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28.2.11

The Requisite Post-Oscars Post

I love film. But I am also very cheap and almost never shell out 12 bucks to go to the theater. I'd much rather wait til it comes out on video (Netflix to be exact), so I can watch from the comforts of my own couch. That being said, I have not yet seen any of the 10 films nominated for "Best Picture" this year at the Academy Awards. That didn't stop me from watching them, though. As you might expect, I watch for the fashion (and awkward celeb speeches & interviews). This year, I was both pleased and disappointed to see that there were very few fashion disasters on the red carpet. It seemed like a lot of actresses played it safe, choosing classic, sophisticated looks. Personally, that is how I would go if I were in their shoes-- it is always in style to evoke the "Old Hollywood" glamor. . .vintage chic!
The only celeb that I saw who was actually wearing vintage was Marissa Tomei in a 1950 couture Charles James dress. I have seen her on at least one "worst dressed" list, but I thought she looked stunning!

Otherwise, most of the dresses seemed to fall into one of three color palettes: red, purple or neutral. Jennifer Hudson, Anne Hathaway and Sandra Bullock all rocked the classic "princess syle" red satin gown-- personally, I think that look is a little bit played-out, so I'm not going to post those pics. I am, however, going to share my favs in the "purple" and "neutral" categories.

Both ladies nominated for the film Black Swan,  Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, went with violet-hued gowns, and I think they both look gorgeous (and Natalie with a bun in the oven!)
Natalie in Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, Mila in Elie Saab

Also, I fell in love with this Dolce & Gabbana gown that Scarlett Johansson wore (I'm a sucker for lace)



These ladies looked amazing in shimmering shades of white, pale pink and silver:

Michelle Williams in a beaded Chanel Haute Couture gown-- she always looks classy and beautiful, although I feel like she's been doing the Twiggy-meets-Mia Farrow look for so long, maybe it's time for something new?
Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier looked amazing (could this dress fit her any more perfectly?)- I don't enjoy her music or her movies, and frankly I was stunned when she married one of my favorite musicians, Ryan Adams (he should be with someone much more hip). . . But I got to give the girl props-- she's a classy dresser.
Anne Hathaway-- one of the prettiest, classiest young ladies in Hollywood-- changed several times last night, since she was hosting. This stunning Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown was one of my favs-- very Old-Hollywood glam!
How cute is Hailee Steinfeld? At only 14, she is the epitome of style and glamor. This amazing 1950's-inspired pale pink tea-length dress by Marchesa was a perfect choice!

XO,

Jess

19.2.11

Kill the Bill!

Ok, I know this is technically a fashion blog, but permit me to get political for a moment. I find myself suddenly living in the epicenter of a historic American political situation. My town- Madison, WI- has for a full week now been buzzing with protest and rioting due to our moronic new Governor's "budget care" bill. In case you don't watch the news and haven't picked up a newspaper this week- you can get the low-down here.
Basically, it just really saddens me that anyone in this country could agree with taking rights away from overworked, underpaid public employees like teachers and nurses. But at this point, I'm sick of debating it, sick of looking out my window and seeing it. I just want all of the Tea Party-ers, carpetbaggers, politicians, reporters and celebrities to leave. I want my city back.
Anyways, that's my explanation for being sort of m.i.a. this week-- every day I've been up at the Capitol showing my support for Wisconsin workers. . .and taking lots of pictures.

I wish my country wasn't so divided. I wish we had leaders who stood up for our best interest. And I wish we didn't have to have protests like this. . . But at least it's refreshing to see people standing up for themselves and their ideals!

peace and love,

Jess

14.2.11

Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm off to spend the day with my sweetie!

XO,

Jess

10.2.11

Thrifty Thursday

Wow, I have done a lot of thrifting this week. I've hit up just about every thrift store in the greater Madison area. Also, this past weekend some girlfriends and I went up north to a small town named Minocqua, and we spent at least an hour in this adorable little thrift shop. . . I found a few little trinkets there, like this ashtray and tea tin.
Today I "stopped by" Goodwill, and ended up scouring the entire store. Found some great things, though. 


 I must have (subconsciously) had Valentine's Day on the mind because I was drawn to clothes in lovely shades of red and pink. . .
I altered this flowered skirt-- originally it was much longer. Now I'm considering keeping it because it makes me long for Spring. But it will be a few months before I can walk bare-legged through the streets of Wisconsin!
All of these goodies will be for sale on the website shortly!

XO,
Jess

1.2.11

Weekly Wishlist: Spring Dreamin'

Well, there's another huge blizzard passing through the Midwest today. And I have to walk to work in a few minutes. Guess I have the Winter blahs. . . and there's still at least 2 more months of snow and cold ahead!
Needless to say, I'm already daydreaming of sunny Spring days, open-toed shoes, short dresses (without leggings!) and no more need for scarves, hats, gloves and snow boots. Here are a few items I found that made me smile.

MY LADY OF THE FUCHSIAS dress by SwaneeGrace

Vintage Bantam Green Floral Overnight Bag by Plaid Pony

Secret Garden Art Cocktail Ring by Schmooks

Vintage Copper Strappy Sandals by JessJamesJake

Oh well. . . for now I'm going to revisit my post "10 Things to Look Forward to this Winter" that I wrote in November, to remind myself that Winter has its perks.


XO,

Jess