Dear Diary

Today I went on an impromptu hunt for a fashionable notebook, one chic enough to pull out of my purse to oohs and aahs.

Seeing as how I need to represent The V List Magazine -- being it's editorial coordinator now -- I can't very well be pulling out a Hello Kitty or tacky pattern-ed notebook out during an interview or meeting.

Chapters is currently having a great journal and notebook sale with savings up to 50% off (just adored the silver pewter metallic number!), but something from Smythson would be even better.

It's a hardcover classic.










* Photos property of smythson.com

Aw Naw You Di'nt!

Bow Wow Wow once sang (and recently in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette), "I want candy!"

I want it, too -- especially when it comes to the top accoutrement picks from Milan, chosen by Style.com's accessories director Candy Pratts Price.

Forget Caramilk, Kit Kat and Aero bars. Get some of the Pratts Price kind instead.

Milan Fall 2007 Top Accessories


* Note: Please pay homage to the Dolce & Gabbana crocodile pump, Emilio Pucci box clutch, Gucci golden platform, Versace graphic heel, Burberry Prorsum studded bag and Prada curved heel. Many apologies, was unable to upload their images so click on the above link.

Ked-Head

It's no big secret that I'm a fan of wearing heels: knee-high boots, stilettos, round-toes, square-toes, peep-toes, platforms, mules, pumps and wedges in patent, leather, suede, macrame, wood and raffia.

But sometimes, every now and again, I like to slip into a comfy pair of flats -- my patent, square-toe, mock-croc tasseled pair from Zara are fantastic. Sadly, they're still in L.A., awaiting relocation. And may my white ballet Delman flats rest in peace, having acquired a huge hole in the right sole after too many wears (I was actually forced by several family members and my friend Reems to finally give them up).

Now, don't mistake the term "flats" for plain old Havianas flip flops -- those are so passe.

When former The OC-er and ex-Brandon Davis lover Mischa Barton signed on to be the new spokesmodel for Keds, I was rather skeptical of this old school flat sneaker revival. Yes, I had a pair of white leathers in grade school, but still. Then Maria Cornejo from the label Zero came on board to design a few skimmers for the company -- using the same fabrics as her Fall 2006 runway collection -- piquing my interest ten-fold.

I wouldn't mind flitting about town this spring in a pair of these.

If you've got long, lovely legs like Tina Turner, buddy them up with long, twill bermuda shorts. If you're of diminutive stature like Kylie Minogue, a swinging mid-length skirt or flirty sundress will do just fine.

And if your feet kill from sporting heels every week, then these re-vamped Keds are a lifesaver.









I'm Lovin' It: Yesterday, all my Vancouver shopping dreams came true. Accompanying my friend Pashos on a hip sneaker hunt in Gastown, I stumbled upon a store by the name of One Of A Few. Once I pushed through the glass doors, I was knew I was in high heaven, traipsing among the Geren Ford tops, Fremont overalls, Graham & Spencer tunics and leather utility belts with gold metal buckles in black, red and gray (which, in my opinion, is the best shade of the three). It felt like I was browsing through one of my favorite quaint stores on La Brea or Third Avenue in Los Angeles. Michelle Pizzaro (one of the proprietors) is lovely, bubbly and knows her fashion. And what a small world this is: the Fremont showroom in L.A. where she buys from -- and which I've been in before -- happens to be the suite next door to the fashion PR firm I worked for a year ago. Quel chance!

I'm Over it: Snow on the ground this a.m., which thankfully melted away under today's sunshine. Thought I was going to ruin my Italian boots for sure this morning.

Musical Announcement of the Day: Peter Bjorn and John at The Commodore on Saturday, May 12th at 8 p.m.! Super stoked for this -- and as fate would have it, the show is eight days after my birthday. Which would make a PB and J ticket a very special B-Day present, indeed. Wink wink, nudge nudge, hint hint. And yes, that makes me a Taurus.








* Photos property of keds.com, myspace.com/peterbjornandjohn

Milan Madness

When it comes to RTW Fashion Weeks, I get equally excited about Paris and Milan -- my number one draft picks.

But, oh Milan, the fabulous labels that come out of your city! Missoni, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Alessandro Dell'acqua, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto, Viktor & Rolf, Moschino and Moschino Cheap & Chic, DSquared, Blumarine, Martin Margiela, Marni, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Gianfranco Ferre, La Perla, Burberry Prorsum...

