Vogue UK June 2011 - Alexa Chung

Very simple cover, I would say too simple for the Vogue magazine. However, Alexa looks really beautiful, I love the makeup.

MET Gala 2011 - Savage Beauty

 The McQueen mania raised again after Dutchess Of Cambridge made a huge entrance wearing a spectacular Alexander McQueen wedding gown by Sarah Burton.
This year's Metropolitan Of Art's Costume Institute Gala is paying tribute to the great Alexander McQueen.
The ball, which is being held on Monday night, marks the opening of the Metropolitan Museum's latest fashion exhibit at the revered Costume Institute. Previous years' themes have highlighted the "Model as Muse", "Superheroes" and the style of the "American Woman".
Invitations to the event basically mean an acceptance into fashion's most elite circle and a nod of approval from the most powerful woman in the fashion industry, Anna Wintour. She is the one who plans the party,the guest list and picks stars to co-chair the event. This year there are Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, designer Stella McCartney, the CEO of Gucci group Francis-Henri Pinault and his wife Salma Hayek.

What we already know is:
- This year, Prabal Gurung is dressing Elettra Wiedemann, Isabella Rossellini's daughter, in a restoration of a gown that belonged to her grandmother, Ingrid Bergman.
- Blake Lively will be joined by Karl Lagerfeld wearing Chanel
- Nicole Richie will be dressing Britt Maren in a Winter Kate gown
- Gisele Budchen will be wearing Alexander McQueen
- Rosie Huntington, Isabeli Fontana, Bar Rafaeli, Kristen Stewart - confirmed to be attendiing
Only 2 days left! Can not wait to see all the pictures.
Update: Also attending Zoe Saldana, Diane Kruger, Mia Wasikowska, Kirsten Dunst and many many others

TV Week in Review: Sunday 24th – 28th April

Before long a number of these shows are going to be airing their finales, so they’re all doing their best to go out with a bang which means a generally good week of television.

Desperate Housewives: “The Lies Ill-Concealed”

Last week this show turned out a good episode, which was like a long drink of water after a drought. The show has been a downward spiral this season, and this week it manages to top last week’s good instalment with another episode featuring that excellent juxtaposition of humour and drama which once made this one of the best comedies on television. I’m all for character development, so the arcs all worked for me. Lynette’s was the poorest, but it was the source of much humour. The character herself seems to be learning things she should learned ages ago but it works in a great way, even if Vanessa Williams doesn’t get as much to do as I like. And although it starts out with some gruesome images, Susan and Paul’s affiance works much better than any arc she’s given this season. But neither matches the two great arcs surrounding Felicia and Karen and Gaby and Bree. On one side, Felicia reveals that she is still freakishly diabolical and poor Karen is the sap and on the flipside watching Bree and Gaby bond was such a nice touch and even though I understand Carlos’ decision I was cheering when Gaby went moved in – temporarily, I presume – with Bree definitely putting her marriage in jeopardy. If only the entire season had developed in such an admirable way.

[B+]

United States of Tara: “Dr Hatteras’ Magical Elixir”

The episode itself is probably the weakest of the season, thus far – but it’s hardly an unrewarding episode. Tara signs on to be her professor’s “lab-rat” which is something that I’m interested in, guest star Eddi Izzard in turning in some good work. Max is facing troubles at work, and though it’s a generally trite arc Corbett turns in some good work this episode. Larson doesn’t get as much to do as I’d hope, but her shenanigans on the plane were hilarious – I’m looking forward to what becomes of that. Charmaine and Tara finally reconcile in what ended up being a sweet closing. And, Marshall and Lionel call it quits which felt a bit odd – but I’m not sure why. I’m not sure if it’s because the relationship felt bogus, or because its end seems so flippant. I suspect that a tornado could brew from his latest liaison, but we’ll see, I suppose...

[B/B+]

Nurse Jackie: “Rat Falls”

I love Facinelli’s work on Nurse Jackie so – naturally – I was glad that he got a major this episode and I was even more overjoyed when that arc ended up being opposite Soozie Kurtz (as one of his moms). Facinelli is the only character who seems to be playing to a comedic audience (I still think Nurse Jackie is a drama in disguise) but his scenes manage to work on the comedic and dramatic level. In other news, rats infesting the hospital and happened upon Jackie’s pills. Will Jackie ever quit? Who knows? Eve Best too turned in fairly good work on this episode. As usual, Nurse Jackie never really overdoes it with the plot – but the episodes are almost always enjoyable.

