Throw It In the Bag

all aboard ship clutch/essex scout/newspaper clutch/all typed up clyde

Once again, Kate Spade has thrown a surprise sale our way. This one isn't just any sale, it's being touted as the "Greatest Hits Sale" of some of their favorite bags. It should have been called "All the Fun Bags That Lindsay Has Always Wanted Sale" as there are some on here that I have been coveting for months. My favorite Kate Spade purses are the non-traditional ones, especially the clutches. They are just so fun and you can't not be noticed when you carry them. I have the Great Gatsby Book Clutch and I get comments about it all the time (unfortunately, most of them are "did you really bring a book to this restaurant/party?" so apparently people think I'm terribly antisocial). 

Unfortunately, I won't be pulling the trigger on this particular sale given that it's not even a month post-holiday and I need another purse like I need a hole in the head. Even though I'm kind of dying over the boat clutch (since I first pinned it a year ago), I will just have to be strong, and hope that you are inspired enough by my picks that you purchase one of them and then let me live vicariously through you.

~L

You Better Work: Week Forty Three

Hey, remember when I used to wear black to work everyday, but then I got a new job where I got to pick out what I wanted to wear like a regular human being, so I took pictures of my outfits everyday on Instagram and then I blogged about it every week? I know, it hardly rings a bell to me too. Once I moved, my life was in shambles for a bit and my apartment was a disaster for months. Plus it was summer and life + work was so crazy. What's even crazier is there actually were a lot of days that I did continue to take daily #ootd shots, but I never posted them because I was so far behind that I'll felt like I couldn't catch up.

But it's a new year and as you may have heard from every overly-optimistic woman, it's time for a fresh start. So the first day I went back to work after the holidays, I decided to pick back up again. Partly because I got a bunch of new clothes that I was super excited to show off, and also because it's really something that I enjoy doing. It's like a digital scrapbook of all your best (and sometimes worst) looks over a period of time. I love looking back at even just the small amount of pictures I did take and seeing what ensembles I put together. Some of them are pretty cute, if I do say so myself. 

So now that it's 2014, it's time to get back into the swing of things. I did some math and figured out that based on the first week that I started my job on Nantucket, this would be week forty three (considering the last one was week eleven, we definitely have some catching up to do). So let's delve right in!

Monday

j.crew sweater & skirt/forever 21 tights/old navy flats

Some people might think that this is a spring skirt, but I think a pop of daffodil yellow is just what the doctor ordered in January. I have this wool skirt in tan and I'm obsessed. It's the perfect skirt for fall/winter. Both of these pieces were Christmas gifts and immediately after I opened them I pictured them together. I paired them with an old pair of lace tights and my new nude flats, and although you can't see it in the picture, they have a snazzy gold heel. I wasn't sure if I would be a fan but I've worn them multiple times and I love them.

Tuesday

j.crew blazer/ny & company top/gap pants/old navy flats/kate spade necklace

Does this blazer look familiar? It should, since I now have three of them in different colors. The J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer is one of the best fashion investments I ever made (well, I would have invested in them but I was fortunate enough to receive them as gifts). They go with everything and are so easy to throw on and just snazz up an outfit, no matter how casual. I picked up these printed pants on clearance at the Gap after Christmas, and practically fainted at the register when they told me they were $9. My wardrobe is very skirt and dress heavy, and I need some more fun pants to make it through the winter. No matter how basic the outfit, you can't go wrong with these glitter flats. I saw them on someone's Instagram and immediately tried to order them, but they were nowhere to be found on the Old Navy website. But once again, I couldn't resist being on the mainland over Christmas and visited all my favorite stores, and there they were, in my size, for $11. I wanted to buy four of them so I could wear them for the next ten years. But I held back. I know... it's hurts to have so much self control sometimes. 

Wednesday

gap dress/kate spade bag/payless boots/paper source necklace

Even in the winter, I can't resist a nautical look. This is appropriate though, because this is a very thick knit sweater dress (also on Gap clearance), accented by my new Kate Spade bag from my loving husband (also known as the Gift Whisperer, because he is just so damn good). But the piece that really makes this outfit for me is this super fun felt pom pom necklace that my mom found at Paper Source, of all places. I know, right? Not just for overpriced stationary anymore. 

