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Oscars 2015 Red Carpet Chat

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 I’m dedicating this post to my mom today. I’m missing my dear mama this morning very much. We would always go over all the Oscar dresses together the next day. Mom always knew what looked classic and beautiful. I’m thankful for her impeccable taste and all the years we watched together. My dad and I both agreed mom would have loved Jennifer Hudson’s simple chic dress the most. 
Jennifer Hudson really was perfection in the is simply elegant Romona Keveza.
This was a different Oscars. Neil Patrick Harris did a fine job, but wasn’t particularly funny. It was a more serious show as many of the nominated films gave attention to causes like Alzheimer’s, ALS, civil rights and unsung and maligned heroes like Alan Turing. I was hoeing Boyhood would win and was surprised about Birdman. I also loved Wild and The Imitation Game. Wish I saw Selma and a few of the others.. Still hoping too.
 On the red carpet Reese Witherspoon started a little movement to get interviewers to ask some ‘real’ questions about actor’s films and their careers instead of just who they were wearing.
Reese’s Instagram she used to start this.
Lena Dunham joined in with this Tweet as did many others. 
 I agree as it’s all about promoting designers and I’d much rather know about the person and their journey to this point. Reese’s #ASKHERMORE  produced better interviews on the carpet though to be honest they are always phony and a bit gushy to me. I still miss Joan Rivers!!
Highlights of the show were the musical numbers- Gaga’s tribute to The Sound of Music, and Common and John Legend’s wonderful performance of ‘Glory’ from Selma. The rest was a little dry.
Here’s my own picks for best looks this year….
Naomi Watt’s look reminded me of Jean Harlow and was chic and fun.

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy. Her hair was very cool in a modern knot.

 Strapless was the biggest look last night and very flattering on so many….
Laura Dern in Alberta Feretti. She was excellent as Reese Witherspoon’s mom in Wild.
Nicole Kidman’s in a delicate Louis Vuitton. She needs a few pounds on her.
 
LOVED Julianne Moore’s dress which supposedly took 900 hours of workmanship from the Chanel Haute Couture people.  I still haven’t seen the film yet, but she’s been nominated five  times and was heading for Susan Lucci territory, but finally won last night for Best Actress.
Chloe Grace Moretz wore Miu Miu as did Kerry Washington…
White was popular, but sadly the amazing detail of some of these gowns get lost in photos. 
The stylish Rene Russo in J. Mendel.

 
Lupita Nyongo in a pearl Calvin Klein.
 Marion Cotilliard in Dior was another of my top picks.

So was Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. The color and details of this was beyond lovely as is she. I thought the bit with Neil Patrick Harris was stupid and degrading.
Cate Blanchett did her own thing and was one of the few to wear black. This was by Galliano for Margiela and I liked the unfinished edges- again hard to see the detail in photographs.
Sienna Miller in Oscar de la Renta.  So ladylike, but not sure about this hairdo.
A more intimate view of the night was shared by some from Instagram accounts…
Gwyneth in a pink Ralph & Russo at home before leaving for the awards.
I want her house! I think her decorator is Windsor Smith.
Reese Witherspoon looked terrific in Tom Ford. 
It appears she snapped this from a hotel where she probably got ready as many do.
This woman is my hero! I was thrilled Patricia Arquette won as she was so good in Boyhood as the struggling single mom.  I love that she used her speech to speak out for wage equality for women and equal rights! She also told the red carpet hawks that she didn’t get a manicure as she was too busy working on her Givelove.org global charity. Go Patricia! Her dress was made by her childhood pal Rosanna Getty.
Now for the couples…
Adore Steve Carrell and his wife Nancy. He was terrific too and also deserved to win Best Actor.
 Best actor winner Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah. Her dress by McQueen was fabulous. He was deserving of the award too.
Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish. He’s so funny and she’s elegance personified in this.
Newlyweds Ben Cumberbatch and his pretty wife Sophie. 
Faith’s Hill’s daring new cut is bold and I think she looks great. Tim’s not bad either.
A few misses in my opinion…
Jessica Chastian’s dress was matronly and looked like something Sophia Loren would wear. Who the heck chose this for her?
I could think of when Lady Gaga came out was dishwashing gloves. I’m not a fan of this dress or the   sleeves either. She did an amazing job on her tribute to Sound of Music and onstage was lovely.
This looked too old for Emma Stone and her hair was funky.
Cute Felicity Jones looked bridal. Maybe it was the color?
 I really want hear what you all think about the show and the dresses.
Tell me your favorites and what you thought of the show.
Kim
Images via Pinterest, NYtimes,Washington Post

