SAG Awards 2011 Fashion Rundown: Red, White and Sofia's Blue

I didn't watch the SAG Awards tonight, but I did go online to devour pictures of what everyone was wearing. The first thing I noticed was the proliferation of red and white, along with ponytails and belts. I also liked that several actresses went for looser, more relaxed dresses as well as shorter hemlines. I think an event like the SAG Awards doesn't have to be as buttoned-up as the Oscars. Here are my thoughts...

Mila's red McQueen reminds me of a floral Elie Saab that Rachel McAdams wore to the Oscars awhile back. Regardless, I liked Mila's dress. Relaxed, flirty and young, this dress was perfect for Mila.

One thing Sofia Vergara knows how to do well is set the red carpet on fire. I adore the colour of this Cavalli and the way it hugs her body is just beyond. Goddess. Plus I love the Chopard jewels.

I liked Dianna Argon in this ankle-length Chanel Haute Couture gown.

She's a gorgeous girl, even if her eye make-up was a bit on the heavy side.

I think Jane Krakowski is adorable and she shines in her

sequined Badgley Mischka. Another short dress winner.

Rosario Dawson looks fresh and pretty in this

pale lemon J. Mendel. Love the accessories,

especially the brightly coloured earrings.

I've never been a huge fan of red-on-red-carpet but I love Tina Fey and she's been doing so much better as of late so I will give this Oscar de la Renta a win. It fits her beautifully.

Helena Bonham Carter's shoes match. Win. 

I'm on the fence about January's Carolina Herrera.

An improvement on the recent Versaces, anyway.

Kind of reminds of that Herrera that Dianna Argon wore awhile back.

Nude and Neutrals

Angie Harmon likely won't ever make it to the Oscars so it was fitting that she pulled out the Monique Lhuillier princess gown for the SAGs. Angie has the height and figure to pull off this kind of whimsical, feathered dress (very Penelope Cruz-esque), which I think stops just short of Big Bird territory.

Hilary Swank's Versace is pretty, but I think the colour makes it look a bit blah. I'm thinking it might have read different on camera. I'm torn on this one. I liked that her clutch matched her sequins, too.

 More nude neutrals. Jayma Mays' drapey Jenny

Packham suits her skin tone, though.

Glee's Heather Morris also went for neutral--and feathers.

She looks pretty and romantic in this Romona Keveza,

and out of her cheerleader uniform.

I liked the shorter lengths we saw on this red carpet and Modern Family's Ariel Winter looked great in her vintage-inspired dress. Pretty and age appropriate.

White is Right

I think Lea Michele was the best dressed in the white brigade in this Oscar de la Renta. Less stiff than the gowns we usually see her in, I'm liking the more relaxed style on her.

I'm undecided about Amy Adams' Hervé L. Leroux.

If I just had a baby and had a body like that I'd likely want

to show the whole world, too, but something about it just

looks uncomfortable and unnatural. Maybe the stark colour. 

Okay, Eva, you know I think you're gorgeous. You know I'm all for Tony Parker weeping in a corner, but I'm going to say this just once: If your dress' draping lets me see your boobs you're trying too hard.  I think if this Georges Hobeika didn't have such a dramatic neckline I'd like it more, as is I'm afraid she's going to fall out of it.

Not loving Natalie in Azzaro with Vivier clutch.

The more I look at this dress, I think the top is pretty.

I think it's her helmet hair that is throwing me off.

So Winona went for the crazed ballerina look.

Appropriate, I suppose.

Yawn

 

Julianna's YSL looks like a bridesmaid dress to me.

And, again, I've never been a huge fan of red on

red carpets. Beautiful Bavna earrings, though.

Pretty colour but Sarah Hyland in Max Mara

looks like Bridesmaid No. 2.

I loved Kyra's fun and vibrant dress at the Globes.

This Thierry Mugler just feels so heavy in contrast.

And kinda boring.

 Not Loving

Jennifer Lawrence clashes with the carpet and

 all those drapey things are distracting. I can't

even believe this is a de la Renta. Just, no.

O.M.G. I'm blind.

Hailee is adorable but her Prada is not.

Someone please buy Christina Hendricks (in L'Wren Scott) a mirror.

This is, what? Her twentieth bad red carpet dress in a row?

 I've had about all I can take.

I'm not getting Nicole's Nina Ricci.

And to me that Fred Leighton necklace

doesn't suit the dress' neckline.

Not loving Claire Danes' Vuitton.

