Oscars Red Carpet Recap

And so, as of last night, Awards season has come to a close. Oscar night is my Superbowl. I have my "teams" that I cheer for, and sometimes still make my picks based on what they're wearing, much like when I make picks for football teams. (Which, honestly I don't do often at all, only when I'm helping someone else make their decision). I have to say there was a lot of glamour on the red (did it look faded to anyone else?) carpet. And there was also a lot of misses. I was expecting to see a lot more Sapphire jewelery thanks to all the Royal Wedding hoopla, but it seems that bright emerald greens have continued through all of the ceremonies this year.

So lets discuss!

The Good:

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab. Lovely color and I wish I had a picture from the front because over her girls were pale lavender lace insets. She just wouldn't quit. Sexy and elegant, people should learn from this. Lace and chiffon are eternally ladylike. Great color for spring too.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa. This little fashionista is always age appropriate from the hair to the shoes, Hailee is always spot on. She also mentioned this is a OOAK dress that she helped design. Shouldn't come as a surprise, her generation did grow up with the Olson twins!

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang. This is Sandra's color, and I'm so glad to see her bangs are gone. Those were bad! Her dress really stood out in a sea of muted tones, and I think she did a fantastic job!

The Bad:

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott. This aged her big time. I don't know if it was the dress alone though that sells her for worst dressed for me...her necklace also does nothing for this look. Which is a shame, she's wearing over a million dollars worth of Cartier. What a waste...

Melissa Leo in Marc Bouwer. Mirrored gold and lace and popped collar. No thanks. The dress was just too much and not flattering. And honestly looked like a grandma's table covering if grandma also had a closeted obsession with gold foiled fabrics.

Cate Blanchette in Givenchy Haute Couture. When I first saw this, I wasn't sold on the "sleeves" but then I saw it all, and it just got worse. It looks like an old Victorian frame. It also appeared that it was two pieces layered together, and I feel without all the framing/armor it could have been a lovely gown.

The Trends:

I noticed, as I'm sure you all did, a lot of recurring themes on the Oscar red carpet...

Blush-y nudes

Hale Berry in Marchesa, Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture, Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier, and Florence Welch in Valentino.

While we're here, holy cats did Mandy Moore grow up! I didn't recognize her at first! She's come a long way from her Walk to Remember days. I think she looked gorgeous in that dress, and the bright red lip is perfect.

Next up, bed head.

Florence Welch again, and Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana. It's the "I just rolled out of bed" look. There's nothing about ScarJo's look that I liked, and the hair only helped bring everything down, instead of trying to recover for anything. Florence looks great though.

Last trend worthy of discussion-What the? bottoms.

Nicole Kidman in Dior Haute Couture, Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere and Marisa Tomei in vintage Charles James Couture. All 3 of these dresses I loved the top half and then when they showed the entire gown I was left disappointed. Nicole Kidman has a pop of color with those shoes, but as much as I love a bright pop of color, this was not happening.

Best Recovery:

Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood. Her hair and matching shoes are an instant redemption from the Golden Globes catastrophe. While she is always true to herself, and I love her for that, the GG's were not her strongest moment, but she had fun with it. Then, Colleen Atwood won the Oscar for costume, so it was a good night for the both of them. I also die for her fan clutch she was carrying. That was perfect.

And finally, some eye candy. The one true Mr. Darcy. Even more dreamy in a tux.

Did you watch? What did you think of the Red Carpet?

Orange you glad?

So apparently there's something about this time of year. I did a similar post last year to what you're about to see. (Just without the Polyvore, as it seems to be in a fight with my computer today).

As a refresher, this time of year leaves me utterly bored with my winter clothes, and I start longing for my Spring and Summer wardrobe. I've been working hard over the past few years to have a real working closet that doesn't require total revamping every time I hit a new year/season.  It's been a lot of investing but it's hitting the point where I feel uniform and I've gotten rid of a lot of cheap quality items. I have seen the ways in the quality vs. quantity debate. Sure, I'll still buy things at Target, Forever 21 and similar stores, however, they're either trends that aren't sticking around, or items that I go through so quickly (white tanks, for example) that paying a lot doesn't make sense.

Last years colors I was craving were yellow and purple with a spattering of greys. This year, I'm feeling orange. I will still fight anyone who says orange is the new pink. Because pink is always the new pink. Specifically, oranges with turquoise and pink accents and paired with crisp bright whites. Doesn't it sound so tropical and sunny? I agree.

Here's what I'm lusting for:

Boldly Brushed Peasant (Anthropologie)

Sleeveless Cowl (Old Navy)

Silk Driving Scarf (J Crew)
(I love orange and navy together!)

Twist Handle Wristlet (Express)

Okay, and while looking up orange goodies, I came across these Tory Burch Reva flats. Seriously? I love! Where were they when I was searching high and low for bright pink ballet flats?! The only ones I could find back then were Lanvin, and I was a bride on a budget at the time. I love these!

What colors are on your radar for Spring/Summer 11? I'm excited to make some more brightly colored jewelry for my Etsy shop and for my own personal collection.

Forgive me?

I just realized I neglected to tell you that you can win a pair of my Icicle earrings over at Teaching in Heels!

(Find out more here.)

You must follow Teaching in Heels. (And well, you should because the lovely MJ has great little inspiration posts like "Wish I Was Here Wednesday" and has amazing collaborations with other blogs which are always fun to follow.)

Some of you have been coming over here from that give away so I'd like to properly introduce myself.

I'm Erin. I make jewelry (which you know). And I am a sucker for Steven Tyler, fashion, good music, good books and good fun. You'll find my ramblings here. Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments!

And, if you forgive me, you'll find a little discount code over at MJ's!

