Welcome back, party people! Anyone else feel like the Golden Globes were perfectly-timed this year? It took me pretty much all of last week to get back on track after being away for the holidays, and having an award show to look forward to on Sunday night kept me on target for unpacking, getting organized, and coming back to the blog just in time for award season to pick up. It was my first-time ever hosting a small gathering at my place to watch the festivities, which many of you know is not normally how I spend my award show evenings.
I was a little stressed about trying to get our apartment ready for human occupancy (we moved in finally in November but have been taking our sweet time putting everything together), keeping up with my live Facebook and Twitter updates, and of course, enjoying the actual show itself. Thankfully, I had my number one live-in personal chef to help me, and in just one day we organized our lives (i.e. strategically hid all of our crap) and put together a party platter that rivals whatever Wolfgang Puck prepared for the drunkards at the Globes.
Award show essentials: Laptop, festive cocktail napkins, paper straws, and of course, mini bubbles.
Steve offered to put together a charcuterie platter for our friends, which despite all of his actual cooking abilities, is one of my favorite “meals” that he does.
I mean, c’mon.
But enough about that, let’s get to the really good stuff! (And I’m not just talking about cheese.) Fashion!
As usual, we start with the best.
Anyone else see midnight blue coming? Cause I sure didn’t. This shade just screams evening glamour, and these ladies did it right. Viola Davis looked like a starry, starry night in this gorgeous and age appropriate (she rocked some sleeves but a little cleavage kept the top from looking dowdy). I loved how the jewels faded from the bodice down the length of the dress. Gina Rodriguez was the first celeb I saw hit the carpet, and it was obvious that as last year’s surprise winner she now has her pick of the litter when it comes to stylists, gowns, hair and makeup teams, the works. This is a gown that you could look at in twenty years and it will still stand the test of time. As half of the world’s hottest celebrity couple, Jenna Dewan Tatum absolutely shined (especially next to Channing’s hair, oof). It’s kind of like the younger version of Viola’s gown. I wonder if these two ever ran into each other last night and stared stealthily across the room muttering “bitch stole my look” under their breath. Both of them seem pretty classy, so I’m guessing no, but hey, a girl can dream.
Amy Adams looked so relaxed last night, probably because she didn’t have the worry of being nominated and not winning again (seriously, she is the female Leonardo DiCaprio). She defies the ridiculous stereotype that redheads can’t wear red, in fact I think this is one of the best auburn shades she’s sported in quite some time. Who ever knew that the color of rust could be so flattering? I’m not sure why Kate Bosworth was there but I’m so glad she came to win in the glittery pink number, looking ten times better than most of the people who actually had a purpose for being at the event. I just wish her hair weren’t so severe all the time. She’s so tiny, and she suffers from a self-inflicting bobblehead syndrome constantly with her tightly wound ‘dos. I know that red on the red carpet could be considered overdone at this point, but come on – Emmy Rossum looked flawless. Like so elegant and poised, well beyond her years. And that necklace. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful in my entire life. There was quite a bit of extra fabric there at the bottom, but I’m giving her a complete pass because, hot damn.
I don’t mind repeat outfits if someone knows what works really well for them and sticks with it (with the exception of J.Lo, because by now she has to have cornered the market on nearly naked sparkly illusion dresses). I think Laverne Cox knows she looks bangin’ in white, so she keeps wearing white, and I’m okay with it. Her green accessories were super on-trend as we saw throughout the evening, but if I had to say anything about this look (and you know I have to) then I’m going to ask for a slightly less goth lip. She looked so ethereal and goddess-like and the deep crimson kind of broke it up for me. Malin Ackerman completely surprised me because I saw her on the red carpet for all of four seconds and then I don’t remember ever seeing her again the rest of the evening. This icy pale blue gown made her look like Elsa’s much more sophisticated older sister and I can’t let it go. I would however like to hack off about two feet of fabric from the bottom of that dress that is literally folded in half above her feet. I do not ever understand while celebrities that have money and teams at their fingertips don’t just get their dresses tailored. It’s literally mind-blowing. Speaking of seeing stars, my fashion prayers have finally been answered and in a miraculous feat performed by God himself Jennifer Lopez opted to coverup both her butt and her boobs at the same time. Don’t get me rock, girl is gorgeous and we should carve her some sort of monument so we can celebrate her body every damn day, but frankly, I was beginning to think she was looking a little bit desperate from being so revealing all the time. I think that’s all well and good for performing and things like that, but this look from last night is exactly what I’ve been wanting to see from her. She looked classy, but with a slight edge. That hair was so fresh and the jewels are absolutely on point, full J.Lo glamour-style. The Angelina leg was a little intense and I’m kind of worried about her ankles, but you know that she probably had slit cut even higher because for all we know, she suffers from a yet-unknown condition where as much of her body has to be exposed as possible, or she suffocates and dies. And finally, the Queen (as in Latifah) discovered what is truly the best color she has ever worn. I think she should throw out her entire wardrobe and buy all new clothes only in this color (including pajamas, underwear, sneakers, you name it). I don’t think she’s ever looked better. I have literally nothing else to say because that is just like, it. Done, mic drop, we can all go home now.
Just kidding. There’s more fun to be had here!
I love when people just go for it as far as color is concerned on the red carpet. Life is short! You can wear black dresses for the rest of eternity. If anyone is up for a good time, it’s obviously Jennifer Lawrence. Hollywood’s BFF has to eat, sleep, breathe and crap Dior for the foreseeable future, so we’re only going to see so much variety for her in the next few years. I was glad to see her in something more structured than that bed sheet she rolled around in last year. She was channeling Charlize Theron in a way I think (also a Dior muse, what a coincidence). Everything is very structured and angular, it sort of makes me think this is what people in the 1960s thought humans would be wearing in 2016. I think I liked this outfit overall (the necklace gets all the points) but it’s a tad severe and I would really love to see some schematics of what is going on underneath that flap to keep everything in place, cause Lord knows, she’s a tripper. I don’t know if Jennifer Lopez is pissed that America Ferrera is in almost the same shade of mustard that she is (because what are the odds that like all two of the three Latina actresses at this thing would show up in the same color?) but I hate to say… I think J.Lo wins this one. America looked pretty and all, but her top was lacking in structure and her hair was real boring. Another dullish hairdo belonged to Joanne Froggatt, but her muted lavender gown may have made up for it by being the only shade of it’s kind on the carpet that evening. I’m not crazy about those “we’re not even pretending to hide this” illusion panels, but in general she looked pretty and floaty and British so we’ll call this one a win.
