It's Solid Gold, Baby Pt 2

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So yesterday we caught up on some of the best (and less than best, but not totally horrible) fashions of the Golden Globes. But this post is where shizz gets real, as there are a lot of violations to be handed out. So let's get right into it, shall we?

hayden panettiere, sally field, amy adams, julie bowen

We'll start off with some of the ones that just didn't quite make the cut for me. Hayden Panettiere looked nice-ish in her strapless mermaid number, but the pink clutch made her look even younger than she already is. This isn't your junior prom, Hayden. It seems like she tried to make herself look older by applying way too much 90's style shimmery makeup. She looks like an extra from She's All That (which I'm sure she has never heard of because she was probably a toddler when it came out).

I actually thought Sally Field looked really beautiful. That navy shade is a gorgeous color on her. But holy Grandma's cleavage. I'm not just saying that because she's older, I seriously don't like that deep smushed boob thing on anyone. I feel like it only works if you are crazy flat chested like Kate Hudson. 

Oh, Amy Adams. I mean whoever seeks out a dress the color of a paper bag? It's literally the same shade as her skin. The shape is pretty but she looks like a freaking floating head.  And that one curl hanging down the side of her face is driving me nuts. 

Julie Bowen is another that I almost like the whole look, and then I see the asymmetrical hemline. Like I don't need to see three quarters of one of your ankles. The color is fabulous and I'm glad she pulled her hair back (but not no severe like that slicked back middle part pony she sported a few years ago). And what is with her stance? I feel like she's trying to showcase the one shoulder and the drapey ruching but she just comes off looking like a hunchback. 

anne hathaway, amanda seyfried, julianne hough, lea michele

I guess Anne Hathaway looks pretty and all, but didn't Les Miz wrap like a year ago? Why has she not started eating again? I don't know what else to say. I'm just so bored looking at her.

Who would have ever thought Amanda Seyfried, also known as Karen "My Boobs Can Always Tell When It's Going to Rain" would end up being the most A-List of all the Mean Girls? Too bad she stole this dress right out from under her grandma. I do not enjoy all the different lace panel things, and as if there were a way to make it less sexy, she covered up every ounce of décolletage with that stupid tie tack at the neckline. 

I feel like Julianne Hough is going through an existential fashion crisis. I just don't get who she wants to be. She's all over the place. Especially with this ensemble. I know some people like the juxtaposition of the hard rocker hair with the princess pouf of a dress, but I think it looks like someone cut a hairstyle out of a magazine and stuck it on a different photo of the gown. I actually really like the top part of the dress, because you know me and sparkle, but I hate that it disintegrates as it travels down, especially since a lot of the hardware is little gold line thingys. And the gather of the tulle at the hips- blech. No me gusta.

Was Glee nominated this year and I missed it? I was shocked to find Lea Michele even on the red carpet, especially since when I first saw her I thought it was Snooki. I mean I know she just got back from Hawaii, but that spray tan is faker than Kurt's internship at Vogue. I do sort of like the dress, but I wonder if anyone in Hollywood can think of any other way to be sexy other than having their dress slit up to their pelvic bone?

eva longoria, jennifer lopez, katharine mcphee, kaley cuoco

Eva Longoria: Angelina Jolie called, and wants her leg back. 

I think Jennifer Lopez is stuck in a rut. As in she wears the same dress on the red carpet over and over. And it's a naked dress. Also she makes that same face. That "I"m too sexy to smile" face. I'm just totally over all of it. 

Speaking of trying to be sexy, Katharine McPhee left nothing to the imagination in this barely a dress number. I hate everything about this look. From the places where her shoe straps cut her ankles to the messy topknot, this whole look is a don't for me. I didn't know that you could look both boring and slutty at the same time. It's like a 2013 version of Elvira. 

