:: STYLE :: Icon | Miroslava Duma

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I have an uber crush (obesssion?) with one of the fashion world's favorite style mavens: Miroslava Duma.  Even her name is devine!

The Russian beauty is founder of style website Buro 24/7 and has been setting the style scene abuzz with her impecable fashion.  Not to mention her striking beauty.  She's equal parts fresh-faced innocence and smoldering glamour goddess. The woman is simply perfection in my eyes.

But aside from her outwardly appearance, Miroslava is an inspiration in many ways.  She's got an amazing, expanding career under her belt.  She's a go getter and a risk taker.  When asked about her personal style in a hapersbazaar.com article, Miroslava responded, "Experimental... There's a Russian saying that I live by, 'The one who doesn’t try anything doesn't make mistakes.'"

So hats off to you, Miss Duma!  May your style transcend mere fashion inspiration and be that of personal exploration and motivation as well.

*c

:: FASHION :: In My Closet - January 2013

I'm a shopper.  Always have been, always will be.  These days, with all my free time and time spent on the internet, it's inevitable that I would occasionally (ahem*frequently*ahem) wonder off to both online and store-front retailers when I needed a break from the job hunt and other business matters.  They say you should give your brain a quick break every 15 minutes to stay your most productive and keep yourself from zoning out.  Ok, I may have made up the 15 minute rule to make myself feel better about the fact that I can barely focus on anything longer than that.  But bottom line, everyone knows you should indulge every once in a while to avoid getting burned out.

Below are some of the latest additions to my closet; my form of indulgence when I'm feeling in a rut or like I'm starting to go crazy.  I've been focused on getting both pieces that are versatile for everyday wear, plus some career pieces that keep me motivated to find the perfect job.  Mom, if you're reading this, it was all on sale...

1. {Hive & Honey rectangular and pyramid stud earring}

2. {Hive & Honey three row cuff bracelet}

3. {J.Crew bow coat}

4. {J.Crew tuxedo pencil skirt}

5. {J.Crew collection skirt in rush hour}

6. {B Brian Atwood Lenoire metallic fringe sandal}

7. {Sparrow french stripes maxi sweater skirt}

8. {Aldo Theorise bootie}

9. {Forever21 studded utility jacket}

*c

:: FASHION :: The Academy Awards, 2010

Well if there's one thing that will get me out of a blogging rut, it's the fabulous fashion on display at the The Academy Awards!

I was out running errands (ok maybe some shopping too) all day yesterday when I arrived home at 6pm to find that the Oscars had already been running for half an hour... wtf?  Why did they start so early, and why did I not know about it?  It was bad enough that I missed the opening with comical geniuses Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, but the red carpet--gasp!  So I had to pay close attention during the awards to take in all the dresses and suits that I missed pre-show.  But the show itself was actually very good (even bringing me to tears several times -- yes, yes, I'm a crier) so I didn't mind being glued to the tv for the remaining 3 hours.

While I thought everyone looked beautiful last night, there are always a few stand outs, and these are the ones I just could not stop gushing about...

Best Dressed

Rachel McAdams

{photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images}

Runners Up for Best Dressed

                     

  Sandra Bullock                                Sarah Jessica Parker 

                             {photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage}                                      {photo by Getty Images}                

        Meryl Streep 

          {photo by WireImage}

I can never say enough about Rachel McAdams -- the girl is flawless!  I loved her look last night because it was equal parts glamourous & fresh.  She looked simply elegant without looking too serious or done up.  And I thought it was a more flirty take on the traditional ball gown that we saw several renditions of last night.  And in a three-way tie for second place, I thought Sandra Bullock, Sarah Jessica Parker (of course) and Meryl Streep all looked just divine!

Best Dressed Man

Colin Firth

{photo by Getty Images}

It's always hard for me to pick a best dressed man when they all arrive looking virtually the same every year in their penguin suits, but I just thought Colin Firth had that undeniable British charm in his properly fitted tux with those boyish dimples -- so cute!  So he gets my vote, even if he happened to be in the same exact suit at 50 other men.

Who's look were you drooling over last night?

