tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73522748527583309492024-02-19T13:43:41.488-08:00L'Amour et la PaixUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-49052476564339767382011-03-01T22:07:00.000-08:002011-03-01T22:11:18.548-08:00Mrs. Madden Glams It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/stylewatch/hitormiss/110314/nicole-richie-2-290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2011/stylewatch/hitormiss/110314/nicole-richie-2-290.jpg" /></a></div>How good did <b>Nicole Richie</b> look in this cut-out dress at an Oscars after-party this past weekend? The woman can do no wrong!<br />
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<i><b>Dress:</b> Haston; <b>Shoes:</b> Christian Louboutin; <b>Jewelry:</b> Lorraine Schwartz, Ofira</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via people.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-70101937367835990932011-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:002011-01-12T09:49:32.862-08:00Currently Loving: Lace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGrt5y8nlrVf0TIuOXuamVNU73P99R-_yGo8PXumHwrXgOq0KcMs57jJeP39-UskDUa7HZMRKxG-DczUPpAQJEt_Fm_Jj1ULkpQUO8YXaqX1CGfYviPu7g2bKKl8Jp7J0P-v9RQq_z98B/s1600/michelle+lace+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGrt5y8nlrVf0TIuOXuamVNU73P99R-_yGo8PXumHwrXgOq0KcMs57jJeP39-UskDUa7HZMRKxG-DczUPpAQJEt_Fm_Jj1ULkpQUO8YXaqX1CGfYviPu7g2bKKl8Jp7J0P-v9RQq_z98B/s640/michelle+lace+dress.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>What I'm loving at the moment: lace. Lots and lots of lace. I know, I know, maybe I'm a bit late with this... I have no doubt whatsoever that bloggers left and right have already written about this pretty trend, maybe several times already. But, for whatever reason, it wasn't until I spotted some photos of <b>Michelle Williams</b> sporting this beautiful Oscar de la Renta number at the 2011 National Board of Review Awards Gala that I thought to myself, Hmm... I have yet to feature this on MY blog. And so here we are! Lace, if done correctly, is classy and elegant... yet it can also be used to give the look a bit of an edge, which I love. Which brings me to <b>Jessica Biel</b>, showing off a bit of skin in this gorgeous Emilio Pucci dress (pictured below) back in June. This look alone is walking proof of that old saying, <b>"</b>a little bit goes a long way<b>"</b>. Jessica shows us all how to use lace to look sexy without looking, well, trashy. Personally, I love lace in classic shades like black or ivory. And, my advice would be do as Jessica does when incorporating lace into your outfit: don't go overboard with it! Pair a lace top with a solid skirt or leather shorts. Step into some lace pumps to add a little kick (no pun intended) to your LBD. At the same time, don't be scared to use lace to spice up your outfit. If you're going for an all-over lace dress, make sure it isn't too long and drapey, and that it's overall flattering for your figure, otherwise it will age you and distract from your bod. And to prove our point, we have <b>Kirsten Dunst</b>. I tried to like her look, but for some reason this Valentino dress wasn't doing it for me. I don't know if it was the sleeves, or the fact that the dress is a little stuffy with the tights... but the whole look was kind of a flop for me. It's just so unflattering and does nothing for her. While Michelle's lacey look is classy and Jessica's is sexy, Kirsten's is just old woman-ish. But I digress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRtp4DmGW5I_jgmwrjIK5p0nunZaaYVAuBfKH7RRUoxoGkITOBmi_7Ynf16CrDgykhpYtqa1GnMTH0NzYudfKQm51ZBuKja1mGeS0Xj0tNJZkG2WbhUpxoq4PhRrv1oXhVvbkdqUFiWMa/s1600/jessica+biel+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRtp4DmGW5I_jgmwrjIK5p0nunZaaYVAuBfKH7RRUoxoGkITOBmi_7Ynf16CrDgykhpYtqa1GnMTH0NzYudfKQm51ZBuKja1mGeS0Xj0tNJZkG2WbhUpxoq4PhRrv1oXhVvbkdqUFiWMa/s640/jessica+biel+lace.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>I will leave you all now with these stunning Alexander McQueen flesh lace pumps...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://alexandermcqueen.scene7.com/is/image//alexandermcqueen/249138W0KY21075_1?op_sharpen=1&rgn=0,0,2000,2000&scl=3.3333333333333335" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://alexandermcqueen.scene7.com/is/image//alexandermcqueen/249138W0KY21075_1?op_sharpen=1&rgn=0,0,2000,2000&scl=3.3333333333333335" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So... what do YOU think of lace? And of the looks I featured? And of these swoon-worthy shoes? Oh and as always, thank you so much for the sweet comments. xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via justjared.com; alexandermcqueen.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-15712957580292373762011-01-10T23:23:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:25:26.230-08:00Quelle Nouvelle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvZsXkmlSUEy_ZhxawoCjwQBoZTUjBWNy0DSev8cf34rh0h3MwAD-zNvybzQoO_zJGQgn7k_ZqTT-xo_ECiFtCGoo5bjok5f7vVLd8bb9HO7xxal9Vyp6amMllVg_CL5rOzxoLudxF_nI/s1600/marion+bw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvZsXkmlSUEy_ZhxawoCjwQBoZTUjBWNy0DSev8cf34rh0h3MwAD-zNvybzQoO_zJGQgn7k_ZqTT-xo_ECiFtCGoo5bjok5f7vVLd8bb9HO7xxal9Vyp6amMllVg_CL5rOzxoLudxF_nI/s400/marion+bw.png" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>You may remember my borderline ridiculous excitement over the news that Natalie Portman is pregnant, just a couple of posts back? Well today I read even more adorable celebrity baby news: <b>Marion Cotillard</b> is expecting also! It's no secret that I adore her and would absolutely place her at #1 on my top 5 favorite actresses (Natalie, Kate Winslet, Michelle Williams, and Rachel McAdams... in case you were wondering). I was giddy over the idea of her and longtime love, Guillaume Canet, as a couple since the day I saw them together in the French film, Jeux d'enfants. At any rate, when I read the news on Yahoo this morning, my mind couldn't help but wander to possible names... I'm thinking something very French, but modern. Classy like the mom-to-be herself! Congratulations to the two of them! <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">What do YOU think of Marion? And do tell, am I completely and utterly ridiculous for dedicating a post to the big news (in my defense, it was also partly influenced by the fact that I was just watching Nine for the billionth time)? Be honest, I can take it...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-28195691077663266372010-12-29T15:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T15:00:56.871-08:00The Birth of Venus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167920227l/28078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167920227l/28078.