2016 Oscars fashion...

As in the past several years, I was not wowed by what I saw on the red carpet last night.

Only one person stood out in my mind -- Naomi Watts. She is on my list almost every year. Perfect head to toe as always. Just stunning.

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I'm a bit torn about Cate Blanchett's dress. The color is flattering, but the embellishments, especially around the sleeves/straps were too much IMO. What did you think?

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Over embellished up top. Get rid of all that stuff and it would have been lovely. 

See comparison with wedding cake on Instagram.

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The plunging neckline was popular last night. It worked well for Cate, but not others. How low can you go? Take a look at Charlize Theron's gown. She was stunning, but her dress was way too low IMO.  See side boobage.

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Her co-presenter Emily Blunt gets my vote for cutest. Pretty in pink with baby pump. Love her. 

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As far as awards went, I was thrilled to see Spotlight win for best picture. It was my favorite movie last year. Too bad I didn't pick it for my pool. I would have won.

PC matters addressed on last night's agenda. Not going there. I'll let others duke it out on Facebook. 

Until next year...

Currently...

Today is the first installment of my new regular column "Currently." Because I haven't had time to write any feature posts, I'll fill you in periodically on what I've been up to. Always mindful of Austin Kleon's advice in Steal Like an Artist, I ripped off this idea from another blogger.

Currently reading: Another psychological thriller -- In a Dark, Dark Wood  by Ruth Ware. Speaking of psychological thrillers. Go see the movie "Room" based on Emma Donoghue's award winning novel.

Currently wearing: Ann Taylor Hair Calf Ballet Flats. A padded insole makes them super comfortable. A bargain at 40% off!

Currently drinking: Pinot Noir. We recently hosted a wine tasting. Jack Hammer pinot was the hands down favorite wine among our guests. Ghostwriter is another excellent choice at a higher price point. If you live in the Atlanta area I highly recommend shopping at Perrine's wine shop on the westside.

Currently designing: Rustic floral arrangements in recycled jars. Tutorial coming soon.

Currently eating: Trader Joe's Gingerbread Molasses Cookies. They are a holiday item, so stock up now while supply lasts.

2015 Oscars fashions...

I'm happy to report that I saw all eight best picture nominations. Unfortunately, I lost my annual picks pool. The toss up between Boyhood and Birdman threw me for a loop. I thought Michael Keaton was a shoo-in for best actor even though Eddie Redmayne deserved it. Birdman was actually my least favorite film of the season. I walked out of the theater wondering what the heck just happened. Although extremely intense, Whiplash was my fave.

Before I get started with my fashion roundup, let's talk about my new favorite subject -- underwear.  The New York Times reported Saturday that most A-listers on the red carpet would be sporting Commando "invisible underwear." I had never heard of this line, which is made of stretch fabric instead of elastic. Guess it works because I didn't notice any underwear snafus. No panty lines, no spillover.

As with the Golden Globes, nothing really wowed me. One thing's for sure: beads, beads and more beads, including pearls, littered the carpet. With this trend in mind, here are few standouts.

Fashion darling Lupita did not fail to impress. I thought she looked stunning in her white pearl - all 6,000 of them -- custom beaded gown with understated drop earring and rings.

{via e-online}

I was also impressed with Julianne Moore's Chanel beaded frock. Her hair, makeup and jewelry were spot on. Way to go Julianne.

{via} 

In the red category, Dakota Johnson's gown was simple yet elegant just the way I like them. Too bad mom Melanie Griffith overdosed on Botox. She could hardly crack a smile.

{via}

And, Rosamund Pike made an impressive come back after her hideous Golden Globes flop.

{via}

Cate Blanchett is one class act. She stood out in the crowd, but her outfit did not survive closer inspection. I wanted to love her black velvet gown for it's simplicity and silhouette, but the unfinished trim arm holes and back cut out ruined it for me. Her hair looked unkempt too. So out of character. I did love her Tiffany turquoise-beaded statement necklace that popped against the black dress. Nice clutch to boot.

{via}

I could go on, but I'll stop here. Did anyone wow you?

Everything you'll ever need to know about bras...

{via Refinery29}

Bras are getting a lot of attention on the blogosphere lately. Timely, because I just cleaned out my bra drawer last week as part of my New Year's resolution to purge. I kept the three that I recently purchased at Nordstom after a proper fitting (of course), and trashed the rest. Then I ordered three more of the same brands.

