And The Winner Is ...

My husband joked around on Sunday, saying that he was an "Oscars widower". It was kind of true as I settled down for an evening of glitz, glamour, awards and knitting. Truthfully I don't care that much about who wins Best Director or Best Sound Mixing, and I am grateful for a DVR so that I can skip through all of the acceptance speeches. I want to see the fashion!

The Good: looks that I loved

Can I just say ... STUNNING! Sandra Bullock was hands down THE winner of the night when she accepted her Best Actress award wearing this amazing dress. It's like she thought about what she would look like if she received a statue and was perfection from head to toe. Some criticized the shade of lipstick she wore but I think it was an accessory and completed the look.

Wowee! I think this is the first time that I saw Cameron Diaz looking like a timeless woman at the Oscars. Her hair was so pretty and I am drawn in by the two-tone crystals on her gown.

The Bad: looks that I really didn't love

Oh my. Oh dear. Okay, I understand that this dress was probably Haute Couture, an art piece. But the only good things about it that I can say is that the color looked good on Charlize Theron, as did the silhouette. I don't think I even need to address the two cinnamon buns she is wearing on her chest.

Hmmm ... where do I start? Well, I actually like the color combination and sort of appreciate the design of the front of the dress minus the weird strap across the neck. Other than that the look is all wrong. What is up with that hair Sarah Jessica Parker? Blech!

I have mixed feelings about putting this dress in "The Bad" category. It's actually not that bad, but to me it looks like a bridesmaid dress. From the waist up Kate Winslet is gorgeous and that necklace is to die for. But the skirt is just ugly with the greige colored satin and dated pleating. Pretty hair though.

The "Meh": looks that left me feeling indifferent

The skirt of this dress is so dreamy. It makes me think of a Disney princess. I wasn't too excited about the stiff bodice, the weird bracelet and the color on Amanda Seyfried; but other than that it was a pretty look.

I like this dress. The silhouette and the color are nice. But like the person wearing it, it is a little on the boring side. I guess I think of Kristen Stewart as more tomboyish, so she seems out of place in the high fashion gown. I think more jewelry would have greatly perked up this ensemble.

From the waist down this look excited me - what a gorgeous skirt! From the waist up I think the bustier didn't fit Miley Cyrus and her hair looked matronly. A darker lip would have been nice too.

Over all, I thought the gowns on the Red Carpet were lovely this year. I don't feel as let down as I did in 2009 and even if I didn't see any of the nominated Best Picture movies (except for Disney's Up). It was a great night at the Oscars!

The Leftover Solution

Recently, I came across some old Barbie clothes that my husband's Grandma Florence had knit decades ago. My mother-in-law gave them to me to keep for my daughter and I had forgotten all about them as they were stashed away in a drawer.

Suddenly, I realized what I could do with all of the leftover yarn I have! I have odds and ends of yarns in varying weights and colors and have often wondered what to do with it all. So why not use it to whip up a little Barbie shift dress or tank top in between projects? My daughter will definitely appreciate it and who knows, maybe it will be passed down to my grandchildren some day.

While I probably wouldn't choose to wear handknit pink capris, I would absolutely don the ski sweater with its charming buttons or the golden tank dress. Who would have thought that in the 1970s Grandma was so fashion forward?

There Were No Clear Winners

I watched the Golden Globes on Sunday night. I don't watch necessarily to see who will win best director and best drama because rarely do I actually see the movies that are nominated, but I LOVE fashion! I am eager to see what lovely things the ladies are wearing on the red carpet (and yes dream about what I would wear in their situation).

I can sadly say that I wouldn't want to wear most of the dresses this year. What a disappointment to say the least. To me it looks like all of the designers thought it would be fun to stick various ruffles, Brillo pads and wings onto the gowns. Perhaps they were confused and thought that massive amounts of frills and glitter were in. I say ick!

Let's start with the beautiful Kate Hudson. I hate everything about this ensemble except for the bracelet: The clunky shoes are hideous; the dress - though a great color for her skin - is too structured, like she is wearing a calla lily and tissue is falling out of her bust; and I don't like the tassel earrings.

Drew Barrymore's hair looks nice and her makeup is stunning ... but the sea urchins sticking out off her hip and shoulder are quite unfortunate. This dress would have been so beautiful without those things. They actually sort of remind me of vintage flocked Christmas tree decorations. So sad.

