Fall 2011 RTW Collections - WWRZD Edition

Who else is super excited about Oscar fashions on Sunday? I have to say that my favorite episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project is her securing dresses for her celebs for award season!  Talk about stress and excitement. 

Will Fashion Week wrapping up last week in NYC and still happening over in London, I thought I would take a stab at Rachel Zoe's profession and try and dress all the best actress and best supporting actress nominees for Sunday.  I in no way shape or form even try and compare my selections with the uber talented Zoe, but below you will find my own version of What Would Rachel Zoe Do (WWRZD).... 

{click to enlarge all pictures from NY Mag}

I love Amy Adams and think she would look stunning in navy blue Naeem Khan or a sparkling goddess in Pamela Roland.

I am hoping Annette Bening puts a little more effort into her hair this awards season.  Regardless, she would look magnificent in this Diane Von Furstenberg gown.

Sweet little Hailee Steinfeld was difficult, as she is only 14, so I wouldn't want to age her in any of the gowns but also need to steer clear of cleavage and sexiness.  I think the Monique Lhuillier is angelic and the Badgley Mischka would look radiant against her gorgeous hair.

Helena Bonham-Carter is funky and interesting with all of her selections and as much as I would love to see her in something like the Badgley Mischka gown (feathers make it funky), I think she will veer more towards the style of this Marchesa gown which I think would suit her perfectly.

I don't know much about Jacki Weaver, but I think this Ralph Lauren dress is the perfect shade for her coloring and also a flattering fit for her figure.

My recent girl crush Jennifer Lawrence wowed me at the Golden Globes in that bright pink number, and I think she would absolutely shut.it.down in this teal John Richmond gown.  She would just glow!

I love Melissa Leo and have a feeling she will be taking home the statue, so she needs to dazzle and this Oscar de la Renta will do just that. 

Her Valentino daisy number for the Golden Globes was all wrong and I am left hoping Michelle Williams will go either bright and sparkly or sexy and sparkly.  Either dress will flatter her pixie cut.

Red is the perfect color for Natalie the sure winner for Best Actress on Sunday.  This gown will accentuate her growing bump and standout when she is accepting her Oscar.

Is it just me or has Nicole Kidman been a lot more personable on the red carpet lately?  I am leaning towards the Naeem Khan dress, but either would make her look statuesque on Sunday. 

Anne Hathaway has a great job hosting the awards and will no doubt be sporting numerous gowns through the telecast.  I am crossing my fingers this Oscar de la Renta is one of them!

She isn't nominated but always kills it on the red carpet at any awards show.  I want this new mama to be to walk down the carpet in this show stopping Marchesa.  Stunning.

What celebs are you most excited to see on the red carpet?  Do you think my picks will land my celebs on the best dressed or answering to Joan Rivers and the Fashion Police?  What was your favorite Fall 2011 RTW show? 

Ciao luvies! 

Oscar Time 2011

It's Oscar time again!  This Sunday will be an evening of glamour, movies and hopefully some laughs courtesy of co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway.  I am excited for these two hosts as they are both multi talented and sure to bring something new to the show, which it could definitely use. 

I am proud to say that this year I made it my goal to see all ten best pictures nominations.  And I succeeded!  Below are my reviews and votes for best picture (in order of my favorites).

And the nominees are.....

I kept hearing in October about this movie the The King's Speech.  I read the description of the film and was like *yawn*, even though I really like Colin Firth.  When they announced the nomination for best picture I knew I had to my butt to the theater and can I just say, I am SOOO glad I did as it is my favorite film of the bunch. 

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are so excellent in this film.  It made me nervous, it made me laugh (a lot) and it really made me want to pick up a history book.  I LOVED it and really think it is a crowd pleaser.  I am also betting that Colin Firth takes home the Best Actor statue. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 35%

I am not sure why, but I wasn't super excited to see The Fighter - I mean it has Marky Mark in!  I watched this on a Saturday morning and was blown away by Christian Bale's outstanding performance as drug addict brother Dicky.  Also, Melissa Leo is unrecognizable as mother Alice and both deserve the supporting actor statues. 

The story is similar to all those come from behind to win movies but there is some serious heart in this film and it is my second favorite flick of the nominees. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 25%

I have loved all of the Toy Story Movies and am happy to report that Toy Story 3 is my favorite of them all.  I saw this movie with B in 3D and was holding back the tears at the end of the movie, as it just pulled on my heartstrings.  The characters, the idea of growing up and all that you leave behind and the nostalgia of my old favorite toys (Peaches & Cream Barbie anyone?). 

