Haute Bag Alert: Louis Vuitton Minus the Monogram (kinda!)

Louis Vuitton Mahina XS bag

Louis Vuitton Mahina XS bag

One of my most fashion-forward friends recently unveiled her latest handbag purchase–and I immediately died of envy. Seriously, it’s a bag I totally covet and if hacking her style wasn’t off limits, I’d already have one of my own. Okay, so enough about my friend–let’s learn about the bag!

It’s from the Louis Vuitton Mahina line. Before you cringe, it’s NOT the classic brown monogram pattern that is so overplayed (even by me at times.) Mahina is a soft leather with the LV monogram perforated into it. And the bag I love is the XS. It’s a bit of a hobo but classic and tailored enough to wear for many years. My friend’s bag is a creme-taupe color (though she swears it’s grey), but it’s also available in black, burgandy, mahagony, chocolate, and white. And the hardware, THE HARDWARE! It’s gorgeous. Enough to be eye-catching but not enough to make it heavy. It’s simply incredible.

Now, let’s get down and dirty. This isn’t a cheap bag. But honestly, sometimes fabulous bags cost a few pennies. It’s more than my last bag purchase (a gorgeous Chanel) but less than an Hermes Victoria bag. But it’s an investment — and a solid, fashionable one at that.

God, I love handbags.

I Heart Richard Lawson… and by extension, American Idol

A friend of mine in Hawaii LOVES American Idol and for giggles, I decided to watch the entire season with her, beginning to end. It’s my first full season and it’s been different than I expected.

Crystal Bowersox

Frankly, I’m shocked at the lack of talent. Is it because it’s season 9? Or is it because pop music is really starting to bother me? To be fair, there is a little talent – Crystal Bowersox is awesome. I’m a big fan and if she doesn’t win then everyone in America is dumb. The weird girl with the weird scream is good too but she’s more of an act I’d see at a circus as opposed to something I’d buy on iTunes. And the tall blonde guy is hot and good. And hot. I also don’t hate the guy that sings all raspy. He’s cute with a nice smile.

But outside of those four, I have strong feelings of disgust for the remaining contestants. Tim Urban? I want to punch in the face. Paige? I’m glad she went home. She has pretty eyes but she was sucking it. And I can’t remember any of the other contestants. Yikes for them.

But, if there’s one thing American Idol has given me this year, it’s Richard Lawson. He’s a writer for Gawker and after every American Idol episode, he pens a recap. And they are hysterical, witty, delightfully honest, and spot-on. And mean. He’s really mean and rude! He nicknames each contestant and makes fun of Ryan Seacrest every chance he can. It’s awesome.

Richard Lawson‘s writing is close to flawless. He is one of the few talented pop culture writers published on the web today. As a writer myself, I’m continually impressed at his output and the ease with which he appears to write.

After a so-so season of American Idol, I can honestly say I’m only tuning in so I’ll have a frame of reference when I read Lawson’s recap the following day. Well, and to see just how much Kara can climb all over Simon…

Here are some of Lawson’s recent columns:

Miles to Go Before We Sleep

One Is the Lonliest Number

The Corrections

Beauty Must-Have: Guerlain Eau Sous Le Vent Mouisturizer Mist

Guerlain Eas Sous le Vent Moisturizer

Guerlain Eas Sous Le Vent Moisturizer

Early last year, a beauty editor friend of mine sent me a bottle of Guerlain Eau Sous Le Vent Moisturizer — and I immediately fell in love. It’s a moisturizer that also includes a little tan booster. My favorite part of this product is the smell–it reminds me of honeysuckles. It’s so refreshing, so summer-y, and isn’t heavy on the skin at all.

While I haven’t truly seen my tan enhanced because of the product, it is nice to spray on lightly after some sun exposure. It’s also what I reach for when I want to wear something lighter than perfume or just need a quick little spritz of something. I’ve used it generously and the bottle’s still not empty so the $55 price tag doesn’t seem outrageous. The bottle and wood top is pretty too.

I really love Guerlain products: their makeup feels luxurious on the skin and is well packaged. It’s high quality and gret color choices. I’m a big fan of their Terracotta line. And this spray is really confirms my obsession with this brand.

The spray is available online at Bergdorfs and Saks. You can also get it in store anywhere Guerlain products are sold.

Lost: Only 8 Episodes Left! Ahhhh…

The cast of 'Lost'

I can’t believe Lost is ending in 8 episodes. While part of me is exited to see how the producers tie up all the loose ends, the other half loves seeing these characters each week. Particularly Jack, Kate, and Sawyer–their storylines are so interesting.

This season’s been pretty cool. Lots of seasons-old questions are getting answered and we’re seeing some characters address issues they’ve struggled with since the beginning of the show. The sideways stories of Kate, Sawyer, Jack, Ben, and Saied have really been neat to see. My favorite part of this season is how the producers and writer are weaving so many past island characters into sideways stories. Sideways = cool.

Some additional thoughts on the show:

– Miles is hilarious and I’m glad he gets as much air time as he does. Ditto on Hurley.

– I wish Claire wasn’t so crazy.

– If I were alone on an island and could only pick one person to have with me, I’d pick Saied. He’s just not messing around.

– Jacks hotter than Sawyer.

– I love Kate.

– Keep your fingers crossed I get a call to be an extra on the show. With only a few episodes left, it’s not looking good but I’m still hoping!

Gratuitous photo of Evangeline Lilly and me

Beer of the Decade: Hitachino

Hitachino Nest White Ale

I said I’d talk about cocktails but first I’m going to talk about my favorite beer of all time, Hitachino Nest White Ale. It is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. A Japanese beer, I first discovered it at Yuzu, sushi restaurant in San Francisco (which is pretty good by the way.)