Despite being one of the few females on a show about a bunch of guys who can't dress themselves, Kaley Cuoco never seems to get it right. I actually sort of like her dress but I'm so distracted by her overexposed breast area that it totally trumps any beauty I saw in her gown. I don't know what it is that bothers me so much about it, but when I was watching the preshow I felt like offended just looking at her. Also that goth shade of lipstick looks good on no one, especially not fair skinned blondes. 

adele, debra messing, helen mirren, stacy kiebler

Sigh. I know black is sort of Adele's thing. And although it's not my favorite, I admit that she looked sensational in her Grammy dress, but this is a grammy dress. As in it looks like it belongs to a grandmother. I know she had a baby a few months ago, but this is just not flattering on her or anyone.

Oh, Debra Messing. Remember on Will & Grace when Karen used to mock all of our outfits? Well just imagine what she would say about this sheer curtain looking thing. When I saw this on TV I thought it was just not that exciting. It wasn't until I saw the photos that I realized how awful the skirt was. Everyone keeps saying that her character Julia on Smash is going to be dressing better this year. Looks like Debra hasn't taken any cues from her alter ego just yet. 

I normally love everything that Helen Mirren wears. Whether it's a formal gown or a bikini, she's got a body that won't quit and she wears clothes very well. Which is why I was so underwhelmed by this black zig zaggy number. I know it was cold that night, so sleeves make sense, but I just didn't feel any excitement about this. It was like a boring old lady version of Kate Hudson's dress.

Raise your hand if you're still shocked to see Stacy Kiebler this year. Who knew of all the cocktail waitresses and Italian actresses that came before her, this former wrestler turned George Clooney arm candy would be the one to stick around? I get that she is kind of a prop when it comes to these things, but I still thought she could have worn something with a tad more pizazz. 

emily blunt, kristen wiig

There were a number of things I found to be very 90's at the Golden Globes, and none more than cutouts. Really, cutouts?! I just don't feel like it's ever appropriate to show one's midriff at a formal event. I kind of like Emily Blunt's dress... if it was all one piece. And Kristen Wiig, I love you, but you cannot dress yourself. Or let whoever else dresses you do so. I mean look where that thing is pointing. Also it looks like a coverup that you wear in the summer over your bathing suit. Not.appropriate.

taylor swift, jessica chastain, lucy liu, sienna miller

And last but certainly not least: my absolute least favorite looks of the entire evening. It took a long time to get here, but after the good and the bad, we've finally arrived at the ugly. 

I despised everything about Taylor Swift's look the second on I saw her. Before I say anything, let's remind ourselves that she is twenty three. TWENTY THREE. She looks like a Golden Girl here. Her hair is so awful it almost makes me long for those crazy spiral curls she wore exclusively for like six years. I swear that dress came out of a prom magazine I had in 1998 (and yes, I was in seventh grade then. I wanted to start preparing early). Somehow skinny minnie Taylor developed overnight and looks like she is carrying a shelf on her chest. I get that she's had almost as many relationships (and breakups) as some women have had their entire lives, but that doesn't make her mature enough to wear this. And she shouldn't want to. She's TWENTY THREE. 

Ugggggh. Jessica Chastain. I wish she had just shown up dressed like her character in The Help last year. I thought she looked a lot better. Than again, anything would look better than this droopy boob number. Again, what woman looks at this and says, "yes! That is something I want to wear!" Don't people in Hollywood take whatever precautions necessary to make sure their boobs don't end up down at their waist?! She also gets another -30 points for the hair. The half slicked back/half loose wave with a middle part? I just... I can't... I don't even... I give up.

Lucy Liu looks like she ripped one of the costume right out of Once Upon A Time. And even they're like, "that's okay, girl. You keep it." And I'm sorry, a Katniss braid is not an appropriate hairstyle for anything other than keeping your hair out of your face while you try to stay alive in child warfare. 

I used to think that Sienna Miller was so chic, and lately she has been on a downward spiral for me. Again, so unflattering in this high skirt/cropped top number. Even the appliques adorning her are trying to jump off. She looks like she can't even walk. Her hair looked greasy and unwashed, and she thought she was really doing something crazy and innovative by wearing two earrings in one ear and none in the other. Stop the presses- we have a new trend on our hands. Except it sucks and I'm not doing it. 

