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!

The perfect pre-spring shirt (and some shoes)

[intermix.com]

I am loving the Elizabeth and James 'Cohen Gingham Check Shirt' from Intermix. I've always been a fan of gingham, but I really think this shirt is . It's available in red (more pink looking) or black. Yes, it's pricey at $225, but it's a classic look that will probably never be out. Wear it layered now then in the spring for casual weekends. While on the subject of E&J, I also adore these 'Maryl Suede Cutout Slingbacks' ($375). The petal-shaped suede cutouts give these almost clog-like shoes a hint of sweetness. They're a little edgy too with 1/2" steel strips. These things are very tall and could go in the ankle-breaker category with a 5.5" stacked heel and 1" wood platform. Oh well, beauty is pain.

Retailers help Haiti

Everyday I get e-mails from Ruelala about their daily boutiques. They sell designer products at great prices. Today I was very touched by the company's e-mail. CEO Ben Fischman wrote...

Rue La La joins the rest of the world in grieving the tremendous losses to the people of Haiti. Out of respect for those who have lost loved ones, their shelter, and life's basic necessities in this tragedy, we cannot stand by while relief efforts are underway without taking action. We are halting our Boutiques from now until Saturday at 8AM ET. We ask that instead you take this time - as we are - to make a donation to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Effort.

The company also put a link to donate on their landing page, ruelala.com.

I also received an e-mail from New York City-based Fishs Eddy saying that they are donating 10% of sales to the American Red Cross.

Visit the American Red Cross here to donate to Haiti Relief and Development. Every little bit will help.

Lust: White jeans

[posh24.com]

White jeans (or anything white for that matter) isn't the easiest to wear. One speck of dirt and you're done for. Nevertheless, I've found myself wanting a new pair of white jeans. Perhaps Elle Macpherson's snowy Aspen apparel is what triggered it. It was a bold move for her to wear white pants in the snow - maybe snow doesn't get dirty in Colorado like it does here?

Anyway, she proves that these jeans can be worn now. They'll look great when it gets warmer too with brightly colored tops. So, they're really a year-round piece.

[jbrandjeans.com]

I'm obsessed with J Brand's 926 'Seven-Eighths' jeans in Aspen ($158). The cropped length is probably just about right on me, since I'm short and always have to get my J Brands hemmed anyway. If you're taller, you can tuck them into boots now and no one would know they're cropped but you.
[topshop.com]

For a more affordable pair, try Topshop's 'White Jamie Jeans' ($80). These fab skinny jeans will do the trick.

"Leap Year"

Leap Year is a different movie for Amy Adams. Not that that's a bad thing - it's just different. This romantic comedy about a woman, Anna (Adams), who travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend, Jeremy (Adam Scott), after hearing that you can do that on a leap year.

Of course, along the way she runs into some problems and meets a handsome Irishman, Declan (Matthew Goode), who is the polar opposite of her uptight cardiologist boyfriend. I have to admit that I loved Goode in the role of the sexy foreigner in Chasing Liberty, and his role is quite similar in this film (again, not a bad thing). When Declan meets Anna, a seemingly prissy city girl, after she checks in at his hotel they don't hit it off. She eventually gets him to agree to drive her to Dublin.

As you've probably guessed, Declan and Anna end up falling for each other. Unfortunately as soon as she arrives in Dublin her boyfriend proposes to her. Don't worry too much though, all ends well in this story.

There are also some funny parts fashion-y parts in the movie. Declan teases Anna for naming her suitcase "Louis" when she calls it that because it's a Vuitton. Also, her Christian Louboutin heels are literally dragged through the mud on several occasions. What a shame!

Affordable minis

[nyandcompany.com]

I love miniskirts, and I've recently found several that are fabulous and, most importantly, affordable. Plus, they're a year-round wardrobe staple. Wear them now with tights then in the spring and summer without. I pair mine with a sweater cardi or turtleneck and tights now - the sweater nicely juxtaposes the shorter skirt.

New York & Company's ponte knit 'Soho Mini Skirt' in black-and-grey stripes is a steal at $19.95. It's also available in black, charcoal grey and taupe.

