It only comes once per year – the chance to dress to the nines, walk the red carpet and sip glass after glass of bubbly like the superstar you know you are – all while honoring the year’s best films at the same time. Yep, you guessed it! It’s time once again for the annual Academy Awards!
This year, why not make this already-memorable event extra special by hosting an Oscar-themed party?
Invite your friends over for a glam night of designer dresses and luscious hors d’oeuvres fit for the stars. If the thought of hosting such a glamorous party freaks you out, don’t stress; following these few simple tips will create a night to remember!
Step One: The Invitations
Set the theme for your party with fab invites. Sites like Paperless Post, Punchbowl or Polkadot Design walk you through the process, making it easy to craft the perfect digital or old-school paper invitation. Make sure to specify that it’s a red carpet event, so guests should dress accordingly in their best A-list attire. If your guests aren’t sure what you mean, give them a helping hint!
Step Two: The Attire
The Academy Awards are the perfect excuse to party in your red-carpet-worthy finest; in fact, it would be almost sacrilegious not too! Of course, guests shouldn’t feel like they have to max out their plastic on a new look. Instead, encourage them to put together some over-the-top outfits from their own closets. As Mr. Gunn says, “Make it work.”
To help out your guests, suggest that they try to re-create looks from past Oscar best- and worst dressed lists. After all, who could forget Demi’s biker shorts, Cher’s Bob Mackie bodysuit, Bjork’s feathered gown, complete with swan head, or — on a less hideous note – Nicole Kidman’s absinthe-green Dior, Hilary Swank’s navy Guy Laroche, or anything Audrey Hepburn ever wore? Recreating Hepburn’s simple but elegant Academy Awards look (circa 1954, “Roman Holiday”) is probably your best bet! To reinvent this timeless classic, you’ll need only a white lace dress, a subtle belt and pearly earrings. Pair with a jewel-toned eye shadow, dark mascara, red lipstick and ballet flats!
Step Three: The Red Carpet
It’s super easy to create a true red carpet experience at home. Just grab a few yards of red velvet at your local fabric shop and run it from your doorway into your living room. When your guests arrive, recruit a pal or two to snap some shots of everyone as they walk the red carpet. Plus, the photos make perfect party favors!
Step Four: The Refreshments
Keep it simple – tonight’s not the night to prepare a huge, sit-down dinner. Rather, purchase or pre-make a bunch of appetizers and tapas so guests can nosh while they watch the show. Keep snacks bite-sized to reduce cleanup, and offer both salty and sweet options.
Stock up on the bubbly and consider creating a signature cocktail with a movie theme, such as a “Moneyball Mojito” or a “Midnight in Paris Margarita.”
Step Five: The Show
Make sure your seating area is comfortable — and big enough to fit all your guests. A custom home theater provides the perfect venue.
Make the awards even more suspenseful; create ballots and have guests fill in their best guesses. After the show’s over, figure out who had the closest guesses and reward them with a prize, like a collection of previous Oscar-award winning films on DVD.
Voting for the best-dressed guests adds excitement, too – though you may want to avoid any Joan-Rivers-style commentary.
Following these steps helps create a fun and fabulous party that won’t soon be forgotten. Happy Oscars, everybody!
More about contributing writer Megan Brown
Megan Brown is admittedly couture-obsessed. When not scouting sales for bandage dresses and sky-high heels, Megan is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. In addition to shopping and blogging, Megan also enjoys spending her time cheering on her favorite sports teams, cycling, and going out on the town. You can find her on twitter (@thatgirlmegan) or find out more at her website: http://www.thatgirlmegan.com
I can only describe the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels in one word,FABULOUS! On Monday February 13th I had the opportunity to visit the lounge in celebration of Elettra Wiedemann’s fashion week pop-up restaurant GOODNESS; featuring chefs Mario Batali of Babbo, Leo Forneas of ROBERT, Alain Allegretti of La Promenade, and Julian Media of Toloache. The event was filled with much needed pampering which included mini make-overs manicures with Lancome’s nail lacquer and massages courtesy of Equinox.
The four-day pop-up restaurant at ROBERT, located atop the Museum of Arts and Design (2 Columbus Circle). This season GOODNESS has earned the stamp of approval from the CFDA’s Health Initiative, making it the go-to destination for health-conscious models, designers and industry insiders from February 11th through the 14th.
“We created the CFDA Health Initiative in 2007 to spread the word that health is beauty,” says the organization’s CEO Steven Kolb. “Elettra is one of our Health Initiative Ambassadors, and she understands how important it is for the fashion community to have access to healthy meals during the shows. She created GOODNESS to provide this service, and we’re happy to recommend it to everyone participating in this season’s fashion week.”
