Toast of Tinseltown

And the glamour continues!

If you thought that the parade of stars stops at the ceremony, think again – the Governer’s Ball and the Vanity Fair Oscars Party are two of the hottest parties in Tinseltown during Oscar night and everyone who’s “someone” in the business are definitely invited! Here’s a rundown of the most fabulous gowns come midnight at the after parties!

Beware! There’s going to be a massive display of sparkle! I’m definitely feeling the old Hollywood vibe this Oscar season and I love it! I feel like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor etc may show-up any moment!

Leading the way for all leading ladies is big winner Jennifer Lawrence in her show-stopping Calvin Klein gown; accessorized with the hottest arm candy, her Oscar statue no less!

Continuing the white gown trend is Aussie stunner Rose Byrne in a Chanel number. I love how simple yet really elegant she looks!

Budding fashionista and Snowwhite herself, Lily Collins was striking in a sparkly blue Zuhair Muhrad number! If you know me, I love a backless gown or anything that accentuates the back!

Another flawless beauty and Oscar winner, Natalie Portman was a vision in a white Dior gown. Now, this girl just always gets it right! She always goes for classic red carpet choices which always puts her beautiful face the star of the whole look.

Last but definitely not the least is “tween queen”, Selena Gomez who sparkled in an Atelier Versace creation! She accentuated her look with Judith Leiber clutch and Lorraine Schwartz jewels!

More sparkles courtesy of Marisa Tomei, Naomi Watts, Amy Adams and Kate Bosworth!

-F

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all photos are from Google

Academy Awards 2013 Best Dressed

The Academy Awards also known as the Oscars is known to attract the most famous and most powerful actors in the industry, that is why I’m so excited to see what everyone’s going to wear! Since this is the hottest ticket in Tinseltown, the stars flocked together and made sure to bring their A-games in the red carpet! There’s gonna be a lot of nude/white! It seems that nude/white is the new black and I love it!

Here are my top ten best dressed! Shall we?

Let’s begin with big winner, Ben Affleck’s ladylove… Jennifer Garner who brought some much needed color in a plum Gucci creation, which I’d like to call as very “Moulin Rouge-y”! She completed the look with that dazzling Neil Lane necklace and Roger Vivier clutch. Can I just say, beautiful!

From one fabulous gown to another, America’s Sweetheart and Oscar winner Sandra Bullock looked ravishing in an intricately beaded creation by Marchesa which showed off her amazing frame! Now, Sandra is one of those ladies who doesn’t always gets it right but this year, she’s right on target!

Hollywood veteran Jane Fonda puts actresses half her age to shame with this head-turning Versace number! She’s 75 but doesn’t look a day over 50! Way to go, Jane!

For the next one, she is no Hollywood leading lady BUT hey, she’s George Clooney’s leading lady! Stacy Keibler towered in a Naeem Khan dress which hugged her in all the right places – she accessorized with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and Lorraine Schwartz jewels, stunning!

From one statuesque stunner to another, Zoe Saldana looks incredible in an Alexis Mabille couture! She’s a mix of both classy and trendy especially with those Neil Lane jewels and Roger Vivier peep-toes and that touch of black at the end of her gown!
PS. Ex-boyfriend Bradley Cooper was a nominee…Awkward?

One of the industry’s “girl of the moment” made her presence known by wearing a CUSTOM Alexander McQueen! Amanda Seyfried was breathtaking as she walked down the red carpet in a number made especially for her and some Lorraine Schwartz jewels! What I love about her look is that it’s classy but really fresh and young! Who else can say they have an Alexander McQueen made just for them?

All cameras were on her when she stepped on the red carpet, Naomi Watts always knows how to make heads turn! She sparkled quite literally in a gorgeous Armani Prive creation! And as if she hasn’t got enough sparkle, she added Neil Lane jewels! Now, that’s how you show up to the Oscars!

Best Supporting Actress nominee for her work in The Master, Amy Adams looks every bit a Hollywood royalty in an Oscar de la Renta ball gown! And I love that her hair was worn in an updo, giving the glorious gown all the attention it rightfully needs!

On to the best dressed runner-up! Best Actress nominee Jessica Chastain was mind-boggling in this Armani Prive stunner! She oozes old Hollywood glamour which I adore and those fiery locks were the perfect accents for this monotone creation! I’m so elated at how glamorous she looks! She may not be this year’s oscar winner but she’s definitely ravishing! PS. Does she remind you of a modern day Jessica Rabbit? I do!

