Bedroom Eyes

It's hard to believe we just tore through the first month in the new year so quickly.  Before you know it, it will be February.  And then it will be my birthday on 17 February.  That old saying that time passes quicker as you get older is so true.  But as Mae West said, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."  She was the original coiner of yolo.

As a change of scenery, these photos were shot in my bedroom of my flat.  For some reason, my mum didn't take them at my usual location.  I think she didn't feel like driving there even though it's not too far.  The lighting in my room isn't the best, causing my hair to look almost brown, which I don't like.  But at least it's pretty true when it comes to the colour of my outfit.  You also get a peek into my bedroom, which I absolutely love.  Ever since I got my 1940s bedroom set, it completely transformed into an oasis.  It might be my favourite room in my flat.

 Outfit Details:

vintage blouse, vintage skirt, vintage fur hat {thrifted}

cardigan {maurice's}

vintage back seam thigh high stockings {flea market}

shoes {boscov's}

pearl earrings, Tiffany & Co bracelet {gifted}

pearl necklace, pearl bracelet {maternal grandmother}

 I felt very classy in this outfit, and even better, very comfortable!  My room worked for all intents and purposes, but I don't think I'll use it again as a backdrop.  I just don't care for the poor lighting.

Have any of you had to settle for less than desirable locations in order to get outfit shots?

Want to see what photos didn't make it onto the blog?  Head over to Facebook for a peek.

2013 SAG Awards- Men's Edition

What is a woman's best accessory besides a glitzy clutch and a great mani?  That's right...A man.  Whether they were single or came with dates...

Here are the men that caught my eye at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Like yesterday, we will go in alphabetical order.

Allen Leech with his Downton Abbey co-stars: Phyllis Logan, Michelle Dockery, Amy Nuttall, and Sophie McShera.

Downton is one of my favourite programs so I had to include the only man that attended.  Plus Allen looked so charming in his tuxedo.  Oh Branson...

 Ben Affleck.

Ben and Jen are one of my favourite couples.  They seem so down to earth and family oriented.  Ben looked so handsome in his black suit and I do enjoy a man with some scruff.

Bradley Cooper in Tom Ford.

A clean shaven Bradley looked very dapper in his navy and black tux.  It really made those gorgeous baby blues pop.

Cory Monteith in Calvin Klein.

I'm sure this will be one of those love/hate looks but I thought Cory looked quite nice in this grey tux.  It made him stand out among the sea of black and navy looks.

Darren Criss in Calvin Klein.  

Darren looked gorgeous in his black suit.  I'm glad he didn't slick his hair down too much like he has to on Glee.  I like his natural wave.

 Eddie Redmayne in Hugo Boss.

Eddie looked chocolatey delicious in his brown velvet suit.  He took a risk that paid off.  Just check out the smoldering look on his face.  It's enough to make a girl blush.  Gorgeous!

Hugh Jackman in Prada.

Hugh is one of those who looks handsome in anything he wears.  And this tux can certainly be added to the list.

John Krasinski in Calvin Klein.

John went on the casual side, but I thought he still looked so handsome in his suit.  It's tailored to perfection for him and a girl can't argue about that.

 Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford.

Was it a bit too casual for the red carpet?  Perhaps, but I still love this checked suit that Justin wore.

Liev Schreiber in Calvin Klein, with Naomi Watts.

Liev holds his own standing next to his lovely leading lady.  He looked very handsome, and again, I love a man with a bit of scruff.  I just wish he would have taken off the shades.

Matthew Morrison in a Dior Homme tux.

I loved Matthew's tux from the first moment I saw it.  It fits him fantastically and his bow tie is so cool.

My top five looks for these gorgeous gents are Ben Affleck, Eddie Redmayne, Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, and Matthew Morrison.  It was difficult to choose because they all were rather dapper.

Whether they were in tuxedos or suits, these men knew how to look devastatingly handsome.  Who were your favourite men on the red carpet?

2013 SAG Awards- Women's Edition

I am no fashionista, nor do I pretend to be.  I just know what looks I like.  I like clothing, though most of mine is thrifted vintage and some of these designers I am not too familiar with.  Now that we've got that out of the way...

Here we go!  A bit photo heavy, but here are my favourite dresses worn to the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards.  Some of these ladies I love to see act, some others I don't care for particularly but can't help but to admit how pretty they looked last night.  Warning!  This post will be a bit photo heavy.

The ladies are listed in alphabetical order, but I'll be revealing my top five after.

Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen.

I absolutely adore how she paired this navy stunner with effortless waves and a diamond pendant.