I know that “rose quartz” is one of the Pantone colors of the year for 2016, but just because a color is in, doesn’t mean that everyone deserves to wear it. It’s a tough shade, and I don’t think these particular hues did these ladies any favors last night. Leslie Mann was killing me from head-to-toe in the worst way. If it wasn’t the too-big top, then it was the seaweed-looking doodads traveling south of her waist. Let’s not forget another hideous choker (seriously… why so many that evening?). I have gotten into actual arguments with people in the past about Cate Blanchett, because I think I may be the only person in the world that just does not care about her. I get that she’s never going to show up looking like Beyonce or something, and that she’s all about wearable art or whatever, but c’mon: this was a dress made out of pink hair, am I right? Like I thought it was fringe but the more I saw it move on television, I’m thinking that there is a bald unicorn running around somewhere. Katy Perry surprised me in more ways than one. Not only does she literally have no reason to be there, but she was seated at the front table last night. We’re talking miles beyond Leo and J.Law and actual actors from television and movies. I heard she got a new stylist for this event and was all excited about trying something new. I hate to say it, but I miss the days when she wore beach ball bikini tops and her date was Left Shark. She looked like a cross between a Fem-bot from Austin Powers and Elvira of Halloween beer commercial fame. And don’t get me started on the Bump-It. I think the “least improved” award had to go to Kate Hudson. She has looked flawless at the last few Golden Globes ceremonies (her white cage dress last year was basically a feat of architectural genius), so for her to show up in this was beyond a disappointment. Actually, I was kind of outraged. Like, how could you do this to us? How could you wear a sequined peach racer-back dress complete with a choker, crop top and skirt that are secretly connected? Don’t you love us, Kate? Do you want us to be happy?!
I think the entire fashion industry and every Pinterest user let out a collective gasp when they saw this hideous art project that Olivia Palermo showed up in. Fashionistas everywhere were personally offended that their icon had fallen so far from grace. For starters, she looks as wide as a house, which is the complete opposite of everything about her body in real life. Also this has to be one of the worst color combinations that has ever existed. Throw in a bad choker and you have one steaming pile of ick. Jane Fonda reminded me of one of those scary porcelain clowns that you get as a gift from your great aunt and even though it terrified you, your mom made you keep it on a shelf in your bedroom until you were sixteen years old. If I have to say something nice… well whatever was underneath the four layers of toilet paper fit very well. Also her earrings were bomb. Natalie Dormer thoroughly disappointed me because I think of her as being kind of cool and edgy and this dress was neither of those things. The dress was actually kind of marmy on it’s own (I could see a much older woman wearing it) but then they added this weird bracket and it looked like she was wearing an old-school bedazzled back brace. Does anyone else think that Rooney Mara and Debbie Downer are long lost siblings? I just imagine being at a party and everyone is having a good time and then Rooney walks in and it goes silent, like the fun has just been sucked out of the room. This is literally a shredded nude bodystocking. It’s a more formal version of Kanye’s garbage Adidas “line” that was comprised solely of undergarments. You can’t see it in this photo, but the live footage of her getting out of the limo with a giant mohawk braid on the back of her head just about killed me.
This may be all of the excitement I can handle for tonight. Tune in tomorrow when we continue with the fashion f yeahs and the faux pas of the 2016 Golden Globes! Until then,
~L
All photos courtesy of PopSugar.
Happy Holidays everyone! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus, I hope that you’re enjoying it with your loved ones today.
Now that the holiday season has pretty much come and gone, I thought this would be a great time to reveal our holiday card. This was the first year I designed my own card and had it made through Vistaprint (sorry Snapfish). I used to go with the predetermined themes, but Steve and I were wanted to do a Star Wars homage in honor of The Force Awakens coming out in theaters this month. The best solution seemed to be to use my beginner to intermediate Photoshop skills design our own original card. Combine that with a 60% Cyberweek deal, and we were in business.
The inspiration was obviously Star Wars, but also incorporating Steve’s love of Christmas trees and my killer side eye. And Schooner, of course. If you haven’t seen The Empire Strikes Back, the wording is from when Princess Leia tells Han Solo that she loves him right before he gets frozen in carbonite and he looks back at her and replies, “I know.”
The name thing came to me at the end before I was about to hit “print” when I realized we needed to sign the card in some way. What are the odds that are names would fit so well with the original character’s? (Well, I guess Schoonbacca is kind of cheating, but you get the idea.)
This is our sixth Christmas card together, and even though we argue every year about the theme and Steve has a heart attack when he finds out how much I spend on postage, I love that we have a little collection of our holiday history to look back on. Someday I’ll get around to putting them in some sort of memory book in chronological order, but for now they live in my yearly Christmas card folders (that’s right, I save all the ones I receive every year).
So to you and yours: a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
And may the Spruce be with you.
~L
Last weekend was my final wedding of the year, and since I was off-island, I couldn’t resist a quick trip to a few stores that I hadn’t shopped at for a long time. Which of course, led to my second haul video, where I show you the things that I bought and justify my reasons for purchasing, because let’s face it – unconfirmed validation is what the internet is all about, right?
Anyway, check out the goods below. Enjoy!
(PS – someone could teach me more about how to select an attractive thumbnail for YouTube videos, that would be great.)
~L
Guys, I have a confession to make.
It has officially been over a year since I had a haircut.
I know, it’s mortifying. But living on an island doesn’t make this exactly easy. You see, I’ve exclusively been seeing my friend Ryan (currently at Wicked Salon and Spa) for the last twelve years to handle my various shades of golden locks, and that’s a relationship built on friendship, trust, and complete and utter (sometimes brutal) honesty.
