Monsters University Trailer

Anybody that knows me knows that I am a huge fan of Disney Pixar's Monsters Inc., and an even bigger fan of the one eyed green creature that is Mike Wazowski. I have more figurines, dolls, and memorabilia of Mike Wazowski than is socially acceptable for a college graduate in her 20s, yet I don't feel one ounce of shame in my Monsters Inc. lovin' body. When Pixar announced last year their plans to follow up their 2001 release of Monsters Inc., I obsessed about it endlessly. I wondered if it might focus more on a storyline centered around Mike, since the first movie focused primarily on Sulley and his human friend Boo, if it would pick right up from the first movie after which Monstroplis' energy supply was replaced with laughter rather than screams, or if it would just be something else entirely. Obviously, I spent way too long thinking about this (also probably not so socially acceptable nor normal, but I digress). When Disney announced last year at their annual exposition, D23, that it would be a prequel titled Monsters University, I about lost it, especially when they revealed images of the concept art. A younger, less rotund, braces donning Mikey? Too cute.



Monsters University had a tentative November 2, 2012 release date, which I told myself I would patiently wait for like any good fan who had already spent 10 years of her life desperately hoping for a followup to one of her favorite movies of all time (sense the sarcasm here). Unfortunately, because of Pixar's latest feature Brave (which hits theaters this Friday), it was pushed to 2013. That's a full 12 years after the release of the first movie. I can't even imagine how crushed I will be if this movie isn't awesome in every sense of the word. Sorry Disney Pixar, that's a heavy load to be bear, but that's just the way it is for this super fan.

The first teaser trailer was released today for the long awaited prequel to Monsters Inc. Watch the Monsters University trailer below and go to the movie's facebook page to view three alternate versions:

The Great Gatsby Trailer

The highly anticipated trailer for The Great Gatsby was released yesterday, and in true Baz Luhrman style, it's decadent, beautiful and surreal. I am so excited! Carey Mulligan is my ultimate girl crush. She's just so lovely.

The Great Gatsby opens this Christmas and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan.

Met Costume Institute Gala 2012 -- Best & Worst Dressed

I always look forward to the Costume Institute Gala at the Met because it's the one time of the year when celebrities feel they can really go out on a limb and take chances on their red carpet looks. So even if it turns out to be a trainwreck, at the very least, it's an entertaining scene. Well, in my case anyhow. What usually happens is that there are some fierce looking women (and men) who make me think twice about what I previously thought about their fashion sense and I start following for the rest of the year, and there are some who just make you sit back and wish you could rewind time. Unfortunately what has been seen cannot be unseen, and what has been worn on the red carpet will live for all time on the interwebs.

This year definitely did not disappoint in entertainment.

Best Dressed:


Rooney Mara in custom Givenchy: Of course she's wearing custom Givenchy. Of course she's killing it. Givenchy is such a no brainer for Rooney Mara. It's the perfect marriage of sexy and goth. My pick for best dressed of the night. I think it was the hair that did me over -- it's a sleek, chicest of chic chignon.
Carey Mulligan in Prada: Best dressed was a toss up between Rooney and Carey. Carey is always the picture of perfection. I literally had to look twice when I saw her in this dress. I just covet this look.


Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada: I will always, always, always be a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet. She knows exactly how to dress her body. This dress is a '90s minimalistic throwback in the style of Calvin Klein and it is fabulous in every sense of the word.
Scarlett Johannson in Dolce & Gabbana: I'm normally not a fan of tulle, mermaid styles, or an abundance of sparkly embellishment, but this somehow works on ScarJo. I think it's her body (read: her decolletage) that's mesmerizing me.


Christina Ricci in Zac Posen: First words they came out of my mouth when I saw this dress: OH MY GOD, YES. It was just icing on the cake that she walked down the carpet with Zac Posen. THIS is how you do daring on the Met red carpet.
Jessica Alba in Michael Kors: The simplicity of this dress and the styling is what makes this look so amazing. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it literally looks like Jessica Alba is dripping in gold.


Worst Dressed:


Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga: Let me put this out there first. I love Balenciaga. I love love love Nicholas Ghesquiere and all the work he's done at Bal, but this is just atrocious on Kristen. While I appreciate the fact that she's wearing Balenciaga, particularly since she's the new face of their fragrance, but this is just so wrong and I am so sad. So very, very sad. This is what I would imagine you would wear if you threw an '80s themed party where your entire getup had to be purchased from Goodwill or stolen from the back of your mom's closet.
Emma Stone in Lanvin: First thing I want to know: how did she sit down in this thing? Does it not feel like your sitting on a bed of crushed Christmas ornaments? These are the important questions I have for Emma Stone. I'd also like to know what compelled her to wear this to the Met. It's such a shame too, because I usually love what she wears on the red carpet.


Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen: I'm sure this is self explanatory.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino: Oh my lord, SJP. WHY? I tried looking at this dress from several angles, and not one is forgiving. I'm sure all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder/Little House on the Prarie references have been exhausted at this point, so I'll just stop here.


Mary Kate Olsen in The Row: I wonder where MK stored her sickle for the night. The grim reaper is coming for you all in the form of an Olsen twin.
Jessica Chastain in Louis Vuitton: Jessica Chastain is a fiery ginger with a crazy body, but from my vantage point in this photo, she's just a red head. I wish this dress wasn't so wrinkly. I wish this dress wasn't so close in color to a pair of awful denim jeans. I wish the cut wasn't so unflattering. I wish the beautiful Jessica Chastain had not worn this dress. I wish, I wish.

No Doubt's First Webisode; Album out Sept 25

No Doubt released their first webisode today for their long awaited new album, which finally has a release date now -- September 25th, 2012! Do you understand what this is doing to me? A girl who grew up in the '90s and worshiped Gwen Stefani? It's making me revert back to my teens! I grew up listening to the sweet, sweet, ska punk sounds of No Doubt. I went to their reunion tour in May 2009 so not only have I been waiting 3 years for their new album to come out, but I've been waiting since  Rocksteady's 2001 release, which was their last major studio album. I am so ready for this!

Instagram Life

1. On my vanity: Audrey Hepburn print, Tizo Design pink lacquered jewelry box, Chanel beauty box where I store my everyday jewelry, and a raw amethyst crystal rock sitting atop an Ikea vase / 2. Newly acquired jewelry and a vintage suitcase / 3. Flip clock and a hand painted canvas inside a Missoni frame / 4. Hello Kitty for Sephora / 5. Balenciaga Velo in Grenadine sitting happily on my desk / 6. DIY pendant lamp fixture, tutorial from IkeaHack / 7. Anthropologie book candles / 8. Chanel Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott and Fujifilm Instax camera / 9. Zara military jacket with leather sleeves

Currently Coveting:

I've come to a realization. I'm a sucker for all things girly. Now, I never really gave that much thought to being such a girly girl (I know, for those who know me, this may be shocking), until I flat out asked the boyfriend if he thought I could pass for a tough, rough and tumble girl who could hang with the boys. He shot me down without a moment's hesitation. I mean, I thought I'd at least get two seconds of contemplation, but no, without a doubt, I'm a big ole girl.

Let's examine the evidence:

1. My iPhone case is pink. Let me be specific. Pink crystals. To be fair, they're pretty badass crystals.
2. I spend enough at Sephora to always be eligible for V.I.B. status.
3. I know what V.I.B. status is.
   
4. I like buying pretty frames and collecting coffee table books, like Daniele Bott's Chanel Collections and Creations.
5. I have an unhealthy handbag obsession. The Purse Forum is my second home.
6. Things in miniature and/or pastel tones give me the giggles or elicit squeals.

Alright. I've had enough. I think the evidence is pretty incriminating. I'm pretty damn girly. And you know what? That's totally okay. So I may not know all the rules to professional basketball or be able to survive in the wild Bear Grylls' style, but you can sure as hell bet I'm the first person anyone comes to when they want to buy a new purse or want to plan an awesome party. Damn right.

These are the things I'm currently coveting:

Topshop Mel Leather Brogues, $64.


Chanel Special Edition Three Book Set by Francois Baudot and Francoise Aveline, $750.

Macaron Limoges Box: $96 for the box or $10 each. Tell me these aren't the most awesome things you've ever seen.



Zara Floral Print Dress, $89.90. Reminds me of a Mary Katrantzou or Alexander McQueen print, except without the hefty price tag.


Proenza Schouler PS1 iPad Case, $685. So it costs more than an actual iPad, no big deal.

Oscars 2012 Best and Worst Dressed

Finally! The 2012 Academy Awards are here. This is definitely my superbowl.

Quick thoughts on last night's Oscars:

• I almost peed my pants when I heard Billy Crystal replaced Eddie Murphy as Oscars host. I am a huge Billy Crystal fan due largely in part to his role in When Harry Meets Sally (obviously) and his awesome character in Monsters Inc. (which also happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time), Mike Wazowski. The show was disappointingly tepid, but that's okay, Billy, I forgive you because Monsters University is coming in 2013!
• Queen Meryl's first Oscar in 29 years! Everybody, bow down.
  
