My amazing friends and fellow bloggers

My suitemmate Colleen is spending the summer in Vietnam with the coach for college program.  She is currently teaching physics and going on runs with the kids.  She's really awesome and is basically changing the world...nbd.  Follow her journey at http://coachforcollegeinvietnam.blogspot.com/ GREAT STUFF!

My RA and friend, Gabe, is also changing the world by working with the Red Cross in Curacao (in the caribbean) doing sickle cell anemia research!!! Gosh my friends are so talented.  You can also follow his journey at http://zrandp.blogspot.com/ for some funny stories and pictures of his (not so) fabulous accommodations.  I give him so much credit!

I would also like to add that I inspired these two world travelers to start blogging! I am proud of my friends!

HP

For all of you Harry Potter fans out there, here is an awesome video of the cast describing their experience in one word. Gave me chills.

Look I'm Loving

Pippa Middleton at the French Open

The Pippa Middleton madness continues with the paparazzi snapping this shot of Prince Williams sister-in-law at the French Open. She looks stunning in this fun black sundress.  So perfect on her, and so perfect to watch some tennis. 



Best of Cannes Part II

1. Gwen Stefani - L.A.M.B.
2. Zoe Saldana - Armani Prive
3. Kirsten Dunst - Chanel
4. Penelope Cruz - Marchesa

Gwen Stefani- I am OBSESSED with her sparkly black gown designed by her own company (LAMB).  She is most definitely my style icon, I just adore her, but in all seriousness, this dress blew the other ones out of the water! The neckline - fabulous, the silhouette - complete perfection, Mix of lace and sparkle - genius.  The gold waist- a great touch.  Basically, I love her and this look.
Zoe Saldana - Zoe's strapless, white and red "candy-striped" Armani Prive gown got a lot of criticisms, but weirdly enough, I love it!  The fact that the bodice is solid white balanced out the look for me, and I LOVE the draping at the hip and that slit!  She definitely took a risk by choosing this gown, but in my opinion, it paid off.
Kirsten Dunst - Her mustard yellow, short, pleated skirt, Chanel frock reminded me of the Covergirl motto: easy, breezy, beautiful!  I thought it was super cute and summery- perfect for Cannes, France!  I love the diagonally ruched bodice, and her hair and makeup keep with the while cutesy vibe. 
Penelope Cruz - So basically, she's a knockout, no matter what she wears, but this beaded, nude and lavender tulle Marchesa gown is gorgeous.  I love that tulle was a primary fabric, I feel like you don't really see that too often.  It's really different than the other looks at Cannes, but I like the drama!

Can we talk about...

GLEE's amazing wardrobe stylists?!

I don't think any other outfit could have been more perfect for Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) to wear for the fantastic finale in NYC. It just SCREAMS Rachel.  It's so cute, an I love the fact that it's outrageously colorful.  I just love Glee and Lea Michele and NYC and (spoiler alert!) the fact that Rachel and Finn are back together! Ahhh perfection. love. love. love. I must watch  it again soon!

Worst of Cannes 2011

Here are my picks for worst dressed during the first week of the Cannes Film Festival

1. Sarah Jessica Parker - Dolce and Gabana - classic case of over-accessorizing
2. Bryce Dallas Howard - Reem Acra - I love the hair and makeup, but this silhouette does nothing for her
3. Michelle Rodriguez  - I hate the print, and she looks like she just rolled out of bed
4. Naomi Campbell - Emilio Pucci - It's too short, and I hate to say it, but it looks somewhat cheap.
5. Sarah Jessica Parker - Elie Saab - I love the silhouette and black outlines, but this print is way too busy.  She looks gorgeous, though

Photo of The Day

I took this at Disney's Key West Resort when we stayed there 2 years ago. Take me back...

My Top 3....

Reasons why I want to visit NYC this summer....

