Thinking spring

[jcrew.com]

I always like seeing Jenna's picks for J.Crew. This month's "Jenna's Eye Candy" has a few springy things that I love. [jcrew.com]

Generally speaking, I'm a high-heels girl. I am really digging Oxfords though, and these 'Camden Leather Brouges' are super-cute. They aren't cheap at $250, but I could see wearing them now and when it gets warmer with floral dresses as an unexpected combo. My favorite color is the ginger (also available in nutmeg and black).

[jcrew.com]

The 'Flutter Flower Clutch' is lovely ($128). Both the sheer lilac and brilliant orange are beautiful. The silk and chiffon raw-cut flowers make this a fun and unique evening bag.

Lyons also listed some jewelry, a Timex watch, a satchel, some heels and studded belts in her picks. A former J.Crew designer's, Chris Benz, limited edition lipstick for Lancôme called 'Chris & Tell' that is due out in February.
[jcrew.com]

On a random note, while perusing the site, I came across some Globe Trotter luggage. Apparently British royals have carried precious cargo in this luggage. It's gorgeous, sort of Louis Vuitton-esque stuff, and it's expensive. I love the sour lemon color. I've tried having a light color suitcase though, and it didn't work out. My light pink suitcase turned unsightly black from being tossed around baggage claim.

Lela Rose Bridesmaid

[usatoday.com]

After Lela Rose designed bridesmaid dresses for Jenna Bush's wedding, the designer created a line for us common folk. Rose designed seven styles in seven different colors for 14 attendants for Bush's wedding.
[dessy.com]

I'm currently looking for bridesmaid dresses for my wedding, which is not as easy of a decision as it seems! Rose's dresses are fashionable and flattering - and most importantly, un-bridesmaidy. They're a bit expensive, since most that I've seen run in the $300 price range.

The gauze and crinkle chiffon dresses with the rosettes at the neckline are a few of my favorites. The Dessy Group showcases these dresses online and helps you find a retailer. View the collection here.

Silly, silly "When in Rome"

I saw a sneak preview of When in Rome last night. It's not going to win any Oscars, but it's a fun movie nonetheless.

Beth (Kristen Bell), a curator at The Guggenheim, hasn't had any luck with men. When her younger sister Joan gets engaged to an Italian she's known for two weeks, she flies to Rome to be maid of honor in their wedding. There, she meets the gorgeous best man, Nick (Josh Duhamel). They seemingly hit it off, but she's disappointed after she thinks she sees him kissing another woman.

Down on her luck, Beth takes some coins out of the Fontana de Amore. People throw coins in the fountain hoping to find love. Since Beth took their coins, they will fall in love with her. Several men follow her back home to New York City (including a hilarious quartet of Dax Shepard, Danny DeVito, John Heder and Will Arnett).

Beth and Nick start seeing each other again despite the incessant stream of strange men following her around. She starts to believe that she's taken Nick's coin out of the fountain, which would mean that his love isn't real. Major drama then ensues. Don't worry, everything works out in the end.

At the very least, this movie brought back good memories of my trip to Rome (and Duhamel isn't tough on the eyes either). There are also two wedding scenes in the movie. Since I'm getting married soon, I always enjoy seeing these. Bell's strapless wedding dress worn in the fountain (see above photo) was very pretty with flowers at the waist.

"Alice in Wonderland" makeup? Yes, please

I saw the trailer of Tim Burton and Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland last night. Oh man, does that movie look ca-razy (in a good way). Any Burton/Depp collabo is going to be fabulous. The film is set to be released March 5. I was pleasantly surprised to find some Alice in Wonderland-inspired makeup products in my latest Ulta magazine.
[ulta.com]

Urban Decay's set is a pretty good deal and very fun. It includes 16 eyeshadows with cool names like "White Rabbit." A travel sized Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils are also included. I love the shimmery sheen in Urban Decay's shadows. It's $52 from Ulta, and right now you can get 20% off of your purchase and a free deluxe sample of Urban Decay's Pore Perfecting Primer.
Ulta is also carrying a set of four mini O.P.I. nail lacquers inspired by the film. Colors include a pretty blue glittery "Absolutely Alice," a red "Thanks So Muchness," an orangey red "Off With Her Red" and a purple/silver glittery "Mad as a Hatter." The set of minis is $12.50, and full size bottles are $8.50 each. These are not available online as of the moment.