Thursday

target sweatshirt/victoria's secret top/j.crew pants/old navy flats/claire's bracelet

I don't know if I can even express how much I wanted a jeweled sweatshirt. I believe I may have written about it a time or two. Unfortunately, all the ones I was dreaming of were a bajillion dollars, and I just couldn't justify dropping such a large chunk of change on a sweatshirt. So just imagine the jazz dance number I performed down the aisles of Target when I found this one for $9.99. Dream.come.true. I wanted to profesh it up a bit for work, so I added a collared shirt and my teal skimmer pants with those gold heeled flats again. 

Friday

old navy jacket/j.crew sweater/boutique at stowe mercantile skirt/express
tights/payless  booties/forever 21 necklace

I never expected to see me in a (faux) leather jacket either, and I certainly didn't know if I could make it work for work, but I really love this ensemble. I loved it a little less when I got to work and saw every other person in my office in jeans. Yep. It was Clean Up Day and I didn't even know it. Because they didn't tell any of the new people, so all of us that had never been part of Clean Up Day had no idea of the lack of wardrobe constraints. Don't worry, I have been promised a makeup day in the future. I actually wore this skirt my first day at my job back in March, so I love figuring out new ways to wear it in the chillier season. 

So that's it for week forty three, and if you can believe it, I already have pictures from week forty four. Bam! Who owns this New Year's thing? Me. Well, at least for another week.

~L

All That Glitters Is Not Golden Globes

Alright guys, this is it. We are officially in it. Awards season has truly begun. I'm not sure if any of you put my awards essentials to use, but I certainly enjoyed my evening right where I wanted to be: on my couch, in sweats (with the tuxedo t-shirt, of course) cozied up with a glass of pink wine with all my tech devices in reach (for easy access to the new Facebook page). It was another banner year filled with winners (J.Law, again), losers (E! and their "fun facts"), surprises (Brooklyn Nine Nine, anyone?) and WTF? moments (bless your poor drunk heart, Jacqueline Bisset). But of course, my favorite thing is always the fashion, or sometimes lack thereof. So let's delve right into our Globes get ups.

l to r: jenna dewan-tatum, amy poehler, margot robbie

At every award show every year, I am always annoyed with the lack of color on the red carpet. This year, these were actually some of my favorites. I look at Jenna Dewan-Tatum in that gorgeous black and white gown that reminds me of a modern day Sabrina, and then I have to pick my jaw up off the floor when I realize she had a baby like six months ago (and wakes up to Magic Mike everyday, sometimes life just isn't fair). Then there's Amy Poehler, who automatically starts ten points above everyone else for being an awesome trifecta of super-funny host, SNL alum, with Massachusetts roots. Sometimes she really gets it wrong, so I was pleasantly surprised when she arrived in this sassy black number. It's safe, and I don't quite understand that off-center cutout, but I will give her the most approved award (although I sort of loved that she wore a tux last year with nothing underneath it. Unfortunately, she ruined it by wearing capris). And newcomer Margot Robbie- talk about making an entrance. This white sheath gown just lay across her body, smooth as silk in all the right places, accented with a green jeweled detail and coordinating shoes. For someone who is starring in such a ridiculous movie, she made the most perfectly demure yet sexy appearance, especially after Ryan Seacrest couldn't remember that he had already met her. 

l to r: kate beckinsale, michelle dockery, julianna margulies

Again, I am like shocking myself with the lack of color in some of my best picks. I think think Kate Beckinsale and Michelle Dockery's dresses are my absolute two favorites of the night, but for completely different reasons. I'm convinced that Kate is no longer an actress, as I haven't heard of her starring in anything since those fifty bajillion Underworld movies. I think she is now a professional presenter, because I feel like I only see her looking gorgeous at award shows. I think they just insert her into events in Hollywood to remind the other actresses to keep it together, because she is clearly unemployed and ready to jump in and take your spot in a hot second. Michelle looks so beautiful and classy, which seems easier for some reason when you're British. She was looking a little goth-ish the last few years on the carpet, but I think here she looks so fresh and like she could just dance all night in a movie musical in that high-low dress. And last in one of my least favorite actresses Julianna Margulies. I know, I know, everyone loves The Good Wife, just like everyone loved E.R. I don't know why, I've just never been a fan. Plus I think she's had some real misses in the wardrobe category. But I love this black and gold brocade gown. It's a little sexy but still age appropriate, plus those shoulders give it a kind of a strong woman warrior stance. 