Unfortunately for Jessica Chastain, it seems like It girl Jennifer Lawrence also managed to upstage her in the best dressed category! JLaw blew everyone away when she showed up wearing this impeccable creation from her favorite, Dior Haute Couture. JLaw pulled off the white ball gown by accentuating it with Chopard earring and necklace which she wore backwards! her elegant updo also did the trick by putting her face the main attraction! She definitely saved the best for last! Beautiful.

Oh, did I mention she won the Oscar for Lead Actress? Could she be more perfect?

Before I end, I just want to express my disappointment with regards to Charlize Theron’s red carpet choice; I mean, she’s gorgeous but she could have worn a more dramatic look which she always does! And probably the biggest disappointment, Anne Hathaway in Prada was a faux pas, it wasn’t chic at all! She should have worn something more classy at the same time dramatic for her big night. Aside from these, it was all good! And probably the most glamorous and sublte red carpet of the season!

Stay tuned for more about the ceremony later!

-F

for more updates, follow @faitharanas
all photos are from Google

Catfight!

Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova, Coco Rocha – three of the most recognizable supermodels come together for “The Face” and what do we get? Supermodel catfights!

The Face is a new reality model search with the same format as the singing competition, The Voice. Each of the supermodel coaches handpicked 4 girls to be on their team and will compete both as a team and individually for a chance to be the next big name in fashion. It’s only the beginning with 3 episodes as of now, and all I can say is… drama drama drama!

Naomi Campbell‘s reign as “queen of the catwalk” started way back the late 1980s and belonging to the “Trinity” of the most in-demand models together with Linda Evangelista & Christy Turlington. Karolina Kurkova on the other hand, is well-known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret angel, strutting the VS catwalk one lingerie at a time with the likes of Gisele Bundchen & Adriana Lima. Lastly, is Coco Rocha and at 24 has already strutted the runways of every designers and mentored “model of the moment” Karlie Kloss. Coco is known as the undisputable “queen of posing”, a title she will prove during the show.

Here they are during the premiere night of the show:

KK was funky in an electric blue ;Naomi went for a classic white silhoutte ;Coco was dramatic in a sheere Emilio Pucci creation

Incase I didn’t tell you, the show is hosted by fashion photographer and former America’s Next Top Model judge, Nigel Barker. Now I’m interested what Tyra has to say about that! I told you, drama!

Of course, the model contestants didn’t let drama slip their hands as each of them goes head-to-head with one another both during the challenges and off! If you’ll ask me, “what sets apart The Face from other model searches?” Well, on this show, each of the girls are actually being closely mentored by the coaches and it’s nice to see Naomi, KK and Coco off the runway just being a friend to each of their teams. So far, I’m loving Margaux because of her modelesque features, Stephanie for her willingness, Jocelyn because she’s feisty and Madeleine for her good-natured personality. And oh, I’m team Coco for sure!

That’s Margaux with the bob hair, top left (teamCoco); Jocelyn, top, third fr the left (teamNaomi) and beside her is Stephanie (teamCoco)

If you want first hand tips from the best in the fashion industry, watch The Face! Plus, every episode sure is a feast for the eyes as each supermodel rock designer clothes after another!

Convinced yet?

-F

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all photos are from Google

IHOP

If you are like me who lives for breakfast meals, then you’re in for a treat! The International House of Pancakes aka IHOP opened its doors to the Philippines last Friday, Feb 15 – it’s located at the W Global Center, Fort Bonifacio. And it’s actually the very first IHOP in all of Asia! Cool beans!

I’ve never tried IHOP before but I’m familiar because I’ve watched many films with characters who loves it. Case in point is Sean Penn’s Sam in I am Sam and I love love love that film! Anyway, so I dragged my family to try it with me…on its first day at 11 o’clock in the evening, no less! Upon arrival, the place was packed so we waited to be seated for 10minutes. Everyone wants a piece of IHOP!

What’s a breakfast without pancakes, right? I made sure to try their variety of syrups but didn’t have the courage to try Strawberry & Blueberry – atleast, my brother did! But I sure loved the Old Fashion & Pecan Butter ones! Anyway, each of us ordered something and we made sure to order differently to try a little of everything! My mom opted for the Split Decision Breakfast which is something for those not particularly sure what they want – it’s consisted of 2 french toasts, 2 eggs, 2 bacon strips and 2 pork sausages. While my mom opted for a sort of “sampler”, I ordered one of the best decision of my life! I tried their Spinach & Mushroon Hashbrown Stack and thought… “I have died and gone to breakfast heaven!”. Alright, maybe I’m overreacting! Anyway, my brother, Joseph ordered the Belgian Waffle selection which he found really tasty – knowing my brother, when he says it is tasty, you have to believe it! For the drinks, we kept it basic with coffee which by the way was a “never empty coffee pot”.