Kelsi Dagger sandals

[elle.com]

In this month's Elle (one of my favorite mags), I was intrigued by their spread on "Lingerie Dressing." You may have seen some celebrities wearing sheer or peek-a-boo tops that show their bra. This trend is a be risque for us normal folks. Elle recommended wearing a lace shirt, tap shorts or pajama pants. I like all of those ideas apart from the pj bottoms - I don't see myself looking good in those.

Anyway, I saw these fabulous sandals in this spread by Kelsi Dagger. This line was created by the designers of the gorgeous Pour La Victoire shoes. A description of the line on kelsidagger.com said, "Kelsi Dagger is confident, independent, slightly dangerous and speaks to the accelerating velocity of how young people live today."

[piperlime.com]

I couldn't find the exact pair featured in Elle yet, but I did find these two snakeskin 'Monroe' pairs on Piperlime for $85. These light gray or purple flats are as dressy as heels without the pain. I need these for my St. John trip stat.

H&M's The Garden Collection

[all photos from hm.com]

I'm having flashbacks to last spring when I anxiously awaited the arrival of Matthew Williamson's collection for H&M. This spring H&M is doing something even more affordable and Earth-friendly with The Garden Collection. Everything is made sustainable materials including recycled polyester and organic cotton. What's there not to like about great looking clothes for a good cause?

This feminine, colorful collection will be in stores at the end of March. The pieces are colorful and fun. I'm definitely a dress girl, and there are plenty of those in the collection. Here are a few of my favorites...

Check out a list of the very affordable prices here.

Most improved at SAG Awards

[usmagazine.com]

Since it's awards season we'll be seeing more and more lovely gowns this month and next that will leave us (or at least me) wishing that we too had somewhere glamorous to go. Of course there are always those dresses that make us cringe - I'm talking to you, Mariah.

Saturday night's SAG (Screen Actor's Guild) Awards brought out a few improved ensembles over the Golden Globes. First, let's start with the best dressed celeb of the night: Christina Applegate. Her silk chiffon blue Roberto Cavalli gown was so elegant. I especially liked the flowing train and illusion neckline.

[usmagazine.com]

[justjared.buzznet.com]

Up in the Air and Twilight actress Anna Kendrick's gown was a great improvement from her Golden Globes choice. Her strapless bustier Alberta Ferretti gown in a vibrant purple color was a much more age-appropriate than the matronly Marchesa dress she sported last week. I also like that she paired it with a fun cuff.

[usmagazine.com]
[justjared.buzznet.com]

Always a fashion risk taker, Inglourious Basterd's Diane Kruger's marigold Jason Wu dress was stunning. Personally, I'm a big fan of marigold, and you almost never see it on the red carpet. The one shoulder and perfect fit made it a hands-down winner over the pink confectionery Christian Lacroix dress that she wore to the GGs.

Lust: T by Alexander Wang Thumbhole Dress

[nordstrom.com]

I simply need this dress. T by Alexander Wang's 'Thumbhole Knit Dress' from the Spring 2010 collection is available for pre-order now at Nordstrom ($95). I love the bateau neck and obviously the thumbholes. I could definitely see myself wearing this through the end of winter as a layering piece and spring. Another plus is that it could easily be dressed up or casual.The wardrobe staple 'Pocket Tee' ($75) and fun, swingy 'Mélange Capelet Tank Dress' ($105) are other great pieces.

Does your bag sing?

[neimanmarcus.com]

I'm intrigued by Marc Jacobs' 'Jennifer Bird Cage Shoulder Bag.' It vaguely has the look of a quilted Chanel 2.55 with the chain strap, or even some of Jacobs' other quilted leather bags. However, this bag is a completely different animal (no pun intended). The brightly colored bird print, leather "cage" and gold lock adornment give it the look of a, well, birdcage.