Golden Globes Red Carpet Recap 2015

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What a fun show. Loved Tina and Amy. They were hilarious. The best bit in my opinion was the ‘Who would you rather?’ with male actors!! Watch this if you missed it. I cannot stop cracking up. They also gave it to Cosby pretty good. The Margaret Cho bit was sort of lame. I was thrilled Boyhood won. I thought it was the best film I saw last year. Fantastic cast too.
 Tina and Amy’s dresses were not special. There were a lot of colorful looks tonight, less of the flesh tones of last year, and no one look seemed to dominate. Personally, I liked the ladies who stepped out of the safety circle and did pants or new shapes. 
Some of the best in my opinion….
Emma Stone in Lanvin
So chic.

Katie Holmes in Marchesa
Lorde was chic and young in her pantsuit. So her.
Amy Adams in Gucci. 
Darling Joanna Frogatt looked young, fresh very different from her Downton character.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Miu Miu. (So pretty on her and it doesn’t photograph as well.)
Naomi Watts in Gucci.
Felicity Jones in Dior. Fabulous color and shape.
 Viola Davis was classic and beautiful in Donna Karan.
The lovely 60 year old Rene Russo. 
This is appropriate, perfect, flattering and not a bit matronly. I want to look this good at her age.
Taylor Schilling in Ralph Lauren

Amal Clooney looked elegant with her addition of opera length gloves.

Eddie Redmayne and wife Hannah Bagshawe.
 I love her natural and pretty look and this dress color as well.
The jury is out on…
Sienna Miller in Miu Miu. Cute, but the fit?
Claire Danes in a busy Valentino.
Some dresses absolutely did not work in my opinion…
Tina Fey. Yikes what was this?
With all the dresses out there…Really Amy Poehler? 
 Hard to believe Rosamund Pike’s dress is Vera Wang. What the heck happened?
This dress looks like it’s barely hanging on.
Not loving Jennifer Aniston’s dress and hair.
I just didn’t get the appeal of Kiera Knightley’s Chanel number.
Usually elegant Kerry Washington did not succeed with this Mary Katranzou. 
What’s up with Jennifer Lopez’s superhero looking dress? A bit much for this event.
A late addition…
Patricia Arquette! A win for the regular gal.  Her dress may not have been the most flattering, but I just adore how real this woman is. If you haven’t seen Boyhood and her performance you should. She was fantastic. Love her!
Okay and how about that Prince? 
He may have been the best dressed of the night. One of the highlights I thought.
 Did you watch and what dresses did you like or love? What did you think of the show? I liked it, but I stressed a bit it might cut into my Downton Abbey time. I need to be fully present when that golden hour happens!
Did I leave anyone good out? Let me know what you really think!
Kim
Photos via Vogue, NY Times, Google.

Oscars 2014 Red Carpet Chat

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I thought the Oscars were pretty fun and Ellen was killing it in the first part of the show. The preshow on ABC was terrible. Their interviews were very few and the ones that actually happened were #awkward. E was superior and I much prefer to hear Kelly and Giuliana’s thoughts on frocks.

Frankly it’s all getting a little pat to me. Does anyone else feel that way? Everyone’s styled within an inch of their life and the films are almost all pre-ordained as winners. I haven’t been too excited about an Oscars since Colin Firth won a few years back. Two movies I thought were terrific this year, Saving Mr. Banks and The Butler got zilch. I would love to see 12 years a Slave, but haven’t. I find it hard to watch some of that cruelty, though it looks like a great story. Dallas Buyer’s Club really deserved the kudos it received.