l to right: helen mirren, taylor schilling, olivia wilde 

Christmas is over, but that didn't stop a bevy of ladies from showing in varying forms of this holiday hue. Unfortunately for Helen Mirren, this shapeless dress hung on her usually bodacious frame, while Taylor Schilling seemed to have forgone undergarments all together. Have you seen her on Orange is the New Black? Girl is gorgeous even in a prison jumpsuit. So why did she choose this severe shade with the neckline of a 1970's nightgown? Don't even get me started on her makeup. Something just went wrong here, because she just doesn't look like her usual fresh self. Now someone who put a lot of thought into the shape of things, my girl Reese Witherspoon. I like her because she looks like a normal person that just happens to be a movie star. A few years ago she got real skinny post-divorce and people were fawning over her (and her bangs), but I like her like this. I will support her to the end, but I just don't know that I'm feeling this haircut. I mean it's a bob... with bangs. Elle Woods made an entire speech in Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde about the hideousness that can be a bob with bangs. It's a little mom-ish for me, and yes, I get that she is in fact, a mom, but she's also a movie star. Speaking of moms, Olivia Wilde brought her baby bump as a +1 to the red carpet, clad in this slithery deep green number. I thought the dress was beautiful, but I feel like I've seen it before. Remember Florence Welch at the Grammys last year? It's almost identical, minus the reptile-like spikes. And I am so.over.that.hair. I thought the ombre thing had died like a year and a half ago. 

l to ri: emma roberts, leslie mann, sofia vergara

Remember when I said I was loving some of the dresses that were lacking in color this year? Well there was also a handful of forgettable all-black gowns as well. Don't get me wrong, they're perfectly nice, but nothing to write home about. Starting with Emma Roberts. Now I know she's on American Horror Story, but I felt like she was channeling Elvira a bit in the body-hugging off the shoulder number, minus the curves. Between the dress and that slicked back hair, I just thought she looked... dull. Like I don't have anything else to even say about it, I'm just so bored with what is happening in this photo. Leslie Mann looks okay, but I feel like the peplum gown was very 2013, and it's a whole new year, honey. And it's hard to tell, but is there like a weird concave thing happening in her boob area? Oh, Sofia Vergara. What is there even to say? I don't really know what to do with her. When she wears a tight-fitting dress she looks like she's competing in the Miss Universe pageant, and when she wears something full she looks out of place, like she's trying to cover up her curves. Well, half of her curves, at least. I'm impressed with her teeny waist, but could the designer have hacked off a foot of fabric from the skirt and added a little more support for the girls? I'm nervous just looking at them. Luckily, they have those turquoise pebbles weighing them down that look like they came from an Orlando gift shop. 

l to r: uma thurman, cate blanchett, jessica chastain

Oh, so we're not finished with the all-black thing? Okay. Uma Thurman, where you been? I'm not entirely sure why she was there. Did she even present? I don't remember seeing her once on the live telecast. She looks more birdlike than ever in this turtleneck looking thing. I'm definitely not a fan. And I'm sorry, I must be the only person in the world that doesn't think that Cate Blanchett is a fashion icon. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with her, she looks very nice and all, but I see it, I get it, and I've moved on. And Jessica Chastain. I cannot believe she had the nerve to show up again with that pushed back hair. What is that?! I'm sorry, that is not a style. That is how I used to look when my dad picked up at swimming lessons and I would stick my head out the window to dry my hair. I was so preoccupied with her coif I barely took a second look at her gown, but guess what? It's a black dress. What else is there to say?

l to r: emma thompson, hayden panettiere, melissa mccarthy

Well at least these ladies tried with a little bit of detailing to offset the rest of the Addams Family. Unfortunately, it didn't help all that much. I'm not sure what Emma Thompson was going for with this two-toned dress, but I am never a fan of looks where the top and bottom look like they were taken from two completely different outfits. Hayden Panettiere is working the colorblocking trend, but I'm not sure this particular pattern is the most flattering way to do it. And unless she just came from the beach, there is nothing acceptable about that hair for an award show (and even then, still...no). I want to like Melissa McCarthy's dress, I really do. I mean, it's an improvement from that green Shrek looking number from a few years ago, but it has about as much style as a metallic-trimmed bathrobe. 