Grammys Red Carpet Recap

So, lets talk Grammy's.


Typically, the Grammy awards are when people get to be a little more artistic and daring in their choice of gown. They can make big statements, have drama and have fun with it.

Last night's awards show had the fashion but it was mild and left me expecting (wanting) more. There were a few looks that I really did enjoy, so lets take a look, shall we?

Hands down the best dressed goes to:

Cee Lo. Flamboyant feathers, chest plate, and chain maille head piece FTW!

Just kidding. He looked like what would happen if Elton John and Big Bird produced La Cage. (For the record, I'm a big fan of all three, just not really this look). Also, I didn't get the muppets...or Gwenyth.

Lea Michelle is actually my best dressed pick. Her Emilio Pucci gown is gorgeous. Of course, as of late, I'm a big fan of anything lace and ruffled.

Next is J.Lo. I may be one of the few but her head-to-toe Pucci look was perfect for her. I liked the Chevron detailing in the metallic, and the shoes...love love love.

Diana Aragon in Vivienne Westwood. Another big hit in my book. These Glee girls are bringin' it. You can't quite see it, but her earrings were really structural looking, and kind of pointed dagger looking. Loved.

The not so pretty?
Miley Cyrus. Her Roberto Cavali was just too...something. People keep talking about how she's gained weight, but whatever, she's still such a cutie in my book. My issues, dress aside, is the accessories. Coco Chanel once said "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory." Take note, Miley. Take note. Still love you. Just take note.

And this. My friends know I have the trifecta of John's on my "list" (you know the kind of list I'm talking about). It has John Cusack, Johnny Depp and John Mayer. I was so confused when I saw this at the Grammys.

Meet Johnny Mayer. Holy confusion. I did a double and triple take before I fully registered him as John Mayer. Wowzah, be still my heart. John Cusack, you're next. Then you'll form one "super John" and I'll have a few new openings on that list.

The performances were decent, although I felt Lady Gaga's performance last year was better (mostly in part for the Elton John bit). And if you follow me on twitter, you'll have seen this already, but it's great that my smaller bands that I enjoy are going to become household names overnight (Muse, Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire) and while that's exciting and they rocked it (Even if Arcade Fire was trying to bring out seizures from everyone) and I'm glad their getting their kudos.

What say you all?

Rock the red pump

(it took me far too many tries to type "pump" not "pimp" for the record)

I recently came across something called "The Red Pump Project", and was really impressed with what I found out about them.

They're an organization (along with the Red Tie Project, and The Red Project Collective) to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS to minority groups through education and open dialogue about sexual health.

March 10th happens to be National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and what they've done is put a call out, asking bloggers to simply, "Rock the Red Pump" along with a little blurb about the significance.

Since I own a pair of (mostly) red pumps that aren't worn that often, I took this as the perfect opportunity to help raise awareness and at the same time wear my rockin' red pumps. I often get compliments from them while at work, at Starbucks, etc when I do wear them and I'm promising to make sure people are aware of the reason behind my wearing them that day.

So, if you're interested in supporting them, I urge you go sign up yourself. And I'll be sure to show you how I rocked my red pumps on March 10th!

Book Nerd Alert.

It may come as no surprise, but I love books. I'm a major book nerd. I love just wandering book stores, looking at the books. The way the covers feel in my hand, the way the pages fan as I flip through it. It's the one kind of store where I can leave empty handed and still feel fulfilled.

My books take on personalities, they change from inanimate to animate objects in my world. I treat them with care and caution as I read each, and if I lend out a book, the borrower will get a speech about how it needs to come back in the same condition. No dogeared pages, pristine cover, and for the love of all things good, DO NOT BREAK THE SPINE! I was married for almost two and a half years before husband and I integrated our bookcases, and even then, it was nerve wracking. Sure I guess it's a sign we've "made it" if I'm willing to let my books hang out with his. He is a little bit more tough on books...he'll remove a dustcover and leave it somewhere (typically the desk) and let things accumulate on top of them. Not this girl.

One genre I do particularly enjoy is Fashion non-fiction. None of that Shopaholic for me. I've enjoyed books from Simon Doonan, Biographies on Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Evelyn Nesbet, etc. I have two books on Isabella Blow on my list to buy next, I love her. So, while I was reading my past issue of Vogue, I was beyond geeked out when I found out that Camilla Morton (of "How to Walk in High Heels" fame) was coming out with a "Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir" series, blending a classic fairy tale with a fashion icons story. Starting with "Sleeping Beauty" as illustrated by none other than Christian Lacroix.

(source and also Camilla's site)

I found this book at a recent trip to my local bookstore, and I got the chance to flip through the book. The illustrations are breathtaking, whimsy and fierce. (That's a Christian Siriano fierce for the record. Not a fire breathing dragon fierce.). The cover, has a sheer dustcover over the book that gives the cover a three dimensional feel and look. It took everything in me to not walk out with this book in my hand. This book will be coming to me when I buy my Isabella Blow books. I can't wait to own this book. I have already been fantasizing about handing all the books in this series (4 tales total according to Vogue) to my future daughter.

Next up in the series? "The Elves and the Shoemaker" with none other than Manolo Blahnik. I die! Which is slated for Fall 2011.

Sneak a peek at petal & pink!

hahaha that title cracks me up. I'm a total nerd and will rhyme when I can. (Although, now I'm cringing. I hate alliteration, and that teeters the line of it....)

Right. Onto business. Here's a sneak peek at my new line. The goods will be hitting the shop later on today, I'll be adding one piece a day all week and all next week. Then sporadically the following. (I'm not a machine, people!)

What do you think? Are you as excited as I am?! There is cohesion when you see it all. I promise. And it's not just green. I have to yell at myself lately to lay off the green. What up with that?