an american life

Christina's World
Andrew Wyeth 1917-2009

le printemps

Natalia Vodianova for Guerlain Spring 2009

loving this color palette

the new Katie Holmes ads for Miu Miu

i have a target problem

I've been eyeing this Hayden-Harnett Double-Flap Bag since long before the collection was released. Now that's it out, I find myself tempting fate and assuring myself that I'll be able to grab one once they go on sale. Why buy it now for $29.99 when it's possible that I'll be able to find it for 30% off? Hope this doesn't end in tears.

Go International's fifth in-house designed Private Collection hits stores February 1. There are some smart prints in this collection (perhaps the lingering effects of one Thakoon Panichgul), and I'm especially coveting this mini-skirt. I'm also pretty sure that this model is coming on to me. I know those eyes. Those are "I'm four drinks into the night and you're looking pretty fiiine" eyes. It's actually making me a little uncomfortable.

Yippee! The Orla Kiely Housewares collection launches the first week of February. I don't really cook, or bake, or do anything domestic, but I love me some cute juice glasses and serving trays. Maybe if I buy a fun apron and matching oven mitts, I'll be inspired to actually try out some recipes from all of my Nigella Lawson cookbooks. As of now, I really just own them for the pretty pictures.

Much like I'm trying to do with Hayden-Harnett, I held out on the Dean Harris Collection, hoping I could grab one of the smoky quartz pieces on clearance. Sadly, I missed my window for the necklace I had in mind, but I did nab the Clear Quartz Pebble Pendant Necklace for 30% off.

i. want. this.

Ginnifer Goodwin at the Big Love premiere in LA

khaaaaaaaaaaaan!

Rest in peace, Ricardo Montalban.

shoulders back, bitches

Though I found the fashion at this year's Golden Globes pretty boring, I will say that the majority of the red carpet walkers looked well put-together. Yeah, there were way too many white-ivory-beige-nude gowns, and there weren't many risk takers. But for the most part, the hair was neatly coiffed, the faces were evenly spray foundationed, and the dresses fit. Which brings me to Blake Lively.

Oh dear, this is not good. The hair, skin, and boobs look great as usual. But the dress, it does not fit. Combine that unflattering tugging of fabric across the hips with the shoulders rolled slightly forward, and Serena van der Woodsen looks downright dumpy. The dress itself is a gorgeous Nina Ricci creation, but clearly a size too small. It's quite an accomplishment to make this girl look bloated, as I'm faily certain that she has not retained water in her entire life. And ugh, the posture. I want to sign her up for a Nebraska high school dance team so someone will show her how to stand up straight. Shoulders back! Chin up! Boobs out!

I think what I find most depressing about this look is that I'm afraid when she sees photos of it, she's going to decide that she needs to go on a crash diet and lose ten pounds. But she has an effing amazing figure, and the problems with this look could have been solved with two simple components: proper fit and good posture.

For example, let's take a look at how great Kelly Osbourne looks.

Keep in mind that she's about 5'3" and Blake Lively is 5'10" (at least according to the internets). Kelly's also been very open about her struggle with weight. However, no matter the fluctuations, she always stands up straight, holds her shoulders back, and wears dresses that fit. When magazines talk about how much she's trimmed down or toned up, I don't even notice much of a difference. Whether she's ten pounds heavier or ten pounds lighter, she always looks good.

You can't see much of her figure in this shot, but I find it impressive that even when she's wearing a coat and scarf, you can tell that she's standing up straight.

Aw, even when she's pouty she stands up straight. Plus, glossy hair and pretty skin.

This dress pulls a bit across the hips (though I'm guessing if she went up a full size, the dress would hang too loosely), but as usual, her shoulders are back and her chin is up. This girl should give lessons. To Blake Lively.

hate to say i told you so

Saw this coming. To be fair, a lot of fragrance aficionados did. Nevertheless, I think I have a future in scouring the beauty industry for potential legal action. It's like ambulance chasing, but way more glamorous.

a.w.e.s.o.m.e.

Amber Valletta shot by Steven Klein for the new Loewe campaign

all the whos down in whoville liked drinking a lot

Calling all Twin Cities Doctor Who fans! The Minneapolis Doctor Who Meetup Group's monthly gathering is this Saturday from 4 to 8 at Merlins Rest. It will include a viewing of this season's Christmas special and a few of the group's favorite episodes. It's my first time attending, though in my heart, I've always been a member. Come share a pint with nerds and British people!