l to r: drew barrymore, sarah hyland, maria menounos, aubrey plaza

I mean, does this not feel like a breath of fresh air after the funeral attire we just escaped? Don't get me wrong, some if it is God awful- I'm just happy I can see color again. Apparently, Drew Barrymore is celebrating Valentine's Day a little early this year. Ironically, this dress totally coincides with her upcoming photography book launch featuring... pictures that she has taken over the past twenty years of things that look like hearts. I get that she is a mother now, but it seems like she is letting her daughter pick her clothes and her projects. Modern Family's eldest child Sarah Hyland has done a complete 180 from the sexier looks she's been sporting over the past year. Unfortunately I think she went to far in the opposite direction with that damn milkmaid braid, accented by an unnaturally strong eyebrow. I'm all for working what your momma gave ya, but it's not like she's Jennifer Connelly. Like, where did those things come from all of a sudden? I think the color of Maria Menounos' gown is terrific on her, but I still don't understand why anyone thinks it's flattering to showcase that pancake boob that you get when your dress pushes down too hard in the chest area. Plus, a ponytail? I'm sorry, did you stop on over to host the red carpet on your way back from the gym? And Aubrey Plaza. I was not expecting the black widow of Parks & Rec to show up in this bubble gum number. I feel like I almost like it, or I want to like it, but I can't help but feel that it's two different 90s bridesmaid dresses sewn together. I think the colors are great for her and she should keep heading in this direction, especially with a fun patterned shoe. Those will take you everywhere. 

l to r: kerry washington, robin wright, naomi watts, kate mara

Turns out, it doesn't have to be black to be boring. Once again, there was a slew of looks in my least favorite color, otherwise known as "fakakta." Some of them are shiny, but there's still that paper bag hue disguised underneath. All people were talking about before the show was what would Kerry Washington wear? Everyone had very high hopes, given her history of being a fashionista, not to mention, her first public experience with a baby bump. When I saw her in this, I was overwhelmingly underwhelmed. It's just so simple. And what purpose does the ruffle serve? I hate to say these words in the presence of designer gowns, but it was very David's Bridal to me. Robin Wright has been looking pretty smoking lately. She's sporting that pixie cut better than girls have her age, and she's like Madonna-jacked, minus the scary arms. For having such an amazing body (and a boyfriend like 15 years her junior), I was not excited about this dress on her, and once I saw her boob tape during her acceptance speech, I realized it's not that functional, either. Naomi Watts blew me away at the Oscars last year, and then she shows up in this thing that has cutouts (one of my least favorite trends) yet gives her no shape. I don't know why Kate Mara needed to go this far in the other direction with her hair- she had the most beautiful shade of red before. Also it's a little past the point of "undone" that now it just looks messy. Between her skin, hair and dress, everything is just blending in. Until I saw this picture, I didn't even know she was there. And now that I'm done talking about her, I forgot about her already. 

l to r: allison williams, lena dunham, zosia marmet, jemima kirke

Oh, the Girls. The voices of our generation. Hopefully they're not the fashion icons of our generation, because if that's the case, we got a problem. The normally gorgeous Allison Williams is looking a little zombie-esque in this black and white gown topped with... fur? And extra straps? Like, what is that? It's like she's in a zebra print straight jacket. She looks so scary and thin I just want to throw sandwiches at her. And then there's Lena Dunham, who no matter what will never have people not talking about what her body looks like in or out of clothes (mostly out). I could care less about her body, I actually think this dress is a good color on her, but I find the top to be very ill-fitting. When I was a teenager, a guy once told me that girls shouldn't wear tube tops (which I happened to be wearing at the time) because no matter how thin you are, it gives you armpit fat. Confidence = crushed. And now I have a fear of strapless. I'm not saying anything about her body, but I think that because the cups of the dress are too small in the bust area, it is causing things to runneth over more than they normally should. What I mainly cannot get past is that hair. I mean, did she sleep on it wrong and just threw a clip on the front? That is not a hairstyle. I think he hair looks good now that it's growing out, and I saw a picture of her recently with a really fierce flat iron job. Find that person who did that to you and ask them to move into your house, pronto. I sort of like the dress that Zosia Marmet has on- of all of them, I think it looks the best (although it's a tad long. I mean, what's a hem, $9?). And I am loving this new bob on her. But why does she always look so irritated? She's the wackiest character on that show, and here she just looks like she smelled a bad smell. As for Jemima Kirke, well, I just have no words. I'm convinced that she's not even a real person and that Jessa is her true identity. They seem to share the same clothes. I'm pretty sure I wore a cuter version of this same dress to my fifth grade handbell concert. 