• I felt like a proud mama seeing Bret McKenzie up there for Best Song. You've come a long way since Flight of the Conchords, my dear little Bret. Now hurry up and make another season or a movie. You can only torture us fans for so long.
• Am I the only one who really thought that maybe, just maybe, comedy would prevail and Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo would win Best Original Screenplay for Bridesmaids?
• View the whole list of winners on Oscars.org.
  

Alright, now on to my favorite part: best and worst dressed of the year.

Best Dressed:

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford: I am insanely obsessed with this look. I had one of those super embarrassingly girly reactions as soon as I saw Gwynnie on the carpet. It was a full on squeal/giggle/gasp.
Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab: Milla always looks flawless on the carpet. This was her first Oscars appearance and she nailed it. That neckline, red lip, and minimal jewelry is perfection.


Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace: Ah, the look and the leg that launched a million Internet memes. That leg. THAT leg has a personality of its own. All jokes aside, I actually really love this dress. I'm always a little underwhelmed by Angelina's looks on the red carpet because I always think they make her look so rail thin, but she looks curvy and beautiful here. That velvet texture is just so amazing.
Rose Bryne in Vivienne Westwood: Rose Bryne is a goddess. I love this woman, especially because she is so exceptionally good on Damages. You don't see too much Vivienne Westwood on the carpet, and I'm glad to see she went against the norm of choosing popular red carpet designers.


Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen: Who doesn't love a McQueen dress on the red carpet? Nobody. Who doesn't love a fiery red ginger in McQueen on the red carpet? Absolutely nobody.
Glenn Close in Zac Posen: Glenn Close couldn't be more fierce if she tried. I just love this monochromatic Zac Posen ensemble in a deep forest green. I love that she's dressing her age, but also looks incredibly sexy.


Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton: Michelle Williams is just so sweet. She always looks like a perfect doll on the carpet. On anyone else, this dress would underwhelm me, on Michelle, it's absolutely perfect.
Rooney Mara in Givenchy: Nina Garcia, fashion director of Marie Claire, called Rooney Mara a punk modern day Audrey Hepburn in this Givenchy dress. I wholeheartedly agree.


Worst Dressed:

Shailene Woodley in Valentino: My main issue with this dress is that it is entirely too mature for Shailene, who is such a vibrant, young girl.
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa: See, I wouldn't have minded this dress if the top wasn't so awkwardly ill-fitting.


Judy Greer in Monique Lhullier: Judy Greer has such a beautiful figure, but this dress just isn't doing any favors for her. It also doesn't help that her hair looks like she got caught in the rain.
Viola Davis in Vera Wang: The color of this dress almost makes me feel a little queasy. It has an odd sheen to it, which makes it look so strange against the light. Plus, I just can't deal with the oddly placed slit in the front.

Golden Globes 2012 Best and Worst Dressed

Interesting notes about last night's Golden Globes awards:

• I'm kind of tickled by the fact that Madonna and Johnny Depp decided it was cool just to speak in accent.
  
• Why was Elton John so sad/mad last night?
• David Furnish, Elton John's hubby, reeeeeeally didn't like Madonna's acceptance speech last night. Someone sounds a little upset about their significant other losing out to Madge. It's okay, David Furnish, the sooner you accept the fact that Madonna is the queen of anything and everything, the better you'll feel.
  
• Ricky Gervais was surprisingly toned down last night. Perhaps he thought he went a little too far last time?
• I kind of lost it during George Clooney's acceptance speech for best drama actor for The Descendants. When he referenced Michael Fassbender's full frontal nudity in Shame and how he could play golf with an appendage other than his arms, I just about fell over. Oh lordy, Fassy and Clooney. *fans self*
  
• Overjoyed by Homeland's win for best television drama and Claire Danes' win for best drama actress. Well deserved. Now can we fast forward time to the premiere of season 2?
• Stomping my foot like an angry child over Amy Poehler's loss in the best television comedy actress category. WHY is she always shafted? I feel like this injustice is especially heightened because of this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. All I did was have a dream that my queen Amy would finally be acknowledged for her flawless work on Parks and Recreation.
  

Now onto my picks for this year's best and worst dressed.

Best:

Claire Danes in J. Mendel: You can always count on Claire Danes to look classy and put together. She just looks like a winner.
Emma Stone in Lanvin: Emma wins for best color choice of the night. That eggplant and burgundy against her red hair is perfection. I just wish she would have gone for a different belt or perhaps accessorized more to tie it in to her look.


Shailene Woodley in Marchesa: I love that Shailene is dressing her age, but still looks sophisticated and classy.
Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Haute Couture: Charlize is a flawless goddess. That high slit and those killer legs are insane. Plus, everyone loves a good sparkly headband.