Toy Story 3 proved that sequels can be better than the original and also that some cartoons really do deserve to win best picture.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

Black Swan was a movie that disturbed me on so many levels and yet I loved it as well.  Natalie Portman's frightening portrayal of a ballerina trying to be perfect should definitely earn her the Best Actress Oscar, and the costumes and music were beautiful.  This movie literally had me squirming in my chair at parts and I left feeling unsure and weird. 

The movie was unique and interesting and I feel it deserves all the press it has been receiving, including its best picture nomination.

YBB Odds of Winning: 8%

B and I take turns picking movies at the theater and this flick was his choice.  I heart Jeff Bridges big time.  I once saw him at Palimino at lunch with his mom and he was carrying her purse for her and pulled out her seat and just was a true gentleman and ever since then I was a fan. 

The cinematography of True Grit is breathtaking and the cast is pretty impressive as well.  Matt Damon & Jeff Bridges are both hilarious in their roles and young Hallie Steinfeld is a welcomed fresh face. 

The film takes you back to simpler times and also the savageness of it all.  B and my girl Nicole seem to think that True Grit could be the dark horse and take home the Best Picture Oscar.  While I enjoyed the film, it wasn't best picture quality to me. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 9%

The Kids Are All Right was the last film I saw of the nominees and I was surprised to find that I ranked it so high out of all ten nominees.  The story is so intriguing and I found Mark Ruffalo, Annettte Bening, and Julianne Moore outstanding in their roles as parents to Joni and Laser. 

The film was the perfect combination of comedy and drama and really left me wanting to dine at Paul's restaurant and enjoying a glass of whatever Nic was drinking.  It also shows that family is family regardless of if it is man and woman, woman and woman or man and man. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 3%

I saw Inception last summer and walked away entertained, whereas B walked away disappointed and annoyed.  Which I think was most peoples reaction.  You either loved it or hated it. 

I loved the idea behind the film as well as the awesome cinematography and special effects.  The idea was creative and most walked out wondering what world Cobb was really in at the end.  Do we think there will be an Inception 2?  

Again, while I thought it was a good movie, not the best movie in my opinion. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

The Social Network or better known as The Facebook Movie was informative and amusing.  I didn't walk out of that movie thinking Mark Zuckerberg was an asshole (as I was warned I might feel) but instead I walked out feeling sorry for this genius as well as this Eduardo character. 

Jesse Eisenberg is satisfying as the role of Mark Zuckerberg and I finished the movie wondering what the REAL story is.  I also left thankful that Facebook was created. 

I know it won Best Picture for the Golden Globes by I don't think it holds a candle against The King's Speech or The Fighter. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 6%

I watched 127 Hours at my home and was told that not seeing it in the movie theater takes away some of the greatness of the film.  This movie takes you through the journey and struggle Aron Ralston experienced for (you guessed it) 127 Hours.  His knowledge and determination was impressive and inspiring.  

James Franco did a great job of portraying the highs and lows that Aron went through and the music compiled by A.R Rahman really intensified scenes and your emotions.  The landscape and scenery of the film (minus that one scene) was stunning and made me want to explore nature a little more.  

YBB Odds of Winning: 2% 

Winter's Bone was a flick I knew nothing about going into.  I knew it was a drama and that's about it.  My thought after watching was what an F'ed up flick. 

It was intriguing and dirty and made me want to shower as soon as I finished watching it.  It also made me feel so sorry for the main character Ree, played by the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence. 

The movie was at times hard for me to follow but I ended up understanding at the end.  It is not a film for everyone but again one that leaves you thinking long after the credits end. 

YBB Odds of Winning: 2%

Now it's your turn! 

What do you think will win best picture?  Was there a film that was left off the nominations that should have been included?  What were your feelings on any of the nominated films? 

Spring 2011 RTW Collections

Last October when I browsed the Spring 2010 RTW Collections Elie Saab stood out the most for me and I had some fun pairing celebs together with dresses.  Well after reviewing most of the collections for 2011, I again I have picked out my favorite gowns and paired them with the celeb I think would rock them hardcore.  I like to think that I am letting my inner Rachel Zoe out. 