l to r: lupita nyong'o, giuliana rancic, julia louis-dreyfus

I pretty much always love red on the red carpet. I just think it's just a bold and beautiful color, and it really makes a statement. However, I don't know if I can stand behind all of these statements. Lupita Nyong'o, you may have not gotten a Golden Globe on Sunday, but if they gave out an award for most gorgeous skin, you win by a landslide. I heard someone describe her as "a cosmetic contract just waiting to happen." And that color is divine on her. But I stand by my opinion of Gwyneth at the Oscars that year- I don't get the cape. I understand it's high fashion. I get that it's couture. But it looks like a damn set of wings. When I saw her on the pre-show, I wanted to reach in and rip those things right off her. I wanted to see the silhouette of the dress, and I was disappointed that it was shrouded in these wing-like flaps. I love my girl Giuliana Rancic, but she kept saying over and over again that she doesn't wear "princess" dresses like this, and I'm thinking there's a reason for that. It seems a bit too large and overwhelming for her small frame. Props on the mirrored bag though. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus' body looks banging, but I never thought I could be so unexcited about a dress this vibrant a color. It's just... nothing. There's no special detailing, very minimal jewelry, and again, the ponytail. I know her personality is more than this dress, but it was a total snooze-fest for me. 

l to r: amy adams, taylor swift, edie falco

I think Amy Adams looks really great in this color. Well, one of the colors. I don't think the two-tone works at all. An I'm all about embracing your flat chested-ness, but even I'm slightly offended by the amount of clavicle she is sporting her, accented by an oddly long necklace. Did you see the posters for American Hustle? I feel like she had boobs- where did they go? The thing I'm probably the least okay with is that hairdo. I haven't seen that style since 8th grade graduation, when "twisties and un updo" was all the rage. She has the most beautifully thick red hair. I have no idea why she let someone do this to her, but I pray she breaks free in time for the Oscars. I am shocked that Taylor Swift showed up this year, considering her archenemies Tina Fey was hosting again. At least she upped her game in the wardrobe department compared to last year. I didn't mind this little sweetheart dress, although I feel that at age 22, Taylor still looks sometimes like she's going to the prom, although I'm sure she was going for more of a Gentlemen Prefer Blondes thing. And Edie Falco. Why wear a red satin trash bag? That dress couldn't have less shape if it tried, which is so frustrating because I'm sure her body is much better under there than it is appearing. Can we all just agree to put a cease-and-desist on large red neck bows to avoid copying Nicole Kidman circa 2007? Thanks. 

l to r: paula patton, rashida jones, kaley cuoco, zooey deschanel

This is where it really starts to go downhill. Paula Patton is probably one of the most gorgeous women in the world. I mean, Robin Thicke admitted that "Blurred Lines" is about her. I'm not saying you have to be super sexy all the time, but how about you not cover up half of your amazing body with an oversized flacid ruffle? It reminds me of all the extra skin those people on the those crazy medical shows on TLC where they have 700 pound tumors removed. Shudder. Rashida Jones seems to have stumbled onto the red carpet on her way to Palm Beach. How else can you explain this palm tree nightmare? I swear, we used to have an identical shower curtain when my mom was trying to do a beach theme in our bathroom. Girl, it's January. Get it together. And Kaley Cuoco. I have written previously about my hatred for her award show attire and this dress is no exception. Do you think she was envisioning her look and was like, "you know what color I love? Dirty dishwater." That's all I can think of. And I have always hated those outlined boob cups. Even with her "adorkable" style, Zooey Deschanel just looks like an idiot in this dress, and no, I don't care that it's Oscar de la Renta. I think more than anything, this outfit actually infuriates me, because I feel like that skirt is actually cute and wants more than anything to get away from that damn crop top. It just could not be more unflattering.

l to r: jennifer lawrence, heidi klum, julia roberts, sandra bullock

Jennifer Lawrence, I get that you are having moment right now. You're young, you've already won an Oscar and are in a super successful trilogy and you have a bajillion dollars and everyone want to be your best friend. I'm going to be honest that I am still not loving that haircut (she had such thick beautiful hair- remember when she was nominated for Winter's Bone?), and I don't care if Dior is choosing every piece of clothing for you down to your underwear, this dress is not cute. I think I speak for every girl when I say we have all worn a reincarnation of that dress for play time and/or a Halloween costume. There is nothing about this that says "elegance" or "quality," other than the fact that it probably costs more than my car. As for Heidi Klum, I can't remember the last time she wore something that wasn't hideous. She looks like Stevie Nicks if she were going to a garden party. I don't know what Julia Roberts is doing, but I feel like she should be asking "chicken or beef?" at a wedding reception. I'm super bummed because I like that her hair is pulled back and I kind of love her makeup. This white shirt under the strapless dress screams "I AM TRYING TO HIDE SOMETHING" which seem like the opposite affect of what you're going for when you try to cover your entire body. Sandra Bullock is one of those that deceived me, because at first I thought from the top up that she was totally cute (minus again, that concave chest thing) and then I saw this Crayola colorblocked satin tent. She's like 49 with a bangin' bod. Don't get me started on that messy ponytail. 