Nicole Kidman in Atelier Versace: First thought: Nicole's body is ridiculous. It defies human nature. How old is this woman? How many children does she have? Damn, seriously. She does Atelier Versace justice, for sure.
Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere: I'm not normally an advocate of feathers on the red carpet, but it just works on Evan Rachel Wood. She's one of my favorites on the red carpet, because she never goes for safe, and she never goes for expected. Love her.


Michelle Williams in Jason Wu: Michelle Williams always just looks so darling. No exception here.
Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann: Tilda just kills it in Haider Ackermann. KILLS. SLAYS. Only Tilda could pull off a look like this. On anyone else, it would look like a disaster. On Tilda, it looks incredible.



Worst:

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhullier: Ooh girl. This is what happens when you let your daughter pick your dress. Charlotte is adorable, but she's just a 2 year old! She'll point at a garbage bag if it means she'll be able to have an extra cookie tonight.
Lea Michele in Marchesa: See, this is my issue with Lea Michele. Year after year, awards season after awards season, she always dresses so much older than her age. I just don't get it. It's like she wants to look like a 40 year old woman.


Amanda Peet in Marc Jacobs: I appreciate Amanda Peet doing a throwback of S/S '06 Marc Jacobs, but this look just fell flat on the carpet. This would, however, be a great look for a Little House on the Prarie themed party.
Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Couture: I'm convinced Amanda Peet and Jessica Biel got on the phone prior to arriving and decided to coordinate grandma wedding dress style. I want to try and understand this look, but all I can think of is how hot and sweaty she must be under all that lace.


Naya Rivera in Vera Wang: This dress is just not doing anything for Naya, which is such a shame because she has such a beautiful body.
Piper Perabo in Theyskens Theory: I just don't even understand what's going on here.


Zooey Deschanel in Prada: I see where Zooey was going with this dress, but her hair is just so wrong. It's too perfectly coiffed, like an American Girl doll.
Madonna in Reem Acra: It pains me to put my girl Madonna on this list, and I love it from the waist up, but then when my eyes follow the length of her body, a look of absolute horror just crosses my face every single time.

Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" Trailer

Finally, a new Wes Anderson movie for me to obsess over! Set in the 1960's on an island off New England, Moonrise Kingdom is about two young lovers who run away together, which causes various search parties to mobilize in order to find them. I kind of love it already.

Also, are you kidding me with this cast? Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis, and obviously, no WA movie would be complete without Jason Schwartzman. Insane. So excited for this movie!

Best of 2011

(Cinema 2011 -- A beautiful montage of movies in 2011)

I love making lists because I'm just that kind of neurotic, obsessive person who likes to categorize, organize, and catalog. Frankly, lists just wrap things up in a bow and make them look pretty, and hey -- I'm all for that. Always.

Now that's it's 2012, and seeing as the world may end this year (yeah, I'm also just that kind of paranoid, conspiracy theory believing person too), I thought it'd be best to reflect on my 2011.

Top Movies of 2011 (all in no particular order):

• Drive - This may be my favorite, although I may be just slightly biased as I will basically watch anything with Ryan Gosling in it, as made obvious by this list.
  
• Midnight in Paris
• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
• Bridesmaids
• Moneyball
• 50/50
• X-Men: First Class
• Contagion
• The Ides of March
• Crazy, Stupid, Love
  

Top Film Performances of 2011:

• Michael Fassbender in Shame
• Elizabeth Olsen in Martha Marcy May Marlene
• Rooney Mara in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
• Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill in Moneyball
  
• Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids
• Ryan Gosling in Drive

Top Television Shows of 2011 (a mix of returning and new):

• Homeland - Definitely my favorite of the year. A brilliant piece of work. This is definitely Claire Danes' best performance ever.
• Parks and Recreation
• Fringe
• Shameless
• New Girl
• Happy Endings
• Revenge
• The Walking Dead
• The Big C
• Breaking Bad
• Suits - A real dark horse. I realize there was a huge uproar following Patrick J. Adams' SAG nomination, but this show is truly great, as is he as the lead. Really surprised at this little USA dramedy. Really entertaining.
  

Top Television Performances of 2011:

• Claire Danes in Homeland
  
• John Noble in Fringe
• Amy Poehler in Parks and Recreation
• Glenn Close and Rose Byrne in Damages
  
• Jessica Lange and Evan Peters in American Horror Story
• Laura Linney in The Big C
• Madeleine Stowe (ultimate ice queen) and Emily VanCamp in Revenge
• Ty Burrell in Modern Family
• Adam Pally and Damon Wayans Jr. in Happy Endings
  
• Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy in Shameless