ABOUT GOODNESS
A series of global pop-up restaurants, GOODNESS was founded in September 2011 by model/environmentalist Elettra Wiedemann. Originally created to provide the fashion community with easy access to affordable, locally sourced food, GOODNESS is housed in a new venue with a fresh menu at luxury events around the world. Sponsored by partners such as The Daily Front Row, Lancôme, CIRCA and Renaissance Hotels, GOODNESS also highlights the cuisine of guest chefs with decadent, delicious specials. In 2012, GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval. GOODNESS will make future appearances in Paris, London, Doha and Miami. For more information, please visit goodnesspopup.com.
In today’s issue of The Buzz: Marketing with StyleRose discusses 7 tips on how to become an entrepreneur and I offer advice on how to work from home with style. Below are few visuals get inspired next time you are working from home!
Are you looking for that little extra something to add to your outfit from day to day? Landing the perfect balance between trendy and classic can be tricky for some, but is a mastered art forSpanish jewelry brand Carrera y Carrera.
Carrera y Carrera has developed a keen ability to create modern yet timeless jewelry inspired by Spanish lifestyle. As a result, it is of no surprise to find leading fashionistas like Katy Perry, Shawna Thompson, Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Palermo surrendering to the charm of the brand’s statement rings like their delicate diamond-encrusted flower and circular golden dragon.
Last week I attended the Fashion 2.0 Awards held at the SVA Theater in New York, NY. The evening was hosted by the renowned Robert Verdi who kept the audiences attention with endless jokes and his winning personality. Creator and founder of Fashion 2.0 and Style Coalition Yuli Ziv put together an amazing evening which included guest of honor Norma Kamali who gave a profound speech on the evolution of technology and fashion.
The award ceremony was a great platform to recognize industry influencers! Nominations and winners included
Top Innovator: Kate Spade
Best Mobile App: Tiffany and Co.
Best Online Video: Prada
Best Twitter: DKNY
Unforgettable online influencers included: @Galadarling, @Karenbritchick @fashionpulse @SecondCityStyle@eye4style@dkny @sydneSummer and many more!
One of the nominees for Best Online Video was Rachel Roy’s Holiday Kindness Series. Although she didn’t win I truly enjoyed it!
Last night at the amfAR New York Gala, luxury Swiss brand Hublot was proud to present the amfAR New York Gala on February 8th honoring Robert Cavalli and others who have led the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. The black-tie event was hosted by Sarah Jessica Parker (looking amazing as usual) with special performances by Janelle Monae and Theophilus London.
Other special guests included Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn, Heidi Klum, Julianne Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Leighton Meester, Cindy Crawford, amfAR Chair Kenneth Cole, Gloria Estefan, Nina Garcia, Padma Lakshmi, Jennifer Hudson, Carol Alt, Elizabeth Hurley, Miss Universe Leslie Lopes and more.
About amfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $340 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
Are you in search of easy DIY tips on how to stay fit and healthy? Look no more The Skinny Confidential is a great resource for preparing budget friendly health conscious dishes. I decided to sit down with the creator Lauryn Evarts to learn more about The Skinny!
Your career did not begin within the fitness/health industry, what made you redirect your career goals and create The Skinny Confidential?
I knew I never wanted to work in the corporate world. I just didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I went to school for theatre, film and television, thinking I wanted to get into the TV broadcasting. I got my real estate license. I worked in the restaurant industry. I was creatively bored. I had an epiphany one day and realized I wanted to be my own boss. Since I came to this realization, I have never been happier. To wake up in the morning and dictate my own schedule is liberating. It is such a creative outlet. Fitness has always been such a priority in my life because of the way it makes me feel. I take an hour to myself, sweat and reflect. It’s awesome to be able to share tips, tricks and recipes with people who share the same interests.
In addition to The Skinny Confidential you also teach Pure Barre; I have yet to try this class, what makes this a dynamic workout?
This workout is ideal for all women because it lengthens and leans the muscle, rather than adding bulk. I take the workout two to three times a week and teach it four times a week. The women who take the class understand the smaller the movement the better. It’s different than any other workout because it’s mainly isometrics, which work the muscles that are not normally worked.
What is the FitFluential and how did you discover it? What do you love most about being an ambassador?
They came to me and I jumped on board immediately. FitFluential is wonderful because it’s inspiring to be surrounded by a group of people who are dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle. They’re all excited about being healthy- I love the energy and enthusiasm towards fitness!
One of things that you do is explore Southern California’s healthiest restaurant picks and fitness destinations. Have you ever thought about taking this on the road and helping other states pin point what they maybe missing out on?