So I guess that's it, folks. At least until February 10. The Grammys are coming...

~L

It's Solid Gold, Baby

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

No, not that! Christmas is over, you fools (thank God. I can walk around my apartment again). 

AWARDS SEASON.

I have literally been giddy with excitement over this. I know that's not unusual for me, but I don't know, something was different this year. First of all, I was in the same country as the Golden Globes, unlike last year, when I was trying not to lose appendages due to frostbite in Canada... I mean I was celebrating my one year anniversary. Second, I planned better. I make my schedule at work sometimes two months in advance, and don't always know off the top of my head what exact days the awards are. This year I put it in my phone, set alarms- I was set. Third, I had a visitor. Yes, I watched the awards with someone other than myself. Willingly.

I have written before about my desire to only watch award shows by myself. And no, it's not because people don't want to watch them with me (no matter what Steve says). It's because every time I watch something important with other people in the room, they talk. Then I talk, then I miss things, and then I lose out on fodder for my incessant award show night Facebook posts. As much as I love throwing parties, the idea of throwing an award show party makes me want to cry. I just want to be left alone. 

However this year I decided to be less of a frigid bitch and invite my old roommate Liz over. Liz and I lived together in Cambridge in a "swinging singles" apartment as my mother called it (despite the fact that both of us were in relationships) before I moved in with a boy. Liz has recently moved to the a mere twenty minutes away to the suburbs (mwhahahaha) and is now one of us. Like she has a car and everything! Yet we've only seen each other like three times since the move. We're busy people. 

There were snacks. 

for those of you not in the know, liz & i survived on only chips &
salsa for almost two years.

There were ballots. 

bills, bills, bills.

There was wine (only for me, because Liz was being "healthy" and "cleansing" or something). We started watching preshow coverage at 5:00 and didn't stop until the show ended at 11:00. I even made food stuff. Okay, Steve prepared it but I assembled it. 

mini caprese/bruschetta thing. oh you fancy, huh?

It was almost like we still lived together. Liz brought nail polish and her computer and Steve disappeared, so it was like the boys in our lives didn't even exist. I mean, we missed them very much. Luckily football was on too so I don't know if they noticed that we weren't there. Sometimes, you just need your girls, you know?

And speaking of girls, can we talk about what the ladies were wearing that night? 

Of course, I had my favorites:

claire danes, kate hudson & jessica alba

I thought that these three exemplified red carpet glamour/how famous people should dress for an award show. Claire Danes looked amazing a mere one month after giving birth. Okay, well obviously she looks amazing because she's famous and it's a heck of a lot easier when you're famous, but still, I give the girl some credit. Although I did cringe a little when she mentioned her fear of "leaking" on the carpet. Girl, you're in Versace. Can we not discuss what may or may not be coming out of your nipples? I will subtract points however for over application of her eye makeup. I felt like it made her look more tired and old, but she does have a newborn, so I'm going to let this one go a bit. 

I think Kate Hudson was my hands down absolute favorite of the evening. I mean she took things that shouldn't be that exciting on the red carpet (black, sleeves, straight hair- one of my personal pet peeves at a formal event) and it all just worked. I mean it helps when you have that body, but damn, that dress was just made for her. I loved the sparkle at the neck- it made it a little more grown up (we'll call it the Downton Abbey effect) but the non-cleavage boob exposure keeps it from being boring. I love love loved this. 