It's always rather tough choosing the top collections out of Milan, simply because all of them are strong, sultry and feminine. They're luxe and unapologetically sexy. I will, however, profess huge crushes on Missoni (the label's chic heiress Margherita Missoni is a style favorite of mine) and Moschino Cheap & Chic.

Missoni constantly stays true to its vast color palette. Keeping in theme with fall, the palette was naturally deeper and richer in tone -- purples, blues and browns with yellow to punch it up a little. The short skirts were consistently voluminous, while the long skirts and dresses hugged closer to the body. Waists were emphasized obi-like belts and wide ribbed hems that started below the bust and hit at the hip. This season, fur has been a major runway contender, as seen here at Missoni and many, many other labels apart from furrier to the socialite set Dennis Basso. PETA is sure going to have a hard time keeping up the picketing protests this year.

Moschino Cheap & Chic equals fun and good times. As the kid sister label to Moschino, the little girl in all of us is represented in an rainbow of colors and flirty cuts. Britain and its countryside were big references in this collection: houndstooth, gloves, perky hats and hound dog purses. Silhouettes were mainly puffy and big, but a few sleeker outfits made it down the runway. The white tights were very Alice In Wonderland, which makes me think Gwen Stefani would look fabulous in the collection, given her homage to the Lewis Carroll tale in her "Whatcha Waitin' For" music video. Constrasting prints made the cut, too: animal, plaid, houndstooth, flower, big paint splatter and stripes. Fur also reared its fuzzy head as the finishing touches to a few pieces, like on the collar of a tan flower petal-esque mid-length jacket. Colored tights also made a splash on two-tones outfits, while short puffer jackets were the new pashmina, thrown over dresses. Count on Moschino Cheap & Chic to keep you visually stimulated.

If I order a double shot of espresso, sat down, closed my eyes really tight and visualize exactly the way popular, New Age DVD "The Secret" tells us to, just maybe I'll look into the mirror and see one the above outfits on me.

Or not. Oh well.

I'm Lovin' it: Amazon offshoot website Endless. Here you'll find scores and scores of fabulous shoes for men, women and children from Bandolino to BCBG to Charles David to Isaac Mizrahi to Oscar de la Renta to Penny Loves Kenny to Steve Madden to Richard Tyler. Best part? Shipping is free and there's a 110% price guarantee. I'm not too sure how the mathematical logistics of the former work, but it sounds good to me.

I'm Over it: Red-carpet coverage by American Idol and KIIS FM host Ryan Seacrest. Is it me, or does award show interviewing on the carpet always seem awkward. My favorite moment this year had to be when Cate Blanchett responded to Seacrest's comment that he never seem to know who's who at these crowded events with "I'm Cate Blanchett." She barely cracked a smile with her delivery, which made it even funnier.

Artist of the Day: Lily Allen. This 21-year-old Brit warbler hit it big with her song "Smile" -- every track that follows is an equally frothy, musical confection of non-sensical lyrics and happy beats. She claims her lyrics come from day to day observations, coming out in an almost stream of consciousness-like manner. "LDN" (great old school horns intro) and "Knock Me Out" (funky jazzy piano and drum kicks intro and Lady Sovereign-ish rapping follow up) are note-worthy as well.

www.myspace.com/gastroheart

* Photos property of style.com, nymag.com, myspace.com/gastroheart

And The Fashion Oscar Goes To...

Reese Witherspoon, by far.

America's Sweetheart was simply stunning in her Nina Ricci by Olivier Theyskens frock. It appears as if the single life has actually done Witherspoon a lot of good. Then again, when has the girl ever, ever looked nothing less than gorgeous.




Here's a better look at some other A-listers who did the famed Academy Awards walk yesterday evening:


Nothing says perfection more than two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith, his stunning wife Jada Pinkett-Smith (classic in Carolina Herrera) and their little acting hybrid Jaden Christopher Smith. Truly the reigning African-American Hollywood family.

Mark Wahlberg has certainly hit a great stride in his acting career with the advent of his The Departed role. Here he looks dashing in his Giorgio Armani suit, while main squeeze Rhea Durham is flawless in Marchesa.

