Zoe Saldana most recently seen in Avatar caught our eye on the red carpet of the Critic's Choice Awards January 15, 2010. She accessorized this seemingly simple white mini dress beautifully with Jack Vartanian jewels and a funky black belt. She shows us that less really is more!
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Look of the Week: Zoe Saldana
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Barnes & Noble: David Chang and Anthony Bourdain!
Anthony Boudrain, renowned travel writer/chef and effortlessly sexy host of the show "No Reservations," and David Chang, the genius behind the East Village's top ramen house MOMOFUKO will be giving a talk Monday November 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Barnes & Noble in Union Square. This is one fabulously free event the Culturistas do not want to miss. David Chang will be signing and discussing his book and restaurant "Momofuko." This restaurant has revolutionized the ramen movement in New York and we can't wait for these two brilliant men to engage in some witty food reparte. There is rumored to be some delectable sampling at this free event so early arrival is suggested!
Barnes & Noble
Union Square
33 East 17th Street
New York, NY 10003
Friday, May 22, 2009
Cannes Film Festival Fashion 2009
The actresses attending the Cannes Film Festival this past week looked gorgeous in chiffon, brocade and sequins. Angelina's nude Versace gown had an incredibly high slit up the side and she looked great-- definately one of the best dressed at Cannes so far! Penelope Cruz wore a Marchesa gown which had such beautiful beaded detailing with tons of draping. Also love Paris' white Grecian inspired gown complete with gold accessories.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A CULTURISTA MOTHER'S DAY
Mother's Day Ideas:
It seems like every year, mother's day always creeps up and most people need to put together a last minute gift to honor their dear mothers. It's not that we don't love the moms, but for some reason, these preparations tend to take a last minute course. If you are at a loss on what to do for your mom here are some suggestions.
COOKING CLASS- Does your mom like to cook? Mine definitely does. Last year, I registered her at the culinary school associated with Sur La Table which has a wide variety of courses offering lessons in ethnic cooking. I signed her up for a Korean cooking class and she LOVED it. While this option is a bit pricey, knowing that you really rocked mother's day is worth it.
QUALITY TIME- If you are lucky enough to live in close proximity to your mother, then spending a little time with her is your best option. She will appreciate it more than cholocate and flowers. Plan an activity day for the two of you. This could be going to brunch and then a museum or whatever it is that you like to together. If you are on a tight budget, this might be the best option for you.
SPA TREATMENT- For those of you in LA, there is an amazing spa that has highly affordable massages. Touch Massage Boutique is located in Beverly Hills at Robertson Blvd and Olympic. This spa is by no means cheap or dingy and offers high quality massages. THe lowest grade massage is the classic Swedish massage which is one hour long and only $57. After one of these your mom will be more relaxed than you ever would have thought possible.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
LA Makeup show ticket giveaway
The LA Pretties are giving away tickets to the LA Makeup show. This two day event is taking place downtown inside the Cal Mart's penthouse on March 15th and 16th.
Checkout the details of the giveaway at the LA Pretty blog here: Lapretty.com
More info on the LA Makeup show: TheMakeupShow.com
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Paris Couture shows- the recession hurts
The Spring 2009 couture shows ran last week in Paris. Among the designers that showed were Chanel, Armani Prive, Dior, Valentino, Lacroix, Givenchy, Elie Saab, Gaultier, Anne Valerie Hash, and Alexis Mabille.
Apparent trends were: Off the shoulder clothing, Floral embellishments, Black and White, a play on the suit and rich bold red.
It was interesting to see all of the couture designs to be very played down this season. Couture shows are usually so over the top. But it looks like the recession might be hitting top designers as well....
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Most Romantic Restaurants in LA
As you all know Valentines day is just 11 days away. So in case you aren't sure where to go yet here is a little help: the Culturista's Top 5 most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles.
Il Cielo Covered with Ivy, this restaurant sits mysteriously on Burton Way in Beverly Hills. When you walk inside you are transported somewhere else. Inside is quite magical. The Italian food isn't spectacular- but everything else about the restaurant is. TIP: Make sure you ask for a table in the garden.
9018 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 276-9990
This gorgeous restaurant is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan couple (though they do have traditional choices as well). Know Before you go: They have a special Valentine's Day menu which you can view at their website ($100 for Traditional menu, $75 for the Vegetarian menu)
Geoffrey's
Geoffrey's is in Malibu with an amazing view of the ocean. They also have a special menu on V-day but it is unclear if it is a set course meal. TIP: Make your reservation early so you can take advantage of the ocean view and gorgeous sunset.