Especially that frilly stuff around the bust.

Didn't they already have Miss America this year?

Somebody forgot to give Kim the memo.

What were your fave red carpet looks?

Least faves?

Photos via People, Yahoo, BellaSugar

Win a $65 CSN Gift Certificate

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Chilewich - Dahlia Tablemat from AllModern.com

Happy Friday! I'm really glad it's the weekend, although this one is going to be busy for us (when are they not!?) To end off the week on a high note I thought we'd have a giveaway. Enter now for a chance to win a $65 gift certificate to CSN.

AK47 Zero Firepit from AllModern.com

As most of you know, CSN is a one stop shop for everything from fabulous accessories and appliances to art and stylish modern dining room furniture. I can spend hours going through all the products available on CSN and its spinoff sites like All Modern.



Kartell Ghost Stool from AllModern.com

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Getaways Guest Blog Series: Naina from Style'n

Soooo happy it's Thursday, although I think this week went by really quick. It really feels like I don't have enough hours in a day and I'm tired of this icky weather. Which makes it the perfect times to dream about vacations. I haven't had one of these Getaways Guest Posts in awhile and I'm super happy that the first of the new year is courtesy of the gracious and stylish Naina of Style'n. Read on to find out all about Naina's vacation faves.

Favorite Vacation Spot

It was difficult to select my favorite vacation spot because I have so many favorites. Traveling is truly a passion of mine and my husband and I take every opportunity we can to travel. Most recently we went to Argentina and Costa Rica and I loved both places. But the one place we seem to go back to over and over again is Maui, Hawaii. We went to Maui on our honeymoon and have been back two more times since then.

Where to Stay

We like staying at the Grand Wailea but last time we stayed at the Maui Four Seasons because we found great room rates during the off peak season. All I can say is that the Four Seasons is truly paradise.

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Where to Eat

Here are the three restaurants I highly recommend in Maui:

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1. Spago at the Four Seasons has great ocean view seating and we also love to sit at the bar and chat with the bartenders. They usually give us the scoop on the local hot spots and events going on. Even if you do not stay at this hotel it is still worth it to check out the restaurant.

2. Lahaina Grill - We go there to eat the tequila shrimp and firecracker rice. Sometimes we even hit this restaurant twice because the food is that good.

3. Mama's Fish House - This beach side restaurant always draws a crowd and we like to go here for lunch and sit at the bar. We usually stop here again on the day we fly out because the restaurant is on the way to the airport.

What to Do

There is so much to do in Maui but we prefer to lounge by the beach, drink cocktails in the Infinity pool, pamper ourselves with spa treatments, and take long walks and jogs on the beach. We also look forward to the beautiful sunsets in Maui as well.

Vacation Essentials

Camera. I always travel with my Nikon D90 SLR camera. Vacations are always a good excuse to learn and improve my photography skills.

Sunglasses. There is nothing more chic than wearing a pair of sunglasses and another benefit of sunglasses is that I can forgo wearing eye make up.

Books/magazines. I always treat myself to one or two new books to read and I bring along my own stash of fashion and fitness magazines for the trip.

Journal. I like to jot down favorite sites and restaurants, tips on what we forgot, items we should bring on our next trip. My husband and I also like to use vacation time to write down our goals, future plans, and other thoughts or ideas we come up with.

Travel Book. My personal preference is Fodors and I buy a book for every trip we go on. I have a shelf dedicated to travel books and since I do not like to buy a lot of trinkets and souvenirs when I travel, these books serve as nice reminders of our travels.



Packing Tips

I am not an expert at packing but I admit I am getting better at it. I think packing for beach vacations is the easiest because I usually wear workout clothes in the mornings, bathing suits and cover ups in the afternoon, and dresses in the evenings. I keep everything simple in terms of shoes, jewelery, and handbags. Everything is color coordinated and I keep all items monochromatic so that everything is interchangeable and I can mix and match outfits and accessories.

I also pack a foldable duffle bag and on the way home we use it to stuff our laundry items. This gives us more room in our suitcase for any purchases we have made.

Also one thing we have learned to do when we travel (especially for connecting flights) is to ALWAYS bring a carry on suitcase with two days worth of clothes. If our luggage were to ever get delayed or lost we could at least enjoy a couple of days of vacation, right?

Favorite Travelling Companion

My husband, we are great traveling companions. Even though we did not take my daughter with us to Maui, I enjoy traveling with her as well.