For gowns, there were basically three camps early on: the pastels and whites, the dark navys and blacks, and metallic. The lighter frocks were gorgeous on television, but sadly did not transfer well to photos, and washed the paler gals out. The darks were lovely, yet photos rarely pick up what were divine details on some of these gowns. Metallics seem to be universally flattering, but it depends on the gown. It can be a little Barbara Mandrell if you get my drift…

But I digress. Grab your lattes kids. Lets tawk!
My favorites of the evening…

Cate Blanchett in Armani, was in the paler camp, but I loved this with her earrings, hair and makeup. Perfect for a Best Actress winner, it’s fairytale beautiful.
Lupita Nyong’o in Prada was also princess pretty in ethereal blue. 
What a eloquent and lovely woman she is. So happy she won for 12 Years a Slave.
Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta, was one of my other faves.
 I thought she looked the best she ever has. 
Sandra Bullock perfect! How pretty is this blue Alexander McQueen?
Emma Watson in Vera Wang. This girl always looks amazing.
Amy Adams’ dress was classic and lovely, but I hated her hair. Apparently, she was her own stylist and she did a fair job. I just kind of wish she did an homage to American Hustle and the 70s.
Kerry Washington appeared almost Botticelliesque in this lavender number. 
She makes pregnancy look elegant.
J. Law in a red Dior. You can’t go wrong with this, but the back necklace had it’s detractors.
Hair was cute and she just looks very modern.
White was very hot…

Kate Hudson in Versace

Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein.

Calista Flockhart
Guiliana Rancic..So pretty.
Kelly Osbourne has been looking super lately. Love her hair, jewelry and accessories with this.
Jessica Biel looked wonderful. I feel like there were at least 10 clones of this look though.
Sally Hawkins dress was unique, but seemed too large for her petite frame.

Angelina  Jolie’s makeup and hair were so pretty. Not sure I loved the dress.

 It seemed  to tip a bit on the matronly side. 
 Up close the top was more revealing than appears though.
There were a few people who I thought have looked better..
Anne Hathaway in Gucci

Why do I think of the scary witch in Snow White?
Something about Charlize Theron’s pose and facial expression here probably didn’t help.

Okay Julia a yea or not here? Something about this dress was too Gunne Sax for me.
Not sure I love her as a blonde. she’s such a pretty and natural brunette.

Anna Kendrick also missed the boat in this funky dress with it’s strange slashes and flowers.
Not very hip or youthful for such cool gal.

 Liza…At least she’s true to her own style. Someone said this was vintage Halston, which is pretty cool. Probably the orthodic looking shoes wrecked it. I do think she may have needed a better bra, or one at all…

I did love the pinks.

Penelope Cruz sooo lovely in Giambattista Valli.

I was so happy Matthew McConaughey won best actor. I really thought he deserved it.
He and wife Camilla Alves looked amazing!

Jared Leto was adorable and I loved his Best Supporting Actor speech. 
Hard to believe this guy is 43! He hadn’t done a film in 6 years and what a performance.
Pharrell Williams and his new wife looked like they were at the wrong event.
I’m sorry Pharrell, no matter how good your legs are, shorts don’t cut it on the red carpet.

 Benedict Cumberbatch did not disappoint his Sherlock fans.
 No bow tie, but I thought he looked smashing.

Hate to end on a negative, but Goldie Hawn looked like her usual self, but with more fillers or botox.
Not even going to show poor Kim Novak, who caused such shock with her augmented appearance, that Twitter crashed. I would just love to see how both these very pretty women looked in their natural state. 
 Am I wrong here? They have to look better with wrinkles than this.
Who were your favorites? What did you think of the show? 
Tell me what you think and love to hear your thoughts and if you disagree. 
Did I leave anyone out?
Have a good week everyone!
Kim
Images via Pinterest,Twitter, Vogue, Huffington Post.

2013 Emmy’s Red Carpet Chat

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Dear reader friends, grab your latte, (heck by time I publish this it may be cocktail hour), and let’s hash over last nights fabs and flubs from the Emmy Awards. The show was pretty fast. I think Neil Patrick Harris did a great job and I loved the dance routine, especially the roaring 20’s part. Hey this is not an Emmy review post!

On with what really matters, the dresses!

My faves…

Loved Julia Louis-Dreyfus last night. She’s so natural and pretty and real. Her dress and hair were perfect!

 Elizabeth Moss looks wonderful with her cute bob in this Andrew Gin!

 Kerry Washington’s Marchesa dress was dreamy on her.

Michelle Dockery wearing Prada. Loved the colors here!
Padma Lakshmi is always lovely and her makeup and hair especially last night..

Anna Gunn had one of the prettiest looks of the night.

 Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein.

Morgan Saylor looks perfect for a younger woman in this Honor number.
Christina Hendricks’ jewels, hair and makeup were lovely. Her dresses always fit her perfectly.
Go Jessica Lange! Not sure about the dress, but hair and makeup looked pretty.