[B+]

Glee: “Born This Way”

I feel a bit badly for Glee, it’s as if it can’t win and I don’t know if perhaps audiences were expecting a “revolutionary episode”, a notion I find hilarious – this is Glee,people. Kurt’s back at McKinley and though he comes via a turgid rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” (which happens to be one of the few Andrew Lloyd Webber songs I actually like) it’s all good. Sort of. For me, the episode is saved less by the overreaching arc of self-love and more by a trio of fine performances from Jayma Mays, Lea Michele and Dianna Agron. Emma’s rant about being a “ginger” was a nice moment of silly humour that I’ve been missing. Jayma has been given so little to work with this season. Quinn and Rachel have the best number of the episode – it’s easily one of best mash-ups the show has done, which makes the episode lopsided because it comes so early in it. The revelation of Quinn’s ugly past is an awful plot-point which subverts the entire self-love theme by implicitly saying that being conventionally good-looking is bad and by being too heavy-handed with high-school clichés. The Santana/Karofsky madness was humorous, mostly. Issues abound, as per usual, but for me it’s a strong episode. And I love randomness like the band geeks having their instruments with them on the patio. During lunch hour. Complete with a piano. Madness.

[B+]

Cougar Town: “You're Gonna Get It”

True, it’s not an excellent episode but it’s solid comedic goodness, and Cougar Town is a fine show. Bobby hits the wrong ball at the golf tournament which leads to a hilarious bit of random humour courtesy of Van Holt. This arc was buttressed by Jules hilarious mistakes with the “Pledge of Allegiance” (the strongest plot-point) and Travis and Laurie teaming up to hoodwink Ellie and Grayson. The relationship between Travis and Laurie is a winner, but even more I love how Ellie and Grayson don’t care for each other but still manage to foster a weird rapport between them. There are some classic Cougar Town moments, most of them courtesy of Laurie and her twitter fansite and it’s all in all a nice half an hour of good times.

[B]

Community: “Applied Anthropology and Culinary Arts”

...and so Shirley’s baby is born. The episode feels a bit flat, and yet I think it’s a solid one. It’s probably because it’s missing on the most outrageous of things making for a softer, and oddly poignant episode. Fans will be pleased to know that Chang is NOT the father (said as Murray Povich). Jeong does a fair job this episode, but even when he’s good I still find him to be an exasperating performer. Troy and Abed’s handshake gaffe was hilarious, and I just love seeing Donald Glover get chances to show random bits of emotion. Britta and Jeff have a number of “moments” this episode, most of which end up working much better than I anticipated. I’m so glad to see that Community has managed to maintain my interest.

[B+]

The Office: “Goodbye Michael”

Well, Michael Scott has left the building and like the usual serious things that occur at Dunder Mifflin it all occurs with a level of poignancy that’s become a bit underestimated in the modern sitcom. It’s wonderful watching Carell interact with the entire cast as he gives each of them a goodbye present. Yet, even as the episode is marked with all this sadness it never loses site of those random moments that will always make this office the best one. The very sight of Pam walking into The King’s Speech while on a work assignment was just one of those brilliant little moments that worked much better than you’d think it would on paper. Or Dwight telling Michael that he doesn’t deserve to be “buttled”. It was such a nice touch having Jim figure out the ruse without breaking it, although I can’t say Deangelo Vickers is interesting, I’m a bit worried...

[B+/A-]

Parks & Recreation: “Jerry’s Painting”

And, as per usual, Parks & Recreation delivers another solid episode this week – and it’s a few minutes longer than usual, which I’m all for. Jerry’s controversial painting of a centaur with a striking resemblance to Leslie leads to controversy in the department. The painting acts as a nice impetus for a number of things. Ron doesn’t play a significant role this episode, but he does have an excellent speech about his interest in arc. Leslie’s a little down because she can’t date Ben (the sexual tension is killing me, hee) so she makes it her mission to save the painting. Meanwhile, Ben moves in to the married home of April and Andy which leads to some exceptional moments between the trio. April and Andy’s marriage is somehow leading to even more great moments on this show, which I didn’t even think was possible. And to think this is one of the season’s weaker episodes and it’s still head and shoulders above almost anything on television. As Andy would say, “Awesome-sauce”.

