Oscar Time!

When watching the Oscars I always wonder which of the nominated films I would enjoy and should see. Below, I did a little round up of the darlings of the award season that I've had the opportunity to see--it might help you decide what to rent next!

The Artist

I really, really liked this film. I wasn't sure I would be into the silent film thing for 100 min. but I was totally engrossed! A classic story told by such gifted actors. I absolutely love George Valentin and Peppy Miller! (Played by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.) A must-see!

The Descendants

I don't really know what to say about this movie. I do recommend it...I just found it depressing. An emotional story. Impressive performances.

The Help

Usually I do not enjoy the movie-version of books I have enjoyed. This was not the case here. I think it totally did the book justice and it had admirable performances by all (hello, Octavia Spencer just won an Oscar). If you are not familiar with the story, it has a nice mix of serious situations and tones with uplifting relationships and comedic relief.

Hugo

I had no idea what this movie was about when I went to the theater. For those of you in the same boat, this is not an animated film (as I thought). The protagonist is a boy who lives in Paris in a train station. Very nostalgic and at times heartbreaking. Loved the 3D, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the movie. A little long, but a well-written story and great performances.

Moneyball

In my opinion, the best part of this movie is the performances. I also liked the tone and cinematography-very Social Network-like. Pacing was too slow for me.

The Iron Lady

This film was not nominated for best picture; however I decided to include it because Meryl Streep was amazing (not a surprise). I thought it would be a little boring, but it was really interesting!

The Tree of Life

Intense. If you like artsy films exploring life, this is for you.

Midnight in Paris* will be discussed in its own post! (I'm obsessed and it is one of my favorite movies. )

I still have to see War Horse and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close...any thoughts on these?

Picnic!

I have always wanted to go on a "real" picnic. Like with a proper picnic basket and everything. I decided to surprise G. and take him on a picnic today. (I have been hiding this basket in our apartment for months!) Here are some shots from the day. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

No picnic is complete without a French baguette!

The park...

The view.

A little Kindle reading (of course I brought my Rebecca Minkoff case!)

A vintage dress and Nine West boots made for a breezy, comfortable outfit. This is one of my favorite necklaces. When I was eighteen, Mom gave me this antique perfume bottle and we made it a necklace.

Packing up...

(Basket-Bed, Bath and Beyond; Bag-Lancel; Cuff-Banana Republic)

L.A. Hair Salon

After years in L.A., many haircuts, and skipping around from stylist to stylist (I always left a little disappointed), I have FINALLY found my “home” salon!

I have been to Jazmine three times now and I have always left 100% happy. Ever since my first visit, I have been meaning to tell you about her! Not only does she do a fantastic job, but she’s fun! So if you’re new to L.A. or looking to switch stylists, I highly recommend her.

If you’re interested, here is her website for further information:

http://www.hotheadspasadena.com

P.S. The salon is moving to a new location within Pasadena in October so if you make an appointment, be sure to get the new address. I can’t wait to see her new space!

This is not a sponsored post.

FNO LA!!!

I had such a great night at Fashion's Night Out in Beverly Hills last Thursday! Aside from the people-watching and champagne, here are some other reasons the night was so fun:

When else can you see a Ferris wheel on Rodeo?

And of course there was dancing at Emporio Armani...





And then there were the food trucks.....



And the Gucci Fiat which I just so happened to purchase... (j/k)


Aaaaannd.....the final stop at Crumbs for assorted cupcakes to bring home to share with boyfriend. (I totally got the "cosmo" cupcake to eat while watching SATC....I know....)

AAANNNNND......the best part of all!!!! I found all the items I wanted from the Banana Republic Mad Men collection--all in my size! Of all the items that I was looking for, the store literally had one of each left and everything happened to fit. I couldn't believe it. You know how some shopping trips leave you skipping out of the store? I was that girl...

Did you go out for FNO in your city? What was your favorite event?

Remembering the Happy

It's been really busy lately and I had forgotten how many fun days I've had in the mix. These are some fun little snapshots I found on my phone spanning from the spring to just yesterday...

Mariachi Bands at Dinner...

Walking by the premiere of Super 8 in Westwood (which finally I saw last night)...

Event at the Mondrian Hotel...

I love when besties come to town! And getting to make new friends!

I HATE when besties have to go back home!

Venice Beach...

Newport Beach...

Happy Hour in Long Beach...

What kind of fun things have you all been up to?!

This is Ladies Day!

Last weekend I had the best "girlie" day! I began with a matinee of Bridesmaids.....



Then went shopping and scored some great deals at LOFT and finally got the glass canisters from Crate&Barrel I've been wanting for the bathroom.Then dinner and a glass (or two) of strawberry Timmermans at Yard House....

and finally a late showing of Something Borrowed.

I REALLY hope they make Something Blue also! (For fellow fans of the books, the movie was pretty true to the book-I was happy with it!)