 

Anne Hathaway in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Anne is always the one to watch for me.  She has become a style maven and looks incredible in everything she wears.  Her make up and hair was impeccable.

Ellie Kemper in Reem Acra.

Ellie looked like a mermaid that just emerged from the sea in this dainty mint green lacy gown.

Jayma Mays in Georges Hobeika.

Jayma made the right move with pinning her hair up to show off the neckline on this lovely beaded dress.

Jenna Fischer in Jenny Packham.

Jenna shows that you don't have to show off your goodies to still look like a knockout.  There's just something indescribable about this gown that I love.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture.

I'm torn about Jennifer personally, but I must admit she looked really lovely in this navy Dior number.  Her hair, make up, and jewelry were the perfect touches to finish off her old Hollywood look.

 Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta.

Jennifer shows that even the girl next door can still look like a bombshell.  Hubby, Ben Affleck made her look complete.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen.

I didn't really care for Jessica's look at the Golden Globes, but I absolutely love how she looked last night.  The colour looked perfect on her and the other details were just the right touch.

Katrina Bowden in Badgley Mischka.

I don't really know Katrina's past fashion choices, but I love the design, built in belt, and sheer panel along the neckline.  Plus a little tulle never hurt anybody.

Michelle Dockery in Vintage Chado Ralph Ruccci.

Michelle threw Lady Mary out the window when she showed up in this classy, but sexy black gown with sheer side panels.  I know some people have been talking about the amount of side-boob shown, but I thought the high neck balanced it out well.

Naya Rivera in Donna Karan Atelier.

Naya's dress was really unique and beautiful to me.  The bodice was incredible.  I loved the cutout at the chest with the sheer panel keeping it tasteful.

Naomi Watts in Marchesa.

Naomi nailed it!  Need I say more?  She looked as if she just stepped out of the 1920s.  She is just absolute perfection.  Partner, Liev Schreiber made the look complete.

Sarah Hyland in Dolce & Gabbana.

Sarah looked fab in purple with just the right touch of accessories.

Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta.

Tina also channeled the glamour trend successfully.  I love all the side parts with loose waves that the ladies were sporting.

My top five looks are Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Katrina Bowden, and Naomi Watts.  They just stood out for me the most on the red carpet.  I'm not too familiar with Katrina Bowden, but I adore the other four ladies.

Below are my honorable mentions, also in alphabetical order.  These ladies all looked lovely, but to me they didn't shine quite as brightly as the beauties above.

Elisabeth Moss in Dolce & Gabbana

Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture

 

Kerry Washington in Rodarte

Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood

It seems the trends for last night were some that we saw previously at the Golden Globes: winter white, black, and my favourite- old Hollywood glamour.  When it comes to the old Hollywood glamour, Amanda Seyfried and Naomi Watts showed everyone how it's done.  They nailed the look with ease and grace.

Who were your favourite hits or misses from the SAGs?  Tomorrow I will be revealing the men that made the best arm candy for these here ladies.  Be sure to check back because there's just something incredibly sexy about a man in a great tailored suit.

My Week According to Instagram

Another week has passed and I only leave you with yet another Instagram post.  I pinky promise I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things and give you all more than just my weekly posts.  I kept in the tradition of spending Sundays with my mum.  We had a relaxing day playing card and board games and then eating a yummy dinner along with some very tasty homemade banana bread.

1. Yogurt with fresh strawberries and granola.

2-4. Sunglasses for sale. All pairs $5 + shipping. Comment if interested.

 5. Also $5 + shipping. Comment if interested.

6. Nicholas Hoult on the Graham Norton Show!

7. Excited to hear about Austenland getting picked up at Sundance.

8. Woohoo for Doctor Who! About two months to go.

9. Yummy chicken and veggie stir fry.

10. A gorgeous group of 1920s ladies on my lock screen.

11. The handsome Nicholas Hoult on Live with Kelly and Michael.

12. Amazing vintage Salvatore Ferragamo's I thrifted.

13. Glitzy nails to cheer me up through cold weather.

14. Oh Captain Hook...

15. Colin O'Donoghue as Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time.

16. The outfit I wore this morning.

I am so excited for the Screen Actors Guild Awards!  Are you you watching?  I've only just started the Live from the Red Carpet E! special because I only got home shortly ago.  Which unfortunately means I won't get to the main event until tomorrow.  I love award season so much.  I am most thrilled to see the fashion-men and women's.  Though the women's fashion is definitely more fabulous.  There's only so much one can do with a tux or a suit.  Though from the photos I've seen on Instagram, the men certainly did fill them out well.  Special shoutout to Eddie Redmayne who looked chocolatey delicious in his brown velvet number.  I will most likely try to do a post tomorrow with all my favourite looks from the SAGs so be sure to keep a look out!

