Oscar's Style

So last night I tuned in to watch the Oscars and I just want to shine the spotlight on my favorite dresses & accessories of the evening! My best dressed would be: Freida Pinto in John Galliano, asymmetrical necklines have been a big trend on the red carpet this season, but the brilliant blue and lace sleeve were unexpected. Marisa Tomei in Versace, so architectural, tiers of ivory cascaded down into a dramatic train-- that is an Oscar's gown. Last but certainly NOT least, Natalie Portman in Rodarte, I absolutely love her choices for red carpet events and she did not disappoint, the hot pink set her far apart from the sea of light colors that the other actresses opted for. The delicate & colorful jewels set within the corset, the punchy pink, plus her hair & makeup equaled a fresh, young, stylish ensemble. She was my definite choice for overall BEST LOOK of the evening.

There were some that had beautiful jewels that stood out next to their less than memorable gowns. I LOVED the Fred Leighton necklaces!!! Taraji Henson's 19th-century diamond necklace was so unique & Amy Adams colorful bib necklace was truly stunning. Maybe my favorite accessory of the evening were the beautiful, emerald, tear drop earrings that Angelina Jolie wore... Say what you will about the simplicity of her black dress but those jewels were breathtaking. Finally, Heidi Klum's earrings & bangles were incredible-- a mixture of coral & diamonds! The contrast of the coral against her red dress-- leave it to her, she always wears such interesting jewelry--impeccable.

I Heart Jason Wu

So as Fashion Week continues to parade around the world I am ooohhing & aaaahhing over one man's designs: JASON WU. Responsible for sending Michelle Obama out to the inaugural ball in that spectacular, ivory, chiffon gown (pictured at top) & for the fuschia dress she dons on the latest cover of Vogue. His show in New York was reportedly spilling over with V.I.P's--as it should be! His designs exude such femininity whilst still being sophisticated and grown up. Every design is so flattering and the fabrics and colors look so rich. The clothes look very ethereal and 1920's esque--so elegant and put together but not at all boring. He has acheived such beautiful and such WEARABLE designs. I do believe that fashion is art and I appreciate the workmanship and imagination in haute couture but it is really wonderful when a designer comes along that can combine that with the concept of wearability. Pictured above are some of my absolute favorites! It was so hard to pick just a few!

HARROD'S

Harrod's is...probably the most amazing store in the entire world. Where else can you go and buy a teddy bear, Prada heels, a Sunday roast, Creme de la Mer & a grand piano- ALL in the same place! It is basically the Willy Wonka Factory for grownups... but it's not just for adults as their toy department puts FAO Schwartz to shame! The first time I ever went to Harrod's I was about 10 years old & I still have the Royal guard teddy bear I got there. Now if I could just get my hands on a Valentino purse...I would keep that forever too! Their window displays are such a treat too-- so extravagant! I never thought window shopping could fulfill me... If you go to London you have to go to Knightsbridge & visit this famous institution of fashion, food & overall luxury.

Queen of Tarts

A friend of mine told my sister & I that when we were in Dublin we had to visit the 'Queen of Tarts' for a sweet treat. It is located in the Temple Bar district, across from City Hall, and did not disappoint! A quaint little patisserie with oodles of cookies, cakes, scones & of course tarts to please every tastebud. I had a chocolate pecan tart & my sister sampled their blueberry & apple crumb-- both were AMAZING! If you ever travel to Dublin you MUST indulge your sweet tooth by visiting this adorable and delicious bakery. Here is the link to their site, that they're currently setting up: http://www.queenoftarts.ie/ Bon appetit!

