Oscars 2011 Academy Awards: Red Carpet Winners and Not So Bad Losers

Jennifer Hudson was stunning in Versace

The Oscars, Hollywood's most GLAMOROUS EVENING, has once again come and gone. We congratulate all the winners of the coveted golden man statuette and we look forward to another year of magical movie making!

There were a lot of Highs on the red carpet and even the lows were not so bad. There really weren't many fashion tragedies. So I would have to say that they ladies really took their time to make sure they all looked fabulous on the red carpet this year, which was a little surprising.

What we noticed on the red carpet. Lots of red and oranges. Navy and tones of Purple were also big. Nudes, golds, silvers and sparkle were also a hit. Hair do's ranged from high glam to tossled mess. But all in all it worked. The men - you can't really go wrong with a classic tux - though Russel Brand needs some styling help.

So for this years Oscars Red Carpet I would give it an A-. Lots of great looks with just some misses.

Here's an overview of my Hots and not so hot.

LOVED IT

Michelle Williams in Chanel, Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier, Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein, and Melissa Leo in Marc Bouwers.

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang, Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa, Natalie Portman in Rodarte, and Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Reese Witherspoon in Giorgio Armani Prive, Helen Mirren in Vivienne Westwood, Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott, and Annette Benning in Naeem Kham.

  LIKE IT

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana (wish she would have done something with her hair and maybe it would have pulled it all together), Marissa Tomei in vintage Charles James for Lily et Cie (Love the color and the gown, maybe again it was just the overall styling that didn't pull it all together), Erin Andrews in Kaufman Franco (This just looked a tad big on her, the fit was not quite right), and Celine Dion in Giorgio Armani Prive (I love the fit and the color but the lines and the sheen reminds me a little bit of packing tape. Maybe in a different color I would have loved it more).

NOT MY FAVORITE LOOK OF THE NIGHT

Busy Philipps in Douglas Hannant (it was just a tad to busy on Busy. If you lost the bow it might have made a bigger impact. The dress just made her look larger than she really is), Sharon Stone in Christian Dior (not so bad - it's the overall styling - she looked like a hybrid mix of Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous and Cruella de Ville - all she was missing was a vodka bottle and a cigarette holder), Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood (Oh Helena at least this was not such a wreck but again I think less is more), and Nicole Kidman in Christian Dior (usually one of my red carpet favs, but this frock made her look large through the hips and it was just  and just way too much going on).

HATED IT

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture (Cate another one of my red carpet favs - FAILED with this number. The chest part look like its framed by that circular number or it's a puppet show theater she is wearing. And the chartreuse beading - what is up with that?), Virginia Madsen in Romona Kevesa (So wrong in so many ways), Florence Welch in Valentino (I get it...but still it's just not flattering on you darlin'), and Jacie Weaver in Collette Dinnigan (just not flattering to your top half or the overall look - but congrats on the Nom).

THE MANY LOOKS OF ANNE HATHAWAY

in Tom Ford (One of my Favorite Gowns of the evening)

in Giorgio Armani (LOVED THIS DRESS)

in Givenchy (not so fond of this dress but Anne worked it out)

in Atelier Versace (my least favorite dress of hers that evening the scarf things ruined it for me)

in Vivienne Westwood (loved the nod to Black Swan)

in Oscar de la Renta (Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous)

in Valentino (Red Carpet Stunner)

There you have it, my Oscar red carpet recap. We all have our likes and dislikes and this is purely my own opinion, but I do have to say that there really weren't many that went wrong this year. Can't wait for next years award season! Could we possibly seeing some of these styles on the White Carpet soon? I can see how some of these gowns can easily translate to the wedding aisle as well as for bridesmaids!

Rocks and Wrecks at the 2011 Grammys

Best Performance of the evening. Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow

The Grammys are all about Rock 'N Roll Style...the time for celebrities to pump up their red carpet style with some edge! We saw some ROCK it out, while others were just a total WRECK! The overall show was a little drab, but for the most part I enjoyed the performances!

Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow blew it out of the park with their collaboration on F$@* You - otherwise known as the song Forget You. Cee Lo, dressed like a cross between Elton John and the NBC Peacock, made the performance. He was backed by some Muppets - a memorable throw back to Elton John on The Muppet Show. Ms. Paltrow, in a plunging neckline cat suite, showcased her voice and made the song truly a Grammy favorite - I HATE YOU TOO!

Lady Gaga's performance was also memorable, though not the best that I have seen from her. The latex outfits a little odd, but what do you expect from Gaga. The number by Bruno Mars, B.O. B, and Jenelle Monae was also memorable and great to see these relatively new artists showcase their talents! Eminem was also wonderful...that's one angry white boy...but the emotions and performance electrifying!

