Happy Birthday, Kris!

Happy birthday to my fabulous husband!  Today he turned 29 on the 29th - which means it's his once-in-a-lifetime-special birthday!  Of course, it's not a birthday unless you celebrate with sushi, ice cream cake, and presents  :-)

Cannes' Beauties

The stars really amped up the wow-factor at this year's Cannes Film Festival.  My usual "duds" showed up looking glamorous and classy - not once, but during the entire festival.  Anyone want to join me and buy a week's worth of dresses and go to France next year around this time?! 



Angelina Jolie stunned in this chocolate brown, glamorous Atelier Versace gown, which - of course - had her signature thigh-high slit.




Rosario Dawson, when did you get so hot and skinny?  A white and silver Roberto Cavalli strapless gown; a scarlet Roberto Cavalli mermaid gown; a rockin' Roberto Cavalli mini; and a tiered lavender Alberta Ferretti gown with a metallic clutch.






As if Salma Hayek could look anything but gorgeous?  First, in head-to-toe, traffic-stopping Gucci; and for opening night, a gray Gucci Première gown with crystal detailing.



Uma Thurman in a strapless white Versace gown with a low-cut back and a thigh-high slit.

But that isn't all - a white, mermaid-silhouette, cap-sleeve Chanel gown with a metallic VBH clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals; a lacy Dolce & Gabbana dress and Giuseppe Zanotti sandals; and a slim-fitting, rosette-adorned Chanel Haute Couture gray gown.

SJP is making Carrie Bradshaw jealous with a piece from Dolce & Gabbana's star-loved white dress collection and this drop-dead glamorous Elie Saab gown with lace detailing (my favorite gown of the festival!).



I can't even believe it myself, but Kirsten Dunst has made a statement - and it isn't for not wearing a bra.  She looks so sweet in an ethereal Chanel Haute Couture creation; an elegantly textured Rodarte halter gown; a perfectly summery marigold Chloé frock and strappy nude Jimmy Choo sandals; and a radiant pink and silver Chanel Haute Couture.



Gwen Stefani takes the cake for me - best overall look, including hair and makeup.  Even though I'm not usually a fan of a black-and-white palette, Gwen nails it each and every time.  A plunging embroidered Stella McCartney jumpsuit; a cut-out Armani Privé and her signature red lips; and a custom L.A.M.B. gown with haute gold lip gloss to match her metallic belt.

It was a close call, but Rachel McAdams is second runner-up.  I loved her retro, elegant style - a Maxime Simoens Couture white dress and Salvatore Ferragamo peep toes; a Monique Lhuillier gold jumpsuit with a sparkly bust; and a racy lace Marchesa gown



Which Real Housewife Are You?

Well, a miracle has happened - and my internet is BACK at work!  To celebrate this blessed event, I have created a quiz for all of you Real Housewives junkies out there.  Let's be honest - I am ob-sessed to the max with these shows.  The fact that beginning next week, there will be three different sets of crazy, drama-filled episodes on per week makes me ecstatic. 

So, this obsession begs the question, which Real Housewife are you?  Are you a table-flipper or a weave-puller? There’s only one way to find out!

1. Which phrase are you most likely to use in conversation?
A. Bam!
B. Prostitution whore!
C. Of course I’m on the guest list!
D. Woo hoo!
E. Satchels of gold!
F. I don’t need a catchphrase. Money talks.

2. What are your favorite fashion statements?
A. Turqouise nail polish and two-tone hair.
B. I love big hair, and leopard print makes me purrrr.
C. Blondes have more fun, especially when they’re wearing expensive shoes.
D. A cell phone attached to my ear, or a glass of wine in my hand. Sometimes, one of each.
E. I wear real fur and micro miniskirts.
F. Lots of makeup and shiny hair extensions.

3. Describe your relationship with your significant other.
A. We haven’t had a real conversation in weeks.
B. We have sex several times a week.
C. We are partners in crime(s).
D. Work is my significant other.
E. I’m playing the field right now.
F. We bicker a lot, but we’re totally in love.

4. How would you most like to spend your free time?
A. Running my mouth to anyone who’ll listen.
B. Spending money I don’t have.
C. Combing my calendar for the next party to crash.
D. On a boat or at an outdoor party with friends.
E. Attending fashion shows.
F. Taking friends on vacation in a private jet.

5. Which best describes your offspring?
A. My jobless adult son is still freeloading off me.
B. I spoil them rotten and when they don’t get their way, they cause a colossal scene.
C. I don’t have kids.
D. They are still under my control, even though they’re technically adults.
E. My tweens are probably smarter than me.
F. They are well-adjusted and enjoy spending time with the family.

6. If I could choose, my career would be:
A. As a bonfide celebrity, instead of a reality star.
B. A professional shopper.
C. I’d change it up every day, depending on whom I was talking to.
D. A successful salesperson.
E. In the fashion industry.
F. As a freakin’ mogul.