This project was long overdue. Who knows how long some of them had been in my stash. Turns out I'm not alone. According to True&Co founder Michelle Lam, 60% of women haven't changed their bras out in three years. This raised some questions in my mind about bras, so I did some research.

Here's what I found out:

How often should I get fitted for a bra?
Most lingerie experts recommend at least once a year. Also get fitted if you've had a child (obviously) or gained or lost five-seven pounds.

How long do bras last?
According to Bobbie Smith of Freshpair (via Huffington Post), if worn and cared for correctly a good bra will last eight months. After that, the band gets stretched out and doesn't  provide good support. That's why she recommends having six or seven in your wardrobe and rotate them to make them last longer. Avoid wearing a bra for two days in a row. The elastic needs to rest to regain its shape. Check out Bobbie's other bra mistakes and fixes.

How should I care for my bras?
By washing them in Woolite like Ive been doing for forever? Wrong. According to Bobbie, Woolite was designed to soften wool. You don't want to soften elastic. You want it to stay firm. Nordstom recommends hand washing with a special lingerie detergent in warm water or in the washer on the delicate cycle. Gently reshape and hang to dry. Never put them in the dryer.

How often should I wash my bras?
WhoWhatWear recently asked the bra experts at True&Co for advice. Generally, a bra can go four or five wears between washes subject to climate, sweating and odor. Over washing can lead to faster wear and tear. Bottom line: "If it smells good, it's all good," they said.

What bra styles should I have in my repertoire?
Refinery29 recently reported which styles their experts recommend and why. Don't know your breast type? Take a good long look in the mirror and check out Refinery21's informative No-Bullsh*t Guide to Bra Shopping. 

How should I store my bras?
You can store your bras flat in drawers, in shoe boxes or hangers. While its okay to fold a non-molded bra (bras with no padding), never fold or invert molded cups. Why? Because they can dent and pucker. This advice comes from Linda Unhooked. Same goes for packing your bras when traveling. Check out this video on bra packing. Filling molded cups with socks -- something I never would have thought to do -- is a genius.

Hope this helpful and prompts you to investigate what's in your lingerie drawer. You may be as shocked as I was.

2015 Golden Globes Best Dressed...

I'm sorry to report that I have only seen three movies this year, which is very unusual for me. Good thing I have plenty of time to catch up before the Oscars.

George Clooney got it right when he said during his Cecil B. DeMille acceptance speech  --- 20% of actors here tonight are winners. The other 80% are obviously losers. That ratio applied to fashion as well IMO. After watching the entire awards ceremony, I struggled with my picks for best dressed. Nothing wowed me. Did anyone else notice that the lighting was terrible? That, or most of the women used self tanners with liberal abandon. Many of their complexions looked orange with a very dewy (aka sweaty) glow. Maybe the HVAC was out of whack too.

With less is more in mind, here are my picks by color.

Let's start with yellow -- a hard color to pull off. Naomi Watts looked lovely in her yellow Gucci gown. Loved the clutch. Didn't love the snake statement necklace.

{via eonline}

Leslie Mann pulled it off better in her simple, strapless sheath accented with emerald green accessories. Way to go Leslie.

{via New York Times}

Of the many pretty red gowns worn, Girls Allison William's was my fave.

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Not as daring, black is always a safe bet for most women. Amal Clooney's Dior gown with white gloves and clutch was a winner. She looked stunning.

{via stylenews}

Once again, metallics, especially silver, littered the red carpet. I'm open to other's opinions here, but I liked Reese Witherspoon's simple, but elegant gown with minimalist accessories. Did anyone notice Cheryl Strayed sitting next to her? I didn't catch what she was wearing.

{via US Magazine}

Camila Alves looked pretty in her simple pink satin gown.

{via eonline}

I didn't care for any of the white gowns worn, especially this…

{via eonline}

Even worse, this…

{via dailymail}

That's all I've got. What do you all have?

Stitch Fix: the final chapter

Last week, I received my August fix. My July fix came while I was out of town. I had to hastily try on items and return them ASAP before getting stuck with the fix. It was probably my best fix, but I returned everything anyway.

Let's take a look at the latest…

1) Market & Spruce "Twain" twisted neckline slub knit shirt ($48).
A flattering neckline on me. The fabric is thin, which would warrant a cami underneath for most people unless you want to layer it under something. The fabric is a cotton/poly blend. Hand wash = high maintenance. It's a bit boxy too --something I specifically advised against. More than once might I add. Returned.