Pub Decor

So I have just gotten back to my sister's house in England after a fun-filled trip to Dublin! There is so much I want to share about my trip but one thing stood out about many of the pubs I've visited all throughout the UK, that I wanted to point out. As much as I appreciate a sleek, modern design it is personally not my favorite aesthetic as I prefer a more eclectic, romantic look. So it goes without saying that I love the comforting environment that the pub lends its patrons. I'm not talking about the rugby schedules posted throughout but the dark wood paneling and rich, bold colors. One thing that really caught my eye was the intricate design & often high gloss finish of the pub ceilings. During our last hour or so in Dublin we went back to Temple Bar (pictured above) to hear some live music and down our last few pints before departing. Looking up there is a deep red, textured & glossy ceiling above, beaming down the most flattering amber light. I think having the ceiling stand out in a bold color & pattern is such an unexpected treat! Forget wallpaper, look towards the heavens & make that the focal point of your next room!

Black Vodka

Personally, I have always been a fan of the clear spirits- gin & vodka. So yesterday after the longest day of my life (no sleep on my overnight flight from Philadelphia to London followed by another 2 hour journey up to Newmarket) I was ready to have a stiff drink. We first went to the local pub, The Prince of Wales & I enjoyed a John Smith's extra smooth (No. 1 selling ale in England apparently!) Then we went to The Lancer & ate a fabulous Indian dinner- I had the Lamb tikka madras + some flatbread with chutney- delicious! Then down to The White Hart & that's where I found this mysterious variation: black vodka. It may sound terrible but in truth it was great! My brother-in-law, Chafin & I shared a pitcher of their black vodka & red bull & it won't be the last time we do so before I come back to the states! I needed some caffeine to keep me from falling asleep too early, thus the Red Bull & I was ecstatic about trying this new, darker version of an old favorite! I've included the link below for the black vodka, called Blavod. Once you go black, you never go back!

http://www.blavod.com/

Boot Neutrals

So I think that my newest fashion obsession is brightly hued boots! We are so obviously ready to give basic black/brown the boot & get away from the winter gloom with crayola kicks! Charles Albert (great shoes, great prices!!!) has some super cute boots on endless.com in green/blue. They give such a great pop of color! Sandra Bullock is totally rocking some great red cowboy boots in her new movie, 'All About Steve' that I think are to die for! She said that she got them online for less than $15 & they're comfortable too! What more could you ask for? Go bold this season, from head to toe!

Beamon jewels at Target!

Target strikes again, recruiting yet another lustworthy design team-- Erickson Beamon's glamtastic jewels will be available at Target Feb. 15- June 26 starting at $14.99!!! Their designs are so dramatic and will definitely make a statement. SO bold & glamorous- I can't wait for post Valentine's day shopping!

Black & Blue

I have to tell you about my newest, favorite drink! It's a 'Black & Blue'! It's just a variation of a 'Black & Tan' but instead of using a pale ale/lager you use Blue Moon. I love stout anyway, but even if you're not a fan, you should give this tasty recipe a try. The citrusy taste that the Blue Moon lends really equalizes the Guinness so it doesn't taste as heavy. Enjoy!

This perfect pour is provided by my wonderful husband!

Ingredients: 8 oz Guinness Stout beer & 8 oz Blue Moon beer

Preparation: Pour the Blue Moon into a pint glass. Float the Guinness on top to fill the glass, by pouring it over a bar spoon (or Black and Tan spoon) over the Blue Moon.

Perfect Spring Bootie!

Christian Louboutin's Spring 2009 collection includes the most perfect bootie I have ever seen for the upcoming rise in temperature! The peep toe, the earthy pink, the flowery cutout detailing--Doesn't this just scream "SPRING"!

Meet Black Joe

Austin proves yet again to be the breeding ground for great talent. Meet Black Joe Lewis.

Don't get put off by the straight forward title- take a listen to "Bitch, I Love You".

http://www.myspace.com/blackjoelewis

This is a picture from inside a luxurious Japanese train! It reminds me of the inside of Dylan's Candy Bar in New York. I'd much rather be hanging on to one of those life saver inspired train handles than the steely stripper poles in the New York subway. First their cars are better, now their trains!