[A-]

30 Rock: “Everything Sunny All the Time Always”

Well, cheers to all in involved – this was a piece of brilliant. I’m not sure (I’m a bit partial to “Christmas Attack Zone”) but this might have been the best episode of the season and what’s so odd is that Jenna’s role was significantly muffled – although she delivered on that opening gag in Liz’s apartment with “The Secret”. It’s a trio of arcs. Tracy returns and is annoyed that the gang survived without him, leading to a ridiculous situation of trying to create the moment of a specific joke. The concept succeeds much better than I expected. Meanwhile Liz tries to take control of her life and Avery gets kidnapped in North Korea leading to a guest appearance from Condoleezza Rice which gives Alec Baldwin a chance to be brilliant.

[A/A-]

Grey’s Anatomy: “It's A Long Way Back”

It’s as if all that singing was a sort of therapeutic measure for Sara Ramirez to turn out a great performance. Perhaps not excellent, but it’s a season’s best for her as she deals with recovering herself and it’s an arc which functions as a fine backbone for a fine episode. It’s good watching the trio deal with the baby measured against some other interesting arc. Don’t we all wish Teddy and her non-husband would just bang and get over it? Yet, it’s not an annoying storyline. Things get even more interesting watching Meredith and Alex being unethichal. That scene with Devine and Pompeo where Adele thought she was Ellis was well delivered and it’s interesting watching Meredith break the rules to ensure she gets the best treatment. In the same way watching Alex almost blackmail a patient (excellent guest turn from Doris Roberts) for money to help some children in need. It toes the right line of ambiguous because it’s all in his race for chief resident and yet you get the feeling that Alex is truly just happy helping those children. I’m actually glad to have Grey’s back, it’s going well...

[B/B+]

Private Practice: “What We Have Here”

I sound like a broken record, but I’m really missing this show with Audra McDonald. It’s a fair delivery, but it continues a trend of well constructed, but trite episodes which the show has been riding on for some time now. Violet confronts, for the final time one can assume, her past with Kathy and moves forward with “allowing” Marshall to date the reviewer who hated her book. For some reason, Violet has lost that cadence that she first had and she’s become a bit of annoying character. Speaking of annoying, as much as I understand Addison’s dilemma the drama between her and Sam seems ridiculous. For now, Charlotte and Coop are the only sane ones. Strickland continues as MVP in Audra’s absence and they have some nice moments together moving towards their impending marriage.

[B-]

Randomness

• I loved Kurt’s utterance about Santana and her Lady Macbethian ways, her worth as a Latina Eve Harrington.
• Dare I say it: I don’t miss Paul Schneider from Parks & Recreation. I’m such a traitor.
• I’m not sure what to think of Deangelo’s terrible salesmanship and obvious eating issues. It just seems disturbing...
• How brilliant was the cake switch between Gaby and Bree?
• Did anyone try following @thelarmi?

Standout Writing

30 Rock A/A-

Parks & Recreation A-

The Office A-

    

Standout Performances

Adam Scott in Parks & Recreation: A-

Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock: A-

Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation: B+/A-

Peter Facinelli in Nurse Jackie: B+/A-

     

Sara Ramirez in Grey’s Anatomy: B+

Chris Pratt in Parks & Recreation: B+

Jayma Mays in Glee: B+

Tina Fey in 30 Rock: B+

Busy Philipps in Cougar Town: B+

Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives: B+

Lea Michele in Glee: B+

John Corbett in United States of Tara: B+

Dianna Agron in Glee: B+

         

How was your week in TV?

Elle UK June 2011 - Cameron Diaz

Cameron looks stunning! What a body.

IT Bags 2011

Bags that are a must-have this season.


1. Louis Vuitton Alma Nomade satchel. - Reminiscent of the 1930's design by Gaston Vuitton, Alma is a true Louis Vuitton classic. Amazing colour, the shape is very classy.