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>Because I realized it's been such a long while since I've done a book review on here, and because I just recently finished a book that I literally could NOT put down... it only made sense for me to share it with all of you today. For those of you who are into historical fiction (and even those who are not), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Venus-Novel-Sarah-Dunant/dp/0812968972/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293661933&sr=1-1">The Birth of Venus</a> by Sarah Dunant would be a novel I highly recommend! The perfect mix of suspense, intrigue, history... readers are instantly pulled into 15th century Florence as seen through the eyes of a young, ambitious Florentine girl. The book chronicles the trials and tribulations faced by this otherwise luxurious and thriving city, including the terrifying threat of plague, the downward spiral of the Medici dynasty, and the rise of one highly influential Girolamo Savonarola. This Renaissance-era novel is rich with art history, which may have been one of the principle reasons why it had me so captivated. I also loved the complexity of the novel; so many layers, intriguing characters and side stories come together to create such an elaborate and gripping tale complete with love, drama, and even bits of mystery. Even more than the story itself, I loved Dunant's style... as a lit major, I do notice and appreciate uniquely beautiful prose, and I found Dunant's language to be so appropriately extravagant. I definitely do not want to include spoilers, so I'll keep this already lengthy review short. If you're looking for a good book to curl up with, this one will not disappoint... take my word for it!<br />
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Before I go, I wanted to wrap this post up with a photo of Botticelli's painting, The Birth of Venus, just because. The original is currently located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (sadly, photos were not allowed in the gallery when I was there but needless to say it is absolutely beautiful in person)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.botticellibirthofvenus.com/images/botticelli-birth-of-venus-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://www.botticellibirthofvenus.com/images/botticelli-birth-of-venus-small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And there's your mid-week inspiration... stunning, n'est-ce pas?<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via goodreads.com; botticellibirthofvenus.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-33512182104509337782010-12-27T11:27:00.000-08:002010-12-27T11:38:31.442-08:00Perfectly Portman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjoKPFZ-kWL-WDgFhR6TfDXxVEa3V0oDvhwERlSO3-uJPrsv7N5OGjBZJQKHCzz6zzxF4NZqBnvi7HxqryJnEdxZzXJXw4B2Fz2OE8UrR_QM52ydRs_abNE8vQzvUz-JKlFn1SGFT9U7Y/s1600/np+vogue+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjoKPFZ-kWL-WDgFhR6TfDXxVEa3V0oDvhwERlSO3-uJPrsv7N5OGjBZJQKHCzz6zzxF4NZqBnvi7HxqryJnEdxZzXJXw4B2Fz2OE8UrR_QM52ydRs_abNE8vQzvUz-JKlFn1SGFT9U7Y/s400/np+vogue+cover.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>Good morning lovelies! Hope you all had a warm and merry holiday weekend and are now gearing up to push through this last week of 2010. I spent my weekend with family, eating lots, baking, and catching up on some reading. This morning I woke up to news of <b>Natalie Portman</b>'s engagement AND pregnancy, featured on my Yahoo homepage, and I have to say (as lame as it may sound now) it did get me just a little bit giddy with excitement. I adore Natalie (Garden State will always be one of my all-time favorites), and though I have yet to see Black Swan, I can't tell you how excited I am about it. Needless to say, I think it's so, so cute that she is expecting. And so, amid such sweet news, I thought it'd be appropriate to feature Natalie's January Vogue cover and a couple of pictures from the spread. As always, she is looking picture perfect and completely elegant. She looks stunning in soft, girly pink on the cover but what I loved the most were the two ballet-inspired photos in the spread (click the image to get a closer look). They have this hauntingly beautiful quality about them that just captivates you and pulls you in. Love it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8iYGr9Vc1rHm1e0QSkLwsd3XyJZFRr39t5CpgjJijzi_ScGgTxk7CZ4ZM5FRoghjXg8spEpviKyR4wE31OksWWbFQyDANXysQ4yQEJ4huDU_gB1ZPo_eUUVTMaPFnO3pBj1J49ZzCLQH/s1600/np+vogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8iYGr9Vc1rHm1e0QSkLwsd3XyJZFRr39t5CpgjJijzi_ScGgTxk7CZ4ZM5FRoghjXg8spEpviKyR4wE31OksWWbFQyDANXysQ4yQEJ4huDU_gB1ZPo_eUUVTMaPFnO3pBj1J49ZzCLQH/s400/np+vogue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>What are your thoughts? On Natalie, the film (no spoilers please!), these photos, her big news...? Let me know in comments! xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via popsugar.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-71145892650724159552010-12-24T13:01:00.000-08:002010-12-24T13:01:31.573-08:00Tis the Season... of Caffeine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5749410/tumblr_ld1pe6rufQ1qa1qw4o1_500_large.jpg?1293162961" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5749410/tumblr_ld1pe6rufQ1qa1qw4o1_500_large.jpg?1293162961" width="320" /></a></div>Everyone in my life knows I am addicted to coffee.. this is nothing new. If I haven't mentioned it before on here, consider this my confession. I love, love, love coffee and can pretty much never start my day without at least one cup. So naturally, I also share an equally grand love for Starbucks. And, as I love the month of December and do all I can to get into the holiday spirit once Thanksgiving is over and done with, every year I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the seasonal drinks at Starbucks. And every year I take full advantage by ordering one every chance I get until the very last day they offer them up. So for those of you who have yet to taste these creamy, wonderful red cups of goodness, I have to ask... WHAT are you waiting for? Lucky for you, I'm here with a guide to... well, my personal favorites. Today I discovered one of the best hot chocolates I have ever tasted: the salted caramel hot chocolate. Oh. my. goodness. Equal parts rich, sweet, chocolatey, with the slightest kick that makes it the perfect sweet & salty guilty pleasure. I must say, one taste and this drink quickly shot its way up my favorites list. A more classic favorite would be the gingerbread latte, always. And as for the seasonal drinks I prefer largely over ice? Peppermint mocha and pumpkin spice lattes are both enjoyed better on the rocks, take my word for it (that's not to say their warm counterparts are not mouth-watering, as I am sure they are). And there you have it, lovelies... I have shared with you my expertise. The only one left on my to-try list at this point is the new caramel brulee latte, through which I will probably be consuming enough calories to substitute for an entire meal. Ah, c'est la vie. Because really, how often does Starbucks pull out those beloved red cups? My point exactly.<br />