Worst moments included Christina Aguilera doing her over the top vocal mishmash. Thank goodness Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride and Florence Welch were there to save the tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. RiRi had a bad night vocally but her second performance with Drake was far better than her collaboration with Eminem. Bieber, Usher, Jaden Smith...odd performance, but I guess I just may be too old to get Bieber (even though he is talented, Smith not so, and Usher - stick to dancing though I live the song OMG).

Here's my picks for best and worst dress for the evening!

Rockin' it out!

Nicole Kidman in Jean Paul Gautier, Miley Cyrus in Roberto Cavalli, Lea Michele in Pucci, and Julianne Hough in Catherine Malandrino.

Jennifer Lopez in Pucci, Jada Pinkett-Smith in Amanda Wakeley, Keri Hilson in Basil Soda, and Eva Longoria in Ashi.

 

Jennifer Hudson in Versace, Heidi Klum in Julien Macdonald, Florence Welch in Givenchy Couture, and Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren.

Now for the Wrecks - these outfits totally crashed and should be burnt!

Willow Smith in a custom outfit including Louis Vuitton shoes...looks like Scary Spice incarnate, Toni Braxton in unknown looked way too matronly and the dress looks too big, Leanne Rimes in Reem Acra, not so bad but the dress looks a little too big, Ciara in Pucci, - less is more Ciara - way too much going on.

Nicki Minaj in Givenchy - BAPs revisited WTF?, Rhianna in Jean Paul Gaultier - looks like you took the fur trim off Mrs. Claus' dress and sewed them together - not flattering, Haley Williams in Jeremy Scott - so wrong in so many ways - looks like you took it out of a dress up box of a 6 year old, Katy Perry in Armani - the disco ball bra is so 1990 and the skirt looks like curtains from a funeral home.

Ultimate Wreck Lady Gaga. I get it you are an original, but can you do something normal for once. I realize that you were born this way, but we didn't need to see you in your egg.

Now for the men...just a mashup of what they were wearing.

Rockin' It

Ricky Martin - love the silver jeans and combat boots - now that's coming out, Lenny Kravitz - rocker chic and he can pull it off, Adam Lambert - safe and hip with a little bit of glam, Justin Bieber - age appropriate and stylish.

Wreckin' It

Usher - homeless chic never chic unless your homeless, DJ David Guetta - did you and Usher shop at the same thrift store?, Sean "Diddy" Combs - is 90s revival in style? Lose the outfit, the grills, and the sunglasses!, John Mayer or is it Johnny Depp - John or Johnny? Mayer you don't look cool.

Well there you have it, my rock and wrecks for the 2011 Grammy Award Red Carpet.  Enjoy!

Anthropologie Launches Bridal Collection called BHLDN

BHLDN exclusively at Anthropologie

If Vera Wang announcing that she is doing a line called White for David's Bridal wasn't enough, ladies hold on to your hats or whatever is available! Anthropologie (a subsidiary of Urban Outfitters), one of the modern woman's favorite store is launching a bridal line called BHLDN on Valentine's Day, yes FEBRUARY 14. Women across the country are going to be swooning after seeing these ultra fabulous gowns that is priced between $1000 and $4000. The gowns are modern with a touch of glam and classic with a nostalgic twist! All of them GORGEOUS!

In addition to the fabulous wedding gowns that Anthropologie will be selling, BHLDN has also created accessories, shoes, and wait for it...bridesmaids/event dresses too! Completing the whole Anthropologie wedding story! I am pleased to share with you the fashions Anthropologie has for the bride and her maids and her guests!

Enjoy!

Bridal Fashions by  BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

Event Dresses by BHLDN exclusively for Anthropologie

perfect for the bridesmaids and her guests

I personally am not so fond of the event dresses - they come off a little dated for my taste, but it does fit in to the Anthropologie woman's lifestyle story of retro, hip, cool, and chic fashion. On the other hand, I am absolutely loving the bridal gowns!

Have Passport will Travel! Passport Inspired Save the Date Cards

Save the Card Passport Suite (Last name removed for Privacy)

I am so excited to have the save the date cards (STDs) for my client's Riviera Maya wedding in September complete and out the door! Jocelyn Chan-Style, the paper stylist, is INCREDIBLE. She really took the concept of this destination wedding and blew it out of the park.  My clients are ecstatic beyond believe on the outcome.

Her passport inspired save the date cards came out incredible and the details are mind-blowing. Everything from the Manila paper envelopes to the coding on the bottom of the passports is pitch perfect. She incorporated the wedding colors perfectly too! Jocelyn hand assembled and finished all the detailing, such as the rhinestones, herself.