2. Bottega Veneta Fringe Tote - I'm not a big fan of a white bags, but this one is very special. I like the fringe detail along the edges. Bottega Veneta bag is ideal for summer time.

3. Lanvin Happy shoulder bag - Again the colour of the bag is incredicle - sweet as a candy, plus the quirky details in the most right amount.

4. Marc Jacobs Black Orchid bag - Love the simplicity. The sharp lines of the bag make it chic and smart.

5. Jil Sander leather tote - This season it is all about colours, and that is what makes the bag so desirable. 

6. Proenza Schouler cross-body bag - The most important quality of the bag is to be functional, this particular bag fit into those requirements perfectly. Moreover it definetely has charm and personality

6. Balenciaga Bicolor Paper Flap A3 Tote - this bag is ideal for those who like to add something edgy to their every-day ensembles.

8.  Celine zip-around shoulder bag - classic bag that will never go out of style

9. Valentino studded nude tote - love the nude colour, the bag is a punky copy of Hermes Birkin

“That was perfectly measured.”

Today is Dianna Agron's birthday. Glee continues to be the most loved show which happens to be hated or the most hated show which happens to be love. Either way, a lot a people are watching it. Sure, I wish for the awesomeness of season 1 again (less characters) but it's nice to see that the writers are - for the most part - giving Agron more material to work with. I still, generally, loathe Quinn Fabray but Agron is lovely - perfectly measured, indeed.

Leighton Meester - Leaving Hotel In NYC

Amazing casual, yet chic outfit. Simple grey shirt, skinny jeans paired with a straw-hat, sandals and an amazing brown YSL bag. Fabolous!

Zoe Saldana - Avon 125th Celebration

Zoe wore two gorgeous dresses. A pinkish one paired with Brian Atwood pumps and a floral one.

“Many soldiers would find this preferable to death…”

Source Code written by Ben Ripley, directed by Duncan Jones

I don’t know if I’m over thinking the equation, but I find it interesting how action blockbusters have become almost synonymous with science-fiction blockbusters. Source Code belongs to that specific class of cinema geared – ostensibly at least – at the prototypical 18- 45 male audience but with enough sincerity to appeal to a wider demographic.

The eponymous source code of the title is a computer generated component controlled by the Air Force, it seems. A soldier caught in that limbo between life and death becomes their key to stopping a serial bomber when he returns to the past in the form of a deceased passenger on the train. It sounds a bit confusing, no? The specificities of how the actual source works belongs to the class of cinematic creations which is just the right amounts of potentially confounding scientific data mixed with a certain amount of improbabilities that the audience is disinterested in and which Ripley delivers with enough sensibility that the fact that its very existence is confounding doesn’t act as a potentially exasperating element. It’s not that Source Code is a “character study” – in the strictest of senses, but it’s focus is less on the source code and more on its protagonist Colter Stevens, and in its confident (yet oddly self-effacing way) Source Code exists as a perfect vehicle for Gyllenhaal’s talents. (Can anyone else pull the name Colter, in the first place?)

When I reviewed Love & Other Drugs at the beginning the year I noted that despite its issues it was a perfect chance for Hathaway and Gyllenhaal to use their natural talents – even if the vehicle was less than solid. Source Code is a different genre, but Jake gets the opportunity to play that special type of hero who’s marked by a sort of stand-offish charm. He’s an everyman, but not a common man and I find I oddly humorous that when his Colter must go back to save the world, he returns in the form of a man who’s about as generic as they come. It’s sort of the paradox that is Jake as an actor. He’s not exceptional, but he has that intangible it factor that makes him much more watchable than a number of his peers, and he easily outshines the cast here.

Farmiga gives a puzzling performance, the first half of which she spends seeming a bit uncomfortable either with the character (or the horrific hair-stylist) but it’s a performance that becomes much more nuanced as the film draws to it close. Wright is as bombastic as needs be, but ends up being a little hollow in the end – even if the performance is hardly affects the film either way. It’s the same with Monaghan’s potential romantic interest, she – as with all the of the supporting cast – is serviceable in that they hardly prevent the film from being enjoyable, but they’re a bit ineffectual in terms of creating indelible characters, not that’s a terrible thing. It’s Jake’s films.

