Double Take

[Emma Stone at the 2012 Met Gala and Rachel McAdams way back in 2004 at the Young Hollywood Awards]

While poring over pictures from Monday's Met Costume Institute Gala, I was delightfully surprised. I couldn't help but notice how much Emma Stone resembled a young-and-rising Rachel McAdams. The cheeky red mini, the flippy updo, the generous smile--8 years difference didn't affect the spitting image! At 23 and 33 years old, respectively, they're omnipresent in Hollywood at the moment. Other ways they're similar? While Rachel played a love interest in the Sherlock Holmes franchise, Emma will be hitting screens in The Amazing Spiderman this summer. In addition to having penchants for action flicks, they both have proven their acting abilities in comedies and dramas alike and starred alongside the lovable Ryan Gosling. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a little red dress to buy.

Images 1, 2 

xo Heidi 

[PRESS PLAY: "Half Mast" by Empire of the Sun. Available on iTunes.] 

Felicity J. MODA Article

If you haven't had a chance to check out UW-Madison's online fashion and lifestyle magazine yet, go do it! Just one more addicting blog to read, MODA features drink recipes, designer-inspired outfit ideas, and plenty of articles on Hollywood up-and-comers like Felicity Jones. And some of the stories are by me, so...yeah, argument won.

xo Heidi 

To Put It Bluntly...

[Yeah, I'd be smiling this much too if I was in her place.]

...I'm a little bit jealous of Emily Blunt (and I can never resist a good play on words). She's got a filmography full of big movies, is the face of a YSL fragrance, gets to don all the designer duds she wants, includes Michael Buble as an ex-boyfriend, and--sigh--is now married to John Krasinski. And that isn't all. She stars in the recent film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen with Ewan McGregor--sigh again, love him in Moulin Rouge!--and will hit theaters soon in The Five-Year Engagement with Jason Segel--third sigh, "How I Met Your Mother," anyone? 

But somehow, despite how much I curse my life when I compare it to this woman's, I can't help but really like her (and maybe feel another girl crush coming on). Because even though she has landed my dream role as Mrs. Jim Halpert, she can really act and always looks so polished yet original on the red carpet (see below). And I have to admit that her posh accent gets me too. Ah, it's always back to the accent with me. Something about those Brits' voices is just so mesmerizing. 

10.

[Cleaned-up hippie in Andrew Gn]

9.

[Fit for a royal wedding in Zuhair Murad]

8.

[Sleek and gamine in Tom Ford]

7.

[Peachy (and gorgeous) in an intricate Elie Saab Haute Couture design]

6.

[Playful print, classic shape by Naeem Khan]

5.

[Refreshing in a cool blue Roksandra Ilincic number]

4.

[Dramatic in a businesswoman-meets-fashion-plate confection]

3.

[Red-hot in Edition by Georges Chakra]

2.

[Sweet but not saccharine in Prada]

1.

[All-out glamourous in Calvin Klein Collection]

Photos via emilyblunt.net & instyle.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Ocean Breathes Salty" by Modest Mouse. Available on iTunes.] 

Rachel M. MODA Article

Readers of my blog are already aware of my undying, borderline over-the-line girl crush on seasoned actress Rachel McAdams. Well, this past week I got to contribute to UW-Madison's online fashion magazine MODA by writing an article on this very woman's style. Check out that piece along with all my MODA contributions here! Oh, and next week marks the first annual UW Fashion Week, an event completely organized by MODA (which was established last spring). Stick around for further news on happenings in the Madison fashion scene. Happy UWFW!

xo Heidi

Best Looks of the Oscars 2012

[Rooney Mara contrasted her signature black coif with a dainty white gown by Givenchy.]

Oh, how I love Oscar Sunday! I've been watching the awards show for as long as I can remember, and as an avid lover of cinema, there's something so beautiful and mesmerizing about the coming together of absolutely everyone who takes part in the creation of a film. The glamour, the talent, the prestige, Billy Crystal... I could go on and on. But since this happens to be a fashion blog, I'll stick to covering the sartorial arena of this alluring evening. The Red Carpet arrivals went on for about 3 hours, but I was able to narrow down my favorite ensembles to a simpler fifteen. Here they are!

15.

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa

[I loved this dress when I saw it on the runway a couple weeks ago, and I love it now. This is an Academy Awards dress--it just oozes glamour and Old Hollywood with its formfitting shape and golden sheen.]

14.

Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel

[Who knew such an intensely silly lady could pull off such delicateness? And I have a lot of respect for someone who doesn't overdo the glitz on the Red Carpet; her writing chops speak loudly enough that a pretty, understated gown sufficiently impresses.]

13.

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

[The second Marchesa creation on the list--what can I say? The fashion house truly knows how to design for such prominent events--it was the draped back and stark black and white contrast that drew me in. A unique gown for a unique talent.]

12.