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Jessica Alba had no business being there, but I'm glad that she was because I loved her entire ensemble. Not many people look good in salmon, but I thought between the dress and the jewelry she just looked like a real movie star. Which reminded me that I couldn't tell you the last movie she was even in. At first I was kind of horrified by the purse, but her Muppet clutch started to grow on me. I love fun bags and if you're not worried about actually winning an award or anything, why the hell not? I do wish her hair was a little darker because I think her ombre is starting to blend in with her skin, and I wanted her to have a little more definition. Plus I still think that ombre is a trendy way to say "I was too lazy to get my roots done."

amy poehler, zooey deschanel, tina fey

I thought that host Amy Poehler looked awesome... from the waist up. I seriously love a woman in a sexy suit. Plus I like when people that you know are funny kind of mix it up and are like "whoooa bet you didn't know I could be sexy too." And then I saw her ankles and 90's style prom shoes (which probably cost $500, but I'm sorry- I swear I wore those to my sophomore semiformal) and it kind of killed it for me. She's kind of short and I wanted it to be like a fabulous super wide leg or something. Also a few years ago I was sort of obsessed with side buns for formal events and my best friend/hairstylist Ryan always tried to talk me out of them, claiming no matter what, you look like you have a growth coming out of the side of your head. I hate to say it about my girl Amy... but he was right. 

At first I really enjoyed Zooey Deschanel's look. I loved her cute little pony and pearls combo. Red is one of my favorite formal colors because it's always so dramatic and you don't clash against the carpet! Upon a further look, I decided I really don't like this shiny taffeta-esque fabric. It turns it tableclothy. And why does she insist on always doing this not quite enough coverage tiny boob cup thing? I was just waiting for a nip slip in that floaty blue princess dress she wore to the Emmys last year, and I feel like she just keeps repeating that same shape. 

And Tina Fey. I mean, if they gave a most improved award, this girl would get it, with honors. I normally don't like anything less than a full length gown for such a big event, but I thought it was appropriate because she was co-hosting and only did a quick run across the carpet. I thought this shape worked really well on her, but everything else she wore that night looked amazing too, because damn is she skinny all of a sudden! As long as she doesn't shrink any smaller than this I'm okay with it. Don't scare me girl- we don't want any Mischa Barton arms up in here. 

kerry washington, jennifer garner, jodie foster, sofia veragara

I LOVE GLITTER. And sparkle, and bling, and whatever the hell you want to call it, as long as it's shiny and in bulk. I always think it's appropriate for the red carpet and I hate when people try to go all "safe" and "simple" because that's not what any of this is about. I loved the concept of Kerry Washington's airy nude gown, but not the execution. The short lining with the short hem and a close toed nude shoe? I thought the combination of those elements aged her like twenty years. And I could have done without those super blunt bangs. Blech I just hate those. I felt like the was trying to be edgy from the neck up to balance out the old ladyness that was happening south of her waistline. I guess she is just so beautiful that nothing looks truly bad on her, but I just wanted to turn her into a Project Runway challenge where they rip of what you're wearing and turn it into what it was meant to be. 

I thought Jennifer Garner looked good as a date-of-a-nominee-who-hasn't-walked-on-a-red-carpet-with-her-significant-other-since-2007 could look. It had my favorite things- red, sparkles, a waistline, but I didn't fall of my couch or anything over it.

I didn't really know what to think of Jodie Foster, other than the fact that she looked kind of like she was wearing a suit of armor, which probably explains why she looks uncomfortable, although in retrospect that could have been because of something else (obviously, being seated with Mel Gibson). I do think she is very pretty, but her haircut is so severe that I'm scared she's going to start yelling at me in German or something. I think some loose extensions could have changed this look entirely, and for the better. 

Sofia Vergara is one of those that nothing ever looks bad on her. She is a self appointed Sparkle Queen, and while I'm glad she lost the Miss Universe looks she's been sporting for the past few years, I don't know if there's anything else out there that exists that she could wear that would look any different. I feel like she went a little demure with the black, but why does the dress need ruching that provides no purpose except for a clear marker for where her vagina is?

olivia munn, jennifer lawrence, rosario dawson

Is it just me, or is Olivia Munn working like a Kate Middleton rip-off look without the bouncy hair? I think it's the way she's standing. I feel so indifferent about this ensemble. I don't despise it, but I don't think I really like it either. From the turquoise stones to the jeweled choker, the fitted black skirt to the oversized silver clutch, this look again just screams 90's to me.

