Monday, February 25, 2013

Oscars winners and losers...


I am so happy that I caught the Oscars last night! From start to finish I felt like this show was what classic Hollywood is all about! While the movies, the production, and the stars may be modern, there was definitely the spirit of the past in the air... and not just in the fashion.


For me the biggest winner of the night was Seth MacFarlane! Does he even know that he is a Burlesque comedian at it's best? What a delightful host! Charming, engaging, funny, candid all while being a song and dance man... my heart went pitter patter! His handsome face didn't hurt my heart beat either! I know some people thought his jokes were crass, but honestly, I thought he was quite reserved! We all know just from watching any episode of Family Guy, just how crass he can get. I thought his jokes were old school and something one used to see on the Dean Martin hour or Benny Hill. I could make a whole blog post about how wonderful I thought he was, but the Oscars were more than just him.

The Oscars show itself was a dream! They themed the night and Musicals was the Queen! A highlight for me was the song numbers from Chicago, Dream Girls, and Les Misérables. All the song and dance numbers throughout kept me smiling and for me, kept the show from dragging... even after 4 hours!

There was one huge disappointment for me during the night. Oscars... how could you miss ANDY GRIFFITH from your memorandum?! Not to mention the other stars of yesteryear that were forgotten. Do they even care anymore? Your Memorandums these past years have been disappointing.


But let's talk about the most important aspect of the Oscars. The Fashion! Now I am not one for designers so I couldn't tell you who wore what, I can just tell you who I loved and who I hated. Also, I don't normally comment on the men because for the most part, they all look the same. But seriously, was this the year of the beard??!!

I am going to start out with my opinions for the worst dressed. There were three stand out awful dresses for me.

#1 Lisa Westcott: Did she even know she was attending the Oscars? I can't even properly express a critique on this outfit because it was that horrible! Take a guess which of the two she is. Her partner looked great, but her... no. Just no.


#2 Mellissa McCarthy: What a horrible dress! It wasn't flattering in the least and looked like it was made from those t-shirt sheets you buy at WalMart. This makes me so sad because I adore her and she will forever be Sookie in my mind! From the hair to the dress... I just can't.


 #3 Anne Hathaway: Simply this dress was plain and boring. Not too mention I was terribly distracted by the darts on the bodice that made the dress look nipply. I like Anne Hathaway, but this dress... snooze...


Now onto dresses that I just didn't like. Some I wanted to like, but it just missed the mark. Some I think were plain awful. Some I think the lady looks spectacular, but the dress just isn't my favourite. Some the dress I would normally like, but I don't like the actress so it ruins it for me. For one reason or another, these are the dresses that just didn't strike me. In no particular order.


Now before you all think I am just a Negative Nelly... here are the dresses that I really liked! Some of these dresses are worn by actresses I can't stand, but like the dresses too much to say no. Some dresses I just think are spectacular and jaw dropping! In no particular order.

  


Here is the moment you've all been waiting for (ha ha ha) my absolute BEST DRESSED!


 #3 Norah Jones (stage dress) 
I may not have been the biggest fan of her Red Carpet Dress (though I really like the silhouette of it just not the beading) Norah's stage dress was perfection for me!

#2 Salma Hayek
From her hair and her makeup to to the way she walked out on stage this was almost my #1 look. She was just complete and owned this look. Her presence and confidence in this dress is what makes this dress a winner for me.

 #1 Catherine Zeta-Jones
This dress was pure magick for me! Gorgeous, ornate, sparkly, sheer, fitted, stunning, sexy, and modest. All on one of the most beautiful women in the world. This is a dress that makes the Oscars the most glamourous night in Hollywood!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Spam

Are any other bloggers on blogspot getting an influx of spam comments? I used to get a couple here and there and I would just mark them as spam, but they are getting out of control on the daily now!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Current Obsession: Gone with the Wind and the Twelve Oaks Barbeque Dress

Yes... I am a little late to the game, but I finally watched Gone with the Wind for the first time ever in my life! I know! I know! I should have my vintage card revoked for taking so long... but wouldn't I get it back for actually watching it?

This is usually how you find me at parties... surrounded by all the menfolk! Hahaha!

I could write a whole blog post on the movie film of epic cinematic greatness, but I am sure I would just be rehashing everything you already know about this movie! I am ashamed I waited so long to watch it. If you haven't seen it yet and you are a lover of classic cinema, go watch it now! Do not be afraid of the 4 hour length. Every moment is worth it and those who have gasped that you haven't seen it yet are absolutely right! They are not lying to you!

Sit through a 4 hour movie? It better be worth it!

Right now I am obsessed with the film and I am drowning myself in the movie's history and information. Naturally, I am drawn to Scarlett O'Hara's costumes and see how they did indeed inspire early fashions of the 1940s. I am actually surprised that the red gown she wears when attending Ashley's birthday party is not my favourite -- although it is a close second. My favourite gown and the one that is making me weak in the knees and inspiring me to create a version of my own is the famous green sprigs party gown also known as the Twelve Oaks Barbeque Dress.

Oh what? This 'ol thing?

I love the youthful, innocent, and feminine seduction that bodice gives. Though in the movie she tried to wear it to show off her bosom, I think the real charmer of the outfit goes to the bare shoulders. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE in your face sexy (the red dress), but this one the sexiness kind of sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you are enchanted by the delicate girlishness of the ruffles and velvet. Well... maybe it is just me.

Like I said, I am now inspired to make this my own. This dress is obviously of an era, that even for this vintage wearing gal, would make me feel like I am "in costume". Not to mention it is iconic-ally recognizable that I would be "in costume". I believe I can keep the bodice as is and still wear an authentic 40s' style. However the (hooped) skirt is a bit much. I am considering a skirt at that length, but without the hoop and petticoat. I figure it would make a delightful garden party dress. Much like the barbeque in the movie! But let's face it, even with vintage friends and vintage parties, how many of us actually wear formal wear even to the most lavishly hosted parties? So I am thinking a knee length party gown or summer dress. Not anything against Miss O'Hara, but green really isn't my favourite color, so I think a red velvet version with an inspired floral organza in matching tones may be the way to go for me.

So now I am on the hunt for Hollywood Pattern 1988 to make this dress. I suppose I could attempt to draft my own interpretation, but I do love the bodice so much that I would love to get it accurate. If the barbeque dress is something you too are inspired by, you can purchase your own reproduction fabric for the gown from here. Unfortunately, it is a bit pricey for me for all the needed fabric, but if you want a to make a replica of this dress it is well worth it! You can see here at this fan's page. She has made her own gown and it is just as stunning as the original!




What? Not make the dress?! That makes me mad!



In the end, this will probably just end up in my "To do, but probably never will," idea book.


So for you Scarlett and Gone with the Wind fans, what is your favourite gown or costume from the film? 











As usual, click any picture to enlarge.

Sorry Stuart, but Superman is going to win this fight!