Yes, as my business grows I will be able to travel more and explore more destinations. I am fully ready help people who are busy and/or uninformed with quick tips and tricks for delicious recipes with half the calories. My business is about a lifestyle- it’s not a diet. There are so many amazing choices out there, fitness-wise and food-wise. If you find a workout you love, it’s easy to wake up every morning and do it. It becomes a routine. If you train yourself to eat healthy and organic, that too becomes a routine. It’s a lot more attainable than people would imagine.
What’s your number trick or tip for staying full and not over eating?
Water is number one. I drink my body ounces in water every day. I love tea. For orange juice in the morning, I fill half a cup with juice and the other half with sparkling water. I balance out what I eat. If I am eating pizza, then I am not having dessert. If I have dessert, then dinner is a salad with protein. If I am drinking a beer, then I eat a light dinner. It’s automatic. Also, I try to stay away from sugar as often as possible.
What’s next for The Skinny?
My online store just launched- that’s been an exciting endeavor. I am doing a monthly collaboration with Healthy Bitch Daily (run by the creator of Skinny Bitch). I plan on creating a Skinny Empire- books, DVD’s, the works. My goal is to help people make smart choices regarding food and fitness in a fun, light-hearted, girly, colorful way!
There have been some changes with Manchester Public Relations that I am excited to share with all of you! After many brainstorming sessions with my my partner Rose M. Reyes over Skype and endless supplies of Starbucks we decided in addition to fashion we will be incorporating beauty, home furnishings, design, retail industries and health/wellness brands to the list of industries that we serve. Did I mention we are also offering copy-writing services as well?!
We are getting bigger and better! We are so excited about the changes to come and we hope you are too. Expect to see more great posts incorporating everything we love including but of course, FASHION!
Middleton mania is everywhere. You can’t check out in the grocery store without seeing paparazzi-snapped photos of party-girl-Pippa, or the flawless couture of Kate, London’s luckiest royal.
But one thing the style mavens have in common besides DNA is their knack for putting a look together. Every time they step out in a new outfit, websites and stores sell out and designers rush to create look-alike styles that bring the London look to the locals in large American cities like Chicago and New York. Even if you’re short on cash, the way the Middletons have reshaped London fashion makes it easy for you to copy on a dime.
The key to looking like London royalty is investing in a few staples — structured pieces that transcend time. For example, you want to splurge on something like a pair of well-fitted jeans, but bargain-hunt for your accessories. Keep in mind, not everything the Princess and her sister wear are budget-busting picks. Pippa has been seen countless times sporting affordable fashions from bargain stores like Zara and H&M. Still need some inspiration? Check out our London knock-offs below:
Pippa: London Business with a Touch of Chic
Sometimes it’s hard to remember that Pippa actually has a real job doing professional things. But, that certainly doesn’t mean she looks drab doing it. Like New York and Chicago, London style involves a lot of black. Here, Pippa pays homage to the city’s signature style, but adds a little punch with a colorful blazer and a bright scarf. The sheath dress and jacket are tailored to fit her body, but the large billowing scarf softens it up a bit.
To repeat the style without emptying your wallet, pull out your trusty black dress or grab this one from John Lewis for only $46. Pair it with this feminine pink jacket from Heine and wrap yourself up in this animal print scarf for under $10 at Tilleys.com. Complete the look with a pair of over-sized glasses and a black tote, and you’re good to go.
Kate: Movie Premier Goddess
Without a doubt, a majority of the photos taken of Kate Middleton post-wedding picture her in high-end, demure fashion, like this Temperly lace dress she wore to the premier of War Horse on the night before her 30th birthday. Now, we doubt you will be visiting any major movie premiers that will require full-length red carpet regalia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t imitate the Princess’s bold lacy look for your own special occasion.
Lace is not easy for everyone to wear, so be sure to use it sparingly to appear delicate and put together. If you go overboard, you run the risk of being mistaken for your grandmother’s favorite Thanksgiving table-runner. To make this London look work for Chicago, New York or your next special evening, you’ll get a bargain on this Elie Saab lace shell top dress for $316 from boutique1.com. Pair it with affordable, coordinating accessories, like this Kaliko lace clutch, Guess cocktail ring and four-row crystal bracelet from JC Penney. Together, the accessories will only put you out about $76, but you’ll look like a million bucks.
A Look All Your Own
By investing in a few staple pieces, filling in the gaps with affordable accessories and carrying yourself with the grace of a Princess, you too can make London’s famed look all your own! Cheers to that!
More about contributing writer Megan Brown
Megan Brown is admittedly couture-obsessed. When not scouting sales for bandage dresses and sky-high heels, Megan is a social media networker at Slingshot SEO. In addition to shopping and blogging, Megan also enjoys spending her time cheering on her favorite sports teams, cycling, and going out on the town. You can find her on twitter (@thatgirlmegan) or find out more at her website: http://www.thatgirlmegan.com
Step Three: The Red Carpet