Poor Tina Fey. She didn't win for her role as Liz Lemon in 30 Rock (although she really should have) and she REALLY didn't win best dressed this year at the Globes! I actually gasped when I saw her shoes with the over-sized bows and the busyness of her dress coupled with the tea party skirt was just so wrong. I know you are a funny woman, Tina, but this look gets no laughs from me.

Noooooo! Oh, Nicole ... this is ... this just ... you know in the movie Cinderella when the mice make a dress out of thrown out sashes and beads? Well, it looks like they made one for Ms. Kidman as well. Let's just stick a bunch of random bows all over the place and call it Haute Couture! Sigh. Well, the color is pretty at least.

There are so many looks I disliked that I can't show them all. And I won't show Mariah Carey because I would have to do some serious editing on the "golden globes" she had hanging out of her dress, if you know what I mean! But there were some looks that were alright.

I'm not really a fan of Penelope Cruz but I am a fan of this dress. She's confident, her hair is lovely and she isn't over-styled.

Of course I adore the red. This dress on Cameron Diaz is simple, shows off her height and is nicely symmetrical (which defies this year's trend). The only thing I that I don't like the dark and chunky shoes which I will forgive her for as she didn't offend me with her ensemble.

Though frilly and asymmetrical, I still found this dress quite inspiring. The ruffles are less pronounced and close fitting while the color is a girly shade of pink. The jewelry is just right and she looks radiant. Her hairstyle isn't as elegant as I would prefer, but since it was raining that night I will cut Emily Blunt some slack.

I realize that these gowns cost thousands of dollars each. Many of them are considered to be high art. I respect the amount of planning and design that went into each dress, and I appreciate the colors for the season (black, red, pearly pink and white). However ... most of them were just too weird for me and I truly hope that the Oscars don't disappoint.

Kiddie Couture

It started out as a project for me - I had this overwhelming desire to make myself a simple little top. Then my daughter begged me to do a project with her so I decided to make a simple little top for her as well. I had in my mind that we would have coordinating fabrics that would go well together. Perhaps we would have a little photo shoot showing off our matching outfits. Then my daughter enthusiastically chose her fabric.

You can't get any more "Under the Sea" than this.

It had bubbles and sherbet colored sea animals. Her exclamations of "This is perfect" and "It will be gorgeous" deterred me from insisting on something a little less ... colorful. And really, it is totally her style: bright, cheerful and bubbly.

So, while I chose something more understated and elegant, I happily stitched away at her summery top. And judging by her prancing around in it with her mermaid doll in hand, I would say that she is quite pleased with her choice!

The Moment

Have you ever had that moment when trying on an article of clothing that makes you want to scream "YEESSS!" out loud? And maybe even do a little dance? I had that experience today.

Since it was recently my birthday I decided to have pity on my poor husband and pick something out from him (yes, I see the totally selfish undertones of this plan). I had been longing to find something to go with my French Connection sweater that I bought last year for my birthday. I haven't worn that sweater much since the ruffled shoulders feel a bit overwhelming and I didn't have the right thing to go with it. Anyway, I chose a simple cotton top also from French Connection that just screams "Kelly". Even my husband thought so when I showed him the photo. I waited thirteen long days for it to ship from New York. I frequently checked UPS to see what the status was on its journey. Today it finally arrived!

The pleated neckline is what I love the most. That and it isn't too tight on the areas I want to hide but I still have shape.

These ruffles used to make me feel like I had two large birds sitting on my shoulders. Having the perfect blouse to go with it makes me embrace their grandeur.

Here I am quietly reflecting on how great my outfit looks. Don't I look serene? Like I never once felt self-conscious of the huge matador sleeves. (Well, really a model I am not and can't seem to come up with any imaginative poses.)

I was instantly in love as I pulled it out of the box. Then ... I had that moment of pure satisfaction as I tried it on. Perfection! What made it even better is that it goes great with my ruffly sweater (I now have the confidence to wear it) and it was on SALE!

Ah, happy birthday to me indeed.

Now, Why Didn't I Think Of That?

I may be an artist, but I am not always one to think outside of the box. Especially when it comes to fashion. I think of myself as a fairly fashionable person, my style is simple and understated. Classic.

