, I haven't watched 'Shame' yet. My admiration for Michael Fassbender is based entirely on his performance as Rochester in 'Jane Eyre'. He's been nominated for several awards this season for his work in other movies, including A Dangerous Method and Xmen: First Class. Michael Fassbender is the next big thing.

But that wasn't always the case. In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fassbender (or as one commenter called him: Fassbendmeover, ha!) recalled that during his years of struggle and rejection, he would say to himself, "I'm good enough."

Which, of course, reminds me of this:

 

Yes, Michael. You're good enough.

But please don't ever do Sexiest Man Alive. Leave that to the Clooneys, Pitts and Coopers of Hollywood. You're TOO good.

the most beautiful shoes...and the vow

Rachel McAdams attended the London premiere of 'The Vow' last night. She wore the most spectacular pair of shoes.

nude pointy heels with black straps and black frills on the heel.
I have no idea who made these (Prada, Choo, Blahnik, Atwood?), but they are perfection. 

her coat wasn't bad either. 

When I heard that Rachel was costarring with Channing Tatum in 'The Vow', I have to admit I thought she's slumming. He possesses a certain charm, but the best thing you can say about Channing Tatum's acting is that he's a great dancer.

But I will watch 'The Vow' when it comes out, and when it's available for 'streaming', and when the DVD is released, and every time it's on tv.

And I will cry.

pinterest

images: rachel, laineygossip.com; poster, movieposter.com

currently seeking...AHS bedroom sconces

Sometimes I watch shows and spend as much time focusing on the set than the plot. I really enjoyed American Horror Story as you know, but whenever they had a scene in the master bedroom, I was looking at wall sconces above the headboard. Seriously, the things that went on in the bedroom to Vivienne, and I'm staring at the lighting...

Dylan Mcdermott as the world's dumbest psychiatrist, in the Murder House bedroom of horror. I wish I could find a better picture of the room. Check out those double swing arm lamps! 

Swing arm lamps are the best for bedside reading. I've been browsing my usual sources for affordable options.

anthropologie.com
Anthro's double arm lamp is prettiest one. Brass is my current favourite metal. Unfortunately, it's also the priciest at nearly $500 each. Yikes. Time to keep looking...

potterybarn.com
Not quite right, huh?

westelm.com
I love the simplicity of this lamp. Imagine a white tufted headboard with a pair of black lamps above. Unfortunately I've seen this up close and didn't quite love it as much. 

restorationhardware.com
These 2 options from RH are much better. The first option is on sale for $100, and the second with the cool bulb is around $250. I wish they had two arms. 

On a side note, the AHS Murder House is back on the market! Originally priced last year at $4 million, it was removed from the market after the telecast and the price was corrected to $17 million. In case you're interested...

golden globes 2012, random thoughts...

I love awards nights, especially the Golden Globes. But this year's awards were such a snoozefest! I couldn't wait for it all to end so I could catch up with Downton Abbey on the PVR.

Here are some random thoughts...

Why must Ryan Seacrest interview each and every Glee cast member? It's especially annoying when other stars don't get any air time at all. For example, Connie Britton was in the house! I'm sure Tami Taylor has much more interesting things to say than Diana Agron. Also, why does Lea Michele pose like this? I'm not Lea's biggest fan, but she'll be a far better Eponine in the Les Miserables movie than Taylor Swift.

Paula Patton is married to Robin Thicke. She's also been in a few movies. Why did she have to take 'posing' lessons from Lea Michelle? Sit down, Paula Patton! I can't even look at the dress.

Most Beautiful Women - Diane, Elizabeth, Jodie, Madeleine. 50ish is the new 25!

Diane Lane always looks effortlessly glamorous.

Elizabeth McGovern looks a bit like Snow White, but I'm thrilled that she's reviving her career with Downton Abbey. I wanted to be Elizabeth in the early 80s after I saw her in Ordinary People. 

Jodie Foster looks to be in better shape now than she did when she won her first Oscar for 'The Accused'. Although it looks like the same dress. But that doesn't matter. She's Jodie Foster! We should bow at her feet. However, I did catch Carnage. Save your money and wait for the DVD/Netflix stream.

I had to enlarge this, for your gawking pleasure. I don't know what illuminizing radiance makeup Madeleine Stowe uses, but I want gallons of it! She is 53! Okay, she may have a little bit of work done, but it's not too much. I wish I could say that about Madonna.

Cutest Couple - Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan

Did you see them with Giuliana on the red carpet? They look and sound like a happily married, normal couple next door (except hot) who can't believe their luck. Emphasis on normal. Unlike these two below. 

Worst Couple on the red carpet, possibly the planet. 

You know it's killing me to post their picture, but I wanted you to see just how strange these people are in comparison to Channing/Jenna and other humans. WTF? These two are among the super-privileged .01%. Smile, for gods sake! 

Best Win - Joey Tribiani

I loved Episodes, the HBO show you've probably never heard of until now. He deserved this win, and also for all those years on Friends. Love the silvery hair!

Why is Kelly Osborne a fashion critic on E!? Her dress is from Imelda Marcos (I'm Filipino, I know this) and the grey hair is very Evita. Why do young women do this to themselves?

