Hollywood Glamour at the Oscars 2010

Here are my favorites this year for the most beautiful dresses

and overall glamorous looks.

Sandra Bullock takes the Oscar and wins my heart for the most beautiful dress with the most exquisite beading on the top.

Jennifer Lopez looked like a fairy tale. I hear she practiced walking

in this flowing gown to pull this off with ease.

Kate Winslet's necklace and glamorous hair saved her.
I don't think the bottom of the dress is flattering, it looks cheap and the color is just flat on her.
I think blondes need a more sparkle or color in their dresses and red lips. But, she still made the list.

Amanda Seyfried is a young gal knows how to poise and pull her shoulders back. I adore the huge cuff/bracelets on her for a younger and funky look with such a grown up dress.

Demi Moore? I seriously didn't even recognize her!
Other than that shocking fact, she looks so beautiful and look at the layers of this dress. Although, she really needs to go eat a cheeseburger. I hope she isn't going to start shrink away like James Cameron's poor wife.

Cameron Diaz looking the best I have ever seen her in old school glamour.
I love her soft hair, ivory skin and red lips. Perfection. Especially for a Southern California surfer girl.

Elizabeth Banks looking like a movie star in this lavender flowy gown.



Meryl Steep looks gorgeous and age appropriate.
I adore white on her, but didn't love her hair.


I adore RDJ, but what is up with his shoes? I did love the blue glasses and bow tie. He really looked handsome and happy. So, he would have been perfect if he just put on the right shoes.
But, his wife's dress, Susan Downey, is absolutley stunning. I mean, hello, look at that body. You have to give it up to a gal that can pull of horizontal stripes!
It might have been better to see her hair pulled back and with giant earrings.
But, she does look beautiful just the way she is here.


Unlike Joan's fashion police on E, I thought Tina Fey looked gorgeous
and this dress showed off her tiny little waist and hip with the symmetry.

Sarah Jessica Parker. Ok, what do you think? I love it and think she owns it. I also loved her hair. But, I am sure lots of you may disagree with me. But, I adore Chanel. I don't think this deserves to be on the worst dressed fashion police on E.

Quintin Tarintino and Diane Kruger. I loved this dress when I saw it from the front. But, know that I see the side view I am really questioning the ruffles on the hips and bottom. Who really needs that much material gathered in that area?

What do you think?

Zoe Saldana. I love the rhinestone top, but with the bottom I just think this dress has too much going on for a petite lady to pull off. I love the colors on the bottom though. What do you think?

I was surprised how many shades of blue dresses there was on the red carpet. Also, the amount of dresses that seems to be ill fitting or just plain too small. And, the poor posture on many of the younger actresses. I decided to vote out most of the all satin gowns, since of the wrinkles. But, hey, it's easy to sit on my computer and judge away...

Who was your favorite and least favorite?

Please share, my pretties!

xo,

Christina

All photos found at Academy Awards 2010

Happy 1 Year Blog Birthday~ Celebrating In Style With Photographer Carl Bengtsson

Happy Birthday to Me ...

Happy Birthday to Me ...

Happy 1 Year Blog Anniversary,

Happy Birthday to Us,

My Dear Readers!

Because without YOU

there is NO ME here...

You listen and respond...

You help me set my path and focus...

You bring the most amazing beauty daily to the world...

You set the pace and the bar...

You make me want to create

and strive to push myself even more.

Every time I receive a comment or hit on my globe I am so grateful that you took the time to visit me.

It has been a true pleasure getting to know so many of you kind souls from all over the world these last 365 days and 199 posts later. I cherish the opportunity to learn and listen from so many talented people from all over the blogosphere. You all make it so worthwhile and bring me so much joy and inspiration.

~ ~

What would you like to see more of this year?

What inspires you?

Do you like old school glam, vintage clothing, today's fashion, fashion trends, interior design, my family snippets, gorgous editorials, insightful interviews, beautiful photography or fab finds of any flavor?

Please tell, as I am here to please.

~ ~

Thanks so much for stopping by and

helping me celebrate!

Cheers!

xo,

Christina


All photos taken by Carl Bengtsson and found on Flikr

To the person that loves to create mispellings in my posts, may I just say that I wish you the best of luck and hope you find something much more valuable to do for mankind.

Looking Back Through The Decades At Oscar Night

As I look forward to seeing the red carpet and acceptance speeches at the Oscar's this evening, what better time to look back at the fashion's that have come before.