She is starting to comprehend more, she is so inquisitive, and she loves to travel too. It is also quite amusing and fun to travel and experience new places through a 3 year old's point of view.

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The Next Spot I'd Like to Visit...

I would love to go to travel around Thailand next. I have never been but I hear the temples, beaches, food, culture, and people are all amazing.

Thank you so much Naina for telling us all about your vacation memories! xo

All photos courtesy of Naina from Style'n, unless otherwise noted.

Butter London: No More Waity, Katie

Butter London is introducing a new nailpolish shade inspired by future princess Kate Middleton called "No More Waity, Katie." This actually looks like a really nice shade. Apparently the polish will be available for pre-order in March. Thoughts?

Photos 1 / 2

Also, I'm happy to be participating in a blogger initiative put together by the lovely Krysten of After I Do. Krysten had the great idea of pairing experienced bloggers with Little Sisters to help those new to the blog world find their footing. I could have really used a Big Sister when I started blogging because I knew nothing of the blog world or of blog etiquette. I was so lucky to meet great blog friends that helped show me the way.

When I signed up I didn't know if I fit in the Big Sister or Little Sister role as I've only been blogging for a little over a year and still have a lot to learn. That said, I've also discovered a few things along my year-long journey that I'm happy to share. I'm honored that Krysten thought I'd make a good big sister and I'm excited to introduce you to my "Little Sisters" from Wandering Thoughts of a Scientific Housewife and My Pixie Blog. So, if you have a minute check them out! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday xoxo

Gossip Girl 'The Kids Are Not All Right' Episode and Fashion Recap





The Troublemaking Thorpes



I've got a confession to make. It's a big one.

Potentially embarrassing, yes, but I can't hold it in any longer:

I'm liking Blair and Dan.

There. I said it. I hope y'all won't disown me.

Sure, Chair is where it's at. Eventually. But right now?

I'm actually liking Blair and Dan and their witty banter.

Blair = Evil Dictator of Taste = The Next Anna Wintour = Priceless

Anyway, Chuck needs to concentrate on being

all badass and saving Bass Industries.

Serena...well, I doubt she'll ever appreciate Dan.

Not when she has a wholly inappropriate older man waiting in the wings.

I tend only to like Dan in certain pairings and since Nate's busy with

the shady Captain, I'll take him with Blair. I mean, these two rock as friends.

And they had the best lines of the night.

A Pensive Chuck in Hugo Boss

Do you agree? Or am I alone in this?

Blair rocked another gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown this episode.

Who can forget that gorgeous red dress she wore in the Paris episode?

This time around it's a black and navy strapless sequined ribbon gown.

Swarovski Maniac Necklace, Bag is the Kotur Morley Satin Clutch.

She's also wearing a RichRocks Silver Elastic Dome Ring.

Lily jumped on the long sleeved gown trend (as seen at the Golden Globes) with this silver Fall 2010 Luisa Beccaria dress, which she accentuated with ropes of pearls by Siman Tu and a Judith Leiber clutch.

Serena was a bit under dressed for this party, no?

I guess fashion falls by the wayside when you've got your scheme on.

Coat - Rag and Bone, Top - Timo Weiland, Skirt - Maxime Simoens

Necklace - RichRocks, Tights - Hue

Bag - Michelle Vale Daga Python Clutch

Blair looks fab in a jacket and skirt from Louis Vuitton's 2009 Resort collection, which she accessorized with an Oxidized Gunmetal Textured Link Chain Necklace (it lends just the right amount of edge to the outfit--I think it's the same necklace Serena is wearing above?), a Magaschoni blouse and a gorgeous, oversized Longchamp bag.

Serena-as-Lily wore a beautiful Mike Gonzalez Zola Funnel Neck Coat with Leather Belt, an Elie Saab dress, Chanel sunglasses and a limited edition Cartier Classic Feminine bag made of calfskin zebra.

Doesn't this Camilla and Marc Draped Knit Cardigan look uber comfy? Serena pairs it with a Maxime Simoens Spring/Summer 2011 Opus 1 Top and Rag and Bone jeans.

Blair's green coat by Philosophy, Bag by Lanvin

 

When visiting the prison, and meeting newly sprung Ben, Serena wears a Burberry Double Breasted Check Trench Coat, Rag and Bone jeans, a Cleobella bag and the same killer Tania Spinelli Over The Knee Tab Boots that Jenny once sported.

What did you think of the episode?

Favourite outfit?

Gossip Girl Photos Courtesy of The CW
Runway Photos via style.com