I gasped when Jane Fonda walked onstage. She's 74?! I'm digging out my old Jane Fonda Workout VHS tapes and my striped leotards. Someone said on twitter that "Jane hasn't eaten in a full meal in 30 years." Well, it's working for her!

Most Overlooked - Fassbender

The Golden Globes didn't show Fassbender at all until Clooney mentioned Fassy in his Best Actor acceptance speech (talk about penis envy). That's fine. Fassbender, like RG, is too good for this stuff.  While we're on the subject... despite two nominations, RG still didn't show. Good for him. Bradley Cooper presented on his behalf. 

Most Overlooked #2 - Leo 

What does Leo have to do to win Best Actor? There is  no way on earth that Clooney's acting is better than anything that Leo's ever done. 

Worst Dressed - Buffy

Sometimes it's hard to pick just one among a sea of bad gowns, but this one screamed "WORST" as soon as I saw it. Which is a shame because Buffy is cute and petite. 

Surprise Win, or Not?

You know how much I adore Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess Violet in Downton, but when I saw Jessica Lange as Constance in American Horror Story, I knew Maggie had some serious competition. 

I adore Amy Poehler and Will Arnett! But why do you think Will looks worried and awkward in this picture? Maybe because he just caught a glimpse of his first wife...

...Penelope Ann Miller in the audience. Awkward! Will and Miller were married for about a year. I bet you didn't know that. Anyway, he's certainly upgraded, hasn't he? Why on earth was Penelope there?

Best Dressed #1

This two tone Lanvin dress is perfect for Emma Stone, who can do no wrong. 

Best Dressed #2

Not a lot of people can pull this off, but Rooney Mara can. If only she would smile, she's so much prettier when she does. BTW, I've seen the American Dragon Tattoo, and prefer Rooney's more vulnerable Lisbeth to Noomi's. But the Swedish movie was better, IMO. 

So judging by the awards, The Descendants and The Artist are prime contenders for the Oscar Best Picture.  2011 was not a good year for movies. 

all images: tomandlorenzo.com

random things that make me happy, jan 2012 edition...

Is January the month that depression kicks in? Sometimes we need to remember the things that make life worth living, at least until the sun begins to shine.  Okay, obviously my family, health, home, THOSE things are great. But here's a list of some other random things that make me happy:

1. SINGLE young costars in love.

laineygossip.com
How adorable are Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield? I'm not at all interested in the Spiderman reboot (further proof that Hollywood has run out of original ideas), but I love it when young costars get so into the Method that they actually start dating. It's like a fairy tale, no? At least until the inevitable press release that confirms they've broken up but remain friends and ask us to respect their privacy. Please notice I said SINGLE. If a star regularly dates or marries their costars, esp if said costar is attached, that ain't so adorable. Also, it's immoral. Yep, I'm looking you, Evil Goddess. Team Aniston forever.

2. Red jeans (see Emma's picture above).

3. Jcrew Majesty Peacoat in Maraschino Cherry.

jcrew.com
I know, I know.  This is the 3rd or 4th post about this coat. I was going to exchange it, couldn't, it sat in my office closet in a box for months.... and I decided to keep it. What was I thinking? The colour brightens my mood and makes me feel young. The fit is great (turns out I was size 2P for only about 2 days, I'm really 4P).  The weight is perfect for this mild winter.  I LOVE IT!

4. Black and white interiors.

elementsofstyleblog.com
I love black and white rooms so much, I took pictures of the powder room at the Jcrew Madison Ave Collection store, which is conveniently situated right beside the shoes. The store itself is stunning. I could live there. The store, not the powder room.

amazon.ca

5. Jane Eyre, 2011

I've seen countless adaptations of Charlotte Bronte's classic Jane Eyre, but never appreciated it. Until now. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are the definitive Jane and Rochester. Mia is a revelation; I'm shocked that her performance is being overlooked at awards season. And Michael Fassbender? My goodness, talk about your manly man. He makes the Clooneys and Pitts of the world look like little girls. I might even watch an Xmen movie, he's that swoon-worthy. Michael Fassbender is going to be a HUGE star.

6. The Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais.

Golden Globe nominees for Best Lead Actor Drama - Clooney, Gosling, Fassbender (yay!), Leo. 

The Golden Globes mean nothing, but they like to nominate handsome leading men so they'll show up for the show. Hey, I'm not complaining. They like RG so much, they nominated him twice. And they recognized Fassbender, as well as Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who my niece is claiming as her future husband).

7. American Horror Story

Taissa Farmiga and Connie Britton in elle.com

Full disclosure: When I first watched episode 1 of American Horror Story in October, I  was so creeped out that I couldn't get past the credits. But boredom paired with having a house full of people changed my mind; I spent much of New Years Eve and New Years Day watching the whole series. It was a highlight of my holidays. It's enjoyable if you can get past the sex, murder, campy acting, more sex, more murder, tragic ending, and blatant ripoffs of every horror movie you've ever seen. It's a hot mess. Don't judge me, just watch and smile.

What are the random things make you happy?