We’ll definitely go back as a family when dad gets home! I’d love to try their omelettes and crepes!

-F

for more updates, follow @faitharanas

Anna Karenina

“If it is true that
there are as many minds as there
are heads, then there are as many
kinds of love as there are hearts.”

-Anna Karenina

I’ve a strong affinity towards classic literature and actually read works by Victor Hugo, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dante Alighieri, Emily Dickinson among others but I haven’t touched Leo Tolstoy yet, and so I took this opportunity to watch a film adaptation of his most notable work instead. Anna Karenina is a drama film starring Keira Knightley (The Duchess, Pirates of the Carribean) as the title role and is directed by Joe Wright – this film marks the third collaboration between the two, having worked on Pride & Prejudice and Atonement before and with a screenplay by Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, The Golden Compass).

The film starts with Stiva (Matthew Macfadyen) caught cheating on his wife thus summoning Anna Karenina, his well-liked socialite sister to convince his wife to forgive him for the sake of their children. Anna ventured to Moscow from St. Petersburg with the consent of her husband Alexi Karenin (Jude Law), who warned her on solving other people’s problems. Upon her arrival, she met Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor Johnson) and the attraction between the two was immediate. Thus the start of the battle between love, lust, deceit and honor.

Anna Karenina paints an engaging story set against a backdrop during Imperial Russia in 1874. The treatment of the film was different, almost as if you’re watching a play and slightly borders on being a musical – it is a risk, but it sure paid off! The transition of every scene was also different from the usual, giving you that feeling of being with the characters as they portray a strong picture on love, lust, deceit etc. And yes, for a film as grand as this, casting the lead is the most crucial part and Keira Knightley proved to be the most suitable choice for the part. Knightley was the epitome of grace at the same time, disgrace in the film – she portrayed these complexities with subtlety that’ll almost haunt you. I’m suprised she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar! Meanwhile, Johnson and Law were also brilliant as the two men vying for Anna’s affection – they portrayed desire very differently thus painting a clearer picture of what Anna really wants. While all these happen, you’ll see yourself being engaged more and more because of the wonderful musical score by Dario Marianelli, also a three-time collaborator whose music just makes every scene more compelling. But the biggest star (arguably) of the film has got to be the costumes! Jacqueline Duran, again a frequent collaborator just blows you away with her magnificent costumes! And yes, her motto? The grander, the bigger, the better!

Ps. Screening of Anna Karenina is exclusive only at Newport, Resorts World.

-F

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all photos are from Google

British Academy Film Awards 2013 Best Dressed

The British counterpart of Academy Awards commonly known as the BAFTAs, is an annual awards show hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. This year’s ceremony was its 66th and was held at the Royal Opera House in London.

Hollywood stars flew in from New York and Los Angeles to attend the show. The infamous London weather did nothing to stop these stars to strut their stuff clad in their designer gowns, sparkling jewels and sky-high stilettos for everyone to see! So, shall we?

There’s no better way to start the list than everyone’s favorite fashionista, Sarah Jessica Parker! SJP proved her status by veering away from the usual gowns and wore an Elie Saab couture jumpsuit, a pair of Jean-Michael Cazabat pumps, Venton bracelets and a bag from VBH. Carrie Bradshaw would be proud!

Moving on is a Swedish actress and budding style star, Alicia Vikander who made her presence known in a classic backless Dior dress which she complimented with a sleek-back hair and some seriously striking confidence! Alicia was nominated in the Rising Star category but lost to Juno Temple who is not on this list!

From one fashionista to another, Saoirse Ronan stuns in a Christopher Kane creation- I love a girl who knows how to dress for her age and some young stars should take notes from this girl! Way to go, Saoirse! And I love that she tied her hair in a bun thus showing her radiant face. Ps. She can be next seen in the anticipated The Host due for release this year.

Next up is big winner, Anne Hathaway who took home the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role as Fantine in a gorgeous Burberry number which she accessorized with Rona Pfeiffer bangles. Anne better prepare her Oscar speech already and more importantly the gown she’ll be accepting the award in!!! Sure win!

Probably the biggest risk-taker of the night stands firm in the number 2 spot! Amy Adams stunned in an Elie Saab couture and Faberge jewels which made for a to-die-for look! I just wish, she wore her fabulous red hair down but aside from that, she’s all good!

