Birthday Girl

That's right...today's my birthday. I arrived 12 days late, but after only 2 hours of labor, so I took it easy on my mom in that respect. I'm 29. Twentyfreakingnine. Last year in my 20s. I can't believe it! 365 days away from 30...and the only reason that terrifies me is the simple fact that 30 sounds so grown up. And I'm very much still a child at heart. See? This is what my co-workers brought in to celebrate:

One of the best things about my birthday is my family giving me exactly what I want: cash. Because what I'm lusting after right now? THIS:

 

I might need a few more birthdays before I can indulge. Gotta love Balenciaga...

“It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor's finger.”

Spoken by my favorite, Andy Warhol. But there is something to be said for a great big ring...and not just of the diamond variety. I'm a fan of very large, chunky cocktail rings. Sometimes that's my biggest hold up when going out - deciding which rings I'm going to wear. Here are a few I'm loving right now:

Posh - Smart and Fashionable

That's the dictionary.com result for the word - which I think are definitely two words that come to mind when I think of Victoria Beckham.

I love this woman. I do. I think not only is she gorgeous, cutting edge and super fashionable, but I also find her utterly hilarious. I wish she had more television exposure than she does because when she had the mini reality series about her move to America, I fell even further in love with her. She's just awesome - and a totally stylish mom of three adorable boys. Whether her hair is blonde or brown, long or short, she's always gorgeous.

precious.

My Old Kentucky Home...

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, I am a huge fan of the Kentucky Derby and all that goes along with it. The tulips that bloom at Churchill Downs, the moment the Twin Spires come in to view, the sound of the call to the post, cheering on horses, drinking mint juleps and of course, wearing hats.

The sad thing is, the Kentucky Derby is an epic fail for most women in the hat arena. It sits too far back on their heads. They leave their bangs down (who thinks this is okay? really?). So many things and it always blows my mind. Here are a few I scoped out this year:

Three generations of bad hat wearing.

Derby is big on the celeb scene and for this one weekend in May they descend upon our city in groups. Some are better dressed than others:

Sigh. Seriously, Pete Wentz? This is not the legend of Bagger Vance. It's the Kentucky Derby. Terrible.

This was last year. And I appreciate Bethany trying to bring some NYC fashion to the Derby. But this just flat out doesn't work. She looked awful. And why are you walking the red carpet with a sucker?

Don't dress like your mom. Ever. It's not cute when you're 5...and it's certainly not cute when you are 29. And I hate black and white at the Derby. It's a spring race - wear some color. Have an imagination.

I don't think this woman is anyone special. But I had to throw her in. Pink, black and white Chanel-esque suite. Red hat, red purse? FAIL.

TO and friends. He looks dapper. I like it. And I love the ladie's dresses and their attempt with the hats. But again, with the bangs on the right. It's a crime.

I was probably most excited about Marissa Miller coming this year, because she is flat out gorgeous. And she looked good. Kind of Little Bo Peep-ish...but good nonetheless.

Here are some photos of people around the track that I felt got it right:

And yes, I did just say I don't like black and white for the Derby. But this woman got it right - so classy.

Great looking couple. Love her hat. She needed something big to take the attention away from her....um, yeah.

Love it.

And here are some pics of MY past Derby experiences:

2007

2008

2010

the CMAs

:::sigh::: i haven't been on here in forever! and i apologize...sometimes RL gets in the way.

SO - the CMAs. I don't usually care for country music, at all, but I love Carrie Underwood and T-Swizzle. Here are some of my favs from the red carpet:

The FAB Carrie Underwood in Basil Soda

Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum. She needs to stand up straight, though!

Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland - Gorgeous!

Laura Bell Bundy....I have no idea who she is, but she's precious. Love the dress, rockin' bod.

Now for the BAD...

Unfortunately, my love for all things Swifty did not extend to her wardrobe choice for the night. This Marchesa gown belongs on someone older...or no one at all. I wish for once she would straighten her hair. I've seen pics of it like that before, and she looks gorgeous.

Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott...she looks so stupid. I can't think of anything more intelligent to say. Hate it.

Gretchen Wilson: SERIOUSLY? No further text needed.

Transformations...

It's the age old question: Do blondes have more fun?

I don't know, but I plan on finding out. After several trips to the salon and gradually lightening my hair in the most healthy way possible, this is where I am:

I don't know that I'm quite finished with it yet. I may do more, color-wise. But it's a huge change! I didn't even realize it until I put these two pictures next to one another. But I like it. I'm a fan. It helps that I've got the Mexico tan lingering, too....but it's just in time for Spring.

Thoughts?

Oscars...Finally!

Sorry, everyone! RL and a 100 Monkeys show got in the way of my Oscar fashion blog. So without further ado....here are some of my FAVS:

Aaahhhhh, Anna Kendrick. I wanted her to win so badly! But she has a long promising career ahead of her, and she rocked this pink Elie Saab Couture dress.

Elizabeth Banks - loved it. Absolutely loved it. She looked phenom in her lavendar Versace gown.

So jealous of Michelle Pfeiffer. Can I please age like this woman? Could she look any better? She chose Carolina Herrara, and chose well.

This could have been a total FAIL. But Demi made it look good. This is ruffles down right and blush/nude trend on point. Ruffled silk organza Atelier Versace.

Yes, I admit - I am a huge Twilight fan. But that is certainly not why I picked Kristen Stewart tonight. She has had many a fashion FAIL. However, she looked absolutely gorgeous. One cannot go wrong with Monique Lhuillier.

Hated this dress on Miley....but loved it overall. If she would have pulled her shoulders back and stood up straight, it could have been better. Jenny Packham.

My favorite of the night! And I'll be picked on for this because a lot of people hated it...but my love for purple supercedes all. The dress is beautiful. True story. And Zoe Saldana? Gorgeous. Especially in this fresh from the runway Givenchy Couture. YUM.