Monday, October 31, 2011

Black & White Party prep


I am helping to organize/plan an engagement party for my good friend who just got engaged (I will also be a bridesmaid at her wedding next Fall, eek!) and we have decided to do a "Black & White Ball" theme, since we were able to rent a great Ballroom space in one of her friend's apartment buildings for the event. I am in charge of decorations, which I am a little nervous but very excited about.

It's not like I don't have a plethora of black and white options already in my closet, but I wanted to get something new for an event like this that I am co-hosting & organizing. But I was a little strapped for cash this month so it had to be something on the thrifty side. I ordered this fun LBD the other day from GoJane.com (great website - check it out!)



I sort of wanted something white or with white touches just to stand out...I have a feeling this theme will be dominated by black ensembles, since that is what most people either already have or gravitate towards in the stores (white dresses are also considerably harder to find, as I learned last year when I went desperately searching for a white dress channeling Darryl Hannah's holiday frock in Wall Street, but failed miserably in finding something similar).




But I did get a white and silver pearl chain link necklace to go with the dress that should bring a pop of white into the ensemble. And I am debating wearing my B&W snakeskin patterned pumps to give it a little extra white touch. Still need to iron out the details of the outfit once the dress comes in the mail, but I'm pretty sure that red lips will be a must as well.


Here are a few shots from my phone of the ballroom space that we are renting for the party:





The tentative plan is to move one of these tables back into the hallway and move the other two into the corners of the room to open up the space. I really have never decorated a semi-classy event like this, so being in charge of decorations is a little nerve-racking.


I think I am probably going to get tall B&W candlesticks + candles to put on the tables, bar & perhaps elsewhere around the room and do B&W flower arrangements on each table. I think maybe 2 or 3 bunches of B&W balloons would be a fun, festive touch as well. Also maybe string some white lights around if I get someone tall to help me or procure a stepladder from somewhere. I will have to see what works...and of course, I don't want it to be overkill. I will also probably do some sort of bulletin board to display at the entrance with photos of the happy couple. Oh yeah and did I mention this is all on a pretty tight budget as well? Anyway, I'm really excited to synthesize all of this together and will be sure to post picks of the evening soon after. Let me know if anyone has any brilliant decorative ideas I could make use of! XO

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Lesson I learned from Nina Garcia on Twitter

So last night was the finale of Project Runway, Season 9 and I was once again, disappointed with the judge's choice of winner, Anya. It's a shame because I really love Project Runway (it's probably one of my favorite shows), but I'm thinking it might be time for new judges? Does anybody agree? Maybe it's just me, but I really didn't think Anya deserved to win. Hell, I didn't even think she deserved to show at Fashion Week based on the 3 pieces she showed for her preliminary critique! I think out of all 4 of the designers, her collection showed the least design work and probably the least effort. With the exception of this look, which shows some interesting design elements...



and possibly the bathing suit...





I really didn't see anything interesting or forward-thinking from her. Yes, her clothes were easy and she chose beautiful patterns. But is that really what Project Runway has digressed to for a winner - easy with nice patterns? I am really having trouble with this one. Last season I also had issues with the winner - I thought it should have been Mondo over Gretchen. Altogether I had an easier time reconciling the Gretchen win though, as I did think she showed a great RTW collection even if Mondo's was more artistic/fashion-forward. The Anya collection really didn't do it for me though. She said herself "This is 100% NOT my best work." So how on earth did she win? The judges loved her and she seemed to have them eating out of her hand throughout the entire season. But I really think that if you separate her from the clothes, that collection would NOT have impressed.


Viktor's collection was actually my personal favorite, I thought it should have been between him and Josh for the winner. Anya may have chosen great patterns, but Viktor created his patterns from scratch! I don't think any of Anya's pieces measure up to the design level of what Josh & Viktor showed.


Here are a few from Viktor...




And a few from Josh...