l to r: emma watson, tina fey, julie bowen, zoe saldana

I did not have Emma Watson on my worst dressed list until a full twenty four hours after the show. Why? Because I feel like I was tricked. I was played. There I was, the whole night thinking she looked so beautiful, predicting her to be at the top of every best dressed list, including my own. It wasn't until I was clicking through the full arrivals gallery when I saw the back of this atrocity. I know you can't see it in this photo, so let me describe it to you. It's basically a backwards bathrobe tied together over pants. Black pants. High-waisted black pants. I just... I don't... I mean... I can't. And Tina Fey. Talk about fashion relapse. She looked so amazing last year, and when I saw her in this Carolina Herrera floral (?) gown on the red carpet, I literally winced. Thankfully, she changed by the time she took to the stage for hosting duty. I really do not have any words for Julie Bowen. Actually, I do but they're not my words, so I have to give credit where credit is due. Thank you to Heather, who pointed out on Facebook that she looks like one of the Red Hat Society ladies. Also I missed the moment where colored velvet is in again. And last but not least, Zoe Saldana I think takes my own personal worst dressed title for the evening. This dress is too much dress, yet half a dress at the same time. Apparently she thought more is more, and much more is like totally more, so there should just be MORE. Each of these elements aren't even that cute on their own, and shoved together it just looks like a fashion school project gone wrong.

So what are you thoughts? Who were your favorites of the evening? Did you actually like that stupid sheet dress that J.Law wore? If so, get out. JK, this is America. But I really do love talking shop when it comes to award shows, even if I find your opinion to be horribly and terribly wrong. I'd love to hear your bests and worsts!

~L

all photos courtesy of yahoo!

You're Every Line, You're Every Word, You're Everything

Three years ago today, Steve agreed to hang out with just me for like, ever. 

Sometimes I'm still not sure why, but I know one thing- I'm glad he did. 

There aren't enough blog posts in the world to explain how I feel about this guy. Well, there's a few, but I've written some of those already. For reference, check out this post. 

They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so I will let some of my favorite photos of us from that snowy day, exactly three years ago, do the talking. 

~L

Going for the Gold

It's the most...wonderful time... of the year!

Yes, it may be January (and 50 degrees if you're on Nantucket), but my favorite event is finally here.

It's Awards Season, baby!

In case you're new around here, you should know that this is literally my favorite everything. I wake the morning of the show as excited as a child on Christmas. I prep myself as if I am attending the actual ceremony, complete with red carpet-worthy nails, just in case the mani-cam happens to show up at my apartment. I run a slightly illegal award ballot competition at work (some say gambling ring, whatevs), and best of all, I park myself in front of my television as early at E! will have me and prepare my technological devices. This year I have the iPad mini to add to the pack, so I will be extra on it. 

Although the Emmys were in September (and no, I don't want to talk about it) and the People's Choice Awards just happened on Wednesday, this is the big time. Starting tomorrow with the Golden Globes all the way through March 2 when we end with the Academy Awards, we are in it. It's all happening. And it is glorious!

Surely someone as invested as I am must throw some fabulous awards show soiree, one would think. However if you have ever experienced an awards show with me, you know that I am something of a hermit when it comes to the actual event. That's right- I like to be totally alone. Unfortunately, I usually end up with the peanut gallery snickering in the corner, but for the most part, he's quiet. I like to totally focus on the show and everything about it- I don't want to miss a moment. Me and the internet spend like eight hours together breaking down every moment of it. Personally, I'd rather "watch" it with my friends via Facebook & Twitter than feel the need to entertain people in person while trying to concentrate on the show.

