Just Another Post about 2012 Oscars Fashion

First of all, I have not watched the red carpet show of this year's Academy Award. I'm simply tired of and fed up with this seemingly wrong trend of fashion taking over talent thingy. Actors and actresses now are more afraid of losing their credit on the red carpet because of wearing the wrong suit/dress than losing their Oscars...

However, you can't avoid the news that simply. :) And all they talked about? what else? who wore whom, and who looked like million bucks, and who looked like a drag queen...

Anyhow, despite all my disclaimer, I still liked a few of those dresses and decided to write another insignificant post about this subject.

I bet everything has his/her own favorite list. To me, by watching the recap, it's hand down Marchesa. Co-founded by 2 English actors-turn-to designers, this new but immediate sensational fashion house truly get s a good grip on what's going on on the red carpet, and has dressed numerous celebrities in varias events. This year, they didn't disappoint me either.

Stacy Keibler. With this golden goddess, who really needs that little old golden man?



Sandra Bullock. I can see you either love or hate this dress. I am in the first crowd. Oh my! those appliques are made of real 24k gold!



Of course, the house designer, former English actress Georgina Chapman doesn't look too shabby herself.


The other note is how the younger crowd played with bold colors, the obvious trend of this coming Spring/Summer season.

Natalie Portman always looks young fresh and polish. This vintage Christian Dior polka dot dress is kind of unexpected but very suitable for her age and gorgeous face. I love that necklace.


I have not watched many films of Michelle Williams, but I always find her a young potential of becoming a red carpet classic.


Emma Stone's fuschia pink dress reminds me of Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga Red dress in 2007 Oscars


Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga 2007 Oscars


There are tons of other nice gowns. You can find your favorites by searching on the internet. I simply wanted to express what stood out to me. :)

J.Crew Flair Skirt in Henna

I'm usually 1 or 2 seasons behind the trends. I realized that but am content with the fact that I am not trendy but keep myself aware of things. :)

Style.com and Vogue used to speak my heart, but now, I am trying to come up with my own trend by flipping through all those fashionistas super well made blogs and shop in my own closet. :)

Today I would like to debut this flair skirt by J.Crew in henna color. It's a deep saturated brick red mixing a bit heather. The skirt is a typical button front A line, inspired by 70's school girl uniform, I think. It comes in multiple colors. I picked up this, another deep green and a camel. It's A line but much more flattering than I had expected. I got a size bigger so that I can tuck in sweaters as needed. It turned out a good decision.

Fur vest over a leather jacket is not my idea, apparently. I am just glad that I can finally find some use of this old black faux fur piece from Bebe, bought a few years ago.

Oh, Gasp...

Plot Spoiler Alert: if you have not watched "Downton Abbey" Season 2, please skip the post.

I have been wanting to write something about this for a long long time...Finally last night PBS finished airing the last episode of "Downton Abbey" - Christmas Special.

There's always a lot to talk about when writing a review about a TV show with more than a dozen of episodes, 33 equally complext characters, and well received cross the world. I will try to make a few key points without dragging too long. :)

The Plot

Different than a film, I heard that writers of a sitcom or TV show normally don't have a complete storyline to begin with. The destiny of the characters and the progress of the plot will depend on how the audience receive them. I am sure when Mr. Fellowes started the season 1 he had a bigger picture in his mind. Hence some clues were left by the end of last episode of the season so that he could pick them up later if we all want the show to go on.

One potential danger of doing so is that sometimes, things can get out of hands when the plot was not well constructed. Some critics felt that season 2 actually showed more Mr. Fellowes' loose and choppy hand as he might not be very good at writing for a TV show. To me, this sounds inevitable.

Season 2 was longer. However, some of the scenes were added simply to keep it going. What's the point of that love affair or fling of Robert with Jane? What's the point of the existence of Lavinia? and that miraculous recovery of Matthew? I know the show tries to tell us that the War did change everybody's life in many ways. However these pieces didn't add on anything positive to the show.



Mary and Matthew

I guess the main thread is the love/hate relationship between these 2. By the end of season 1, we learned that Mary refused Matthew and Matthew would move on...However, in the the second season Mary started out rather opposite from her character. She represented herself as a cold and calculated lady during the first season, but showed more care and feelings toward Matthew and pretty much anybody else for that matter in the second season.

Matthew is less complex. But also more bone head in the second season. I still cannot forgive his heartless behavior with Lavinia.

