Best Dressed: 2012 SAG Awards

Jayma Mays - Reem Acra

I love this so much, especially the back!

Natalie Portman - Giambattista Valli

Julianna Marguiles - Calvin Klein


images via fabsugar

INTRODUCING:

Virginia Tech's "9400 Students, 9400 Stories" - www.9400stories.blogspot.com

As the Director of Programming for the Virginia Tech Residence Hall Federation, this is the newest project that I am working on and I am super excited about it! Check out the blog for more info!

Golden Globes Best Dressed

Due to my crazy spring schedule, I will be providing a "spark notes" version of my usual red carpet evaluation:

 Claire Danes - J. Mendel

So classy, LOVE the back

Emma Stone - Lanvin

Not sure about that eagle belt, but she pulls it off.

 

Charlize Theron - Christian Dior

gorgeous

*All images via Glamour

Hooray for Awards Season!!!

Best Dressed: People's Choice Awards Edition

Lea Michele!

image via bellasugar

In a sea of mediocre frocks, this Glee gal stood out and made a statement in this incredible, white fringe Marchesa creation.  This is unlike anything I have ever seen before and I absolutely adore it.  The draping is just absolutely stunning.  Unfortunately, none of the other dresses from the evening even remotely inspired me.

Happy 30th Birthday Kate! Thanks for being such an inspiration XOXO

War Horse Premiere

image via aceshowbiz

William and Kate attended the London premiere of War Horse, and Kate looked stunning, as always! Her black lace Alice Temperley gown was perfect, and the neckline and sleeves really reminded me of her McQueen wedding gown.  In other words, I know why she picked this dress! Plus, the gown somehow manages to be sexy and modest at the same time.  She is fantastic.

Look I'm Loving

Blake Lively

image via coco perez

The girl is flawless.  Whether she is on the red carpet in a goddess gown, or strolling the streets of Boston in a biker chick inspired style (above), she is always on point.  I especially adore her Theodora & Callum tribal-esque scarf and edgy fingerless gloves. 

Middleton at the Millies

image via popsugar

Kate Middleton looked gorgeous in a black velvet, strapless, Alexander McQueen gown at the Sun Military Awards, or Millies, in London.  William and Harry looked equally dashing in their traditional tuxes.  Perfection.

Phipps Conservatory

I had an awesome day exploring Pittsburgh and stopping by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  It was so nice to see the lovely Christmas decorations, and I am just obsessed with all of the permanent Dale Chihuly hand-blown glass pieces scattered throughout the gardens. It was also really neat to see the orchid room named after my great uncle, Frank Sarris.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the adventure.

beautiful, sweeping archways

gorgeous tree on water

absolutely amazed by this room, breath-taking

Desert room, GC's favorite

From Pretty to Punk

Rooney Mara

      On the Red Carpet and as Lisbeth Sander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Although I have yet to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I am extremely intrigued and anxious to see the upcoming movie.  I am not usually a fan of action movies, but this one seems special.  I say this, not only because David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is an extremely talented director, but also because Rooney Mara, the relatively unknown actress who plays main character Lisbeth Sander, did a complete transformation for the film, as seen in the above photos.  Her role as Lisbeth is guaranteed to jump start her career, especially because the movie has a guaranteed fan base.  When I see before and after photos and when I read about filming, I think to myself, "wow, this had to be the role of a lifetime for her to go to these extremes."  If not the role of a lifetime, then definitely a role to catch everyones attention.   Here is the trailer:

Her current looks for the film's promotional tour are super edgy! The girl loves her cut-outs, and I can't blame her!

(From left: Givenchy Haute Couture, Roksanda, Prabal Gurung)

European Shopping List

In a little over a year I will be embarking on an extraordinary European adventure. I have obviously already started a packing list which includes these four items that I have yet to purchase.  

Clockwise from top left:
1. Longchamp Le  Pliage Backpack - This chic and versatile backpack will allow me to have my hands free while exploring different cities. Plus, it may even make me look like a native (I can only hope!)
2. Kate Spade Travel Wallet - I considered just a regular old passport holder, but this wallet is perfect because it can accomadate a passport, but can still be used in every day life once I return home.
3. Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover - I think I would prefer the plain cream-colored style (without the blue accent), but this pullover will keep me extra warm under a thicker coat, or by itself if it is a slightly warmer day
4. Aldo Wedge Boot - These are not a definite, but it would be nice to have a chic, warm, ankle boot, such as this one.  I love my riding boots, but these would be nice to mix it up.

A lovely quote from Nikki Giovanni, English Professor, Virginia Tech

I just LOVE...

Kate Spade

I really am obsessed with the whole Kate Spade brand.  I especially adore their "Live/Give Colorfully" marketing campaigns, which include the promo video above.  They really know who their customer is and the products they create are caterd perfectly to that customer. What a fantastic company, I would love to work for them one day.

Look I'm Loving...

Camilla Belle

(image via cocoperez)

Camilla Belle always rocks it on the red carpet, but this look just guaranteed her a spot on my list of style icons.  Ralph Lauren's gorgeous gown is so intricate and beautiful, and could very easily overwhelm her, but she made it work! The understated hair and makeup were def a good choice, but wow, this dress is just stunning.  Can't stop staring.

Lilly Lamp!

While at Goodwill shopping for a halloween costume, I came across a black wooden lamp in good condition.  I was immediately inspired and decided to make it my next creative project.  After sanding off the black paint (which produced a very messy, black, chalk-like substance all over my dorm room), I painted it white and started to decide what exactly I was going to paint.  I have done Lilly prints in the past, and I decided to keep with that trend. A few different ones came to mind, but wanted to do something unique, so I chose this blue print from the Lilly Kiki dress. 

I feel like it is not as well known as the others, and it was also looking to be the most challenging design, and I am always up for a challenge.  I took a lazy Sunday and turned it into a painting day, which turned out to be incredibly relaxing.  Can I just paint every day, please?! Here is the end result! I just need to add a clear coat...

Close-ups

HP Documentary Trailer

"When Harry Left Hogwarts" an inside look at the making of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2.  It will be included in the part 2 blu-ray set.  Can't wait to see this, check out the trailer!

Pic from "Perks"

Emma Watson and Logan Lerman on set filming "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
image via Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Newest Obsession

Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual bookmarking site! It has tons of photos of decor, fashion, food, quotes, celebrities, and basically anything you can think of. You scroll through the "pins" and "repin" your favorites to your "boards" which are basically like virtual bulletin boards of your favorite things.  I have a fashion, decor, travel, artsy, and quotes board, and I love filling them with my fav images. I highly recommend joining the site and then following me!

Epitome of School Spirit

Last minutes of the VT vs. Miami game last night.  Zombie nation followed by Enter sandman (twice)? Can't get much better that that. Awesome game, awesome victory, proud to be a hokie <3