A '30s fashion moment for Helen Hayes, Best Actress winner for The Sin of Madelon Claudet at the 5th Annual Academy Awards. Hayes' elegant black sleeveless gown was a creation accented with satin gloves and a corsage. The Oscar backdrop was the Ambassador Hotel, just days after the election of FDR.


Maureen O'Hara kicked up the glam for the first ceremony held at the Shrine Auditorium at the 19th Annual Academy Awards. Her black satin strapless gown had a touch of lace, and was luxuriously accented with a shimmering sequined fur stole and muff. A braided hairpiece ribbon necklace and gave her a signature look formal touch.

SOPHIA LOREN at the 30th Annual Academy Awards was regal in a silk damask ballgown seamed and fitted at the waist. A tiara completed the look for this royal Italian beauty.


The simplicity of a draped neckline and waist Complemented dazzling diamond earrings in ELIZABETH Taylor's elegant look at the 32nd Annual Academy Awards. Bring on the curves and glam.


At the height of the disco era and 51st Academy Awards, Mia Farrow attended the Oscars in a white halter gown with a glittery flame accent. A sheer stole, teardrop pendant, and box-style purse were her accessories of choice.


At the dawn of a new decade, GOLDIE HAWN earned an Oscar nomination for PRIVATE BENJAMIN and represented the bold fashion times in black satin with pink polka dots and voluminous ruffles.

All these ladies have a few things in common.

Other than the obvious talent these ladies have at their craft,

they all look like movie stars.

What do you think?

xo,
Christina

All photos found at Oscar.com

Flashback to Pretty Woman and That Fabulous Red Dress That Made The Woman

So, it's Saturday night and I got to get my chick flick on. Thank goodness HBO had the kindness to show one of my fav chick flicks of all time, "Pretty Woman" (1990).

What's not to like about a little rags to riches story?


And, this red dress is probably my favorite dress of the 90's.
It was one of those fashion moments in the movies when it really takes your breath away and they really do create magic. Flawless.
Does anyone know if it's a Valentino?



Awe, the Julia Roberts in the bath singing scene...
What was that song? Prince, right?
It's a classic romantic comedy. Oh, how I love a good romance. Richard Gere isn't so bad to look at either. Ha, ha...
As I watch the movie for the hundredth time (Ok, maybe the tenth), I see how he brought out young Julia's sweet personality. Truly brilliant.
~~

The count down to the Oscars red carpet begins for all of us that are crazy over just seeing what they are wearing. For some of us (couldn't be me!) this is one of the few glam events of the year. What? Seeing everyone I know in flip flops everyday at Kindergarten is truly inspiring. Really! What? You don't believe me?
I hope they can top this hot red number on young Julia Roberts. Oh, the power of a fabulous and well fitting red dress and red lipstick.
~~
Who are your favorite contenders for the Oscars?

I adored "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.
With Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting the show tonight, it should be a grand time.

Who do you think or hope is going to slam it down on the red carpet

or get an Oscar this evening?


Enjoy, dear friends.

xo,
Christina

Let's Just Dance

Sure, this world is full of trouble-

I ain't said it ain't,

Lord! I've had enough, an' double,

Reason for complaint.

Rain an' storm have come to fret me,

Skies were often gray:

Thorns an' brambles have beset me

On the road, but say,

Ain't it fine today!

What's the use of always weepin',

Making' trouble last?

What's the use of always keepin'

Thinkin' of the past?

Each must have this tribulation,

Water with his wine.

Life it ain't no celebration.

Trouble? I've had mine-

But today is fine.

It's today that I am livin',

Not a month ago,

Havin', losing', takin', givin'

As time wills it so.

Yesterday a cloud of sorrow

Fell across the way;

It may rain again tomorrow,

It may rain-but, say,

Aint's it fine today!

~Douglas Malloch

I hope you enjoy your weekend, sweet readers.

May you find joy in whatever you do and

in whatever circumstances you find yourself in.

May we all find a moment where we can just dance it all away...

and enjoy the beauty and purity of the moment.

Let's just dance...

xo,

Christina

Svenska Elle
Photographer:
Sandra Freij

Stylist:
Ellen Af Geijerstam

Fashion Flashback Links A' La Mode Weekly Top 20 Fashion Posts

Fashion Flashback

Edited by Debutante
As fashion weeks starting winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry. Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don’t learn from history, you won’t know you are repeating it!

Links à la Mode : March 4th

• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: Mary Quant


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Couture Cakes


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Spring/Summer Trends 2010 – The Tourist


• Dozen Dresses – DIY Skirt – The tutorial!