So anyway, after viewing the finale last night, I did what I normally do during and after my favorite shows - cruise around Twitter to make my opinions known to whoever will read them and get a feeling of what other people think. I was beginning to discern that I was not alone in my disdain about the winner and started replying to some tweets that were pegging Anya as "judge's favorite" & the choice of winner as just a "comp on character." Before I knew it, I had tweeted something that actually prompted a reply from Ms. Nina Garcia herself ! @ninagarcia Or whoever her ghost-tweeter is. Here is the series of tweets & replies we exchanged:

LuluBell016 (me)
@ninagarcia I know you have a lezi crush on Anya but come ooooon you're losing your eye if you thought those clothes are the next big thing

NinaGarcia (Nina)
@LuluBell016 Dear Vanessa, thanks for the comment. No crushes. I try to be imparcial and say what I think. Have a good night

LuluBell016
@ninagarcia dear Nina sorry about my comment #projectrunway gets me so hopped up you're fab but I didn't agree w the winner tonight

NinaGarcia
@LuluBell016 no worries but remember that sometimes words can hurt someone...big kiss and have a fabulous night

What do you think of that? I was flabbergasted that she responded in the first place and did a double take at her profile to make sure it was a verified account - but she was responding to a lot of fan tweets after the finale last night. I was sort of thinking "Impartial, my ass!" but I suppose the lesbian comment was a little unnecessary/below the belt. Sorry, Nina! You're right, even celebrities can be stung by harsh words and I felt bad I wrote that actually (it's been deleted). I usually try to keep a positive spin on things, although Twitter is the one network that I let my mouth fly sometimes. I'm never proud of myself when I feel like I have been mean though & I'm glad you accepted my apology.

Unfortunately none of this really changes my feelings toward the finale & choice of winner. But I do think all 4 designers from last night's show have bright futures regardless of the winner & can't wait to see or perhaps buy their future apparel. I'm sure I will watch Project Runway All Stars too-the characters and the clothes will always keep me coming back for more :)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Goth meets Punk meets Grunge-H&M developing Girl with Dragon Tattoo line


So I am reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo now and am completely enthralled with it. It's been on my reading list for a while, but ever since I heard that David Fincher was doing the movie with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara in the title roles and saw the haunting movie poster with Mara's controversial nipple, I couldn't wait to read it and eagerly await what looks to be an amazing movie. I am a huge fan of The Social Network (I think the the best movie of 2010, Oscars be damned) and cannot wait to see Fincher's film version of this story. I am tearing through the book-I love me a juicy crime novel and this is a great one. It has me on the edge of my seat, giving me goosebumps I am so excited to find out what happens I can barely contain myself!

Anyway, the costume designer from the movie, Trish Summerville (foreground in the ad below), has teamed up with H&M to create a 30-piece collection inspired by the punk/grunge/goth style of the bold and intriguing Lisbeth Salander. It seems a bit ridiculous, but not really if you consider the massive style influence this film is bound to have. The visuals in the preview look gorgeous, not to mention a beautiful cast of actors and all-around awesome costume & styling of all the characters.





I am certainly digging the pieces featured in this ad. Leather, lace-up boots, T-shirts, strategic rips and shreds, the general "fuck off vibe"...I can definitely get down with that. I have a feeling the movie may shuffle in a neo-goth/punk wave in fashion, which I am already completely on board with.


Collection hits stores on December 14, a week before the movie hits theatres Dec. 21. So get ready to dress to intimidate.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Melancholia



Has anybody seen Lars Von Triers' Melancholia yet? It premiered at Cannes, I think Kirsten Dunst got some sort of award for it & the film has been quietly mounting buzz ever since. It's on demand now before it's released into theatres November 11.

I watched it on demand and was pretty impressed. The visuals are stunning, acting is solid (Dunst is the best) and the storyline, while leaving me a little bit let down at the end, was very intriguing and thought-provoking. I think it's worth watching just for the exquisite cinemetography and art design.



Kirsten Dunst plays an intuitive girl with some serious issues - as to what exactly those issues are, you got me. Her problems are never really identified or diagnosed in the film, but that, I suppose allows you to feel out the unknown with her.

Spoiler alert, the film begins with a wildly hypnotic, visually dazzling and musically tense & erotic prologue that is presumably her premonition of the ensuing events. This was easily my favorite part of the movie & I was honestly floored by the visual/emotional impact it had on me. That part in itself is a beautiful piece of cinematic artwork.