{notice high/low hem and seam down the middle}

2) Olive & Oak "Mulliken" raglan striped knit shirt ($48).
Where to start? I'll start with the positive. The fabric is super soft and comfy. Nice price point. It is, however, striped. Notice that the collar and sleeve stripes are gray -- not my best color. If you're into stripes, you can find this top in aqua/poppy for the same price at Bloomingdales. The fabric is really yummy! I might buy it just to lounge around in at the beach.

{high/low hem}

3) Splendid "Gerald" striped boat neck tee ($88).
Stripes. 50/50% cotton/poly blend. Yuck. I would never pay $88 for a T-shirt, especially one that is not 100% cotton. Enough said. Returned.

P.S. I saw a cute (100% cotton) Splendid vintage coastal tee at Bloomingdales.

4) Collective Concepts "Gina" geo print dress ($78).
This dress is really cute. I was pretty excited about it until I tried it on. The fabric is a cotton/poly blend -- not super comfy. Although it hit me a few inches above the knee -- something I specifically asked for in my profile -- it made me look really thick around the middle. Not flattering. This dress might work for someone petite, flat-chested, skinny and younger. Not for me. Returned.

5) Kut From The Kloth "Katherine" high rise boot cut jeans ($68).
You can buy a very similar, if not the same jeans by the name "Natalie" at Nordstrom for $89. I actually own a few pairs of Kut jeans that I bought there. They are stylish, comfy and have a bit of stretch. These jeans fit me well except they are too long. And, I don't care for the button-flap back on the front and back pockets. If I wanted another pair of Kuts, I'd buy them at Nordstrom where I can get free alterations. Returned.

{tiny button-top flap on the right pocket}

{back pockets. notice the "natalie" tag}

To say I'm disappointed with Stitch Fix is an understatement. Here's what gets to me most. A note from my stylist Kaley:

"I took a peak at your fabulous blog (she got that part right) and Fix feedback."

Note to Kaley: If you had actually read my blog posts on my first and second fixes and my fix feedback, you would know by now that I don't care for horizontal stripes and that gray totally washes me out. And, fyi, I like to wear natural fibers.

It is time to nix Stitch Fix. So long. Farewell.

I'll have to continue to count on Birchbox for my monthly mailbox bliss.

In other fashion news…

Are you wondering if you have to put your white jeans away after Labor Day? I'm personally in the camp that says no to white denim, sandals and bags after the end-of-summer holiday -- unless you're going to a resort. Belle from Capitol Hill Style shows how to rock your white jeans year round. I highly recommend checking out Belle's blog. Her entertaining mission statement (especially for you Washingtonians):

People say that Washington, D.C. is like Hollywood, but for ugly people. But these detractors have never tried to maintain their appearance while living in a city built on a swamp, where the workdays start at dawn, the salaries are minuscule and the cobblestones eat stilettos for breakfast.

Anyone can be beautiful in Southern California. In the nation’s capital, looking your best is practically a full-time job.

Capitol Hill Style seeks to inspire the women who work on Capitol Hill (or in any professional environment) to strive for excellence in their career and their closet.  No matter the pay grade or the weather, we must not surrender our sense of style.  Fight for your right to be successful and fabulous.

Will you be sporting white denim after Labor Day?

Stitch fix...

Do you all know about Stitch Fix? It's the same concept as Birchbox. Instead of a beauty products, you receive clothing and accessories. Here's how it works:

You create a fashion profile for yourself by viewing fashion boards and answering questionnaires online. Questions go from broad to very specific, and give you the opportunity to request or reject certain items or styles. You can also specify your price range. Most items average $65.

You pay a $20 styling fee to receive five items hand picked by a Stitch Fix stylist.

You have exactly three days to try them on, make an online purchase or return items. The more you buy, the less you spend. If you buy all five you get a 25% discount. The $20 styling fee goes toward your next fix.

I decided to try the service based on several positive reports from friends. Plus, I loathe clothes shopping. I was a bit worried, because I'm a chronic returner. My rejects tend to sit around my house for weeks, sometimes months on end. Three days was really pushing it for me.

It took about a month to receive my first fix. It arrived May 2 -- exactly as promised. Your fix includes a note from your stylist about your items, as well as styling cards showing you different ways to wear them day and night. And, how to mix and match with what you already have in your closet.

Before I show you what I got, I'll share a few preferences I provided in my online profile. No horizontal stripes. No v-necks. Nothing sleeveless. Hem lines either above the knee or maxi style.