I don't accessorize much but have found that I need to wear a belt to hold my britches up over my non-existent hips and rear, but have always disliked how belts make my existent tummy look bigger than it already is. So what is a girl to do? I will either not wear a belt and risk having my pants look droopy, or wear a belt and be self-conscious over the bulky bump the buckle creates under my sweaters ... until now.

Yesterday I was admiring the outfit of the girl in front of me at the grocery store. It was a well put together ensemble (although the flip flops were a bit out of season), and I was thinking that she had a pretty belt on. Then I had that ah ha! moment. She had buckled her belt to the side, rather than the middle, to eliminate the bulk at the tummy. Well, duh! I wish I had thought of that years ago!

It's such a simple solution really. And a pretty cute, unexpected one too!

Absolutely Dazzling

In general I don't wear a lot of jewelry. Usually I'll just sport my wedding ring and a pair of earrings, and for years I have worn a simple pair of diamond studs. Since getting my haircut, I have been feeling pretty spunky and have started wearing more jewelry and even dangly earrings!

Last summer I made myself a bracelet using carefully chosen Swarovski crystals in Siam and Pacific Opal, and sterling silver. I am very pleased with the way it turned out, the way it sparkles in the light and makes me feel shiny; but I felt that a pair of earrings was just the thing to really show it off. So this last weekend I went into the local bead shop and made a pair of earrings. I love the result! They are light, easy to wear and will go with anything. And the best part is, they cost less than $10 to make!

I love the cagey globes that swing at the bottom of the earrings, and how the milky crystals dazzle in the light. They make me feel so glamorous ... but understated.

I shall now resist the urge to make a crystal tiara, that might be going a bit too far.

Ruby Slippers

It's amazing what a pair of shoes can do for a person's confidence. A high heel can make a person look and feel taller. An open toe can show off a fresh pedicure. And a burst of color can really bring together an ensemble.

I feel all of these things when I wear these:

With a fresh paint job of OPI's Eiffel For This Color, a great fitting pair of jeans and a crisp white tailored shirt, I feel darn tootin' fantastic!

Now if only I had a fabulous bag to match ...

Put A Label On Me

Don't laugh, but when I was in middle school I fancied myself to be somewhat of a fashion designer. I would spend endless hours drawing clothes and paper dolls and often dreamed of owning my own designer label some day. Being the late 1980s, the fashions were, well ... interesting. I was big into geometric cut out bathing suits and skin tight skirts in neon colors. Yup, I was so cutting edge!

For the record, I will not upload any of the paper dolls for everyone to see. Though they would be good for a laugh, I am not ready for total humiliation!

As an adult I still love clothes and design but my life has taken a much more down to earth route. I realize that I will not become the next Valentino, however since I have picked up knitting, I have created a label that I attach to any knit project I gift to others. So, in a way I have my own label and my dream has come true.

On my labels I like to include the type of yarn I used and the care instructions.

I knitted this vest for my sister using Lamb's Pride (a wool and mohair blend) by Brown Sheep Yarn Co. in Sandy Heather. It was very nice to work with and should hold up well over time.

Oh how I would love to have a stack of these vests in every color.

This vest turned out even better than the one I knitted for me. Proof that practice makes perfect (or almost perfect!)

Who knows, it's not to late in life to start a new career. Can you say knitwear designer?

Gotta Wear Shades

I just bought a new pair of sunglasses. I go through several pairs a year due to kids, my unfailing ability to drop them face-down on the pavement, and my indicision as to whether I like black or brown shades. That is just the reason why I never spend more than $14.99 on a pair!

Sunglasses are the perfect accessory. They serve me well in the high desert with the vast and cloudless sky, and the blinding snow. They are also essential for striking a fierce pose at the pesky paparazzi - combined with a simple scarf and some red lipstick, it always looks mysterious and chic.

I always go for the oversized, retro look. It fits my face well and hides my betraying eyes ... so you never know what I am really thinking.

C'est Très, Très Chic

Recently I have been cleaning out my drawers, closets and cupboards. I feel it is necessary to constantly reevaluate my junk, purge and organize. When going through our coat closet I came across my trusty old hat. It's a beret that I got my senior year in high school. I will NEVER get rid of it even though it is itchy and 15 years old.