And that is a bond that cannot be broken, not even with an ocean trying to keep you apart. I read somewhere that people care more about having a hairstylist they trust than a primary care position. I mean, doctors come and go, but a good colorist? That’s forever.
Ryan and I met sophomore year of high school in Intro to Journalism class. I knew we were meant to be friends when he chose “Christina vs. Britney” as his editorial assignment. It took some persistence on my part, but we finally bonded, and even ended up as prom dates. Needless to say, between the two of us, we’ve had more than a few looks over the years:
And of course, he created my most important look of all:
(And if that weren’t enough, he also did every single one of my bridesmaids hair and makeup. Did I mention he’s amazing?)
So even though I moved to Nantucket over two years ago, my hair has not been touched by any hands but his. I take that back – I have had regular demineralizing treatments due to the fact that island water turns my hair green. But cut and color? I only have strands for Ryan.
Believe it or not, prices on Nantucket are so outrageous, that I’m convinced it is still cheaper for me to take a boat back to America, drive to N.H., and get my hair cut and colored. Plus it gives me a chance to catch up with one of my oldest friends, and let’s be honest – that’s priceless.
But now, the time has come. I’m on my way up to another wedding (shocker!) in Vermont, so the salon is the perfect inbetween stop to break up the trip.
So because it has been over a full calendar year since a pair of shears have touched my hair, it’s safe to say I am in full-on crazy research mode. I have been scouring Pinterest, looking for the perfect cut and color to get me through potentially another hair drought.
Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos for today’s hair event (yes, that is what it has become).
(Note: The ladies on the top are cut inspiration only, not color.)
I’m looking for something a little shorter and lighter (in weight). Since it’s been so long, there is a split-end party happening south of my shoulders, so I’m thinking a bunch of that needs to come off. I’m hoping to work a bit more with my natural hair texture (slightly wavy, but not really) and have a little more bounce and volume.
I’m still debating on color, and probably will do so all the way up to New Hampshire. I’ve never been a fan of my natural color (it’s a bit dull), but since I’ve let almost all of it grow out, I’m shocked at how many compliments I’ve gotten on my real hair color, which is kind of a inbetween-ish “bronde.”
My ultimate favorie inspo photo is this:
See? Just a hint of highlight, but with a slightly more “lived-in” color (at least, that’s what it’s called on Pinterest. Apparently that’s in, in addition to balayage, tortoise shell, and a bunch of other words that don’t translate to any color in my eyes).
At this point, it doesn’t really matter what I do. Because anything is an improvement of this:
#Iwokeuplikethis (literally – that’s me this morning)
So if you guys need me, this is where I’ll be for the next three hours. Follow me on Instagram and now Snapchat (!!!) at @legallylinz, where I’m sure I’ll be documenting the process.
Straggly yours,
~L
Update: Multiple people have asked me for an update now that The Cut has happened, so I wanted to share a quick photo of the finished product:
Obviously, the look isn’t complete without ginormous sunnies.
I thought Ryan was going to encourage me not to go so short, but he saw my post before I even got the salon and told me he thought my favorite inspiration photo was perfect and that we should do it. Before I even had a chance to process (plus I was a little under the influence from the ginormous glass of white zinfandel I was offered as I walked in the door) I felt the first cut at the back of my neck. We also decided to do a little bit lighter towards the ends, but keep my natural root color and just slightly blend it all together, which Ryan did perfectly with this new hair color that was so new he hadn’t tried it on anyone else (which I only found out after we were finished).
I am beyond thrilled with how it all came out – I haven’t had hair this short in years and I can’t believe how much I love it. If you’re in the southern New Hampshire area (and even if you’re not, trust me, it’s worth the drive/boat ride), go see Ryan at Wicked Salon & Spa in Goffstown. I’m hoping to do some upcoming posts more at length in the future some short-hair stylings (maybe another vlog is in our future!), but for now, let’s all just back in the glow of freshly-done hair and thank the Lord for our stylists and their miracle fingers.
Whoa. How did that happen? I swear it was like a week ago that I was still scraping snow off my car, and now it’s the middle of July. There’s less than half a month until my 30th birthday (sidenote: WTF) and only like six weeks left until the Range Rover fleet begins their annual escape off of the island, like geese heading south for the winter. So I have to shake my head in wonder and say again… how did this happen?
Oh wait, I remember. From mid-April to the last weekend in June, I had plans every single weekend. And since I live on an island thirty miles out to sea, I think all but one involved traveling to some exotic locales. You know, like Vermont.
2015 has been the year of weddings for us. With that, also comes the year of bridal showers, bachelorette parties, bridesmaid dresses and travel. Seriously, if the Steamship Authority had a punch card like they do at frozen yogurt places, I would be able to travel for free probably for the rest of the year. When I heard that #SCOTUS had made gay marriage legal in all fifty states, the very first thing that popped into my head was: Dear God, I cannot go to another wedding.
I’m really not trying to complain. I was so, so happy that I could be a part of all of these special moments for my friends. I feel so lucky to finally have a job where I don’t miss major life events because I can only pick two weekends off in a six-week period. If anything, I’m more just trying to justify my severe hiatus from blogging as of late.
I always thought that the reason I was so inconsistent with my favorite hobby was my irregular schedule. Some days I worked early, some days I didn’t go in until noon, other times crushing the dreams of nine-year old children by telling them that no, Samantha is no longer available was just so emotionally taxing that my brain turned into goo by the end of the day. I always thought that if I worked in a different field, I would come home and write every evening, schedule posts on the weekend, things like that. But in getting the chance to have a life, I discovered that the more time you spend living that life, the less time you spend writing about it. But if you didn’t go out and live it, you’d have nothing to write about anyway, so it’s kind of a chicken/egg situation.