Naomi Watts, four months with fellow thespian Liev Schrieber's child and still looking gorgeous in her yellow Escada with chiffon arm bands. Yellow is definitely the color of the season, as witnessed both on the runway and by Watts on the red carpet.

Penelope Cruz looks like a pretty cotton candy cloud in this frock by Atelier Versace. The criss-crossing bodice plays nicely againe a frothy bottom. She sets the look off right by pulling her hair back into a sleek, classy chignon and eschewing neck jewlery. Bellissima!


Portia De Rossi, known for her hilarious roles on both Ally McBeal and Arrested Development, makes good in this deep navy dress by Zac Posen. She certainly does Oscar host Ellen Degeneres proud here -- though I may be on the fence about the front curtain of black tassels.

I don't think I've ever seen Rachel Weisz look as beautiful as she does above in her Vera Wang. Although the dress is dreamy, my delight lies in the fact that Weisz upped the ante with her make-up for the night, opting for a bold red lip color to contrast against her alabaster complexion.

Emily Blunt, how I love thee in The Devil Wears Prada and now in this shimmery number from Calvin Klein. The color is bold, the silhouette suits her lithe frame and she doesn't overdo it with too many jewels and accessories.

I appreciate Faye Dunaway taking the plunge with a more avant-garde dress by J Mendel. However, the double tiered frock would probably be more appealing on a younger actress or a PYT socialite because of its quirky nature.

Couldn't resist putting up this image of acting Latin duo Gael Garcia Bernal (who sports Dior Homme) and best friend Diego Luna. If you remember Y Tu Mama Tambien, then you know why these two are so irresistible.

Zac Posen makes the round twice. It took me awhile to decided whether I liked the shade on Gwyneth Paltrow or not, but the deep peach color is a nice deviation from the typical shades found at such events. The fishtail hem is elegance at its best, as well. Paltrow ends up looking like a 1940s actress during Hollywood's Golden era.

Not particularly Jennifer Lopez' best night. Marchesa is a great label for Oscar-worthy dresses (it helps that studio mogul Harvey Weinstein happens to be designer Georgina Chapman's beau), but somehow this doesn't flatter the Lopez curves. Too many accoutrements at the neckline and too much fabric at the bodice.

Vintage Galanos is making a comeback it seems. Popular among the Hollywood and celebrity stylist set, here it makes on appearance on Celine Dion -- who also made another outfit change before her vocal performance on the telecast. The mossy green works well with her olive skin tone.

Beyonce Knowles shows off in this mint green Armani. I'm not wow-ed by the look, there's something aesthetically off-putting about the flowery one-shoulder strap. It's a bit Miss America to me. But her shoes are gorgeous!

Jessica Biel goes fantastically modern in this hot pink and belted halter dress by Oscar de la Renta. She stays true to her age with the bright color and softer hairdo. A brave style move, one that comes out a winner.

Where is the mustache?? Borat goes glam as Sascha Baron Cohen (ie. himself) with fiancee Isla Fischer on his arm in Monique Lhuillier. Red-headed Fischer makes the right choice by going emerald green.

The now-brunette and always-quirky Cameron Diaz goes futuristic in this pure white Valentino Couture and bedhead hair. She definitely looks in top form when she wears something a bit funky. The neckline is a teeny throwback to an 80s dress-collar, and I love how the front hemline stops well above the ground to show off Diaz' peep-toes.

Giorgio Armani makes another appearance by dressing Cate Blanchett in this metallic, sparkly dress from her Armani Prive collection. Blanchett always makes intersting style choices, and this is another one of them. Here, she's a cross between goddess and warrior.


The Oscars can tend to drag on, but there certainly were some fantastic highlights: a comedic trio of Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly channeling the Three Stooges by singing a funny ditty, Hollywood's new golden girl Jennifer Hudson scoring Best Supporting Actress, Ryan Gosling sitting front row (where I can see him best!) and Martin Scorsese finally winning a Best Director Oscar for The Departed.

But most of all, Ellen Degeneres made the Oscars bearable, relaxing and funny. Her wide-eyed innocence and perfect comedic timing were just what the Academy needed this year. Classic moment? Her slyly giving Scorsese a "screenplay" she had written while browsing the audience.

Here's hoping we get another round of excellent films for the 80th Academy Awards for next year.

And Ellen D. at the helm.



* Photos property of style.com