The chainstrap is removable turning this statement bag into a clutch. It's too expensive for a whimsical piece like this (for me, anyway) at $1,195 from Neiman Marcus.

Get your prep on with M.A.C.'s In Lillyland

[Nordstrom.com]

M.A.C. makeup never lets me down. It's inexpensive enough that you can experiment with color, but the quality is still excellent. Their 'In Lillyland' collection, inspired by Lily Pulitzer, is perfect for spring. You don't have to be a Palm Beach-living, pink-and-green-loving Lilly wearer to think this line is fabulous.
My favorite item in the collection is the Cremeblend blush in 'joie-de-vivre' ($18.50). It's a pretty pink color that looks like a natural flush. I always thought I had to put cream blush on my with finger, but the makeup artist showed me how to apply it with my angled blush brush.

I love the bright pink nail lacquer in 'steamy' ($12). There are two new Technakohl liner colors: Graphblack and Purple Dash ($14.50). This eyeliner is the best!The pearlmate eyeshadow is three different colors of shadows - green, white and pink (go figure!) for $19.50. The pearlmate facepowder combines matte and pearlized shades that turns out like a bronzer on your skin ($27.50). I'm a little bit too pale to pull this off now, but it'll be great with a little color.
Other 'In Lillyland' items include Lipgelée ($14.50) in four different colors including the pictured 'preppy.' I always like to wear this over lipstick for some shine. There are also three new Paint Pot colors, a cream eyeshadow ($16.50).

Inner cowgirl fringe

[cusp.com]

Fringed bags go in and out of style. Regardless, stores are still selling them, and I am still wanting one. I love Linea Pelle's 'Black Fringed Bag' ($250) from Cusp. The braided shoulder strap and detachable cross-body strap are what make it so fabulous. Plus, the leather fringe is very long and probably swishes when walking. Fun!
[newyorkandcompany.com]

New York & Company makes a very affordable version if you want to test this trend without spending big bucks. The 'Fringe Crossbody Bag' is a mere $20.26. My favorite color is the greystone. This would be perfect for going out. Speaking of going-out bags reminds me that I need to downsize my bag. It's a legit problem when you have to dig for five minutes before actually locating your car keys.

Denim musts

[shopbop.com]

No matter how much I tell myself that I have enough jeans, I always find myself "needing" another pair. There are a few pairs that I'm particularly liking right now because they're a departure from ordinary denim.
[shopbop.com]

Anlo's 'Petra Skinny Jeans' from shopbop.com come in two fab colors - Orchid and Pool ($185). I love that they're ankle length too, so that means no hemming for me! They'll look great now with black and heels. Then in the spring I can wear them with light tops and sandals. Shopbop offers free shipping too.
[tobi.com]

Black jeans no long conjure images of horribly faded, high-waisted nineties jeans. A pair of sleek black skinnies is crucial. I'm loving J Brand's 'Henry Duarte Ziggy Skinny Jeans' in Dusk from Tobi.com ($209). They have cool pocket and fly zippers too. L.A.-based designer Duarte collaborated with J Brand for a three-piece line inspired by David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust album.
[tobi.com]

Yet another pair of J Brands have caught my eye. Their '12" Lowrise Pencil Leg Jeans' in the marbilized golden black color also from Tobi.com ($185) are great. The coppery black wash is interesting and is neutral enough that it would go well with a lot.

Sarah Jessica Parker's new scent - SJP NYC

[stylist.com]

I recently got a whiff of Sarah Jessica Parker' newest scent, SJP NYC. I really like it. It's very feminine and fruity - definitely a wonderful fragrance for spring and summer. The scent is launching in February.

Coty Prestige and perfumer Honorine Blanc created the perfume with Parker. I'm a big fan of SJP's scent, Lovely, so I'm excited about her newest fragrance.

The notes in the perfume are mandarin, white osmanthus, strawberry, gardenia, honeysuckle, mimosa, vanilla absolute, rose, sandalwood, rum flavor and creamy musks. Prices are very reasonable too at $25 for 15ml, $35 for 30ml and $49 for 60ml. The mixed print bottles are certainly fun too.