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<b>Happy holidays to you and yours, dear readers. xo</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-75207099192582991332010-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:002010-12-23T11:48:34.858-08:00Holiday NightmareDon't we all tell ourselves every year that we will do our holiday shopping online, nice and easy, with a cup of coffee, wearing PJs, no problem at all -- and every year, we fail? We venture out into the busy, crowded malls, spend about half our time stuck in traffic or circling around the lots aimlessly, hoping to spot some defeated shopper whose spot you can steal, wait in long lines, hear the screams of children drowning out the Christmas music... and so on and so forth. No? Just me? At any rate, I DO always wonder why I don't get more of my shopping done online in the comfort of my own home. I asked myself that just the other day, after I got home from the mall, dripping from the rain (non-stop gloom and showers for about a week now in Los Angeles -- better than a sunny Christmas, I can say that much).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5590671/tumblr_ldjy6zsfew1qfx3d0o1_500_large.png?1292605001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5590671/tumblr_ldjy6zsfew1qfx3d0o1_500_large.png?1292605001" width="400" /></a></div>I think it's safe to say I literally spent more time in my car, searching for parking or just trying to get in/out of the lots and the general vicinity of the mall... than I actually did IN the mall. At any rate, my best friend and I gave up within a couple of short hours, got NEARLY nothing done, and headed straight for the food. Tuna burgers and cheese fries made the excursion semi-worth it, but I digress. Next year, either I stop with the procrastination and get this stuff done nice and early, or I do it on my laptop in my PJs... dry, warm, and screaming-child-free. <br />
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I promise that was the last of what might sound a lot like a Grinchesque rant. And I promise, in all actuality I do really, really love Christmas and the holidays in general. We will now return to regular festivities... cue the Pandora Christmas music station, peppermint hot chocolate, and gift wrapping!<br />
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Also, please be sure to keep up with me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lamourlapaix">TWITTER </a>& <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/1908062/lamour-et-la-paix">BLOGLOVIN </a>xo <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-74554928146065265212010-12-21T00:26:00.000-08:002010-12-21T00:26:30.412-08:00Cover Me Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspINSzolbOCusJ77ivBv5Jr7pTBRGvDZBYgM8Qd0vHADi2c_nJPrLQbgg-6-LiFWU0Fbii4usBeXij25VJDr4oku9RSkdpyZ3xJyWUL9DAO8_KoeciGAA4FIkWcOdfOAoAxfmAQUUK7gP/s1600/vbcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspINSzolbOCusJ77ivBv5Jr7pTBRGvDZBYgM8Qd0vHADi2c_nJPrLQbgg-6-LiFWU0Fbii4usBeXij25VJDr4oku9RSkdpyZ3xJyWUL9DAO8_KoeciGAA4FIkWcOdfOAoAxfmAQUUK7gP/s640/vbcoat.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>How chic is <b>Victoria Beckham </b>in her pretty black coats? She's rocking a Giambattista Valli coat in the first photo, making traveling through bustling airports look so effortless... I can't help but admire her. I am currently LOVING tights, as they can be worn with dresses but also shorts.. flats or pumps or boots.. with a cute coat or cardigan. I mean, the options are endless. But I digress, because this post wasn't about VB's tights (although paired with the black high collared coat and simple pumps, they do help her look put together). I was actually going for a post about... COATS. The Burberry Prorsum she wore recently at yet another airport (as seen in the second photo) was equally chic with bare legs. This season, every time I go shopping I can't stop myself from browsing through endless options of outerwear. I just find pretty coats to be irresistible this time of year! Personally I love a classic beige trench and a nice double breasted style.. and of course, my black motorcycle jacket has become a staple in my wardrobe. I love my coats in shades of beige and grey in addition to classic black, but I also love coats that wow with a pop of color, like red. Which styles do YOU reach for, lovelies? xo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6HCTDXj-1itZypz-84qcu2BL_OidrGdVuPFDdqDM2f_Oh0vd2nfgVD4_cad5zsUJ5Fg-W-W0fobcIfLhn2x28m_nY4DGejOAxNhYgO0EO0BZtpknGkftB-J3iouIN81lzwuC4Qxby2zK/s1600/coats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6HCTDXj-1itZypz-84qcu2BL_OidrGdVuPFDdqDM2f_Oh0vd2nfgVD4_cad5zsUJ5Fg-W-W0fobcIfLhn2x28m_nY4DGejOAxNhYgO0EO0BZtpknGkftB-J3iouIN81lzwuC4Qxby2zK/s400/coats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via justjared.com; polyvore.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-5604520475014955432010-12-14T21:06:00.000-08:002010-12-14T21:06:35.774-08:00Sweet Little Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/4893934/tumblr_lbpq4cWgqF1qei3kto1_500_large.png?1289465989" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/4893934/tumblr_lbpq4cWgqF1qei3kto1_500_large.png?1289465989" width="400" /></a></div>How sweet is this photo of <b>Heath Ledger</b> and <b>Michelle Williams</b>? I stumbled upon it recently as I was looking for pictures of Michelle out and about promoting Blue Valentine -- she looked so classy in the Azzaro number she wore to the New York premiere. I was originally going to post a couple of pictures of her and <b>Ryan Gosling</b> from that night, but this particular shot was too precious to pass up. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-83645254279620823582010-12-12T13:51:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:03:14.806-08:00What's on my mind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5471411/666666_121303294_large.jpg?1292163742" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5471411/666666_121303294_large.jpg?1292163742" width="400" /></a></div>Hello pretty people! I feel as though I have neglected this blog long enough.. as a crazy, crazy semester winds down I am back and hoping some of you readers are still left out there, somewhere. The ever-so-dreaded Finals Week is about to begin, so right now all that is primarily on my mind is a whole lot of French grammar and about 30 or so works of American Literature. And while it is 80 degrees here in Los Angeles, in the middle of December, I also find my mind wandering to a white Christmas. A beautiful cabin, crackling fire, snow covered pine trees... but for now, as I am stuck in SoCal buried in textbooks and notes, all I can do is drink my seasonal Starbucks coffee (Iced Peppermint Mocha, mmm), listen to Christmas music and watch The Holiday & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. (Side note: I think it's safe to say holiday movies never, ever get old to me). At any rate, I will stop my rambling at this point, take a breath, and look around to see if I even have any faithful readers left after my unofficial hiatus. I will try to be much, much better with updating as soon as I get through my finals. In the meantime, if you DID find your way back to this blog, please don't hesitate to leave me comments and let me know you are still out there. Lots of love (and best wishes to those of you in the Finals Boat like me) xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-4584671116839564322010-10-11T15:48:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:48:21.506-07:00Movie Monday: The Social Network<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you'd have invented Facebook."</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay so many of you regular readers might remember me mentioning my excitement over The Social Network back in <a href="http://lamouretlapaix.blogspot.com/2010/08/take-me-to-movies.html">August</a>. And, lo and behold, I did happen to go see it about a day or two after it was released earlier this month. Happy to report that I was absolutely not disappointed! Granted, it had received practically impeccable reviews and even some Oscar buzz -- nonetheless, I was hoping it would live up to the hype and it did. Not only did I find the entire story of Mark Zuckerberg interesting to begin with (it's insane to think Facebook -- now being used literally all around the world -- was created by a 20 something Harvard student in his dorm room one night), I loved the way the film captured it all. Viewers get tangled into the whole mess that comes with such great success and large sums of money at such a young age, and at times the story is heartbreaking and intense. I will definitley refrain from including spoilers, but I will say I loved the quick pace, wit, and the way in which the story was told (through flashbacks and the like). So get yourself out to the movies and see this one if you haven't already, because it will no doubt continue to be highly talked about! And those of you out there who HAVE seen it, I'd love to hear your take on it as well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/4162549/tumblr_l9n9xscfJM1qbyd53o1_500_large.jpg?1285992599" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/4162549/tumblr_l9n9xscfJM1qbyd53o1_500_large.jpg?1285992599" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-52644844596475474692010-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:002010-12-21T00:40:04.507-08:00xoxo, GG<div style="text-align: center;">So sorry for neglecting this blog for the past week. Let's just say using the word "hectic" to describe things at the moment would be an understatement. Anyways, today I wanted to engage in a bit of what I like to call TV talk. Hopefully some of you readers out there are Gossip Girl fans... warning: this post <u><b>will contain spoilers</b></u>, so if you haven't been watching the new season, I think you might want to stop here!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5675448/tumblr_ldptkjuiDZ1qag7oqo1_500_large.jpg?1292904034" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5675448/tumblr_ldptkjuiDZ1qag7oqo1_500_large.jpg?1292904034" width="400" /></a></div>I have to say I was giddy with excitement when I saw Blair and Chuck reconcile on screen, if only for the briefest of moments, to speak in last week's episode. As much as I hate seeing them apart, I have to admit I'm excited to see what's in store for their on-again off-again relationship. Shifting gears, I am convinced Milo is NOT Dan's son, and Rufus will dramatically uncover the truth soon enough.. and speaking of the Humphreys: SO glad Jenny is M.I.A. for the time being. Never was a fan of hers, especially lately. I'm not crazy about Nate's new (potential?) love interest, but I wasn't quite hoping for him to be with Serena at this point either. But I think it'll be interesting to watch that play out and discover what her role exactly is in all of this. <br />
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So, GG fans.. discuss! What are your thoughts on the new season so far? Sadly, due to Monday night classes, I usually have to catch up on the week's episodes (online) several days after it airs. That being said... no talk about this week's episode just yet, please! <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-35649118294362589132010-09-20T12:39:00.000-07:002010-12-21T00:41:25.184-08:00Movie Monday: (500) Days of Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5586163/tumblr_ld7lziaM6M1qe8us8o1_500_large.jpg?1292586375" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/5586163/tumblr_ld7lziaM6M1qe8us8o1_500_large.jpg?1292586375" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I love how she makes me feel like anything is possible, or like life is worth it." </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This week's Movie Monday is about a film I'm sure many, many of you out there have seen already, but it's one that is just too cute to overlook: (500) Days of Summer! This quirky and fun </span>film is completely different than what you think of when you think of the whole Romantic Comedy genre. Tom, a young greeting-card writer, falls hard for Summer, the pretty girl he meets at the office, quickly developing a full blown infatuation with her. Full of good music, wit, and too much cuteness.. this film is both sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. Rather than going on and on like I usually do, all I will say is: </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1.</b> Who could really resist<b> Joseph Gordon-Levitt</b>?</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2.</b> I adore <b>Zooey Deschanel</b> and her entire wardrobe, always.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>3.</b> They make the sweetest couple of all time.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>4.</b> Did I mention the soundtrack to this is really, really good?