 Connie Britton in velvet brocade. I don’t know why everyone panned it so much, but I think it flatters her.

Not so sure about. . .

Claire Danes’ dress was ahhhmazing up close…However, not sure if it was flattering on her body type. That said, love her embracing her natural shape!  No taped up chest here! Apparently that was a faux bob. I prefer her hair more natural.

Pretty hair and makeup, but this dress also did not flatter, (but did flatten) January Jones I thought.

Not a fan of . . .

 I adore Robin Wright, but I just didn’t like this on her. The hair needed some styling.  Maybe it was just that she has broad shoulders and with the flat hair, it just looked very masculine. Perhaps jewelry or a great clutch would have kicked it up a notch.

Really? Fashion Police and this is all she came up with? I expect a little more wow from Juliana Rancic, not to mention the girl needs some fat. She would be so much prettier if she gained some weight. Sorry but being too thin ages you, no? (Also, cut back on the spray tan girls. It’s not attractive and just so fake.)

Kelly Osbourne another Fashion Police gal, also should have been a win, but this very vintage-looking dress made her bigger than she is. I blame the top. Also, those kind of fluttery short sleeves look good on almost no one.

Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham. Too long and just don’t like seeing what looks like panties under. Looks about to fall off. What’s up with her hair?

I see why Lena Dunham chose this fun Prada number, but the bodice was unflattering. Got to be honest here and say I’m not a tattoo fan. 

Sarah Hyland collaborated with Carolina Herrera on her dress, but it’s way too old for her and frankly, way too ugly. She needs to ditch the heavy makeup and tan! This looks like a Halloween costume.
Amy Poehler. Just meh. Something about the top seems cheap.
I think Mindy Kaling’s hair was pretty…Not so much the gown!

Adorable Sofia Vergara is always gorgeous, but haven’t we seen this Jessica Rabbit look from her every time? Love to see her hair up and something modern and different for a change.


  Melissa Leo. Um, no.

Let’s chat! Tell me, did you love or hate something? Spill it. Love to hear what you all think! Did I forget to include anyone that stood out?

Kim

How to Look Like a Million Bucks

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In Greece.

I love Michael Kors and his very American, but glamorous sportswear. He is a funny guy too.  I recently found an interview with him I had torn out from Allure in 2005. It’s great advice and so true still! I posted it on my inspiration board and I thought I’d share it with you.  I’ve included some of my favorite images of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister, who Kors says is a big inspiration to him.

How to Look Like a Million Bucks

An Interview with Michael Kors


Fashion designer Kors lives in New York and vacations in Capri.Looking rich isn’t about owning a yacht. It’s appearing as if you’ve just stepped off one. Once you’ve nailed the basics, like having killer shoes and great hair, it is all about the upkeep.


 

 Disregard the weather. Strappy sandals in winter, sunglasses on a cloudy day, these are signs of the glamorous life. If you look like you should be in St. Barts in December, then you are above the elements. But if it’s snowing, wear mink gloves for goodness sake.

Jackie O with her children in Greece.

Fake it. Start every season with a stack of little black tees. Whenever you put on one, you’ll feel like a Bouvier sister. Then find a good pair of cubic zirconia studs and rings. It will seem as if someone gives you great gifts, you can afford them yourself, or they were in the family. All work in your favor.
Jackie and  Lee.
Own it. Buy an expensive dress, and wear it often. It lets people know that you didn’t borrow it. Classic socialites, such as Nan Kempner, went out in the same gowns over and over again because they were, in fact, theirs. And save up for brown crocodile pumps. They can be worn with everything, and unlike black, brown croc develops a patina that looks better with time.
In the red. A woman with money has beautiful skin. So make sure yours has a little natural shine and stick to makeup in neutral shades, such as taupe or slate. The one exception is red lipstick. Wear this with nothing else for a full Katharine Hepburn moment. It should look very nonchalant, very throwaway like you just woke up, washed your face, and went out with red lipstick.
Polish up. A rich girl always has beautifully manicured hands, but doesn’t act like she thinks about them. This means no French manicures or bold colors (pick soft pink or beige tones instead). Keep the nail length short enough to suggest you go horseback riding.


