Wedding Prep, Way-to-soon-to-do-anything Edition

This dress.... why???

So, it occurs to me every time I look down at my left hand and see a diamond and platinum reminder of my fiance's excellent taste, that I have a wedding to plan.

Thankfully, we decided immediately that rushing around and throwing together a wedding in a few months is not for us. I have about a year and a half to plan my nuptials, but every time I get on Pinterest and lose five hours of my life looking at Save The Dates, I feel like I need to be more proactive. The main thing holding me back is the fact that the wedding is going to be in North Carolina, so I can't exactly take an afternoon to visit a couple of venues. So how can I channel my wedding-related energy into something fun and totally unproductive???

Naturally, a movie marathon is in order. Here are a few of my favorite wedding-themed movies:

Father of the Bride

You vant the chipper chicken for your vadding???

If it was in any way possible for Martin Short to plan my wedding, I would be the happiest bride ever. Alas, he's not returning my calls, seems to think it's annoying when I do my best Franck Eggelhoffer impression, and is threatening to get a restraining order.

Also, Steve Martin is brilliant, the wardrobes are hilariously early-90s, and the scene with the too-small tuxedo is one of my favorites ever.

High Society

Oh Grace, why didn't you write a book about wedding planning? Oh right, you were too busy being a princess. 

Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby. Enough said.

The Bird Cage

You know he's going to want a say in the reception decor!

Yep, you probably forgot because Nathan Lane steals every scene in the movie, but The Bird Cage is actually about the upcoming wedding of his partner's son. But who cares, because it's hilarious and amazing and Hank Azaria is probably the most professional housekeeper of all time.

The Princess Bride

You want a rustic outdoor wedding? As you wish!

This is one of those movies that I can quote beginning to end. I never get sick of it. While Buttercup didn't have to worry about a wedding budget or how to find the best photographer, she did have to battle R.O.U.S.'s in the fire swamp. So, you know, all brides have their challenges.

Bridesmaids

PS - I'm TOTALLY making my bridesmaids pose like this.

Any movie that ends with a Wilson-Phillips singalong is a winner, in my opinion. This just happens to also be one of the most hilarious wedding-themed movies that I've ever seen.

Wedding Crashers

Mazel tov!

This one gets bonus points because it's (mostly) set in DC! It also get major points for Bradley Cooper's baby seal impression, which still makes me cringe a little every time I see it.

I'm sure I'm missing some good ones, but these are a few of my faves. What are your favorite wedding-related movies?

It's Time For a Makeover!

Do you prefer "fashion victim" or "ensembly-challenged"?

It's a well-known fact that all of the best chick-flicks include a serious makeover montage. It's probably not the most useful life lesson - a new haircut and a flattering dress won't actually solve life's biggest problems (believe me I've tried), but it's such a great moment when a sympathetic character emerges from a salon refreshed and ready to take on the world in totally impractical shoes.

Thus, I've decided that the blog I've neglected for the past year and a half deserves it's own makeover. It's losing the metaphorical flannel shirt and frizzy hair and embracing face-framing layers and some shiny new heels. I've changed the name (which I'm still unsure about - it may change again some time in the near future) and the color scheme. Now I just need to change my blog-neglecting ways!

Since we're on the subject of movie makeovers, here are a few of my faves (in no particular order):

Elton couldn't stick around for more pictures because he really needed to get his Cranberries CD from the Quad.

1. Clueless - A favorite since I was a preteen, this movie is the reason I replaced my childhood wardrobe with an embarrassing collection of platform shoes, plaid skirts, and ridiculous hats. As a fashion-obsessed adult, every time I read about Alaia I can't help thinking that he's the perfect designer to wear to a Val party. Also, I love that "Supermodel" song they play when they're making Tai over.

I can't say anything sarcastic about this. It's just too adorable.

2. Roman Holiday - This was Audrey Hepburn's first starring role, and I think it's my favorite movie of hers (a bold statement, given my obsession with Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady). When this sheltered princess chops off her hair, gorges on gelato, and rides bikes around Rome with Gregory Peck, we see her completely transformed. The last scene in this movie is one of my favorites of all time. If you haven't seen this classic, put it in your Netflix queue IMMEDIATELY.

