Megan's Speech...

I love award season for the fashion, period. It is the time of year when movie stars shine and wear couture gowns and sparkle in millions and millions of dollars of jewelry. How can a girl not love this? We would all love to have a fabulous red carpet moment, but since the closest I will ever get is the one outside of Studio 54 in Las Vegas, I thought recapping one of the most fabulous fashion events of the year would make me feel more involved.


I decided to pick my top 5, and only focus on that. Why waste time talking about the bad when I can use that time to elaborate on these fabulous looks?  

      
     1. Mila Kunis in an Elie Saab gown and Niel Lane jewelry.


So I will admit that I have a big girl crush on Mila Kunis. I think she is beautiful and so eccentric looking. When I saw her in this gown I died. Mila normally wears more edgier looks, so I was shocked that she chose a gown with one of this season's biggest trends, lace! The lavender chiffon gown with the tiered lace detailing and groisgrain ribbon waist is perfect. Personally, I think it is the lavender that makes this gown so special and stand out. I was very sad when I heard she was not nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but having her present with Justin Timberlake made up for it. She paired the gown with Neil Lane jewelery and a Bottega Veneta clutch. Her hair looks great with the side part and up off her back so you can see the plunging back. I wish she would have worn nude pumps instead of matching purple shoes, oh well, she is 100% my best dressed! Loves it!

2. Halle Berry in a Marchesa gown and Niel Lane jewelry.

Ok so I am not the biggest Halle Berry fan, I can't tell you why because I do not really have a reason. Maybe it is because there is always so much hype about her and she doesn't even really do anything anymore? What I do know is that I love her in this gown. Sparkles and tulle can go so wrong when put together, but Marchesa nailed it! The beautiful overlay, the intricate bodice, and the train make for the perfect "red carpet look". If you look up "red carpet look" in the dictionary, this picture would be there. This color would be hard to wear on a fair skin woman, but her complexion is exactly what this dress needs. I like the mermaid style to it, and it is very figure flattering. The natural hair and makeup are needed since the dress is so much, and the jewelry was just the perfect amount of extra sparkle.

3. Amy Adams in a L'Wren Scott gown and Cartier jewelry.

I have recently become a big fan of Amy's after watching "The Fighter". I think she is a great actress and seems like such a cool down-to-earth person in interviews. I love how she put together this old Hollywood type of look. She looks so classic and beautiful. I am a sucker for navy and anything that sparkles so this was a hit for me. Her red hair and fair skin really do play into the look, and I love the high neck and cap sleeve. But lets talk about this jewelry! Do I like the jewels with the dress? Absolutely not, she did not need a necklace at all. But they do need to be talked about, so gorgeous! She wore a Cartier platinum and diamond Haute Joaillerie "secret watch" bracelet with a 30.75- carat carved emerald and 575 diamonds. 2-carat stud earrings, and a Cartier platinum and diamond necklace. All worth $1,350,000! I mean seriously, talk about a girl's dream? Let me just sign on the dotted line!

3. Scarlett Johanson in a Dolce & Gabanna gown and Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie jewelry.

Now I know this look is probably the most controversial one on here, people either love it or absolutely hate it. Me? I love it, but I would have tweaked it just a bit. I have always been a fan of Scar Jo mainly because she embraces her curves and is so proud of how she looks. I love the raspberry color and the delicate lace is gorgeous, spot on with the lace trend once again. I can see this being a dress that looks great in person but may not translate in photos. I would have added a nude lining and made it strapless with a sweetheart neckline. Those two adjustments would have made all the difference. The visible bra is just not needed and could have been avoided with a lining. Making it strapless with a great neckline would have made it younger and not so matronly. But overall, I love the idea of this and it looks great on her. And I love her dragon ring and earrings, but her makeup and hair were too much! I think a simple up do would have been just fine.

