Beautiful Life and Style

Category Archives: Parties


by Leave a comment

I was planning to write…

… but a mob got in my way. Really. I was PLANNING to write today about the Restoration Hardware opening that Nick and I attended last night. The new “RH Gallery” has completely transformed the space once lived in by Louis, Bonwit Teller and the old Boston Society for Natural History (aka what is now the Museum of Science).

Well, if you follow me on twitter, you might have seen my rantings about the relative MAYHEM at the party.  This one ended up being shut down by the police- and not in a “oh how cool” sort of way. Honestly, the space was AMAZING- but there were so many people we could barely move. I couldn’t find one drink, or tasty snack and while the singer Edei was good- I’ve been less pushed around in “mosh pits” at metal concerts.

I’m over being disappointed, so I’ll leave you with my ONE picture. (note that its of the only good view I had- the ceiling) I’ll have to visit this weekend to better view the architectural renovations. Stay tuned!

Restoration Hardware Boston


by 3 Comments

Oscars Recap

Its almost embarrassing to admit that the reason I got to work tired this morning is because I watched six and half hours of Oscars coverage last night- but I’m sure I’m not the only one! What did you think of the show??? I had really mixed feelings. There were parts I loved: movie music between each segment, James Bond, Babs, THE STAGE and Daniel Radcliffe & Joseph Gordon-Levitt dancing (Seriously- could they BE more charming???)

But then there were so many questions: Does Kristen Stewart think sulking is a good look? Why does E! think that the mani-cam is a good idea??? Why do people think its cool or classy to share how much your diamonds are worth- especially when you don’t even own them?? Does wizard hair guarantee success in the movie production business? Why didn’t we perform songs that were actually nominated this year??? I mean I love Jennifer Hudson’s performance as much as anyone but couldn’t we have given that spot to Scar Jo singing “Before My Time”- which is an amazing song??? Did anyone doubt that Skyfall would win after NONE of the other songs got even close to the same coverage???

OK. rant complete. Now lets get into the fashion.

Best Dressed: I was loving the redheads! Jessica Chastain in Giorgio Armani and Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta kicked off the red carpet early with two dresses that I would DIE to wear:

Just look at the beading!!!! Seriously that dress must have weighed 10 pounds- but it was worth it.

Jessica Chastain

This was the perfect color for Amy. I love the ruffles. Can you imagine twirling around in this one?? This is the “successful” implementation of giant ballgown (see below for the fail).

Amy Adams

And then of course there was Catherine Zeta Jones wearing Zuhair Murad. Seriously- no one does red carpet like this woman. Everyone else just needs to bow down.

Catherine Zeta Jones

Fashion Flops: It was interesting- for the dresses I hated most, the women wearing them actually looked lovely. That being said:

I get that Reese Witherspoon just had a baby- but this Louis Vuitton dress pinched her in all the wrong ways. The boob cups? The bow? The hips??? Just. no.

Reese Witherspoon

Jennifer Lawrence was so very pretty- but looked like a baby lamb lost in a field of pink Dior fabric. This is a lovely dress- but it was WAY WAY WAY too much for her. First red flag of the night??? The fact that it took her three tries to say “Haute Couture”. Sorry Missy- but if you can’t pronounce it- you don’t deserve to wear it. She could barely walk down the red carpet- and you were maybe going to write it off that people were stepping on her but then……………

Jennifer Lawrence

…..she fell on the stairs on her way to accept her award.. With the least graceful recovery. Case in point?

Helen Hunt in H&M was an another fail. It feels mean criticizing a dress that probably cost $500 against ones that cost $10,000- but hey- when you can show up in ANYTHING and CHOOSE to wear this- you are opening up yourself to some serious criticism.I mean it looked fine- in a “you are 17 and heading to prom” sort of way… but the cheapness of the fabric was showing before she even made it halfway down the red-carpet.

Helen Hunt

OK thats enough about fashion. Lets talk the Stage!

This year, the Oscars stage was design by Tony Award-winning Production Designer Derek McLane. It was fairly straightforward, but perfectly glam. I liked that the addition of “mini stages” granted the actors shorter walks to the front. My favorite aspect that I couldn’t get over was the “stalactite” “stalagmite” lights that gave the stage a magical glow. Well the lights AND 100,000 Swarovski crystals.

oscar stage 2013

What were your favorite parts? Did I catch your favorite dress??? Did you like Seth McFarland??? Lastly- can someone end my ongoing debate with Nick about who is the best movie composer of all time (John Williams vs Hans Zimmer)??? We fought about it through the ENTIRE show- well – its an ongoing argument.


by 2 Comments

A Valentine’s Table

I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but I”m sorry I have been so horrible about posting! I don’t know what my problem is- I’ve been so busy! Its a good thing I suppose, but I feel like I blinked and this week is Valentine’s Day! I mean, weren’t we talking about New Years Resolutions just last week???? I’m going to blame the snow.