Hipster Elle was colorblocking before it was cool.

3. Legally Blonde - Elle Woods was my hero when I was a peroxide-addicted teenager (I understand now that blonde is not my color), and I stand by my claim that she is a great role model. I love how the heroine in this movie doesn't have to play down her femininity to be smart and successful. There's a great montage after she leaves the "costume" party and gets serious about law school, but I guess this is really more of a make-under. Still, even in a black suit and tights, Elle looks fab. There's also that great moment near the end when she decides to be herself and marches into the courtroom in the loudest pink dress ever. Chutney never had a chance.

"That blonde wig I wore at the beginning of the movie? Big mistake. HUGE."

4. Pretty Woman - This year I had the opportunity to visit Rodeo Drive for the first time. I could write a book on that experience alone, but I digress. I really spent the whole afternoon hoping that a salesperson would be rude to me so I could go to another store, buy five bags of super-expensive clothes, and reprimand them. Maybe next time.

"You're like, really pretty. So... you agree? You do think you're pretty?"

5. Mean Girls - On Wednesdays they wear pink, only Regina George can wear hoop earrings, and you better not wear sweatpants more than once a week. Every time I watch this movie it makes me a little sad because Lindsay Lohan had such a promising career ahead of her. That's so NOT fetch.

I could go on forever, because while I can't find my way from neighborhood to my office without GPS, I can give you a comprehensive list of every movie makeover in a romantic comedy without even consulting IMDB.

Until next time, may the soundtrack to Clueless be stuck in your heads.

Dresses!!!!!!! My humble opinion of who was Best-dressed at the Oscars

Gwyneth Paltrow

Oh, Gwyneth. You are a mystery wrapped in an enigma. You are also a liar, because no one who owns a deep fryer and a brick pizza oven (which you claim to use regularly) looks like this in shiny gold material. Perhaps this week’s GOOP will be about how to drop 2.5 pounds in a week by mixing cayenne pepper with three teaspoons of beet juice in lukewarm water. Nonetheless, this Calvin Klein Collection dress is perfection. 



Mandy Moore

 

First of all, Mandy could have mowed down the red carpet in the yellow Bug she fake-drove in the Candy video and I would have applauded her courage (it's difficult to see, but the license plate says HotChick1). I love Mandy Moore. I love how she transitioned from cheesy pop star to supercool actress/singer without going through the obligatory “get arrested, get prematurely married, get divorced, attempt to run over paparazzi in a drunken stupor” phase. Plus, if we ever hung out, I’m pretty sure we’d be best friends. My opinion on her general awesomeness aside, this Monique Lhuillier dress is SO pretty.

Hailey Stienfeld

As I watched her get it right again in this gorgeous Marchesa (which she helped design… can we say budding fashionista???), I couldn’t help asking myself: Is it just a matter of time before this adorbs teen goes Miley on us? Let’s hope not. Upon further reflection, I reassured myself that any 15 year old who can stand out in a Coen brother’s movie alongside Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, and Matt Damon is no Hannah Montana. Well played, Hailey. Keep showing 15-year-olds across America that one needn’t wear jeggings to be stylish.

Mila Kunis

Believe it or not, I was on the fence about this the first time I saw it. The Elie Saab dress itself is gorgeous, and it’s perfectly styled, but it’s just so…. lavender. Not that it isn’t a lovely color, but doesn’t pastel purple universally conjure up memories of prom? However, I was quickly won over by the amazing detail of the dress (which is actually more visible because of the light color). I’ve embraced the lavender. Mila has successfully navigated her first big awards season without a misstep. Yay for Mila!

Halle Berry



  

Halle gets the coveted “most improved” award. Ok, this was not the most adventurous choice for the Oscars. But after the sad trainwreck she wore at the Golden Globes, this explosion of tulle and sparkles is perfect. This dress practically screams Marchesa, and if I had the opportunity to steal it from her, I would wear it every day.