Is that weird? Maybe. Bitchy and antisocial? According to Steve, yes. But I don't tell him how to watch hockey, so he has to give me this. These awards come once a year! Sports are like three times a week for months. #overit

Regardless of my preferred isolation, I have been gathering ideas over the years in case I was to ever host some sort of fabulous fete. I also have certain essentials that I help me to truly enjoy the awards watching experience. Here are a few things I have decided that no true Hollywood trophy junkie should be without:

phone/cookie/hot dogs/placecard holder/napkin/nails/album/pants/shoes/ballot/book/bingo/champagne

The first step for any show is to be prepared. If you're not familiar with anything nominated, you're not going to care one way or the other who wins. You gotta have someone to root for! There's many ways you can do this, for example, the Grammys release an album containing songs of a lot of the major nominees (it's out January 21). Movies are a little harder, because you have to make an effort to go out and actually see them. 

Grab a ballot and check off as you go- my favorites are from POPSUGAR, because you can usually fill out the online edition for to be entered for a prize, or you can use the printable ones to run your office pool like I do (way better than those Final Four brackets, if you ask me). I recently received a coffee table book that weighs more than I do that features the entire history of the Oscars, as well as detailed descriptions of the nominees and winners from every show in its eighty-five years.

If you are going to entertain, jazz it up a bit! This is literally the most important time in the entertainment industry. Take a cue from the glitz of Hollywood and add a little glam to the table. These glitter cork place card holders sparkle like the bright lights of Tinseltown, and atop this envelope-style folded napkin, you've got a table that rivals that of the Governor's Ball. Of course, you can always go casual with an all-American favorite like hot dogs, dressed up with a napkin tuxedo! I may start doing this with my franks just for fun. 

As for beverages, of course you need to pop some bubbly just like the stars (especially at the Golden Globes, which is one of my favorites because they drink during the show). I prefer the mini-champagne bottles if for nothing else that they're so darn cute. Everyone gets their own bottle (don't forget a festive straw!) and there are even some that you can customize the labels if you're super together and remember to do that. As the show starts to die down (you know, once they get to categories like editing) break out these statuette sugar cookies. I found this recipe on the internet last year, and spent a solid month trying to find an Oscar-shaped cookie cutter to no avail. I ended up making my own, but I had to improvise with a Halloween cutter shaped like a monster's foot that Steve had to bend into the proper shape for me: 

Whether you're toasting yourself or at a viewing party with others, you want to look like you're ready for a party. Just because I stay in doesn't mean I don't put on my award show best. Two years ago, I rocked a tuxedo t-shirt so I could be formal yet comfy:

If I was going to go real crazy and money was no object, I would be all over these J.Crew sequined sweatpants for the evening. Unfortunately they're sold out. And $650. One accessory I do like to sport each year that's a little more accessible is a red-carpet manicure. Last year I did red with a glittery gold accent finger. This year, I would love to work in some nail art a la Zooey Deschanel (the TVs she did for the Emmys were my favorite). If I was ever lucky enough to attend an awards show in the flesh, you can bet I'd be rocking these Kate Spade tuxedo heels. You don't even need a date when you've got these on your feet!

As for the actual watching of the show, if ballots aren't your thing, follow along with this hilarious bingo game, courtesy of But You're Like Really Pretty. Of course, I need every method within an arm's reach that will help me connect to the world, i.e. the Internet. As Steve "observed" two years ago, I need my laptop, phone and ballots within reach as to stay on top of the task at hand. This year will be no exception, and I am super excited to announce that I have finally taken the plunge and started a Facebook page for the blog! You can now follow along with me and my live updates during all of the awards shows this year on Twitter and now Facebook.

I have debated doing this for a long time. I have always shared all of my blog content on my personal Facebook page, which I wanted to do because there isn't anything in my blog that I wouldn't tell everyone I'm friends with online. I mean, I'm friends with my mother on Facebook- I would never write anything that I wouldn't stand behind 100%. 

After I started engaging with people on Facebook during award shows, I wanted to continue because I got such a great response from it. However, like anything else you put out there, I got a little bit of shade thrown my way from people who felt I was clogging their feeds with incessant banter. I don't know what it was, but something about them saying that made me not want to stop- after all, many of these same people fill my feed with posts I deem irritating about football, stuff that comes out of their kids, or just every damn thought they've ever had in their head/what monotonous thing they are doing every minute of their day. But that's the beauty of Facebook, you can write whatever the hell you want. And you can also read whatever the hell you want, because there is a hide button right there to help you avoid everything you don't want to see! I know I've done it to some people, and they certainly had the right to do it to me.