Head for broke. Nothing sets you apart like a gorgeous mane of hair. You want fabulous color and lots of shine so if you aren’t a whiz with the blow-dryer, spend the money on a blowout. And when you pull your hair back, use a tortoiseshell comb or barrette. It’s the scrunchy of the rich.

I love that last sentence! How chic they were. I think the clean lines and luxe accessories with perfect grooming were a large part of their fabulousness. . .

Jackie and her sister Lee Radziwell. 

   


Jackie Kennedy taking son John to school.



Lee 1970s

Jackie


These images and more on my Pinterest board Style and Vintage Style.



Reprinted from Allure Magazine, November 2005.Images via Tumblr, Pinterest.

I Heart Red

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Designspongeonline.com

With Valentine’s Day a few days away, I have been on Pinterest gathering ideas for cards. If you haven’t been on there yet, let me just say it’s wonderful, but also a huge time vacuum! It’s an online pin board where you can gather all you love on virtual bulletin boards. The images you pin can link back to where they originally came from if you need more than the photo.  A few of my fun boards are food, home, curb appeal, kid’s crafts, places, and quotes. I love being inspired by all that is pinned by others and also like being able to pin images and ideas I find myself on the web.  Also, so fun to get lost in all the gorgeous pictures. I have to warn you, it takes a little digging on the site to get the hang of it, but worth it.

While searching for Valentine ideas, I have been overwhelmed by the beauty of red I have been coming across.  I am becoming a huge fan of the color. I’m hoping to get some red in my wardrobe for Spring and into my home too…

Enjoy!
LaTartine Gourmand
etsy.com
High Street Market. Loving anything bamboo inspired now!

Happy Valentines!
XO

Kim

all images via Pinterest unless noted

Golden Globes Recap!

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The best accessory a girl could have!  George Clooney with Stacey Keibler.

Last night’s Golden Globes were seriously the most boring award show, fashion-wise, for a while. It just seemed like something was missing, namely excitement. Many stars looked like the same repeat of themselves from another award show. People are too scared now of being unique and it really shows.
No one really stood out and with all the stylists, designers and stars. Why?

One dress I really thought was pretty was Charlize Theron, who was in Dior. Lovely color and hairband, but would the girl crack a smile please? Anytime, the camera panned to her she did not look like she was having fun. Pink seemed to be the winning color last night as all the pretty dresses were some shade of blush.

Smiley Charlize in Dior.

Kate Beckinsale beautiful in Roberto Cavalli.

Jessica Alba in a very similar Gucci gown.

Viola Davis very pretty.

Reese Witherspoon, looked a bit bombshell, which is a departure for her. I liked the look, but the top of her dress did not fit her well. Where are the stylists these gals pay so much for? Isn’t that their job?

Reese in Zac Posen.

Tilda Swindon, a complete fashion iconoclast, managed to look glamorous and radical at the same time. I admire how she always manages to be beautiful, but fierce. The bare face helps and her David Bowie hair. This woman is no Barbie doll wanna-be and I love her for it.

Tilda in Haider Ackerman. She had amazing cuff bracelets on too.

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang was perfection!

Okay lets talk turkey now. Sorry, but hated quite a few, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, who claimed her 2 year-old chose her tie-dye look dress. Time to get a new stylist, mom. The pony-tail was not attractive either. Angelina Jolie,  you just confirmed my suspicions that you are part vampire with that horrid monster movie dress. Scary. Claire Danes’ dress was just plain unattractive and it also did not fit her in the chest, where she needed some cover and support. Kelly Osborne’s purple grey hair really got all the attention for her. She has a nice shape now, but the dress has ugly shoulders and another ill-fitted top. Don’t these ladies have help with their under garments? I’m talking the right bra here. It’s not a rubiks cube.

Umm, no.

Scary Angelina Jolie in Versace.
Love Michelle Williams, but this looks frumpy.

Adore Elizabeth McGovern, but not this dress or maybe she needs a bra?
Kate Winslet. This just wasn’t flattering I thought and she is so beautiful.

Claire Danes in not pretty J. Mendel. Hate the hair and makeup.

Sarah-Michelle Gellar
Madonna. Had to include this because I am sick of her biceps, okay? Just ugly at her age. Alright, already we know you workout too much. I like the top, but it was too small and let’s not even talk about her cheek implants!
You will probably see the same celebrity photos all over. Here’s a few that I really liked that may have not gotten a mention!

