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FATHER OF THE BRIDE – 20-Something Girls Rejoice!
A lot of you may know my past professional life has been in the movie business. I have always been around cinephiles lamenting about “the biz” stripping them from their joy…like the type of joy experienced the first time they ever saw Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Which, of course, was the film that made them want to be in show business. I could never relate.
See, the movies that made me really fall in love with movies are the ones that make me feel good. Most star Meg Ryan, have been written by Nora Ephron, include several musical numbers, has at least one male lead who at some point will dress in drag, and/or star Diane Keaton. Which brings us to FATHER OF THE BRIDE, the first movie to be discussed in “All-Time Favorite Movies!”
All girls of the 1990′s know this movie and have seen it more than 10 times. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll thank me. The feeling of family and fun is so overwhelmingly cozy you’ll trash all your throw blankets and wrap yourself up in this.
Steve Martin and Diane Keaton star in a remake of the classic Spencer Tracey and Elizabeth Taylor version of this film with the same name. George Banks (Steve Martin) is struggling to cope with the chaos of planning his daughter’s (Kimberly Williams, now Williams-Paisley of Brad Paisely wifey-nes) wedding along with the idea that his baby girl is all grown up.
I continue to watch this movie again and again because of the family connections, inner monologues, and the comedic neuroses of Steve Martin’s character juxtaposed against the elegant and flowery wedding plans his wife, daughter and wedding coordinator are creating. Oh yes, Martin Short plays the over-the-top, wedding planner named Franck, or is it Frank? Franc? Oh how I wish Franck was a friend in real life and I could call him whenever an important life decision arose. A girl can dream….
Watch these clips for your daily dose of warm and fuzzy.
try not to sing this to everyone you know for the rest of the day…
images via Starpulse.com | weddingbee.com | spinstheworld.com | foxfamilymoviesasia.tv |
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Fashion Favorites of the 2013 Golden Globes
Last night’s Golden Globes Red Carpet was….a bit lackluster. There weren’t a lot of “wow” moments. But since I have definitely had my fair share of “fashion miss” moments, I feel it is only right to share some of my favorites.
EMILY BLUNT – Because this is how to look elegant and modern.
NAOMI WATTS – Because this is what a movie star looks like.
MARION COLTILLARD – Because this look is just perfection.
JESSICA CHASTAIN – Because who would have thought this hair and this skin could pull off this colour.
LUCY LIU – Because even though some are calling this dress a “miss”, I love the high fashion sensibility of this dress amongst a carpet of dresses I saw at my high school prom.
ANNE HATHAWAY – Because television did a great job showcasing the amazing detail of this dress.
HELENA BONHAM CARTER – Because this broad can wear anything, including a clutch that looks like the best glossed kiss you’ve ever seen.
JENNIFER GARNER – Because along with being Ben Affleck’s everything (you know you cried a little inside when you heard that), this mother of 3 manages to look sexy and graceful all at once.
ADELE – Because this woman can do no wrong, she is the baddest chick at any party. LOVE HER.
KERRY WASHINGTON – Because this is how to rock a “naked dress”.
images via buzzfeed
2013: New Year’s Resolution
I know a lot of people hate new year’s resolutions. I’m not particularly attached to the idea of marking an arbitrary date as the day everything will change. But I do love the idea of starting fresh and cleaning the slate at the beginning of a new year, when the madness of the holidays suddenly halts and your mind is drawn to what you want to do or be by this time again next year. Giving yourself a chance to let go of the abstract and concrete weights that have held you back. For me, the concrete weight includes those delicious butter croissants and an ice blended coffee every morning…ahhh Heaven.
My hope is to approach 2013 with laser focus. So instead of a long laundry list, I’ve come up with three things to devote my attention to.
I cannot include my family in this list because that is always the gold standard. So after my family, my top three priorities are…..
- MY BUSINESS
- TAKING CARE OF MYSELF – Physically, Mentally, Emotionally
- SPEAKING SPANISH
Do you have any resolutions for 2013?
Bicycle Chic: Fashion hits Two Wheels
I’d like to think that my bestie at UCSB and I started the whole “cycle chic” movement, but to be honest we weren’t as pulled together as the lovely ladies that are gracing the blogosphere in full-out fashion ferocity and balancing on two wheels. Between the coverage from The Sartorialist and The New York Times’ Bill Cunningham, elegant ladies riding their bicycles are becoming a symbol of the smart, stylish, modern working girl.
images via Jak&Jil, Hanneli, and The New York Times
As an Angeleno, the idea of riding your bike through LA’s wide,traffic-heavy streets can be a bit daunting. Having just returned from a trip where I saw countless women walking and biking through city streets, albeit in 4 inch heels at times, I’ve decided I need to pick up my game and occasionally ride the pink beach cruiser sitting in my garage. The frame is still good, but this little lady needs a face-lift with a new seat, handles, basket, and of course I need a fantastic helmet. (Yes, I know helmets aren’t the chicest, but my brains falling out of my skull after a car hitting me isn’t the chicest either.)