I guess you could say we were definitely “living” this year. We went through a similar time period in 2011, the same year we got married. I remember having a wedding (either as a guest or working) every weekend for six weeks straight, much to the horror of my manager. That was the wave of those of us that were crazy enough… I mean so in love… to get married at age twenty-five. Well now that we’re turning thirty, it’s more a wave of the tidal variety. And frankly, I can’t complain. And I couldn’t say no. You know how there’s some invites you get in the mail and you don’t feel bad about having to RSVP “we’re celebrating from afar!”? All of the people getting married this year just happen to be some of our closest friends in our lives. And again, that just makes you want to be a part of all of it that much more.
So you could say it was quite an eventful year, and it’s only halfway through. I’m still not sure how we made it this far, because amidst all of this, we also have full-time jobs, additional side hustles, and one very high-maintenance pup. But I wouldn’t change any of it (I mean, if I had my way, maybe spread it out a little bit) because to be there for these people during such momentous occasions in their lives – how could anyone be annoyed about that? When we got married almost five years ago, all of these people did the exact same things for us. It’s an honor to have friends like this, people in your life that want you to be there with them when they hit these kinds of milestones.
So thank you. Thank you to all the people that asked us to be a part of their journeys. Thank you to the bosses who allowed us to take time off and the coworkers that covered for us when we weren’t there. Thank you to our family members who dogsat and didn’t get upset (at least, not to our faces) when we had to miss things like a Father’s Day meal. And thank you to the Steamship Authority and Hyline Cruises, for only cancelling one of our boats (which, thank God, was a return trip).
And since I’m so backlogged on photos at this point that there will never be enough time to give any of these events individual posts, here’s a brief recap of the past few months:
First, there was Michelle’s bridal shower in New Hampshire. Michelle and I have been friends since sixth grade when my locker was on top of hers, and she helped me when I couldn’t figure out the combination lock even though I was a real brat about it:
Next, my best college friend Alisa’s bachelorette weekend in Portsmouth, N.H. I’ve known Alisa since I transferred to Plymouth State University (almost ten years ago!), and Steve has actually known her even longer. We were both in the wedding:
This photo brought to you by a selfie stick (P.S. I WANT ONE). The following weekend? Alisa’s shower in Andover, MA.
Which I left and immediately drove to Portsmouth, N.H. once again for… Michelle’s bachelorette party:
The next day, I got in my car and drove to Boston for Bridget + Ted’s engagement photos. The next weekend, we actually stayed on-island for the Nantucket Daffodil Festival, where I had my first hosting gig with the local television station, NCTV.
By some miracle, we were on-island two weekends in a row. But the wedding festivities didn’t stop there, as the following weekend was my boss Marjan’s bridal shower:
After that, things really kicked into high gear. The next weekend, Michelle + Adam got married in Chichester, N.H.:
Thus completing our quadfecta (which may or may not be an official mathematical term) of the same photo me and my core middle school friends (Crystal, Megan and Michelle) that we have taken at each of our weddings:
Luckily, Michelle’s wedding was on a Friday, because the following day, my sister Becky graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with her Master’s degree:
I felt bad, because the week following this was Steve’s 30th birthday, which sort of got overshadowed by everything we had going on. But since he tells me every year that he “just wants to be left alone” for his gift, we had just a few low-key gatherings, both on and off-island, sandwiched in between events (and my second appearance with NCTV). We left on Saturday morning to head to New Hampshire once again for Steve’s brother Anthony’s undergraduate commencement from Saint Anselm’s:
(Which I can only describe as sitting on the face of the sun. Seriously, it was the hottest day I can recall this year and it was May.)
After that, it was onto Alisa + Kevin’s wedding on Memorial Day weekend in Portland, Maine:
(Steve was in the wedding too, but of all the photos I took that weekend, there is not one of both of us together with the bride. Whoops!)
The weekend after, I made another excursion to New Hampshire for my oldest friend Hannah’s bridal shower, whose wedding I’m the maid of honor in this August:
The next weekend, Steve and I were on the road again, headed to Stowe, Vermont for Liz + Tommy’s wedding. Liz and I were roommates in Cambridge before we decided to live with boys – we met as the oldest interns at The Improper Bostonian (we had both already graduated college):
After that, a weekend off! We stayed on island, rested up, and reminded Schooner that we existed and that yes, we still loved him. But then the following weekend… Marjan + Andy got married (on-island, and at the museum that we all work at):
And yes, it was less than a month later but I recycled my bridesmaid dress from Alisa’s wedding. It has pockets – need I say more?
The next weekend was the last event of the “season,” Hannah’s bachelorette party in New York City. I took my first direct JetBlue flight from ACK->JFK, which overall was a good experience until my returning flight got cancelled after I sat in the airport for seven hours. I guess you’re not a true Nantucketer if you haven’t had a plane cancelled due to fog:
And just like that, it was the Fourth of July. I don’t know if you’re as exhausted reading this as I am reliving it, but if you had any questions about how M.I.A. I’ve been, well, there you have it. But you know what? I have the rest of my life to blog. Right now, I’m going to bask in these joyous moments with my friends and family, and worry about things like laundry and packing (oh, did I mention that we’re moving? More on that another time) and vacuuming my car and all the other parts of my life that have been neglected recently some other time.
I have three weddings left this year, two of which I’m photographing/attending, and one that I’m maid of honor in. I’m very excited for all of them, but I can also see the end in sight. In my head, I’m hoping that Steve and I can escape somewhere in the fall, just the two of us, and recoup a little bit. As long as it doesn’t cost any money, amirite? Unless I can pay for it in gently-used bridesmaid dresses.
Until then,
~L
Since moving to Nantucket, I’ve been kind of out of the wedding photography scene. With the cost + effort to travel on and off the island (especially during the high season, which let’s face it, is also wedding season in New England), I am not really actively marketing my services right now. That being said, there’s always room for exceptions. When Bridget, one of my former retail comrades in black, asked me to photograph her wedding this August, I knew I couldn’t say no. So during Patriot’s Day weekend when I happened to be home already for a bridal shower + bachelorette party (for two different people – did I mention that everyone I know is getting married this year?), we made plans to meet up in Boston for an e-session.
A little back story on Bridget: She has to be one of the funniest people that you will ever meet, as well as one of the strongest. If I ever find myself in a bar fight or a dance off, she’s who I want in my corner. She was always so encouraging of me and my photography, and I was quite honored that she chose me to capture this day that she has literally been dreaming of her whole life. So here’s to Bridget & Ted and their August nuptials – can’t wait!