My (Past Two) Week(s) According to Instagram

Sorry sorry sorry!  I've been MIA for over two weeks.  Life caught up with me and I neglected you as a result.  But I'm back a day late and a dollar short.  I also apologize for the spacing issue.  I tried to remedy it, but it's still acting up.

This past weekend my brother and sister-in-law drove down from Boston for a visit.  It was so lovely to see them.  They're both doctors so they work crazy hours and don't have much time off so I'm lucky if I see them once a year.

Saturday night my dad's side of the family all went out to eat at Viva.  Sunday my brother and his wife (plus my adorable niece, Daisy, the golden retriever) came over for brunch.  My mum made an amazing spread and I chipped in with apple struesel muffins and another red velvet cake.  My sister-in-law really wanted to try it after I posted photos of it on Facebook.  It was really special because I used my grandmother's recipe and it was even in her hand writing.

 

1. Sharing this post via Instagram.

2. The 1980's hot rollers I use to curl my hair.

3-4. Photo shoot for a future post; rocking my vintage fur hat.

 

5. The bridge at location with the sun hitting it just so.

6. Stone ruins I passed on a walk.  I wonder what it once looked like.

7. The handsome and well dressed Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

8. Knowlton Drugs and Seeds- could it be an old relation?

 

9. Creamy tomato pasta dinner.

10. Geeked out over Nicholas Hoult being a clue on Jeopardy.

11. A pearl bracelet I made.  It's for sale per request.

12. Longing for warmer weather.

 

13. Smudger keeping my lap warm during a nap.

14. An inspirational quote from the late great Audrey Hepburn.

15. Titanic cross-stitch in progress.

16. A gorgeous 1930's fur trim coat a neighbor gave to me.

 

17. A lovely 1930's dress my neighbor gave me.

18. And an Asian inspired vintage dress I was also given.

19. A plethora of vintage knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, and fashion catalog magazines I got for free from my library.

20. A few of my favorite.

 

21-22. I love Emily Marie Palmer's style.  No idea who she is but she's in Catching Fire.

23. The stone ruins on a foggy day.

24. Showing off my gams in black thigh high back seam stockings and a garter belt.

 

25. Mixing patterns for a future blog post.

26-27. Red velvet cake using my late grandmother's famous recipe.

28. The gorgeous and recently single Nicholas Hoult.  If only you were mine.

 

29. Throwback photo from when I wore side-swept fringe.

30. Made Irish soda bread.

31. A very Irish dinner: corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and taters.

32. Dessert: apple dumplings.

 

33. My first attempt at fingerwaves since beauty school 4 years ago.

34. I used vintage clips designed for the wave.

35. Wearing my 1920's hat with my fingerwaves.

36. Still longing for warm weather in my grandmother's 1940's swimsuit.

 

37. One sexy zombie: Nicholas Hoult as R in Warm Bodies.

38. Craziness! Over 400 followers and counting!

39. What I wore out to dinner with my family.

40. Just finished reading this series (I know, a little late) and am in love.

 

41. I devoured this book in a day.  The film version won't come soon enough.

42. Warm Bodies looks so good. Nicholas Hoult is even beautiful as the undead.

My neighbor was sweet enough to drop off three vintage pieces that she couldn't sell at her thrift shop.  I was so thankful since I've been tight for money and haven't been able to buy anything for myself in a couple of months.  It's difficult to see everyone's swell thrift finds on Instagram, and not be able to revel in it yourself.  I know I am very blessed and have a wonderful closet full of items.  But that doesn't curb the urge at all.  It's not like a proper shop where the items will still be there weeks from now.  Once that piece is gone, it's out of your life forever.  That's part of the charm about thrifting though.  It's like a treasure hunt.  I know I will get to go shopping again in the future.  My drought won't last forever.  I'll just have to live vicariously through others and make due until that time comes.

I've been on a book reading bender lately.  I read four books in just a week or so.  I couldn't put down the Hunger Games series and Warm Bodies was read in a day.  There's something bittersweet about finishing a book you love so much.  You don't want to let it go yet at the same time you greedily want to consume the last few pages like it's the air I breathe.  Now I'm left wanting more.

Do you have any suggestions of books or a series I should read?

Follow me on Instagram at _vintage_vixen_