</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thoughts? xo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via weheartit.com</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-73595481410467079912010-09-17T13:00:00.000-07:002010-09-17T13:00:04.773-07:00Rebel Without a Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> <b>WITH A REBEL YELL, SHE CRIED</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">MORE, MORE, MORE </span></b></span></i></div>Lately I've found myself really loving the tanks, sweaters and hoodies of Rebel Yell. I just love how they look so laidback, cool and comfortable. I find them perfect for those days where we just feel like throwing on our favorite pair of jeans and a hoodie with some big sunglasses before running out the door. I picked out some of my favorite pieces and played around with some fun looks centered around the Rebel Yell items.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC-qG-u8uMbcbkS26zlWd4682bNZ7AE2XN25S4nkNyM5q8eiSPRgwkW7A5YVCILwIV5_LsnuT2Q5soMX7gHvyYUQHTgSfdBP5cOFhyNyz_OA5I8yvlVT542JYkDn-mkT0R_AGSCw9Np7j/s1600/rebel+yell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioC-qG-u8uMbcbkS26zlWd4682bNZ7AE2XN25S4nkNyM5q8eiSPRgwkW7A5YVCILwIV5_LsnuT2Q5soMX7gHvyYUQHTgSfdBP5cOFhyNyz_OA5I8yvlVT542JYkDn-mkT0R_AGSCw9Np7j/s400/rebel+yell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA5oWqGO-Iq2zEoAzLCIqoOrYW4ezPvaUvVebSTsllp4kcINaGcikUInsuFUAdIAkeaHdlrwiPWWdqVRBu2Vdq73xz55HAss_Hbcr4as6nnV95uWpEWMavcQj33wRgtbX4JIwJFa9M1DO/s1600/rebel+yell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA5oWqGO-Iq2zEoAzLCIqoOrYW4ezPvaUvVebSTsllp4kcINaGcikUInsuFUAdIAkeaHdlrwiPWWdqVRBu2Vdq73xz55HAss_Hbcr4as6nnV95uWpEWMavcQj33wRgtbX4JIwJFa9M1DO/s400/rebel+yell+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm6UM7uIHjG3BWaqmFsnxaQDuO8mpL6aycyuxtjqk2u8G-mHByEDOA56bhNIb8tHs8gG_GTvtSzyFlSZwVNR27XWY2Nx1ioq3eYE8PYSRoBLJQYl295hgHavmRTluEESUIhS615wo2mxk/s1600/rebel+yell+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm6UM7uIHjG3BWaqmFsnxaQDuO8mpL6aycyuxtjqk2u8G-mHByEDOA56bhNIb8tHs8gG_GTvtSzyFlSZwVNR27XWY2Nx1ioq3eYE8PYSRoBLJQYl295hgHavmRTluEESUIhS615wo2mxk/s400/rebel+yell+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What do you think? How would YOU wear your favorite Rebel Yell hoodies and tanks? xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via polyvore.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-67641249303797488892010-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:002010-09-14T11:19:00.676-07:00Keeping Up with Rory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://whi.s3.prod.lg1x8.simplecdn.net/images/3267545/tumblr_l6ptmi1Hy81qcmy0mo1_400_large.jpg?1281119320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://whi.s3.prod.lg1x8.simplecdn.net/images/3267545/tumblr_l6ptmi1Hy81qcmy0mo1_400_large.jpg?1281119320" width="265" /></a></div>Anyone who knows me knows that I am a <strike>big </strike>HUGE Gilmore Girls fan. I've seen every episode, every season, several times. It's definitely right up there as one of my all-time favorite shows; I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself wishing I lived in Stars Hollow among the quirky townspeople that form an eccentric extended family of sorts. I mean, who wouldn't want to visit the gazebo, Luke's diner, the Black White & Read theatre... sit in on the borderline-absurd town meetings, spend a weekend at the Dragonfly Inn. Mix in the fast-paced, witty dialogue and a whole lot of eye candy as far as male love interests go... I could go on and on, but I digress. Because, for those of you who have never seen the show, this probably isn't making a whole lot of sense. And honestly, this post was initially meant to be about <b>Alexis Bledel</b>, who played Rory Gilmore on the show. Lately I've been seeing photos of her popping up at various events and I have to say I'm so excited to be seeing her out and about. I adore her, not only because of the show but because she's just so classy. I loved every single one of the looks she was photographed in recently. She is definitely one to watch, style-wise! I do hope we'll be seeing more pictures of her in the near future! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC4YA8IpwseeNs_bj7GymaS9DIH0ZGuzkpAZdbjklCoXLO63TJssy5knb0it_aqCMiJFnbzAoAR524nMGC62eYYlS_XsCieoyTE_JWRFEWDB0IpSjulwyQgzb5O1l_bSfQjgOvr9qSIL6/s1600/alexis+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC4YA8IpwseeNs_bj7GymaS9DIH0ZGuzkpAZdbjklCoXLO63TJssy5knb0it_aqCMiJFnbzAoAR524nMGC62eYYlS_XsCieoyTE_JWRFEWDB0IpSjulwyQgzb5O1l_bSfQjgOvr9qSIL6/s400/alexis+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So, now I have to ask -- any Gilmore Girls fans out there? I guarantee this will not be the last you'll hear about the show on this blog. Everyone could use a little bit of Gilmore in their life :] <br />
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As always, a big thank you to everyone who has been reading and commenting ♥<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via weheartit.com; justjared.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-80205587081675557582010-09-12T10:43:00.000-07:002010-09-12T10:43:00.911-07:00Picture Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/10/article-1310978-0B1E6F07000005DC-336_468x613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/10/article-1310978-0B1E6F07000005DC-336_468x613.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>Can I just say how excited I was when I came across the October cover of W Magazine with <b>Michelle Williams</b> and <b>Ryan Gosling</b>? While I absolutely adore them both individually, I also loved seeing pictures of them together promoting their upcoming flick, Blue Valentine, at various film festivals and whatnot. They just make such an incredibly attractive pair! I'm excited to see how their chemistry pans out on the big screen for sure; the film is about a young couple dealing with their marital problems. Apparently, the plot chronicles the relationship from its very exciting, early stages all the way to where the honeymoon phase dies out and the two start butting heads. At any rate, I have to say that Michelle matches Ryan completely. I mean, look at that cover! Stunning! Okay, I'll stop gushing now only to show you some of the other photos from the feature that popped up online recently...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYpiXI9MGICfHibgzwJwoWDeIh-hO4Jl8a4fdfeJvuZW9x4VR6aMyNwQjrAhdi5slReYajbOn_3Qqcmi9BQdDT5ARuetmta6TegdDrLn_bL074ecAKXLFd3_Bs8LLnDdoI4XBRmO5VZ0O/s1600/michelle+and+ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYpiXI9MGICfHibgzwJwoWDeIh-hO4Jl8a4fdfeJvuZW9x4VR6aMyNwQjrAhdi5slReYajbOn_3Qqcmi9BQdDT5ARuetmta6TegdDrLn_bL074ecAKXLFd3_Bs8LLnDdoI4XBRmO5VZ0O/s400/michelle+and+ryan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/10/article-0-0B1E6EFF000005DC-274_472x395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/09/10/article-0-0B1E6EFF000005DC-274_472x395.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
