Trying New Things

Sometimes when you're at the movies, before the previews start, they show a promotion for Fathom events... things like opera or orchestra performances that are broadcast live in the theater. If you're like me you always think "who actually goes to those?" Well, I'm happy to report- now I do!

This past week I went to see the New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker- broadcast live from Lincoln Center and hosted by Kelly Ripa! It was really lovely and the dancing was gorgeous up on the movie screen. This was a one time thing so I cant really encourage you to go see it- but I would suggest going to see any production of The Nutcracker. Its a magical story and the music is the epitome of a perfect Christmas soundtrack. And I think every little girl (sometimes boy?) has wanted to be the Sugarplum Fairy.

Here's a casual outfit, inspired by the ballet, complete with sugarplum flats.

How do we feel about outfit posts? They're mainly with my iphone now and my bathroom as a backdrop. Is that okay?

So I tried something else new this week! I went and bought department store makeup at a department store. It's like I'm a grown up! I've really survived my whole life on drugstore cosmetics and hand me downs from my mom's Clinque gift bags. Well I got a MAC gift certificate for my birthday and went to get some new eyemakeup (and a bit of a makeover too!) The girl asked me what I was looking for and I was all "umm, shimmery... but smoky.. some liner.. maybe mascara...kind of natural...very dramatic..." In spite of those vague descriptors, it actually turned out well, although replicating it myself is a whole other matter.

Speaking of eye makeup, here are some of my favorite celebrity looks for eyes:

Kim K, of course

Mila Kunis, I'm pretty its not just her makeup but the actual shape of her eyes that is really gorgeous.

Adele of the perfect cat eyes.

Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum

Speaking of Lady A, I watched them perform their newest single "Dancing Away With My Heart" on the CMT Artist of the Year ceremony. Taylor Swift (another artist of the year) was in the audience and the camera captured this really great moment when Taylor, listening to the song, was so moved she turned to her friends, tearing up and saying "awww." All of a sudden, I was besties with Taylor and found myself also doing the very girly, hand on chest, pouty face, teary eyed reaction! You can watch it here.

CMT Artists of the Year: Lady Antebellum "Dancin' Away With My Heart" - Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum Videos

And that's pretty much how my life works- convincing myself that I'm friends with celebrities- and we can share makeup tips too!

5 Rom-Coms: #5 Miracle on 34th Street

A lot of people enjoy old movies because it takes them back to a different era when people were nicer and times were simpler. But I often find the opposite- sometimes older movies make you realize that things really haven't changed at all!

Let's talk about Miracle on 34th Street. And if you think I'm talking about the 1994 remake with Matilda then turn off your computer and turn on the original immediately. This movie is about a little girl who is too sensible to believe in Santa Claus, but if she did, really wishes Santa would bring her a real house and real family for Christmas. It's about her mother, a cynical divorcee who has tried to prevent her daughter from disappointment by discouraging her from ever believing in anything magical. Its about major department stores competing for shoppers during the holiday retail madness. Its about everyone's concern that Christmas is becoming more about materialistic items and less about the spirit of giving. This movie was made in 1947!! Doesn't that make you feel like maybe we're all going to be ok after all?

The real heart of this movie are the scenes between a very young and very adorable Natalie Wood as Susan Walker (yes, that's actually her name!!) and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle- the real Santa!

"For the past 50 years or so I've been getting more and more worried about Christmas. Seems we're all so busy trying to beat the other fellow in making things go faster and look shinier and cost less that Christmas and I are sort of getting lost in the shuffle."- Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street

But there's also a love story between Maureen O'Hara as Susan's mother, Doris and John Payne as Fred- the handsome lawyer who is also their neighbor. John not only goes to court attempting to prove that Mr. Kringle is the real Santa (and the scene with the bags of mail is just so clever!) but also tries to bring some Christmas spirit into the Walker's lives. Of course everyone gets their wish at the end, and Doris and Fred share quite the passionate (albeit old fashioned) very dramatic smooch!

This is a movie for children and adults, for thinkers and for dreamers, and for anyone with Christmas wishes.

"Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to . . . it's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles."- Fred Gailey, Miracle on 34th Street

The 5 Rom-Coms of Christmas

When I started this blog in July, I thought "ohhh just wait til Christmas!! I'll have tons to write about!" I love this time of year so much that I spend most of time watching Christmas movies on repeat. I'm a firm believer that you can only watch them from the very end of October through December 25th so you better enjoy it while you can.

Now if I had all the time in the world, this blog would be filled with my endless commentary on the magic of holiday movies. However, to be realistic, I thought I could do:

CFC's The Five Romantic Comedies of Christmas

Hopefully you'll see some old favorites, but also a few things to add to your Netflix que. So, cuddle up by the fire, make a cup of hot chocolate, and get ready for some Christmas romance!