7. Complete this sentence: “My friends ___________.”
A. Are also my worst enemies.
B. Always have my back, even during physical altercations.
C. Don’t really like me.
D. Think I need to leave my laptop at home, but know I am there if they really need me.
E. Want me to seek therapy.
F. Look to me for sound advice.

8. You’ve been cast on a reality show. How would you try to extend your 15 minutes of fame?
A. Try to get cast on other reality shows, or make a career in television.
B. By writing a cookbook and being terrible with money.
C. Pulling half-cocked stunts and hoping publicity comes my way.
D. I’m busy with my real life. I don’t have time for all that.
E. Pose for Playboy, and feed the media some crazy quotes every so often.
F. I didn’t need the fame before, and I don’t need it now.

9. Someone makes you angry. How do you react?
A. Threaten to snap their neck. How dare someone challenge me?
B. Throw furniture or chase them through a party. Once I lose my temper, I have no self-control.
C. Play dumb. “What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything.”
D. I get drunk, let them have it, and then head back to the office.
E. I spout incomprehensible phrases, interchanged with horrible insults, then become totally paranoid and somewhat unstable.
F. I confront the problem so it doesn’t fester, then I move on.

10. What is one of the worst things that’s happened to you?
A. A loved one insulted and embarrassed me in a public forum.
B. Some bitch tried to come between me and my family. NOBODY does that and gets away with it.
C. People accuse me of being a perpetual liar at least once a day.
D. Take your pick: My good friend stabbed me in the back, my daughter had a cancer scare, and I’m getting divorced after 16 years of marriage.
E. I went on this vacation with my “friends,” and they made me have a mental breakdown.
F. I signed up for a reality show with a bunch of crazy bitches.

If you chose mostly A's:

You are NeNe Leakes from Real Housewives of Atlanta
Bold in personality and in looks, you are never, ever the wallflower. Depending on the day, you’re either the life of the party or the end of the fun. You’re sharp and funny, but you also tell it like it is — and if someone close to you does you wrong, you cut them off like BAM! People may or may not like you, but they always know who you are. Still, you do have a soft spot underneath all that attitude; you’re loyal to people who treat you right.

If you chose mostly B's:

You are Teresa Guidice from Real Housewives of New Jersey
Family means everything to you, but shopping ranks a close second. And when you combine the two? Your loved ones are showered with gifts, and your credit cards catch fire from overuse. But life is not all Fendi and rainbows. You also have an explosive temper, and if you’re not careful, it could land you in the slammer. If that doesn’t scare you straight, maybe this will: They don’t allow leopard-print jumpsuits in jail.

If you chose mostly C's:

You are Michaele Salahi from Real Housewives of D.C.
You’ve been trying to find yourself for years, and now you finally have. Except being called a gatecrasher, a fraud, and a liar wasn’t exactly what you had in mind. Underneath all the bad press, you are incredibly strong (who else could handle tons of public scrutiny?), but to unleash your true potential, you need to unload the bad influences in your life and start anew.

If you chose mostly D's:

You are Vicki Gunvalson from Real Housewives of Orange County
You work harder than anybody, and although you care deeply for the people around you, they get tired of playing second fiddle to your job. Try to find some middle ground, and delegate some of your duties at work. Because you know better than anyone that when you DO let your hair down, you can “Woo Hoo” with the best of ‘em! You made all that money, girl … isn’t it time you take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor?

If you chose mostly E's:

You are Kelly Bensimon from Real Housewives of New York City
You mean well, but are often misunderstood — and let’s face it, you probably do a fair amount of misunderstanding, too. If your friends are concerned about your well-being, perhaps you should listen. Focus on what’s most important to you, and try not to get wrapped up in all the drama. Oh, and stop wearing fur!

If you chose mostly F's:

You are Adrienne Maloof from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
You are about as balanced as Real Housewives come. Your career and family are both thriving, which, in turn, leaves you with no tolerance for drama and bullshit. Your friends often call you the peacemaker and look to you for solid, sound advice — just not advice about accessorizing, because that’s one area where you have a tendency to go overboard.



Bad News Bears

Friends, I'm sorry to say that I have some good news and some bad news.  I'll give you the bad news first in hopes that you forget all about it during the good news portion.