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

[I don't know what I'm a bigger fan of: Octavia's loyalty to this up-and-coming brand or her endearingly emotional acceptance speech. But I do know this Best Supporting Actress dressed the part for her shining, rightful win.]

11.

Maria Menounos in Maria Lucia Hohan

[Although she was a mere correspondent on the Carpet, she could have easily passed as a leading lady due to her ethereal, Grecian-style gown. Maybe I'm a little biased; it reminds me of my prom dress! But rest assured, Maria looked much more brilliant than 18 year-old me.]

10.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

[Only Gwyneth can look so amazing in something so basic. Her flawless figure was perfectly flattered in this minimalist design, allowing her natural beauty to do the talking.]

9.

Natalie Portman in vintage Dior Haute Couture

[Last year's Best Actress winner chose a quintessentially "pro" gown. And by that I mean an effortlessly chic, been-there-done-that, I've-been-doing-this-for-years kind of a gown. An easy down-do and an uncomplicated black box clutch complemented her darling vintage dress.]

8.

Meryl Streep in Lanvin

[It would feel wrong to list the night's best looks without mentioning screen legend and the year's Best Actress Meryl Steep. And she has every right to be on this line-up; she wore an age-appropriate gown that sacrificed none of the gold, glitter, or charm.]

7.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli

[I do love me some Emma Stone. Always dressing elegantly and beyond her years, Stone chose a deep pink, high-neck gown for the big night, exhibiting that at 23, she'll be one to watch for a long time (on the Red Carpet and the movie screen).]

6.

Kate Mara in Jack Guisso Couture

[Best Actress nominee Rooney Mara's sister Kate showed up dripping in pale pink beading and embroidery. The color and shimmer ideally accompanied her strawberry strands and fair complexion.]

5.

Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood

[The oh-so tiny Rose Byrne stood out in this black sequinned stunner despite her petite frame. The Bridesmaids star's bold gown and blunt bob worked together to develop a subtle 20's throwback. Almost 100 years away, the Roarin' 20's are ironically very now.]

4.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

[If this woman doesn't make you wish to become a redhead, I don't know who will. The gorgeous actress offset her ginger locks with a black and gold confection by Alexander McQueen. The embroidery, the loose waves, the sheer train... She got it all right.]

3.

Berenice Bejo in Elie Saab

[The Best Supporting Actress nominee's minty dress was almost as fun and fresh as her role in The Artist. The intricate lace details and long sleeves (surely the work of Elie Saab) combined with her red-brown hair made for an exquisite sight on the Red Carpet.]

2.

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

[An extremely close second, I absolutely adored Michelle Williams's bright red dress. So pretty, cute, and somehow gamine, it perfectly fit her quirky sense of style. My favorite features: the peplum bodice and tiny bow pin.]

1.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

[Although she missed out on winning the Best Actress Oscar, Rooney Mara was #1 in my eyes. Claiming to have picked her sweetly sultry gown only this morning, she somehow looked like she was born to wear this dress. The white in juxtaposition with her dark bangs (in further juxtaposition with her blood red lips), the plunging neckline, the sheer straps--I can't pick what I love most about this look. It all works together faultlessly. But maybe it's the girl who makes it work; I am undeniably falling in love with Rooney's dark elegance. I think one of the Carpet correspondents said it best when they likened her to a "gothic Audrey Hepburn."]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Lovers in Japan" by Coldplay. Available on iTunes.]

To the Nines: Michelle Williams

 This weekend, Michelle Williams will attend the Academy Awards due to her well-deserved Best Actress nom for her role in My Week with Marilyn. To congratulate the star on this honorable achievement, I've selected her nine best looks throughout the years. Best of luck, and can't wait to see what you wear on Sunday, Michelle!

Far Left: Vera Wang, 2006

Top Row, L-R: Chloe, 2009// Chanel, 2010// Jason Wu, 2010// Givenchy, 2006

Bottom Row, L-R: Christian Dior, 2011// Sonia Rykiel, 2010// Prada, 2012// Azzaro, 2010

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "It Had to Be You" by Motion City Soundtrack. Available on on iTunes.]

Screamin' Eagles

[These birds of prey are on the loose, yet there's no need to fret. 

You can join in on this trend for as little as $4.]

If much of your wardrobe hails from American Eagle Outfitters like mine, the eagle is no stranger to the realms of your closet racks and dresser drawers. But after noticing a spike in the fashion world's eagle population, those little AE logos might as well be sparrows. I caught on to the trend shortly after fawning over Emma Stone's Golden Globes gown. The Lanvin number featured a striking, deco-reminiscent eagle (front & center, wings spread) on its belt. Naturally, due to all of the online browsing I do, I stumbled upon several t-shirts starring the same ancient-looking (remember where art deco pulled its inspiration from?) creature a few days later. And the rest is history. Whether it takes on a patriotic and regal form or one more suggestive of Ancient Egypt, I'm a fan of the bird. Sidebar: Owls, on the other hand, are a different story. That's a tale for some other time. 