Photo Credits: bridesmaids.the-movie-trailer.com, crateandbarrel.com, realbeerco.com, booksabouttheworld.com.

Come party with DailyCandy and Fred Segal!

If you live in the Los Angeles area and subscribe to DailyCandy, you may already be attending the DailyCandy and Fred Segal Santa Monica event on Thursday evening. But if you haven't heard, please read on because you don't want to miss this!

Some highlights of the evening include: manicures from OPI, makeovers from Stila, and blowouts by the Fred Segal Santa Monica Salon team. And that's just the beginning! I also hear there will be cupcakes by Baked by Melissa, cocktails, a DJ, and a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to Fred Segal Santa Monica!

There is also a fantastic opportunity for shoppers. DailyCandyDeals is offering a $100 shopping credit for Fred Segal Santa Monica and a gift bag worth around $150 for the price of.....$75! For my gals who want to really treat themselves, they are also offering a $1500 gift certificate for $1000. I can feel my AMEX burning a hole in my Chloe!

So I'm thinking you want the where and the when by now, right?

WHO: DailyCandy and Fred Segal.
WHAT: A fabulous party and shopping and beauty event!
WHERE: Fred Segal Santa Monica, 420 & 500 Broadway, Santa Monica (main entrance:500 Broadway).
WHEN: Thursday, 4/28/11, 5-9pm.
WHY: To celebrate the launch of DailyCandyDeals. (And what a great pre-party for those of us who are staying up to watch William and Kate's wedding...)



For those of you who won't be able to make it, stay-tuned because I'll be posting all about it on Friday!



***Editor's Note: The $1500 gift certificates are now sold out.***

Hiatus is Over!

So Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill have returned from a hiatus….and so have I! It’s been a crazy time, but I’m back now. Here’s what I’ve been up to if you missed me!

I got to take a few days away from work and physical therapy appointments to go to Cape Cod, MA for Brianne’s Wedding! (I was the Maid of Honor and I got to help design my dress!)

I saw an excellent production of Othello at the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica, CA.

My local Border’s closed (sad face). However, I did stock up on some summer reading at 70% off. I need a break from library books. (Side-note: One book I didn’t get, but will be a must-read this summer is the new Sweet Valley High! I owe it to the 11 yr old me to see what happened to Jessica and Elizabeth!)

...And finally catching up on the fourth season of Mad Men!




Photo Credits (top to bottom): Wedding Day photo-L's List, Othello photo-powerhousetheatre.com, Sweet Valley Confidential photo-sweetvalleytenyearslater.com

Meeting Minkoff

Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting my favorite handbag designer, Rebecca Minkoff, at Saks Fifth Avenue in Costa Mesa, CA.

It was wonderful getting to chat with her a bit. I adore her Spring collection! I keep changing my mind about which bag is my favorite so I decided to feature the one that I practically ran to when I saw it.

"Maria"

Also, is it bad that I want to get a Kindle just so I can buy this case?

Book Worm Snake-Embossed Leather Sleeve for Kindle at Saks

Photo credits- Maria Bag: RebeccaMinkoff.com, Kindle Sleeve: SaksFifthAvenue.com

The Unregrettable Evening

As I was saying in my last post, I attended An Unregrettable Evening Wednesday night which was hosted by Shop It To Me and American Express with Whitney Port at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles.

Sipping on wine and "regret-me-nots" (the evening's signature cocktail), guests were able to view Whitney Port's shopping spring picks.


One of Whitney's picks was this Temperley London dress which I am obsessed with! I feel like it's a modern take on a mod Audrey Hepburn (and you know she's my favorite!). Yes, that's me next to the dress. Don't I look possessed? Fashion does that to me I guess!




My other favorite pick was the Whitney Eve Dillon Dolman All in One (and yes, I told her so).





Additionally, there was a workstation nearby where you could shop right at the party!




I seriously need to get this.




I also LOVED that guests were able to bring clothes to donate to Beyond Shelter, a local organization who helps primarily single mothers find and prepare for job interviews and employment.


A huge thank you to the Shop It To Me team, American Express, Whitney Port, and the other guests. I really enjoyed speaking with everyone I met!


P.S. I just looked at my Salemail and there are some killer Tory Burch items on sale right now!

Snaps from a Holiday Weekend

And another holiday weekend has come to a close....

My weekend was very balanced...I cleaned, cooked, baked, read, watched movies, and went out.

Friday night was spent cuddling with G. by the fire and watching movies as it poured outside.


Saturday night, we went to the W Hollywood to celebrate a friend's birthday.


Sunday I made these Funfetti cake pops (inspired by my friend, Karen).


And all weekend I enjoyed my new Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case!!!!



What did you do?!




Photo Credits: The Living Room at W Hollywood: latimesblog.com. All others: L's List.

A Quiet Saturday Night in Malibu

Last Saturday, G. and I decided to go to Malibu for dinner and watch the sunset. It was cold and cloudy, but I was thankful to be eating outside rather than shoveling back East!