Let's take a look at my fix:

1) Margaret Elizabeth 'eliza drruzy' stud earrings. Cute and versatile, but returned. I like Margaret Elizabeth jewelry. Just not in the mood to buy right now.

2) Donna Morgan 'peggy' mix print faux wrap dress. Really cute. Nice colors -- pink is my fave. But, v-neck and horizontal pattern, especially unflattering in shoulder area on me. Returned.

3) Toss 'cassy' ruffle trim chevron cotton tank (See polyvore for actual style card I received). Love the colors. Sleeveless and horizontal stripes. The collar is a bit clownish. I did ask for tops that hide my muffin top, but this is more like a maternity top. Returned.

4 &  5) Lily poppie geo print swing skirt (that hits just below the knee) and Eight Sixty 'jana' floral print cross-front knit top. My stylist Shuchi recommended styling these two pieces together for the perfect print-on-print look. What did she not understand about my hem line instructions? Skirt returned. I decided to keep the top because it is really comfy and looks good with white jeans -- a staple of my summer wardrobe.

{the shirt is black the skirt is navy. would you wear these two pieces together?}

I plan to provide Stitch Fit with detailed feedback, and give them another try. The more direction you give, the better they are at finding clothes you love. We shall see.

Has anyone else had a fix? Fab or flop? How many items did you keep?

Reading specs...

To borrow a comment from Nora Ephron's book I Feel Bad About My Neck: I hate that I have to wear reading glasses. And that I have to wear them all the time. I can't read Vanity Fair or The New York Times Magazine without them. I had to wear sun readers on the beach when we were in Puerto Rico.

Thankfully, there are some cute options on the market. I love these styles from Kate Spade. I got them on sale at Nordstrom.

Have you had any luck finding stylish readers? Do tell.

Joules wellies...

I recently became acquainted with Joules -- a UK clothing company that has crossed the pond to the States. Kind of like my go to -- Boden. My first purchase was a pair of wellies that I love. They come in a variety of colors, hand-drawn patterns and styles -- glossy and matte finishes -- for the entire family. They are super comfy and made of high quality rubber to stand the test of time. Each pair comes with a one-year guarantee. The mid-height styles were designed to fit a "wider-range" of calves -- aka thick Irish/English legs. My heritage.

I'm especially smitten with the girls boots. If I had a daughter, I would buy her a pair for sure. If you're in the market for rain boots, add these to your Mother's Day wish list.

Just so you know. Wellies or "Wellingtons" were first worn and popularized by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. They became trendy with the British aristocracy in the early 19th century.

Joules recently launched a new product line of garden tools, furniture and accessories with Garden Trading -- another UK company. Now you can kick around your garden in your wellibobs and coordinating gardening gloves and feel like a true aristocrat.

And the winners are...

Forever and a day, I managed to stay up for the entire Oscars program last night. Ellen did a good job as master of ceremonies, and the entertainment was enjoyable. Not often the case. The show opened with Pharrell singing Happy, setting the tone for a fun, lively evening. Every award given was well deserved IMO.

Before I move on to fashion, I want to share my favorite movie of the year. There were many that I enjoyed for various reasons, but one stands out. It received no fanfare or glowing reviews. It had no violence, token sex scenes, family drama or gut-wrenching content. The audience clapped at its ending -- something unusual and refreshing in theaters these days. The only movie I took my kids to see outside animated feature films. And, they loved it. What was it?  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Just one of those feel good flicks.

On to the red carpet. Let's start with the darling of fashion throughout the entire awards season.

Lupita stole the show yet again. Stunning in her blue Prada gown. Isn't she lovely? She accepted her Oscar for best supporting actress for 12 Years a Slave with such grace and poise. Her speech was genuine and heartfelt. She boogied with Pharrell and gave Ellen her lip gloss, because she didn't have cash for pizza. I love her.

{via}

Red appears to be Jennifer Lawrence's color. Her tomato (not exactly red) Dior peplum gown was simple yet elegant. A winning combo in my book. Old news: she fell walking onto the red carpet. Psychic Thomas John predicted that someone in a red dress would fall. I don't trust psychics. Do you?

{via hollywoodreporter.com}

While some thought Cate looked washed out in her nude Armani gown, I thought she was stunning per usual. Wasn't crazy about her opal earrings. Too much. Her stylist should have chosen something simple. What do you think about her dress: drab or fab?