The film is shot in and around this breathtaking estate. This photo visually conveys the planet opposite the Moon, Melancholia, that is headed toward Earth.




I have always been a fan of Kirsten - she's had so many great roles over the years (Hello, Interview with the Vampire!) & never shies away from the the more artisitc or indie films. She nails the dark and troubled blonde beauty roles, this being one of them. Her role in Melancholia is vaguely reminiscient of her captivating role in The Virgin Suicides (also an amazing moive)-she projects a surface beauty and airy-ness but seems to be trapped in some sort of inner hell that only she can understand. She does great in these roles and is eternally believable as this hopeless beauty that can't get a handle on her own impulses or conflicts-and sometimes reacts with a frightening indifference, not to mention emotionless sexual promiscuity.





She looks magnificent in extravagent costume (i.e. Marie Antoinette) and this movie is no exception. I think the wedding dress is sublime on her. It's pretty over-the-top ostentatious, but I love love love the details of the veil and frilly shrug along with the hyper-spanx-boa-constrictor bodice sucking in every inch of her waist, but allowing just enough cleave to show. Love the layered cupcake style of the skirt - oh so bourgeois, but what a dress, no?! I for one think a wedding is no time for simplicity.

And now my ode to moody brides sulking in bathtubs! Justine (Kirsten's character) sneaks into the bathtub in the middle of her reception because she can't take all the dancing, fun, love & joy that is being forced on her.


And here's my other favorite sad sack bride in a tub - Allie from the seminal classic, The Notebook. These poor brides...I mean it's just so hard to deal with having such a hot man to marry and such an extravagent spread and many people that love you. Woe is me!




Anyway, here is one last shot from the opening segment-if this doesn't hook you nothing will. What a gorgeous shot, right? It seems to convey a bright and shining light in the midst of something toxic, which reflects the nature of her character in the film...brilliant.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Italian Wedding


Dress: BCBG Cardigan, necklace & ring: Forever 21 Shoes: second-hand from Current

Clutch: Express, Lipstick: Dior Ara Red


So a couple of weeks ago my cousin got married (Mom's sister's son) and it was a good old fashioned Italian wedding...my Mom's side of the family is largely Catholic so the wedding took place in a gorgeous high-ceiling church in Akron, Ohio where a lot of my extended family resides. I wore this bellissima BCBG dress with Forever 21 cardi + jewelry and was racked with compliments all night...



Both the necklace and ring totaled less than $10, but I think both pieces are great and look expensive.

I don't know if I have ever shared this, but I come from a rather large family...3 brothers and 3 sisters in my immediate family (7 kids total), with aunts, uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins, grandparents, great aunts/uncles busting at the seams. I believe there were 250 guests invited to this wedding, so it was pretty big. My whole family loves to booze and most everyone gets pretty loud and obnoxious about an hour into the open bar. We always have a good time together though!

Here are the sisters (Aimee, Lauren & Hannah), also looking fierce...




These shots were all taken around my cousin's house where we were staying. We were lucky to have gotten a really nice day. More often than not Ohio weather is sh#*# but the sun was shining and the weather was just about as close to perfect as Akron gets.



Mom + Lauren

My mom is wearing an Anthropologie dress and J. Crew cardigan & necklaces - helped her pick out the jewelry to go with it. Doesn't she look so cute!?



This is my Aunt Debbie in the middle (Mother of the groom). I was oohing and aahing over her dress and told her "ooooh, Aunt Debbie-jade is so in this Fall!" and she was like "I know!" She looked beautiful though I really love that color and want me some for Fall/Winter!


This is cousin Teresa (Groom's sister & bridesmaid) + Aunt Betsy. Am I the only one who loves the way purple and red look next to each other?

The tables at the reception were labeled different cities in Italia - I was at Florence. There was also the whole big cookie area with tables and trays full of different cookies baked mostly by the wedding party & some close family/friends of the couple-an Italian wedding tradition I believe.


Bride + son, Colin = adorbs!