Seriously, could you ask for a better backdrop? (Or a more in love couple?)
Congrats, B&T!
~L
Wow, has it really been a month since I’ve blogged? Well, the answer is yes, and that sucks. Whoever told me I’d be bored living on Nantucket in the winter obviously never had a job – seriously, I just completed my second year here and I don’t think I’ve ever been this busy (at least it’s paying off – I got promoted last week!). I never thought I’d say this, but after being on a computer all day, sometimes the last thing I want to do is go and stare at a screen when I get home, no matter how much I love my new Macbook and website.
I’m still always thinking about content, so I decided that I wanted to try doing a little vlogging, since I tend to want to write like I talk anyway, I figure – why not go right to the source? I took a trip off island a few weeks ago and decided that I earned the right to purchase a few things – after all, it has been a long winter and I hadn’t been to “America” since Christmas. I visited Sephora at the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, and couldn’t resist in investing in a few new pieces of makeup for spring. Check out my picks below, and please, be kind – this is my first time ever doing this so it’s super unpolished and I don’t quite know where to look when doing this sort of thing. Also if someone wants to tell me how to get a more attractive cover image for this video (somehow I thought just smiling at the beginning would be enough), I’d be utterly indebted to you.
Like any of these products? Here’s the info:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Scratch
NARS Blush/Bronzing Powder Duo in Orgasm/Laguna
Buxom Full Bodied Lipstick in Dolly
You can also check out my YouTube channel, which at the moment has exactly one video on it (guess which one), but I’m hoping to add more in the future – that is, if internet trolls don’t trash this first one.
Happy viewing!
~L
I know I’ve said it before, but… is this winter over yet? While some New Englanders are dreaming of skipping off to a warmer climate, I’m just looking for new ways to keep the chill out. It doesn’t hurt to be stylish about it though, which is why I put together a little inspiration board of some things I think could help me beat the (lack of) heat. I love color, but for some reason I’ve been really into gray lately, perhaps something to do with my place of residence. After all, they don’t call Nantucket the Grey Lady for nothing. So since I’m home today due to yet another snow day (not complaining, just setting the scene), here’s a few things I found that satisfy my current longing for cute and cozy comfort during this never-ending snow-pocalypse.
Striped cashmere throw: As much as I love my quilt made out of middle school t-shirts, someday I would maybe like to upgrade to a more grown-up blanket, at least to display on my couch. I love these striped throws and the thought of them being made of cashmere makes me feel snugglier already. This assortment of colors from Parachute (a bedding company) all look like they would be the perfect neutrals that would match any decor, especially my nautical bedroom.
Pompom hat: I don’t know what it is, but lately I’ve been dying for one of the oversized pompom hats. I don’t even wear hats that often (I mean, for the amount of time I spend on my hair, it just seems futile). Of course it helps that it’s warm, but something about a giant fluff ball on your head that makes it seem like you’re taking this whole “winter” thing in stride.
Long distance mugs: Alright, I know that I don’t drink coffee and these are probably more appropriate for a couple with a further distance between them than New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but I just love this little set of mugs from Etsy. I think they would make the perfect gift for a bridal shower or something, or for me to just consume massive amounts of hot cocoa on my couch for the days when I don’t want to venture downtown.
Knit slippers: I know these are really expensive for something that goes on your feet and is pretty much never seen by another human, but I got my Ugg slippers a few years ago after Steve literally threw my old grungy pair out in the snow (seriously, they had seen better days) and I’ve never looked back. I think these little sweater ones are so cute and I’m serious when I say that your feet will never be as warm as they are in these babies.
V-neck sweater: I don’t know how many oversized gray shirts I have already purchased, but I can never shake the feeling that I need four more. Seriously, I think I have a problem. I just love having something to wear with my leggings that covers my butt, to be quite honest. My favorite weekend outfit as of late is one of these style shirts, Lululemon fitted yoga pants that have never seen the inside of a gym or sweat, riding boots and a fun scarf. Done and done.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: I have quite an extensive “To Read” list on GoodReads right now, but this seems like one of those that you could cuddle up under a blanket and start and finish in a manner of one snow day. I’ve read good reviews, and every blogger I follow seems to be reading it in their book club right now. Maybe I can convince mine to try this one next month, but I’m hoping to get to it before then.
Thick socks: This winter especially I have felt like none of my socks are truly warm enough. I find myself having to wear two pairs more often than not and then I can’t bend my ankles when I drive, so I would love some more overall thick pairs. I also like wearing this socks like this sometimes instead of slippers – gives you a little more mobility and who doesn’t love doing a little slip and slide across the floor ever now and then?
Ribbed cowl scarf: Is it just me, or are infinity scarves like one of the greatest inventions of our time? Okay, fine, I’m sure there’s lots of other more important creations out there, but I can’t think of any of them because I’m still so obsessed with these connected scarf contraptions. I mean, talk about the seconds wasted on tying scarves everyday, yeesh. But seriously, these are super-cute, they come in multiple colors and they’re on sale!
What are you guys doing to keep cozy and cute during this ever ending snow-maggedon? Blanket forts? Fun socks? Just not even getting out of bed anymore? (I’m almost there.) Let me know!
~L
I don’t want to be another person that’s just constantly bitching about the weather but FOR GOD’S SAKE WHEN WILL THIS WINTER END. There, I said it.
Listen, I know I don’t have it as bad as my comrades in Boston (as someone who used to live in Cambridge many moons ago with street parking, I get it), but I feel like I’m starting to get in something of a rut with my wardrobe. I mean there’s only so many outfits that you can plan around snowboots, you know? I don’t even remember the last time I wore a skirt. Even though Nantucket hasn’t had the same snow that other parts of New England are buried under right now, the removal of what is now almost a month old snow and ice seems to leave something to be desired. Falling on my face on the uneven sidewalks and cobblestones of Main Street was a legitimate fear of mine in July; I can’t even describe what it’s like just walking into the office from my car right now.