5. Michelle Williams in a Chanel gown and Harry Winston jewelry.

Last but not least is my beloved Jen Lindley (a little shout out for you Dawson fans). So lets be honest, we all know that simple and classic is not my style at all. I like to mix prints, wear colors, and not match. So I was surprised that I was attracted to this look. She just pulls it off so well! The short hair, makeup (especially the dark brows), and column gown all go together so well. The look is the whole package. The entire gown is beaded which is hard to see in photos, but is so gorgeous and adds something special. She looks sophisticated and timeless which I love. This is a look that was worn thirty years ago, and will be worn thirty years from now.

In conclusion, if anybody would like to design Mila's dress for me, I would be very thankful. But seriously, it was fun going over my favorite looks, I am sure some of you are cringing at my comments, but that is why I love fashion! There is really no right or wrong, and it is just like art; you either understand and love the piece or you don't, and that is okay! I would love to hear your thoughts about the looks and even talk about ones that I did not mention. Now I am off to dream about dancing starlets (and myself) in lavender, lace, and sparkle!  

We all need some color in our lives...

I love this cardigan to pieces. All of the vibrant colors make it so easy to wear with so many different pieces. It is non closure so I do belt it at times, or I also wear it open like I did with this outfit. It is from Anthro, but is not a current piece. It is by Guinevere.

When I laid my eyes on these beautiful shoes I knew I had to purchase them. I got an amazing deal on them, and told myself I would find enough outfits to wear them with, and I have! The heel is the perfect height for work, and I can wear them for about 6 hours before changing into flats. I have only worn them with really feminine outfits like the one featured today, but I also can't wait to wear them with the black Jbrand skinny moto jean that I will buy one day. Shown here: Anthropologie. I get so many compliments on these, and love that they give me some height. They are by Naya, which is a natural and eco-friendly brand. You can learn more about them here: Naya Shoes.

I do not buy skirts very often (I do not know why), but I have loved this one since it first came in. The delicate lace detail and the really high waist sold me. And as I have mentioned before, I love navy because it serves the same purpose as black, but is more fun! I will be able to wear this with solids and prints in all shapes and colors. I have been wearing it with tights, but once I get a tan I will be able to wear it with some simple ballet flats and a light weight blouse in the summer. It is from Anthro and is by Girls From Savoy.

You can see and read about my tights here: Lacey stripes...

I love my safari/city like hat. The shape of it is very safarian but the flower detail and ribbon make it a bit more stylish. I have wanted a hat like this for awhile but most of them went too low in front of my face and could not see anything. I ordered this one from Forev hoping that I would not have this problem, and I don't. I can wear my hair curly, wavy, or straight and it looks great with it.

My necklace was a Christmas present from my little sister Sami, who writes Friends with Fashion. She bought it from Urban Outfitters and I absolutely love it. She knows that I am not afraid to add some color to my life, so the array of different beads and colors are right up my fashion ally :)

I had a moment the other day when I decided I was going to venture to Forev on my break and buy some rings. I stumbled upon this vintage looking one in the bin and had to buy it once I saw the $5.80 price tag :) As I am writing this post, I am realizing how much color I really was wearing this day, I must have been in a good mood ;) My silver ring is from Tiffany and was a gift from my amazing boyfriend for either our first or second Christmas together..bad memory. All I know is that I love it and I have worn it everyday since that Christmas. Get it here: Tiffany.

Well that is all for now. It is a beautiful day here in San Diego, and it just reminds me how lucky I am to live here. It is January and it is 70 degrees and sunny. I know we had a horrible storm and flooding, but I know that there is always sun after a storm and that we should all be thankful for what we have.

Sequins, lace, and bling. oh my!...

Hillary

I love these black strappy heels! Hillary bought them for her 21st birthday, so we refer to them as the "birthday shoes." She wears them frequently because they are comfortable and go with any outfit. I also love the contrast with the red nail polish. They are by Chinese Laundry and she got them at DSW. Order them here: Birthday Shoes .

It is a rule that sequins make an appearance for New Years Eve. Hillary purchased this amazing mini from BCBG. She outfitted it perfectly for the occasion, but I think this skirt would look great for day time as well. Some solid color tights, ballet flats, and a chunky sweater would turn the sexy style into a great winter day look! Get it here: BCBG.