Oh Christian Siriano, how I adore you!  I mean not only was he fabulous on Project Runway, but he also created an amazing affordable shoe collection for Payless (the pumps I am currently sporting today).  And then he does this...this spectacular Spring 2011 RTW Collection that included this magnificent gown above that is part Peaches and Cream Barbie and all good.  This is a lot of dress and the first girl that came to mind is the gorgeous Dianna Agron from Glee.  I want her to present an award and just wow the crowd in this one - perhaps the Golden Globes?

Kate Hudson could absolutely carry this simple but ethereal Badgley Mischka RTW Collection gown.  It's a bit hippy like Kate but just plain gorgeous.  This dress would also be perfect for presenting an award at the SAG Awards or Golden Globes.

Drew Barrymore has evolved into quite a fashionable gal these past few years.  She has worn some bold choices that seem questionable, and yet perfect for her at the same time.  I think she would dazzle in this Jenny Packham Spring RTW Collection dress.  It is sexy and bold and requires the perfectly confident gal to wear it and Drew gets my vote for this one. 



Natalie Portman has been receiving a lot of Oscar Buzz for her new film Black Swan in which she plays a ballerina.  This Lela Rose Spring RTW Collection gown would be perfect for one of the many film premieres.  It is elegant, rich and looks like it belongs on a ballerina.  Natalie always looks good on the red carpet whether she is sporting a shaved head or a fancy updo.  The entire Lela Rose collections was full of beautiful colors and I would love to own any of the pieces. 

I hate to admit that I haven't seen An Education yet, nor Wal Street: Money Never Sleeps but Carey Mulligan seems to have created quite a name for herself.  Her cute pixie cut and darling smile are so doll like to me, so when I saw this Marchesa Spring RTW Collection baby doll gown I though of none other than Carey.  She seems a little retro and Audrey Hepburn-ish and I think this dress would look so great on the red carpet.  Since it is a little more casual, I would deem it more appropriate for a movie premiere or the SAG Awards. 

Marchesa also featured this fun one shoulder shorty that Cameron Diaz would so own on at a movie premiere.  It would show off her toned shoulders and gorgeous gams.  It also is a little playful and fun, which would really allow Cameron's personality to shine.

Julia Roberts is sure to be making the rounds this coming award season with her role in Eat, Pray, Love.  She may not be nominated, but you can guarantee she will be making some red carpet appearances and she has always done such a great job of wearing pieces that flatter her and make her shine.  Well, this Oscar de la Renta Spring RTW Collection  sparkly number should allow just that.  Her radiant smile won't be the only thing you are looking at. 

I always love whatever Rachel Bilson is wearing and I have been missing her all dressed up.  I would like for her to make an appearance at the Golden Globes and wear this Oscar de la Renta  dress pretty please.  I love the print and just know that Miss Bilson would absolutely end up on the best dressed list in this gown.

What was your favorite Spring 2011 RTW Collection?  Where there any collections you absolutely hated?  Do you agree with my celeb selections or would you change them out with different celebs?

Red Carpet Rundown: The Oscars 2010

Can you believe the Oscars have come and gone already? I have to say that I quite enjoyed the show this year. It could because I love Alec & Steve, or it could have been the competition between my roomie and me over who could guess the most correctly (I won - yay free latte for me!), but most likely it was that I had seen *most* of the nominated films and was excited to just see who won (PS ~ My Hurt Locker prediction was right on).

The fashion for these Oscars however, was not as mind-blowing as I had hoped but there were some winners and snoozers. Check out my thoughts below...

YBB Faves:

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Good Goldie Mr. Oscar! These gals sparkled and shined in their beautiful gold gowns. It goes without saying that Sandra B showed up ready to take home the gold! She looked the part of Academy Award Winner for Best Actress in her Marchesa. This dress fit her perfectly and her bold red lips and simple hair were the perfect accents to this liquid gold dress. She looked stunning!

Cameron also wowed me in her Oscar de la Renta gold Cindrella gown. Not the normal look for Cameron. Her old style hair and red lips brought an image of Cameron Diaz back when we first met her in a little film called "The Mask". Absolutely breathtaking.

Lastly, little Miss Miley looked totally beautiful and age appropriate in her Jenny Packham dress. The cut made her look super tall and oh so tiny. I thought she finally looked less like a tween and more like a young woman. It was classy and flirty without being slutty (her mothers outfit on the other hand...don't even get me started).