How hot is Ryan? Can't get enough of him!!! Thoughts? xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via dailymail.co.uk</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-47873002709417170132010-09-10T10:48:00.000-07:002010-09-10T11:19:08.111-07:00L'amour et la Ville: GenevaWhen thinking about what to write about on here next, I realized it's been a while since I've done a city guide. And I instantly knew which city I wanted to feature next: Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva was seriously so heavenly and peaceful for me... I loved it! Here are the things/places to check out while there...<br />
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<b>1. The Lake:</b> I think this pretty much goes without saying, the lake is more or less the "main attraction", and it's SO gorgeous and hard to miss! All along the lake you can find little places to have anything from coffee, ice cream, or lunch. We bought iced lattes and crepes from a cute little stand and had it while looking out onto the sparkling blue water. Perfection! For those who want to spend even more time at the water, you can take a cruise on the lake or even go for a swim! <br />
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<b>2. Old Town: </b>Stroll through Geneva's Old Town, characterized by small, quaint cobble stone streets and beautiful old buildings. Here you'll find shops and boutiques, and the beautiful St. Peter's Cathedral. Do some exploring! You just might end up at the Maison Travel, which is the oldest house-turned-museum in Geneva. Walk a bit more and you'll end up in the shopping district with larger and more well known stores.<br />
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<b>3. The United Nations Building: </b>Possibly the most notable building in all of Geneva, Europe's UN headquarters. I've heard that tours are offered there for those interested, though sadly we didn't have enough time to actually go inside so I don't really have much more information about it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aY0w1BY_8is/TIgnSPWMuBI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8tvKDT2zA-U/s1600/geneva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aY0w1BY_8is/TIgnSPWMuBI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8tvKDT2zA-U/s400/geneva.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And that's just based on my personal experience... I'm sure there are lots of hidden gems that I may have missed, and I do wish I had spent more time in this beautiful city. While it may seem like there's not a whole lot to see or do in Geneva, it's honestly one of the best places to just get away and relax without a care in the world... absolutely one of my favorite cities! <br />
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Has anyone else been? What are your thoughts? xo<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-62536542150823733652010-09-06T09:46:00.000-07:002010-09-06T10:41:10.194-07:00Movie Monday: An Education<div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"If you never do anything, you never become anyone."</b></span></div><br />
So for today's Movie Monday I decided to go with a newer release. Admittedly I didn't see this one until it came out on DVD, but it came highly recommended and I have to say I loved it! In the film, the sweet <b>Carey Mulligan</b> plays Jenny, a teenager living in London in the early 1960s. While her parents pressure her to focus on her studies so as to end up at Oxford upon graduation, Jenny herself begins questioning the real value of education and schoolwork when she meets David, a suave sweet talker who is twice her age. Things start picking up rapidly as the two begin their grown-up relationship and Jenny goes from the dull life she once knew to an exciting, if not tr<span style="font-family: inherit;">è</span>s risqu<span style="font-family: inherit;">é</span>, whirlwind of concerts, parties and weekend getaways. And while she doesn't accept the importance of an academic education, what she ends up with is a far more real education in life and in love, the hard way. Equal parts indulgent and poignant, this film is definitely worth a watch. While one can't help but feel sorry for Jenny in her naivete, it's also easy to understand her desire for rebellion and her challenging of higher education, particularly at a time when women were given far less opportunities in the work force and were largely seen as housewives. Speaking of the 1960s, as you can imagine, the film is also a feast for the eyes when it comes to the fashion. Love it! Perfect casting (couldn't think of anyone better than Carey and <b>Peter Sarsgaard</b> in the lead roles), flawless performances.. I can't recommend this film enough! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PXNWT_4cmmY8blTJEA1ghcNJEQndxp3ri62e2Cjvfj9wxz_H67m7dbBuOKmR-X9741vcbr4sW8pY4BN-mOP-POYF_qFJifjinLKuLadevy1PDjZuXfhbYNFMHMaAXz0iHduL9N33ATHb/s1600/education.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PXNWT_4cmmY8blTJEA1ghcNJEQndxp3ri62e2Cjvfj9wxz_H67m7dbBuOKmR-X9741vcbr4sW8pY4BN-mOP-POYF_qFJifjinLKuLadevy1PDjZuXfhbYNFMHMaAXz0iHduL9N33ATHb/s400/education.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Has anyone out there already seen this one? What were your thoughts? ♥<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via imdb.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-55520369666835253682010-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:002010-09-03T10:10:44.680-07:00Lanvin Lovin'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjfPMoi3vlZDI7oePwtDd358egwuypYKxpygJp8XvVjFCLpt4XFct21EfLaEh7qImo6wxpaEsIOaHBg4qsGPEPKFP74q9Vl4wUoJaaVj2xB1TXGmp1ZMAcwPV1hmy1ACfu61XY30J3nDk/s1600/lanvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjfPMoi3vlZDI7oePwtDd358egwuypYKxpygJp8XvVjFCLpt4XFct21EfLaEh7qImo6wxpaEsIOaHBg4qsGPEPKFP74q9Vl4wUoJaaVj2xB1TXGmp1ZMAcwPV1hmy1ACfu61XY30J3nDk/s400/lanvin.jpg" width="400" /></a>Noteworthy news of the day: a <b>Lanvin </b>+ H&M collection due out in November! I love French fashion and H&M (although, naturally, I found the H&M stores I've visited in Switzerland and the U.K. to be far superior to the ones we have in LA.. no surprise there), so of course when I read about this I had to feature it on here. Another thing I love? Seeing fabulous designers collaborating with large stores to create accessible and affordable lines. Some people scoff at the idea, but I say, pourquoi pas? Of course, they are remaining tight-lipped about the details of the collection, so we are left to imagine (and anticipate) great things. Doubt that we will be disappointed! And, of course, I had to put together a little collage to get us all excited. Note: this is NOT the actual H&M collection (as I said, I have no idea what the actual collection will consist of). Just a few Lanvin pieces that I liked.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thoughts? On Lanvin, on H&M... on the fact that we are now in the month of September?? Say it with me now: When did THAT happen?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via popsugar.com; polyvore.com; video via justjared.com<br />