Reese Witherspoon

 

Cutest. Hair. Ever. I’m completely obsessed with this look, even though she does kind of look like a Barbie. The dress itself isn't that exciting, but Reese is more adorable now than she was ten years ago. Just ask Ken.

Hillary Swank

Feathers. Sparkles. More sparkles in the form of the fab brooch in her hair. When the employees of Dunder Mifflin where trying to decide if she was hot or not, they should have used this picture to judge. I’m pretty sure that Hillary Swank has made some kind of deal with the devil in which the blander she looks in a movie, the better she looks in real life.  She’s long been known for her amazing awards show looks, but this is probably my favorite dress she’s ever worn.  

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway always looks great, but for me the Lanvin tux was the evening’s standout. We all know Anne can pull off a red Valentino dress, and she looks awesome in sparkly goldish things. Menswear, however, is a tricky trend to pull off and usually looks forced and, well, stupid. Take note, Leighton Meester. This is how you do menswear.

Sidenote: I’m already bananas for the inevitable upcoming Rachel Zoe Project episode where Rachel and Brad run around town looking for dresses for “Annie”, complete with a zany montage of Rachel talking on her phone in the car while Rodger sits lifeless in the back seat. Meanwhile, back at the studio, Brad tries on her Lady Tux and almost breaks the heels off of her fab shoes.



I'd like to thank The Academy... I mean, the Screen Actor's Guild...

Ah, the SAG awards. The Golden Globes’ slightly less popular cousin, aired on TBS between bad movies. Ryan Seacrest didn't even show up for E!'s preshow. So why did I stay glued to my couch throughout the entire show with the vigilance that many Americans reserve for the Super bowl? Or at least the Oscars?

I have an embarrassing confession. I LOVE awards shows. The fashion, the interviews, the funny, unscripted moments… Yes, I am a huge nerd.

While I could go on forever about who was robbed (Mad Men) and what they got right (Colin Firth, one of the most brilliant and underrated actors in the industry), I’ll stick with sharing my opinion on the fashions of the night.

My Faves:

Mila Kunis- This red Alexander McQueen dress was STUNNING. Her laid-back hair, make up, and lack of jewelry pulled together one of the most dramatic and well-received looks of the evening.

Claire Danes- She’s always on point. This Louis Vuitton gown was a gorgeous choice. I want to hate her for being married to the gorgeous Hugh Dancy, but she’s just too darn likable.

Jennifer Lawrence- Lawrence’s hot pink Oscar de la Renta gown was one of the evenings more controversial choices, mainly because of the dramatic black belt cutting it in half. At first I was uncertain, but when I noticed the slit that showed off her gorgeous black shoes, I was convinced. It was a bright, fun, age-appropriate choice for the twenty-year-old Winter’s Bone actress.

Dianna Agron- The Glee star has consistently gotten it right so far- she always looks elegant and timeless. From the spectacular Carolina Herrera gown she rocked at the Emmys to this Chanel Haute Couture, she always seems to be channeling Grace Kelly. Or at least Claire Danes.

Amy Adams- How is it possible for a redhead with skin that fair to wear white??? Amy somehow pulled it off. Also, I love her “dressy ponytail.”

Nicole Kidman- I’m a huuuuuge fan of Nikki Kidman, especially now that her forehead is moving again. This dress is uber-classy, as is her jewelry, hair, and make up.

Also looking great: Hillary Swank, a very preggers Jane Krakowski, Sarah Hyland, and…. wait for it…. Tina Fey! Apparently The Great Liz Lemon has finally hired herself a stylist, and she looked better than ever in a bright red Oscar de la Renta with flawless hair.



Although you can only do so much with men's formalwear, a couple of actors did manage to stand out. One was John Krasinski in midnight blue Prada (While looking for pictures, I came across an article with the title,  "John Krasinski Wears a Suit So Well We Decided It's Newsworthy." I couldn't agree more.) Jon Hamm looked great in… well, I missed who he was wearing, but I think everyone agrees that he looks quite dapper.

Can't wait till the Oscars!