Oscars!

My dear friend hosts a great Oscars party every year.  Next to attempting to win the big prize for the night, for me, the red carpet is the best part.  Last night I saw some definite red carpet winners and some, well not so much.  

Haille Steinfeld:  The True Grit star's Marchesa gown was very appropriate for her age and the soft pink was lovely.  I also thought her glittery headband was very charming.  Again, so happy she looked her age!

Sandra Bullock:  In a strapless Vera Wang gown, Sandra appeared very elegant.  I loved that she pulled back her, controversial, blunt bangs.  Add the red lipstick and the bling and you have a great Oscar look.  Take that Jesse James!

Mila Kunis:  While Miss Mila didn't seem too excited about the red carpet, I thought her dress was stunning.  I want it, but in black of course.

Okay, now the disappointments for the night.  

Nicole Kidman:  From the floral moo moos she constantly wearing, to this number that looked more like a table runner, I think her time in Nashville is starting to affect her fashion sense.

Melissa Leo:  While I'm still dying to see the movie, I didn't like that she took out her own trade ads touting herself.  I mean, did anyone else get a whiff of desperation?  Add the f-bomb she dropped in her acceptance speech and this Mark Bouwer gown and what do you get?  Four words: Big Desperate F'ing Doily. 

Helena Bonham:  Okay, okay, I've come to expect disappointment from her as well, but I just couldn't leave this off my list.  This black velvet gown, designed by a costume designer, and that crazy hair.  No!  

happy birthday to me

Happy Birthday (week) to me!  I am pretty sure some of the dreams are big, but here's to hoping.  Cheers!

#1  J.Crew Quorra High-Heel Oxfords please

#2  I found this one on Etsy

#3  J.Crew Laramie Tote

#4 Oh, I Iove these mobiles

#5 Her stuff just gets better and better

#6 And the big dream

#7 Not sure where these would go, but I like!

#8 Antique Cameras

Berlin Fashion Week

Berlin's Fashion Week introduced fresh, promising designer Leyla Piedayesh and her label Lala Berlin.  Okay, I'm not going to lie, I love that there's not a lot of color, except for the occasional pop of yellow or green. There are some fantastic menswear-influenced items and feminine skirts and dresses and, personally, I find that pairing irresistible.  If I only I could afford it! 

badgley mischka

Remember when Badgley Mischka added these two young scarlets to their campaign? 

More recently, they started 2011 with Rumer Willis.  The oldest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis who, I think, looks amazing in their spring launch.  

Of course, the spring introduction means the dresses are all over the red carpet during awards season.  Now I've just read Badgley Mischka will become a year round brand by launching a go-to handbag collection.  Sounds like we'll see these bags by next fall, under the Mark & James line.  Oh, and the cost is $150 to $300.  Nice! 

design after dark | light

Well, everyone's talking about it...I might as well too.  After all, it's one of my favorite events of the year.  

Design After Dark, an annual fundraiser for the Denver Art Museum, is this Friday.  Do you have your ticket?  If not, you should.  

This year's theme is light so I assume the objects, created by Denver's most imaginative folks, will not disappoint.  You can snatch one of these items by way of the auction, and the proceeds go to DAM's Department of Architecture, Design and Graphics.  In addition to the clever exhibits, Denver's people are all dressed up for the night.  Yes, I said Denver and dressed up...fashionable even.  No, I'm not kidding.  So grab a friend, dust off your stylish outfit, and place your bid.  

green tops

Many design firms have made sustainability a part of their mission with every project they touch.  I commend them for those efforts, and I am fascinated by the products they select.  However, the design feature that always captivates me is the simple, but divine appearance of a green rooftop.  

Check these out:

School of Art, Media and Design, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Haworth Corporate Headquarters, Holland, Michigan

Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing

School of Art, Media and Design, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

totes

While searching for a simple bag to tote my 3form samples in, I found these!  Ok, not exactly a bag for my samples, but oh so lovely.  Many of the bags are made with merino felt panels and vegetable tanned leather.  Thank you Graf & Lantz!