{via Indianexpress}

Laura Dern looked pretty in her pale pink Alberta Ferretti strapless gown. Love the clutch. So cute seeing her arm and arm with her dad Bruce. Nebraska was one of my faves. Funnier than you would expect.

{via}

Honorable mentions…

Naomi Watts always looks very classy. Cute clutch.

{via usmagazine.com}

Jessica Biel looked gorgeous  -- sans Justin who was on tour -- from head to toe. Hair, minimalist makeup, jewels and buttons-down-the-back Chanel gown. Well done Jessica. 

{via popsugar}

Enough from me. Your opinions?

Golden Globes best dressed...

Who watched the Globes last night? Tina Fey & Amy Poehler did an amazing job hosting the show. And, they both looked fab. I've got to admit I was disappointed in the fashion department. In the midst of a lot of unflattering and hideous gowns, there were a few winners.

Let's start with the most obvious. Lupita Nyong'o's red Ralph Lauren cape dress. Perfection!

{via Huffington Post}

Her performance in 12 Years A Slave was brilliant. J-Law is my girl, but Lupita deserved the award for best supporting actress. Just in case you were wondering, I loathed Jennifer's dress.

Margot Robbie pulled off her plunging white Gucci gown in style. Simple, yet elegant is always the perfect combination in my book.

{via Glamour}

Her gown was well fitted up top. Too bad two of my girl crushes -- Robin Wright and Amy Adams didn't get it right. As much as I adore Amy, I loathed her gown. So unflattering. Robin Wright's dress was pretty, but I saw several peekaboo shots of her paste on bra. Her hair didn't look nearly as cute as it usually does either. Naomi Watts looked very classy in a similar metallic gown. Nothing spilling out, sagging or gaping at the sides even with those sheer cut outs. Her butt looked good too. Way to go Naomi!

{via Huffington Post}

Of pregnant ladies on the red carpet, I thought Kerry Washington looked best with her baby bump. Wish I could say the same for Drew Barrymore???

{via Huffington Post}

Not to end on a negative note, but I must. Why did Leonardo win for best actor for comedy or musical. I thought Christian Bale was a shoo in. He and the other contenders were robbed. I'm not sure that I'll ever recover from Lenny making a mockery of Robert Redford's role in last year's dreadful remake of The Great Gatsby. And I will never get over Titanic winning best picture in 1998. Gives me nightmares. There is still hope the Academy will get it right.

Who were your faves?

Fall into fashion: 5 trends this season...

Finally getting cold and blustery here in Atlanta. Guess it's time to get your fall wardrobe in order. These sources will help give you a jump start.

1) I don't do heels, so I was happy to see Matchstick Magazine's (my fave. e-mag) 10 best flats for the season. Calf hair in dots and leopard prints abound. Lands' End has a cute pair of calf hair flats at a moderate price point.

2) Fall Crush: the bootie. What do you think -- love or loathe them? Seeing them everywhere, including my go to: Boden. Not something I could get away with. Rachel from Pink Peonies is currently craving these six styles. She can pull off just about anything. I, on the other hand, can't. But I could see myself in these. Oh and here's Rachel's fall boot guide.

{Riis Bootie by Billy Reid $495}

3) Riding boots are always in vogue. LDV's top 10 ten. Paloma has excellent taste. I love that she includes a pic of my girl crush Gwyneth. I'm craving the Charlotte Olympia boots, but at $1,395 I'll have to settle for the Mercer boot by Jack Rogers in black -- a bargain at $298.

4) If you're jonesing for some plaid this season like City Sage's Ann Sage, check out her fall style essential -- buffalo plaid. InStyle featured tartan plaid as a 2013 fall fashion trend. Rock it in a provocative way. So as not to seem too prim, InStyle suggests giving plaid some "bite" with crazy hair and dark lipstick and eyeliner.

Naughty...

{via InStyle}

Or nice...

{Rach Pink Peonies}

Which way will you be wearing plaid this season?

5) Ann Sage also includes the wide-brimmed hat as a fall style essential. Made By Girl Jen is into hats too. Annie Hall anyone?

5) Quilted minis are in, as well as bags, foot ware and accessories. Adri of Adri's World loves this trend. I'm digging it too. So Chanel.

It goes without saying that scarves are a must have accessory this season, especially if you're feeling bad about your neck. Ann Taylor offers a chic collection. And, speaking of scarves, it  wouldn't hurt to take a scarf wearing refresher course:

Photo image: 1