TV shows are fantacies. So one of the purposes should be making the audience happy despite whether it should present reality or not. Remember when Sir. Dolye was tired and decided to kill offf Sherlock Holmes, the whole world was so angry and sad that he had to bring him back to life? I guess Mr. Fellowes might feel the same pressure so a Chrismas Special was produced to give us some hope. :)


The existence of Lavinia was kind of confusing. Unlike Sir Richard Carlisle, who actually did participate in part of an important plot, the character of Lavinia didn't seem present any importance. If you simply erase her from the show, I bet the audience couln't even notice any big difference.



Anna and Mr. Bates

Now we are talking about a couple who is probably on everybody's favorite list. One great thing about this show is it didn't just focus on the uppper class and what happened upstairs; it also tells stories about the servants who suffer equally from agony but also enjoy the ecstasy. Actually one of the major clues left by the season 1 was the mytery around Mr. Bates and his wife. Of course once it's uncovered in season 2, it was pretty disappointing. LOL

Mr. Bates becomes a clue again by the end of the season 2. But it also makes us wonder, what's next? now are they going to truly enjoy their love?



Cousin Violet

 In "Gosfort Park", Maggie Smith's character was very similar to Cousin Violet in "Downton Abbey". During the first season, grandma was kind of old fashioned and conservative but in season 2, she became more whimsical, quirky, lot fun to watch. Guess Mr. Fellowes truly respecst and understands Dame Maggie Smith's acting potentials so he offers so much for Maggie Smith to play with.



I just learned that the season 3 is currently being filmed and will be airing in UK this coming septemper, 2012. I also learned that the story will cover 18 months from 1920 after the Great War. The "Roaring 1920s" has been always fascinating to me, the fashion, the social and culture trends, Art Deco, and the feminism. I look forward to learning what final verdict it would be for the Bates' case, and what Mary and Edith would be wearing. Are they going to look like 2 of those flapper girls? What's going to happen to Mary and Matthew? Sir Carlisle or a replacement would come back? Who knows...It's always interesting to wait to see what will happen.

Julian Fellowes Interview about "Downton Abbey"

Dotted City

Some fashion critics call "polka dots" a FAD trend as they were popular back to 80s, then sometime during the 90s, and last seen around a few years ago on the streets in London. I can't agree with this because this fun, whimsical and sweet pattern has been always been and will still be favorites to lots of us.

People are getting really creative nowaways when it comes to fashion. So many professional/amateur fashion bloggers are surprising us daily with their ingenious ideas and imagination.

One thing I noticed is lots of these girls/women are getting really good at mixing patterns, including polka dots. Different sizes, colors, and textures all work well together.








I happend to collect polka dots, in case you have not noticed. :) But as a fairly conservative dresser, I feel much safer to play with the same color scheme and stick to neutrals.

Note: on the left, had to adjust the color a bit to show the true orange tone on the skirt. The right one was under natural indoor lighting.

Silk Tie-neck top: Banana Republic; Cardigan: Forever 21; Skirt; J.crew Classic Mini in felted wool in decadent red.

J.Crew "Alix" Jeans

One of my new year resolution for 2012 is "Buy Less/Wear More".

Like 90% of the women out there, I am super "jeans" challenging. With a typical dewdrop shape (or better described as "pear shape"), it's agony to buy pants.

I got these Alix jeans around 2007 holiday season. They used to fit ok, then after I put on a few pounds, these pants became a torture...until I finally dropped those a few pounds. My thighs are still as large as an elephant, but at least I feel comfortable in them now. I found the straight cut slim through the thigh and knee is the best for me. It works much better than bootcut or bell bottom.


source: http://thejcrewarchives.blogspot.com/



The houndstooth plaid toggle coat eared high mileage this winter. :)

Patterned

When it comes to home decor, I am easily drown to all kinds of interesting patterns: from over the top ornate lace prints during baroque period to vivid African Ikat; from 14 century quatrefoils to country florals...

However, I also remember that signature quote from Coco Chanel: less is more. There shouldn't be exception at home. Too many patterns might look too busy. A busy environment hardly will create a comfortable and relaxing ambience. Don't you think?

I like how they make purple "pop" out of neutral browns.



This is more organic yet with much softer tone



 Country Florals makes me feel "homie" and "lofty


Blue + green is always my favorite combination. They look cool, refreshing and very calming.