• dramatis personae – B&Lu 0 Gift Certificate Giveaway!


• Fabulous Finds Gal – Come With Me On A Sunny And Dreamy Retro Holiday In Palm Springs With The Photographer Bersa


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Marchesa Fall/Winter 2010


• Fasshonaburu – Who’s Who of Fashion Week


• fête à fête – Larkspur & Hawk’s vintage inspired jewelry


• Glossary – Please meet Paula and her pretty Pink Bow!


• hello beauty! – Bobbi Brown Spring 2010: Cabana Corals and Makeup Face Lift Collections (with video)


• JewelryWhore – Interview With Corvus Noir!


• Oranges and Apples – : Vintage fashion photo inspiration from the Life magazine archives


• Out Of Order – Bonnie & Clyde


• Prom Mafia – Betsey Johnson does DC


• Retro Chick – Estethica – Ethical Design Spotlight – Tara Starlet


• Stop Getting Low-balled As A Blogger Independent Fashion Bloggers


• Superstylin – Total Fashion Dork Status


• The Fashion Planner – YouTube Beauty Gurus


• True Queen – One Dress That Will Take You From Work To Play in 3 Different Ways


• Tweed & tea – My name is Jacqui, and I am a perfume addict..


• ventures of jenn. – ode to the maxi


• White Rabbit – The Man Behind the Lens

Enjoy and xo,
Christina

Sassy and Fun Beach Cover Ups in Betsey Johnson Style

Layer Cake collection cover up dress

What to wear to Betseyville or the first pool party of the summer season?

Well, Betsey Johnson, of course!

These numbers look just like an adorable Betsey dress but are built for fun in the sun.

"Layer cake" cover up cover up dress

"Patty Cakes" tankini

Adorable black with pink roses cover up dress

Leapord and lace combo cover up dress

"At the Hop" cover up dress

"Ladies & Gentlemen" tankini top with corset




"Petal Pushed" cover up dress



Oh Betsey, you have done it again.
I will share her incredibly cute bikini's next.
Which one would you like to see yourself in this season?

Thanks for stopping by, welcome to the new followers and thank you for all your great comments!


xo,
Christina

Betseyville in Mexico is Whimsical, Wild and Crazy and It's All Betsey Johnson

I adore Betsey Johnson and her creative, funky and fun strong point of view in fashion design and in interior design. When I first saw her Manhattan apartment several years ago on TV (Homes across America?) before the recent redo, my heart skipped a beat (if anyone has the tape of this, please share!). It was beyond fabulous. I actually used to have a room called "Betsey" in which I painted the all the walls hot pink with florals, antique rose painted furniture, chandeliers and used bright shocking green & black for accents and displayed all my vintage clothing and wares in one special eye popping place. So, when I found out recently about Betseyville in Mexico I had to check out what Betsey has been up to.
Because no one does it quite like Betsey.

Betsey presides over an empire which includes 40 worldwide stores and is a budding real estate mogul as well. She owns the magical Betseyville villa in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. If you want to live the Betsey Johnson lifestyle, her villa is available for rent through the luxury villa rental company La Cure (the villa sleeps up to 10 people and the weekly off-peak rate is $5,500).The rooms are decorated in exuberant lime, lilac and hot pink- but what else would you expect from Betsey Johnson?

Here's an interview I found with Betsey Johnson on (i)travel (i)shop:
What is the last place you visited, and where is the next place you are going?
I own two completely different places in Zihuatenjo. One is my rentable-by-the-week villa Betseyville. Down south is my more glamorous Italianate style home, Villa Betsey. I was on hold for travelling for awhile when my daughter was pregnant. Her baby is now six months old so its time to travel again. I like to go to Betseyville and relax. If I can make sure to get my lace curtains hung at Villa Betsey then I'll rent it out. Outside of publicity trips to LA and junk like that, I really like to go back to Mexico. For Christmas this year we're going to a big hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico because my daughter's husband has never been there. Puerto Rico isn't my favourite thing to do but it will be easy. No stop, no customs, no geckos climbing the walls.
I also love to travel within Mexico. Next time I go I will make a pit stop at San Miguel De Allende, a great gothic cathedral town just north of Mexico City. Then I'm really getting the itch to do real travelling. Once the Mamounia has reopened in Marrakech I'll go there. Then I need to find a great guy and go travelling with him in the desert to find all those great oasis.
I'm always on the lookout for India or Morocco circa 1965.

I love to travel- I don't love flying- and I love to get out of New York City and the Hamptons.