1. The Alexander McQueen Exhibit: Savage Beauty at the MET

All Images Property of Harper's Bazaar

2. "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" starring DANIEL RADCLIFFE on Broadway

3. Harry Potter - the exhibition in Times Square

Cannes Trend Alert: White

White has been the color of choice at the Cannes Film Festival.  Some stars have even worn the color multiple times this week (Uma Thurman).

Rachel McAdams in Maxime Simoens, Uma Thurman in Versace, Dolce and Gabana, and Chanel, Cheryl Cole in Stephane Rolland, Jane Fonda in Emilio Pucci, Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab, Alexa Chung, Sarah Jessica Parker in Dolce and Gabana and Sonam Kapoor in Jean Paul Gaultier

It's My Birthdayy!

Words to Live by...

Cannes Couture

2011 Cannes Film Festival

Rachel McAdams, Karolina Kurkova, Uma Thurman, Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek, Mia Wasikowska

White has definitely been the go-to color at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France, but sparkle has been another prominent element.  These are my favorite looks so far from le Festival de Cannes:

1. Rachel McAdams - Maxime Simoens
2. Karolina Kurkova - Armani Prive
3. Uma Thurman - Versace
4. Jane Fonda - Emilio Pucci
5. Salma Hayek - Gucci
6. Mia Wasikowka - Roland Mouret

Rachel McAdams - I absolutely adore this white Maxime Simoens sheath.  She looks so effortlessly gorgeous, and I love her new lighter hair color! My favorite component of this dress is most definitely the rosette sleeves and pockets, but the silhouette on her is equally amazing.  Absolute perfection!
Karolina Kurkova - This high fashion model looked stunning in a one-shoulder, navy sparkle, Armani Prive gown.  Although, a much different look than McAdams effortless sheath, Kurkova is easily #2 on my list.  I love the slight tulle at the shoulder and the angle of the glittery embellishments; they elongate her model-figure even more! Combine that with her short, old Hollywood glamour-esque hair that shows off her shoulders, and the whole look is elevated to the next level.  Amazing.
Uma Thurman - Her long, white, strapless and feathered Versace gown, fit her perfectly.  I would say it would be a gorgeous wedding dress if it was not for that sky-high slit, but hey, she rocks it.  Her emerald green Chopard earrings are a nice touch, but I would have liked her hair to look a bit more polished.  Otherwise, though, I love the sweetheart neckline and I think the amount of feathers is perfect.  Well Done.
Jane Fonda - She is 73 years old?!?....what?! She does not look any older than 55 in this form-fitting, sparkle-panel, Emilio Pucci gown.  How does she do it?! Barbara Walters take note, because this is how it's done. Senior citizen or not, this dress would look good on anyone who has a similar physique.  Fantastic.
Salma Hayek - She looked glamorous in this neutral, sparkly, strapless Gucci gown.  It is tight in all of the right places to showcase her curves, and I love the slight pleats at the very bottom.  Plus, her hair complements the look perfectly.
Mia Wasikowska - This young star of The Kids are Alright and Alice and Wonderland, looks so polished and poised in this conservative and classy red Roland Mouret, gown.  I love where it cinches her waist and I love the slight mermaid bottom.  Her hair and earrings could not fit the dress any better.

Photo of the Day - Vegas

I had a softball tournament in Las Vegas two summers ago, and since it was so hot, we only had one game each day,which left us with plenty of time to explore.  I snapped this photo of the hardrock hotel out of the rental car window.  It remains one of my fav. shots to this day. 

Can we talk about....

Lady Gaga - the Marketing Mastermind

After watching tonight's episode of American Idol in which Lady Gaga served as a mentor, I had an epiphany: she is a genius, a true marketing mastermind.  I once heard that she earned a perfect score on her SATs and at first, I thought that was impossible considering her outrageous antics. After hearing her speak so eloquently on Idol, however, I think that it is a possibility. Only someone extremely smart could write a "killer-hook" to make each song an extremely catchy, chart-topping, hit.  Only someone extremely smart would think to build mystery and popularity through extreme clothing choices.  Only someone extremely smart would be able to think up the over-the-top character that is Lady Gaga.  I believe that the obscure and mysterious Lady Gaga was dreamed up and executed by none-other-than Lady Gaga herself.  I believe that every single outrageous move she makes is a calculated move, a PR stunt per say, to increase her mystique, to increase her popularity, to increase her record sales, and to, ultimately, increase her bank account.  Lady Gaga is a pop culture icon, just as she set out to be.  Her rise to fame has not been luck, it has been pure brilliance.