A simple black felted wool beret is something that will never go out of style.

Ooh, la la! C'est magnifique!

The Oscars According to Me

Ah, the hoopla. The glitz. The glamour! That is pretty much why I love to watch the Oscars every year, because the truth is I have rarely seen any of the films that get nominated for Best Picture. I am not an avid follower of Sean Penn's acting career. I don't see Brad Pitt movies just to see Brad Pitt in a movie, and I think the last movie I actually saw in the theater was U23D back in March of last year.

I made it a point to watch the Oscars this year, not only for the fashion, but for Hugh Jackman! He did a great job hosting and I love how he can sing and dance, and look dreamy in a tuxedo (don't worry, my husband knows all about my little crush on Mr. Jackman, besides he has a few crushes of his own!) I think it is refreshing that someone who plays Wolverine in the X-Men movies, with his sideburns and muscles flying about everywhere, can sing and dance with so much charm and charisma. But, enough about Hugh ... because I'm sure I could write much more on the topic ...

Favorite Moment

I admit it, I misted up when Heath Ledger won the award for Best Supporting Actor. I wouldn't necessary say I have been a "fan" of his, but I think his death was sad. When his family went to accept his award and mentioned his little girl Matilda, I got a little teary eyed. I saw The Dark Knight and I have to say that his performance was incredible. I'm glad that he won.

Tense Moment

Personally, I could care less about "Brangelina" and the break up of Brad and Jen. But, along with everyone else I imagine, I was paying close attention when Jennifer Aniston went up to present the award for Best Animated Film with Jack Black. The camera kept close to Angelina Jolie to see her reaction to Jen's jokes. She pity laughed. Brad pity laughed. How weird, what an incestuous world. I'm glad I am not a part of it. I will say, that I thought Jennifer looked much more beautiful than Angelina, she was like sunshine to Angie's darkness.

Best Win

I was glad to see Kate Winslet win for Best Actress. I haven't seen The Reader, but she has always been an excellent actress in my book. Plus being nominated so many times it was good to see her win. I loved how she mentioned practicing her win in front of the bathroom mirror with a shampoo bottle when she was eight years-old. It made her relatible. I do wish to have a talk with her about her dress though, yuck!

Best Dressed

The fashion is what it's all about for me. Apparently it is for my daughter too, whom after seeing the beautiful gowns being strutted down the red carpet, she went upstairs and put on her favorite (Christmas) dress, and started singing and talking into her microphone as if SHE was at the Oscars. It was priceless! As for me, I would love to get all dressed up and show off a beautiful creation. Here are a few of my favorites from last night (although I am sure some conflict with the fashion expert's assessments):

Anne Hathaway was born to wear an evening gown. This dress with the shimmery paillettes did not disappoint. I love that she didn't wear a necklace, it would have competed with the gown.

The thing I love about this dress is the color. That poppy red is a favorite of mine. I like the cut of the gown and think it is youthful, however I feel that it overwhelmed Amanda Seyfried. Someone more statuesque like Nicole Kidman could handle it a bit better. Her hair and makeup looks beautiful.

Gorgeous. Appropriate. Elegant. I would, however, would have liked to see a little pop of color on Jessica Biel. Maybe a red bag or emerald earrings. Other than that I give this look an A!

A few more Best Dressed shout-outs. I guess I am loving the red and the pale dresses this year.

Worst Dressed

I was disappointed this year with a lot of the choices. It seems that there was a lot of tulle and beading and weird shapes. And why can't anyone wear a dress that actually fits their body?

Oh dear. Reese Witherspoon you did disappoint me. This dress is sooooo ugly! All of the beading and draping. The blue and the black together looks weird. I don't care who designed it, I just wonder why you chose it. Not. Good.

Let's have a show of hands ... who is sick and tired of seeing Beyonce in another fishtail gown? It seems to be all she wears and the black with the gold ... bleh!

Why would someone with a high probability of winning the Oscar for Best Actress wear this on the big night? While it isn't offensive, it's just uninspiring and dull. Kate Winslet should have dressed more like a princess the way Penelope Cruz did. Yawn.

These dresses, while not horrible, are considered misses in my opinion. There is just something odd going on in all of these ensembles, whether it be the color, the hairstyle (Sarah Jessica Parker for example) or the details on the gowns.