How does travel inspire your designs?
It used to a lot in the 1970s when it was all the hippie-peasant stuff. I think its interesting to see what people are wearing. When I travel my assistant and I go vintage shopping in London and Paris. But fashion wise, we're all the same now. I think travelling anywhere is inspirational, even if you're just travelling a block in New York. But if I want to find the real ethnic, pleasanty stuff I need to go deep in the mountains of Mexico to see the women with their satin dresses and thick braids.


Where do you like to shop for vintage in Paris and London?
In London, Rellik is big time for us. We also hit the Portobello Market, Mary Moore and Virginia in Clarendon Cross. Steinberg & Tolkien on the New Kings Road is also good. I also like Alfies.
We've been making Paris an important stop. We go to Bridgets. We like to do the Sunday morning flea markets. You need to comb that joint when you go. I like the Palais Royale area and that's where Gabrielle Geppert is. In the Marais we go to Quidam de Revel. In Paris its also fun to go to the new designer's shops. We go to Colette, Chantal Thomas and Lanvin.
We're hoping to find some new cities to go shopping in- maybe Italy. I'd like to go to Antwerp and Prague too.
Oh yeah, in the sex store category we like Sonia Rykiel Sports Store. They have cute little rubber ducks and stuff. I also love Coco de Mer in London.

What kind of things do you like to buy when travelling?
Layla, my granddaughter, is my big focus now. I have to buy her anything that's great. For me, I do the vintage shopping and if I see something for my houses or Layla, I'll buy it. I don't usually find much for me though. See, I have my dressing formula down. I wear black jean cut-offs and a leopard skirt. So if I shop its in the shoe category. It's so easy. I'm so lazy but I know visually that it works. It's very rock and roll. I did pick up a great girlie pin-up t-shirt at Chantal Thomas in Paris.

What's your pet peeve about fashion? Do you think people have taken the fun out of it?
I think people put in or remove the fun of it themselves, whether its about fashion, cooking or decorating an apartment. We're in such a trendless time right now that anything goes. People look best when they make their own decisions. I do encourage experimentation, whether it's trying a new lipstick or a t-shirt.

How would you describe your personal style?
It's easy! My hair extensions are done four times a year. It's a piece of cake. Then my dressing formula is easy and statement-y. It's all hot wash and hot dry. Everything is folded and put on shelves and labelled. It works. The skirts are leopard and the t-shirts are colourful.

The masterbedroom

Favorite hotel in the world?
I used to like the Mamounia when it was the palace. Then they redid it and ruined it but now they are doing it again so and are supposed to be putting it back together. Hmmm. I don't remember anywhere I stayed in Japan or India. I used to have a boyfriend who lived at Round Hill in Jamaica but then I got quite sick of it all.
I loved the beauty and the elegance of the Palais in Biarritz. There were all these old Italian ladies who were just gorgeous and elegant. Everyone there really seemed to like their jobs. The weather sucked though. I like the old, decadent palace-y type places. Since I tend to travel alone a lot, I need things like good music and good flowers. Since I am by myself I notice these things more.

Masterbath

What do you always pack when you travel?
I always pack just carry-on. I love funky chiffon dresses that you can roll and twist- imagine a Fortuny fabric. I do my t-shirts and my leopard skirts and I'm good to go. I think my makeup bag takes up more room than my clothes. It's the damn shoes which take up all the room. So I wear my funky espadrilles on the plane. I also try to pack an eye mask and ear plugs, and a close makeup mirror so I'm not sitting in the sink to put on my makeup.

Guestroom

Betseyville is for sale!

- The most colorful and whimsical small beach getaway you will find anywhere ... totally designed and "staged" by Betsey Johnson as only she could do it. A setting of tropical gardens with one lap pool and one large pool, 4 kingsize bungalow suites w/bath, 1 al fresco suite with double bed under palapa roof w/bath, 2 lounge areas, 1 dining area, 1 kitchenette and 1 full kitchen, laundry room, and caretaker's quarters. Can be run as a bed and breakfast or used as a retreat for your family and friends. Very private and walled with entrances from the road and the beach.

Ready for the good times to roll!

Listed at $600,000

Wow... what a dream come true this would be. Even just to stay a few nights. I could pack a few bathing suits, a straw hat, a beach wrap and be on a plane in no time...

What do you think of Betseyville?

Could you roll with it? Then, grab that bikini or trunks!

Let's do it in Betsey style!

Ha.. Ha..

xo,

Christina