Ad I Love...

Tommy Hilfiger

I am in love with this Tommy Hilfiger ad because it contains three of my favorite things: tennis, dogs, and preppy clothing (are those guys wearing sperrys?!). The ad has such a chaotic mix of people, yet it feels so effortless.  It was not until I looked super close that I picked up on some of the unusual aspects throughout. love. love. love.

Coolest Cast

The Romantics

After seeing the 2010 drama, The Romantics, starring Katie Holmes, Josh Duhamel, Anna Paquin, Elijah Wood, Adam Brody, Malkin Akerman, Candice Bergen and Dianna Argon, I have decided that the six core characters (Holmes, Duhamel, Brody, Akerman, Jeremy Strong, and Rebecca Lawrence), are some of the coolest characters I have seen in a while.  While watching, I even found myself wanting to be apart of their friend group.  Some of them are considered hipster, others conservative, and a few inspired.  Malin Akerman's character was one of the most interesting I have seen.   Overall, I loved, loved, loved the movie and highly recommend it.  It had such a free-spirited vibe about it that I was really drawn to.  Plus, the cast did an advertising campaign for JCrew, can they get any cooler?!?

The Romantics for JCrew

Pirates Premiere

Penelope Cruz wore this extravagant black, detailed, feathered, Marchesa gown to the Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides premiere.  Stars do not usually wear such elaborate designs to premiers, but she pulled it off.  My only concern is the feathered neckline; I wish that they were isolated to the bottom of the gown.  I do love the black-patterned fabric, though!

Photo of the Day - VT

In honor of my freshman year being over, and in honor of this being my last blogpost from room 163 in Peddrew Yates, here is a collage of photos from this year.  From our football team beating Georgia Tech on a Thursday night, to our basketball team beating number one, Duke, on ESPN College Game Day, it's been a great year.  I can't wait until August!

I LOVE MY FRIENDS

....thats all!

Peace Love and Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's new music video for "Mean" premiered today. I am not even a country music fan, but I really like T. Swift for some reason.  I especially love her metallic-gold fringed, flapper-inspired cocktail dress which is introduced at 3:03. Enjoy!

Love!

The final Harry Potter movie's release date gets closer by the day! I am in love with the series, and I am excited to see the movie, but my life will be a lot less interesting without the wizarding world of Harry Potter. What a bittersweet event, but I love this collage of the cast!

Can we talk about....

Hailee Steinfeld's Grown-up Look?!

The 14year-old star of True Grit and Oscar nominee for best supporting actress, dresses insanely old for her age! Between pencil skirts, LBD's, towering heels, and sleek hairstyles, Hailee looks five years older than she actually is! The only age appropriate attire I have seen her wear was at this year's Oscars (see Oscar blogpost).  She must have one fashion-forward stylist!

MET Costume Institute Gala

Last night, stars, athletes, and designers attended the annual MET Costume Institute Gala in NYC.  The event is considered one of fashion's biggest nights, and provides celebrities with the opportunity to include some avante garde looks into their red carpet repertoire.  Last night's event included a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, and Sara Burton (Kate Middleton's dress designer who works under the house of McQueen) was even in attendance.  Some stars took advantage of the opportunity to wear an over-the-top look, but others did not embrace the challenge.