Never one to completely give up fashion for function, I’m doing my best to stay positive and bright. I don’t care that it’s winter anymore, I am wearing every neon and floral pattern I can get my hands on. I’m done dressing for the season. At this point, I’m just trying to wear the least depressing clothes I have. And for this past week, that includes:
Monday: Old Navy chambray & loafers (sim) / Thrifted Brooks Brothers blazer / TJ Maxx pants (sim) / ILY Couture necklace (sim)
Tuesday: Talbots sweater (sim) / Banana Republic top (sim) / J.Crew pants (sim) / Target belt (sim) / Old Navy flats (sim)
Wednesday: Forever 21 sweater (sim), pants (sim) & earrings (sim)/ Old Navy necklace (sim) / C.Wonder flats (sim)
Thursday: Limited dress (sim) / J.Crew blazer / Dolve Vita boots via Nordstrom Rack / Monelle earrings / LIT Boutique necklace
Friday: Forever 21 sweater (sim) & pants / NY&Company top (sim) / Claire’s necklace (sim) / Sears booties (sim)
What are you all doing to remix your wardrobes? I don’t know how many more “winter work outfits” I can Pin before I lose it and shred all of my bulky sweaters.
Stay stylish,
~L
Guys, we made it. After a particularly long and not overly exciting awards season (seriously, someone born and raised in Antartica could have predicted the winners this year), we finally got to the grand finale: the Academy Awards.
Let me start out by saying I was pleasantly surprised by the overall showing of fashion on this year’s red carpet. I’m serious. After a kind of lackluster Golden Globes and a rather ridiculous (but also boring) Grammys, I didn’t know what to expect. Don’t get me wrong, there was still a slight degree of fug we need to discuss, but let’s start with the good stuff (literally):
Ding ding ding, ladies – you are the winners. First off, I have to give it to my girl Reese Witherspoon once again for totally knocking it out of the park. Dare I say she looks better than the year she actually won her Oscar? How is it even possible to have a dress that smooth – is the fabric infused with butter or something? Reminder – Tom Ford dresses one woman for the oscars. ONE. I will admit, I’m a little surprised she did the vintage Barbie black and white thing again, and I still think her sparkly number at the Globes is her best yet, but this dress is gorg on her and will never be looked back on as a fashion misstep. I’m kind of wondering how she moved her arms all night, though (I guess that’s what the help is for). I also loved Rosamund Pike‘s vibrant red strapless gown. She’s a tricky one – she’s kind of always hit or miss. Well darling, this is undoubtedly a hit. It’s textured but not tablecloth-y, the slight is just high enough but not offensive, and the hair is just slightly undone but not messy. She’s even making me believe in matchy matchy shoes again. Are Dyeables still a thing? I think Anna Faris looks like a sweet little sparkle fairy in this silver number. I just can’t get over how much her style has evolved, remember, this is the same girl from the Scary Movie films. I’m a believer that a little (good) glitz is always appropriate on the red carpet, and you can’t really go wrong with a dress like this, especially your first time at the Oscars. Finally, I have to bow down to Zoe Saldana. I don’t think she has ever looked better, and she had twins like five months ago. I think her body actually looks better now that she’s got a little curve to her, and with that gorgeous hair and the way the folds of her dress just drape across her, she just looks so soft. And major props for that color, that is not an easy one to wear. I, for example, would look like a walking Band-Aid.
I’m going to consider these ladies my first-runners up, because seriously. I know Anna Kendrick‘s dress is pretty simple, but I think the color is fantastic on her and I appreciate the built in sparkle – no jewelry necessary. I think the cutout is super appropriate because without it, this dress could skew a little Helen Mirren (not that she wouldn’t look amazing, we’ve all seen her bikini photos). Also I’m dying that she’s wearing a shade of peach, which my husband predicted early on would be the “it” color of the night. Another “never looked better” case is Kelly Osborne. Seriously, that dress is per-fect-ion. She reminds me of a really formal flamenco dancer in the best way. I love that she can be kind of zany with patterns and the hair on a regular basis and then girl just turns it out when it matters most. Rita Ora is another one that is normally kinda kooky with her style, and then she shows up looking like a beautiful screen siren (despite the shortest role ever in 50 Shades of Grey… so I’ve heard). I love that she was wearing a color that basically no one else was wearing that night, and the hint of gold brocade added a little something-something to make it more special than your average mermaid dress.
Uh, these dresses. How they conflict me so. I’m usually a more love it/hate it kind of fashion commenter. I tend to know right away whether or not I’m grossly offended by something. But these four are making me think twice, and I find myself totally on the fence still. First, Lupita Nyong’o has redeemed herself from that ridiculous purple bathing cap that she wore at the Golden Globes, but I’m not quite sure about this pearl number. I think from a construction standpoint, of course anyone could appreciate the fact that she is literally wearing 6,000 pearls and hasn’t buckled from the weight of it. There’s something to me almost gimmicky about it – like is it only interesting because of what it’s made out of? I mean, it’s a halter dress. I think if the straps were thinner, it would win me over more. It just seems like a lot on her very thin frame. Another skinny minnie that I’m undecided on is Emma Stone. I love the silhouette of this dress and how it hangs on her. I love that she has a super high slight but her arms are covered. I kind of even love the matching shoe (again!). But that color… damn that is just a hard color to wear. When I first saw her, I thought I had to adjust the coloration on my TV. I figured it was gold and I just wasn’t seeing in the right light. But then I saw that it was chartreuse, or the color that my mother affectionally referred to as “inside out caterpillar guts” when I was a kid. Now that’s all I can think of. Gwyneth Paltrow probably shouldn’t ever return to the Oscar red carpet because from now until eternity, every gown she wears will be compared to that white thing with the cape (which contrary to popular opinion, I’m still like ehhh about but people are obsessed with it). So I don’t even know why I sort of like this pale pink dress she wore that seems to be half Carrie Bradshaw, half Little Shop of Horrors. Like that thing is seriously eating her arm, but for some reason, I kind of like it! It is very hard to pull off that shade as a fair blonde woman, but her tan is on pointe and keeps her from blending into the color too much. Also let’s talk about where I can buy the knockoff version of those earrings, because I have a lot of weddings to go to this year, ‘kay thanks. Finally, Behati Prinsloo (or Mrs. Adam Levine for those who aren’t familiar with her work as a Victoria’s Secret model and all around gorgeous human being) apparently wanted to keep the Valentine spirit going with this black and red two piece. I actually like the color combination, but I would have preferred it it was consistent all the way through, instead of being very concentrated on the top and slightly sheer on the bottom. Actually I think I would have preferred for it not to be a two-piece at all. I don’t like the uneven hem at the waist and the unnecessary netting on the bottom half. Also that hair is a little severe (and those DAMN MIDDLE PARTS. Why are they everywhere?!).