[express.com]

Express also has a few affordable options. The 'high-waist mini bandage skirt' ($59.95) takes a cue from Hervé Léger's popular bandage dresses and skirts. It's available in fun colors like sweet raspberry and bright citrene (my personal fave). These would look great with a simple American Apparel v-neck tee or a boyfriend blazer.

Another option to add to your list of wardrobe staples is the 'double weave mini skirt' ($39.95). Pair this skirt with ankle boots now.

Tory Burch 'Cat's Eye' sunglasses

[nordstrom.com]

I wish I didn't love sunglasses as much as I do. I think it all dates back to the rush of excitement I felt when I got my first pair of Chanel shades back in college (plus, my fear of crow's feet). The newest pair that I'm obsessing over are Tory Burch's 'Cat's Eye' sunglasses.

Cat-eyed shapes are so fresh yet retro. These come in black, olive and tortoise. I'm very fond of the olive color since I don't have any in that shade. They feature TB's signature logo on the temples.

The price isn't too crazy-over-the-top either at $149 from Nordstrom. Burch just launched her sunglasses line this fall.

"The Young Victoria"

I finally got to see The Young Victoria yesterday. It's only on at one theater around me, and luckily it was well worth the wait! It's a beautiful love story about Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert. Though I'd visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, I'd never really given their story a second thought until now.

Actually, I didn't know much at all about the British monarch Victoria's life. This film gives us a glimpse of Victoria's (played by Emily Blunt of The Devil Wears Prada) early years as queen. Victoria becomes queen when she turns 18 and suffers from being pulled in all different directions by the people that surround her, including her mother.

She meets Prince Albert of Belgium, played by Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice), and is instantly smitten. Victoria has appointed Lord Melbourne (an unrecognizable Paul Bettany) as her personal secretary. Never thinking that she wanted to marry and be controlled by a man, Victoria's heart is changed after some poor decisions that have turned the people of England against her. She realizes that she wants Albert beside her.

Victoria and Albert married, and had nine children. He died young in his forties, and she set out clothes for him everyday until she died. Yes, it's a tearjerker! The Victorian era clothing in this film is incredible. The costumes definitely deserve an Oscar nom.

Lust: SONIA by Sonia Rykiel leopard tunic

[tobi.com]

Tunics are my uniform, and I adore leopard print. So that pretty much makes this tunic ($295) by SONIA by Sonia Rykiel from Tobi.com a new lust. The colors are so fun and vibrant.

The best part is that it could be worn now with tights/leggings and a sweater then again in the spring and summer. It's made of 60% cotton and 40% silk.

Botkier's denim-like leather hobo

[bloomingdales.com]

I'm a big fan of Botkier bags. They last forever, as my sister and I can attest. We both both the same butterscotch leather hobo, have carried it for years, and it still looks good-as-new. No one was happier than I when Monica Botkier created a line for Target a few years ago.

My latest Botkier obsession is the 'James Leather Hobo' in the denim color ($595). The oversized distressed leather bag is roomy, too (16" x 11.5" x 3"). I also love that it has a detachable longer strap in addition to a shoulder strap.

It's also available in this go-with-everything gray color. One way to save some bucks is to find a hobo made of actual denim for a similar look.

Halston Heritage: '70s throwback

[neimanmarcus.com]

Neiman Marcus has the Halston Heritage line. It's a modern spin on the iconic 1970s designer, Roy Halston Frowick. Prices aren't too outlandish either starting at $325. I like the vibrant colors and draping. The pleated purple 'Metallic Stripe Dress' is gorgeous ($425). The jumpsuits are so '70s too; I love it!

You may recognize the above dress from the Sex and the City 2 posters on Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). This white jersey dress is $325.

Pre-order the items now, and receive them just in time for spring!

Chanel vintage jewelry sale on BDB

[billiondollarbabes.com]

Billion Dollar Babes teamed up with The Archive Agency for a sale of vintage Chanel jewelry! Some of the pieces have already sold out, but there are still some available. This is much easier than hunting for it at vintage shops. My gold Chanel earrings are probably the earrings that I wear most because they're light and go with everything.