This is the first time I have worked with Jocelyn and I have to say it won't be the last. The amazing part of this is that, Jocelyn, is not doing this work professionally; she actually has a different career...that I think she needs to reconsider PRONTO. From the start, she had a vision of what the concept should look like and the end product not only captured all that but she also executed it flawlessly. She is really flexible to work with and easy going, so the experience of designing this custom invitation was a treat. In the end, she produced one of the loveliest STD cards I have seen in a long time. I think that any bride or couple looking for an inspired, custom, tailored, and hand made invitations should contact Jocelyn NOW before she becomes big time...that won't be too long judging from this gem!

She is currently working on the bride and grooms' boxed wedding invitations that will include original watercolor artwork. From the prototypes I have seen...they will be MIND BLOWING! I can't wait to see the final version.

Here's a look at Racquel and Lynn's save the date cards for September 2011! Enjoy!

Bride and Groom Information page (Last Names removed for Privacy)

Front and back of envelope

Detail of one of the 8 pages inside the invitation

Invitation cover

For information regarding Jocelyn's pricing and how she can create your ultimate wedding invitation, contact her by email at miss.joce@gmail.com

White by Vera Wang Available at David's Bridal on February 11, 2011!

Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle in a beautiful gown...but how about a gorgeous gown made by one of the world's best designers. To many, Vera Wang gowns are the epitome of the ultimate wedding gown and many would probably give up a something for the opportunity to wear one of her creations on their wedding day. Well ladies...here's your opportunity! Vera Wang...yes that Vera...has created a line of gowns and accessories exclusively for David's Bridal. The line White by Vera Wang will make its debut on February 11th at David's Bridal!

The debut line will feature 12 designs by Vera Wang and it has all of the couture styling and glamor that one expects from the master of bridal couture. The other beautiful thing about this collection is that it truly makes Vera Wang affordable to even the most budget basic brides! Gowns range from $600 for a one-shoulder crinkle chiffon gown with matching grosgrain sash and asymmetrical draped skirt to $1400 for a  ball gown with V-neck bodice and fully draped skirt made with hand-cut bias organza flanges and tulle swirls. Size ranges from 0-14. The accessories range from $58 for a horse hair sash to $248 for a two-tier chapel length veil with a raw-cut edge and lace applique detailing.

Ladies, if you have not done your dress shopping yet for your upcoming nuptials, make sure to check out the wonderful gowns that is now available to you from Ms. Wang herself! David's Bridal is going to super busy trying to fill these orders! To see the back story, plus detailed pictures of the gorgeous gowns, please visit the White by Vera Wang site at David's Bridal.

Here's what you have to look forward to!

Left to Right: VW351010 $1200 (Ivory), VW351004 $700 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351011 $1200 (Blush, Ivory, Soft White)

Left to Right: VW351002 $600 (Blush, Ivory, Soft White), VW351003 $700 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351021 $800 (Ivory)

Left to Right: VW351000 $600 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351007 $1000 (Blush/Ivory, Ivory/Ivory, Soft White/Soft White, VW Champagne/Ivory), VW351020 $1200 (Ivory)

Left to Right: VW351029 $1400 (Ivory, Soft White), VW351023 $1300 (Ivory)  Illusion sleeve piece as pictured in main picture can be worn under the bodice and is included with the gown, VW351026 $1300 (Ivory, Soft White)

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 and Cake Balls...Makes for a Good Day!

Well it's been a pretty exciting day at Percy Sales Events and it's not even noon yet! We got an email a few weeks ago that stated that we were voted as one of the Best Wedding Planners by The Knot for their 2011 Best of Weddings - a yearly thing they do that identifies the best of the best in every region! Today it was official as The Knot revealed publicly their 2011 The Knot Best of Weddings on their website and we were definitely on the list! Next up is the publication which should come out in the next month or so!

I am so honored and happy to have been selected amongst my peers and recognized as one of the best by such an influential publication! I am more than ecstatic! 2011 is going to be a great year for Percy Sales Events and we can't wait to assist our current and future couples in creating their dream weddings!

If you need assistance on any level with your weddings, birthday, or any other type of celebration, Percy Sales Events will be more than happy to work with you! If you mention The Knot upon contracting our services we will give you an additional 10% off our services! Percy Sales Events is available to produce, design, and coordinate weddings worldwide. Ask us about our destination wedding services making it easy and simple to have your wedding abroad or let us design and plan the wedding of your dreams locally! Either way, Percy Sales Events, will make sure that your wedding or other celebration will be one you remember with joy forever!

Look out for our new website soon! We are revamping and updating the look of the Percy Sales Events website.

After we received the news about The Knot, I had a little tasting session in the office to try these new cake balls from a company out of Dallas called Zen Baking Company. The little balls of heaven were pretty amazing but not at all what I was expecting. From the get go, I had in my mind that these little sweet balls were going to be mini circular, ball like, cakes that were iced and decorated...a cake ball. What we got was something more surprising and something that I love! You know you all love to lick the left over batter off the bowls when you are baking right? Well, these "cake" balls are more of the like the uncooked batter, just a little more dense (truffle like consistency)...not sure how they do it actually...but I think they should be renamed as Cake Batter Balls. But at any rate, these cake balls by Zen Baking Company would make nice favors or an addition to your dessert table at your event.

