Tuesday, March 9, 2010

From Runway to Reality: How Oscar Dresses Measured Up

Actresses tend to wear the most extravagant gowns to the Oscars.  And the 2010 Oscars is no different, where many of the gowns came straight off the Paris Couture shows this year.  Here is the Culturistas rundown of which gowns worked and which didn't.


Zoe Saldana and her stylist took a very literal approach with this Givenchy couture gown. Zoe even wears the shoes pictured on the runway model.  She gets bonus points for styling her hair in an updo with much softer makeup than the runway show,  letting the gown speak for itself.  Zoe says on her gown, “It’s yards and yards of fabric. It’s the dress that the moment my stylist and I saw it we immediately fell in love with it. It fits everything I’ve been through leading up to tonight and my whole experience in Avatar. It embodies everything that I’ve been through. It’s big and it’s colourful and shimmery. That’s exactly what Avatar did.”

Jennifer Lopez wore the Armani Prive couture gown to the 2010 Oscars.  While the color is nice ethereal color and her and her stylist made some changes in the bodice of the gown to be more flattering, it just doesn't work.  The problem with so much added volume is that it adds volume to your shape as well.

Charlize Theron wore a Dior couture gown to this years Oscars.  Positives: Nice color change (there wasn't that much color on the red carpet) and it was probably right to take off the bow (though Charlize could have rocked it). Also nice soft hair and make-up.  Negatives: Taking off the beading made the bodice stand out way to much which just brought too much attention to the chest.  All in all this dress did not work for us.

Sarah Jessica Parker rocked this flowing Chanel Couture gown at the Oscars. Though the silhouette isn't that flattering, she pulls it off well.  The color of the beading looks like its been changed to a more silver based instead of a gunmetal which really makes the look softer for real life.  She also accessorized well which made for a great translation onto the red carpet.

Rachel McAdams was one of our best dressed this year on the Oscars red carpet. She wore this gorgeous flowing Elie Saab gown.  And it translated so well onto the red carpet that we think it looks even better in real life!  Her soft up-do and beautiful earrings help make this look spot on.

Check out our BEST and WORST dressed at the 2010 Oscars.

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Monday, March 8, 2010

The Culturistas 2010 Oscar Disses

While many celebrities looked remarkably put together, others did not fare so well. These are the Culturistas worst dressed picks from the 2010 Oscars!

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior


Mariah Carey in Valentino


Molly Ringwald in Todd Thomas


Nicole Ritchie in Reem Acra


Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive

Some risks should be taken on the red carpet. Others, should not.

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The Culturistas 2010 Oscar Picks

There was no shortage of stunning couture on the red carpet at the 2010 Oscars. These are the Culturistas five favorites!

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture


Demi Moore in Versace


Elizabeth Banks in Versace


Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka Couture


Miley Cyrus in Jenny Peckham

We think these women looked absoultely stuning and carried themselves with elegance and grace while showing off some extreme couture!

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Sunday, March 7, 2010

Look of the Week: Jessica Alba


Amongst all the Oscar craziness this week, Jessica Alba attended Global Green USA’s Pre-Oscar Party at Avalon this past week in Los Angeles.  She wore a gorgeous nude silk embroidered dress with a black bow belt by Viktor & Rolf, a snake skin clutch, spike bracelets by Joomi Lim and strappy heels by Casade.  Love her effortless look!

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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Trend Watch: Platform wedges and heels


One of this seasons huge shoe trends are platform wedges and heels!  The chunkier the better. Check out some of our favs this season from Steve Madden, Burberry, Michael Kors and Fendi above.  Pair this seasons chunky shoes with feminine spring frocks, cropped pants or even with a romper.

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Restaurant Profile: Wurstküche in Downtown LA


Wurstküche, meaning sausage kitchen in German, resides deep in downtown Los Angeles.  Seeing tons of people waiting in line for their already famous sausages, in a somewhat desolate area of downtown, only adds to its appeal.  If you are picturing a cheesy German brewery, like I did, you couldn't be more wrong.


Ambiance: After you wait in line to order your food, you walk through a hall into a giant loft space to claim your seats.  Unfortunately this is the tricky part. Although the space is large,  there are tons of people there too!  However while you wait for a table and your food you can enjoy the full bar inside (with tons of beers on tap!) and a DJ playing music.


The food: With delicious, yet safe choices like Sun Dried Tomato & Mozzarella - smoked chicken & turkey, or SantaFe Jack Cheese & Jalapeño Peppers - smoked turkey. They also have the exotic sausages like Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeño Peppers or Alligator & Pork, Smoked Andouille Sausage.  So try something daring or play it safe. They even have vegetarian options!  Get your sausage with an order of fries and make sure you try the whole grain mustard sitting at the table.

800 E. 3rd St
LA, CA 90013
213-687-4444

Hours: Sunday 12pm-Midnight
Mon-Sat 11am- Midnight

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Look of the Week: Kate Winslet


Kate Winslet attended the BAFTA Awards this past week in London in this gorgeous Stella McCartney ensemble.  With her Stella McCartney dress and shoes, she accessorized with Tiffany's jewelry.  And she looked ammmmaaaazing!!! The strategically placed sheer cutouts were very sexy yet still refined! Cant wait to see what you wear to the Oscars Kate!

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

La Descarga: The Sexy Havana Rum Bar in LA


When you enter through the non descript door on Western Avenue in Los Angeles you have no idea what is in store for you.  But rest assured, at La Descarga you are in good hands.  Fast forward to the trip up a narrow staircase into a lobby.  You are greeted by a hostess who walks you through an armoire to enter the two level bar.  La Descarga (meaning the after party in Spanish) transports you to a Pre-Fidel Cuba, complete with a cigar room, a live band, dancers and fabulous Rum cocktails.  The keen attention to detail takes form in its gorgeous decor, including weathered walls, antique light fixtures, wrought iron banisters, cigar boxes and an oak bar stocked full of Rum and other libations. 

The bar opened early this month (Feb 2) and has sold out nights ever since.  We say sold out because you must make reservations in order to get in.  Reservations can be made on their website: ladescargala.com They fill up fast so try and make them in advance.  Or you can always try showing up, well dressed and with a small party if you think you can get passed the doorman.

Le Descarga
1159 Western Ave., L.A.
323-466-1324

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