sunday simplicity.

Courtney Beck Photography

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we 
should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 
-Thomas Wentworth Higginson

sunday simplicity.

Alea Lovely Fine Art Photographer via One Wed

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”

― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

2015 Oscars: My Favorite Looks

I haven't been quite as award-show crazy here on the blog as I was last winter with the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes, but I couldn't resist Hollywood's true night to shine, The Oscars. I always like to see how the looks on the red carpet reflect runway trends and influence fashion for the rest of the year! I found information about fashion and jewelry  designers on People. For image sources, check out my winter Pinterest board.

Best Dressed Ladies

I love coral and I love Anna Kendrick, so I fell head over heels for her sophisticated halter dress. It's a 70's-inspired look that is totally contemporary.

There were a lot of black dresses and white dresses on the red carpet as well, and I loved Margot Robbie's 70's-inspired v-neck dress and 30's-inspired Van Cleef & Arpels tassel necklace, along with Lupia Nyong'o's pearl-encrusted Calvin Klein halter dress.

Lovely Lace

Texture was popular in Oscar dresses last year, but ruffles have given way to lace that is both elegant and sensual. Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike looked every bit the movie star in her red lace strapless dress with a dramatic slit. I thought Kelly Osbourne's dress was stunning and ladylike while still perfect for rock royalty.

Trendy Taupe

Last year nude dresses with fabric appliques were a huge trend at the Oscars, with Cate Blanchett and Idina Menzel both rocking the look, and this year a similar tonal color was popular, but in sleek shapes that accented the actress' figures. Viola Davis' boatneck Zac Posen dress was perfectly elegant paired with a diamond and pearl Van Cleef & Arpels necklace.

Guardians of the Galaxy's Zoe Saldana and Cake's Jennifer Aniston both showed off toned figures in tonal dresses that were both from Versace - I love the sheer bottom part of Jennifer's dress.

Metallics

Metallic sparkle was also a hit, with Anna Farris looking great in gold and Jennifer Lopez stealing the show in  with her long copper train.

Best Dressed Gentlemen

I love when a man's not afraid to break the basic tux mold, so I loved David Oyelowo's take on Pantone's color of the year, Marsala, accented with pops of bright red in his vest and tie.

Celebrity Doppelgangers

Kevin Spacey and Jason Sudeikis both rocked navy tuxes on Oscar night last year; this year the bold color belonged to Best Actor winner Eddie Redmayne and The Fault in Our Stars' Ansel Elgort in nearly identical looks.

One of last year's most memorable Oscar looks was Matthew McConaughey in a dapper white jacket; this year, Benedict Cumberbatch and Adrien Brody both managed to pull of white jackets without looking like cater waiters.

Best Beauty

I'm not really sure why Zendaya was at the Oscars, but her pulled-back faux dreadlocks and draped gown, paired with soft, romantic makeup made her look absolutely gorgeous. Kerry Washington was glowing as always with rose-hued makeup.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum's makeup also stood out to me - her smoky eye and tangerine lipstick looked great with a pulled-back, sleek ponytail and statement earrings.

 Best Accessories

It looks like last year's ear cuff has some competition: both Big Hero 6's Jamie Chung and Best Actress winner Julianne Moore wore half round fan-shaped earrings. I hope this style catches on.

Other notable bling: Marion Cotillard's interesting earrings and Jessica Chastain's simple but stunning Piaget diamond necklace.

Fall 2013: Taupe and Blush

One of my favorite trends toward this season is fashion that leans toward a pretty, muted color palette of taupe and blush.  These items are extremely flexible because they work like neutrals in your closet, combining effortlessly with the brown, cranberry, hot pink, gray, cognac, and black pieces that are this season's staples.  Here are a few ladylike pieces for fall:

View this set on Polyvore

1. Old Navy embellished colorblock sweater  2. LOFT necklace tee
3. Pim + Larkin marquise earrings from Piperlime  4. The Limited ombre beaded necklace
5. Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish in "Thank You"  6. Zoya nail polish in "Shay"
7. Dior Vernis nail lacquer in "Destin" from Sephora  8. Apt. 9 embellished neckline sweater from Kohl's
9. The Limited bird print blouse  10. Elie Saabeau de parfum from Beauty Boutique
11. The Limited boyfriend watch  12. GAP ballet flats

inspiration for a poppies and lace wedding

Imaginary weddings take me to strange places sometimes.  This time, I started with the spring 2013 Pantone colors linen and poppy, got sidetracked by literal poppies, and ended up with something very feminine, soft, and maybe even a little bit bohemian.  Perhaps an early afternoon wedding with a light-filled reception?  I can hear a string quartet playing "Here Comes the Sun" in my head right now.

White Lace invitation by Palm Papers from Minted

layered tulle Lorna gown from J. Crew

Wedding Chicks

winter color: poppy and linen

Today's board is inspired by this spring's Pantone color report and two colors that unexpectedly look awesome together:  poppy and linen.  I included several "mall" items in case you're still on the hunt for a Valentine's Day outfit!

1. GAP v-neck sweater  2. J. Crew schoolboy blazer  3. Modcloth tunic  

4. LOFT floral print scarf  5. J. Crew mini hobo purse  6. GAP leather tablet case  

7. J. Crew iPhone 5 case  8.  Michael Antonio cap-toe ballet flats from ModCloth 

9.  Vince Camuto peep-toe wedges from ModCloth 10. J. Crew Factory skinny jeans

Read on for makeup ideas, celebrity and runway inspiration, and cute party dresses!

sunday simplicity #96 - unforgettable

Jill Devries via Spring Mountain Gallery

That's why, darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too.

- Coral Gordon and Phil Ramacon for Nat King Cole