You either loved it or hated it. SJP's Chanel Couture was one of my absolute favorites. The color looked incredible and she reminded me of Jackie O with her hair and makeup, just vintage classic. The back was gorgeous and I just couldn't stop swooning over her entire look. Bravo!

Elizabeth Banks also had me giddy with excitement in her Versace gray number. The layers were light and airy while the bust perfectly form fitting and showed off her amazing body. I loved the idea of her hair style and makeup but wanted her to have a little more blush and bit brighter lip color on her lips. The gray looked amazing with her fair skin but she seemed a little washed away in the face and her hair a tad on the yellow side.

Queen Latifah was impressive in that pale pink/purple Badgley Mischka Couture one shoulder dress. I have got to say that every awards show the Queen shows up to, she always dresses impeccably for her body type and always looks dazzling in whatever she wears.

YBB's Almost There:



These beauties were almost there for me. I enjoyed all of the dresses but just wasn't quite feeling the colors. Demi's dress was sublime but I was totally turned off by the color that blended in with her skin. Had it been just a little brighter or darker or something, I think she might have won for best dressed of the evening.

Rachel McAdams makeup, hair, body, fit of the dress were all so lovely (I REALLY hear this girl), but for some reason the colors of this gown, although now awful just didn't really do anything for me. I just wanted more.

Cute Anna originally was planning to wear a blue number and last minute changed over to this light pink/nude dress and I have to say the dress fit great the color, gross and totally washed her out. So instead of shining on her big night, she just sort of blended all together.

THE BAD:



These girls (stylists) definitely need to rethink their choices for their next award show. These ladies all received a scrunched nose or crinkled mouth from me.

Zoe Saldana's makeup and hair were perfect. The top half of her dress was also perfect, once you got below the waist however...kind of a big old arts and crafts mess. The top of her Givenchy gown reminded me of my favorite Barbie growing up (Peaches and Cream) and I got REALLY excited...until the cameraman panned down. It was all just too much.

The always fashionable and elegant Charlize struck out in her Christian Dior weird boob dress. It reminded me of something Bette Midler would have worn in the movie Beaches while performing "Otto Titsling". You couldn't look anywhere else but her boobs and it was just tacky.

A lot of people loved J.Lo in her Armani Prive, but I personally thought she looked like someone had made a dress for her out of that fake snow (or batting - my roommate thought) material that you use for holiday scenes. It was just too much. The side was too big and overwhelmed her fabulous figure. It made her look bigger which is always a no-no on the red carpet.

Last but not least was Diane Kruger in Chanel. It just was so unflattering. This girl is quite gorgeous and could wear just about anything and look marvelous and yet somehow they managed to find the dress that did anything but flatter. The weird sections and ruffles and everything just didn't work. Better luck next year.

Who were your favorites? Who did I forget to include in the best or worst? Who were you the most excited for?

Oscar {Catch Up} Time

With the best award show of them all arriving this weekend, I have a lot of movie catching up to do before Sunday.

Anyone else super excited for these two to host together? I heart Alec mucho and Steve is just as lovable.

Here is what I have (or will have) seen in the Best Picture Category:

Although I had zero desire originally to see this movie, after many great reviews and a great date I could no longer say no. Turns out I REALLY enjoyed it and was massively impressed by how beautiful and touching this movie about aliens could really be. It reminded me of another Oscar winning picture, "Dances With Wolves" (love that one too).

YBB Odds of Winning: 20%

Most people found this nomination a surprise, but with big time director Peter Jackson you have to wonder. I have this flick in my DVD player right now at home and just need to commit to watching it. (Update: Finished this movie on Wednesday...very interesting. I didn't LOVE it, but I could appreciate the idea behind it and was intrigued by the idea)

YBB Odds of Winning: 1%

I am the most excited to watch this film as it seems to have the most buzz behind it and I have heard it described incredible. I am hoping to get to watch this one tonight after dinner. (UPDATE: Watched this Tuesday evening and was holding my breath the ENTIRE movie. Talk about intense! I was blown away (no pun intended) by this movie. The actors, the cinematography, and just the story line. Talk about being on the edge of your seat. You must see this one!)

YBB Odds of Winning: 39%

I started watching this Quentin film in January and fell asleep (not due to being bored but rather tired). At home waiting to be finished. What I did see, although very graphic was amazing and I think I am going to really enjoy it. Definitely predicting Christopher Waltz will win for best supporting actor. (UPDATE: Finished this flick last night and I just LOVED it. I have always been a fan of Quentin's work, but this movie is his best yet! This movie had me laughing, covering my eyes, cheering, gasping, just everything. Brad Pitt was great and I am just amazed at the storyline. So creative and touching at the same time.)