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-90037130251071570292010-08-31T11:28:00.000-07:002010-08-31T11:28:00.677-07:00Coffee Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3ZKUrBzLJ9gjAJruu-jrK-CUX-FKxSaXTSQGuurLpoIyFt6oZP4x503iFErLZb4olKUbtSQLTUmXK7J1YaZaq0n82RxKftKuc3W-MWKu-dLs1KzvN6gGIzFm43bgHAIwVoQg7mrKXgyE/s1600/IMG00163-20100830-1308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3ZKUrBzLJ9gjAJruu-jrK-CUX-FKxSaXTSQGuurLpoIyFt6oZP4x503iFErLZb4olKUbtSQLTUmXK7J1YaZaq0n82RxKftKuc3W-MWKu-dLs1KzvN6gGIzFm43bgHAIwVoQg7mrKXgyE/s320/IMG00163-20100830-1308.jpg" /></a></div>Anyone remember me going on and on about experimenting with new nail polish <a href="http://lamouretlapaix.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-five-ish.html">earlier </a>this month? Well, I finally ventured out and picked up a bottle of Coffee Break by Orly, and here I present to you the end result. What do you girls think? I personally am loving this warm beige-mocha shade! Also: I just had to show you all another of my recent purchases, this two-finger cross ring from Forever 21. Anyway, I thought I'd keep today's post short and sweet. Of course I want to thank everyone that has been commenting... I love knowing that I have at least some readers out there, somewhere. I've got exciting plans and ideas for this blog so do stick around! xo<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Miy0_gm8HTmmpz9CqrBOGSQH8cmBTrz0r1zIeIC6o3SGscLGfVtqvbtR3BupNg_u07NagX09ujFgo7X9UtTmZAsOpwCUBt2sHrOpVrgvGeopJQXHj38CGPjvNoFyeuunqaCBiMAQ6Org/s1600/IMG00166-20100830-1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Miy0_gm8HTmmpz9CqrBOGSQH8cmBTrz0r1zIeIC6o3SGscLGfVtqvbtR3BupNg_u07NagX09ujFgo7X9UtTmZAsOpwCUBt2sHrOpVrgvGeopJQXHj38CGPjvNoFyeuunqaCBiMAQ6Org/s320/IMG00166-20100830-1314.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Be sure to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lamourlapaix">TWITTER </a>& <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1908062/lamour-et-la-paix">BLOGLOVIN </a>♥Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-84464266072704987752010-08-29T10:31:00.000-07:002010-08-29T10:31:38.416-07:00Lust List: Cool & CasualAs someone who loves to shop and make fun collages and such, I can't believe I had not discovered <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore </a>earlier! But now, thanks to reader and fellow blogger Vivian from Diamonds and Tulle, I have stumbled upon this Shopstyle-esque site and, as you can imagine, have been having lots of fun with it. Here's the first one I created, a compilation of items that I loved... I know it's more of a summer look rather than upcoming A/W, but with the triple digits we've been having in LA lately, it's hard to imagine shopping for chunky sweaters and boots right now (though I LOVE shopping for Autumn).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFb9Au9N5eKBz2cgkSxYrJH2cN2XettQS-vuQLwhmipfh-62MtAVR-5ibWUTuCSQkCoxmoofE5bC2BhP4SzbgmUD9QupsX8L7APJ9HvkyEDWRLEyqN1y-5b03XFf6eEfpUk9NgpVOdQGW/s1600/Cool+%26+Casual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFb9Au9N5eKBz2cgkSxYrJH2cN2XettQS-vuQLwhmipfh-62MtAVR-5ibWUTuCSQkCoxmoofE5bC2BhP4SzbgmUD9QupsX8L7APJ9HvkyEDWRLEyqN1y-5b03XFf6eEfpUk9NgpVOdQGW/s400/Cool+%26+Casual.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stripe Crop Tee $26 - Metropark</div><div style="text-align: center;">Self Belt Pleat Front Shorts 15 GBP - Jane Norman </div><div style="text-align: center;">Balenciaga Arena Classic Velo $1,445 - Barney's</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tory Burch Reva Leather Ballerina Flats $235 - Net-a-porter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loree Rodkin Lacy Bondage Ring 10,000 GBP - Browns </div><div style="text-align: center;">Marcel Drucker Women's 24-497 Gold-tone Yorkie Charm Bracelet Watch $150 - Endless</div><div style="text-align: center;">People-Ivory Super Sunglasses $160 - Gargyle </div><br />
Okay so most of these items are not cheap by any means. But a girl can dream, can't she? ;]<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via polyvore.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-20132233551779089142010-08-27T10:27:00.000-07:002010-08-27T16:53:09.393-07:00Take Me to the MoviesIf it hasn't been made clear already, I love movies. I watch a lot of movies. I definitely rent (huge Netflix fan) more than I actually go see a movie in the theater, though. I couldn't tell you why that is... it just always works out that way. In all honesty, there haven't been many new films out recently that I just couldn't wait to go and see. That being said, Eat, Pray, Love was the first one in a long time I was actually excited about (though I have yet to see it..) and now here are two more upcoming films I'm genuinely interested in seeing once they're in theaters...<br />
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I always love a good action flick, and this one looks like it should be really good. I recently read an interview <b>Ben </b>and <b>Blake </b>did for Interview magazine which got me even more excited. Let's hope it doesn't disappoint! <br />
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I've been hearing about this one for a long time now, and I mostly want to see it just because I find Mark Zuckerberg's whole story so interesting. The fact that a phenomenon as huge as Facebook was started by one 20-something in his Harvard dorm room... it's crazy! Plus there's something about <b>Jesse Eisenberg</b> that I like in this trailer, can't put my finger on it. He just seems to fit the character really well. <br />
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I will keep you guys posted with reviews once I DO see any (or all) of the aforementioned three. Eat, Pray, Love is out right now, while The Town is due out in September and The Social Network follows right on its heels in October.<br />