On my quest for the perfect balance of practical and stylish, I stumbled upon two online retailers, AdelineAdeline in New York and CycleChic in the UK. Along with well-designed e-commerce sites, both retailers have information-packed blogs to learn more about the little things that make a bicycle gal smile. A few extra special items from their shops:
Happy Cycling!
The Modern Working Girl’s Calling Card
I’m a big believer in having a calling card. You may have a company business card but it’s always great to have a personal card with your contact information outside the office, or you may be a freelancer in need of your own stylized card. I’ve found that Etsy is a great resource for customized cards because here you have a plethora of freelance designers creating stylish designs. Below are a few great finds:
Nudge Media Design
Nudge Media Design creates a really clever business card for photographers with a bar-code at only $10 for the template. The person receiving your business card can scan the code with an app and your contact information will load onto their phone. How genius is that?!?! Your hard copy paper card creates a visual aesthetic to brand you but the bar-code allows a very practical way to keep your information in their phone.
FancySchmantzy
I love the retro yet modern feel of these cards from FancySchmantzy. The cost is $16.50 for the template and you can get it printed on the paper of your choice, but I love how they styled their card on a natural colored paper.
Dapper Paper
Dapper Paper does customized design depending on your business or personal needs. Based on the work they did here for a chef, I can tell you’ll be in great hands. This card tells us so much about their client’s personality and the image she wants to portray as a chef. Full of information and yet not overwhelming. The price is determined based on your needs.
Creative Fox Studio
I immediately started thinking of fellow freelancers I could gift this business card to when I saw Creative Fox Studio’s modern and chic, chevron patterned card. They have seamlessly integrated style and fun while making all the necessary information clear. And at $10 for a digital download, what’s not to love?!? I would love to see this card incorporated into an entire stationary set….with my name on it.
Word Letterpress
I am addicted to letterpress. I love the look, feel, and sense of dignity it brings to a piece of paper. But I’ve never been a fan of the price tag. I understand if it’s for a wedding invitation but a $500 business card? No thanks. Well enter Word Letterpress to sweep us off our feet. For $95 you receive 2 rounds of design and 100 letterpress cards, with 2 colors. I see it now…”Nice to meet you, here’s my card. Yes, I’m all kinds of fancy.”
Simple and Chic Mother’s Day Gifts
Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays because it is dedicated to one of the most treasured roles in the universe – Mommas! Getting Mom a gift doesn’t need to be overcomplicated, expensive, or over-the-top. I always find the best gift for Mom is one that caters to her interests and allows her the opportunity to relax and indulge in the things that make her happy, since most days she is juggling everyone else’s issues.
MOTHER’S DAY SPA GIFT
What woman doesn’t love a day at the spa?! Take your mom to the spa or get her a gift certificate for her to have a treatment. Every hard working momma deserves a proper day of unwinding that comes with a massage, facial, or scrub at the spa. If she isn’t one for the spa, take her for a nice mani/pedi date. The same serenity can be achieved. If one of these treatments is out of your price range or Momma isn’t a fan of donning a robe in front of strangers, then bring the spa to her. The essentials of a great at-home spa treatment? 1) A soft, comfy robe from Pottery Barn ($89). 2) Ultra-creamy Soy Face Cleanser from Fresh ($38). 3) A fresh layer of skin brought by the exfoliating power of The Body Shop’s Spa Wisdom Japan Adzuki Bean & Rice Washing Grains ($22).
MOTHER’S DAY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
One of my favorite gifts to give and to receive is magazine subscriptions. It is a gift that continues to give all year long with a monthly reminder of the person that gave it to you. It’s also something that most people won’t go out and think to get for themselves when they’re busy with work and family. But once they have free time to curl up and read each page by page of their favorite publication they will truly savor that moment. Above are a few of my favorites.