Best Dressed:
1. Gwyneth Paltrow - Stella McCartney
2. Ashley Olsen - Christian Dior
3. Penelope Cruz - Oscar De La Renta
4. Sara Jessica Parker - Alexander McQueen
5. Tory Burch - Jean Patou

Gwenyth Paltrow- Wearing a nude, spakly, minimalistic, Stella McCartney gown, Gwyneth looked gorgeous and poised.  It fit perfectly, and there was even an open back.  I have really loved her fashion choices lately! At this rate, she may end up being my dressed celeb of the year. 
Ashley Olsen - With her fashion record in recent years, I never expected her to be on my best dressed list, but she blew me away in a sleek, elegant, and avante garde vintage Christian Dior gown.  I love that she took a risk with those sleeves.  They could have gone way wrong, but she pulled them off fabulously. 
Penelope Cruz - Cruz looked fantastic in a black, form-fitting, detailed, Oscar De La Renta gown.  I am basically obsessed with the horizontal layers and the delicate ruffle along the bust line.  Plus, the slight train makes this gown a perfect choice for this event.
Sara Jessica Parker - Her long, fitted, neutral, and embellished Alexander McQueen (how fitting!) gown, was impeccable.  The color was perfect and the all-over embellishments were perfectly placed.  This dress epitomizes great craftsmanship and attention to detail.  Plus, SJP's hair, complimented the gown perfectly!
Tory Burch - In addition to being an amazing designer and the creator of the ever-so-popular Reva flat (which I have referenced before), she knows how to dress! I absolutely adore this nude and black-lace detailed , one-shoulder Jean Patou gown.  The silhouette is absolutely phenomenal. 

Worst Dressed:
1. Freida Pinto  -Chanel
2. Serena Williams - Oscar De La Renta
3. Christina Hendricks - Carolina Herrera
4.  Kirsten Dunst  - Chanel
5. Barbara Walters

Freida Pinto - This young starlett has so much potential, which is why I had to giver her the title of worst dressed.  I am not a fan of her white, silky, draped, Chanel gown, that is complete with a skinny black tie.  The sleeve is a gorgeous element, but the look in its entirety? not so much. 
Serena Williams - Her, over-the-top, feathery, sparkly, monster of a dress, courtesy of Oscar De La Renta, was definitely out there.  Add in that Philip Treacy hat, and Serena ends up on my worst dressed list.  The Britsh know how to wear a Treacy hat without looking ridiculous (see my post from the royal wedding), Serena apparently does not.  This look was just too much even for a costume gala!
Chrisitian Hendricks - I adore her and Mad Men, but her half-sleeved, red and black ombre, horizontal-patterned, Carolina Herrera gown did absoultey nothing for her.  She needs to dress in ways that accentuate her figure, and this dress did not do the trick. It also weirdly matches her hair. yikes.
Kirsten Dunst - I have no idea why she would choose, and I have not idea why Chanel would make this black, floral, tea-length, sparkly, hideous gown! The neckline is odd, but not in a good way, and her shoes make the entire look even worse.
Barbara Walters - She is an elegant woman who I defintely look up to, but she needs to fire her stylist.  Her green, frumpy and fringed dress would have been horrible by itself, but when the shiny blue cape in added on top, it is really a complete fail.

Look I'm loving...

Katie Holmes in Ann Taylor Skirt, Holmes and Yang Top, and Miu Miu Shoes

I adore the fact that Katie Holmes used a bright red (and reasonably priced) skirt to brighten her look.  I honestly do not think I have see her look this good in a long time! Se seems effortlessly gorgeous and completely relaxed.  The shoes are most definitely the best part of the ensemble, though.  love. love. love!

love it...

This is prob. my last royal wedding post (so sad!). I found this on my friend Ashley's awesome tumblr page http://yourrollingtrain.tumblr.com/ check it outtt!

WHY?!

Up until now, I considered Blake Lively's hair one of her biggest assets.  She claims that she dyed her shiny golden locks red for her role in the upcoming movie "Hick," but to me, the only way this transformation would have been justified is if she was playing Ariel in the Little Mermaid! Please dye it back to blonde soon!