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-1519
This gorgeous restaurant sits on the hill side of West Hollywood and serves California Asian cuisine. It houses a 600 year old Pagoda and a magnificent Koi pond. Tip: Sit at the bar be regaled by magician bartenders (Yamashiro and the Magic Castle are owned by the same people)
1999 N Sycamore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 337-9400
Cafe Des Artistes
This mysterious French restaurant can be found on a dark street in Hollywood. You feel transported to a secret club in Paris, when you sit in the tented patio. And I think we can all agree anything secret, mysterious and/or French is romantic and sexy. But not only is the ambiance great- the food is delicious as well. It is a mix of French favorites including great steaks and pomme frites. Tip: Go late and eat on the Patio. (They even have a late late night 11-2am thurs-sat)
This mysterious French restaurant can be found on a dark street in Hollywood. You feel transported to a secret club in Paris, when you sit in the tented patio. And I think we can all agree anything secret, mysterious and/or French is romantic and sexy. But not only is the ambiance great- the food is delicious as well. It is a mix of French favorites including great steaks and pomme frites. Tip: Go late and eat on the Patio. (They even have a late late night 11-2am thurs-sat)
1534 N McCadden Pl
Hollywood, CA 90028
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
'Pushed' launches on the WB website
This new soapy drama "Pushed" has just launched on the WB Website!It's full of sex, betrayal, murder, money and fun! I had the pleasure of working on the costumes and had such a great time! By the 4th mini webisode you'll be hooked! (they are around 3 minutes each). Webisodes are such a fun new way to watch tv---especially because you can sneak them in at work!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration day is the new Cinco de Mayo
With the amount of events happening nationwide yesterday in celebration of "Obama Day" I think 1/20/09 brought new meaning to presidential inaugurations in the United States. I'm not sure if no one was excited when Bush was inaugurated, or if I was just too teenage to care, but I have never before seen such widespread hope and a plethora of celebratory events to honor a new president. I joined in on the festivities in Forte Greene where nearly every restaurant, shop, and bar were offering specials and welcoming the neighborhood to celebrate this monumental day. We went to the Red Bamboo restaurant, a place which reminds me how good Vegan food can be. ALbeit, I do not fully understand the point of chowing down on soy chicken wings, but they were delicious nevertheless. The restaurant was offering free appetizers (before we arrived) and had other specials such as a cocktail called the "Obama." There was a dj and the inaugural ball was being projected on every single tv in the place. The overall atmosphere was that the entire neighborhood was out celebrating. It hosted all walks of life and the energy was phenomenal. People were dancing and having a great time. At that point it seems to me that January 20th will from now on be a sister holiday of Cinco de Mayo. Celebrating for a good cause, but ultimately, finding an excuse to celebrate!
Cheers to the most recent citizen-invoked holiday. Can't wait to do celebrate the memory of Inauguration Day 09 next year!
If you have a chance, please check out the Red Bamboo Restaurant. I recommend the buffalo wings, cerveza portabello, and Jamaican jerk chicken.
http://www.redbamboo-nyc.com/
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The revealing
The dress was finally revealed as Michelle Obama made a grand entrance. Pres. Obama joked, "I think I might have been stood up," (in response to his wife's delayed entrance)
She wore an off the shoulder gown by Jason Wu, a designer that has been compared to Oscar De La Renta but with a youthful whimsy. I love the color and the silhouette choice as well as the drop earrings. However it does look a bit like its pilling (i.e. pieces of balled up fabric on the surface of the gown). So it's not PERFECTION. But all in all she does look great!
Here is a past look of first wives and what they wore inaugural ball from the LA times.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Party Time!
Throwing a Martin Luther King Jr. BBQ this weekend or an Inaugural bash of your own? Here are some recipe ideas.
I love love love the Food network. So of course I look to their website to get recipes I've watched the chefs make, or find new ones.
Most importantly you will need a cocktail for your guests to drink. Here is Emeril Lagasse's recipe for a Citrus Champagne Punch.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2/3 cup superfine sugar
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup limoncello
- 2 teaspoons vermouth
- 1 (750 ml) bottle chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Lemon twists, for garnish
Directions
Combine the lemon juice, sugar, vodka, Limoncello, and vermouth in a large nonreactive bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours. Add the Champagne and stir to combine.