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Thoughts? Oh and don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lamourlapaix">TWITTER </a>♥ And of course, a big thank you to everyone who has been leaving me comments on here xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">videos via youtube.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-30775588541811042832010-08-25T12:36:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:36:47.029-07:00Back to School Chic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGQeGegIhBOqmSEvQ7VB4Umc1xxKZuUI11k8ZoFIcxMZiwDk7L8vSCfWZTqf5jS_iOQUhGTdmHrdfCTfihyZ_QPKbP2ldh3QTWI9rRMRsVJW9nIz80N4Z7iWMEEwLnjNfO8quyiLqz5G9/s1600/back+to+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGQeGegIhBOqmSEvQ7VB4Umc1xxKZuUI11k8ZoFIcxMZiwDk7L8vSCfWZTqf5jS_iOQUhGTdmHrdfCTfihyZ_QPKbP2ldh3QTWI9rRMRsVJW9nIz80N4Z7iWMEEwLnjNfO8quyiLqz5G9/s400/back+to+school.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I honestly can't believe summer is over already and it's back to school time! Here are some items I stumbled upon that I thought would be perfect for the occasion. What do you think?</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">images via bloomingdales.com; urbanoutfitters.com; jcrew.com; nordstrom.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-27178147909244278042010-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:002010-08-23T10:42:35.194-07:00Movie Monday: Match Point<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> "There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck, it goes forward, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose."</span></b></div><br />
The film I decided to feature today is a bit older, but it's one I've seen several times and is up there on my list of favorites. First, I should say it was completely coincidental, two Movie Monday films in a row being <b>Woody Allen</b>/<b>Scarlett Johansson</b> collaborations... I just had to mention this one because of how much I love it. In Match Point, a charming<b> Jonathan Rhys Meyers </b>plays Chris, a tennis instructor who uses his quick wit to slip into London's wealthy crowd. It doesn't take long for him to woo Chloe, a wealthy yet slightly uninteresting girl. Suddenly, Chris has this picture perfect life full of extravagance set up for him thanks to his new wife-to-be and her family. The only problem is, he also finds it to be a dull life... until he meets Nola (played by ScarJo), an American actress who also happens to be the girlfriend of Tom, Chloe's brother. And of course, it doesn't take long for Chris to woo her, either. Fast forward to Chris marrying Chloe, all the while finding Nola irresistible, and I think it goes without saying that the plot really picks up here as they begin their steamy affair. I absolutely do not want to give any spoilers away though, because one of the aspects I love most about this film is that it's unpredictable and full of suspense with unexpected twists in all the right places. I will say that the movie revolves around one central theme: luck. It really gets you thinking... how much of our lives is determined by pure chance? Great performances, great casting. This film is artistically made and will most likely stick with you for a while after you've watched it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnD4MPby7nH2C62Qx5L_bEaZwqaUIQXPzBdgjKvtD9XgjGgWGaIwtNYBYntFnCE-RDIldYXGrwJFQ92-kbR02DR91jqIl1pp1vdP_NTWmmHuF9xrlQSEiZTW4_s5SWvQR17fHKJjIt7V/s1600/matchpoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCnD4MPby7nH2C62Qx5L_bEaZwqaUIQXPzBdgjKvtD9XgjGgWGaIwtNYBYntFnCE-RDIldYXGrwJFQ92-kbR02DR91jqIl1pp1vdP_NTWmmHuF9xrlQSEiZTW4_s5SWvQR17fHKJjIt7V/s400/matchpoint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Be sure to let me know what you think once you do see it! And also those of you who already have, tell me your thoughts in comments below.<br />
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Don't forget to follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lamourlapaix">TWITTER</a>! ♥<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via imdb.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7352274852758330949.post-77675379032251004562010-08-19T10:06:00.000-07:002010-08-19T11:26:38.071-07:00Take a Chance & Don't Ever Look Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0E6yRIETgYr9_yImmQnHloUXqIumY5Q1xkc4qxPR06li7ojSh3FKfPFQg2K5wL1xJ-syF6RxXCQo4xZIvQ_toFRuNnFMcXD-N9atDTvquzEQcL0u6848fJ3ocdH7AZwidtyHsZTNozAM/s1600/katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0E6yRIETgYr9_yImmQnHloUXqIumY5Q1xkc4qxPR06li7ojSh3FKfPFQg2K5wL1xJ-syF6RxXCQo4xZIvQ_toFRuNnFMcXD-N9atDTvquzEQcL0u6848fJ3ocdH7AZwidtyHsZTNozAM/s400/katy.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>For the past two weeks or so, I haven't been able to stop listening to <b>Katy Perry's</b> newest single, Teenage Dream. It's catchy, it's cute, it's perfect to sing along to in the car. Once I saw the music video, I fell even more in love with the song. I adore Katy, as I find her to be quirky and sweet; she can pull off over-the-top without being obnoxious. But I have to say, she looks so much better when she goes au naturel. In the video, Katy swaps out the neon wigs, funky nails, and sequined Daisy Dukes for minimal makeup, Raybans and hair blowing in the wind. When it comes to rounding out the perfect summertime look, that's essentially all you really need, if you ask me. The video is just as fun and summery as the song is; watching it never fails to make me want to hit the road in a convertible, headed to the beach (which, coincidentally, is exactly what I did this past weekend -- hence my latest <a href="http://lamouretlapaix.blogspot.com/2010/08/lamour-et-la-ville-santa-monica.html">city guide</a> -- convertible and all). I'd be surprised if this video doesn't make you want to throw a spontaneous dance party right there on the beach, splashing around in the ocean and jumping into the arms of a guy as hot as the one Katy's got here (admittedly the only thing missing from my beach weekend). He is DEFINITELY a looker... the cherry on top of one of my new favorite music videos. By the way, I think it's worth mentioning that the first time I saw this video was when it premiered on MTV. Nice to see a music channel actually playing music videos for once. Just saying!<br />
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Thoughts? Or are you already halfway out the door, headed for the beach?<br />
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On a side note, I won't be updating for the next few days, as I'm taking a weekend trip to Dallas... But make sure to keep up with me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lamourlapaix">TWITTER </a>& <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1908062/lamour-et-la-paix">BLOGLOVIN</a>! xo<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">image via popsugar.com</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14