By the way, I downloaded Instagram. Bring me some hipster glasses and call me adorkable.

Holiday Flair

One of my favorite parts of this time of year is checking out the holiday party looks on magazine covers. These are usually the issues that also tell you how to not overeat at Christmas parties (eat a salad beforehand! sip on soda water and not eggnog!) and give vaguely helpful hints for buying gifts for guys (whiskey, gadgets, shirts from Express for men.)

Anyways, I love the festive clothing and accessories. Let's take a look at some of my favorites- shall we?

Gwen on the cover of In Style

I LOVE these bangles and have been looking for some cheap knockoffs to wear with my New Year's dress. I can't find them anywhere- anything slightly similar has gold accents but I need silver! If you can help, please let me know.

Ashley Greene on the cover of People Style Watch

Her hair is lovely. It solves one of life's greatest dilemmas- I want to wear my hair in an elegant bun, but if I pull it straight back, I'll look bald in all of the facebook pics. Enter, the side bun.

Sarah Michelle Gellar on the cover of Self

Sequins and sparkles have been making the rounds for quite sometime now, but I am always apprehensive about buying anything too sparkly. Its hard to style without looking absurdly blinged out which is why I love how Buffy looks like she's just chillin at home, lounging in some sequins. Which is of course what I'd doing right now.

Adele on the cover of Cosmopolitan

Now, I love me some leopard, but it does look like Cosmo forced to Adele to put on a Vicky S nightgown for this shoot. I wanted to focus on Adele's consistenly impeccable eyeliner- how does she do this? Is it just great makeup application or are her eyes shaped differently than mine?

Okay, not a magazine cover but I am so in love with Taylor's red lips at nearly every public appearance. I actually bought the covergirl lipstick that Taylor says (or is paid to say) she uses and wore it to two holiday parties on Saturday.

The bad part about wearing red lipstick is that I spent half the night checking it in the mirror and the other half asking my boyfriend "How's my lipstick? Do I look like the joker? Are you sure?"

And here's the rest of the outfit, sparkly dress, houndstooth jacket, red shoes, and a partridge in a pear tree.

New Year's Eve Review

Once in awhile, a movie comes along that completely confirms why I do this. And by "this" I mean occasionally blog about romantic comedies. New Year's Eve was universally panned by critics this weekend. One review called it "The cinematic equivalent of a glass of flat champagne." Well, guess what? I've been on a champagne high since seeing this movie on Friday- no hangover, all sweet, bubbly, holiday fun!

I've loved New Year's since I was old enough to stay up past midnight and have plans outside of the house that night. New Year's Eve is just so romantic in my opinion. Sure, Valentine's Day you're obligtated to hang out with your honey if you have one, or get bitterly drunk with your girlfriends if you don't. But on New Year's you get to party with people you know and people you've just met. At midnight you can smooch your spouse, best friend, or some random guy who you bumped into on the dance floor. Anything can happen- its a new year! It is magical and sparkly and exciting!

So considering my affection for the holiday, romantic comedies, and celebrities, is it any wonder that I adored this movie? Okay, it starts a bit slow, and I know its totally unrealistic, but my criticism ends there. I can't decide which storyline I loved the most. . . dreamy Zac Efron as a party boy/courier? Dreamy Jon Bon Jovi as a rockstar afraid of commitment?

Dreamy Josh Duhamel as a ladies man looking for love?

Sigh. Its so fun to see how all of the plot lines wrap up and as an added bonus there are even more celebrities then you see in the previews!

New Year's Eve is cute holiday magic that left me with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. What else could I want?

Well, maybe a midnight kiss from Zac Efron.

New Year's Eve, rated "PG-13," romantic comedy, starring EVERYONE (squee!!), B

MTAD- The Lucky One

Zac Efron. Nicholas Sparks. Shower scene. Goosebumps. Is this my new favorite movie?

My Week with Marilyn

My Week with Marilyn should really be called, An Hour And Half where Michelle Williams Transforms Into Marilyn. Although Kenneth Branagh is wonderful as Sir Laurence Olivier, everything else fades into the background as Michelle lights up the screen.

The costumes are gorgeous, and the scenes with Colin Clark (whose "week" the movie refers to) and Marilyn are wistful, romantic, and a bit depressing.

After seeing My Week with Marilyn, I spent the next few days wearing cat eye sunglasses around and cooing "all they ever see is Marilyn Monroe." This may not happen to you.

When I left the film, I was in sort of a glamourous/Hollywood/1950's trance. I was completely fascinated . . . but also a bit sad. Which is probably how you would feel after spending a week with Marilyn. Or at least an hour and a half.

My Week with Marilyn, rated "R," drama, starring Michelle Williams, B