Next up: 6 Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1(15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups lowfat shredded Cheddar
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 jalapeno, stemmed, finely chopped, (with seeds for more heat)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 1/2 cups nonfat yogurt, preferably Greek
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, leaves and some stems, roughly choppe d, plus more for garnish
- 3 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
- 5 scallions (white and green), thinly sliced
- Baked tortilla chips, for dipping
Directions
On a cutting board, smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt, and, with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Put the garlic, beans, chili powder, water, and olive oil in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread in the bottom of a 2 quart casserole or gratin dish, or in individual sized dishes, as desired.
Scatter the cheese over the beans. Halve and seed the avocados,
then mash with the jalapeno and another teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Spread a layer of the avocado over the cheese, and then scatter the lettuce on top.
Mix the yogurt with the cilantro and then spread over the lettuce. Add a layer of tomatoes and finally scatter the scallions on top. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with a few cilantro sprigs and serve with baked chips.
Guy Fieri's Big Bud's Beer Can Chicken
This recipe is not exactly for the novice griller. But enjoy- and remember if you dont like the recipe exactly as it is- feel free to experiment. You can always get rid of the bacon if you want a healthier dish.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 to 3-pound) whole chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 (12-ounce) can beer
- 1/2 pound bacon
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Wash chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Mix dry ingredients in small bowl. Rub 1/2 of the ingredients on inside cavity of chicken. Gently peel skin away from chicken and rub mixture into meat of chicken. Open beer can pour out about 1/2 cup. Drop the garlic cloves into the beer can. Place
chicken, open end down, over the beer can to insert the beer into the cavity. Place chicken, standing up, in large saute pan. Place 1/3 of the bacon in the top cavity of the chicken and drape the remaining 2/3 of the bacon down the outside of the chicken. Pierce the bacon to the chicken with toothpicks.
Place chicken in the oven for 10 minutes and then lower t
emperature to 325 degrees F and cook for another 1 hour, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
Mmmm Dessert. Here is Paula Deen's Chocolate Chip Cookie S'mores
Ingredients
- Canola oil
- 3 bananas
- 10 store-bought chocolate chip cookies (the larger the better)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup small marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush grill with canola oil.
Cut the bananas in half, lengthwise and grill, skin side down just until warm. Remove warmed banana from the skin and cut again in half.
For assembly:
On a piece of aluminum foil, place 1 cookie. Top evenly with banana slices, marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs and top with another cookie. Wrap foil around the sandwich and place on the grill until warmed through and melted.
Here are some great tips from the Food Network if you plan to have a wine and cheese party!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Golden Globes 2009
The Golden Globes were last night at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles--- and the actors came out in their finest attire. They even took fashion risks--most of which did not pan out so well.
Here are the BEST dressed:
Anne Hathaway looking gorgeous in her navy strapless gown. Unfortunately for her the leak on the Golden Globe website which listed her as the best actress winner turned out to be a mistake. Kate Winslet ended up taking home the golden globe.
Eva Longoria showed up in this full length red strapless gown, train included. It looks great on her, color, fit, silhouette. Not to mention the mermaid silhouette would be my first choice for a fancy event- it just looks the most festive.
Kate Winslet looks elegant is this satin black strapless gown. Perfect for the double golden globe winner.
This is not my favorite of the best dressed but you have to applaud Angelina for just looking so effortless and relaxed. The color and fabric are gorgeous- and she was the only one to wear a drop waist shape on the carpet.
I love this dress on Oliva Wilde. The color and style is so pretty-- she looks like a princess. There were two trends with jewelry at the awars--bare neck and aztek looking necklaces. The bare neck was a good choice for Olivia.
Rachel Evan Wood showed up looking very chic and stylish in this risky black gown. The tiers give it a little something extra without looking too fussy and the neck line is flattering.
The Worst:
Interesting choice for Marissa Tomei. I applaud her for taking a risk- but this just ended up looking too fussy and not current. Not to mention not very flattering.
There is that aztek necklace trend--which doesnt look bad. I also like Eva Mendez's choice in a white dress to offset her tan skin. The problem is that gigantic mass of fabric at her waist and the fact that the bust doesn't fit her right at all. Overall a miss for me.
Sad to do this to Jenna Fisher--but this is color and floral print ruins the dress completely. Instead of a great silhouette all I see is the dowdy looking fabric.
Way to fussy. Her poofy ponytail, also not a good choice. This just doesnt look that well made.
Terrible dusty rose color. The bottom half is just shapless and unflattering. Not to mention Cameron Diaz's hair looks like she hasn't kept up her highlights in a year (but not in the style of Giselle Bunchen where it actually works for her).