I think the award season is now officially over for the year. That gives: Hollywood a year to make movies I'll probably never see. Celebrities a year to hook up, break up and mess up with each other several times over. And fashion designers a year to design gowns that I will pick on once again in 2010.

The Wait is Over

I know I have been keeping everyone in suspense. I know you all have been biting your nails in anticipation. And now I am pleased to say ... the wait is over! I finished knitting my vest!

Okay, so maybe you have more important things to do than wait for me to post my finished project, but I would like to think that there was some curiosity out there. No? Maybe?

Anyway, I completed the vest last week and I have to say it went really well. It was my first experience with reading a pattern. It was the first thing I knit beyond scarves. And I even got a little bold and let the inner fashion designer in me come out and I added epaulettes on the shoulders! I have to say that I am pleased with the results.

As you can see, it fits! It is pretty much what I expected it to be and I love the yarn that I used. I don't have any other sweaters in this heathered merino wool.

This photo shows the epaulettes in better detail. I used a single crochet on the underside to strengthen the sides since the stockinette stitch tends to curl. I tethered them down with pearl buttons I had saved from a store bought blouse.

The yarn I used was Paton's Classic Wool Merino in Natural Marl.

Now that I am finished with my vest, I am making one for my sister for her birthday. I had her choose the yarn she wanted it made of and she chose Lamb's Pride (a wool and mohair blend) by Brown Sheep Yarn Co. in Sandy Heather.

I think it will be just lovely!

Get Out Of Here, You Are Ridiculous!

Shopping for clothes online is really a hit or miss endeavor. I personally enjoy pouring over websites, having a little retail therapy and wondering if this or that would look good on me. Recently for my birthday I received some gift certificates to an online store and suddenly I didn't have to wonder for too much longer.

I chose a gorgeous pale pink ruffle shouldered sweater from French Connection. Can I just say that I think just about everything from this brand is beautiful and very "me". Their stuff is usually pretty pricey, but with the sale and the gift certificates I only spent $6.95 of my own money for shipping.

Today my lovely new cardigan arrived. I heard the knock on the door from the UPS man. I steadied my pace as I went to the door (I didn't want to seem too eager) and I found my little package waiting for me on my front step. I carried it inside and ripped it open with vigor, tearing feverishly to get to what was inside. There it was in all of it's loveliness!

Then I tried it on and looked in the mirror.

It fit, it felt soft against my skin, the shade was delicate and understated. You would think it was perfect. But the sleeves! The sleeves are so ... full! Three ruffles on the sleeves look so beautiful in the picture, but on me they felt ... loud, poofy, flamboyant.

Perhaps I am just used to wearing simpler and more fitted clothes. Nothing too frilly, nothing too loose or chunky. But this sweater will take some time to get used to! I have decided to keep it because it's so pretty and this town could use a little classing up. But like in the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, I worry that someone will find my outfit ridiculous. In fact, Bridget frets in the car on the way to a very important lawyers supper "What if someone says ''Bridget Jones, get out of here, you are ridiculous''?

I hope no one will say to me "Kelly, get out of here, your sweater is ridiculous!"

First Lady Fashion

This election was an event for the history books - Barack Obama will be our 44th President and America's 1st black President. Whether you voted for him or not, and whether you are jazzed about his win or not, you have to admit that this election broke barriers and changed America forever.

Last night as I watched the coverage I was swept up with emotion. I thought that McCain gave an excellent speech that was respectful and gracious; and as Obama gave his victory speech I was struck by his eloquence and determination. But what really got a reaction out of me was something that is near and dear to my heart. An issue that I will look at closely for the next four years: The First Lady's wardrobe.

The Obama family was a vision in black and red on Election Day.

The first thing I said when I saw Mrs. Obama's dress was "why is she dressed up like a black widow spider?" I thought that perhaps this dress looks better up close. I thought maybe she is trying to be fashion forward and modern. But unfortunately this dress came across as looking a bit, for lack of a better word, predatory. It turns out I wasn't the only one who thought so.

This Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 dress was modified for Michelle Obama. Softer colors, or in shades of blue would have been beautiful and not so harsh.

So, while I think this dress was weird, it did peak my interest and I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve (no pun intended) for Inauguration Day.