Jennifer Lawrence is like inches away from being a best dressed for me. I like the color (but wish it was a tad less orange), I like the belt (but could use less trumpet on the skirt), but the straw that broke the camel's back for me are THOSE STUPID CUPS. Seriously- what are those? I mean I watch Say Yes to the Dress, so I know what a crumbcatcher is (although I still don't understand why anyone would want that word associated with something to do with their wedding) but unless she was using them to carry glasses of champagne at the afterparty, I see no purpose for this. 

I have to wonder what Rosario Dawson did to get on the list for this one, because like Alba, I'm pretty sure she hasn't been in anything worth nominating ever (unless I missed the cinematic contribution of Men In Black II). I do sort of like this dress- I think the color looks great on her and I like that the peplum is a little origami-esque. But this is like a business casual version of an award show gown. With the high neckline and pointy little sleeves, it's basically a full length version of a sheath dress! I didn't feel like it was quite appropriate. 

halle berry, marion cotillard, lena dunham, nicole kidman

Ugh. We're starting to get into my lukewarm territory. I don't know what Halle Berry was thinking when she showed up in this mess, because I certainly didn't get the memo about side midriffs being back. I sometimes think she shows up to things in certain outfits just to remind us all how crazy hot she looks in anything. 

Did anyone else find it ironic that Marion Cotillard was nominated for a movie about a whale trainer who loses her legs to Shamu or something and then shows up baring hers? No? Just me? Regardless, I hate this whole high/low thing. I do like the metal belt, but she wasn't starting any trends here- at least two other people were wearing that. I do like the color, but it's very Pantone Color of the Year 2012. And I'm sorry, no matter what, I will never find long straight hair with a middle part appropriate for something like this. It's the red carpet, not your eighth grade yearbook photo. 

Maybe Marion Cotillard should have borrowed Lena Dunham's wet suit gown for her role in Rust and Bone. I mean that thing could have stood up on it's own. And I don't know about you, but purpley brown was never a Crayola that I wished they would start producing. I just think it's too much fabric for her and all the lines are going weird directions. Also I would have appreciated a little sparkle headband or something. I mean she is working that pixie but she also looks like kind of a frumpy dump. Next. 

So is Nicole Kidman exclusively wearing studded dresses on the red carpet from now on? Did she like last year's look so much she just grabbed it in another color? I mean the only difference is instead of spaghetti straps it looks like she got shot with a confetti cannon. I'm bored with her.

So as you can see, we've just barely touched upon some of the atrocities that occurred on that frigid Los Angeles evening. Since we're getting a little lengthy up in here, I will be featuring all the lackluster ladies in a second post. So in case you didn't catch on, this last one was me being nice. See you soon.

~L

all photos courtesy of yahoo

I Feel Pretty

If you've never heard of Style Me Pretty, you are either a.) not married or engaged b.) a boy. SMP is the ultimate wedding blog, as in you will need to set aside a good three hours if it's your first visit. They only feature the most lovely, detail oriented and unique weddings, which is why I was so excited to be able to attend the soiree celebrating their first (I say first because I pray there will be more) book with Liz!

We arrived at Grettacole as the first bottles of bubbly were popped. Saying we were early is an understatement- we were literally the first people there, which pretty much never happens to me, as I am perpetually ten minutes late for life. I do like to be able to capture the details before the crowds arrive, so I snapped some pics while we were waiting for the fun to begin.

the cookies & cream will change your life.

If you're wondering, those are cake truffles. They look like cereal but they taste like the holy grail of desserts. Liz and I may have each eaten more than one. Thank you Delicious Desserts for creating a new obsession. 

After some mingling, SMP creator Abby Larson took the stage- or I guess chair- and did a reading from her hot off the presses book. Afterward, she was nice enough to open up the floor and answer whatever questions the masses had. 

note the immersed iphoners in the background. including me in pink, obv.