Hitachino Nest actually brews several beers, but the White Ale is my favorite. It can be tough to find–though Trader Joe’s carries it in some cities. I’ve also found it in some BevMos. I haven’t had as much luck at Total Wine.

Here is a little excerpt from the Brewer: A refreshing mildly hopped Belgian styled beer with a complex flavor of coriander, orange peel, nutmeg. White Ale has won gold medals at several beer competition in U.K. and U.S. This is definitely one of HITACHINO’s top-selling beers both in Japan and U.S. A great drink for the summer.

If you like Hoegaarden or Blue Moon, you will LOVE Hitachino White Ale. Trust me. And don’t forget your orange slice…

It’s Haute: Gold-Plated Cuff by Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta cuff

I absolutely crave this cuff. It’s the most beautiful cuff I’ve seen in a long time and it must be mine. I love the design and the look. And again, I love what Net-a-Porterhas paired it with. With summer around the corner, this is the perfect accessory to wear with the lighter, more fun outfits in the warm weather.

I’m not in love with the $345 price tag particularly since it’s actually gold-plated brass but for Oscar de le Renta it’s not horrible. And it’s the type of piece that will always be in style. So, I can consider it an investment right?

Modern Family: Tonight’s Can’t-Wait-to-See Show

Modern Family poster

I’ve been obsessed with this show since it’s premiere episode. After one show, I said the unthinkable: this might be in the same realm as Arrested Development. It was a bold statement–and I stand behind it after half a season of episodes. It’s not AS GOOD as AD, but it’s the closest thing on TV in my opinion.

The writing is very good. VERY Good. Jokes have layers and each episode ties up nicely–usually in unpredictable ways. But the writing is kicked up a few notches by the actors delivering the lines. Man, the cast on this show is good. It’s hard to find the weakest link. I love Phil: his cool-dad character is hilarious to watch. I’m also a big fan of Jay, Gloria, and Manny-each are so funny. Manny is just great. I’m constantly trying to pick my favorite character but they are all so good, it’s impossible.

Tonight is a new episode and I can’t wait. Modern Family is gold.

(In Arrested Development news, Mike Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly broke the news that Felicity star Keri Russell is returning to TV for a new show by AD creator, Mitch Hurwitz. Mitch is bringing another Development writer with him AND it will also star Gob! I mean, Will Arnett… How awesome does this show sound?)

To Buy or Not to Buy: Up in the Air

George Clooney and Vera Farmiga in Up in the Air

Up in the Air is available on DVD as of today. The question is, will I buy it?

I saw the movie in theaters about a month ago–and liked it. I didn’t love it but in recent years, it’s really rare that I LOVE a movie. I liked it a lot, but it wasn’t the best movie of the year (Inglorious Basterds was in my opinion.) In fact, I loved the characters in the movie: Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga both played compelling and interesting women that I enjoyed watching and getting to know. I’m excited to watch Kendrick in more (non-Twilight) movies and I REALLY want to see more of Vera. Loved her.

George Clooney was good too. But he was George Clooney playing a guy that fires people. So nothing new there. Storyline was good. Interesting. Surprising.

Okay, so I’ve decided: I’m not going to buy it, but instead will rent it to watch again.

Silk and Satin and Sexy, Oh My!

Halston Heritage dress

One of the issues with living in Hawaii is finding summer attire during the winter months. There are no cute pieces (unless you dress exclusively in Roxy and Billabong which I may or may not do at times…)

Anyway! While perusing Net a Porter, I stumbled upon this gorgoues, assymetric mini dress. I love the colors, I love the one-shoulder action, and it’s perfect for date night in the summertime (or anytime if you live in Hawaii.) It’s made of silk-satin and looks like it falls lightly on the body. Overall, the colors are gorgeous and the accessory options are endless. (Though I like what Net-a-Porter paired it with: white heels and a gold jewelry.)

The Halston Heritage dress isn’t a bank breaker at $325–it just might be the first dress I buy this Spring! What do you think?

Best Dress of the Oscars: Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

Camerion Diaz in Oscar de la Renta

Cameron Diaz looked HOT last night at the 82nd annual Academy Awards. Her golden and glittery Oscar de la Renta gown was stunning and her hair and makeup complimented it well. This was a more traditional dress selection for the usually-a-little-more-risky Diaz, but she nailed it.

I’m always a bit of a sucker for a strapless cut dress, but this just fit her so well. Stylists and celebrities just can’t go wrong with Oscar either. Her make-up artist and hair stylist both get high  marks too – her long and flowing hair looked GREAT and I loved the red lip.

Other dresses I loved:

Carey Mulligan in Prada

Carey Mulligan looked super cute in her black and crystal Prada dress. I liked the strapless top paired with gorgeous earrings. I also didn’t hate how the front was a little shorter than the back/train. Super cute overall.

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace

Demi Moore was stunning in her Atelier Versace gown. I usually don’t love this type of chiffon, flowy dresses but I think the tight bust really makes this feel tailored. This fits her perfectly and I think her dark hair really sets off the color well.

Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhiullier

I’m not a fan of Kristen Stewart’s sense of style generally, but I think she wowed last night in her navy blue Monique Lhuillier dress. She looked like a girl! Yay! I thought it was gorgeous and even though she looks uncomfortable (as usual), it’s still a beautiful dress.

People who missed:

Charlize Theron in John Galliano for Dior

This just didn’t work for me. I appreciate that John Galliano likes to take risks in creating his fashions, but this didn’t work all around: the color, the bust, the train.

That all said, I liked her hair and makeup.

Nicole Richie in Reem Acra

I was so excited to see what Nicole Richie would wear… and was disappointed when I saw this. She’s so tiny — and this is too much material. I like the sparkle, but it’s just too heavy for someone her size. Plus, she’s young – I wish she’d worn something more indicative of her age.