:: FASHION :: Golden Globes 2010

The Golden Globes are my favorite of all the award shows.  The evening, while glamorous beyond a doubt, always feels very laid back and light hearted.  The guests are all drinking and mingling at those little round tables, instead of sitting in row after row of theatre seats -- which, thanks to faithful seat-fillers, never appear empty -- like at most other award shows.  It brings together stars from both the small & silver screens.  And do you think the Oscar's would allow Ricky Gervais' penis jokes and Robert De Niro's quips about Scorsese's inappropriate relations with film reels?  I think not.

But one thing that the Golden Globes do have in common with other award shows is that the stars never disappoint.  They still show up in the most beautiful of beautiful designer gowns.  Here are my absolute favorites from last night's broadcast.

Best Overall -- Chloe Sevigny in Valentino

{photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images via E!Online}

This was my absolute FAVORITE from last night.  From the color to the material, the fit to the movement, everything about it was impeccable!  And Ms. Sevigny always knows how to complete a look, keeping hair and makeup as simple as can be as to not compete with the abundance of elegant details that enrobed her envious figure.  I'm going to have to have a word with the escort who ripped her dress though...

Best Dress -- (left to right) Diane Kruger, Toni Collette and Sofia Vergara

{photos by Jason Merritt/Getty Images, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Matt Sayles/AP via Moviefone}

Diane Kruger knows how to take fashion to the limit, and it shows in the way she pulled off this amazing Chrisitan Lacroix.  The striking fuchsia dress adorned with a clean, crisp white bow is a far cry from the standard black ball gowns of the evening, but with the confidence and grace she carried herself with, I'd say it's a hundred times more glamorous.

Toni Collette was absolutely glowing in this glittering frock by Elie Saab.  The Aussie actress proved that she's not to be confused with the plain-jane, suburban housewife from Kansas that she plays on The United States of Tara (another of my Showtime favorites).  Not only was the dress a stunner, but her body looked slammin!

Sofia Vergara is one of my favorite people these days because of her priceless work on ABC's Modern Family as spicy wife & mother, Gloria.  The Columbian-born actress is not only unfairly beautiful, but she's got an eye for fashion, too.  As a newcomer, she showed that she can hang with the Golden Globe vets by flawlessly pulling off a classic dress by Carolina Herrera.  While the silhouette was relatively basic, the rich color combination and bold, back detail made this look a real winner!

Best Trend Setters-- Maggie Gyllenhaal & Christina Hendricks

{photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images via Moviefone & via Just Jared}

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Christina Hendricks were spot on with their color choices.  As Spring 2010 approaches, designers are playing with pastels and neutrals big time.  Maggie was a vision in a RM by Roland Mouret pink number, and Christina's peaches-and-cream complexion looked as luscious as her peachy dress by Christian Siriano.

Best Hair & Makeup -- Ginnifer Goodwin & January Jones

{photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images via Moviefone}

I don't know if it was just this particular photo of Ginnifer Goodwin, but the black umbrella and her little pixie cut framing her flawless complexion and steel-blue eyes just made me go "wow!"  The cobalt blue dress doesn't hurt the picture either.  She looked amazing!

And what can one say about January Jones except "[sigh]"?  The girl always looks good and last night was no exception.  Her blonde locks and milky skin were stood out against the black ruffled collar of her dress and sleek black ribbon in her hair.  To top it off, a dash of divinely red lipstick.  Simply gorgeous!

Who were your favorites last night?

:: FASHION :: Just When Being Broke Started to Feel Hopeless...

...someone like H&M comes out with their Garden Collection!  Hooray for the stylishly unemployed!  I happened across their new line via Refinery 29 and the surprise was made even sweeter by the headline: "Organic and Sustainable."  Well, if that's not music to my ears...

Naturally, I had to sneak a peak.  Even if I'm "technically" banned from shopping, what was the harm in looking?  Famous last words, no?  If you haven't seen the fabulous line yet, have a gander...

{via Refinery29 from H&M}

Now I don't usually make shopping at H&M a habit, mostly because once I get there I'm generally disappointed in the quality and execution, yet I'm always finding their pieces in magazines looking so darn cute!  So I'll stop in every once in a while, but I usually leave empty handed.  However, come the end of March, when the Garden Collection is slated to arrive, you can find me stalking the doors of my local H&M waiting to (hopefully!) snag some inexpensive, eco-friendly digs!