I always knew I loved weddings (especially given my roots as a photographer's daughter and an internship with an event planner) but Abby's words of wisdom would inspire anyone, regardless of their affinity for planning out of the box nuptials. As someone who is in a bit of a quarter life crisis, I found myself most moved by her tales of how she started with a simple idea and turned it into not only a business, but her dream job as well. When she spoke about her pre-SMP days, I found myself thinking "omg! I'm going through the exact same thing!" But the difference is, Abby actually got off her butt and did something about it. 

To see for yourself, see how Abby so thoughtfully answered one audience member's question so thoughtfully:

I was so inspired that I jumped at the opportunity to meet her and snap a groupie photo. I just couldn't resist. And she was so nice- after speaking, everyone wanted to meet her and snap photos. I was like in position ready to go, but someone else beat me to it. She looked at me and said "I will come right back to you, I promise," and she did! Like she just seemed like she was genuinely happy to meet every single person that came out to support SMP. Including me!

um, can we be wedding/real housewives besties? okay thanks.

On our way out, Liz and I grabbed our brand new autographed copies of the SMP book. 

Although we could have eaten our weight in cake truffles, we headed out for a late dinner and some girly catch up. 

All in all, it was the most perfect girl's night out. Thanks to everyone at the salon, Style Me Pretty, and Gilt City for an awesome evening!

~L

Tis a Gift to Be Simple

So apparently it's January. It's probably not the time for any Christmas related post, but that's the thing about the holidays. You have all these intentions of lovely things you're going to do and then you wake up one day and it's 2013. I literally just got all my decorations up like four days before Christmas. According to the Internet, I was supposed to have had everything done December 1st and also have it photographed, Pinned, blogged and Instagrammed. Not only that, but I clearly failed in my attempt at daily posts of the cards of Christmas past. On the bright side, that leaves plenty for next year. Maybe if I start now you'll actually see them by December. 

So I have a slew of holiday merriment to catch up on. Let's start with some sweet Christmas presents, shall we? As I've said before, I do actually love giving gifts to people and wrapping them as well. But it makes me a little crazy that people don't like to admit how awesome it is to get presents too. Admit it- presents rock! And as long as you're nice and pay it forward too then you're totally okay. 

Every year I make a very detailed list of things that I would be happy (but am in no way expecting) to find under my tree. I started when I was a teenager cutting pictures of the things I wanted out of magazine, because as we learned from The Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff, sometimes parents just don't understand... what these things are that you want. Of course the Internet has made it way easier to put together a compilation list so it has continued. 

In case you're wondering what this year's looked like, this is the list that I provided (but only when asked. I'm not a total brat).

okay, yes, there's an iPad mini on there. so sue me.

I like to choose things that are a range of prices and some things that have to be ordered online vs. things that a technologically-inept person (sorry, Mom) could get in their car and drive to a store and buy. 

And then of course, there's my husband. Steve prides himself on not buying me ANYTHING off my list. His theory is that he's so amazing (which is kinda true) and listens carefully to me all year when I say I want things that he buys me long after I've forgotten about them.  Then on Christmas morning I'm like, "oh my God I wanted this!" and he sits there all proud and is like, "I know."

This year was no exception. Starting with stocking stuffers. I am the worst at stocking stuffers. I always forget about them until the last minute and then I buy stupid things in a panic that I won't have anything. And just because something fits in a stocking doesn't mean it's cheap, so I often spend too much of my allotted budget on dumb things that just happen to be tiny. Like everything else, Steve is great at picking out small things that I actually need, so if gift giving is a game, he's the clear winner on this one. 

not sure how the gelt fits in there, but i'll take it.

This next one wasn't so much a surprise because I made Steve promise on our not yet conceived first born child that he would take me to see Les Mis or I would return all of his presents. But he's always one for presentation. This isn't even the first time he's given me a decorated envelope.

i think the goal was to look like jean valjean wrote it from a french prison. success.