The perfect combo: Lace and sequins. I love how she just paired the top with a black bra, but you can obviously use a black or nude cami as well. Such a bold and fun look, and she made it work. I love it with a high-waisted skirt, and think it would look great with high-waisted wide- leg jeans and platform wedges. If you want some extra coverage, throw on a bright colored scarf and a blazer. The top is from Forev, and you can get a similar style here: Lace Top .

The bangles are a set from H&M, they look great all together or separate.

Her headband is also from H&M. Embellished headbands are very popular right now, and you can find them in any store or boutique. They add something extra to a look, and hair accessories are always a great way to accent a hair style.

The whole look! So beautiful!

Brooke

Brooke has very classic and clean style, nothing ever too funky (unlike me), but I love how she put this New Years look together. These black heels look great with dresses, skirts, and jeans. I love the detail on the front and that the black tights make it very "holiday" inspired. She originally had brand new DKNY tights, but they ripped when she put them on. Solution? I ran into Von's and bought her these..we do what we can. The shoes are from Steve Madden, and are an older style, but you can get a similar style here: Steve Madden.

Brooke can never pass up a great tube dress, so this was no exception. Sequins make another appearance, and I love how it looks like a separate top and skirt, but it is just one piece. The chiffon is so feminine and beautiful! If you wanted to go a little different with it, I think it would look great with some funky tights and boots. It is from Express, get it here: Express.

The ring is mine, and was supposed to be worn with my outfit, but I let her borrow it for the evening. I have an addiction to fake cocktail rings, and only buy cheap ones because I am constantly hitting them at work. I don't even remember where I got this piece, but I love it and is much more beautiful in person.

I am normally not a fan of matchy matchy, but I am a fan of this earring/necklace set. The sparkle is beautiful and so classic. Every girl needs some bling in her life. This set is from Nordstrom, get a similar set here:  Earrings. Necklace.

The bracelet and ring are both from Tiffany's, such classic and timeless pieces. Get them here: Bracelet . Ring.

Love the whole look! Gorgeous!

Me

I have had my eyes on these gorgeous shoes forever, and prayed that we would do something fancy for NYE so I could have a reason to wear them! Now that I have them I have found many ways to wear them. At first glance it seems that they can only be worn for nice occasions with dresses or skirts. But I look forward to wearing them with jeans and casual dresses. The sandal style to them makes it really easy to transition them into summer. I also think skinny jeans with a great blouse and blazer will look great with them for a dinner date or a party. You can get them here: Steve Madden.

I was planning on recycling a dress so I could save some money, but when I tried this on I loved it and decided that I had to have it. Unfortunately I did buy it a size too big and it will probably be getting returned, but I fell in love with the sweetheart neckline, the silver sparkles, and the layering of the chiffon. It is the perfect party dress! I normally don't wear this type of dress but I loved how festive it was, and felt so flirty and fun in it. It is sold out online, but I am sure Express stores will still have it in stock.

My makeup was done at Sephora, hair was done by me. Sephora requires a $50 purchase, but I felt that it was worth it because it is nice to feel pampered once in awhile.

My favorite part of my outfit. I saw this randomly sitting in a jewelry bin at Anthropologie on sale! I knew the light pink stones would go perfectly with  my dress so I bought it right away. The metal bends so I can shape it small enough to fit my wrist which is sometimes a challenge with bangles for me. The beads, pearls and stones come together to make such a unique piece and I can't wait to wear it again.

                        

This piece is a recent present from my boyfriend for Christmas. My favorite color is purple so naturally I love amethyst, and love anything that comes in a little blue box. I have already received so many compliments on it, and the picture doesn't do it justice. Take a better look at it here:  Tiffany & Co.

I know these earrings are as big as my head, but that is why I love them. I love big, bold jewelery (especially when it is gold). These are very delicate and the wire can definitely bend easily so I need to be extra careful. But they are so funky yet classy at the same time. You can get them here: Anthropologie.