I dont even know what to say about this. Heidi, I thought you had good taste?
Another risk taker which did not pan out. The hair, the wayyyyy too fussy silhouette. The wierd sheerness of the top. Terrible. Renee Zelwegger looks like shes Edwardian dress--not quite pertinent in 2009.
List of Winners:
Cecil B. DeMille Award: Steven Spielberg
Best Motion Picture - Drama: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy: Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy: Colin Farrell for In Bruges
Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Kate Winslet for The Reader
Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Best Animated Feature Film: WALL-E
Best Foreign Language Film: Waltz With Bashir (Israel)
Best Director - Motion Picture: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: Slumdog Millionaire by Simon Beaufoy
Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Slumdog Millionaire by A. R. Rahman
Best Original Song - Motion Picture: "The Wrestler" – The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen
Best Television Series - Drama; Mad Men (AMC)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama: Anna Paquin for True Blood (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama: Gabriel Byrne for In Treatment (HBO)
Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: 30 Rock (NBC)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: Tina Fey for 30 Rock (NBC)
Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy: Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock (NBC)
Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television: John Adams (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Laura Linney for John Adams (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Paul Giamatti for John Adams (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Laura Dern for Recount (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television: Tom Wilkinson for John Adams (HBO)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Critics Choice Awards
Some of the sartorial standouts:
Though I'm not sure what has happened to Kate Beckinsale's acting career, she did show up to the Critics' Choice Awards looking fab in this J. Mendel number!
Amanda Bynes in Herve Leger. I'm always a sucker for the Herve Leger band dress- and she looks great. Unfortunately those shoes look like they are falling off her or something.
Katy Perry looking very Old Hollywood glam in this D&G gown. I love the ice blue color.
I think this Gianfranco Ferre dress is very interesting- but I don't know if Anne pulls this off. She seems a little too slight to support the structure of the dress. This is something Charlize should be wearing.
The Winners
• Picture: Slumdog Millionaire• Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
• Actress: Tie: Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married, and Meryl Streep, Doubt
• Supporting actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
• Supporting actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
• Acting ensemble: Milk
• Director: Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
• Writer: Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
• Animated feature: WALL-E
• Young actor/actress: Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire
• Action movie: The Dark Knight
• Comedy movie: Tropic Thunder
• Picture made for television: John Adams
• Foreign language film: Waltz With Bashir
• Documentary feature: Man On Wire
• Song: The Wrestler, Bruce Springsteen
• Composer: A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
• Joel Siegel award: Richard Gere
Very happy to see all the awards Slumdog Millionaire picked up!!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly at the People's Choice Awards
The 35th annual People's Choice awards were yesterday night in Los Angeles. Here are some of the people in attendance and their ensembles.
Let's start with the Good:
Dakota Fanning, the almost 15 year old actress, looks so chic in this one shouldered satin blue dress. Clearly she has passed her awkward stage and looks really fabulous!The Bad:
I usually think Debra Messing looks pretty good on the red carpet- but this is just bad. The only think I like about it is the color. The silhouette of the dress- while a bit fashion forward- just does not translate on the body. It is not flattering, even on the slim actress. Not to mention the beige color shoes do not go at all- and I don't like the wood platform either. Just take pictures from the waist up, Debra.And the Ugly:
Well Kate Hudson's shoes are cute. But that is about it. I don't understand this dress at all. It isn't cute, It looks cheap and it's not flattering either. When she was trying on dresses did she really put this on and go: YES this is it! I love this dress? Or did she forget she was going to this award show and just grab something at the bottom of her closet? I'm leaning towards the latter.Check out a list of the winners here--->
http://www.pcavote.com/pca/history.jsp
Thursday, December 25, 2008
NYE for men
For our awesome male readers/culturistos: this New Years Eve inspiration is for you! You can wear this outfit with a scarf or a tie, dress it up with loafers or down with converse--and throw on a sports coat or leather jacket if you'll be cold.
Most of the outfit is from Heritage--a great store by the awesome people of forever 21!
Most of the outfit is from Heritage--a great store by the awesome people of forever 21!
NYE MUST vs. LUST
Have New Years eve plans but no outfit?? Check out this collage I made on Polvore.com for some inspiration! The ensemble on the left is ALL forever 21! It comes to about 60 dollars total! The one on the right is a combo of high end designers (aka McQueen, Louboutin, Chanel...) to a tune of 2,000+ dollars. But see how you can achieve the look WITHOUT breaking the bank! Enjoy and have a great NYE!
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