I always ask for a mix of books and DVD's because I rarely buy them for myself (you know, for fear of exoneration from Count Pennypincher). My struggle is always remembering what I had been wanting to see/read that year. I can't wait to read all of my new books! You know, in my spare time.

say what you want about argo. pitch perfect was the movie of the year.

i'm a bad former english major. can you believe i still haven't read little men?!

Steve refuses to buy me nail polish because he thinks I have a "problem" and doesn't want to feed my "addiction." Luckily I have a sister and a sister-in-law who understand what I'm going through.

bond & butter. my two new favorite things.

Steve always shows how much he truly cares by braving Forever 21 during the Christmas season. Whatta guy. He's also the Jewelry Whisperer of the Kate Spade outlet. 

every writer needs a good pencil necklace.

Speaking of outlets, Steve also scored pretty big at my other favorite, J.Crew. Because now that we're married, we like to brag to each other how little we pay for each other's gifts. If you ask me, that's what true love is really about. Without a bargain hunting husband, there is no way I would ever have acquired my Edie bag:

technically from my in-laws. where steve learned all his couponing skills.

And not one, but two schoolboy blazers:

i always wanted a twin!

If you're wondering how I took these amazing selfies, it's because I also got...

bring on the outfit photos.

A tripod! Now I don't have to beg Steve to take my outfit photos at 10:00 pm when he gets home after I've been alone with my clothes all day. And um for work and stuff too when I photograph things. Obviously I did not get Photoshop, as you can tell by all the hideous things that are happening on my face. Maybe next year. 

Back to outlet shopping. If the Kate Spade outlet didn't exist... well I just wouldn't own anything from Kate Spade. 

the only way i like my punch.

good thing i got this purse to help carry the bags i'm carrying under my eyes.

I'm aware that everything I own is pink. I have to try to obtain as much of it as possible before I turn 30 and I look ridiculous. 

Speaking of that...

maybe i was a candy striper in another life.

I swear it's just not Christmas morning without new pajamas. Yes, I have the same set in flannel as exhibited above (gift from last Christmas) but I think there's something to be said for wearing a matching set to bed. I like to feel fancy even when I am not awake. 

It's not just pink things I coveted this year. I was finally able to quench my thirst for all things leopard as well.

what's new, pussycat?

Before you judge, these are both from Target. Target! I know, I can't believe it either.

Also from Target:

hot chocolate was not included.

I've been slowly building my fancy Christmas "china" (I use that term loosely because I don't know if Target actually carries anything resembling china). I have all the necessary pieces, but then of course this year, they came out with... mugs. Obviously the set could not be complete with mugs. I think I'm done now.

Obviously, I'm also obsessed with this planner I got. I'm thinking about going back to paper vs. technology as far as keeping track of dates and things. I'm going to use woodsy colored pencils to do it, you know, just like the pioneers. 

if you say so.

And my "big" gifts. C'mon, you know what I'm talking about. The one that gets saved for last, maybe sometimes is hidden and brought out only after you thought all the presents were over:

mamma mia.

This first one is from my parents. Ladies and gentlemen, if this doesn't help me, I am out of ideas. My skin is worse now than it was when I was a teenager. I have heard nothing but amazing things about the Clarisonic Mia and surprise! It comes in pink. Together we can take on the world. Hopefully.

And of course, from my husband, who heard me mention once that I thought these were cool and tracked down one from the 1950's that happened to be in perfect condition:

roots before branches.

So in my obsession with all things vintage and hats, I had said previously that I wanted a real hat box. Cause you know, traveling with said hats had become a problem. According to my historical husband, this is technically a "train case." But it's amazing. It's an original Samsonite and it's leather and there isn't a scratch on it. It's also super heavy so that will actually keep the packing to a minimum. I guess some old guy in Virginia had it just hanging out in his attic. And now my old guy has it hanging out in our apartment. 

So all kidding inside, it was an awesome Christmas and I am a very very lucky girl. I don't know what I did to deserve such nice people in my life, but I'm wondering if they're just tired of me complaining about not being able to buy anything and wanted me to shut up. Either way, I'm appreciative nonetheless. 

~L