In a sea of black gowns, one certainly stood out thus making her the belle of the ball for the BAFTAs… Marion Cotillard, France’s most valuable export solidified her fashion icon status in a bright yellow Dior Haute Couture creation! She literally brighten up the gloomy red carpet with her presence! And I love that her gown has pockets! She finished off her look with Jimmy Choo pumps and an eye-catching necklace from Chopard! Trés chic!

On another note, these are some of the big winners during the ceremony:
Best Film: Argo
Outstanding British Film: Skyfall
Best Director: Ben Affleck (Argo)
Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino (jango Unchained)
Adapted Screenplay: David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook)
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis (Lincoln)
Best Actress: Emmanuelle Riva (Amour)
Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)
Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)

-F

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all photos are from Google

Two Worlds One Future

“The gravity has 3 rules:
1. All matter is pulled by the gravity of the world that it comes from, and not the other.
2. An object’s weight can be offset by matter from the opposite world (inverse matter).
3. After some time in contact, matter in contact with inverse matter burns.”;imdb

“Upside Down” is a French-Canadian romantic science fiction film starring Jim Sturgess (One Day, Across the Universe) and Kirsten Dunst (Spiderman trilogy, Marie Antoinette) as the star-crossed lovers from the two worlds. The film is directed and written by Juan Solanas. And tell you what, the movie doesn’t come out until March in the US so you’re in a for a treat!

The film started with Adam (Sturgess) narrating the story of his planet that has dual gravity which divides it into two worlds; Down below & Up top. He lives Down and while his world is poor, Up is a tad more privileged and it is actually prohibited for them to go to the opposite world and interact, even. As a kid, Adam used to climb the highest peak of Down and there he met Eden (Dunst), a girl from Up – Adam is developing an anti-aging & anti-gravity cream which he would use to work for TransWorld; the only place where people from Down can legally interact with people from Up. Years later, the two continuously see each other and begin a romance which will literally defy gravity..

Anyone who saw the trailer would say that this film has got to be an interesting one and yes, you’re right! The premise and the concept is something new and really interesting and took “star-crossed” lovers in a whole new level. However, the two main stars just didn’t have the chemistry that the film requires. Sturgess and Dunst are both attractive and talented individuals, don’t get me wrong but they just look like two people “acting” in love – not convincingly, unfortunately. Because of the lack of chemistry, their lines seemed a little too cheesy and also, the two actors didn’t deliver intensity which is very much required for every scene! Imagine my disappointment upon watching a film I expected too much from… If I were tasked to cast for this film, I would’ve chosen Evan Rachel Wood as Eden, her chemistry with Jim Sturgess in Across The Universe would’ve been perfect for this!
Anyway, it’s not all bad news! Sturgess and Dunst did everything they can to compensate for the lackluster chemistry besides, it’s not their fault is it?
On another note, the visual effects was spot on and provided a compelling backdrop for the story. I admire how they did the dimensions of the two worlds, it was confusing but it’s what’s necessary. With Upside Down as only his third feature film, Solanas did a good job with the way the film was directed.

I’d give this 2 out of 4 stars for the visuals.

-F

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all photos are from Google

Tous Les Jours

I’ve been craving for macarons for quite some time now and today, I’ve finally satisfied my Blair Waldorf/Marie Antoinette cravings! As you all know, Marie Antoinette was ridiculed for living lavishly and her favorite treat was a macaron or two! And who would forget Blair Waldorf’s immense love for Ladurée?

Inah, a good friend and an avid K-pop fan mentioned this quaint little place called “TOUS les JOURS” which is a South Korean bakery and means “each day” located at Greenbelt 5. She, myself and another friend, Mira searched for this place in hopes of trying their macarons and other goods but a funny story happened – as we’re on our way, we walked in circles and for the first time, found ourselves lost in a mall we so fondly visit! As it turns out, we turned the wrong way when we’re supposed to go left, we went to the right! We didn’t have the guts to ask because we aren’t even sure how to pronounce it! Genius! Anyway, after sweeping the mall, Inah finally asked and reached Tous Les Jours!

Ps. The bakery hides somewhere between the Greenbelt 5 exit and the Ayala Museum, it’s tricky! Consider yourself ‘warned’!

The place is well-ventilated and neat and smells of freshly-baked goodies! If only the place was a little more spacious, it would have been perfect… Now, I love a healthy assortment of bread and Tous Les Jours provided that – I bought their Sweet Black Rice loaf and indulged a little with the macarons which are a treat for only 28pesos! And so for the best part, eating! I found the Black Rice bread really tasty and chewy, which I loved! For the macarons however, they lack moist and a tad too thin for my preference but alright, the green tea and strawberry were standouts while the mango selection disappointed me. Nonetheless, I’ll surely go back not for the macarons but for more of their baked goods – I’ve got my appetite on those tofu chips, scones, and I think I saw madeleines!