YBB Odds of Winning: 10%

One of my personal favorites was "The Blind Side". The story was touching, the characters well portrayed and that Sandra Bullock was amazing (definitely winning Best Actress). It was the movie you cried, laughed and left feeling incredible and all of suddenly rooting for the Baltimore Ravens.

YBB Odds of Winning: 5%

I watched this amazing Pixar film on my flight from Los Angeles to Seattle (gotta love Virgin America) and cried not once but twice watching! The story is touching, the animation impressive and the characters pulled at my heart strings throughout the entire film (SQUIRREL!).

YBB Odds of Winning: 5%

The four other nominated films that I will not be able to see in time are "An Education", "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (look for Mo'Nique to bring home Best Supporting Actress), "A Serious Man" and "Up In The Air". I will give all of these films a 5% chance as I am thinking it is really a race between "Avatar" & "The Hurt Locker".

What are your Oscar predictions for 2010? Which celeb are you most excited to see on the Red Carpet? Any fun plans or ideas for this coming Sunday? I will most likely be cuddled up on my couch, munching on some snacks, and analyzing the fashion, perhaps with some champagne in hand. I just love Hollywood!

Red Carpet Rundown ~ SAG Awards 2010

I didn't actually watch the awards, but I did check out the red carpet and while I think they were a great improvement from the Golden Globes, I still wasn't blown away. I have VERY high hopes for the Oscars!

YBB Faves:

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I may be the only person who doesn't watch Glee (I know, I know...it's in my Netflix), and I may have been the only person who didn't like her dress at the Globes, but Lea Michele had me at hello in this emerald Catherine Malandrino dress. Wow!

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Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon are just the cutest couple and I just love seeing them on the red carpet together. Kyra almost always gets it right in my eyes and this Vera Wang number was no different. She looked INCREDIBLE. The color, the cut, the fit, her toned body. Perfection.

Marion Cotillard was fun, sexy and a vision in Elie Saab. Notice the embellished shoulder I was talking about last week? Keep your eyes peeled for more fashions exaggerating that shoulder.

While most people know her from Glee, I will always think of Jessalyn Gilsig as Wilbur's mom from Nip/Tuck. She look regal and gorgeous in her purple gown (anyone know who the designer was) and had me coveting that dress.

So Close to Perfection:

Diane Krueger almost had the gold in her Jason Wu dress. But the mustard color was just not doing it for me. Her makeup and hair were gorgeous and I am really excited to see what she wears for the Oscars.

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I heart Christina Applegate and adore her style and grace on the red carpet. I loved this Robert Cavalli dress but wish it had just a little more color to it or she had gotten just a little darker of a spray tan. Either option would have been drop dead amazing.

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Anna Kendrick looked pretty in her Alberta Ferretti dress, but her hair and makeup could have used a little help. The bold fuchsia was just a bit too much for her understated makeup and hair. Plus I really wanted her to wear some huge earrings or accessories. This look was too safe and a bit boring.

Bad, Bad, Bad Fashion:

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How Vera Farmiga could go from looking stellar at the Globes to old and yucky in one week is beyond me. The colors of her J. Mendel dress were atrocious on her, as was her bold red lipstick and weird funky hair. She seriously aged herself 15 years in one week. I am hoping her stylist compared the two events and realizes that one look was definitely better than the other for the Oscars.

I am all for mixing it up at award shows and being a little daring, but Michelle Monaghan's Calvin Klein number just wasn't the right place or right fit or right anything.

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While I love me some Sookie and True Blood and I think Anna Paquin is adorable, her Alexander McQueen dress was not the right choice again for the event. For the Grammy's...maybe. Her hair did look really cute, but I was a little thrown off by her British accent at the awards ceremony....anyone else?

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Oh darling Drew...I am excited this year has been so good to you, but a little upset that you seem to be missing out on the best dressed list just barely because of the little details. Monique Lhuillier had a good idea going with this dress, the color is beautiful, the top half of the dress and the very bottom are executed lovely and then there's the middle part. It looked a little like she had just baked some goods in the kitchen and forgot to take off the apron. If you subtract that layer, throw some lipstick on her lips I think she really would have been a winner in two categories.

Who did you love or hate? Whose fashion are you looking forward to seeing at the Oscars?