MOTHER’S DAY GARDEN GIFTS
If your mom enjoys the outdoors and gardening, then a visit or even a picnic to a local garden can be a great way to spend Mother’s Day. A lot of museums or libraries have great gardens to visit. Close to me in LA, the Getty Center’s Garden or The Huntington Library’s garden are both fantastic options. Some great gardening gifts can be found in the patio section at Target, including this Privet House at Target® Galvanized Vase ($14.99) and this Home Floral Steel Watering Can ($17.00). For great picnic items look no further than Crate&Barrel where you can find this collapsible picnic basket ($34.95) and outdoor-friendly tableware like this Marimekko Oona 9″ Melamine Salad Plate ($4.50).
MOTHER’S DAY SHOPPER HANDBAGS
I can’t think of a more perfect bag for the busy working gal, mommas included, than the shopper style handbag. It is that perfect big, spacious bag that you can throw anything into and still look put together. While there are many great handbag designers the truth is, the shopper gets beat up. Which is okay since you will most likely replace the shopper next season. I found that Zara has a great collection of summer shopper handbags right now. That’s right, all the bags above are at Zara and around $100 or less. Go out and get one for your stylish momma.
Paris: 5 of My Favorite Stops
Aside from the regular tourist attractions and shopping adventures, there are a few stops that have really made my times in Paris special. Here are 5 of my favorites:
MAISON LADURÉE
The famous almond and sugar based treat, macarons, are shown at their very best at Ladurée Paris. Yes, you can find macarons in any patisserie in the city but it is believed that Ladurée was the originator. A stop into one of their shops/cafes is like stepping into one of Marie Antoinette’s precious jewel boxes. Stick to ordering the traditional flavors and don’t fret about walking out with stacks of their ornately designed boxes of treats. You can pick these up fresh at one of their shops within CDG airport before you take-off to return home. I keep the boxes and stash paper clips, stamps, and other tiny things at my desk.
TUILERIES GARDEN and THE PYRAMID OF THE LOUVRE
The Tuileries Garden will always hold a special place in my heart. This was my first stop in Paris. I had just arrived and my friends Milissa and Elizabeth, who were already in Paris, took me there first thing. This public garden is one of the center points in the city, in between The Louvre and Place de la Concorde. You will find expansive lawns, historic statues, fountains, tourists, and locals walking through and enjoying the scenery. It is the oldest park in the city and as I walk from The Tuileries and over to the Pyramid of The Louvre, I can’t help but think of all the history that surrounds this space.
LOCAL STREET MARKETS AROUND PARIS
I used to have this romantic idea that every morning Parisians descend upon their local street markets and buy fresh groceries before their walk to work. Truth is some do, and they are mainly the elderly, but many go to the grocery store just like Americans. On weekends though, Parisians love to go to the local street market as we do to Farmer’s markets. What I loved seeing is how le marché in Paris takes so much pride in quality ingredients. Here you find the best cheese, meat, fruit, and vegetables. One of my favorites is in St Germain where a vendor roasts whole chicken. This plus the fresh loaves of bread and highly pungent cheeses filled the air with the most delicious scents.
SHOPPING IN LE MARAIS and ENDING AT PLACE DE VOSGES
Shopping in Le Marais is one of my favorite things to do, not just in Paris, but in my life. Too bold of a statement? Probably, but it’s true. The Marais is a lot like New York’s West Village in the sense that is full of chic boutiques, cafes, bars, and did I mention my favorite places to go shopping? A few of my favorite things include scouring the sale rack at Comptoir des Cotonniers, stocking up on tea (especially Marco Polo green tea) at Mariage Frères, eating a falafel at L’As du Fallafel, and seeing the silicone food molds at MUJI, so I can indulge my inner molecular gastronomy chef. But my absolute FAVORITE stop is on the edge of The Marias at the Merci concept store. Think of it as Anthropologies’ edgier, more fashion-forward, sophisticated sister that moved to Paris and then donated all of the profits to charity. In this multi-level warehouse space you’ll find everything from unique housewares, custom furniture, stationary, fragrances, clothing, a bookshop, and a cafe. My photos do not do it justice, so please check out the great pictures on the Decor8Blog. After all that shopping, I like to end my time in The Marias sitting in Paris’ most beautiful square, Place de Vosges.
ENDING THE NIGHT at THE EIFFEL TOWER
Paris is a city full of great nightclubs and bars, but for me, there is nothing better than having dinner and finishing the night watching the lights at the Eiffel Tower. Once the sun sets, the lights go on and create a sparkling light show during the first 10 minutes of every hour. Some locals may find it grotesque and over the top, but I feel like a child again every time the lights go on. I grab a mint tea or gelato and head to the Trocadero to sit and watch the show. I can’t think of a more perfect way to end a night in Paris.