While there are a lot of mixed emotions about this holiday, I’m going to say that I find it incredibly FUN to have a day devoted to eating candy, wearing pink, and feeling loved. I’d been toying around with the idea of having a little Valentine’s Brunch this weekend- but it seems like most everyone I know is going to be out of town for President’s Weekend. Oh well. That doesn’t mean I couldn’t think about some great ways to set the table:

Valentine's Table Valentine's Table2 Valentine's Table3 Valentine's Table4 Valentine's Table5

There are soooo many variations on the Valentine’s theme- but I really find myself drawn to the place settings that aren’t an overload of red. I’m sure you’ve seen a few examples that are overly cheesy or too red and severe. I think by mixing in an unexpected color like gold or purple or blue it freshens up the theme in a way that isn’t too literal. Here’s a quick interpretation:

Valentine's Day Table
So what are you doing to celebrate the holiday? Avoiding it completely or jumping right into a chocolate fountain with your love?
Inspiration via: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5


by 3 Comments

The Winter Table

It feels odd calling today’s post “Winter” when it feels like straight up Spring today (hello 56 degrees!). But I know this unseasonable weather will be short lived and tomorrow Boston will be back to the ho-hum, 35 degree, foggy, murky mess that is January. And when the weather is at its worst, we need to try our hardest to infuse our days with some cheery freshness. What better than with a dinner party, and a beautiful green and white table? It has the feeling of Spring, but at the same time seems appropriate for winter. Examples:

Green White Table Setting6Green White Table Setting4 Green White Table Setting5 Green White Table Setting2 Green Gold Table Setting2 Green White Table Setting3Green Gold Table Setting

The green and white flowers are key- as are a layering of subtle textures using fancy china and textiles. I’m also loving the interjection of gold in the mix. Here is a quick table setting that I put together to capture the look. What do you think? Do you crave that fresh spring vibe during winter or is it too soon??

A Late Winter Dinner Party

Also if you are looking for some more place setting inspiration- I’ve started an entire board on pinterest called (appropriately) “Set the Table”.


by Leave a comment

Artwork by: Mario Testino

Last night was the Mario Testino opening at the MFA- what an amazing party! There was quite the star studded guest list including Gisele, Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, Karlie Kloss, Olivia Palermo, and a bevy of supermodels, out to support of one fashion’s most famous photographers. I have never been at a party in Boston (or probably ever) with this much press coverage- it almost made ME feel like a celebrity- o wait……… I’m not.

20121018-110843.jpg

a flurry of models entering the exhibit

Gisele, Mario Testino, Anna Wintour, Malcom Rogers

20121018-110333.jpg

some other A list celebrities

….But that didn’t mean we didn’t get to party like one. The museum was completely abuzz with excitement- amazing food, drinks, great music- a greenhouse in the courtyard outfitted like a nightclub.. and then after we were done being star struck and partying, there was some serious art to attend to.

20121018-111129.jpg

Mario Testino is a Peruvian fashion photographer. Pick up an issue of Vogue or Vanity Fair and there is probably a 50% chance that he photographed the cover image. Flip through the magazine and you can attribute his name to several photographs. But his work does not stop at editorial images. He also has shot several portraits of the British Royal family- including Will and Kate’s engagement photos. The MFA is currently exhibiting the best of all of these works in two separate exhibits “In Your Face” and “British Royal Portraits” (evidently the royal family didn’t want to be in the same gallery as the commoners).

We were able to walk through “In Your Face” – and the exhibit definitely lived up to its name. The images were both controversial and beautiful. They were printed on a HUGE scale and packed even more of a punch then they do inside a 8.5″x11″ magazine. The galleries were boldly colored in blacks and teals and the photos were all tightly lined up, resting on shelves. It was fun to recognize so many faces and even images that I remember reading over the past 10+ years. Some of the images were a little controversial (hello naked!) but they were all FUN.

Between the visual stimulation, the models walking around, the shutters of photographers clicking and a glass or two of champagne- it was a bit of a sensory overload. I took horrible pictures! Good thing I have Maggie to the rescue with these favorites:

20121018-110941.jpg20121018-110536.jpg20121018-111005.jpg20121018-111024.jpg20121018-111047.jpg20121018-111103.jpg20121018-111322.jpg

So, if you are a fan of fashion editorials, celebrities, or just some bold and beautiful photography I suggest you RUN to the MFA to check out this amazing exhibit! It opens for the public on Sunday- but if you are a member- its open today :)

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 198 other followers