Dreamy Colin Firth. Had to add him. Why? Because it’s my blog. 🙂
Zooey Deschanel in Prada

Livia Firth (Colin’s wife), sigh, in sustainable Armani.
Heidi Klum in Calvin Klein
Helen Mirren, 66 and still looked better than most!
Jessica Lange looked classy and fresh for her age.
Diane Lane in Reem Acra. Un-botoxed and lovely.
Julie Bowen in a pretty almost Mad Men inspired look.
Maria Menounos . I loved the yellow and she stood out.
Let’s hope the Oscars is a little more exciting!
What did you think? I love your comments and opinions!
Kim:)

New Year’s Sparkle

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Tory Burch at a party earlier this year.  Vogue.com

   What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve?  Are you going to a fancy party or just hitting the couch to watch the ball drop? The latter was what we did for many years when our kids were very small. Now, we have been lucky for the last few years to get together with fun friends whose kids are similar ages. The kids have a blast waiting for midnight and we adults dress up a bit and ring in the the year with good pals. With the kind of party we are attending we get sparkly, but still dress comfy. We’re talking jeans and cute tops with a fun accessory or two. I’ll try to  bring it and wear something that feels fun! I am right now contemplating wearing a ruffly black blouse, jeans and black motorcycle boots or a sequin sweater tank top in grey and some skinny dark pants from J Crew. Or maybe I’ll go shopping…

Here’s a few stylish ideas.
Love this if I was going to a fancy party. Michael Kors via Vogue.com.

What about a cute sequin skirt and a soft long sleeve sweater?  I would love this with flats or boots. With heels you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Classy vs. crassy if you know what I mean.  Less can be more. Nordstrom.com

Hey, even easier, this is a dress. Like the relaxed appeal. Nordstrom.com

I’m loving one-shouldered tops. This Rachel Zoe top is cute with jeans.  Add a fabulous earring or cuff bracelet. Nordstrom.com
Simple and elegant. Love this blouse especially. Hair up would look cute with this ruffled collar. Vogue.com

Pretty pale look from Club Monaco. Do you feel like a bit of time travel?  I’d be channeling some fabulous British drama like, ” Passage to India”, or something in this. Oops wrong party! Darn.

A more casual top with sparkles from Nordstrom.com. I’d go for an authentic Northern California look and add some cute ripped jeans and keep the hair natural as shown. If you’re entertaining at home, go barefoot if you dare and currently have a good pedicure status. 🙂
Speaking of pedis you might have fun wearing this… Rainbow Connection by OPI.
If your outfit is not sparkly try to find a fun bracelet or a glittery purse to go along. You shouldn’t be all  glitter, just one or two pieces. If your outfit is already shimmering, maybe just one or none. This is one time adding a bright red or dark pink lip applied perfectly can look so right. Remember to keep the rest of your face clean and just do the lip for a modern look. Like this look below.

I love this $20 clutch from Nordstrom.com 

Sequin and bead clutches from Club Monaco
How about this pave link bracelet? J Crew.com too.
Club Monaco
Tasha earrings from Nordstrom again.  If you’re going to wear earrings as your main bling then go big or go home!

Loving this $58 jacket from the juniors department. Nordstrom .com Perfect topper to keep you glamourous but warm. At least here in Nor Cal. Sorry if you are in Chicago, this is probably not going to cut it.

Speaking of accessories, one that screams New Year’s Eve is the fascinator!  If you don’t already know, fascinators are all the rage now thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge, (Kate Middleton), who wears them to many of her formal events instead of a hat. A fascinator is a headband with feathers or often a small hat attached. They are the perfect sassy addition to a sparkly New Years’ ensemble. My talented friend, Meilei creates them and I was so lucky to grab one myself for my New Year’s Eve. Fascinators say you are ready to party and they are not for the faint of heart!
The Duchess in one of her fascinators.

Meilei modeling one of my favorites.
Love this one.
Meilei with some of her fun creations.

 If you have never worn one, then you have no idea how much fun you are missing! To contact Meilei, you can email her at mrenns@yahoo.com.

I’d love to hear how you all ring in the New Year. Leave me comment and tell me about it. 
Hope you have fun and look fabulous!
Kim:)

Witchy Style!