The scent is inspired by Parker's Sex and the City character, Carrie Bradshaw. "A large part of the inspiration is what I now understand to be people's impressions of seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the street and what feelings that evokes for her and for them - a real sense of freedom and possibilities, a love for the city around her, and, of course, fashion," Parker told WWD.

The advertisement was styled by Elle's Joe Zee. Parker is wearing a gorgeous floral Oscar de la Renta gown. Miss Bradshaw would definitely approve.

Golden Globe fashion, etc.

[yahoo.com]

It was a rainy night in L.A. last night, so everyone was sporting umbrellas on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards. They've always been my favorite show of awards season because everyone is less uptight (and a little drunker) and more fun. TV and movie people are all schmoozing together in one room. Ricky Gervais hosted last night and told a few jokes at the actors' expense.
[yahoo.com]

Despite the revelry, almost every celeb was wearing a "Remember Haiti" ribbon. It was announced that George Clooney is holding a telethon to raise money on Friday. That, my friends, is why everyone loves that man!

Now for the fashion. Here are my favorites of the night...

[yahoo.com]

-Asymmetrical necklines
The common theme of the night seemed to be an asymmetrical neckline. Crazy Heart's Maggie Gyllenhaal wore a lovely peach RM Roland Mouret gown. Nine's Marion Cotillard wore a one-shoulder green satin Christian Dior gown. Award winner Drew Barrymore for her role in Grey Gardens wore a nude one-shoulder Atelier Versace gown. Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman and Amy Adams also wore skewed necklines of some sort.
[yahoo.com]

-Sandra Bullock
The Best Actress winner for her role in The Blind Side had the best color choice in a jewel-toned purple chiffon strapless Bottega Veneta gown. 2009 was definitely her year!
[yahoo.com]

-Sparkly awards
House actress Olivia Wilde wore a sparkly silver-black Gucci gown for a sleek look that appeared to be comfortable too (she's also auctioning her dress to help Haiti). Toni Collette wore a glam gold Elie Saab dress. Felicity Huffman's lovely peach gown had some serious sparkle around the neck. True Blood's Anna Paquin wore a daring plunging Stella McCartney gown.

[yahoo.com]

-Ladies in black
A lot of women wore black dresses, which if you ask me, is smart because everyone knows that black is the most flattering color. Award winner Meryl Streep wore a flattering belted black dress. Helen Mirren looked fabulous in a black, sparkly gown. Jennifer Aniston wore a black asymmetrical dress with a thigh-high slit. Up in the Air's Vera Farmiga also wore a strapless black gown. Mad Men's January Jones wore Lanvin with a polished up-do and black headband. Lea Michelle of Glee wore a dramatic, sweeping black Oscar de la Renta gown.

[yahoo.com]

Where there are favorites, there must be least favorites...

-Mariah Carey. I just have one word for her skin-tight black Hervé Léger dress: yikes!
-Lauren Graham. I think I'm just very picky about satin. It has to be just right to avoid the dreaded bridesmaid look. Graham did not succeed, plus it looks wrinkled.
-Cameron Diaz. Her red satin Alexander McQueen dress was boring and looked too old for her. She unfortunately paired it with a shade of lipstick that didn't match.
-Kristin Bell. Her short white dress seemed out of place. She does get extra credit for not pairing it with white shoes like Kate Hudson did with her Marchesa gown.

-Chloe Sevigny. The winner for role in Big Love wore a bold lilac Valentino dress. I've always admired her risk-taking, but I would have chosen something more flattering.

On another note, Julia Roberts' ego seemed to be in rare form last night. On the red carpet she stood with Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and didn't let either of them get a word in edgewise. I didn't know if she had one too many glasses of champagne or what. She also wore a black YSL cocktail dress that would've been great for a, uh, cocktail party.

I thought that Jeff Bridges of Crazy Heart and Precious's Mo'Nique had the best acceptance speeches. I really hope that Crazy Heart comes out here soon. It was also great to see James Cameron's Avatar win. I saw the movie yesterday, and it was amazing. The Hangover won for Best Comedy. It's a hilarious movie, but that was a definite upset. That's why these shows are so exciting!