Another round of gowns that I am just not quite sure about. I love the color of Dakota Johnson‘s dress and I think it looks really great on her. I don’t appreciate anything that is happening at the top. I just feel like there could have been something built in there that would give her more of a shape. And I hate that stupid ponytail. I don’t care if she’s giving a nod to Anastasia Steele – she is not a real person nor is she attending the Oscars. Like, just get your hair done! Jennifer Lopez is starting to look the same to me the more I see her at award shows. Does anyone remember a time when we didn’t know the exact shape and curve of her breasts? It’s like, we get it. You and your boobs are perfect. Is that all there is? I think it’s a beautiful dress, but I wish it was a slightly brighter shade of nude (this just looks dirty to me) and the pastel pink lipstick is all wrong with the overall golden goddess tone she’s got going on here. Laura Dern may as well be going into battle with this armor-inspired number, although I do think it looks better in photos than it did on the pre-show, where the severity of the bodice made her chest look like a shelf stolen from the Game of Thrones set. In the biggest color twist of the night, Scarlett Johansson arrived in this deep emerald green dress that kind of knocked me off my seat – I mean, has her body ever looked better? Again, had a baby like five months ago. I still don’t know if I like that necklace, and I’m a huge proponent of statement jewelry. I know for sure that the hair is NOT cute. When I first saw her, I thought that Miley Cyrus had really cleaned herself up for a minute. I’m not hating on ladies with short hair, God knows I could never rock such a look. I just wish it was down instead of slicked back, maybe with a deep side part and some killer highlights.
Neutrals have never really been my cup of tea, for some of these ladies, it’s definitely working in their favor. I think Oprah Winfrey‘s dress is a great fit on her, although I kind of hope for a little something more for something as huge as the Academy Awards. How about a big necklace or an embellishment at the waist or something? You’re Oprah, you have a few connections. Jennifer Aniston is one of those celebrities that I think is kind of overrated in the fashion department. I just don’t consider anyone who wears cargo pants to be a style icon. I think she’s just so beautiful that she can basically wear whatever she wants and people fall all over themselves. This year she “mixed it up” since she was working the awards circuit, which just mean that she wore the same boring things, but cut down to her belly button. I actually really like the detailing and the shape of this gown, and I think it compliments her hair and skin tone very well, but the height of the sheer panel over her crotch is just a little too close for comfort. Viola Davis looks nice in this princess kind of gown, but that’s kind of it. Like is there anything else to say? I prefer when she does a bolder color, because she carries it off so well. Kerry Washington is another one that I just expect so much from, and when she’s not completely on point it’s kind of a let down. Again, this dress is nice, but there’s not exactly a ground-breaking fashion moment happening here. Plus the fabric on that skirt reminds me of the knit bedspreads that seem to be at every New England bed & breakfast. I guess beggars can’t be choosers – anything is better than that Marvin the Martian dress she had on at the Golden Globes.
I love color on the red carpet, I love when people aren’t afraid to take a chance on something out of the ordinary. Teal isn’t easy to wear (does anyone else always think, “teal! The color of gangrene,” a la The Wedding Planner?), but I think it’s a good choice for America Ferrera. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for the top half of this dress, which is unfortunately making her suffer from the dreaded pancake boob. I think it’s an important lesson for the ladies: no matter what size you are, we all need a little support. Jennifer Hudson seems to kill it year after year, and this buttery yellow dream is what Naomi Watts’ Golden Globes dress wanted to be. I do wish it was hemmed a bit, but other than that, there is literally nothing to complain about here. I don’t know what’s in the water that Jessica Chastain is drinking, but is she getting sexier and sexier, or what? Who cares that she wasn’t nominated for anything, she is a total siren as of late. I could maybe do without the extra hammock of fabric that is framing her bosom, as it kind of reminds me of a mother of the bride dress. It just seems unnecessary. Finally, my favorite award show newcomer Gina Rodriguez killed it in cobalt (seriously, that color is perfection on her), but the fabric and fit is definitely leaving something to be desired. Also I loved her hair on the live show but now seeing it in photos, I realized why my best friend/hairdresser always talks me out of a side bun (“it looks like a growth on the side of your head”).
Black and white and black and white. I know it’s a easy way to go, but could we just make like a little more of an effort? Cate Blanchett is one of those celebrities that everyone looks to as a beacon of fashion, wearing the most innovative and exquisitely constructed pieces of wearable art. So imagine my surprise when she arrived at the Oscars in a… sleeveless black dress. That’s it? That’s all we get? Oh wait, you threw on a Tiffany’s chunky turquoise necklace? Please, just climb on up to the best dressed list. I mean, I get it, she wasn’t nominated for anything this year, she was just a presenter, but still. What a snoozefest. I wasn’t overly-impressed with Faith Hill‘s long-sleeved white frock, mainly because it kind of looked like it was wearing her instead of her wearing it. There’s just no particular details about it that wowed me in any way. Another one that I just do not get it Sienna Miller. I’m not usually a fan of her style anyway, but there is nothing really for me to love or hate here. I just can’t believe she showed up in this boring black thing. I didn’t even noticed it before, but now that I’m really staring at it, I see that there are a bunch of random elements that seemed like they were meant to jazz it up, and none of them are working (they especially don’t serve their purpose if you have to look at the picture fourteen times to even notice them). Like there are bows, some sort of eyelet thing going on at the bottom, oddly-placed seams… all ineffectively making this even remotely interesting. Jenna Dewan-Tatum also looks beautiful, but I’m just not blown away by this dress. And another ponytail, gaaaah. Finally, I think one of the ones I was most disappointed with this year is Margot Robbie. This is a girl that is so gorgeous, and so in demand right now that she could probably wear anything from any designer. I’m sure they’re fighting over the opportunity to dress her. And yet here she is, in a shapeless black gown with sheer sleeves. Would you ever look at that dress and say “that’s meant for a twenty-three year old?” She looks like an extra in a party scene in Downtown Abbey. Also the draping in the stomach area is flattering to no one, and is only acceptable if she is still in character from Focus and is planning on smuggling an Oscar statue out of the theater.