Instagram-worthy!

-F

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all photos are from Google unless stated otherwise

Fashion Spotlight: Amanda Seyfried

We all know Amanda Seyfried through her films like Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!, Chloe, Dear John, Letters to Juliet, Les Misèrables, the list goes on… And her always fashionable presence on the red carpet didn’t go unnoticed either! But for this blog post, we’ll take a look at Amanda’s impeccable street style.

It seems like this Hollywood It girl just oozes style even out of the red carpet! Which is great, right?

Let’s start with Amanda’s fashion forward winter wears! Whether she’s greeting adoring fans, or boarding a plane or just plain strolling, the girl looks gorgeous!

This girl is definitely a far cry from other celebrities’ hillbilly winter looks! And what I love more about her is that she doesn’t even try, she’s just effortless and naturally stylish and always looks fresh even sans the make-up!

Anyway, when she’s not decked fashionably for the chilly New York weather, Amanda walks the streets of Los Angeles in equally stylish outfits! And she seems to favor red-pink hues while visiting a friend’s house, walking her dogs and getting her caffeine fixed.

Amanda proved to be a style chameleon by extending her fashion genius overseas! She was seen strolling around Paris and hitting the London circuit in designer duds fit for a Hollywood It girl that she is!

If you want to achieve Amanda’s chic street style, here’s her 5 staples:
1. That “movie star” sunnies to protect her eyes from the flashing bulbs of paparazzi!
2. A trench coat in bold hues or interesting prints
3. Black skinny jeans which adds edge to an outfit
4. Basic tee! Always a suitable choice for comfort
5. What’s an It girl without her It bag? Go figure.

Speaking of street style, I truly admire Amanda’s laid-back choices at last month’s Sundance Film Festival where she let that glorious head of hair do all the talking!

When she’s not hanging out with her impressive a-list costars in the likes of Meryl Streep, Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, Hugh Jackman among others – Amanda struts all over the world with her chic fashion choices which are very attainable that everyone can emulate! I often found myself copying her street fashion from time to time! That’s why it’s no wonder why the media is fond of her, she’s beautiful, fashionable, talented and incredibly in-demand – In fact, she has 5 films opening this year wow!

-F

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all photos are from Google

Psycho

“Behind every Psycho’s success is a woman.” True enough!

“Hitchcock” is a biographical drama film based on a book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello. The film’s directed by Sacha Gervasi and centers
on the relationship between director Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the making of Psycho, a controversial horror film that proved to be the director’s finest work and is now one of the most iconic films. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel.

The film started with the premiere of Hitchcock’s (Hopkins) latest film which went successfully but was troubled by a reporter’s proposition for him to retire already. Proving that he still got the spirit from his youth, he ventured to adapt a horror novel, Psycho – a book by Robert Bloch based on the serial killer, Ed Gein (an American killer and body parts snatcher). The brewing new film was frowned upon by studio executives and his colleagues alike and no one wanted to produce the horror film. But the director would’nt take ‘no’ for an answer and with the help of his wife and creative collaborator, Alma Reville (Mirren) they did everything & more to make the production possible. And indeed, all their efforts paid off as the horror pioneer still proves to be the top choice of critics as one of the best horror films of all time.

This film was a rare take on the life of the famous director – although he’s really known to belittle actors, hate them even but this film will tell you exactly why he’s been that way, he wanted the best so he expects only the best and anything less will be unacceptable. The director was played by Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs, The Rite) who not only looked the part but also embodied the part by effectively portraying the complexities of the director and how it’s liked to be “of-a-certain-age” in an industry where everyone and everything just comes and goes. I’d also like to commend the film’s story-telling treatment, which was notably similar with “My Week with Marilyn” – a kind of story-telling which really takes the audiences in on the dimensions of the production process and makes everyone seemed like a part of the actual practice of filmmaking. The last real strong point of the film was its portrayal of the wife, Alma Reville whom history has been constantly ignoring in favor of “Hitch” and Alma was of course portrayed by the brilliant Helen Mirren (The Queen, The Last Station) who gave a fantastic performance as a loyal but feisty wife who proved that truly, “every man” or in this case “every psycho” needs a woman.

Hitchcock was witty, warm and entertaining. Plus, the fashion doesn’t hurt either! Catch it when you still can!

-F

all photos are from Google