I finally found some nice curtains with my favorite quatrefoil patterns and can't wait to dress up my windows. I am not going to double them up. The blue ones will go into the spare room with blue painted wall. The creamy sheer curtains will go underneath a neutral solid layer.

Love in the Air

Happy Valentine's Day!

I always enjoy the day. For some reason when this day comes, people, even strangers look more friendly than ever.

However, I am not a drama queen and usually don't expect this day to be too eventful. I always think when you cherish your love and friendship, everyday should be the Valentine's Day.
For those who don't care for it, please, please try something to put yourself into this lovely and sweet mood, at least once a year. :)

Enjoy an old fashioned romantic movie

I'm a die hard romantic film freak. :) "Meet me on the top of the Empire State Build on the Valentine's Day" ("Sleepless in Seattle" 1993) always warms my heart.



Share a laugh and give a hug
In the country I used to live, people celebrate today as "the Day of Love and Friendship". Even if you have not found your Mr./Mrs Right yet, sharing a good laugh and give a warm hug to a good friend will totally makes up for it.



Do you remember that "the Kiss by the Hotel de Ville"? 60 years later, it still touches my heart.


source: http://www.masters-of-photography.com

Play a dress-up game

I am not a theme dresser, but pink and red are always loveable. Did you know pastels and neon pinks are among the top trends this spring?


Dotted blouse: Forever 21, Vest: Alice Temperley for Target, Pants: J.crew, Coat: an old piece for Nordstrom Rack

GTS: Channelling 70's Fashion

Inspiration: Mary Tyler Moore ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show" 1970-1977)






When talking about 70's fashion films and shows, we think of "Charlie's Angels", "The Network", and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show".

I particularly enjoy the quirky, fun yet stylish role of Mary Tyler Moore. Her style represents the trend back to 70's yet suitable for the working class. Mary Tyler Moore is a copy writer working at a local TV station. The show is about her, her co-workers and friends. It's a show about "nothing" yet "everything". :)

J.crew Vest and plaid skirt. Vintage dotted tie-neck blouse.

Decluttered House, Decluttered Mind

I have been busy, outside the internet world. :)

After many years of being messy, I finally decided to clean the house and my mind. You probably remember that I have recently posted an entry about a show on a psychololgical disordered called "Hoarders". It's important to mention that the show definitely helped me to make the decision as my fear of becoming one of them grows on me quickly. A few weeks of hard work later, I still have a long way to go before reaching the goal of a whole clean house. It's a learning process; it is followed by thoughts and experience.


1. Do It and Do It Right Now
Growing up in a family of neat freaks didn't make me one. I'm the odd ball at home: messy and disorganized. Unlike my sister, who would clean up after everybody, I would rather leave things the way they are until I can get to them later. When that "later" moment never comes, it becomes a huge mess. The most stuff I accumulate, the less motivate I feel to do it.

Now one of my rules is: do it and do it right now. If I want to take something with me to work next day, I will put it in my bag right that moment. When thinking of exercising, I immediately get on my elliptical machine or grab the weights. There is no other way around it.

2. Buy Less; Wear/Use More
One of my biggest problems is too much clothes/shoes/handbags. I have been so busy at buying every single piece that grabs my attention that I have no time of sitting back and taking a look at what I already have. When I tell you more than half of my closet still have the tags on, I am not exaggerating.

Another downside of impulsive buying habit is frequent buyer's remorse. I need to return the stuff I don't need. Refund is often treated as "free money"...now you know the consequences of a wrong thinking.

The process of cleaning house makes me realize how much money has been thrown away by buying stuff on a whim or with lesser quality. It's so painful! Letting them go is burden; thinking of how much money I could have saved is a burden; the space that stuff takes up is a burdern... I definitely don't want to through that again.

However it's unrealistic to drop out shopping just one straw; it takes time and practice. It's a mind changing game and requires building strength and discipline. Next time when you wander at the store and just cannot let something go, think loud: THERE IS NOTHING I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT. I AM ALREADY A FASHIONISTA EVEN WITHOUT IT.

3. Decluttered House, Decluttered Mind

Sometimes the "side effect" of a new habit or process is very subtle. The old saying "Cluttered House, Cluttered Mind" doesn't ring immediately but in a long term you will definitely see the truth beneath it. It works on the flip side too. Now that I have a clean house, it's lot easier to find things, so it's lot easier to do things. :) Hence, I get more done, at home and at work.