When I arrived at work this morning and began my usual internet routine, I discovered that the new internet settings of my employer have now blocked Facebook (GASP!) and - it gets worse - my blog.  As you can imagine, I am completely devastated.  I have immediately begun researching smart phones, but of course, I am not due for an upgrade until July 27th.  So, until I have this all sorted out, the postings on my blog may not occur as frequently as usual, seeing as how the majority of my research and posting takes place between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Good news:



Feast your eyes on these fabulous shoes that my girlfriends wore out on Saturday night.  I have to admit, I was a little ashamed of myself for wearing plain, regular black peep toe pumps.  But, since I am lucky enough to see my girlfriends two Saturday nights in a row, I promise that I will make it up to them this Saturday  :-)

Fashion Friday: Met Costume Gala



I may be a few days behind, but I have certainly not forgotten about the presentation of fashion at the Annual Costume Institute Gala.  This year, the Gala celebrated the opening of the Met Museum's new exhibition, “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty."  Good year for Sarah Burton, huh?!  This event is hosted by Vogue and has been termed the Oscars of the East Coast.  As you can imagine, the stars did not disappoint.  

And neither did the decorations.  As Vogue describes it:

"In McQueen's honor, the museum was decorated like a beautiful, romantic English garden with heather and wildflowers lining the great staircase, towering trees and hedges sprouting from the halls, and pots of garden roses and peonies haphazardly placed among glittering votives on rustic wood tabletops.

After cocktails in the Petrie Court, the sound of bagpipes filled the air as guests were summoned to a dinner that included artichoke, poached quail eggs, American caviar, Highland beef, and spring vegetables—and a performance by Florence + The Machine that had everyone on their feet."

Here are some of my absolute, to-die-for favorites of the evening:

Jenny Lo is HOT in a fuchsia peek-a-boo Gucci gown with floral bolero and pink clutch

SJP pays tribute to the designer in a high-necked, glittering Alexander McQueen gown, which she pairs with jade green pumps

Ashley Greene wears a one-of-a-kind, blush tulle Donna Karan gown with a major mermaid train

Ashley Olson (surprise, surprise!) shows off her shoulders in a puffy-sleeved vintage Dior Couture frock



Emma Roberts shows a little skin in her cut-out Michael Kors white silk crepe column gown and black crocodile envelope clutch



Eva Mendes rocks a deep blue, pleated silk Stella McCartney gown with a thick gold belt

Ginnifer Goodwin inspires envy in her plunging emerald wrap Topshop dress, adding sparkle with turquoise and pearl jewelry, plus contrasting eggplant Aperlai sandals

Jennifer Hudson in a gray pleated organza Vera Wang gown with tulle rosettes

Naomi Watts is lovely in a nude embroidered Stella McCartney gown with rose gold belt



Rhianna makes a statement in her one-shoulder peek-a-boo lace Stella McCartney gown and Christian Louboutin sandals (and horrific braided ponytail) 

Selma Hayek looked incredible in a peach organza Alexander McQueen couture dress and a champagne-hued clutch

Taylor Swift picks a super-romantic black and nude lace J. Mendel petal gown, designed by her date!

Zoe Saldana was a ray of sunshine in a striking yellow, belted Calvin Klein Collection column with a long train



Gisele stuns in strapless, fire-engine red archive Alexander McQueen gown with a dramatic train

And then there were those whom I didn't love so much, even though I realize that if you are going to go over the edge with fashion, this is the place to do it.

I say EW! to Alicia Keys' head-to-toe chocolate-colored ensemble by Givenchy Haute Couture

Attention Freida Pinto - Black Tie Required doesn't apply to the women
Dressed in a white silk Chanel Haute Couture gown

Go big or go home!
Iman should just go home in this bronze and gold embroidered long sleeve Stella McCartney jumpsuit

These prints just didn't work for me.

Amy Adams in a curlicue-embroidered L'Wren Scott gown

Beyonce in a curve-hugging, embellished Emilio Pucci gown

... so tight that Jay-Z and another had to actually help her up the stairs because she couldn't move.  How did she sit for dinner?!

Kristen Stewart in a crimson Proenza Schouler gown

Is Madonna pooping birds?!  This aqua Stella McCartney gown is terrible.

Michelle Williams, get a new stylist.  It's been years since you've chosen a great gown.
Dressed in a swallow-embellished Miu Miu gown

Naomi Campbell in her Alexander McQueen gown

There seemed to be a Black Swan/feathers/ballerina theme.  I can do feathers, but I'm sorry to say, these ladies look ridiculous.  I think that they are jealous of Natalie's Oscar!

As you know, I am all about wearing a fascinator - except this one.  This is HIDEOUS.  And the gown doesn't help.
Demi Moore in feathered Prabal Gurung dress with a Philip Treacy fascinator

I am in love with Christina Ricci's full trumpet skirt and amazing train, but the rest of her spiderwebby lace Zac Posen gown is hideous.

Liv Tyler joins the flock in a white-and-yellow ombré Givenchy Haute Couture gown.  I could really love the front of this gown if I didn't see the bird on her butt cheeks. 

Lucy Liu's sheer Vionnet gown does not do her justice.



Oh, Miranda Kerr.  No thank you to this Marchesa mini and platform sandals.