After the Party It's the After Party

I love the Academy Awards - the glamour of the red carpet, the honoring of those who do amazing work - it's a magical night.  But in my book, if I could attend anything, it'd be the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  I look forward to perusing the images every year - everyone seems more relaxed and in their element, and in my book, the after-party dresses are even better than those found on the red carpet.  And last night was no exception.  

Some Looks I was seriously loving....

Kate Beckinsale's Updo

Alice Eve's Sleek, Red Gown

Emmy Rossum's Awesome Head Piece

Rosie Huntington Whiteley's Ruffled Dream of Dress

Cutest Couple Award Goes to Miranda Kerr & Orlando Bloom

Or Maybe Paula Patton and Robin Thicke are the Winners...

Lilly Collins is my Best Dressed of the Night

All images via Vanity Fair.

A Dash of Glamour

Perhaps it's the fact that I don't go out quite as much as I used to (anyone else miss college?)  Or maybe I'm not traveling enough.  But there has been a distinct lack of glamour in my life.    I'm happy to be working, and I like the steady pace of my life, but alas, a little sparkle needs to be added.  And although I might not get to go to any fab dinner parties anytime soon (a'la Charlotte Casiraghi, above) I think little changes will do the trick.  I'll update next week and let you know how it goes.   But here are the ways I'm thinking of adding some elegance to my daily routine.

• Keep my nails freshly mani'd.  I just bought Chanel Nail Lacquer in Quartz.  It's so pretty.
• Take time to listen to music.  This used to be my meditation and I don't do it nearly enough.  Time to change that.  
• Extra long dinners (with wine.)  At least once a week dinner needs to be drawn out - good food, good convo, good vino.  Perfect.
• Wear some sparkle.   If I'm bored with my wardrobe, adding a pair of pretty earrings or an elaborate necklace can change my whole mood.
• Light candles.  And I just don't mean the candles on my coffee table I light nightly - I mean the sconces I have throughout my house. It's the quickest way of cozying up a space.
• A new 'do.   I want to perfect the fishtail.  And get back out my curling iron.  I've fallen back into using curlers exclusively and it's a yawn.  Time to switch it up.

How do you add elegance to your everyday life?

Big Eyes & Pink Lipstick

I think that if I could look like anyone it might be Amanda Seyfried.  Those big green eyes, and pouty lips have me a bit envious.  And although her looks are other-worldly, she proves to be quite down to earth in her interview with British Glamour.   Love these shots and just had to share them.  

Hello, Glamour

I don't want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.

Marilyn Monroe

The world of journalism is changing rapidly.  I could talk for hours on such matters, but my latest obsession to come from this change are the beautiful fashion videos designers and magazines are now producing.  It's an amazing way to translate fashion.  I relate it to the way that music videos tell stories for songs - it's the most obvious way to get a point across. For instance, the less than a minute video  above was made during a shoot for Vogue Italia.  Add some quick edits, cool lighting effects, and set it to a sultry tune and it's  easy to see the glamourous vibe that was achieved in this shoot.