 1. Upcycled Bird Statue, $24, etsy.com
 2. Laguna iPad Case, $48, freepeople.com
 3. ASOS Bird Across Body Bag, $35.81, asos.com
 4. Bald Eagle Necklace, $3.80, forever21.com
 5. Emma Stone rocking her two-toned, plum column and eagle-pendant-adorned belt at the Globes.
 6. Studded Eagle Sweatshirt, $100, topshop.com
 7. A close-up of the badass birdie.

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order. Available on iTunes.] 

America's Sweetheart is Canadian

[Glamour's February issue confirmed what I'd known for years: 

Rachel McAdams is the ideal woman.]

I can still remember the first time I saw The Notebook. Most girls probably can. But it isn't the passionate romance depicted in the film that has me distinctly recalling that night in 2004. Truth is, the reason I instantly became obsessed with the classic tearjerker is the girl. Not Ryan Gosling?! Contain your shocked reactions. Nope, it was her. She was and still is the object of my first girl crush--the one and only Rachel McAdams.

Now before this post begins to sound like a steamy love story itself, I should shed some light on the phenomenon of the girl crush. A girl crush is essentially hyper-admiration for another gal for whatever reason. You probably wanna be her new best friend, share her clothes, gossip  and have a pillow fight with her. Alright, a pillow fight may be crossing the line. But overall, a girl crush is nothing more than wanting to do cliched best friend things with another girl (who is typically a celebrity)...and maybe sometimes announcing that'd she'd be the one you'd choose if you had to marry another woman.

So voila: the sweet, talented, versatile, environmentally conscious, humble, and oh yeah, gorgeous Rachel McAdams. My kind of lady.

Through the Years: My Favorite Rachel Looks

xo Heidi

Obsessing Over...

...Zooey Deschanel's sultry, blunt blow-out

Zooey Deschanel is no stranger to the spotlight and accompanying beauty endorsements (Rimmel, anyone?), and she's been on my fashion/girl crush/wish-I-had-her-life radar for years now. But last week at the Golden Globes I really did see a New Girl. Although those big baby blues have been gazing past her signature brunette bangs for some time, I was taken aback by her absolute allure. Was it the few inches she chopped off her long wavy mane that got me? Or maybe the combo of her hair's perfect luster, fullness, and 60's Bond Girl shape? Whatever it was, throwing that green and black speckled Prada gown into the mix didn't hurt. 

Don't get me wrong. She's always been gorgeous and lovable (ahem, my embarrassing wanting-her-life confession a few lines back), but of this I am sure: a pair of scissors, a round brush, and some shine serum can make all the difference.

xo Heidi 

[PRESS PLAY: "Lights" by Ellie Goulding. Available on iTunes.] 

Photo via imdb.com

Rooney & the Red Carpet

                    

Top, Left to right: Calvin Klein Collection, Roksanda Ilincic, Valentino.

 Bottom, L-R: Louis Vuitton, Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo should from now on be referred to as The Girl with the Badass Style, because ever since I started seeing more of Rooney Mara on the red carpet, I also started wishing I too had a severe black haircut I could pair with confections as daring as these.

The critically acclaimed movie that shot her into the spotlight only came out a month ago, but Mara is already my new Hollywood fashion idol, with a style that can only be described as killer (no pun intended). Although she chooses to sport anything from minimalist jumpsuits to lacy, long-sleeved gowns, she proves that a gal doesn't need color to make a statement. Black, white, and gray make up Mara's go-to palette, but she still manages to be the most boldly dressed one at an event. And moreover, her limited use of color allows the decision to wear a bright scarlet stunner to be all the more unexpected and cherished.

I saw The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (and read the book), and to be honest, I loved it. I really hope the next two books are converted into films as well. But to be even more honest, the main reason I'm rooting for a sequel is so that I can see more of Rooney Mara on the red carpet.

My Top 3 Favorite R.M. Looks

3.

 [ Jumping on the two-piece dress trend, Mara obviously pulls off this Miu Miu ensemble. Talk about making a girl wanna get on the elliptical. ]

2.

[ This exquisite silk crepe selection by Prabal Gurung was the first Rooney dress of many to catch my eye. Ethereal yet sultry, the dress hooked me with its line of buttons against a nearly bare back. Be still, my heart. ]

1.

[ I was a bit unimpressed by the fashion line-up at the Golden Globes this year (then again, the actresses were there to support their amazing films, not satisfy my thirst for sartorial eye candy), but this dress surprisingly saved the show for me. I say surprisingly because I'm normally bored by black gowns at awards shows--I see them as a cop-out. But the simplicity and downright prettiness of this Nina Ricci one paired with Mara's gorgeous eyeliner forced me to surrender this old hang-up. ]

xo Heidi