Now we’re starting to get into the all over the place category, starting with Patricia Arquette, who I actually think looks the best she’s ever looked at an award show (and if you’re going to do it, it might as well be on the night you win an Oscar, amirite?). I mean, is it the most amazing dress in the history of award show fashion? No, but it’s classic and tailored perfectly to her. And for someone who doesn’t seem super comfortable in this level of glamour, this is kind of a home run for her. I just wish I knew what happened between the red carpet and getting into the theatre, because her hair looked like she gone through a wind tunnel by the time she took the stage to accept her award. I know that Felicity Jones is like the award show darling of the year, but I do not get what the big deal is about her. She is so tiny, and I think she’s always wearing these elaborate gowns that swallow her. I do not like the pleating where the skirt meets the top at all, and the neckline of that dress reminds me of the metal back brace that Lisa Kudrow had to wear in Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. I have the overwhelming urger to stick magnets on her. Meryl Streep kind of looks like she just gives zero F’s about this whole thing, and I don’t mean like she’s bored with it. I think she’s just run out of things to wear to Academy Awards ceremonies. So she’s just like, “whatever, I guess I’ll throw on a sensible blazer.” And she can do that. Because she’s Meryl (I could do without the belt though). And Lady Gaga, who was probably the least Gaga-est she’s ever been, which is okay for the Oscars, but she just couldn’t let it go all the way. Like you know that saying that before you leave the house, you should remove one thing? I think we can all see loud and clear what that one thing is. The shame about this look is the dress is actually quite beautiful. Sure, it has that kooky sleeve, but it fits her really well everywhere else. If she hadn’t been wearing those damn gloves, I would venture to say this is the best she’s ever looked.
So now it just gets weird. First off, Marion Cotillard, what are you even doing? I get that you’re French and therefore light years ahead of us in the fashion realm, but you could not pay me to wear this shapeless perforated sheet dress. Like what is the point of that thing in the back? And how would anyone know where your waist is? This is what you wear when you’ve already had your moment and you get nominated again and you know that you have no chance of winning. But if anything, that would inspire me to dress even better, so at least they’re talking about you for a good reason the next day. Chrissy Teigen is trying real hard to have some sort of moment, and once again it’s like BOOBS! VAGINA! Keep your eyes on me, because you might catch a peek! Like J.Lo, I’m kind of over the blatant showing of skin. And what is with that deep purple lip and the pale blue dress? There is nothing about these shades that coordinate. I know I’m probably going to get hate mail over this, but I was so not a fan of Julianne Moore‘s beaded Chanel. I just thinks those rows of doodads are so stupid. I don’t care if they are made out of 80,000 hand-painted resin sequins. The one at her hip really kills me – wouldn’t you want that line to be at your waist? Sitting on her hip, it cuts off her body in such a weird way. Finally, Giuliana Rancic, who had a perfectly fine gown that she wore for exactly one hour of the pre-show, changed into this flaming red flamenco thing with embroidery and satin and just… yuck. And I don’t know if you can tell from the photo, but the top is made of red fishnet. I know. I so often find myself watching the red carpet and thinking, “you know what’ missing? The scraps that Hulk Hogan ripped off his body at wrestling matches in the 80s. Let’s bring that back.”
And we’ve made it. You thought some of those were bad? Check out my picks for worst dressed of the evening. I didn’t even see Solange Knowles show up when I was watching the original telecast, but when I saw this photo as I was clicking through the arrivals albums online, I knew she couldn’t be left alone. For someone who could pull off a jumpsuit at her wedding and make it look cool, she certainly isn’t doing this oversized Spandex number any favors, and vice versa. It reminds me of those really bad Color Guard uniforms, you know, the ones with the ginormous pants? She should donate this to the Red Sox and they could use it to cover the field when it rains. I can’t say that I was shocked that Keira Knightley showed up in this prairie gown, given her track record this season. Is she gunning for another part in a Jane Austen movie? I don’t know what the words scrawled on this dress say, but I feel the same way about it as I did Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress – it’s effing stupid and I hate it. Naomi Watts has done and could do so much better than this weird brick print. It actually reminds me of in seventh grade when you learn to use microscopes and you have to analyze a piece of an onion (please tell me someone else sees it). I think the thing I hate most is the bandeau-sports bra thing underneath it. While I appreciate her covering up her side boob, it makes me think she’s going to take off the overlay and go for a run any second. I love the requisite “young people” that the Academy invites every year to get people under the age of twenty to tune in, even though they have no relevance to the Oscars or any of the films nominated. Chloë Grace Moretz could not have picked an old-ladier ensemble than this cream-colored floral gown. Honestly, when I saw it all I could think of was this. I especially hate that she posed with her hands in the pockets all night, as if that was some sort of innovative fashion technology that has never existed before. Finally, Nicole Kidman really did a bang up job on the color combination. Seriously, this gown has all the appeal of a stick of celery. The crazy thing is that if the colors had been different, this actually would’t have been so bad. I’m all for contrasting colors, but this red and pale green together is just hideous.
And we’re done! Are you guys sad it’s over? I kind of feel like the month after my wedding was over. So much build up, and then in one night, BAM! It’s done.
I can’t let go.
I had a great time with all of you this award season. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with all my favorite celeb-watching. Until next season,
~L
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