Starts with Inspiration: 2014 Golden Globes

Happy Golden Globes day! To be honest, I usually can't sit still long enough to finish the awards pre-shows. However, this year's Golden Globes was an exception. It was truly one masterpiece after another. And can we please talk about all the perfectly slightly undone chignons? I seriously need to up by hair-game at my next formal event. Here are my top picks for the night:

Amber Heard in Versace dress and Jimmy Choo shoes (anyone else loving the voluminous hair?):

Anna Gunn in Donna Karan Atelier. I think award for best train definitely goes to this.

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive: 

A regular on my favourites list, Julie Bowen in  Carolina Herrera:

Kerry Washington in Balenciaga: 

 Margot Robbie in Gucci dress and Christian Louboutin shoes:

 Michelle Dockery in Oscar de la Renta dress and Christian Louboutin shoes:

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta: 

Taylor Swift in Carolina Herrera: 

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior:

And finally Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren. Can we talk about how amazing this dress is? The colour and cut of this dress complement her perfectly. The cape is just the perfect amount of head-turning drama for this rising star (who by the way, also happens to be a Yale grad #nbd). 

Which dress was your favourite?

Image source: People Magazine

Starts with a fresh glow: Diorskin Nude BB Creme

My last post about make-up was written in the late Spring, as temperatures were rising and the air much less dry. Now with Winter well on its way, I've had to change my face regimen slightly to avoid dryness while still faking a fresh summer glow. 

Enter Diorskin Nude BB Creme. After reading rave reviews about this product I decided to give it a try. I must say, after only a few uses, I'm already hooked. A little goes a long way with this. A few dots blended onto the face (I wear it on top of a bit of moisturiser) imparts a subtle rosy glow while erasing redness. Add a swipe of bronzer, and I can barely tell it's not sandal season.

Image credit: Sephora

Starts with a fresh face...

Monday mornings are notoriously hectic for me. So when I've hit the snooze button a few too many times, I rely on a few trusted products to help me look (and feel) more awake. As the saying goes, "fake it 'til you make it", right?

1. 

Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat (available here): A few dabs blended beneath the eyes, on the bridge of the nose, and cheekbones are all that are needed to add brightness to the face.

2.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Duo (available here): The ultimate secret for those not gifted with naturally luscious brows. This fine powder is perfectly natural looking when applied with Anastasia's angled spooley brush.

3. 

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner (available here): Long-lasting and perfectly versatile, a thin line works best for day, while a thick one adds more drama for nights out.

4.

Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation (available here): I've been a devoted fan of this for almost decade. This sheer powder complete with SPF literally makes the skin glow and creates a smooth, even look.

5.

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow (available here): rich pigment and long-lasting colour make this palette another go-to product. My favourite is "Earth Reflections" which is a great combo of browns and champagnes. I also lightly dab and blend two spots of the champagne colour right at the inner corners of the eye to further to create a more "awake" eye.

Image source: 1, 2, 4, 5, from Sephora; 3 from Chanel

Starts with Inspiration: 2013 Oscars Edition

Tonight's Oscars ceremony had no shortage of head-turning, eye-catching, breath-taking and heart-stopping gowns.  On a side note, how amazing was that performance by the Les Miserables cast? A perfect tribute to one of my favorite musicals of all time.

Nothing says casual-chic like a simple sheath adorned with a subtle splash of jewels. Not bad for someone who just decided what she'd wear hours before stepping on the red carpet. 

Anne Hathaway in Prada

I'm loving Amy's dove grey gown with its fitted bodice and skirt with all kinds of fluffy, feminine, and lovely detailing. Somehow, ever since seeing Ms. Adams in Enchanted, I think, "once a princess, always a princess". How fitting.

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Rocking peplum and a subtle train with her flattering pixie cut, Charlize let this dress speak for itself without many accessories.

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

Loving the splash of coral and elaborate beading on this dress.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

An homage to future-inspired glam - Naomi Watts' dress with its intriguing asymmetrical detail managed to be edgy while incredibly feminine all at once.

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

Reese Witherspoon's gown in cobalt blue, one of my favorite colours of the moment, is classic Hollywood and fits her beautifully.  I'm also loving how the colour-blocking at the waist further accentuates the figure and creates an even more dramatic hourglass shape.

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton

I saved the best for last. My heart literally skipped a bit when I saw Jennifer Lawrence in this breathtaking Dior Haute Couture gown. It was regal, ethereal and old-Hollywood all at once. If I was getting married this year I would definitely have this silhouette and style on my gown wish list. Of course, with Jennifer Lawrence's Miss Dior ad pictures debuting this weekend, it was really no surprise she'd wow us all in Dior. 

Which gown was your favorite from this year's Oscar red carpet?

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture and Roger Vivier clutch

Image credits: People

Starts with Inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence for Dior

Pictures from Jennifer Lawrence's ad campaign for Miss Dior debuted today. Looking more mature and subdued than usual, Ms. Lawrence perfectly epitomizes the femininity that this brand was historically known for. Her makeup, hair, and facial expressions are just...stunning. Especially eye-catching is the Miss Dior bag  she's modelling in the most amazing cobalt blue hue.  It perfectly conjures images of springtime in Paris - c'est magnifique!

Image credits: The Huffington Post

Starts with Inspiration: 2013 People's Choice Award Edition

The People's Choice Awards have a decidedly less formal vibe, and what great fortune too, because last night's dresses were a-maz-ing!. Below are my top three faves:

-1-

Sleek, stunning, and sexy. Need I say more?

Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren Collection

-2-

I seem to be gravitating more and more towards Peter Pilotto's psychedelic print dresses. This is the perfect youthful-yet-chic choice for Ms. Watson. I actually clapped when she won!

Emma Watson in Peter Pilotto dress and Tabitha Simmons shoes

-3-

An otherwise safe and feminine silhouette is glamified by edgy leather. Well-played Ms. Aniston. 

Jennifer Aniston in Dior

Image credit: People