The most significant thing that occurred to me after Source Code was the manner in which contemporary cinema has developed. When our generation was young we were savouring Disney films where that vague concept of magic would give away to a host of impossibilities which were urged to “believe in”. Now that we’re older Disney has been replaced by any random studio, the films are animated no longer and magic has been replaced with science-fiction. Underneath the cantankerousness, I suppose I’m a sentimentalist at heart so I find the development satisfactory.

B-

Flashback: Gangs of New York

They say that retrospection gives way to perspective which gives way to the most effective view of things. I’m not sure that always applies to the cinematic world, though. If retrospection doesn’t precipitate nostalgic remembrances, it gives way to unnecessarily harsh points of view on certain films and Gangs of a New York is a fine example of that. Perhaps, it’s because a retrospective view at its ten Oscar nominations and zero wins suggests a less than impressive awards’ tally but by now you’d think that we’d stop using Oscar wins as a barometer for quality. All of Scorsese’s films this side of GoodFellas are befallen with the misfortune of being compared, unattractively, to his early work and next to The Age of Innocence, Gangs of a New York is the one accused most often of gratuitous style over substance. (Incidentally, both star Daniel Day Lewis, whose birthday is today.) I’m neither here nor there on whether that commendation holds up, but now is as good a time as any for a retrospective look at the 2001 “epic”.

I don’t know what is about Scorsese, he’s almost always regarded for his meticulous attention to detail but even in the consistency of his films – thematically – I’m always impressed with the scope of his imagination. In more ways than one Gangs of a New York is an ideal predecessor to The Aviator. It’s not just the presence of DiCaprio, Scorsese’s interest in history is potent as is the expansive epic style which he puts to more careful use in The Aviator. Scorsese’s films are always notable for their technical prowess and Gangs of New York makes extensive use of that – Michael Ballhaus photography in particular belongs to that specific school of lush which is so often mistaken for gratuitousness. Of course, that’s probably why it’s often cited as one of the leading examples of style over substance.

I won’t deny that I have massive nepotism when it comes to Martin Scorsese, and I’d be the first to admit that Gangs of New York has a story which has its issues with structures but I can’t criticise it for its actual story which I’m impressed with. Zaillian is a bit of a hit and miss with his screenplay credits, but Gangs of New York for me falls in the realm of the hit. The film is defined by its grittiness and it’s easy to give that credit to Scorsese because it’s a coarseness that a number of his films are marked with. But, Zaillian deserves a significant amount of credit for what exists as an impetus for the entire film. The important word there is impetus, though, because like so many of his films Scorsese’s scope overshadows the written word.

I mentioned Daniel Day Lewis in my opening paragraph, and his Bill the Butcher defines the entire film. I hate that memory of the supporting cast is eviscerated because they do turn in good work. But, it is Lewis’ film and he turns in what’s arguably the greatest performance of 2002 – which is significant considering the great work turned in by actors that year. This isn’t my favourite performance of his, but on his birthday today I can’t help but turn to Gangs of New York to remember him by. Lewis is an masterpiece, Gangs of New York is bit too flawed to be one. But, where they can shake hands is in their scopes. Love it or hate it, it’s difficult to deny the majesty of Scorsese’s intentions here, same goes for Daniel Day Lewis. The film, like it's main actor demands your attention at first glance and then it surprises with you with some distressing moments of poignancy.

       

What did you think of Scorsese's Gangs of New York? How would you celebrate DDL?

Princess Catherine Middleton - Wedding Party

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Clarence House tonight for the short trip to Buckingham Palace for their wedding party.

The newly wed changed her gorgeous Alexander McQueen lace gown into a new white outfit for the party - also created by Sarah Burton who designed her wedding gown. The second dress is a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist. Simply flawless!

Leighton Meester - Vera Wang's 'Lovestruck' Perfume Advert

Stunning and very romantic in a maroon strapless gown by Vera Wang,

Hats Parade At The Royal Wedding

From flowers to swirls - a hat is an essential  accessorie especially during royal events. I picked the one that I thought were the most beautiful at the wedding ceremony.