Smiling Despite The Struggle

For as long as I can remember, I have always viewed the many minute, or seemingly mundane, things I come across from day to day as metaphors for life.  For example, once a rain cloud has doused us with rain, 99.9% of the time, a calm, clear sky follows.  My interpretation – it isn’t until we have an opportunity to vent our feelings that we truly feel genuinely calmer and at ease.  Or take for example, a car whose owner never takes the time to change its oil which eventually leads to the engine needing major repairs; – my interpretation – we all need a little pampering now and then to recharge in order to be at our peak.

Why do I bring this up, you may ask?  Whether we are actually paying attention to all of the media or not, it is almost impossible to ignore Sandra Bullock’s situation.  (If for some reason, you’re one of the lucky few who is blissfully unaware, click here for a brief recap.)  None of us will ever know the actual details of the relationship, and so to discuss it seems irrelevant, but here’s my metaphorical interpretation that I am going to try and take away from it.

Sometimes in order to make it through those times in our lives that are excruciatingly painful, heart-wrenching, causing us to question our own decision-making, we need to focus on what is going right in our lives.   By throwing ourselves into those areas that are going well, that are successful, that cause us joy instead of pain, we are engrossing our minds with a distraction until we are ready to accept the reality.  Granted, sometimes certain situations can’t be ignored, but in the meantime or when it is an option,  we really must focus on those things that make us smile – no matter how small. 

I’ve been collecting the photos below for awhile now and was struck by the happiness or sense of ease that exudes despite the metaphorical black dress(es).  Sometimes, we must fake it until we make it. (I apologize for the bit of randomness today.)

 

Images: (1) Daily Radar (2) November 2009 – Vogue (3) Twiggy photographed by Richard Avedon (4) Fame Spy (5) Image Source

Oscar Glamour

Watching the fashion that waltzes down the red carpet during the Academy Awards is truly sometimes more entertaining than the show itself, although this year the opening had me chuckling – any dance number with Patrick Neil Harris – I can’t help but to sit down and watch.  Now that we are able to see a bit more as to what it all entails to appear as glamorous as the actresses do, there is a bit more appreciation from myself as a viewer.

As I watched in anticipation the 2010 Oscar red carpet, wondering what Rachel Zoe and other stylists had decided to put on display, only a handful really knocked my socks off, but to be fair, there weren’t too many fashion faux pas.

Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive was absolutely stunning. She seemed relaxed and comfortable in a fabulous gown.

You either hated Sarah Jessica Parker’s Chanel Couture gown or you loved it, and I was absolutely fawning over it.  The back of the gown is what grabbed my attention in particular.  Not just anyone who could pull it off, you would have to be a mini-me, which she is.  Lovely SJP.

SJP – Chanel Couture

While I don’t feel this photo does Sandra Bullock in Marchesa the justice it deserves, I felt this was one of her personal best Oscar dresses. The bodice is what caught my eye immediately and the intricate design is beautiful.  

I only needed to get a glimpse of Demi Moore in Versace Atelier, and I was smitten.  The beautiful soft nude pink tone just shimmered.  The hair should have probably been swept off the face, but overall, one of my favorites.

While this dress may not have been meant for the Oscars, I would argue that it still brings that touch of class that is necessary, and Nicole pulled it off well.   In a frock by Reem Acra, it seems to put her new brunette look on display which only goes to complement the dress. 

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa makes an immediate statement.  The color of the night seemed to be cranberry or gold, and she fits in perfectly.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy looked breath-taking. 

Meryl Streep in a white gown by Chris March looks simply stunning. Bon Appétit!  (I couldn’t help myself.)

And I must end it with the most dapper gentleman of the night for more reasons than just his style.  A delicious (as Oprah would say)Tom Ford, wearing of course Tom Ford.

So, I’m curious to know your thoughts.  What were your hits and misses of the evening, and if you include SJP on the miss list, you won’t hurt my feelings.

Hopefully you enjoyed the entire evening and were able to get a good night’s sleep in for the week ahead.  Bonsoir!

 

All images courtesy of TV Guide, New York Post and The Examiner