But after a few years at this, it's time. I really would like to grown this blog and meet new readers, and Facebook is a great vehicle to do that. So please, if you've ever enjoyed anything you've ever read or you need a buddy to watch the Oscars with, head over to www.facebook.com/lindsayslook and hit that "Like" button. I promise to post lots of fun celeb updates, outfits, and everything in between. If Twitter is more your scene, I'm there too! Follow me @legallylinz (I promise I won't just repeat everything from Facebook). 

Make sure to stop by and say hi tonight during the Golden Globes!

~L

The Tree Stands Alone

Christmas may have ended two weeks ago, but in our house, the needles follow you forever. Or at least until today, when we finally took down our ten-foot pine monster. Ever after a thorough sweeping, vacuuming, and sap removal, I am still finding remnants of our forest friend in my hair and in the carpet (and let's just say there's a reason why they're called "needles"). During the removal process, I realized that I once again documented the process of how we adopted this beast, involved a surprisingly efficient trip to a New Hampshire tree farm. 

You know the drill. I think the pictures speak for themselves. 

Once again, a tree from the state we actually live in (and have for the past four years) would simply not do, so we had to venture to the great white north (and my home state, whaddup?) to nab ourselves a fine specimen. 

Steve, who has completely refused to accept most modern forms of technology, found a location near my parents new home in Hampstead using a Christmas tree finder app. Yep. There's an app for that.

This happened to be the morning of my ten year high school reunion, so time was limited. Gone were the days where I could spend four hours traipsing around a tree farm. We had to get to work!

Luckily, we came equipped this year with the one tool that we neglected to bring with us in the past. A ruler!

But who needs one of them newfangled measuring devices when you have the extremely accurate hand-to-air resource?

In his natural habitat.

Despite living in a very small apartment, we happen to have very tall ceilings, way taller than our last place. Unfortunately, that meant that there was no limit as to how tall we could go. This year, the Christmas tree odds were in my favor, and there were very few 9+ footers available in the fields, which was A-okay by me. That didn't stop Steve from taking the whole process very seriously, especially with his own Mr. Miyagi there to guide him (a.k.a., his mom, where I'm guessing the tree gene got passed down from).

I obviously took the process very seriously as well:

Finally, thanks in part to obvious assistance skills, we found the right one for us. I tend to go for the more symmetrical type, while Steve thinks that trees should like like, well, trees. That's how we ended up with this guy.

Psh, I didn't even want all those sections filled in. Makes more room for my Barbies! 

But the important thing was, we got a tree. In under thirty minutes! I didn't know that was even possible. Steve's parent's picked out their tree too, because they also only allow NH's finest in their home. The apple really doesn't fall far...

Once we had made our selection, it was time to cut! After all, I had to get home to primp before the evening's festivities. I was on the party planning committee, after all.

I didn't do much of the heavy lifting this year, as I didn't have the proper tree-cutting outfit. Luckily, Steve always comes equipped for these sorts of things. 

Unlike the random guy's yard that we picked our tree from last year (because once we started walking around, we felt bad being the only people there and decided that we had to buy a tree), this place was a fully functioning operation, featuring the latest in tree cutting accessories. Like this handy tree cart!

And whatever this thing is called:

Thank the tree gods for this netting thing, because I had no idea how we were going to strap that thing onto my car to get it back to Nantucket. I had heard that people get trees from off-island (since there's nowhere here that you can actually cut down your own), but I bet most people have trucks and ropes and normal size ceilings that prevent them from picking out saplings longer than their cars. But we've never been most people, and for us, the one common denominator for all of our chosen trees have been that they are always longer than the vehicle we tie them onto. 

Oh, it also started pouring on our drive to Hyannis. Because nothing says Christmas like a ten foot tall soaking wet tree that you get to drag up a flight of stairs to your apartment over a garage at 11 P.M.

And even though we were spending our first Christmas in a new place, something about this already felt like home:

I can't imagine why?

Since the apartment is on the small side, we had to make some adjustments to the space to accommodate. Like removing half our chairs and shoving our "dining table" into the kitchen. Really, who needs a table anyway?

Actually, Steve did need it. See our step stool in the bottom right corner? Not cutting it in the height department. Also note there is a railing on the other side of the tree, and that's it. So that was fun to watch. 

But it was all worth it, because this guy loves Christmas trees more than anything. And I love him almost as much as he loves the trees. I say almost because I'm not sure if it is even possible that anyone loves anything more than Steve and his trees. 

via

~L