Sahna

Sahna has amazing style and I wanted to photograph her whole outfit, but she was not a fan of the way she looked, so she only let me take pictures of her accessories, which were great also. She got these snakeskin wedges from LF Stores in downtown La Jolla. I have seen her wear these to work so I am assuming they are not only fabulous but comfortable!

Ahh another amazing cocktail ring under $10. Nordstrom sells the same style but for almost $100, so Forever 21 wins again, you can get it here with many other fabulous jewelery options: Forev. Her earrings are also from Forever, and I love all the colors in them because you can wear them with so many different items and colors. Her makeup looked great with the colors in the earrings as well. You can order them here: Forev.

Happy 2011 everyone! I wish you all a fabulous year filled with love, good health, and of course wonderful style!

Lacey stripes...

Living in San Diego means layering. It can be 75 degrees one hour, and then pouring rain, and then 50 degrees once the sun goes down. This outfit was inspired by the recent flooding America's so called "finest city" experienced. I knew I would need the sweater to keep me warm, but I wore the dress underneath knowing I would probably get warm at work.

I loved this dress because of the housewife feel to it. It reminds me of the wives in the 40's and 50's with their aprons and red lipstick cooking dinner for their husbands, waiting for the moment they heard "honey I'm home!" I found it at Forev, and wear it with boots and textured tights. In the summer I plan on wearing it with some sandals or flats with a belt to add some dimension. I found a similar style here: Forev.

Ahh, what a wonderful find these were. Nordstrom's half yearly sale treated me well. I love these Calvin Klein pumps because they are comfortable yet a great heel height to wear during the day and at night. I look forward to wearing these with boyfriend jeans and a feminine blouse or sweater. A slouchy military style purse would look great with them too. It would be a play on masculine and feminine styles, and would make people look and think twice (which is always fun). Get them here: Nordstrom.  

These tights do not photograph well, but in person they look like lace on your legs and the color is a rosy/peachy/pink. I wear them with many outfits because even though the pattern and texture of them is very busy, the color is subtle and neutral enough that it can be worn with almost any outfit. I saw one of my coworkers wearing them and fell in love. They looked totally different in their package! They are from Anthropologie, but believe they are sold out. The good news is that tights are everywhere right now (try Target), and you could easily find a pair that suits your personal style.

Headbands can be your best friend ladies. You know those mornings when you have zero time to get ready? Well, throw your hair in a pony or bun and put on a pretty headband and you will look not only put together, but stylish. I found this lace and diamond piece at Urban with my mama and sister. My earrings are from a boutique I used to work at in Pacific Beach. They were probably $5 but have gotten so much attention! You can find my headband here: Urban .

I bought this sweater last winter from Gap. It is the best item to throw on with jeans, skirts, dresses, and leggings. I purchased mine big on purpose so I could wear it oversized with skinny jeans. It feels like butter, and I love the feeling of wearing a "grandpa sweater". If you feel like you may appear frumpy, just belt it and wear it with a pencil skirt. If you need to look professional it also looks great with a fitted blazer and a great statement necklace. Gap had, and will always have, classic sweaters like this.

Being Christmas and all, I wanted to include a picture of my little tree, and the meaningful story behind it. Christmas is a big deal in my family. Not only is it Christmas, but my grandpa's birthday. So for as long as I can remember it was always a day of two celebrations. We always ate  birthday cake and my grammy's pies on the same day, it was a kid's dream. Being a grown up I obviously do not go home for very long during the holidays anymore, so I get a tree of my own to make me feel more at home. This year, my boyfriend and I tried to set a day to go to the lot to pick one out. Sadly, our schedules were completely different, so I was upset and tried to accept that I would have to wait to enjoy a tree until I went home to LA for Christmas Eve. But when I got home from work last Friday there was a tree in my family room with a note that said, "Here is something to get you in the Holiday spirit. Love, Mike." It put a big smile on my face and I immediately found the decorations and put on my Glee Christmas album. So that is the picture of the end result, and is the perfect way to make me feel more at home, since we all know I definitely cannot bake a birthday cake or pie. Merry Christmas! And Happy Birthday Grandpa, we love and miss you.