There are no returns on these items. Items are priced from $165-$990. Sign up for the amazing sales that Billion Dollar Babes offers for free here.

Urban Outfitters sale finds

[urbanoutfitters.com]

Oh I do love a good sale. Every sale item online at Urban Outfitter's is an extra 25% off. I adore Deux Luxe's 'Drawstring Bucket Bag' in a lovely peachy/coral color for $29.99 (from $68). Bucket bags reminiscent of the nineties are making a comeback as I alluded to here.

I pride myself on buying deeply discounted Christmas decor around this time of year. These ornaments are quirky yet precious. Plus, ornaments make great gifts, so now's the time to stock up. They're priced at $3.74 with the discount from $12-14.

Shop quickly because the sale ends today!

Spring trend spotting

[whowhatwear.com]

Who What Wear posted their spring trends today. It's hard to believe that it's already time to start thinking about your spring wardrobe when it's still 30-degrees outside, but alas, fashion knows no temperatures.

Here is the top 10 spring trends courtesy of the fashionable ladies at WWW...

1) Extreme wedges
2) All-weather leather
3) Accessory overkill
4) Lingerie galore
5) Pretty pastels
6) Mid-blue hues
7) Manicured ruffles
8) Digital prints
9) Cut-out dresses
10) Khaki craze

Out of the above, I'm most excited for extreme wedges, pretty pastels and manicured ruffles. I guess I'm just a girly girl. As a dark denim lover, I'm least looking forward to the mid-blue hues. I'm pretty sure that dark denim is most flattering on everyone, too. The lingerie trend is a little iffy, and most people would probably have trouble pulling it off in the real world aside from a camisole or corset underneath a blazer on a night out.
[shoes.com]

I might buy these Carlos by Carlos Santana 'Courage' wedges ($110) from Shoes.com now. With a 4" wedge and 1.5" platform they definitely qualify as extreme.
[piperlime.com]

I'm also obsessed with this pretty pink 'Ruffle Front Strapless Dress' by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent from Piperlime ($275).
[bloomingdales.com]

As for the pastel trend, this light pink 'Linda Calfskin Clutch' by MARC BY MARC JACOBS is about as cute as it gets. It's $248 at Bloomingdale's.

"Sherlock Holmes"

There have been many versions of Sherlock Holmes. Having seen none of them except the most recent film, I must say that I absolutely loved it. Directed by Guy Ritchie (better known as Madonna's ex-hubs), the film takes place in the gray Londontown that I know and love.

Robert Downey Jr. is amazing as the gifted yet quirky detective, Holmes, and Jude Law plays his lovable sidekick Dr. Watson. The sinister Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong) has threatened to take over England with black magic, so Holmes and Watson enlist to help Scotland Yard defeat him. Rachel McAdams plays Holmes's love interest, Irene Adler.

Downey is nominated for a Golden Globe for his role. The way the film ends, you get the impression that there will be a sequel. I hope that there is!

The caged foot sings

[bloomingdales.com]

I love a caged shoe. I wore a black pair in a wedding this past summer and have worn them for a multitude of occasions ever since. Lucky for me, caged shoes are still hot and will be into the spring and summer. Here are a few pairs that I adore.

Modern Vintage's 'Georgie Platform Sandal' (above) from Bloomingdale's is striking. I like that it's almost a boot, but still qualifies as a sandal. You know my mantra, wear it with tights now and without later. They're $295.
[piperlime.com]

Piperlime offers some great options, as usual. Jessica Simpson has an affordable pair at $89. The 'Cally' in a tan color called luggage is fabulous and goes perfectly with this spring's khaki trend. I also like the studs, and it's 5" with a 1" platform.

I'm also really digging Chinese Laundry's 'Kopin' ($90). It's available in black and toast - both have a cool snakeskin platform and heel. They're closed toe, but the cage is open enough that they'd look great in the spring too.
[southmoonunder.com]

For a little sparkle, BCBG's 'Strappy Beaded Platform Heel' from South Moon Under ($118) is a wonderful choice.