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Some of the witches I flew there with.  Cristina, Hang, myself & Leasa,  just outside the broom parking… 

 Today I was lucky enought to attend a very special event in our community called Wonderful Witchey Women with a Cause. This is a fun yearly charity lunch where women get together in witch hats, have a blast and raise money for good.

The events founder, Cheryl Bailey started this just six short years ago with 20 friends for lunch.  It has now grown so large that there were over 400 women and had to be held at the Fairmont San Jose. The beneficiaries were Heritage Home, Angels on Stage and Breakthrough Silicon Valley. All wonderful and deserving organizations!

Tracey Wookey and Kyra Adams, two of the events co-chairs.

A fab time was had by all! When else do you get to wear a witch hat, have lunch with your friends and help others?

Two moms from my school, Michelle and Renee were part of the “white” witches. 

My tennis team got together and sponsored a table. Here’s a few snaps of the event. I loved seeing how creative ladies got with their chapeaux!! It was all about accessories really and some ladies took license and went brooms out!

Enjoy!!

Love the lady on the left’s spider pin and earrings!
Love Leasa, our team captain’s peacock feathered hat and Catrin’s silvery skeleton and ribbon.  Jataka and Lei are on the ends with their jaunty smaller hats and frilly frocks.
Here’s Hang hanging out with the Halloween tree…(sorry couldn’t resist that one.)  Her feathered fascinator with small hat was  very elegant…. she looks perfect for New Years too.  Guess the bubbly made me think of that. 🙂

Love their feathers and bowler hat.
Purple was cute on June.  Sorry- made her hold my drink! She really wasn’t having both before lunch !
This lady had quite the hat and I loved the coat.
Chatting during the silent auction.

Susan had what I think was Puss-in-boots on her hat. Very original.

I hate shots of myself, but couldn’t resist showing a bit more of my owl hat I loved and also with Catrin, my brilliant doubles partner last season. Didn’t realize my hat was quite annoying whacking people in the face and such, especially in photos. Mostly, those I edited out.  Aack!

Some gals working the pink. The bowler hat on the left was chic too.
Another bowler hat with pretty spiders, pin and veil.
A group of Barbie-wannabees.  They had their own table. The shoes were just like the dolls!
Loved all the mix of prints and finery at this table.
Blondes make great witches….
…but the brunettes ( Michelle and Kirsten), really look so natural in the black and all!
More yakking…
The centerpieces.
Some more cute witches – Barb, Jeanne and May looking chic.
Our team table!

Sadly, I had to leave my black cat home. She’s sick with a bladder infection…:(
My baby Marlo. She would have been the perfect accessory. 😉

Fall Style !

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Bracelet piling- very big this year. Short painted nails also look very chic and fresh.
Now that October and cooler weather has arrived, I thought I’d throw out there a few style pictures for inspiration. In case you don’t follow the fashion rags, here’s a capsule of the latest trends for Fall.  I don’t know about you, but I enjoy seeing what’s hot and how women on the street are working it into their own looks!  These pics are from Tommy Ton of Style.com. Enjoy!
The faux fur vest seems quite big this year, ( literally!)
Love the jacket and clutch with tassel. Aren’t tassels fab?
Check out her colors and more bracelet piling!
Dots are big too. Check out the bright clutch and again the bracelets.
Bracelets again and mixing metals.
Floppy 70s hats are apparently back. The trench is still a good investment and animal prints are still  hot.
She’s working the animal prints and the bracelet thing.
Capes look fabulous darlings. I just want to be her! I had a cape in 3rd grade.
 
Citrus people! Embrace it. Drink your orange juice!
She’s adorable. Love the color-blocking and her shades. Pony looks cool too.
More floppy hats. You could steal this from your kids’ Indiana Jones costume.
Stripes are still chic and wearing your purse as a clutch. I know if I wore this I’d get Bee remarks from my family…
She’s working the stripes into her Fall.
Love her trench and scarf.  Notice how she ties it? It’s all in the tying and it’s got to look like you did it carelessly, but of course if it looks good you didn’t!  Got that trench wearers?
More brights and chunky jewelry. I’m digging the ring.
Black tights are back in a big way and color-blocking with black is too.
   Black tights and some pops of bright color are on my shopping list. I don’t think you need a new wardrobe, but just a few little pieces to make it fresh and current. I’m going to try my nails short and dark with a ton of bracelets too. What do you love or hate for Fall?

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