Our favorite cake ball flavors that we tried today were:
Ode to NOLA a pecan praline concoction
Mocha Toffee Crunch
Pastilla de Yummy (a sugar candy sorta bite - for Filipinos it tastes like the pastilla sugar candies)
Choco-choco-choco-late a chocoholics best friend!
Purplelicious is a made from purple yams or Ube and is a throwback to a traditional Filipino dessert, really delicious

The other item we tried and absolutely loved from Zen Baking Company was their Cookie Dough Whoa balls! I absolutely enjoyed these...the grainy raw cookie dough presented in an upscale way and covered in either white chocolate or dark chocolate...what else can you ask for! The Snickerdoodle was pretty awesome and was a hit amongst those tasting them. All in all these were probably our most favorite and people were fighting for the leftovers.

In addition to their core flavors, they also offer seasonal and specialty flavors! I am sure if there is something you are wanting they can probably come up with a cake ball to match it. A bit of warning - these cake balls are not for the faint of heart. These are pretty intense in taste and it definitely gives you a sugar rush. Think truffles only cakier.

They have many options for presentation packaging and they ship their products pretty meticulously. So ordering them for shipping is no problem at all. The samples arrived at my house as beautiful as they packaged them up. These will definitely be a hit and a conversation piece at your next event. For more information please contact Zen Baking Company if you are in the Dallas area you can find cake balls at your local Central Market.

Thank you to Zen Baking Company for sending us samples! We are fans!

Golden Globes 2011 - WOW Gowns Galore

I love watching the parade of gowns at the Golden Globes, because it gives a view of what we may expect at the Oscars. A lot of the gowns I saw Sunday evening could easily translate into wedding gowns as well as formal bridesmaid gowns. I was really surprised to see some trends continue, one shoulder gowns, while new ones begin, SLEEVES! I loved that many of the gorgeous ladies were wearing gowns with sleeves (full, long, cap). I predicted that the sleeves trend would happen back in 2009 in the wedding industry as well - so I was a couple years early, see my post here.

In addition to the sleeves, we saw lots of pinks in all kinds of hues. Emerald tones also seem to continue to be in fashion - though I think not everyone can carry this color. Other trends I saw last night halter gowns and not overdone hair. Lots of loose dos and ponytails...very charming I thought.

Below are my pics of my favorite gowns from the Golden Globes and some that I thought just didn't quite hit the mark.

My favorite overall look for the evening Claire Danes (main picture) in a backless halter dress by Calvin Klein in pink!

Hot: The Arms Have It

Eva Longoria in Zac Posen, Heather Morris in Lorena Sarbu, Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab, and Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

Hot: Blushing Ladies

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein, Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta, Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf, and Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

Hot: Emeralds are a Girls Best friend

Angelina Jolie in Versace Atelier, Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique Lhuillier, Elizabeth Moss in Donna Karan, and Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Hot: One Shoulder Bandit

Nicole Kidman in Prada, Julie Bowen in Tadashi Shoji, Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen, and Amy Adams in Marchesa

Hot: All that Glitters is Gold

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé, Amber Riley in Oliver Tolentino, Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, and Carrie Underwood in Badgley Mischka

Hot: Flattery Will Get You Everywhere

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad , Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, and Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs

Warm: It was Just Off a Bit

Julianne Moore in Lanvin (would have been fantastic without that sleeve cape thing), Jennifer Love Hewitt in Romona Keveza (the crumb catcher top was way too big and the overall look was overdone), Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci (I think this would have looked better in a different color, the saffron color on Kyra looked off), Michelle Williams in Valentino ( I love the shape but hate the daisies - I think without those flowers it would have been a hit).

Not: Dated and Off A Lot

Edie Falco in Valentino (dress does not fit her right and it looks like her boob could fall out at any moment), Jane Fonda in George Hobeika (Barbarella it's time to retire those sleeves), Hallie Berry in Nina Ricci (looks like you just walked off the Broadway play Chicago and put a sarong on), Tilda Swinton in Jil Sanders (Sharon Stone did that look in the 90s and unfortunately this does not even come close).

Total Wrecks

Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood (Girls Just Want to Have Fun), Jennifer Jones in Versace (Appendages are not in fashion) , Christina Aguilera in Zuhair Murad (stealing from the costume department of Burlesque was not a good idea) , and Tina Fey in L'Wren Scott (crushed velvet is so 1980's and so unflattering to the body).

There you have my reviews for the gowns of the Golden Globe red carpet. Hope you enjoy it.